THE COTTAGE GARDENER AND COUNTRY GENTLEMAN, August 31, 1858. 
344 
is a tree of very grave, sombre, and massive appear¬ 
ance ; but there is one misfortune attending it,—our 
hard winters are apt to break up its character, if not 
totally to destroy it, in many parts of the country. 
Perhaps I may be allowed to include the Deodar, 
which, although not belonging to the older class of trees, 
or shrubs, is a tree which has now become thoroughly 
domesticated amongst us : few gardens but possess 
Deodars. To speak of its extreme gracefulness is 
almost superfluous ,* it is praised by all. There 
is one thing to be observed, however, that, although 
second to no tree in gracefulness, it must, I think, 
bend to the old Lebanon, in what I may call stern 
dignity ; and the Lebanon has so many antique asso¬ 
ciations connected with it,—identified even with the 
name of Solomon. It has, however, such intrinsic 
merits, irrespective of all associations, that it may 
claim a kind of pre-eminence on that score alone. 
Only observe what sharp etchings it produces as a 
sky line. Wliat other tree can give the same effect P 
Another class of plants I would here point to, as of 
much importance in ornamental scenery. I mean the 
Yucca family. The Yucca gloriosa is, perhaps, the 
most highly esteemed ; and a finer object, when in 
blossom, can hardly be conceived. It is majestic, 
bold, and even grand. It is a common remark, that 
every plant is a weed in its own country ; but it would 
be hard to call this a weed, although we met with a 
forest of them. Wherever it is desirable to impress 
an exotic character, wherever what is called “ senti¬ 
nels ” are needed, and near to buildings of any kind, 
there the Yucca will be found at home. We have 
one in blossom at this moment, about ten feet in 
height, and a most magnificent object it is,—admired 
by all. The Irish A r ew is another most distinct and 
significant tree, wherever stiff formality, or deep con¬ 
trast is required. And then its colour is so good ; 
perhaps one of the darkest shades of green we possess. 
It is a strange affair, that the Sycamore, which, when 
young, is the most common-place tree imaginable, 
should, when old, become so very picturesque, in many 
cases. _ When young it is a mere lean stripling, but as 
it attains age it becomes gathered into bold masses ; 
and the general outline carries most marked in¬ 
dentations. Hut the same may be said of the Scotch 
Fir, and, indeed, of some other trees. 
Many other trees might be pointed out, but space 
will not permit. Those named here are amongst the 
most prominent, as illustrations of the subject. I am 
here tempted to offer a few remarks on outlines, as 
too little attention, I fear, is paid to them ; especially 
to what the painter terms the sky outline. This is of 
nearly as much importance as the ground outline, 
which is chiefly cared for. In how many pleasure 
grounds do we see what may be called rows of 
trees, mostly deciduous, and which, when denuded of 
their foliage, look more like immense piles of Pea- 
sticks than anything else. This is in great part owing 
to. the flat-headed trees that are employed in the 
original planting,—to the want of spiry forms, and 
the want of trees distinguished for bold, abrupt, and 
almost angular masses of foliage. The Oak, with age, 
is noted for this character, as also the Scotch Fir. 
But I would speak also with regard to what are 
termed indentations in the general outline. The re¬ 
moval of a single tree in such outlines will sometimes 
accomplish a great deal. But, at planting time, care 
should bo taken to introduce trees of special cha¬ 
racter, for the express purpose of ultimately accom¬ 
plishing a bold outline. The same may be said of the 
ground lines, in the front of which all lumpish and 
dead-looking forms should be avoided as far as pos¬ 
sible. Speaking of outlines, there are some other 
trees or shrubs, companions of our childhood, which 
ought to find a place ocasionally in the margins of j 
shrubberies. The Laburnum, Lilac, purple Beeches, 
and such like, prove of peculiar interest in such 
situations. 
But, if some of our old shrubs, evergreens, and trees 
will bear high commendation, what shall we say of all 
the new accessions to our list during the last score of 
years ? Look at the Conifers alone—a host in them¬ 
selves. But I do think it invidious to mix up these 
older acquaintances with modern introductions. I 
would fain have their due meed of merit imparted to 
them, and that too in the very presence of their most 
formidable rivals, who, no doubt, want to push them off 
their stools. But it will be long before the old Cedar 
of Lebanon, the old Moss Rose, and our old favourite, 
the Mignonette, are totally discarded. Talk of new 
Moss Roses,—where is the kind that dares face the 
old Moss, when in his prime P R. Errington, 
POMOLOGICAL SOCIETIES MEETING. 
(Continued from page 335.) 
PLUMS. 
Several large collections of Plums were exhibited, 
the most remarkable of which were the following :— 
From Mr. Wighton, of Cossey Hall, a dish of I 
exceedingly fine Green Gages, from a very old I 
standard, which is known to be of the second genera¬ 
tion from the original tree ; however, they were not 
larger, greener, nor richer flavoured, than are seen 
every day from healthy trees of the fiftieth genera¬ 
tion. Also, a dish of Violet, a very hardy variety 
of the Muscle section, common in Norfolk, being i 
propagated by suckers, and a great favourite in that ; 
district, on account of its always producing good 
crops. The fruit is purple, oval, and about the size of j 
a large Damson; stone adhesive; only slightly acid; 
probably the same as is known in some districts as the 
Violet Damson. 
Mr. W. Ingle, gardener to C. G. Round, Esq., 
Birch Hall, Colchester, sent a Seedling, as the earliest 
yellow Plum he knew, from a standard growing in an 
indifferent position. The fruit was below the medium 
size, oblong; colour greenish-yellow ; stone adhesive; 
very like a variety called the Harvest Plum, which is 
common in the Kent market gardens. The flavour 
and general appearance were not considered sufficiently 
good to make it worthy of cultivation, 
Francis Davies, Esq., M.D., of Pershore, sent 
specimens of his Brandy Gage, which were in a better 
condition for judging of its merits than last year. The 
fruit was beiow the medium size, slightly obovate, ! 
very ripe, and somewhat shrivelled; colour greenish- 
yellow, tinged with russet; stone adhesive ; flavour 
sugary, and richly vinous. It was thought that if 
grown on a wall, and allowed to hang, it would dry 
into a delicious sweetmeat. 
Jemmy Moore, a local variety, reported to be a 
great bearer; appeared likely to be good for culinary : 
purposes. In appearance it closely resembles Denver s 
Victoria, or Alderion , from which, however, it differs, 
in its flesh adhering to the stone, instead of separating, 
as in the other variety. 
Jemmy Combe, also a local variety. This, if distinct j 
from Magnum Donum, is only so in being somewhat 
larger than the latter is usually seen. 
Mr. F. Dancer, of Little Sutton, sent a collection, 
containing, amongst other kinds, Chapman’s Prince 
oe Wales, which is the best variety of the Orleans 
section, being equally hardy, larger, and productive; 
flesh more melting, and flavour sweeter. This variety 
of Orleans is really useful as a dessert fruit. 
Mitciielson, a medium-sized purple variety, of the 
