t
health under English skies.

The following list of tender shrubs and trees growing in the gardens of
the south-west cannot claim to be an exhaustive one, since it contains
only such as have been personally noticed in good health during rambles
along the southern coast-line of Cornwall and Devon, and, where no
lengthened inspection is possible, it is obvious that certain species
and varieties must be overlooked. Incomplete, however, as it doubtless
is, it should give an idea of the climatic advantages enjoyed by the
district in question.

Many of the subjects mentioned are growing in Tresco Abbey gardens,
Isles of Scilly, but most of these are also found in mainland gardens as
well. Where any have been met with at Tresco only, the fact is noted,
but these may also be present on the mainland.

The soil of the Scillies, which is composed apparently of peat and
disintegrated granite, and is almost identical with much of that around
Penzance, is admirably adapted for hard-wooded Australian, New Zealand,
and Chilian shrubs and trees, and almost all the species and genera
enumerated would be best suited by a compost in which peat and
leaf-mould and granite sand formed the chief proportion, although it
must be allowed that some alluded to have been found to succeed equally
well in sandy loam. Porosity in the soil is indispensable, for, in this
district, where the winter rains are often exceptionally heavy, unless
the water percolates rapidly through the ground, stagnant moisture
collects around the roots, a condition which is absolutely fatal to
success. The advantages of the Cornish granite sand are gradually being
appreciated. Mr. Fitzherbert writes, "I was told the other day by an
acquaintance that since he had imported it by the truck-load to his
Sussex garden he was able to grow many things successfully that he had
before failed with."

ABELIA FLORIBUNDA.--Mexico. A beautiful evergreen shrub, bearing
clusters of drooping pink flowers about 3 inches in length. Requires a
sunny and sheltered site. Finest specimen 6 feet. Several gardens.

ABUTILON VEXILLARIUM.--Rio Grande. A handsome evergreen species
generally grown against a wall. It throws up long, slender, arching
shoots from 6 to 8 feet in length, studded with pendulous ball-shaped
flowers with crimson sepals, yellow petals, and dark-brown stamens which
are very striking and often remain in bloom for six months. Common. _A.
vitifolium_--Chili. A most ornamental