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 Amentaceæ, 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. Campanula rotundifolia. St. John's Wort. Hypericum-pulchrum. Crane's Bill. Geranium Molle. Bitter vetch. Orobus tuberosus. Strawberry leaved cinque-foil. Potentilla Frargariastrum. Wood Angelica. Angelica Sylvestris. The star of Bethlehem. Ornithogalum pyrenaicum. Black centaury. Centaurea Nigra. Forget me not. Myosotis palustris. The above are to be found in the Woods of Chatenay, etc. in the immediate neighbourhood of Tours.
On the commons and higher arid tracts, are seen the cross leaved Heath. Erica Tetralix. Fine leaved Heath. Erica cineria. Male Fern. Aspidium Felix Mas. Common Broom. Sparticum scoparium. And the Furze. Ulex Europæus. When these hardy natives of the wold and the waste, happen to be grouped together, which is very commonly the case, the varied and vivid hues of their blossoms, present a striking contrast, and a very pleasing appearance.
Between two hundred and three hundred plants are common to the cultivated fields, of which, may be named, the Corn Blue Bottle. Centaurea cyanus. Red Poppy. Papaver Rhœa. Venus's Mirror. Campanula speculum. Corn Cockle. Agrostemma Githago. Corn Spurrey. Spergula Arvensis. Common yellow Rattle. Rhinanthus Crista-Galli. Great White Ox Eye. Chrysanthemum Leucanthemum. All flowering in July and August.
In the meadows which occupy the vales, subject to occasional inundations, a very great variety of plants luxuriate, consisting for the most part of the Family Graminaceæ amongst them may be seen shining the Pile-wort. Ranunculus Ficaria. Crow-foot. Ranunculus sceleratus. And many others of this genus. The Cuckoo flower. Cardamime Pratensis. Ragged Robin. Lychnis Floscuculi. White Campion. Lichnis vespertina. Tale Red Rattle. Pedicularis palustris. Queen of the Meadows. Spiræa Ulmaria. Upatoria Cannabinum. Common Loosestrife. Lysimachia vulgaris. Also the Parnassia Palustris., Gentiana cruciata, and Colchicum Autumnale.
On the surface of the Pools and Brooks, many beautiful specimens of the Nymphæa are to be seen reposing, as those of the white water Lilly. Nymphæa Alba, and yellow water Lilly. Nymphæa Lutea. On their banks may also be found the Water Iris, or Flower de Luce. Iris Pseudacorus.—The emblem of France. The Flowering Rush. Butomus umbellatus. Arrow Head. Sagittaria sagittifolia, and Water ranunculus. Ranunculus aquatilis.
Our limits will not admit of a further enumeration, but perhaps sufficient has been stated to signify the interesting character of the Botanical productions of the Province, and to induce the scientific visitor, or the lover of nature, to prosecute his researches through its sequestered glades and rural retreats; where in fact, he may on every hand, behold prolific nature displaying her exquisite charms, in elaborate perfections, rich profusion, and endless diversities.
Of cultivated Fruit trees, the Pear, Peach, and Prune, are justly famed for their size and richness of flavour; the Meddlar, Quince, and a great variety of choice Apple trees are thickly dispersed throughout the vineyards; some of the latter of which during the winter, present a very singular appearance, from their being often thickly studded over with the sombre tufts of the parasitical Viscus, or Misleto. A considerable quantity of excellent cyder is made in the neighbourhood of Tours.
The vineyards which occupy so large a portion of this district, contain a great many varieties of the vine, which circumstance, together with the prevailing difference of soil and aspect, naturally produces wines of very various flavour and opposite qualities.