eresting riches of his
_Hortus siccus_: or at least to bestow some attention to its natural
floral and arborescent productions.

It is justly observed that a Botanical taste, of all sources of
amusement, is, to an invalid, perhaps the most desirable. When exercise
is the only object it becomes irksome even in the loveliest scenery; the
Botanist is however beguiled onwards with a never ceasing fascination,
yet so leisurely as not to induce fatigue; and when his strength is
unequal to excursions of higher attainment, he can find beauties in the
humblest paths.

Frenchmen take much delight in their gardens, which are often very
extensive and characterized by great neatness and uniformity, indeed in
the majority of instances regularity is carried to excess;--clipped
hedges, alleys laid out in straight lines, flower beds tortured into
fantastic shapes, trees cut in the form of pyramids, birds, animals,
etc., are the order of the day. The principles of good taste are however
beginning to manifest themselves in the adoption of a more natural and
elaborate style in the laying out of grounds which surround many of the
more modern mansions, etc. And they are frequently enriched by choice
and rare collections of exotic plants. Among the most conspicuous of the
arborescent kinds, which adorn the pleasure grounds of such
establishments, may be named the cypress de la Louisiane, the Pinus
Silvestris, the graceful Weeping-willow, and Acacia, which here grow to
great perfection; the Arbutus, Bay tree, Laurel, Fig tree, Chesnut, and
Majestic Cedar of Lebanon. They also frequently contain some fine
specimens of the beautiful family of mimosas, a variety of Pelargoniums,
with the elegant Coronille, and Annas.

Between four hundred and five hundred plants are said to be cultivated
in the gardens. And upwards of twelve hundred wild plants have been
enumerated as belonging to Touraine, besides the _cryptogamia_, such as
the mosses, ferns, liverworts, and mushrooms.

In the woods and forests are found from one hundred and fifty to two
hundred plants; amongst which may be mentioned the genera _Amentaceae_,
which flower and blossom. In the month of April the woods are bespangled
with the violet. _Viola._ Ficaria. Wind-flower. _Anemone nemorosa._
Lung-wort. _Pulmonaria Officinalis._ etc. In May and June we there also
find the _Orchis. Mellitis._ Periwinkle. _Vinca Major._ Hyacinth or Blue
Bell. _Hyacinthus non-scriptus._ Hare Bell. _Campanul