In Ronalds's Nursery we observed a fine stock of forest trees, which we intend soon to examine more in detail. Messrs. Ronalds's printed list contains upwards of thirty-five select sorts of Cratï¾µgus; a genus which deserves particular attention, because it is better adapted than perhaps any other for planting in small suburban gardens; which, as our correspondent Mr. Rutger has shown, in Arts. II. and III., are too often disfigured by trees out of all proportion to them in point of size. At Twickenham, we observed a large medlar tree, some large walnuts, elms, and cedars; and, in the horsechestnut avenue at Bushy, a great many very distinct varieties of that tree. At Shepperton we missed a large and beautiful catalpa, which used to hang over the road, and be profusely covered with bloom at this season. It had, we suppose, been taken down to widen the road. Near Sunbury are some very large narrow-leaved elms, and some good white, English black, and black Italian poplars. In the very moist soil in which they are growing, the English black poplar (Populus nigra) is so luxuriant in its foliage as almost to appear like the black Italian (P. monilifera). May they not be varieties, as we are persuaded half the reputed species of poplars, willows, birches, alders, ashes, elms, and other forest trees, are? Not far from Chertsey are some fine Chinese crab trees (P. spectabilis), and a magnificent Ptelea trifoliata, at least 30 ft. high, with branches covering a space nearly as much in diameter. Through the whole distance between London and Chertsey, the difference between the trees growing close to the Thames, and those on the high gravelly banks on the north side of the road, was most striking. However frequently we have made the remark before, we cannot help repeating that the most splendid herbaceous plant we saw by the road side was the wild endive: the drier the season, the more splendid are its large blue flowers. This is owing to its taproots running deep into the soil; and it affords a hint to gardeners to introduce a judicious proportion of taprooted plants into flower-gardens and flower-beds; or, rather, we should say, that not only are the colours of flowers, the times of their flowering, &c., to be taken into consideration in making a choice, but their susceptibility of displaying their beauty in different characters of seasons; such as in a wet season, a dry season, a windy one, one more than usually cold, &c. All blue flowers are increased in their intensity by light and heat, and all red ones the contrary. In the garden of the principal inn at Chertsey there is a common hazel growing out of the brick wall, with its foliage much less injured by the dry weather than that of those growing in the common soil: doubtless from its being inured to live with little moisture. The church being situated in the town among other buidings, its exterior would be much improved by a few creepers; and the churchyard is much in want of a few trees and shrubs.
