Argan Tree.—

The account given of this interesting and useful tree (Argania Sideroxylon) in the appendix to the book by myself and Mr. Ball on Morocco and the Great Atlas has been reproduced in the gardening journals, and has excited a renewed interest in its cultivation. It is only known in the native state in an exceedingly limited area of Morocco, where the husk of the fruit is greatly valued for cattle food, while the Seed kernel is the source from which an excellent oil is extracted.

At different times the seed has been procured and distributed to various colonies, where, however, its slow growth has led to disappointment. In 1870 a supply was obtained through the kindness of Mr. C. W. Carstensen, H.B.M. Vice-Consul, Mogador.

Amongst other places the Botanic Garden at Saharunpore was supplied, where, however, the plant, though probably well suited for N. W. India, does not appear to have survived. I am glad, however, to hear from Mr. F. Abbott, of the Royal Society of Tasmania's Gardens in Hobart Town; that the Argan tree has been fruiting there for some years.