104 
THE COTTAGE GARDENER. 
November 7. 
forms tlie Zoological department, and, as might be expected, 
where there are fine specimens of Hippopotamus and 
Orang-outang, is generally most frequented by the public. 
Almost in every case, the lawns and clumps of shrubs 
and trees ai'e enclosed with a sort of trelliss, about three 
feet high. This is obviously a wise precaution, under 
certain circumstances; but it debars people from the 
greatest charm of a pleasure-ground—a ramble on the green 
grass. Here, however, where the climate is dry and warm, 
and the people always in the open air, a smooth, green lawn 
is not so easily kept up as at Kensington, or Chiswick. 
For the most part, the ornamental trees have been much 
neglected in this garden, otherwise there would now have 
been some beautiful examples of choice evergreens; but 
they have been allowed to grow too close. The dread of 
cutting and thinning has been the ruin of many a promising 
plantation and many a valuable tree, as parental neglect 
has been the ruin of many a child. 
There are, however, one or two trees here which deserve 
a passing notice ; of these, the most remarkable is Cedrus 
Lebani (Cedar of Lebanon), planted by the founder of the 
Natural System, De Jussieu, in the year 1735, and truly he 
could not have had a more appropriate monument. This 
fine old tree is not much more than thirty feet high ; but 
the branches spread out regularly all round, and their 
diameter may be about sixty-five feet. It is situated in the 
centre of one of the walks which lead to a mound com¬ 
manding a good view of all Paris, as far as the . eye can 
reach. 
The next worth mention is Paulownia imperialis, about 
twenty-five feet high, and about eighteen feet in diameter, 
having a stem nearly eighteen inches through. This fine 
specimen flowers and fruits profusely every year. At 
present it is loaded with buds for next summer. This will 
give some of your readers in the north an idea of the 
climate here ; and I may just add, on the same point, that 
Cobcoa scandens, as well as several other “greenhouseplants” 
are almost always to be seen growing out-of-doors. Cobcca 
scandens here is as common on treliisses, railings, and walks, 
as the Virginian Creeper and the Iloney-suckle are about 
London. With the exception of these two, and a Magnolia 
grandiflora, none of the ornamental trees in this garden are 
what they ought to be, when so favoured with respect to 
climate. But we must not forget that the political troubles 
of late years have been the main cause of the neglect which 
is observable in this as well as other public institutions in 
Paris; and, indeed, when the state of the national exchequer 
for some time subsequent to the year 1848 is taken into 
account, it must be obvious that nothing short of the most 
strenuous efforts on the part of the directors were required 
to save the Garden of Plants from ruin. 
During the present year considerable alterations and 
improvements have been made in the Houses. Some of 
the old ones have been pulled down, and others constructed 
on the modem system in their place. One or two more are 
contemplated, and there is reason to believe that in a few 
years the fine collections of stove and greenhouse plants, at 
present starved and crowded, will be amply provded for. 
Of the houses lately erected, the most prominent is an 
Aquarium, about fifty feet long, and twenty-four feet wide 
from wall to wall; the roof is span-shaped, the sashes (of 
iron) being _ about ten inches apart. It is an excellent 
house, in point of light, and, therefore, very well adapted for 
the cultivation of water plants, of which it already contains 
a valuable collection. There is just walking room round 
the tank, and a narrow shelf for miscellaneous stove plants 
along the wall near the glass, a few Palms, Cycads, and 
similar kinds being placed on the floor at each end near the 
doors. I have not seen a better house of the kind anywhere 
in England, or on the Continent; for besides being large 
and light, it is constructed with much taste and durability. 
A fine plant of Euryale ferox has flowered frequently during 
the past season; the Victoria regina, of which there is a 
young healthy plant, has not yet flowered, nor is it likely to 
flower this year; for as yet its leaves are but little more 
than three feet in diameter. It will therefore, most probably, 
not show its blossoms before next spring. But flower when 
it may, it is certain to have a good run of visitors here. In 
company with the Victoria and Euryale are fine examples of 
the more common stove aquatics, and one or two of the 
[ Nymphceas are at present in flower, as Nymph tea hybrida, 
| giyantea, Slcllala, and Ortyicsiano rubra, (a slight variation 
from the true rubra). There are also some good plants 
of Oaladium bicolor, Pistia stratiotes, &c. This house forms 
the central house of a range of three communicating with 
one another, the other two being a stove for miscellaneous 
plants, and an Orchid-house, each about the same size as the 
Aquarium. 
The stove contains a good number of tropical Ferns, a 
few true Ferns, several Zamias, Cycas revoluta, Seaforthia, 
Dicksonia, and others of a like kind. There are, also, in 
the same house, good examples of Margravia and Clusia 
rosea, both rare and singularly pretty plants. The 
latter ranks with the Mangosteen and Gamboge tree, and 
though sometimes mentioned in trade catalogues is but 
seldom seen. The plant here is about six feet high, and 
though healthy, has been kept in a small pot for some time, 
and not encouraged to grow. The stem and leaves are dark 
green, the latter about six inches long, broad at the ex¬ 
tremity, and tapering to the base. One flower appeared, just 
a few days ago, and I was fortunate enough to see it; for the 
flowers of the Clusia seldom last out the second day after 
opening. In this instance, the blossom might measure, about 
five inches in diameter ; the petals and sepals, slightly over¬ 
lapping one another, are clear white, pellucid, and cueullate 
at the margin; somewhat thick, especially towards the centre, 
where they assume a delicate crimson tint. The stamens 
form a light green prominent button, about three-quarters-of 
an-inch broad; there are, therefore, three colours, green, 
crimson, and white, the latter, of course, predominating, 
The general outline of the flower, when well spread out, is 
very regular, and all the parts are beautifully arranged. 
Besides the beauty, in form and colour, for which the flower 
of Clusia rosea is distinguished, it emits a delicious odour, 
not very strong, to be sure, as in the case of the Victoria, but 
strong enough to be agreeable. 
The Margravia is much more rare than the Clusia, and 
hut little is known respecting this genus as to flowers and 
fruit; but as a curious and very ornamental stove plant it. is 
worthy of every attention. Having a sub-climbing habit, it 
is grown here on an old stump of wood, and is very healthy. 
The plant of which I speak is about five feet high, and is 
distinguished for its singular habit and the fine lively green 
of its oval lanceolate leaves. Along with these is a healthy 
plant of Napolcona, also an ornamental plant of much 
interest, on account of its singular flowers and fruit, which, 
however, have been but very rarely seen. 
The Orchid-house contains an extensive collection of 
healthy plants ; but there is at present nothing in flower 
requiring particular mention.—P. F. Keiu. 
THE EMIGRANT. 
By the Authoress of “ My Flowers." 
(Continued from page GO.) 
JOHN HENRY IN NEW SOUTH WALES. 
Some of John Henry's letters from the land of his banish¬ 
ment will, I am sure, be very interesting to those of my 
readers who may he thinking about emigration, or who have 
friends or relatives already settled in what may really be 
called the New World. Accounts from distant lands are 
seldom to be safely depended upon; but a man like John 
Henry, who fears the Lord, and walks in His continual pre 
sence, would not dare to speak what was not strictly and 
conscientiously true. 
The first letter is written to the Rev. Mr. Johnston, for 
whom he appears to entertain the liveliest gratitude and 
love—and well he may ; for no earthly tie, perhaps, can be 
more close than that which binds one who is brought out of 
darkness into light, to his spiritual father in Christ Jesus. 
“ G-, March 14th, 1850. 
“ Rev. and dear Sir,—I am now in New South Wales, after 
a voyage of sixteen weeks and four days, and am in perfect 
health at present,—thanks be to God for all His mercies to 
me. I hope, dear Sir, you and Mrs. J., and the children, 
are enjoying the same precious blessing. * » * * j 
engaged as a labourer, to make myself generally useful, for 
