THE GARDENING WORLD 
December 29 , i 90 C. 
283 
represents the splendid avenue at Bushey Park, 
visited by thousands during the months of May and 
June. I had the photograph taken this summer. 
Aglaia odsrata. — A shrubby Asiatic tree, with 
golden flowers, which are very fragrant when dried, 
and used in China for scenting Tea and in the com¬ 
position of the joss stick, a kind of incense used in 
religious ceremonies in that country. A sample lies 
on the table. 
Aloysia citriodora (Sweet-scented Verbena).— 
A specimen of this popular conservatory plant will 
be found on the table. In warmer climates it is 
used for forming hedges. 
Anthoxanthum odoratum (Sweet Vernal Grass). 
—This is the grass beyond all others that gives the 
delightful odour to hay. There is a bunch of it on 
the table. 
Balsamodendron Myrrha (Myrrh).—A resinous 
gum, often used in association with Frankincense. 
A sample is shown on the table. 
Beaumontia grandiflora.—A beautiful sub¬ 
tropical shrub, with climbing tendency. Our illus¬ 
tration represents it on a trellis in Queensland. We 
grow it in our hot-houses here. 
Boswellia.— Under this botanical name are 
known the genera of trees that produce the resinous 
gum called Frankincense. The real source of this 
commodity, the special incense of the ancients, was 
for long a matter of doubt, and the uncertainty was 
never satisfactorily cleared up until taken in hand 
some years ago by our distinguished chairman, Sir 
George Birdwood, who, in an exhaustive paper, read 
before the Linnaean Society, most effectually settled 
a controversy of long standing. Sir George traced 
the origin of this family of trees to some islands in 
the southern confines of the Red Sea, mostly on the 
Arabian side 
The offering of incense on altars and in cups and 
closed censers has been freely represented in paint¬ 
ings, and in sculpture on the monuments of Egypt 
and Assyria, whilst in later times the Greek and 
Roman Churches retain its use in their ceremonies. 
In India it takes an important part in the funeral 
rites of a wealthy, high-caste Hindoo 
Sir George is of opinion that the use of these sweet 
odours in religious rites originated in sanitary pre¬ 
cautions. They not only mask obnoxious smells but 
correct them, and they wonderfully refresh the spirits 
in crowded places. 
I am able to illustrate the different species of Bos- 
wellias as named and classified by Sir George, and 
also to show you two pictures illustrating the crude 
methods employed in collecting the juice from trees 
in olden times. No. 2 represents the methods em¬ 
ployed in olden days in collecting Galbanum from a 
species of Fennel, in Persia. This gum is also used 
in incense. 
Brcgmansia suaveolens. —A tree in the tropics, 
but with us it is grown as a conservatory plant. Its 
enormous trumpet-shaped flowers are very beautiful. 
Here is an illustration. 
C amphora officinarum (Camphor).—This East¬ 
ern tree is one of those from which camphor is 
obtained. The product consists of crystals condensed 
in the vapour arising from the distilled wood. The 
industry has long been a large one in China, Japan 
and Ceylon. Our illustration portrays a tree in 
Ceylon, and some of the crystals will be found on 
the table. 
Cerasus ( dherry). 
Cereus grandiflorus (Night-flowering Cactus). 
—This is one of the flowers that seems to reverse 
the common principle under which plants rest, and 
open their blossoms to the darkness of the night. 
They mostly 3gree in the fragrance which they emit. 
In colour they are usually white, or of some neutral 
tint, that seems to lack the influence of the sun¬ 
shine. 
The odour of night blooming plants is often inter¬ 
mittent. This Cactus is fragrant only at intervals, 
but these sudden bursts are exceedingly powerful, 
and it would seem that when absorbing the sunshine 
the strongest breath is reserved for a less delightful 
hour. 
Chrysanthemum sinense. — I mention this be¬ 
cause of the exhibits here this evening. The leaves 
of many varieties when bruised give off a peculiar 
aromatic smell. One of the great feasts in Japan is 
held in honour of this plant, which is also the em¬ 
blem and badge of the Mikado. 
Cinnamomum zeylanicum (Laurus Cinnamomum). 
— The Cinnamon is largely grown in Ceylon, and in 
many other British tropical possessions, for its bark. 
The flowers have a very powerful perfume, and the 
subtle fragrance wafted from the Cinnamon gardens 
right out to sea is readily detected long before a ship 
is near land. All parts are fragrant; even the fruit, 
if boiled, yields a wax-like substance, used for 
making candles. These emit an agreeable odour, 
and are reserved exclusively for use in the establish¬ 
ments of the native princes. Our illustration repre¬ 
sents the natives stripping the bark and preparing it 
for the market. 
Cistus (Rock Rose).—In their native countries, 
in the south of Spain and the islands of the Mediter¬ 
ranean, the Cistus is one of the most lovely objects 
that Nature has planted in the woods, rocks and 
other locations which the plants inhabit. A resinous 
substance exudes from the leaves of one species; 
this adheres to the hair of the goats that browse 
around, and by such means it is collected and sold 
commercially. A plant is exhibited 
Citrus. —Under the botanical name of Citrus we 
have the beautiful tribe of fruiting shrubby trees, 
covering the Orange, Lemon, Citron and Lime 
fruit, most of which possess fragrant properties well 
known. 
The Orange family were originally natives of the 
warmer parts of Asia, but now have become natural¬ 
ised in all sub-tropical countries. It is curious to 
observe that a healthy tree carries every stage of 
production, from the flower bud to the ripe fruit. Our 
illustrations represent a grove in the south of France, 
where the dainty blossoms are being gathered, and a 
plant in fruit, as grown under glass in this country, 
stands on the table. 
Cucumis melo. —The Melon is largely grown in 
our hot houses, and produces one of the richest 
fruits brought to table. In warm countries they are 
grown in the open air, and reach an enormous size. 
Our illustration give a good idea of a field-crop of 
the Musk Melon in Central America. 
Dianthus Caryophyllus (Carnation, Pink and 
Picotee). 
Eucalyptus. —Giant trees of Australia, where 
they are known as gum trees. The leaves of most 
species are of leathery texture and the flowers 
insignificant. E. Globulus is called the fever gum 
tree from its power to correct malaria through the 
balsamic emanations from its leaves. In this coun¬ 
try they are mostly grown in pots as greenhouse 
plants, although I have seen them flourishing out-of- 
doors in Devonshire. Our illustration gives a good 
idea of the enormous proportions reached in their 
native habitats in the Antipodes. Plants of two 
species are exhibited. 
Eucharis amazonica. 
Freesia. 
Gardenia radicans. — A Chinese shrub, well 
known for its double sweet scented white flowers, 
which are in great request for personal decoration 
and wedding ^bouquets. 
Heliotropium (Heliotrope, Cherry Pie). 
Hibiscus Abelmoschus (Mallow).—An Indian 
shrub with large seeds that possess a strong musky 
odour. 
Humea elegans— A plant of this uncommon 
half-hardy biennial is exhibited. 
Hyacinthus (Hyacinth).—A well known' spring 
flower. Our illustration represents a splendid 
stretch of bloom that can be seen every year in 
Hyde Park between the Marble Arch and Hyde 
Park Corner. Similar displays are also made in 
Regent's Park, Battersea Park, Victoria Park and in 
all the smaller open spaces throughout London, 
whilst its cultivation for conservatory decoration 
extends in every direction. 
Iris. —A very pretty tribe of flowering plants, 
found in the swampy parts of all temperate climates. 
The Orris Root of commerce, used in making violet 
powder, is derived from one species. Our illustra¬ 
tion depicts a scene in Japan, which must have been 
very lovely, and a sample of the Orris Root is also 
exhibited. 
Jasminum nudiflorum. — Everyone knows the 
scent of Jasmine, a shrub that lavishes upon us an 
abundant harvest of flowers, which perfume, refresh 
and purify the surroundings. Here is a beautiful 
picture of a field crop at Grasse, grown for the pur¬ 
poses of scent extraction. 
Lathyrus odoratus (Sweet Peas.) — These are 
deservedly popular annuals. Our illustration depicts 
the great exhibition held at the Crystal Palace last 
summer. Here is also a field upon Messrs. Carters' 
seed farm. 
Lavendula (Sweet Lavender).—A shrubby plant, 
cultivated for the valuable essence extracted from its 
flowers. In the neighbourhood of Croydon, Mitcham, 
Hitchin and Canterbury, many acres are under 
cultivation. Our illustration is from a photograph 
taken last summer upon Miss Sprule’s Lavender 
farm at Wallington. 
Lawsonia inermis (Henna).—An Eastern shrubby 
tree that has been cultivated for ages. The flowers 
are remarkably fragrant, either fresh or dry, and 
their influence is most grateful at a distance. The 
leaves are mixed with dyes into an unctuous com¬ 
pound, and used as a cosmetic by women in India 
for producing a bright orange hue to the nails and 
skin. This practice has descended from very remote 
ages, as proved by the evidence of the Egyptian 
mummies. Samples of the leaves are shown on ihe 
table. 
Lilium.— The Lily is known in all gardens and is 
one of the most beautiful of plants both in appearance 
and fragrance. In species and varieties they are 
innumerable. My illustrations will show you the 
scenes when grown in large areas. The first is a 
field of the White Easter Lily growing in Bermuda. 
No. 2 is a plantation of Lilium longiflorum in Japan. 
No. 3 shows a magnificent head of bloom of the 
Golden Rayed Lily of Japan, which comprised 
nearly two hundred blossoms. The fragrance of 
this Lily is very powerful, particularly towards 
evening. 
Liquidambar. —The chief source of Rose Mallows 
or incense oil of commerce. 
Lonicera (Honeysuckle).— You all know this 
popular hardy plant, both in the garden and hedge¬ 
rows. 
Magnolia— A family of noble trees and shrubs 
found in almost all countries. Our illustration 
shows an avenue of M. grandiflora in Rochester, 
U S.A. The perfume from the blossoms is so 
powerful that the air is frequently charged for miles. 
Melilotus alba (Bokhara Clover).—A tree-like 
Clover with leaves smelling of new-mown hay. The 
seed also bears the same fragrant properties. 
Myrtus communis. —The shrubby Myrtle has 
always been held in high esteem, both for the 
elegance and fragrance of its shining leaves and 
white feathery flowers. With the Greeks and 
Romans it was an emblem of authority and largely 
employed in forming the crowns of the victors. At 
the present time in this country it is sought after for 
decorating bridal bouquets. 
Some of you have no doubt read the story of the 
Roman artist, Pausias, who thought his wife Glycera 
so clever at making Myrtle and Bay wreaths that he 
induced her to sit for a painting. Here is an illus¬ 
tration that depicts the scene. 
I will now show you a Roman feast. Thesa 
crowns, I may tell you, were also made of Bay 
leaves, and were not only worn for pleasure but from 
a notion that their odours in permeating tde atmo¬ 
sphere prevented the wine from having an intoxica¬ 
ting effect. 
(To be continued.) 
-- 
AGE OF YEW TREES, 
In a very interesting and instructive paper, read at 
the last meeting of the Croydon Gardeners’ Mutual 
Improvement Society, Dr. Brook Ridley, gave a 
pretty safe guide for ascertaining ihe age of any Yew 
tree. Measure the diameter and for every foot of its 
diameter allow seventy-five years. Thus if a tree 
was three feet in diameter, its age would be 2^5 
years. Now if all Yew trees grew at one uniform 
rate, and this from official records was found to be 
correct, the finding the approximate age of any Yew 
tree would be a simple matter. Now the rate of 
growth of Yews like other trees is largely influenced 
by soil and situation ; and although at first sight 
any two Yew trees as respects their foliage and general 
appearance may not differ very much, they may 
even be growing side by side yet not at the same 
ratio. Although so much alike it is comparatively 
easy to delect seedling variations in them, which 
sometimes to a greater degree than many suspect 
influence ihe development of the tree. So I take it 
that no bard and fast rule of the kind can be laid 
down. It would be very interesliog if the r.ai 
history of many of our old trees could be ascertained. 
There would be good matter for a very interesting 
volume on the subject.— IV.B.G. 
