126 
THE FLORIST AND POMOLOGIST. 
[ June, 
of the scales. The scales are of a fawn-red, exactly recalling those of Pinus Strohus in their 
aspect as to form, nature, and dimensions. The bracts are laciniately divided, attaining about 
half the length of the scale, with a longer acuminate mucronate central division. Seeds 
irregularly triangular, cuneiform, with a persistent yellowish-white, shiny, rather consistent 
wing, 4 in. long, ^ in. broad in its greatest diameter. 
P. Davidiana is one of the most curious of known species ; it came originally 
from China, where it seems to be rare, since the Abbe David, who has travelled 
much in divers parts of the empire, has met with only a’single individual in the 
environs of Pekin. He describes the tree as presenting from a distance a very pretty 
aspect, like that of an Araucaria. In so vast a country, however, where so many 
parts have not yet been visited by Europeans, it may be hoped to find some further 
representatives of the species, and that then seeds may be introduced which will 
permit of its multiplication in Europe.—M. 
GAKDEN LITERATUKE. 
{NE of the grandest and most elaborate of gardening books which has ever 
issued from the press is Les Promenades de Paris,* a publication to 
which we have previously alluded as the several parts came to hand, and 
of which we briefly announced the completion at p. 117, when we pro¬ 
mised to give an analysis of its contents. The book is of large folio size,- 
admirably printed on paper of the finest quality, and profusely illustrated with 
coloured plates, steel engravings, and woodcuts. The contents are arranged 
under three principal divisions, relating to the Bois de Boulogne, Bois des Vin¬ 
cennes, and what are called the Promenades inte'rieures of Paris, these being 
preceded by an Introduction, and followed by tabular descriptions of the plants 
employed for the decoration of the city. 
The Introduction is a most elaborate and interesting essay on the various 
styles of gardening, from the earliest historic times down to the present day, 
including the gardens of Asia, Egypt, Greece, Rome, China, and Japan ; the 
gardens of the middle ages ; and of the renaissance in Italy and in France ; the 
jardins re'gidiei's^ representing the French style; and the jardins irreguliers^ 
representing what is called the English style. This portion is illustrated by 105 
woodcuts, showing plans and bird’s-eye views illustrative of the several styles. 
The portion devoted to the Bois de Boulogne comprises ten chapters, devoted in 
order to (i.-ii.) a general description of the place, and of the earthworks ; (iii.) 
roads and pathways; (iv.) general distribution of the water supply, and 
description of the arrangements for watering ; (v.) lakes, brooks, and 
cascades; (vi.) forests, plantations, lawns, and garden works ; (vii.) archi¬ 
tectural works; (viii.) establishments conceded, as the Pre Catalan, Hippo¬ 
drome, acclimatization gardens, skating-grounds, and ice-houses ; (ix.) 
Artesian well; (x.) the gardens of La Muette. These chapters are illustrated 
by 215 woodcuts, 21 steel engravings, and 22 chromolithographs. The section 
devoted to the Bois des Vincennes comprises the following five chapters :—(i.) 
general description ; (ii.) works of embellishment; (iii.) waterworks ; (iv.) cost 
of keeping, &c. ; (v.) the various establishments existing, as the Imperial farm, 
establishments for fish-culture, ice-houses, cafe restaurants. Hippodromes, and 
* Le$ Promenades de Paris: Bois de Boulogne, Bois de Vincennes, Parcs, Squares, Boulevards. Par A. Alphand. 
Paris: J. Rothschild, 13 Rue des Saints Pbres. London: Barthes & Lowell, Great Marlborough Street. 
