1876.] 
GARDEN GOSSIP. 
237 
JAPANESE VEGETATION. 
S HE vegetation of Japan not only consists of very distinct types, but it pos¬ 
sesses some peculiar characteristics when compared with our own indigen- 
f ous growths. The hardihood of certain plants introduced from thence 
into this country would seem to lead to the conclusion that the winters 
are equally severe, possibly more severe than ours; but such an inference 
receives its direct negative in the fact that their orchards are similar in part 
to those of Southern Europe, consisting of lemons, oranges, figs, pomegranates, 
grapes, &c. 
The climate of Japan is no doubt extremely variable, and this stamps vegetation 
with features of endurance gotten of use to changes, and secures concomitant fibre- 
hardened growths. Here is a lesson for all who would acclimatise plants or trees 
—which, according to these deductions, should not be planted against walls, but 
fully exposed to the variations of our summer climate, that they may be more 
thoroughly hardened to withstand the winter. Again, what a lesson in forcing, 
and in regard to all artificial plant-culture, is conveyed in the fact that the 
general temperature is not alone tempered by breezes which blow from the south 
during the day, but from the east hj night. Who, then, will say that the noble 
foliage of Berheris japonica^ the magnificent blossoms of Lilium auratum., the 
width and breadth and substance of the fronds of Japanese Ferns, have not 
attained their peculiar characteristics by great fluctuations of temperature, without 
reaching, extremes at either end, and by incessant cooling breezes by night ? 
Eeasonably low night temperatures, we all know, even in our daily practice, im¬ 
part to tender forced vegetation the power to withstand the hottest sun of each 
succeeding day, and the contrary also prevails. During the past season I had 
Primula cortusoides make a full and rapid spring growth under a west wall, and 
proceed to flower, the Berheris japonica having successfully passed that stage, 
and the lately-imported Aucuha being fully in bloom, redundant with golden 
pollen, &c., all uninjured by the severe spring frosts-; whilst near to them, the 
frost nipped to blackness the young leaves of the Currant, so long a tenant of our 
island. Japanese vegetation, then, seems a standing finger-post to all who would 
read and learn, directing them to an uniform free exposure, and in connection 
with plant-structures, a cool night air, as the only safe means by which ultimate 
maturity and longevity can be attained.— William Earley, Valentines, 
GARDEN GOSSIP. 
'HE event of the past month, from a gardening point of view, was the 
International Horticultural Exhibition at Dundee.^ which was opened on 
September 7 by the Earl of Strathmore, and closed on the evening of 
September 9. The Show proved to be a very successful display, even 
when compared with the one held in Edinburgh last September, having the advantage of 
being distributed over a greater area, both plants and fruits being shown in greater numbers. 
The rival growers of heavy bunches of Grapes, though not producing such clusters as they 
