THE DOMAIN ONCE MORE.

Press, Volume XXII, Issue 2684, 14 March 1874, Page 5 (Supplement)

THE DOMAIN ONCE MORE.

TO THE EDITOR OF THE PRESS. Sib,—l left off in my last in the midst of the cypresses, aud mean to finish there, as I find I had entered into too minute particulars. There are yet, however, some matters which I believe worthy of attention, one of which is the grove of Eucalypti, winch stands to the east of the nursery. I cannot cay the reason, but in the immediate proximity of these trees, which are of earlier growth than any others in the grounds, the young plants are all stunted, with the exception of the oaks. I think this fact deserves some enquiry as to whether it is caused by the absorption of the moisture by the roots of the Eucalypti or by exhalations therefrom, or whether the shade may in some measure act as a check to their development. Probably the broom hedge separating the trues from the plants may exert the influence referred to. There are the rows of young poplars, mulberries, &c., as place, u aii I 'a3ectec!'with"the _ one exception— the oaks. Ido not remember that Mr Wilson in his exhaustive lecture on the Eucalypti alluded to this phenomenon ; and now that the faculty is recommending the planting of the blue gujn for the purpose of draining swampy and malaria disposed lands, it would be as well if the subject were elucidated. Large districts of swamp have been reclaimed by plantations of firs, to the benefit of the health of the surrounding inhabitants, as well as to the profit of the investors. Whilst on the subject of planting,

the owners of land on the hills intervening

betwixt here and Lyttelton would make small fortunes by planting the same with eucalypti and pines. What I have witnessed as regards their rapidity of growth and the soundness of the timber of those of only ten years standing convinces mc that this is thoroughly practicable, and certain to produce a large return for the small outlay. The similarity in the foliage of the blue gum, red gum, stringy bark, iron bark, apple tree, and other euca'ypti, more particularly in those of immature age, should, I think, be a sufficient inducement to the head of the domain to form a small collection for the better information of the public ; some of the woods being of a quality and durability far in excese of others. The alder is another tree that would pay well for cultivation in moist positions, for the reason of its resistance to the effects of damp, and the action of water.

In the propagating house are numerous enticing objects ; for instance the New Zealand native fnschia, a small leaved trailer, the flowers of which are yellow, green, and purple. It bears a large pink berry, and is a pretty pendant pot plant. There is quite a collection of variegated specimens, some of which originated in the grounds, viz, the red Virginian cedar, the 0. Lanrastine, Callis Australia, Cupressus Lawsoniana and others; also variegated examples of Dearingia Jap., Elagamos Japonica, Agaranthusumbellatum, an entirely new C. L. Pendula, an Eucharis Amazonia, which produces a large white eweetly scented flower is one of the rarieties); a pot of the Erica Boweana ; a Cape of Good Hope Heath, with a beautifully clear white flower delicately tinged with a bluish grey edge ; the Pelargonium Latipns la Elegante; a lovely variegated geranium, the leaves of a brilliant green, bordered with white, the white tinged at the outside edge by a delicate pink coral hue which deepens in tint with the age of the leaf ; this is really one of the beauties of nature. There are two pots of the European Cyclamen or sow-bread, one of the prettiest and most graceful of wiudow plants. I remember these growing wild in the hedges about Tavistock and Calstock in Cornwall, and large sums were paid for them when first introduced in London as pot plants. The Pitcher plantjCephalotusFolicularis, from Kiug George's Suund, this has the pitchers on the surface of the ground, the leaves and flowers rosulate ; the flowers are white and in profusion ; it is from six to ten inches in height. Then come the Christ's Thorn, the Variegated Lily of the Nile, the collection of ferns, two plants of the Morton Bay chestnut, from a seed cut in half ; the Gadoptyis Verticillata, the famed parasol pine of Japan, a variegated Native "Pelargonium Plandostinum, which originated in the gardens, and a Pinus Firma A urea, a votj elegant form of this tree. I noticed outside the°propagating house some Ailantus Glaudulosa, the Japanese tree of heaven. Some of these trees have made shoots to the length of six feet this season. This is the food of the Ailantus silk worm. The foliage is endowed with some peculiar property as no insect, it appears, ever attacks it. On thus concluding a mere sketch of the contents of the Domain, I wish to remark that I see everywhere throughout the gardens careful attention and the evidence of a dc?ir.> on the part of the head of the practidl department to facilitate the gratification of the public, and to add to the adornment of the city. I know of nothing more pleasing than a quiet stroll in a well-kept shrubbery. I quite spoiled my morning's pleasure by stepping across the bridge on my way out. I don't thiuk the other side of the river has (tone mwk siace mj firs* letter, X see the

weeds are out of one of the waterholes ; the label ia oS the Dorkings, and "No dogs admitted" stuck on the board at the Tuam street entrance ; but even this bit of rag is nailed on in keeping with the rest of the place. I'll guarantee no one ever nailed anything that way for mc twice. I hear that some of the money ie to go to England for inscctiverous cocks and hens-tbat s better than making ducks and drakes of it. \ ale. DEIDEICH NEUKOiIEB.