August 28, 1884. ] 
JOURNAL OF HORTICULTURE AND COTTAGE GARDENER 
195 
that are most acceptable for cutting. In warm sheltered borders of well- 
drained soil they can also be relied upon, and in whatever way they are 
grown the chief point needing attention is the provision of light sandy 
soil, with very little manure, and thorough drainage. 
A great number of varieties are now cultivated, differing considerably 
in colour and size of flower. The principal species is W. Meriana, and 
from this many forms have been obtained ; the majority, indeed, of the 
best varieties grown have sprung from this species. W. coccinea, of 
which an illustration is given in fig. 3G, is probably one of these 
fulgida, rich scarlet; W. rosea-alba, rose and white ; W. rosea, bright 
rose, and W. alba, pure white. All are worthy of more extended culti¬ 
vation, and should be added to every collection where bright and charming 
flowers are prized. 
EGYPTIAN GARDENS. 
On leaving Alexandria to take the train for Cairo from the old station 
of Miniet-el-Basal (great market of Alexandria), the road traverses a 
Fig. 36.—Watson IA coccinea. 
varieties, as it closely resembles the type in the form of the flowers—a 
funnel-shaped and slightly arched corolla ; but the colour, a brilliant 
scarlet, is much more effective than most of the others. It was grandly 
represented in a group shown by Messrs. J. Veitch & Sons, Chelsea, at 
Kensington early this season, and was greatly admired by all who saw it. 
From some of these our figure has been prepared, giving a fair idea of 
the general character of the flowers. Several other varieties, differing in 
shades of red and scarlet, are also grown, and some are obtainable under 
names. 
The most beautiful and distinct of the other species are W. humilis, 
which has large iosy-:rimson flowers; W, aletroides, dark red; W. 
superb forest of Date Palms, which looks especially well in autumn when 
these trees are loaded with fruit. The Date Palms are cultivated in 
forests, and wave their fronds in the air about GO or 70 feet above the 
ground, and with their straight stems, 6 to 9 feet in circumference, pro¬ 
duce an astonishing effect, especially upon those who see them for the 
first time when arriving from Europe, where we see but small specimens 
of these trees in greenhouses. 
The station of Miniet-el-Basal (the Onion market) is now only used 
for merchandise. Another station has recently been constructed nearer 
the town with the framework of a conservatory the size of that of the Soci6 6 
d’Acclima^ation of Paris, and even larger, and which was ordered by the 
