iiimiiiiiuuii 312066 0333 2881 8 /^- /lariBv '. •• — r> ion stu X (ZT* . ^.vji u'ltiignS n't gaitiTudsuT ' ^^-^ S^ ' iiiioD 9xii gnivoiqrni lo to /^^ fITI 70 qu n9>lfit. f.o-jif ' vt . -q) fiJBgshiiV ;jnyotliHjnl ai ■ td \o afaoin tn'3aBim9q buB ii-t. ..,,i.v.. 1 r:,; MOfh ^nigicT "^ -' LoNtJON: Printed by A. & R. Spottiswoode, New-StreeUSquare. PREFACE. The most original professional facts recorded in this Volume are, the perfecting of the system of heating by hot water (p. SS^:), and a new appHcation of the mode of heating pine-pits by steam {p. 443.). The permanently useful subject of Horticultural Che- mistry has been continued (p. 11. 127. and 404.), and commenced in connection with vegetable physiology and the operations of culture (p. 394.). The very complete forcing structures erected in the Duke of Northumberland's kitchen-garden at Syon have been described in detail (p. 502.) ; and a variety of other improve- ments in gardens, foreign and domestic, are noticed in the Tours of the Conductor on the Continent (p. 1. 113. 241. 369. 497. and 641.), and through different counties in England (p. 93. 222. 464. 557. and 671.). The subject of improving the condition of the labouring classes, at present in a most lamentable condition for want of employment, has been taken up by Mr. Spence (p. 125. 209.), by Captain Pole (p. 79.), by Variegata (p. 248.), by Y. (p. 390.), by R. S, (p. 550.) ; and by the Conductor, in a number of minor articles among the Miscellaneous Intelligence. Convinced as we are that the only effectual and permanent mode of benefiting the lowest classes of society is by raising their intellectual character; rendering every man, who has a wife and family, above absolute want, by a garden or piece of ground of at least a quarter of an acre attached to his cottage ; and preventing early marriages by a prohibitory law ; we would most earnestly recommend attention to what has incidentally dropped from us on these subjects (p. 69. 84. 94. 216. 223. 226. 328. 451. 540. 549. 556. 650. 659. 662.), and in the articles on Education (p. 692.), the Labouring Population (p. 706.), the Cultivation of Waste Lands (p. 704.), Parish Gardens (p. 714.), and in our different Tours. We wish it to be distinctly borne in mind, that all that we have recommended in the above passages has been for upwards of thirty years carried into execu- tion in Wurtemberg, Bavaria, Baden, Silesia, Sweden, and other parts of the Continent, with the happiest effects. Whatever may be the general poverty of Germany and Sweden, and however A 2 IV PREFACE. severe may appear to be the German law to prevent early mar- riages *, it is certain that the poor of these countries, as Mr. Spence has remarked (p. 126.), are an independent, spirited, com- fortable, and happy class, compared with the poor of Britain and Ireland. The reasons we have given ; and they will be obvious to any pei-son who may visit these countries, and examine them with attention. The extraordinary improvement made in the application of steam to railroad and common carriages (p. eSl.); a reaping machine brought to a high degree of perfection (p. 600.) ; a great improvement in ploughs and cultivators, by which 30 per cent will be saved in the power of draft (p. 651.); and a greatly im- proved water-closet, garden engine (p. 545.), and shower bath (p. 656.), have been recorded as of immediate value in domestic or rural economy, or as prophetic of great and general public benefits. J. C. L. Baysivater, Nov. 25. 1829. * See Hodgson's Travdsi^'riClermim&H.<.»vo. 1815. CONTENTS. Part I. ORIGINAL COMMUNICATIONS. GEXERAL SUBJECT. Notes and Reflections made during a Tour through France and Germany, in the Autumn of the year 1828. By the Conductor 1.113. 211. o6y. 497.042 Remarks on some Gardens and Country Resi- dences in Surrey. By J. Gale, Esq. - 9 Outlines of Horticultural Chemistry. By G.W. Johiiion, Esq., of Great Totham, Essex 11. 127. 404 On the Tendency to Prejudice among Gar- deners ; and on the Importance of the Study of Botany for every Class of Cultivators. Bv W. D. . . . . io Remarks on the Conduct of some Master-Gar- deners to their Journeymen. By K. S. E. 18 On some Recent Improvements in the Methods of heating Hot-houses and Hot-beds by Hot Water. By H. W. Byers, Esq. - 20. 260 On a Winter CJarden. By T. Rivere - 23 Remarks on the Education and Amusements of the Lower Classes. By William Spence, Esq. F.L.S. - - - 125 Vegetable Physiology, with a View to Vegetable Culture. By M. W. Hertz of Stuttgard, now in Kew Gardens - - - 132 On the judicious Division and Employment of Time, especially addressed to Young Gar- deners. By Juvenis Olitor - - 135 On Parochial Museums and Public Gardens, and on Dancing and Music, as Means of educating the Feelings of the Laborious Classes. By Variegata - - - 248 Some Account of the Public Orangeries, or Public Winter Gardens, of Berlin. By M. G. A. Fintelmann of Potsdam - - 251 An Account of some Experiments in Physiolo- gical Botany, undertaken at Welbeck in 1823- 24, and repeated in 1S25, with a view to ascer- tain the probable Cause of Failure in Early Forced Grapes. By Mr. Joseph Thompson, Gardener to His Grace the Duke of Portland 253 An Essay on Physiological Botany, in Continu- ation of the Experiments described in the preceding Paper. By Mr. Jos. Thompson 257 Notice of a durable Number Tally of Earthen- ware. ByMr.William Anderson, F.L.S. H.S. Curator of the Chelsea Botanic Garden - 263 Remarks on various Gardens about London, and in other Parts of England, visited in April and May, 182y. By M. Jacob Riiiz, jun.. Nur- seryman, Frankfort on the JIain - - 379 Historical Notices of the Rise and Progress of Gardening in Bavaria ; with a Description of the Royal Nurseries at Munich and Weyhen- stephan. By William Hinkert, Royal ISava- rian Court-Gardener, and Director of the Royal Central Fruit Tree Nursery at Weyhen- stephan. Member of the Agricultural Society of Bavaria and of the Deputation for the Cul- ture of the Silkworm there - - 384 On Practical Cooperative Societies as a means of ameliorating the Condition of the Labo- rious Classes, with some Account of the Brighton Cooperative Society. By Philan. tliropist - - . - 387 On the Introduction of Botany into the System of Education in Village Schools. By Y. 390 Hints with regard to the Drying of Botanical Specimens. By W. D. - . - 391 On the Necessity and Advantage of enquiring _ scientifically into the Practices and Results of ] Observations oh the Cultivation of Ferns. Horticulture. By Joseph Hay ward, Esq., Au- | Mr. James Housman On the Climate of the Eastern and Middle States of North America, with reference to Horticul- ture. By Mr. W. Wilson of New York 409 Some Account of the Botanic Garden at Lisbon. By W. Churchill, Esq., Royal Marines - 412 On Straw or Reed Mats, as a Covering for Hot- houses and Hot-beds. By Peter Lindegaard, Esq. C.M.H.S., Court-Gardener to the King of Denmark 414 Some Account of the Duke of Northumberland's Improvements in the Kitchen-Garden and Forcing-Department at Syon. By the Con- ductor . . . . 502 GARDEN ARCHITECTURE AND LAND- SCAPE-GARDENING. On the I.,aying out and Planting of Burying- Grounds. By John H. Moggridge, Esq. 26 Plan of the Kitchen-Garden at Annat. By Mr. Archibald Gorrie, C.M.H.S. - - 28 On Landscape-Gardening as a Part of the Study and Business of Practical Gardeners. By a Landscape- Gardener - . 30. 264 On forming Artificial Seas in Ornamental Land- scape, and on a New Sluice for regulating the Rise and Fall of the Tide in such Seas. By Mr. \V. Airken, Xurseryman, Castle Douglas, Author of JN'araWHO, a Poem - - 137 Description of au ornamental Conservatory, in the Grecian Style of Architecture, built by Mr. Robert Roberts, Plumber, Glazier, and Gas Proprietor, Oswestry, Salop. By Mr. Roberts, and .1. P. . . . 268 Remarks on Metallic Hot-houses. By Mr. George M'Leish . - - 416 Description of a Hot-house, combining a Pi- nery, Vinery, Succession Pit, and Winter Green-house, all heated by one Fire. By Abraham Caldicott, Esq., F.H.S. - 418 ARBORICULTURE. On a Method of facilitating the Growth of Thorn Hedges on high and exposed Situa- tions. By Mr. D. Anderson . - 42 On the Common Whin {titles. europae'\is\ as a Hedge Plant. By T. H. - 43 A brief Description of the Timber Trees abound- ing in the Province of Choc6. By W. Hamil- ton, Esq. M.D. . - - 44 On the Scotch Pine. By Agronome - 139 Some Observations on the Rearing of Gorse Hedges ( i^\ex europ£E\is). By Spinosa 270 On the Natural Succession of Forest Trees in North America. By J. M. Philadelphia 421 Notice of a Machine' for transplanting large Trees, in Use in Thoresby Park, Nottingham- shire. In a Letter to Mr. Mackay, of the Clapton Nursery. By Mr. Bennet. C.M.H.S., Gardener at Thoresby. Communicated by Mr. Mackay, F.L.S. H.S. - . 422 Method of cultivating the Mulberry in the Go- vernment Mulberry Plantation at Nymphen- burg, witli a List of the diflferent Species and Varieties grown there. By M. Bischof, Nur- sery-Gardener to the King of Bavaria - 424 thor of Tfie Science nf Horliculturi: Works FLORICULTURE. On the Propagation of Cape Heaths. By C.L.B. 47 Observations on the Improvement of Flower- Gardens. By Mr. George M'Leish • - - By 49 and other 1 Historical and Descriptive Notice of a Plant of - 394 1 the Sabal Blackburnw, now in the Gardens at VI CONTENTS. Hale Hall, Lancashire, the Seat of John Blackburne, Esq. M.P. By Thomas Kirkland Glazebrook, Esq. - - - 52 On the Culture of the Double Yellow Rose. By Mr. John Eraser, Gardener to the Hon. William Eraser - - - 142 On the Cultivation of Dahlias (now Georginas). By a Florist - - - - 1+2 An improved Mode of cultivating the Calceo- laria corvmbbsa. By Mr. James Rollins 272 On the Culture of the Hydrangea hortensis, as practised in the Potsdam Gardens. By M. G. A. Eintelmann - - - 2/3 Description of a Elower-Stand, designed and constructed for the Honourable Mrs. Fox of St Anne's Hill. Communicated by Mr. H. Tucker, Gardener to Mrs. Fox - - 274 On the Cultivation of the Hyacinth. By Tho- mas Fleetwood, Gardener, of Donnington. Read at the Jleeting of the Vale of Evesham Horticultural Society, Sept. 24. 1S28 - 42iS HORTICULTURE. On destroying the Mealy Bug and White Scale on Pine Plants. By Mr. W. M'Murtrie, C.M.H.S. - - - - 57 On rendering Pear Trees and other Fruit Trees fruitful, by operating on the Borders, and by Natural Training. By Mr. Robert Hiver 60 On training the Gooseberry. By Mr. William Wilson, Merly Gardens, Dorset . . 62 A certain and expeditious Method of raising Mulberry Trees. By Superficial - 63 Abridged Communications - - 64. 143 An effectual Mode of destroying Slugs among Cauliflowers and Cabbages. By Mr. Henry Pike, Gardener at Wiukfield Park, Berkshire 143 On the Culture of the Sweet Potato (Convolvu- lus Batatas), as practised in the Neighbour- hood of New York. By B. W, Strong, Esq. Communicated by Messrs. G. Thorburn and Son, Nurserymen, New York - - 275 On the Destruction of Wasps. By Thomas N. Parker, Esq. of Sweeney Hall, Shropshire 277 Catalogue of Fruits cultivated in the Govern- ment Botanic Garden at Sydney, in New South Wales. By Mr. Charles Fraser, CM. H.S. . - - . .280 On the Culture of the Pine-apple without Pots, in the Royal Kitchen- Gardens at Nymphen- burg. By Mr. Joseph Lang, Kitchen-Gar. dener to the King of Bavaria - - 427 On the Destruction of the Mealy Bug and Scale on Pine Plants. By Mr. James Dall 430 On introducing heated Air into Cucumber Frames and Pits. By Mr. F. Mould - 435 Upon the Influence of Rocks on the Prosperity of Vine Plants, and upon the Quality of their Produce. By M. Metzger, Curator of the Botanic Garden and Public Arboretum at Heidelberg, Author of Europisische Cerea- leen, Der Rkeinische Weinbau and other Works. Communicated by J. Rennie, Esq. M.A. - - - - 436 A Plan for a Strawberry Wall. By Robt. Byers, Esq. . - . .437 On the Destruction of Wasps. By Mr. James Dall - . - - 4,38 On destroying Slugs by Lime Water, in pre- ference to chopped Straw. By Mr. W. P. Vaughan - - - - 440 On the Culture of the Cow Cabbage, or Cesa- rean Cole. By Mr Bernard Saunders, Nur- seryman, Island of Jersey - - 440 On the Day Lily (//emerocAUis fulva), as a Forage Plant. 3y Mr, J. EUes - -441 Part II. REVIEWS. Transactions of the Horticultural Society of London. VoL VII. Part IL 145. — Vol. VII. Part III. - - - 28.x 51fi Memoirs of the Caledonian Horticultural So- ciety. Vol. IV. Part I L - - 443 :" .9c.'i.;i Catalogue of Works on Gardening, Agricul- ture, Botany, Rural Architecture, &c., lately published, with some Account of those con- sidered the most interesting 149. 299. 445. 518 Literary Notices - - 207. 323. 455 Part III. MISCEll/AI^EOCrS INTELLIGENCE. General Notices - - 324. 543. 650 Foreign Notices : France - - 67. 208. 326. 456. 54^=! Germany - - 69. 209. 326. 457 Holland and the Netherlands - 327 Switzerland - . - 457. 548. 656 Italv . - - 70. 458. 6.57 Sicily .... 657 Spain - - ., ' - .-/ - 71 Greece - K:-^ .ru^nir ■ . 549 Russia - - ' rt - 73 Sweden - . "^ - 548 Denmark . - - 71. 547 Poland, - - - 458 Asia - - - - 74 India - - - ^ . 549 Madagascar - - ■■ - 549 North America - 77. 210. 458. 549. 6.i8 Australia - - - 327. 550 Domestic Notices : England - 78. 212. 328. 458. 551. 659 Scotland - - 82.215.332.461.552.662 Ireland - - - 84. 216. 338. 666 Calls - - - - 557 Domestic Economy ... 363. 667 Hints for Improvements . . 668 Garden Memorandums made during a Tour in Rutlandshire, Nottinghamshire, Lincolnshire, Y'orkshire, Derbyshire, StafTordshire, W'orces- tershire, &c., in October, 1826 - -671 Steam Carriages, and their estimated Influence on Domestic and General Improvement - 684 Hints for Breathing Places for the Metropolis, and for Country Towns and Villages, on fixed Principles ... - 686 Hints for a Plan for saving the Manure lost in the Common Sewers of London, and for ren. dering the Thames Water fit for Domestic Purposes - . - - 690 Parochial Institutions ; or an Outline of a Plan for a National Education Establishment, suit- able to the Children of all Ranks, from \u- fancy to the Age of Puberty . . 692 Cultivation of Waste Lands - - 704 The Condition of the Labouring Classes - 706 Hints for Prize Questions, submitted to Pro. vincial Horticultural Societies i- - 713 Workhouse Gardens and Gardeners - -714 Garden Libraries - - - 94. 226 General Education . - - 223 Notices of Suburban Gardens - - ^o Gardens of the Pantheon, or Colosseum, Re- gent's Park - - .222 Arboretum in the Garden of the Horticultural Society . - - - 344 Commercial Horticultural Society - . 349 The Marquess of Hertford's Villa in the Re- gent's Park - - . 464 The Imi>rovements at Windsor Castle - 604 Two Articles in the Constitution of the Dun- fermline Florists' Society . . 618 Retrospective Criticism 95. 228. 364. 465. 607. 716 Queries arid Answers . 107. 232. 609. 728 Horticultural Society and Garden 85. 216. 342. 466. 611. 735 The London Nurseries 220. 3.^8. 469. 612. 736 Covent Garden Market 85. 219. .341. 472. 616. 741 Provincial Horticultural Societies 89. 220. 349. 473. 618. 742 Biography ... . 496 Obituary - , . .112. 240. 496. 640. 752 vu LIST OF CONTRIBUTORS. A. B. Banbury, 459. A. B. C. 101 1 A Common Gardener ... 732 I A Constant Reader - - - 458. 733 A Florist . - . . 142. 731 A. G. 108. A. G., near Bamsley, 208. 228. 239 \ Agronome - - - - 139. 727 | Aitken, Mr. W 137 A Landscapc-Gardener - - 30. 264 Alcock, T. S. - - - - 229 t Alpha - - - 109. 3iO. 471. 615 A Member of the Baldock Hort. Society 474 Anderson, Mr. D. - - . - 42 Anderson, Mr. William, F.L.S. H.S.&c. 263. 4.^9 An Amateur ... 231. 731 An Artist - - - - - 670 An East Lothian Correspondent - - 608 An Exonian .... 639 An Offset - - - - 111 An Old Gardener . - .109 A Practical Gardener . , - 465 A Shipston Correspondent ... 729 A Subscriber and Well wisher - - 610 A Subscriber to the Gardener's Magazine - 364 Atherstone, G. M. - . . 239 A Young Beginner - - • 611 A Young Gardener - . - 11) B. - - . - - 728 Bischof, Mr. .... 424 Blaikie, Thomas, Esq. ... 456 Botanicus - .... 543 Boyce, Mr. W 730 Bree, Rev. W. T. . - . . 81 Brown, Mr. Samuel . - . 95 Burnard, J. P., Esq. Byers, R. W., Esq. Caldicott, Abraham, Esq. F.H.S. J. S. L. 111. J. T. A. J. D. C. 731. Jessop, Mr. C. Hale J. M. of Philadelphia J. M., White Leaf Johns, William, Esq. M.D. F.L.S. Johnson, G. W., Esq. J. P. 670. J. S. H., Cambridge, 552. Juveuis Olitor - . - J. V. 669. Knight, T. A., Esq. F.R.S. &c. Lang, Mr. Joseph Lawrence, Mr. C. . Limond, Mr. James 1 Lindegaard, Peter, Esq. C.M.H.S. L. K r, M. 107. M a, 457 Maekay, Mr. J. B,, F.L.S. H.S. &c. Masclet, the Chevalier Mearns, Mr. John, F.H.S. Mentor . . . Merrick, Mr. John \ M'Leish, Mr. George Money, Mr. D., F.H.S. . 349 SCO. 437 - 418 Causidicus 82. 103. 230. 239. 671. 723. 732. 375 C. F. W., Draj-ton Churchill, W., Esq., R. M. Clarke, Mr. J. . . C. L. 733. C. M., Norfolk Dall, Mr. James Donald, Mr., F.H.S. E. D. EUes, Mr. J. Errington, Mr. Robert Falconar, David, Esq. Fenn, Mr. George, jun- Ferme, John, Esq. Fintelraann, M. G. A. Fleetwood, Mr. Thomas Fraser, Mr. Charies, C.M.H.S. Eraser, Mr. John French, Mr. D. . F. R d, 611. G. A. E, Gale, 1., Esq. G. C. . 219. 342. 470. 473. 613. 618. 742 G. G., Birmingham ... 239 Glazebrook, Thomas Kirkland, Esq. Gordon, Mr. Alexander Gorrie, Mr. Archibald, C.M.H.S. Halcomb, William, Esq. Hamilton, W., Esq. M.D. Hawkins, Mr. T. 103 . 412 . 95 C. L. B. 47 - 110 . 430.438 - 143 730 . 361.441 98. 107. Ill - 611. 6&i 460 337, siJS. 664 210. 251. 273 . 426 - 280 - 142 725. 730 F. R. S. 105 . 611 9 . 52 . 215 Haycroft, Mr. John Haythorn, Mr. J. Hayward, Joseph, Esq. Hertz, M. W. Hervey, Mr. John Hinkert, Mr. William Hislop, Mr. John Hiver, Mr. Robert Holmes, Mr. J. Housman, Mr. James Howes, Mr. R, L. Hunter, Perceval, Esq, J. H. 238. 338. 460. J. M. 81. J. M., Inverness-shire J. N., a Gentleman's Gardener Inglis, Mr. D, J, P. . . 610 44. 100 - 239 . 733 . 731, 732 . 394 - 132 . 237 - 384 . 722 - 60 - 350 - 49. 232 - 98 - 734 J. L. 458 J. M., Chelsea, 540. 722 - 84 . 238 - 618 J. S. L., CI n, 238 - 212 J. D. P. 731 . 106 . 421 . 610 - 607 11. 127. 404 J. P. B. 622 J. T. 744 . 133 J. W. B. 613 366. 719, 720 - 427 . 731,732 - 462 . 414 . 209 M. A. 670 . 422 . 208 . 717,718 81. 110 - 81 . 48. 416 - 739 M'Murtrie, Mr. W., C.M.H.S. 57. 98. 232. 608 Moggridge, John H., Esq. . .26 Mould, Mr. F. - . - - 435 M. P., Sheffield . - - 215 Murray, John, Esq., F. A.S., &c. 65, 66. 106, 107 - 326 . 101 . 611 213. 277 - 717 . 106 548. 640 - 237 - 387 . 143 P. S. 611 . 239 107. 661 - 552 - 23 - 379 M y Neutral Owen, Mr. John Parker,. Thos. N., Esq. Pearson, Mr. John Perry, Mr. John Petersen, Jens Peter, C.M.C.H.S. Philagros Philanthropist .-.jjicH grif Pike, Mr. Henry ■ i--' tir*. P. R. 724. Q., Bristol Reid, Mr. Robert R. F. ... Rivfere, T. R., Esq. Rinz, Mr. Jacob, jun. »f ^g ^ RoberU, Mr. - " '." - 268 Rollins, iVIr. James - 102. 109. 272 R. S. 551. R. S. E. 18 Rusticus - - . . 734 R. W. - - . - .661 Saul, Mr. M - - - - 728 Saunders, Mr. Bernard ... 440 S. B., Bristol - . - . 238 Sidey, Mr. Charles - . . . 464 Smith, John . - . . 638 Spence, William, Esq. F.L.S. . . ]25 Spinosa - ... 270 Stoke, Mr. N. - - - - 332 Superficial - . - 6-3. 97 Sweet, Mr. R., F.L.S. . . 106. 332 T. B., Bristol . . - 96 T. C, Kensington - . - 332 T. H. 43. Thompson, Mr. Joseph, 253. 257 Thorburn, Messrs. G. and Son Tucker, Mr. H. Vaiiegata Vaughan, Mr. W. P. Verjuice Ward, S. B., Esq. W. B., Dropmore, 215. Webster, Mr. C. F. W. G. W., Lancashire W. H. 332. Wilkie, Mr. James Wilson, Mr. William Winter, Mr. Joseph W. J., Bridport, " 211. 275 274 . 440 104, 105 238, 239 W. D. 15, 337. 391 - 466 - Ill W. H., Kew, 111 6j3. 655 . 62.409 . no W. Jersey, 496 W.M. 240. W.M., Argyleshire, 239, 240. 727,728 W. S., Brussels ... 209, 210 W. W. - . . . 733 X. Y. 112. 212. 458 X. Y. Z., near Renfrew, 664 Y. . . . . - 390 VUl LIST OF ENGRAVINGS. IMPLEMENTS. No. Pane 125 Daisy knife - . .595 127, 128. Short grass-rake - - 597 133. Skeleton plough ... 6.51 134. Spade forks . - - 652 135. Various kinds of spades - - 6.52 136. Wilkie's plough - . .652 137. Wilkie's parallel adjusting brake - 653 138. 139, 140. Various hoes - . 654 143. Rolling barley chopper . - 673 144. Barley chopper - . . 673 146. Daisy rake - - .674 154. The pressing plough - - 677 155. Scraper to the pressing plough . 677 MACHINES. 59. Flower stand . " . .274 81. Diable, for removing trees in boxes . 377 89. Machine for transplanting large trees . 423 111. Eve's rotatory pump . . 545 142. The soude, used for watering . . 655 145. Improved frame for a grindstone - 674 148. Iron frame for weighing sacks - 674 156. to 159. Machine for breaking stones - 678 UTENSILS. 54. Earthenware number tally - - 264 60. Wasp glasses . ... 279 78. Cast-iron vase for a jet d'eau - - 338 147. Iron measure for filling sacks of com 674 153. Draining tile . - 677 162. Fly glass . . .'679 167, 168. Lead vase for flower pots "'- - 683 169. Label for fruit rooms, &c. . - 683 l76. Improved watering-pot. . . 740 STRUCTURES. 124. Straw garden seat . - 594 149. Guard for trees - - - 674 163. Handsome Gothic railing - . 680 165. Wickervvork shrub protector - . 681 166. Garden seats . . - 682 EDIFICES. 18. Rajah Pakse's house, &c. - - 75 55. to 58. Ornamental conservatory 268 — 270 68. to 76. Illustrations to Robinson's Orna- mental Farm-buildings - . 319—322 102. Forcing-houses at Syon . . 102 108, 109. A villa - - . 541, 542 114. Rustic pump-room . . 568 123. Hot-houses at Bury Hill - - 594 150. An old manor house - - 675 152. Cow shed - - -677 160. Mausoleum seen from Greasborough 679 164. Domical hot-house at Bretton Hall . 681 OPERATIONS. 23. Training vines down from the rafters 110 61. 62. Training the vine at Thomery . 278 90. Flute grafting . - -425 98. Setting up sheaves of corn - - 459 DIAGRAMS. 1, 2. Map of the Conductor's tour - 4, 5 4. to 8. Improvements in hot- water system 20 22. Improved mode of paving . - 79 24. Method of marking tallies . . 146 53 Improvements in heating by hot water 261 80. Addition to the machinery of the common hot-bed - - - - 368 83. Manner of making straw or reed mats 415 84. Section of a curvilinear-roofed house . 417 85 to 88. Hot-house combining a pinery, vinery, succession pit, and winter green-house, 418, 419, 420, 421 91,92 Culture of pine-apple without pots 428 93. Pipe for introducing heated air into frames 435. 94. A strawberry wall - - 438 95. Principle of the siphon - - 453 96. 97. Heating bath by the thermosiphon 454 101. Canvass shades used at Syon gardens 510 No.' Page 110. Improvement in heating by hot water 544 118. Trellis. work - . .582 131, 132. Increase in the size of fruit . 609 141. Principle ofthe bent lever in Wilkie's brake 655 161. Improved flue stone covers - . 679 170. Improved gate-latch . .683 171. Breathing places for London .- . 687 172. Training vines down from the rafters 733 173. Tile Chiswick garden . . 735 177, 178. Plan for collecting rain water in gutters 10. 14. 17. 19. 20. 21. 25. 26. 27. 28. 29. 30. 31. 32. S3. 34. 35. 36. 37. 38. 39. 40. 47. 48. 63. 64. 65. 66. 67. 103. 104. 105. 106. 107. 116. for hot-houses PLANTS. to 16. Subal Blackburnia Cow cabbage Cinnamon plant ■ Corypha umbraculifera Cbcos nucifera Borassus flabeUif(jrmis Cattl^ya intermedia BrodijeV grandiflbra Poinciana rfegia Streptocarpus Reaii Clivia n6bilis 5erapi(?s cordigera var, longip^tala Pfrus spfiria Lobelia lengiflbra Maxiliaria cili&ta Roscbens purpurea ■ Eccremoccirpus scaber Tropse^olum tricolbrum Potentilla Russelljnno Heimia ialicifblia Helianthemum scabrbsum iJhododendron chrys&nthum Plnus iPinea Plnus Cembra Cirica Papaya Mutism jlicifblia . 740 54—57 . 65 . 74 . 76 - 77 - 77 - 149 - 151 - 152 . 153 . 154 - 15.'; . 155 - 156 . 157 . 160 - 160 - 162 . 163 - 163 - 165 - 166 - 230 - 231 . 300 - 304 - 310 . 310 . 313 - 518 . 519 . 520 - 521 - 523 . 577 iysimkchia longifblia Pentstemon atropurpvlrea i-'iicus helmintoch6rtos Bon^tefl! specibsa Eulbphia streptopetala Hosackia bicolor Lbwea berberi?b\ia. Aspidistra lurida New variety of Silvia spl^ndens FRUITS. 41. Scarlet Pearmain apple - - 171 42. ripula irltici - - .177 174, 175. Fruit and leaf of Money's West's black St. Peter grape . - - 738, 739 PLANS OF GARDENS AND PARKS. 3. Part of kitchen -garden at Albury . 10 9. Kitchen-garden at Annat - .29 46. Kitchen-garden of M. de Rouvroy - 204 50. to 52. Plan of an estate .- 234—237 79. Arboretum ofthe Horticultural Society 346 99. Syon kitchen-garden . -';S03 112,113. Flower masses, . - 556,557 126. Flower-garden at Ashtead Park .. 595 130. Flower-garden at Windsor Castle - 605 LANDSCAPES. 15, 16. Esrom Lake 72,73 43 Oxneed Hall - 193 44. Ancient garden scenery at Lonj leat - 194 77. Botanic Garden at Brussels - 327 82. Lisbon Botanic Garden - 412 115. Stroud House - 575 117. Midhurst Cottage - .581 119. to 122; Deepdene - - 590, 591 129. Epsom Nursery INSECT. - 597 45. Mole cricket HUMAN FIGURES. .'203 151. A sketch from nature - C7G THE GARDENER'S MAGAZINE, FEBRUARY, 1829. PART I. ORIGINAL CORRESPONDENCE, Art. I. Notes and Reflectiojis made during a Tour through Part of France and Germani/, in the Autumn of the Year 1828. By the Conductor. As every gardener desirous of keeping up his knowledge with the progress of improvement, will not only read whatever is new on the subject of his art, but visit, from time to time, the gardens of his neighbours ; in like manner, the Conductor of a Gardener's Magazine should not only examine the gardens and garden literature of his own country, but those of others. In conformity with this opinion, we made a short tour in France and part of Germany, in the last four months of the year 1828, and we now present our readers with the fruits of that tour. As much of the benefit to be derived from visiting foreign countries depends on the previous knowledge of the traveller, and on his manner of viewing those countries, we shall com- mence by stating our general theory : 1., as to the advantages to be derived from travelling for improvement in gardening, agriculti^'e, and the branches of knowledge connected with these arts ; 2., as to the knowledge required in the traveller ; 3., as to the manner of viewing objects, and seeking after knowledge; and, 4., as to the application of these principles to the countries visited. After giving this introduction we shall submit the details of our tour, allotting a section to each of the principal towns Vol. v. — No. 18. b 2 Notes and Jlejiections made during a Tour which we visited, and comprehending, under each town, the ffardenino; and cultivation of its neiohbourhood. 1. The advantages to he derived by an individual from tra- velling, with a view to his improvement in the knowledge of any particular art, may be included under the discovery of new principles or practices in that art, or the confirmation of such as are already received and adopted. Mere novelty of aspect, seeing the same objects or the same culture in a different situ- ation, under the care of a different description of persons, and carried on by different machinery, will give rise to new ideas. A gai'den or farm exhibiting an inferior degree of culture on the whole, will often exhibit particular points of excellence worthy of adoption into the best systems. A practice which is comparatively new in one country may be old in another, and will there better exhibit its good or bad effects ; or it may be more extended in one country than in another, and, for this reason, may there develope new principles and new conse- quences. To even a superficial observer, the defective prac- tices and inferior results of one country will lend confirmation to the more perfect practices of another. Finally, in passing through countries exhibiting different kinds of culture, under different degrees of perfection, the traveller reviews what may be called a living history of practices, from the inferior to the most perfect, by which he will be enabled to assign to each its proper value. The advantages to be derived by society in general, from the recorded travels of individuals, are so great as almost to comprise all that is necessary to the progress of civilisation. By statistical records, the results of particular laws and prac- tices are shown on a grand scale ; and, from minute details, the individuals of every particular country may adopt from every other country what is congenial to their wants and wishes. Nations, like individuals, can only know themselves by com- paring themselves with other nations ; and, for this purpose, descriptive intercourse is the nearest approach that can be made to actual travellina;. 2. The knowledge required by the traveller should extend to all that has been done or written in his own country ; and all that has been written in others, and especially in the coun- try to be visited, on the subject of his pursuits. He should also possess a knowledge of his own country and that to be visited, in respect to the progi'ess of arts and civilisation gene- rally. Such, for example, as may be got from the best books on geography, in the extensive manner in which that science is now treated. 3. On the maimer of vieimng oJ)jects, and seeking after tliroiigh Part of France a?id Germani/. S knowledge, much of the benefits to be derived from travelhng depends. The traveller, before he sets out, may have con- ceived the idea that what he has to see will surpass every thing in his own country ; or he may have conceived a contrary idea, and that the only benefit he can derive from seeing other countries, is to make him thankful for his own. Both extremes are to be avoided ; and the traveller should, in the first in- stance, proceed to examine and describe all the particulars of a countr}^ as a botanist would examine and describe a plant. The description of the country, or of the practices of any particular art in it, being completed in his mind, he may then compare it with those of other countries, marking the resemblances and differences. In doing this, he should be particularly careful in applying the terms good and bad to the practices or people of any country; because these terms, in by far the greatest number of instances, are merely relative. The original causes of all the grand differences which appear in the productions of the earth, animal or vegetable, are cli- mate and soil. It will almost always be found that similar climates and soils, or, speaking geographically, similar latitudes, naturally produce similar animals and vegetables ; and that the actual differences in the practices of nations living in the same latitudes, depend on different degrees of civilisation. There- fore, of two kinds of agricidture and national manners, each may be very suitable for its own climate and soil, and yet totally unfit for the climate and soil of the other ; and though such agriculture or manners may be said to be bad, relatively to that soil, yet they are by no means bad of themselves, but actually good. Of all the obstacles to self-improvement which a traveller has to contend with, the greatest will generally be found his own preconceived notions. We, in Britain, are particularly subject to this infirmity : first, naturally, and in common with all islanders ; and, next, factitiously, from our commercial in- teixourse with all countries. Finding most countries inferior to us in useful arts and manufactures, we are too a})t to consider them inferior to us in every thing else, or to set litde value on those things in wh.ich they are allov/ed to surpass us. The great use of travelling is to neutralise this feehng, which, perhaps, more than any other is the bane of particular and general improvement. An impartial and careful examination of other countries by a Briton, will discover to him that though they may be inferior to his own country in point of the useful arts and wealth, yet that some of them are superior to it in point of the fine arts and taste ; and what would he say, if he were to dis- cover that in others the state of civilisation and the condition of society evinced a more general diffusion oi' happiness ? B 2' 4 Notes afid Reflections made during a Tour 4. In applying these principles to those parts of the Continent comprehended in our tour {jigs. 1. and 2.), we shall find in- struction derivable from gene- ral novelty, particular points of excellence, and what may be called historical practice, or a view of arts and civilisation in different stages of their progress. ^51 We shall find that though the tract passed over extends to above 1 2° of longitude, yet that it is included in 2° of latitude ; that the general character of the .5(,surface is not materially diflfer- 0 1 2 ;? 4 5 ent, that the chief rocks are limestone, and that therefore the soil must be characterised by that earth ; that the climate must be nearly alike, and in consequence, that the same indigenous animals and vegetables must prevail. The domesticated ani- mals and vegetables, and the native character of man, must also be nearly the same. The causes of variation in this tract of country will be, the difference of latitude, which though it is only one degree, yet still the more northerly degree will be the colder ; the difference in geographical position relatively to Britain, which, being low and surrounded by water, will have a humid and temperate climate; and the difference in eleva- tion, by which Munich being very high and dry, its climate will be cold and its atmosphere clear. Another cause of vari- ation may be traced to the two varieties of man which inhabit France and Germany, and are considered by some natural- ists to be permanent and distinct, and to the mixture of varieties which inhabit Britain. Comparing this theory with what actually exists in these countries and in Britain, we find the general character of the Continental surface undulating with some hills, but few mountains : the soilj for the most part, calcareous, on a cal- through Part of France and Germany, 5 careous subsoil ; the plants chiefly herbaceous dicotyledones, grasses, and the amentaceous trees, as oaks, beeches, birches, &c., and coniferous trees, as pines, firs, and junipers. The artificial character of the domesticated quadrupeds may be considered the same, with some difference in their treatment at Munich, on account of the severity of the winter; the Dutch and Swiss breed of cows, the Flemish and English breed of horses, and the English and Spanish breed of sheep are found over the whole tract, and with proper treatment every where prospering. The nature of the agriaiUiire differs not essentially, but to a certain extent in the following points: — in the difference of latitude and of elevation preventing the culture of the vine, in the northerly degree in most places, and at Munich and 7 8 9 10 great part of Bavaria in the southern degree : in the open temperate winters of Britain admitting the growth of grass at that season ; in consequence of which a great part of the sur- face is in pasture or meadow, and the country is subdivided into enclosed fields for the convenience of pasturing animals : in the clear warm summers of France and Germany ripening more early the corn crops, so as to admit of a second crop on the same soil, but at the same time burning up the grasses so as to render perpetual pastures rare, a disadvantage, however, which might be more than compensated by the facilities which it affords for destroying root weeds ; and in the severe winters by which annual plants are destroyed, or the surface of the soil covered for two or three months with snow, by which field labours are interrupted, and cattle and sheep obliged to be kept in houses. The actual state of the agriculture of these countries, as compared with Britain, differs considerably, in some places, from defective skill and want of capital in the cultivators ; in others, from the culture being of a different kind, as of vines ; and, in most places, from the great division of property and the prevalence of the spade culture. 6- Notes and Reflections made during a Tmir The gardening of the tract visited is farther advanced than that of England in some particulars, and not so far advanced in others. The principles of landscape-gardening are perhaps better understood in Germany than in England, from its pro- fessors being in general men of education : but the practical results, both there and in France, are inferior to those of Eng- land, from the want of verdure and compactness in the turf; want of colour and adhesiveness in the gravel ; paucity of evergreen shrubs, and the want of order and high keeping. The kitchen-gardening is superior, at least in respect to the winter salading, partly owing to the greater demand for that article on the Continent, and partly owing to the greater dry- ness of the air there at that season. The culture of timber trees and the management of forests are more attended to in France and Germany than in England ; because, in the former countries, in addition to all the usual uses of timber, it con- stitutes the principal fuel. The architecture of the towns and villages on the Continent is in a higher taste than in Britain; because, the houses being larger, and the materials of a more durable and expensive nature, more consequence is attached to the building of a house, and hence more care and skill are called into exercise. Another cause which has contributed to the same effect is, that isolated cottages are not common ; and thus the two and three storied houses of villages, each occupied by two or three families, and requiring to be built by regular mechanics, have not degenerated into two or three separate hovels, which the labourers occupying them build for themselves. The ai'chitecture of the public buildings on the Continent is pro- portionately superior to that of the public buildings in Britain ; because, in the former case, the public taste is higher in pro- portion to the public wealth than in the latter. The domestic economy of the tract visited, among the lowest class, differs less from that of the same class in Britain than might be imagined, because the bare necessaries ^f life are almost the same in every country. In the middle and higher ranks it differs in the circumstance, on the Continent, of ex- tent and show in houses and apartments being preferred to neatness, cleanness, and comfort ; in the greater use of vege- tables in cookery; in a more complex and refined cookery; and in the greater use of fruits, and the more moderate use of wines and spirituous liquors, at table. The education of children comes within the province of domestic economy, and in consequence within the limit of our observations. It differs materially in different parts of the tract visited. In some parts of France it is in a great measure through Part of France and Germany. 7 neglected ; while in some parts of Germany it is carried far- ther, by the united influence of parents and the government, than has been done in Britain, or in any other country in the world. The manners of the Continent differ from those of England in being more cultivated and refined, in proportion to the existence of knowledge and wealth ; without doubt, principally owing to the influence of the jnore exhilarating climate on indi- vidual character ; and in Finance, perhaps, in part to something in the original character of the race, in consequence of which, vivacity in conversation and gaiety are in that country neces- saries of life. This vivacity and personal action of the French may be the cause of the limited powers of their language, as the comparative slowness and tranquillity of the Gei'mans are of the profundity and copiousness of theirs ; and the simple structure of the English language may be traced to the taci- turnity and bluntness of Englishmen. The extreme of the refinement and warmth of feeling in the French leads to ofliciousness or insincerity, as the extreme of the more simple manners of Britain leads to neglect or rudeness. The honesty and sobriety of a people depend jointly on their degree of civilisation and the police of their government. France is in these respects superior to England, from her superior police and the prevalence of a better taste in regard to eating and drinking; and die parts of Germany we visited are greatly in advance both of France and England, from the joint effects of a superior police and general education. Respect to the female character materially influences the happiness and dignity of a people, by the influence which it necessarily exercises on social manners and on the rising gene- ration. In France this respect is less than in England, be- cause women there do not receive the same education as the men ; in Germany it is as great as in England, because there the education of the men and the women is alike. Respect to learned men, or men in ^x\y way intellectually eminent, is greater on the Continent than in England ; while respect to wealth and titles is greater in England than on the Continent. Respect to religion is greater in England than abroad, because in England religion is generally connected with morality; whtfi'eas, on the Continent, morality rests chiefly on the utility and enjoyment which the exercise of it procures for society. The spirit of general improvement pervades every part of the Continent, and is even more active in France than in Britain. In Britain the spirit of improvement is chiefly evinced in public works, and in the useful arts and manufactures, and its efforts are characterised much more by superfluity of B 4 8 Notes and Reflections made during a Tour. wealth * than by science or refinement : in Germany this spirit is evinced in public buildings in a superior taste, in agricul- ture, and education ; in France in the amelioration of public institutions, and, at this time more especially, in the establish- ment of a permanent system of national education. Of all the different matters that attracted our attention during our tour, nothing struck us with so much force as the effects of general education in Wurtemberg ; and the general and ardent desire to spread education throughout the lowest ranks, and to establish it on the best and firmest principles, in France, It is clearly proved in Wurtemberg and Baden, that a knowledge of the usual branches of education, such as gram- mar, writing, arithmetic, the French language, geography, natural history, natural philosophy, general history, and my- thology, may be possessed by what is called the very lowest class of society, without endangering the safety of the state, and without preventing the rich from getting servants and workmen of every description. It is also found, that though the inhabitants of these countries are as poor as those of any country on the Continent, yet that they are as honest as any people in Europe, and that there are no mendicants among them, and very few imprisoned for debt or criminal offences. In France it is proved that all the education given in Ger- many, and a great deal more, in short all that is essentially useful and ornamental, may be communicated to children before the age of fifteen, by commencing at three years of age with infant schools, and continuing afterwards by means of the Lancasterian plan. The friends of France and of hu- manity are endeavouring to establish such a system of educa- tion on a permanent basis, and connected with such legal regulations, as shall insure its effectual application to every male and female child born in France. They are at present opposed by those who think it their interest to keep the people in ignorance ; but that so grand a cause will ultimately prevail, those can only doubt who fear its effects. We sincerely hope that France will succeed in showing, to surrounding nations, what is to be effected in the world by rendering all mankind on a level, in point of useful knowledge and agreeable man- ners : for we are persuaded that this principle of high and equal education and manners, will produce in society what no other principle could produce ; or rather, that, in its operation, it will give rise to every other ameliorating principle, and ultimately effect for the human race all the good of v^hich their nature is susceptible. * Buckingham Palace, the Treasury, the water in Hyde Park and St. James's Park, &c. Gardens and Country Residences in Surrey. 9 After these general views, relatively to the subjects which embraced our attention, we shall proceed to give the details from which they originated, and commence in our next Number with Brighton and Dieppe. {To be continued.) Art. II. RemarJis on some Gardens and Country Residences in Surrey, By J. Gale, Esq. Sir, The south-east angle of England, comprising the counties of Kent, Surrey, and Sussex, possesses the best climate to be found in the island for the purpose of horticulture, and accordingly there we find the best common gardens and fi'uit orchards, hop gardens, and formerly vineyards. Having lately visited those counties, I made enquiries respecting the vineyard at Pains Hill, now overgrown by Scotch pine. It was originally planted with white grapes, procured from the neighbourhood of Paris, and a wine similar to champagne was made by confining the must or juice of the fruit in strong casks, bound round with cords, to prevent the force of the fer- mentation from bursting the casks, until the cold of the autumn frosts checked the fermentation. The soil was a poor sand, with a stony subsoil, having the advantage of a southern ex- posure on a steep slope. It appears to have been deficient in depth and fertility, and it is quite evident, if vines were to be cultivated in a vineyard in this climate, that every cir- cumstance ought to be as favourable as possible. Pains Hill vineyard enjoyed only two advantages — exposure and dry- ness ; it wanted fertility, and a loose and more porous subsoil. Claremont, the seat of Prince Leopold, has a magnificent kitchen-garden, with good hot-houses, but the collection of plants is not of the first order, as it seems that expense is rather too much considered by the present proprietor. The house is considered as the masterpiece of Brown, though, in many respects, very full of faults. The entrance hall is in the middle of the south front ; consequently, the two other rooms, on right and left, having a south aspect, are separated by the hall. Claremont seems, on the whole, to be a place adapted for representation more than for comfort. The stables are too distant, and it is quite without a farm, at least no arable land is found within any reasonable distance. Oatlands has also an excellent kitchen-garden, now let to a market-gardener. 1 0 Gardens and Country liesidcnces in Surrey. Having heard of a remarkable crop of mangold wurzel grow- ing at Lord King's, 1 went to see it, and certainly a finer field was never seen. The rows are 3 ft. 6 in. or near 4 ft. distant, and the plants of a surprising size. The crop is supposed to weigh between 50 and 60 tons per acre, without the leaves : it will be taken up in the course of November, when, I was told, the leaves will be ploughed in, and the wheat sowed, with- out further manure or trouble, the land being in excellent order, and as clean as a garden. On enquiry, I was told that three of the largest plants grown here last year weighed 93 lbs., or 31 lbs. each root. The produce of these ten acres is really enormous, and very much exceeds any thing I have elsewhere observed. I did not exactly ascertain whether it was to be attributed to a superior mode of cultivation, or to a soil peculiarly favourable to that root. On examination, the soil is a fine friable sandy loam, very loose and deep. Never having heard any thing of the gardens at this place, I was most agreeably surprised to find a highly decorated and orna- mented terrace, with a profusion of marble vases, stone balus- trades, and a delightful mixture of columns and vegetation, each lending its aid to assist the charm, and I thought the description would be acceptable, as the garden appears to be exactly what is described in your Magazine (Vol. IV. p. 95.), as the best suited to our country mansions. The pleasure- gardens contain a fine collection of evergreens of the choicest sorts, the finest arbutus, bays, cypresses, and evergreen oaks, all in great perfection ; indeed, the soil and exposure are as good as can be. One plant I had almost forgotten, a large Bign6n/« grandiflora, usually seen only in a conservatory, was here growing 20 ft. high, and covered with hundreds of its brilliant flowers. At the end of the house (but in a continued line with the terrace, which is a stone pavement 12 ft. wide) is a long arcade of, I suppose, 100 ft. or more in length, open- ing to a balustraded garden. This must furnish a very pleasant walk in rough wet weather, and is well worthy of imitation. I went from this place to Albury, the seat of Mr. Drummond, situated in a lovely vale. The kitchen-garden is really beau- tiful ', a quarter of a mile long, one straight wall {^Jig- 3. a a). Outlines of Horticultural Chemistry. 1 1 with a broad grass walk in front (6 h). The centre of this wall forms a semicircle, ornamented with niches, and a foun- tain of pure spring water, conducted from the chalk hills (r), and beneath it is a grotto (^/), which opens into the kitchen- garden {e). This place is a sweet, retired, and romantic seat, having only one defect, a want of sun in winter. It now, on the 1st of October, began to look gloomy, from the length of the shadow. In other respects, the soil is very warm and dry, and Mr. Drummond has been most successful in making water meadows, which I went particularly to see. The work is done in the best manner, at a great expense, it is true, but the early grass is invaluable for the ewes and lambs, and the hay is cut twice. From this I went to Lord Onslow's, at Clandon, a vast cold mansion, now deserted, and never very habitable, having the garden, stable, and all a}^pendages of a mansion at the distance of nearly half a mile. I finished my ride by looking at Lord Middleton's seat at Pepperharrow, a gentleman-like residence, on the banks of the Wey. In this county large crops of car- rots are grown for the London market. If agreeable, I will send you an account of some gardens and farms in Kent for a future Number. I am, Sir, &c. October 10. 1828. J. Gale. The continuation of our correspondent's remarks, we are sure, will be highly acceptable to our readers, and we should be most happy if he would supply us with a portion of his gardening tours for each succeeding Number, till he has described all that he has seen. Such papers are well cal- culated to excite emulation both in masters and servants, and they are also very gratifying to such as have little opportunity of travelling, and to foreign readers. — Cond. Art. III. Outlines of Horticultural Chemistry: — Vegetable Phy- siology. By G. W. Johnson, Esq., Great Totham, Essex. {Continued from Vol. IV. p. 452.) The flowers and seeds are those essential parts of a plant by which it is preserved from extinction. Linnaeus has com- pendiously designated the parts of fructification " a temporary part of vegetables, terminating the old individual and begin- ning the new ; " a definition, however, only strictly true when applied to annuals. 1 2 Outlines of Horticultural Chemistry : — The petals of the flower evidently act an important part in nourishing the more essential parts of fructification, since, if they are removed from plants naturally possessing them, I am not aware of a single instance in which the seeds will advance a grade further towards maturity. The stamens and pistils are the most essential parts. The first are the members that secrete the pollen, or fecundating dust, without the application of which to the pistils the seed is never fertile. It is the a7ither, or summit of each stamen, that secretes this fecun- dating matter. The pollen appears to the unassisted vision merely a fine powder ; but, in fact, each grain is commonly a membranous bag, varying in form in different species. Pollen is chiefly discharged from the anthers during dry warm weather ; but each vesicle of it remains entire until it comes in contact with moisture, when it immediately bursts, and discharges its minute particles in a form absorbable by the small ducts of the pistil. The necessary degree of moisture usually exists upon the summit of the pistils, to which the bags of pollen cling, and thus more securely determine the impregnation of the seeds. We are furnished, by a know- ledge of these facts, with a reason for the great injury occa- sioned to orchards, &c., by excessive wet weather during the time of flowering. The pollen is washed away from the anthers as it is secreted, and, exploding at the instant, either does not settle at all upon the pistils, or alights upon them whilst loaded with unnatural moisture which is again shaken oftj or is prevented entering their orifice. They warn us, also, from watering or disturbing unnecessarily the herbage of plants under our care whilst they are in bloom. It is a fact of some importance to be known by the cultivators of hybrids and new varieties, that in dry weather pollen may be conveyed to a considerable distance uninjured. This is demonstrated by many observations on accidental impregnations by the agency of winds, &c. ; and still more decidedly by Linnaeus, who kept some of the pollen of the Jatropha urens in paper for more than a month, which afterwards fertilised the pistils to which it was applied. In the present general diffusion of botanical knowledge, it seems almost trite to observe that the seed-grower should neither exterminate the barren plants of the dioecious class, as in spinach, asparagus, &c., nor remove the unfertile flowers of cucumbers, &c. ; for, without these, the female blossoms would be equally unproductive. Many in- sects are highly injurious in the hot-house, &c., to the plants they contain ; but an indiscriminate destruction is not to be recommended. Many of them bear pollen on their wings, &c., to female flowers, which otherwise would remain unimpreg- Vegetable Physiology, 13 nated. The humblebee, above all other insects, I would have befriended, for its I'obust and hardy form enables it to get abroad and be employed in this useful work, v.hen weaker insects are confined by inclement weather. The stamens are changed into petals in double flowers, which are consequently unfertile : they are often likewise obliterated, either by excessive nourishment, or when the plant increases much by root, as in the Fiery Lily (/milium bulbiferum). If this excessive production of root is very remarkable, it sometimes prevents the production of the flowers of the plant entirely, as is the case with some early varieties of the potato ; for Mr. Knight demonstrated that if the tubers of such were removed as they were produced, the plants blossomed as freel}' as later-tubering varieties ; and, vice versa, the removal of the blossoms of tuberous-rooted plants promotes the size and number of the tubers. It is not to be supposed, however, that fibrous-rooted plants are not similarly aff*ected. I have observed a gooseberry bush, that, from being under the shade of trees, &c., had never borne fruit during a series of years, to throw out annually a very excessive number of suckers. Again, fibrous-rooted land plants, which by accident are growing in water, increase the number of their radiculae enormously, whilst their fructification is diminished and abortive in proportion. Of the pistils, the two essential parts are the stigma, or orifice for the admission of the pollen, generally on the sum- mit; and the germen, which is the rudiment of the future seed- vessel. Pistils, like stamens, are obliterated in double flowers, otherwise they are not so liable to become petals. The production of the seed is " the being's end and aim " of every plant : all its other parts, by ministering in some way or other to its maturity, indicate its importance. Not per- ceiving that a description of the various parts of a seed would lead to any practical hints to the gardener, I shall proceed to the consideration of the phenomena of germination. When a seed is placed in a situation favourable for vege- tation, it soon swells, its skin, or testa, bursts, and a shoot, denominated the ?-fl!r//c/£', is protruded; and, in a short time, this is followed by a second, which is named the phanula. The radicle by degrees sinks into the earth, and becomes a perfect root ; whilst the plumula rises above the surface, to expand, and complete the form of the perfect plant. The essentials for germination are several. The first of these appears to be the perfect maturity of the seed; for, although Sennebier found that peas will sometimes vegetate, though sown in a green and soft state, yet it is certain that the plants raised 14 Outlines of Horticultural Chemistry, from immature seed are always weak in their growth, and unproductive. Some seeds require to be sown immediately after they ripen. The coffee bean, and the seeds of angelica and fraxinella, refuse to germinate if not sown within five or six weeks after they have been gathered : but by far the majority of seeds retain their powers of vegetating, if carefully preserved, for years. Home sowed barley, which vegetated after being gathered 140 years. Farinaceous seeds, that is, such as con- tain a large proportion of starch, usually are those which retain their vitaHty the longest (barley, wheat, and oats, are of this number), inasmuch as that that constituent is very slow in decomposing. Oily seeds, and those enclosed in juicy berries, or other seed-vessels of a mucilaginous or saccharine quality, are the most liable to spoil. It is to be observed that, for the gardener, old seed is sometimes desirable ; the plants from it run less luxuriantly in foliage, and produce their blossom and fruit more early than those from new seeds : hence, for melons, early and late crops of peas, &c., seed that is a year or two old is to be preferred. No seed will germinate without oxygen gas, moisture, and a certain degree of heat are present. The requisite propor- tions of these vary in different individuals ; but, in the total absence of any one, no seed will advance a single grade in vegetation. When all are present to a seed, carbonic acid gas is evolved, and oxygen absorbed. This gas is afforded to the seed from the atmosphere, in which we shall see hereafter it exists in the proportion of about 21 per cent. From the experiments of Saussure we learn that, weight for weight, wheat and barley, during germination, absorb less oxygen than peas ; whilst these consume less than beans and kidneybeans. The first two may, therefore, be buried at a greater depth below the surface of the earth than the last three, without vegetation beiug prevented ; for it is the want of a due supply of oxygen, at great depths from the surface, that prevents the gei-mination of seeds so buried. Seeds that ai-e thus situated, however, will often retain their vegetative power for an a})parently un- limited period : hence earth, taken from a considerable depth, will often, when brought to the surface, be covered with thistles, charlock, &c. In botanic gardens, plants, that were supposed to be lost to the establishments, have often been recovered by the casual digging over the borders where they had been grown; some of their seed having been buried in by a previous turning over of the soil. Seeds abounding in oil have been observed to retain their vitality the longest when go buried. Tendency to Prejudice among Gardeners. 15 Oxygen gas is so essential to germination, that any appli- cation to seeds that affords it to them in abundance greatly accelerates the process :' hence, M. Humboldt found that chlorine, which yields abundance of that gas when in contact with water, by combining with its hydrogen and setting the oxygen at liberty, produced this acceleration of vegetation. At Vienna several seeds, which were of considerable age, and had constantly refused to germinate, did so readily v.'hen treated with it. Plants raised from such seeds arc undoubt- edly more weak than others raised from seed in which no such extra-stimulus is required. IVIr. George Sinclair, author of the excellent Hortus Grcnnineus IVobiirnensis, however, in- forms me that he has employed chlorine with singular success. He obtains it by mixing a table-spoonful of muriatic acid with a similar quantity of black oxide of manganese, and half a pint of water. After allowing the mixture to remain two or tiiree hours, the seed is to be immersed in the liquid for a similar period, and then sown. Another, and, I consider, the most eligible mode of applying the chlorine, was also suggested to me by the same distinguished horticulturist. In this way, he says, he has made tropical seeds vegetate, which refused to germinate by other modes of treatment. He placed the mixed ingredients mentioned above in a glass retort, insertino; its bulb in the hot-bed, and bringing its beak under the pot in which the seeds were sown, connecting it with the draining aperture of the pot. The chlorine gas is gradually evolved, passing through the earth of the pot to the seeds, accordingly as the heat required for the different species induces. Aghard and others have proved that seeds will not germi- nate in any gas without a mixture of oxygen. {To be conlinued.) Art. IV. On the Tendency to Prejudice aynong Gardene7-s ; and on the Importance of the Studij of Botany for crery Class of Cnlti- vators. By W. D. Sir, It is well known that, in many of the humbler professions of life, a great antipathy is generally manifested to every thing which bears on its face the appearance of novelty ; and this prejudice is formed without any one ever taking the trouble to examine whether the novelty, whatever it may be, is decidedly an important one, and calculated to be of essential benefit, or not. This evil spirit, for v,e can call it by no more appro- 16 Tendency to Prejudice amotig Gardeners, priate name, has long prevailed in Scotland to a great extent, and has materially contributed, there can be little doubt, to retard its progress in the march of improvement. Even among our gardeners, this spirit long prevailed. The man who would have dared to change the customary working-tools, and sub- stitute better in their place, or who adopted any new mode of treating plants, or who, in short, proposed the slightest inno- vation in the established mode of gardening, was, a good many years ago, regarded by his brethren as a person who invaded the sacred realms of antiquity, and brought forward his own idle and absurd fancies in place of those fixed opinions which had been sanctioned by, and derived a sort of reverence from, the usage and custom of their fathers. Thus our gardeners were decidedly hostile to every species of improvement. The contemplation of such a picture of decided and bigoted preju- dice, as was, some thirty years ago, in existence, presents a degraded view of human nature ; and it has been owing prin- cipally to three causes that this spirit has been suppressed. First of all, we may attribute its suppression to the labours and exertions of the higher classes, who, being fully able to appre- ciate the value of every new discovery, and having their minds unbiassed by any such prejudices as their servants entertained, willingly gave a fair trial to every thing which promised suc- cess ; and, if useful, they adopted it ; if not, it was rejected. But a somewhat severe task awaited the master in overcoming the pi'ejudiced opinions of his gardener, and substituting in their place correct views and accurate judgments. This, some- times, was difficult ; and not few were those who, refusing to work on any but the old system, threw up their situations at once. The press, too, had a great effect in influencing men's minds, by giving room to free and impartial discussion, and by bringing forward the views of those whom all recognised as well calculated to examine and to judge. The example of those gardeners, also, whose minds were superior to any ab- surd prejudices like those of their brethren, had a great effect in influencing the rest. We now see the Scottish gardeners acknowledged by all to be possessed of a good deal of practical knowledge of their profession. This is their charac- ter in general ; but some of them deserve a higher character, and to this pi-actical knowledge unite a theoretical acquaint- ance with many of its more difficult and abstruse branches. Our gardeners are men of sober, industrious, honourable, and steady habits, having a taste for reading, which, in the evening, when their work is over, they frequently indulge in. Being removed, too, in a great measure, from all companionship, by the circumstance of residing on their master's property, this a7id Importance of the Stiubj of Botany. 17 relish for reading and study naturally gains ground ; and, hence, of almost all the humbler classes of men, we find our gardeners by far the best informed, not only with regard to their own profession, but on various subjects totally discon- nected with it. Indeed, I have often been surprised at the vast store of general knowledge which many gardeners possess. I myself had one, whose talent and observation were so great, that he used occasionally to compose articles for professional magazines, some of which, I had the pleasure to see, were in- serted. Such a gardener is an invaluable treasure. You may rely on it, his work will never be- neglected. It is the ignorant and unlettered, in general, who are obstinate and idle. " 'Tis education forms the common mind, Just as the twig is bent the tree's inclined." This excellent though tiite observation is here, however, very applicable, and its spirit ought to be particularly attended to. From the peculiar advantages which gardeners enjoy, and the good wages which the efficient and valuable among them always receive, they possess the means, if not of purchasing books, at least of reading them at a very trifling expense. But it not unfrequently happens that books of amusement are more eagerly sought for, and read with greater relish, than works of usefulness and professional interest. This is, no doubt, to be deplored, and there is no cure ibr the evil. Some gardeners are of opinion that professional reading is unnecessary, and that much more is to be learned by actual practice than by theory. Upon such men as tiiese, remonstrances and argument will prove very likely unavailing. But I am of opinion that every master who is himself a botanist, should direct, in some measure, the education of his gardener, by lending him books (which, indeed, may be done by every master), by directing his attention to particular circumstances connected with particular plants, and by a thousand other modes ; and there can be no objection started that this inflicts a severe task on the master, and that his instructions will not, likely, be attended to by his servant. The observations made are not to be delivered in the dry uninteresting manner of a teacher to his pupil. Remarks made, casually and sparingly, will, if they be of any value, not fail to be remembered. I anticipate, from the in- creasing relish manifested by persons of every age and station, and of each sex, for the long neglected study of the vegetable kingdom, that we shall no longer meet with gardeners who have no zeal for their profession, going through its duties idly and listlessly, nor with masters who are ignorant of the names and qualities of the plants, trees, &c., in their possession. I do Vol. v.— No. 18. c 18 Conduct of some Master-Gardeners not know exactly what is the case in your quarter ; but in Edinburgh the study of botany is prosecuted by all. Old as I am myself, and long accustomed and habituated to another profession and other thoughts, I have begun, some time since, to this delightful study, and have prosecuted it with the greatest ardour ; and this is not the ardour of youth, quick, fiery, and evanescent, which can be called away in a moment, to be fixed on some more attractive objects. With the excellent Com- pendium of Sir J. Smith in my pocket, and my tin boxes slung across my shoulders, many are the rambles I have taken to Pentland Hills, Roslin, and along the shores of our beautiful Firth ; and great is the good I have derived from doing so, not only in the advancement of my botanical studies, but also in strengthening and invigorating my body, and enlivening my mind. The next time you visit Scotland, Mr. Editor, and happen to be in Edinburgh, you must see my Hortus Siccus, which, I flatter myself, is worth looking at: and here I maybe allowed to observe, that although it is not so much the pro- vince of the gardener as of the botanist to gather a Hortus Siccus; yet, in my humble opinion, no gardener should be ignorant either of the proper time and season for collecting specimens, what parts of plants should, in preference to others, be selected, or of the manner of drying and preserving the specimens when collected. The desire which every one who pretends to even the slightest botanical knowledge, now feels to collect a herbarium, points out the necessity of this addi- tional knowledge being acquired by all gardeners ; and, as the labour and study are not great, nor of long continuance, less excuse can be pleaded for ignorance. You will, perhaps, allow me, Mr. Editor, in the next Num- ber of your valuable Magazine, to give a very few hints on this, in my opinion, interesting subject. I am Sir, &c. W. D. Art. V. Remarks on the CoHdiict of some Master- Gardeners to their Journeymen. By R. S. E. Sir, I AM a constant reader of your Magazine, ^receiving from it both amusement and instruction. Among the many subjects which it embraces, the relative situations and deportment of masters and journeymen gardeners to each other are occasionally introduced. While I regard with the utmost respect the kind and attentive behaviour of many (I hope a great majority of) to their Journeymen. 19 masters to the young men under them, I am sorry, at the same time, to have cause to complain of and deplore the selfish feelings which seem to actuate others. Some gardens which are celebrated for their extent, supe- riority of management, or for the ability or character of the superintendent, are those into which young men are anxious to gain admittance ; but before they can obtain this advantage, they must submit to bribe the master by a douceur of a sum beyond their ability to pay, or to be able to furnish must suf- fer the most rigid self-denial and inconvenience. When such bonus is presented by the pupil or his friends, for favours and instructions received, it comes gracefully from the one party, and may be gracefully and fairly accepted by the other ; be- cause it is an offering of gratitude from the first, and is a tri- bute clearly due to the latter ; but when we see certain men, whom fortunate circumstances have placed in such situations, sternly exacting this oppressive tax, as the absolute passport to their favour, I cannot help thinking that it is as degrading to themselves as it is oppressive to their journeymen. In some cases, indeed, such a claim is perfectly fair : a la- bourer from the fields or pleasure-ground, and who has served no apprenticeship, is ambitious of becoming a gardener, and afterwards offering himself to the w orld as a pupil of the cele- brated Mr. A , from the gardens of the Duke of , or the Earl of ; in this case, the rustic should certainly pay the master who teaches him a business : but the young man, who has served a regular apprenticeship, paid his fee, &c., while in pursuit of a further knowledge of his business, should not, I think, become the prey of rapacity, or have the doors of science shut against him, merely because he has not five guineas to fee the porter. Master-gardeners should really consider this. If eminent in their business, they surely can demand adequate compens- ation from their employers, without leaning oppressively on their young assistants, and depriving them of the means of purchasing books, &c., so necessai'y for acquiring the princi- ples, while they are learning the practice, of the art. I am, Sir, yours, &c. R. S. E, Edinburgh y May 19. 1828. c 2 20 Improvements in heating hy Hot Wafer. Art. VI. Oyi some recent Improvements in the Methods of heating Hot-houses and Hot-beds by Hot Water. By R. W. Byers, Esq. Sir, Thinking that the following expei'iments may be interest- ing to the adopters of the admirable hot-water system, I beg to communicate them, with a few details of their application. For the last twelve months I have had nearly daily experience in my own small houses of the effect of hot water, in preserv- ing heat and stimulating my plants ; even, perhaps, more than I required : and had I not taken great care, I believe many of my AmsivyWidece would have suffered from the great heat given to the sand immediately above my delivering 4 in. pipe ; but, examining the pots several times a day, I could raise them until the damper had taken effect, and reduced the v^ater in the pipes to about 90° or 100°. (This I consider the maximum of heat where you apply bottom heat through a medium of damp sand.) As you may suppose, this plan of raising the pots occupied much time and labour; to obviate it, I resolved to try whether lateral branches might not be ap- plied to the main delivering pipe ; thus constituting it the boiler to the branch. Accordingly, I had an apparatus made of tin, 1 0 ft. long, with 4-inch pipes, not round, but oblate ; from the delivering pipe of which proceeded laterals, of 1 in. diameter, and 10 ft. 6 in. long. {Jig. 4. a a} This was tried, and fully answer- ed, and the branches be- came heated with the same rapidity as the main delivering pipe. Again, 1 had pipes, only three-eighths of an inch in dia- meter, attached to the main delivering pipe, purposely to see if the effect would be the same : the result was equally satis- factory. Again, 1 had a tray made {J^g. 5.), 2 in. deep^ 16 in. lono- and 12 in. wide i|l!l»li!i|i|llll!!lilllil!ll!H|i||ii!illi'!l'l|i|!itiNiiliifr' at one end of which, at the side, a 1-inch pipe (a) was introduced ; and at the opposite extremity, at the bottom, another 1-inch pipe (6) was soldered : this proceeded to, and entered the lower part of, the delivering main, like as hnpro'oements in heating by Hot Water. 21 in the first experiment. {Jig. ^.) When the apparatus was charged with water, and heat apphed, I found the cold water in the tray gradually become warm on the surfaces and as the large pipe became hotter, the water in the tray increased in heat, until the bottom became too hot to keep the hand there. Being desirous of knowing how long a time the par- ticles of water occupied in coming from the bottom of the boiler to the tray, and the rapidity with which it moved in the apparatus, I threw into the boiler half an ounce of archil, which, from its gravity, descended to the bottom of the boiler, and in half a. minute it had risen and passed through a space of 5 or 6 ft., and entered the tray. I3y colouring the water, I had an opportunity of remarking the action of the water as it proceeded from the boiler to the tray. It entered at the upper pipe, went direct to the opposite side, and, instead of descending through the i"eturning pipe, the colour turned to the right and left, and came back again ; and so continued moving backwards and forwards, until the all uncoloured water was expelled, when it began to follow the course of the pure water; affording a beautiful example of the difference in density between hot and cold water. In these experiments the water was heated to about 130'^ ', and the difference in the boiler and tray, where the hot water entered, was 1°; but, at the end of the tray (in consequence of evaporation), it was about 6^. The heat can be cut off from the tray by corking slightly the lateral delivering pipe, as well as the returning pipe; or by stop-cocks, as in the sketch : so that by this means you can not only steam your house or frame, but increase its heat several degrees at will. I proved this by closing both lights of my frame, and opening the pipes of the tray : in ten minutes the heat had increased 10^ throughout the bed. By introducing into the main delivering pipe a circular valve (working through a small tube as high as the top of the boiler, with a handle on the outside, to open or shut it), you would be enabled to turn the hot water on, or prevent it increasing the heat of the house or frame. Even were the water to boil in the boiler, by this valve it would be prevented from over- heating the pipes ; indeed, I should think you might regulate it to the exact heat required. (A stopcock would answet best, but they are expensive when large.) As I think this may prove a most important application of hot water, I will not apologise for being minute. Having de- tailed these simple experiments, I will now attempt to describe the method I adopted in applying them. I did not require pipes so small as three-eighths of an inch in diameter, therefore I used my smallest 1-inch pipes, and my mains were c 3 22 Impraoeinents in heating by Hot Water. 4 in., but pressed or flattened until they became oblate, and for this reason, that there might be sufficient fall or slope for the small returning pipe. I erected the apparatus in a two- light frame {fig 6.)? at the end of which I built a very small IL furnace, and inserted my boiler ( fig. 7.), passing the main pipes along the lowo- end of the frame ; from these proceeded the branches or la- terals, amounting in all to near 40 ft., and about 10 ft. or rather more of main pipe ; these were properly levelled on old tan and sawdust *, and filled with water. In a short time the heated particles gradually proceeded through mains and laterals, and into the tray. I closed the sashes, and in a short time the bed was in a close heat of 72°. Having placed a few plants in it, I soon found they were covered with a soft dew, and having made up my fire for the night, in the morning I was delighted to find the bed had only lost 1°, it being 71". My next object was to find the bottom heat, and by inserting a thermometer into several parts of the bed, I found it from about 86° to 90°. These re- sults seem to offer several advantages ; indeed, I may say, you may almost command every thing but light, through the agency of hot water. Should you require a dry heat, by hav- * What I purpose using in my beds, is coarse sand ; the other materials engender worms, fungi, &c. &c. The method for damping the sand on which the pots stand (as they would be arranged in regular rows), would be, a pipe the length of the bed, or half the length, perforated with small holes on each side, and at the bot- tom about half an inch in diameter, with a piece 6 or 8 in. long, attached at right angles, with a funnel mouth, 3 or 4 in. in diameter, (^g.8.) This perforated tube can be slipped between the pots, and the water poured in at the funnel, and when one side of the bed is watered to go round to the other, of course, introducing the pipe between each row. I think half the length better than the whole, as it would be more conve- nient. On a Winter Garden. 23 ing stopcocks to the tray, no steam will arise ; or, by having a cover to it, this can be effected. Should you require it tor cucumbers, &c., you can have as much moist heat as you de- sire. Should the weather change to either more heat or cold, by allowing or not allowing the water its free course, you can command it. The roots of your pines cannot be burnt, and by properly managing the apparatus, your bottom heat may be what you please; and indeed by having stopcocks at each branch, you may cut off the bottom heat altogether, and yet have sufficient warmth from the mains at the bottom of the bed. My boiler would, I am convinced, heat six such beds, of course having mains and laterals sufficient for each bed, so little file being necessary, and requiring but little attention, when once the water is hot. I closed the frame the other night at about 12 o'clock, at 73^, I also shut the furnace damper; at 9 in the morning the heat in the frame was 72°, the fire was then out, and at 12 o'clock noon I tried the water in the boiler, and found it to be 118°, quite sufficient for every thing, although neglected for twelve hours. My purpose is to con- tinue my experiments, and try a few pines, as I really think I shall be able to do more and much sooner by these means than the usual methods of tan and smoke flues. I shall be happy to receive hints from any of your valuable correspondents on the subject, and should a more perfect explanation be required by any brother amateur, it will afford me much pleasure in assisting him. I am, Sir, &c. Svcan&ea, Oct. 6. 1828. Robert W. Byers. Description of Cuts. Fig. 4. Perspective sketch of delivering main pipe, with laterals ; a a, de- livering pipes ; b b, returning pipes. Fig. 5. Section of tray, with laterals proceeding from delivering main, c. Fig. 6. Plan of frame with boiler, x ; delivering main, c ; tray, y; and la- terals, a a aa and bb b b. Fig. 7. Boiler, 13 in. in diameter at the bottom, 4 in. at the top, and 13 in. deep ', a delivering pipe ; b returning pipe. Art. VII. On a Winter Garden. By T. R. Rivere, Esq. Spring, the most delightful season of the year, wants no panegyric ; it is felt, acknowledged, and enjoyed by all : even the heaths, moors, and forests present us with various tints and hues : indeed, the whole country blooms, and is a kind of garden, and affords more various beauties than are to be found even in a garden at another season. But art can do what nature, uncultivated, forbids ; for in the most uncomfortable c 4 24 On a Winter Garden. parts of the year, we have gleams of sunshine and fair wea- ther, and often, in November, January, &c., there are days as fine and agreeable as any in the summer months, which may be enjoyed by every lover of a country life when walking in a winter garden. Such a one 1 will endeavour to describe, or rather give you a description of such a one as I have formed at my cottage in the country. The cottage is situate about the middle of the garden, which consists of one acre : it is a parallelogram, or long square, being exactly as long again as it is broad, sloping gently to the east. One fourth of this spot I have endeavoured to convert into a winter garden. On the north side is a brick wall ; on the south, plantations of ever- greens ; at the top, facing the east, the house stands ; at bottom, facing the west, is a summer house. The wall is well clothed with bearing peaches and nectarines. About 18 inches from the wall, I have planted chrysanthemums, 4 ft. asunder, which, during the summer months, are tied up to strong sticks. About the 10th of October, when the fruit has been all gathered, I untie them from the sticks, expand, and tie them to the fruit trees, generally so that they completely cover the wall, at least from 2 ft. from the ground to the top, 8 ft. I find not the least impediment to the ripening of the fruit by the chrysanthemums, as sufficient sun and air come between them for that purpose ; and they being 18 in. fx'om the wall, there is plenty of room to manage the trees. As they decay, I cut them off, for nothing is more unsightly than decayed flowers or stalks in a well regulated flower-garden. On the south side, the back row is a perfect yew hedge; the border from which, 8 ft. wide, consists of boxes, Portugal laurels, arbor vitae, yellow-berried privets, Chinese privets, ^'rbutus, Symphoria or snowberry ; variegated and green "hollies, of all the varieties, perhaps twenty ; laurustinus, Alexander laurels, butcher's broom, Ai'icuba jap6nica,Phill5'rea, bays, and others; all disposed according to their difterent heights : which border extends, in a semicircular turn, to the summer-house ; on the other side of which, up to the wall, is a corresponding semicircular border, planted with the same mixture of evergreens. Likewise, at top, on each side of the house, there are similar borders ; so that the area, or open space, is a long oval ; dispersed over which there are a num- ber of circular and oval clumps, of different sizes. In the middle of each is an evergreen, from 4 to 5 ft. high, of the more choice kinds, such as Scarlet Arbutus, Magnol/a grandi- flora, Mespilus japonicus, two or three fine hollies, &c. ; and each clump has a proper number of chrysanthemums, of the hnrdier kinds, such as the crimson quilled, white, French wliite, On a Winter Garden. QB changeable pale buff, Spanish brown, buff, rose, bright yellow, 8:c., each separate sort on a clump ; and I believe I am not the only one who admires flowers in masses. On each side of the summer-house there are edijin2;s of the //elleborus niijer or Christmas rose. Now, I must extend this description as long as nature continues to assume the aspect of winter, say till about Lady-day, for no deciduous trees or shrubs burst their buds till after that period. Edgings of early spring flowers are round each clump, such as Eranthus hyemalis or winter aconite; hepaticas, white, blue, and red; snowdrops, Persian Iris, primroses, violets, &c., and a most extensive variety of crocus of all hues, more than twenty sorts; some of which are in bloom from the beginning of February till the end of March. Likewise, the front edge of the border, by the wall, consists of crocus ; the edge of the evergreen border of Amaryllis lutea, which, being in the shade, bloom late, and are in full flower from the beginning of November till Christmas. I cannot describe the animatinfj delight and satisfaction which I feel when, in a sunny day, I throw up my dining- room window, or am seated in the summer-house opposite, at any time from November till April (I certainly except frost and snow, for, as Virgil says, — " Ante focus, si frigus erit, si messis, in umbra"); * I say my sensations are exquisite, when looking down on such a beautiful assemblao-e of delishtful colours, brouijht together by the art of the horticulturist. Li November the wall and clumps display all the various hues of that delightful autumnal flower, the chrysanthemum. Among the evergreens, the scarlet blossoms and fruit of the arbutus, the pure white of the snowberry, the yellow berries of the privet, the yellow and scarlet berries of the hollies, the blossoms of the laurustinus, the fieiy berries of the Pyracanthus, are most conspicuous, not to mention the charming variety of colours displaced in the leaves of each kind. Li December, to the end of the year, the later kinds of chrysanthemums are in bloom ; indeed, they may be called the flower which links the autumnal and spring flowers, with perhaps the exception of one link, which January knocks out. That certainly is the only month in which the borders are devoid of flowers ; for no sooner does February commence, than, as Milton finely describes, — " When from mountain tops t'le dusky clouds Ascending, while the north wind sleeps, o'erspread Heaven's cheerful face, the low'ring element * " Before the fire, if winter, if siimmei-, in the shade." 26 Laying out and planting ^urying-G rounds. Scowls o'er the darken'd landskip snow, or shower, If chance the radiant sun, with farewell sweet. Extend his evening beam, the fields revive. The birds their notes renew, and bleating herds Attest their joy, that hill and valley rings." Flora begins to delight the eye with the colours displayed in the winter aconite, Christmas rose, snowdrop, some early blooming crocus ; and every succeeding fine day produces more beauties to the end ot" the month ; and further, to the end of March, the winter garden is one glow of the most enchanting brilliancy. So ends my feeble description of a winter garden. Every thing is more enjoyed and appreciated by contra- rieties : for when I walk through the fields in November, the leaves fall, or are fallen; the gravel walks in my winter garden are as clean as a carpet, there being no deciduous trees to strew the ground with their falling leaves. In every succeeding month, till April, the trees and hedges are leaf- less, and no flowers to be seen : enter the winter garden, you are struck with something like a fairy scene ; and the most unconcerned observer cannot help admiring the beauties of nature, so various, so charming, brought together into so small a spot by the art of the floriculturist. Often, in October and November, there are sharp fi'osts for a night or two. I protect the chrysanthemums on the wall by hanging mats on iron hooks, about 4 in. from the wall. The same expedient I likewise use to protect the peaches, &c., when in bloom. Those in the borders I protect by hanging, on the top of each stick to which they are tied, conical paste- board caps. With this smiill trouble of protection, I insure a fine bloom ; when those in the gardens of my neighbours, for want of such attention, are generally defaced by the frosts. T. R. RiVERE. Hampden Cottage, Saxvbridge'wort//, Heitfordshire, Jan. 2. 1829. Art. VIII. On the laying out and planting of Burying-Groands. By John H. Moggkidge, Esq. Sir, I WAS much pleased with the introduction of the subject of burying-grounds in the last (December) Number of your highly interesting Magazine, and with the promise of a fuller notice of it on some future occasion. It is a subject which I hope you will resume in your next Number ; for 1 know of no one better qualified to originate the long wanted reform in Laying out and planting Buri/ing-Grounds. 27 churcliyards and burying-grounds of every description than yourself^ nor of any one better deserving the honour of being the first to improve the taste of our countrymen in this re- spect. For myself, I freely own, that I am personally and peculiarly interested in the speedy redemption of your pledge, being at this moment in the act of enclosing a burying-ground of about half an acre, which 1 destine for the use of the inha- bitants of my largest village (Blackwood), of the origin and progress of which I have before given you some accounts. The reform of parish churchyards, I fear, will be attended with some difficulty, or at least it may require considerable time and attention to mature such a plan for that purpose, as may not be frustrated by the self-interest of some persons, and the prejudices of others. As the consecration of my village burying-ground will be the mere act of setting it apart for the necessary purposes of a receptacle for the dead, no greater holiness will be conferred upon it in the eyes of the vulgar than the God of universal nature has conferred upon all his works, and therefore there will be no vulgar prejudices to be shocked ; and as there will be no interest created in it, apart from its appropriate object, there will be no selfish feeling excited to hostility. A plan for laying out snc/i a burying-ground, you, who have thought on the subject, will therefore find no diffi- culty in submitting to your readers. My intention is to have the whole area trenched, and cropped for one season, and as soon as prepared, to plant, this winter, a narrow belt of trees and shrubs all around it. These, I venture to surmise, will be a part of your directions in all cases ; it is of the nature of plants to be employed, and the arrangement of the interior, and its appropriation to the dead and the living, and its after management, that I wish to see a particular account from your pen. I say appropriation to the living as well as to the dead, because until the whole of the ground be required for the lat- ter, some disposition must be made, and care taken of what is not actually appropriated for burying in ; and will you con- sider how far, and under what regulations the living should be either required or permitted to keep neat or ornament the graves of their relatives and friends ? Such of your readers as have felt an interest in the statements I have sent you re- specting my village system, or who are concerned for the im- provement of the moral and personal condition of the labour- ing classes of society, will be pleased to hear that the system I have adopted continues to " work well." The three villages on my property in this neighbourhood now contain two thou- sand inhabitants, a considerable proportion of the male part of which have freehold leases. Since my last letter addressed 28 Plan of the Kitchen-Garden at Annat. to you on this subject, the school-room in Blackwood village has been fitted up as a chapel also, in which divine service is performed twice every Sunday to respectable congregations ; and in order to offend the prejudices of none, and to include within its benefits as many as possible, this service is meant to be practical rather than theoretical; but where doctrinal points are necessarily touched upon, the express words of Scripture are preferably used. A Sunday school has been lately established in the same village, and a society for free enquiry, which promises to flourish, has held its weekly meet- ings by permission in the school-room, and they are meant to be continued every Wednesday evening. I am. Sir, yours truly, John H. Moggridge. Woodfield, Monmouthshire^ Dec. 12. 1828. We shall have great pleasure in complying with the request of our much valued correspondent in a future Number ; at pre- sent (Jan. 19.), having staid rather long in Paris, we have hardly time to prepare the present for the press. — Cond. Art. IX. Plan of the Kitchen-Garden at Annat. By Mr. Archibald Gorrie, C.M.H.S. Sir, I BELIEVE with your correspondent, Mr. W^ilson (Vol. IV. p. 353.), that it is both possible and desirable to make " a kitchen-garden as agreeable and as interesting a scene as any other part of a country residence." Utility is very closely connected with our ideas of beauty, and I know of no spot of ground within the landlord's demesnes, of equal value with the kitchen and fruit garden. Irregular figures, which resemble the freaks of nature, can- not indeed with propriety be admitted within a walled garden. To facilitate the operation of straight row planting, it is in some degree necessary to have the plots rectilinear, at least on two sides. An opinion too prevails, that walls which form any segment of a circle promote injurious reverberation of winds, and hence, in a majority of instances, straight-lined walls are adopted ; and this regularity in the building must be accom- panied by a similar style in the ground plots. Where "every alley must have its brother," the variety which pleases i» viewing natural objects is absent. After long experience, I cannot subscribe to an opinion which I believe to be pretty general, that curvilinear walls are Plan of the Kitchen-Garden at Aunat. 29 more injurious, or less protecting to tender fruit trees, than such as run in straight lines. On circular walls I have always found the fruit and wood as early, and as well ripened, as the same variety on the same aspect on straight-lined walls. Where such walls form a parallelogram, 1 have always observed that at and near the corners the wood was small, drawn, and un- healthy ; the blossom scanty, and the fruit few, puny, and insipid. Through the kind indulgence of one of the very best of masters (the late Lieut. General R. Stuart, of Rait), 1 was allowed, twenty years ago, to lay out Annat garden agreeably to my own fancy, a plan of which I shall subjoin [fg, 9.). ,^^^^wy22^i2;!!^2^^^^^ The curve in the north wall admitted of similar curves in the adjacent lines; the south outside and inside walks and borders are level across, rising very gently from the middle to the east and west walls. From the inside of the interior border the ground rises towards the north wall a foot in twelve. The wall- borders and walks on the outsides of the west, north, and east walls are also level across; the banks which form the slip on these sides, rise with a regular slope from the low walks, which bound the wall-borders to the height of 14 ft., the upper walk is thus on a level with the top of the garden wall. As the garden is situate an a sloping bank about 130 ft. higher than the adjacent low Carse of Gowrie, the upper walk on the top of these banks forms a delightful promenade ; and to ren- der it interesting to the lover of botany, a collection of herba- ceous plants, arranged after the sexual system, commences at the south side of the east outer gate, and is continued in the 3 0 Landscape- Gardening, border next the hedge, all round, and terminates at the north side of the same gate. The south outside border forms a ter- race, and is enclosed by a holly hedge on the top of a sunk fence. The rest of the slip is bounded by a hedge of thorn and holly alternatel}', enclosing in all an area of 2^ Scotch acres, in which space the length of walks is 1230 yards, lead- ing to considerable variety of ground and objects, without the appeai'ance of being crowded. A few fruit trees are planted irregularly in the banks, and the ground is occupied as a nurser^^ a aa are three semicircular sloping walls, recently made, to give Mr. Henderson of Brechin's mode a'fair trial; c c are beech hedges, l^ ft. high, to correspond with the height of the wall, separating the south outside walk and borders from the rest of the slip, which gives that place an air of retirement ; c e e, the brick walls ; d d, the hedge round the slip. My time does not at present allow me to give a transverse section, but I trust the inclination of the ground will be easily under- stood from the description. If you insert this in your valuable Magazine, it may induce others of my brethren to communicate plans of such gardens as they may have laid out, and thus by criticising our works, you may promote the embellishment of the kitchen-garden, as well as confer a favour on. Sir, yours most respectfully, Atmat Garden, near Errol, Perthshire, Akchd. Gorrie. January 6. 1829. Art. X. On Landscape-Gardening,' as a Part of the Studij and Business of Practical Gardetiers. By a Landscape-Gardener. {Continued from Vol. IV. p. 476.) Of Buildings. — Although buildings are not the immediate concern of the landscape-gardener, yet as they have a relative and imposing effect on his dispositions, and very often govern many of his operations, it is necessary he should understand as much of architecture, as will enable him to judge how far the style, magnitude, and situation of a mansion is in conso- nance with the character of the grounds. Without such know- ledge he will be unable to adapt new features with propriety, or correct incongruous features which exist, so as to produce a harmonious whole. If a picturesque building stands on a district of the same character the improver's task is easy; or, if a beautiful Gre- cian house be surrounded by beautifully disposed grounds, his business is equally so. The magnitude of the building in tsoitli regard to Practical Gardeners. 31 either case directs the magnitude and style of the accom- paniments. If such congruous circumstances be reversed, much address will be required to make a consistent M'hole. To change beautiful ground or scenery into that of a picturesque charac- ter, though perfectly practicable, would incur heavy expense, and occasion many ridiculous exploits ; and to reduce pictu- resque scenery to that of beauty, would require such a system of leveling and smoothing operation as would offend every eye of real taste. If it be necessary that the gardener should know enough of architecture to be able to accommodate his featui'es to the character and magnitude of a mansion, it is no less necessary that the architect should be conversant with the principles of landscape, in order that no such incongruities of architecture and natural scenery above alluded to should ever occur. In- deed a question has arisen, whether the architect or landscape- gardener should hejirsf employed in the formation or improve- ment of a country seat; that is, whether the site of a new house should be fixed by the former or the latter. On the one hand it is admitted, that, as the architect must be account- able for all the comforts, the stability, and the external appear- ance of the dwelling, he should certainly have his choice of the spot where it could best stand. This granted, the gar- dener Avould only have to dovetail his accompaniments of wood, water, &c. to complete the place. But, says the gar- dener, the natural features and character of the country, the uncontrollable " genius of the place " should govern the architect as well as himself. The natural character is fixed ; and there is almost always a central point which commands the greater share of the surrounding surface, or at least the most interesting parts of the landscape, all circumstances of convenience, aspect, and propriety considered. The principal windows of the house should command the best views ; and if this has been neglected by the architect, the gardener's busi- ness is rendered difficult, it will be beyond his power to form a consistent whole ; his general design, which the character of the place imposes, will be deranged, and, consequently, imperfect. This shows that the artists should understand something of each other's business, and should always regard each other's opinion. When, however, this very material point has been neglected by the architect (and which is too often the case), all the gar- dener can do in such circumstances is to make the immediate accompaniments of the house partake as much as possible of 3,2 Landscape-Gardenings its character, and improve the distant scenery as will best accord with its natural character. With respect to ornamental or horticultural buildings, their place is usually fixed by the gardener, and the structure, in course, is arranged by the architect, the style of the house being the basis. The foregoing observations are preliminary to the practical remarks which follow, and which are intended to show more directly their application. This will be easiest done by choos- ing well known subjects, where the landscape-gardener's art is alv/ays displayed. The limjal Palace. — Royal palaces are generally in the environs of the metropolis. Champain scenery can but rarely be appropriated as an appendage, but whatever portion of ground may belong to the royal residence, it must be disposed in a style which at every step should impress ideas of gran- deur and pre-eminence. Had the architect and gardener a choice, they would place the palace on a considerable emi- nence ; its front overlooking the city ; its gilded domes sur- mounting all other objects, and commanding as extensive views as possible of the subject territory. The architect would place the palace on a raised terrace, faced on the front and flank sides in the same architectural style as the palace itself, surmounted by a balustrade, and all the objects of Italian gardening; in the rear will be placed the various offices, closely surrounded by thick plantations, in which may be shady rides, &c. The gardener's business here will be to apply the principles of Dutch gardening, by tracing from the three fronts, direct, and very wide glades or approaches to, or openings from the the palace, each terminated by suitable buildings as gates, or pavilions. The sides of these openings should be planted with double or treble ranks of regular-growing trees, as limes, elms, planes, or chestnuts. Two intermediate glades may diverge from the angles of the principal front also regularly planted. The angular spaces contained between those diverging avenues should be filled with dense masses of trees, intersected by right-lined vistas from different parts of one opening to an- other. No kind of variety, intricacy, or irregularity should be admitted here; nothing should distract the eye, or call the mind from the serene dignity of the scene. The architecture, masses of vegetation, expanses of lawn and water, and walks, should all assimilate in amplitude. Country residences for royalty have no peculiar distinction from those of the nobility, save only, perhaps, regal emblems on the gates, and among the architectural ornaments of the *iX)ith regard to Practical Gardeners, 33 buildings. Temporary residences, as pavilions, cottages, &c., may be decorated as fancy may suggest ; it is impossible that any rule of art or taste can be applied, in blending the insignia of a palace with the humble structure and homely exterior of a hut. The Episcopal Palace. — Seclusion and solemn quiet are the principal characteristics of a bishop's palace. It is but seldom that such a place is formed anew. If the gardener is called on to improve, he has only to preserve every mark of antiquit}', and add such features as will assimilate with its character. The ancient avenue leading to the venerable pile : groves of full-grown trees, in which the spreading cedar, cypress, yew, and towering pines prevail ; shady walks leading from the cloistered wings ; the well-stocked fish-pond, and the walled garden, are the usual accompaniments of such a residence. Evergreen shrubs should prevail to the embowering privacy of the home walks. Distant views may be admitted, but so as not to expose the palace ; and intermediate scenery may be improved, as will best accord with the general character of the domain. Abbci/s, Priories, Sfc. — These old religious establishments are now chiefly lay property. Where they have been changed into private dwellings, the original Saxon or Gothic style of building, in many instances, has been preserved, and conse- quently imposes a corresponding style of accompaniment. Many fine old places of this description have been sadly de- nuded by systematic levellers, without taste or reflection ; and the old stately mansion thrust out upon a naked lawn, com- pletely stripped of all its former honours. When the gardener is called on to improve such places, he will do well to preserve some of the old contemporary accom- paniments of the house, restore such as aie wanting, save all the oldest trees, and endeavour, by a judicious disposition and choice of young ones, to give the whole a bold picturesque character. Tufted-headed trees, as the evergreen and common oak, elm, &c., contrast well with the perpendicular lines and shadows of Gothic architecture; and the mature forms of the cedars and Scotch fir, produce a contrast quite suitable with this style of building. Such buildings also requn-e to be more closely concealed by wood than those of more modern date; for which purpose, the glades through which they are seen should be closer ; separate parts of them only shown in de- tail. Castellated Mcnisio)is. — Many of those Norman structures still remain as country seats of noblemen and gentlemen, and many new buildings have been erected in imitation of them. Vol. v.— No. 18. d 84 Landscape-Gar deningf As the complexion of a castle declares it to be for defence and security, the deceit may be carried a little farther for the sake of consistency, by giving the ground some impressions from the science of fortification. The scarp, fosse, and cotmter- scatp, may be well and rationally imitated in forming a ter- race. The ha-ha may represent a line of circumvallatiun be- yond a glacis of lawn. Approaches may be quite in character. If water be in the composition, a tete du pont would be no mean embellishment ,• and covered iioaijs may be introduced with perfect propriety. In short, an uncle Toby designer might ichnographically make out a very clever thing; and altogether as rational, as planting a park in the order of some famous battle. But as these castellated mansions (designed in the office of the architect, perhaps, without reference to their intended site) are often seen standing in the midst of beautiful grounds, the gardener can hardly determine what to do with them. Nothing that he can do will be at once consistent with such a building and such a place. The character of the building re- quires the boldest description of picturesque scenery ; but this cannot be done upon a surface which is simply beautiful. But when such buildings stand on a site which justifies their character, where the difficulty of approach and commanding height gives the idea of impregnability, like the aerie of an eagle built on high ; crowning the highest peak of a pi'omon- tory, or the top of an insulated rock in the middle of an exten- sive vale ; where the surrounding country is of a mountainous character, here shooting boldly forward in disjointed cliffs, and there receding back in deep winding dells ; such position for a castle is in every respect appropriate. As the dread of hos- tile attack no longer exists, all the enrichments of planting may be given, even up to the ramparts ; on the surrounding heights ; on the sloping sides of the dells : on the shelves of the rocks, and in detached groups in the vale, to checker the verdant mead. Water usually abounds in such situations ; and whe- ther as a partly surrounding lake, or river, much may be made of it. Bridges, islets, sailing vessels, with all its gay reflections. Fortunate is the possessor of such a romantic spot ; every kind of scenic gratification may be his. Happy the designer who has such a spot to decorate ; it allows full scope for the exercise of his powers, the most ample field for the display of his talents. Beauty may be presented playing on the banks of the lake ; picturesqueness will appear in the irregular ele- vations and outlines of the buildings, and from the broken and shaggy fronts of the higher grounds ; and even impres- with regard to Practical Gardeners. SS sions of sublimity may be felt in the contemplation of such a union of the works of nature, heightened by those of art. Country Seats. — The manner in which a great majority of those delightful residences are laid out and improved by the landscape-gardener, has created a style which has acquired the distinction of English gardening. The finely wooded state of the kingdom at the time the present fashion was intro- duced, enabled the designers to execute this peculiar style with very fine effect. Even entirely new ])laces, taken in from commons within the last foui'score years, have risen into admirable beauty and value. Many of them are perfect types of the chastely beautiful, the interestingly picturesque, and numbers, from their extent and magnitude of design, truly magnificent. Such places deserve imitation, as they are examples of our national taste ; but it is impossible to lay down any thing like rules for the execution. The character of the country, of the place, its buildings, woods, peculiar features, and situation, form the basis, on which whatever the improver may see fit to add or take away must be founded. T/ie Ferrae ornee. ■ — To surround a country residence with beautiful scenery, invariably requires a sacrifice of useful land, not always agreeable to proprietors of limited fortune or pos- sessions. To get rid of this difficulty, it has been urged that no marks of useful and necessary cultivation can possibly offend the eye of taste, provided they are not forced into notice ; that a walk or ride through fruitful trees, waving corn, and thriving sheep is as interesting, and may be made as inviting, as the devious drive through open groves, exotic shrubs, and dappled deer. An ornamented farm has there- fore been admitted as a legitimate expedient of uniting the beauties of landscape with all the advantages of a fertile soil. A farming gentleman may have " a painter's eye," and, in disposing his farm, will wish to keep a moderate space before his windows in highly dressed order; next, his meadows and pastures in a park-like state, and his arable fields in the off- scape. These last he will intersect with i-ides or green drives along his hedge-row elms, or through irregular groups of unlopped trees, that he may visit at pleasui'e his ploughman's furrows, his mower's swathes, or " reaper train." Such things have been executed with great success, and chiefly by the highly talented proprietors themselves. Some of the most interestinij estates in Britain are laid out in this manner. It has the peculiar charm of uniting the sweet with the useful ; and, though such a disposition cannot be allowed with propriety to break in upon the high keeping of a noble- D 2 36 Latidscape-Gardening, man's seat, it is by far the most suitable for that of a private country gentleman. No landscape-gardener, however, is equal to the task of doing this properly, who has not an intimate knowledge of the necessary convenience, operations, and practical routine of agriculture. The Ma?ior House. — This building, with its " hall of grey renown," requires no particular embellishment from the gar- dener, save what the lord (if he be a resident) or his agent may wish, to distinguish it from the farm-houses around. If it has no old marks of superiority about itself, a few groups of conspicuous trees, planted near it, will sufficiently answer the purpose. 77ie Himting Box. — This is erected on manors, or portions of the estate at a distance from the principal seat. Intended as an occasional residence, the house itself is small, but with ample additions of stabling, kennels, boiling-houses, &c. The pasture ground is divided into paddocks, diverging from ex- tensive circular sheds or hovels near the stables, for the con- venience of turniuff out and feedino- the stud. The fences between the paddocks should be high and thick hedges. Several clumps of shady trees should be planted in each paddock, and supplied with water, either in ponds or troughs. The Rural Villa. — These dwellings appear in the neigh- bourhood of country villages. Placed near the end of a square meadow, a little dressed ground for shrubs and flowers in front, a garden and meadow behind, surrounded by a planted walk of trees and shrubs, in a belt within the outer fence, completes the place. Tovon Villas resemble the foregoing, only the house is larger, and the premises are surrounded by walls and iron palisades. The disposition of the interior is more a work of fancy than of taste. Ornamental Cottages. — Much of " this kind of thing" is done in all parts of the country. All the extravagances of fancy and whimsical conceit, are exercised in torturing costly materials into all the accidentally rude members of the poor man's hut. The gaudy colours, and fantastic forms, with which some of these erections ai-e bedizened, seem to be nothing more than the romantic devices of a citoyenelle. Muslin or silken curtains, flapping through the lattice-glazed window, plastic figures from the antique, and the most valuable exotic shrubs grace the little lawn ; a Grecian or Gothic portico screens the front door, while the rats and sparrows are nestling in the frowning thatch. Rational taste is not wanted, and very seldom consulted in such affairs ; still castellated cottages "with regard to Practical Gardetiers. 37 arise, and not unfrequently do they appear in the semblance of Gothic chapels. Notwithstanding such freaks of tasteless expenditure, it is, upon the whole, not amiss, as encouraging mechanical trade ; and an indication of the improving taste, however defective, of the country. A man " who pleases to want " such things, and is gratified with showy plants, furniture, and a conspicuous house, evinces superior intellect ; he is above the sordid feeling of getting all he can, and keeping all he can get; besides, such a fashion dresses the face of the country, and is, unquestion- ably, a sign of national prosperit}'. Of the Entrance or Approach. — The tracing out and execu- tion of this material appendage to a country mansion, is an affiiir which requires particular attention. The outer gate and porter's lodge ought to partake of the architecture of the house, and be, in character and design, proportionable thereto. Its place should be at some inviting })oint, at a proper distance from, and before coming abreast of, the house, and, if possible, where the public road appears to diverge therefrom. The approach should rather ascend to the house than otherwise. The easiest line for a carriage will also be found the most graceful. No attempt at great display of the mansion and park should be made immediately on entering the latter; a glimpse only of the former may be had ; and at which point, as much of the carriage-road as is seen in advance, should appear to trend towards the house. No more of the house should be seen, till almost arrived at the hall-door. No inte- rior gate should be allowed. Ilj from inequality of ground, the road must be conducted in various directions, much of the line must not be visible at once ; and, for every such turning, there must also be a visible reason ; the deviation and the cause should always appear together; nothing is more ridiculous than proceeding over a vacant space, without some leading object. A house, trees, bridge, or gate, are objects which can only justify any departure from a direct course. For the sake of easy sweeps, or for gaining some very interesting point in proceeding from the outer gate to the house, obstacles may be placed or planted after such sweeps are made. This is per- fectly justifiable, if good reasons can be given for it. The properties of a well-made carriage-road are, firmness, dryness, smoothness, and durability. To obtain these, much depends on the quality of the material. If gravel, or stone of sufficient hardness can be had, a good and substantially firm road may be made. First dig out the bed of the road, to the depth of fifteen or more inches (if the subsoil be clay, or soft earth), which may be carted or wheeled away, except what D 3 38 Landscape-Garde7iing, may be wanted to make up the sides in passing through hollows. Fill this bed or trench, two thirds of its depth, with the coarsest of the metal, i. e. stones of from six to three inches in diameter, well compacted together. On this foundation, lay a stratum of screened gravel, or finely broken stone, two inches thick, also well and equally trodden down ; and, lastly, cover over with a thin coat of fine sandy ijravel or road-sand. The surface should be very nearly level across, leaving it but slightly raised in the middle ; and the utmost care must be taken 7wt to level it longitudinally, but gradually and almost imperceptibly undulating, so that no surface water may lie, particular care being taken that it be drained off into the turf, at every dip or depression. A road which is longitudinally level, never dries quickly ; on which account, it is also less durable. This is the greatest error of public-road makers ; M'Adam himself not excepted; because, a road guttered by carriage-wheels prevents water running off transversely. With respect to the width of a carriage-road, it should be, more or less, according to the size of the place, or to the qua- lity and firmness of the ground over which it passes ; for, if this be firm enough to bear a carriaije in breakintj out of the way of another, it will save the expense of making the road wide enough for two carriages to pass. A uselessly wide road is not only expensive to make at first, but for ever after expensive to keep clean (and, if not kept clean, is ever up- bi'aiding the owner with neglect), and occupies unnecessai'ily land which would look much better covered with grass. Such considerations would not enter the mind of a landscape-gar- dener in laying out an approach to a palace, or any thing like a palace; but, for a Ferme ornee seven feet wide is quit suffi- cient. This width will be mostly kept clean by the repair of carriages, and if the road be constructed with materials and in manner above stated, no ruts, or quarters will ever appear on it after being fairly settled, and attended to during its settling. Such a road should not have elevated edges ; the turf should die into the gravel without any very visibly cutting line ; and, if any thing, the gravel should be rather lower than the turf, in order that it may not be seen in looking across it from dis- tant parts of the park. Although the materials of which it is composed will assist to keep the road dry as well as firm, yet it must not be for- gotten that such a trench as this, cut into a bed of clay, will be a receptacle for water, as well as for hard materials ; but this the designer will be aware of, and provide against, by open or covered drains, while employed in the formation. *iJoith regard to Practical Gardeners. ^ The other appendages of a country seat usually arranged by the designer are the gardens, &c. Their extent is always in proportion to the size of the house and family establishment. The domestic offices are generally comprised in a quadrangle behind the mansion; beyond this the kitchen-garden, with its appurtenances of walls, hot-houses, &c. All these are most conveniently concealed and surrounded by shrubbery and walks, bounded by a sunk fence, dividing it from the park. This pleasure-ground is varied with turf, flowers, shrubs, and trees, and arranged with special reference to the principal views of the park, of which it should be considered as only a more dressed part. In this is placed the green-house, con- servatory, and flower-garden. Here, also, the most rare and beautiful trees and flowering shrubs are disposed, arranged, and intermixed near the house with architectural and sculptural ornaments, in the Italian manner. As this portion of the gardens is solely intended for pedes- trian exercise and recreation, every thing here should be con- tributory thereto : general smoothness of walks and turf, the gayest flowers, the sweetest plants, shady bowers with seats, chairs, &c. Here, also, should be placed the arboretum, lapi- dium for rock plants, and aquarium for those which thrive only in water. The extent will depend on the character of the place, local circumstances, or the taste of the owner. The whole should form a kind of terrace, from which the scenery of the park or distant country may be seen. To such scenes it becomes the fore-ground, and consequently must be laid out and planted accordmgly. The extreme smoothness of the fore-ground in English gardening is, in the estimation of painters, its greatest blemish. Levelling the surface, and especially under groves and groups of trees, which only present an aggi'egation of naked stems to the eye, adds to the monotony. This is a point on which there is much difi^erence of opinion. The painter is desirous of having all his nearest objects boldly relieved by a back-ground, and supported or accompanied by under-growths, but is totally indiffei'ent what the back-ground or under-growths may be; but the man who is engaged in creating or improving park scenery, uninfluenced by the painter's ideas, cannot easily divest himself of the endeavour to impress some degree of polish. Inequalities of surface are therefore unconsciously levelled ; roughnesses, especially if caused by the presence of uncultivated plants, are designedly cleared away ; and, though this may reflect credit on the improver, it would most assuredly be undervalued by the painter. D 4" 40 Landscape-Gardening, The reason is this : plants have other peculiarities besides those of contour or colour ; some are poisonous, others savage, hostile, noxious. If a painter were also a botanist or gardener, he would probably hesitate to place monstrous docks, hem- lock, or odious nettles on his fore-ground ; and, if a naturalist, would hardly admit hobgoblin plants which neither naturalist nor gardener ever saw. Here the artists differ : the gardener is compelled to attend to the character of his plants, the painter regards only their form in composition. Were the latter to execute on the ground what he feels necessary, and delights to depict on the canvass, the pleasing marks of cultivation and propriety would be sacrificed to pictorial effect. This, however, would be hideous in real landscape ; and, notwithstanding all that has been said and written in justifi- cation of such attempts, we must not suppose that the late Mr. Knight (author of The Landscape), or Sir Uvedale Price himself, would advise such absurdity. All those accomplished arbiters of fine taste wished to inculcate is, that, in forming real landscape, the principles of pictorial composition should be studied, and imitated, as far as possible, by the gardener. In uniting the features of the pleasure-ground with those of the park, therefore, attention must be given to plant the con- necting masses of the former, so as to fall in properly with the latter. The marginal plants on this enclosed fore-ground should be of some strojigly marked, character, in order that they may be a good contrast to the softened forms and foliage in the distance. Sometimes the groups within the fence must be continued on the outside by trees or shrubs of self-protecting character; and the nearest groups of trees in the park should have a shrubbery-like appearance given them, by being thickly planted with suitable under-growths. As the practicability of this process, viz. the disposing trees and shrubs so as to produce the effect so much admired by painters, has been much questioned by writers on the subject, it is necessary that the question should be stated here, with the circumstances bearing upon it, and the means which may be available in the gardener's hands for its accomplishment. It has already been said that the favourite sylvan scenery of the painter is only met with on uncultivated land, or in forests where neglect or accident have produced those combinations so suitable for his pencil. The peculiar charms of such scenes, however, fly before the wand of the cultivator. Paint- ers and others, notwithstanding, imagined that such scenery might be composed by art. On this supposition, the destruc- tion of the Italian style, and the introduction of English gar- \ioith regard to Practical Gardeners. 41 dening, were sanctioned and founded. This was indeed an advance from extreme stiffness to the freedom of nature. But it was soon found that the banishment of right hues, and throwing the features of a park into irregular forms, ditl not answer the painter's expectations. The comfort, convenience, and necessary cultivation round the dwellings of man, with the requisite range for cattle for his use, px'ofit, or pleasure, imposed a wide expanse of tameness, as fatiguing to the eye of taste as was the abolished formality. The fact is, " neglect and accident " cannot be imitated. There is something ridiculous in the very idea ! The pencil, by a random movement, can produce irregular intricacy with- out detection and without reproach ; but to see men and horses, with all kinds of pioneering apparatus, employed dig- ging cavities, raising hillocks, breaking lines, mutilating trees, or building ruins, vvould be not only very foolish, but con- temptible. Such freaks, however, have been recommended, and actually in some instances executed ; but rational taste has nothing to do in such proceedings, any farther than pre- serving such features where they happen to exist. But to return to the question : — Can nothing be done in polished scenery to produce those harmonious associations which we so much admire in the uncultivated woodlands? Yes, much ; and perhaps more than has ever yet been fliirly tried. It has already been observed, that our parks are deficient in variety and intricacy, chiefly from the general smoothness of surface which prevails. The groups, or clumps, of trees are meagre and unsightly ; too much insulated and uncon- nected with the turf and with each other. The browsing line is too cutting and apparent. This defect is entirely owing to the want of suitable undergrowths. Every practical planter is aware of the difficulty of protecting trees, and especially shrubs, from the depredations of cattle ; it is in fact the prin- cipal obstacle to planting undergrowths ; and is the imme- diate cause of the blank and vacant air of our parks. To get rid of this objection to our most valuable scenery, to add that trait of accompaniment which would give depth and massiveness to our groups and woods, so pleasing to the eye of taste, we have only to select such plants, as, while they pro- duce the desired effect, will also, from their own properties of self-defence, be safe f\-om the effects of cattle. Such plants are plentiful and well known, and only require to be named. The first is the common holly : it thrives on almost every kind of soil ; is hostile to cattle; sufficiently ornamental for 42 Facilitating the Chvwtk of Thorn Hedges. any situation, and accommodates itself to the margin or to the interior of woods ; creeping horizontally on the former, or risinff to considerable elevation in the latter situation. The next is the white, or haw, thorn. This well known plant is fit to be exposed anywhere. Planted singly on lawns, they are handsome objects ; and when in bloom are particu- larly admired ; though at such time, of all others, the most frightful to the landscape-painter ! Such conspicuous white spots on the canvass would destroy the whole tone or keep- ing of his piece. I mention this by the way, to show that a fine landscape and a fine pictui'e are not always the same thing. For thickening or diversifying open groves, however, the white thorn is invaluable ; as they grow tolerably well in the shade of trees. The buckthorn may be used for the same purpose, as well as the blackthorn, and all the sorts of the dogrose. Furze, heath, and common broom are also suitable undergrowths, and form a sweet and beautiful fringe to wood- land at a proper distance from the mansion. But no plant forms a better base to groups of trees than the common juni- per ; it makes a fine back ground to the boles of such as stand detached from the denser mass of the wood, and creeping irregularly out on the lawn in separate patches, forms the finest gradation from the surface of the ground to the lower branches of the overhanfjinjj trees. {To be continued.) Art. Xr. On a Method of facilitating the Grotuth of Thorn Hedges on high and exposed Situations. By Mr. D. Anderson. Sir, It has usuallj^ been considered difficult to obtain good quick fences upon the high and open parts of the Wolds ; but since the mode of planting in strips has been adopted, this difficulty has been greatly overcome. Sir Hern-y Wright Wilson had an open farm at Kilham, on the Yorkshire Wolds, which he desired me to divide and enclose. I planted near twenty acres in stripes of 22 yards wide, chiefly with larch, which divided the farm into fields of from thirty to forty acres each. I planted a line of thorns on both sides of the plantation ; then put down posts and three rails on the outside. These posts and rails were kept up for nearly ten years, during which time the ground about the Common Whm, as a Hedge Plant. 43 thorns being well and constantly pointed up and cleaned, be- came a sheep fence, and the trees a thriving shelter of from 14 to 16 ft. high. But I beg leave to suggest to those who may have similar high and open farms to enclose and shelter, that a quick fence may be obtained much sooner, by running the quick in the middle of the plantation, and leaving a space of two yards on each side of the quick, which will give good I'oom for light, air, cleaning, &c. ; putting the posts and rails on the outside of the plantation, as before. Here there is a saving of thorn plants of one half in the first instance, and a saving of one half the expense in cleaning afterwards : and as the young hedge will be sheltered on both sides by the plantation, I sup- pose a sufficient fence will be obtained in two thirds of the time it will take in any other way, and at the end of eight or nine years, when the posts and rails begin to fail, the thorn fence will be effective, and the timber trees on each side of it in such a state as not to be injured by sheep. Indeed no cattle will eat any of the pine and fir tribe, more especially the larch, and that tree is found to succeed the best of any in these high, dry, and exposed situations. I am. Sir, &c. D. Anderson. Driffield^ Yorkshire, 'Novemher 15. 1828. Art. XII. On the Common Whin (U7e.r europce'us), as a Hedge Plant. By T. H. Sir, It is the general opinion that the common tsoJiiii is a very troublesome guest, and one which seems only to cumber the ground ; but in the course of my wanderings this summer, I have frequently observed them put to a very good use, parti- cularly in the neighbourhood of Mr. Ginge's splendid mansion at the entrance to the Devil's Glen, in Wicklow, where I observed the cultivation of xvhins into hedges, and right excel- lent fences they make. Perhaps they may require to be planted on embankments, but whether they do so or not, certainly nothing could be more secure and unbroken than those on Mr. Ginge's property. Nor are these uncommon in Ireland. I have observed them in other counties, and better hedges could scarcely be, unless it were holly ; and furze grows where holly will not, and in at least one fiftieth part of the time. Add to this, they bloom in the most beautiful 44« Description of the Timber Trees manner possible twice in the year, and the more they are browsed by cattle or sheep, the thicker and more perfect they become. I hope you will excuse the length of this communication ; but the practical virtues of this plant seem to be little known. And what is considered as a plague in the wilds of Wales or of Scotland might, with a little care, be easil}' converted into an instrument for enclosing the country with secure and dur- able fences. I am. Sir, vours, &c. T. H. Linlithoo-wshire. Atimst 28." 1828. Art. XIII. A brief Description of the Timber Trees abounding in the Province of Choco. By W. Hamilton, Esq. M. D. 1. Chiboga. — A dark durable wood; grows very large, and forms the finest and largest canoes. Cubic foot, 52 lb. 13oz. 286 gr. 2. GeJieni. — One of the most magnificent trees, and most valuable woods of the province. It is used for the largest canoes, and lasts above twenty years. Weight of cubic foot, 48 lb. 10 oz. 499 gr. 3. Caijdita (Quercus). — Used for canoes and portios ; not very durable ; tree bears a fruit like an acorn. Cubic foot, 29 lb. lOoz. 420 gr. 4. Canaleti. — A very valuable wood used for canoes, pad- dles, and window frames. Cubic foot, 39 lb. 9 oz. 315 gr. 5. Ejicibi. — Is used for canoes, door and window frames. Cubic foot, 31 lb. 4 0Z. 3i3gr. 6. Prettndic. — Appears a useful wood, but is used by the natives as firewood only ; the tree grows by river sides. Cubic foot, 41 lb. 3 oz. 277 gr. 7. Niarage. — A durable wood, used principally for shafts and lances. Weight of cubic foot, 49 lb. 7 oz. 168 gr. 8. Ceibo (Bombax Cciba ?) and 9. Mestizo. — Soft, use- less woods ; sometimes small portios are made of it ; not dur- able, and occasionally used as firewood. Ceibo, cubic foot, 33 lb. 8 OZ. ; Mestizo, cubic foot, 36 lb. 8 oz. 1 12 gr. 10. Giiaijaba didce. — This wood is only used as firewood. Cubic foot, 30 lb. 3 oz. 280 gr. 11. Carboncra. — Used for making charcoal, and burning. Weight of the cubic foot, 47 lb. 12 oz. 287 gr. 12. Copitan. — An acacia ; a fine wood, used for canoes and firewood. Cubic foot, 39 lb. 9 oz. 315 gr. abounding in the P^ravince of Choco. 45 13. Giiama chorima. — A wild Guama, esteemed one of the best firewoods. Cubic foot, 28 lb. 7 oz. 105 gr. 14'. Manteca hlcinca. — Used as firewood principally. Cubic foot, 52 lb. 2oz. 287 gr. 1 5. Ormiga. — Used as firewood principally. 16. Neeneciica. — The heart of this wood is in great esteem for sticks, some of which are valued at from eight to sixteen dollars; it is beautifully marked. Specimen wanting. 17. Anime. — Used chiefly as firewood. Not the wood of the Hymen^Vi Courbaril. Cubic foot, 36 lb. 12oz. 126 gr. 18. Flo7- Az?d. — Cubic foot, 28 lb. 1 oz. 438 gr. 19. Yaruma. — Soft, useless wood; when perfectly dry readily takes fire. Cecropm peltata, as I am inclined to imagine. Cubic foot, 29 lb. 4 oz. 210 gr. 20. Nuanirno. — Soft wood, used only as firewood. Cubic foot, 41 lb. 6 oz. 147 gr. 21. Tarabi. — A species of Canaleti, used for the same pur- poses. Cubic foot, 31 lb. 12 oz. 378 gr. 22. Algaro. — A hard, reddish wood, appears calculated for general purposes, but I am not aware of its particular use, nor have I seen the tree. Weight of cubic foot, 48 lb. 2 oz. 140 gr. 23. Guayacan Giiegara. — The finest species of the wood generally termed Guayacan ; is used for walking sticks and posts for houses. It is hard and difficult to work, but is one of the most valuable woods of the province of Choco. Weight the cubic foot, 70 lb. 2 oz. 322 gr. 24. Guayacan negro. — This is inferior to the former, both in hardness and beauty, but is very durable, and generally used for building houses. Weight of the cubic foot, 51 lb. 2 oz. 29 gr. 25. Mora. — A fine yellow wood, called occasionally Guay- acan amarilla; it is an inferior species of Fustic (Brousso- x\eX.ia ?). 26. Cabo de Hacha. — A fine-grained hard wood, vying in toughness with the European ash ; it is used, as the name im- ports, to form axe-handles, lance-heads, and articles which require toughness and strength. Cubic foot, 53 lb. 5 oz. 221 gr. .27. Guayaba del monte. — A fine wood, but not generally ^used by the natives. - 28. Fruito Sabalo. — A hard wood, used for making plates, and burning ; it is not very common ; it grows on the banks of the river. C^bic foot, 34 lb. 13oz. 144gr. 29. Pantdno. — Cubic foot, 38 lb. 8 oz. 245 gr. 30. Carey. — A very large tree ; the wood is hard, and used for burning; from the spurs of this tree, wliich are thin '4i6 Timber Trees in the Province of Choco. and broad, the natives make the doors of their houses. Cubic foot, 38 lb. Ooz. 217gr. 31. Tan carena. — Cubic foot, 42 lb. 6 oz. 287 gr. 32. Mata Palo. — So called from destroying the trees near it ; the wood is hard, but principally used in burning. Spe- cimen wanting. 33. M.anteca Colorado. — Cubic foot, 57 lb. 3 oz. 186 gr. 34. Tuabi. — A coarse-grained yellow wood, used for ca- noes. Cubic foot, 34 lb. 13oz. 144 gr. 35. Chagual. — Specimen missing. 36. Drimi/. — A hard wood ; I do not know its uses. Weight of the cubic foot, 71 lb. Ooz. 91 gr. 37. Cedar. ■ — Too well known to require description ; there are three species which are rather named after the bark than the colour of the wood ; the black is most esteemed. Qiiere, Cedrela odorata? Certainly not a Bign6n/«. Several Bigno- nias are called Cedars, as the B. pentaphj'Haand B. leucoxylon, the timber of which is white, and grain different. The colour of my specimen is red ; the grain is similar to that of the Garlic Cedar (Cedrela odorata), but by no means equally close or fine. Cubic foot, 24 lb. 6 oz. ] 75 gr. 38. Coosana. — A hard, durable, and beautiful wood, used in making walking-sticks, &c. Specimen wanting. 39. Palo sangre. — So called from its astringent qualities in suffusions of blood ; it is a durable and beautifully stained wood; it is also called, from its blossom, Clavelina (^vdwnea coccinea) ; it resembles rosewood, and would, doubtless, an- swer for the same purposes. Cubic foot, 60 lb. 14oz. 333 gr. 40. Granadilla. — A fine wood ; the heart is dark and very durable. Specimen wanting. 41. Curabano. — Said to be a species of Guayacan; it ap- pears a good wood. Weight of the cubic foot, 50 lb. 7 oz. 321 gr. 42. Pohle. — A light wood, but not generally used. , Cubic foot, 271b. 12 oz. ll'2ffr. 43. Guayacan Colorado. — A hard durable wood, next in hardness to the Guayacan Guegaro, and used for the same purposes. Weight of the cubic toot, 70 lb. 10 oz. 294 gr. 44. A varietij of Cancdeti. ■ — Used for the same purposes. Cubic foot, 28 ib. 9 oz. 312 gr. Besides these, there are many others very valuable, among which are — 45. Bedoquerd, or Balsamo. — The wood and bark highly scented, and used by the Indians for ornaments for the neck; it yields a pungent aromatic resin. Specimen wanting. Propagation of Cape Heaths. 47 46. Choebar. — This is a very magnificent tree, bearing a profusion of purple blossoms; the wood is very hard, and consequently useless to the natives ; it is also called Qiieh-a Haclia. 47. Orejuela. — A species of Acacia, called, in Panama, Curate ; it is a very durable wood, and is said to resist the worm both of salt and fresh water. I am. Sir, &c. W. Hamilton. Oxford Place, Plymouth, Sept. 2. 1828. Art. XIV. On the Propagation of Cape Heaths. By C. L. B. Sir, J. DoDDS (Vol. IV. p. 535.) says he was once told by a a great heath-grower, that he, the said heath-grower, had struck twelve hundred cuttings of the £rica vestita, in one season, from two plants, but declined making known to him his method of treatment. I therefore beg leave to transmit, through the medium of your valuable Magazine, to J. Dodds, or any other person who may stand in need of such inform- ation, my mode of treatment. And I flatter myself that I am perfectly competent to come in competition with " the great heath-grower of Acre Lane," without being the least afraid that his " secret art " would give him more plants, from the same number of cuttings, than the one I practise and communi- cate. The season for striking heaths, is any time from the first of February to the end of July, when young shoots fit can be obtained ; the said shoots, in some kinds, as the Sebana, &c., can seldom be had more than half an inch in length ; others, free growers, as the Pilosa, &c. a little longer. I seldom, however, put them in longer than an inch. Previous to col- lecting or preparing the cuttings let the pot or pots for their reception be prepared as follows : fit the pot with a bell-glass that will stand (when filled with compost) a quarter of an inch within the rim, then place two inches of drain at the bottom, fill up to within half an inch or an inch, according to the length of the intended cuttings, with proper heath mould ; then fill up the pot with fine river sand, or if that cannot be got, pit sand, washed clean, and mixed with one fourth common white house sand. Give it a gentle watering to make it firm, and let it stand, for that purpose, while the cuttings are preparing, which is done by carefully stripping off the foliage, at least the half length of the cutting. Lay the root end upon the thumb- 4*8 Improvement of Flo*wcr Gardens. nail, and, with a sharp penknife cut it through at right angles, as near a joint as possible, and where there is not the least appearance of ripened wood, but at the same time feels firm under the edge of the knife. The nearer the mould the end of the cutting, when planted, the better, that, as soon as roots are emitted they may find their natural food, and are of course sooner fit for potting out. A bell-glass, 6 in. in diameter, will cover fifty of these little cuttings, when neatly planted in rows across the pot, in which way, a number of kinds may be put in, marked with their names, if required. After planting give a gentle watering to consolidate the sand, and, after standing a few minutes to dry, place the glass over them : press it into the sand, so as to ex- clude the air, and never remove it until the cuttings are struck, save for the purpose of giving water, which must be duly at- tended to, otherwise the cuttings will become hard, and the emission of roots much protracted, or altogether destroyed. The pots may be placed on a shelf in a warm part of the green-house, or the coldest part of a plant stove, at a dis- tance from the flue. Cover the glasses when the sun is upon them, but by no means set them in a shady situation. Bot- tom heat is not necessary. I have been the more minute, as I am convinced, from ocular observation as well as report, that there are a gi'eat many gardeners still unacquainted with the propagation of that beautiful family of plants. Hence, our green-houses are deprived of one of their greatest and most lasting ornaments. Hence, too, the admirer is induced to sacrifice the enjoyment, from the frequent calls upon the purse, necessary to keep in view the object of admiration. I am, Sir, &c. January 7. 1829. C. L. B. Art. XV. Observations on the Improvement of Floiver-Gardens. By Mr. George M'Leish. Sir, A FLOWER-GARDEN is a spot which, when tastefully dis- posed, is calculated to afford some of the purest and most rational of our pleasures. To the sons and daughters of ele- gance and refinement, to the scholar, the botanist, and the peasant, it is equally a source of amusement and pleasure. The erection of artificial rocks, as an accompaniment of the flower-garden, is a practice as common as it is in many in- Cultivation of Ferns. 49 stances ridiculous. No true taste is displayed in the arrange- ment ; they are always too insignificant : at best they are but an uninteresting assemblage of stones ; and I am sorry to have cause to add, that they remind one more of the refuse of a stone quarry, or the heaps which Mr. Macadam has ordered to be laid by the road-side, than as objects capable of yielding the least pleasurable idea. Of all artificial scenery, a flower-garden should be the least disfigured by any kind of ruggedness, unless it be on such a scale as would be respectable in itself, worthy of the talent of the designer, and produce that effect which we often feel in the wilder scenes of uncultivated nature, and which we might desire to imitate. To obtain such effect, I would propose that advantage be taken of any natural mound abutting on the side of the flower- garden ; or, if no such thing exist, I would advise forming an artificial mound, by a collection of all kinds of rubbish and earth which may be near the spot. The face of this mound, next the garden, I would make as precipitous as possible, in- serting into it as many massive fragments of stone as could be piled thereon, clothing the whole with alpine trees, shrubs, and herbaceous plants. To make this feature more complete, I would have water led to the top by pipes, which might be allowed to trickle over a jutting stone, or ooze out from a cre- vice of the same, into a pool or basin at the base. Here would be a correct resemblance of what is often seen in the mossy dell, and a suitable habitat for our beautiful alpine and aquatic rareties. I am, Sir, &c. Blmidford, Feb. 20. 1827. Geo. M'Leish. Art. XVI. Observations on the Cultivation of Ferns. By Mr. James Housman. Sir, The very valuable communication, with a list and figures of ferns, in a former number of your Magazine (Vol. IV. p. 1.), reminded me of something which I had written on the same subject; and, though I could have no wish to interpose any thing of my own in preference to any communication which has had precedence of mine, yet I beg leave to suggest whether the papers might not throw some light on each other, and more fully illustrate the history of Ferns, and bring into notice what I consider a beautiful and too much neglected tribe of plants. Vol. v.— No. 18. e 50 Cultivation of Ferns. It is only within these few years that naturalists were satis- fied that ferns could be raised from seed ; indeed, some very eminent botanists doubted whether they bore seed ; and it was only owing, perhaps, to popular superstition, that we owe our first knowledge of the fact. It was customary, on Midsum- mer-eve, to gather fern seed for magical purposes, it being considered as an invisible entity ! hence Shakspeare's allusion in Henry Fourth, making Gadshill say, " We have the receipt of fern-seed, we walk invisible." Morrison was the first bo- tanist who observed the seeds of ferns to vegetate ; but the first account we have of raising plants in pots is by Lindsay. Mr. Shepherd, jun., of the Liverpool garden, has lately raised above sixty species from seed, one of which is named after himself. Among other new species, he raised some specimens from the hortus siccus of the late Dr. John Forster, now in tliat of the Liverpool garden, and which is about fifty years old. Mr. Shepherd, my much- esteemed instructor, has paid par- ticular attention to this tribe of plants : he excels in the know- ledge and cultivation of it, and consequently his collection surpasses all others in the kingdom. From his instructions, and my own experience, I shall state my method of raising and cultivating hardy ferns, which has succeeded to my utmost wishes. Provide middle-sized pots, with glasses to fit just within their rims, and fill them with the following compost : — fine rotten wood, or leaves, and loam, in equal parts, sifted as fine as possible. The pots must be well drained by broken tiles at bottom ; and, when filled, level and smooth the surface. Sow the seed by holding the frond over the pot, scraping off the seed, capsules, and all thereon ; being careful the wind does not blow away the seeds. Fix on the glasses, and set the pots in pans, which must be kept regularly full of water (none ever being given above), and place them in a warm shady part of the hot-house. In a short time the cotyledons will appear, and not unlike the Marchant/a polymorpha. Soon after this, raise the glasses a little, to prevent damping off; and in a few weeks after remove them entirely ; and when they have two or three fronds, transplant them into 48-sized pots. Those unacquainted with the seed of ferns (and it is to those only I address myself) must not suppose, that the seed can be gathered and sown like large seeds : they are ripe as soon as the capsules become brown, and if sown as above directed, there need be no fear of failure. Within these few years several of this genus have been divided, many of their names changed, and new genera esta- Cultivation of Ferns. 54 blished. I therefore add a list of those only which are best known, and easily procured, rather than of kinds almost unknown, and which it would be difficult to obtain ; as it may be useful to those who have inclination and means to begin a collection. Connected with this subject, permit me to add a few observ- ations. Every opportunity should be taken by those who have distant or foreign correspondents, to engage them in col- lecting the fronds of ferns. It is an easy task : they are light of carriage, and may prove, when sent to a friend or cultivator, an acceptable and useful present. They may be raised from seed with the greatest ease. Their natural habitat may be imitated either in hot-houses, or in the open garden ; whether inhabitants of the dry or moist rock, the shady wood, or open plain ; whether found growing on sound or decayed timber, on clay, loam, or decomposed vegetable earth ; all these sub- stances can be transferred with the plants, and placed in such parts of the flower-garden as will correspond with their re- spective habits and character. In a collection of ferns in a garden, they should always be accompanied with the other plants of cryptogamous descrip- tion usually found united with them in their native bed : of such are various mosses, lichens, &c. List of BaiTisu Ferns. Ophioglossura vulgatum. Aspidiiim Oreopteris. Botrychium Lunaria. Aspidium cristatum. Osmunda regalis. Aspidium dilatatum. Grarainitis Ceterach. Aspidium lobatum. Pteris aquilina. Aspidium jPelix mas. Pteris crispa. Aspidium fontanum. iScolopendrium officinarum. Aspidium rhge'ticum. jycolopendrium crispum, var. ^splenium TVichomanes, jScolop^ndrium multifidum. ^spleniura viride. iScolopendrium undulatum. ^splenium marinum. Polyj)6dium vulgare. ^splenium septentrionale. Polypodium cambricum. ^splenium alternifolium. Polypodium Phegopteris. ^splenium i?uta-muraria. Polypodium Z)ry6pteris. ^splenium Jdiantum-nigrum. Blechnum boreale. /Isplenium lanceolatum. Polypodium calcareum. TVichomanes brevisetum. Woodsia hyperborea. ^diantum Capillus Veneris. Aspidium aculeatum. Hymenophyllum tunbrid.'rense. Aspidium spinulosum. * Aspidium bulbiferum. Aspidium Thelypteris * Aspidium marginale. Aspidium irriguum. * Woodwardia radicans. Aspidium i^elix femina. * Onoclea Struthiopteris. Aspidium dentatura. * Osmunda cinnamomea. Aspidium fragile. * ^diantum pedatum. Aspidium regium. * Aspidium patens. Aspidium ionchitis. * Osmunda Claytoma/za. E 2 52 Notice of a Plant of the Sabal Blackhi'tymtXf Those marked thus (*) are exotics, but suflficiently hardy to endure the open air. The Aspidium bulbiferum is raised from bulbs produced on the back of the fronds ; and the i4diantum pedatum from young plants formed at the ends of the fronds. . List of Exotic Ferns requiring to be treated as Green-house Plants. Davall/a pyxidata. Dicksonk arborescens. Davallia canariensis. Cheilanthes ^jteroides. Aspidium trifoliatuin. ^diantum reniforine. Aspidium auriculatum. j4diantum tenerum. Polypodium Phyllitidis. Aspidium exaltatum. Polypodium auriculatum. -^splenium Shepherdiz. Polypodium pectinatum. /4splenium i/emionitis. Polypodium aureum. .(4splenium praemorsum. Polypodium effusum. ^splenium ebenum. Diplazium granditolium. ^splenium rhizophyllum. Pl^chnum australe. Doodia aspera. jBl^chnum occidentale. Pteris longifolia. i/emionitis dealbata. Pteris serrulata. JTemionitis riifa. Pteris arguta. Acrostichum alcicorne. The above are all to be had at the Liverpool garden. I could give the names of many more species, but not knowing where they may be purchased, I omit them. The above, however, when united with a collection of the most curious and rare British plants, will make a considerable addition to the flower garden. I am, Sir, yours, &c. James Housman. London, Feb. li. 1828. Art. XVII. Historical and Descriptive Notice of a Plant of the Sabal Blackhurn'iSi, noxv in the Gardens at Hale Hall, Lancashire, the Seat of John Blacliburne, Esq. M.P. By Thomas Kirk- land Glazebrook, Esq. The flowering of what was popularly called the " Great Palm," at Hale, the seat of John Blackburne, Esq. M.P., in May, 1818, excited very great attention. An opinion pre- vailed that the plant would die when the seeds arrived at maturity, and, consequently, the progress of fructification was anxiously watched. The contrary, however, was the case ; as the palm flourished amazingly, and has continued to produce flowers and fruit almost annually, up to the present moment (July 15. 1828). now in the Gardens at Hale Hall. 53 It was presented, when a small plant, to the grandfather of our worthy Member for the County, by Lord Petre, of Essex, who was a relation of his through his sister-in-law. Mr. Black- burne, sen., then resided at Orford Hall, near Warrington, where he had a very large collection, and an excellent assort- ment of rare and valuable plants. Indeed, the gardens were considered so fine, and the acquirements of the scientific possessor held in such high estimation, that it has been said Linnaeus himself visited Orford Hall. * Forster, who sailed round the world with Captain Cooke, has perpetuated the name of Blackburne in the vegetable world, in the Blackburnm pinnataf, out of respect to the elder Mr. Blackburne and his daughter; and Pennant has equally consigned it to jwsterity, in the animal kingdom, in the Sylvia Blackburnxix, out of compliment to Mrs. Anne Blackburne. This lady was an excellent ornithologist, and had a truly valuable collection of birds, and other subjects of natural his- tory. So indefatigable was Mrs. Anne in her favourite pur- suits, that she studied and acquired a knowledge of I^atin, in order to enable her to correspond with Linnaeus. The letters are preserved, and are highly spoken of. The palm remained at Orford till 1817, when it was taken to Hale. The fears which were entertained as to the effect its removal might produce were soon allayed, by the rapid growth and improvement of the plant. | * There is some doubt whether this took place, no luemorandum of such a visit having been found. Two of Linnaeus's pupils, however, Swedes, came down, one of whom was named Fabricius. They spoke English tole- rably, but Latin fluently. The present Mr. Blackburne recollects conversing with them in the latter language, and remarking, at the time, how well they spoke it. The elder Mr. Blackburne was in the habit of receiving many eminent naturalists. t " Blackburnea, sic ob ingentia merita in rem naturalem appellata a Joanne Blackburne, Armig., qui Orfordiae, Lancastriensis Comitatiis, in horto amoenissimo plurimas exoticas plantas colit ; et ab ejus fiiia Anna Blackburne quae non solum eodem in plantas amore fertur, verum etiam incredibili solertia, aves, insecta, testacea innumera undique collegit. Pater et filia mihi in Warringtonia degenti usum horti et musei instructissimi lubentissime obtulerunt." {Characteres Generum Plantarum, Sfc, J, et G. Forster. 1776.) [The Blackburnia received its name in commemoration of John Black- burne, Esq., an excellent naturalist, who cultivated many exotic plants in his delightful garden at Orford in I^ancashire; and also of his daughter Anne, an ardent lover of botany, and a diligent collector of birds, insects, and testacea. During my residence at Warrington, both father and daughter kindly offered me the use of the garden and excellent museum.] Jussieu has ranged this plant under the genus Ptelea. % Hale Hall is situated on the Tjanks of the river Mersey, about eleven miles south-east of Liverpool, on the Lancashu-e side. Latitude, about 55° 20' N. ; and longitude, west from Greenwich, about 2° 47'. E 3 54 Notice of a Plant of the Sabal BlackburmsL, " Palms," says our late lamented president, Sir James Ed- ward Smith, "are formed of successive circular crowns of leaves, which spring directly from the root. These leaves and their footstalks are furnished with bundles of large sap ves- sels and returning vessels, like the leaves of our trees*' When one circle of them has performed its office, another is formed noiv in the Ganieiis at Hale Hall. 55 within it, which, being contined below, necessarily rises a little above the former. Thus successive circles grow one above the other, by which the vertical increase of the plant is almost without end." This is fully exemplified in the palm at Hale. In 1818 the insertion of the lowest leaf was only about 2 ft. from the ground ; it is now 5 ft. 2 in., and the " spurious stem," as Sir James calls it, is strongly marked by the remains of the former footstalks. These are about 8 ft. long from the stem to the base of the frond. The latter 10 ft. across its largest diameter, and 6 ft. 6 in. from the insertion of the footstalk to its apex. The largest fronds, and those whose insertion is about 10 ft. from the ground, are obliged to be tied down, or it would be impossible for the palm to grow, the house being only 21 ft. 6 in, in the centre. The total height of the plant is 22 ft., and the total length of the leaves 16 ft., and their breadth 10 ft. The number of leaves is thirty. E 4 56 Sabal Blackbt'iniisi, at Hale Hall. invested with one large sessile; they are hermaphro- The annexed drawing {fig. 10.) may serve to convey some idea of the palm ; but it is by no means satisfactory, as it is impossible, on so small a scale, to do it justice. It will be evident, also, that, in order to show the flowers and fruit, I have been obliged to exhibit only a few leaves, and those in so stiff and formal a manner, as to destroy the graceful and magnificent appearance of the plant itself. A sketch I made in May, 1818, {Jig. H.) will give a better idea of the number of leaves. The mode of inflorescence may be described, pretty accu- rately, in the words of the distinguished naturalist just alluded to. " Flower stalks much branched common sheath, and many partial ones A large upright spathe is deeply inserted in the centre, at the base of the footstalks, protruding through that fibrous tex- ture so peculiar to the palm. Out of this the principal flower stalk arises, forming a panicle 3 ft. high, and 4 ft. in diameter at the base. The appearance of the flower is graceful; the curves of the spiculae intermingling with each other, adding to its beauty. The flowers {fig. 12. a) are dite, hexandrous, and mono- gynous. The corolla {b) is tripetalous ; the petals oval, concave, and beautifully white, but very small. The filaments of the stamens are white, with bright orange- coloured cordate anthers, {c) The pistil is canaliculate, di- vided into three at its base, and has a blunt stigma {d). The calyx is three-clefi:, green at its base, but softening into a delicate white {e). Each apex is tinged with reddish- brown, so as to be distinctly visible. The three germs {fi\ are coadunate and monospermous. One of these only, in almost every instance, comes to perfec- tion. The others decay, ejected by the growth and increase of the fruitful division of the germ. The berry is globular, about two inches and three-eighths in circumference, filled with albumen, finally becoming hard, or liorny. The embryo very small. The whole has very much the appearance of an immense bunch of large grapes, {fig. 1 3.) On destroying the Mealy Bng and Wliite Scale, 57 The clusters are pendulous. One of these weighed 35 lbs., and contained 5640 berries. The seeds {a) are he- mispherical, and by dissection show the lateral embryo (6). As the flowers are sessile (Jig. 1 2.y ), so are the germs {e) ; and were each of the divisions to increase, it does not appear probable that there would be sufficient space left on the stalk for them to attain perfection. Mr. Nickson, the intelligent gar- dener at Hale, has been so good as to furnish me with the following de- tails respecting its culture : — It is planted in light sandy soil, in a sort of well, 6 ft. square, and 3 ft. 6 in. deep. During summer it requires 100 gallons of water once a week ; in autumn much less ; and, in winter, fifty gallons only once a month. As spring advances, a regular increase takes place, till the heat of the weather renders its largest supply necessary. In fine weather, also, at this period, it is sprinkled with the engine every afternoon, and closed up with a strong heat. To produce a constant ex- halation of warm moisture, the paths of the house are copiously watered. The palm grows too luxuriantly, and Mr. Nickson is of opinion, that less heat would not be injurious ; but as there are much tenderer plants in the same house, it is essen- tial to keep the heat regularly up. The house is 44 ft. long, 24 ft. broad, and 21 ft. 8 in. in the centre, and the general temperature ranges from 70° to 75^ in summer, and to about 60° in winter. This palm has been successively named, by those who have seen it, " Corypha umbraculifera, Corypha umbraculifera minor, Corypha minor, and Sdbal Blackburn /«?i«." The latter, I am led to understand, is its present appellation, as well as being considered the most correct. Of this I will not presume to decide. T. K. Glazebrook. Orford Lodge^ Warrington^ Jidy 15. 1828. Art. XVIII. On destroying the Mealy Bug and White Scale on Pine Plants. By Mr. W. M'Murtrie, C.M.H.S. Sir, Among the many different methods recommended for de- stroying the mealy bug and white scale, which pine plants are 58 On destroying the Mealy Bug and White Scale. so liable to be infested with, I send you the following, which, as I can recommend it with the utmost confidence, I hope will be found serviceable to those gardeners whose pines are unfortunately so situated. As one cannot be too particular in communicating information of this sort, and as a full descrip- tion has double the effect of the sending you a mere recipe, unaccompanied with a detail of the operations, I shall minutely relate the measures I took, until I finally succeeded in clearing my plants of those pernicious insects. When I first came to Shugborough, I found the pine plants literally covered with the mealy bug and white scale ; the for- mer had likewise so completely overrun the vines, that every bunch of grapes had to undergo an entire cleansing before it could be presented to table. In the course of my experience I had never met with the mealy bug before ; and I was told by old and experienced gardeners, that I never should be able to get rid of it, and that my best plan was to throw away the plants, and get a fresh stock. This, however, I was unwilling to do, as the stock was large (never having less than a thou- sand plants here), so I determined to attempt to destroy the insects. For this purpose, I adopted Mr. Nichol's recom- mendation (mentioned in his Forcing Gardener) : I got 2 lb. soft soap, 2 lb. flour of sulphur, 1 lb. leaf-tobacco, 2 oz. nux vomica, and I added 1 quart train-oil, and boiled them all up together, in 8 gallons of soft water. I had the plants taken up, shook them out of the pots, and cut off the x'oots of the greater part of them ; they were then washed all over with the mix- ture : the rafters, trellises, &c. were all washed with it, as hot as it could be applied. I then took about 1 ft. of the surface of the bark-beds oif, which I thought quite sufficient (instead of taking out all the bark, as is recommended by some), as it is not possible that insects or their eggs can exist below that ; and after adding fresh tan, and turning the beds just as usual, the plants were replunged. This dressing completely destroyed the mealy bug, and 1 have never seen it in the place since. I thought I had destroyed the scale likewise; but, in about twelve months after, it again made its appearance upon some of the plants. As soon as I perceived it, I had the plants taken up and dressed with the same stuff; but, notwithstanding my ut- most vigilance, which I continued for five or six years in this way, I found the insect increasing on my hands. I should have then given the whole stock a dressing ; for, if it once gets amongst pines, it is in vain to expect to get rid of it by partial clearing ; but I was unwilling to do this, because of an import- ant objection I had to the former mixture, as it stunted the growth of the plants, and gave them an unhealthy appearance. On destroying the Mealy Bug and White Scale. 59 I had likewise been making experiments with another compo- sition, and so successfully, that I determined to dress my whole stock with it. The materials in this case are, simply, equal proportions of soot and flour of sulphur, with a little pounded camphor added, in the proportion of ^ oz. to 2 lb. of the mixture of soot and sulphur, to be dusted all over the plants, after having been washed with a lotion of soft soap and water, say 1 lb. soft soap dissolved in 2 gallons of water. In this^manner I dressed my whole stock, and the cure was most effectual, never having seen a vestige of scale on any of my plants since, which is eight or nine years ago. This plan has the advantage of the mixture Mr. Nichol recommends, as it is not so injurious to the plants, nor does it disfigure their appearance so much, the mixture being nearly the colour of the foliage. I subjoin an account of how I proceeded : — After the plants were taken out of the bark-bed, I made two men look them well over, and with dry brushes rub the in- sects and all dirt off them. I then had two or three inches of the mould taken off the surface of the pots ; they were then handed to two more men, who washed them well over with the lotion of soft soap ; two more then dusted them well over with the mixture, vidth puffs, or dry brushes will answer as well, taking care not to let it get into the hearts of the plants, as the insect is seldom found there, or the case must be bad indeed. They were then cased with fresh mould ; and, after the bark- bed had been treated as before mentioned, they were replunged, and the business finished. I must add, by way of caution, that great care must be taken not to exceed the proportion of camphor mentioned, as it would be injurious to the plants ; particularly if water is allowed to touch it, as in that case it kills the leaves. The operation should* therefore be performed in October, as from that time till spring the plants require but little water, which should not at this time be poured amongst the leaves for the' reason assigned. Indeed, unless the plants are very much infected, I am of opinion the camphor might be omitted altogether. After such a dressing, and if the plants are grown in a moist atmosphere afterwards, which, by the way, they should always have to be grown well, I am confident the insects will be for ever banished. I have recommended this cure to several gardeners, and it has never failed of the effect, when done as directed. I am Sir, &c. W. M'Murtrie. Shiigborough Gardens, Jan. 1. 1829. 60 On renderiufy Peat Dees to Art. XIX. On rendering Pear Trees and other Fruit Trees Jruitfid, by operating on the Borders, and by Natural Training. By Mr. Robert Hiver. Sir, There are few subjects in horticulture which can be more acceptable to your readers than a system by which good crops of fruit may be obtained from pear trees planted against the east and west walls in gentlemen's gardens ; the bad crops these trees have afforded have been proverbial ever since I can remember ; and the unnatural schemes which are now resorted to, such as strangulation, ringing, depressing of the branches, and reverse-grafting, show that a good system of cultivation is not yet established. This failure has generally been imputed by gardeners to the climate ; but as the trees are seldom without fruit at the extremity of the branches, the supposition may be considered erroneous. It is about twenty years ago since I noticed a brown Beurree pear tree, trained against the east front of a farmer's cottage. This tree grew upon a limestone rock, where there was very little earth, yet it never failed to yield, yearly, plenty of large and well-flavoured fruit. From what I observed of this tree, it appeared evident that the rich and deep border, usually prepared by gardeners, was decidedly wrong, as the plants in this case generated too much sap, which always in- duces disease and barrenness ; and, I believe, it will be found in the tree, as in the human constitution, that the state ot health consists in the medium between emptiness and repletion. Sir H. Davy has shown the utility of stones in agricultural crops; and I have found them exceedingly beneficial in the formation of fruit-tree borders ; they prevent the accumulation of water in very wet weather, and also retain sufficient mois- ture for the purposes of the plant in dry seasons. In 1813, I replanted an old pear wall, 24-0 ft. long : the border for these trees was 12 ft. wide, and only 26 in. deep, 8 in. of which were filled with stones, such as could be most readily procured in the neighbourhood, and the remaining 18 with the mould which composed the old border. By this scanty supply of earth for the roots of these plants I have succeeded in obtaining a fruitful and healthy growth, equally I'emote from debility and luxuriance; and by this simple process I procure fruit all over the tree, as regularly as if it had been mechanically placed, both plentifully up the main stem, and on the lowest horizontal branches. My trees are fan-trained in the best manner ; the shoots are kept as uni- form and straight as the plications of the instrument from and other Fruit Trees fruitful. 61 whence the term is derived, and, when the fruit is full-grown, exhibit one of the most interesting scenes to be met with within the confines of a garden. With regard to pruning, the knife should be used as spar- ingly as possible ; I conceive it to be as injurious to this tribe of fruit-trees, as the lancet is to animal life ; it creates those inconveniences which it is employed to remove : whoever in- dulges in its fi-ee use, most certainly defeats his own purpose. Let any man who is inclined to dissent from this opinion, con- sider the common thorn confined in a hedge, where it annually imdergoes the operation of clipping, and the shrub in its pri- mitive growth, and he will want no arguments to convince him of the impropriety of the practice. But my plants require very little assistance from the knife : they make no breast-wood, the energies of the tree being chiefly engaged in forming blos- som-buds for the future crop. It may be justly inferred, from what is here stated, that the bad success which most gardeners have experienced in the cultivation of this valuable fruit, arises principally from the hixuriant state of their trees ; the limited space which they occupy on the wall is so disproportionate to their natural growth, that it is almost impossible, with deep and highly- manured borders, to reclaim them from a habit of plethorical sterility. The farina, and the whole fructification, partake of this unhealthy condition ; and it may be observed, that fruits fecundated with bad pollen scarcely ever resist the atmo- spheric changes which they afterwards encounter. From observations made in vegetable physiology, I am per- suaded that the tree is pi'incipally the produce of the earth, and the fruit of the atmosphere ; a great diminution of vigour may take place in the one, without any perceptible alteration in the other. It is, therefore, the first object of the cultivator to proportion the supply of nutriment to the extent of his tree, and this will be best effected by the shallow border above de- scribed. These are the remarks of a man long devoted to the diffi- culties of his profession, such as have been suggested by nature, and confirmed by experience ; and if they are found to be sufficiently instructive for the pages of your useful miscel- lany, I shall feel happy in being numbered amongst your many correspondents. I am, Sir, yours, &c. October 24. 1828. Robert Hiver. 62 On training the Gooseberry. We shall feel particularly obliged to this scientific and ex- perienced writer, if he will communicate as frequently as pos- sible. We consider the above letter as worth half a Magazine. We have always stated it as our opinion, that ringing, and all the unnatural schemes of training and pruning trees, in order to produce blossoms or fruit, were only ingenious expedients of temporary application : that there is only one mode of train- ing, viz. the fan-manner ; and one mode of reducing the over- luxuriance of a tree, viz. that of operating on the soil. The various ingenious devices of training, pruning, culture, &c., which appear in the Horticultural Transactions of different Societies, and in this Magazine, are all exceedingly useful to young gardeners and amateurs, as physiological exercises; but those points of culture and propagation fit to enter into tlie general gardening or agriculture^of a country are few in- deed, and as simple as they are few. — Cond. Art. XX. On training the Gooseberry. By Mr. William Wilson, Merly Gardens, Dorset. Sir, Availing myself of the privilege afforded by your truly useful Magazine, I beg leave to offer a few remarks on training the gooseberry on trellises in the open garden, as practised by me here for the last six years. I would recommend it to all who are restricted to a limited space of ground ; to the tradesman, mechanic, or cottager, it is by far the most convenient and economical plan : it requires but a small share of the garden, and in the vicinity of towns this is a most material consideration. Even to the nobility and gentry it offers advantages, by furnishing an earlier sup- ply of fruit for culinary purposes ; and at the same time, by careful thinning, enough of superior fruit may be left for the table. To those who may be inclined to try my plan (I mean those not practising gardening, for I neither need, nor would I presume, to teach professional men) I shall describe my process as briefly as possible. About six years ago I planted a considerable number of gooseberry trees on a border in the kitchen-garden. The trees were three years from the cuttings, and had been previously trained to two shoots each. They were planted out finally in the month of February, at a dis- tance of 4 ft. apart ; one branch being trained horizontally on each side at about 3 in. from the ground. Being in- tended to be trained to a trellis, composed of upright stakes, Expeditious Mode of raising the Midberri/. 63 placed 6 in. apart, shoots were directed from the horizontal branches up each stake. The trees being 4 ft. distant, each consequently had eight upright branches ; these were selected in the spring, all others being displaced. With few exceptions, all the stakes were furnished with shoots ; and in the second summer many of them reached the top, which was full 5 ft. in height. The third summer after planting, the trellis was completely covered, and the trees yielded a very fair crop of fruit. • For the two last years they have continued to bear plentiful crops : pains are taken to thin the fruit regularly, by which means the greatest number, and those of inferior size, serve for kitchen uses ; and the superiors are forwarded to high perfection. The wood trellis has since been replaced by a light one of iron wire, sufficiently substantial to support the trees ; the whole having a light and remarkably neat appearance. Besides the orderly look of this trellis in a garden, and the saving of ground for other useful purposes, I am convinced the crop is equally abundant, and certainly of a superior quality. I am. Sir, yours, &c. Merii^ Gardens, Mai/ 15. 1827. W. Wilson. Art. XXI. A certain and exjoeditious Method of raising Midberry Trees. By Superficial, Sir, Observing in your Magazine (Vol. III. p. 217.) an article on the quickest and most certain mode of raising the Mulberry tree, permit me to add a few facts, which I think curious, and to refer those who have doubts of my account, to the spe- cimens actually growing at this time, as sufficient proof. We are all delighted with the fruit ; but we Cockney gar- deners, especially, are deterred from planting, for three strong reasons ; viz. the expense of the trees, the chance of failure, and the time they take before they get into bearing. I have heard the phrase used, " you are going to plant for your grand- children," when I talked of planting a mulberry ; but, so far from this being the case, and from the facts I am about to state to you, no one need be afraid of obtaining a young fruit- ful tree in a very few years. The history of this new discovery is shortly this : — Walking in the garden of Mr. Keene, malt- ster. Paradise Street, Lambeth, about three summers ago, I was surprised to see a mulberry tree open in its growth, and G* Cffw Cabbaiie. to' bearing fine and early ripe fruit. Expressing my astonish- ment, he told me that, about sixteen years previous, he received, from the gardener at Lambeth Palace, a large branch, which had been blown down, and lay on the ground all winter, from a tree that, tradition says, was the first of the kind imported into England by Cardinal Pole (who died in 1558); from which branch he cut off about a foot of the thick end, and planted it. The first year's shoots were luxuriant. In four years it was in partial bearing ; in seven, in full bearing, and continuing ever since. On my saying 1 thought he possessed the greatest curiosity in England, he desired me to look round, and pointed out another, which he had rescued from the fire, to which it had been condemned by a neighbour, by exchang- ing some of his own fire-wood for the mutilated mulberry stump. This Mr. Keene planted in his paved court, where it still grows, though exhibiting sad marks of the bad treatment it had met with. The fruit of this last, though black, was very inferior to the first mentioned (by the by, 1 do not recol- lect any book on gardening which notices two sorts of black mulberries, though 1 have seen, in a treatise on silk, published in the Transactions of the Society of Art s, vol. xliii. p. 221., two sorts mentioned, and that the fruit of one is inferior to the other, which may account for the difference of the trees in question) ; and it appears, that either may be I'aised by plant- ing parts of their branches or stems ; and that they may suc- ceed, it appears necessary that the branch should lie some time on the ground, in order that the sap may thicken before the truncheon is planted. As many persons may not like to trouble Mr. Keene on this business, they may look down the gateway, and will see the second-mentioned tree ; and should they want good malt, a necessary ingredient in the beverage which makes gardeners work, they will find a truly honest tradesman in the owner. Since writing the above, I find there is a variety of the black mulberry, having jagged leaves and smaller fruit ; but it was too late to ascertain whether the last-mentioned tree was this. Yours, &c. Brixton Villa. December. Superficial. Art. XXII. Abridged Communicatio7is. Cow Cabbage, — I received a packet of the seed of this extraordinary cabbage, from a gentleman of Cirencester, who brought it from Jersey, and have sown it. In his garden, I liave seen five healthy plants, which weathered last winter, in Correction of Miasmata iii a Comervatory. 65 the open garden, remarkably well, and seem to be equally hardy with tlieir congeners. I subjoin a sketch {fg. 14.) and description of this curious esculent, as supplied me in a com- munication from this friend. " The above is somewhat the appearance of a plot of a variety of cow cabbage that I saw growing in Jersey. It is much cultivated there, and attains the height of from 4 ft. to loft, or 12ft. The little farmers feed their cows with the leaves, plucking them from the stem as they grow, and leaving a bunch or head at the top. The stems are very strong, and used for roofing small out-buildings ; and after this purpose is answered, and they are become dry, they are used for fuel. When the gathering of the leaves is finished at the end of the year, the terminating bud or head is boiled, and said to be particularly sweet." — Jo/m Murrai/. Correction of Miasmata arising from the decaying Vegetation in a Conservatory^ S^'c. — The chloride of lime in solution would certainly correct various gases and vapours arising from this cause. The Hon. Henry Cavendish, by transmitting a successive series of electric sparks through a confined quan- tity of atmospheric air, soon obtained evident traces of the production of nitrous acid gas, in the red vapour which arose. The chemical constitution of atmospheric air is 21 oxygen, and 79 azote, or nitrogen, independent of the minute proportional of carbonic acid gas, which has been variously estimated. Now, a reversal of these proportionals would form nitrous acid ; and there can be no doubt whatever, that a quantity of nitrous acid gas is formed in every thunder-storm, one of the most power- ful disinfecting agents in existence ; that, in truth, employed Vol. V. — No. 18. f 66 Odour of Bases increased by Onions. with eminent success by Dr. Carmichael Smyth. We certainly know that vegetation wears a greener livery, and healthier aspect, after the thunder-storm, which, in its meteorological character, serves obviously to restore the balance of tempei'a- ture, and promote an equable distribution of moisture ; and its effects in relation to vegetation may not so much depend on its electric affinity with the circulation of the sap in vegetation, as on the evolution of nitrous acid gas in the atmosphere, in the decomposition of miasmata, or aerial poisons, hurtful to, or destructive of vegetation, and healing abraded and decaying surfaces ; perhaps, too, destructive to animalculae, &c., as the Coccus, A^phis, &c., which prey on the vital juices of the plant, and " drink its marrow up." In exotic vegetation, limited to the precincts of the stove or conservatory, and their stagnant and imprisoned atmosphere (for ventilation is too little regarded), it is highly worthy of experiment how far a small portion of nitrous acid gas, liberated cautiously by the action of sulphuric acid or nitre, might be serviceable in promoting a healthy vegetation, and restoring unhealthy vegetation to its proper tone. We may thus gain a powerful auxiliary and active agent, and the consequence would be a beauteous and luxuriant vegetation, " bearing its blushing honours thick upon it." By a careful inspection of what occurs around us, we occasionally glean valuable practical hints ; and an inspection of the wonders of the thunder-storm may be rewarded by the fruits of a successful application of the produce of its power. — John Mu7-ray. An Onion ■planted near a Rose said to increase its Odour. — This remark has already appeared in the Gardener's Maga- zine, and I think the experiment is one that promises success. I was led, some time ago, to submit the onion to chemical analysis, when I discovered that it contained much ammonia. Mons. Robiquet, of Paris, some years ago proved that ammonia possessed the peculiar property of restoring the lost aroma, as in musk, &c. ; and I am also of opinion it is the efficient cause in the developement of the aroma in flowers ; and that night- smelling plants, as the Geranium triste, i?6sa odora, &c., are indebted for this very peculiar feature in their physiology to ammoniacal gas, liberated at this season of repose, and at no other period of the day. What effect the cautious adminis- tration of a solution of carbonate of ammonia to sweet-scented flowers, in the form of a gentle watering occasionally, may produce, experiments can alone determine. W^hen rose leaves, &c. are preserved in perfume-jars, common salt is gene- rally sprinkled over them. A little powdered carbonate of am- monia I find increases the aroma. — Id. 67 PART II. MISCELLANEOUS INTELLIGENCE. Art. I. Foreign Notices. FRANCE. The Central Agricultural Society of Paris held a Meeting on December 1 7, at which a paper was read on cultivating resinous trees, and another on raising potatoes from seed, and a committee appointed to prei)are notes for a new edition of Delamarre's work on the culture of the genus Pinus. An- other Meeting of this Society was held on January 7., at which a paper was read by Sir John Byerley, on Artesian wells, i. e. the system of finding sup- plies of water for domestic purposes, by boring. Sir John and M. Degouse have entered into copartnership for the purpose of forming these wells, and have already been employed in various places in the environs of Paris, and by the city of Chartres. The Horticultural Society of Paris held a Meeting on the 17th, which was wholly devoted to discussions relative to printing the Annates of the Society, and the best mode of preparing a monthly calendar for their journal. Another Meeting, on January 7., was chiefly occupied with a proposition made by M. Boursault, for the union of the Societe d'Agronomie Pratique (Vol, IV. p. 488.) with this Society, regarding which, the latter Society, as the elder, declared its willingness to receive propositions from its younger sister. Our last notes from France (Vol. IV. p. 489.) left us at Strasburg, Oc- tober 19., on the eve of setting out for Germany. We re-entered France, by crossing the Rhine between Rastadt and Hagenau, on December 2. Our object in passing by Hagenau was to examine the pine forest, composed of a very superior variety of Pinus sylv^stris. We inspected it, in company with M. Neunreutter, who supplies the seedsmen of France and Holland with Hagenau pine-seeds ; and we brought away six pounds of seed, two pounds of which we have sent to the Caledonian Horticultural Society ; one pound to Mr. Reid of Aberdeen, and two pounds we retain, to be given to such proprietors as will undertake to sow it very thin, and unmixed with other tree seeds, on sandy soil, and where it is finally to remain. It appears to us a more vigorous variety of Scotch pine than any we have in Britain ; its growth is remarkably rapid, both at Hagenau and on the German side of the Rhine ; and the timber is said, by M. Neunreutter and others, to be equal to that of Riga pine. It has been used both for masts and for ship- building. M. Vilmorin has sown, on his estate to the south of Paris, pieces of several acres of this and other varieties of Scotch pine, with a view to mark their comparative rapidity of growth, and the value of their timber ; an experiment which, conducted by a man of so much science and accuracy as M. Vilmorin, cannot fail to be attended with important results. After examining a very remarkable institution at Hagenau, which has suggested to us the idea of a description of working-convents, for single men and women, which we shall afterwards develope, we went to Saverne, where we examined the ruins of the very fine palace and gardens, which F 2 68 Foreign Notices : — France. were the ornament of that town before the Revolution ; thence to Chateau- Salin, where we established two correspondents, one of them Mademoiselle Loritz, a great amateur, with the best collection in that part of the country. At Metz we arrived on December 6., and remained till the 10th. In the Botanic Garden we found that the Anona C/ierimolia had been fruited seve- ral years ago, by the common treatment of bark-bed woody plants. The pots are about a foot in diameter, and the plants were raised from seed about twenty-eight years ago'; nine or ten fruits were produced six or eight years since, about the size, shape, and colour of oranges, and very palatable. Young plants have been raised from their seeds, which are now nearly 1.5 ft. high, the height of the parent plant. The director of the garden is M. Coutie, an excellent man, and an enthusiastic gardener, about eighty years of age, who worked in the gardens of Kew thirty years ago. The grounds of the Baron de Tschoudy, who invented the grelfe herbace, are in the neighbourhood of Metz ; but of these, of the gardens of M. Durand (a reader of both our Magazines), of the Comte Dourche, of the nurseries of Messrs. Simon freres, of the vegetable gardens, and of the vegetable market and seed-shops, we have not time at present to enter into details. We arrived at Paris on the 12th ; and after visiting the farm of Trappe^ the agricultural establishment at Grignon, the manufacture of potato-flour at Bondy and at two other places, and revisiting a number of the vegetable and flower-gardens of Paris, and the forcing-garden of Versailles, to observe their winter-management, we left that city on Jan. 9., and arrived at Bays- water on the 16th inst. Having thus given our readers an outline of our four months' tour, we intend filling it up in succeeding Numbers, under the division of Original Papers, Part I. — Cond. Vegetable Anatomy. — Dr. Dutrochet has discovered that, if you submit any part of a plant to the action of hot nitric acid for a short space of time, all power of cohesion is lost by the vessels, which become transparent, and' are easily separable from each other by gentle dissection. So complete is the effect of this agent, that even the most delicate cells of the cellular tis- sue become disengaged from each other, and may be examined singly, and with perfect ease. We rejoice in this discovery, as it will enable gardeners and others who cannot afford to purchase compound miscroscopes, and delicate dissecting instruments, to verify the anatomy of Mirbel, and many of the ingenious experiments of Knight, and other physiologists, and, pro- bably, to make new discoveries themselves. The manner in which Dutrochet performed his experiments was this : — " I placed," he observes, " a fragment of the plant I was desirous of study- ing, in a little phial filled with nitric acid, and plunged it into boiling water. By this operation, the parts which compose the cellular tissue lost their power of cohesion, and became transparent, which rendered their examin- ation much less difficult. At the same time, the trachea? and the other vessels filled with an aeriform fluid, which is also a great assistance in view- ing them. Care, however, must be taken that this operation be not too far prolonged, because, if it be, the vegetable tissue will be destroyed : the observer must regulate the time which the plant is to remain in nitric acid according to its greater or less degree of delicacy. Generally, the time for suspending the experiment is indicated by the fragment having become transparent, and being capable of easy separation. To make the observ- ation, I throw into water, in a watch-glass, the smallest possible morsels which can be procured by mere mechanical division, and I place them under the microscope." This subject is farther illustrated in the News of Litera- ture and Fashioiiy by an eminent botanist. (See No. 89-, et seq.) Uva passu. — This term was applied, by the Romans, to those sorts of grapes which were calculated for drying like our raisins (raisin sec, Fr.); and, hence, when the word passe is placed before the name of any fruit, it Foreign Notices : — Germany. 69 signifies that it is well adapted for drying : as Passe-Musqu^e, Passe-Col- mar, &c. Phiol. — This name is applied to a variety of grape common in Burgundy (our Burgundy and Black Cluster) ; but whether it is the name of the cul- tivator who introduced it there from Auvergne, where it is called Auvernal, or from the conic or pine-like form of its berry, the French writers are not agreed. There is an Italian variety, called Pignolus, and another, Pinoz, both mentioned by Crescentius. Labourer. — This word, as used by the ancients, and also, till lately, by the moderns, is to be considered as synonymous with agriculturist, as well as with farmer and cultivator. The division ot labour, and the creation of ■capital, have given rise to the different kind of labourers, and their names. (^Notes to Olivier de Serves.) To render Timber inflammable. — Steep it in a solution of alkali or alum. (Cadei-de- Faux.) GERMANY. Bavaria. — In our last (Vol. IV. p. 49 1 .\we continued our outline to the 50th of October, which left us at Munich. We afterwards examined all the royal gardens and parks, the Museum of the Agricultural Society, the Agri- cultural Institution at Schleisheim, the churchyard, not the least remarkable feature of Munich, and the estate of Baron Eichthal, who has introduced various improved practices from England, and let a considerable farm to an East Lothian farmer. Baron Eichthal is an enlightened and highly patriotic individual ; and his example, and the precepts and advice of M. Hazzi, will soon spread the best agricultural practices over the whole country. From what Mr. Sawyers, the P2ast Lothian farmer, stated to us, we found, as we expected, that the Bavarians are not at all prejudiced against new practices, merely because they are new; and that the use of swing-ploughs, turnips on raised drills, and, in short, the whole of the East Lothian and Berwick- shire husbandry, will be much more easily introduced in Bavaria than they could be in the south of England. The reason is plain : the country-labourei's of Bavaria are better educated than the country-labourers of England. We left Munich on Nov. 8. ; examined the Botanic Garden at Ratisbon on Nov. 10.; arrived at Nuremberg on the 11th, and examined a number of small gardens and nurseries there, including the garden of Madame Hepp, one of the principal amateurs in Germany as a private individual ; the flower-garden and seed-grounds of M. Falcke. an extensive dealer in seeds, and of M. Campe, a celebrated bookseller. The soil in the neighbourhood of Nuremberg being dry and sandy, has, for many years, supplietl various descriptions of garden-seeds for the rest of Germany, and other parts of Europe. Even tuberose roots are grown in that soil for the purposes of commerce, and also the bulbs of the common hyacinth, Guernsey, Belladonna, and Jacobaea lily. We were introduced here also to M. Reider, a gardening author, who has produced several esteemed compilations, and is the editor of a botanical magazine, which appears month!}', with coloured figures. IVurtemberg. — We arrived at Stuttgard on Nov. 15., and were beyond measure gratified with the town, the people, and especially the surrounding country. We never before saw any country so rich with fruit trees, vine- yards, and gardens, and at the same time so populous, so varied, and pic- turesque. In one of the happiest situations in the midst of this scenery, and on the high bank of the Neckar, is situated the king's country house or palace, Rosenstein, now completing, to which the whole seems the appro- priate garden. We examined and brought away plans and views of several of the other palaces and gardens ; and M. Salucci, the government architect, and M. Bosch, the director-general of gardens, have promised to prepare and send us those of Rosenstein. We examined the agricultural establishment at Hochenheim, till lately under the direction of M. Schwertz, all the public F 3 70 Foreign Notices : — Italy. nurseries and market-gardens, the churchyard, and the vegetable market. On the 2.3d we left for Heilbron, Heidelberg, Schweitzingen, and Carlsriihe. Baden. — We arrived at Carlsruhe on Nov. 26., exann'ned the Botanic Garden and Pleasure- Ground there, under the direction of M. Hartweg, author o\' Hortus Car!sruhunus{No\.\\l. p. 204.), and various other gardens, grounds, and establishments, and especially the girls' school, under the direction of Professor Karcher. We concluded the German part of our tour on Dec. 3., passing by Baden and Rastadt. At the latter town we saw M. Jacob Ainslie, mentioned by Dr. Ponqueville, under the name of Jaques (Enct/c. o/" Grtrf/., §308.), as having been gardener to the Grand Signor. M. Ainslie has seen a deal of the world, speaks five or six languages, and gave us some curious and useful information. Between Rastadt and the Rhine we passed through a forest of pines, which has the same reputation as that of Hagcnau. The variety of Pinus sylv&tris has every appearance of being the same, as is the soil. Seeds are collected for the trade by M. Schottell of Rastadt, from whom we brought away two pounds weight, for distribution. We also brought a few culinary seeds from the royal kitchen- gardens of Munich and Stuttgard, and the grand-ducal kitchen-garden of Carlsruhe. They are chiefly of German greens, Russian cabbages, savoys, kohl-rabi, and knoll celery, but of finer growth than any we ever saw in England. We have divided them equally between the Horticultural So- cieties of London, Edinburgh, New York, and Philadelphia. There are also among these seeds a few of Astragalus boe'ticus, the seeds of which, roasted and ground, make a very good coffee. We proved this at Munich, where M. Hazzi has introduced these seeds and their culture, as well as another plant called New Zealand Tea, the leaves of which are said to form a very good substitute for the Chinese tea. Of this last plant we know nothing. None of the culinary seeds above mentioned have the slightest pretensions to no- velty ; and it is possible as good varieties may be in England already, though we have not seen them. Should the contrary be the case, their introduc- tion will be beneficial in proportion to the extension of the culture of these jilants in every cottage-garden in every temperate climate. Much as we were satisfied with the agriculture and gardening in these three states of Germany, we were incomparably more so with the state of general education, and its influence on the manners and happiness of the people. In this respect. Great Britain and France have much to learn from these countries. At Paris we commenced a letter on the subject, intended for the Journal d'E'ducation et d'' Instmction of M. Lasteyrie ; but finding it too long for that work, we had it printed there as a pamphlet* ; and we shixll give the essence of it in our next Number. ITALY. Grano marzuolo or marzolano. — This is the variety of common wheat cultivated in Tuscany, on the sandy hills on both sides of the Valley of the Arno, for the purpose of being plaited and made into hats. It is sown in March, very thick, and pulled when the ear is fully shot, but before the grain is formed. It is then 18 in. high, if the crop is good ; it is bleached as we do flax, and afterwards tied up in bundles in the same manner, and carried home, to have the part between the ear and the first fruit in the stalk selected, that being the only part used. To obtain the whiteness so nnich prized, the straw is smoked with sul- phur previous!}' to being worked ; the plait is also smoked ; and, lastly, the * Des E'tnblissemens pour I'E'ducation Publique en Baviere, dans le Wittemberg eta Bade, avec Rcmarques sur Ics Ameliorations a introduire dans cesE'tablisscmens pour Ics faire adopter en France, en Angletcrre, et autrcs Pays. Paris, Mcsnier, 8vo, |ip. 67. Foreign Notices : — Spain, Denmark. 7 1 hat. About Sienna the process is simply a little sulphur set on fire in the bottom of a large chest, bunches of the straw being placed on long hazel roils across, and the lid shut down. Elsewhere, the articles are described as being placed in a small close room, in which a chafing dish of sulphur is placed, and set fire to. Sometimes the operation requires to be done twice before it succeeds. The straw for use is classed or stapled like our wool. Children or in- ferior hands work the coarse thick straw, while good hands work the fine only. Whether fine or coarse, it is only the part on which the spike grows that is made use of; and it is always the same plait, consisting of thirteen straws, which is worked. In the fine plait there is a very great waste of straw, as they reject all that is in the least too thick, and they cut oiFa con- siderable part of the straw where it comes near the flower-spike. Fine plait is not accounted good unless very much drawn together ; for which end it is worked very wet. The bunches of straw are always put into a small jar, filled with cold water, which stands beside the worker. After being smoked and pressed, the plait is made up into hats by women, who do nothing else ; it is not put together by edges, nor overlapped. On the operation of pressing a great deal depends : there are only two good machines for that purpose in the country". Such is the practice for procuring the hat straw': what they sow for seed is in other ground : not one fourth of the seed is used, and the grain is allowed to come to maturity in the usual way. It is said to be a capital wheat for vermicelli, macaroni, &c., and also for making into bread. It ought to be taken into view, that, for the use of the manufacture in Scotland, the straw should not exceed one eighteenth of an inch in diameter. When coarser, it does not answer the market ; and much of the very finest straw is not required, because the bonnets made from it are too expensive. {Prof.Jam, Phil. Jour., March, 1317, p. 384.) SPAIN. Elysium in Spain. — In Spanish Estremadura, a person who has lOO/. per annum may support a family of four or five in number with great comfort, and enjoy the luxury of a carriage. The finest bread is at little more than one halfpenny per lb., good wine at one penny per bottle, small lambs and kids about eighteen-pence each, and vegetables cheap, and in abundance. Labourers in husbandry are to be hired at less than id. per day, and a female servant for about 2/. sterling per annum, and occasionally a few cast-ofF articles of clothing. There is good pasture for cattle almost for nothing ; and the sweet acorns, which make the pork so delicious in parts of Spain and Portugal, grow wild, and are to be had for the gathering. Such is Spanish Estremadura, andyet nobody thinks of emigrating thither. {Keivsp.) DENMARK. Gurre is a place of great note in the neighbourhood of Elsinore. An old king of Denmark, Valdemar Atterdag, was so partial to the situation, that he called it his heaven ; declaring, at the same time, that God might keep heaven to himself, if he would only allow him to keep Gurre. The Gardens of Fredensborg have been variously described by different travellers, ladies as well as gentlemen. Some find them \evy interesting, if not in the newest style ; others grand and magnificent, although on the old .plan ; others, again, think them stiff, melancholy, and neglected, being en- vironed by lofty pines, which exclude views on the adjacent lake, render breathing difficult, and expose the visitor to swarms of gnats, where he expected to sit in odorous groves, listening to melodious breezes. A most ingenious gentleman, the D'Israeli of Denmark, who seems in his writings F 4- 72 Foreign Notices : — De?nnark. to display the humour of Swift and the pathos of Sterne, describes, with much feeling, the desolate condition of Fredensborg : — " Even that beauti- ful spot, the Norwegian Valley, a circular spot, on which sixty-five figures of sandstone, representing the different costumes of Norway, are placed," he says, " has felt the effects of neglect, in regard to the stone figures placed there. Dancers with one leg, and fiddlers with one arm, may be seen. Weeds and grass shoot up unmolested round Wiedewelt's masterpieces, and every thing appears to be left to itself." Although the gardens have not been laid out in the English style, there is something imposing about them, which surpasses all idea. From their vast extent, and stiff yet majestic avenues, the tops of the trees .ippearing to be lost in the clouds, they may be justly esteemed the principal gardens in Denmark. A person who has not been there before, may easily lose hb way, unless he has a guide. JcEgersboi-g Park displays the magnificence and beauty of Danish forest scenery in the highest perfection. The red deer, here called down deer, are of a far superior species to those in Windsor Forest, ot the Duke of Bedford's park at Woburn Abbey. It is a truly majestic sight when you meet with a herd of thirty or forty old stags grazing in some of the solemn circular glades in Jaegersborg Park, where, from the closeness of the wood, the light chiefly descends perpendicularly. The hinds with their fawns, on the other hand, seek an extensive plain, in which stands a hunting- seat, very improperly called the Hermitage, but now seldom used for its original purpose. The house, from its lofty situation, commands a fine view of the sea. But, as a building, it is scarcely worth inspecting, and is now rapidly falling into decay. It will not indeed be missed in a park, of which Mr. Coxe says, " It is perhaps the finest spot for the natural beauty of the gentle waving grounds, and the richness of the wood ; and suffi- ciently proves that the nobles may lay out their grounds equal to ours in England, if they would trust more to nature, and less to art." M. Hauch, a gentleman of rank and science, has lately set a good example in appreciating the beauties of this part of Zealand. He has in- troduced a style of rural architecture, which gives the proprietor all the benefits of a residence in the country without occasioning heavy and use- less expense. Having cleared a considerable tract of land, which had formerly been forest, in the vicinity of Esrom Lake {Jig- 15.), he allotted it in small divisions, to a great nimiber of cottagers. In an elevated part of the estate he has built a two-storied dwelling, in a neat, unassuming style. It possesses an extensive view of the country, and will itself form a most interesting object, when the adjacent cottages shall wear that general appearance of comfort and happiness, to which they are rapidly advanc- ing under the auspices of this nobleman. At a sliort distance from his seat he has laid out a farm on the most approved principles, where the neighbouring cottagers will derive the best Foreign Notices : — Russia. 73 guidance, in the culture of their plots of ground, from what they see prac- tised. M. Hauch's gardens and plantations will also be the means of turn- ing the attention of the cottagers to an improved method of horticulture and fencing, in which the peasantry of Zealand are generally so much behind. The Rev. Mr. Junge, in his invaluable work on the character, customs, opinions, and language of the peasantry of North Zealand, men- tions that hedging is diametrically opposite to the peasant's principles of agriculture. The learned author has himself seen quickset hedges ruined in the course of a night, long rows of young timber trees irrecoverably broken, and the tops of fruit trees cut off, just as the savages of Louisiana do, that they may pluck the fruit with greater ease. He proposes to remedy those evils by the enactment of an old law in Holstein, pursuant to which every young man was obliged to plant a dozen of trees before he could ask the minister to read the banns ; and for every son with which God blessed him, he had, besides, to plant six or eight trees. Frederiksborg is approached by one of the most beautiful roads in Den- mark. The traveller who is anxious to carry pleasing recollections with him of this country, will pursue his way through the gardens of Fredens- borg, down to the boat-house on Esrom Lake. {fig. 16.) Thence he should 16 cross the lake to a wood called Noddeboe-holt. There he will enjoy an extensive view of this fine lake, which must be allowed to surpass even Loch Lomond in softer beauties. There is a luxuriance of grand forest scenery on Esrom Lake, of which Loch Lomond, with the exception of some scanty plantations, is altogether destitute. P>om Ndddeboe-holt the traveller should proceed to a more elevated position, near the house of a forester named Bruhl, who has displayed great taste for the picturesque in his management of the king's forests. This spot commands an uninterrupted view of the lake. In the lower part its wooded banks project from both sides far into the lake, and form, as it were, lesser lakes and beautiful bays. On the left bank of the lake a fine forest extends as far as Esrom. In this direction the Swedish ridge of hills called Koll present a noble back-ground to the naked shores of the lake ; which, however, soon resume their sylvan appearance on the right bank, ia the vicinity of Fredensborg. (Fielddorg's Germany.) RUSSIA. The Imperial Botanic Garden, in the Apothecaries' Island, at St. Peters- burg, it is reported in Paris, will probably be removed to the garden of the 74 Foreign Notices : — Asia, Taurida Palace ; a projected change which we were not at all surprised to near, considering the great liability of the Apothecaries' Island to inunda- tions of the Neva. Some account of this garden will be found in Vol. I. p. 84. We have tried in vain to obtain a relation of the losses it sustained by an inundation shortly after its completion ; but we have not been so unsuccessful in procuring a ground plan, sections, and descriptions of the double quadrangle of hot-houses erected, or to be erected, and which we shall lay before our readers in an early Number. — Cond. ASIA. The Cinnamon Dejmi-tmcnt of the Island of Ceylon consists of from 25,000 to 26,000 people, who form a separate cast of their own, and who are alto- gether employed in the cultivation of the cinnamon tree (Z,aurus Cinnamo- mum) (^g. 17.), and in preparing the bark of that tree for the market. The exportation of this article from \- Ceylon frequently amounts to 6000 bales, of 80 lbs. each bale. Although the cin^ namon grows wild in the south and south-west part of the island, the Dutch and English governments have thought it advantageous to have it cultivated in four or five very large gardens ; one of the largest of which, called the Maran- dan, is close to Colombo ; and it is in this that the house and garden of Rajah Pakse (^g-. 18.) is situated. From the bark of the cinnamon tree the cinnamon, which is used for culinary purposes, is prepared. It is from the same bark that the cinnamon water and the cinnamon oil are prepared ; and also a very fine oil, like the oil of cloves, is prepared from the leaves, and the finest description of camphor from the roots. Rajah Pakse (fig- 18. a), besides being a man of considerable wealth, has great influence amongst the natives of the country, from his official situation, and is one of the most enlightened and liberal-minded natives in the island of Ceylon. He was the man who was principally employed by Sir Alexander Johnston in carrying into effect the various measures which he, whilst pre- sident of His Majesty's council in Ceylon, introduced for raising the moral and political character, and improving the state of the natives of that island. Rajah Pakse was the first great proprietor of slaves, who, on Sir Alexander Johnston's suggestion, adopted the resolution, which was afterwards uni- versally acquiesced in by the natives of all the different casts, for gradually emancipating the whole of their slaves, and thereby putting an end to the state of domestic slavery, which had subsisted for more than three hundred years. It was through his intelligence that Sir Alexander Johnston was enabled to succeed in establishing trial by jury, which was the first instance of that mode having been introduced amongst any natives of India. It was also through his activity that Sir Alexander Johnston, when he collected, for the use of the government, all the customary laws of the various religions and casts in Ceylon, procured the necessary information, to enable him to accomplish that object ; and it was from Rajah Pakse's thorough knowledge of the Pali and Sanscrit languages, that Sir Alexander Johnston was enabled to get the translations, which are about to be published by Mr". Upham, of the three original native histories of the Buddhoo religions, and of its intro- duction into Ceylon, which were presented to him by the high priests of that religion on the island, who are looked upon by all those who profess that faith, as well in Ceylon as in the Burmese and Siamese territories, as Foreign Notices : — Ana. . 75 the persons who are best acquainted with its doctrines and tenets. The man {Jig. 18. b) conversing with Rajah Pakse, is a Mahommedan physician, of whom Sir Alexander Johnston has given the following description in a note to a paper on the history of the Mahommedan inhabitants of Ceylon, presented by him to the Asiatic Society of Literature, and printed in the last number of the proceedings of that Society : — IS " I have a copy in my possession of a very curious and very ancient grant in copper, made by one of the Cingalese kings of Ceylon, about six or seven hundred years ago, to a great Mahommedan merchant, who was then residing at Barbareen, in the island of Ceylon, and to his descendants for ever, of certain privileges and immunities, in consequence of his having introduced, from the opposite coast of India, the first weavers of cloth who were ever established in Ceylon. By virtue of this grant, the lineal descend- ants of that merchant now enjoy, under the British government, a portion of the privileges which were granted to their ancestors by the ancient Cin- galese government of the country, and which were successively confirmed to them by the Portuguese, Dutch, and English governments in Ceylon. The chief of this family was appointed by me, in 1806, native superintendant of the medical department, under the control of the Supreme Court. He was considered by the natives of the country as one of the best informed of the native physicians in the island, and possessed one of the best collections of native medical books, most of which had been in his family between seven and eight hundred years ; during the whole of which period it had been customary for one member of his family at least to follow the medical profession. This same person made me a very detailed report of all the plants in Ceylon, which have been used from time immemorial for medical purposes by Mahommedan native physicians in that island. The cultivation and improvement of these plants, as well as of all other plants and vege- tables in the island, which might be used either for food or commercial pur- poses, was one of the great objects for which His Majesty's government, at jny suggestion, in 1810, established a royal botanical garden in Ceylon." 76 Foreign Notices : — Asia. The two persons who are in attendance upon Rajah Pakse are two men of the militia of the Cinnamon department, called Lascoreens. Each native chief has a right, according to his rank, to be attended by a certain number of these men, who carry in their hands, to shelter the chief from the sun, a leaf of the Talipot, or Cory ph a umbraculifera ; the great use made of which palm in Ceylon may be known from the following account given of them in a description which has been lately published of that tree : — The Talipot is the Corypha umbraculifera. (Jig. 19.) All the books of importance in Pali and Cingalese, relative to the religion of Budd- hoo in Ceylon, are written on lamina of these leaves. The Pali and Cingalese character is en- graved upon them with either a brass or an iron style. There are some of these books in Sir Alexander Johnston's collections, which are supposed to be between 500 and 600 years old, and which are still very perfect. , Sir A. Johnston gave the Royal Asiatic Society, some time ago, a complete copy of the Pali book called the Pansyapa7ias Jatalcay, written on 1 1 7'2 laminae of the finest description of this sort of palm leaf. This book contains the whole moral and religious code of the Buddhist, and is so scarce, that it was for some time believed that there was no complete copy extant. Sir Alexander Johnston, when president of His Majesty's coun- cil in Ceylon, being, from the various benefits he had conferred on the priests of Buddhoo and their followers, much in their confidence, was al- lowed by them to have this complete copy taken of all the different parts of it, which were dispersed amongst the most celebrated temples in Ceylon. Sir Alexander also gave the Asiatic Society a very fine specimen of a Bur- mese book on the Buddhoo religion, written upon laminae of this leaf, which are beautifully lacquered and gilt over, which was sent to him by the King of Ava, along with some other books, as the finest specimens he could give him of the manner in which the books were written and bound in his library at Ava. This leaf is used in the maritime provinces of Ceylon as a mark of dis- tinction, each person being allowed to have a certain number of these leaves, folded up as fans, carried with him by his servants {Jig. 18.); and also, in the Kandian country, in the shape of a round, flat umbrella, on a long stick, as is represented in a fine drawing, in the possession of Sir Alexander Johnston, of the late Adigar or Prime Minister of the King of Kandy, who was the cause of the massacre of the English at Kandy in the year 1805. It is, moreover, used in making tents. Sir Alexander Johnston gave a very fine specimen of a tent made of these leaves, large enough to hold a party of ten persons at table, to the late Sir Joseph Banks, in 1818. These leaves are also used by the common people to shelter themselves from the rain, one leaf affording sufficient shelter for seven or eight persons. In the botanical garden which His Majesty's Ministers established in Ceylon, on Sir Alexander Johnston's suggestion, in 1811, it was intended Foreign Notices : — North America. 77 to make a complete collection of this, as well as of all other species of palms, in Ceylon. The tall palm trees in Rajah Pakse's garden are the Cocos nucifera {fig. 20.), the Borassus flabelliformis, and the Caryota urens. Of the first the following description is given by Sir Alexander Johnston in his note of the above-mentioned papers, delivered by him to the Asiatic Society : — The coarse filament of the cocoa- nut husk, called coir, is used through- out India for rope. In Ceylon it is ob- tained from the cocoa-nut trees, which grow in great luxuriance along the south-west part of the coast, from the river Hymel to the river Wallawa)', forming a belt one hundred and thirty miles in length, and one and a half in breadth. This belt was estimated, in the time when the Dutch governed Ceylon, to contain between ten and eleven millions of cocoa-nut trees, and'to produce, in addition to a great quantity of cocoa-nut oil, and six thou- sand leaguers of arrack, upwards of three millions of pounds weight of coir. A good tree in that belt was estimated to produce from fifty to eighty, and some- times one hundred cocoa-nuts in a year ; each cocoa-nut being equivalent, as food, to at least three ounces of rice. Of the latter the following description is given in a note to the same paper : — The Palmyra of the province of Jaffna is the Borassus flabelliformis (^g. 21.) of Linnaeus. This palm grows to great per- fection in that province. The species of Borassus in Jaffna, which is so valuable, is that of which the wood is almost ouite black. It is used all over India for raft- ers, and for the roofs of houses; and is peculiarly valuable, from its resisting all in- sects, and being extremely durable. The Borassus, independently of its supplying this valuable wood for exportation, is of the greatest importance to the inhabitants of Jaffna, from its fruit and roots being used by them for food ; and from many other parts of it being used by them in manufactures, and as articles of trade. {Sir A. Johnston in Trans, of the R.A.S., vol. i. p. 454.) NORTH AMERICA. Jamaica Society for the Encouragement of Arts and Agriculture. — Sir, I take the liberty of sending you the following account of proceedings in the Jamaica Society for the Encouragement of the Arts and Agriculture, on Nov. 1 1 ., when premiums were awarded to Mr. Smith, for New Zealand hemp and various other new plants, 8 dollars ; to Mr. John Wills, for cauliflowers, 3 dollars ; to Mr. Alexander Robertson, for mead, 4 dollars ; 78 Domestic Notices : — England. to Mr. C. S. Cockbren, for Clerodendrum frligrans, 4 dollars; to Mr. Stru- par, for flowers, 5 dollars ; and to Alexander Maclart}', Denis Maclarty, and Jane Thompson, slaves of Clydesdale, for potatoes, each 1 dollar. A letter from Mr. Atkinson was read, accompanied with specimens of Indian rubber produced in the island, and of the juice from which it is made. Mr. R. Smith was elected a member of the Council in the room of the Rev. Mr. Mann. — X. Y. Jan. 13. 1829. The Mulberry Tree grows indigenously throughout the United States, and it is thought silk can be raised with facility from the northern to the southern boundary of the Union. This article costs the country now 6 or 7,000,000 dollars. Very beautiful specimens of silk have been exhibited in Baltimore, which are the product of worms raised in that city, and spun by a machine, of which Mr. J. A. Blane is the maker. That gentleman, who is by birth a Piedmontese, was largely engaged in the manufacture of silk before he was compelled to leave his native land. He is of opinion that no climate is better adapted to the silk-worm than Baltimore. {Neivsp.) Sugar. — Letters from St. Augustin (Florida) mention that the culture of the sugar cane is thriving there beyond all original expectation, and that this produce promises to become in a few years a branch of that important trade. The Journal du Commerce of Saturday last gives a return for the year 1827 of the beet-root sugar produced in the northern departments of France, the whole quantity of which amounts to 1,218,000 kilogrammes, (2,650,000 lbs.) It is thereby shown that this new branch of industry has risen to an importance that calls for the future attention of the commercial department of the state. {Scotsman, April 2.) Art. II. Domestic Notices* ENGLAND. Weather Prognostics. — When the clouds are red in the west, with a tint of purple, it portends fine weather, because the air when dry refracts more red or heat-making rays ; and as dry air is not perfectly transparent, they are again reflected in the horizon. A coppery or yellow sunset generally foretells rain ; but as an indication of wet weather approaching, nothing is more certain than a halo round the moon, which is produced by the pre- cipitated water; and the larger the circle, the nearer the clouds; and con- sequently the more ready to fail. As to the rainbow, the old proverb is correct, — " A rainbow in the morning is the shepherd's warning : A rainbow at night is the shepherd's delight." It may be thus explained : — A rainbow can only occur when the clouds containing or depositing the rain are opposite to the sun, and in the evening the rainbow is in the east, and in the morning in the west ; and as our heavy rains in this climate are usually brought by the westerly wind, a rain- bow in the west indicates that the bad weather is on the road by the wind to us ; whereas the rainbow in the east proves that the rain in these clouds is passing from us. When swallows fly high, fine weather is to be expected or continued; but when they fly low and close to the ground, rain is almost surely approaching, because swallows follow the flies and gnats, and flies and gnats usually delight in warm strata of air ; and as warm air is lighter, and usually moister than cold air, when the warm strata of air are high, Domestic Notices : — £?/gla?id. 79 there is less chance of moisture being thrown down from them by the mix- ture with cold air ; but when the wai'm and moist air is close to the sur- face, it is almost certain that, as the cold air flows down into it, a deposition of water will take place. The augury of the ancients was a good deal founded upon the observation of the instinct of birds, and there are many superstitions of the vulgar owing to the same source. For anglers in spring it is always unlucky to see single magpies, but two may be always regarded as a favourable omen ; and the reason is, that in cold and stormy weather one magpie alone leaves the nest in search of food, the other remaining sitting upon the eggs or the young ones ; but when two go out together, it is only when the weather is warm and mild, and favourable for fishing. {Salmonia, attributed to Sir Humphrerj Davy.) Preserving Plants from the Caterpillar. — An experiment has been tried for three years to preserve gooseberry plants from the ravages of the cater- pillar, by brushing the stems with a soft brush dipped in common train or fish oil, about the time of their first appearance, or at any time when in- fested, which appears to destroy or greatly to annoy them. It also much improves the growth and productiveness of the tree the following year, and clears it of moss. This communication is made public, in the hope of ex- citing experiments to prove how far it may be useful for the preservation of other trees. {Neiu Monthly Magazine for August.) An improved Mode of Paving has been suggested, which may be shortly described, as placing the stones with the broadest surface undermost on a Macadamised foundation. This is nearly allied to the Roman practice of paving on a bed of masonry : indeed, the durability of all pavement depends on its being placed on a stratum of materials not liable to be changed by water, frost, or considerable pressure. An excellent pamphlet on the subject has been published by Col. Macirone. The plan first mentioned is by Mr. George Knight, and will be found accompanied by some very judicious ob- servations on the adaptation of Macadamised roads for the chief thorough- fares of the metropolis in the Journal of Science, vol. 22. p. 264. About 1811 or 1812, we entered a caveat at the Patent Office, for a mode of pav- ing on flag stones, or on cast-iron plates, combining a plan of laying the water and gas-pipes in drains ( fig. 22. a), covered with large stones, chan- nelled on the surface b, to prevent horses from sliding. Access to the pipes might be had by simplylifting these stones, without disturbing any other part of the pave- ment. On mentioning our plan to some of the principal paviors, we found it would have to encoun- ter such a host of interests and prejudices, that we paid no more atten- tion to it. Being very much inclined to doubt the ultimate advantages of Macadamising the chief thoroughfares, we think the idea worth con- sidering. Bettering the Condition of the labouring Poor. — This subject, which has long engaged the best hearts, and some of the wisest heads in the kingdom, has been taken up with most benevolent ardour by Captain J. Pole, R. N. This gentleman has favoured us with a perusal of his very rational plan for reducing the poor rate, restoring the independence of the labourer, by plac- ing hun in a condition to maintain himself and family without parochial as- sistance, and consequently in comparative comfort. This is by the often before recommended plan of letting every labourer who wishes it have a piece of land for the employment of his leisure 80 - Domestic Notices : — Ensland. hours, to raise such vegetables as himself and family require; a plan which has been attended with the best effects in various places ; and it is to be regretted that the practice is not more general. Captain Pole has entered into calculations the most obviously clear, that a labourer who costs the parish 11/. 145. per annum, may be kept off it by paying for him, or giving him an opportunity of paying himself, a rent of 3l. for land. The principal difficulty in commencing such a system, is the unwillingness of old tenants to have their fields dismembered for the purpose. In new enclo- sures, or where landlords are disposed to throw some of their fields into al- lotments for the poor, the project is an easy, and doubtless a beneficial one for both the poor and the parish ; and as the system is not intended to be compulsory, either on parishes or individuals, in accepting or rejecting it, the measure may be more palatable, as involving no change of laws or an- cient usages. Captain Pole is supported in this scheme by several of the farmers, and many of the labourers of the parish of Barford, and, from what he knows of the place and peasantry, it seems a suitable station for such a trial. In the statement before us, it is not contemplated that such allotments should pay either poor rates or tithes, nor is the fencing mentioned ; and though such an arrangement may be allowed by local feelings and genero- sity, it is an advantage not to be expected everywhere. The scheme is one calculated only for the sober, industrious, well-disposed man : with the im- provident and reckless character, no facilities of taking a piece of land, nor any injunctions as to the use he should make of the produce, will deter him from disposing of it as he pleases. Whatever may be the difficulties attend- ing carrying such a plan of political economy and pure benevolence (so honourable to the projector) into effect, the object at which it aims, so highly important to the best interests of the kingdom, deserves the attention of every person of property in the land, and every friend to well-ordered society. — J. M.for Cond. Flesh-coloured Clover {Trifdliu7n incarnatiim L. ; Farouche, Fr.) (Vol. IV. p. 392.) — A valuable communication on this subject has been sent us, signed R. and D. The writer gives an extract from the Annales Agricoles de Roville, showing the high opinion M. de Doinbasle has of this plant in poor, dry, sandy soils; and he also states the opinion of M. Schwertz, the late director of the agricultural establishment at Hochheim, near Stuttgard, where R. and D. saw the clover in the middle of April, 1828. We were at Roville in October last, and saw the clover in the form of hay, and the field where it grew ; and M. Dombasle mentioned to us that he considered this species of clover better than any other leguminous hay plant for poor, dry, sandy soils. When we were at Hochheim in the November following, M. Schwertz had retired, and the new director having only arrived there from another part of the country within a few days, could give us very little information respecting the establishment. The flesh-coloured clover gives but one cut ; but, upon the same soil, this one cut is equal to two of red clover. This one cut, also, comes earlier than either clover or lucerne ; so that the same soil may be prepared for another crop the same year. A stock of seed has arrived in London, and may be had through any of the seedsmen ; and we hope the plant will receive a fair trial in England. The communication signed R. and D. is sent to the British Farmer's JMagazine ; not that agricultural communications are altogether unsuitable for our work, for some have aln^ady been inserted ; but, as a testimony of our regard for that periodical, and because we wish to be on the best footing with all our contemporaries. — Cond. The New Zealand Spinach (Tetragonia expansa) is quite a weed with us; as, wherever it has once grown, plants rise spontaneously, even when the seeds have been wheeled out with the dung in the winter, and again Domestic Notices : — England. 8 1 brought in as manure in the spring. I have now a full supply of it in my old pink-bed. Coreopsis tinctoria and Cacalia coccinea are equally as hardy, and come up spontaneously in abundance. — Mentor. Exmouth, Aug. 26. 1828. Large Crop of Grapes and Peaches in the same House. — Sir, In the peach-house at Buscat Park, the seat of Pryse Pryse, Esq. M.P., near Far- ringdon, Berkshire, is a vine trained up the rafters, which, last season, pro- duced ,384 good-sized bunches, with large berries, of Black Hamburgh Grapes ; the weight of the whole, 225 lb. The house is 60 ft. long, and, in the early part of the season, had produced a large crop of peaches. I am. Sir, &c. — John Merrick, Gardener. Buscat Park, Nov. 10. 1828. A Cucumber, grown by Mr. Gummery, of Leech Street, Worcester, this year, when cut and fit for the table, weighed 6 lb. 3 oz., was 17 in. in length, and 20 in circumference. {Worcester Herald.) A Rhubarb Leaf was plucked in a garden at Frampton, near Boston, in October last, which measured, across, 5 ft. 3. in. by oft. {Lincoln Merc.) Leaf of a Hybrid Rhubarb Plant, — Sir, In June last, I had occasion to pay a visit to W. Terry, Esq., of Sutton Coldfield, in whose garden, near that town, I observed some remarkably fine specimens of rhubarb ; it was not the medicinal rhubarb (7?heum palmatum), init of the kind now usually cultivated for culinary purposes, wh'ch, I have understood, is a liybrid plant. A lady of the party was so struck with the luxuriance of the plant, that she begged to take a leaf home with her. A leaf was accordingly gathered, together with its complete petiole, the weight and dimensions of which I bad the curiosity to take the next day, and found to be as follows : — Weight of the whole leaf, 4 lb. ; circumference, not including that of the petiole, 21 ft. 3 in. ; diameter, 3 ft. 10 in. ; length of the leaf, including the petiole, 5 ft. 2rn.; length of the petiole, 1 ft. 4 in. The leaf was not weighed till the day after it had been gathered ; and, as the weather was hot, and the nerves had been cut through in several places, for the purpose of folding the leaf for more commodious carriage, it is probable it had lost something in weight by evaporation. — W. T. Brce. Allesley Rectory, Nov. 17. 1828. Rhubarb. — I have seen in several gardens in Shropshire, a variety of iZheum, I believe, quite different from any kind in general cultivation ; it is called Buntingsdale Rhubarb.* I was first attracted by the extraordinary size of the leaves. I have this day measured several leaves on one plant; four or five of them measured 2 ft. 8 in. by 2 ft. 4 in., exclusive of the pe- tiole,or leaf-stalk ; and some, I am told, grow to greater dimensions. — J.M. Ag\ve americuna, or American Aloe. — There is now at Brislington, at the residence of Mrs. Susan March Phiilipps, mother-in-law to the Bishop of Lichfield and Coventry (formerly the residence of the late Edward Rolle Clayfield, Esq.), a splendid Agave americana, which has thrown up a flower stem about 2 5 ft. high, having eighteen branches, which bear from 800 to 900 flower buds, and are expected to be in blossom in about ten or twelve days. The flower stem made its appearance a:,out the toth of June last, and has been increasing in height ever since. Mrs. Phiilipps has a glass frame, 30 ft. high, erected over it, to facilitate its bloom, as likewise a staircase and plat- form, to approach ne ..r the height of the flowers, for the accommodation of visitors. This plant was brought to Brislington fifty-eight years since, by the late Abraham James, Esq., at whose death it became the property of the late Mr. Thomas Tipton ; was a few years in the possession of the late Mr. Kin- ton ; and thirty-eight years since it was made a present of to the late James * So called from the place where it was originally found ; and I am informed that there are plants with leaves double the above size. Vol. v.— No. 18. » 82 Domestic 'Notices: — Scotland. Ireland, Esq., in the possession of whose family it has remained ever since. {Bath Chron,, Sept.) Gigantic Hydrangea. — There is at present in the garden of G. Sandes, Esq., at Dimowen, a hydrangea, which measures 45 ft. in circumference, is 7 ft. high, and had on its branches 176 flowers last season. {Stockport Advertiser.) An extraordinary Cowslij) has been picked in the garden of Mr. She- riff Hornby, in Stockton Lane, near York. The stem, which has the appear- ance of six stalks grown into one, supports a head of flowers, comprising 1 14 pips. The stem itself was above 8 in. in length. Several other cow- slips of unusual size were als9 growing from the same root. {Newsp., Aug.) The Billardih-a mutabilis is hardy enough to endure a moderate winter like the last. — Causidicus. Nov. 24. 1828. A new Artificial Stone has been invented by Mr. Ranger of Brighton, much harder than common stone or brick, being equal in durability to granite ; and it has also the advantage of being considerably cheaper. It is capable of being modelled to any shape, and has, when put up, the appearance of Portland stone. Of course no cement is required in the construction of buildings in which it is employed. {Scotsman, Jan. 16.) SCOTLAND. The Aberdeenshire Horticultu7-al Society held their last Competition Meeting on the 6th of November ; on which occasion there were received 120 various packages for competition, viz. twenty-nine of apples, sixteen of pears, fourteen of onions, nine of beet, eleven of carrots, fourteen of celer}', eight of one and six of two year-old forest trees, two of ^naturalised plants, and eleven various articles for the extra premium. The judges awarded the Society's silver medal to William Dawnie, gardener to Henry Lumsden, Esq., Invery, for onions, they being the articles possessing the greatest merit of any at the Show. They also awarded premiums for the best pears (the Crassane), to Alexander Crorabie, Esq., of Phesdo. Best car- rots, and second best celer}', George Forbes, Esq., of Springhill. Also, apples (the Ribston Pippin) : I.Alexander Brown, at Heathcot ; 2. \Vm. Chalmers, at Lochhead. Second best pears (the Brown Auchan), John Da- vidson, at Dunnottar House. Second best onions, Alexander Diack, Mile End. Best red beet, William Barron, at Blackball. Best celery, William Smith, at Grandholm Cottage. Second best carrots, from seeds saved by himself, Alexander Malcolm, Damside. Forest Trees : best one-year-old, ' Alexander Eraser, jun., Ferryhill nursery j best two-year-old, John R03', jun., nurseryman and florist. Nothing was awarded either for naturalisation, or to those articles offered for the extra-premium ; but there were amongst them some beautiful spe- cimens, particularly a handsome plant of the Fuchs?« coccinea, raised in the open ground at Fetteresso Castle. An elegant plant of the Datura ar- borea, or Tree Stramonium, from Cornhill; a coxcomb, from Glenbervie House, measuring 4i ft. high, the flower 8 by lOin. ; and five various gourds, of beautiful colours, and in the most perfect state, from the gardens at Arbuthnot House. Two medals were awarded to the amateur subscribers who had kept their gardeners for the longest period, the one to Lady Burnet of Leys, for the gardener at Crathes, George Hardy, who had been twenty-eight years in the service of the family, without having had any charge of hot- houses. The other medal to R. W. Cuff, Esq., of Fetteresso, for William Wales, he having for the period of twenty-two years practised ail the branches of the art, including hot-houses. The London Horticultural Society's silver medal, voted last season to Mr. Alexander Diack, at Mile End, was presented to him on this occasion. Domestic Notices : — Scotland. 83 The following were admitted new members : — W. C. Hunter, Esq., of Tillery; Henry Lumsden of Tilwhilly ; Thomas Wilson, Esq., Clinterty ; and Messrs. George Knight and Isaac Machrayj Aberdeen. [Aberdeen Jour., Nov. 19.) Pine-apjjies and Melons. — The Horticultural Society of Edinbugh have lately awarded a prize to Colonel Patterson's gardener at Cunnoquhie, for some fine fruit of this description produced by means of steam. The pit in which they were raised is contrived in a very ingenious manner to obviate the inconvenience of too rapid changes of temperature, which are sometimes felt when steam is applied in hot-houses. In this case, the chamber in which the vapour is collected for supplying the bottom heat, instead of be- ing empty, and on that account quickly heated and quickly cooled, is filled with small round stones, which absorb the heat as it is produced, giving it out gradually and retaining it long ; producing, by application of the steam for an hour and a half in the evening, an equable heat through the whole of the night and next day. The steam is distributed through this chamber by means of a cast-metal tube, perforated at certain distances ; and it may also be admitted at pleasure amongst the plants above, by means ot tubes with movable caps communicating with the same receptacle. The idea is, we believe, due to Mr. John Hay, of Edinburgh ; but Colonel Patterson is the first amateur who has carried it into practice. The beauty of the fruit, and the neatness of the whole apparatus (so different from the usual ap- pearance of melon frames), seem to point it out as one of the most eligible modes yet discovered for securing to this country the productions of the tropics. {Fife Herald.) Crops on Moss Soil. — As an instance of what crops can be produced from the moss grounds in the neighbourhood of Paisley, under proper ma- nagement, we may mention that a field of H acres, sold by the magistrates and town council to William Cochran, weaver, in 1780, for 455., and Ss. S^d. of yearly feu-duty, was reaped on the 19th of October, and yielded the fol- lowing excellent crop of wheat, viz, fifty-four stooks, containing fourteen sheaves in each stook. The sheaves stand upwards of 6 ft. in height, and the heads are remarkably well filled and heavy. The field was in hay in 1827, it was summer fallowed and manured with 12 cwt. of salt, thirty carts of short dung, and 300 carts of earth. It is the property of Mr. Pattison, and it lies immediately to the north of Mr. Bell's cottage of Mossvale. {Paisley Advertiser.) A turnip, on the glebe of Longformacus, of this year's growth, was lately taken up, which measured .3 ft. 2 in. in circumference, and weighed 20 lb. In the same field there were many of a very large size. {Scotsvian,Nov. 29.) Huge Gourd. — During the week, a huge gourd has been exhibited at the door of Messrs. Boyd and Bayne, fruiterers. Prince's Street, which has at- tracted considerable attention from the amateurs of large natural produc- tions. It measures 6 ft. 5 in. in circumference, and weighs upwards ot 1 12 11). This is, no doubt, the largest gourd ever grown in Scotland, and a number of naval, military, and commercial gentlemen who have examined it, state that, even in the West Indies, the native place of the gourd, one so large is rarely seen. {Scotsman, Oct. 11.) Gigantic Sweet Myrtle. — Fourteen years ago, Miss Gilmour, of Craig- millar, planted a myrtle at the garden wall, on a finely sheltered spot with a southern exposure. Mr. David Stewart, gardener, has continued since to pay considerable attention to this plant, and it has flourished far beyond his expectations. By an accurate measurement made on Wednesday after- noon, it was found to be 7 ft. 9 in. in height, and the side shoots extend 16 ft. 10 in. along the wall. Some horticulturists, well skilled in these matters, consider this by far the largest myrtle ever grown in Scotland in the open air. {Scotsman, ivvc\G.'2.%.) Produce of Bees at Brechin. — From one swarm of bees, on the farm of G 2 <84 Domestic Notices: — Ireland. Leuchland, in this vicinity, no less than nine pints of honey have been taten this season, without destroying these industrious insects. After robbing them of their luscious nectar, it was found advisable to send them to the heather : and it seems they had some prescience of their destination ; for, on examining the hive the other day, it was found to contain an ample sup- ply for the ensuing winter. The honey was taken at three difierent times, by means of a top which can be separatetl from the main body of the skep ; under this top a board is fixed horizontally upon the frustrum, with a per- foration in the centre of about sin. diameter, through which the bees pass to the upper story. The first top which is taken ott" contains wax so sub- tile that it vanishes at the touch, and honey as transparent as amber. Bees never begin to breed until they have collected a certain quantity of honey ; and the above method, of course obviates that procedure. {Sculsman, Sept. 17.) Phoi-mmm thiax. — I have two very fine plants of the Phormium tenax, or New Zealand Flax, which succeed remarkably well with me; they require no shelter in winter, and have not even the protection of a wall. It is closely bordering on the sea, and I presume the marine atmosphere tem- pers the adjoining air incumbent over the land. — J. M. Inveniess-shire. IRELAND. Landscape-Gardening and Forest-Management. — We are glad to learn, that our friend and correspondent Mr. James Fraser, now of North-east Street, Dublin, has publicly assumed the above professions. From what we know of his science and experience, and of his manner, we are almost sure he will be successful ;. and of this we shall be the more happy, because, since the death of our lamented pupil and friend, Mr. M'Leisb, such a man as Mr. Fraser will be of real public utility. Public tranquillity, personal residence, and the advice followed of a few such men as Mr. Fraser, would soon supply all that is wanted for Ireland, in forest-planting and landscape-gardening. In the midst of these occupations, we hope Mr. Fraser will never forget, where he can do it without giving offence (because, in such cases, advice would be useless), to urge the advantages that would result to proprietors from esta- blishing infant schools on their estates, and, at the same time, parochial schools, so as to elevate the character of the rising generation. We request Mr. Fraser to consider what has appeared on this subject in the Reviews of Slaney, and in other articles in this Magazine; and in our notes from Ger- man)', in No. V. of the Magazine of Natural History. Bavaria and Wur- temberg are entirely agricultural countries like Ireland ; they are exceedingly poor, but they are almost totally without beggars and criminals, or civil prisoners ; the lowest individual among them is enlightened ; and the whole are, from all external appearances, happy. It appears to us that these countries are models for Ireland. — Cond. Schools. — By an extract from the Report of the Hon. the Irish Society's Institution, under the patronage of the Corporation of London, May 5., 1827, which has been obligingly sent us, we are much gratified to learn that the number of schools and persons attending them are increasing. In connection with these schools are also formed school libraries, which have proved eminently useful both to parents and children ; the latter who can read, thus becoming the instructoi*s of those who cannot read. There ave girls' schools, as in Germany,in which children are taught the usual branches of education, and also to work; and, what we particularly admiie in the schools established by this Institution, " peculiar religious instruction" is altogether avoided. If the propriety and importance of this exclusion, in every school in every country, were once generally understood and acknow- ledged, it would be easy to spread instruction over the whole earth ; to raise all mankind to a level, in point of general useful knowledge ; to reduce all the living languages of the world to one or two j to bring into use every Covent Garden Marliet. — Horticultural Society. 85 where the same measures of number, quantity, time, &c. ; and to maintain social ortler in every separate Government, in a great measure, by the force of opinion. — Cond. Art. III. Covent Garden Market. PaiCES FOR THE FiRST AND SeCOND WeEKS OF JANUARY. The Cabbage Tribe. Cabbage, Red, per dozen Cabbage Plants, or Cole- worts, per dozen - Savoys, per dozen German Greens or Kale, per ilozen ... Broccoli, White, per bunch Broccoli, Green, per bunch Broccoli, Purple, per bunch Broccoli, Cape, per buncli Tubers and Roots. rper ton Potatoes, . -J per cwt. c per bush. Potatoes, Kidney, per bush. .Scotch, per bushel Turnips, White, per bunch Carrots, Old, per bunch - Parsneps, per dozen Rod Beet, per dozen Scorzonera, per bundle - Salsify, ))er bunch . - Horseradish, per bundle - The Spinach Tribe. Spinach, [P" f"=,^;.e . tppr lier score Celery, per bundle (12 to 1 j) From To A s. d. £ s. rf. 0 4 0 0 6 0 0 2 0 0 3 0 0 0 6 0 1 0 0 0 6 0 0 0 0 1 0 0 2 6 0 1 0 0 1 6 0 1 0 0 1 6 0 1 0 0 1 6 3 0 0 4 10 0 0 3 6 0 5 0 0 2 0 0 2 6 0 2 0 0 3 0 0 2 0 0 2 6 0 0 1 0 0 2 0 0 4 0 0 6 0 0 6 0 0 9 0 0 6 0 1 0 0 2 0 0 2 6 0 2 0 0 2 6 0 1 6 0 3 0 0 0 9 0 1 2 0 0 6 0 0 9 0 1 0 0 1 6 0 3 6 0 5 0 0 0 8 0 1 0 0 0 6 0 0 8 0 0 6 0 0 8 0 8 0 0 12 0 0 2 0 0 5 0 0 4 0 0 4 6 0 0 6 0 1 0 0 1 6 0 2 0 Small Salads, per punnet - Watercress, per dozen, small bunches ... Pot and Sweet Herbs. Parsley, per half sieve Tarragon, in pots Thyme, per dozen bunches Sage, per dozen bunches Dried Mint, per doz. bun. Dried Marjoram, per dozen bunches ... Dried Savory, per doz. bun Dried Basil, per doz. bun. Rosemary, per doz. bunch. Stalks and Fruits for Tarts, Pickling, Sjc. Rhubarb Stalks, per bundle Edible Fungi and Fuci. Mushrooms, per pottle - Fruits. Apples, Dessert, per bushel Apples, Nonpareils, p. bush. Apples, Reinette Grise, p. b. Apples, Scar. Pearmain,p. b. Apples, American, per bus. Apples, French, per bushel Pears, Bon Chretien, per half sieve Almonds, per peck (dry) - Cranberries, per gallon . Chestni.ts, French, perpeck Pine-apples, per pound . 0-"Ses, {j-{!3red- Bitter Oranges, per hundred T Pmnn? S P*^"" dozen . l^emons, j^^^^ hundred Sweet Almonds, per pound Brazil Nuts, per bushel . From 1 £ s. d. 0 0 3 0 0 0 0 2 0 0 0 6 0 1 0 0 1 6 0 0 0 0 0 0 0 0 0 0 0 0 0 0 0_ 0 0 0 0 0 6 0 16 0 0 16 0 0 14 0 0 14 0 1 0 0 0 8 0 0 0 0 0 0 0 0 0 0 0 2 6 0 5 0 0 0 6 0 3 6 0 10 0 0 0 9 0 6 0 0 2 6 0 16 0 To £ .9. d. 0 0 0 0 0 6 0 3 0 0 0 8 0 1 3 0 2 0 0 1 0 0 0 10 0 0 10 0 1 4 0 6 0 0 10 1 10 0 1 10 0 0 18 0 0 18 0 1 10 0 0 12 0 1 10 0 0 7 0 0 4 0 0 10 0 0 12 0 0 2 0 0 16 0 0 14 0 0 2 0 0 14 0 0 8 0 1 0 0 Observations. — The supply of vegetables has hitherto been very regular, and very little fluctuation in price has taken place. Our supply of English fruit has been unprecedentcdly small, but from the very great importation of foreign fruits, the prices have remained stead}' and moderate. But few Ame- rican apples have come to hand, and those in bad condition, consequently the prices may be considered nominal. Oranges, nuts, and chestnuts in their usual abundance. — G. C. Jan. 17. 1829. Art. IV. Horticultural Society and Garden. October 21. — E.rhihited. A head of Cape Broccoli, from Mr. William Boyce, gardener to Colonel Kingscote, of Kingscote, Gloucestershire. Jerusalem Sweetwater Grapes, from the Rev. Dr. Vansittart, of Maiden- head. Eight sorts of Flowers, and an Apple unnamed, from Robert Barclay, Esq. F.H.S. Four sorts of Pears and eight sorts of Apples, from Mr. John G 3 86 Horticultural Society mid Garden. George Fuller, F.H.S, Monstrous Pear, from John Robert Hall, Esq. F.H S. Hambledon deux Ans Apple, from the Rev. Frederick Beadon, F.H.S. Golden Pippin, and Forman's Crew Apple, from Richard Forman, Esq. F.H.S. A/so, from the Garden of the Society. An Enville Pine-apple, four sorts of Pears, thirteen sorts of Apples, Passiflora nialiformis (iSweet Calabash), and quadrangularis (Granadilla). Flowers of Cilia capitata, CKnothera Lindleyi and viminea, Z/upinus ornatus and pkunosus, Taghtes lucida, Ciark/rt pulchella, Collomia grandiflora. Coreopsis tinctoria, Terbena Au- hlhtia, ylgeratum mexicanum and odoratum, i/ibiscus africanus. Poppy Anemones, and French Marigolds. November 4. — Read. On the mode of Planting Trees at equal dis- tances from each other; by Sir George Steuart Mackenzie, Bart. F.H.S. An account of the Coul Perennial Kail, and of a valuable property of the Vanack Cabbage; by Sir George Steuart Mackenzie, Bart. F.H.S.; ; Exhibited. Two Spanish Onions, weighing 2 lb. 11 oz., by Mr. Thomas Shailer, of Chelsea. A plant in flower of Cattleya labiata, from William Cattley, Esq. F.H.S. A plant in flower of Hedychium GarduQYianum, from the Comte de Vandes. A Pine-apple, raised from seed of the Queen Pine, and a Seedling Grape raised between the Scotch Hamburgh and Muscat, from Mr. Thomas Deuxberry, gardener to the Rev. S. A. Rhodes, of Hors- forth Hall, near Leeds. Ten sorts of Apples and Duchesse d'Angouleme Pears, from Mr. Peter Langellier, C.M.H.S. Northwick Pippins, from Mr. Fulton, gardener to Lord Northwick. Reinette Blanche, from Daniel Edward Stephens, Esq. F.H.S. Four sorts of Apples, from Mr. William Malcolm, F.H.S. Two sorts of Pears, from Mr. John Rutherford, of Sherborne Castle, Dorsetshire. Uvedale's St. Germain Pear, from Alderman Smith, F.H.S. Also, from the Garden of the Society. An Enville Pine-apple, Passiflora quadrangularis, twelve sorts of Apples, seven sorts of Pears, eight sorts of Beet. Flowers of Collomia grandiflora, GWia capitata, Poppy Anemones, French Marigolds, and eight sorts of Chrysanthemums. Rejection of the Gardener^ s Magazine. — The first letter which we re- ceived from our office at Bayswater, after our arrival in Paris, contained the following, from the journal kept there : — " August 29th. Received a letter from the Horticultural Society, together with the lastNumber of the Gardener's Magazine, the Council ' conceiving that they would be wanting in all due feeling towards the respected President, were they to accept as a present to the library of the Society, a publication in which such reflections on that gentleman and his writings, published in the Transactions of the Society, exist, as will be found at page 284. of the book in question." They have refused me the last Meeting." — " This da}', Friday, August 5., I went into town to the Horticultural Society again, and after waiting a long time, I saw the Librarian, who refused to let me have the Meetings (as I said be- fore), stating that Mr. Sabine had told him not to let me have them." A note from us, dated Paris, Sept. 9., addressed to the Secretary, requesting he would " permit our amanuensis to copy the account of the Meetings of the Horticultural Society from the extract suspended in the meeting-room ; (conceiving that, as a Fellow of the Society, we were entitled to make this request under the circumstance of personal absence)," procured the extracts which we have printed in our two former Numbers. We shall now state the ofl[ensive passage in the " book in question " at length, and add a copy of the Council's letter. " June 3. — Read. Upon the management of Borders for fruit Trees ; by Mr. James Housman. An account of an easy method of destroying Cater- pillars ; by Mr. Richard Williams, gardener to Thomas Andrew Knight, Esq. F.R.S. &c. President. [We are very happy to learn that Mr. Knight has thought it worth while to keep a gardener who can not only read, but Horticultural Society and Garden. 87 write. Mr. Knight, by showing the utility of general knowledge to gar- deners, and advocating the cause of garden hbraries as the means for acquir- ing this knowledge, might do more for the advancement of horticulture, than by all the practical papers that he has ever written, or ever will write. Among practical gardeners these papers go for nothing, and deservedly so ; for what is the result of all that Mr. Knight has stated in regard to the culture of the pine-apple, the strawberry, or the mango ? Are we one step advanced in consequence of these papers ? It is in physiological experiments that Mr. Knight excels, and it gives us pleasure to state, that by these he has esta- blished his reputation far beyond the reach of our praise or blame.] The following is the letter of the Council * : — " HorticuUiiral Sociely, Regent Street, London, August 28. 1828. " The Council of the Horticultural Society have directed that the last Number of the Gardener's Magazine shall be returned to Mr. Loudon, con- ceiving that they would be wanting in all due feeling towards their respected President, were they to accept, as a present to the Library of the Societj', a publication in which such reflections on that gentleman and his writings, published in the Transactions of the Society, exist, as will be found at page 284. of the book in question. The Council have further to observe, that these reflections are introduced into a statement officially conmiuni- cated, by order of the Council, to Mr. Loudon, and they do unhesitatingly declare their opinion that the assertion of the inutility of Mr. Knight's pa])ers is decidedly unfounded and untrue." The offensive passage in the brackets we wrote in the margin of the proof, having in truth not read over the MS. account of the Meetings be- fore it went to press. Had we seen a revise, it is possible we might have modified the expressions ; and certainly we regret that we have not done so, for we have a very great personal regard for Mr. Knight. It is impossi- ble to be in his company without feeling him to be a benevolent and most ingenious man, and in so far as we have hurt his feelings by tlie above pas- sage we are sincerely sorry. Speaking of Mr. Knight as a cultivator, however, and of his practical papers in the Transactions of the Horticultural Society, we cannot retract one word of what we have asserted. We stated nearly the same opinion in a sort of historical treatise on the culture of the pine-apple, published some years ago {Encyc. of Gard., p. 1112., A. D. 180J, 10.); and every subse- quent paper that I\Ir. Knight has written, and especially his latter papers on the pine-apple and mango, confirm us in our opinion. We leave oin- readers and time to decide between our unhesitating opinion, and the unhesitating opinion of the Council of the Horticultural Society, and we are not afraid of the decision. What tempted us to write the paragraph at all, was the Thomas Andrew Knight, Esq. F.R.S. F.L.S., President. Edward Barnard, Esq. F.L.S., Vice-Secretary. Henry Moreton Dyer, Esq. Vice-President. John Elliot, Esq. F.R.S. F.L.S., Vice-President. Alexander Henderson, M.D., Vice-President. Robert Henry Jenkinson, Esq. F.L.S., Vice-President and Treasurer. Mr. John Lee, Nurseryman. j\Ir. George Loddiges, F.L.S. xVlr. William Malcolm, F.L.S. Roger Pettiward, Esq. F.R.S. F.L.S. &c. Joseph Sabine, Esq. F.R.S. F.L.S., Secretary. ^Marquess of Salisbury. Sir Claude Scott, Bart. F.L.S. Alexander Seton, Esq. Alexandre Comte de Vandes. G 4 88 Horticultural Society and Garden. recurrence to our mind that Mr, Knight, now employing a writing gardener, had formerly boasted (it may be called) of growing pine-apples in a far superior way to those generally grown by professional gardeners, by a man who " neither knew a letter nor a figure." Aware of the influence of Mr. Knight's opinion on every subject connected with gardening, and convinced that nothing can have a greater tendency to retard the progress of that art, or any other, than ignorance in operators, we directed some observations against the passage, in the Preface to the first edition of our Encyclojxjedia of Gardeiiitig, and have since maintained and supported an opposite theory. Our offence has proceeded from having felt rather too much delighted to have the evidence of Mr. Knight's present practice to prove that he was for- merly wrong, and that we were and are right. So much with reference to Mr. Knight. As to what is called the Council of the Horticultural Societ}', the majority of our readers, and, at any rate, all of them who participate in our ideas of the direction of the Horticultural Society, know very well that their opinion as to any thing we do or say, is to us a matter of the most perfect indifference. A sincere wish that the Society might do that good which its inmiense funds should enable it to do, once led us to hope that we might introduce a re- formation in its management ; but we soon found that we could not do this without rendering ourselves obnoxious to a by-law, Vvhich woukl imme- diately lead to our ejection from the Society, 'i'lie first step which we should take in such a case would be, to obtain a list of the names of the members who attended at all the councils and connnittees that had been held since the commencement of the garden at Chiswick, or even for .iny one year since. We attempted this for only three meetings of Council in 1826, in consequence of some petty annoyances vvhich we then experienced ; and, after first requesting to be informed of the names of the members of the Council who attended on certain fixed days, and being refused, and next applying " for the liberty of inspecting the order-book, minute-book, &c., in conformity with chap. 21. § 7. of the Bv-Laws of the Society," we were informed, first, that our letter would be laid before the Council, and, in three weeks afterwards, we received the Council's answer, viz. " that the acts of the Council being the acts of the whole, it is quite unnecessary to furnish you with the names of individuals present at any particular meeting; and that there does not appear anj- reasonable ground for acceding to your request to inspect the proceedings, as the whole of the minutes of the Council, in reply to all your applications, have been already connnunicated to you." The evasion of this answer is easily seen; but even if we had attained the object required, or were now in possession of a list of the mem- bers of Coimcil ivko have attended at the different meetings held in any one year, the next step which we should take would subject us to exclusion from the Society (so admirably are its laws constituted for the protection of abuses), in consequence of a certain law (chap. 6. ^ 1 & 3.) by which any person who writes or prints " any thin;; to the damage, detriment, or dishonour of the Society," shall be ejected, and " rendered incapable of belonging to it in future." As it would be inconvenient to us not to belong to the Society, on account of its library, however much we miiiht desire its reformation we do not consider ourselves called upon to sacrifice our own interest for such a result, and therefore we leave what is called the Council and the Society to the effects of time. We appeal to all our readers, whether the different papers which have appeared in this Magazine respecting the Horticultural Society, do not show that our object has been to rescue it, if possible, from a contracted illiberal system of management, and to render it more truly grand and useful.* We * We are ready at any time to state a number of petty annoyances, which we have received from the Council and Secretary, respecting the library, Prov. Hort. Soc. — Northumberland and Durham. 89 have blamed where we thought blame was due, and approved in like man- ner. The offensive passage itself will be found to be of this description ; and we shall take care that nothing in the jjresent article may be construed by the Council in such a way as to tend to the expulsion of the Conductor, in addition to the ejection of his Magazine, by submitting it to a legal adviser, along with a copy of the laws and by-laws of the Society. — Cond. Art. V. Provincial Horticultural Societies. Northumberland and Durham. A General Meeting of the Botanical and Horticidlural Society of Duv' ham, Koi-thumbcrland, and Newcastlc-xtpon-Ttjne was heltl in Newcastle on Novembei" 14., when the following prizes were awarded: — The Society'3 silver medals, for the best dish of dessert ap|)les, to Mr. John Moderill, gardener to Mr. Anderson, Point Pleasant ; for the best dish of grapes, to Mr. Clarke, gardener to Mrs. Bewicke, of Close House ; for the best dish of dessert pears, to Mr. Cook, gardener at Bradley Hall ; for the best bou- quet of flowers, to Mr. Scott, gardener to E Iward Charlton, Esq., Sandhoe ; and for the best twelve Chrysanthemum indicum flowers, to Mr. Lawson, gardener to Matthew Bell, Esq. M.P., Woolsington. The Society's bronze medals, fur the best six roots of salsify, and six roots of scorzonera, to Mr. Chris. Robson, gardener to Dr. Headlam ; for the best six roots of rampions, also for the twelve largest onions, and also for the best four heads of Firussel sprouts, to Mr. Kobeit Turnbull, gardener to the Rev. Mr. Ogle, Kirkley ; and for the best six roots of li'amburgh parsley, to Mr. Scott, of Sandhoe. A specimen of hemp, grown in the prison yard at Durham, and some rope manufactured therefrom by the prisoners, were exhibited by Mr. Frushard, the governor, and the hemp was considered to be of verv fine quality. A beautiful plant of the Cactus truncata, in full flower, from the garden of J. G. Clarke, Esq., was universally admired; and the different bouquets of flowers, particularly the prize one, were most elegant, and in great splendour, notwithstanding the late severe weather. There was a dish of full-grown peas, from the garden of iMr. Joshua Wat- son, of Bensham, which were raised from seed that had been produced and sown again this year ; and, as a proof of the mildness of the autumn, there were some blossoms and fruit (the second croj)) of Jargonelle pears, from the garden of A. J. Cressv.ell Baker, Esq. ; and a second crop of apples, of a good size, from the garden of Mr. Joseph Grey, at Bensham. Mr. Anderson, of Point Pleasant, sent twelve of the largest Portugal onions we have ever seen, which weighed 16 lb. A dish of seedling apples, raised by Mr. Boiston, of Heworth, and called the Hevvorth Pippin, were also very fine ; and, indeed, upon the whole, we have seldom been so much pleased as we were with this exhibition ; the number, variety, and excellent preservation of the apples and pears being really extraordinarj'. A very the meetings, and the garden, since commencing the Gardener's Magazine, and to prove them by written documents ; and were it not for occasioning unpleasant feelings to agentleman in Paris, we could refer to one whose name is in the list of Council just given (p. 88.), who, besides generally prejudicing our character and that of the Magazine, prevented us from receivmg the plan and description of one of the first garclens in Paris, alter they had been prepared for us by the proprietor. We coultl add a word, too, as to Munich ; but one word in that case would be too much. A liberal public body, having the same object in view as ourselves, would have acted towards us in a very different manner, even if we had not deserved it. — Cond. 90 Prov. Hort, Soc. — Lancashire ^ Worcestershire. numerous assemblage of ladies and gentlemen were present, who were highly gratified ; and this being the last show for the year, we must bear testimony to the very great attention that has been shown by the committee in their judicious arrangements. The list prepared by them for the ensuing year promises to every lover of botany and horticulture a most exquisite treat. There were some new members elected ; and we trust to see their numbers very much increased, as the good that has already been accom- plished by this Society is incalculable, in the spirit of emulation that has been excited among the subscribers. {Xewcastle Courant, Nov. 22.) Lancashire. Manchester Botanical and Horticultural Society. — We regret exceedingly that owing to our absence from London, we could not pay proper attention to a communication forwarded to us by the Honorary Secretary of this Society, nor is there now (Jan. 21.) time to do so before this Magazine goes to press ; but we shall write to the Secretary at our earliest leisure moment. — Cond. Floral and Horticultural Society of Manchester. — Sir, It lias often been matter of surprise to me that the transactions of our Floral and Horticul- tural Society here have never been (if I am not mistaken) noticed in your Magazine. We have had five exhibitions during the present year, some of which I should have thought equal to those of neighbouring towns, and equally worthy of mention. I observe that the transactions of the Liver- pool, Rochdale, and Bolton Societies are recorded, and why should not those of Manchester be so too? Yours, — Coronilla. Manchester, No- vember 3. 1828. We insert the transactions of all Provincial Societies that are sent to us, either in MS., or, which we prefer, in the local newspaper containing the accounts of such transactions. VYe shall be most happy to insert those referred to, if Coronilla, or any other person, will send them to us, for we cannot spare time to search for them in files of provincial newspapers ourselves. — Cond, Worcestershire. Vale of Evesham Horticultural Society. — At a Meeting of the Com- mittee, held on Oct. 10., the London Horticultural Society's medal, pre- sented to this Society, was awarded to Mr. George Fulton, gardener to the Right Hon. Lord Northwick, ofNorthwick Park, for his various exhibitions at tlie several Meetings of this Society during the present year, of fruits, plants, and culinary vegetables, of peculiar excellence and flavour ; as well as for his communications, read to the Societj', on keeping a Fine Bloom on Cucumbers, and on the Culture and Management of the Vine in the Pinery. * The Committee took into consideration the exhibitions and * If such papers are not destined for the London Horticultural Society, or for being published in Worcestershire, we should be very happy to receive them. Of this we are quite certain, and a little reflection will bring every intelligent and candid reader to our opinion, that if the papers of all the Gardening Societies in the empire were published and left open to dis- cussion in some such journal as ours, they would more effectuallj' contribute to the advancement of science than they ever can do in separate trans- actions or memoirs. The Societies would also save money by such a prac- tice, which might be applied to the support of their gardens or libraries. But the question is, whether the patriotism of such Societies has yet reached that point which is necessary lor such a state of things, or rather, we should say, the patriotism of their leading members? We recommend the subject to the consideration of the Horticultural Societies which are formed, or which may be formed, in North America. The mass of books and periodicals that are happily accumulating so fast in both worlds on Provincial Horticultural Societies : — Siiffblk. 9 1 communications from Mr. Jessop, of Cheltenham, and others, and returned their thanks for the same, and request their farther favours. The Committee have reason to congratulate the members of the Society, on the success which has attended its ])rogress, and they acknowledge the active support, zealous cooperation, and valuable communications of their learned president, Edward Rudge, Esq. ; and also the assistance and special exertion of the officers, in promoting the general objects of the Society. At a General Meeting of the Society, held the same day, the following gentlemen were elected for the year ensuing : — President: Edward Rudge, Esq. F.R.S. A.S. and L.S. Abbey Manor House. — Committee : G. H. Anderson, Esq., Salford ; Rev. Hugh Carletan, Arrow ; Col. Davis, M.P. ; Mr. Davis, Pershore ; J. Eddv, jun., 'I'addington ; Mr. Hunt, Pershore ; Mr. Izod, Evesham ; Hon. H. B. Lvgon, M.P. ; "Tho- mas Marriott, Esq., Avon Bank ; Mr. A. New, jun., Evesham ; W. F. Preedy, Esq., OfFeuham ; Edw. Protheroe, Esq. M.P. ; Rev. D. J. Perkins, Broad- way; Thos. Purton, Esq. F.L.S , Alcester; Rev. W. S. Rufford, Binton ; .1. Racster, Esq., Pershore ; E. J. Rudge, Esq., Evesham ; Rev. J. Shaw, Bengworth ; Rev. G. Shute, Littleton; H.Strickland, Esq., Cracombe ; Mr. Savage, Evesham ; Sir Charles Throckmorton, Bart. ; John Thorp, Esq., Evesham ; and Mr. Valencourt, Pershore. — Treasurer : Mr, John Mayfield, Bengworth. — Honorary Secretaries : Mr. John Home, and Mr. John Bonaker. It was ordered, that the List of Subscribers, and Rules, as amended for the year 1829, be printed, and delivered to the members of the Society. {Worcester Herald, Nov. 15. 1828. Received in MS.)* Suffolk. The Bury Horticultural ^'oc/f'/j/held their second Meeting on Nov. 18th, The show of fruits and vegetables was excellent, and the Chinese Chrjsan- themums exhibited by Mr. Barret, gardener to the Rev. T. G. Cullum, of Hardvvicke, some of them measuring nearly 8 in. in diameter, were the ob- jects of especial admiration. The great room, in which the display was made, was crowded with company till the hour appointed for the judges to com- mence their examination. The judges were Mr. W.Adams and Air. Wright, for the fruit; Mr. C. Adams and Mr. WooUard, for the flowers and vege- tables: and their award of the prizes was as follows : — Fruit. Grapes. White (Muscadine), Mr. C. Adams, Barton. ... Black (Black Prince), Mr. ^Marriott, Stowmarket. — Plums (Imperatrice), "Sir. Bar- rett, gardener to the Rev. T.G. Cullum. — Table Pears (Colmar), Mr. Barrett. — Table Apples, Mr. Barrett. — Kitchen Apples (Doncaster Pearmain), John Buckle, cottager, of Rougham. — Best fruit grown by a cottager (Winter Apple), J. Buckle. — Seedling Apple, Mr. Jonathan Lock, Rushbrooke. — almost every subject, would thus stand less chance of being merely repe- titions. We should like to see a horticultural society of the whole world established, to hold meetings once a year, by deputations from all the sub- societies of the world; the meetings to be held, in rotation, in the capitals of all the leading governments of the world. We have suggested the idea in our Alagazine of Natural History (vol. i. p. 476.), in our notes from Ratisbon, for a similar literary republic of the whole world ; and, on our return to Paris from Germany, in December last, we were agreeably sur- prised to find that the same idea had been in contemplation there for some time, and is about to be made public. — Cond. * Henceforth we mean to make this distinction ; because it may often happen, that in printing from such MS. the proper names will not be spelled in the same way as in the original newspaper. We greatly prefer having the newspaper itself sent to us. — Cond. 92 Prov. HorL Soc, : — BerJcshii'e, Glamorgan, Spc. Winter Melon, Mr. Lines, gardener to N.L.Acton, Esq. — Filberts, ga- thered in 1826, Mr. Lines. — Baking Pears, Mr. Levett, Rougham. — Culi- nary Vegetables. Cauliflowers and Celery, Mr. Hammond, gardener to Sir H. Bunburj. — Endive, Mr. Wright, gardener to Lord Calthorpe. — Broccoli, Mr. William Barret. — Potato (Cambridge Kidney), eight weigh- ing 12 lb., and a sack and half being grown on a rod, the Rev. Mr. Dew- hirst. — Flowers. Chrysanthemum in a pot (Tasseled Yellow), and best six blooms, Mr. Barrett. — Bouquet of hardy Flowers, Mr. Lord, gardener to the Rev. James Cullum. — Plant. Justicfa speciosa, R. Bevan, Esq. Of these productions the winter melon appeared to excite great curiositj', and was considered a most valuable species, the flavour being very fine, and the fruit keeping as late as the month of February; the plant, moreover, being rather hardy than otherwise, and a free bearer. The form of the fruit is as near to the cucumber as to melons in general, The Seedling Apple of Lock, who is the parish clerk of Ruslibrooke, was of excellent flavour, and its success in obtaining the prize was a matter of great satis- faction, as likely to encourage the industry and gardening skill of the cot- tagers in the neighbourhood. It was subsequently named Lock's Rush- brooke Pippin, and will, most likely, be extensively cultivated. There were some very fine grapes, presented by Mr. Steel of this town, and some extra- ordinary Uvednle St. Germain Pears from T. L. Rivett, Esq., of Wethering- sett, not subscribers; also a gourd grown by Mr. Buchanan, of Stowmarket, which weighed 8 4 lb. ; specimens of the Red Mangold Wurzel, grown after potatoes, without manure, each weighing 12 lb. and upwards, and theChou Rave, or German Turnip Cabbage, sent by Mr. Hodson ; also yellow Mal- tese Turnips (an excellent garden sort), grown by Mr. H. Case, of Rougham ; and a profusion of chrysanthemums, with a dozen specimens in pots, of the more rare sorts, presented to the botanic garden by the Horticultural So- ciety of London. An excellent dinner was afterwards partaken of by the amateur and practical horticulturists, at which the chair was taken by T. Clay, Esq., as one of the vice-presidents, in the absence of the president, R. Bevan, Esq., and the day was spent with general gratification. — The Society now consists of upward . of 200 members. {Hurt/ Post, Dec. 5.) Bekkshire. The Windsor Horticultural and Florists'' Society. — Six cucumber-growers of this Society will show six leashes of cucumbers against any six leashes grown in England, in the month of February next, for any sum between 20/. and 100/. — P. Burnard. Holloway, Sept. 16. 1828. This challenge is too late for February, 1829 ; but we have inserted it to show the high spirit of the Society, and in the hopes that it may produce something for February, 1850. Those who wish to compete, will address Mr.Lovegrove, Fruiterer, Windsor. Glamorgan and Monmouthshire. The Glamorgr.n and Monmouthshire Horticultural Society, established 28th July, 1828. Patron, the Most Honourable the Marquess of Bute; Vice- Patron, Sir Charles Morgan, Bart. M.P.; President, the Honourable W. B. Gre}', F.H.S. This Society comprises, within the objects its institution, all the different departments of vegetable life. The following are its rules : — 1 . That four General Meetings be held at Cardiff in the year, viz. on the first Wednesdays in January, April, July, and October, when the routine business of the Society shall be transacted, selected communications read, periodical shows appointed, and lectures provided for, of which a fortnight's notice, at the least, shall be given. 2. That the payment, in advance, often shillings and sixpence per annum, constitute a member ; or a payment of five guineas, a life-member ; but that donations in money, books, plants, seeds, or other objects of utility to the Society, will be thankfully received. Notices of Suhirban Gardens. 93 5. That a room be procured and furnished for the exclusive use of the members, in which the papers, books, specimens, and other property of the Society shall be deposited, under the superintendence and regulation of the committee. 4. That the vice-presidents, treasurer, committee, and secretary, be elected annually, at the general meeting in July. 5. That persons wishing to become members, after the general meeting on the first Vt ednesday in January, shall be jiroposed and seconded at one general meeting, and balloted for at the next ; a majority of members electing. 6. That there be honorary and corresjjonding members elected by vote of majority at any general meeting, who shall not be expected to contribute to the funds of the .Society, nor be allowed to vote on any occasion whatever, but who may attend public meetings of the Society, and exhibit any pro- ductions at the si'.ows; but^ if successful competitors, not to be entitled to prizes. 7. That the J} rizes awarded at one show shall be distributed on the next show-day ; and that a due proportion of prizes, consisting of money, gar- dening implements, or fruit trees, shall be allotted for the best cultivated cottager's garden. 8. That a library be formed, to consist of practical works, whether pe- riodical or otherwise, relating to horticulture, botany, and planting, the expense thereof to be regulated by the funds of the Society; but that dona- tions of such, or any other works on natural history, be gratefully received. 9. That notice of any molion be given at one general r.,eeting to be dis- cussed at the next, its fate then being to be determined by the majority' present. 10. That the proceedings of the Society (including those of the commit- tee) shall be entered by the secretary for the time being, in a book kept for that purpose; proceedings to be signed by the chairman of the meeting, and to be open to the inspection of members at the Society's room. 11. That the committee at the January meeting in ever}' year, shall lay before the subscribers plans and arrangen'.ents for the different shows, and that the regulation of the same be vcsfed in them, subject to Rules 6 and 7. 1-2. Any seeds or plants which may be put at the disposal of the Society, will be distributed amongst the members, in rotation, according to the se- niority of date or subscription. The Society already reckons upwards of a hundred members. At the first General Meeting, our correspondent, John H. Moggridge, Esq., one of the vice-presidents, delivered an introductory address, which was honoured with the highest applause, and of which, being voted to be published, we hope, in a future Number, to give some account of it to our readers. Art. VI. Notices of Suburban Gardens. Wick House; Dr. Jamieson (May 14). — The kitchen-garden here is well arranged, and especially the forcing-department, which is a walled enclosure by itself, and so laid out as to unite the utmost conveniency with neatness of appearance. The culture of pine-a|)ples was relinquished when the late occupier gave up possession ; but the crops of grapes and peaches are excel- lent. There is a small house exclusively devoted to the culture of the Muscat of Alexandria, which is the best plan for succeeding with that grape of exquisite flavour, and rather difficult management. One plant occupies the whole house, and is covered with the finest crop we ever saw. Two excellent gardeners have had the management of this garden in succession, ihe Jate Mr. Ross, and Mr. Edgar, now gardener to Mr. Ellis, at Snettisham,, 94f Garden Libraries. near Lynn ; the} are at present let, 2)ro' tempore, to Mr. Jones ; and the forcing department is managed by Thomas Miiir, who has been some years under Mr. Edgar, and has proved himself an excellent gardener, and most deserv- ing young man. The above was written and put in type upwards of two years ago. Last spring we called on Dr. Jamieson,whom wefoundin possession of the kitchen- garden and pleasure-ground, as well as the house and fields. The Doctor has made various erections, among the latter scenery, for gymnastic exer- cises and recreative games for his pupils. He showed us the details of his school establishment, which is on so ample a scale, though for a very small number of pupils, as to call into use the whole of the mansion and offices of Wick. He also described to us the manner in which the studies were pursued. According to the best of our information and judgment, having had a relation educated by the Doctor, in a former establishment, there is not, and cannot be, a better school of the kind in the neighbourhood of London. Of course, it is only for the sons of such as are in easy circum- stances. Whitton Park, near Hounslow ; Calvert, Esq. — A large house, sur- rounded by what was part of the Duke of Argyle's park, formerly cele- brated by botanists for its collection of American trees ; ridiculed, on account of these trees, by Sir William Chambers, and described by Wheatley as one of the finest examples of modern gardening. A part of the artificial river, mentioned by the above writer, still remains; and some of the cedars, hic- cories, acacias, and other trees, v/hich are now fine specimens. In the kitchen-garden was lately dug up the foundations of the house in which Dr. Dodd lived, and from which, it is said, he was taken to be tried. The gardener here, Mr. Lane, received a medal from the Horticultural Societ}', for forced strawberries. Whitton Hojise, near Hounslow ; Sir Benjamin Hobhouse. — The house was that occupied by the Duke of Argyle; and its elevation, consisting of a centre and two wings, is familiar to every one who has paid any attention to the architectural plates of the E)ici/clopcedias, and other architectural works of the latter part of the last century. The grounds are interesting, .from the variety and size of their exotic trees. Art. Vn. Garden Libraries. Provincial Horticultural Libraries. — Sir, As the horticultural society established in this town, and other horticultural societies are forming libra- ries, if it would not be trespassing too much on your time, would j'ou, in an early Number of your interesting Magazine, favour us with a list of books (on a very extensive scale), which you think best calculated for such a pur- pose, on horticulture, botany, and agriculture, in every department, in- cluding plans for laying out grounds, ornamental architectural buildings, grottos, &c. ; also natural history, in all its branches, and chemistry, so far as connected with horticulture and agriculture; likewise all the leading periodicals in the above sciences. And perhaps you would, at the same time, [joint out the great advantages that provincial horticultural societies would derive by establishing perma- nent libraries, instead of expending the whole of their funds in awarding prizes. To a library thus formed, in some cases, dried specimens, and drawings of plants, &c., indigenous to the neighbourhood or otherwise, and even spe- cimens of natural history, might be presented. The books should, if possi- ble, be first circulated, and members afterwards be allowed to borrow them for limited periods. Gentlemen belonging to the society might allow their gardeners the use of the books; and gardeners, and others who coulil not otherwise, may by this means see every thing worth seeing. And it cannot Retrospective Criticism. 95 be doubted but it would have the effect on a neighbourhood, which your valuable Magazine has had on gardening in general, — that of raising' the whole science. And, Sir, when we consider the rapid improvement of the present ao-e, the information diffused by horticultural societies, magazines, and other periodicals, he must rank very low in the scale of gardening who sees and knows nothing of this various information, and who is thus standing still while the world goes round. Apologising for the liberty I have taken, I am. Sir, yours, &c. — J. Clarke. Saffron JValdcn, Oct. We have not time at present to enforce the arguments of our intelli- gent correspondent in favour of garden libraries and the diffusion of know- ledge ; nor indeed is it necessary, for he has given the essence of all that we could advance. With respect to lists of books, we could give none which has not appeared in the Encyc. of Gard., or in preceding Numbers, and all those of real worth are characterised as such. If Mr. Clarke will make out a list and send it to us, we will note on it what omissions we think might be made, and what additions would be advisable. Provincial societies, with libraries formed on the model which our correspondent contemplates, and which seems to be nearly the same as that of the Newcastle upon Tyne society, are in accordance with what we have stated in Vol. II. p. 373., under the head of Village Libraries. It will there be seen how important we think them for the progress of society. — Cond. A Village Library, or reading club, has lately been established in the village of Carcolston, Nottinghamshire, by which, at the trifling expense of Zd. a month, the subscribers will be furnished with agricultural and general reading. Among the subscribers is the Protestant vicar of the parish, and the Catholic priest. {^Nottingham Review.) East Lothian Itinerating Libraries. — Sir, I am obliged by your notice of the East Lothian itinerating libraries in your Gardener's Magazine. I en- close you a copy of the P'ifth Report lately published. Every year's expe- rience convinces me that the itinerating library is the cheajiest plan for diffusing knowledge, where there is a reading population, that has been adopted since the invention of printing. At Haddington, North Berwick, and some other stations, almost the whole books on general subjects have been in constant circulation, so that when persons did not apply on the evenings in which they were issued, they could hardly procure one. I am. Sir, &c. — Samuel Brown. Haddington, June 16. 1828. We intend to notice the report in our next Number; in v/hich, we shall have a good deal to say on village libraries, village museums for the use of infant schools, village infant and adult schools, with gardens, and, in short, the adoption of an improved modification of theWurtemberg, Bavarian, and Baden system of general education ; a system which, with the modifi- cations and additions which we have proposed in a pamphlet which we had translated and published in P;iris, would, if universally adopted, do more for the human race, than any thing that has yet been attemj)teil ; that is (in our opinion at least), it woukl render them all that they are capable of being. — Coiid. Art. VIIL Retrospective Criticism. To condense and preserve Vegetables. — One of your correspondents, in a former Number, has described the method of preserving cabbages, and other green vegetables, by salting them ; allow me to refer you to a differ- ent process for attaining the same end. Boil, over a fierce wood fire, so as to preserve their colour when completely cooked ; grind them into a complete pulp, by some such means as are used to crush ajiples for cider, &c. ; then let them be subjected to the action of the press (being fust put into hair bags, or treated as grapes are in wine countries), till all the fluid 96 Retrospective Criticism. matter is separated from them ; the remainder of their substance being wonderfully condensed, and as hard as the marc from the wine-press. Then let it be rammed hard into carefully-glazed airtight jars (or tin cases, if pre- ferred), and boiled as in the case of bottled gooseberries. If jars are usetl, they may be sufficiently secured by having two pieces of bladder tied suc- cessively over them ; when the air within them is absorbed by heating the enclosed substance, their surface becomes concave by the pressure of the atmosphere; and, as long as it remains in this state, the matter within is safe. If it should be thought requisite to preserve the flavour of the vege- tables entire, an extract should be made from the expressed liquid, and added to the marc. But spinach, cabbage, and many other vegetables, have abun- dance of flavour in them in their dry state, without this addition. The pre- paration of the vegetable matter for use is accomplished by adding a sufficient quantity of milk, water, grav}', lime-juice, &c., to the marc, and warming it up. Let the Government, and the dealers in ships' provisions, look to this ; a sufficient quantity of this vegetable preparation would be the greatest luxury to a ship's crew, and render the scurvy utterly obsolete. It is worthy of remark, that the most irritable stomach is not offended by vegetables treated in this way. {Quar. Jour., Oct. 1827.) Preserving Grapes. — I do not like the method ofpreserving grapes recom- mended by several of your correspondents. Olivier de Serres says, gather them when fully ripe,and on a warm day when they are perfectly dry, and hang them in a dry, well-aired room ; those which have long berries wide apart, are the best sorts for this purpose. They will shrink ; but to lessen this, sus- pend them in osier baskets, and drop in among them, loosely, dry vine-leaves. Another mode is, to suspend bunches of grapes in a cask, so as they may not touch each other, and then pour in dry corn, or other small seeds. O. de Serres recommends millet, but clover-seed or turnip-seed would, doubtless, answer just as well. By this means, he says, the grapes are preserved cool, fresh, and entire, and may bg^^sed in t!ie dessert, daily, till Easter, and later. The above was published in the first year of the 17th century ; Deyeux, an annotatoron it, in 1804, observes that it is perfectly correct, adding, that thg basket ought to be examined from time to time, in order to remove any de- caying berries: and, in order that the same thing may be effected where grapes are preserved in a barrel, or box of grain or seeds, a hole with a plug is made in the bottom ; and the box being suspended, the plug is withdrawn occasionally, all the grain or seeds allowed to run out, the top of the box removed ; the system of twigs on which the grapes are suspended is then taken out, and any dea^^ ed berries removed ; they are afterwards replaced, and the grain or seeds, being dried., are again poured in to fill the interstices. With these precautions, M. Deyeux assures us, grapes may be preserved |)er- fectly fresh for several montiis. I should reconnnend a trial to my brother- gardeners who have a cool dry cellar in which to place the box. I may add, that a similar S3stem is employed for packing and preserving the grapes sent from Spain and Portugal to this country, and sold in the fruit-shops during the winter and spring. — T. B. Bristol, Aug. 10. Vines 1)1. the open Air. — Mr. Salisbury's management, besides being found in Hale's Statics, is tsvice mentioned in IVeston's Tracts on Gar- dening; and, ten years ago, I apprised him, through a relation of mine, that his was no new discovery, pointing out where he might find it men- tioned; and moreover telling him, that I myself had followed it for years without ever observing the result attributed to it. My mcthoil of manag- ing the grape vine on open walls is as follows : as soon as the fruit is ga- thered from a tree, or even a single branch, I immediately cut off" the leaves, and, if necessary, prune it for the next year; as by careful attention in stop- ping the shoot at a proper length, it will need but little pruning, except only removing old or useless parts. This early pruning, in my" opinion, assists to ripen the wood, without which no great crop can be expected ; Retrospective Criticism. 97 but I never noticed that it causes the vine to shoot earlier in the following spring. I must be permitted to say, that grapes out of doors are not, in general, well understood. I have been a vine-dresser for these twenty years. From the Black Hamburgh I never missed having a crop of fine ripe grapes, from the beginning of the ripening season, till the Sunday be- fore Christmas, save only once, that year (1814) in which the Emperor Alexander of Russia v/as in London. In that season my crop was only fit for wine, and very good it was, though made on the gooseberry-wine pro- cess. Tiie onl}' secret in ripening grapes in the open air, is timely summer pruning, and constantly keeping the fruit close to the wall. With attention to this material point, I had bunches weighing from a few ounces, up to two pounds; and have been offered 2^. 6d. per lb., though at one shilling they would have paid all the rates and taxes of my place ! It is really a pity to see so man}^ naked walls, especially about London ; which, if covered with vines, would yield abundance for the table, besides wine enough to supply a bottle for every holiday in the year, at the moderate price of five pence ! The Hamburgh ripens' within a fortnight of the Black Cluster, and is a su- perior fruit for every purpose. I always use open black muslin bags for protectors, though 1 have seen a light woven fabric of horse hair, which I should think would be preferable. The strongest equally swelled bunches should be chosen, and freed from small and decayed berries before bagging. — Superficial. Errors of the Press in the Article 07i Ornamental Gardening, by an Ama- teur (Vol. IV. p. 211.) — Page 213., 7 lines from the bottom, for adjacent, read adjunct. Again, at p. 214., 6 lines from the top, for Bolton, read Belton. Again, at p. 445., 12 lines from the top, for four read sour. — An Amateiu: Woodstock, October 10. 1828,) Various Errors by the Conductor. — Sir, You will oblige me by correcting some of my papers inserted in Vol. IV^., p. 519. By contracting and abridg- ing them as you have done, I consider you have left out the most essential part of them. Respecting the Disease on Celery, you have blended the two diseases, named by me, together, by saying the former disease I have had but one year, which should have been confined to the disease with the maggot in the leaf. If you look to my paper, you will find I stated I had had the former disease two years ; the words which would have conveyed to any person what it was like, you have left out. I stated it was like the disease the garden bean is subject to in autumn, thinking that probably it is not every person that might understand what is meant by stating that it is of a ferru- ginous nature. I have the disease on the celery this season, just come on : some persons say it proceeds fi-om the beans ; but the disease prevails where there is no bean near, and where none have been during the season. Respecting Forsyth's Composition, you say I want to know what it is made of; which of course must appear to your readers as if I either bought or begged it, or I should have known what it was made of. I asked what was its power, if too caustic, if too porous, or too absorbent, imbibing the sap too freely. My own opinion of Forsyth's composition is, that it absorbs the sap from the scion and crown of the stock, so as to i)rohibit a union. I find it to be an excellent ingredient for wounds. Respecting the Mildew on Cucumbers, you did not state that the watering should be done when there was likely to be a strong sun. In a paper which I sent to you, defending the head-gardener against the journeyman garrfe'?;£>y (Vol. IV. p. 210.), you have stated that there is no exception on the part of the head-gardener or master : I stated eight times out of ten it was the man's own fault if he did not improve his mind. I - am, &c. — John Damper Parks. Tojlotver Mignonette during Winter and Spring. — Sir, Permit me to suggest to you tlie correction of an article in Vol. IV. p. 445., concerning VOL.V.— No. 18. *H 98 Retrospective Criticism. the management of mignonette in pots during the winter, and which is not correctly printed from my letter. It siiould stand thus : — To flower in November, sow August the 10th. To flower in the end of January, and throughout Febuary, sow August the 25tli. To flower in March, April, and May, sow September the 5th. Sow in 48-sized pots, with their bottoms safely drained in a compost of two fourths mellow loam, one fourth leaf mould, and one fourth clean sand. Plunge in frames within a foot of the glass, give the frame a good eleva- tion, and thin the plants out to six or seven in a pot. Give all the air pos- sible, when not frosty, but mat up well in severe weather. Il is advisable to stop the middle shoot from the two latter sowings. At all times, ex- cept when flowering, give water with caution. — Robert Errbigton. Oiillon Park, Cheshire, Nov. 28. 1828. Size of Mr. Howes' s Cockscomb. — Sir, In Vol. IV. p. 551., it is stated that the cockscomb raised by me was 22 in. high, whereas it was 22 in. long. The correct size of the flower was as follows : — From the surface of the mould to the top of the blossom, 19 in. Length of the crest of the flower, 22 in. Breadth of the crest of the flower 10^ in. My flower, therefore, was, I conceive, larger than the Appleton flower, described Vol. IV. p. 101., though the Appleton flower was higher; its dimensions being as follows : — From the surface of the mould to the top of the blossom 3 ft. 6 in. Length of the crest of the flower, 23 in. Breadth of the crest of the flower 6 in. Consequently the contents of the upper surface of the crest of the Apple- ton flower was only 158 in., while that of mine was 231 in. I hope you have seen the dwarf cockscomb plants, which I sent to the Horticultural Society's garden in September last. [We were then abroad.} I have grown one this year with the crest 24 in. long, 13^ in. broad, and 21 in. high from the surface of the mould to the top of the flower. I have one standing in a small orange-house which is 5 ft. 5h in. high, the crest of the flower 24 in. long, and 11 in. broad ; but that size is not so remarkable in the tall as in the dwarf sorts. I remain, Sir, &c. — R. L. Howes. Mid- dleton Gardens, near Lynn, Oct. 21. 1828. Agronome and Mr. M^ Miirtrie. — Sir, I observe in Vol. IV. p. 310., that }ou have allowed Agronome rather to exceed the bounds an anonymous writer should be confined to. With regard to his sneer at me, both as a gardener, and as to my sentiments concerning metallic hot-houses, I assure you I am not at all angry : but I think it is hardly fair to allow a shadow, as every anonymous writer must be considered, to cut and cavil at one who comes forward in his own proper character, to present to the public the results of his experience. So long as Agronome confines his observations to his own practice and experience, his papers will be read with interest, if they are worthy of it, but he cannot expect to be distinguished in any other way in your Magazine. If he is disposed to criticise, to give weight to his strictures, he must " doff his habit," and appear in his own proper person ; then the public will be better able to judge whether any credit is due to his judgment, and whether he is as able to perform well himself, as to find fault with others. But he must not be allowed the privilege of attack so long as he retains his disguise. Let him defend himself and welcome when he is assailed. Abstaining, therefore, for the above reason, from taking any further notice of Agronome's observations, I remain. Sir, your most obedient servant, — W. IM'Mnrtrie. Shugborovgh, Aug. 7. 1828. Vines luithin the Tropics. — Sir, There is nothing more conducive to the advancement of knowledge and the investigation of truth than the tem- perate discussion of facts, anil I rejoice, therefore, that my observations upon your correspondent J. A. M's. statement in Vol. IV. p. 314., that vines planted within the tropics never do well, have elicited some further facts Retrospective Criticism, 99 from that gentleman, which, without invalidating my assertion, are not without importance. From the difference between an insular and a continental situation, it can be easily understood why the climate of continental India within the tro- pics is so infinitely hotter than that of the islands of the West Indies ; hence it can be a matter of little surprise to your readers, to find produc- tions flourishing in the one, which can hardly be brought to grow in the other. This simple fact will account for the apparentlij conflicting testi- monies of your correspondent J. A. M. and myself respecting the grapevine. I employ the term grape vine to distinguish the Fitis vinifera from other climbing plants, to which the term vine is commonly applied, as a kind of generic name, througliout the British West India islands. But even in India, it appears from your correspondent's statement, in his communication of the 28th of last October (Vol. IV. p. 533.), that there are situations within the tropics, even in India, where " grapes come to the greatest [)erfection," notwithstanding iheir wantof the repose of winter, — the very fact which it was my object to establish. The fact appears to me to be, that it is not the want of winter rest, but the want of some effectual check to an overhixuriant vegetation, which renders the generality of extra- tropical fruit trees barren within the tropics ; since in the cooler situations even of continental America, where the vigour of vegetation is considerably less than in the hotter and lower regions, the peach, the apple, and other European fruits, attain as high a perfection as with us. Even wheat can be cultivated, as I have the authority of Humboldt for stating, in some situa- tions within the tropics, with infinitely more advantage than among us ; it may even be cultivated at elevations favourable to the culture both of the cane and the coffee; and at " Venezuela and in the Island of Cuba, the loiver limit of wheat descends in the most unexpected manner towards the burning plains of the coast." {Humb. Pers. N^arr.,\o]. vi. p. 505-6.) Wheat is even cultivated in several parts of equinoctial America in places not more than from 1727 to 1918 ft. above the level of the sea, "amidst the cultiva- ation of cofiee trees and sugar cane, and in places when the mean tempera- ture of the year is at least 25" (77° Fahrenheit)." (p. 205.) " An acre (about li acre English) near Victoria generally yields from 5,000 to 5,200 lbs. weight of wheat. The average produce is consequently here, as at Buenos Ayres, three or four times as much as that of northern countries. Nearly sixteen times the quantity of the seed is reaped." (vol.iv. p. 106.) " Near San Mateo we find the last fields of wheat, and the last mills with horizontal hydraulic wheels. A harvest of twenty for one was expected ; and, as if the produce were but moderate, I was asked whether corn produced more in Prussia and in Poland. It is an error that generally prevails under the tropics, to consider grain as plants which degenerate in advancing towards the equator ; and to believe that the harvests are more abundant in the northern climates." (p. 109-10.) " The fine harvests of Egypt, and of the kingdom of Algiers, those of the valleys of Aragua, and the interior of the Island of Cuba, sufBciently prove that the augmentation of heat is not prejudicial to the harvest of wheat and other alimentary grain, unless attended ivith an excess of drought or moisture. To this circumstance no doubt we must attribute the apparent anomalies that are sometimes ob- served between the tropics, in the inferior limit of corn. We are astonished to see to the east of the Havannah, in the famous district of Quatro Villas, this limit descend almost to the level of the ocean ; while to the west of the Havannah, on the slope of the mountains of Mexico and Xalapa, at 677 toises (4529 English ft.) of height, the luxuri/ of vegetation is such, that wheat does not form eai-s." (p. 111.) . As your correspondent may retort upon me, that Wheat and the Cerea- lia, being annuals, have nothing to do with the question of plants which are perennial requiring the repose of winter to recruit their powers, I shall not * H 2 too Retrospective Ci'iticism. at present extend my quotations farther, but, acknowledging that my zcaT for the improvement of West Indian agriculture, and the developeinent of all the rich and varied resources of those favoured regions, has led me, as the lawyers say, to travel out of the record, conclude this part of the sub- ject with a citation from a Haytian writer on the affjirs of St. Domingo, in support of my original position, that the grapevine is, ivhenjudiciousli/ frea/ed at least, productive within the tropics in our West India islands, and that there is no doubt of the manufacture of wine from its fruit admitting of being added to the other objects of colonial industry and prosperity. The late Baron de Vastry, in his Reflexions politiques, sur quelqiies Ouv- rages et Joumaiix Francois concemant Hayti, published in 1817, speaking of the impolitic restrictions imposed upon the colonial industry of that island, says, at p. 109., " Dans le Regime Colonial il etait pareillement defendu a St. Domingue, de cultiver le bU, et la vigne pour fair e du vin,so\.\s les peines les plus severes " (Under the Colonial System, both the cultivation of eorn, and of the vine, for the purpose of manufacturing wine from its fruit, were prohibited under the severest penalties) ; and he adds proof of this, in a note, as follows : — " M. Soleil, habitant des Gonaives, ayant fait un vin potable, en fit gouter a M. de Bellecombe, alors Gouverneur, qui, pour prix de son zele et de son industrie, le fit mettre en prison, et condamner a une forte amende " (Monsieur Soleil, a planter of Gonaives, having made a drinkable wine, made Monsieur de Bellecombe, then governor, taste it, and •was, as a reward for his zeal and industry, imprisoned by this gentleman, and condemned to pay a heavy fine). What the quality of the wine thus made as a matter of experiment, and possibly with an imperfect knowledge of the process, might have been, is innnaterial to my purpose; the fact of its being possible, and, I doubt not, advantageous also, to make wine from the fruit of the grape vine in our West India islands, being the point I had at heart to establish. Wine of an excellent quality may also be advantageously jnanufactured from the succulent fniit of the Anacardium occidentale, or Cashew apple, and many other West Indian fruits, on which subject, I be- lieve, I troubled you with a letter some time since, which will, I hope, yet appear in the Gardener's Magazine. I have not time at present to enter into the discussion of the important fact of lunar influence on vegetation, within the tropics ; a fact perfectly familiar to every West Indian planter. I shall merely observe that the circulation of the sap is materially influenced by the lunar phases, rising between the new and full, and falling between the full and new moons. An attention to this fact is of the utmost importance, especially in cutting tim- ber ; since even the most valuable timbers of the tropics, if cut at an im- proper time of the moon, will decay rapidly, while their duration, when cut at the proper season, is almost eternal. I have myself made experiments upon the growth of the Convolvulus dissectus, or Noyeau, which proved the fact of this influence upon vegetation in the most clear and satisfactory manner. Hoping you will forgive the length of this letter, I remain. Sir, yours, &c. — William Hamilton. 15. Oxford Place, Plymouth, Dec. 14. 1828. Discussion relative to the Wages of Gardeners. — Sir, Having accidentall}', at the house of an acquaintance, met with your Magazine for Nov. 1828, I read with pleasure, under the head of Retrospective Criticism, the re- marks of Z. and X. Y. Z. on the paper published in one of your early Num- bers, on the subject of gardeners' wages, &c. I can only add, that I most perfectly agree with them, and was so fully convinced of the mischief likely to arise from placing such remarks in the hands of my gardener, that I unme- diately discontinued the book, it being on this account comparatively useless. I had afterwards an opportunity of knowing that I was not singular in my decision. I regretted the necessity of giving it up, as from your Encyclo- paedias, which I possess, I hoped to derive amusement and benefit from the publication. A gentleman with an income of 2000/. would, according to Retrospective Criticism. 101 the allowances yon claim as a gardener's right, be obliged to go to market for his vegetables, as he could not possibly keep a head-gardener, much less assistants. An officer, who has lost his limbs and health in the service of his countr}', does not possess the same advantages. — A. B. C. We are always glad to know the feelings of our readers, in order to shape our course accordingly; because, in order that the Gardener's Maga- zine may do good, it is necessary, in the first |)lace, that it should sell. If A. B. C. should ever happen to look into any of our future Numbers, we hope he will find them more to his mind. — Cond. Conduct of Head-Gardeners toivards Joiirnci/me7i. — Sir, In j'our Maga- zine (Vol. IV. p. 210.), I observe J. D. P. attempting to set your readers right concerning the remarks of G. R. G. in a former Number ; and in endea- vouring to do so, J. D. P. has omitted much information which he might very well have stated. He says, that in the several gradations through which he has passed, he has never seen instruction withheld from the assi- duous workman, through the disregard, or unwillingness of the master. In my experience, I have too often seen much partiality exhibited in the conduct of head-gardeners towards the men under their charge. In Scotland this practice prevails very much. In an extensive garden I have known the gardener have no less than four api)rentices at a time, who have paid him five or six pounds each, as a premium, for two years, expecting to have an opportunity in that time of obtaining a practical knowledge of the different parts of their profession ; but who, at the expiration of the two years, have found themselves very much deceived : and being obliged to make room for a fresh stock of apprentices (to fill the gartlener's pocket), they obtain the name of journeymen, although they have their business still to learn ; and on that account they generally fail to give satisfaction to their next employer, who will give the most particular part of the work to those whom he thinks most competent to do it. I know very well that there are some people (gardeners as well as others), who soon become too wise to be taught; but I can affirm that there are many tractable young men, who can with propriety lay the blame of their deficiency in knowledge to a want of care in their master, who generally has a foreman, to whom he commits the care of the principal parts of the various departments, the younger men being employed in the more laborious parts. Now, Sir, as you have already told us, that knowledge to the gardener is money as well as knowledge, and, as it is generally understood, that when a journeyman engages v,'ith a master, he expects to have an opportunity to improve him- self, therefore he who withholds that opportunity from any j'oung gardener, commits a crime equal to that of defrauding him of his wages. There are several men, who, when they become masters, seem entirely to forget that they were once journeymen, and who keep up such a reserved distance between themselves and their men, that the latter have not the assurance to ask for the necessary information, requisite to enable them to execute their work in a proper manner. I would advise that a great part of such a barrier be broken down, so that a free and unembarrassed com- munication may always exist between masters and their men. J. D. P. conckides with a very wholesome advice to those who wish to learn ; but still his strain is too exculpatory with regard to the masters, as it is well known that there are many who are far deficient in their duty to their men. Should you deem these few remarks worth inserting in your very useful work, you will much oblige your humble servant, — Neutral. Neglect of Practical Gardeners bij the Provincial Horticultural Societies, — Sir, as the season is fast approaching, when you will have to record in your valuable miscellany, the progress of the Provincial and Horticultural Societies, you, who are always ready to assist in improving the welfare and conduct of gardeners, will permit me to observe tliat many of these socie- ties have fallen into a very great mistake, by not inserting the names of gar^ H 3 102 Retrospective Criticism. deners when they make the reports of the prizes awardeJ. By this means the gardener is in a great measnre deprived of his merit. It is well known that gardeners are, for the most part, the cultivators of the rare productions brought for inspection into the rooms of the society. If the gardeners have not a share of praise given to them at these times, I am afraid they will slacken their exertions in cultivation. If ever this take place, then a falling off of those societies will be the result. It also discourages the young gardener, and prevents him from exerting himself to obtain that praise that would be due to him. In the next place, should a gardener change his situation, his practical character is already knov/n ; it remains no longer within the hands of a few individuals, but becomes general, a cir- cumstance which would remove many inconveniences attending gardeners out of situations. Much more might be done to make these few observ- ations useful towards encouraging gardeners to become spirited members of these societies, but finding myself imable to enter into general argument, I humbly submit the above for your consideration, and remain yours, &c. — James RoUins. Dingle Bank, Jan. 5. 1829. Our correspondent has hit upon the true value of Horticultural Societies to practical gardeners, which is, to make their professional merits publicly known, and thus to put it beyond the power of individuals of any descrip- tion, whether verbally or by what are called written characters, to subtract from the precise degree of practical excellence which they may have at- tained; and thus, perhaps, prevent them from obtaining such places as they are capable of fdling. A practical gardener, who has written some papers in any of theTransactions ofthe different Horticultural Societies of the country or in the Gardener's Magazine, and who has exhibited in competition at public meetings, fruits and vegetables, and received prizes for them, maj'be said to have established for himself, before the gardening world, a profes- sional character as unquestionable as the specific character of a known plant. The facts, that is the papers written and the fruits exhibited, being recorded in the Gardener's Magazine, this character becomes known to all the brethren, and especially to the nurserymen, who, if they thought it worth while, might easily keep a list of such gardeners, with short specific professional characters as under : — James Green. — Prof. Char. Author of papers on turnips, peaches, and ferns, in Caledon. Trans., vol. i. and ii. ; on pomj)ions, in Land. Hurt. Trans., vol. iv. ; on celerj', endive, laying out a garden, and the Carolina poplar, in Gard. I\fag., vols, ii., iii., and iy., in which also the essence of his other papers are given. Exhibited. — -At Dundee, broccoli and auriculas (Gard. Mag., vol. iii.); at Perth, sugar-loaf cabbages, peaches, and a Hortus siccus {Gard. Mag., vol. iii.); at Edinburgh, grapes, pines, and melons {Gard. Mag., vol. iv.) In all, two medals, two books, one snuffbox, one knife, one foot-rule, and four times thanks recorded. The moral character of a gardener is. a different thing from his profes- sional character; though it is quite impossible for any man to keep up a regular succession of crops of vegetables and fruits for a family without being of sober, attentive, and reflective habits. If to these, the ordinary duties of a gardener, the cares of forcing are added, and lie is successful, such is the vigilance rccjuired for this part of the profession, that it is al- most impossible that the operator should be otherwise than sober and at- tentive. However, in keeping what may be called the specific character of gardeners, nurserymen might add their moral and biographical character, thus : — James Gkeen, — Prof. Char. As above. Moral and Biog. Char. Born in Dundee, 5 ft. 10 in. high, healthy and vigorous, 45 years of age, 15 years married, three children ; apprentice at Red Hill J two years in the Edinburgh Botanic Garden, head-gardener in Retrospective Criticism. 103 four places in different parts of the country, with a good character for so- briety, integrity, and industry from his last place. If every gardener will write his own specific character in the above man- ner, he will see what he wants to render it complete ; because the first step towards supplying a defect, is to know and feel that it exists. Gardeners also wiio know different masters, might make out their specific cliaractcrs, and by these exercises learn to know others as well as themselves. — Cond. Tli'e Balm of Gilcad Firs in KinmcU Pun'c. — Sir, A correspondent in Vol. IV. p. 36.3., says that in Kinniell Park, Denbighshire, are Balm of Gilead Firs, of 84 ft. in height, and 10 ft. in circumference at the base. If this is correct, they are the most rare and curious vegetable productions in this kingdom. Every Balm of Gilcad Fir that I ever yet saw, or before heard of, planted in Britain, when it has attained a fifth or a iburth of that lieight, becomes stunted, and dies. Has not your correspondent mistaken the species? and are not the firs in question Silver Firs? These not unfre- quentiy attain the size and bulk mentioned by your correspondent, and even a much greater size. The two species of firs being considerably alike in leaf, it is not uncom- mon to confuse them. An easy mark of distinction is this : the leading bud of the Silver Fir is covered with a coat of hard dry resin, which does not soil the fingers; the leading bud of the Bahn of Gilead Fir is covered with a brilliantly clear liquid resin, which very difficultly dries, and adheres to the fingers when touched. There is also a difierence in the smell, which it is easier to recognise than to describe. Probably some other of your corre- spondents may be able to determine this fact with accuracy. I am. Sir, &c. — Caitsidiciis. Nov, 9. \82S. Origin of tlie Olaheiie Pine. — Sir, In No. viii. of the Pomological Ma- gazine, the Anson, or Otaheite, Pine is stated to have been raised from seed at Shugborough, which is incorrect. It was not raised from seed in this country, but was introduced by the late Birt, Esq., of Colton Hall, near Rugeley, from the Island of St. Croix, in the West Indies. Some plants soon found their way to Shugborough, and were probably fruited there in great perfection, whence arose the erroneous idea of its having been raised from seed there. I am jours, dc. — C. F. IV, Drnj/ton, Oct. 25. 1828. Tlie Pomological Magazine. — My housewife, finding that we had more gooseberries than we could consume, lately proposed to me to make some British wine with them, to which I assented ; and she desired me to get her some bosk in which I should find a recipe for making it. Remembering to have seen advertiseda Po^io/ogicz/J/rtgwri/zi?, I immediately concluded that,in this work, the name of which (being compounded of Tro/ia (jjoma) drink, and \oyog {logos), reason or method) does, acconling to all grammar and Greek, import to contain the science and theory of drinks, I should find information on the manufacture and ingredients of all winesand fermented liquors: but, to my disappointment, when I came to buy it, I found only figures of four or five fruits, and some description of them, but not a word of the means of making them into drink; and, worse,it appears as if the etlitor meant to go on publish- ing plates and descriptionsof four or five varieties or species of fruits in ever}' Number, for an almost interminable series; so that I and my housekeeper shall be dead before the name will become appropriate, and before the author will begin to treat of the method of brewing the wines from these fruits. It appears to me, that it would be nuich more useful if the editor, now that he has given a plate and description of one or more varieties of several species of fruit, as apples, pears, peaches, gooseberries, and strawberries, would next give us a lew chapters on the manner of converting them into drink ; and, when he has fully treated thereon, he may add the descriptions and plates of other varieties of fruits, and, if they require any difference in the brewing process, he may mention it as he goes on with the fruits, f H 4 1 04" RetrospecUve Criticism. ought, however, to add, that my apothecary's'apprentice insists that /;owt«7?, being Latin for an apple, the eilitor of this work meant by " pomology," the science of apple trees. Now, he might as well contend that it means a log of apple tree ; it would not be more barbarous to tinker an English and a Latin word into one name, than it would be to try to solder Latin and Greek together ; and, though there was one Knoop, a German, about the middle of the last centur}', who made a book about fruit trees, and called it Pomology, yet that affords no reason to believe that any Englishman, espe- cially a scholar, would do the same ; for it is well known, that " The Germans in Greek Are greatly to seek : All ? All but one Herman, And he is a * German.' " And, least of all, would any gentleman who has the command of such fine engravings, and fine colouring, and fine letter-press, and fine paper, as decorate the Povwlogical Magazine, have committed such a solecism. I am therefore confident that the apothecary's apprentice is wrong. While we were debating the miitter, in came the apothecary himself, an old Scotsman, who, after having heard our dispute, rapped his mull, and having taken a pinch from it, shrugged his shoulders, and pronounced us both wrong ; " for," says he, " the word denotes the science of nicely fitting these wooden " covers," showing us his mull : " the word is derived from Troijia ( puma), operculum, a cover, and \ojoq {logos), the reason or method ; and the trea- tise on the fruits is only illustrative of, and introductory to, a treatise on the woods of the same trees that are proper for making mulls. And ye will soon find, in the Magazine, a dissertation on the qualities of the timber of the different fruittrees for the turner's use; but not aword of the mannerof mak- ing cider or wines." I am, therefore, completely at a loss what the title of the work means ; but, as you live in London, perhaps you may know the editor, and, if you have an opportunity, may ask him whether any instructions for brewing from English fruits are soon to come out, or whether he really thinks that, because a hybrid Amaryllis is a beautiful object, a cross between a Greek and a Latin root will improve our language. Let him try a cross between a Swedish turnip and a rape, and see whether it is an improvement. An old poet has given us a gardener's illustration in support of uiy doctrine : — ■ " Non est quod multa loquaniur : Nil intra est oleam, nil extra est in nuce, duri." * I, am. Sir, your humble servant, — Verjuice. Derivation of the Word Monilifera. — Sir, Mr. Eraser, or his commentator (Vol. IV. p. 217.), is inaccurate in supposing that Populus monilifera means " literally, one-bearing," although the " shoots " may he " twigless ;" the word "monilifera" means necklace-bearing, or "bracelet-bearing;" so called from its beautiful, long, linear, crimson catkins, which appear suitable to form bracelets or necklaces. I believe the application was given by Linnaeus, who was too correct a scholar, and had too good a taste, to botch up a word half Greek and half Latin, like a cauliflower bastardised by a savoy, as some gardeners and botanists nowadays do. But both the component parts of this name, fcro, to bear, and viouile, a bracelet or necklace, or similar ornament for the person (on the etymology * " No necessity for many words : ' There is nothing hard inside of an olive, nor outside of a nut.' " A proverb against those who deny what is manifestly true, or assert what is manifestly false. Retrospective Criticism. 105 of which word commentators are not agreed, but it was ancient Latin, and not derived from {.iovoq (moiios), one, nor imported from Greece), are of the same genuine stock. — Ferjnice. October, 1828. il/?-. Knighi's Improvements in the Construction of Hot-beds. — Sir, In vol. vii. partii. art. 32. of the Horticultural Transactions, is a communication by the learned president of the Society, giving an account of the improvements in the construction of hot-beds. I have often observed that many inventions and discoveries are, in these days of knowledge, detailed as new and original, which have been long known and practised by scientific men in former times. In a book published two humlred years ago, in black letter, called Alexis''s Secrets, h a clear and detailed account of the manner of increasing the muibeny tree, by cuttings of the great arms and limbs of the old tree, and planting them in rows, in beds, as we do asparagus. I could mention twenty instances of inventions and discoveries in horticulture and planting, which were known and adopted by our ancestors, and which have been republished in Transactions and Magazines, with all the freshness of a new discovery. But I have met with nothing so original as Mr. Knight's above- mentioned communication, and which trespasses so much on modern times, and on the fame of former philosophers. I beg to refer the reader to a paper of Dr. Stephen Hales, published in 1757, in vol. xxvii. of the Gentleman's Magazine, p. 165. He will there read "A rational and easy Method to purify Air, and regulate its Heat in Melon-Frames and hot Green-houses ; " and he will wonder that Mr. Knight did not communicate the whole of the valuable paper, instead of an extnict. I am, Sir, } ours, &c, — F. R. S. ^^'e have not the least doubt the omission was an inadvertence on the part of Mr. Knight, or the editor of the Transactions. Such inadvertencies are quite unavoidable, both in the Transactions of Societies, and in Magazines and Journals ; but the great advantage the latter have over the former is, that corrections and discussions on all points are freely admitted. In this waj', error and false doctrine, if promulgatetl in one Magazine, is corrected or counteracted in that which follows ; and the reader will generally be found to have benefited by the discussion ; but, in the Transactions of a Societ}', discussion is not permitted (See Dr. Thomson's paper, in our P'irst Volume, p. 20., which was originally sent to theHort.Soc.,and rejected), and errors or mistaken views remain to lead astray, as long as such Transactions are read. The Transactions of the Horticultural Society have, however, one advantage in this respect, viz. that, from their high price, they are not likely to be read by practical men ; and, therefore, if it were possible that such a thing as an error should creep into them, it would do little harm. — Cond. Plagiarism by the Author of the Article signed " A Blooming Bulb." — In your Gardener's Magazine for October, you have given the cultivation of Amaryllis by " A Blooming Bulb." If you will look to my accounts of the treatment of them in the Botaniccd Cultivator, and the First Number of your IVIagazine, you will perceive the greater part to be taken from them. The mode of raising them, and shifting them, as they advance in growth, into larger pots, is fully described there, likewise their being kept on a gentle hot-bed ; but with plunging them, if the bed be hot or moist, I entirely dis- agree, as it would be apt to melt or rot their fleshy roots. The use of horse- dung in the soil will certainly have the same effect, if fresh; but, if allowed to rot for two or three years, and then to be dried, it might do very well for lightening the soil, and would answer as a substitute for peat or other light mould. Your correspondent also mentions Mr. Colville as having raised three or four hundred hybrids of them. If he had said ten thousand, he would have been nearer the truth. I sowed the seeds and potted them off myself, and 1 have frequently seen several hundreds in flower at his nursery at once, some of them producing the most splendid flowers imagin- 1 06 Retrospective Criticism. able ; but A. vittata, and the flowers from it, are longer in producing flowers from seed tlian any others. The most beautifnl of all, I consider A. vittata fertilised by the pollen of A. striatifoiia. Yours, truly, — R. Sweet. Pomona Place, Kings Road, near Fulham, Nov. 28. 1828. Cobhctt^s Corn. — Mr. Cohbett is by no means the first who has succeeded in raising the Indian co.rn in Great Britain. Several years ago, I witnessed, in tlie garden of Mr. William Stickny, of Ridgniont, in Ilolderness, plants of Indian corn reared from seeds of his own sow ing, matured the preceding season in the open air. I remember to have been informed of a species of Indian corn sown as a successive crop in the Neapolitan territory, after the wheat had been reaped, called " Meiica quarantina," or Forty Days' Indian Corn, so termed in virtue of the extraordinary rapidity of its growth and maturation. Indian corn is there used, with extraordinary success, in the fattening of pigs, and has pn-oved equally efficient in this country. The British farmer will scarce venture his capital on so fragile a basis as the cul- tivation of Indian corn. Now and then a favourable season may present itself; l)ut, like " angel visits," these periodic returns "will be few and far between." It is vaunted that the leaves may be manufactured into paper, but what is there, no\Yadays, that has not been converted into what is called " paper." The leaves and stems of the hollyhock and potato, straw, and sawdust, &c. — J. JMurrar/. Indian Corn. — I was the first who recommended the Indian corn for field culture in this countr}', which I did in a letter to G. Talbot, Esq., of Guiting, in this county, seven jcars ago. — C. Hale Jessop, Cheltenham Xiirseri/, October 50, 182S. \erbcna Melindris, by luhom introduced. — Sir, I observe in the Botanical Register, No. viii. vol. xiv. No. 1184., a drawing of a new J^erbena, which was made from a plant, communicated, on the 20th of .Tune last, by Mr. Harrison, gardener to the Earl of Egremont; and, as he has not stated in what way he came in possession of this plant, I conjecture it may be gra- tifying to the public to know by whom it was introchiced. The seed of this Ferbena, and various others, were collected in the neighbourhood of Buenos Ayres, by Mr. Poussette, and communicated, in 1826, from Rio Janeiro, to John Ma\\ kins, Esq., Bignor Park, in whose garden it first grew, and flowered in May 1827, for the first time in this countrj'. In the autumn of the same year, Air. Harrison's two sons called at Bignor Park, when I related the circumstance to them, and gave them a plant of the above-named Terbena with various others. Earl}' this last summer, I was telling an acquaintance of my intention of getting it figured ; he directly replied, " You are too late ; for I saw it at Petworth garden the other day, and young Mr. Harri- son told me it had been sent by them for that purpose. In a few tiays after this, I called on Mr. Harrison ; and, when Vvalking round the garden, with Mr. Harrison, jun., he showed me the plant in flower. I then told him I intended sending it to get it figured, but he was not candid enough to tell me what had been done respecting it either by himself or his fither. I then determined to await the result of the information communicated by my acquaintance; and, finding his assertion true, I think I have an undoubted right to request of you to insert these few lines, to do justice to IVIr. Pous- sette, and credit to myself. I beg the readers of this will not, for a moment, suppose I write it through any resentment against Mr. Harrison, as I certainly consider that he was at liberty to do as he thought proper with it; but I cannot but think it would have appeared better in the eyes oF the public^ had he been grateful enough to state in what way, and through whose goodness, he came in possession of it. I cannot say as yet whether this /'erbena will stand our winters or not, without the help of a frame. I luive one plant doing very well under a hand-glass, where it has flowered from May till the 10th of this month. Your constant reader, — John Perry. Bignor Park, Petworth, Sussex, Xuv. 24. 1828. Qjieries and Ansijcers to Qti cries. 107 The Mildew curable. — In Vol. IV. p. 281., there is an extract from Dr. Greville's Flora Eclinensis, concerning mildew, of which it is stated that, " As its production is probably the result of a peculiar state of the atnio- sphere, there is little chance of any means being discovered for its preven- tion." This should not be allowed to pass unnoticed in the Gardener's Magazine, because it is well known to every one acquainted with practical gardening, that soap suds, applied in time, will prevent the attack, and, after the attack, will speedily banish the pest. — it/. Price of Hut-water Pipes. — This is not Is. 6^/. per foot, as you liave stated (Vol. IV. p. 400.), but only Sd. — Robert Rcid. Montrath Home, near Cu//u)tij]!oii, Devonsldre, Kov. 8. IS 28. Anx. IX. Queries and Ansvoers to Queries. Everlasting Potato. — An enquiry was made, in a former Number of the Gardener's Magazine (Vol. III. p. 379.), about this root. I received a few tubers, under this name, from Mr. Donaston, of West Felton. They seem to make no show of leafage above ground, and are of a small size, and thinly sprinkled under ground. They seem always ready to atlord a supply of early potatoes, from one end of the year to the other ; they are left undis- turbed, except when a dish is wanted; they are not deeply embedded, but soon discovered on stirring the surface mould. {Jidi/, 1828.) Since I wrote you concerning what has been called the " everlasting potato," 1 have wit- nessed their being cultivated by a gentleman who is plentifully supplied with fine early potatoes about Christmas. The flower seems somewhat different from that of th-c common potato ; those I witnessed in blossom on 28th last month (July), had been suffered to remain undisturbed from last year. I was informed that the potatoes were planted about the latter end of May; for, if planted sooner, they come in too early. Before frost sets in, the bed is covered with littei' as a protection from its influence. They arc taken up at Christmas, as fine new potatoes, and are either suffered to remain undis- turbed, or perhaps, what is still better, the potatoes are completely forked up as they are wanted, and the smallest being separated are set apart for seed, under a heap, or hillock, to be rcjjlanted toward the close of the suc- ceeding May. Ilie smallest sprigs of this potato will grow. — J. Murray. Inverness, August, 1828. Diseases in Celery. — Sii', In answer to the query of Mr. Parks (Vol. IV. p. .320.), I have to observe, that I have h.ad considerable acquaintance with the disease in celery alluded to by him. An opportunity occurred last year, of sending some infected specimens to the Horticultural Society, to ascer- tain the name, and, if possible, the cause, as I had fancied it a fungus of some kind. Thence 1 was informed it was certainly a parasitical fungus, and called the Puccinia //eraclei. In the autumn of 1 826, I had my whole winter's crop totally destroyed it ; it commenced its ravages at one corner of the piece, and principally in one row; and thence went progressively through the whole piece, until it had the appearance of having been scorched with the blaze of a fire. I cut off" the infected parts, and buried them, but still the disease lurked among them. I then sprinkled the plants with water, and strewed, successively, lime and soot over them, but neither seemed to do any good. A border of fine endive, which stood near, was totally de- stroyed by the same disease. The next year I was entirely free from it ; but one of my neighbours was in the same predicament that 1 had been the preceding season. I should rather imagine that it originated with something peculiar in the njanure used for the trenches, which, in its decomposition, emitted some pernicious volatile propertj', that adhered to the leaves, and produced the fungus in question. — Robert Errington. OuUon Park, Cheshire, September, 1828. 1 08 Queries a7id Atisrvers to Queries. The Number of Men necessary to keep' a Kitchen-Garden and Plcasure- Gronnd in good order. — Sir, Your correspondent at Shipston (Vol. IV. p. 447.) wishes to know how many men he should regularly employ, to keep in good order a kitchen-garden, consisting of 2 acres, with 420 yards of walling covered with trees ; also the same quantity of pleasure-ground; and whether his men have any right to work after their regular hours, with- out being paid for the same. To query first, it is impossible to give a definite answer, as double the extent of a kitchen-garden may be kept in good order, where the soil is favourable, with the same number of hands, that can be done on some situations where it is difficult, nay almost impossible, to work the soil in very dry or wet weather. But a fair criterion is, a man to every acre, where the garden is walled, without forcing, and other troublesome appendages. The number of hands for a flower-garden must be guided by local cir- cumstances, viz. the manner in which the proprietor wishes it to be kept up, and the general characteristic feature which may prevail. To his last enquiry, every one not completely devoid of rational sense and justice, will, without a moment's hesitation, give him an answer in the negative ; and if I may venture an enquiry in return, 1 would ask, does your correspondent behave towards his gardeners with that kind feeling you have so often endeavoured to inculcate. If so, I have no hesitation in saying, those in his employ differ very widely from the generality of young men of the profession, if coercive measures are requisite to compel them to water plants, &c., in their own time. A generous and indulgent employer will always find young men more anxious to assist, when requisite, than to dispute the justice of an order or absolute command. — A G. Oct. 4. 1828. Number of Men necessary to keep a Kitchen- Garden in good order. — Sir, A correspondent in the Gardener's Magazine (Vol. IV. p. 447.) wishes to know how many men he should regularly emplo}', to keep in good order a gentleman's kitchen-garden, consisting of 2 acres, with 420 yards of walling, covered with fruit trees ; also, the same quantity of pleasure-ground, &c. ; and whether his men have any right to work before or after their regular hours, of six in the morning and six in the evening, without being paid for the same. Soil and situation varies so much, that, without some certain data were given, it is impossible to say what would be necessary to perform the above quantity of work. I have worked garden ground, in various parts of the country, of almost every kind of soil, from a light sandy loam to a tenacious clay loam ; and the difference in quantity of work required, between the two extremes, I hold to be as one is to four, in respect to digging, trench- ing, and manuring, and nearly as much in planting and sowing. But many other circumstances should be taken into consideration. Is the garden new or old? are the trees in it healthy or unhealthy, or subject to be intissted with insects, mildew, canker, &c. ? If the garden is old, worn-out trees will require to be removed from time to time ; also a great part of the exhausted soil of the border, and replaced with fresh soil previously to planting ; and where trees are infested with canker, mildew, insects, &c., all these occa- sion a considerable extra-quantity of labour, " Pruning, nailing, or tying the wall trees will be nearly the same in every case. With respect to the [)leasure-ground, if what is kept in grass be mown about once a fortnight throughout the season, the variation of soil will not make much difference in the quantity of labour. In that part kept under the culture of the spade and hoe, the proportional difference in labour will be as much as in the kitchen-garden. Gravel ought also to be taken into consideration. The materials of which walks and gravel plots are made being so different, must occasion a considerable difference in the quantity of labour necessary to keep them in good order, although of giiuilar extent. Qiceries and Ansivers to Queries. 109 With respect to garden men working over hours, I see no reason why they should, without being paid for it at the same rtue as they are paid in the usual hours of working. It is customary for men to begin early in the morning to mow, but to give over when their hours are up. Also, garden men in some places are taken off to other employment at very unseasonable times : although it be but a day, or half a day, now and then, it is not unfrequently attended with great inconvenience to the proper conducting of garden work. I am well aware of the difficulty of fixing upon the necessary quantity of men to be employed in every case, situation ami local circumstances being so very different ; but, doubtless, some approaches may be made towards fixing some certain data to refer to. I have been induced to throw out these hints, on purpose to draw the attention of your correspondents to this subject, which I think of consider- able importance, it frequently occasioning disjuites between gardeners and tlieir employers. — An Old Gardener. A humane Mouse-trap. — A correspondent in a former Magazine (VoL IV, p. 5 16.) complains of the cruelty of catching mice in a flower-pot, and leaving them to perish by a lingering death, and recommends the employ- ment of some speedier method of destruction. I have found that sinking in the ground a common brown pickle jar even with the surface, with some hog's lard or kitchen fat, mixed with some oatmeal well browned before the fire, put in the inside under the neck or shoulder, and the jar half filled with water, the surface of which must be covered with oat-chaff to prevent their seeing it, is an effectual method ; for, when the mice are feeding, they overreach themselves, and falling in, are drowned. If you think this answer worthy of notice, it is at your service. — James Rollins. Dingle Bank, Jan. 3. 1829. The Genus Phlox. — Sir, In answer to the latter clause of your corre- spondent D. F.'s query in Vol. IV. p. 188., respecting the genus Phlox, I beg to state that the greatest number of species and varieties of this delightful and very ornamental genus, including P. formosa P. MSS., P. elegans P. MSS., P. excelsa P. MSS., P. Lyoni P. MSS., P. cordata Elliott, and P. tardiflora Penny in Hort. Eps., may be obtained at Messrs. Young's nursery, Epsom. — Alpha. iVou. 10. 1828. Loudoii's Hortus Britdnnicus. — Sir, I have deferred purchasing a cata- logue of plants these two years, in expectation of your Hortus Britdnnicus coming out : when will it be published? — Ansiu. It has been delayed a little by our absence on the Continent ; but it will certainly appear in the course of two or three months. \5 ihe Baltimore Pippin in the London nurseries? — We are not sure that it is in the nurseries, but it may be had at Cobbett's garden at Ken- sington. Why do you so frequently confound Clapham with Clapton ? (See Enci/c. of Gard., first ed., p. 1284., and Gard. Mag., Vol. I. p. 222., and Vol. II. p. 248., &c.) From i/ou we expect more accuracy. — The numerous errors of this description in our Encyclopcedia of Gardening are chiefly owing to the state of extreme ill health in which we were when we pre- pared the first and second editions of that work (the subsequent editions are merely stereotype impressions), and partly, as in the case of names of places and pei*sons in the Statistics, Part IV., to the want of data. The errors in the Gardener's Magazine are inadvertencies, which we endeavour as much as possible to avoid ; and we hope the longer we go on the more we shall improve in this respect. Do you recommend keeping the pathways of hot-houses, where tropical plants and fruits are grown, flooded with water during winter? — This must depend on the temperature. We should think flooding could seldom * H 7 uo Queries and Ansivers to Queries. or never be necessary ; watering, perhaps, occasionally. Experience must be the guide. An answer to these enquiries will oblige your constant reader, &c, — Joseph Jf'iiiter. October 29. 1828. Touching the Growth of Vines luhcn trained down from the Rafters. (p 257.) — I wish to know whether the vines are never, in such case, per- mitted to bear on the rafters, but are merely pillared, as it were, thus {fig. 23.), in the house. If the rafters are suffered to carry fruit, as well as the descending branches, light sufficient could not be got, unless the rafters were sufficiently distant from one another, viz. 5 ft. perhaps, to admit of the sun in the intervals. Perhaps your correspondent could throw some farther light on the subject, — C. M. Norfolk, Aug. 1828. Stopjnng Cucumber and Alelon Plants in early forcing. — Sir, In looking over the extracts which you have given from the Transactions of the Hor- ticultural Society of London, I find one of them, by Dr. Van ?4ons, on bud- ding and grafting roses, which you have illustrated by excellent and accurate wood-cuts in a manner extremely creditable to your very useful Magazine; indeed, the operations are rendered thereby so plain, that the most unprac- tised amateur may perform them without difficulty. This has suggested to me an idea, that, by similar means, instructions might be very plainl}' and easily conveyed to amateur gardeners respecting the proper method of stopping cucumber and melon plants in early forcing ; foi although this process, as well as the method of inserting a bud or fixing a graft, is known to e\ery professional gardener, yet many gentlemen, who take pleasure in attending personally to their framing, are wholly unacquainted with tiie true principle of stopping their plants. They are told, indeed, in gardening books, to pinch off the ends of the runners at a certain point, which they do : but, beyond this, they know nothing ; and consequently their expect- ations frequently, and indeed generally, end in disappointment. If, there- fore, some one of your numerous scientific correspondents would favour your less informed readers with a plain statement, accompanied by figures, upon the principle of those so judiciously added to Dr. Van Mons's paper, of the method of stopping cucumber and melon plants, particularly the latter, so as to insure a croj), with some general instructions as to the proper mode of managing them, so far as relates to heat, watering, &c., I am of opinion it would not only be very favourably received, but would confer considerable obligation on, and convey much useful information to, many of your subscribers, who at present stand greatly in need of such instruc- tions ; of the truth of which I have ocular and daily demonstration. I remain. Sir, yours, very truly, — Mentor, June 21. 1827. The Stock Gilliflower, Cheirunthus incanus. — Sir, Can you, or any of your correspondents, inform me of the best method of cultivating the Cheiranthus incanus, the stock gilliflower, so as to procure double flowers, Queries cnid Ans'vC'ers to Queries. Ill as they are as great ornaments to the flower-garden, during the months of May and June, as any of the beautiful flowery tribe, and therefore deserve as much attention ? I have heard many gardeners say tliat a sure way of obtaining many double flowers is to make choice of those single flowers which grow near many double ones ; but I would ask if this is not a hypo- thesis, as the Cheiranthus is a genus of the class Tetradynamia, and the flowers hermaphro(Hte ; therefore I cannot conceive how the double flowers can make any difference to the single ones, unless they are like the flocks of Laban which Jacob fed. Furthermore, I would ask, which are the most judicious steps to be taken bi^ the young gardener to raise himself to the highest ranks of his profession, if there is no safety for him without it ? I am, Sir, &c. — A Young Gar- dener. Farringdon, Nov. 17. 1828. Small Selection of Pears and Apples. — Will some correspondent who has had considerable experience in the pomological department of gardening, be good enough to hand you a list, for insertion in your next, of the most superior apples known, which must be all good bearers, and of superior flavour? I should say three for early dessert, three for a middle season, and six for long keeping, and all table fruit; and name also as many for kitchen purposes; all to stand on paradise stocks : likewise, a list of twelve or so of the most superior pears we have, good bearers, and of superior flavour, to stand on quince stocks, for walls and espaliers, and divided into successive seasons, as with the apples. Such a list would be of considerable service to many who are compelled to be very careful in their selections, from want of land, as well as to your well-wisher — Robert Errington. Oulton Park. Apple Trees fit for an Orchard. — Sir, Allow me to submit the following queries to any of your correspondents who may be disposed to favour me with a reply founded on experience ; — In an orchard of -2 acres, about to be planted, what are the best sorts of apples and a few pears (standards), selecting such as are good bearers, and come quick into bearing, one of each sort ? Does any of your correspondents know the Northern Green- ing, as it is called in the midland counties? That and the Wyken Pippin, so highly spoken of in your Second Volume, p. 486., are the chief table and kitchen apples respectively in Warwickshire and the adjoining counties. They are both excellent, but not generally known. I am, yours. Sec. — J. S. L. Jan. 14. 1829. Clilidunthiis fragrans and Brunsvigia. toxicdria. — If your able correspon- dent, " A Blooming Bulb," or Mr. Sweet, or any one conversant with the beautiful tribe of km-dvyWidecs, would describe the habits and culture of Chlidanthus fragrans and Brunsvig/« toxicaria (Boophane toxicaria of the Hon, and Rev. W. Herbert), they would much oblige — An Offset. Swan- sea, Oct. 6. 1828. Brooks/iaw's Pomona Britannica. — I am desirous to know if there is letter-press to this work in existence ; and if there is, where it could be got. — W. H. Kew, Sept. 30. 1828. Canker in an Orchard. — The trees are of four years' growth, and I am sadly troubled with the canker. I fear I m.ust cut them down. What would any of your practical readers advise me to do ? — TV. G. W. Lan- cashire, Sept. 8. 1828. Cobbett's Corn. — Mr. Cobbett has written a most excellent and amusing book on Indian corn, and has explained at large all the uses to which it can be applied, except making beer and spirits of it. It is known that large quantities of the latter article are made from it in Adams County, Ohio, Cincinnati-Ohio,Nelson County, Kentucky, Cayuga County, New York, and doubtless in many other parts of the United States, Indian corn and rye are generally mixed about half and half The produce from the Indian corn by itself is represented to be about two gallons from each bushel of the corn ; but I do not find the mode of malting or the process of the distillation *H 8 112 Obituary. at all described. Perhaps some of your correspondents could give infor- mation on these points. I would farther beg for any facts relating to the growth of Indian corn in any of the West Indian colonies. I am persuaded it might be most advantageously adopted as a main crop in very many of them, either for use as a grain, or for the manufecture of spirits. I, however, fear it has not been attempted in the lai-ge way. — A'. Y. Jan. 15. 1829. Art. X. Obituary. Dropped down dead at his own door, in the presence of his wife and child, on the evening of the 28th of August last, Charles Davidson, gardener to Laurence Jephtha Marshall, Esq., in the neighbourhood of Clapton. Mr. Davidson having been above a year in our employ at Bayswater, we can assert, of our own knowledge, that he was a very good gardener, and of orderly, regular, and respectable conduct. Never having been fortunate in the world, he died exceedingly poor, and we take it upon us to solicit from the humane and charitable some assistance for his widow and child. What- ever is sent may be addressed to Mr. Mackay, of the Clapton Nursery, who will see it properly applied. Died, at Dublin, on the 1 5th of December last, after a long and severe illness, Mr. Alexander M^Leish, landscape-gardener. Mr. M'Leish came to England in 1 809, and after laying out a small place in Oxfordshire under our directions, was sent by us to act as foreman to execute a plan in Nor- folk. He remained there two years, and afterwards came to London, where he employed himself in studying drawing, geometry, and architecture, and in pursuing a course of reading on subjects connected with taste in rural improvements. About the end of 1814 he went to Ireland, and commenced business as a nurseryman and landscape-gardener. In the former lie was unsuccessful, and incurred debts which he had only been able to pay off a few months before his death. He was a man of good taste and judgment in his profession, of great activity, and of inflexible integrity and honour; but, unfortunately, was very frequently laid up with bad health. He lost all his children, and has left a widow bereft of all the ordinary endearments of life, and so destitute of the means of support, that Mr. James T. Mackay, Curator of the Trinity College botanic garden, Dublin, and a few other friends there, have set on foot a subscription for her relief. In this subscription we most sincerely hope a number of our readers will join, and convey the amount they can spare to Mr. Mackay, or to us. The smallest mite will be acceptable, both in this case and in that of Mr. Charles Davidson. Direct to Mr. James T. Mackay, as above, or to us, through our publishers. The list of subscribers in both cases will be pub- lished on the cover of the Magazine. Died, at Paris, in his house in the Jardin des Plantes, M. Bosc, Chevalier of the Legion of Honour, Royal Academician, Member of various Societies, and Professor of Cultivation in the Jardin des Plantes. Of tliis excellent character we shall give a biography in a future Number. THE GARDENER'S MAGAZINE, APRIL, 1829. PART I. ORIGINAL CORRESPONDENCE. Art. I. Notes and Reflections made during a Tour through Part of France and Germany, in th^ Autumn of the Year 1828. By the Conductor. {Continued from p. 9.) London to Brighton, August 29. 1828. — The roads of Bri- tain are characteristic of the people and the government ; their irregular natural-like direction, bold and free, 'and yet some- times constrained and awkward, is a consequence of the independence of local legislation, and of the security and in- violability of individual property. Till lately some of the principal roads were crooked, of irregular widths, and cir- cuitous in their direction, even in the neighbourhood of the metropolis; and the manner of forming and repairing roads differed in almost every district. The reason is, these roads have risen, like the English Constitution, by degrees, out of the wants of the people, in their progress from a rude state to that of regular civilisation; in districts where commerce created a demand for good roads, they have been improved by the ma- gistrates of the county ; in others which have remained in the agricultural stage, or where, from other causes, intercommu- nication was of less consequence, the horse tracks of past cen- turies have merely been widened to admit the passage of carts ; in every district where small properties have stood in the way of improvements in the direction of roads, the value of these properties, or the arbitrary price set on them by their pro- VoL.V. — No. 19. I 114 Notes mid Reflections durhig a Tour : — prietors, by preventing their purchase for the public benefit, has produced that circuitousness and those abrupt turnings, which we find in some places, and which, however inconve- nient to the public, may be considered as so many tributes to the inviolability of individual property, as well as proofs of want of patriotism, of selfishness, or of obstinacy in indivi- duals. In France and Germany the roads proceed in direct lines from one town to another ; they are everywhere of the same width, and every where, as far as practicable, formed in the same manner. The reason is, the roads in these countries have for centuries been under the direction of the central govern- ments; probably mor» or less so since the time of the Romans. Why governments on the Continent, and not in England, took the direction of the roads, is accounted for by considering that roads on the Continent form almost the only means of com- munication between one government and another, while Bri- tain communicates with other governments by the seas. No small part of the beauty of English scenery results from the windings of her roads, and the ever-varying disposition of trees and hedge-rows which border them ; and no small part of the formal grandeur and sameness of many parts of Conti- nental scenery is the result of the interminable avenue of elms, poplars, or fruit trees, which accompanies the traveller. The roads of Britain and the Continent may differ in pictu- resque effect, and yet equally answer their principal object, the most direct and easy access from one point to another. When the surface is level, the advantage of the straight line, in this respect, is obvious; but, unfortunately, where the system of straight lines prevails, the lines are carried indiscriminately over liills and through valleys, gaining nothing in point of distance, and losing much in point of ease and beauty. The fault of the irregular or curvilinear roads of England is that of chanfjintr the direc- tion at every trifling obstacle, and thus rendering it circuitous, and sometimes dangerous, from abrupt turnings. The faults, however, both of the straight-lined and curved-lined roads are rapidly disappearing; those recently laid out, both in France and England, combine the good parts of each system, arid have attained to a high degree of perfection. The Brighton road, though carried through a country presenting no difficulties, is still a very good example of an improved modern road, well directed or laid out, properly formed, and carefully kept, on Mr. M'Adam's principle. It is remarkable that a consider- able part of a road so near the metropolis should pass through a country, the Wealds of Sussex, comparatively uncultivated and uninhabited : but this is accounted for partly from th^ London to Brighton. 115 poverty of the soil, but chiefly because this road, in former times, led to no main object; Brighton, till lately, having been an insignificant village, without a port or harbour for shipping. As one is always seeking something further than they have already attained, the question occurs, whether English roads would be improved by the adoption of the Continental avenues, either of fruit or forest trees. In a general point of view, we answer, without hesitation, they would not ; but we certainly should desire to see fruit trees introduced more or less almost everywhere ; not only in the hedges by the roadside, in mar- gins of plantations, and in cottagers' gardens, but in the com- mon field fences of the country. We would not introduce them regularly, nor in such numbers as to injure the roads, hedges, or crops, by their shade ; but here and there with dif- ferent kinds of foi'est trees intervening; and we would take care to make choice of varieties which assume pyramidal forms of growth, and whose fruits were small, and not liable to be blown down by the wind. The cherry and the pear are particularly eligible as hedge-row fruit trees, and would sup- ply kirschwasser (Vol. IV. p. 179.), and perry; and entire hedges might be made of many sorts of plums and apples, for plum hrsiwAy {Encyc. of Agr., § 616.), cider, preserves, and tarts. The common objection to planting fruit trees in hedges, is that depredations would be made on them by the poor; but it is to avoid such depredations on the fruit trees of the rich, and to assist in humanising and rendering better and happier the poor, that we are desirous of introducing fruit trees everywhere. If the poor in Britain and Ireland were rendered what the poor are in Wurtemberg and Baden, fruit trees here would be as safe as they ai'e there. If apples and pears were as commonly grown as potatoes and turnips, depredations would not be more frequently committed on the one kind of crop than on the other. Besides beautifying the public roads by a sprinkling of fruit trees here and there among other trees, we think something might be made of the milestones, with a view to the same ob- ject. In some places of Bavaria a semicircular area of turf, 15 or or 20 ft. in diameter, is formed half round the milestone, open to the road, and the curve bounded by a close row of trees. Immediately within the row of trees is a bench of turf, as a seat for pedestrian travellers ; and close behind the mile- stone are three turf steps, of 3, 4, or 5 ft. high, for the purpose of affording rest for persons carrying burdens on their backs or heads. In various parts both of Germany and France, and particularly in Wurtemberg and Alsace, stone benches are I 2 116 Notes and Reflections during a Tour : — placed along the roads, at different distances, near the large towns, as seats, with elevated benches adjoining them, of two different heights, for the purpose just mentioned, of allowing persons carrying heavy baskets to market on their back or head, to stop, set down their baskets, rest themselves, and take them up again without assistance. These stone benches and the turf steps indicate a most humane attention to the laborious classes, and to the very poorest people, on the part of the go- vernment, and must greatly attach the inhabitants to their rulers ; for in no country or condition of life is kindness lost on human nature ; it is not even lost on the inferior animals, and is in fact the leading principle of domestication. These resting-benches are less required in England than on the Continent; because in this country the markets, instead of being supplied by very small proprietors, who send their pro- duce to market, often (and perhaps it is less to be regretted than at first sight it would appear) on the backs or heads of their wives and daughters, are supplied by men of capital, who keep horses and carts : but, still, for the fruit-women in the neighbourhood of London and other large towns, they would be useful and humanising, and possibly they may one day be- come necessary. The roads in populous Catholic countries are rendered very interesting from the crucifixes, statues of saints, stations, &c., erected along the approaches to many villages and towns. It does not belong to the progress of things to return to these subjects for rendering roads interesting: but the saints and heroes of philosophy and modern history might be substituted for these, who were in fact the philosophers and heroes of their age ; and we would not object to the eminent warriors of modern times, though, we have little doubt, the glory which surrounds their names will be reckoned, by posterity, as vain as the present age reckons false the glory of the saints and martyrs of the dark ages of religion and chivalry. It is right, however, that those who have had the merit of their age should have the reward of their age ; therefore we desire to see co- lumns surmounted by statues of naval and military heroes, for the admiration and respect of their contemporaries, and to mark the progress of civilisation to posterity. It has been suggested to us * that milestones might be made larger, of the form of an obelisk or sarcophagus, on the model of an ancient classical or other building, or of other forms, and that there might be inscribed on them the names * By our correspondent Variegata, who once promised us a paper on the subject. London to Brighton. 1 1 7 and dates of events which took place, or of great men who lived, in the neighbourhood; and that, in addition to these, there might be inscribed on each milestone, or structure serving the same end, maxims of conduct, or fundamental principles of science. Thus, on some roads the milestones might exhi- bit sculptured reliefs, representing a historical series, either of events in the history of that part of the country, of the life of some eminent character who had lived there *, of the progress of discovery in some art or science of the human mind gene- rally, or of general history. If all the proprietors on a line of road were agreed, a group of exotic trees and shrubs might be planted as a back ground to a small area, which might con- tain the milestone ; and by limiting every group to one genus of timber tree, and one or two fruit trees, considerable variety would be produced, and the botanical interest of the road kept up for many miles. Small burial grounds round milestones would, we think, be unobjectionable, and indeed we do not think they could be better placed ; and tombstones there or anywhere along the roadside would attain their end more effectually than in churchyards, and, at any rate, would be what is called classical, which is an excellence to be aimed at, and which is beneficial in a certain stage of progress, but too often, in archi- tecture and sculpture, for example, an impediment to improve- ment, by being considered the highest degree of excellence. Some one (if we are not mistaken, Sir Richard Phillips) has pz'oposed to build cottages as milestones, and to that plan and to various others, we have no objection, to a certain extent ; the danger being the production of sameness, by adopting the same plan everywhere. When we consider the immense number of milestones and guide-posts that are wanted for the main, secondai'y, and by- roads, and of name-posts for villages and hamlets, there is ample room for the exercise of architecture, sculpture, and ar- boriculture, and for patriotism and individual distinction in the rich who have no heirs, and who may have seen the little use in leaving money for what is called charitable purposes. With so many cathedrals, churches, country palaces, castles, and villas, parks, gardens, woods, forests, and waters already, and with the additions which the imagination may create from these rude hints ; with the result of what we have formerly sug- gested on the subject of education (p. 8. 84. and 91.), and of the adoption of what our highly valued correspondent, Mr. * The life of the great Lord Erskine, for example, might form a series of relievos from London to Crawley. A series of statues of the priests of all nations, from London to Oxford ; of philosophers, from London to Cam- bridge J of legislators, from London to Edinburgh, &c. I 3 118 Notes and Reflections during a Tour : — Spence, has just sent us (p. 1 25.) on the subject of general amusements, Great Britain might indeed, as he observes, become such a paradise as, at least, has not appeared on the eartii since the deluge. The road to Brighton being new, and through a new coun- try, is the reason why it is bordered by so few distinguished country seats. Near Croydon is Beddington Pai'k, celebrated for having been the first place in England in which orange trees were grown, though we cannot but think it very likely that they may have been long before introduced by the Italian monks, who in all ages have been attached to gardening, fond of fruits, and skilled in their culture. Near Crawley is Holm Bush Lodge, for a number of years the property and residence of the celebrated Lord Erskine, where he planted extensively, and where some fine large specimens of American shrubs re- main to attest his success. This place has lately been pur- chased by the son of an eminent tradesman, who, in his time, was as celebrated as Lord Erskine. This gentleman has built a handsome baronial castle in a commanding situation, and very properly ; because in this country there is something higher for commercial men to aim at than wealth and abundance, that of ranking themselves with the aristocracy. To live in the style of a gentleman in a baro- nial castle, creates a resemblance to the desired rank even in a retired tradesman, and for the sons of his son the thing is done. The consolation for those who are not so fortunate in trade is, that in two generations the manners and intelligence of the different ranks of society will be nearly the same, at all events much moi*e so than at present. Where there is less difference between the different ranks in point of knowledge and manners, there will be less of exclusive privilege and less in point of happiness, and, consequently, less ambition to rise from one rank into another. The means, in such a state of things, we may hope, will be less likely to be mistaken for the end ; a tradesman born, educated, and living like a gentle- man, of whom there are some even in our days of ignorance and ambition, would be very well content to die in the rank in which he had lived, and to leave his children in that rank. Brighton.^ August 30. — Brighton is one of those towns that could be produced only in England. With reference to the ordinary causes which create a town, its situation is unnatural, without a harbour, and with less advantages in point of sea- bathing than many other situations on the coast. It is no doubt a boarding and landing place for travellers going to or coming from Dieppe ; but that can have little effect on its in- crease, which, like that of Bath some years ago, was begun by Brighton. 119 fashion and continued by the wants of society. Brighton, like Bath, is a town of enjoyment, and, in respect to its future prospects, may be classed with that city. As the people of England become more intellectual, they will feel the want of such towns, and another age will see cottages and farm-houses clustered together in villages for the sake of social enjoy- ments, as they were formerly for the sake of personal security ; and the tradesmen of commercial and manufacturing towns retiring to watering places and towns of enjoyment, instead of secluding themselves in Wales, or the Highlands of Scotland, or attempting to establish large and extensive hereditary man- sions and domains. It is this new and increasing want in the middling classes of society, which is the principal cause of the increase of London, and other large towns. Those of limited incomes find they can procure more enjoyment there, because enjoyment, like other articles, is cheapest where it is most in demand ; in large towns, also, aristocratical influence, which, as intelligence increases among the middling classes, is felt to be an evil, and as the middling classes increase will naturally be diminished, is less apparent ; talent and worth also have a better chance of finding their level there ; and tastes of every kind of finding those which are congenial. Our in- creased intercourse with our more lively neighbours, has in- creased our taste for the pleasures and amusements of society, and, with other causes, has induced many individuals to join the middle ranks, who by birth and education should have belonged to the higher. The middle rank is also continually increasing in numbers, in consequence of the superior education now given to the sons and daughters of every description of commercial men. Though the first impulse to the prosperity and increase of Brighton, therefore, was given by the King establishing a casual residence there, yet the permanent support of so large an assemblage of dwellings will be owing to the great increase in numbers, in intelligence, and in good taste, of the middling classes of society. The Oriental Garden was the first object we sought for, and we were not surprised to find that this establishment had been long since broken up. The ground, about an acre in extent, and the buildings, consisting of a conservatory and intended public room, have been purchased by Sir James Scott, who has added considerably to the buildings, and converted the whole into a commodious residence, but who has not yet had time to make the most of the garden. The conservatory is large, with a curvilinear roof, but not elegant or well ventilated ; to make the most of it and of the garden, a better gardener will I 4 120 Notes and Reflections during a Tour : — have to be kept than is usually done in such places ; because, among other things, there is the sea air to contend with. Aji Architecfs House. — An architect near the Oriental Gar- den, whose name we do not mention (not that we do not know him to have too much good sense to take offence at our re- marks, but simply because we intend the essential part of these remarks to apply generally, and in truth knowing very few exceptions), has built himself a fanciful house, bearing consi- derable resemblance to the King's Pavilion. It is a fact, that very few architects build for themselves such houses as a private gentleman would choose to live in : they are so completely en- grossed with the means, that they forget the end ; so entirely occupied with their knowledge of their art, that they forget to be wise, i. e. moderate, in its application. Economy and convenience necessarily require much of the architect's consi- deration, and, unfortunately for the health of occupiers, these requisites lead to the practice of getting many parts into little i'oom. In his own house the architect generally contrives to have something of every thing, because he is proud to show that he knows how every thing may be provided for; and his desires, in consequence of an ill-regulated mind, from defective education and prejudiced taste, exceeding his means, he is of course compelled to have every thing in very little space. A gardener is likely to fall into the same error in laying out his own garden, and very probably there is no architect who would not make the same objection to our crowded little paradise, that we do to their miniature mansions or palaces. The iapartments in the house we allude to are numerous and ele- gantly furnished, but so very small and low, that the cubic feet of air contained in all of them put together would not fill more than a good-sized sitting-room. We are persuaded that the importance to health of having an ample volume of air, and of having a stream of fresh air constantly entering into and passing from that volume, is not thoroughly understood among architects generally, otherwise they would never build such houses for themselves, nor consent to such low ceilings and small'-sized rooms as we find even in the best houses. Rooms with low ceilings are often rendered still more unhealthy than they would be, by the windows being so placed as not to admit of complete ventilation. Wherever the windows of a room are not carried so high as the cornices, the stratum of air above their level may be considered as undergoing very little change, even when the windows are opened, and scarcely any change ti^hen they are shut. The unwholesomeness of servants' bed- rooms in great houses, and of tiie upper bedrooms in many of the street houses in London and Brighton, in this respect, Brighton. 121 calls loudly for reprobation. We conceive it to be the duty of aixhitects, and of all professional men, to be ahead of their employers in point not only of scientific knowledge and taste in their art, but in the knowledge of what constitutes all the dif- ferent comforts, conveniences, and luxuries of a dwelling-house; and we therefore think that they ought to refuse their consent to an employer who should pi'opose to design or construct such unwholesome apartments as those to which we alkide. We had no time to look at the exterior architecture of Kemp Town, and other new buildings, in such a way as to receive lasting impressions from pai'ticular edifices. The ge- neral effect of^ Btwisxvick Sqtiare, and the terrace of that name fronting the sea, is grand, but would have been grander still if the terrace had been more distinctly broken into parts, by advancing, retiring, and high and low masses, without which no whole, however much it may strike at first, will ever be worth looking at for any length of time. The area of the square is laid out by Mr. Stent, a gardener, in clumps so placed as to protect one another from the sea breeze. He mentioned that of the two species of 7a mar ix, the T. gallica throve the best. He also mentioned that the common elder grew luxuriantly, and that there Avas a new Dutch A'ariety in the garden of the pavilion which was found to grow faster than the indigenous one. Mr. Stent has a small nursery. No. 48., on the London Road, containing some showy flowering plants, and in very good order ; his son is a professional collector and preserver of objects of natural his- tory, and has a good many butterflies, moths, and Coleoptera, for sale. Parso7is^ Tlower -Garden^ 105. Western Boad, contains a very good vinery, with a stage well stocked with showy sorts of gera- niums. We found Mr. Parsons destroying insects on some of his pot plants, by placing them in an empty Ijarrel set on end, put ting on the lid quite close, and blowing in tobacco smoke by the bunghole. After they remain an hour, they are taken out, and syringed with clean water. Bogers's Flower-Garden^ 2.5. Begent Place. — There is a good vinery, and it contained an ample crop of grapes nearly full- grown, but the berries of many of the bunches were shriveled up, owing to die mistaken practice of taking off" the leaves in order to allow the sun to ripen the fruit. Taking off" the leaves which proceed from or near the foot- stalks of any fruit, can only accelerate maturity by stopping the suppl}' of nourish- ment ; in consequence of which the fruit becomes shriveled, and, while its skin is coloured by the direct influence of the sun, its juices remain unchanged, or at least unsweetened and 132 Notes and Reflections dunng a Tour .- — without aroma. When fruit is full grown, and the ripening process has commenced, the removal of a few leaves where the fruit is completely shaded is advisable ; but, even then, these leaves ought never to be those which are so close to the fruit as obviously to be the laboratories of its nourishment. Brighton to Dieppe. — Suspension bridges and piers, and steam boats, have come rapidly into general use since they attracted attention not more than fifteen years ago. Few im- pressions combine the grand and the useful to such a degree, as that of a large steam vessel sailing out from a pier or quay, like a coach and horses starting from an inn-yard. What may be the effect of steam on naval warfare, we suppose, cannot be ver}^ well foreseen ; but if, like the invention of gunpowder, it simplifies or shortens the work of destruction, it may be con- sidered as a step gained in the progress from fighting by mat- ter to fighting by mind. — In spite of a contrary wind we made the passage in twelve hours, arriving at Dieppe at midnight. Dieppe^ August 31. — No two towns so near each other can be more unlike than Brighton and Dieppe. The former is the sudden result of immense wealth guided by the desire of still more, and accompanied by a moderate degree of taste ; the latter is the result of wealth acquired in former times, slowly, and to a moderate extent, guided also by a desire to profit, but accompanied by a greater proportion of taste, or, in other words, of care in the expenditure, which leads to the application of more thought to the design. That Brighton, in its architecture and domestic arrangements, is higher in the scale of civilisation and enjoyment than Dieppe, there cannot be a doubt ; but that there is more mind, in proportion to the wealth displayed, in Dieppe is equally evident. The high or- namented gable ends, the cornices, the mouldings round the windows, and the pediments over the doors, of even the com- monest street houses, show that a house in Dieppe is considered something worth enhancing in interest by ornament, and the credit of having built it worth appropriating by placing on it the arms or initials of the proprietor. The same cause which produced careful design in the com- mon street buildings of Dieppe, produced curious design in the holiday dresses and the carefully decorated persons of the inhabitants ; and this cause also alike prevents both from being much changed by fashion. It is only in rich and commercial countries like England, or in countries of comparative equality of rank and riches like America, where the habit of changing the fashions of buildings and dress is general in society. In Dieppe, and in all the provincial towns of France that we have seen, there are a small number who, at a certain distance, follow Dieppe. 123 the fashions of Paris ; but the great mass are, and have been, clothed with the same forms and colours for centuries past. In France, the same holiday dresses often descend from the parents to their children, even in the lowest orders ; in Eng- land, a grandchild in this class is moi'e likely never to have heard of his grandfather's existence ; for ignorance and the ne- cessity of continual hard labour, both of parents and children, seldom allow the English mechanics to have more than two ideas, getting and expending. The great prosperity which is attending the cotton manufacture in France, will probably soon revolutionise the dresses of the country people, and give a reciprocal stimulus in industry to manufacturers and agri- culturists ; but, we hope, education, and their natural vivacity and love of amusements, which is in fact the love of life, the love of being convinced that we exist and are capable of being made luappy, will prevent them from falling into that dreadful state of degradation, which is, or was till lately, characteristic of the Lancashire operative manufacturer. There are very few gardens in or about Dieppe, which must arise from the want of wealth among the inhabitants; because the climate, unlike that of Brighton and other marine towns exposed to the easterly winds, is favourable to vege- tation. We observed one or two very small spots curiously and carefully laid out, and a miniature orchard, containing, besides the ordinary fruit trees, specimens of the true service, medlar, quince, Spanish chestnut, and walnut. Each tree was planted in a circle of about a yard in diameter, edged with box : in the circles were various flowers, and the intervening spaces were covered with gravel. The object evidently was to produce as much fruit as could be grown on so limited a space ; every variety of walking backwards and forwards in the shade; and the fragrance and beauty of such flowers as will grow mider the drip of trees. We looked into another spot planted with pear trees, trained en pyramide, and very neatly kept. There were not many pots of flowers in the windows of the street houses : but such as we saw were characteristic of the present state of botanical taste in France, and of the state of the same taste in England about the middle of last century, viz. orange and pomegranate trees, the former with fruit and blossoms ; the Capsicum ^momum PlinzV (Solanum Pseudo- capsicum, Vol. II. p. 378.), beautifully covered with fruit, and indeed it is a most ornamental plant ; one or two myrtles, and some stock gillyflowers and carnations. The Dieppe Nursery. — The only nursery that we saw was that of M. Racine, fils. This tradesman belongs to a local 1 24 ^0/^5 and Reflections during a Tour : — Dieppe. family, who have been gardeners for upwards of three cen- turies ; his father is gardener to a country gentleman, about three leagues from Dieppe, who is very old, and has occupied himself incessantly with astronomy for upwards of thirty-five years. M. Racine, pere, works two hours a day in the garden, and the remainder of the time is with his master in the ob- servatory. M. Racine's nursery may contain five or six acres. The chief articles cultivated are standard roses, of which he has nearly 500 varieties ; but he also grows fruit and forest trees, and possesses a collection of green-house plants, and some American shrubs, of better species than we should have ex- pected from the situation and the demand; in short, like country tradesmen in general, he cultivates something of every thing, including, not only flowers, but some descriptions of vege- tables and fruits; as cauliflowers, lettuces, strawberries, and Honfleur melons. Roses and georginas, however, are the present fashionable articles. Among the green-house plants are several species of magnolias, five or six varieties of camellias, ten or twelve sorts of oranges and lemons ; Z/aiirus, two or three species ; Brugmansza arborea, Clethra arborea, 2^icus elastica, i2hododendron arboreum, six or eight species of heaths, ten or twelve sorts of geraniums, and three or four genera of New Holland plants. The collection of georginas amounts to forty or fifty varieties, yearly increasing ; tulips, upwards of 100 varieties, and the collection of other bulbs and of carnations in proportion. M. Racine informed us that there were^several noted tulip-fanciers in Dieppe: we were introduced to one gentleman, and another was named to us who was what is called ruined by the fancy. For such a sacrifice we ought at least to record his name, which is Sibel. M. Racine grows his standard roses close together, in beds about 4 ft. broad, edged with the fraisier perpetuel, or alpine strawberry, of which there are several varieties, some of them greatly superior to others, and propagated by runners. Pro- pagating this variety by seed, as is most commonly done in England, is considered by M. Racine a random method, which may produce good or bad sorts, and which does produce, most generally, many bad sorts, mixed with but few good ones. There is also a variety, valuable for edgings, which does not produce runners, and which is propagated by division. But the most remarkable cultivation of this part of France is that of the Honfleur melon, which M. Racine also grows to a small extent. This melon is of an oval form, sweet, but not very high flavoured, and is eaten more as a legume than as a dessert fruit. It is extensively cultivated at Honfleur, near Education and Amusements of the Lower Classes. 125 Havre, for the Paris market and for Brighton : but it is also cultivated at Havre and at Dieppe ; and by M. Racine, who showed us his melon-ground, and furnished us with an out- line of the culture, as practised at Honfleur, which we shall give in our next Number. {^To be continued.) Art. II. Remarks on the Education a7id Amusements of the Lotuer Classes. By WilliaiM Spence, Esq. F.L.S. Sir, As the general education of the lower classes, in which like yourself I take a deep interest, is closely connected with that of gardeners, and is, besides, a branch of that " domestic im- provement " which the title of your valuable Magazine em- braces, perhaps you will allow me to occupy one or two of its pages, in stating that all my observations, in my various tours in the south of Germany, fully confirm your opinion, expressed in recent Numbers of the Gardener's Magazine and Magazine of Natural History, as to the decided superiority of the Ger- man peasantry over the same class in England, in civility, information, morality, and, I may add, independence of cha- racter. Common labourers in Germany have repeatedly re- fused the money which I offered them, after asking questions respecting their occupation, or after they had rendered little services, such as putting to rights the traces of our carriage, &c. This never happened to me in England, and I am afraid, with Mr. Touchwood, would not now in Scotland, whatever might have been his experience there, on this point, forty years before his visit to Marchthorn and St. Ronan's Well. Every one, too, must agree with you, that this inferiority on our side (for a striking fact in proof of which, I refer your readers to a note I send you herewith, on the public garden at Frank- fort for your Foreign Notices), so painfully mortifying to the English observer, is to be rectified only by the general and improved education of our lower classes ; to which, if the one hundredth part of our money had been devoted, that has been wasted on objects of infinitely less importance, the British empire might have now been a perfect paradise. Much may yet be done ; but it is clear that the education wanted is not the humdrum system of our ordinary village schools, which is a mere waste of time, but such a combination of the best parts of the plans of Bell and Lancaster, Festalozzi and Fellenberg, IS'G Edtication and Aimisemenis of the Lcmer Classes. ■with the field and garden instruction of the Bavarian schools, as will teach things as well as words, and indelibly implant in the scholars a love of order, good manners, knowledge, and virtue. To the general and improved education of the lower classes in England, should be added the promotion of rational and humanising ajnuscjneiits amongst them, in addition to their present ones of mere strength and address, by the money, countenance, and sympathy of the rich. Each school-room, whether in villages or towns, should be easily convertible into a ball or concert room ; and itinerant teachers of music, sing- ing, and dancing, all teaching on improved systems, should give lessons on very moderate terms to the youth of both sexes ; while the gentry should promote politeness and good- breeding by tlieir presence at these balls and concerts, as Mon- taigne tells (in his Travels in Italy, in 1581, now before me) he did, when at the baths (bagni della villa) near Lucca, where he invited all the peasants of the neighbourhood to a ball (his account of which, given with his usual delightful na'ivete, fills eight pages), and distributed, with the aid of a committee of ladies, ribands and various other prizes to the best dancers. At other times, short courses of lectures, 7Tfl//?/joo/»z a truly philosophical Vegetable Physiology. 139 description of the processes of the infant plant; and in your Encyclopcedia of Gardening, in Willdenow's Physiology, and in Decandolle's and Sprengel's Principles of Scientific Botany, this subject is treated of more circumstantially. However, in all those books I did not find that any parti- cular experiments were made on the mutilation of the germi- nating plant ; but all the authors agree that, if the cotyledons are cut offj the young plant decays and perishes, and that they are to be regarded as the mammae of the animals. Fabroni, however, asserts that one and even both cotyle- dons may be cut off, without materially damaging the growth of the young plant. One of these so different opinions must necessarily be wrong; and, to ascertain the truth, I made several experi- ments, which I am going to communicate to you at length, and which, if you think them worthy a place in any one of your excellent Magazines, are very much at your service. I think it not necessary to make an ample explanation of the construction of the seed, as every body may find it described in any of the books above alluded to, and in the Pncyclopadia Britannica ,• but I will only confine myself to the account of my experiments, which will call forth, perhaps, a more phy- siological pen than mine. I chose the common kidneybean (Phaseolus vulgaris) for the subject of my mutilations, because I considered it the best adapted for any purpose of that kind, and I sowed some of them in small pots. As soon as the cotyledons made their appearance above ground, I cut off one of them, and found that the young plant continued to grow, though it evidently weakened it very much, and its growth was but slow, in comparison with another bean whose cotyledons I left untouched, and it wanted some time to recover itself from the sustained loss. Another plant I deprived of both cotyledons, at the same time and under the same circumstances ; and the plant ceased to grow, though it continued to be alive for nearly a week afterwards. I examined the plant, and found almost the whole radicle in a dry state, and the death of the individual was therefore unavoidable. Similar experiments were made with the garden bean (Ficia i^ba), and the same result followed. I was now perfectly satisfied that the young plant cannot grow without the presence of one or both cotyledons, and that they prepare the first nourishment for the germinating seed. My next experiment was to try if a young plant, when de- prived of its roots, can continue to live. For that purpose, I K 3 134f Vegetable Physiology. separated the radiculum of a Ficia Paba carefully from the cotyledons, and found, to my great surprise, that the young plant continued to grow, although it suffered apparently a great check, and a new set of roots began to make their ap- pearance. This experiment sufficiently showed me that the young plants have the power of renovating their roots, as long as the cotyledons are left untouched. I was now desirous to know what effect it would have on the life of the individual, if the caudex ascendens were cutoff. To gi'atify my desire, I deprived a Ficia jpaba of its caudex, which was about 2 in. high, and two little caudices shot forth, out of the corners of the cotyledons, one of which took the lead, and grew fast, but rather Aveakly ; and, on nearer examin- ation of a bean, I perceived two buds, one in each corner of the cotyledons, which our wise Creator did certainly make for no other purpose but that, if the first grown caudex happen to be destroyed by birds or other animals, another should rise in its place, and supply the loss of the first. But, in the last case, the roots grew to an uncommon size, and filled the whole pot. After all this, I turned the cotyledons of a germinated kidney- bean downwards, and the roots upwards, and, in a short time, the roots inclined towards the soil, and showed an inclination to resume their former position ; and I have no doubt, that if I had continued my observations on it, I should have found the roots to take hold of the ground again, and turn the cotyledons upwards : but my experiment was limited to the question whether the plant can continue to be alive when in this position, and I found the bean, after a lapse of a week, in the same state of health as when I first planted it ; which shows clearly that the cotyledons are able to absorb moisture through their veins, for the nourishment of the plant, also when its growth is already advanced. The determination whether this last phenomenon of the root's inclination towards the soil can be called instinct, or whether it is a mere process of gravitation, I must leave to you and to your readers, who are abler physiologists than myself. Should these experiments be thought deserving a place in one of your publications, I shall be highly gratified. 1 remain, Sir, &c. Kent, Sept. 30. 1828. W. Hertz. Division and Employment of Time. 135 Art. V. On the judicious Division and Employment of Time, especially addressed to Young Gardeners. By Juvenis Olitor. Sir, After glancing over the several propositions which, in the Gardener's Magazine, are suggested for the improvement of young gardeners (many of which merit considerable attention, and, no doubt, among the more spirited class, will not only draw forth a feeling of gratitude, but, it is trusted, will excite them to a diligence and assiduity equally praiseworthy on their part), I find extant in the desiderata one which may be con- sidered of too great import not to be included in the list of those already brought under notice. I mean the judicious formation of a chronometer, which is the only preventative I know foi- that fatal intruder, procras- tination, which, in so many instances, is allowed a place in the society of the class above mentioned. I know nothing so well calculated to accelerate the studies of the young gardener, as a proper disposal of his leisure hours in something like a systematic way. It is in consequence of such an oversight that so many grovel in a degree of mediocrity, notwithstand- ing their several exertions. I do not mean to charge them with a total neglect of application (from such individuals I would preclude the name of gardener) ; but I am aware of a prevailing error, which ought to be extirpated with all pos- sible speed. I trust a hint or two is all that is necessary to obviate the procedure I intend pointing out. It cannot be denied that many young gardeners ardently pursue the various literary topics necessary for a competent knowledge of their profession, but in such an erratic manner, that their progress is not only retarded, but rendered in a great measure abortive. When any particular department is in pursuit, it is generally without restraint, until some novel attraction fall under their cognizance ; when, all of a sudden, their old companion must be retrenched by the new in- truder, long ere an adequate acquaintance has been formed. Thus time flies on, until something else presents itself neces- sary to be laid hold of, and also is grasped with the same unbounded limit; when it is necessary, in a certain degree, to suppress, or totally to lay aside, those formerly followed after. That such a system is practised, if a, system it may be termed, many must confess, although none so able to judge of its de- merits as those who have practically felt its bad effects. It is almost impossible here to establish a rule by which a reform- ation as above stated is to be effected : that must be a dis- cretionary point with the young gardener himself, which must K 4 136 Division and Employment of Time. depend upon the circumstances in which he is placed. I shall duly aim at a suggestion or two, which may give a general idea. In the first place, he ought to make an exact calculation of his spare time during a week or day, and then make a prudent choice of the several indispensable branches of learning in which he finds himself deficient, not too many at a time. Let his time be then divided in such proportions as are more advantageous to his success and situation ; ex. gr. were six to be selected, say Latin, botany, chemistry, mathematics, writing, history or miscellany, then the first two occupy the morning, the two next the evening, the last two next morning, and the first two next evening, &c., allowing a given time for each ; and in case any particular occurrence causes irregularity in the observance, the breakfast or dinner hour may stand as a reserve for time lost : but paying the most rigid attention that not any one intrude on the time of another, as it must ine- vitably confound such a system; but, if strictly attended to, it will not fail to reward such as observe it : in fact, I know not how any thing like a general knowledge can be obtained, unless some such system be adopted. I may further add, as jie student finds himself arriving at a considerable proficiency in any topic, he may deduct a portion of the time devoted to it, and whatever is next useful may be substituted ; for, as a learned Greek observes, " He who knows useful things, not he who knows many things, is wise." It may here be deemed unnecessary for me to add any further observations on the particular branches to be cultivated, as every ambitious young gardener must have learned, less or more, what is most essen- tial for him, particularly as he can be copiously furnished with the necessary information in a preceding volume of your Magazine. Consequently, I shall only now briefly advert to one; as considering it indispensable in that stock of knowledge, com- patible with the necessary acquirements of every well-informed practitioner, viz. vegetable physiology, so far as chemically connected with the analysing of plants and soils ; and a know- ledge of the organic structure of the former, so far as illustra- tive of the radical and epidermic functions. The result of such information has not only a tendency to amusement and pleasure, but is highly conducive to that expansion of intellect which can account for many of the various phenomena pre- sented to view, under our every-day practice. It also obviates many of those vague proceedings which afford scope for the censure of the connoisseur ; besides exciting confusion, mingled with regret, in such individuals as witness a failure in produc- Artificial Seas in Ornamental La7idscape. 137 tion, aware of the effect, but there must remain, as being unable to investigate the cause. It may be argued that many a good gardener flourishes at the present day, who has not only been successful in his labours, but afforded every satisfac- tion to his employer, who scarce comprehends the term "vege- table physiology." That such is the fact, cannot be denied ; but may it not be asked, whence has this learning sprung ? Is it not the result of previous philosophical experiments ; a mere accumulation of approved facts, held out to the world by such as made the original investigation ? But such a character never can enhance the treasures of science, and never will avail himself of any scientific research. Perhaps the above observations, by some of your young readers, may be viewed as forming a part of the pra^cognia of the Gardener's Magazine ; but, first principles can seldom be too often recurred to, and being conscious that such verities cannot be too forcibly impressed on the minds of such indivi- duals, I submit the same to their perusal. If you, therefore, deem this attempt worthy of insertion, by giving it a place you will much oblige. Sir, yours, &c. September, 1828. Juvenis Olitor. Art. VI. On forming Artificial Seas in Ornamental Landscape, and on a Neiv Sluice for regidating the Rise and Fall nfi the Tide in such Seas. By Mr. W. Aitken, Nurseryman, Castle Douglas, Author of Navarino, a Poem. Sir, A DESIRE to imitate nature, and to blend her magnificent yet simple grandeur with the works of art, has now, to a cer- tain degree, found a share either in the imagination or opera- tions of every artist in gardening or rural ornament. I have often looked at the motion of the tide, and con- sidered it the most gi'and and beautiful of nature's works, to- gether with its sublime accompaniments, painted by her ever fertile hand, of varied shores, rocky steeps, shattered bays, and level sands, ornamented by her pencil with plants suited to their respective situations. Artificial water-ponds and rivers have long ago been intro- duced into gardens and lands, and when judiciously led down are very ornamental : but I have gone one step further, I have introduced, or, I should rather say, wish to introduce, artificial seas. These can only be fresh-water ponds, but so constructed with capes, bays, islands, rocks, sands, &c., 138 Artificial Seas in Ornamental Landscape. as to imitate a sea; with the waters of said pond rising or falling a certain perpendicular height every six, twelve, or more, hours; at one time filling the bays, surrounding the islands, covering the rocks and sands, and at another time ebbing from them, and so imitating the tide by an alternate flux and reflux, which can be effectually obtained by means of my newly invented self-acting sluice, provided the pond is constantly supplied with a regular run of water, correspond- ing to the dimensions of said pond. The sluice is so constructed that it remains shut until the pond is full, or at high-water mark, when it opens of itself and allows the water to decrease, or ebb, to a given depth or level ; at this point the sluice again shuts itself, and causes the water to increase or flow as before, when it again opens itself; and in this manner it continues to act alternately and regularly. It would render the above ponds more ornamental and more curious, if, on the stream that feeds them, a reservoir- pond were constructed. This should be of equal dimensions with the under-pond, and at least on a higher level by 2 or 3 ft. It may be at any distance from the other, or at any height of level; a mile distant or 100 ft. of elevation are equally the same, and would give fine scope for cascades. By means of a curious, but very simple, part of my inven- tion, the sluice of the reservoir-pond would have a secret un- der-ground connection with the other sluice, which would cause them to work in concert. When the sluice of the or- namental pond opened to discharge, or ebb, the sluice of the reservoir-pond would shut; this would cause a quicker ebb, and also save water for a quicker flow : when the under sluice shut itself, then the sluice of the reservoir would open and pour its water over a fine cascade into the under-pond, if the situation in point of elevation admitted of such. The whole apparatus is uncommonly simple, and might be easily invented by any ordinary artist; but, as far as I understand, it has never before been suggested, although much has been done and written on the subject of ornamenting gardens, pleasure-grounds, and lawns, by water, therefore I am entitled to the merit of originality in so far as a tide-like motion is obtained. Water-ponds so constructed, instead of being only stag- nant pools, as at present, might be made to exhibit every species of pleasing variety, according to the nature of the situation and taste of the proprietor. Ponds of this descrip- tion would be most excellent accompaniments to artificial rockwork ; it would be on the banks of such, that the effects of rockworks would be more naturally grand, having their On the Scotch Pine. 139 bases washed with the flow tide ; here would the rock and marine plants of various kinds appear as in their natural situations. On the peninsulas, islands, and along the banks of such ponds, might be laid down variously formed flower- plots; there, also, might be constructed bowers, rustic seats, and many other rural ornaments. These sluices are very simple and easy of construction : for a small pond the cost will not be more than from three to four pounds sterling ; but the expense will vary according to the dimensions, or nature of the materials. Whether of wood or iron, they are sure to act ; and power can be com- municated to lift a sluice of any dimensions, so that ponds on an extensive scale may have their water raised or lowered by these sluices. Should the supply of water run short, from a summer's drought or other cause, the pond may, during such deficiency, be kept at high-water mark by turning the key of a common brass cock, on which its action depends, or it may also be kept at low water by an equally simple oper- ation. For the sake of durability the whole apparatus may be constructed of iron, and all concealed under ground if required. Should any of the numerous readers of your Magazine wish for a plan of the sluice, or should they wish to construct one on the above-described principle, I shall be very happy to hear from them, and I trust they will find my terms moderate. Castle Douglas, Jan. 30. 1829. W. Aitken. Art. VII. On the Scotch Pine. By Agronome. Sir, By the time you see this, you will be returned, as I hope, safe and sound, from j-our Continental tour ; and, no doubt, you have brought a rare budget of good things for your friends, " a feast of fat things full of marrow ; of wines on the lees well refined." For my own part, I have had but little time for either treating or being treated lately in the way of writing or reading, having also made a tour through the north of England and south of Scotland. My route was through Staffordshire, Cheshire, Lancashire, &c., as far as Glasgow and Edinburgh ; thence down the Gala water to Abbottsford, to Melross, Jedburgh, and over Chevy Chase to Otterburn, Elsdon, &c., to Newcastle upon Tyne ; thence through the county of Durham, by Sunderland, Halifax, Leeds, Harrow- 140 Oti the Scotch Pine. gate, &c., to Manchester ; whence I returned back to my own sweet, sweet home in the centre of England ; " for there's no place like home ! there's no place like home ! " The object of my mission was to see the state of improvement in agri- culture and horticulture, and particularly the management of young plantations, as theoretically described by Sir Henry Steuart, Mr. R. Monteath, and Sir Walter Scott, whose works I had just been reading. I had not seen any of the country comprised in my tour for above nine years, much of it I had not seen for twenty or thirty years, and some parts I had never seen. I have col- lected materials sufficient for a great number of Magazines, but am such a poor hand at arranging or writing systemati- cally, that, with want of time also, my letters, I fear, will hardly be worth reading. I shall, however, give you an account of some of the things which I have seen, or rather of what I have not seen, for I have seen but few things which really pleased me. I saw no such thing as two distinct species or vai'ieties of the Scotch pine (Pinus sylvestris), either in Scotland or England. The rough-barked and smooth-barked are only occasioned by soil, situation, or age ; the broad top is the effect of old age, premature old age, or disease. Every Scotch pine will have a rough bark, if it has been pruned and thinned out properly in its youth. I saw many ill effects of not early pruning the Scotch pine ; as also many ill effects from pruning after the tree was nearly at its growth. I ex- amined many boards sawn from such trees ; they were full of knots, 2 or 6 in. in diameter. Such knots were the only good wood in them ; indeed, they had every appearance of the best pitch pine of Russia; while the boards themselves were quite white and frothy. Sir Walter Scott was very wrong in saying that the common Scotch pine was only introduced from America about half a century ago, and much inferior to the Highland pine. There are, within a few miles of Abbottsford, large woods of Scotch pine, which have been the rendezvous of an immense heronry and rookery since long before he was born, namely, Torvvood Lee and Rowland, Rowhill, 8:c. Secondly, I saw few or no pines on the lands where I wished to see them, viz. on the tops of the hills. The woods in Scotland are chiefly on the sides of the hills, or even on some of their best lying lands ; while the bleak bare hills behind them give the whole country a barren and beggarly appearance. I am not so fond of hedoe-row timber as some are, for I never saw a tree in a hedge lit to be seen, if the hedge were fit to be seen imder it ; but I should like to clothe every horizon with a belt, however narrow, of Scotch pine and larch fir. Such On the Scotch Pine. 141 belt should not be straight, but undulating and festooned, according to the form of the hills, and feathering down into the glens. I do not approve of planting merely the tops of hills any more than Sir Walter, who, in his fine picturesque language, calls it a lady's cap stuck on the crown of her head, leaving all below naked; but Sir Walter has erred on the opposite extreme, in dressing the lady's bosom, certainly very taste- fully, while her head appears above, as bald as " the Marquis of Granby's on a signpost ! " But this is not what I wished to talk about. What I wished to say was in vindication of Sir Walter Scott's rather paradoxical observation respecting the pine, where he says, " it will grow as well on bad or un- cultivated land as on good or well cultivated, after the first few years." Now this, though strange, is not only true, but the fact is, that it grows the best timber on the very worst land ! The reason why the Scotch pine is useless in England is be- cause the soil and climate are too good for it ! I saw beautiful thriving plantations in Ayrshire and Lanarkshire, planted in what are called lazy beds ; not that the soil was too wet, but because there w-as not soil sufficient to plant any thing in, without collecting it into heaps or ridges from among the rocks of which the hilly surface was composed. These trees reminded me of Sir W^alter's beautiful song in the Lady of the Lake : — " Ours is no sapling, chance sown by the fountain. Blooming at Beltane, in winter to fade; ^yhen the whirlwind has stripp'd every leaf on the mountain. The more shall Clan Alpine rejoice in her shade. Moor'd in the rifted rock. Proof 'gainst the tempest's shock, Fii'mer he roots him the fiercer it blows." What encouragement is here for gentlemen to plant their wastes and barren hills in England ! and what a pity it is to plant good pastures or tillage land with the " villanous Scotch pines." Howbeit, I know of no tree so useful for shelter and shade, either for fields or as a nurse for other or better trees. It is also very ornamental on mountain sides or tops of hills, feathering down among deciduous trees in exposed situations. The beauty of the pine is, that it will grow in almost any soil, or almost no soil. Its roots run on the surface almost like a peach tree against a wall, and are nourished by the shelter and shade of its own foliage ; which dropping annually soon forms a strata of earth sufficient to cover its largest roots, and even to produce good pasturage for cattle. A double row of Scotch pines, planted in triangles, will become a formidable 142 Culture of the Double Yello'x Rose. fence against cattle, far sooner than thorn, quick, or any tree that I know of, planted 2 ft. apart, and not pruned till the lower branches die. Such fence is surely more ornamental than thorns in the winter, and a better shelter and shade all the year round. Yours, &c. Agronome. Art.VIII. On the Culture of the Double Yelloxo" Rose. By Mr. John Fraser, Gardener to the Honourable William Fraser. Sir, As I have seen several methods of cultivating the Double Yellow Rose mentioned in your valuable Magazine, I am in- duced to send you an account of the manner in which I treated it in the north, in N. latitude 57° 37', and W. long. 3° 7'. It was planted about a foot from a south-east wall, and not trained to it, as is commonly done ; the soil is a strong clayey loam. As the plant grew vigoi'ously, I generally cut the shoots in to 8 or 1 2 in., and gave the roots a good dressing of leaf mould ; and it never failed to produce a numerous show of perfectly blown roses, of a most splendid appearance, and uninjured by any insects. I am. Sir, &c. John Fraser. The Cottage, Battersea, Feb. 12. 1828. Art. IX. On the Cultivation of Dahlias (nolo Georginas). By a Florist. Sir, A good criterion for planting this root is about the time of planting early potatoes for a first crop, but no sooner. They grow well in a rich light soil of almost any kind. In dividing the root, it is advisable to leave, at least, two eyes to each plant, cutting through the neck or crown ; the spring is the most preferable time for dividing them, although some do it on taking them up in the autumn. Those who possess a hot-house should put each part into a pot of 6 or 8 in. in diameter, with some good rich mould, so as the crown may just appear at the top of the pot; then place them in the green-house, where they will soon make good plants ; and, when all danger from frost is over, they may be turned out into holes prepared for them. Mode of destroijing Slugs among CauUJlo'wers. 1 4 3 In this manner, after being so long confined, they will grow most luxuriantly. A common cucumber frame may be suc- cessfully used in this way. I am, Sir, &c. Februmy 8. 1829, A Florist. Art. X. An effectual Mode of destroying Slugs among Cauli- Jloiuers and Cabbages. By Mr. Henry Pike, Gardener at Wink- field Park, Berkshire. Sir, Having had all the young cauliflowers and cabbages in my garden devoured by the slugs, after I had repeatedly planted them, and having tried every expedient recommended in your valuable Magazine, such as salt, lime, and dibbling holes round the borders, and all having failed, I at last spread some well- cut chaff round the young plants under hand-glasses, and some round the outside of the i^lasses. The success has been com- plete. The slugs in their attempt to reach the plant, find themselves immediately enveloped in the chafi^, which prevents their moving, so that when I go in the morning to elevate the glasses to give the plants air, I find hundreds of disabled slugs round the outside of the glasses, which I take away, and de- stroy. This mode of proceeding being so simple and so effectual; I have thought it would be doing a public service to let it be known through the channel of your Magazine, par- ticularly as (from the mildness of the winter) the damage done by the slugs has been so universal. I am Sir, &c. WinJcfield Parli, Berks, Teh. 9. Henry Pike. Art. XI. Abridged Communications. 1 REATMENT of American Shndjs in the Gold-JOortJi Nursery, hy Mr. Donald, F.H.S. — For some years past, I have endea- voured to inure American shrubs to the common garden soil, by transplanting them once a year ; and, every time, putting a less quantity of peat earth around their roots. The result is, that I have all the commoner sorts thriving in sandy loam. Of those kinds that flower on the crowns or points of the shoots, such as iJhododendron, Azalea, Ziedum, &c., I cut down 14)4? Improvement of a Truit-horder. half the shoots to two or three buds, in order to produce young wood and flower-buds for next year ; and those which produce their flowers from the sides of tlieir shoots, such as Andromeda, Kalmz'a, /'tea, Ciethra, Sec, I deprive of all irre- gular shoots, and some shoots I cut down to a few eyes, in order to furnish the plants with young wood for the following year. About six or seven years ago, my plants of ^Rhododendron ponticum made shoots from 3 ft. to 5 ft. high, when the idea occurred to me of making standards of them, which I have succeeded in doing, to the great ornament of some gardens in which they have been planted. Standard rose trees are ornamental in summer, but standard rhododendrons bemg evergreen, they are ornamental all the year. Improvement of a Fruit-horder, 8,-c. — In August, 1824<, a very fine south wall at this place had only a few blighted peach and nectarine trees upon it. I suspected the border was unsuitable, and soon found this to be the case. It was too wet. I therefore had it all dug out to the depth of nearly 6 ft., covered the bottom with middle-sized rubble-stones, 6 in. thick; and this, intended as a drain, I covered with stone plank (paving-slabs ?) laid closely together, to prevent the roots from descending into the rubble. This bottom of stone I covered with reversed loamy sods of considerable thickness, and on these placed the roots of the young trees, filling up the border with fresh loam and sandy bog earth, well mixed together. The trees were duly watered, and, from time to time, watered and washed with soap-suds from the laundry ; which 1 continue to do, as it frees the trees from insects, and greatly encourages their growth. They have already extended from 3 ft., when planted, to l^ft. in extent; and are fruitful for their size. I cover with netting in the spring; train in the fan manner; and, in short, nothing can exceed the healthy beauty of the trees, and the great success of the im- provement. — W. B. Rose, Gardener to Francis Cannings Esq., Foxcoate. April 11. 1828. 145 PART n. REVIEWS. Art. T. Transactions of the Horticultural Socielij of London Vol. VII. Part 11. {Continued from Vol. IV. p. 369.) 34. A simplified Method of marhing Ninnbers on Tallies. By Sir George Steuart INIackenzie, Bart. F.H.S. This is an extended modification of Mr. Seton's scheme [Encijc. of Gard.,§ 1378.) of great simplicity and ingenuity. Sir George thinks it " more easily retained in the memory," and we have no doubt, that a person constantly occupied with marks of this sort would retain them and their significations with the greatest ease. But when the number of plants is considered that a gardener must I'etain the names of in his memory, we confess we would rather that numbers were always written or printed ; and, for the benefit of every body, that, in as many cases as possible, the name itself was placed at the plant or other article. For instantaneous marking with a knife in the field or garden, the notching method, however, will always be valuable, and as far as 1000 we would recommend every gardener to make himself master of Sir George S. Mackenzie's method, which he may do in a few minutes, and which is as follows : " Only four signs are used in combination, to denote numbers up to 1000, when one more sign carries us on to 1,000,000 ; beyond which, I scarcely suppose it will ever be necessary to number. " On reference to the annexed sketch (fg. 24.), you will ob- serve that, the first three signs, and that for 10, are all that I require. The nuir.her 4 is denoted by joining 3 and 1 ; 5, by joining 2 and 3; 6, by joining 5 and 1. To denote 7, instead of contriving an arbitrary figure, I use the sign of 3, prefxed to that of 10, to denote that 3 is subtracted from 10, and 7 remains. In like manner, 2 is subtracted from 1 0, for 8 ; and 1 is subtracted for 9. *' I now take the notch standing for 1 0 ; and, by placing the signs already made after it, it is denoted that they are to be added to 10. Then we have two notches for 20. Vol. V. — No. 19. l 146 Transactions of the Horticnltural Society. 24 & from from from 1 10 10 10 10 11 12 13 10 10 10 9 tens tens. lens. tens. Ltens. tens. tens. tens. IS 19 20 50 40 ZZ^MTODD 200 300 400 500 COO 700 SOO 90O 1000 2000 3000 4000 50OO 600O xjUK^Kmwiixiy 7000 8000 9900 10,000 100,000 1,000,000. 440 550 " To denote 30, I use the .sign 3, with the 10 on the top, denoting 3 tens. For 40, 50, CO, 70, 80, and 90, I use the same method, but placing the 10 in the openings of the three first. 100 I denote by the sign of 1, having a notch on both ends; and, on the same principle, I proceed with hundreds, till I come to 1000, which requires a new sign, which, however, is formed of two already in use. For 2000, I make a notch at the bottom of the sign used for 2 ; and for 3000, at the bottom of 3. We now proceed arbitra- rily, and a notch on both legs denotes 4000 ; on the left arm, 5000; on the right arm, 6000 ; on both arms, 7000; on both arms and one leg, 8000 ; on both arms and both legs, 9000. 10,000 is marked by the notch prefixed [in the figure]; 100,000, by the lOO'mark prefixed; 200,000, by the 200 mark, and so on. To give a few examples of numbers, 440 is denoted by the sign 400, and a notch in the opening ; also 550, 660, and 770, 880, and 990, by detached notches at the top. Thus, it appears, the system of knife-marks on wood is carried as far as it seems likely to be necessary, by means of the simple combinations of a very small number of signs, maintaining nearly throughout, a fixed relation to each other ; and, probably, it will not be very easy to reduce it to greater simplicity." 35. Upon pruning and managing Divarf Standard Apple and Pear Trees in a Garden. By Mr. William Greenshields, F.H.S. The object of Mr. Greenshields is to " make every branch, as it were, a long spur, with bearing buds from the base to Transactions of the Morticultural Society. 14? 7 the extremity." To attain this object, he lets the trees take their natural form, whatever that may be, and only thins out and shortens the shoots. " Young trees are to be treated in the following manner : — If there are more than three shoots on the plant, reduce them to that number, and shorten each to three, four, or six eyes, according to their strength. The following season, reduce the number of leading shoots to six, and shorten them to three fourths of their length, and spur in the remaining shoots. The tree should be managed in every respect in this manner, until it has attained the required size, which, of course, depends on the convenience or fancy of the owner or conductor of the garden." Old trees to be treated in this manner, must be " cut down short," and allowed to make new heads. The first trial of this plan was made on trees which had been planted for six or seven years. "In consequence, they required to be very much thinned out, so as to get the branches clear of each other. In thinning, I always bore in mind to cut the old wood off close to the stem or branch it was attached to ; this pre- vented young wood springing afterwards. When the trees were thinned of the old shoots, as above stated, the young side shoots were what is generally termed spurred in ; that is, they were so shortened, that only two or three buds were left on them, and the leading top-shoots wei'e shortened to half their length. The following and every succeeding year, the trees were treated in the same manner as respects the young wood, till they had acquired the desired height, when the leading shoots were shortened, as the side shoots or spurs had been previously." 36. A Plan for transplanting large Forest Trees in Paries. By Sir Charles Miles Lambert Monck, Bart. F.H.S. Tired and disappointed by the frequent failure of single trees which had been carefully transplanted, and secured by stakes and bandages, and having a quantity of refuse stone in large lumps, the writer used these stones as a mulching for trees about 8 ft. high. Each tree had two two-horse cart-loads, not " built up high, but packed close by each other, and set on edge, so as to make a tabular but very rugged sur- face around the foot of the tree, and extended to the distance of 4 ft. " These trees succeeded well, and far beyond my expect- ation. On considering the cause of their success, it appeared to me that the stones served the three purposes of fencing, staking, and mulching; the first of which is always necessary, to defend them from the assaults of cattle ; tiie second is L 2 l^S Transactions of the Horticultural Society. equally so, if the plants are tall, to save them from being dis- placed by winds after they shall have taken fresh root ; and the third also is necessary, in case of a dry summer, the first after the transplantation of the trees, to protect the soil from over-drought whilst they are striking fresh root into it. The stones, placed as I have described, are a sufficient fence against horned cattle, which, having feet made for going upon soft ground, will not mount the rugged surface of the stones. Sheep and deer will scarcely annoy trees whose bark has acquired roughness ; but they may be easily repelled by a few thorns bound round the lower part of the stems. Nor will common horses go upon the stones, or endeavour to touch the trees, and tear off the bark ; but against high-bred horses, which are disposed to attack every thing of wood, the stones are not a sufficient fence, unless they are packed with a surface very rugged, and extended 6 ft. round the tree. Against dis- placement by winds, the stones are a better security than can be provided by any manner of staking or binding ; for they are a power always in action by their weight, and the surface of the soil is shaded by them from the too great power of the sun, whilst the rains sink through and encourage the roots to sprout afresh, and extend themselves through the soil: thus they serve the purpose of mulching. " The best trees to plant out ai'e certainly those whose roots and heads have been properly thinned by pruning and culti- vation in a nursery. Such may be planted out at greater ages and sizes than trees taken from plantations of a few years' growth, and will both strike fresh roots more certainly and grow faster ; but these last may be taken up when from 1 0 to 20 or 25 ft. high, and planted out with full success, provided the two following particulars are observed : first, to get up as much root as possible ; next, to reduce the branches down to due proportion with the root which has been got up. A great part of the root is unavoidably lost in the taking up of the tree, and it is the most efficient part, being the extreme fibres. The root has thus lost its natural proportion to the head, and is now insufficient to supply it with moisture. Trees planted out in this state often, after having put forth their leaves, die suddenly ; and others, which continue to live, will fall into a languid state, and die off gradually, or recover their vigour very slowly." [{End of Vol. VII. Part II., being all that is published.) Catalogue of Works on Gardenings AgriaiUtire, S^c. 149 Art. II. Catalogue of Works on Gardening, Agriculture, Botany, Rural Architecture, S^c, published siiice September last, tvith some Accoutit of those considered the most interesting. Britain. Curtis's Botanical Magazine, or Floiver-Garden displayed ; New Series. Edited by Dr. Hooker. In 8vo Numbers, monthly, os. 6d. col. ; os. plain. 1^0. XXI. for September, contains 2848 to 2854. — Alstrcemeria ovata, 0\ate-tcaved downy Alstroemeria ; AmaTylVidecs. This very interesting species allied to, but still abundantly distinct from, the A. Sahilla, is a herbaceous, simple, terete, twining, gla- brous, and purplish-stemmed plant, from 7 to 8 ft. high, with pendent flowers, and alternate oblong leaves, so twisted that the under becomes the upper side of the leaf. Raised from seeds sent from Chile by Mr. Cruik- shanks. It is also said to be a native of Peru. — Begonfa dipetala; Bego- niacece. This is a large, handsome, dipetalous, pink-flowered plant, with an erect, tapering, greyish brown stem, and half heart-shaped acute leaves, green above spotted with white, and blood-coloured below. It flowered at the Edinburgh Royal Botanic Garden, in April 1828, and was raised two years ago from seed from Bombay by Dr. Johystone. Stove. — Conospdrmum ericifolium; Proteore^. A shrubby erect plant; with a rounded brown stem, subulato-filiform slightly twisted leaves, and flowers slightly tinged with pink when in the bud, but afterwards white and spreading. Distinguished by the shape of its foliage from other species. Flowered in 1827 and 1828 from seeds received from Mr. Eraser, of N. Holland. — Cattleya intermedia ; Or- chideae. (^g. 25.) A handsome, lilac-coloured, epiphytical plant, with numerous jointed stems from 3 in. to 9 in. high, enlarging upwards. Received from Mr. Harris, of Rio Janeiro, in 1824, and flowered, for the first time, in spring, 1826. — Polygala paucifolia ; Polygaleee. This is a beautiful little purplish-flowered plant, with slender, perennial, creeping roots, and green petioled, ovate, shining leaves. It . was introduced from Canada by Mr. Blair, and blossomed abundantly in May, 1828.^ Buddlea connata ; Fitices. A handsome, green-house, dark orange-colour flowered shrub, sufFrutescent, erect, branched, and about 4 or 5 ft. high. Seeds from Valparaiso, by A. Cruikshanks, Esq. Flowers about the begin- ning of May. — Eriostemon salicifolium ; TZutaceEe. An erect, pale, lilac- coloured shrub, with a stem either more or less rounded, and scattered, roughish, linear-oblong leaves. Introduced to this country by Mr. Fraser. It flowers in April ; but, though treated like the generality of N. Holland plants, it does not grow freely. N^o. XXII. for October, contains 2855 to 2861. — Saponaria glutinosa ; Caryophylleae. " A very desirable annual plant for the garden," with small flowers of a vivid red colour ; " and the purple calyces, and stems, and nerves to the leaves have a rich effect. . . . Apparently a biennial," and, when cultivated, is from 1 to 2 ft. in height, with a round erect stem. Discovered by Bieberstein on the Taurian mountains ; flowers in June. — Imatophyllum Aitont ; AmarylUdece. A perennial-rooted strap-shaped green-leaved plant, with a number of hand- L 3 150 Botanical Magazine. some drooping flowers, from S. Africa, by Mr. Bowie ; the fruit is a large red three-celled berry. — 5ida sessiliflora; JlfalvacejE. This plant is more her- baceous than woody, from 2 to 3 ft. high, with a round branched stem soft with numerous short hairs, and cup-shaped yellow flowers. The seeds were sent by Dr. Gillies, from Mendoza, in" South America, and the plants flowered in the stove in November, 1827. — Siev^rsia triflora; RoskcGX. A perfectly hard}', perennial-rooted, graceful plant, with the same " subdued, but agreeable colour, as our Geum rivale." From Upper Louisiana by Mr. Bradbury. — Pulten<2?^« pedunculata ; Leguminosae. " A low-growing shrub, with slender flexuose branches, which are deflexed, especially the lower ones, pubescent ; branchlets numerous," with small yellow flowers, in pairs, from the extremity of the young branches. The seeds were sent by Mr. Fraser, from New Holland. Flowers in the green-house in Maj'. — Do- Aouaa attenuata ; Sapindaceae. A shrubby, erect, round-stemmed plant, with cracked brown-coloured bark, nodding yellow flowers, and spreading sessile leaves. The seeds were received from Mr. Fraser, of New South Wales, in 1824. Flowered in the green-house in February and March. — 7Ms lut^scens ; /rldeae. A pale yellow one-flowered plant, about 7 in. high with scimitar-shaped leaves. A native of hilly ^stony places in France and Germany. Ko. XXIII. for Novcmher, contains 2862 to 2868. — Cynara Cardunculus ; Compositae. This plant, like the artichoke, has spineless leaves, but possesses the other characters of the cardoon family, " and is one with the beauty of which I was much struck in the garden of the Horticultural Society of Edinburgh, in the autumn of last year, 1827 ; and, indeed, I can scarcely conceive a more highly ornamental plant for any shrubbery or extensive garden." The stem is from 4 to 5 ft. high, the leaves very long, and the heads of flowers large and numerous, of a blue colour, with the heads of the calyx tipped with red. — Sieversia Peckii; iJosaceae. " I have native specimens of this rare species of Sievers/rt from Dr. Nuttall and Dr. Boot, gathered by those gentlemen in the White Mountains of New Hampshire, and find them exactly to correspond with the subject here figured, and which was brought from the same country, and probably from the same mountains, to Mr. Cunningham near Edinburgh, in whose collection it flowered in June of this year, 1828." The root is perennial and woody, the stem 1 ft. or more high, leaves mostly radical, and the flowers terminal and solitary upon each ramification or peduncle, and yellow. — Salvia pseudo-coccinea; Labiatae. This is a" small, slender, shruisby plant, about 2 ft. high, with upright, hairy, tetragonal branches, and opposite downy leaves, which are petiolate, varying in shape, ovate, or oblong, in our plants more inclining to cordate, deeply varied, the margin crenulated, the apex more or less acute." A very beautiful and desirable stove plant, with richly coloured blossoms continuing long in perfection. It was first described by Jacquin and is a native of South America ; Hum- boldt found it in New Andalusia. — Blumenbachia inslgnis ; Lousecc. This plant " appears to have been introduced to our stoves by John Hunneman, Esq., probably from Germany ; the German naturalists having received it both from Monte Video on the eastern, and from Chile on the western, side of South America." The stem is herbaceous, climbing, and much branched, the leaves opposite and remote, and the flowers white. It re- quires the same treatment as the rest of the Lousccc. — O'xalis carnosa ; Oxalideae. This singular species of wood-sorrel was received from Valpa- raiso and well deserves cultivation, flowering during a great part of the summer. It succeeds well in a cool green-house. The root is a large subfusiform tuber, the leaflets ternate and obcordate, ami the flowers of a pale yellow. It is readily increased liy the roots, and will, without doubt, flourish in the warm season, when i)lantcd in light earth in a slicltercd situ- Botatiicat Magazine. 151 ation in the open air. — Desmodium nutans ; Leguminosae. " A low slen- der shrub, much branched, with scattered leaves and purple flowers," from the botanic garden of Calcutta, in 1825, by Dr. Macwhirter. — Passiflora capsularis; Passiflorese. A climbing triangular-stemmed plant, with alter- nate remote leaves divided from below the middle, and greenish flowers. It was received by Dr. Graham from the West Indies. Ko. XXIV. for December, contains 2069 to 2075. — Artocarpus incisa ; C/rticeae. " A tree from 30 to 40 ft.^ high, with a diameter of trunk from 1 ft. to 1^ ft., bearing a large head of many, spreading, fragile branches, and abounding in every part with a vis- cid, milky juice." The leaves are from 1 to even 3 ft. in length, and often 11 ft. broad. They are alternate, ovate, but cuneate, and entire at the base. It was seen abundantly in the Ladrone Islands by Dampier, who says that the fruit is as big as a penny loaf, when wheat is at 5s. the bushel. It is eaten by the natives of Guam, who gather it when fully grown, and while it is green and hard; they then bake it in an oven, and scrape off the outside black crust, when there remains a tender thin crust; the inside consists entirely of a fine substance, soft, tender, and white, resembling the crumb of a loaf. — Salvia involucrata; Labiatee. This plant makes a brilliant appearance planted in a border, where it has attained a height of from 12 to 14 ft., and scents something like the common sage. The leaves are quite glabrous, large, and cordate-ovate ; the flowers are pinkish, and form a rather handsome thyrsus. — ffinothera viminea; Onagiarige. A hardy, annual, erect-stemmed plant, with glaucous entire leaves, from 3 to 4 in. long ; the flowers of a lilac colour, and sessile in the axils of the superior leaves. The plants will blossom throughout the summer, if the seeds be sown in the open border in spring. From the interior of Northern California, by Mr. David Douglas. — Calceolaria arachnoidea ; Scrophu- laringe. This plant has been hitherto kept in the green-house ; it has a herbaceous, round, much branched stem, with spreading opposite branches, and lingulate opposite leaves, with purple flowers. The seeds were collected by Dr. Gillies in Chile. — Didiscus caeruleus ; Umbellifer^. An annual- rooted terete-stemmed plant from New Holland, with blue flowers; the fruit is between orbicular and reniform, quite flat, and granulated on the surface ; the seeds are pendent and obovate. No. XXV. for January, 1829, coninins 2876 to 2883. — Calceolaria connata; Scrophularinae. Seeds received in 1827 from M. Hogan, Esq.,- consul of the United States at Valparaiso. Stems herbaceous, and the blossoms produced abundantly during the whole summer and autumn, on a cool shelf in a green-house. — Brodiae'a grandi- flora ; i7emerocallideae. {fg. 26.) This beautiful purplish-blue flowered plant was found by Mr. Menzies, in 1792, in New Georgia, and, subsequently, by Mr. Douglas and Dr. Sconler, throughout the dry plains west of the Rocky Mountains. The bulbs introduced to this'^ country have flowered in the open border, in peat^ soil, in July. — Brassavola tuberculata ; OrchideEe. This plant, which bears yellow flowers, resembles, in habit, B. cucullata, and is a native of the trunks of trees in rocky places, at the entrance of Bontafogo Bay. It produced flowers in July, 1828. — Abronia mellifera; Nyctagineae. The white blossoms of this plant, which is a native of Cali- fornia, have a powerful honey-like smell in the evening. It flowers in sandy peat, and may soon form a valuable addition to our flower borders — Horkeha congesta ; ifosaccs. A hardy white L 4 152 Botanical Magazine. flowered perennial, allied to the genus Sibbaldm. — i'lichrj^sum inc^num; Compositae. A herbaceous plant, bearing large terminal solitary flowers, from Van Dieman's Land, and flowering in May. — Vesicaria arctica ; Cruciferae. A most desirable plant for rockwork, with bright vivid yellow flowers in August and September ; it was first discovered at Omenak in Greenland, by Professor Gieseke. — Gllia inconspicua ; Polemoniaceae. An annual branching plant, with solitary white flowers, in the early part of summer, when cultivated in sandy peat. No. XXVI. for 'February, contains 2884 to 2890. — l*o'mc\cma regia ; Decan. Monog. and Leguminosae Caesalpine^. (_;%. 27.) " A magnificent tree 30 or 40 ft. high, having an erect trunk, three feet in gy diameter, for half its height unbranched, co- vered with a grey smooth bark ; the wood white ; above forming a vast cyme of alternate patent branches, the younger ones green spotted with white, and glabrous No less remarkable for its extreme beauty than for its rarity, having been found only in Madagas- car Plants have been raised by Mr. Barclay, at Bury Hill, from seeds sent by Mr. Telfair ; and there is every reason to think they will be brought to great perfection in that well managed establishment." — Portulaca grandiflora. — /Vis tripetala. — Eschscholt- zia californica; Polyan. Tetrag., and Papaveracea?. The following note, appended by Dr. Hooker to the description of this genus, shows the influence of accident in botanical matters, and may guard young botanists against confounding the names of two genera very much alike in sound. " Named by Chamisso in honour of Dr. Eschscholtz, an excellent botanist and entomologist, who accompanied him as a fellow-naturalist in the voyage round the world, under the command of Kotzebiie. It is not, perhaps, generally known, that this gentleman is a descendant of the John Sigismund Elsholtz, a Prussian botanist, author of a Flora Marchica, and after whom Willdenow named the Elsholtzk cristata. The Russians, into whose service the present Elsholtz went, wrote his name Eschscholtz, by mis- take, 'i'he genus is now so well established, that the alteration to another generic name might create unnecessary confusion." We have now, in consequence, Elsholtzea and Eschscholtzia. — Fseonia albiflora v. rosea. — CEnothera decumbens. An annual from dry soils and mountain val- leys in South California, by Mr. David Douglas, in 1827, to the Horti- cultural Society. — Escallonza rubra; Pentan. Monog., and Escallone^^. A shrub from Chile, with numerous twiggy, rounded, red branches, more or less pubescent, and spriukled with pedicellated glands, and terminal pe- duncles of deep red flowers. Raised in the botanic garden of Liverpool, where it flowered in September last, and supposed to be hardy. We are happy to find that Dr. Hooker has at last thought it worth while to follow Mr. Lindley, Mr. Sweet, and ourselves, in giving the derivation of the generic names ; his next step is to give the accentuations ; and a third step, which we hope the public will induce all our three friends to take, is the adoption of our mode of designating classical, aboriginal, and connnemorative names by Italic letters. VVe had the i)leasure of pointing out this improvement in September last, in Paris, to Professors Dccan- dollc, Mirbel, Desfontaines, and others, and we have reason to believe Botanical llesister. 153 that it will soon be adopted by one or more of them in their botanical pub- lications. We are, indeed, at a loss to account for the indifference of Mr. Curtis, the conductor and proprietor of the Botanical Alagazmc, to these improve- ments. Does he or Professor Hooker think them of little consequence? If so, we can tell them, and some other editors of botanical works also, that the public think otherwise; and we can tell them also, that, if they persist, they will in time feel this to be the case. We wish every success both to the Botanical Magazine and the Botanical Register ; but how is it possible that we can recommend the former, when, by neglecting the im- provements of the day, it perversely persists in keeping itself inferior to the latter. Let the Botanical Magaziiie adopt the accentuations and tiie Italic designations, and it will then be in advance of even the Botanical Register. We have still other improvements to suggest, but we shall not do so till we see these adopted. Edwards's Botanical Register. Continued by John Lindley, F.R.S. L.S. &c. Professor of Botany in the London University. In 8vo Numbers, monthly. 4s. coloured. 1^0. VII. for September, contains 1173 to 1180. Streptocarpus Rexij ; ^xgnomacecc § Didymocarpeae. {fig. 28.) This beautiful stove peren- ^_^ nial plant flowers every month in the _ %£/. year, in great profusion. It may be easily ^ '^ cultivated in light peat and loam, with a litle sand, and increased by seeds. — CoUomia grandiflora ; Polemouiacea;. A fine hardy annual about 2 ft. high, with flowers in hemispherical heads, stem erect, and leaves ovate-lanceolate. From the north-west of North Ame- rica, by Mr. Douglas. It flowers abundantly in June and July. It should be cultivated in a poor shady l)order, among other plants. — Liparis (/iparos, unctuous ; soft surface of the leaves of some species) elata ; Or- chideje. A " tender, stove, herbaceous plant," discovered near Rio Janeiro by Sir Henry Chamberlain. It grows freely in decayed wood, and flowers in July and August. — Berberis repens ; Berheridecc. This hardy, evergreen, yellow-flowered shrub is a native of the north-west part of North America, and flowers in April. Propagated with difficulty by its creeping roots. — Z)aphne hybrida. "Nothing is known of its origin." It is quite hardy, blossoms nearly all the year, and is desirable from its delicious fragrance. — T^Uima (an anagram of Mildlla, the genus from which this is divided bj^ Mr. Brown) grandiflora ; jSaxifrageae. A hardy perennial found on the north-west coast of North America, by Mr. Menzies. It produces its flowers in April and May, but they are not strikingly beautiful. " It loves a shady peat border, in which it is protected from high winds." — Lonicer« involucrata ; Caprifoliaceae. A curious, hardy, low, rather scrubby shrub, from Hudson's Bay, in 1824. It requires peat earth in a shady border. Eutoca {eutokos, fruitful ; from the number of seeds which it bears) multifldra; IIydrophylle£e. A hardy annual of great beauty, from dry, exposed, sandy situations in the north- west of North America, by Mr. Douglas. It flowers from April to May, is well adapted to rockwork, but will not thrive in the ordinary highly manured soil of a garden. 154 Botanical Register. No. VIII. for October, contains 1181 to 1187. — Bilbdrgifl! pyramidalis; ^romeMucecs. A beautiful- flowered plant from South America, highly deserving cultivation. — Clivia (named in compliment to Her Grace the Duchess of Northumberland. " Such a compliment has long been due to the noble family of Clive, and we are proud in having the honour of being the first to pay it ") nobilis; kmaryWidecs. {fig. 29.) A fine green-house plant, much resembling a Cyrtanthus, of easy culture, and may be propagated either by seeds or suckers. — Brodiae^a grandiflora ; fliemerocallideae. A beautiful, hardy, bul- bous plant, with purple flowers, from North-west America, by Mr. Douglas, to the Horticultural Society, in 1826, and grows freely in a peat border. — Terbena (from ferfaen, the Celtic name) Melindris (the ver- nacular appellation in the province of Buenos Ayres); Terbenaceae. A handsome perennial scarlet-flowered plant, with opposite leaves, and abundantly flowering from cuttings in June and September, but, probably, requiring a frame in winter. It is common on the plains of the Pampas of Buenos Ayres, and is found in the provinces of Cordova and San Luis. — Sophora velutina ; Leguminosae. " A fine green-house shrub," which, if naturalised, would be very desirable.^ It is a native of Nepal, and is raised from seed. — Galardfa aristata. A handsome, hardy, nearly ever- green, perennial plant, with fibrous roots, and found by Mr. David Douglas in the north-west of North America. It is propagated from seeds, or divisions of the roots and flowers, from June to October. — Coto- neaster {cotoneum, the name of the quince, by Pliny, and ad instar, similitude ; resemblance to quince) microphylla ; Pomaceae. A hardy evergreen shrub, of great beauty, flowering in April and May ; the flowers frequently in twos or threes. It strikes readily from cuttings or layers, and grows from 2 to 3 ft. high. No. IX. for November, contains 1188 to 1194. — Amaryllis acuminata var. longipedunculata ; Ama- ryWidcce. This fine variety of A. acuminata was found near San Pablo Quatro-Venados, in the state of Oaxacaj in Mexico, and differs from it in Botanical Register. 155 being more robust in its growth, with narrower leaves, longer flower stalks, and a more spreading umbel. It may be easily cultivated in a cool green-house. — 5'erapias (the Egyptian divinity) cordigera var. longipetala ; Orchidea^. {fg. 30.) A " beautiful spring flower, common about Rome, in very dry soil." It is mentioned by Tenore as abounding at the foot of Mount Vesuvius, near Ottojano, Mauro, ]Mortelle, Portici, Sec, inva- riably in very dry meadows. — Adenotrichia (aden, a gland, thrix, hair; intermixture of hnirs and glands over the whole plant) amplexicaulis ; Com- positae. A pretty green-house herbaceous plant, flowering in May. Brought from Chile, by Mr. James M'Rae, to the Horticultural Society, in 1826. — C'ytisus multiflorus ; Leguminosge. "A very beautiful hardy border shrub, remarkable for the profusion of bright yellow flowers with which its long slender branches are laden." It does not grow above 2 or 3 ft. high, and is easily propagated by layers. Its native country is unknown. — Z)el- phiniuni Menziesii; i?anunculaceae. A beautiful hardy upright perennial, with deep purple flowers, from the north-west coast of North Ame- rica, by Mr. Menzies, and recently by Mr. Douglas. — Conanthera {/conos, a cone, and ant/iera, an anther ; conical arrangement) campanulata ; .(^sphodeleae. A hardy bulbous-rooted green- house plant, remaining in flower for several weeks, and remarkable for the intense bright blue of its nodding blossoms. It is a native of the higher range of the Cordilleras, " appearing among the earliest of the vernal flowers with which the greensward is adorned on the first melting of the snow." It requires a light sandy loam, well watered when coming into flower, but after the blossoming is over to be kept dry. — Calandrinia grandiflora ; Portulaceae. A beautiful succulent from Chile, to the Horticultural Society, by Mr. James ^I'Rae, in 1826. It is a handsome bush, with large bright rosy purple flowers, and fair glaucous leaves. Great care is required in its cultivation ; cuttings or seeds. Ko. X. for December, contains 1 195 to 1202. — Hamelfa (the celebrated Henry Louis DuhamelDumonceau, " whose researches in vegetable physiology are the most perfect model of patient investigation, and accurate de- duction, with which botanists are acquainted") ventricosa; iJubiaceas. " A handsome hot- house plant, growing vigorously, and flowering in abundance in nearly all the summer months." It becomes a large tree in its native countr\', Jamaica, yielding handsome variegated planks, called by the cabinet-makers Spanish elm or king wood. — Pyrus spuria; Pomaceae. {fig. 31.) A handsome shrub, or small tree, but little known, and rarely seen in gardens. It has been supposed to be the hybrid offspring of the mountain ash, and the arbutus-leaved pear 1 56 Botanical Register. of North America. It flowers in June and July, and is succeeded by a very small quantity of berries. Propagated by grafting or budding upon the stocks used for the appletree. — O'phrys araneifera var. limbata; Orchldeae. A pretty hardy perennial spring plant, when wild loving to grow in chalky soil among short grass; and, if cultivated, must be in a pot in a well aired ftame — Lupinus littoralis ; Leguminosae. " A hardy perennial, flowering from June to October, propagated by cuttings, division of the roots, and seed This species is abundant on the sea shore, from Cape Mendocino to Puget's Sound, where it binds together the loose sand with its tough branching roots. It is used by the natives of the river Colombia as winter food. For this purpose it is prepared by drawing the roots through the fire, until all their moisture is dissipated; when they are tied up in small bundles, and will keep for several months. For eating, the roots are roasted in the embers, when they become farinaceous. The vernacular name of the plant is Somuuchtan. It is the liquorice spoken of by Lewis and Clarke (p. 452.), and by the navigators who have visited the north-west coast of America." — Canavulia bonariensis ; Leguminosae. A lovely, climbing, tender stove plant from Buenos Ayres, and flowering during most of the summer months. Cuttings. — Lobeh'a longiflora ; hoh^iacecE. {Jig. 32.) " One of the most venomous of all known plants. It is common in St. Domingo, Cuba, Jamaica, and Martinique, where it grows in damp places and by the sides of stream. In this country it is only cultivated in the stove, where it is a rarity. It is an annual, flowering in July and August, and seldom exceeds a foot in "l^ length. In its native country it is said to prove fatal to horses which eat it, swelling them until they burst ; whence the Spaniards call it Rebenta cavallos. Taken internally, it acts as a violent cathartic, the effects of which no remedy can assuage, and which ends in death. The juice of the bruised leaves or stem, applied to the eyes or lips, excites a severe inflammation ; as Jacquin tells us he found to his cost, having accidentally allowed someof the juice to remain on his hands. The na- tives of St. Domingo know the plant well under the nameof Q;ojw, a foot, lepis, a scale; footstalks to the scales of the involucrum) gracilis; Compositffi Carduaceae ^steriae. "A very pretty plant, from New South Wales, to the garden of Robert Barclay, Esq., of Bury Hill, quite as hardy and of as easy culture as the common annual Everlasting." — /Tibiscus Moscheutos ; Malvaceae. Beautiful ; from the collection of A. B. Lambert, Esq., at Boyton House. " It is seldom that the present plant, or H. palustris, produces flowers in our gardens. The reason is, without doubt, through their being planted in too dry a situation, their native places of growth in America being in swamps and marshes. Pursh mentions the present species as growing in swamps and salt marshes, from New York to Carolina, and plentifully in the marshes round the Salt Lake, Onondago, New York ; flowering from August to October." It is most probably owing to the very wet summer that they flowered so freely this season, and by being planted in a moist situation ; and there can be no doubt but they would flower as readily every season if planted near a pond, or in any wet swampy ground. They are quite hardy, and are readily increased by dividing at the root, or by seed. — Gilia capi- tata ; Polemoniaceae. One of the interesting discoveries " made by our indefatigable friend, Mr. David Douglas, in the north-west regions of America. It is quite hardy, and forms a valuable addition to the flower border, which it adorns during the summer months with its numerous tufts of pretty blue flowers." It is annual ; but, if sown at difierent seasons, between March and August, a succession of flowers may be kept up all the summer and autumn. — Z)ianthus giganteus; Caryophylleae Sileneae. A gigantic species, from the nursery of Messrs. Young, of Epsom, and raised there from seeds received from Malaga. Geraniacece. By Robert Sweet, F.L.S. &c. In 8vo Numbers, monthly, os. Nos.I. lo VIII. of Second Series, from July, 1828, to February, 1829, cordahi 1 to 51. — Campylia laciniata. Pelargonium ??2alachraef61ium, P. abutilo- ides, P. megalanthum, P. megaleion, P. melanostictum, P. NiciorvAnum, P. megalostictum, P. calliston, P. magnifolium. — P. ObriemavJM^K. " In compliment to Miss O'Brien, authoress of several interesting papers in Loudon's Gardener's Magazine, and the Magazine of Natural History" — P. graphicum. Very handsome. — P. fl?nanthif61ium, P. rhodopetalon, P. decorum, P. flagrans. — P. Lou&onianum. " Splendid and very distinct ; raised by Mr. W. Smith, gardener to the Earl of Liverpool, at Coombe Wood, from a seed of P. sanguineum, fertilised by the pollen of P. auran- tiacum, or some nearly related sort, so that it is intermediate between two very distinct tribes, partaking, in an equal degree, of both. We do not know when we have seen a more splendid flower, its colour being quite daz- zling when in full bloom. We have named it in compliment to our respected friend, Mr. J. C. Loudon, &c. &c." [For which we return our best thanks to Mr. Sweet ; the more especially, for having selected so very distinct and handsome a variety.] — P. haemastictum, P. crataegifolium, P. nubilum, P. Deburghfs, P. papyraceum, P. Lawrance^nzwM, P. concretum, P. pentastlc- tum, P. altum, P. vestifluum, P. latidentatum, P. eratinum, P. tinctum, P. heteromallum, and P. poculifolium. tionably just, we trust every young gardener will immediately adopt it ; those who do not own to being young, may of course continue in their old nomenclature. Cislinea;. — Botanic Garden, — Florist's Guide. 165 CistinecB, By Robert Sweet, F.L.S. &c. In 8vo Numbers, every alternate Month. 5s. No. XX. for September, contains 77 to 80. — Heliantheinum vineale. Trailing, suftVutescent, very much branched, and covered with yellow flowers the greater part of the summer. — Cistus acutifolius. A free-growing but dwarf plant, quite hardy, with white flowers nearly all the summer. — H. virgatum. Numerous branches, linear leaves, and pink flowers, requiring some protection during winter. — H. nummularium. Procumbent, variable ovate hairy leaves, and yellow flowers. Quite hardy. No, XXI. for November, contains 81 to 84. — Helianthemum scabrosum. {jig. 39.) A handsome, small, bushy shrub, from the Bristol nursery, with yel- low flowers, and requiring a little protection in winter. — H. racemosum. An upright shrub, well adapted for ornamenting rockwork, from itsglossy foliage, and flowering all the summer. Flowers white. — H. gUitinosum. Slender ascending hairy stems, small linear leaves, and small yellow flowers. Raised from seed received from Spain, in the gar- den of A. B. Lambert, Esq., of Boyton House. Requires a little protection during winter. — CU- tus ladaniferus var. albiflorus. Very handsome. Requires a little protection during winter. No. XXII. for January, 1829, contains 85 to 88. — Helianthemum celandicum. A pretty little species, with small yellow flowers. — H. roseum v. multiplex. A pretty double variety, with pale rose-coloured flowers, and thriving well in rockwork. — C'lstus asperifolius. A handsome, strong, upright, evergreen shrub, with white flowers. — H./(olif61ium. This pretty species is quite hardy, and adapted for rockwork; the flowers are white, and the leaves are oblong and linear. The Botanic Garden. By B. Maund, F.L.S. &c. In small 4to Numbers, monthly. Large paper, \s. 6d.; small paper. Is. No. XLIV.for August, 1828, to No. L.for February, 1829, contain 172 to 200. — Jnchusa italica. " Desirable for the brilliant colour of its flowers. — Ononis hircina, Tulipa suaveolens, (S'cilla bifolia, i?6sa semper- florens, Erythronium americanum, Gentiana verna, Stevza purpurea, Ery- thronium Dens canis. Phlox divaricata, Fritillaria meleagris, Thymus lanuginosus, Ribes aureum. Phlox nivalis, ylnemone hortensis, (S'cilla sibirica, Erodium hymenodes, i/ypericum KalmianinH, Parnassia palustris, Mal- comia maritima. — iJosa Banks2\ berries where it is not of a con- N 4 18 4- M'I?itosh's Practical Gardener. siderable depth. In this we perfectly agree with Mr. Gamier, and must observe, that the finest and greatest crops of this fruit that we ever saw were in his garden. It is not generally known, but it is an ascertained fact, that most strawberries generate roots, and sti'ike them into the ground nearly 2 ft. deep, in the course of the season. The pine. Grove End, and rose- berry succeed better than any other in stiff and shallow soils, and should be planted in an open situation, and not in one too much shaded. " Strawberries require a larger portion of water than almost any other of our cultivated fruits, to bring their crops to perfection. " Strawberries may he secured from the attacks of Birds by surrounding the compartment where they are grown with wattled hurdles, made close on purpose, or rendered so by drawing in a few branches in the places at which birds might penetrate ; placing them upright like a fold, and then covering the whole top surface with netting, supported high enough to admit of getting conveniently to gather the fruit. " The Fruit of Alpine Strawberries, and probably some of the prolific sorts, may be retarded till late in the season, by going over the plants in May, or when they come into blossom, and carefully cutting off all the bloom with a pair of scissors, preserving the leaves as much from injury as possible. This is repeated until towards the middle of June, when more blossoms appear ; and those are left to produce fruit, which they readily do until destroyed by the autumnal frosts. " The Operation of watering before Sunrise, in counteracting the Frost, seems to produce its effects in a manner similar to the application of cold water to a frozen joint or limb, which is injured by the sudden application of warmth. This plan has been long adopted by the London nurserymen, when their plants have been affected by frost during the night, and is attended with the most marked success. Vegetables of any sort may be recovered by this application, and it should be attended to by the gardener both in spring and autumn." Keeping Fruit. Mr. M'Intosh approves of sweating kitchen fruit, to get rid of a part of their moisture. The practice " is probably no detriment to the fruit, and must certainly contribute to its keeping." Table fruit " we keep in strong boxes filled with dry sharp sand, in which the fruit is packed and secured in a dry room, and as much excluded from the air as possible. By this means, the better keeping apples and pears will keep till April and May, and some will keep till June. However, it is probable that fruits packed in charcoal, or very dry bog-mould, may keep much longer." December. " This may be called the dead time of the year. However, neatness and regularity should ever be before the eyes of the gardener who wishes to excel. In this month, when the weather will permit, all spare ground in the fruit-garden which is not under crop should be trenched, where the roots of the trees will admit of it ; and where not, it should be rough dug. Pruning of every tree should be forwarded with all diligence; and where grounds or borders are in want of renewing, preparatory to being new planted, that work should be gone on with. The clearing of fruit trees of moss and insects, as far as the latter can be effected, should occupy a share of his attention. In the compost-yard much is to be done in turn- ing over compost heaps, and in bringing in fresh matter for forming others; indeed, this is one of the most useful emplo)'ments of the gardener in winter, and one that is more neglected than any other. Wherever alter- ations are going on, on the manor, in the park, or by the sides of turnpike or other roads, the gardener is most likely to find materials which will be either in their natural state highly useful to him for his fruit-tree borders, or by preparations, by adding manure or other materials, to correct the lightness or stiffness of such matter to a proper texture, to be afterwards allowed to prepare for a year, and during that time frequently turned over and well incorporated. Such preparations are of all the most useful for producing fine fruit and healthy trees, and should be oollected in quantities. M'^Intosh^s Practical Gardener. 185 according to the size and circumstances of the place. In all places the gardener should be allowed a horse or two, tor the sole use of the garden. By such regulation, much will be done that otherwise would be left undone ; and no employment can be of so much consequence as the collection of materials for compounds ; and this cannot be done if the means be not allowed him." The Forcing-Garden. — " In long-continued ranges of houses, we have found it extremely inconvenient when they are closely connected, and there- fore we prefer the mode exemplified by that eminent architect, W. Atkin- son, Esq., in many first-rate gardens, by leaving a convenient space between each division or range." Mr. M'Intosh is an advocate for timber rather than iron in hot-house building, and reconunends the larch, when of a proper age, and properly seasoned. But even deal he is " much disposed to believe more durable for hot-house building, than metal of any of the sorts which have hitherto been used." After enumerating all the different arguments against the use of metal, he concludes, " that metallic houses, from a variety of causes, break more glass than wooden ones is evident. The light which supplies that herculean undertaking, the Colosseum, in the Regent's Park, is ad- mitted by too immense skylights of metallic construction : during the few extremely hot days of the summer of 1827, some hundred sqttares of glass were daily broken by expansion. Of this fact the ingenious and able pro- jector is perfectly sensible, and being convinced, not only of the prevailing fault, but also of the attendant expense and inutility, has used nothing but wood in the erection of a range of conservatories, green-houses, and stoves, upon a scale and plan entirely unprecedented in this country. The public will soon be satisfied that houses can be constructed as elegantly and lightly, and at a much less expense, of wood, than of any metallic matter whatever. There are few of the numerous visitors, who have seen them, that have not supposed them to be iron, until informed of the contrary. " In one conservatory, Mr. Hornor has adopted an ingenious plan of combining strength and lightness in the rafters. The roof is of an elliptical form, and the sashes are fixed. The rafters are composed of one bar of wrought-iron, three quarters of an inch thick, and .3 in. broad ; this bar of iron is covered with deal timber, half an inch thick, and secured to the iron bar with neat screw-bolts, so that they have the appearance of being wholly of wood, and their size is consequently only l| in. thick, and 4 in. deep, which has a very light and neat appearance, while it is sufficiently strong to carry the weight of the roof. " If strength and lightness be really indispensable for hot-house rafters, this appears to be the principle by which it can be effected, as by being covered with wood, all the conducting powers of heat, cold, or electricity are cor- rected, and the effects of contraction or expansion lessened, so as to be attended with no bad consequence ; and iti s probable that rafters so con- structed will be more durable than metallic ones, exposed to the action of the weather. However, the expense of such rafters is considerably more than wooden ones of equally proportionable strength. " The rafters of the peach-house in the garden of the Horticultural So- ciety are also strengthened, by having bars of iron introduced into them in a similar way, as are the rafters in the conservatory of Mr. Hope, at Deep- den ; both houses are designed by William Atkinson, Esq., and in both of them the rafters are neat, light, and of sufficient strength to support any weight ever likely to be applied to them. " Metallic houses attract electricity, and to guard against this evil, it has been recommended to cover with thick coats of paint. Most painters con- sider that paint put on in thick bodies defeats the purpose for which it is intended, by not adhering so closely to the body on which it is placed, as thinner coats of the same material, and, instead of protecting the body of 186 Mcintosh's Practical Gardener. the material, is constantly peeling off. Putty is also recommended to be spread over half the bar, to lessen the conducting principle ; most glaziers agree that the smaller the quantity of putty used, the less liable it is to loosen or fall off; and this is accounted for upon nearly the same principle, that thin coats of paint are better than thick ones. There is certainly no instance within our knowledge of any material injury being produced by the effects of the electric fluid, but that is no reason why such should never be the case. Accidents of that nature so seldom happen, under ordinary circum- stances, that it is by no means a matter of surprise that it has not happened in the case of metallic houses, when we consider the comparative few in number throughout the kingdom. " Practical gardeners are, and have been, doubtful of the success of such houses. Abercrombie and Speechly in England, and Nichol in Scotland, excellent practical and experimental gardeners, were decidedly against them, and most others have avoided giving their opinion. Mr. Atkinson, who has designed and built more hot-houses than probably any other architect of the day, is also decidedly against them. Those who have adopted them are chiefly amateurs, or philosophical gardeners ; some few practical men have had the' management of them, and one or two have built from their own designs. The most extensive erections of this sort are now building under the direction of Mr. Forrest, at Sion House. The result of his suc- cess will probably tend to set the matter at rest." We give this long quotation, because it contains the opinion of a " prac- tical man," and also of one " who has designed and built more hot-houses than probably any other architect of the day." We differ in opinion from both, but may, in the long run, be found in the wrong. It is singular, that some hundreds of squares of glass should have been broken daily in the me- tallic skylight in the Regent's Park by expansion, and not one by the same cause, or bj' contraction, in the iron houses in the garden of the Horticul- tural Society, or in any other iron houses that we have heard of. But the truth is, and we are surprised it should not be known to Mr. M'Intosh, who was head-gardener at the Colosseum at the time, the breakage of the glass, and the general derangement of the skylight, of the whole of one side of the building, including a rent in the outer wall, were produced by the giving way of the foundation, in consequence of some excavations. This was and is perfectly well known to the glazier and to the stone mason employed by Mr. Hornor, who, happening to be the tradesmen we emplo}^ mentioned it to us at the time. How Mr. M'Intosh came to be ignorant of this cause of breakage we cannot conceive. » It is evident the builders of iron hot-houses have no fear of expansion or contraction breaking the glass, for Messrs. Bailey, Bramah, Richards, Jones, and Cottam generally contract to keep their erections in repair for fourteen years, for nothing in some cases, and a very small per centage in others. With respect to price, we might quote certain iron hot-houses at Woburn, and certain wooden houses erected there at the same time, and under the direction of the same architect, Mr. Atkinson, in the same garden, in which the iron houses are the cheaper, even at first cost. (See England, p. 215.) We admit that the duration of iron houses depends very much on their being regularly painted, as does that of wooden houses : but, if the duration of iron houses were even less than that of wooden ones, we should still prefer the former, on account of the superior quantity of light which they admit, and which is of so much importance in the winter and spring months; at which season hot-houses, if they are worth any thing, should afford the greatest enjoyment. It is not a little to the credit of two of the greatest noblemen of this country, that, from their own reason and exami- nation of the question, they have adopted iron houses on a more extensive scale than has hitherto been done, not only in opposition to a host of pre- judices on the part of many gardeners, and some architects, but, if we are Mcintosh's Practical Gardener. 187 not misinformed, and we believe we are not, contrary to an opinion given at his request, to oneof these noblemen, by.someofficial persons connected with the Horticultural Society. It is gratifying to think that there should be so much science, and such a power of conquering prejudice, in men so far re- moved from ordinary life. We cannot but highly respect them on this account; and whatever may be the result of their trials, they are certainly entitled to the thanks of the horticultural world for having made an ex- periment attended with so much expense, and the result of which will be of so much importance. The more that we can manufacture out of the bowels of the earth, the more we shall be able to make of its surface. The less timber that is necessary, the more corn and fruit trees may be grown. Curvilineai- Houses. In order that we may not become prejudiced, or perhaps we should say, in order to counteract the tendency which we, in common with every other human being, have to become prejudiced, we shall quote all that Mr. M'Intosh has to say against curvilinear houses. " Some few curvilinear houses have been erected in this country, but they have chiefly been for the cultivation of flowering plants. Whether it be that their expense in their first erection, their inconveniency, or the effect • that they produce as a garden structure, have operated as a drawback, is not certain, but they are not rising much in repute. That their expense in the first erection is considerably more than that of houses built upon the more common principle, cannot be denied, inasmuch as a great part of the materials, if of wood, is cut to waste, and their formation more difficult for the tradesman to' execute; and, above all, if the sashes be made movable, which should be the case with all houses, whether they be ventilated by the sashes, or by means of ventilators properly constructed, and placed both in the front parapet-wall and likewise near the top of the back one, they are, in that case, incapable of being made rain-proof. For houses entirely con- structed for cultivating flowering plants, they may, with less impropriety, be made of fanciful shapes and curvilinear roofs; but for houses expressly built for utility, they are not to be recommended. As they are constructed upon the principle of admitting the greatest number of the rays of heat and light, they also admit of the greatest portion of cold, particularly in windy weather, by allowing it to pass more reailily into the house between the laps of the glass. Our own experience, in respect to two curvilinear houses for culti- vating tropical plants, justifies us in joining to the testimony of others, in stating them to be decidedly more difficult to keep to a proper temperature than houses with sloping roofs, glazed upon the same principle, and of the same dimensions ; indeed, so difficult was it to keep the required temperature in the houses alluded to, notwithstanding there were two fires constantly kept up, and the dimensions of the houses only 40 ft. long, by 1 1 wide, and one of them only 10 ft. high, that we were under the necessity of covering them with double mats during a great part of the winter of 1827. " The majority of practical gardeners prefer those with straight roofs, and ai'e content with the light and heat that they afford; and if we may judge of their relative merits by the crops of fruit produced in both, we see little reason to think that they will ever become general. Economy, com- bined with utility, we have always considered as a most important consider- ation in hot-house building, provided that they be so contrived that the plants may derive the due advantages of light, air, heat, soil, and water, these being the principal agents of vegetable Hfe. The merits, therefore, of hot-houses will be judged by the perfection with which those indispensable agents are supplied. " In our opinion, curvilinear houses have no advantage over others for the production of good fruit ; and, as a mere matter of taste, we see no elegance in them that is not to be met with in well-constructed houses with straight or sloping roofs, if judiciously arranged, either in ranges or detached. In ranges (against walls) curvilinear houses have the appearance of being 188 Mcintosh's Practical Gardener. unconnected, even though they may be joined; and, if detached, they as much resemble huge bird-cages as houses for the cultivation of fruits. The most convenient and economical form of houses seems to be that of a straight front, resting upon a parapet of brick or stone, of a proper width, and presenting an angle to the horizon, suited to the purpose for which it is intended. If for late forcing, or pine-stoves, an elevation generally of 35° will answer; but if for early forcing, the elevation will require to be more upright, to admit of the rays of the sun acting sufficiently powerful in the early part of the season, when the sun is low in the horizon." Healing by Steam. — " As a means of heating upon an extensive scale, we perfectly agree with the most strenuous advocates for steam, as being the most convenient carrier of heat, as well as of its equality of distribution. We are also confident, that nothing injurious to the most tender parts of vegetation ever proceeds from steam, and that fruits and plants may be grown or cultivated in houses heated by steam, as well as in those heated by any other means, provided the general management be equally good in every other respect. " But, that steam is the most simple method of heating hot-houses, or that it is more economical, either in point of fuel or erection, we are far from being singular in discrediting ; neither do we think that there is any saving in labour. If ashes and coals be distributed to ten or twelve differ- ent furnaces, they are generally placed in such places that the delicate eye seldom visits ; few, we believe, excepting the operatives, visit the back sheds of their gardens, where such unsightly objects are to be met with ; but we have seen such places kept as clean and neat as the interior of man}- hot- houses are. We think the necessary care and attention, on the part of the gardener, as much required in attending the boiler and steam apparatus, as in attending to any number of fires necessary to heat an equal space, pro- vided the i'urnaces and flues be properly constructed. The chimney-tops objected to (although not always the case) often are and might easily be made ornamental, as vases, &c., rather than otherwise ; and if any degree of taste be exercised in their formation and distribution, they become orna- mental, taking off that uniformity and stiff unbroken line, which the top of a garden-wall always presents, unless purposely broken. Arranged in such a way, they will be less offensive to the eye than a vast shaft, towering above every other object, and disgorging a volume of smoke, not much in unison with garden-scenery. Steam-pipes certainly occupy much less space in the houses than smoke flues, which is always desirable; neither do they re- quire any internal cleaning, which brick flues do ; but they require the in- spection of an engineer, or person of skill, to examine them once or twice a year ; which is much more than the expense of a labourer or bricklayer cleaning the smoke-flues. " That insects are effectually kept under in houses heated by steam is not the case; it is dons b\' good management only. Many who have had them erected have actually pulled them down, and reintroduced the com- mon flues and furnaces ; and a strong proof that they are more expensive is evident, from such eminent gardeners as Lee and Colville, and many others, who have the most extensive ranges of houses round London, not having introduced steatn. To such men as those, economy is an object, and to such practical men we are to look for precedent, and not to gentlemen, who, from motives of persuasion or scientific curiosity, adopt such pro- jects. An eminent London nurseryman, who had his houses heated by steam, at a great expense, has pulled the whole down, and substituted flues upon the general principle, but improved by his own ingenuity. He calculates a saving both of fuel and labour, taking the loss of the expense of his steam apparatus into account. Another person, long eminent for the cultivation of fruits in the neiglibourhood of London, has pulled iiis down W-IntosKs Practical Gardener. 189 also, and reintroduced the original flues, being practically convinced that he has lost much by the experiment; and since the introduction of the hot- water system, heating by steam, in this country at least, may be said to be abandoned, as far as regards horticultural purposes. " It does not appear that hot-houses will ever be built in this country upon so extensive a scale, as to render the heating by steam really neces- sary, from a motive of economy. Where expense is no consideration, steam may be introduced into large conservatories, and be converted to many other purposes connected with domestic economy, as such buildings are usually attached to, or near, the dwelling of the owner; but for hot-houses in gardens, where the extent is not infinitely greater than any that has yet appeared in this countr}', fire-flues, or the hot-water system, will be found much the cheapest, and will answer every purpose of heating the houses equally well." Hot-water, as applied to heating Hot-Houses. — " For the invention, and introduction into practice, of this really useful and ingenious mode of heat- ing forcing-houses, we are indebted to the ingenuity and perseverance of William Atkinson, Esq., of Grove End, St. John's Wood, a gentleman, not only eminent in his profession as an architect, but also a zealous promoter of every thing connected with horticultural affairs." We iiave not a doubt that Mr. Atkinson invented the means of heating hot-houses by hot-water ; but we are equally clear that the original inventor was M. Bonnemain, in Paris, before 1777, and that both dwelling-houses and hot-houses were heated by hot-water by Messrs. Bolton and Watt, and by the Comte Chabaimes, in England, before Mr. Atkinson's invention, according to Mr. Barrow's statement (V^ol. III. p. 425.), was exhibited in models. The facts from which we draw these conclusions are all before our readers, in preceding volumes of this Magazine. Whether Mr. Atkin- son or Mr. Anthony Bacon was the first to invent this mode of heating is a point not quite clear, nor do we think it of the smallest consequence either to the memory of these gentlemen or to the public. The state of science had long been ripe for such an invention, and the circumstance of having thought of it, is more a matter of good fortune than of scientific merit. A great defect in Mr. M'Intosh's book is, that he does not give a variety of plans showing the application of the hot-water system to different hot- houses, pits, and hot-beds; such engravings would have been incomparably more useful than tlie coloured dahlia (now georgina), camellia, amaryllis, and other such common things, or even the plans of hot-houses and pits, which accompany these seven numbers. Perhaps we shall have such plans in the remaining ones. The Pine-Apple. — Mr. M'Intosh and we entirely agree on this subject, and he quotes at length our opinion with regard to bottom heat, as given in The Different Modes of Cultivating the Pine-Apple, &c. " The pine will bear a much higher degree of heat, for almost any length of time, than most fruit- bearing plants in cultivation, and will also, without injury, bear a degree of cold that would be death to any other exotic fruit, while in a state of vege- tation. . . . We find it producing its fruit under a greater variety of bad culture, than almost any other cultivated fruit. " Mr. Knight, in several papers in the Horticultural Transactions, has en- deavoured to establish the practice of growing pmes upon stages, and otherwise, without bottom heat ; but in this practice he has not equalled, far less excelled, the most indifTerent pine-grower in the country. Example is better than precept ; and until Mr. Knight has proved by example his mode of culture to be superior to that so long approved by practice, his con- verts must be few. However, this eminent horticulturist deserves well of his country for any experiments he may make ; he has made many, and some highly useful, and, much to his credit, he has performed them at his own expense, so that if he fail in some, it is but a natural consequence which 190 Domestic Gardena-'s Manual. falls to the lot of man. However, he has succeeded so far by his own con- fession, in one important object, namely, in initiating a novice, an ignora- mus, or, to use his own words, ' an extremely simple labourer, who does not know a letter or a figure, and who never saw a pine plant growing till he saw those of which he has the care,' to understand their culture as well ^s he does himself Attempts to cultivate pines, without bottom heat, have been tried by several gardeners, both on the Continent and in this country, and have been abandoned without the least hope of success." In as far as Mr. M'Intosh is concerned we are perfectly satisfied with this publication : but on the part of the publisher, and with reference to the public, we think it a badly designed work, on account of the useless engrav- ings given, and the useful ones omitted. To make it worth purchasing there ought to be at least a dozen complete plans of hot-houses heated by hot water introduced ; otherwise what advantage can this work have over the Practical Gardener of Abercrombie, which is much cheaper? The Domestic Gardener'' s Manual ; being an Introduction to Gardening on Philosophical Principles. To which is added a concise Naturalist's Kalendar, and English Botanist's Companion, or Catalogue of British Plants, in the monthly order of their Flowering. By a Horticultural Chemist. London. 8vo. 1*. To be completed in 12 successive Num- bers. The author observes, that most works on gardening are expensive, or written exclusively for the affluent ; but that his book is addressed " to those, who, without aiming to become professional gardeners, wish, never- theless, to acquire so much of the art of gardening, as shall enable them to conduct its more common and essential operations with facility and pre- cision. " It is intended that the work shall consist of twelve periodical monthly numbers, each number to contain three sections. The first section of every number will be devoted to subjects connected with the science or philo- sophy of gardening ; such as the nature and agency of earths and soils ; of electricity, water, the atmosphere, light, heat, &c. ; of the structure and vascular system of plants, the motion of the sap, and the elaboration of the proper juice. " The second section will contain the natural history, generic and specific characters, and cultivation of one or more of the chief esculent vegetables ; to which will succeed directions for the operations in the kitchen-garden during the current month. " The third section will treat on the natural historj', &c., of the most esteemed fruit trees : and will contain directions for the management of the fruiting department during the month ; to this will be added miscellaneous observations on the treatment of flowering shrubs, evergreens, flower-bor- ders, &c. " As it is presumed that many readers are curious in searching for facts connected with natural philosophy, and that others are attached to botani- cal pursuits, I have added to each number a concise Naturalist s Kalendar, and also a Botanical Catalogue of British indigenous plants. In the latter the species are arranged, not only in their respective classes and orders of the Linnaean system, as enlarged and improved in the last edition of Sir J. E. Smith's English Flora, but in the monthly order in ivhich they severally flower. Thus the English botanist will find each number a vade mecum, or pocket companion, calculated to assist him in his endeavours to identify every plant which he may find in flower at any period of the year. " Such, then, is the general plan of the work ; but to enable the reader to understand its particular objects, something farther remains to be said. It is my earnest desire to enlarge the circle of science, to disseminate it in quarters where, till lately, it has been comparatively unknown ; and, above Domestic Gardener's Manual. 191 all, to excite an enquiry after truth. Conceiving that I shall most readily attain my object, by enabling the reader to examine and compare the various opinions and hypotheses advanced by scientific men, I have given, in the first section of each number, concise selections and extracts from the woi'ks of some of the most eminent chemists and philosophers ; to which 1 have occasionally added such remarks as the nature of the subjects, and the re- sult of my own reflection and experience appeared to require and authorise. The work, therefore, may be considered as a compendium, or book of refer- ence, from which the reader may draw his own conclusion on the present state of science, particularly that termed electro-chemical : and on its pro- bable applicability to the practice of horticulture. " At a time when knowledge is spreading in every direction, when our operatives and mechanicsgive promise of producing someof our most enlight- ened characters, and when many of the sciences, both physical and mecha- nical, are laid open to their research, can there exist any just cause why such men should not be instructed in the true principles of agriculture and gar- dening ? " I am not aware that any cheaj^ publication has hitherto appeared, which pretends to treat of gardening as a science of induction. Believing it to be such, and that to attain any perfection in the j)ractice, it is indispensably necessary to acquire some knowledge of the philosophy of the art, I have felt it a duty to call the reader's attention to the operations of those natural agents by which all the phenomena of vegetation are induced. Peculiar stress has been laid upon the agency of electricity, with the view of excit- ing close investigation into that branch of the philosophy of nature, which appears to have been the most neglected ; althoogh there is little reason to doubt of its containing the germ or embryo^of that true science, which, if it ever fully develope itself, will scarcely fail to make manifest causes and ef- fects which have heretofore been involved in inextricable mystery. " The late Professor Playfair once observed, ' If we consider how many different laws seem to regulate the action of impulse, cohesion, elasticity, che- mical affinity, crystallisation, heat, light, magnetism, electricity, galvanism, the existence of a principle more general than these, and connecting all of them with that of gravitation, appears highly probable. The discovery of this great principle may be an honour reserved for a future age ; and science may again have to record names which are to stand on the same labels with those of Newton and Laplace.' He added, ' it were unwise to be sanguine, and unphilosophical to despair.' " The conjecture of this great man has, to a certain extent, been veri- fied; and it may not be presumptuous to conjecture, that ' the great prin- ciple ' itself will ultimately be referred to one grand and only source. " I believe that this source is already discovered and known, and that it only requires the philosophic mind to divest itself of prejudices, and to cease from pursuing shadows, since the substance itself stands revealed to the view of all. If I succeed in rendering this apparent, I shall enjoy the satis- faction of having done something for the cause of science, by simplifying the means of scientific research into the operations of that grand principle, which I cannot but view as the source of, and prime operative agent in, all the phenomena of the material world." From these quotations it will be evident to our readers, that this is a work of considerable pretension. We can hardly judge of its execution from the first number, which, besides the preface, contains only forty pages ; but the book is so exceedingly cheap, and the object of the author so laud- able, that we can hardly go wrong in recommending it to the class of readers to whom it is addressed. When the work is completed, we shall again recur to it, and extract every thing that is not to befound in Mr. John- son's series of papers on Horticultural Chemistry. 192 Major on Insects prevaleiit in Orchards and Gardens. Major, Mv. Joshua, Landscape-Gardener : A Treatise on the Insects most prevalent on Fruit Trees, and Garden Produce, giving an Account of the States they pass through, the Depredations they commit, and Recipes for their Destruction, including the Recipes of various Authors, with Remarks on their Utility ; also, a few Hints on the Causes and Treatment of Mildew and Canker on Fruit Trees, Cucumbers, &c. &c. London and Leeds. 8vo. lOs. 6d. Notwithstanding that so many have already "written on this subject, Mr. Major feels himself justified in adding to the number, because " some branches are not yet fully understood He has for several years devoted himself carefully to the observation of the habits and history of those animals, and has tried a great number of experiments for their destruction, the result of which he now lays before the public. He has thought it ne- cessary to give a description of the appearance and habits of the different insects to be destroyed, as well as a short history of their different changes and processes, that every one may be able to detect them, and may un- derstand at what times the recipes can be applied with effect, and when, from the state of the insect, they and all other remedies will be quite useless — a point of great importance, but one which has been hitherto altogether neglected. If the i-ecipes are found to be effectual, he will have effected all that he intended." The subject is treated in a practical and popular manner, a section or article being devoted to each of the principal fruit trees and culinary vege- tables, the insects which infest each enumerated, and the modes of pre- vention or destruction described by various authors given and remarked on. The author does not appear to be a scientific entomologist (e.g. Beetles, p. 218.), and the book is wanting in the interest which it might have had by giving the natural history of the insects and some of their related species, and that of the natural checks to them, whether insects or birds, or other animals. But though it is not what we think it might have been, it is still a most useful work, and being the only book devoted exclusively to garden insects, and written by a gardener, we hope it will find its way into every garden library. The following on shreds for fastening wall trees is good. " It is preferable to use shreds of cloth to any other mode that is practised for training trees, as they form harbours for insects, through the winter, and afford a good op- portunity for the insects and eggs of insects to be removed with the shreds, and destro3'ed with boiling water." Growth and Preparation of Tobacco. — Sow in a hot-bed about the middle of March, transplant in small pots, and shift two or three times till the latter end of April. Transplant in a sheltered situation on light rich soil, at 2 ft. apart everj' way. In autumn, when the lowest leaves are beginning to assume a yellowish hue, take them off, tie them in bundles of half a dozen, and hang them up to dry ; in a fortnight a second gathering will be ready : when ail the gatherings are dried, pack them together straight and close " so as to produce perspiration, like what is necessary for new hay. . . . If a sufficient quantity cannot be got at one time to produce perspiration of itself, it may be greatly aided by packing it in a box, closing it up, and then covering overhead the whole box in a heap of weeds, grass, or manure that is in a gentle heat ; after sweating a week or ten days, it may be kept in a moderately dry situation, so as to prevent its moulding." Tobacco Water. — " It will require not less than a pound of the leaves to a gallon of water to make good tobacco water, and in order to obtain the whole of the virtue of the tobacco, it will be proper to let the water be poured over the leaves in a boiling state. The liquid may remain covered up a few hours, or till wanted for use. Before it is used the leaves must be taken out, taking care to have the whole water squeezed FeUon^s Gleanlmis on Gardens. 193 fi'om them. Any quantity that is necessary may be made at a time, as it will be no worse for keeping, especially if kept air-tight. Sixteen recipes are given, one or other of which is capable of destroying all the insects enumerated. The two principal ingredients in these recipes are common soap and tobacco water ; in two or three of them quicklime is the sole or principal ingredient, and in one or two alum or soot enters into the composition. We like them the better for being simple, and because the writer has used or seen used every one of them with success. The volume is cheap, and we wish it a favourable reception. Felto7i, (S., Esq., Author of Portraits of English Authors on Gardening, &c. (Vol. IV. p. 261.), Miscellanies on Ancient and Modern Gardening, 6zq. : Gleanings on Gardens, chiefly respecting those of the ancient style in England. London, 8vo. 5s. Our excellent friend has here collected a number of curious extracts respecting old English gardens, Scotch gardens, conventual gardens, garden burial, cottage gardens, the cultivation of the vine in Britain, Sherborne, formerly the seat of Sir W. Raleigh, and Pope's Villa at Twickenham. Burial oftlieDuke of Saxe-Gotha, in 1804.' — " He forbade in his will, all ceremony at his burial, except such as is usual for his lowest subjects. He desired to be buried in his English garden, at the feet of the coffins con- taining the bodies of two of his already deceased children. No speech nor sermon to be pronounced, and no monument to be erected over him ; but he desires his second son. Prince Frederick, to place a tree upon his grave. To this prince he bequeaths his English garden, which is to be open, as formed}^, to all visitors. The simple burial ceremony of this sovereign took place on the night of the 25th, according to the wish expressed in his will. The reigning duchess, with her child in her arms, had, the evening before, strewed flowers round the grave. The midnight hour struck, when the body entered the garden, carried by the servants of the late duke. The walk to the island was laid with black cloth, with the boat that carried it over. The ceremony was only interrupted by the sighs and tears of all present." 43 Speaking of engravings of gardens, he says, " to sum up all, let nie again refer to the most beautiful plates ever given of old Eug'ibh gardens, nameh, to that at Oxneed Hall {fig- 43.), in the second volume of Mr. Britton's Vol. v.— No. 19. o 194 Feltoji^s Gleanhigs on Gardens. Arcliiteetural Anliqiiities, and to his exquisite copy of Kipps's view of the garden at Longleat (^^.44.), in the same splendid volume." 44 Home TooJce. — " No one delighted more in horticulture, and rural affairs, than Home Tooke. Cato of Utica could not have exceeded him in this attachment. The intention of Mr. Tooke certainly was to have been buried in his own garden, and he had prepared his vault, and tomb, in his richly cultivated garden at Wimbledon, where both Lord Camelford, and their joint friend. Lord Thurlow, with other men of rank, who admired his integrity, his overpoweriifg talents, and his genius, were proud to partake of his society. Part of the inscription which he had prepared for that tomb was, that he died ' content and grateful :' satisfied at having lived so Ions, and gratefully feeling a high sense of the Divine goodness in per- mitting it; a frequent conversation of his being on the wisdom, goodness, and beneficence of the Deity. Mr. Tooke closed his long and stormy life, after having survived the scorpion stings of slander, with an extraordinary degree of calmness and intrepidity. On his decease, however, his friends thought it best to bury him in the grave of his sister, at Ealing, at the age of seventy-seven, where the words content and grateful now form part of the inscription on that stone which covers the remains of that acute scholar, that richly gifted and most disinterested of men, whose dauntless mind made it his boast that 'no allurement or threat, no power or oppres- sion, nor life, nor death, thunder or lightning, shall ever force me to give way to corruption or influence, half the breadth of a single hair;' and who, when enforcing what he deemed beneficial to his country, thus addressed his jury : 'I protest, that if there stood a fire here, and I thought I could by that means affect your minds, and the minds of my countrymen, I would thrust my hand with pleasure into the fire, and burn it to ashes, whilst I was pleading before you.' And who, on another occasion, made this de- claration, ' I have never committed a single action, nor written a syllable in public or in private, nor entertained a thought (of an important political nature, when taken with all its circumstances of time, place, and occasion), Moggridge's Address to Glam, and Monm. Hort. Soc. 1 95 I wish either recalled or concealed ; I will die as I have lived, in the conn- mission of the only crime with which I can be charged during my whole life, the crime of speaking plainly \\\& plain truth.' In the early part of the life of this friendly and kind man, when he resided at Brentford, as a clergyman, no one was more beloved by his parishioners ; he administered every possible comfort to the poor; his sermons zealously enforced the excellence of that faith in which he had been educated." Our readers will see, from the last extract, that Mr. Felton has a jnst feeling for grand and generous sentiments, as well as a taste for gardens. The whole indeed of his excellent little work breathes the spirit of kind- ness and philanthropy. We should like to give him the use of Mr. Forsyth's library for two years, in order that he might find materials for two thick 8vo volumes instead of this fragment, the shortness of which every reader will regret. Wherever it is wished to create an enthusiasm for gardening pursuits, this little book should be thrown in the way. Moggridge, J. //., Esq., one of the Vice-Presidents of the Glamorgan and Monmouthshire Horticultural Society : An Introductory or Inaugural Address, delivered at the First Meeting of the Glamorgan and Mon- mouthshire Horticultural Society in the Town Hall, Cardiff, on Monday the 22d of September, 1 828. Cardiff. Pamph. pp. 20, 2 pis. The Address points out the enjoyments and advantages procured by the knowledge and practice of gardening, and states the objects of the institu- tion. These are, " not only to disseminate more widely the improved prin- ciples of the art of ornamental and landscape gardening, as applicable to the park, the pleasure-ground, and the pleasure-garden ; and to incite and encourage the better cultivation of the gardens of the labouring poor, as well as the better management of the kitchen-garden, the conservatory, and the hot-house of the rich ; but such a share of its attention as may be called for will be bestowed upon the production and cultivation of forest and fruit trees, shrubs of all kinds, flowers, and herbaceous plants, even the different kinds of grasses which ought to form important portions of the improved herbage of our meadow and pasture lands. To effect these pur- poses, at once so useful and gratifying, written communications on any of these subjects will be welcomed by the Committee of the Institution, and selections made for reading at its periodical meetings. The proceedings of similar Societies will also enter largely into the consideration of this Society, and occasional lectures be obtained when practicable, both in the theory and practice of horticulture, in the most enlarged sense contemplated; and such shows be established, and premiums given, as will direct the public attention to the subject, stimulate to useful emulation, and excite that kind of competition, which, whilst its success benefits and gratifies the individual, must be useful to society. Of the utility of such pursuits, the country in which we live affords abundant proof. .... In this country, and perhaps in the world, the Horticultural Society of London takes the lead in this career of general beneficence and universal good : it has agents ransack- ing distant regions for floral treasures ; its garden to rear, cultrvate, and protect them ; its members to disseminate them ; its corresponding societies to exchange with ; its splendid Transactions to record and describe them ; and its country and the world to benefit by them But greatly as the world, and this country in particular, is indebted, for the present advanced state of its knowledge and practice of horticulture in its different branches, to the patronage and exertions of useful societies and of distinguished individuals, it is to the attention which has in modern times been bestowed upon the first principles of the art, and the discoveries which have been raade in the arrangement and classification of plants, and, above all, to the more intimate acquaintance with their structure, functions, and properties, o 2 196 George's Cause of Dry Rot. which we have of late acquired, that we owe by far the greatest portion of the excellence we have attained." Mr. Moggridge pays a just tribute to Messrs. Loddiges and their establish- ment, " such as is not to be met with in the possession of any prince in Christendom." It is also highly gratifying to us to observe him duly appreciating the extraordinary genius of Dr. Darwin, whom, we believe, we are not singular in considering the greatest theoretical vegetable physiolo- gist that has appeared in this country. Dr. Darwin was the first to argue that every bud of a plant is an individual vegetable being; a fact which seems to have been neglected till it was brought into notice by M. du Petit- Thouars some years ago ; but now, when certain false doctrines (p. 175.) are giving way, will be received and acted on as it ought to be. The processes of vegetable life are explained and illustrated by plates, representing the umbilical vessels spread on the cotyledons of the bean, the spiral vessels of the vine leaf, the longitudinal fibres in the bark of the willow, and the continuous masses of tubes and cells in vegetable bodies. " Whilst the eye of every person of taste or sensibility is gratified by the beauty internal, as well as external, which vegetable life presents to his inspection, and whilst the exquisite skill and most decided marks of design which it exhibits, proclaim to the heart and the understanding that its Author is great and good, and wise beyond our utmost conception, we must be convinced that the encouragement this Society will hold out to the in- dustrious classes to look to their gardens, as a sure and certain source of never-failing amusement and profit, can be regarded only as an object of unmixed good. The comforts and benefits to be derived from a well cul- tivated garden, by a poor:man's family, are almost beyond calculation. What a resource for hours after work, or when trade is dull, and regular work scarce ! What a contrast and counteraction is the healthy manly employ- ment which a cottage garden affords, to the close, impure, unwholesome air, the beastliness and obscenity, the waste of time, the destruction of morals, the loss of character, money, and health, which are the inmates of too many common ale-houses ! The experiments of Lord Cawdor, Mr. Estcourt, and others, on a larger scale, in a neighbouring county, afford abundant confirmation to the belief, that, whilst the cultivation of the gar- den of the cottager increases the means of the maintenance and comforts of his family in no ordinary degree, in investing him with a property peculiarly susceptible of injury from trespass, it teaches him to respect the property of others." George, John, Esq., Barrister at Law : The Cause of the Dry Rot discovered ; with a Description of a Patent Invention for preserving decked Vessels from Dry Rot, and Goods on Board from Damage by Heat. London. 8vo, pp. 186, plates. The liability of timber used in the construction of ships and houses to be destroyed by what is called dry rot, has been long known as a misfor- tune, occasioning immense losses to private individuals, as well as to the nation in the premature decay of ships of war. No circumstance has more engaged the attention and pens of both practical and scientific men, than the discovery of a protection against this national evil. Many have been the causes assigned; and many expedients have been had recourse to, as means of prevention, but still without success. In general it has been attri- buted to imperfect seasoning; and, therefore, every effort has been made to prepare timber for use which should be free from liability to decay in this unaccountable manner, and though the cause has hitherto remained a secret, the effects are every day occurring to an alarming extent. The present writer has assigned as its cause an incident never adverted to by any previous writer on the subject, and what, indeed, many would have considered as rather useful than otherwise, and even, perhaps, em- George's Cause of Drj/ Rot. 197 ployed as a preventive, viz. the passing and repassing of currents of heat through the body of the timber. He took up this idea from an instance observed on his own premises, namely, the destruction of an inner door in his wine-cellar. This was a new deal door in an oak frame, which he had put up in 1821. It was well painted on both sides, and completed in the best manner. In 1825 or 1826 this new door was found so decayed, that the pressure of a thumb indented it, the interior having entirely lost its hardness and consistency, nothing but the coats of paint keeping it in form. This accident attracted his par- ticular attention, and intluceil him to commence a course of observations to ascertain the temperature of the air, both within and without the inner vault. The result was, his finding, as in all similar cases, that there was al- most constantly going on, an interchange of temperature from the interior to the exterior, or vice versa, of the vault, and chiefly through the sub- stance of the door. As there is a never-ceasing ascent of vapour raised by heat from the earth, and especially from any subterranean cavity such as the vault described, he found that the heat only passed through the door, leaving the globules of water condensed on the inside, when the heat was escaping outwards, and on the outside, when the sunmier heat was pressing inwards to maintain an equi- libritun of the general temperature. No moisture, however rarefied, could possibly pass through with the heat, the double coat of paint preventing. The heat, therefore, was the only agent to which the author could attribute the decomposition of the door, and it immediately occurred to him, that if timber can be protected from becoming a conductor of heat, or placed in equal temperature on both, or all sides, it will be free from any danger of dry rot. On this hypothesis or fact Mr. George has founded his plan of pre- vention, and has invented a curious and effective apparatus for ventilating ships and cargoes liable to damage from heat, and' for which he has ob- tained a patent. The inductions which led to the conclusion are detailed with the utmost minuteness by the author. The spontaneous transmission of heat from place to place, and from one body to another, is accurately and naturally given ; and though he conscientiously believes that the alternating transit of heat is the decomposing cause, he does not venture to explain how it acts to produce the effect. He offers a conjecture, however, which is to the fol- lowing purport : " Heat is capable of entering into combination with other things, and of making with them new and distinct substances, each sui generis, and which substances may be either in a gaseous, or a liquid, or a concrete and solid form. I think the process of vegetation, in the growing of timber trees causes a quantity of heat to enter into chemical combination, and in a concrete form, with other substances, and with them compose tim- ber. So that, I think, heat in a concrete form, and in that form, as a part of a visible material substance, visible to the eye, and having weight, like other substances, is one of the component parts of timber, and as well of other combustible substances." This combination, however, may be dis- rupted; and " my notion, then, as to how the current or stream of heat, in passing through timber, decays it, is, that when its motion is sufficiently quick, it, by degrees, disengages its sister heat in the timber from its chemi- cal combination in a concrete form with other substances, and makes it as- sume its original form or shape of active heat, whereupon they both pass out together, leaving the tiinber deprived of one of its component parts, which consequently becomes decomposed and rotten." (pp. 44,45.) " Should, however," he adds, " my notion on this matter be proved completely erro- neous, it will be of no consequence, my undertaking having been not to show how heat, by working its way through timber, decays it, but only the fact that it does so." o .S 198 George's Cause of Ihy Rot. "Whether simple heat ever exists in a concrete, visible, and ponderous form is at least enigmatical. That it is a principal agent in the combination and dissolution of matter is obvious and well known ; but that it should disengage any formerlj' combined portion of itself existing in a cellar door, or lower timbers of a ship, while the baker's peel, or mantle shelf over a fire- place, remains uninjured, is not so easily understood. Were it asserted that It dissolves and dissipates the resinous qualities whicii give adliesiveness and tenacity to the fibril tissue or structure of the timber, the explication would be at least plausible; but that there is such a thing as neutralised heat, and as such combined with resin, and which becomes fugitive in some cases (though not in all), on receiving an active current of itself, is not easily comprehended. Many would say, in the case of the door, that it was painted too soon, and before the deal of which it was made was thoroughly drained of its aqueous sap. This sap being confined by the impermeable coats of paint, would naturally be excited into a destructive fermentation by the current of heat, and in time cause rottenness. This is the way in which many would account for the destruction of the door; but this is presup- posing a case which there is no ground for believing existed; and as the author does not consider an explanation of the manner of the destruction necessary, so we consider it altogether unnecessary to express anything like scepticism as to the truth of his conclusions, or of the value of a discovery which promises such great and manifold advantages. There is one omission, however, in the account of the cellar door, which, had it been added, would have been strongly corroborative of the validity of the author's discover}', viz. whether the upper or lower part of the door, first began to decay. According to this gentleman's observations (and they are naturally faithful), the greatest quantity of heat, both in degree and ra- pidity, passed and repassed the upper part of the door; in course, if heat be the destroyer, this must have been damaged some time before the lower part. The author treats the notion of those v/ho believe that the dry rot is caused by a fungus, as he says himself, " rather unceremoniously." (p. 46.) But here he betrays some want of knowledge as a naturalist. Can he be ignorant that the almost invisible roots, if such they may be called, of this occult tribe of vegetables, have the power of changing the colour and con- stitution of both mineral and vegetable bodies, without showing any external sign of their existence ? While the filaceous structure of even the common mushroom, one of the most palpable of the tribe, is luxuriating in darkness, and dry heat, decomposing the consistence, and devouring the colour and qualities of the soil in which it is placed, not a vestige of its fructification is to be seen on the surface. This does not appear till long after the plant has full possession of the place ; and no doubt many instances of unac- countable spontaneous decomposition, are caused by invisible funguses which have never yet been detected by the naturalist ; so minute is their organi- sation ; their existence being only suspected from a view of their effects. The cure for this great and, by all accounts, increasing evil, the author pro- poses to accomplish by a new and ingenious mode of effective ventilation. By the apparatus described, and the manner of working it by indications of thermometers, an equality of temperature may be maintained in the deepest recesses, as in all other parts, of a ship or house. An equal degree of heat on all sides will pervade the whole fabric, so that this subtle ele- ment will never be attracted by colder substances, nor any transmission of it from place to place kept up. For instance, if, as is usually the case, the water in which a ship floats is colder than the confined air of the hold, the cooled planking of the sides will naturally attract the interior heat which will pass through outwards leaving condensed, on the inner surface, the water which it holds in solution. In this case, the thermometer in the hold will indicate the disparity, and the engine man will innnediately pump out the warmer air of the hold, to admit a volume of colder air to descend in its Jfido'ioson's Present State of Van Diemans Land. 199 place. Now, though this would take place without the aid of machinery, the extra-heat of the hold escaping at the scuttles and gangways, yet in closely decked vessels, the process is too slow for the requisite purpose of thorough ventilation. By the machinery recommended, any decked ship may, at any time, be completely ventilated from stem to stern ; and the consequences held forth by its adoption, are, durability of the timbers, safety to the cargo, and, what is not less material, highly conducive to the health of the crew. In order to seize every advantage arising from this discovery, and to col- lect proofs of its efficiency, it may be worth while to enquire whether ships stationed in high latitudes are more liable to decay from dry rot, than those more frequently in lower. The affirmation must follow from Mr. George's doctrine, and especially as it regards the ships employed in the late Arctic ex- peditions ; because it is impossible, consistently with the comfort of the crews, to maintain any thing like equably of temperature, within and without the ship. A vessel in such a region must be a nucleus of radiation of heat, and by consequence, her external timbers must be a constant channel to the cur- rent of its escape. Respecting the liability of ships of war to dry rot, attention should be given to the steam-bending process of compass timbers ; it being questionable, whether timber remains the same, as to structure and durability, after, as it is before, undergoing this unconstitutional flexure. We have often, ourselves, when on board ship, conceived the idea of both pumping and ventilating the hold of a ship by machinery worked by the vessel's motion. Any contrivance, and especially the author's apparatus, would be far better than the ivindsails now in use. Fully sensible of the great national importance of this new discovery, we sincerely hope to witness or hear of the complete success of the under- taking ; and that Mr. George will receive the reward, as well as the credit, of giving to his country one of the most valuable of modern improvements. — J.M. Widowson, Henry, Esq., late Agent to the Van Dieman's Land Agricultural Establishment : Present state of Van Dieman's Land ; comprising an Ac- count of its Agricultural Capabilities, with Observations on the present State of Farming, (fee, pursued in that Colony: and other important Mat- ters connected with Emigration. Dedicated by Permission to the Right Honourable Lord Althorp. London. 8vo, pp. 200, with a Map. 8,s. 6d This writer agrees with those who have preceded him, in considering Australasia the most favourable country for Britons to emigrate to, and Van Dieman's Land as the preferable settlement there. A few years ago, he says, this settlement was literally a " den of thieves ; " but the sort of ta- lent called forth there in order to live, being of a peaceful kind, the reforma- tion which has taken place in the moral character of the convicts, " is really astonishing." The truth is that nine tenths of the sinners against the laws of society, have become so from the difficulty of procuring the means of existence in the regular way, and it is only the few whose tastes have been vitiated by a long course of depravity, that will not or do not become honest, when from plenty they can afford to be so. Mr. Widowson contemplates the independence of New Holland, and Van Dieman's Land, at no very distant period ; but, like a liberal and enlightened man, sees^only in this the natural progress of things, and the increase of human happiness. The idea of one great power, having colonies and dominions all over the world, is only suitable for a certain state of the world ; as all mankind become en- lightened and free, nations and governments will settle themselves down into those magnitudes and forms, which are found to afford the greatest quantity of personal liberty and happiness at the least possible expense. -No man will ever question the advantages to Great Britain and Ireland, of o 4 200 DanieU's View of the Palais Royal. the union of the two islands, which took place in 1801 : but, if knowledge were so universal as that nations were governed by opinion, by the press, in short, by the newspapers ; if standing armies were no more necessary for nations than coats of mail are for individuals ; if commerce were as free as it one day certainly will be ; if these things, and those which will inevitably be connected with them, were to take place, the independence of Ireland might become as advantageous for both countries in 2001, as their union was two centuries before. In the meantime the system of colonies and distant possessions must go on; because Providence has fixed upon the necessity of transporting convicts, and providing for the sons of the British aristocracy, as the means of civilising the world, and of planting every where the most improved variety of the iuiiiian species. A chapter is devoted to the state of gardening in the colony, from which we do not find much to extract, that is not already given in our notice of the Tasmmiian Almanac. (Vol. III. p. 4G2.) " Cucumbers, pumpkins, and melons, can be raised under glass in the spring, and in the open air, during summer, cither by hotbeds, or by the assistance of dung, in the open grounds The vine has been cultivated in Tasmania with great success, and wine of a sui)erior quality has been made from the grape. The apple and peach, where they have been attended to, grow plentifull}' throughout the island : I have seen fruit, of moderate size, grow on grafts that really were not fit to unbandage. The different kinds of apple common in England have been introduced into the island. The cherry appears well adapted for the climate, and thrives well. The raspberry and strawberry grow more abundantly than in any place I ever saw; they appear to yield more fruit than they do in England, especially the former. Currants and gooseberries are grown by almost everybody who has a garden. Pears, plums, and damascenes, have not yet made much progress ; nevertheless, every tree that England can produce may be grown in the colony, and many species that cannot stand the winter in England, will flourish in the open air in Tas- mania. The myrtle and geranium are constantly green, and wear a beauti- ful appearance throughout the winter." Daniell, W., Esq. R.A. : View of the Palais Royal, as it will appear after the Completion of the Improvements. These are two aqua-tinta prints of considerable size. The improvements are chiefly an immense hall covered with a curvilinear glass roof, and con- taining, along the sides of the hall, a row of shops with small rooms over. Each shop has a small fire-place, the chimney of which is a cast-iron tube, which forms the newel or spindle of a geometrical winding staircase. The chimney, which terminates this newel, is carried as high as the glass" roof, and is of a handsome shape. The whole building is elegant, both externally and internally ; and the covered saloon, whether in the day lighted from the roof, or at night from gas, forms a commodious and highly interesting lounge. Viewed, however, with reference to the health of this part of Paris, we think it should not have been erected; the Palais Royal was before a pent up enclosure, and is now two pent up enclosures. Kennedy, L. and Granger, 2\ B. : The present State of the Tenancy of Land in Great Britain ; showing the principal Customs and Practices between incoming and outgoing Tenants, &C. London. 8vo. " We have risen from the perusal of this work, with feelings of much satisfaction, and an accession of useful information, relative to the customs connected with the tenancy of land. We strongly recommend the volume to the attention of the farming interest, as embracing a compilation of the various systems of husbandry adopted in different counties, and developing many local particulars that cannot fail to be regarded as novel and interest- ing." {Farm. Mag., Nov. 1828.) i •- BritisJi J^ooh. ' 201 Strictland, G., Esq. : A Discourse on the Poor Laws of England and Scot- land, on the Poor of Ireland, and on Emigration. London. 8vo. os. 6d. Contents: — Introduction. Importance of the Subject. Evidence. Plans for the Repeal of the Poor Laws of England. OrigiH of the Poor Laws. Causes of their present State. Forty-third of Elizabeth, chap. 1. Vagrancy. Effects of the Poor Laws in England. Delays in improving them. Bill brought into Parliament in June, 1827. Marriage of Paupers. Poor Laws of Scotland. Irish Labourers. Emigration. Poor of Ireland. Amount of the Poor Rates in England and Wales. Appeals. Poor Rates in the Northern Counties. General View of the Poor Laws. Conclusion. Tovey, Thomas, Esq. : Author of " Cheltea, a Descriptive Poem," Sec. : An earnest Address to all Ranks of People in the United Kingdom ; wherein is shown, that a much larger Supply of Provision may be easil}' raised for its Inhabitants; Taxes much lessened, particularly tiie Tax for maintain- ing the Poor; Emigration become needless; and the Prosperity of the Nation greatly promoted. To which is adtled a Sketch of a Petition to Parliament on the Subject. Cheltenham. Pamph. 12mo, pp.22. Large farms the author considers the principal cause of the dearth of pro- visions, and of course he would create small farms, and with Lord Brown- low's father, " Rather build two cottages than suffer one to be annihilated." PhilHps, Sir Richard, Author of various Works, and especially of a Num- ber of excellent School-Books : A Personal Tour through the L^nited Kingdom, describing living Objects and contemporaneous Interests. No. I. Bedfordshire, Northamptonshire, Leicestershire. London. Svo. A very cheering picture is given of the state of education in these counties : the means of obtaining instruction are becoming more and more within the reach of those who may be willing to be instructed, of whatever class. Newspapers, public and circulating libraries, book societies, and schools of all kinds, are springing up in every direction. {Westminster Rev., Jan. 1829.) dine, the late Henry, Esq., Surgeon : Observations on the Breeding and Form of Domestic Animals. Svo. \s. 6d. Trimmer, Joshua Kirby : Practical Observations on the Improvement of British Fine Wool, and the National Advantages of the Arable System of Sheep Husbandry; with remarks on the Saxon and French Systems. Price 3s. Stanhope, the Earl : A Letter to the Owners and Occupiers of Sheep Farms. With the Evidence before the Committee of the House of Lords on the Wool Trade, Price 4s. Harding's Farmer^ s Account Book. New edition. Price 21 5. for a year, or 105, 6d. for a half-year, book. This work, having been patronised by the nobility, gentry, and farmers in general, for many years, is recommended, with increased confidence, to the notice of all persons concerned in agricultural affairs. Wright's Catalogue of New and Second-hand Works on Agriculture, Gar- dening, Planting, Farriery, Sporting, and Rural Affairs in general. Price \s. Lindley, John, Esq. F.R.S. L.S. G.S. &c. Professor of Botany in the London University : A Synopsis of the British Flora ; arranged according to the Natural Orders ; containing Vasculares or Flowering Plants. London. 12mo. 105. 6d. boards. 202 Annates de la Socieie de Horticulture de Paris. The Gooseherry-Growei' s Register ; or, an account of the different Goose- berry Shows held in Lancashire, Cheshire, and other parts of the Kingdom, for the Year 1828. Salford. 16mo. Is. 8d. Arcana of Science, arid Annual Register of the Useful Arts. Abridged from the Transactions of Public Societies, and from the Scientific Journals, British and Foreign, of the past Year. Illustrated with 52 Engravings. London. 12mo. 5s. We refer to Vol. IV. p. 146. for our opinion of the first volume of this work, in which we are confirmed by the present volume. We do not know a book containing such a varied and useful mass of information, and sold so cheap ; and we consider it particularly suitable as presents from masters to their gardeners, and to male servants of every description. We should like to see an attempt made to cultivate the intellects and improve the morals of coachmen and footmen, by putting books of this kind into their hands, and we do not know a better one to begin with. France. Annates de la Societe d' Horticultu7-e de Paris, 8fc. Paris. In 8vo Livraisons, monthly. 15/r. in Paris, 18/r. in London, for 12 Livraisons (one year). Liv. X. and XI. for June and July, 1828, contain On the Walnut with variable changeable Leaves {iuglans regia hetero- phylla). By M. Jacques. — Notwithstanding the very general culture of the walnut, but few varieties have been obtained, except in the size of the fruit. The most remarkable of those is called the St. John's, which deserves cultivation, especially in northern countries, because it is much later in flowering than the other varieties, and, consequently, escapes the late spring frosts ; but, being a shy bearer, it should be propagated by grafts or layers. The various-leaved variety is met with near the little town of Saint Pourfain, department of Allier, 79 leagues from Paris. The habit of the tree is singular ; the fruit is of a lengthened round shape, unlike the com- mon, is large, and has a tender shell. A note to the foregoing description, by M. Vilmorin, states that this variety of walnut was first noticed by M. le Comte Montbron at Clervoux near Chatellerault in 1812, and was then described in the Almanach du bon Jardinier. Its picturesque appearance among forest trees constitutes its chief value ; the branches being pendulous like those of the weeping ash. An additional note, on the same subject, by M. Loiseleur-Deslongchamps, informs us that this variety of walnut has been long known in France, and that it has been sometimes called 5iiglans expdnsa. The last writer mentions another variety deserving notice, viz. the grape walnut, from the manner of the fruit growing in bunches of 10, 15, or even 20 together, and, consequently, yielding great crops. The Culture of Roses. By M. Vibert, nurseryman, formerly of Chene- vieres, now of Saint Denis. — Watering the plants during summer is en- joined as essential to success. Even the stocks for budding on should be kept well watered, to insure strength of shoots. The month of June is the proper time for budding, provided the weather is not too dry ; cloudy weather, and on mornings and evenings, are the most suitable times of the day for that operation. M. Vibert advises a summer regulation of the shoots, by disbudding, pinching off the tops of over-luxuriant shoots, of the stocks, as well as of the worked plants. Even the footstalks of the faded flowers, he says, should be cut off as a means of encouraging the general growth of the plant. Stopping the shoots, from which buds are intended to be taken, strengthens the bud, and is a good practice, especially with such sorts as the Provins. Frequent watering greatly assists the striking of layers. Shade the more delicate sorts, or keep them in north aspects. Annales de la Societe de Horticulture de Pans. 203 Observations on the Puceron lanigtre (A'pkis mali). By M. de Noyelle. — This insect is oviparous ; commits its greatest ravages about the middle of August, and from that time till the end of September; it then attains its full growth, and is fecundated; runs over all the tree, resting in the places where it finds the greatest supply of sap, on which it lives, and consequently exhausts the plant. The eggs are laid in the crevices of the bark, and in punctures made by the animal itself. Over these punctures little tume- factions are visible, caused by the extravasation of the sap. This insect is found on the willow (.Salix vitellina), as well as on the apple; it prefers the sweetest-tasted apple trees, and such as grow on a dry soil, rather than those on a stronger damp soil. M. de Noyelle tried many different things to kill or banish these insects, viz. soap-suds, soda, potash, decoctions of walnut leaves, and white-wash of lime, without avail. At last he tried sulphate of lime, and his success was complete. Three years' experience confirms this discovery. He thus describes his practice : — " Towards the end of February I examine my trees, and wherever I see nodosities which contain the eggs, I cut them smoothly off with a knife. I move the earth from around the bottom of the tree, to see whether they have fixed them- selves on the neck, or point of junction between the stem and the roots ; if nodosities appear there also, they are pared off. I then, with a large brush made of bristles, and one of a smaller size to enter the crevices, wash my trees from head to foot. A good workman will go over a great many trees in a day ; but, as it often happens that some of the crannies or retreats of the insects are not reached, it is necessary that the washing shoultl be repeated the following year. The composition should be laid on before the buds swell ; as its caustic quality would be detrimerital. Lofty trees are washed by means of a hand pump or engine. The compo- sition is thus prepared: — Boil in six or eight parts of water, two parts of quicklime, and one part flour of sulphur, for a quarter of an hour ; then strain through a hair sieve ; when it is ready for use. It should be always well shaken before it is used. A New Process j)^'oposed for destroying the JMole Cricket, {fig. 45.) By M. Robert, Director of the Botanic Garden at Toulon. — Farmers and gardeners have long complained of the damage sustain- ed in their crops of peas and beans, from the mole crickets; and without being acquainted with any efficient means of destroying them. "I ^lir capture them," says ''^^f the writer, "by plac- ing fresh sods or turves, on the beds or borders of the garden where any traces of the insects are seen. These turves, being well watered over- night, attract the insects to hide under them, where they may be easily caught in the morning. This scheme persisted in, will soon rid any place infested with them, especially during the months of April, May, and June." The mole cricket is very common in the neighbourhood of Paris, but not very frequent in Britain. The only place where we happen to have seen it is in the pleasure-grounds at Syon, in the moist turf along the artificial river. The figure we now give is from a drawing made from nature, by a young lady, from an insect she found in the neighbourhood of Salisbury, and sent us in order to ascertain its name. The drawing, Mr. Sowerby observed, was beautifully done; and this notice of it will, we hope, begrati- 204 Annales de la Societe de Horticulture de Paris. fj'ing to our correspondent, and encourage her and others to take an interest in such things, and render us similar services. Liv. XII. for August, 1828. The semicircular Kitchen-garden of M. de\Rouvroy, of Lisle, with a plan, {fig. 46.) — This garden is a parallelogram of between 500 and 600 ft. in length, and about half that extent in width. It is divided longitudinally into two nearly equal parts. The one part is laid out in two divisions separated by a vacant space in the middle (a), and these again subdivided into regular compartments for the growth of vegetables {bed). The other, and principal, part of the garden, is divided by brick walls 12 feet high, into irregular slips. These v^alls are not straight, but more or less curved, according to their respective positions {efg). The walls are all sections of ellipses, each having proper foci, except the inner one (//) which is a semicircle. There are four such walls ; the outer one embracing all the others, and extending nearly the whole length of the garden. The pecu- liar curvature of these fruit walls, is said to combine all the advantages of the best aspects, and so to concentrate the sun's heat, that fruits ripen upon them, and vegetables perfect in the borders in front of them, much sooner than in right-lined walls or borders. The committee to which this plan was referred admit the truth of the inventor's allegations, as far as respects the concentration of heat, and therefore think that such walls would be suitable for such fruits as the fig, the pomegranate, &c., and the borders, for such vegetables as the pastick (Cucurbita Citridltis), the sweet potato (Convolvulus Batatas), and the Lima bean (Phaseolus lunatus); but doubts are entertained whether, on light warm soils, the heat would not be too much for the generality of our espalier fruits. The two north angles of the parallelogram {i A) are filled up with fruit-tree nurseries. Curvilinear fruit walls were in vogue many years since in Britain. They were contrived for the purpose of obtaining a longer supply of wall Iruit, by placing the same sorts of fruit trees on different aspects, and thereby hastening or retarding the ripening : but they had not the desired effect ; and in windy weather it was found that they generated such sweeping gusts, that much damage occurred to the trees, and thus the plan fell into disrepute. Note on the common Caterpillar. By M. Daudville. — This, from the description, appears to be the ^ombyx dispar of Linnaeus. It breeds on and devours^the leaves, flowers, and even the young shoots, of apple trees ; Vallefs Catalogue of Roses. 205 stripping tiieni so as to give the orchards the appearance of winter. Every means to destroy them have been tried by the orchardists in the neighbour- bourhood of Saint Quentin, but without success. The writer earnestly begs the assistance of the Society in this case, and hopes for advice from some of their readers. — J. M. , Jacqu'm, MM., freres, Seedsmen, Florists, and Nurserymen : Essai sur la Culture, la Nomenclature, et la Classification des Dahlia, [now Georgiwa.] Paris. Pamph., pp. 5 \ . Three hundred varieties of this genus are now on the lists, and the pro- duce from seeds are every year increasing the number. The interests of trade, and gratification of the amateur, call for some kind of arrangement, in naming this extensive family. The Messrs. Jacquin, therefore, have divided their collection into eight principal groups, founded on their dif- ference of colour, viz. white, rose, violet, crimson, flame, yellow, red, and streaked. These are again divided into sections, as ivory-white, lily-white, deep rose, &c., or other terms indicating arbitrary properties. Their cata- logue contains 269 varieties. — J. M. Vallet, M., aine. Member of the Soc. of Agr. of the Department of the Lower Seine, and of the Soc. of Hort. of Paris, Nurseryman, Rouen, a very worthy man: Catalogue des Roses, Rouen. Pamph. 12mo pp. 42. M. Vallet comes annually to London with a stock of roses for sale; and, among other fine sorts, he has introduced the following : — In December, 1826. — Rose Due de Choiseuil maculee ; rose double, grande (Provins). Georgina Mars ; petite, tres pleine, et tres vive (Prov.). Phedre; rouge, tres pleine, forte (Prov.). Syrius; d'un cramoisi brillant, double, moyenne (Prov.). In February, 1828. — Mousseuse eclatante; tres vive, pas extremement double, moyenne. De la Hogue ; carnee, tres grande et tres pleine, hy- bride de centfeuille, et de ffosa alba. Sophie de Baviere; presqne blanche, moyenne, tres pleine {R. alba). Bengal Darius; eearlate, tres j)leine, moy- enne. Princesse de Nassau; hybride de Rose muscade et de R. Noisette, blanche, double, moyenne. In February, 1829. — Due de la Rochefoucault Liancourt ; rose tres grande, tres pleine (Prov.). Guillanme le Conquerant ; cramoisi tres fonce- velout^ et macule de feu et de blanc moyenne, tres pleine (Prov.). Ma Pupille; hybride de R- semperflorens, couieur ardoise, extremement pleine, moyenne. Jeanne Hachette; pale rose Dmnas, tres pleine, , tres grande. Mousseuse Zoe. Moussene Partout ; sur le bois, sur les epines, sur et sous les feuilles : lorsqiie I'arbre est vigoureux, ses feuilles, qui out une teinte pourpre pendant les mois de Mai et Juin, ressemblent a celles du I'orme a feuilles crispees. Mousseuse rouge ; extremement double, son bois res- semble a celui du Rosier Pimprenelle (Scotch rose). Admiral Nelson ; rose tres grande, tres double (Prov.). Comte de Vandes ; rose tres grande et tres double. Constance Zacarias ; rose tres grande, et tres double (Prov.). La Normande ; rose, tres double grande (Prov.). Rose Verte de Rouen (18271 {R. alba) ; tres double, moyenne. Noisette Charles X. ; rouge (Bengal). Sempervirens a fleurs pleines, blanches. Eve. Magnifique Tassin. Beaute du Jour. Henriette a fleurs pleines. Le Lilas Charles X. Tarade, M. Alfred de, Member of the Hort. Soc. of Paris: Culture des Hosiers ecussonnes sur Egiantiers. Paris. Pamph. pp. 51. This tract has been translated, and the essence of it is given in Vol. IV. p. 381. 206 French Books. Vibert, J. P., Member of the Hort. Soc. of Paris, and Cultivator of Roses at St. Denis, an intelligent, honest, and very excellent man : 1. Essai sur les Roses. Premiere Livr. Paris. 8vo, pp. 83. 1824. 2. Essai sur les Roses. Deuxieme Livr. pp. 80. 1826. 3. Observations sur la Nomenclature et Classement des Roses, suivies du Catalogue de celles cultivees par I'Auteur. pp. 54. 1827. Monceau, Duhamel du : Traitd des Arbres Fruitiers. Nouv. edit, par Poiteaii et Turpin. Livr. 46. Paris. Folio. 1/. IO5. Re'doute: Choix des plus belles Fleurs, prises dans difFerentes families du regne vegetal, &c. Livr. 9, 10. Paris. 4to. 12*. each. Loiseleur Deslongckamps, M., Member of various Societies : 1. Flore Generale de la France. Livr. 1, 2. Paris. 8vo, 6s. each ; 4to, 125. 2. Essai sur I'Histoire des Muriers et des Vers-a-Soie, et sur les Moyens de faire chaque annee plusieurs recoltes. Paris and London. 8vo. 3s. Risso, M. A., Ancien Professeur des Sciences Physiques et Naturelles au Lycee de Nice, Membre de plusieurs Academies et Societes savantes : Histoire Naturelle des principales Productions de I'Europe Meridionale, et particulierement de celles desEnvirons de Nice et des Alpes Maritimes. Paris and London. 5 vols. 8vo, orne de 46 planches et de 2 cartes g^ologiques. En noire, ol. lOs.; col. Gl. \.5s, Brard, C. P. : Mineralogie appliquee aux Arts, ou Histoire des Mineraux qui sont employes dans 1' Agriculture, I'E'conomie domestique, la Mede- cine, la Fabrication des Sels, des Combustibles, et des Mdtaux, I'Architec- ture et la Decoration, la Peinture et le Dessin, les Arts Mecaniques, la Bijouterie et la Jouaillerie ; ouvrage destine aux artistes, fabricans, et entrepreneurs. Paris and London. 5 forts vols. 8vo, 15 pis. 1/. is. Parmentier, A., and N. Deyeux : Precis d'Experiences et Observations sur les diff^rentes Especes de Lait, considerees dans leurs rapports avec la Chimie, la Medecine, et I'E'conomie Rurale. Paris and London. 8vo. 4*. Anon. : Instruction sur les Paratonnerres, adoptee par I'Academie Ro)'ale des Sciences, et reimprimee avec autorisation de S. E. le Ministre de rinterieure. Paris and London. 1 vol. 8vo, 2 pis. 2s. Richardot, Ch. : Systeme (nouveau) d'Appareils contre les Dangers de la Foudre et le Fleau de la Grele. Paris and London. 8vo. Is. 6d. Remusaf, Charles: Mme. Guizot, Conseils de Morale, ou Essais sur I'homme, les meurs, les caracteres, les grands, les femmes, I'education, &c., avec une notice sur sa vie. Paris. 2 vols. 8vo. is*. Bidaut, J. N., Author of Du Monopole qui s^elablit dans les Arts Industiiels et le Commerce: De la Mendicite, de ses Causes et des Moyens de la detruire en France. Paris. Pamph. pp. 39. The essential causes of mendicity the author considers to be the mono- polies of territorial property, commercial capital in the form of machines, and the monopoly of knowledge. His remedies are, colonisation, culti- vation of waste lands, the division of extensive properties in land, the abandonment of machinery and manufactures, the dissemination of useful knowledge among the people, so as to elevate their manners and sentiments, the suppression of missionaries (du clerge nomade) and of the Jesuits, and the modification of charitable institutions in such a way as that the indi- German Books. — Ldterary Notices. 207 vidiials who took refuge in them should be obliged to work as hard as those who supported themselves by their labour ; in short, he would turn what in Eni'land are called piirish workhouses into manufactories. There are a oood many benevolent and wise suggestions in this pamphlet, mixed with erroneous notions with respect to the influence of machinery, the accumu- lation of capital, and the interference of government. Germany. Vei-handlungen des Vereins, ^c. Transactions of the Russian Gardening Society, t. 1828, p. 70.') Very few gardeners have had a regular education to the extent which is here contemplated : it behoves them, therefore, to make up for the de- ficiency by a regular course of self-instruction at their leisure hours, begin- ning with the lesser things, and ascending to the greater {Encyc. of Gard., part iv. book ii. chap, ii.) ; and, above all things, taking care that they are thoroughly educated in their profession, and in moral conduct and manners. The Mental Imjirovement of the great Bodi/ of the People, by the Society for the Diffusion of Useful Knowledge. — However well meant the efforts of the Useful Knowledge Society may be, " it is said, they are producing a serious mischief, which will, in no long period of time, alter the face of so- ciety. We are far, say those objectors, from urging the old exploded argu- ment; that the common people will cease to work, if you teach them to read or to think, and to take a delight in learning; and from pressing the still more chimerical apprehension, that learning will puff them up, which it assuredly never can do, when it is no distinction. But there are fears of a very different nature, they contend, and which deserve serious attention. The poor will work, and, as regards one another, they will not be elated, because they will rise equally m the progress of improvement ; but they will fill a new situation as regards their superiors ; they will no longer give rank and property their due respect ; the distance will be removed, which made it easy to confront them ; and the body of the people, being now better in- formed than the upper classes, as they are incalculably more numerous, the union of physical and moral power must shake the whole order of society, and may destroy its frame entirely. Hence, say these reasoners, although a certain share of knowledge may be both safe and wholesome to the people, it is unnecessary for their sakes, and will prove unsafe for the state, to give them a complete education in matters of science, and other liberal branches of knowledge. " We admit the inference deduced, if the fact here assumed were cor- rectly stated. The assumption is, that the people are to acquire a liberal education, or improve rapidly, while the upper classes must remain igno- rant, and stand still. If this were the case, — if it were necessary that the line should be drawn to exclude the rich from the pale of knowledge, as it must needs be to exclude the mass of the people from that of wealth, — if, in a word, there were any thing to give the body of the people a mono- poly of the power which resides in knowledge, as they already have, and must always have, that which resides in numbers, — it is manifest that there would be an end of the present state of society altogether. But this is not only unlike the truth ; it is the reverse of the truth ; and nothing but a degeneracy and self-abandonment, utterly inconceivable on the part of the upper classes, can ever make it approach to the truth. The easy circumstances in which they are happily placed, give them such an enviable command of their time, that they can always, with hardly any sacrifice, far outstrip, in mental improvement, their less fortunate neighbours. The daily labours of the working classes affix narrow limits to their studies ; and al- though they may well, within these bounds, and without encroaching upon their hours of needful toil or repose, cultivate their faculties, store their minds with knowledge, and elevate their tastes above low pursuits, they can never hope to rise as high in these respects as [)crsons whose time is almost entirely at their own conmiand, and whose wealth gives them a thou- sand helps to learning." After noticing the thirty-four treatises published by the Society uj) to August, 1828, and comprising a mass of information, nearly equal to that General Education, 225 contained in four thousand octavo pages, for 1 T*., witli numerous original and admirably executed figures, and giving some interesting quotations from the recent historical treatises, the reviewer thus concludes : " Upon these things we fondl}^ dwell. They are worthy of the society. If to teach men the sciences which help them in their ordinary pursuits to better their condition, or afford them innocent recreation, or elevate and improve their minds, be to impart useful knowledge; assuredly it is conferring no less precious a blessing upon the species, ^radically to inculcate those prin- ciples, and to cherish those feelings, which, if they prevailed generally, in but a small degree of the intenseness wherewithal they glow in the bosoms of the wise and the good of all sects and all parties, would banish from the earth cruelty and oppression, but chiefly war — the worst enemy of human happiness, and, to every effectual improvement, the insurmountable ob- stacle." {Edinburgh Review, Sept. 1828.) The Master-Principle of Pestalozzi, with respect to the application of knowledge, is, that the poor are our brethren. His great maxim is, that no man, be his station ever so humble, or his life ever so laborious, ought to be without knowledge, nay, without science ; and that the pleasures of philosophy are both accessible to all classes, and reconcilable with the habits and hardships of the most hard-working men. {Ed. Rev., Jan. 1828.) Pes- talozzi's system of instruction is essentially the same as that of Bell and Lancaster; a system evidently produced'by the demands of the age, since it appears to have been invented about the same time by three individuals in different parts of the world, and unknown to each other. Pestalozzi added, or attempted to add, the manual labour of the pupils, partly instead of recreative amusements, and partly with a view to pay the expense of in- struction. It appears that his plan has been modified a little in America, and found successful ; and Dr. Duncan a/pears to have introduced it in the neighbourhood of London. It seems peculiarly adapted for the children in public asylums and charitable institutions. Infant Schools. — The advantages which infants derive from example, from exercise, amusement, and occupation for the mind and feelings, in the society of each other, under the guidance of a kind teacher, and with some- thing like the privileges and duties of a community, are so numerous and conspicuous, that we shall soon have the nurseries of Moray Place, Charlotte Square, and Great King Street, converted into infant schools; those who have large apartments, and qualified governesses, making interest to have the chil- dren of their less wealthy or less fortunate friends or acquaintances sent to their houses for common instruction. The influence of the sympathy of numbers, in restraining the more dangerous, and strengthening all the better feelings, as well as in agreeably stimulating to the acquisition of knowledge, during infancy especially, is very great {Scotsman, Jan. 17. 1829.) Reading, as a means of educating the Feelmgs, or forming the taste, should never at any one time be pushed to an extent beyond what is agreeable to the feelings. Science must be dealt with in a different manner. It must be followed out as a task ; and the difficulties to be overcome, the labour to be endured, have a salutary effect on the individual subjected to them, not oppressed by them. History should also be read steadily and upon sjs- tem. {Ibid., Feb. 18. 1829.) Paintings and Engravings, as Means of Instruction. — Painting, were the use of it universal, would be a powerful means of instruction to children and the lower orders ; and were all the fine surfaces, which are now plain, and absolutely wasted, enriched with the labours of the art, if they once be- gan to appear, they would accumulate rapidly ; and were the ornamented edifices open to all, as freely as they ought to be, a wide field of new and agreeable study would offer itself. A person, who thoroughly understood the well-chosen subjects, and was qualified to explain them to a stranger, Vol. V. — • No. 1 9. 2 226 Garden Libraries. could not be devoid of knowledge, nor could his mind want food for con- stant contemplation. The sense of beauty has hitherto been little culti- vated in Great Britain ; but it certainly exists, and shows itself principally in laying out gardens and pleasure-grounds with unrivalled skill. (£rf. Rev.^ Sept. 1828.) Art. IX. Garden Libraries. The East Lothian Itinerating Juvenile and Village Libraries' — The fifth report of this Institution, for 1826 and 1827, affords a most gratifying instance of the good which it continues to do. The mass of society in England is not yet prepared for the establishment of such libraries, but we hope it soon will be ; and we hope, also, that we shall soon hear of their establishment in other countries : to North America they appear particularly suitable. It appears, from this report, that similar libraries are already established there, as well as in diiferent counties in Scotland. The following extracts will be read with interest : — " The object of this institution is to furnish all the towns and villages of the county with libraries of useful books. The books are arranged into divisions of fifty volumes, which are stationed in one place for two years, where they are issued gratuitously to all persons above twelve years of age, who agree to take care of them : after this period they are removed, or exchanged with other divisions. " The institution is supported by the subscriptions and donations of benevolent individuals, societies, and annual reading subscribers of 5s. and upwards. " In order to induce the readers at the different stations to promote the reading of the books amongst their neighbours, the manager will in future remove the library where there has been the fewest issues of books during the preceding two years, for at least one year. " As it is always found that the books which have been in stationary libraries for eight or ten years are very little read, the manager of this in- stitution [Mr. Samuel Brown, ironmonger, Haddington] is willing to send one or more divisions to the managers of such, on condition that they allow him to send an equal number of their books to another station ; and if this arrangement does not give general satisfaction to their subscribers or readers, he will return their books at the general exchange, on receiving timeous notice. The great advantage of such an arrangement will appear from an experiment made in 1821 with a library at North Berwick, con- sisting of about 185 volumes, where the issues had fallen off to about 20 per annum. Four divisions of the itinerating libraries were exchanged for them, and sent to North Berwick, Kingston, and Fenton ; the annual issues from which are now 928. On an average of six years, the annual issues from them have been 863. " As the county of East Lothian is an agricultural district, an agricultural branch, consisting chiefly of books on rural affairs and implements of hus- bandry, has been added to this institution ; and the books will be kept in Haddington until they cease to be called for there, after which they will be gradually incorporated with the itinerating divisions. " Annual subscribers of five shillings to this branch, shall be entitled to the use of the new books for the first two years, after wiiich they shall be issued gratuitously to farm servants, grooms, foresters, and smiths and Wrights engaged in the construction of implements of husbandry, and others interested in agriculture. Donations from agricultural societies and indi- viduals to this branch shall be wholly employed in the purchase, binding, Garden Libraries. 227 and repairs of books on rural affairs, and the expenses incidental to them. And a statement of the intromissions of the manager on account of this branch, shall be regularly laid before the committee of the United Agricul- tural Societj^ of East Lothian. " The prison at Haddington, and two Sabbath schools in the neighbour- hood, have been supplied, as in former years, from the Haddington divi- sions : — the sloops Christian and Margai'et, the Commerce, the Expedition, and the Countess of Haddington, have been supplied twice; the Nancy lovir times, and the Dispatch five times, with books for the use of their crews when at sea, from the library at North Berwick. " The issues of the books on agriculture and rural affairs have been con- siderable. At the general change, in October 1 827, a part of this branch was combined with the itinerating divisions; this will bring them more into con- tact with those who are engaged in agricultural pursuits. The manager re- grets, that, in consequence of the smallness of the funds which have been subscribed for this branch, by those more immediately interested in its suc- cess, he has not been able to add so many new volumes on these subjects as he could have wished. The Glasgoiu Farmer's Register, and the London British Fanner's Magazine, are regularly received and circulated amongst the subscribers; and the Edinburgh Quarterly Journal of Agricultur€,\v\v.ch. is to contain the Prize Essays and Transactions of the Highland Society, will be ordered as soon as pubHshed. " As botany and gardening are intimately connected with agriculture, at the desire of a subscriber to that branch, Loudon's Gardener's Magazine has also been procured from its conmienccment, and will be continued. This publication, besides being circulated amongst the subscribers, will also be lent to the gardeners of any of the ladies and gentlemen who are donors to the institution. " As a considerable part of the county is still unsupplied with libraries, and, as the issues at some of the present stations have not been so numerous as might have been expected, the manager, at every future exchange, will remove the division at least for one year, from the station where there have been fewest issues during the preceding two years. It is expected that this arrangement will induce the present readers, to endeavour to interest their neighbours in the perusal of the books brought within their reach, by this institution. " There is no part of the success of the measures pursued in the manage- ment of these libraries which has afforded the manager more pleasure, than the great increase of subscribers since he adopted the plan of reserving to them, for some time, the use of the new books. " The greatest number of annual subscribers before that arrangement was 8. The number of subscribers after that arrangement, in 1822, 64; 1823, 61; 1824,54; 1825,99; 1826,110; 1827,135. " It has proved the possibility of rapidly supplying a county with gratui- tous libraries at a very small expense to the subscribers ; and at the same time giving them and their families access to a great variety of new publi- cations, which appear, from the number of issues, to have been as gratifying to them as they \vill prove extensively useful to others. In consequence of there being a station for new books at North Berwick, as well as at Had- dington, the manager has been enabled to furnish the subscribers with the use of a much greater number of recent publications, by mutual exchange, than could have been procured by any other arrangement. " The success of the plan of keeping the new books for the use of sub- scribers, and of having different dirisions of them in neighbouring towns, or in different parts of our larger cities, it is hoped, will induce other indivi- duals and societies to adopt it; by such a measure they would promote the improvement of all classes of the community. The books belonging to the East Lothian libraries are read in the families of the first respectability in o 2 228 Retrospective Criticism. the county, and by all classes down to the poorest and most distressed of its inhabitants. " Every jear's experience convinces the manager of the East Lothian libraries of the necessity of combining gratuitous circulation witli the plan of supplying the whole population with libraries, and that confining the use of the books wholly to subscribers, however small the sum required should be, will greatly impede the usefulness of such an institution. Many of the readers are young persons, whose tastes and halnts are just forming, and who have no means of paying a subscription without applying to their pa- rents, who may be either unable or unwilling to pay for them. It is, at the same time, to those young persons, and the younger branches of the families of subscribers, we are to look as the future and the best supporters of such institutions. Indeed, they have already proved to be so, to the East Lothian libraries. The Haddington Juvenile Society for the support of Missions, Schools, &c. have, from 1822 to 1827, given five donations, amounting to 19/. 125., and there is reason to hope they will continue to take the i,ame deep interest in an institution v/hich was originally formed for their benefit. " The manager of the East Lothian libraries returns his warmest thanks to the ladies and gentlemen, and societies, that have supported him in car- rying forward an experiment, which, it is not improbable, will ultimately have considerable influence on the state of the world. The principle has already been adopted by various Seamen's Societies ; it is a part of the plans of the Committee of the General Assembly of the Church of Scot- land for improving the Highlands, and also of the Inverness Association for promoting Education in the Highlands. A Society was formed in 1826, in Edinburgh, for supplying Mid-Lothian with such libraries. It has been in- troduced into Ireland, British America, and the United States, and its supporters may reasonably hope that its economy and efficiency will re- commend its adoption wherever it is known." {The Fifth Report, Sfc, Agricultural Libraries. — \ ou have said a great deal in favour of garden libraries, for which the gardener is more indebted to you than for any thing else that you have done. Could you not add a word in favour of similar establishments for the agricultural class ? We have tried it in this neigh- bourhood, but unsuccessfully, because they were not allowed any share ia the management of it, and paid nothing for it. — A. G. Near Barnsletf. Art. X. Retrospective Criticism. Mr. Siveet and a Blooming Bulb. — Sir, Although I am fully aware that every line of the Gardener's Magazine is most valuable when treating on subjects of general interest, yet I trust you will allow the insertion of the following comments on Mr. Sweet's remarks, in your last Number, on the article signed " a blooming bidb." (Vol. IV. p. 341.) Hippetistrum vittatum feels this but an act of self-justification after Mr. Sweet's ungracious tirade, and, therefore, speaks for himself as follows : — " Mr. Sweet, it appears, has taxed a Blooming Bulb with pilfering from Mr. S., the manner \n which he has arrived at perfection. He assures Mr. Sweet, however, that he had already filled the offices of parent and grandsire before the appearance of the Gardener's Magazine, through which his natron first became acquainted with the Botanical Cultivator. He could call his compeers to witness, fellow-inl;abitants of the frames, who, like himself, have been twisted and twisted from one pot to another, that this ordeal Retrospective Criticism. 229 has been one of long standing ; a discipline, 'tis true, under which he groaned at the time, but, like a quondam riotous school-boy, now feels the full ad- vantages of, in his maturit^^ He remonstrates also against the implication swalloNving raw of horse-dung, or of revelling on a stew-hole in a reeking tan-pit. Hippeastrum vittatura is far too nice, and has much more spirit, he is proud to say, than to suffer such treatment, which he candidly says would soon put him to death ; byt surely Mr. Sweet will allow others to know thus much of his temper as well as himself. The Hon. and Rev. W. Herbert is the personage to whom he is most indebted in this country, who has placed him in his proper rank in society with a knight's star * upon his breast. All his family and kindred owe every thing to that gentleman, of whom he has he^rd so much in his present domicile, that possibly, from gratitude alone, he may have seconded the efforts of his guardian, who, if a pilferer according to Mr. Sweet, has to answer for the penalty to Mr. Herbert alone." You see, my dear sir, that H. vittatum is sorely wroth. 1 cannot but commend his honest zeal, while I am sorry to say that the tone of Mr. Sweet's observations appears altogether beneath him, who, being occupied so usefully for the botanical and'floricultural world, might have treated more philosophically the efforts of others, even if they seemed to trench on his own peculiar province. I might appeal to any Amaryllis man of two years' standing, whether all that is expressed in Mr. Sweet's two articles on the subject would not, per force, have developed itself to his observation in that time; nay, a great deal more must have pressed upon him, as to the treatment and soil for many of the original bulbs, which perhaps is un- avoidably omitted in these communications. My article was solely on H. vittatum; and designed to second the effort of M. Faklermann for the non-initiated in its culture. As to the flippant notice with respect to the amount of the hybrids, Colville's Catalogue for 1827, which enumerates about 150, was the latest published when I addressed you on the subject. Mr. Sweet's 10,000, while they strengthen my own observations, only prove what a delightful treat is always in store for those who have an opportunity of viewing them ; while the lovers of the genus who are further removed, have this additional corroboration in proof of what they can do for themselves. I remain, my dear Sir, your constant reader. — T. S. Atcock. Alount Hill, neaj' Carmarthen. Veritna Melindris. — Mr, Harrison, jun., in reply to the statement of Mr. Perry (Vol. IV, p. 1C6.), wntes"that early in March, 1 828, he received seeds of "this plant from Mr. Perry, but at no time plants or cuttings. He adds, " on my going up to the horticultural fete, in June following, I took a specimen of it in bloom to show some of my friends, and having the favour granted of exhibiting it to some members of the Council of the Horticultural Society, they very much admired it, and as it was presented to them, they had an undoubted right to dispose of it as they pleased, without asking either myself or any other person for leave to do so. This circumstance led to its introduction into the Botanical Eegister ; shortly afterwards application was made to my father from the Horticul- tural Society, for information relative to his knowledge of the history of the Terbena, and how it was received into Petworth Gardens. The sub- stance of his reply was, that it came into his possession the preceding spring, by a cutting presented by Mr. Perry, gardener to T. Hawkins, Esq., Bignor Park, Sussex ; and that Mr. Perry had told me he had been suc- cessful in raising it from seeds sent from Buenos Ayres in 1826." * Hippeastrum. Knight's Star. In allusion to the supposed resemblance in the corolla to the star worn by knights. Hence originally Amarylli.? equ^stris. 9 3 230 Retrospective Criticism. The Stone Pine, Vimis ¥inea, and not Pirnis C^mbra (as erroneously stated in an extract from the Foreign Review, and copied into the Gar- dener^ s Alagazinc). — Sir, In Vol. IV. p. 391., under the title of Switzerland, you speak of " the Stone Pine (Pinus Cembra)." 1 respectfully conceive that you use an inaccurate expression in calling the Pinus Cembra the *' Stone Pine," without more addition. The Stone Pine is the Pinus Plnea, a native of the south of Europe, and which also has an eatable fruit ; but I doubt whether you will find that to be a native of the Alpine regions of Switzerland, at the elevation at which thePinus Cembra flourishes, and I also much doubt whether you can lay claim to the like praises for the quality of its timber, as for that of the Pinus Ctmbra. The Pinus Cembra is the Aphernousli Pine, or Siberian Cedar, and its timber is undoubtedly en- titled to all the praises you give it. The finest of the Riga deals are pro- duced from this tree : the timber is peculiarly tough, and can be separated by the plane into very tenacious and flexible ribands of the whole length of the plank, for filling up fire places in summer, or similar purposes. — CausicUcus. November '24. 1828. The Stone Pine is Vhius Vinea and not the "Pinus Cembra (as erro- neously stated in the Gardener's Magazine. — Sir, In the last Number of your instructive Magazine (Vol. IV. p. 591.), art. Switzerland, in an ex- tract from the Foreign Review and Continental Miscellany, for January, 1828, you speak of the Stone Pine and Pinus Cembra as one and the same plant. An error of such magnitude is a reflection upon your so generally correct pages; and, as a contributor and well-wisher to your popular work, I hasten to correct it. Referring your readers to that article, I beg permission to inform such of them as have not made the genus Pinus their study, that the Stone Pine (Pinus Pinea) is not a native of the Alps, nor will it ripen its fruits or prosper in so cold a climate as Switzerland. It is called (I think erroneously, but that, however, in the present case, matters not) a native of Italy, where it is much cultivated in the gardens, not only for the sake of its fruit, which is considered a great delicacy, and which the natives eat both in a crude state, and mixed greatly with their dishes, puddings, for instance, &c.; but for the great beauty of its form and manner of growth, and the lovely green of its foliage in winter, bo admirably ^--t^ i* described in Mad. de Stael's ^<;^^j?;^M^ISlifiS^' popular novel oi Corhme de ^ . i' \^ -s « . a^. PItalie. The Pinus Cembra, or Cem- bran Pine, is a native of Swit- zerland, but rarely found now in a wild state. The inhabit- ants of that country have from time immemorial rooted up all they have been able to discover when young, for the purpose of planting them in TH 47 their gardens, or near their houses, where they place them as emblems of good fortune, and regard them with the same sort of veneration that the Germans pay to the stork. — ,_^___„ The origin of their supersti- <^— ^^^'^5^^'i'!S!f?*''^' tious feeling for this tree I have never been able to discover. The form and character of the two trees, are as much dissimilar as is possible for plants of the same genus. The Pinus Pinea throws up a lofty naked stem,and carries thereon a large and extended broomhead (Jig.17.), as Retrospective Criticism. 231 depicted in the paintings of Claude, &c.; the Pinus Cembra assumes a conical shape {fig, 48.) its boughs feathering towards the ground. Your informant might with equal truth and propriety have called the Scotch Pine and the Spruce Fir the same, for the one bears about as much re- semblance to the other as the Stone Pine does to the Cembran Pine. If your readers, and yourself also, good Mr. Conductor, will take the trouble to refer back to your own pages, you will find at p. 265, 266., of your Third Volume, under an account of the Pine- tum at Dropmore. The Pinus Pfnea, and Pinus Cembra there set down as distinct species of the same genus ; one, the Pinus Pinea, comes under the class of Pinus foliis ge- minatis; the other, Pinus C^mhra, under that of Pinus fohis quinia. Yours, &c. — An Amateur. Woodstock, October 10. 1828. We are exceedingly obliged to An Amateur and Causidicus for the above correction and information. The truth is, we gave directions for copying these and other extracts from the Foreign Quarteily Review without ob- serving the error, and being in France when No. XVI. was published, we only saw proofs of the first two sheets, and did not see a complete copy of the Number till our return to Paris in December last. No two pines are more easily distinguished than the Pinea and Cembra; and while there are abundance of large trees of the former in this country, those of the latter are for the most part young. The Cembra is figured in Harte's Essays under the name of Asphernousli. — Co7ul. The Anson, or Otaheite, Pine. — Sir, C. F. W., in the last Number of your Magazine, page 103., asserts that the Anson, or Otaheite, Pine was intro- duced into this country by the late Birt, Esq., of Colton Hall, and that some of the plants soon found their way from that to Shugborough, &c. This is not correct; on the contrary, the more probable circumstance is, that they found their way to Colton Hall from Shugborough, as there exists proof that the gardener I succeeded here sent a quantity of pine plants to Mr. Birt's, but none of having received any from his place. Mr, Nicol (who was gardener here from 1800 to 1810) likewise informed me, that the sort was in the stock when he came, under the name of the Anson Pine, but he could give no further information respecting it. Mr. Hodson (who was the gardener to Mr. Birt, now to the Marquess of Anglesey, Beaudesert) informed me how it came to be named the Otaheite Pine. He said, Mr. Birt was one day walking through the pine stoves, and observing one of the plants, asked him the name of it : Mr. Hodson said he did not know it, that there were not above two or three of the sort in the stock. Mr. Birt observed that it very much resembled a pine they had in the West Indies, under the name of the Otaheite. From that time he named it the Otaheite : I had, at the same time, a large stock of them, and not knowing the proper name, I adopted the one given it at Colton Hall, uutil Mr. Nicol called upon me two or three years after, and corrected me « 4. 282 Queries and Answers to Qiieries. hy giving me the above information. The circumstance of having a large stock of the sort at Shugboroiigh, whereas there were not more than two or three plants (as Mr. Hodson informed me) at Colton Hall, sufBciently proves that it was first cultivated at this place. I have traced it back as far as 50 years at Shughorough, and if C. F. W. or any other, has any thing to offer more convincing than his bare assertion in support of what he has advanced, all I can say is, that I shall be glad to see it ; but I must observe, that, unless he puts his real signature to the communication, it will be un- noticed by me, as it ought to be by the public. I remain, dear Sir, &c. — W. M'Aiurtrie. Shughorough, Feb. 7. 1829. Woodivdrdia radicans should be substituted for ^diantum pedatum, in p. 52. — James Hoiisman. Toft, Cheshire, March, 1829. Fences in the Southeni States of N. America. — You will oblige me by correcting an error in the abstract you made from my conununication on the United States. (Vol. IV. p. 465.) In your version you make me to say, that the live fence I saw of the Rosa, multiflora, in the State of Georgia, was the first live fence I had seen in America; whereas the sentence in the original MS. (now before me) runs thus: " The only live fence I saw in the Sotdheni States." As several of my acquaintances in the north are aware I could have no grounds for such an assertion, I beg you will, if possible, correct it in next Number. — A. Gordon. Appley Castle, Wellington, Salop. Erratum. — Vol. IV. p. 486. line 1 1. from bottom, for Seed read Sex. Art. XI. Queries and Ansiners to Queries. Rules for 2y>'ovoimcing Botanic Barnes (in answer to X. Z.). — The true pronunciation of Greek and Latin words being lost, the natives of different countries treat them according to the rules of their respective languages; and however discordant those rules may be, still oral intercourse in that tongue is so unfrequent, that even were the learned disposed to reduce its sounds to a conventional standard, it would scarcely be worth the trouble. We mention this, in order that should any of our readers meet with a brother-gardener of another country, he may not consider his pronunciation of systematic names incorrect, nor be unable to assign a reason for the discrepancy. Thus, then, in England, we subject the vowels to the rules of our own tongue, with- out any attention to the Latin quantity, often producing results absurd enough in all conscience ; but it is an absurdity shared in common with other nations, and, as we have said, not worth the trouble of altering. It might, perhaps, be sufficient to direct X. Z. to pronounce Latin vowels as he would English, placing the accent as he may find it marked, and to treat the con- sonants, with the exception of c^, in the same manner; but as many garden- ers may not be masters of the correct pronunciation of their mother tongue, for their information, we shall go more into detail. In classical words there are as many .syllables as there are vowels; except when u with any other vowel follows g, q, or s, and when two vowels unite to form a diphthong. The diphthongs are cs, ce, ai, ei, oi, ui, au, en, and ou. These seldom coalesce in final syllables, and when separated in initial or medial syllables, it will be indicated by a dia?resis, as ou, except when the accent falls on the first vowel, as ou, in which case the accentual mark is sufficient, oo, ce, ca, and other combinations which never occur as diph- thongs in classical words, follow, in commemorative names, the pronunci- ation of their primitives, as Te4(Ma, Wo6dsia. In this work the sounds of the accented votvcls are sufficiently indicated by the mark placed over each, and therefore it may seem unnecessary to Queries and Answers to Queries. 233 give any directions regarding them : but, in addition to this primary accent, every word of more than three syllables contains a secondary accent, which is regulated by the same rules ; and with reference to it, and also to prevent our readers being misled by casual typographical errors, we shall notice those vowels in which mistakes might occur. The secondary accent must always be at least two syllables before the primary accent, as in Ch^iido- nium ; for its place the ear is a sufficient guide, and even were it entirely omitted, still, however inharmonious, it would not be incorrect. Every accented penultimate vowel is pronounced long, when followed by a vowel or a single consonant, as Jchille« tomentosa; but it is shortened when followed by two consonants or a double one, as 5'6rbus, Taxus ; except when the first consonant is a mute and the second a liquid, as A'brus. Every accented antepenultimate vowel, except u, is pronounced short, as i/elleborus, iiZ"umulus : but when succeeded by a single consonant, followed by e or i and another vowel, they are lengthened, as Stellaria; except i, which is short, as niia. A unaccented, ending a word, is pronounced like the interjection ah, as Sticta (ah). \ E final, with or without a consonant preceding, always forms a distinct syllable, as Silene, ^'loe ; also when the vowel is followed by a final con* sonant as Tri-cho-ma-nes, not Tri-cho-manes. / unaccented, if final, sounds as if written eye, as Spica v6.n\\ {eye); but when it ends a syllable, not final, it has the sound of e, as il/espilus {Ales- pelus), SmithzV {Smith'e-eye). Y is subject to the same rules as i. The diphthongs cb and ce conform to the rules for e ; ei is generally pro- nounced like eye; the other diphthongs have the common English sounds. The following directions regarding consonants and their combinations, * though unnecessary to those skilled in our own tongue, may not be with- out their use to some of our readers : — C and g are hard before a, a, u, as Cornus, Galium ; short before e, i, and y, as Cetraria, Citrus. T, s, and c, before ia, ie,ii, io, in, and eu, preceded by the accent, change their sounds, t and c, into sh, as Bletia, Ficia ; and s into zh, as Blasia : but, when the accent is on the first diphthongal vowel, the preceding consonant preserves its sound, as aurantiacum. Ch, before a vowel, are pronounced like k, as Chelid6nium(^e/), Colchicum. {kolkekum) ; but, in commemorative names, they follow their primitives, as Richardsonifl, in which the ch is soft. Cm, en, ct, gn, mn, tm, ps, pt, and other uncombinable consonants, are pronounced with the first syllable mute, as Pteris (teris), C'nicus {nikus), Gmelina ivielina), Gnidia {nidia), &c. Ph, followed by a mute, are not sounded ; but, followed by a vowel or a liquid, sound like/, as Phleum {Jleuvi). Sch sounds like sk, as ^choe^nus {skenus) ; in tm and zm both letters are heard. S, at the end of a word, has its pure hissing sound, as ZJictylis ; except when preceded by e, r, or n, when it sounds like z, as Ribes {ez). X, at the beginning of a word, sounds like z, as Xanthium ; in any other situation it retains its own sound, as Tkxas, Tamarix. We have now given sufficient directions to enable any intelligent gar- dener to pronounce systematic names with correctness. To know where to place the accent would require a knowledge of Greek and Latin pro- sody, which we cannot expect every man to attain; this, however, we shall continue to indicate by the use of accents. But while we do this for the advantage of the unlearned, we hope no gardener, who values his 234 Quet'ies and Anstsoers to Queries. future station in life, will neglect to acquire a competent knowledge of languages which are the keys to so many modern ones, and which will render terms of science vehicles of information instead of empty sounds. Plan for laying out Grounds. — Sir, you would much oblige a constant reader of your useful Gardener's Magazine, if, through its medium, you 49 i x^^' -^ References to the Plan {figs. 49, 50.) and the Profile (figs. 51, 52.). 4+, Situation of existing trees. a. Peach-house, vinery, and a hot>house be- tween them. *, Elntranco-gate. c. Mansion-house, in the Grecian style.' d. American garden, with pond. e. Green-house. /, Veranda. e, Tcrrace.walk,>ith two flights of gtcps to lawn, in which is a fountain. h, A ravine; to which a walk should lead from the grounds, as a cascade may be there formed. », American ground, begun but not finished. *, From this point a peninsula, of a circular form and rising into a round-top|)ed hill, stretches nearly half across the lake, consist- ing of about nine acres : it is partly fringed with wood, but bare opposite the house, and with a barren gravelly shore. Queries and Ans^^ers to Queries. 235 would submit to the consideration of landscape-gardeners a problem in their art, for the most approved demonstration of which 1 offer a premium of five sovereigns. The plan enclosed (^gs. 49, 50.), drawn by an unpractised hand, will give an idea of the extent of the property intended to be improved. As you, probably, cannot spare me much room in your Magazine, I will /, Lake, two miles long and half a. mile broad. m. Boat-house. 71, Orchard. o. Iron railing. p. Highway. g. Farm-house, barn, cottages, garden, and orchard. r. Lawn and flower-garden. s. Well, round which pleasure-ground maybe formed i. Present kitchen-garden, orchard, and slip, u. Stables. V, Site of intended kitchen-garden, u), A round knoll ^ . ^ X, Orchard. _»/, Farmyard.' 'x. Plantation.' 236 Qtieries and Answers to Qiieries. 300 600 900 ft. therefore contract my data and desiderata into as small a space as pos- sible. Data. Given, then, about fifty or sixty acres of land on the banks of a lake, of which about one half is a steep declivity, and the other sloping, with various round knolls and breaks, to the water's edge. The ground is almost undecorated, except by a villa in the Grecian style, consisting of dining and drawing rooms, each 22 ft. by 16 ft., looking upon the lake; behind them a breakfast-room 16 ft. square, a lobby, and library, 14 ft. by 15 ft., with a small bath-room adjoining: offices behind. The library and drawing-room communicate with a green-house, and the house itself stands upon a terrace 25 ft. broad, opposite the lake front, including 7 ft. the breadth of a veranda. From the terrace you descend 5 ft. to what is at present a common grass field. There is a highway about 300 ft. from the house, between it and the lake, which cannot be diverted. There is but one convenient and practicable situation for culinary forcing-houses (now building), and that is on a hillock in a field to the north of the house, be- hind which is the farm-yard : the stable-yard adjoins the offices of the man- sion. But I must refer to the accompanying plan {Jigs. 49, 50.), and genera view {Jigs. 51, 52.). Required, a plan and detail of improvement, adapted to this situa- tion. And here I must further inform my landscape-gardener, that this place is my constant residence ; that I have but one gardener, occasionally assisted by the farm servants ; that my fortune will not admit of the whole sixty acres being converted into park and pleasure-ground, but that I wish them to be laid out rather as an ornamental farm, attached to a gentleman's residence and pleasure-grounds, wherefore I must confine my improver to about six or seven acres of dressed ground, shrubberies, &c., including a kitchen-garden sufficiently large to supply a family of ten [)er- sons; that I am somewhat of a recluse, taking great delight in umbrageous groves, in murmuring streams, trees, shrubs, and flowers more especially. " Ego laudo ruris amcEui Rivos, et musco circumlita saxa, nemusque."* I am a small farmer ; in short, attached to rural affairs, unattached to a wife, and not banned ivith bairns ; I say to my garden, as Hero sa3's to her lover, in Ovid, ■ " Te, O mi sola voluptas, . . . amo."t * " I prefer a delightful villa, with its streams, its moss-covcrcd rocks, and groves." t "Thee, O my sole delight ! I love." (Queries and A7is'wers io Qiieries. 52 237 I hope I have now, as far as written communications will effect it, explained the state of my little affairs, so that some talented designer may be enabled to set me to work upon parterres, American grounds, bowers, fountains, aviaries, walks, shrubberies, &c., in which, I trust, your Magazines will be no small assistants to, Sir, your obedient servant — Philagros. Jan. 31. 1829. An Insect in Fruit Trees. — I grow fruit trees rather extensively, but suf- fer so much every spring, particularly of late years, from the depredations of one particular insect, that it is become a matter of very serious consider- ation with me what I am to do to put a stop to the devastation it commits. These insects begin their handywork about the latter end of March, by attacking all my newly put on grafts of apples, plums, and cherries in parti- cular. They let nothing escape. They first begin at the top of the scion, and strip it of all the bark, quite round; then as the eyes begin to swell they eat them almost every one out, and quite hollow, as if done with a small scoop. As soon as the buds inserted the previous year begin to grow, their shoots are served in the same way. They are also very severe on my fruit trees even of two or three years old, attacking them about the same time as'they do the grafts (especially those that have been shortened in to pro- duce young wood), by eating out a number of eyes, and divesting almost every young shoot of its bark, for perhaps an inch below the point of am- putation. Notwithstanding all this, most of ray grafts grow at a second effort, after the insect appears to have given over its work of destruction, but they are so much retarded and weakened that they are by no means equal to those that escape. I am no entomologist, but believe the animal to belong to the genus Curculio, and I have sent for your inspection a quantity of them in a small tin box, together with some shoots of the apple tree that they have operated upon. In the daytime they retire a short way under the surface of the earth, and, in dry weather (being of the same colour as the mould), it is scarcely possible to see them ; but by examiningthe grafts, &c. at night, with a lighted candle, they are seen at full work in thousands. I do not observe it figured or described amongst other insects in your Encyclopcedia of Gardening. Perhaps in the new Magazine of Natural History which you have now commenced, you may, in course of your progress, give us some account of it. I am,&c. — John Hervey. Comber Nursery, May, 1828. We are extremely sorry for having so long neglected this communication; the circumstance arose from our having sent it, along with the box of in- sects, to Mr. Haworth, and forgotten that we did so. Mr. Haworth says it is a species of Dermestes, but does not know its specific name. We should think watering the ground with hot water the most likely mode of destroying them ; but perhaps Mr. Major (p. 192.) will tell us what to do. — Cond. 2S8 Queries and AnSleers to Queries. The real Double Cowslip, in answer to the Rev. W. T. Bree of Allcsley Rectory (Vol. IV. p. 446.) — J. B. Ward, Esq., of Mount Pleasant near Shef- field, states that he is in possession of the real double cowslip, not the cowslip with a twofold corolla, hose in hose as it is termed, but with a fine double blossom. " I do not believe any person in our neighbourhood is in the pos- session of this singularly beautiful plant, except myself. I have bloomed it for many years. I remain, Sir, &c. — S. B. Ward. Feb. 23. 1829." Maggots m Celery. — The maggots noticed by J. F., of Battersea (Vol. IV. p. 100), have again made their appearance in great numbers on, or rather in, the leaves of the celei-y. They first appeared on the 10th of September, and, in a short time, tne celery bore the appearance of being sprinkled over with boiling water. There being slight frosts, with cutting easterly winds, about that time, many attributed it to that, little sus- pecting that each leaf contained an insect, and that each decayed leaf was the effect of its ravages. — J. H. Dec. 12. 1828. Destroying Woodlice (in answer to Z., Vol. III. p. 381.). — Sir, Of all the insects that infest cucumber frames, I know none worse than woodlice, I tried several things, as sulphur, lime, and soot, for the purpose of destroying them ; but none of these were available. At last I thought of a scheme which perfectly answered the purpose. I pressed the mould very tight and closely all round within the frame, making a kind of trough about six inches wide. This I covered with hay about two inches thick, which I expected would form a retreat for the insects. They soon collected there, and were destroyed by pouring boiling water over the hay. This I repeated till I got rid of all the insects. This plan of inviting the woodlice toge- ther and scalding them to death, is adopted when the cucumber plants are young; and it may be necessary to add, that this application of water does good rather than harm when there is a strong heat in the bed, but is not quite so suitable when the heat is on the decline. I am. Sir, yours, &c. — J.N. a Gentleman's Gardener. Jan. 27. 1828. Methleys Fire-places. (Moser & Co.) — Have you seen any of Moser's fire-places, and are you aware that they not only throw out more heat than any elegant chamber-stove hitherto in use, but also, by means of cer- tain small holes in the back and sides, burn great part of the smoke? Might not hot-house furnaces be constructed on a similar principle so as to burn the smoke, or a part of it, and thus procure more heat from the same quantity of fuel, and save the troublesome and disagreeable operation of sweeping the flues ? — S. B. Bristol, March 4. 1829. We are fully aware of the superior excellence of Methley's stoves (of the firm of Moser and Co. of Frith Street, furnishing ironmongers), for rooms, an eminent architect in this neighbourhood having them in every room of his house, and having ourselves one. We have little doubt the improvement might, to a certain extent, be added to hot-house furnaces, but we believe it has not yet been so applied. — Cond. Errors in the EncyclopcBdias of Gardening and Agriculture. — Sir, Would it not be wise to request your correspondents that they would generally communicate to you any error, especially in the statistical details of your Encyclopaedias, that may happen to have come under their notice. This would much improve them for a future edition, and would be generally a public good. — J. S. L. CI — n, December 9. 1828. We have done so in the prefaces to these works, on the covers of the earlier Numbers of this Magazine, and again do so. We are most anxious to receive every description of correction, and no correspondent can oblige us more than by pointing out errors in these works, in this, or in any other in which we are engaged. — Cond. Smoky Chimneys, — I wish you to touch upon the subject of chimneys, a subject which I believe to be very well understood by a few, but by the Queries and Answers to Queries. 239 many quite neglected ; for what so common as a smoky chimney, and what worse ? and yet what more clear than the folly of building them in the usual manner, in the external walls and as rough inside as possible? Mr. Hiort's plan sounds well, but I should like to hear how it succeeds in practice, and if it succeeds, how we, who reside nearly 200 miles from London, may obtain its advantages on reasonable terms. — A.G. Hear Sarnsley. Gnaphl^lium ^tce'chas, and other Plants for RockworJc. — I am not aware that it is generally known that this plant will stand the severity of our winters better on the wall or on rockwork, than in the common soil of the borders. The Cerastium repens is also a very ornamental plant for rockwork. Also the Ferbascum -Slattkria var. fl. lutea, iSedum divarica- tum, and Antirrhinum iparteum. — T. Hawkins. The Haw, near Gloucester, June, 18. 1828. The Hfezereon, as a Conservatory Plant, was nearly in full blossom in the borders in December. Perhaps by being protected in the conservatory, it might generally blossom at that time; if so, its highly odoriferous flowers, by diffusing their fragrance throughout the house, might recommend a trial of a few of these plants scattered among others. — Id. What is the Magnol\?i sinuata ? Has it any synonyme ? — Causidictu, Feb. A. 1829. Hyacinths in moist Sand. — I recollect hearing that hyacinths were grown in greater perfection in fine sea sand kept moist, than in water-glasses. I have tried the experiment this season. Has it been seen to succeed? — W. M. Argyleshire, Nov. 6. 1828. Strelitzia regince. — I have had this plant for three years, and with all my efforts, together with the assistance of my man Friday, have not been able to flower it. Two of my friends are in the same state. We give it plenty of heat in rich soil, but that will not do. Does it require much or little water, or soil of a particular earth ; i. e. particular, speaking geologically ? — G. G. Biriningham, Feb. 7. 1829. Ants on Peach Trees. — Can you or any of your correspondents inform me of any remedy for ants on peach trees ? I am troubled with them sadly ; my soil is a sandy loam, in which they seem to harbour so securely, as to render extirpation impossible. Toads do not eat slugs ; the opinion of Rusticus in Urbe is not correct in thinking that they do. I have kept a large toad in an early cucumber-frame, and encoiu-aged him there to eat these reptiles, but without effect ; woodlice are, however, rarely seen near his abode. — G. iH. Atherstone. Ti-aining Vines downwards from the Rafters. — I am much at a loss to know how this can be done; and should be much obliged to your corre- spondent Mr. Haycroft, if he would give us some details, accompanied by a sketch. — Id. Double Dahlias {noiu Georginas). — Is there any publication exclusively devoted to fine varieties of this flower? — S. B. Ward. Sheffield, Feb. 53. Not that we know of; but some varieties are occasionally figured in Sweet's Florisfs Guide. — Cond. Very Double Italian Tuberoses, such as they have in Paris, aee not to be purchased about London ; What is the reason ? — Id. Cidtivation of the Oak. — Sir, Will you inform me who has written on the cultivation of the oak, and which you consider the best and most useful work on this most interesting subject ? Probably some of your corre- spondents would give their opinion as to the rearing, culture, and attention, the oak may require, to prepare it for timber. This would very greatly oblige a constant subscriber and a sincere lover of a fine oak tree. — Q. Bristol, Aug. 9. 1828. 240 Obituary. Heating by Hot Water. — I think the steam challenge is a fair one, anil hope it may be tried with care and attention, I am inclined to think that steam is the best mode of heating any large bulk of matter, although water or gravel may be the safest medium for applying it to plants. Could hot water be used in forcing melons with greater advantage than dung, or even with equal benefit? If so it will be of great advantage in situations where stable manure is not easily got. — W. M. Argyleshire^Nov. 6. 1828. (See England, p. 215., pnd Mr. Byers's article, p. 20.) Art. XII. Obituary. Died, Jan. 28., at the early age of forty years, Thomas Tredgold, Esq., civil engineer, author of several valuable works on different branches of his profession. As a scientific engineer, Mr. Tredgold was at the very head of his profession, and to this distinguished eminence he raised himself entirely by his own studies at his leisure hours ; having come to London, about •twenty years ago, with nothing more than the common education of a countrj' mechanic. The only advantages that he had were, being placed in circumstances which brought into his view certain points of scientific eminence; and having access to books, the points which he saw had been attained by others he set about attaining himself, one after another, till he mastered the whole. His last work, as a practical engineer, was the heating of the splendid botanic hot-houses at Syon House ; the most complete work of the kind, and on the most extensive scale, that has hitherto been executed in this or any country. On the 1 5th of February, aged seventy years, Mr. James Grange, fruiterer, Covent Garden Market and Piccadilly, and, some years ago, the occupier of a fruit and market garden at Kingsland, of sixty acres, on which he spared no expense, and executed the most spirited improvements. He furnished the prices of Covent Garden Market for the first three volumes of the Gardener's Magazine. He had a good practical knowledge of fruits, and was a devout Christian. On the 15th of February, at Kingston upon Thames, Mr. James Astin, well known as a florist. At his house in Kensington Gore, on the 28th of February, Thomas Weare, Esq., nephew to the late Mr. Jeffrey, of the Brompton Park Nur- sery, and many years partner with Mr. Gray of tliat establishment. He retired from business some years ago, much respected in his profession, and among all his neighbours. — W. M. On March 22d, at his house Beaufort Row, Chelsea, William Stevenson, Esq., author of the Agricultural Surveys of Surrey and of Dorsetshire, and of various other works, and of several papers and reviews in this Magazine. He was a man of high and immovable moral principle, and of the soundest views on every subject of literature and science. The Conductor had the advantage of his friendship for upwards of twenty -five years, and, in conunon with all who knew him, deeply deplores his loss. THE GARDENER'S MAGAZINE, JUNE, 1829. PART I. ORIGINAL CORRESPONDENCE. Art. I. Notes and Reflections made during a Tour through Part of France and Germany, in the Autumn of the Year 1828. By the Conductor. (^Continued from p. 125.) Culture of the Honjleur Melon. — "Sow," says M. Ra- cine, " on a hotbed, about the end of March, paying no regard to the age of the moon, as they do at Honfleur, un- less you choose ; " the seed will come up in 48 hours ; and the plants, being put separately into little pots and still kept in the hotbed, in fifteen days will be ready to plant out on the hills or ridges in which they are to produce their fruit. These hills are thus formed: — Having fixed on an open quarter of the garden, facing the sun, stick pins over it 4 ft. apart every way ; dig a hole in the situation of each pin, sufficient to contain a barrow-load of well-fermented dung ; cover this dung with a barrow-load of mould, formed of rotten dung or of rotten leaves, and place around the hill so composed the earth which came out of the hole. Then insert the plant, cover with a bell-glass, and treat as for ridged cucumbers till fruit is shown, when allow only three to each plant, and stop the runners two leaves beyond each fruit. The fruit will ripen in the last fort- night of August, and the first fortnight of September. Can- taloup melons may be treated in the same manner, but do not succeed so well. The Honfleur melons so produced weigh from 10 to 40 lb.; those raised by M, Racine, this year, weighed, in general, about 24 lb. One or two were still to cut, and also som.e Canta- loups ; but, owing to the wet season, the flavour of neither was as good as usual. Vol. V. — No. 20. b 242 Notes and Reflections during a Tour : — In the coal districts of England, melons might be raised in the same way at little expense, by passing pipes of hot water under a common garden-wall border of south exposure. The same fire-places might also heat the walls by another set of pipes, which would come into use when heat in the border was not wanted. Even the pine-apple might be grown in the open air in France. In some of the market-gardens of Paris, pine-plants in pots, plunged in bark beds, are exposed to the open air during four months of summer and autumn, and they succeed very well. If ever it should become desirable or profitable to cultivate the pine-apple extensively on the Continent, that fruit might be grown by the acre in the coal fields which are ascertained to exist in Provence. A little shade would be necessary in summer, which might be given by vines ; and in winter, the j)ines, being planted in beds, might be protected by straw mats drawn over the frames or trellises on which the vines were ti'ained. As the pine-apple is, or ought to be, kept in a dormant state during a great part of the winter, the dimi- nution of light in consequence of such a covering would not be an insuperable disadvantage ; the more especially as on most days the covering might be removed for a few hours. It is true this mode of supplying heat from below, instead of from the sun, is not very natural ; but nevertheless it has been found to answer in Britain, in the practice of cultivating the pine in bark beds and dung pits ; and it may be safely affirmed that, if the water in the underground pipes were never allowed to exceed a temperature of 80° to 90° Fahrenheit, no danger would ensue. We were pleased to find that M. Racine had a small garden library, and was a collector of insects. Among his books are, Le Botaniste CuMvcdeur^ 5 vols. 8vo, Bositr's Mcumd du Jar- diniej; Le Bon Jardinier, Qidntine, and various catalogues and minor works. In passing through t/ie marlcet-jplace to the cathedral, on the Sunday morning, we observed but few vegetables, and those not of superioi" quality : coarse green cabbage, a narrow- podded variety of kidneybean, and three varieties of potatoes ; some pears of different sorts, none of which were good; and some apples and plums. We were told that there was much better fruit grown in the gardens of the neighbourhood, but that it was not brought to market; and indeed we found after- wards, in the neighbourhood of the New Marine Baths, ex- cellent peaches, pears, figs. Cantaloup and Honfleur melons, and some grapes. The building called the 'Ncx'o Marine Baths is little more than a screen to protect the portion of shore devoted to bath- Dieppe. 24S ing. It is about 200 ft. long, constructed of timber, but in a simple and elegant taste. It consists of a central, rectangular mass pierced by an archway as an entrance, joined to two larger pavilion wings, the one containing dressing-rooms and a saloon for the ladies, and the other dressing-rooms and a billiard-room for the gentlemen. The space between the wings and the central archway, is occupied by two verandas open on both sides, and forming an airy promenade during rain or hot sunshine. Some critics might object to this structure, because it is built of timber, and because the veranda is painted and otherwise finished in the style of a Turkish tent; but, we con- fess, with reference to its situation and uses, we think it in as good taste, both in its form and in its materials, as the Gothic cathedral which is built of sandstone, or the piers and quays which are of squared blocks of granite, ^Ve entered the Cathedral during religious service, and found it completely filled, chiefly with elderly poor persons and children ; perhaps about three fourths of the whole were women. The solemnity and devotion were equal to any thingwe ever witnessed; less pantomimic than in the churches of Russia, and with more abandonment to the purpose of assemblage than in Enfj^land. The hi-'s Journal for April 27. and May 4. and 11. A gardener, who has 200/. or upwards, and a healthy wife, would do well to consider the very favourable circumstances attend- ing this settlement. A man acquainted with country matters, with 5000/., by going out there with twenty paupers, and remaining seven or ten years, would, in all probability, increase his property twenty-fold, and might then return home with the consciousness of having done good to others as well as to himself, of having promoted civilisation and happiness gcnerallv. Y 4 328 Domestic Notices : — Engla7id. Gardeners will recollect that Mr. Drummond, of Cork, our correspondent, and an active intelligent man, is gone before them. Mr. Drummond, in a year or two, will be made a justice of the peace ; and, as things advance, vyill be promoted to other public offices. As for any thing that can be pre- dicated of Australia, it may, in thirty years, with the consent of the parent country, become a cluster of states like the union of North America, Mr. Drummond, being young enough, may live to become a member of the Australian congress of I860. — Cond. Art. III. Domestic Notices. ENGLAND. The London University. — On the 30th of April Professor Lindley de- livered his introductory lecture on botany, in a clear, distinct, and audible voice, to a full class-room. After giving a short history of botany, and cha- racterising the Linnean system as superficial, though well calculated for the times in whicli it appeared, and the Jussieuean system as profound and phi- losophical, and alone being worthy of being taught in the present state of science, he announced his intention of adopting that system as the foundation of his course of instructions. He had been told that he would not succeed in teaching botany by the Jussieuean system ; but he asked how it happened that botany was so taught in Paris, and whether the French were not un- questionably the first botanists in Europe ? In speaking of modern botanists, he assigned the highest place to Mr. Brown, and mentioned Mr. Knight as the first vegetable physiologist in Britain ; and as an instance of the import- ance of physiology to horticulture, he referred (rather unfortunately in our opinion) to the success with which that gentleman had cultivated the pine- apple. We cannot too much applaud Mr. Lindley for adopting the natural system, which we believe has already been done by Professor Henslow at Cambridge ; it will mark an era in the history of botany in this country, and redound to the honour and advantage both of Mr. Lindley and of the Lon- don university. Even if the Linnean system cannot be done without, or, as most botanists think probable, will never be wholly dispensed with as an easy index for determining the names of individual species, still it is worthy of the ambition of a man of Mr. Lindley's learning, talents, and industry, to teach that system which is avowedly the most difficult ; the Linnean being in truth so easy, that any one who has a book introductory to it, and leisure to walk in the fields, may learn it by himself. We have not a doubt of Mr. Lindley's complete success in every sense in which the word can be taken, and we desire it with all our hearts for his high spirit. Perhaps it may be considered fortunate for the university, that Dr. Hooker declined the pro- fessorship of botany, as we believe that gentleman still teaches by the old method at Glasgow, and of course would have adopted it in London. We are happy to observe the buildings of the university proceeding rapidly ; to learn that most of the classes are well attended ; and to hear that there is no want of subscribers for shares, and of donations to the library and museum. We have no doubt there will soon be two or more such universities in the metropolis, and at least one in Bristol, Liverpool, York, Hull, Birmingliam, Manchester, Newcastle, and, in short, all the large towns in the kingdom ; and the day, we trust, is not far distant when there will be a sort of minor university, a school in which all initiatory and general science and morals Domestic Notices : — England. 329 will be taught, with a library, museum, and botanic garden attached, such as we have suggested in " JDes E'tahlissemens pour V E' ducat ion pubUque" (p. 79.), in every parish in the empire. — Cond. Hyde Park. — In consequence of the operations of Mr. Shedden on the surface of this park, with Finlayson's harrow (Vol. II. p. 250. fig. 66.) and with manure, to which we formerly alluded (Vol. III. p. 242.), it is now covered with a finer sward than it undoubtedly ever before exhibited either by nature or art. We regret that government does not think it worth while to introduce in this park, here and there among the existing trees, young specimens of the more hardy and noble North American sorts. Why should not five or six species of oak, and as many of birch, elm, lime, pine, &c., be introduced, as well as the Platanus, which is a North American tree not a whit more hardy or more noble in appearance than fifty trees that might be named ? We never look at this park and at Kensington Gardens without reverting in our mind to the little solicitude which the go- vernment of this country evinces respecting the public taste or the enjoy- ments of the mass of society. Permission, it seems, has been given to the proprietors of the very handsome large houses built on the Bishop of Lon- don's estate, lying along the Bayswater Road, and looking towards Hyde Park, to take down the park wall, and replace it by an open iron railing. This will prove a great enjoyment to these houses, and a great ornament to the public road ; but a portion of the wall opposite certain smaller houses on ground belonging to the vestry of the parish of St. George's is left standing, thus at once insulting the poverty of the inhabitants of these houses, and disfiguring the road, which forms one of the finest entrances to London. Surely a government that can spare money for such a useless object as the bridge, and for such a deformity as the cascade in Hyde Park, and can spend nearly half a million on a palace, that in less than seven years will either be deserted or taken down from the insalubrity of its situation, independently of its architectural defects, might incur the expense of removing this wall for the sake of public ornament. We regret to see the wall round Kensington Gardens undergoing repair, and cannot help repeating our opinion (Vol. I. p. 89. and p. 283.) that it would be much better, that is, it would be more ornamental to the metro- polis, and leave Kensington Gardens equally secluded, to replace the wall by an iron railing, planting a border of evergreen shrubs within, which shrubs, for immediate effect, might, if it were thought desirable, be placed on a raised bank, such as may be seen executed in the garden belonging to the Adult Orphan Institution near the Coliseum, Regent's Park, If the Duke of Wellington will put these gardens under our management for ten years, and will allow us reasonable liberty and the same average sum that is at present expended on them, we will, without salary or pecuniary advantage of any kind, show what might be made of them even now. We have before shown what they might have been (Vol. I. p. 280.) by one grand and consistent plan. — Cond. Hyacinths in Pots. -—We have observed this season remarkably fine shows of hyacinths in the windows of some of the London seed-shops ; among^ the finest, we think, were those of Noble and Co. (formerly Mason's), in Fleet Street. The roots are planted in autumn, and the pots, being plunged in the opei air and covered 6 or sin. in depth with rotten tan, are taken out during spring as wanted, and placed under glass on a little heat. Those who have neither a garden, nor a hotbed, may effect the same object by setting the pots in any cellar or out-house, or in the comer of a yard, and there cover- ing them with light soil or sand, and, as wanted, taking them out and setting them in a room as near as possible to the window. Messrs. Noble have had upwards of three hundred sorts in their windows at different times this season ; at our request they furnished us with the following select list : — J30 Domestic Notices : — England. Double Aardshertoginne Altesse Royale Anna Maria - - - Coeur Noir Gloria Florum Suprema (excellent) Grande Monarque de France Heroine . . - La Mode E'puisee Montesquieu Prince of Waterloo (excellent) Reine de Prusse Spheera Mundi Triumph Brandina Venus White. - Dark Red Eye. - Purple Eye. - Purple Eye. - Black Eye. - Large Red Eye. - Pink Eye. - Pure White. - Large, Dark Purple Eye. - Red Eye. - Large, pure White. - Pink Eye. - Blue Eye. - Blush White, Pink Eye. - Large, pure White. Grand Vanqueur La Candeur Prince de Galitzin Bouquet Pourpre Commandant Comte de St. Priest Due d'Angouleme Eendraght Globe Celeste Kroon van Indian L'Abbe de Verac La Majesteuse Lord Wellington Monarque de France Mr. Pitt Noir Veritable Parel Boot Pasquin Sertorius Appius Crepuscelle Charles Fox Grand Vidette La plus Noir L'Amie de Coeur Lord Nelson Nimrod Vulcan Quentin Durward Augustus Rex Comtesse de la Coste Duchesse de Parma Flos Sanguineus Goud Beurs Groot Vorst Henri Quatre Single White. - Large, Single White. - Fine. - Fine, large. Double Blue. - Fine, rich-coloured, Dark Purple. - Purple. - Porcelain Blue, Dark Eye. - Porcelain Blue, Dark Eye. - Fine Azure Blue, Large Bell. - Fine Blue, very Dark Eye. - Fine Dark Blue. - Fine Porcelain Blue. - Fine Dark Blue. - Fine Blue, Dark Eye. - Porcelain Blue, Dark Eye. - Purple. - Very Dark. - Porcelain Blue, Dark Eye. - Porcelain Blue, Dark Eye. - Fine Porcelain Blue, Green Eye. SiXGLE Blue. - Fine Dark Blue. - Fine Dark Blue. - Fine Black. - Porcelain Blue, extra large. - Fine Black. - Fine Purple. - Fine Sti'iped Blue. - Fine Dark Porcelain, large truss. - Dark Blue. - Black. Double Red. - Fine large Pink. - Fine large Red, Dark Eye. - Large Deep Red Eye. - Fine Red. - Fine Blush, Purple Eye. - Fine Blush, Dark Eye. - Extra large Blush, Purple Eye. Domestic Notices : — England. 331 L'Honncur d'Amsterdain - - Extra large Blush. Moore - - - Fine Red, Dark Eye. llegiua Rubrorum - - Fine Pink. Rouge Pourpre et Noir - - Fine Red, Dark Eye. Waterloo - - - Fine Red. Velours Rouge ... Fine Red, Striped Flower. Single Red. Cornelia ... Fine large Striped Red. Diana - - - - Fine Pink. Duke of Wellington - - Fine large Pink. Hirsitius .... Extra fine Dark Red. L'E'clair - - - Extra fine Blood Red. Princess Elizabeth - - Fine Dark Red. Seedling - - - - Fine Dark Red. Victoire ... Fine Dark Red. Acclimating Exotic Plants, — I am one of those who have indulged in frequent attempts to acclimate exotic plants, encouraged by the prevailing mildness of the winters in this favoured corner of our island. From time to time the superfluous plants of the green-house have been introduced to the open ground; and, during several years, I have flattered myself that many of the choice plants of New Holland, South America, China, &c., which are justly classed among the chief ornaments of the conservatory, would prove hardy enough to endure our winters without protection. The intense frost of January and February last has greatly abridged these pleasing delusions. Allow me, nevertheless, to offer you a few remarks, the result of my own observation, on the effect of the severe weather on tender plants in the open ground. Acacia armata, trained against a south wall, and also several standard plants, which have endured many winters, with slight protection, are all killed. The trained plant was in a high state of vigour when the frost com- menced, and covered with myriads of embryo blossoms. Two plants of another species of Acacia, which I have not been able to identify (the young plants having pinnate foliage, and afterwards entire leaves), which were planted in the open ground several years ago, and passed the previous winters without injury, are also killed. Laurjis Camphora, trained against a south wall, which has passed several winters with a slight protection of brush-wood, is killed. I felt so confident about this, that it remained uncovered, and apparently uninjured, till within a few days of the termination of the frost. OYe-fl! capensis, killed. Camellia, japonica (the single red), protected by a basket, has suffered nothing. AristotelxA Mdcqui has shed its leaves, but is now breaking strong, and is uninjured. Photinia glhbra, several plants, partially protected, have suffered but little. Cratce'gus indica is killed. Pittosporum coridceum is quite hardy. MagmlvA grandijldra, of which I have many plants of different growths and in various aspects, appears to be nearly as hardy as the common laurel, Metrosideros speciosa, a standard, unprotected, which during the au- tumnal months of last year was covered with its splendid flowers, is quite killed. A large plant of Agave americana, covered with double matting, has passed the severe weather with little injury. Several plants of African Aloes, though protected with great care, are killed. 332 Domestic Notices : — Scotland. The Yuccas are quite hardy j several of these, in exposed situations, have passed the winter without the sh'ghtest injury. The Myrtles have suffered more than in any previous winter within my recollection. Many of the tender varieties are destroyed. — N. Stoke, near Devonport, March 21. 1829. The Achira (which is undoubtedly different from Canna edulis) flowered in Pontey's stove in November last, and perfected three seeds last month. The same plant is again about to flower, and the blossom will be expanded in about a week, when I shall have a drawing made of it. The general ap- pearance of the plant does not differ (except in size, and its tuberous root, visible even above ground) from the Canna indica. The Cirhern Thevetia flowered (for the first time, I believe, in England) in Pontey's stove last Oc- tober.— W. H. March 1. 1829. JSrunsvjg'ia Joseph\nas has stood all the winter in an open border, without the least protection, at the nursery of Messrs. Whitley, Brames, and Milne, at Fulham, and not a leaf of it has been injured. It continued in full leaf all through the severe frost, although Amaryllis Belladonna, which was growing beside it, had all its leaves killed. — Robert Sweet. May 2. 1829. The viost effectual Method of destroying Wasps is to destroy their nests. When I see them attacking fruit, or entering the bee-hives, I mark the di- rection in which they fly away, and follow them out of the garden till I find their nest. I then mark it, return about ten o'clock at night with a spade and a pot of water, and work up the nest and its inhabitants into a puddle. — T. C. Kensington, Sept. 12. 1828. [See T. N. Parker, p. 277.] Cast-iron Stakes for standard Roses have been employed by Mr. Camp- bell in the Comte de Vandes's garden at Bayswater. They are in the form of round tapering rods or poles, with the part which enters the ground of a larger diameter, 4-sided and pointed. The lengths are 4, 6, and 8 ft., and the average cost is \s. 6d. each; they are painted of a blackish blue, and if they last six years will be as cheap as wooden props of young ash, which cost 4d. each and last only one year. But as the cast-iron will endure at least a dozen years, it is evidently much cheaper than the wood, and is certainly far handsomer. These poles are manu- fracture by Cottam and Hallen, Oxford-street, by the cwt. or ton. Alpine Plants and Seeds. — M. Schleicher, the Swiss botanist and col- lector, is now in London with plants and seeds for sale or exchange. He laments in our gardens and nurseries, the neglect of scientific botanical collections, and the love of showy flowers, seminal varieties, and hybrids. Speaking of the botanic garden of Geneva he represents it as fallen to a very low state for want of funds j Professor Decandolle, he says, is so much occupied with municipal matters as to have little time to attend either to the garden or to authorship. M. Schleicher may be heard of at No. 9. Jermyn Street, or a Bex, canton de Vaud, en Suisse. SCOTLAND. Jflorticullural Report for April. — In the different departments of horti- culture the growth has advanced very little, from the ungenial state of the weather this month, and every thing is considered very late. As a criterion for the progress of vegetation during April, taken from a number of years* experience, asparagus was always cut in the open ground from the 7th to the 24th, but this season it was with some difficulty that a dish could be obtained on the 28th. Notwithstanding the backwardness of the season, every variety of fruit has a favourable appearance, and not a single bud or flower seems to be hurt by the inclemency of the weather. Apricots have set well, and are a large crop. Peaches have hung very long in flower, but most of them are Domestic Notices : — Scotland. 333 now in the husk, and very promising. The finer sorts of pears on south aspects are in flower, and look well ; as likewise early plums. The fruit trees on an inferior aspect, and standards, are still very backward ; but the buds appear strong and healthy, and are free from insects and blights. Gooseberries and currants are in flower, and promise an abundant crop. Culinary vegetables are now getting scarce, the winter stores being nearly exhausted. The spring supply is yet very scanty, and unless the weather take a very sudden and favourable turn, there will be a great deficiency for the kitchen before the end of May. Little progress has been made this month in the forcing departments, from the long want of sunshine, accompanied by cold damps ; this has been more particularly felt in the framing department adapted for pine-apples, melons, cucumbers, &c., where no fire heat could be applied. It has been truly teasing to the anxious horticulturist, who has laboured hard to little purpose ; and these fruits are still hanging back, notwithstanding every exertion has been made to forward them. Pine-apples, grapes, peaches, &c., although less forward than might have been expected from their ap- pearance last month, will swell to a good size and be a fair crop. In the flower-garden the beds and borders exhibit a naked appearance, more like the beginning than the end of April ; and it appears as if winter would linger in the lap of May, {Caledonian Mercury, May 4. 1829.) We have to thank our unknown friend who sends occasionally the news- paper containing these reports, and he will much gratify a number of our readers if he will continue to do so regularly. VVe have sent a communi- cation to the Editor, and a copy of our pamphlet on Education to the author of the maxims in the Caledonian Mercury, Rochefoucault the younger. These maxims have not been read without interest, and we hope they will be continued. — Cond, Vegetable Market. — April 17. A number of booths are now tastefully decorated with a profusion of spring flowers. New potatoes are selling at from Is. Gd, to 3s. a quart; an ordinary dish of sea-kale, \s, Cd. Besides the common vegetables, there are rhubarb, cresses, cauliflowers, and broc- coli. Some strawberries, completely ripe, were yesterday exposed in the shop of Boyd and Bayne, Prince's Street, for the first time this season. {Scotsman, April 18. 1829.) Ajnil 24. Within these three weeks the prices of common kitchen vegetables have been fully doubled. There is, however, little alteration in the richer and rarer articles. Yesterday asparagus was offered at from 4s. to 5s. a hundred ; sea-kale at Is. 6d,; an ordinary dish of rhubarb, 2f/. ; ra- dishes, \\d. a bunch ; and broccoli at 2d. to 4d. a head. {Ibid., April 25. 1829.) Alay 2. The effects of the unfavourable weather were this day very obvious. There were in all fifty-eight carts of vegetables, but instead of Sd. to Is., a good number were " bulked" to the tacksman at Id. each, and the remainder at from 3d. to 6d.; indeed, the whole supply could have been easily put into twenty carts. There was, of course, a material advance on the prices ; not a single green blade of any description remained unpur- chased at 8 o'clock, and a number of the retailers went away disappointed. The horticulturists were unanimous in their opinion that vegetation is at present three weeks later than usual. May 5. The stock did not amount to one half of the limited supply of the 2d, and, though wet and stormy, the market was cleared before six o'clock in the morning. {Ibid., May 6.) Caledonian Horticidtural Society. — In stating the proceedings of last Meeting of the Caledonian Horticultural Society (p. 215.), we had not room to take notice of the curious and interesting horticultural information contained in the minutes of meetings of committee and council held sub- sequently to the previous General Meeting of the Society, which, in the 334 Domestic Notices .- — Scotland. ordinary course of business, were read to, and sanctioned by, the latter Meeting. We now supply that information. At the Meeting of Committee, on the 15th of December last, specimens of a seedling apple were received from the Rev. H. Wastel of Newbroiigh, near Hexham, a plant of which had been sent to the Society's garden last year. The fruit was considered of excellent quality, and thanks voted to the reverend gentleman. Specimens of six diiferent sorts of good apples, not generally known, sent by Mr. Archibald Reid, gardener at Balcarres in Fife, for competition on the 2d of December, but which arrived too late to com- pete, were found of good quality, and thanks voted to Mr. Reid. The Secretary stated that although no competitor for the medal ofTered for " long service," had appeared on the day fixed by the schedule, yet one had since come forward. That person was Mr. John Cunningham, who had been forty-two years head-gardener at Riccarton, the fidelity and satis- factory nature of whose services were amply certified by Mr. Gibson Craig. The Committee recommended to the Genera! Meeting to admit Mr Cun- ningham's claim to the medal for 1828 ; which was agreed to. At the Meeting of Committee on the 8th ofJanuary,a collection of seeds from the Himalaya mountains was presented by John Govan, Esq. W.S. The seeds had been sent to that gentleman by his brother, Dr. Geo. Govan, botanist and geologist to the survey of those mountains. Thanks were voted to Mr. Govan, with a request that he would assure his brother, that the seeds had been received with gratitude, and would be carefully culti- vated in the Society's garden. A card was read from John Robison, Esq., announcing a donation of arboreous and shrubby plants, twenty-five in number, several of which were rare, also fifteen varieties of grape vines, including the most esteemed raisins de table, by John Exshaw, Esq , of Bourdeaux. Thanks were voted to that gentleman for this handsome donation, and also to Mr. Robison for his uniform attention to the inte- rests of the institution. Upon the 8th of February, the arrival was announced of a rich collection of fruit trees and ornamental shrubs, and of seeds, from the Horticultural Society of London, for which handsome donation the cordial thanks of the Council were directed to be communicated to the London Society. — Some apples of crop 1827, in good preservation, although fifteen months off the tree, were exhibited by Mr. Geo. Watson, gardener at Tarvit, near Cupar, Fife. These apples were of the variety called the Kerry Pippin, and the mode of preserving them consisted in placing them apart from each other in flat-bottomed earthen jars, with air-tight covers, layers of fine dry sand being put between them, and the jars kept in a cool dry situation. — The Council examined Mr. R. Spittal's essay on the diseases of plants, with specimens of the diseased leaves and stems, and found it to be a commu- nication evincing great research, and possessing much interest. At the Meeting of the Council on the 8th of March, the Society's silver medal was recommended to be awarded to Mr. Alexander Smith, gardener at Cunnoquhie, for producing pine-apples and melons in pits, the bottom heat of which was derived from steam, introduced into a close chamber filled with pebbles, a mode of heating introduced by Mr.' John Hay ; and at the same Meeting the large medal, annually placed at the disposal of this Society by the Horticultural Society of London, was voted to Mr. John Hay, for his invention of this improved mode of heating. The Society were put in possession, by Captain Smith of Dysart, of an interesting account of the effect of introducing buds of the Ganges apple into branches of the Russian transparent apple, by the ordinary process of inoculation ; the Ganges apple produced from these buds having acquired the peculiar transparency which characterises the fruit of the stock ; an effect, it will be observed, which goes to overturn the received opinion that the produce of the bud is in no respect affected by the qualities of the Domestic Notices ; — Scotlajid. 335 stock. Thanks were voted to Captain Smith for this curious communi- cation. {Advertiser, March.) The Aj/rs/iire Green-house Lodge Societt/ held their competition for hyacinths, auriculas, &c., in theTurf-room Assembly-rooms, Kilmarnock, on the 18th of April, when the different competitors stood as under: — Flowers. Double Red Hyacinth: 1. Bouquet Tendre, or Waterloo, Mr. John Brown, Kilmarnock; 2. Messrs. Dykes and Gentles, Kilmarnock; 3. Messrs. Fowlds and Lymburn, Kilmarnock. Double White Hyacinth : I.Anna Maria, Mr. John Brown; 2. Messrs. Fowlds and Lymburn; 3. Messrs. Dykes and Gentles. Double Blue Hyacinth ; 1. A-la-mode, Messrs. Dykes and Gentles ; 2. Messrs. Fowlds and Lymburn ; 3. Mr. John Brown. Yellow Hyacinths: 1. Ophir, Mr. John Brown; 2. Messrs. Fowlds and Lymburn ; 3. Messrs. Dykes and Gentles. Single Red Hj^acinths: 1. La Diana, Messrs. Fowlds and Lymburn ; 2. Messrs. Dykes and Gentles ; 3. Mr. John Brown. Single White Hyacinths : 1. Grand Vainquer, Mr. John Brown ; 2. Messrs. Dykes and Gentles ; 3. Messrs. Fowlds and Lymburn. Single Blue Hyacinths : 1. Vulcan (very fine), Mr. John Brown ; 2. Messrs. Dykes and Gentles; 3. Messrs. Fowlds and Lymburn. Green- edged Auri- culas : Stretch's Alexander, Harris's Blucher, &c , Mr. John Brown. White-edged Auriculas : Lee's Bright Venus, &c., Mr. John Morton, Kil- marnock. Grey-edged Auriculas : Butterworth's Lord Hood, &c., Mr. John Brown. Polyanthuses : 1. Mannin's Lady Anne Hamilton, Pearson's Alexander, and Cox's Prince Regent, Mr. John Brown; 2. Yorkshire Green, Grey Leadington, &c., Mr. Robert Purvis, Caprington. — Fridt. Best twelve preserved Apples, four sorts : Mr. Robert Purvis. — Culinary Vegetables. Parsneps: 1. Mr. Robert Rogers; 2. Mr. Robert Purvis. Sea- kale, Mr. Robert Purvis. — Of extra-articles, some very fine geraniums, carrots, leeks, radishes, &c., were presented by Mr. Robert Purvis, Caprington. Montrose Horticultural Society. — The first Show for the season took place on April 29., William Mudie, Esq. Vice-President, in the chair. We had no conception that such a collection of flowers could have been got together at this season, particularly when the inclemency of the weather is taken into consideration. The auriculas were very fine, and of the very choicest sorts. The hyacinths were equally good, and plentiful. The po- lyanthuses were also very fine. The bouquets far exceeded those of last year ; and the vegetables, though not very abundant, were excellent. The asparagus was considered particularly fine for the season. There was a profusion of uncommonly well-kept apples : those from Brotherton, though fewer in variety than what gained the premiums, were equally well kept. A few full-sized white currants, from Old Montrose, were exhibited as a curiosity. We were particularly struck with a plant of the A^erium splen- dens, from Mr. Walker's green-house, in full bloom : it is truly a splendid plant. The decorations attracted general attention. The office-bearers must have been very zealous in the cause before they could have produced such an effect. The judges awarded the prizes as follows : — Flowers. Green-edged Auriculas : 1. Alexander Smith, Rosemount ; 2. Mr. Beattie, Montrose. White-edged Auriculas: 1. Alexander Smith; 2. Mrs. Sim, Montrose. Grey-edged Auriculas: 1. Mr. Beattie; 2. Alex- ander Smith. Self Auricula, Mr. Beattie. jSeedling Auricula, Alexander Smith. Polyanthuses: 1. Mr. Beattie; 2. A. Smith. Seedling Polyanthus, James Tough, Old Montrose. Double Hyacinths : 1. Mrs. Sim; 2. Mr. Sharp, Montrose. Single Hyacinths: 1. Mr. Sharp, Montrose ; 2. Mr. Beattie. Double Wallflowers, James Tough. Dark-ground Pelargoniums: 1. and 2. James Tough. Light-ground Pelargoniums: 1. James Tough ; 2. Mr. Sharp. Bouquet of Flowers from the green-house, Mr, Sharp. Bouquet of Flowers from the open border, Alexander Smith. — Cidinary Vegetables. Broccoli: 1. James Tough ; 2. John Begbie. Rossie. Sea- 336 Domestic Notices: — Scotland. kale: 1. Alexander Smith ; 2. James Tough. Lettuce, Alexander Smith. Leeks, James Tough. Early Potatoes : 1. Alexander Smith ; 2. Mr. Clark, Charleton. Early Cabbage : 1. J. Hardie, Brotherton; 2. James Tough. Asparagus: 1. James Tough; 2. Mr. Clark. Autumn-sown Carrots, Alexander Smith. Autumn-sown Onions, James Tough. Old Onions, Neil M'Donald, Newton Mill. — Fruit. Kept Apples : 1 . James Tough ; 2. Alexander Smith. Tart Rhubarb, from Old Montrose, was adjudged an extra-prize. Judges: Messrs. Morson, Montrose ; J. Dorward, Noranside; J. M Do- nald, Dunninald ; and A. Forbes, Ardovie. — We are glad to find that the Society is so decidedly meeting with the encouragement of the public. {Montrose Revieiv, May 1. 1829.) The Aherdeenshire Horticultural Society held a Meeting on the 10th of March for the election of office-bearers. Among the new members added was the Conductor of the Gardener's Magazine as a honorary member, for which he now returns his best thanks. Aberdeenshire Horticultural Society. — A Spring Show of this Society took place on May 5th ; and, notwithstanding the extreme backwardness of the season, it was remarked that the display of flowers, particularly the auriculas, polyanthuses, hyacinths, &c., had never been exceeded; in early vegetables the productions were numerous, and most of them in very high perfection. After carefully examining the different articles, the Judges awarded the premiums as under : — Flowers. Stage Auriculas, David Gairns, gardener, Glenbervie House. Seedling Auriculas : 1. The large silver medal, David Gairns; S.Joseph Riddoch, Banchory Lodge. Polyanthuses, Captain John Clyne, Gilcom- ston. Seedling Polyanthuses : 1. James Ferrar, gardener, Gilcomston; 2. Mr. J. L Massie. Hyacinths, Captain John Anderson, Skene Square. — Culinary Vegetables. Mushrooms, William Gallow, gardener, Scotstown. Asparagus: 1. James Alexander, gardener, Murtle ; 2. William Gallow, gardener, Scotstown. Broccoli: l. David Taylor, gardener, Belmont; 2, William Lawson, gardener, Devanha. Sea-kale: 1. Peter Archibald, gar- dener. Park ; 2. George Cardo, gardener, Woodhill. Cucumbers : John Davidson, gardener, Dunnottar. — Fruit. Apples: 1. William Chalmers, gardener, Lochhead ; 2. Alexander Brown, gardener, Heathcot. To David Young, Esq., Cornhill, for the best Scotch champagne, made from unripe gooseberries, which the Judges declared to be the finest that had hitherto been produced before the Society, the silver medal. An extra-premium was also awarded to David Taylor, Belmont, for a basket of very fine rhubarb. Among the flowers exhibited to deck the tables there was a plant in full bloom of the Bletia TankervilliP, from the garden of D. Young, Esq., of Cornhill ; and another of the Aletris cap^nsis, from the garden of Mr. Roy, nurseryman; both of which were much admired. A number of articles were received too late to be admitted for competition, particularly some black currant wine, from Mrs. Crombie of Phesdo, and some from Mr. Thomas Burnett, advocate, the quality of which was ascertained to be peculiarly rich and high-flavoured. [Aberdeen Chronicle, May 9.) Raising the Scotch Pine and Larch from foreign Seeds. — The Highland Society have offered handsome premiums for the following objects : — To the nurseryman or other person in Scotland, who shall, between the 30th of October, 1826, and 30th of October, 1829, have raised on rather poor nurserj'-ground, and sold for planting, the greatest number of plants, not being fewer than three millions, of the Pinus sylvestris, from seed imported from Norway, and taken off healthy trees in that country, or taken off healthy and free-growing trees of the natural-grown pine in the Highland districts of the counties of Aberdeen, Moray, and Inverness, — twenty sovereigns, or a piece of plate of that value. Domestic Notices : ■^— Scotland. 337 To the nurseryman or other person in Scothind, who shall, between the 30th of October, 1826, and oOth oF October, 1829, have raised, and sold for planting, the greatest number of plants, not being fewer than one million, of the Pinus Larix, or larch fir, from seeds imported from the Tyrol, or other regions of the Alps to which it is indigenous, and taken off healthy trees in that country, — thirty sovereigns, or a piece of plate of that value. (^Scots- man, March 4. 1829.) Practical Schools of Agriculture. — We observe, in the Farmer^s Journal (May 4.), an advertisement from a farmer in Strathmore, for youna; gentle- men as apprentices in farming; and another from our much-valued friend and scientific correspondent, Mr. ShirrefFof Mangos-wells, near Hadding- ton, for a few young gentlemen as boarders, to whom he will impart the scientific principles, as well as pi'actice, of East Lothian farming. Few English proprietors are aware of the good they might do their families by sending such of their sons as are destined to possess land to study the agriculture of the northern counties, and especially of East Lothian. It is difficult to give credit to the fact, that there is such a superiority in the practice of an art, every v/here followed, within such a short distance; but such is still the fact, nolVv-ithstanding all the endeavours by societies, pre- miums, books, and northern bailiffs, to difllise a knowledge of Scottish agri- culture in the centre and south of England. How w5nderfully a proprietor in Normandy, and, still more, one in the neighbourhood of Saverne and Metz, where clover is scarcely known, and the soil as good as between Dunbar and Haddington, would profit by adopting the East Lothian hus- 't)andry ! — Cond. Crinum amdbile and Nep€7itkes distill atbria. — Sir, There is at present in full flower, in the stove of Professor Dunbar of Rose Park, a beautiful plant of the Crinum amabile. The same plant has now flowered with the Professor either fiva or six times, last jear three times. I am not sure whether it has flowered oftener than once or twice in England, and cer- tainly never has it flowered so continually as now in Mr. Dunbar's stove. The flowers are of the most beautiful description, consisting of a number of florets, which succeed one another; so that when one dies, another comes out. These florets are supported on a long, thick, fleshy, round, smooth stem, which shoots up from the body of the plant with amazing rapidity. Professor Dunbar had also very lately, in the same stove, the iVep^nthes distillatoria in full blow, the flowers of which were female ; and as it for- tunately happened that there was in the botanic garden, at the same time, a similar plant in flower, whose flowers were male, impregnation was effected, and the result has been a large supply of seeds, which the Professor and Mr. Macnab have already sown. If I am not mistaken, this is the first time impregnation between these plants has been performed in this country. I am. Sir, &c. — W. D. March 19. 1829. : Retarding Gooseberries. — A gentleman who has a garden in a high and rather late part of this district, sowed a crop of a tall kind of pea imme- diately bordering on some gooseberry bushes. From deficiency in the length of the stakes, the peas, after they had attained a certain height, fell over and completely co; red one gooseberry bush, which was thus buried and lost sight of at the time the fruit of the others was ripe. The haulm of the peas was not removed till the beginning of December, when the gooseberries were discovered hanging on the bush in the greatest per- fection. Perhaps this is too inartificial a method to be recommended to be followed, but it may afford a hint for improvement in the mode of pro- longing the season of this excellent and popular fruit. — John Ferme. Haddington, Sept. 23. 1828. Vol. V, — No. 20. z S38 London Nurseries. The Gaelic Schools in the Highlands and Islands of Scotland amount to eighty, and are attended by five thousand scholars. Many of the scholars are grown up persons, and not a few are advanced in life ; but, notwith- standing this, many of them have acquired the art of reading with fluency in three months. When the Gaelic School Society commenced its labours, there were not fewer than 150,000 persons capable of instruction yet unable to read in any language whatever. {Evan. Mag., March, 1829.) Venerable Orange Tree. — Your extract from the Journal of the Bristol Nursery Library Society, under the above head, in Gard. Mag., No. XIV., has been copied into it from the Journal of the Tour of a Dejmtation of the Caledonian Horticultural Society through France, Sec, where you will find a more full account of it, p.411. — John Ferine. Haddington, Sept. 25. 1828. IRELAND. Counsellor West's Curvilinear Iron Sash-bar Hot-house, lately erected in the neighbourhood of Dublin, is, perhaps, the most beautiful thing of the sort in the united kingdom. I am surprised that your correspondent Mr. Fraser has not sent you some account of it. The hot-water system of heating is making rapid progress in this country, and succeeds perfectly. Messrs. Bailey of London, who put up Mr. West's hot-house, I believe, were the first to introduce it in Ireland. — J. H. Feb. 16. Draining Bogs. — A very interesting work of this kind is likely to be soon undertaken. There is a chain of three lakes in Galway, very near one another. Lough Corrib, Lough Mask, and Lough Corra. By cutting a gal- lery 3,000 feet (ij miles) long, through a limestone rock between the first and second of these lakes, an interior navigation of 30 miles can be opened up, and 16,500 acres of land, now all under water, will be drained. The costs of the gallery are estimated at 50,000/., and the value of the land to be gained at 530,000/. {Scotsman.) Education. — At the Anniversary Meeting of the London Hibernian So- ciety, April 25., it appeared that, during the past year, " the schools have increased from 1,046 to 1,552,- and the scholars now enrolled, to 76,444. These schools are distributed in the four provinces, but chiefly in Con- naught. {Tmies, May 5.) Art. IV. The London Ntirseries. Mr. Knight's Exotic Nursery, King's Road, April 21. — Two varieties of J?hododendron arboreum have lately been in flower here in the large curvilinear conservatory, also several species of Acacia, and some new seedling camellias, raised by Mr. Knight. The jet of water in the large cast-iron vase {Jig. 78.), placed in the middle of this conservatorv, produces a very brilliant effect; and, by keeping the air moist, promotes the health of the plants, and the diffusion of their different perfumes. It is worthy of remark, that not a single pane of glass in this iron house has been broken since its erec- tion four years ago (Vol. I. p. 249.), and that during the laft winter, when London Nurseries. 339 the thermometer in the open air was as low as 25', no fires were made- The earth in the Camellirt pots was frozen, but no damage ensued. The sides of this structure being chiefly of masonry, and the glass roof being very lofty, account for the quantity of heat retained. Mr. Knight is building a new orangery, to be heated by hot-water on an improved plan, of which we hope soon to give some account. Colville's Nursery, Kiiig^s Road, April 21. — The show of forced flowers and shrubs here is most splendid. A number of varieties of Bengal roses and azaleas seem eligible shrubs for forcing. The brilliancy of the poppy anemones, in pots, shows what may be done even in cheap articles ; and we cannot but regret that there is not a large public conservatory in London, in the way of market, for exposing such articles for sale, that every shop- keeper might place some of them in his windows, and every householder on his balconies or window sills. The air of London would thus be ren- dered like that of a flower-garden, which it sometimes is, even now, in the streets about the west end of the town, from the abundance of mignonette. We have suggested the idea of forming such conservatory markets for plants in pots, both in what are now the churchyards, and in Covent Garden market; but the time is not yet come for carrying all our ideas into effect. In Mr. Colville's conservatory are large specimens of Hovea Celsfi, covered with their fine blue pea-flowers ; and Wistar/a Consequawa is going out of flower there, and coming into flower against the end of a green-house. Everyone, therefore, that wishes to have the full enjoyment of this charming twining shrub, ought to have three sets of plants ; one set for forcing, one for the green-house, and one for the open air. In the hot-house, Calathea veratrifolia and other Orchidese axe beautifully in flower; and an artificial tree, formed of the shells of cocoa nuts and moss, is covered with a great many specimens of this curious family, in vigorous growth, of which there is one species or another in flower every day in the year. T/ie Fulkam Nursery, May 11. — Thermopsis /aburnifolia, which at a distance looks like a laburnum on a large scale, is here both in flower and leaf in the open air ; it is worthy of a place against every wall of half-hardy shrubs. A most complete collection of azaleas, planted a few years ago, are now in a vigorous state. Lager stroe^mifl indica, Acacia Julibrissin, and similar trees, have stood the last severe winter, as they have done upwards of a dozen winters before ; and we have elsewhere noticed, on the authority of Mr. Sweet, that Brunsvigm Josephinte has stood the winter in the open border in front of the hot-house, without losing its leaves. There can be no doubt that many exotic plants, if treated the season before so as to pro- duce the perfect ripening of their wood, buds, or bulbs, would stand the winter better than even indigenous articles that have been caught in a growing state by the frost. In this nursery there are some fine specimens of cork tree, nettle trees, purple beech, Aildntus glandulosa, and Fulham oak, Quei'cus Cerris var. dentata of Sweet's Horhis Britdnnicus. This last tree is of an immense size, and shows that forest trees may be grafted to advan- tage in cases where the seeds are with difficulty obtained. Malcolm^ s Nursery, Kensington, Ajml 25. — Magnoha conspicua is here nearly as finely in flower aswhen we described and figured it in April 1826- (Vol. I. p. 154. and Vol. II. p. 370.) Mr. Malcolm has imported a very complete collection of azaleas from the Netherlands, mules raised there from seed. Gualtheria procumbens is here profusely covered with purple red berries, which, it was observed by Mr. Malcolm, the birds do not eat even in the most severe seasons. The Mary-la-bonne Nursery, April 20. — The botanic garden here, as we formerly noticed, is let for building on, and Mr. Jenkins has, in conse- quence, concentrated his energies. He has lately erected ranges of glass, Z 2 340 London Nurseries. upwards of 500 ft. in length, and heated a great part of them with hot water, from his own plan, and with no other assistant than his own carpenter and smith. Having fallen into the common error of fixing an insufficient number of pipes for meeting the demands of very severe weather, to remedy the error (which he is not the only nurseryman who has committed) he has placed a small steam boiler by the side of his water boiler, and con- ducted steam pipes from it in the centre of his water pipes. These steam pipes are not quite an inch in diameter, but they are effectual in heating the water at a distance of nearly 200 ft. from the boiler, and we have little doubt they would effect the same object upwards of .500 ft. distant. The pipe, if we are not mistaken, returns to the boiler, into which the con- densed water is pushed forwards by the steam. By this arrangement the smallest possible quantity of water and steam is lost; only care must be taken, by air or water valves, to provide against a vacuum. We do not, how- ever, recommend this plan for imitation, as we consider it too intricate, but to show how errors may be corrected, or difficulties overcome, by an in- genious persevering man. Kpsom Nursery, May 19. — New or rare plants which have flowered during the months of March and April : — i?anunculus (C. Bank.) frigidus Willd. Magnolia {L.) Soulangc«H(7 Sweet's Brit. Fl. Gard. 260. ^'rabis (Z<.) rosea Dec, arenosa Scojj. /beris {L) Lagasca?2a Dec. Sterigma tomentosum Dec, B. F. G. 278. Moricandja arvensis Dec. Schizopetalum Walkeri Sims, Bot. Mag. 2579. Fiola (Town.) palniata L. v. bicolor variegata Fisch., pubescens Ji^. Brit. Fl. G. 223. O'xalis {L.) Deppii Link and Otto. Hovea (R. Br.) purpiirea Siveefs Fl. Ausi. 13. Kennedya coccinea Vent. Swt^s. Fl. Aitst. 2.?. Z/upinus [Tourn.) canaliculatus Sweet's B. F. G. 283. Claytonia (L.) grandiflora Siveefs B. F.G. 216. v. pallida, caroliniana Mich. B. F.G. 208. Ribes (L.) sanguineum. Pknax trifolia L. Bot. Mag. 1334. Borkhausifl (Bohm.) purpurea Spi-eng. Andr6med« (L.) iuxifolia Lam. Bot. Mag. 2660. iShododendron ( L.) arboreum Sm. v. roseum, phoenfceum, Smithidnum, sinense Sweet. Polemonium (!>.) Richardsoni Graham, Bot. Mag. 2800. Witheringia (Herit.) montana Dun. Pedicularis canadensis L. B.F. G. 37. Calceolaria C-L.) thyrsiflora Graham, purpurea Graham., connata Hook. Bot. Mag. 2876. Terbena {L.) Melindris Gillies, Bot. Reg. 1184., pulchella Sweet's B. F. G. 295. Cyclamen (Z/.) repandum Sib. and Sm. B. F. G. 117. JVarcissus {L.) albus Haw. Bot. Mag. 1300., Macleaii Lindl. Bot. Mag. 2588 , sexlobatus Haw., montanus Ker, Bot. Reg. 123., pulchdilus Haw. A'ci* {Salisb. and Sweet) trichophylla Sweet in Obs. B. i^-G. 297., grandi- flora Sweet in Obs. B. F. G. 292. Trillium sdssile L. Bot. Mag. 40. cernuum L. Bot. Mag. 954. (Scilla (L.) pumila Brot. — Alpha. Covent Gmden Market. 34.1 Art. V. Covent Garden Market. Prices for the First and Second Wkeks of May. Tlie Cabbage Tribe. Cabbage, White, per dozen Cabbage Plants, or Cole. worts, per dozen - Cauliflowers, per dozen - Broccoli, White, per bunch Broccoli, Purple, per bunch Legumes. Peas (forced), per pottle - Kidneybeans (forced), p. hd. Tubers and Roots. r per ton Potatoes, . i per cwt. Cper bush Potatoes, Kidney, per bush. Potatoes, Scotch! per bushel Potatoes, New, per pound Turnips, White, (new) per bunch Carrots, Old, per bunch -' Carrots, Horn, per bunch Red Beet, per dozen Horseradish, per bundle - Radishes, Red, per dozen hands (24 to 30 each) Radishes, Red , per bunch White Turnip, per bunch . , : The Spinach Tribe. SP'nach. [^-tl7sieve Sorrel, per halt sieve The Onion Tribe. Onions, Old, per bushel - Chives, per dozen roots - Garlic, per pound Shallots, per pound Asparaginous Plants, Salads, tffc. Asparagus, per hundred Lettuce, Coss, per score - Lettuce, Cabbage, per score Succory, per bunch Small Salads, per punnet Watercress, per dozen small bunches Burnet, per bunch. From £ s. d. 0 0 9 0 0 6 0 3 0 4 0 3 0 2 0 0 1 0 0 4 0 1 6 0 I 0 0 2 0 0 0 8 0 0 1 U 0 1 0 0 8 0 0 4 0 0 0 0 12 0 0 2 0 0 10 0 0 0 0 2 0 1 0 0 0 0 0 0 To £ s. d. 0 10 0 0 4 0 8 0 0 0 8 0 0 4 0 5 0 4 0 3 0 0 4 0 0 0 6 0 2 6 0 16 0 4 0 0 0 10 0 0 IJ 0 0 11 0 0 10 0 0 6 0 1 0 0 IS 0 0 0 0 0 0 0 0 16 0 7 0 0 3 0 0 0 6 0 0 0 0 0 0 0 0 6 0 0 8- 0 0 2 10 0 0 Pot and Sweet Herbs. Parsley, per half sieve Tarragon, p. doz. bunches Purslain, per punnet Fennel, per dozLMi bunches Thyme, per dozen bunches Sage, per dozen bunches Mint, per dozen bunches Marjoram (forced), per doz. bunches Savory, per dozen bunches Basil (forced), per doz. bun. Rosemary, per doz. bunches Tansy, per dozen bunches Stalks and Fruits for Tarts, Pickling, %c. Rhubarb Stalks, per bundle Edible Fungi and Fuel. Mushrooms, per pottle - Dried Morels, per punnet English Morels Dried Truffles, Foreign, per pound - - - Fruits. Apples, Nonpareils, per bus. Reinette Grise White Rennets French Crabs Peaches, per dozen Apricots, Green, per pottle Cherries, per pound Gooseberries, per pottle Strawberries (forced), per oz. Old Scarlets, per ounce Walnuts, per bushel Pine-apples per pound Hot. house Grapes, p. pound Cucumbers, Frame, p. brace 0-"Ses, [|;-llrd"red- L-ons, \^ZiZLa- Brazil Nuts, per bushel - Barcelona, per peck^ - Spanish, per peck Turkey, per peck Eggs of Silkworms, per 100 Garden Snails, per quart - I 6 6 6 From To ^e s. d. £ s. d. 0 I 0 0 1 6 0 4 0 0 0 0 0 0 6 0 0 9 0 1 6 0 2 0 0 2 0 0 0 0 0 2 0 0 0 0 0 2 0 0 0 0 0 8 0 0 10 0 0 2 6 0 0 0 0 8 0 0 10 0 0 3 0 0 0 0 0 2 0 0 0 0 0 14 0 2 0 0 1 0 0 0 12 0 0 12 0 0 0 0 0 2 6 1 0 0 0 2 0 0 0 6 0 13 0 16 0 1 0 0 0 10 0 0 16 0 10 0 8 0 0 0 9 0 6 0 0 16 0 0 6 0 0 4 0 0 5 0 0 0 6 0 1 0 0 1 3 0 3 0 0 0 0 0 0 0 0 14 0 0 0 0 2 10 0 1 10 0 0 16 0 0 14 0 3 0 0 0 4 0 1 5 0 0 6 0 0 1 3 0 2 3 0 0 0 1 .5 0 0 18 0 0 5 0 0 3 0 1 4 0 0 2 0 0 14 0 1 0 0 0 0 0 0 0 0 0 0 0 0 0 0 0 0 0 Observations. — The prevalence of cold and wet, throughout the month of April, retarded the growth of all vegetable productions very materiall}', not- withstanding which our supplies of common articles have been tolerably abundant. Forced asparagus was luuch in demand, and brought very hio-h prices; but in consequence of the recent change of the weather, which has caused a supply from the open ground, the forced article is no longer wanted but for soups. A few forced peas in punnets appeared in April, for which it was reported a very extravagant price had been obtained; but this was most properly contradicted in one of the newspapers, by Mr. Cooke, the fruiterer, &c., in Covent Garden Market. From aj)pearance, I con- cluded that the variety was Bishop's New Early. Since that time some early single-blossomed Frames have been produced of much better sample and quality, which will give that variety a decided advantage over the other, except in cases where a very few early peas are desirable. Rhubarb stalks have been in great abundance, and almost in equal demand. The use of this article in the kitchen within the last few years has increased to a very great extent, and has induced many gardeners in the neighbourhood of z 3 3 4 2 Horticultural Society and Garden. London to turn their attention to its improvement, whence have resulted several new varieties, among which may be particularly noticed Wil- mot's Early Red, Radford's Giant, Dutly's Goliath, and Myatt's Seedling. The first is an early variety for forcing ; the others are large and well fla- voured, and equally desirable and advantageous, giving a large supply of fine stalks at this season for the table^ Rhubarb stalks were first used as a substitute for, or mixed with, gooseberries or apples in tarts ; but they are now esteemed for their peculiar flavour, without reference either to goose- berries or apples, and generally considered wholesome and nutritive. The first peas from ^the open garden appeared on May 16. — G. C. May, 1829. Art. VI. Horticultural Society and Garden. April 7. 1829. — Read. Notice respecting the Cariaco or Amapo of South America, or Maiz de dos Meses; by John Hancock, M.D Exldbited, A plant in flower of Enkianthus reticulatus, from Thomas Carey Palmer, Esq. F.H.S. Yellow Chinese Azalea, from William Wells, Esq. F.H.S. Nine sorts of Camellias, from Messrs. Chandler and Son. An Apple, unnamed, from Mr. James Young, F.H.S. Four sorts of Apples from Robert Holden, Esq. Also, from the Garden of the Society. Bellissime d'Hiver pear, and sixteen sorts of apples. Ajyril 21. — Read. Upon the cultivation of the Bouvardea triphylla; by Mr. John Mearns, F.H.S. Journal of Meteorological Observations, made in the Garden of the Horticultural Society at Chiswick, during the year 1828 ; by Mr. William Beattie Booth, A.L.S. An account of Ji)bes san- guineum; by Mr. David Douglas, F.L.S.,&c. Exhibited. Oi'anges from St. Michael's, fx'om William Harding Read, Esq. C.M.H.S. Mushrooms, from Mr. William Dolby, gardener to John Josiah Guest, Esq. F.H.S. Flowers of Magnolia conspicua, from Sir Abraham Hume, Bart. F.H.S. Azalea Indica hybrida, from Mr, James Young, F.H.S. A collection of Polyanthuses and Auriculas, from Mr. William Hogg, of Paddington. Four sorts of Camellias, from Messrs. Chandler and Son. Also, from the Garden of the Society. Flower of Double Furze, Poppy Anemones, varieties of Fritillaria, Tul'ipa sylvestris, Euphorbia rigida, varieties of i^^arcissus 2LwAIiibcs sangufneum. Fruits of the Roseberry and Keen's Seedling Strawberry, forced in a curvilinear house. May 5. — Read. Upon the Management of Bees ; By Alexander Seton, Esq. F.H.S. Upon the supposed Changes of the Climate of England ; by Thomas Andrew Knight, Esq. F.R.S. and President. Upon the Ventilation of Hotbeds ; by Mr. R. L. Howes, gardener to Mrs. Evcrard, of Middleton, Norfolk. Upon an Improvement in the Construction of Hot-houses ; by Mr. John Legge, C.M.H.S. History and Description of the Species of Camellia and Thca, cultivated in the Garden of the Horticultural Society j by Mr. William Beattie Booth, A.L.S. Exhibited. Cucumbers, from Mr. R. L. Howes, gardener to Mrs. Everard of Middleton, Norfolk. Cucumbers, from Mr. John Legge, C.M.H.S. Specimens of nine sorts of Broccoli, from Mr. Hugh Ronalds, F.H S. Camellias, cut from a plant which has been growing in the open ground for five years, at Killerton, from Sir Thomas Dyke Ackland, Bart. E.H.S. Flower of a new seedling Camellia, from John AUnut, Esq. F.H.S. Dutch Pippins, from Mr. William Beattie, F.H.S. ; Sweeney Nonpareils, from Thomas Netherton Parker, Esq. F.H.S. ; and three sorts of Apples, from Mr. John Mitchell, C.M.H.S. Horticultural Society and Garden. S-iS Also, from the Garden of the Society. Knight's protecting Broccoli, flowers of Coloured Oxlips, Coloured Cowslips, Poppy Anemones, Early Tulips, varieties of Fritilluria, Ribes sanguineum and aiireum prae cox. Double Furze, Jmjgdalus persica flore pleno, Prunus sinensis, varieties of iS^arcissi. May 19, — Read. On the Management of the Genus Camelh'« ; by Mr. Thomas Blake, F.H.S. gardener to Lord Rolle, F.H.S. Remarks on the Culture of the Vine; by H. Barry, Esq. Exhilnted. Candle from the wax of the i?hus succedanea, from F. D. Davis, Esq. Broccoli, from Mr. James Dann, Gardener to the Rev. Henry Symonds De Brett, F. H. S. Ten sorts of Flowers, from Robert Barclay, Esq. F.H.S. Azalea indica alba, iihododdndron fragrans, and a seedling var. of Rhododendron catawbiensis, from Messrs. Cl'.andler and Son. Remarkably fine Asparagus, from Mr. Grayson of Mortlake, Surrey. Also, from the Garden of the Society. Nine sorts of apples and thirteen sorts of Rhubarb, flowers of Wistaria Consequawa, Yellow i?6sa Banks/c?, Chelone Scouleri, Common and Irish Poppy Anemones, Narcissus Fseonies, Double Tulips, Single Tulips, Parrot Tulips, Double-flowering Furze, C'y- tisus ruthenicus, fytisus elongatus, ^partium scorpius, Kibes aureum, seedling Heart's-ease and Double Prunus 6'erasus. Tlie Anniversary Fete of the Society will take place at the garden at Chiswick, on Saturday, June 27.; for which tickets will be issued from the office in Regent Street under the following regulations: — 1. All Fellows of the Society will be furnished with tickets of admission for their own personal use at 2\s. each. 2. All Fellows of the Society will be furnished with tickets for each and every member of their family at 2\s. each, up to the 1.3th of June inclusive ; after that day and up to the 20th of June inclusive, at 1/. 1 \s. 6d. each, and subsequently, at 2/. 2s. each. 5. Such tickets as may be required by Fellows beyond those for indi- viduals of their own family, must be applied for, either personally or in writing, when vouchers will be issued by the Committee in fivour of the applicants. These tickets will be 25s. each, up to the 13th of June in- clusive; after that day and up to the 20th of June inclusive, they will be 1/. lis. 6d. and subsequently 2l. 2s. 4 Tickets will not be transferable. 5. If tickets are exchanged, the difference must be paid between the value of the original ticket and the price which may be borne by tickets at the time of the exchange being effected. IVie Chiswick Garden, May 20. — We have visited this garden two or three times since our return from the Continent, but found little to remark on. On the whole, it is kept in good order, and extra-attention seems to be paid to the hot-house plants, and especially to the orchideous epiphytes. Wistaria Consequawa is now splendidly in bloom on the open wall ; the number of blossoms exceeds 1500, each raceme from 12 to 18 in. long,, each blossom like that of a scarlet runner, but much larger, and of a light purple. Such a plant, trained to a parasol or to a tree, in the open garden on a lawn, would produce an effect much more natural and imposing, because one beauty of all flowers and fruits that come in bunches is to hang freely down. No person having a house or garden, either in town or country, however small, ought to be without this extraordinary fine climber ; when once estab lished it grows with great rapidity. The plant in the Chiswick garden last year made shoots 30 ft. long ; four plants, we should think, if done justice to at the roots, would cover the walls of St. Paul's Cathedral in ten yeai* and one plant, in a good churchyard, would cover any country church iu less than that time. The price from being 40s. has fallen to 5s. and 7*. 6d. each. It deserves to be noticed, that the ai'tesian well here, which four years z 4. 344 Arboretum in the Garden ago gave six gallons a minute, does not now give one gallon, and water is accordingly supplied to the garden from one of the public water companies. The flow of most of the other artesian wells, that we have heard of, has diminished in a not less extraordinary proportion ; the natural consequence of the great increase of the number of these wells, within a limited district, in diminishing the source of supply. The water-borers at Paris will, we trust, profit by this fact. On a former occasion, we stated the advantages that would result to the visitors of this garden, from having all the hardy plants, species as well as varieties, conspicuously named. Our correspondent, Mr. Murray, has shown (Vol. III. p. 29.), that this may be done in the Glasgow garden, in a most superior style, at the rate of 23s. per himdred ; say in the Chiswick gar- den at 30s, per hundred; or, for the 3000 articles that may require naming, 45/. ; a trifle scarcely more than a fifth part of the amount of the receipts for produce sold last year. With respect to Mr. Murray's tally (fig. 16. Vol. III. p. 29.), we can state it from experience to be farj preferable to painting the name on plates, either of iron or lead, however carefully these plates may have been prepared. We received a tally from Mr. Murray a little more than two years ago, and stuck it in the ground along with some others, with the names painted on cast-iron, the iron being previously boiled in oil, and afterwards three times painted. We also stuck in some on which the names were painted on plates of lead, the plates being prepared by three coats of paint. The letters, both on the iron and the lead, are beginning to fade, while Mr. Mun-ay's letters on wood and under glass are as clear as when they were put in ; the air being completely excluded from the letters. Possibly a card might be substituted for the slip of wood, and the name, class, native country, year of introduction, &:c. handsomely printed at a printing-office. We throw out the idea for gardeners who have the naming of private collections, and hope soon to supply some other hints on the subject. — Cond. Art. VII. Arboretum in the Garden of the Horticultural Society. We have delayed so long to lay the plan of this notable work before our readers, that we fear a number of them will have forgotten our promise to jlo so. The reason of the delay has been an utter aversion, on our part, from the duty of finding fault with a production which, were it any where else but in the garden of a public body, would be beneath criticism. The first duty of the critic of any production is to endeavour to ascertain the object which the producer has had in view ; and the only data that we have for this is in the name " Arboretum," the references to the plan, and the following passage from the Report of the Garden Committee ^ov 1826 : — " The entire garden must be viewed as created for the illustration of all objects connected with gardening, and as intended to fulfil the purposes of the original institution of the Society, pointed out in its charter, ' the improvement of horticulture in all its branches, ortiamental as well as itsefnl.' " The words in italics in the above extract are in italics in the report j from which, and from the plan of the water and the turf in the arbo- retum, we conclude that that department of the Chiswick garden is meant to exhibit a specimen of landscape-gardening as well as a collection of trees and shrubs. Every one who looks at the plan (fg. 79), and has seen the garden, will we think, allow that we are justified in forming this conclusion ; and therefore we may fairly proceed to examine it, first as a landscape composition of wood, water, and turf; and secondly, as an assemblage of trees for botanical and pictorial study. of the Horticulhiral Society. 345 As a landscape composition, it must eitlier be an imitation of natural scenery, or a composition with a view to create a character of art ; any thing between the two would be too indefinite to have much beauty. No one, for a moment, can ever mistake either the water or the clumps for natural forms; and, therefore, we must conclude that an artificial cha- racter was intended. An artificial character may be highly beautiful without being natural. The French parterre is an artificial character, and is very perfect and very beautiful in its way. So may an artificial arbo- retum, for it might be arranged as a parterre on a large scale ; and, there- fore, we are bound to conclude that the artist who devised the plan of this arboretum had an artificial ciiaracter in view. There can be no question that he was satisfied with the beauty of his composition, and it is equally certain that the garden committee consider it beautiful ; for in the same Beport which we have quoted, they state " that if the plan of the garden were again to be arranged, the present would probably be adopted by all who are acquainted with its details." We confess we can see neither beauty nor fitness in any part of the plan of this garden, as we have before stated {Encyc. of Gard., § 7507. ; Gard. Mag., vol. ii. p. 359.), and least of all, in the plan of the arboretum. But, having shown that it has no natural beauty, we shall employ a few words to prove that it is equally deficient in artificial beauty. As the first effect of natural beauty is the impression of a resemblance to nature, so the first effect of artificial beauty is the impression that the scene could only have been produced by art. I3oth characters are produced by art ; but in the former case art is studiously concealed ; in the latter, it is dis- tinctly avowed. Thegrand defect of this ai-boretum is, that the forms, neither separately nor combined, are sufficiently geometrical ; and the second defect is, that from no point, nor in any manner in which it can be viewed, does it form a whole. With the single exception of the two ovals (a b and c d), there is not a single clump that might not be moved either back- wards or forwards, or taken away altogether, without in the slightest degree injuring the effect of the rest, or of the water or grass. The water might have been more or less bent in its direction, and broader or nar- rower at any one particular part, without the slightest derangement to the grass or the clumps. The only thing like what an artist would call a feature in this plan is the open glade (e/), in the direction of the com- mittee room (g). This is the single redeeming point in the whole com- position, which is otherwise so tame and lumpish as to leave no striking or agreeable impression. Whoever has Brewster's EncyclopcBdia, and will turn to the article Landscape-gardening and the plate of the grounds at Duddingston House near Edinburgh, will be struck with the similarity in the manner of laying out that place by a pupil of Brown between 1770 and 1780,and of laying out the arboretum of the Chiswick garden in J 825; and they may ascertain the opinion now entertained of the beauty of the grounds at Duddingston House, as well in the article alluded to as in Sir Walter Scott's review of the Planter's Guide in the Quarterly Review for October, 1827. The next thing is to examine how far the disposition of the clumps is favourable to the purpose of examining different species or genera of trees individually, in connection with other species of the same genus, or genera of the same order, in the Jussieuean or Linnean system. Ready and comfortable access to each individual species at all seasons when plants are in flower or leaf, and such an obvious arrangement as that a botanist, knowing the position of any two genera, might tell where to find a third, it will we think, be allowed, are leading desiderata for this purpose. Accordingly, almost all the arboretums in Europe have the trees planted along gravel walks that the botanist may examine them without damping his feet by moist earth or dewy grass ; and the genera following each 346 Arboretum in the Garden other either alphabetically, or in the order of some botanicaUystenv, that he may know where every genus is to be found. At Messi s. Lociui^e. , of the Horticultural Society. 347 most complete arboretum in the world in point of species, the order is alphabetical ; in the botanic garden at Munich the order is Jussieuean, and the trees are disposed in a natural-looking manner on a broad border of turf, so that each species is distinctly seen from the walk; and the whole forms a protecting belt to one side of the garden. Here science and pictu- resque beauty are combined, and we have before stated (Vol. II. p. 559.) that this might have been done in a marginal belt round the whole of the Chiswick garden. In the arboretum of the Chiswick garden, the dug clumps are surrounded by grass, which, of course, can only be walked on in fine weather, and the genera are distributed through them at random, as the references to the plan of the arboretum in the note below, will show.* As a scientific arboretum therefore, this department of the * References to the Plan of 1. Miscellaneous Shrubs at the en- trance. 2. ]\Iiscellaneous Shrubs. Species and Varieties of Finca. 5. Dwarf Garden Roses in the Border. Trailing Roses against the Wall. 4. Varieties of Azalea nudiflora and viscosa. 5. Miscellaneous Shrubs, 6. Trailing Shrubs and Chrysan- themums against the Wall. Bulbous and other similar plants in the Border. 7. Hardy Heaths. 8. Various Garden Roses. 9. Varietiesofi?hamnus^laternus. 10. Varieties of i?osa spinosissima. 11. American Roses, and varieties of i^osa rubiginosa. 12. Miscellaneous Exotic Roses, Species and Varieties. 15. British Roses, Species and Va- rieties. 14. iSpirae'a, Fiburnum. 15. ^SpiraB'a, Tiburnum, ikfyrica, Ni- traria. 16. Fothergllla, Clethra. 17. Heliotropes, Geraniums, or si- milar tender plants placed in the open borders during sum- mer. 18. iSpirae'a, Fiburnum, ^mygdalus. 19. Menziesia, Half-hardy Heaths, JE'mpetrum. 20. jSpirae^a, Fiburnum, Potentilla, Calycanthus. 21. Berberis, Prinos. 22. Berberis, Spiraea, Fiburnum, Ononis. 25. I/edum, Magn6/?«, Gordonw, iihodora. the Arboretum in Appendix I. 24. Hydrangea hort^nsis. 25. Nyssa, Halesia. 26. Daphne, Phlomis, Aucuba. 27. Genista. 28. Chinese Roses. 29. Cfstus. 30. Dwarf Roses. 31. Yucca. 32. Thuja, iaburnum, Syringa. 33. Yucca. 34. Cytisus. o5. Juniperus, Poterium, Decti- maria, iStyrax. 56, Aristoteha, ZJorycnium, ^u- pleurum, Sideroxylon, Fuchsiffj .Bumeha, Fella, Cneorum, Ade- lia, Fontanesior, Camphorosma, Pistacia, Notelae^a. 37. J^uniperus, 5'tyrax. 38. Hydrangea hortensis. 39. /hibiscus syriacus. 40. Caraguna. 41. Miscellaneous Tall Roses. 42. Caragana. 43. Pasonia Moutan. 44. i?6sa bracteata. 45. i7ypericum, Piiscus. 46. ) 5partium, Philadelphus, Eii- 47. 5 onymus. 48. Castanea, Edwardsj'a. 5a 5 ^I'^tae^gus. 51. -^'sculus. 52. 55. 54. 55. 56. 57. 58. > Cratae^gus. > Prunus, .(4mygdalus. iJhodendron pdnticum and Aza- lea pontica. Kalmia, Cephalanthus, Gaul- theri«. 348 Arboretum in the Garden of the Hart. Soc. garden is still more discreditable to the Society, than as a specimen either of natural or artificial landscape-gardening. Altogether, vvlien we reflect on this arboretum, we are astonished that such an absurdity could be produced in such an age and in such a country. We can only account for it by reflecting on the preponderating influence, in the council and committees of the Horticultural Society and Garden, of a gentleman, who, though he has not attended to this subject, certainly possesses great merit in point of zeal, activity', and perseverance, and is surpassed by none in describing pseonies, crocuses, and chrysan- themums. The evils to the Society which have attended the placing of so much power in the hands of this individual have been pointed out by one of our earliest correspondents (Vol. I. p. 146.), and they will only be removed by the remedy there suggested. Nobody, how- ever, will take the necessary trouble. What ought to have been done, in order to insure a good plan of the arboretum, has been pointed out by our correspondent, A Nurseryman, (Vol. II, p. 469.) We have performed our duty in exposing the case for the benefit of other societies and secre- taries. 59. Andromeda, Pinckneya. 60. Dwarf iJhodendron, /'tea, An- dromedrt. 61. Faccinium. 82. 62. Pyrus, Cupressus. 83. 63. Pyrus, Rtbes. 64. iaurus, Chionanthus, Sophhra, 84. Jnagyrus, Virgilia, Salisbijri«. 85. 65. Pyrus. 86. 66. Puxus, Rlbes, Cotoneaster, Ame- lanchier. 67. Phillyrea, Tamarix, Ribes, Aca.- 87. cia, Zizyphus, Bigelovia, Li- quidambar, . i.r/^^HjJii oidiije !^^ Pxygen Hydrogen; - . , i^ ., r -Hydrogen - Nitrogen ', '- ■ h^ -"^" «"" ^^trogen - '':.(' %■■■ iji Hint every 100 .nilBjIfB aiora n;j.; in .every loo Sih .'{;•-' cQ "TTTti;! (11 uH lici oJ guibio'j^ Here we not only have a proof that carbon is the variable substance, and that its absence or presence determines the degree of fertility of the soil ; but we also discover the most efficient principle or agent for rendering it available to plants, and such as appears prepared for the purpose by nature, which is alkaline salt. The alkaline salts have, no doubt, been occasionally noticed as being productiveof fertility, but as their principles of action were either not understood, or not properly defined, their utility has never been established. I have never seen alkaline salts described as necessary, or valuable, ingre- dients in the food of plants, in any chemical work. We know that alkaline salts are the production of vegetables, but, as has been observed, the result of actual experiment proves that al- kaline salts do not impart fertility to the soils that are destitute of carbonaceous matter ; and by the recent experiments of Sir Humphry Davy, it appears that alkaline salts are not, as they were previously considered to be, elementary substances, but compounds, formed of a metallic substance and oxygen ; and that such metallic substance has such an affinity for oxy- gen, that it cannot exist in a separate state in contact with water. Any idea, then, that alkaline salts are reduced to their elements, and thus taken up by plants, must not be entertained. It may be difficult to account for the existence of alkaline 19J 7 20 HI i J 00 .. ...6 ~~' o^ilooi into the Practices and Results of Horticnlture. 403 salts in vegetables, or for their influence on vegetation, when blended with carbon ; but in this, as in many other cases, al- though we find it impossible to divulge all the secret mov^e^ ments of nature, we may be amply rewarded for our study o^ and attention to, her laws and principles ; as we are not only thereby enabled to account for the effect of many important operations which have been hitherto conducted in uncertainty, but we may find the means of increasing our powers of fertil- ising the earth, in a twofold degree. By the reducing vege- tables to ashes by fire, alkaline salts are produced ; hence, then, may be traced the effect of the operation of fire in fertilising land, which is found to be different in different situations ; for, it is evident, that according to the nature and quantity of the vegetable and inert carbonaceous matter, contained in the soil submitted to die influence of fire, must be its fertilising effects. Stable litter is found, in the usual process of cultivation, to afford a more efficient compost than any other combination of vegetable and animal matters, and this may be traced to the urine of the horse, which is blended with the straw. The supe- rior fermentative qualities of stable litter, over all other matters usually collected for generating heat, may also be traced to the uiine of the horse; and is accounted for by the urine being found to contain more alkaline salts than that of bul- locks. Thus, according to Sir Humphry Davy, the iTrine of the horse contains Urine of the cow contains "-^ '^'Carbonate of lime - 11 parts. Phosphate of lime - 3 partt^^'-J l8< Alkaline salts - 42 '//Jud j: Alkaline salts - 24 ,h -""^^ J " •, ' ^ ^'shnsi-j^Kica - „ - "^ -k^,^ ^,^ Water and muclage^, ^^ ba^^^at^r^d mifc^lage 969 ^ ^^ '^[ in every/ ibdd'^is snilBjife dxiT .Jte:eV^Jiiooo ff Hence it may be seen why the urine of the horse is more fertilising than that of the cow, and why a compost made of the dung and urine of those animals combined should be more fertilising than either, when applied to the land in a separate state, and which is always found to be the case. The facts being as stated, it must readily occur to every person, that an immense saving may be made, and a great accumulation of the fertilising principle, by collecting and appropriating the urine of animals, and blending it with their dung and other vegetable matters, instead of permitting it to drain off to waste, as it commonly is, from stables and cattle yards. It must be obvious, that if the refuse vegetable products of the garden and house be collected and placed in a shallow pit or reservoir, and the slop-bucket emptied on it, or, when decom- posed, some alkaline salts or slaked lime be added, a much 404 Outlines of Horticultural Chemistry : — more efficient mass of manure may be obtained, than by the usual method of disposing of it ; or by digging it into the soil in a green or undecomposed state. Notwithstanding what has been said about excluding the air and rain from ferment- ing composts, it will be found, that when the means are pro- vided for preventing the running off of the liquid, and that no other water be added than such rain as may fall on the surface of the dung-heap, it will have lost nothing of its value by ex- cess of moisture. From what is here explained as to the application of blood to plants, it must be seen, that the barely supplying a plant with nutritious matter, is not enough to insure a healthy, vigorous, and prolific growth; as such effects depend upon the proportion of matter, and the time, or season, and manner of applying it. This, therefore, requires to be duly understood, a#4'5h9U,f9i;m,the subject of a future, paper from, hffia 'lo }iiiqiSir, yours, &c, nusBom Joseph Hayward. ft TO e-.lUiOilJ {d btXJJfnJe yu w..--^>ia, 'Alt¥>.'Mlfi-'' 0^^iM)ss dfildHi&ufiurSl CUmistry : — Analysis^of 'l^i^ StHk. By G.W. Johnson, Esq., Great Totham, Essex. ., . f ^ {Contmued from p. 152.3, Two hundred grains are as eligible a quantity of any soil to analyse as can be selected. Previously to analysis, a proportion should have been kept, slightly covered, in the dry atmosphere of a room for several days, to allow it to part with all the moisture that can be obtained from it by mere atmospheric exposure. Two hundred grains of the soil thus dried, should then be placed on a small plate, and held, by means of a pair of pincers, over the flame of a candle or lamp, with a small shaving of deal upon it, until this shaving begins to scorch. The process is then to cease, and the loss of weight, sustained by the soil being thus dried, ascertained. We will suppose it amounts to 30^ grains. The residue must then be gently triturated in a mortar, which properly should be of agate, and sifted through a piece of fine muslin ; what remains in the muslin will consist of stones and vegetable fibres; the weight of these must be ascertained, and this we will suppose amounts to 15^ and 5 grains respectively. The stones must be examined by dropping some sulphuric acid (oil of vitriol) upon them ; if they effervesce, they contain chalk ; if not, they are silicious and will be sufficiently hard to scratch glass, and will feel gritty; or they are clay stones, will feel soft, and be with little difficulty cut with a knife. That part which Anali/sis 'df Soils. 405 passed through the muslin must now be boiled in a small tea- cup full of clean water, for about five minutes ; being allowed to cool, and a piece of clean blotting paper, previously dried before the fire and its weight ascertained, employed to strain the liquor through, care must be taken to get every particle of the soil into the strainer from the vessel in which it was boiled, by repeated washings with clean water. When the liquor is all strained away, place the blotting paper on a plate over the candle, with a shaving of deal on the plate, and dry it until the shaving begins to scorch. When perfectly dry, weigh the whole ; and then, the weight of the paper being subtracted, the weight of the residue, and, consequenth^ the quantity of matter dissolved by the water, will be afforded ; this, which consists of salts and vegetable extract, we will suppose, amounts to 4^ grains. The watery solution must be carefully set on one side, and the analysis of the solid parts proceeded with. Half an ounce, by measure, of muriatic acid (spirit of salt) must be poured upon this in a saucer, and allowed to remain for full an hour, being occasionally stirred with a piece of glass or porcelain ; this must now be strained by means of a piece of blotting paper as before, the matter left upon it being frequently washed with clean water, and the washings allowed to pass through the paper to mingle with the other acid liquor; the matter left upon the paper being perfectly dried and weighed, and the loss ascertained, we will suppose this to be 20 grains. Into the liquor must be dropped, gra- dually, a solution of prussiate of iron. The blue precipitate which this will occasion, being collected by filtering through paper, and washed as before, heated red-hot by means of an iron spoon in the fire, and then weighed, we will suppose it to weigh 2^ grains ; this is oxide of iron. This deducted from the 20 previously ascertained to be in the solution, leaves 17i grains, which may be considered as carbonate of lime (chalk), though probably with the admixture of a little car- bonate of magnesia. The solid matter must now be heated to redness in a spoon, until upon cooling it does not appear at all black ; this must then be weighed, and the loss noted ; that loss consisted of animal and vegetable matters, we will suppose it amounted to 7 grains. The remainder must be boiled for about two hours with 2 drachms, by measure, of sulphuric acid, mixed with 8 drachms of water, and, when cooled, strained through blotting paper as before and washed; when dried at a red heat in the iron spoon, the loss sustained will be alumina (clay) ; what remains will be silica (flint). We will suppos;e the first to weigh 15_grain%jind the latJtei: 102^ grains-tedT .iV'nJi b Ai'nt Juo ylloofliib alWil rijiwed bar D D 3 406 Outlines of HdriiMfUHil Ghemistry : — •'^The analysis will then stand thus: — __ ^ Water - - ." j> ,,' ^^'^ , ' Stones and coarse Sand - '^ -' »'. ig.g -"^^ noua ■ Vegetable Fibres -''--'-• _ >.r.. _ ^. ,j,j,K>r>> ,1:>9J9l) Saline Matters livinii - - - 4'5 toil of> tjv Oxide of Iron - - - 2'5 ,,jjj ^. Carbonate of Lime . . - ly-s Decomposing Matter, destructible by Heat - 7* "!'* Alumina ^''^'^'i JU>^it»v^ . - -15' ■'i' Silica > tld«^i9W 1© i^DPv -, _ - - 102'5 t; > ^iiio.siqa aril' ^nsujiienoo Jri;^l Jdiito lo ^iii »« The first watefy lixiviatron, empfoyed to obtain the saline matter, may now be evaporated to dryness ; if of a brown colour, it is chiefly vegetable extract; if of a whitish colour, it is principally saline, and probably consists of chloride of sodium (common salt), with the admixture of a little sulphate of lime (gypsum). /The above mode of analysis I have made as simple as possible, and it recjuires no other apparatus than a set of grain scales and weights, a little sulphuric and muriatic acids, and some prussiate of potash, the whole of which, sufficient for examining every soil upon a large estate, may be obtained for thirty shillings. In the above are no processes requiring adroitness in the manipulation, extreme nicety in the operation, or the prad-" tised eye of science and experience to conduct. All is simple, requiring nothing but the employment of the ordinary card-^ fulness, and the common sense, of the experimenter. The portion of soil which it is proposed to analyse, should be taken at about three inches from the surface. Neither should the surface soil only be examined, but the substratum also. For it often will occur that the subsoil is of a better staple than that which reposes on it ; or is of a quality that is capable of correcting some deficiency in it. Thus a light silicious soil will often lie upon a stratum abounding in alumina, which, by digging or trenching, may be brought to the surface and mingled with it. The foregoing plan of analysis, it m.ust be observed, is not one so particular as a practised chemist would pursue; but it is one easy, and capable of affording all the facts usually required to be known by a cultivator : viz. the moisture- retaining power of a soil; the quantity of soluble and decom- posable matter it contains ; and the proportions of its earthy cpnstituents. , 'It has been urged by some that a great deal of information may be compehdroiTsly Obtained, by ascertaining the specific Analysis of Soilsi. a^o 407 gravity of a soil, but of this I could never feel conviction. That a peat soil, that is, one containing a great excess of vegetable matter, is much lighter in weight than such as contain more of earthy constituents, is certain ; but such do not require their specific gravity to be taken to detect them. If a soil is but rather above or under the average specific gravity, I do not see how the knowledge of that can determine whether the excess of weight arises from silica or carbonate of lime ; or the deficiency of weight, from vegetable matters, alumina, or other light constituent. The specific gravity of silica is 2-66; of carbonate of lime 2*7 ; of alumina only 2. The unproductiveness of a soil usually arises from the excess of some one of the usual constituents which are enu- merated in the foregoing imaginary analysis, rather than from the admixture of any foreign substance prejudicial to vegetation. In a previous communication (Vol. III. p. 270.), I have given the constituents of a fertile soil in detail, and to what I have stated there I have little to add. I have also stated, in another place, that a soil too retentive of moisture is seldom met with, that cannot be rectified by the mechanical remedy of underdraining. If it is purposed to ameliorate a soil which contains too much alumina, by a surface application, much judgment is necessary. The most obvious application is sand, either from the sea-shore or drift, road scrapings, coal ashes, &c. : but if these are not applied largely, the soil is rendered even worse and more difficult of cultivation ; for I have seen such soils, which have had a slight dressing of silicious matters as above enumerated, rendered thereby so appi'oaching in constitution to brick earth, that in dry weather they have become so hard as to defy any power but that of a volcano to break them up. A soil is not rendered sterile by an excess of alumina, unless it contains nearly 50 per cent of it ; and, to such, nothing short of 40 tons of sand per acre would be of unalloyed benefit. If a soil is unproductive, from containing too nmch silica, the obvious application to improve its staple is clay and chalk. Four hundred parts of soil of Bagshot Heath contain 380 parts of silicious sand. It is completely barren. Yet Sir Humphry Davy, who made this analysis, found that a good turnip soil in Norfolk contained 8 parts out of 9, silicious sand. Such light soils, however, are more manage- able, for they are always capable of tillage ; and the cultivator can render them more absorbent and retentive of moisture, by means of vegetable manures, chalk, &c. Such soils are termed hungry, for the yard manure applied to them is soon exhausted, and for this reason, that its mucilaginous and D D 4 408 Outlines of HortmiUural Chemistty. unctuous constituents will not combine, with even a slight de- gree ofaflfinity, with silica, which they will with alumina and chalk. At the same time, light soils admit rain into their texture, and to carry away their fertile constituents in the drainage waters ; and the same openness of texture likewise permits the free access of air to hasten the putrefaction of the vegetable matters they contain, as well as the easy escape of the gases which are evolved, and all which, we have before shown, are equally beneficial to plants. Silica may abound to a much greater extent in a soil than any other of its usual constituents, without being unfavourable to vegetation. Chalk should never be present in a soil to a greater extent than 6 or 8 per cent ; decomposable animal and vegetable matter to no more than 10 per cent; nor can the saline constituents soluble in water, oxide of iron, &c., amount to more than 6 per cent, without injury proportionate to the excess. Foreign impregnations, causing a soil to be sterile or im- pairing its pi'oductiveness, are rare. Acids have been ranked among the causes of sterility ; but a soil containing any in a free state never came under my notice, or under that of any other practical chemist of whom I have ever read, or with whom I have ever conversed. Some soils, or certain portions of a field 3iot generally so affected, will be found to produce sorrel and other plants abounding in acids : and, as when chalk or any other neutraliser of acids is applied to such spots they cease to produce sour plants; it has been deemed a legitimate conclusion that those plants obtained their acids Irom the soil, which being removed or neutralised by the chalk, consequently destroyed the plants by depriving them of one of their chief constituents. To say the least of it, such an opinion betrays a very great ignorance of physiology and vegetable chemistry. In the first place, the food obtained by- all plants from the soil is perfectly insipid when absorbed, and whilst rising through the vessels in the woods; and no secretion, acid, or otherwise marked, is ever found in it until it has been elaborated in the leaves. It is only to be detected in them, and more manifestly in the bark. The fact seems to be, that plants abounding in acids generally frequent a wet soil, and such soil is rendered less retentive of moisture by chalk : again the contact of chalk with plants containing acids causes decomposition in them, ulcers, and if perpetually pre- sented, death. Lastly, such sour soils, as they are termed, are usually as effectually cleared of acid plants by mixing them with other substances that will render them porous, and by und^i'idraining, them thoroughly, as they are by mixing chalk Climate of Eastern and Middle States of N. America. 409 with them. I never heard of more than one soil containing an uncombined acid, and that is in the Island of Java, near Batavia. There is a small stream there which contains free sulphuric acid (oil of vitriol) ; its banks being impregnated by it are, of course, barren. This stream flows into another, which, passing rapidly through a tenacious soil, is turbid from the mixture of aluminous particles with its waters. No sooner does the acidulated stream mingle with them than they become clear, for the acid combining the clayey particles forms sulphate of alumina, which is a perfectly soluble salt. r ; xo a ni^rlj iasiys, •;-;; '"'j x; o\ hoz n m jnaes'iq oa i-^v'^'i ij oi 'isiiGm ■ 3ldB8oqmoof! ■ ,. -Ill' iiilll,' 1 til'^;'> 'II . Art. IX. Oh the Climate of the Eastern and Middle States of North America, with Refere^^(:^e^^t^o^^]^3rf^if^^f^i^, />Pjj^,Mr.,.Wj^T LiAM WiLsoN.of New York^^,,;;^^:^ ,?fTOdBnWqmi m-rs'io'l' Sir, The increase of correct knowledge on subjects in which men feel interested is at least gratifying to them, and fre- quently attended with benefit to others. Whether the result of the present subject will be attended with either of these effects in your country, I know not; in this, I think, it may be productive of both. America (I allude to the eastern and middle states) is a country whose horticultural character can scarcely yet be considered as formed, in an artificial point of view ; but there are abundant evidences that it possesses a naturally far more congenial climate for horticultural productions than most other countries. The want of those external, artificial, horticultural refinements, so conspicuous in European countries, and par- ticularly in England, has been the ground of a very erroneous and detrimental impression of the actual inferiority of its climate to that of those countries. This impression has long been augmented by the vast superiority which emigrants from England very naturally, some of them very pertinaciously, ascribe to the climate of their native land, being either unable or unwilling to discriminate between the results of natural and artificial effects. With a view to benefit my fellow-citi- zens, by removing this impression, and to encourage them to avail themselves of the favourableness of the climate, I have endeavoured to demonstrate, by actual facts, its superiority to that of England ; I have contrasted, I think upon a fair scale, the horticultural effects of the natural powers of this climate and that of England. If the grounds I have proceeded on are just, the preference in favour of this climate^ ab least for 4rlia Climate of Easferji^mPJ^d^Jfi .States o/N. A?nericaj the articles I have particularised, will, I think, be found undeniable. ,n To compare the horticultural products cultivated by arti- ficial means in one country, with those of any other where no such artificial means were necessary to bring the same kinds of products to perfection, would be like comparing the natural climate of Iceland with that of Jamaica; because, in the former, orange trees might be as well cultivated in the green- house, as they are in the open air in the latter. Yet there can be no more justice in denying the superiority of this climate to that of England, for every article it is capable of bringing to perfection more than that of England, than thex'e would be in asserting that, because the orange tree could be grown as well in Iceland as in Jamaica, that therefore the climate of the latter was not superior to that of the former. With the admission of one of these species of reasoning, the whole fra- ternity of horticulturists might as well be transmogrified into a race of funguses altogether. Several communications pub- lished in the New York Farmer and Horticultural Repository^ on this subject, display a mode of reasoning more like the effusions of some kind of vegetable than animal production ; and, were it not for the lively strain of irritation (not common to vegetables) kept up through the whole discussion, it might be considered more an affair of pumpkins and squashes than the actual bickerings of highly excited horticulturists. The subject, however, of the superiority of the American climate to that of England, for horticulture, is an interesting one ; and being perfectly within the cognizance of the horticulturists of the present day, nothing can be easier than to obtain correct information of the difference between them, by obtaining a list of all those products which, in the natural climate of each, can be raised and grown to perfection, as well as a list of those that require artificial aid to bring them, to perfection in the one country, but which, from the superior congeniality of climate in the other, require no such assistance. In the twelfth number of the New York Farmer and Hortiadtural Repository I have published a list of thirteen kinds of fruit and vegetables, which are all grown to perfection in the open garden or the field in this climate; the correctness of which statement can be corroborated by every experienced horticul- turist in this country. I have proposed Mr. Buel of Albany as an umpire, if necessary, on the subject ; and to your decision I have submitted the determination whether they can be so cultivated in the natural climate of England : — 'ivList. — Grape, Peach, Nectarine, Cucumber, Melon, Water Melon, Pumpkin vaiy, Vegetable Mairow, Squash, Indian Corn, Lima Beans, Pepper, Tomatoes, Okra. ./ji ^^aud-w , ^itfi reference to' Horticulturey A? ^*s>4« ^ 4 1 1 I am aware that the practicability of cultivating the cauli- flower, broccoli, and gooseberry used to be denied to this country ; but for this there is no just foundation, the difficul- ties that have existed in the cultivation of these articles being solely attributable to the want of proper management on the part of the cultivators. In the gardens of Martin Hoffinan, William Ogden, Henry A. Coster, John Hone, Esqrs., and others in this vicinity, the cultivation of the cauliflower and gooseberry was as well understood nearly thirty years ago, and their produce as certain, as those of other crops. Within these few years past, the most complete success has been attained in the culture of broccoli; and, in the depths of win- ter (that magnified bugbear), there is not the least difficulty in retaining a most abundant supply of the very best kinds of vegetables. ■■'c>t ";»fii 'o ruiij uj ionM[iiz y •.-, For some further infcrt'niation on this subject, I would beg^ leave to refer you to the first volume of the New York Farmer and Hortiadtiiral Repositmy, particularly the twelfth number, as in it is expressed a wish for some information from you on the subject of cottagers' gardens. Should there be any ser- vice that I can render you in the horticultural affairs of this country, nothing would give me greater pleasure than to per- form it to the best of my abilities. Being born and brought up as the son of an humble gardener in Kinross-shire, and having spent the chief part of all my days at the spade and hoe, I am but a very awkward hand at the management of a goosequill ; yet should you think the above contains any thing that might be useful or entertaining to the readers of your Magazine, it is most cheerfully submitted by, {ah JossoTq ^rii ^ .,_..,, ^, . , gir. yours, trulj', ' " ""^ " ' New Yo7'k, Jan. i^^^ia sdi iii ,i\ William Wilson. ^ In a review <)t i^ New York Farmer and HorticvUural Hepositori/, which, if not inserted in the present, will be found in our succeeding Number, we have given our opinion on this subject, which is simply this : that though in America, as in the south of France and Germany, fruits will ripen in the open air, which will not ripen in the open air in England; yet, from the severity and long duration of the winters in the former countries, the common culinaiy vegetables and many exotic trees and shrubs which live in the open air in England during winter, are obliged to be protected, or are killed, and therefore we consider England the preferable country for horticulture, taking that word in its most extensive sense, 6r equivalent to the meaning that we apply to the word garden- ings. But taking the word horticulture in its strict sense, and 412 Botanic Gardeii at Lisbon. considering it as the art of cultivating culinary fruits and vegetables, we consider Germany and America preferable to England, because more may done in the open air in those countries, than in England, and as much by protection,- by forcing, and by artificial climates. — Cond, 'fjqil'j- Art. X. Some Acco'iinP'^if'^ie Botanic Garden at Lisbon. By vvfojRit "irjifi W. Churchill, Esq., Royal Marines..^JnBiq 3(1'!" Portugal, adapted by nature for easy culture of the vege- table productions of the torrid and temperate zones, the first coloniser of India, till within a few years mistress of Brazil, and still retaining extensive African possessions, has never stood forward as the patroness of botany. Unlike Spain, who under every disadvantage has laboured hard for the science, she can boast of but few individuals, who, incited either by a laudable curiosity or more enlightened views, have availed themselves of her natural advantages, to introduce those bo- tanic treasures to which for nearly three centuries there has been access ; though, like her, the ignorance, inappetence, and poverty of her legislation, have for years been formidable im- pediments to the advance of science. The Royal Botanic Garden at Lisbon is situated on the side of a hill (^.82.), sloping with a considerable declivity to the Tagus, a little below the Palace of Ajuda, and enjoys- a full exposure to the south. It covers a space of about two acres, surrounded by a high wall, round which on the inside and up the centre is a shady walk of Z/aurus nobilis, Cercis /Siliquastrum, Ceratonia siliqua, and Juglans regia. The south wall has in front a wide terrace, on which the botanic houses are built ; descending from these by steps you arrive at the plea- sure-garden, as it is tefliled, which, together with the terrace, Boiatiic Garden dt Lisbon. 4 13 occupies about one half the space enclosed, the remainder is devoted to walks, orange, lemon, and citron quarters. Art being the avowed object in Portuguese gardening, the eye is offended by the mechanical rigidity of the parterres, the clipped, rectangular, box alleys, and the grotesque embellish- ments, characteristic of the gardening of the south of Europe, which disfigure the pleasure-garden ; but the number of ac- climated exotics to be seen there, vigorous and unsheltered, makes it an object of the greatest interest. The plants are grown without reference to their natural orders or to any system, and have been casually planted from superfluity that has arisen among those classed, or from their having become too unwieldiy for culture in pots or boxes. Of the genera thus cultivated in the open air, I enumerate all those that were named, or that I could recognise; few of them had a specific attached, and when such a thing did occur it was rarely intelligible, being most frequently in the Portuguese language, and sufficiently vague and unsatisfactory. Ex. gr. Amaryllis reginae was marked Amayyllis vciinellia com dims floi'es do Brasil (a red two-flowered Amaryllis from Brazil). Many genera too there were named in honour of their donors, or that had chanced to flower on some saint's day and bore his or her holy name ; the generic appellations also being from Tournefort (many of which have long since merged into spe- cific), in some instances, increased the difficulty. The natural orders Canneae, Scitamineae, Bromel/^, Ama- ryWidece^ Zvaurineae, Leguminosae, and Cacti were very rich, and contain most probably many genera entirely new, par- ticularly Scitamineae, Amarylli(^ert7, and Cacti. It may be necessary here to mention that the thermometer, at Lisbon, frequently falls as low as 29° and 27° of Fahr. I have seen the fountains in the Royal Garden covered with a thin coat of ice in the morning, when the year was as far advanced as April, without the plants appearing to suffer injury, with exception of Carica Papaya, killed in the winter of ] 825 by frost supervening on rain ; growing in an arenaceous soil, they seemed to be more retarded in growth by the want of moisture in summer, than by the humidity and cold of winter. Erythrina carnea, E. fusca, E. picta, E. crista galli, flower well ; the latter in autumn, winter, and spring, E. picta ripens seed on a tree more than 15 ft. in height. Psidium pyriferum, P. pomiferum, both set their fruit, but they do not attain maturity; were the shrubs grown against a south wall in- stead of an exposed situation, there is little doubt the fruit would be perfected. Cojfea occidentalis fruits freely ; the plants flower in October, and the berries ripen in May and June following. 4.14 '^-V-iR i Straw or Reed Mats, '^I'i^ a ?'" iadrus Persea, Butea frondbsa, Bilte« superba, Zaurus Cassia, Anacardium occidentale, Areca Catechu^ Borassus flabellifor- mis, Convolvulus Ipecacuanha, Quisqualis indica, Pitcairnm bromebVp/o/m, Agave Karatto, Fnrcroe^a gigantea, F. tuberosa, Agave lurida, Alpinia nutans, Costus speci6sus, Tdcca pinna- tifida, Calyptr^nthes Jamboldna, Maranta zebrina, M. «run- dinacea, Xinziber officinale, Canna patens. Jasmin um Sambac fl. pleno, J. hirs^tum, Eranthemum pulchellum, Stachytarpheta mutabilis. Piper nigrum P. longum, Comocladia integrifiolia, Marica jaalmifolia, Caladium bicolor, Euryal^ ferox, Nelumbmm speci6sum, A^ymphae^a stellata, Commelina bengalensis, Sac- charum officinarum, Ixora coccinea, Dorstenm Contrayerva, Convolvulus grandiflora, Morinda umbellata, Cerbei'a Ahoiiai, Cerium odorum fl. pleno, Milsa paradisiaca, Haemanthus coccinea, H. carinatus, Crlnum americanum, C. erubescens, C. undulatum, C. amabile, C. cruentum, Cyrtanthus obliquus, Brunsvigm falcata, Amaryllis vittata, A. reginse, A. aulica, A. reticulata, A. pulverulenta, A. acuminata. Pancratium littorale, P. undulatum, P. Amancaes, P. verecundum, P. calathinum. Yucca aloefolia, ^loe ferox, A. foliosa, ^.verrucosa, Acacia pernambucana, Mimosa sensitiva, M. pudica, M. rnhi- caulis, M. odoratissima, Sterculia Balunghas, S. jolatanifolia, Jatropha Manihot, Camellm viridis, *Sida arborea, Cactus hexagona, C. heptagona, C. tetragona, C. Picus indica, C. elatior, C. cochinillifera, C. spinosissima, all flower freely ; but do not, except the Cacti, perfect seed. The plants that had not flowered * when I last saw the garden, in 1826, were Z)iospyros sylvatica and ebenum, Picus indica, Unbna odorata. Mimosa Ceratonia, 5'milax zeylanica, Phoe^nix farinifera, P. dactylifera, Croton Tiglium, Caryota urens, Rhapis flabelli- formis, Zamia integrifolia, Corypha umbraculifera, Liaidia spinosa, Dracae^na fragrans, Pitcairn/a bracteata, Bletz'a Tankervilb>, Mangifera indica, ^chras Sapbta, Ardisia littoralis, Iporaoe a brasiliensis. {To be continued.) Art. XI. On Stratu or Reed Mats, as a Covering for Hot-houses and Hot-beds. By Pjeter Lindegaard, Esq. C.M.H.S., Court- ^ Gardener to the Kiug of Denmark. nr Sir, ' v\} -i. .. f I OBSERVE, in a late Number (Vol. III.>p» 167.), a paper on the construction and use of straw mats in gardening, by Mr. • To be understood as referring to those named or known. as a Cofveringjbr Hot-houses and Hot-beds. 415 Shennan, of which I very much approve. Mr. Shennan is certainly right in saying that they produce a great saving of fuel, and afford a great security from accidents of different kinds ; and I wish to add, that they afford also a veiy superior degree of temperature over common bass mats, and also allow the steam of moist hot-beds to pass easier off, "When, as often happens in this country, a heavy fall of snow takes place during the night, the bass mats are not so easy to get cleaned and dried the next morning as the straw mats, be- cause they retain the moisture, and get frozen and stiff by the frost penetrating through them ; and the next evening they cannot be put on again, without great risk of breaking the glass. Straw or reed mats are also a great deal cheaper than Russia mats. Were I to use Russia mats in my forcing de- partment, I should require more than 1000 mats for about 400 lights, which I now cover with 400 straw mats. It is evident, therefore, that the use of straw mats well deserves the attention of market-gardeners. These mats may be made of rye or wheat straw, or of reeds. All I use are made by my workmen in the winter time, when the weather is too bad for working out of doors. I enclose a rough sketch {^g. 83.) to show how they are made. a ■£ ^ (« T til An oblong square is formed of four laths along the two ends of which {a a) are driven as many nails as you wish to have binding cords [b b b b b b), of which I never use fewer than six, as the strength of the mat depends chiefly on the number of these cords. The cords I use are of tarred rope- yarn; on these I lay the straw or reeds in handfuls, and bind 416 Remarks oti Metallic Hot-houses. it to each longitudinal cord by other cords, which for greater convenience are made up in httle balls {c c c c c c). These cords are also of tarred rope-yarn. I understand from Mr. Shennan, that he leaves his laths in the mats, which I should think would not be very convenient for rolling up. When a mat is finished, the cords are tied together at the top or finish- ino- end ; the mat is then detached from the straw, and its sides chopped straight with an axe. These mats are more conveniently made by two men than by one man; and by placing the frame upon a raised bank or bench, than by placing it on the ground, and obliging the men to stoop. When straw is used, that of rye is the best, and will last, even with us, three years ; reeds last longer. Durino- our most severe frosts, I cover with straw mats I'olled lengthways, i. e. from top to bottom, over the lights, and with reed mats over these crossways. By this mode the reeds lie in the direction of thatch on a house, so that the water runs off them, and keeps the straw mats below and the lio-hts perfectly dry. Further particulars are rendered unne- cessary by Mr. Shennan's very distinct directions, and I have only to add, that, if you choose, I will send you a reed mat and a straw mat, as specimens. I remain, Sir, &c. Copenhagen, March 28. 1828. P. Lindegaaro. We shall gladly receive specimen mats, which we shall de- posit at Weir's Agricultural Implement Manufactory, Oxford Street, for the inspection of gardeners and others, who may wish to profit from M. Lindegaard's paper and that of Mr. Shennan. In the mean time, straw mats may be seen in use in Henderson's Nursery, Edgeware Road, and in the Clapton Nursery. — Cond. Art. XII. Remarks on Metallic Hot-houses. By Mr. George M'Leish. Sir, You have repeatedly invited your readers to offer practical remarks on any subject connected with gardening, and particu- larly on new inventions or practices which have been noticed or recommended in the Magazine. This, you have also i-e- peatedly said, is the only way of arriving at truth, and the nearest road to fix the principles, and establish the general rules, of our art. Under this guarantee I now beg to send Rermrks on Metallic Hot-houses. 1-1 you a few observations on the defects of curvilinear iron roofs, which have occurred to myself in the management of a house of this description, in the county of Dorset. This house was divided by a glass partition : both divisions were paved with tiles, and, when I took charge of them, served as green-houses, with vines trained on a trellis under the roof One of the divisions was afterwards converted into a pinery ; but, however occupied, I always found it impossible to keep the temperature of the houses to the required degree. The circular roof concentrated the sun's rays so immoderately, that the tops of the vines were actually scorched, even when the doors and ventilators at the back were all open. This was always the case in summer ; and in winter, it was with the greatest difficulty, and only with the assistance of mats, that we could keep out the frost ; the thermometer frequently indicating only 40°, when strong fires were burning. /_ I annex a section of the 84 house {fig. S*.) merely to show the outline of its construction, which I have found so de- fective. In the first place, the highly rarefied air under the roof could not readily escape by the ventilators behind ; and the heat reflected from the paved floor increasing this unnecessary temperature, the vines suffered : and in the next place, durmg winter, the heat rising from the flues was dissipated upwards, and the whole volume of the air within became cooled below the necessary degree. It is true, this house may have been badly contrived, and imperfectly finished; still, I am of opinion, that all houses having iron roofs will be liable to the same objections, if proper means be not taken to command the admission of air in one season, and to keep up the proper degree of heat in the other. I take the liberty of adding this remark, as a warning to those who may, for the sake of neatness and durability, resolve to have such houses erected. I am, Sir, yours, &c. Atherstone Gardens, May 15. 1828. Geo. M'Leish, •^9ftfMA&u^ ^ii^ ts^i^ll Jriftitib J&.«^- VOL. V. — No. 21. E E 418 Hot-house^ combining a Pinety, Vinery, S^c, Art. XIII. Description of a Hot-house, combining a Pir^^rift Vinery, Succession Pit, and Winter Green-house, all heated by one Fire. By Abraham Caldicott, Esq. F.H.S. u\\^r\ri Yfqqrjg 'f^jBycj R jn- I ENCLOSE you the plan of a combined pinery, vinery, and succession pit, which I have tried for several years, and found to answer remarkably well : and when it is considered that the vinery {Jig. 85. a) serves also as a winter green-house, and that one fire suffices for the whole, I will venture to say that by no other plan can the same quantity of fruit be obtained, and the same number of objects effected, by one single fire, and, consequently, at so little expense. The pinery (b) is ventilated in the early part of the year by the air from the vinery (a), in order that the rawness of the air may be qualified in the vinery before it reaches the pines ; consequently, a freer circulation may be admitted, than all heated hi/ one Fire. 419 could be allowed, were the external air to have a duect access to the plants. The vinery requires no flues, being supplied with heat from the piner}^, thereby saving considerable expense ; and, by train- ing the vines on pendent trellises , a greater supply of fruit is obtained than by any other way, besides the pleasant appear- ance it gives to the house. The vine border (c) is raised, in order to keep the roots of the vines sufficiently dry. I am, Sir, &c. Ab. Caldicott. Rugby Lodge, Wavmclishire, Feb. 1 9. 'F? Pinery {Jigs. 85. and 86.). — a a [Jig. 85. b) are stone stop- pers, by which the flues may be cleaned without being broken into. Iron rods 20 in. in length are screwed across each raf- ter [Jig. 86. b), with holes 4 in. from the rafter and at the ends, for copper wires to pass through. These four wires, with two others close to the side of the rafter, and resting upon the rods, will support two vine stems with their lateral bearing branches. The projecting irons (c) are in the form of an inverted T, having a hole at each extremity of the cross-bar, which is 6 in. long, for wire to pass through for the support of the two shoots intended for the bearing wood of the ensuing year, after which they will be raised to the upper wires. The lights ((/), instead of sliding over each other, lie quite flat, exhibiting an even surface ; and this is effected by a plate of copper laid under the glass of the upper light, and extending about 2 in. over the top rail of the lower light, which is bevelled off* for its reception. None of the lights need be made to open, in consequence of the windows between the houses, and one at each end of the pinery, which latter is never opened except in the hottest v/eather. In the vinery all the uppermost lights are made to pull up over the back wall about halfway, being prevented from going farther by an iron stop placed at their sides ; strips of wood about 4 in. broad may be screwed F. r, 2 420 Finery, Pinery, q^c, neated by one Fire. in the rafters to keep the wet from the joints, and pi-event the lights from being blown away. The windows {e) are kept open by a fastening in the shape of a quadrant, which, being screwed on the side of the window, passes through a narrow plate fastened in the uprights, and furnished with a screw to fix the window at any desired height. Vinery {^g. 85. a and Jig. 86. d). — The pendent trellis {Jig. 86. J) is fixed to each of the rafters, the perpendiculars of which are made of narrow hoop-iron, and the horizontals of copper wire, except the lowermost six, which, to keep the per- pendiculars at their proper distance, are made of thin iron rods. The vines are trained on the back wall, as well as on the trellises ; and the upper branches are pruned by resting a plank on a ladder at each end of the house. Planks (g) are laid on bricks to walk upon, instead of pressing down the border. On this border [h) the green-house plants are set in winter. Succession Pits {Jigs. 87. and 88.). — The succession pit {Jig. 87.) is built at one end of the pinery. {Jigs. 85. and 87. m) Its flue {k) opens into the pinery flue at this end only ; so that, 87 ■'■■'' ; ''; .!qiobBilri4 1o M .L ^V jyf ni dosad iBffl §a Jx^Ja ,^jiduA iuK>i li nn^T, girf vd 'v^roh im mod. hr^^ r'-" '/' though the air of the pinery flue enters it, it has no current through. Fig. 88. is a section of the pit. It has a steam flue {I) which is closed at both ends, but the external wall of it is open brickwork; so that the steam from the dung passes into the flue, and thereby warms the air of the pit. For the same pur- pose, a thick tarpawling made to roll up and down on a pole, so as to cover the glasses in cold weather, may be used. The space outside the pit is filled with tan up to the level of the bed inside once a year, generally in November ; and above that is put dung, which is renewed as often as the heat declines. In- Natural Sttccession of Forest Trees in North America. ^'21 stead of the partition {Jigs. 85. m and 88.) between the pit and ii^qo 1)97; 9 .t. the pinery being brickwork, the upper part of it, viz. that above the tan, consists of a long door hung horizontally on hinges, and made to fall back on the flue in the pinery, for the sake of admitting the heated air of the pinery into the pit, whenever the severity of the weather renders it necessary. The Green-house is formed by using the vinery, in the winter time, for the purpose of preserving green-house plants. Art. XIV. Sir, On the Natural Succession of Forest Trees in North America. By J. M. of Philadelphia. In Vol. III. p. 351. an extract is given from Evelyn's let- ter to Sir John Aubrey, stating that beech trees grew in place of oaks which had been cut doAvn by his grandfather, and that birch succeeded beech which his brother had extirpated. In the United States the spontaneous succession of timber, of a different kind from that cut down, is well known. In the Memoirs of the Philadelphia Society for inomoting Agriculture^ vol. i., there are several papers on this subject, by the presi- dent, the late Richard Peters ; by Dr. Mease ; by Mr. John Adlum, who had long been a surveyor in the new settlements in Pennsylvania ; by Dr. Caldwell, in reference to the fact in North Carolina, in Massachusetts, and in New Jersey ; and a confirmation of it in the last-mentioned state, by Mr. Tho- mas F. Leaming. In the third volume, Mr. Isaac Wayre, son of the American general the late A. Wayre, also gives some interesting details respecting the appearance of timber trees, of a kind different from those which formerly covered the ground in his vicinity, and which had been cut down by E E 3 422 Machine for transplanting large Trees, the American army, when encamped there in the autumn and winter of the year 1777, and spring of the following year. One of the above writers refers to the relation of Mr. Hearne {Journey to the Northern Ocean, p. 452.), for the fact of strawberries growing up wild near Churchill river, and in the interior parts of the countr}^, particularly in such places as have been formerly set on fire ; and for that of hips and raspberry bushes shooting up in great numbers, in burnt places, where nothing of the kind had ever been seen before. Cartwright is also quoted, in proof of the point. He observes, " that if through carelessness the old spruce woods are burnt, or by lightning, Indian tea first comes up, currants follow, and after them birch." [Journal of Trans, at Labrador, vol. iii. p. 225.) Nine years after the publication of this last work, M'Kenzie stated, that " land covered with spruce-pine, and white birch, when laid waste by fire, produced nothing but poplars : " * and yet the Edinburgh reviewer of his work very indelicately declared his disbelief of the relation. Recently, we have additional testimony on this subject. In the manual on the culture of silk, prepared in consequence of a resolution of the House of Representatives of the American Congress, and published in the session of 1828, it is stated (p. 38.) that " in Tennessee, when a native forest is cut down, if the land be enclosed, a growth of red mulberry trees soon takes place." All these statements do not admit a doubt to be entertained of the natural succession of forest timber; the fact is moreover familiar to every man who has lived in the country, and to almost every intelligent person in North America. I regret that the enterprising voyiiger did not live to shame the northern critic for his rudeness, and to enjoy the satisfaction of seeing his own testimony of a curious and interesting fact in natural history confirmed by others. J. M. Philadelphia, May 1. 1829. Art. XV. Notice of a Machine for trayisplanting large Trees, in Use in Thoresby Park, Nottinghamshire. In a Letter to Mr. Mackay, of the Clapton Nursery, by Mr. Bennet, C M. H. S., Gardener at Thoresby. Communicated by Mr. Mackay, F.L.S. H.S., &c. Dear Sir, I SEND you a sketch of a machine [fg. 89.) for removing trees from 10 to 15 feet high or more, and which I think * Voyage from Montreal to the Frozen and Pacific Oceans. London. 1801. in Use m.^l^horesby Park. ,x\{\ 423 one of the bestt ni sisrij bsqaifioria nariw ^axiB lugXi^mK that has hither- ' to been in use. It was invent- ed by the late planter of Ld. Manners,about fifteen or six- teen years ago, and used with the greatest success by him, and, since his death, by my- self, on whom his department has devolved. I am so high- iy satisfied with this machine, that I feel con- vinced whoever tries it will never attempt to plant a large tree without it ; at least, if ra- pidity, econo- my, and mas- terly workman ship are objects desired. It may be made by any country car- penter, of any sort of timber, and of any size. I am going to have a smaller one, than that represented by the sketch, for ^ the transplant- 'ing of evergreen 2^ 'i-n r,r'-j9)i;n7/ oiJBoildoq sdJ i »|1e )\ 9rii the If r =ij 7 awaa. I E E 4- 424 Cidtrvation of the Midberry shrubs with balls, whicb^^vilL be very useful in the pleasure- ground. 'Ot ibrli j09Jotq o* nr 8 "to ; Sn 5rfj 'lam, Sir, &c. ,: 5fr ■■■ ,_. -, 91 S. BENNETir; Thoreshy Park, near OlleHon, Nottinghamshire, Dec. 15. 1828. In tisiiig \his'machine, the shafts {a) are first taken off by withdrawing an iron bolt {b) ; the body of the machine (c) is then made fast to the tree by a rope, which passes through the hole (e). The tree and the machine with the wheels are now upright; and the part of the machine over the axle {d) being placed against the lower part of the trunk above the ball, previously dug round, the tree and machine are pulled down to the horizontal position, the shafts re-attached, and the horse yoked ready to draw the tree to the hole prepared for it. Art. XVI. Method of cultivating the Mulberry iji the Government Mulberry Plantation at Nymphenburg, xcith a List of the different Species and Varieties gro'wn there. By M. Bischof, Nursery- Gardener to the King of Bavaria. The ground selected for sowing must be well trenched, and > freed from large stones. Heavy clayey earth is unfit for re- ceiving the seeds, but light garden soil or black sandy mould should, if possible, be selected. The ground being parted off into beds, trenches of an inch deep are made at intervals of 6 in., in a longitudinal direction. The time for sowing is about the middle of May. As soon as I get my seeds I put them , into a dish full of water, in which they remain for 24? hours,/ when the good seeds settle at the bottom, and the bad are found swimming on the surface, and may be removed from the rest. The good seeds are then mixed with fine sand, in order that they may be sown more equally ; they are thinly scattered in the trenches, and slightly covered with fine light eai'th. Being watered twice a day, the young plants will appear in three or four weeks. During the summer they must be kept free from weeds, the earth between them frequently loosened and watered, and be protected against excessive heat by a light shade. The mole cricket (Gr5'llus gryllotalpa) is my greatest enemy, and the best method I know of desti'oying it is by sink- ing oblong vessels, about 6 in. deep, and half-filled with water^ in which they are caught during their nightly excursions. On in the Government Plantation at Nymphenburg. 425 the approach of winter, the seedlings must be covered with dry leaves, to the depth of 6 in., to protect their roots from the cold. In March, when the ground is thawed, the young plants are taken up, cut down to one eye, shortened a little at the roots, and then planted into a piece of rotten ground, in rows, at distances of from 2 ft. to 2^ ft. apart, and about the same distance in the row; they require no farther attention durinor summer than beins watered and weeded. I must ob- serve, that, in cases where two or three eyes have been acci- dently left on the plant, they must be afterwards cut out when they begin to push, leaving only that which makes the strongest shoot. During winter they are again covered over ; and in the ensuing spring cut down, for the last time, to one eye, without being transplanted ; after this they become strong enough to withstand the winter, and are allowed to form a crown. In our severe climate the following mode of grafting, called Pfeifehi (flute-grafting, greffe enjlute^ Thouin), is found to be preferable for the mulberry. {Jig. 90.) The twigs which are cut off for grafting are kept in a cellar. As soon as the sap rises in the wildings, a grafting twig is selected of the same thickness as the wilding, or even thicker ; on this twig a cir- cular incision is made, half an inch above, and another half an inch below, the eye, and the bark between the incisions, together with the eye, peeled off. The same operation is per- formed on one of the branches of the wilding, close to the stem, in the crown. The bark of the wilding is then exchanged for that of the grafting twig, and the wound bound up with matting or tape, covered with grafting wax, to keep out the external air. If the bark of the grafting twig is too long, it may be reduced to fit the wood exactly. The advantage of this method is, that the grafted part cannot be dis- tinguished from the rest, and the tree, in case the graft fails, loses nothing of its strength, as is the case in the usual mode. In the fourth year all the trees are re-transplanted, with a view of improving their roots, and giving them more space. At the same time, the branches are short- ened to where the crown is to begin, and, the roots being trimmed a little, the trees are planted from 3 to 4 ft. apart. There are now about 10,000 trees of this size in the plantation. 4j^ig . Cultivation of the Hyacinth. ^6t of the Species and Varieties of ikforus growing in the Govfir^ijiqi^pt Plantation at Nymphenburg : — .iy// rnarlj Large White Mulberry. Jforiis hispanica. ; ,,iil-,f.ir| Small White, with small leaves. M. nigra. Foglia doppia, or double leaf. M. rubra. Foglia zazola, or indented leaf. M. rubra, from New York. Superexcellent (vorgziiglichste). M. constantinopolitana. I have, moreover, received forty-two plants from Dr. Sacco of Milan, which he calls " particular kinds." All these species, with the exception of the iliorus rubra from New York, I re- ceived through the Agricultural Society, from Italy. I am. Sir, &c. M. BiSCHOF. Roiial Nursery. 'Nymplienhurs. Nov, 1828. Art. XVII. 0?i the Cultivation of the Hyacinth. By Thomas Fleetwood, Gardener, of Donnington. Read at the Meeting of the Vale of Evesham Horticultural Society, September 24. 1828. To improve the culture of hyacinths and preserve the bulbs in good health, and to enable them to produce the finest blos- soms, plant them in the third week of September in the following manner : — Take off the surface of the earth from the bed where they are to be planted, 12 in. deep ; after loosening the soil for the next 6 or 7 in. by digging and making it level, add 4 in. of good well-rotted dung all over the bed ; this done, take light, rich, vegetable soil that has been sifted and kept dry for three weeks previous to the time of planting, cover the dung with the soil so prepared 2 in. thick; then place the bulbs on the dry soil 10 in. asunder each way, and cover them 1 in. overhead with the above sort of dried soil, raising the beds to a level with the natural earth. On the approach of frost I cover the beds with dry litter, to prevent the frost from raising the bulbs out of the earth. When the severity of the frost is gone, remove the litter, and clean the bed as necessity may require, until the first bells begin to open ; then carefully support them with a small stick, raising it 10 in. out of the earth, carefully placing between every row a layer of clean cake moss, to prevent their being spotted with dirt by heavy rain. I attend to the same method in planting them round circles or ovals, in all cases carefully mixing their varieties. To cover the bulbs with rotten dung is as injurious as to plant them in damp soil. In ^^j?paringjio|^,f^^;.jbj5'ajCii^ths, select those about ^6 m. hi depth Culture of the Pine-apple without Pots. 427 and width, and put in them 2 in. of good rotten dung. Then fill them well within, the thickness of the bulb, with rich light soil, placing in each pot three bulbs of different varieties ; partially cover them with the same sort of soil, leaving a third part of the bulbs visible. Place them in a dry situation, and give them but very little water the first five weeks, increasing it with the ijrrowth of the roots until thev have done flowerino-. Add no water after the leaves begin to decay ; cover the pots with litter to preserve them from bursting by the frost, and place them in an open shed till the blossoms begin to open. Take them out of the earth as the leaves begin to decay, carefully cleaning them ; but never remove the offsets until the leaves are with- ered away. When the bulbs are partially dry, take off all the decayed parts, separate and number each variety, placing them in the day where plenty of air can be admitted until the time of planting. I never saw a double hyacinth produce seed ; but by im- pregnating the blossoms of the single hyacinth with the farina of a double variety, I have succeeded in raising a fine double flower. Art. XVIII. On the Culture of the Pine-apple without Pots, in the Royal Kitchen-Gardens at Xymplienburg. By Mr. Joseph Lang, Kitchen-Gardener to the King of Bavaria. Sir, The satisfaction you expressed on visiting our kitchen- garden and fruit forcery,and particularly with my culture of the pine-apple, induces me to submit to you the following account of the latter process. About the middle or latter end of March, a pit, like that shown in the drawing {Jigs. 91. and 92.), is filled 2 ft. deep with horse-dung, and 2 ft. with mould. The mould having reached a certain temperature, I put such plants in it from the pine stove as already show iruit and are in vigorous growth. Holes being made in the mould, which consists of two parts of rich black soil, and one part of turfy loam, with a little sheep's dung, the plants are turned out of the pots without the ball being disturbed, placed in the holes, and the soil made firm about them. When a row is planted (twenly-four plants are contained under one sash, forming six rows in the width of the pit), I place on the top of the soil, round the roots, some cow-dung, several years old, and therefore thoroughly rotten, and not too wet. The coldness of our climate renders it neces- 42a Culture of the Pine-a^ple tsoithout PotSf sary, when the heat of the manure subsides, or when there is a deficiency of solar heat, to light fires in the stoves at the ends {a a), and to keep up a heat of from M"* to 16° Reaumur, a a. Stoves. Ground Plan of the Pit i , : b. Platform of t|qardSj, serving as a pathway. c. Steps to platform. 63° to 68° Fahrenheit. In summer I allow the plants from 30° to 36° Reaum., 99° to 113° Fahr. of solar heat, and, only when the sun is too hot, a few hours' shade is given, by fir branches or reed mats being placed on the sashes. In July, or the beginning of August, the plants are watered, when necessary, with cows' urine, diluted with one half water ; and subsequently I only sprinkle them with fine river water. "When a day has been very hot, in the height of summer, the plants are rather freely sprinkled in the evening, before the sashes are covered up, with river water; which, producing a vapour during the night, is very beneficial to the fruit, and also gives the plants a clean look. jeoriJ tit ojni t«^o Hi' -CUE.. A J ^/a-i dim >3'i9vo: n ioq )oi mi3 u Ao3n sdi Section rf e of ^fi' 91. 1' /, Dung. ^ h. Vacuity under the stove k. Steps to platform. y ^, Soil in which the plants grow, e. Platform of boards. //, Level of the grounds. '■ When the plants have done bearing, which is in August or September, I let them stand without doing any thing to them, except shortening the leaves of the main stem where the fi-uit has been growing, for the purpose of procuring more air and light to the new shoots or suckers. I have frequently taken from thirty to forty suckers from one old stock. About April the suckers are thinned, the finest being left standing : the others are put into pots, although never smaller than of the appearance of two or thiee years' growth. Then the ground in the Roi)al Kitchen-Garden at Nymphenburg. 4%9 is loosened (an operation which is rather difficult), and fresh cow or sheep dung put round the plants. During the summer months they are watered and treated as before. If I find in autumn that the plants, after having done bearing, do not look so promising as might be wished, I transfer them carefully, with the ball, to a new bed, made like the former, except that it is advisable to put some sand round the necks of the plants ; and here I treat them as before. During the winter a heat is kept up of from 8° to 10° Reaum., 46° to 50® Fahr. There is no fear of their suffering, even though the coverings cannot be opened for several days, for the plants do not begin to grow till the month of February. The fruit-bearing plants may remain for three years in the same place; and I have seen them, in several instances, producing from three to six fruit during every year of that period, of from 1 to 2 lb. weight each. I call this the wild mode of pine culture, because one sees on the same plant fruits large and small, ripe, half ripe, green, and in blossom. The other pine plants which I keep through the winter in the stove are grown during the summer in pits, and those of the queen kind generally bear fruit in fourteen months. They ai*e repeatedly transplanted, and always kept through the sum- mer with bottom heat, shaded, watered, and sprinkled. In the month of March, those plants which show no fruit are transplanted, with balls, into larger pots. The bottom of the pot is always covered with cow-dung thoroughly rotten, and the neck of the root surrounded with sand and sheep's dung; the plants propped up with sticks, and plunged in the tan ; the hot dung being, by this mode of culture, covered with tan instead of mould. If the bed is too hot, I have the pots but half plunged, often only one third, in order not to burn the mould ; and they are not completely plunged till the temper- ature is what it should be. In October I have the potted plants which, from the month of May, have been kept plunged in beds, removed to the stove. In winter, when the days are fine, I repeatedly water the larger plants, but those which have or promise fruit more frequently, with the view of not checking their growth, as the constant heat of the stove dries them considerably. In the house where the larger plants stand, which bring fruit in spring, a heat of 16° Reaum., 68° Fahr., is kept up, in pursuance of the above-described method. In the succession house, where the younger plants are kept, the heat is 10° Reaum., 54° Fahr. The plant taken from the mother stem brings me fruit in the second year, frequently in the first; and it is necessary here to keep always a great many of such plants, in order to obviate a deficiency of fruit. 430 Destructiofi of fhe'Meoly Bug cmd Scale, My present mode of treatment teaches me that bottom heat is not indispensable to the growth of the pine-apple, as I have kept some of them for three or four years in the same bed, where, towards the last, the heat of the dung and tan was not greater than that of the atmosphere or the natural soil, with- out preventing my plants being adorned with the most beautiful fruit. It has also shown me that ripe fruit may be obtained by growing without pots in pits, as first described, throughout the whole year, as I can prove by regular tables kept for the last five years, showing that I furnished ripe fruit from these pits every month in the year during that period. By the above communication, I hope to have fulfilled your desire, and have the honour to be, Sir, &c. Joseph Lang. Nymphenburg, Nov. 4. 1828. Art. XIX. On the Destruction of the Mealy Bug and Scale on Pine Plants. By Mr. James Dall. Sir, As none of your correspondents has taken notice of the insects that are so destructive to pine-apple plants, I beg leave to send you a statement of the method adopted by me for their destruction ; which effectually killed every mealy bug and scale that was on my pines. When I came to this place in 1808, I found the pines covered with the mealy bug and white scale, and I had imme- diate recourse to a recipe of an old acquaintance of mine, Mr. W. Nicol, with this difference, that I used 4 lb. soap, where he recommends only 2 lb. In that case my mixture consisted of 4 lb. soft soap, 2 lb. flower of sulphur, 1 lb. leaf tobacco, and 2 oz. nux vomica boiled in 8 gallons of rain water. After shaking the plants out of the pots, and trimming their roots, I washed them well with this mixture. I also had the wood- work and glass, inside of the houses and pits, washed with the same mixture, and the walls and flues washed with a mixture of lime and sulphur. The tan in the bark beds I had sifted, and fiesh tan added to make good the dust taken away ; the whole, old and new, being well mixed togethej', the plants were repotted and re- plunged, and attended to as usual. From that time I was no more troubled with the mealy bug, but the scale was not entirely destroyed : for, towards the end on Pinei Plants. 431 of the following summer, I found several of the plants had a few insects on them : and from that time I had recourse to many experiments, by which I was able to keep the insects from becoming very numerous, but could not completely destroy them. The first week in January 1817, I made a strong hot-bed of leaves, on which I had placed a three-light melon frame. 1 then selected as many of my small plants as would fill this frame, consisting of those plants that were most infested with the scale. I turned them out of the pots, shook the mould from them, washed them with a glutinous lotion, made with 2 lb. of soft soap and 3 gallons of rain water. After washing them well with this mixture, I dusted them all over with flower of sulphur, particularly in the hearts and bottom angles of the leaves : I then repotted them, and placed them in the above- mentioned hot-bed. By the end of the following month, I had the satisfaction to see the plants growing freely, and not the least appearance of the scale on them. I then determined to dress the whole stock, but with this slight difference, that as I did not like the yellow appearance of the sulphur, I mixed equal parts of flower of sulphur and sulphur vivum, this mixture being nearer the colour of the leaves. I then pro- ceeded with my next smallest plants, by shaking them from the mould, washing and dusting them with the mixed sulphurs in the same way as the first parcel was done in January. My larger plants had some of the mould taken from the tops of the pots; the plants were then well washed and dusted, as before stated, and the pots filled up with fi-esh mould. During the operation of washing and sulphuring the plants of each separate pit or house, I had the bark beds sifted and fresh tan added to replace the dust, the sifted and new tan well mixed, and the plants in their pots replunged. From that time, which is now twelve years, I have not seen a single scale on my pines. I have since had pines sent to me from Bi'azil and other parts, which were literally covered with scale. I dressed them, as above stated, placed them amongst my clean plants, and have never afterwards seen one living insect on them. There is no time in the year that the operation may not be performed ; though it may be said the month of March is the best, as the plants will from that time the soonest grow away from any unsightly appearance of sulphur. There is no danger to be apprehended to the plants from a lavish ap- plication of the mixture, nor any caution to be observed after the dressing, more than the usual management of the plants.* ' When I applied the above dressing to my pines, I did not even take the precaution to wash the wood-work or walls of 432 Destruction of the Mealj/ Bug and Scale. - the pits, or to throw any tan away, except the dust that was sifted out. I have had testimonials sent me from those whom I recommended to adopt the above method, all stating that it had the desired effect. I am, Sir, &c. Wimpole Gardens, Arrington, James Dall. Cambridgeshire. PS. — The above communication, respecting the destruc- tion of the above-mentioned pine insects, was written pre- viously to my receiving the Eighteenth Number of the Gar- dener's Magazine, and with a view of being transmitted to you. The 18th Art. of that Number (Vol. V. p. 57.) gives a statement, by Mr. M'Murtrie, dated Jan. 1. 1829, of a cure adopted by him, eight or nine years ago, nearly the same as mine. When I observed the statement of Mr. M'Murtrie, as above, I hesitated, and thought that my statement, if then sent, would be considered by you undeserving of notice. However, after maturely considering all the circumstances that have attended my professional labours in the growth of pine-apples, &c., I conceived, if I did not lay my statement be- fore you, I should be shrinking from a duty I owed to myself and to the younger branches of my family. If Mr. M'Murtrie is correct in his dates, I can prove that I applied to my pines my effectual cure three years before he applied his cure to his pines. In proof of this my assertion, were it required, I could refer to a very worthy man, with whom I have been in- timately acquainted for the last twenty -two years, Mr. Joseph Knight, Exotic Nursery, King's Road, Chelsea. Many others I could refer to, besides the very men who executed the work under my inspection ; and last, although not the least in my estimation, to my noble and generous employers, the Earl and Countess of Hardwicke. The caution which Mr. M'Murtrie says should be observed in the use of camphor, and his observation, that unless the plants are very much infested, camphor may be omitted altogether, will, I fear, lead young gardeners wrong, and deter older people from adopting his method. The contents of my communication have not been altered, amended, or curtailed since my writing it in the last month of 1828. My practice of pine culture (Vol. III. p. 183.) can only vary with the seasons, and that variation only a few days from the time stated by me for the several shiftings, &c. You, no doubt, are aware that my system of growing pines differs from many. I have no means of giving heat, except by tan at bottom and lining of leaves round the pits. With such means only, and at my own sug- gestion, I have been able to send to table, or to where they Destruction of the Mealy Bug and Scale. 433 may have been ordered, about two hundred and fifty well- grown and well-flavoured pines yearly, for the last fifteen years ; and were my system more generally adopted, where leaves are plenty, even if coals were cheap in the neighbourhood, it would do away with frequent quarrels between the bailiff^ or farming steward, and the gardener. If any further communi- cation relative to what I have said be required, I will attend to it; Qv should any thing occur to me, I will, with your leave, send it, but I will not enter into any paper war, such as Mr. M'Murtrie's with my friend Agronome, in p. 98. , I. am,,, Sir,,. ^c, Wi7npole Gardens, Jan. i. 1829^ ,,;, . / James Dall. We request our readers will turn to Vol. III. p. 183., and mark the great simplicity and cheapness of ]\Ir. Dall's method of pine culture, and that this method is without any other heat than bottom heat : consequently, the most opposite pos- sible to that of Mr. Knight. Not that we deny that pines may be grown without bottom heat, or even without being plunged or planted in a bed, and, with great care, perhaps well grown ; but we have always denied, and still deny, that they can be so grown, either with the same ease and economy, as in a bed of fermenting material, or to such a large size. Our words, written in the year 1822, as given in the Enci/clopcEdia, of Gardc7iing, ^ 29'd3-5. axQ 8iS ioMaws '. — ;->o'm ni ,^oa'iu " To draw any conclusions in the present stage of Knight's experlnieilts would be premature, and it might excite prejudice to anticipate the final result. That the pine plant will grow and thrive, without what is tech- nically called bottom heat, is an obvious truth, since no [ilant in a state of nature is found growing in a soil warm.er than that of the superincum- bent atmosphere. But, to imitate nature, is not always the best mode of culture; for the more correct the imitation, the less valuable would be the greater pai't of her products, at least as far as horticultnre is concerned. What would our celery, cabbage, and apples be, if their culture were copied from nature? Though the pine-apple will grow well without bottom heat, it may grow with bottom heat still better; and though the heat of the earth, in its native country, may never exceed that of the surrounding at- mosphere, it does not follow that earth heated to a greater ilegree may not be of service to it in a state of artificial culture. But, admitting, for the sake of argument, that the pine plant could be grown equally well with, as without, bottom heat, still it appears to us that the mass of material which furnishes this heat, vvill always be a most desirable thing to have in a pine- stove, as being a perpetual fund of heat for supplying the atmosphere of the house in case of accident to the flues or steam-apparatus. Besides, it ap- pears from nature, as well as from observing what takes place in culture, that the want of a steady temperature and degree of moisture at the roots of plants is more immediately and powerfully injurious to them thau atmo- spheric changes. Earth, especially if rendered porous and spongelike by culture, receives and gives out air and heat slowly ; and while the teresperature of the air of a country, or a hot-house, may vary twenty or thirty degrees in the course of twenty-four hours, the soil at the depth of two inches Vol. v. — No. 21. ff 434' Destruction of the Mealy Bug and Scale. would hardly be found to have varied one degree. With respect to moisture, every cultivator knows, that, in a properly constituted and regu- larly pulverised soil, whatever quantity of rain may fall on the surface, the soil is never saturated with water, nor, in times of greatest drought, burnt up with heat. The porous texture of the soil and sub-soil being at once favourable to the escape of superfluous water, and adverse to its evapora- tion, by never becoming so much heated on the surface, or conducting the heat so far downwards, as a close compact soil. These properties of the soil, relatively to plants, can never be completely attained by growing plants in pots, and least of all by growing them in pots surrounded by air. In this state, whatever be the care of the gardener, a continual succession of changes of temperature will take place in the outside of the pot ; and, the compact material of which it is composed being a much more rapid con- ductor of heat than porous earth, it will soon be communicated to the web of roots within. With respect to water, a plant in a pot surrounded by air is equally liable to injury. If the soil be properly constituted, and the pot properly drained, the water passes through the mass as soon as poured on it, and the soil at that moment may be said to be left in a state favourable for vegetation : but as the evaporation from the surface and sides of the pot and the transpiration of the plant go on, it becomes gradually less and less so, and, if not soon resupplied, would become dryland shrivelled, and either die from that cause, or be materially injured by the sudden and copious application of water. Thus, the roots of a plant, in a pot suri'ounded by air, are liable to be alternately chilled and scorched by cold and heat, and deluged or dried up by superabundance or deficiency of water, and nothing but the perpetual care and, attention of the gardener, to lessen the tendencies to these extremes, could at all preserve the plant from destruction. To lessen the attention of thegardener5therefore,to renderthe plant less dependent on his services, and, above all, to put a plant in a pot as far as possible on a footing with a plant in the unconfined soil, plunging the pot in a mass of earth, sand, dung, tan, or any such material, appears to us a most judicious part of culture, and one that never can be relinquished in fruit-bearing plants with impunity. Even if no heat were to be afforded by the mass in which the pots were plunged, still the preservation of a steady temperature which would always equal the average temperature of the air of the house, and the retention, by the same means, of the steady degree of moisture, would, in our opinion, be a sufficient argument for plunging pots of vigorous-growing, many-leaved, or fruit-bearing plants. Had Knight's plan been brought forward by a less eminent horticulturist, it would have claimed but little attention, as the plan of growing pines without bottom heat is generally considered to have been tried and to have failed." Mr. Knight, of the Exotic Nursery, King's Road, has seen the pines in the garden of Mr. Knight, as well as those of Mr. Dall ; and though we have no authority to refer to him, yet he may be asked what he thinks of both -systems, and what relation the plants at Downton and Wimpole bear to those of the first pine-growers about London; say, for ex- ample, those in the Royal Gardens at Kensington, or in Syon Gardens. — Cond. On introdncmg heated Air into Cucumber Frames. 435 Art. XX. Sir, On introducing heated Air into Cucumber Frames and Pits. By Mr. F. Mould. Observing in the Gardener's Magazine (Vol. IV. p. 368.) an account of Mr. Knig-ht's method of introducing: heated air into cucumber frames, I send you a description of the manner in which I force early cucumbers, with the greatest success, both on beds and in pits. Being provided with two M'Phail pits, built above ground without cross flues, I simply place a pipe {Jig. 93.) through the hollow wall under the mid- dle light in front, which runs through the top of the flue. The ho- rizontal part, which is heated by the lining, is 6 in. in dia- meter and extends 3 ft. from the front; the end rests on a stake driven into the ground for that purpose, and the upright or inner part, tapering to 2 in., is carefully fixed with mortar to prevent the ingress of rank steam which cir- culates in the flue. The ventilation speedily decreases the heat, and prevents the necessity of giving air by the lights in cold weather. ^ It is also necessary to add that the pits are prepared in the following manner: just within the front flue a wattle is placed, to form a cavity for the heat to ascend both from the leaves or dung contained in the pit and from the brickwork in front. I find a strong lining sufficient to keep the thermometer at 75° and 80°, without disturbing the back and ends after they are once made. My plants, the seeds of which were sown on the 20th of October, are now (Dec. 18.) remarkably strong and in full bloom, with quantities of fruit showing in succes- sion. The plants on beds do equally well ; the frames being well backed with leaves, there is no need of a powerful lining, except in front for heating the pipe. Yours, &c. AviTtgton, Dec. 18. 1828. F. Mould. F F 2 436 Injiuence of Rocks 07i Vine Pla?iis. Art. XXI. Upon the Lifluence of Roclcs on the Prosperity of Vine Plants, and upon the Quality of their Produce. By M. Metzger, Curator of the Botanic Garden and Public Arboretum at Heidelberg, Author of Europceische Cerealeen and Der Rhein- ische Weinbau, and other Works (Vol. III. p. 343.) Communi- cated by J. Rennie, Esq. M.A. This author, in the work v.'hich he has just pubhshed On the CuUivatio7i of the Vine upon the Ba?tks of the Rhi^ie, has examined the influence of the natiu'e of rocks upon the quali- ties of the soil and vines cultivated in that country, celebrated for the goodness of its wines. The variety of rocks in that country facilitated this comparison, which would be difficult to be established in other parts, and which, at least, will serve as the basis for other researches ; the results at which he has arrived, are the following : — Granite, by the decomposition of mica and felspar, furnishes a very fertile and clayey ground. Qiiartz has a light and porous soil ; it easily admits air, moisture, and heat ; and large bodies retain heat ; there the vine will afford good wine, if all things are equally favourable. Sienite produces at least a similar effect. Felspar Porphyry, like the granite, furnishes an excellent soil, on which the vine succeeds very well. Clay Slate, by its decomposition, supplies a very fertile soil ; if the quartz, which often runs in veins in this rock mix with the soil, it makes it lighter, and renders it more fit for retain- ing heat. The deep colour peculiar to this kind of soil increases also its temperature. This soil is most favourable for the vine. Basalt forms, also, by its decomposing qualities, a very pro- ductive and suitable soil for the vine, and becomes one of the best, where marl and pebbles of basalt are found mixed to- gether. Its deep colour increases heat, and is one of the principal causes of its fertility for the vine. The best sorts of vines grow on this soil. Dolerite produces the same effect as the basalt ; the most valuable wines are supplied from this soil. Variegated Sandstofie, in consequence of its decomposition, affords a light soil, more or less productive ; where it is not mixed, it is barren, and the vine suffers on it in dry seasons. This is not the case where it is mixed with marl, clay, and other earths ; but in general it produces no remarkable wine. The clay soil, which is formed from the decomposition of Shell Marl, is difficult to cultivate. If the calcareous properties prevail, it becomes dry and poor, and requires much manure : Plan for a Stra'aibeyry Wall. 437 but when the calcareous parts are mixed with a clay soil, it may produce vines which are of a very fair sort. In general, however, mountains of this description are of a height too inconsiderable, and their summits too flat for such cultivation. The Coarse Limestone^ being very unsuitable {tres desagre- able), furnishes a deep and fertile soil, when it is well tilled ; and good vines may be reared upon it. Gypsum when it composes the sediment of the soil, should produce, according to the author, good vines ; but he appears to have seen no instances of it. Kiffer, which is easily decomposed, furnishes a light soil, on which vegetation is similar to that on the variegated sand- stone. The wine which it produces is weak. The Sc/i/stous Marl of the Lias is easily decomposed by the air, and yields a fertile soil, favourable to the vine. Its black colour is beneficial to the maturity of the grape ; however, it is not distinguished by the production of any remarkable wine. This soil, when it is interspersed with round pebbles mixed with clay and sand, is very fit for the vine. Vegetation commences only by the mixture of clay in the sand, arising from the decomposition of different rocks. Such land can only pi'oduce wild vines, and vegetation is often completely iinpeded during dry seasons. The mud of gained land is generally little favourable to the vine. Wet seasons are especially injurious to it, and it only produces a bad wine. Art. XXII. A Plan for a Straiioberry Wall. By Robert Byers, Esq. Sir, As it has been proved, beyond a doubt, that the finest strawberries have been produced from one year old plants, and as their culture deserves our greatest attention, the fruit being, perhaps, one of the most wholesome in the world, the following plan for their culture may be valuable to your readers as possessing more advantages than the ordinary methods. Suppose a bed 20 ft. long by 3 ft. 6 in. wide, place round this bed, stones or bricks about 6 in. high, and as nearly level as you can with convenience, fill the within space, and about an inch above it, with compost in which there is a fourth gravel or small stones. Around the whole bed place your plants 6 in. F F 3 438 On the Destruction of Wasps. apart (it will require about 94- plants for the first tier). Again, place another course of stones of the same size, bevel- ing inwards on all sides at angle of 45° {Jig. 94.) ; this fill with the same compost, and plant as for the first row of plants. Proceed thus, stratum super stratum, until you have raised your bed about 3 ft. high, which will give you six rows of plants around your bed and one row at the top. The advan- tages of this bed are as follows : — A much larger quantity of plants is grown on a given quantity of ground. You obtain a succession crop, by placing your bed north and south. You can water them with facility from the top, in which a trench should be left for that purpose. The fruit can be gathered with more ease and convenience, and the last and most important advantage which I shall name, is, that your fruit is free from sand and earth ; should heavy rains occur during the period of its ripening. lam, Sir, &c. Mmint Pleasant^ near S'wansea, R. W. Byers. Juli/, 1829. PS. — To renew the bed : — In August, remove all the stones but the lower row, and gently fork up the earth adding a little rotten dung, and replant and replace as directed above. R. B. Art. XXIII. On the Destruction of Wasps. By Mr. James Dall. Sir, Having read in your Magazine (p. 277.) a statement of a method practised by Thomas N. Parker, Esq., and also one by T. C. of Kensington (p. 332.), for the destruction of wasps, I beg leave to send you an account of the method practised by me for many years, which, I am convinced, is as simple and effectual as any that can be adopted. I give a small reward to my men for every wasp they bring to me from the beginning of March, up to the second week of June; from June I give a reward as above for every nest On the Destruction of Wasps. 439 brought to me, and I continue taking the nests late in the season, although the fruit may have been all gathered ; this I in order that fewer female wasps may be left to breed in the next spring. The means used by me for destroying the nests are simply these: — I take common gunpowder and water sufficient to make a stiff dough or paste ; a piece of this douo-h about the size of a large walnut rolled in the form of a cone, is sufficient to stifle the wasps in any one nest. The nests being looked for by the men in their over hours, when found they are marked, so as to be more readily found again when it is dark. When all things are ready, the men divide their number in parties of three or four; each party being provided with a lantern, candles, spade, pick, as many glass bottles as there are nests to be taken on that night, and a water-pot with some clean water. When arrived at one of the nests, fire is set to the smallest end of one of the conical balls of prepared gunpowder, which is held with the hand close into the mouth of the entrance till one third is burned ; the remaining part of the ball is then dropped into the hole, and a piece of turf placed over it to prevent the escape of the smoke. In the space of half a minute after the ball is dropped into the hole, the nest is dug out, and in its stead a glass bottle one third part filled with water is placed upright with the mouth open, and rather below the surface level of the earth, which is carefully made smooth all round the mouth of the bottle. Into these bottles the wasps that happen to be out when the nests are taken enter, and get drowned in the water. In some large nests I have had to empty the bottles and replace them more than once. If bottles are not placed as above, the wasps that happen to be from home at the time the nest is taken (and crushed or worked up in a puddle as directed by your corre- spondents), on their return home finding the nest destroyed, they fly back to the fruit and continue devouring as long as they have life. I do not pay for any nests unless bottles are placed as here stated, and left two days after the nests are taken, and the nests brought home to me, that I may see them crushed. I have counted two thousand three hundred wasps, belonging to one nest, drowned in bottles placed as above after the nest was taken ; I therefore am quite certain that taking wasps' nests, without placing bottles as here recommended, is doing only half what ought to be done. I am, Sir, &c. James Dall. Whnj^ole Gardens, Arrington, Cambridgeshire^ June, 1829. F F 4 440 Culture of the Co'w Cabbage. Anx. XXIV. On destroying Slugs by Lime Water, in preference to chopped Straw. By Mr. W. P. Vaughan. Sir, - In your Magazine (Vol. V. p. 143.) I find cut straw recom- niended as an effectual mode of destroying slugs ; which plan has been since copied in several newspapers. The idea of having our flower-beds and gardens strewed over with cut straw, as nothing can look more unsightly, has induced me to lay down the following efficacious method. Immediately after sunset, particularly on damp evenings, slugs are in motion towards their feeding place, and by nine o'clock they are all on the plantSj or on the face of the ground near them. In the after- noon previous to my applying my remedy (lime), I have a tub containing 40 gallons of clean water, and half an hour be- fore commencing I put 1 peck of fresh-slaked lime into it, and as soon as it is clear it is fit for use. I then take a watering- pot, with a rose on it, and sprinkle the beds of seedlings and borders of flowers all over, where I have seen any trace of them. If there is liarht enough for distina-uishing the borders and rows of plants, it is all I want. A watering-pot containing 4 gallons will water a bed of 4 ft. by 30 ft., or rows of cauli- flowers, cabbages, &c., of double the length. All worms that are out share the same fate, without leaving a vestige behind, except the dead bodies of the sufferers, which, I will answer for it, will be more the first time, than a man could behead with a straw knife in a month. The remedy is perfectly harm- less to vegetation; in fact, I fancy my beds ofpinks to produce a finer green and more healthy appearance. I am. Sir, &c. W. P. Vaughan. Archdeaco7i)y, Brecon, April 22. 1829. Art. XXV. On the Cidture of the Ccw Cabbage, or Cesarean Cole. By Mr. Bernard Saunders, Nurseryman, Island of Jersey. Sir, Observing an article at p. C4. on cow cabbage, or Cesarean cole, communicated by Mr. J. Murray, permit me, through the medium of your miscellany, to offer a few remarks on the subject. Having resided in this island about twenty years, I have had an opportunity of appreciating the great advantage this variety of 7>Vj)ssica is to the small farmer as well as to the large one, and will, with your permission, give your readers a brief account of its culture and uses. The seed is sown, from 'He7nerocdllisfulva, as a Forage Plant. 441 about the 20th of August to the 1st of September, in a good soil, and planted out, from November to January and Februaiy, in succession, at from 20 to 30 in. distance, in a good, sub- stantial, well-manured soil ; as no plant is more exhausting or I'equires a better soil, but, perhaps, no one plant produces so large a quantity of nutriment during its period of vegetation. About the month of Api'il they begin (from the first crop) to strip the under leaves, cut them in small pieces, mix them with sour milk, bran, and other farinaceous substances, and give them as food to ducks, geese, hogs, &c. During the whole summer they continue stripping the plant as above stated, until it attains the height of from 6 to 12 ft. ; and, if a scarcity of herbage prevails, the green leaves form excellent feed for cows and oxen, with alternate feeds of hay and straw. The tops and side shoots are excellent at table during winter and spring. The longest of the stalks are frequently used to support scarlet runners and other French beans, and as cross rafters for farm buildings under thatch, and have been known to last more than half a century, when kept dry, for the latter purpose. I am, Sir, &c. Ntirserj/, Island of Jersey, Bernard Saunders. April 14. 1829. Seeds may be had from Mr. Saunders, or from Mr. Charl- wood, seedsman, Great Russel Street, Covent Garden. — Cond. Art. XXVI. On the Day Lily {Hemerocallis ftdva), as a Forage Plant. By Mr. J. Elles. Sir, As I shall not have an opportunity of witnessing the result of an experiment, which I have now in progress here, to cul- tivate the copper-coloured day lily (ii/emerocallis fulva) for the use of cattle; a notice of it in your Magazine might in- duce others to make further trials, and perhaps prove it ulti- mately to be a plant of no ordinary utility. In the years 1826-7, I observed, accidentally, how extremely fond cattle were of this plant, even mating it down to the roots when an opportunity occurred ; and as I knew, from long experience, that it would, even in dry ground, produce herbage in the middle and latter end of April, equal in quality to any water meadow, the extreme facility with which it may be propagated and grown in almost any soil and situation, and also its apparently nutritious nature, I was induced to give it a trial in a plot of ground of about 20 rotls, attached to the cottage in which I live. Accord- ■ti^ Memerocdllisjulvaf as a Forage Plant. ingly, in January 1828, I planted the whole piece in rows 2 ft* apart; between these a full crop of mangold wurzel was planted towards the end of April, which, of course, completely shaded the day lily for upwards of two months before it was gathered in and housed. This circumstance does not, however, seem to have had the least effect on it ; for early in April, this year, the plants were 1 ft. high, and at the end of the month, upwards of 2 ft. I did not cut them down, intending to pick out the flower stalks only, to encourage the growth at the bottom of the plants ; for, you must understand, the whole were single plants when first planted, now each has sent up two or three plants. This season, I have again planted mangold wurzel between the rows, and have in addition planted some of Cobbett's corn ; for as both mangold wurzel and the day lily grow as well, or perhaps better, by being a little shaded, I thought a row of corn, in the alternate rows of day lilies, would be an improvement ; and should these three, or any two of them, succeed together, and I see no reason why they should not, it would be difficult to form an idea of the immense produce highly manured and well tilled ground might yield. The day lily, being a permanent crop, will annually produce a supply of green food in April and towards the middle of May, when there is little or no pasture grass ; and, if cut at this season, it will continue to grow during the summer. Still, I apprehend, its chief value will be in the first crop ; for, by immediately digging between the rows, a crop of mangold wurzel, Cobbett's Indian corn, or both, may be planted, this being the proper season for planting both, both requiring the same culture, and both being ready to be gathered in at nearly the same time, which may be done without materially injuring the plant for the spring. Either of these late crops will, of course, be of much more value than any crop obtained by allowing the day lily to occupy the ground alone. It should be observed, that I never could detect any un- pleasant flavour in the milk or butter, from the use of the day lily, and I have occasionally given it in considerable quantities : but, on the contrary, I have invariably found both the milk and butter as sweet as if the cow had been grazed on pasture land or mangold wurzel; a quality, which, if the plant should prove useful, will greatly enhance its value, I am, Sir, &c. Longleai, May 19. J. Elles. The Symphytum asperrimum has also been strongly recom- mended as a forage plant, by Mr. D. Grant of Lewisham, of which a notice will be found in our next Number, — Cofid, 443 PART II. REVIEWS. Art. I. Memoirs of the Caledonian Horticultural Society. Vol. IV. Part II. 8vo, 10 plates. IO5. Sd. This half volume contains no fewer than 54 different com- munications, " written either by distinguished amateur horti- culturists, or by practical gardeners of great experience." Materials for another half volume are ready to be sent to press, provided the sale of that now published " will indemnify the expense of paper, printing, and engraving." " All members are, therefore, earnestly I'equested to promote this object, by procuring their own copies without delay." In order not to interfere with the sale of the work, we shall defer giving the essence of it for two or three Numbers. Its essence, however, we shall not omit to give in due time, as we give that of every new gardening publication, for the sake of poor gardeners ; but the rich in the profession, if there are any, and amateurs may very well afford to purchase the volume, which is so re- markably cheap, that it is difficult to conceive how it can pay. There is an excellent paper by that veteran horticulturist and eminent man, Mr. John Hay, planner of gardens, Edinburgh, which is absolutely worth the money. It is an account of a mode of producing a steady and uniform bottom heat in pine- apple or melon pits, or in stoves for exotic plants, by means of steam introduced into a close chamber filled with water- worn stones. Pine-plants in pots are placed in a bed of sand or ashes over the chamber; or the chamber is filled with proper soil, and the plants planted in it as in the open ground, as practised by Mr. Lang at Nymphenburg. (p. 424.) 19. On the raising oj" Mushrooms, and on the forcing of Rhubarb Stalks in the open Air. By Mr. James Stuart, Gardener to Sir John Hope, Baronet, at Pinkie House, Musselburgh. Mushrooms. — Against the back wall of a shed form the base of the bed 3 ft. wide of rubbish, to keep it dry ; cover it with dung from a cattle shed, 5 in. tliick next the wall, sloping to one inch in front ; in a week or ten days, cover with 4 in. ■Hit Memoirs of the Caledonian Horticultural Society. of horse droppings ; and, when settled, bore holes 4 in. in diameter, and 12 in. apart, through to the rubbish; when all danger from burning is over, fill these holes with fresh horse droppings a little dried ; then spawn the bed, and cover the whole with earth 3 in. deep. Mulch with hay of a soft nature, or with straw, and water lightly as occasion requires, with water at 60°, or not exceeding 75°, which ought to be the maximum heat of the bed. Rhubarb. — Cover in the open ground with boxes or pots, and around these lay leaves or hot dung, as in forcing sea- kale. 20. On the ripening of Fruit by artificial Heat, after being taken from the Tree. By James Howison, Esq., of Crossburn House. Pears gathered some weeks before they were ripe, " owing to the danger of their being stolen from the trees," were placed in the drawers of a book-case in a room where a fire was constantly kept, and the temperature fi'om 58° to 68°. After 10 or 12 days the jargonelle, and after a month the moorfowl egg, were found I'ipe, and better flavoured than if matured in the open air. Melons gathered in the end of October and supposed useless were, after lying in the same room till the end of December, " found nearly as high- fla- voured and juicy as those ripened in the frames. In 1816, when wall-fruit in the upper ward of Lanarkshire did not even arrive at its usual size, fire heat had the effect of ren- dering such fruit more eatable than any which Mr. Howison tasted," ripened on the tree in one of the warmest situations of Scodand. " From the foregoing it would appear, that the organic elaborations of the constituent parts of fruit are all finished in the early stage of their growth, or nahen arrived at their full size, and that their ripening is a process of chemical changes similar to fermentation, which, with a sufficient and regular application of heat, goes on, in some degree, inde- pendent of the living principle." Hawthorndean apples, gathered in the end of October, 1816, were, on the 27th of May, 1817, as fresh and plump as when taken from the tree, which Mr. Howison conjectures to be owing to the great quantity of unconverted acid contained in the unripe fruit. {To be continued in Vol. VI.) Botanical Magazine. — Botanical Register. 445 Art. TI. Catalogue of Works on Gardening, Agriculture, Botany, Rural Architecture, Sfc, published since June last, with some Account of those considered the most interesting. Britain. Curtis's Botanical Magazine, or Flower-Garden displayed; New Series. Edited by Dr. Hooker. In 8vo Numbers, monthly. 5s. 6d. col.; 3s. plain. JS^o. XXX. for June, contains 2911 to 2917. — Annona reticulata; Annonucece. A shrub, or small tree, with spreading tuberculated branches, and numerous oblong-lanceolate leaves, and small greenish yellow flowers, succeeded by a pulpy berry as large as a good-sized orange, of a reddish brown colour, and said to taste like a custard. Native of the West Indies, and grown in our stoves. In St. Domingo the fruit is esteemed more as a quick and certain remedy against diarrhoea and dysentery than for the table. — iotus pinnatus; Leguniinosoe. " Another of the man}' interesting novelties discovered by Mr. Douglas, and thus introduced to the gardens of the Horticultural Society, where it flowered in June, 1828, in the open border, and in com- mon soil." Perennial, and the only species of the genus with the leaves pinnate. — Justic/a nodosa ; ^canthaceae. A low shrub, glabrous through- out the stems and leaves, and worthy of a place in every stove, on account of the large size and rich pale crimson colour of the flowers. — Calceolaria thyrsiflora ; Scrojjhularinae. An erect shrub, raised in the Edinburgh bo- tanic garden, from seeds received from Dr. Gillies of Mendoza ; "but it flowered first in the collection of P. Neill, Esq., of Canno.i Mills." The plant is much used in Chile for dyeing woollen cloths a crimson colour. The blossoms have a light fragrance, not unlike the flowers of the labur- num.— Dischldia (rfiV, twice, schizo, to split; dividing of the segments of the corolla) bengalensis; Asclepiadece. A stove epiphyte, of straggling growth ; succulent, glaucous, and of no beauty. — Plumbago rhomboidea. A stove annual, with small purple flowers. We are glad to see one step taken in the road of improvement in this Number, viz. the derivations of the botanic names given. The others will follow in due time, or perhaps (but we hope not) out of time. Edwards's Botanical Register. Continued by John Lindley, F.R.S. L.S. &c. Professor of Botany in the London University. In Svo Numbers, monthly. 4s. coloured. No. IV. for June, contains 1240 to 1246. — iJhodod^ndron arboreum var. roseum;; ^ricese. From " the summit of the highest mountain among those wliich confine the great valley of Nepal on the north, and at an elevation of not less than 10,000 ft., where it grows intermixed with the white variety, which is, however, the less common of the two. In this mountainous region they both attain, along with the scarlet sort, the size of large forest trees. The latter, however, although it is found growing among them, is more naturally the inhabitant of a zone 5000 ft. lower. It is also found all over the moun- tains of Nepal and Kumoon, and Sirmore; and this may, as Dr. Wallich remarks, account for its being less hardy than the red sort, because the col- lectors are more apt to gather their seed from the trees low down on the mountains, than from those at a greater elevation." — Clintonfa (Governor De Witt Clinton, an amiable excellent man, and a distinguished patron of ^'^e Botanical Cabinet. — British FlcMer-Garden. American investigation) degans; Lobeliacf<^. A procumbent hardy annual, which, " Mr. Douglas informs us, is very common in low, grassy, over-flowed grounds on the plains of the Colombia, near Wallawallah river, and near the head springs of the Multnomah, flowering from June till August. With us it forms one of the most beautiful annuals with which we are acquainted. Notwithstanding the want of spreading foliage to give its flowers effect, the latter are of so brilliant a colour, that the plants, when grown in broad patches, resemble a carpet of silver and blue." — i-upinus aridus. A tufted biennial or perennial, from 6 to 10 in. high, " Mr. Douglas informs us that this beautiful species is an inhabitant only of M'oodless scorched grounds, Avhere, from its compact habit, it forms thick carpets of purplish blue, giving a relief to the eye from the micaceous sand in which it delights to grow. The spontaneous plant in Colombia is white, with long hairs, and is a true perennial ; but the garden plant, which is much less hairy, can scarcely be considered more than biennial. From the profusion of the flowers, the plant soon becomes exhausted ; and this, together with its impatience of moisture and the humidity of our climate, is apt to destroy it." — Prunus dasycarpa. A middle-sized hardy tree, with smooth branches, almost like those of an apricot, and commonly known in the nurseries as the Black Apricot. The fruit is about as large as a common plum, dark purple, with a tawny austere flesh. — Chasmonia {chasmdb, to gape wide ; calyx) incisa, Labiatae. A hardy annual, introduced from Sicily so long ago as 1596, but now become rare. Epsom Nursery. — Pentstemon triphyllum ; Scrophu- larinae. A perennial, common on decomposed dry granite, or schist rocks, on the Blue Mountains of North-west America. — Introduced to the Hor- ticultural Society, by Mr. Douglas, in 1827. — Erythrina jooianthes ; Legu- minosse. A stove shrub, from the botanic garden of Ajuda, in Portugal, flowering in January, February, and March, without producing its leaves. Native country unknown, but supposed to be from Asia. Botanical Cabinet. By Messrs. Loddiges. In 4to and 8vo Parts, monthly. Large paper, 5s. ; small paper, and partially coloured, 2*. 6rf. Part CXLVI. for June, contains 1451 to 1460. — Leucopogon interruptus. A New Holland shrub; neat, smooth, and 3 ft. high ; of the usual culture. — Erics, carnea and dis- color.— Crocus pusillus. A native of Italy, introduced in 1824 by Pro- fessor Tenore ; somewhat delicate, but very beautiful ; flowers white. — Cam^lHfl japonica var. J?6sa sinensis. A bold-flowering variety, very dis- tinct ; raised from seeds by Mr. Chandler. — Alonsoa intermedia. Supposed to be a mule, between A. incisifolia and linearis. Beautiful deep crimson flowers, perpetually flowering; cuttings, and the easiest culture in light loam. — Hovea purpiirea. An elegant shrub, from New South Wales ; of easy culture. — Scottia dentata. A neat-looking New Holland shrub, with flowers of a singular yellowish brown colour, which appear at various sea- sons. — ^'rabis dlbida. A very pleasing early-flowering perennial, from Tauria in 1798; hardy, and fit for pots and rockwork. — Jcacia grave- olens. The flowers of this species are fragrant, but the smell of the leaves powerful and unpleasant. The British, Flower-Garden. By Robert Sweet, F.L.S. &c. In Svo Numbers, monthly. 3s. No. I. of Vol. II. for June, contains 1 to 4. — Cypripedium ventricosum. A rare and handsome plant, from Siberia ; first flowered in the conservatory of Sir G. T. Staunton, at Leigh Park, Hants, where it was treated as follows, by Mr. George Hall, gardener there : — " ' It is a herbaceous perennial, dwarf and erect in its growth, fibrous rooting, and has, in its dormant state, all the characteristics of the British Flotver- Garden. 4 4- 7 Lily of the Valley ; indeed, the resemblance is so great, that it is difficult to distinguish between them before the foliage has made its appearance. " ' It was potted in peat and loam, and placed in a frame, and treated as other half-hardy plants. About Christmas it was taken into the green- house, and placed on a shelf near the glass : there the flower had first made its appearance ; but as it grew rather delicate and slender there, it was removed to the conservatory, where it arrived to full perfection. " ' It is apparently quite hardy, and might do well out of doors in a south border, care being taken as to soil, and protection in very severe weather.' " We agree with Mr. Hall in believing it to be quite hardy, as it is a native of the eastern part of Siberia ; but we would recommend its being planted in a north rather than a south border, as it would not be so liable to be hurt by cold, in growing too soon in spring. The plants of this genus are also fond of a shady situation, generally growing in woods under the shade of trees; and their roots running amongst the decayed leaves that have been accumulating for years, and form abed of light soil. This should be imitated as much as possible in their cultivation." Camelh'a japonica var. Colvillii. The petals are striped like those of the carnation, and it is " certainly the finest and most beautiful variety that we have ever yet seen As the greater part of the different double camellias bear perfect stigmas, they will therefore produce perfect seeds, if care be taken to procure pollen from a different variety. In doing this, particular care and attention is necessary to procure the stamens from the most double flowers that bear them, and also to consider what two colours would pro- duce the most distinct and beautiful colour, intermediate between the two. Several of the sorts that are generally very double occasionally bear a few perfect anthers : these are the best for fertilising the others with, as the seeds from them will produce much finer flowers than from those that have been set with the more single sorts; and as the varieties from seed are now become so numerous, if they are not very fine and distinct, they will certainly not be worth cultivating, except as stocks to work the finer sorts on. " The Camellia is not generally so much cultivated as it deserves, though it is very hardy, standing our severest winters, when planted out against a wall or in any sheltered situation, without protection ; but being such an early-flowering plant, the buds are often much injured, and sometimes destroyed, if not covered a little in severe frosty weather. We believe a northern aspect would suit it better than a southern, as it would not be so liable to frequent and sudden thaws in the day and frost at night, which injure plants that are somewhat tender more than they are injured by not being thawed while the frost lasts. We proved this by several species of Cistus the last winter, those in a south border being all killed ; when the same sorts in a north border, which we expected to have been all destroyed, were scarcely injured in the least, and are now thriving well, and coming full in flower. " The Camelh'a is also one of the most proper plants for growing in the window of a light room, as it is much more hardy than the Geranium tribe, and requires nothing in winter but to be watered when dry. We have seen plants treated this way flower finer, and continue in flower much longer, than those cultivated in the green-house. The best soil to grow them in is a mixture of loam, peat, and sand, the greatest proportion of the former, and the pots to be well drained, that the wet may pass off readily." iSatyrium coriifolium ; Orchldeae. From the Cape to the nursery of Mr. Tate, in Sloane Street, who plants it in " large pots, in a stiff loamy soil, which, he observes, is very similar to the soil that was about the roots when they arrived from the Cape, and which they thrive in remarkably well : others, that he planted in lighter soil, did not succeed so well. S. cucul- latum we also observed in flower at Mr. Tate's at the same time; and Mr. 4 4 8 Geranidceae. — CistifierF. Tate has lately introduced numerous other orchideous plants from the same quarter : these will all thrive well, planted in a warm border in a southern aspect, and covered up with mats or straw, or any other light covering, in severe frosty weather, but always exposed to the air when the weather is mild; or if a brick pit, with lights, be allowed for them, they will answer exceedingly well ; the lights to be kept on in very wet or frosty weather, and to be covered over in severe frost ; and if some moss were placed between them, we have no doubt but numerous young plants would come up from seeds ; the seeds of Orchideae requiring some- thing to feed on and shade them, as they are all more or less inclined to be parasitical, particularly the seedling plants. A mat can also be spread on the lights of a hot day, when the plants are in flower, to keep the sun from scorching them. We should like to see a collection of those beautiful or- chideous plants, natives of the Cape, New Holland, Mexico, Chile, and Peru, cultivated in this manner ; and we know no place where it could be done better than at the nursery of Messrs. Young, at Epsom, whose mana- ger, Mr. Penny, is a successful cultivator of Orchideae, and flowers the British species to double their natural size." Zephyranthes carinata; AmarylUc?e<2?. Kee\ed-leaved Swamp Lily. A small oval bulb, with linear dark-green leaves and pink flowers ; from Mexico, by Mr. Bullock, to Mr. Tate of Sloane Street. " The present beautiful species is quite hardy, as are most of the other species of this pretty genus. The plants from which our drawing was made were in full flower in the open border, in August last, in the garden of Mrs. Marryatt, at Wimbledon House, Surrey, in whose interesting and extensive collection we observed many other curious and rare plants ; amongst them a very singular hybrid species of .^^nagallis, intermediate between A. fruticosa and A. Moneili ; the flowers of a coppery brown colour. It may be named A. MarryattfZ^, in compliment to the lady in whose collection it was raised ; and we agree with M. DecandoUcj that such names are the best for hybrid plants." Geraniacece. By Robert Sweet, F.L.S. &c. In Svo Numbers, monthly. 5s. Nos. XII. and XIII. for June ayid July, contain 41 to 48. — Pelargonium glabrescens Peytonice. A hybrid of unknown parents, named in compliment to Lady Peyton, " a lady much attached to this tribe of plants." — P. sufFusum, flabellifolium, cordiforme, urbanum, WxWidnum (raised from seed by Messrs. CoTley and Hill of Hanmiersmith), and speculum. The last "curious-flowering" variety is of hybrid origin and was raised from seed at the nursery of Mrs. More of the King's Road, Chelsea. " We are soiry," Mr. Sweet observes, " to see that Mrs. More has sustained a very severe loss by the fire, from the manufactory adjoining, which was lately consumed ; many of her fine new seedlings, that had not yet flowered, were destroyed, besides numerous other plants in the open ground, which were scorched up and spoiled, as well as the whole of her frames and what they contained; we hope the public will be liberal enough to subscribe towards repairing her loss." We hope this kind hint of Mr. Sweet will not be lost, either on ladies who have not yet become wives, or on wives who know the value of a husband; every widow, wc are certain, will feel for Mrs. More, and many, we hope, will show it by be- coming her customers. Cistinece. By Robert Sweet, F.L.S. &c. In svo Numbers, every alternate Month. 5s. N'o. XXIII. for March, contains 89 to 92. — Helianthemum Anderson/. Suftruticose, procumbent, soon forming a large, spreading, dense tuft ; leaves narrow, hairy, and of a bluish green; flowers of a straw colour. Of hybrid origin, and both pretty and Botanic Garden. — Pomological Magazine. ^^9 curious. " We have named it in compliment to our respected friend, Mr. William Anderson, to whom we are obliged for the opportunity of making drawings of many rare species, which we have not seen in any other collection." — Cistus cymosus, a very handsome, small, bushy shrub, with broadly ovate leaves and middle-sized lively red flowers. From the Levant, and to be kept in a frame. — Helianthemum confusum. Suffrutescent and procumbent, short narrow leaves, delicate white flowers, and of the easiest culture. — H. /^yssopifolium var. crocatum. Suffrutescent and much branched, short oblong leaves, and rather large saffron yellow flowers. A very handsome variety, and a delightful plant for ornamenting rockwork. From the border of Cistineae in the Clapton nursery. " We have this winter tried a great many species of Cistus in various situations in the open ground, and have found them succeed best, and suffer the least from frost, in a border with a north-west aspect. Scarcely any of them were injured in the least, though several were of the tenderer sorts, and they had not the least covering or protection. We attribute this to their being in a more dormant state, and their wood, therefore, more hardened to withstand the frost; as those in a southern aspect, though partially covered, were hurt much worse, which we account for by their being more in a growing state. No, XXIV. for May, contains 93 to 96. — H. stramineum. Suffrutescent, procumbent, and very much branched ; leaves oblongly lanceolate, and the flowers of a bright straw colour. — H. stramineum var. multiplex. The foregoing plant double, from the nursery of Mr. Lee. — H. diversifolium. Suffruticose, rough, and rugged; branches ascending; leaves narrow; and the flowers of a dark flesh colour, very handsome and showy. — H. microphyllum. Suffruticose, elongated, weak, with numerous, small, canescent, downy leaves, and large bright yellow flowers. Handsome, requiring a little protection in winter. The Botaiuc Garden. By B. Maund, F.L.S. &c. In small 4to Numbers, monthly. Large paper, \s. 6d.; small paper. Is. Nos. LIV. and LV.for June and July, contain Astrantia maxima. Phlox reflexa, Taghtes lucida, Tiarella cordifolia, Erica stricta, Isotoma axillaris, Lopezia coronata. The Florisfs Guide and Cidtivato7-^ s Directory, &c. By Robert Sweet> F.L.S. &c. In 8vo Numbers, monthly. 3s. coloured ; 2s. plain. Nos. XXIV. and XXV. for June and July, contain 95 to 100. — Davey's Bolivar Pink. — ■ Lawrie's Hertfordshire Hero Auri- cula.— Bartlett's Thunderbolt Tulip. — Lyra Grandis Hyacinth. — Bur- nard's Formosa Pol\anthus. Handsome, lately raised from seed by [our correspondent] J. P. Burnard, Esq., of Formosa Cottage, Holloway^ — Hogg's Lady Ackland Picotee. — Pourpre Fonce Hyacinth. A magnificent and first- rate variety, imported from Holland last autumn, and flowered by Messrs. Flanagan, Chubb, and Nutting, seedsmen and florists, 9. Mansion House Street, London, where numerous other fine and scarce varieties were in bloom at the same time. — Lampson Tulip. — The present number com- pletes the first volume, and contains a systematical and an alphabetical index The work is almost unique, and may safely be recommended to all florists. The Pomological Magazine. In 8vo Numbers, monthly. 5s. coloured; OS, 6d. plain. No. XX. for June, contains 77. The Canadian Reinette Apple. Better known in France than in England. " A hardy tree, a great bearer, especially on Paradise Stocks ; an excellent desert fruit, and a good keeper. In many respects it resembles Vol. V.^ No. 21. gg 4-50 Ellis's Discourse on Horticulture. the Ribston Pippin, which possibly sprang from its seeds." Ripens in De- cember, and keeps well till March or April. 78. The Easter Beurrfe Pear. " Of all the very late keeping pears this is decidedly the best." A most profuse bearer, grafted upon the quince; perfectly hardy, and will suit a wall of an east aspect. 79. The Martin Nonpareil Apple. Useful and excellent ; a great bearer as a standard tree, and in perfection at a period of the year when good apples fetch a high price. Ripens in December, and will keep till April, or, with good management, to Midsummer. .80. The Wo7-msley Pippin Apple. — An excellent autumn fruit, bearing well, and having a firm high-flavoured flesh, resembling in quality that of the Newtown Pippin. Ellis, Daniel, Esq. V. P. of the Caledonian Horticultural Society : a Dis- course on Subjects relating to Horticulture, with a few Remarks on the present State and Prospects of that Science. Read to the General Meeting of the Caledonian Horticultural Society. Edinburgh. Pamph. pp. 50. The late venerable Dr. Duncan, who may be called the father of the Caledonian Horticultural Society, was Vice-President till his death : and he is now succeeded by Mr. Ellis. After a well-merited eulogium on his prede- cessor, who " not only planted the seed from which our Institution sprang, but nursed it with the tenderest care," a general view is given of the present state and future prospects of the Society, including the various matters re- lating to horticulture which have engaged its attention, or are to be found in its published Memoirs. Among the subjects noticed, that of heating pine-pits by steam diffused through a bed of stones holds a conspicuous place. We request particular attention to the following extract: — " The steam apparatus consists of a boiler and suppl3-cistern ; from the former goes out a large pipe, which communicates with a tube that lies lengthwise on the floor of the pit. This tube is perforated with holes, at distances of about 2 ft., and diffuses the vapour among the stones through all parts of the pit. " The pots, with the pines, are placed on a bed of cinders, 4 in. deep, which lies on the Arbroath pavement ; they are then plunged as high as their edges in good tan bark, and are never moved, except for repotting. " The temperature of the atmosphere of the pit varies at different periods, according to the stage of growth in the plants. In all cases, when artificial heat is necessary, fire is applied to the boiler about six in the evening, and steam is procured in less than an hour. In winter, when the temperature is kept at 50° or 55°, it is sufficient to apply the steam only about an hour and a half in the twenty-four. In May, when the flowering is over, and the temperature is kept up to 75° or 80°, the steam is applied, in very warm weather, only about once or twice a week ; and in autumn, during the ripening period, when the temperature is kept nearly at 65° or 70°, the steam is applied only once in forty-eight hours. The quantity of fuel used has not been particularly attended to, having been generally the refuse left from other purposes ; but, in the construction of the furnace, every practicable means of economising the heat was adopted. " Specimens of the pine-apples and melons raised in this pit were exhi- bited to the Committee of the Society, and much admired. " At the request of Mr. Neill, Mr. Hay has since communicated to the Society a more detailed description of this method of heating pits, accom- panied with very accurate plans and sections, illustrative of the mode of construction in all its details. " The advantages of any system of artificial heating would seem to con- sist, in the first place, in the facility and certainty with which the requisite heat is obtained ; in the steadiness, uniformity, and permanency of the Ellis's Discourse on HoiiicuUiire. 451 temperature it aflfbrds, and in the ready means of increasing or diminisliing that temperature, according to the varying progress of vegetation and the fluctuating conditions of the external air. In the second place, security against partial, irregular, and insufficient heating, freedom from offensive and noxious emanations, and easy means of preserving the atmosphere, as nearly as may be in its natural state of purity and moisture, are desirable. And if, in the third place, economy in the construction of the building, and of labour and fuel in conducting the heating process, can be combined with the other more essential conditions above mentioned, the system which unites these advantages in the greatest perfection will doubtless be entitled to a preference. " No one, we think, who compares the method of heating by steam, as detailed in the foregoing pages, with that by smoke flues, as ordinarily practised, or with that derived from the putrefactive fermentation of vege- table matters, can hesitate to admit, that, in almost all the requisites above mentioned, it is greatly entitled to a preference ; while it is subject to few or none of the inconveniences and disadvantages to which the latter methods are exposed. In regard to trouble in attendance, and diminution of expense in labour and fuel, the plan of Mr. Hay seems to have accom- plished almost all that can be desired. It may still, however, receive im- provement in some of its details; for, on comparing, as he says, the pits at Cunnoquhie with those at Castle Semple, it will be seen, from the statement of Mr. Smith, that, at the former place, a pit 50 ft. long requires as many hours of steam, in every twenty-four hours, to raise the temperature to the height required, as another 60 ft. long, and nearly a foot broader, does, at the latter place, in every forty-eight hours. ' The reason of this difference is,' says Mr. Hay, * that the pit at Cunnoquhie has only two feet depth of stones, while that at Castle Semple has three feet ;' — a fact which illustrates in a very striking manner the power of the stones to receive, retain, and slowly impart heat." It certainly would appear that this mode of heating a bed of stones is far preferable to the mode of heating by hot water, at least for pine culture ; unless an immense cistern of water were substituted for the bed of stones : but such a cistern we consider objectionable on many accounts ; and even if it were not objectionable, we question its power of retaining a sufficient degree of heat for an equal period with a bed of stones, which, though they give out heat faster, yet have more. We request the practical gar- dener to mark the important fact above quoted, that steam only requires to be applied to the pit about one hour and a half in twenty-four during winter, and only once or twice a week in spring and autumn. No system of heating by hot water, that we have heard of, has ever equalled this, in diminishing the labour of attendance and the risk of a failure of heat. We participate in the satisfaction which Mr. Hay must enjoy, after a long life assiduously spent in horticultural pursuits, in being the author of such a useful invention. It appears that Mr. Hay applied steam to forcing- houses at Preston in Midlothian, in 1794; and he may now be considered as having perfected this mode of heating. The Caledonian Horticultural Society unanimousl}' awarded him the London medal for 1828; which is something, though the consciousness of the impression which he has made on tlie horticulture of his time, and of being the most eminent horticul- tural architect that Scotland has ever produced, must be his greatest and best reward. The mode of heating by hot water is next described, and notice taken of a house, 60 ft. long, in the Society's experimental garden, and of the houses at Woburn Abbey, so heated. After shortly reviewing the modes of heat- ing by smoke flues, by steam, and by the circulation of hot water, and bearing testimony to the great merits of the latter mode, Mr. Ellis con- cludes : — "It seems doubtful, how^ever, whether, in economy of fuel, cspe- G G 2 4-52 Loudo7i^s Encyclopcsdia of Plants. cially in duration of temperature, it [hot water] can ever be brought to equal the steam chamber filled vvi;th stones, as practised by Mr. Hay." The saving of heat effected by coverings of straw mats or boards, is pointed out and explained on scientific principles, as are the advantages of hollow walls. The importance of the study of vegetable physiology to practical gardeners is insisted on, and of the use of societies in stimulating both to local and general improvement. The magistrates of Edinburgh are said " not to have been slow to acknowledge the very great improvement in every description of produce exhibited in the vegetable market " since the institution of the Society. Of ornamental horticulture it is observed, that " nowhere, in proportion to the accommodation provided, can finer specimens of beautiful exotics be seen, than in the new conservatories of the Edinburgh botanic garden, under the care of Mr. Macnab. Lastly it is concluded that, " Whether we look to the examples of the great and wealthy at home ; to the spirit of enquiry and emulation that per- vades almost all other countries as well as our own, and circulates, as it were, every where freely amongst them ; or whether we call to mind the great skill and enterprise possessed by our practical gardeners, prompting them continually not only to make new observations and try new experi- ments in the practice of their art, but to avail themselves of all the new lights which the sciences connected with it can bestow ; we cannot, I think, but admit, that, great as may have been the recent progress of horticulture, it is yet destined to move on with accelerated speed, and contribute at once to the elegant gratification and solid comforts of the public, to an ex- tent not easily to be judged of by what we already know. " It will not be denied, that, in proportion to its means, this Society may claim its full share, both in regard to precept and example, in bringing about this favourable state of things ; and, had it been patronised by the great and wealthy in this part of the island, in a degree corresponding to the support which our elder sister of the British metropolis has received, it would, we think, have exhibited proportionally higher claims to public encouragement. But, looking onward to the future rather than backward to the past, we would cherish the hope, now that its merits have been pub- licly recognised, that it is destined to take a sort of new life ; and that, having passed through the trying periods of seed-time and early growth, it will, ere long, approach maturity, and yield as rich a harvest of fruits as its most sanguine friends can desire. In circumstances like these, it will not, we trust, be objected to this part of the empire, which has so long been distinguished in horticulture as to be considered as a sort of nursery for gardeners, that it is now backward in encouraging the art which it has hitherto so successfully cultivated ; and that, too, at a moment when it is exciting such unusual interest in almost every civilised state, is advancing with rapid pace, both in practical skill and scientific developement, and is almost daily receiving the most novel and important acquisitions, and holding out prospects of increasing honour and reward to those who may professionally devote themselves to its culture." Loudon, J. C, Editor, with the assistance of Professor Lindley, Mr.Sowerby, and others: The Encyclopaedia of Plants; comprising all those in Britain, either indigenous or cultivated, flowering or without Flowers; with Figures illustrating one Species or more of every Genus, all the Classes and Orders, and many of the Botanical Terms. London. 1 vol. 8vo, pp. 1159. 4Ll4s.6d. This work, the labour of nearly ten years, is intended to be in botany, what a Johnson's Dictionary and English Grammar are in the English language; and its editor can recommend it for the objects stated with the more confidence, since by far the greater part of the volume is the labour of Professor Lindley and Mr. Sowerby. Fowler's Patent Theniiosiphon. 453 Fowler Thos. : A Description of the Patent^Thermosiphorn {thermos, hot, and sijjkon, a tube) ; with some modes of applying it to Horticultural and other useful and important Purposes. London. Pamph. 8vo, 4 pis. 3s. 6d. Mr. Fowler has had the good fortune to hit on the idea that water may be heated and made to circulate through a siphon, as well as through horizontal pipes, or by force through [jipes in any direction ; provided always, that the height of the siphon be not greater than to be counter- balanced by the pressure of the atmosphere ; say not greater than soft. Any person might have discovered the same thing by reflection, or in answer to the question asked; but we are not aware that the idea has occurred, either to the original inventor of the hot-water system. Bonne- main ; to its first introducers into England, Bolton and Watt ; to its sub- sequent introducer, Chabbannes ; to Count Rumford ; to its reinventors, or English inventors, Atkinson and Bacon; or to any of the numerous engineers now occupied in applying this mode of heating. _ Mr. Fowler's discovery is not likely to be of very important use in gardening, though it may occasionally be resorted to for the purpose of overcoming difficulties ; but it will be of most advantageous application in private houses for heat- ing baths, apartments, water for washing, &c. He has illustrated his prin- ciple and its application by four copper-plates containing thirty-six figures, and we are sorry he has not had these figures cut in wood and placed along with the text, because, placed as they are, and referred to by numerous letters, they are troublesome to the reader, though of themselves well calculated to show the varied and extensive application of the principle. " The variety of forms in which this invention may be applied, for the purpose of communicating and transmitting heat, are innumerable ; but the general p -inciple of the apparatus is always the same ; viz. — it elevates and circulates the hot fluid from an open boiler, or vessel containing the fluid, without the external application of any mechanical force or pressure what- soever except the common pressure of the atmosphere. My invention also consists in employing the power of the descending fluid in the Thermosi- phon, for the purpose of causing hot fluids to flow from boiler to boiler, tkroitgli connecting tubes of various lengths and forms, for the purpose of heating the lower parts or ground-floors of hot-homes, conservatories, green' houses, ayid other buildings, and also for other purposes requiring heat on the ground or in low situations." Any gardener may prove that hot water will circulate in a siphon, by taking a piece of lead pipe, say of half an inch bore, and 4 or 5 ft. long, bending it like a siphon, but with one leg a good deal more bent than the other, in order to give the descending water time and space for giving out its heat; and then filling this tube with warm water, and placing one hand on each end to retain it full, immerse the extremities in a pot of water over a fire. (flg. 95.) Supposing the water of a uniform temperature in both legs of the siphon, no circu- lation would take place; but supposing it to cool sooner in the long leg (a) than in the short leg {b), then the equili- brium would be destroyed and the water in the long leg (a) would descend and draw up hot water through the short leg (.6), and this circulation would continue as long as the water in the pot (c) was maintained at a temperature above that of the surrounding atmosphere. It is easy to conceiye that in this way a gardener might conduct a tube of hot water, from his horizontal pipes in the floor of a stove, up to a shelf suspended from the roof or against the back wall ; or he might carry the circulation over a door instead of under it, as is now commonly done, both by flues, steam, and hot water. But it can seldom be necessary G G 3 454 Fowler's Pate?it Thermosiphon. to disfigure a house by carrying the heating tubes over the door, and nevef necessary to lead th em to the roof or to the top of the back wall, because, as every body know s, heat ascends there sufficiently fast through the at- mosphere. It is for heating baths, dwelling-houses, and perhaps the water in certain descriptions of manufactories, or the rooms of manufactories, that we consider this mode of heating best adapted, and we shall presently show its application in that way. A very good mode of heating a bath in a private house con- sists in having a cistern of water {fig. 96. a) situated any where without or within the house, provided it be above the level of the bath {b); from the cistern let a lead pipe of half an inch in diameter, or less, descend to a cistern at the back (c), or to the small hot-water cistern in the side, of the kitchen-range (g) ; in this cistern, or in both, let it make several coils, and thence ascend to the bath {b). It is evident that the cold water of the cistern will be heated in passing through the coil of pipe in the hot water of the kitchen-range, and by a cock it may be let mto the bath at pleasure without troubling servants, or mdeed without their know- ing any thing of what is going on. To prevent the water m the cistern la) from bein^r heated when the bath is not in use, a cock may be fixed any where between the range and the cistern; or a valve over the orifice of the pipe (d) may be opened by means of a strrag {e) connected with the bath room, with which room may also be connected a cold water pipe^(/); To heat a bath similarly situated by the Thermosiphon, insert the two open ends of the siphon in the side boiler of the kitchen-range {fig. 97. a), lead them up to the bath {b), and let the de- scending leg of the siphon (c) make a coil of turns under the false bottom of the bath {d). The only trouble in this case is setting the siphon to work, which is done by closing the cocks {e e), opening that under the funnel (/), and pouring in water there till the siphon is filled from {e e) upwards ; then opening the cocks {e e) and pouring in as much more as fills it completely, when closing the cock (/), the circulation will commence. In the figure the two ends of the siphon will be observed turned up a little (g), the object of which is to pre-; vent dirt or air bubbles from entering; air | or steam in the siphon greatly impeding the circulation, and requiring in some cases to be removed by what Mr.Fowler ^ calls air plugs. From this application of the Thermosiphon, any person of the slightest ingenuity will comprehend how it may be applied in a hundred other cases, and tradesmen interested will, no doubt, purchase the pamphlet, the plates of which show a variety of ingenious applications. Trench Books. — Literary Notices. 435 France. Prevost, Fils, Nurseryman at Rouen, Member of various Societies, Author of Essai snr rE'diication et la Culture des Arbi-es Fridtiers Pyramidaux : Catalogue Descriptif, Methodiqiie, et Raisonne, des Especes, Varietes, et Sous-Variet^s du Genre Rosier, cultivees chez Prevost Fils, Pepinieriste a Rouen. Rouen. 8vo. We have elsewhere (p. 372.) mentioned M. Prevost as one of the most scientific nurserymen in France. In this Descriptive Catalogue, which occupies 247 pages, and describes 880 sorts, the species are disposed after the method adopted by Mr. Lindley in his Rosurum MonograjMa, but without grouping them in tribes; becaiise IVL Prevost does not believe it possible to give sufficiently distinct characters to these tribes. An attentive examination of his descriptions, he says, will prove that the greater number of tribes present anomalies which tend to confound the one tribe with the other. The work will be of great value to any nurseryman who intends classing his roses, or to any one intending to form a complete collection ; since they may order the whole 880 sorts, or a selection from them, ac- cording to the descriptions from M. Prevost. We sincerely wish that he may be rewarded in this way, as well as by the botanical fame which the work may procure him ; for the labour he must have had in comparing and describing so many things, so much alike, so changeable, and so fugacious, must have been very considerable. Art. hi. Literary Notices^ Causal Botany ; or, an Elementary Treatise descriptive of the Changes of Plants; by D. Bishop. 1 vol. 8vo, 1$. to subscribers. This work will contain a succinct account of the various affections or distinctions that cha- racterise plants at different times and in different places; of such as are produced by disease, luxuriance, and culture ; and of such as proceed from their sexual oscillations and intercourse. As it will contain many interest- ing particulars respecting distinctions that are of secondary origin, especially of such as characterise plants known by the name of varieties, it is pre- sumed that to botanists and cultivators it will not only prove an entertain ing but in many respects a useful work. The Edinburgh Journal of Natural and Geographical Science is announced to appear in September next. It is to be conducted by an Association of Naturalists, and to embrace all the departments of Natural History and of Geography, both physical and descriptive ; and while it will be quite scientific, it will at the same time be written in a popular style. This will be the first Geographical Journal published in Great Britain. Supplement to Sowerby's English Botany. — To the investigator of our native plants the English Flora of the late Sir J. E. Smith is an invaluable treasure ; and happy are they who have an opportunity of referring from that work to the English Botany, for figures of the plants it describes. la consequence of subsequent discoveries, the English Botany, although it contains figures of 1450 flowering plants, comprises less than are described in the English Flora, and very many less than are given by Mr. Lindley, in his still more recent Synopsis. To supply this deficiency, it is the in- tention of Messrs. Sowerby to publish a supplement, the first number of which, price 3s. will appear on August 1. The high and well known talents of these gentlemen render any recommendation of the work unnecessary, G G 4 456 PART III. MISCELLANEOUS INTELLIGENCE. Art. I. Foreisn Notices, FRANCE. Paris, June 6. 1829. — We have had a severe winter and a backward spring. The common laurel and the fig, where they were not covered, have suffered severely ; but the Magnolia grandiflora has stood well. Admiral TschitchigofF, as you know, has a great many at Sceau, not one of which is injured. The elm trees in the Champs Elysdes are more than usually covered with seeds this season, which are now ripe, falling down, and might be swept up by sackfuls. RobJnia Pseudacacia is now beautifully in flower, and in the evenings perfumes the air of the public walks where it abounds. There is a great appearance of most kinds of fruit all round Paris : apricot, cherry, plum, and pear trees are almost overloaded ; and the vines in most places where I have travelled show so great a prospect of grapes, that the vigne- rons are crying out that they will be ruined if the crop turns out as it promises. 1 do not recollect to have seen our method of cultivating early peas practised in England. The market-gardeners place their rows east and west, and raise a little ridge of earth on the north side of the row, which pro- tects them from the north winds, and receives, at a more powerful angle, the sun's rays ; by which more heat is reflected on the plants in the day- time, and at the same time more absorbed, to be radiated on them at night. When the plants show their second blossom, the top is pinched off, which throws the force of vegetation upon the forming pods, hastens the ma- turity of the crop, and increases the size of the peas. The operation is called chatrer. The crop is generally removed by the end of May, after which mangold wurzel is frequently sown ; but sometimes rows of potatoes are planted between the rows of peas. Turnips round Paris are generally sown after winter barley, which is put in the ground early in autumn, and the crop cut green, for cows, in March, April, and May. Madame la Com- tesse de Bruce is dead, and her place and extensive collection of plants are now to be sold. Yours, sincerely, — Thomas Blaikie. 3. Rue des Vignes, prh la JBarriere de Chaillot. Paris, Jiine 14. 1829. — I did not see any thing very remarkable in flowers at M. Boursault's. For rare and curious ones, I think we far excel the French in general : those they do know, I believe they bring to greater per- fection. Thunbergk alata and Erythrina crista galli are not known here at all. M. Boursault had a Wistaria in flower outside of his green-house, on an eastern exposure (I think); it appeared rather sickly, the leaves were small and pale, and the flowers, though large, were not of a fine colour : the gar- dener gave me a bunch. He had beautiful ixias, and his geraniums were English. In the garden I remarked his rhododendrons one mass of bloom; and an elegant Austrian rose, or briar, in full bloom, overhanging some rock- work. I had been to M. Fion's before I received your letters; ***** had told him she would bring me. He pointed out the coup d'ceil which you Foreign Notices: — Germayiy, Switzerland. 457 admired. His azaleas were mostly over: he had fine ones of a reddish orange and white. A beautiful andromeda, covered with white flowers. All his plants were healthy. He has two daphnes, which are new ; one D. Cneorum, and the other D. Dauphinii. Wood's man is to take some over. I saw, for the first time, what he calls Oranger poire : the flowers are very dark on the outside, and the buds shaped like a pear, and black : the fruit hangs in bunches, not like an orange; I think it must be a citron. M. Fion is a clever man ; he talked and joked the whole time, and said the most piquant things, which required more ready wit than either of us possessed to answer. We often go to the flower-market. Yesterday they had a brilliant dis- play of Cactus grandiflora and speciosa, English geraniums, and a Tiola (heart's-ease), enormous, and of the richest purple, also English. I was at Versailles last Sunday, to see the grandes eaux. I believe the pipes are out of repair, for all the jets did not play. I expected a grander effect. There was a great crowd of common-looking people, which took off" from the dignity of the place. I was struck with the beautiful order the garden is kept in, though the court never goes there : there is not even a fallen leaf in the borders. I remark the same thing in the Tuilleries : the borders are full of handsome flowers, and they grow most luxuriantly; in- deed, they take such precautions for the latter effect, that, instead of nice, clean, black mould on the borders, they have left a layer of rotten dung. From certain appearances, I rather think that they scrape the streets, or perhaps the king's stables daily, to contribute to their nourishment also. We have been walking this afternoon in the Duke of Orleans's park of Monceaux, Fauxbourg de Route. You have seen it, I dare say. It is laid out in the English style, and certainly does full justice to our national taste. The groups of trees and walks are prettier than any thing I have seen for a long time. They were making hay, and I could almost fancy myself in England. I did not admire the Petit Trianon so much, the farm looked so dull, and going to ruin. — M — a. Place Vendome. GERMANY. The Hot-ivater System of heating, I have heard, has been established at Count Razumuffsky's, at Vienna, for upwards of eight years, and in a small propagating house at Dresden for a still longer period. — Jacob Rinz. Ball's Pond, May 15. 1829. The Cultivation of Fruit Trees, a Branch of General Education. — In- struction in the culture of fruit trees forms part of the education of the ordinary seminaries of the state of Mecklenburg Schwerin. No school- master is admitted to exercise that function, without a certificate of his capacity to teach the management of fruit trees. The same masters are obliged to take care of fruit gardens ; and those who, previously to the promulgation of the law on the subject, were ignorant of the art, receive the due instruction at the expense of the school fund. {,For. Rev.) SWITZERLAND. M. Schleicher's Herbarium, he informs us, contains upwards of thirty thousand species, in excellent preservation, and arranged, according to the Linnean system, so admirably, that any genus can be referred to and ex- amined, without disturbing any other genus. M. Schleicher, looking for- ward to the end of all things, is beginning to " set his house in order," and, thinking of selling his botanical treasures, invites all Europe to come and see them at Bex, Canton de Vaud. 458 Domestic Notices : — Englaful. ITALY. A Nursery has been established by a Frenchman of the name of Mau- poil, in the province of Dolo, about eight miles from Venice, and he now supplies all the neighbouring gentry with useful and ornamental plants, besides sending many to Greece and the Ionian Islands. He has also trans- lated Le Bon Jardiniei- into Italian. He mentions, as a new discovery of his own, that the common black-thorn (Prunus spinosa) forms an excellent stock for dwarfing different varieties of the cultivated plum. — A Constant Reader. June 6. 1829. POLAND. Warsaw, May, 1829. — The rise in the price of corn has put us all in good spirits here, and we hope soon to establish a wool market. Professor Schubert is every year adding something to his collection, as well from our native Flora as from what he receives from other countries. He makes a botanical tour in our provinces every year; and he has now got an assistant, by whose help he hopes soon to complete the examination of every parish in the kingdom. — J. L. NORTH AMERICA. The Jamaica Society for the Encouragement of Agriculture and other Ai^ts and Sciences held a Meeting at Kingston on April 14., when the following prizes were awarded : — To Miss Roger of Port Royal Mountains, for a specimen of starch obtained from the Arracacha, 2 del. To Mr. Mapother, of Good Hope, for a yam weighing 58 lbs., 2 dol. To Charles Stephen, a slave belonging to Smithfield, for a yam weighing 35 lbs., 2 dol.. To Mr. R. Smith, for flowers, including a newly introduced species of Heliconia and Metrosideros, 6 dol. To Mr. Macpherson, of Industry, Port Royal, for cauliflowers, 2 dol. To Briston, a slave belonging to T. L. Yates, Esq., St. Andrews, for asparagus, 2 dol. To Mr. H. Johnson, of Albey Green, for artichokes, 2 dol. To Mr. Charles Satchell, of St. Andrews, for pota- toes, 2 dol. Some specimens of Jamaica mailles [?] were presented by Mr. J. H. Smith, statuary, for which thanks were voted. A dinner followed, at which Dr. Bancroft presided, and Mr. Atkinson was croupier. I remain, Sir, yours, &c. — X. Y. July 6. 1829. Art. II. Domestic Notices. ENGLAND. A Mode of settiiig up Sheaves of Corn during harvest has been promul- gated by Mr. Robert Vazee, who, it appears, has taken out a patent for his improvement. In a letter which he has sent us on the subject, however, he liberally observes, that any agriculturist desirous of ascertaining the effect of the corn preserver, " will be at liberty to apply the same during the approaching harvest, without application to the patentee." The iin- provement, or corn preserver, is as follows : — "A stake from 6 to 7 ft. in length, being pointed at each end, is placed, by means of a bar, about 6 in. in the "round. There are then set round the stake eight sheaves of the usual size : a hood sheaf, of double the size of the upright sheaves, is bound tight near to the straw end of the sheaf; it is then inverted, suspended on the stake by which it is exclusively supported, and spread around the top of the lower sheaves, as per the elevation {fig.m.a) and section (Z») sent herewith. In this state the corn will remain without injury or further ex- pense, until it is in a proper condition to be housed." In Cornwall, Scot- Domestic Notices : — England. 459 land, Sweden, and in various other wet or late countries of Europe, corn is set up in the above manner, and protected by a iiood sheaf, but without the stick, which would occasion a considerable expense and trouble to farmers on a large scale : but cottage farmers and gardeners who raise seeds may find it worth while to adopt it; and it is for this reason that we have noticed the subject. The idea of a patent for a hedge-stake ! — we cannot all enter into. — Cotid. A Horticultural Impostor from Paris. — Sir, On reading your account of the Sheffield impostor, I determined to inform you how I have been de- ceived by a Frenchman. In December last, a M. p*****^ from Paris, an- nounced his arrival in the Times paper, at No. 4. Green Street, Leicester Square. I called on him, and was shown a printed catalogue of his stock, and I purchased several articles. The following I have already proved, and have little faith but that I shall be equally deceived in the georginas, carnations, yellow nerium, and others : — A double yellow camellia proves a single red ; a double tricolor camellia the same ; a yellow double China rose, and a tricolor, a lemon, and a brown ditto, all turn out to be i?6sa semperflorens and common China roses; a yellow moss rose turns out to be the common moss rose, a double white the Cabbage Provins, and a tricolor the Rose de Meaux. I hope you will caution your readers against being duped by such travelling gentry, and enable them to profit by my experience, and go in future to respectable nurserymen. — A. B. Banbury, June 13. 1829. Breaking Stones in Gravel Walks. — The two last times we turned our gravel walks, we used a hammer of 2 lbs. weight, with a green ash rod handle to it. With this we broke all the large stones. Gravel thus pre- pared, as it is dug from the pit, binds well, and makes the best walks. — William Anderson. Botanic Garden, Chelsea, February 4. 1829. Ornamental Floiuer-pots, Vases, and Baskets, as figured in our first volume, are now made of various sizes and prices, as indicated on a lithographic plate of patterns, by W. Dalley, Rudge, Chilmark, Wiltshire. — Cond. Hyde Park. — We hear it is intended to conduct water pipes to different points of the highest and dryest places of the grassy surface, for the pur- pose of irrigation in dry weather. This will be an excellent improvement, provided it be limited to the quantity of water necessary to keep the grass green ; but if it be carried so far as to produce a moist surface in the day- time, we should deprecate the idea, as tending to destroy all the comfort of walking, and to increase the production of malaria. Of course, we never 460 Domestic Notices : — Englarid. suppose irrigation gutters will be introduced, but that the water will be distributed by tubes of canvas, as at Admiral Tschitchigoflf's at Sceau, or by leather tubes, or, better still, copper ones, pierced with very small holes, after the manner of the rain pipes at Messrs. Loddiges. By a little contri- vance of main and subordinate tubes, all portable, and by a plug of supply in every 10,000 square yards, the whole might be regularly, speedily, and economically watered every evening after 10 o'clock. — Cond. The Tree Cabbage, ^rassica oleracea L. var. acephala Dec. ; chou cava- lier, chou a vaches, chou branchu, chou mille tetes Fr.; caulet Ftem. {Bon Jardinier, 1829, p. 251.). — The seeds of this cabbage, recently brought into notice by Dr. Hamilton (Vol. III. p. 551. and supra p. 440. j, and which he enabled us to distribute last year, have grown with great luxuriance in a garden at Craven Hill, and in our own at Bayswater, and produced abund- ance of seed, which will be offered for distribution. Two hundred and fifty small packets will be left, in the first week of August, at 39. Pater- noster Row, and delivered to such individuals as may call for them, leaving their names and addresses; ten packets will be sent to the London Hor- ticultural Society; ten to the Caledonian ; and fifty to Mr. Mackay, Trinity College botanic garden, Dublin. — Cond. The finest Shoiu of Geraniums which we have seen in any private collection this season, was in a garden at Craven Hill, Bayswater. The circumstance is worthy of particular notice, on account of the plants having been kept all the winter in pits, without the aid of artificial heat of any description ; but well covered up every night, aired in fine days, and never over-watered. The gardener, Mr. Samuel Daniells, is most assiduously attentive, and has been rewarded with the most gratifying success, not only with geraniums, but with the cow cabbage (supra): he is also orderly and systematic in his operations, and weeds below the economic point (p. 572.). — Cond. The King of France^ Head Kitchen-Gardener has lately been in this country, to acquire a knowledge, from ocular inspection, of the mode of heating hot-houses by hot water, and its application to the growth of the pine-apple. After inspecting a number of gardens about London, he ex- pressed himself to us as most pleased with the pines in the Royal Forcing Gardens, Kensington, and with the boilers and mode of applying the pipes of Messrs. Cottam and Hallen. He recollects a hot-house at Malmaison being heated by hot water about twenty years ago, but paid little attention to the circumstance at the time, and believes it did not succeed. Never heard of M. Bonnemain, nor knew that the hot-houses in the Jardin des Plantes were heated by hot water, till the fact was pointed out to him in the Gardener's Magazine. Found things in general here a little later than at Paris, but not much ; not quite a fortnight, the difference of climate being more perceptible at midsummer. — Cond. Cast-iron Pins with Eyes {Encyc. of Gard. § 1514. fig. 221.) have been adopted in the Earl of Stradbrooke's garden, Hencham Hall, for many years with perfect success. The nails cost 15s. per thousand; the shoots are tied to them with shreds of bass mat, and the walls are not disfigured with holes for harbouring insects. — Geo. Fenn, jun. Beccles Nursery, Dec. 26. 1828. Saffron in England. — It is supposed by many persons that saffron is grown for sale in the county of Essex. It was formerly cultivated to a great extent near Saffron Walden, but has not been known there as an ar- ticle of trade in the memory of the oldest inhabitant. A few years ago a man named Nott, living at Daxford, a village about six miles from ^^'alden, cultivated about half an acre of it, which gradually dwindled down to a few rods, and about seven years since the bulbs were purchased by a medical gentleman at Saffron Walden, who planted them in his garden. This is the last remains of the saffron of Saffron Walden, and tiiere is no prospect of its cultivation being renewed. — J. H. Domestic NoticQS : — Scotla7id. ■iGl SCOTLAND. Edinburgh Green Market. — June 26. New potatoes os. to 5s. Cd., and green peas I*. 6d. to 2s. a peck ; unripe gooseberries 3d. to 4d., and straw- berries Is. to I*. .5c?. the imperial quart; artichokes l^d. to 3d., and cau- liflowers 2c?. to 4d. a head ; common white turnips 3d. to 4d., and yellow turnips 4d. to 5d.'a dozen ; carrots 4d. a dozen ; best cabbages Id. each. July 10. Peaches and nectarines are selling at from 4s. to ~s. per dozen; grapes, 2s. 6d. to 5s., and cherries, Is. 6d. to 2s. a lb. ; strawberries, 6d. to 8d.; Chile ditto, from 8c?. to 10c?.; currants, lOo?. to Is.; and gooseberries, 3d. to 4c?. the imperial quart; melons, 2s., and pine-apples, 6s. to 7*. per lb.; new potatoes, is. to is. 6d, ; and green peas. Is. a peck. {Scotsman.) Caledonia?! Horticultural Society. Promenade at the Experimental Gar- den. — On July 2. the Meeting of the Caledonian Horticultural Society for the adjudication of prizes for the best seedling carnations, pinks, and roses, raised from seeds saved in Scotland within the preceding three years, was held, for the first time, in their Experimental Garden at Inverleith. In addition to the subjects exhibited for competition, a splendid collection of exotic plants, chiefly from the hot-houses and green-houses of the Royal Botanic Garden, of Professor Dunbar and of Mr. Neill, was tastefully arranged on stages placed under a temporary awning. Visitors were ad- mitted by tickets, which had been liberally distributed, and the garden was crowded with an assemblage of ladies and gentlemen. The countenances of all indicated a kindred sympathy with the verdant freshness and beauty of the surrounding scenery. The site of this garden, and the plan on which it is laid out (Vol. I. p. 90.), are well adapted to bring into view the rich combination of magnificent and picturesque objects, both natural and arti- ficial, which environ it on every side. Though easily accessible in every part, and exhibiting in many a commanding extent of view, yet the varying heights of the ground, and the judicious distribution of belts of planting and shrubby borders over its whole area, lend to it an intricacy and seclu- sion which add much to its fitness as a place of public promenade. Nothing, accordingly, could be more striking or beautiful than to see the figures of so many elegantly dressed females (for the ladies greatly prevailed as to number), now starting into view and now receding from it, over all parts of the garden; to meet them at one time on the great central walk, marching, as it were, with measured step in a sort of close column, and soon again to behold them dispersed in different quarters, and promenading in all the ease and freedom of unconstrained movement. In exhibitions of this sort, it is most desirable that the company should move slowly but continually forward, so as to afford every one, in turn, an opportunity of seeing the objects to be viewed. {Edinburgh Advertiser, July 7.) The Ayrshire Horticultural Society met for competition on June 23., in Ayr, when, after a careful inspection by the judges, the prizes were awarded as follows, viz. : — Plants. Hardy Herbaceous (twenty-one distinct varieties) : 1 . Messrs. Smith and Son ; 2. Mr. Faulds. Green-house (thirteen distinct varieties) : Messrs. Smith and Son. — Flowers. The largest and best collection of Flowers (distinct varieties) : 1. Messrs. Smith and Son ; 2. Mr. Rose, gar- dener, Bellisle. Ranunculuses. Edged (five distinct varieties) : 1. Mr. Faulds, gardener, Fairfield ; 2. Mr. Hunter, florist, Prestwick ; 5. Mr. Brown, gar- dener to D. Limond, Esq., of Dalblair. Striped (five distinct varieties) : 1. Mr. Faulds ; 2. Mr. Hunter; 5. Mr. Hill, gardener to Mrs. M'Taggart, Ayr; 4. Mr. Brown. Mottled: 1. Mr. Hunter; 2. Mr. Faulds. Selfs : 1. Mr. Faulds; 2. Mr. Hunter; 5. Mr. Brown; 4. Mr. Hill. Anemones (seven distinct varieties) : Mr. Hunter. Scotch Roses (thirteen distinct varieties): 1. Messrs. Smith and Son, nurserymen, Ayr and Monkwood 4-62 Domestic Notices : — Scotland. Grove ; 2. Mr. Inirie, gardener, Ayr. Daisies in classes (seven plain double, seven quilled, and seven chickened, distinct varieties): Mr. Faulds. Amongst the principal ranunculuses brought forward were. Dr. Franklin, Duchess de Wurtembcrg, Louisette, Pucella, Vulcan, of new varieties. Dalglish's Beauty of Scotland, Diana, William Pitt, Mrs. Dalglish, and Mrs. Hunter. — Culinary Vegetables. Early Horn Carrot : 1. Mr. Imrie; 2. Mr. Brown; 5, Mr. Faulds. Amongst the splendid collections of herbaceous flowers exhibited, were fine specimens of Paeonict Whitlejii, Cypripedium spect^bile, Geum coc- cineum, iSaxlfraga pyramidalis, iychnis fulgens, &c. {Ayr Advertiser, June 2.3.) The Ayr and Kihnai-noch Horticultural and Florists' Societies having agreed that, in order to promote a laudable spirit of emulation in the elegant amusement of floriculture, they should compete alternately, in Ayr and Kilmarnock, for a whole round of the principal florists' flowers, they met in Mr. Noble's, King's Arras Inn Assembly Rooms, Ayr, on Tuesday, April 28., to compete for auriculas and polyanthuses, viz., auriculas in three classes : 1st, the seven best green-edged ; 2d, the seven best grey- edged ; 3d, the seven best white-edged, distinct varieties : and in all the three classes of auriculas, the Ayr Society were declared by the judges, after a careful inspection, to be superior to the Kilmarnock Society; and, for the nine best polyanthuses, the Kilmarnock Society had the advantage. Among the principal flowers brought forward (many of which were cer- tainly very fine) may be mentioned : — Auricidas. Green-edged: Page's Champion, Cockup's Eclipse, Clough's Dolittle, Page's Duchess of Oldenburg, Barr's Flora, Harris's Blucher, Stretch's Alexander, &c. Grey-edged : Thomson's Revenge, Rider's Waterloo, Kenyon's Ringleader, Gorton's Countess of Shipbrooke, Butter- worth's Lord Hood, Thomson's Bangup, Metcalf's Lancashire Hero, &c. White-edged : Wild's Bright Phoebus, Pott's Regulator, Taylor's Glory, Cox's Pillar of Beauty, Lee's Bright Venus, &c. — Polyanthuses : Pearson's Alexander, Manning's Lady Anne Hamilton, Manning's Sir George Monk- ton, Simms's England's Defiance, Cox's Prince Regent, &c. There was exhibited, besides, on an extra-table, by the Ayr Society, a tasteful and elegant display of flowers, fruits, and vegetables ; and, consider- ing the backwardness of the season, the Show was allowed to be very fine. On May 25., they met in Mr. Rodger's, Turf Inn Assembly Rooms, Kilmar- nock, to hold their Second Competition, as agreed, for the twenty-seven best tulips, in three classes, viz. the nine best Cherry and Rose, the nine best Bybloemens, and the nine best Bizards, distinct varieties; when, after a careful inspection by the judges, the Ayr Society were decided to have the superiority of the Kilmarnock Society in all the three classes. The flowers were well blown, and in beautiful condition ; and, with the addition of a fine variety of other flowers, vegetables, &c., from the Kilmarnock Society, the exhibition was considered truly grand. Among the principal flowers were : Cherry and Rose: Comte de Vergennes, Rose Incomparable, Premier Noble, IViomphe de Hollande, Rose de Berlin, &c. Bybloemens : Grande Monarque, Louis the Sixteenth, Black Baguet, Roi de Britons, Reine des Amazons, &c. Bizards: Tamerlane, Sanzio, Abercrombie, Due de Savoy, Prince Leopold Superbe, Trafalgar, &c. — James Limotid, Clerk. Ayr, June 26.1829. The Abei-dcenshire Horticultural Society held their Competition Show on May 28., when, considering the backwardness of the season, there was a brilliant and varied display of flowers of different kinds. The judges awarded the prizes as follows : — Floivers. Tulips: l. (large medal) David Gairns, gardener to James Mit- chell Nicholson, Esq. of Glenbervie; 2. Mr. Alexander Fraser, nurseryman, Ferryhill. Ranunculuses : (small medal) Alex. Bell, Esq. Anemones : Domestic Notices : — Scotlaiid. 46-3 1. (small medal) David Taylor, gardener to William Annand, Esq., Bel- mont ; 2. William Smith, gardener to James Hadden, Esq., Grandholm Cottage. Polyanthus Narcissus: 1. (small medalj James Forbes, Esq., Broadford ; 2. Captain Anderson, Skene Square; 3. Captain John Clyne. Stocks : 1. (small medal) David Gairns; 2. William Chalmers, gardener to Mr. Cheyne, Lochhead. Geraniums : (small medal) Mr. James Walker, nurseryman. Wallflowers : 1 . (small medal) and 2. Mr. James Walker. — Culinary Vegetables. Seedling Strawberries : (small medal) Mr. Thomas Milne, nurseryman, Sunnyside. The following gentlemen were duly admitted as members of the Society : William Watson, Esq., Sheriff-Substitute, Aberdeenshire ; William Allar- dyce, Esq., Merchant; James Allan, Esq., Union Place. Several beautiful flowers, in pots, were sent by members to ornament the tables ; and there was a numerous and respectable assemblage of visitors during the time the hall was open. (Aberdeen Journal^ June 3.) At a subsequent Meeting of the above Society, held June 23., the judges awarded the prizes as follows : — Flowers. Ranunculus: 1. (a medal) Captain John Clyne, Aberdeen; 2. (a premium) Mr. J. I. Massie, Aberdeen ; 3. (a premium) Captain John Clyne, Aberdeen. Pinks: 1. (a medal) Thomas Milne, nurseryman, Sun- nyside; 2. (a premium) Wm. Barron, gardener, Blackball. Irises: 1. (a medal) and 2. (a premium) Alex. Bell, Esq., Marywell Place. — Fruits. Melon : 1. (a medal) George Cardno, gardener, Woodhill ; 2. (a premium) John Davidson, gardener, Dunottar. Grapes: 1. (a medal) and 2. (a pre- mium) Wm. Anderson, gardener, Cornhill. Cherries : 1. (a premium) Wm. Barron, gardener. Blackball ; 2. (a premium) Peter Archibald, gardener. Park. Strawberries: 1. (a medal) Mrs. Gavin Hadden, Union Grove. — Culinary Vegetables. Early Peas : 1. (large silver medal) Duncan Caden- head, gardener, Strawberrybank ; 2. (a premium) Alexander Diack, nurser}^- man, Mile-End. Cauliflower : 1. (a medal) David Gairns, gardener, Glen- bervie House ; 2. (a premium) Robert Eraser, gardener, Woodside. Kidney Potatoes: 1. (a medal) WiUiam Lawson, gardener, Devanha; 2. (a pre- mium) Thomas Milne, nurseryman, Sunnyside. Cucumbers: 1. (a medal) Colonel Gordon of Parkhill ; 2. (a premium) John Davidson, gardener, Du- nottar. Lettuces : (a medal) David Taylor, gardener, Belmont. An extra-medal was also awarded to Peter Laing, gardener, Raeden, for a basket of beautiful preserved apples. There were also various other l)askets of preserved apples, in fine pre- servation. The peas were considered very fine; the ranunculuses were beautiful. Upon the whole, the Show was better than could have been expected, considering the backwardness of the season during the spring months. Alex. Eraser, Esq., advocate, Capt. A. Farquhar, R.N., and John Lums- dcn Shireffs, Esq., advocate, were admitted members of the Society. {Aber- deen Journal, June 24.) The Montrose Horticultural Society's Second Show for the season took place on June 23., Sir George Ogilvie, Bart., in the chair ; when, notwith- standing the late season, there was a very fine display. As might have been expected, the bouquets were splendid and various, and the decorations were much superior to any thing we have seen any where else. Besides the articles presented for competition, we observed many beautiful flowers from different collections. The Cactus speciosissima attracted general attention from its splendid appearance ; also, the Pseonia Moutan, in all its beauty, from the flower-garden of Fasque. The display of geraniums was superior to any thing of the kind we have ever seen ; and we do not hesitate to say, that both they and the tulips might have challenged any Society out of Edinburgh. The prizes were awarded as follows ; — 4.61 Marquess of Hertford's Villa. Flowers. Tulips. Bybloemens : 1. Mr. Sharp, Montrose; 2. Alexander Smith, Rosemount. Roses : 1. Alexander Smith ; 2. Mr. Sharp. Bizards : 1. Alexander Smith; 2. Mrs. Sim, Montrose. Double Anemones : 1. Mr. Sharp; 2. Alexander Smith. Double Stocks: James Tough, Old Mon- trose. Pelargoniums. Dark Ground: 1. and 2. James Tough. Light Ground : 1 . Mr. Sharp ; 2. James Tough. Best variety : 1. James Tough ; 2. Mr. Sharp. Best Bouquet of Plowers, from green-house : James Tough. From open border: I.Alexander Smith; 2. James Tough. — Fruit. Gooseberries : Mr. Robert Clark, Montrose. — Culinary Vegetables. Peas : John Begbie, Rossie. Potatoes: I.John Hardie, Brotherton; 2. Alexander Smith. Turnips : James Tough. Extra-Prizes. Kept Apples: 1. James Tough; 2. Alexander Smith. Seedling Geranium: John Begbie. Peas, from the open border: James Tough. {Montrose Review, June 5.) Dumfermline Florists' Society's Shoiv of Tulips, June 2. — The flowers consisted of Bybloemens, Incomparable Verports, and Bizards, and prizes were awarded as follows : — 1. Mr. David Hutcheson ; 2. William Meldrum ; 3. John Angus; 4. John Duncan; 5. D. Inglis; 6. James Elder. This was allowed to be the most splendid show of tulips ever exhibited in Dunfermline. {Scotsman, June 1 0.) Pine- Apples have been groiun to perfection, in common Dung Hot-beds, for the last seven years, by Mr. Hosie, gardener to Lord Lynedoch, at Lyne- doch. I lately saw eighteen of the fruit, about 2 lbs. weight each. — Charles Sidey. Perth, Jan. 31.1829. Art. in. The Marquess of Hertford' s Villa in the Regent's Parle. We lately had an opportunity of inspecting the exterior of the building, and walking round the grounds. The situation of the house is elevated, and the extended front commands views of the water and a great part of the Regent's Park, in such a way as completely to appropriate them. The architecture is simple and elegant, with the exception of the conserv- atory, in the roof of which are two sloping semicircular windows, which instantly struck us as having been taken from two shop fronts. We are astonished that a man of the Marquess of Hertford's taste and wealth can bear the sight of them for a moment. Doubtless, we were more affected than we otherwise should have been, from knowing of two green-houses, at or near Bayswater, actually made up of old windows and shop fronts ; and of one of them, not a great way from a certain grand square called Orme's Square, containing a semicircular window-head not unlike the Marquess of Hertford's. The entrance front of the house is good, and also the main stack of chimneys; but, at one end, there is a copper chimney tube or top, which disfigures the whole building. How that deformity can be permitted to remain, we are at a loss to conceive. The grounds, 10 or 12 acres, possess a much greater variety of surface than we could have expected, in consequence of an ancient brook, the course of which is now turned another way, having passed through them, and worn out a fine circuitous dell, in the bottom of which a walk has been very properly introduced. We are sorry that this is the only walk that we can praise. There is a serpentine one, such as would not have occasioned any surprise had it been met with in a cockney garden of the last century; we have seen such another in a modern garden (Vol. IIL p. 562.), but not quite so bad. We hope our noticing this walk will not injure any one, Reh'ospective Criticism. 465 more especially as the gardener informed us that it was not made with his consent. But, what is still worse than this naked serpentine walk, the trees and shrubs around this villa are ever)' where of the very commonest and cheap- est sorts. From ocular inspection from the roads, we think we should be justified in asserting that there is not a garden, small or large, within a mile, which contains so {'e\v good things, in proportion to things common and cheap. Probably the Marquess may not have much knowledge or taste in this way ; but one would think that he would have applied the same prin- ciples to completing a villa which he does so successfully to furnishing a house, and have felt it to be a matter of propriety and good sense to have a garden laid out and jilanted suitably to his mansion and rank. On the whole, we were delighted with the situation, and pleased with the house, some points in the conservatory, the walk in the dell (not speakino- of the plants on each side of it), and the exterior holly hedge, and quite satisfied with the high order and keeping maintained by Mr. Mackay, the very intelli- gent gardener ; but quite disappointed in regard to all the rest. There is, in our eyes, a general appearance of meanness and poverty pervading every thing exterior to the house, which forms a sad contrast to it and to the noble distant scenery, — Cond. Art. IV. Retrospective Criticism. Mr.Knight's Pine-apples. — Sir, I observe in the last two Numbers of the Gardener's Magazine (p. 1 to 240.), that j'ou widely disagree with T. A. Knight, Esq., in the cultivation of the pine-apple, without the aid of bark-bed heat, as practised by him. For this reason, I can no longer remain silent and see l-is horticultural information undervalued, without making some observations on the subject. In the first place, it is well known that Mr. Knight had no pecu- niary motives for writing the papers published in the Transactions of the Hor- ticultural Society of London, an.) verticillata J^o?-5/i- Bot. Mag. t. 2842., scotica Hook. Fl. Lon. i. 133., pusllla Goldie (from the author). Sweet's B. F. G. Neiu Series, t. 6. ? Lubinia (Vent.) atropurpurea Link. ^nagallis {L.) Wehhiana Penny in Hort. Eps. ed. 2. ined., Marryattercwt. c per bush. Kidney per bushel Scotch per bushel Potatoes, New, per pound Early Kidneys Ditto, Kound Fine, from Cornwall Turnips, White, per bunch Carrots, per bunch Young - . - Horn . . - Red Beet, per dozen in bun. Horseradish, per bundle - Radishes, Red and White Turnip, per doz. bunches^ T/ie Spinach Tribe. Sorrel, per hr.U" sieve The Onion Tribe. Onions, Green, per bunch Garlic, New, per pound - Shallots, New, ptr pound Asparaginous Plants, Salads, l^c. Artichokes, per dozen Lettuce, per score Coss .. . . - Cabbage, fine large Celery, per bundle (12 to 15) Small' Salads, per punnet Watercress, per dozen small bunches Pol and Sweet Herbs. Parsley, per half sieve Tarragon, p. doz. bunches Purslain, per punnet Fennel, jier dozen bunches Thyme, per dozen bunches Sage, per dozen bunches From To £ s. d. .€ s. d. 0 0 c, 0 1 0 0 1 0 0 1 G 0 " 0 0 6 0 0 1 6 0 „ 0 0 2 6 0 3 6 0 6 0 0 10 0 0 0 9 0 1 0 0 r 0 0 C, 0 0 ■^ 0 0 5 0 5 0 0 7 0 0 0 5 0 0 7 0 0 2 6 0 3 6 0 3 0 0 4 0 0 3 0 0 4 0 0 0 i 0 0 c 0 0 3 0 0 5 0 0 3 0 0 4. 0 0 2 0 0 3 0 0 6 0 1 0 0 0 i 0 0 8 0 0 6 0 0 0 0 3 6 0 5 0 0 0 4 0 0 fi 0 0 6 0 0 8 0 0 10 0 1 0 0 0 0 0 9 10 10 0 1 0 I 0 1 6 0 0 6 0 2 G 0 8 0 0 1 3 0 2 0 0 2 0 0 2 0 Mint, per dozen bunches Marjoram, per doz. bunches Savory, per dozen bunches IJasil, per doz. bunches - Rosemary, per doz. bunches Lavender, per doz. bunch. Tansy, per dozen bunches Edible Fungi and Fuci. Mushrooms, per pottle - Fruits. Apples, per bushel Summer Juneating Streaked do. Hawthorndean Baking - - Peaches, per dozen Nectarines, per dozen Apricots, per dozen Cherries, Wall, per pound Duke's . - - Circassians - - I Bigarreaus Cherries, in quantities by the sieve, containing from 24 to 48 lbs. per doz. lbs. Black Hearts Dukes Bigarreaus ... Bleeding Hearts . Kentish and Flemish . Gooseberries, per half sieve For preserving Ripe, for table Currants, per half sieve Black . White Red, for Wine Dessert ... Raspberries, per gal. (2 pot.) Red White Strawberries, per gallon (2 pottles) about 3 pints Walnuts, for pickUiig, per, bushel - - - Fine-apples per pound Hot. house Grapes, p. pound Figs, per dozen Melons (each) . r. Cucumbers, Frame, p. brace oranges, ^^^^. |,u„j|red Bitter Oranges, per hund. Lemons, [^^ ^r.Ld " Brazil Nuts, per bushel _ 0 1 0 £ «. d. £ 3. a 0 1 6 10 3 (X 0 2 fi 0 3 0 0 2 6 0 3 0 0 3 0 0 4 0 0 2 0 0 3 0 0 4 0 0 0 0 0 2 0 0 0 0 0 6 0 0 4 0 0 6 0 0 4 0 0 12 0 0 18 0 0 4 0 0 3 0 0 2 0 0 2 0 0 4 0 0 0 8 0 0 8 0 0 6 0 4 0 0 5 0 0 3 0 0 12 0 0 2 0 0 0 8 0 0 9 4 0 0 0 0 0 9 0 4 0 0 16 0 0 8 0 0 6 0 0 8 0 0 6 0 1 10 0 1 10 0 0 5 0 0 2 6 0 3 6 0 16 0 7 0 0 12 0 0 8 0 0 0 0 0 7 6 0 1 0 0 2 6 1 0 0 14 0 0 2 0 0 14 0 0 0 0 Observations. — The weather, in the earl}' part of June, was diyand fine; Strawberries then coming into season, it was feared the crop might be short. The late rains at first, b)' their genial influence, made them abundant; but, by their long continuance, have rendered them almost tasteless, and dimi- nished their supply and value materially. Notwithstanding, our market has been furnished with the utmost profusion, and in the greatest variety, which may be fairly attributed to the improved method of culture, as well as to the new varieties introduced from seed, among which mny be enumerated Keen's Seedling, the Bostock Seedling, the Roscberry, ihe Downton, Wilmot's Superb, Grange's Black Prince, Wilmot's new Scarlet, new Bath Scarlet, Knevett's new Pine, with Faulkner's new Scarlet Pine. The above Selection embraces all that may be considered valuable, as cultivated in the immediate neighbourhood of London. The method of culture to wliich I Provincial Horticultural Societies: — Hertfordshire. 473 allude is almost too well known to make it necessary to mention it ; but as many of your remote readers may not be directly acquainted with it, I will just give the outline. At this season of the year, the earliest and strongest runners are placed in the most open spaces of the garden, in rows about 2 ft. apart and about 1 ft. 6 in. from each plant in the row. To fill up the space, a crop of lettuce may be planted between, for the autumn and early winter use ; or the ground intended for them may be previously sown with onions, to be cleared off at the usual period in September. By this early planting the plants become strong and come into bearing the first season, producing both early and fine fruit, which, by exposure to the influence of the sun, acquire size, colour, and flavour : the following year the plants come into lull bearing. By this method a constant supply of fine large fruit may be >'htained, far superior to the old method of planting them in beds of several rows together and allowing the runners to fill or choke up the intermediate spaces. The practice of irrigation has been tried by a large cultivator (I believe, ]\lr. S. Knevett), upon an extensive scale; but I am not able to ascertain satisfactorily with what success, as to combining in the produce, quantity, size, and flavour, all of which are necessary to determine the experiment as worthy of imitation. The supply of cherries has been as great as that of strawberries; but their quality is much deteri- orated by the prevalence of wet and wind. The bigarreau, formerly a scarce cherry, is now abundant ; with many other varieties, and is found to be as good a bearer as many of the hitherto common sorts, which may serve to encourage the growers, in the formation of their orchards, to select the better varieties, as more likely to pay them for their trouble and labour. We have had a supply of early potatoes from Cornwall ; which serves to show that the practice of growing articles of consumption in remote situ- ations that are favourable to them, may be made to answer well ; as suggested by you ( Vol. IV^. p. 27.), with respect to growing the pine-apple in the neigh- bourhood of the great coal districts, where fuel could be obtained so readily and at so small a cost. — G. C. July 1829. Art. VII. Provincial Horticultural Societies. Hertfordshire. Baldock Suciett/for Promoting Horticultural Science. — Sir, I beg leave to send, for insertion in your Magazine, an account of the Meeting of a Society, of the existence of which you are, perhaps, altogether ignorant ; though, I trust, from its increasing prosperity and usefulness, it will, ere long, be well known, and its merits duly appreciated, in this and the neigh- bouring counties. It is entitled a Society for promoting Horticultural Science : patron, the Most Noble the Marquess of Salisbury ; president, the Right Hon. Lord Dacre ; vice-presidents, Adolphus Meetkerke, Esq., and John Izard Pryor, Esq. The business of the Society is transacted by a committee of management, who, as well as the vice-presidents, are chosen annually. Its Meetings are held twice a year, at Baldock in Hertford- shire, when prizes are distributed, in articles of plate, for fruits and flowers, to as great an amount as the funds of an infant society will permit. The members dine together on these occasions; and, after dinner, devote a considerable portion of time to the discussion of subjects connected with horticulture. This last feature is the key-stone on which, I apprehend, rests the prosperity of the Society. The Spring Meeting was held on May 4., when prizes were adjudged as follows : — 474 Provincial Horticultural Societies : — Cambridgeshire. Floiuers. Auriculas. Best pair : 1. Mr. Green; 2. Mr. Christian of Bal- dock, Hertfordshire ; 3. Seedling, Mr. Troup, Baldock. Polyanthuses. Best pair: I.Mr. Green; 2. Mi'. Rare, Biggleswade, Bedfordshire ; 3. Seedling, Mr. Jos. Tranter, Baldock. Best Nosegay of different Flowers, V. Pryor, Esq., Baldock. — Fruit. Apples. Best plate of three different sorts, three of each sort : 1 . Mr. Troup, Baldock ; 2. Mr. Windmill, Henlow, Beds. ; .3. Mr. Abbiss, Ickleford, Herts. — Culinary Vegetables. Cucumbers : 1. Mr. Dall, Wimpole, Cambridgeshire ; 2. Mr. Troup, Baldock ; 3. Mr. Spetchley; Rhubarb : 1. Mr. Tompkins, Clifton, Beds. ; 2. Mr. Hyland, Hinchinbrook, Huntingdonshire. A party, unprecedentedly large, sat down to a good dinner provided by the landlord, Mr. T. Parrington. Unwin Heathcote, Esq., of Shephalbury, in the chair. After dinner, the healths of the patron and president were given separately from the chair, and drank with acclamation. Amongst the topics brought forward were^ the methods of forcing rhubarb made use of by the different competitors, and the modes to which they resorted to preserve their apples. Here it would be injustice to Mr. Troup to omit mentioning that each of his nine apples were as perfect as when first gathered. His plan was to keep them covered up with oat chaff. A vote of thanks was signified, from the chair, to Mr, Ferrars of Welwyn, for a paper on the growth of dahlias (more properly called georginas, 1 believe), which he had trans- mitted to them on a former occasion. A number of new members were proposed (two resident in London) and elected. After a most harmonious day, the party separated in high spirits, at the prospect for the future pros- perity of the Society. I am. Sir, &c. — A Member. Cambridgeshire. Tlie Cambridgeshire Horticultural Society, — The May Show of this So- ciety was held on May 22. The season was very favourable, and the flowers, fruits, and vegetables were of the first order. We do not remem- ber any Show which has more strongly marked the progress and importance of the Society. Every thing was superior in its kind ; but we think the highest meed of praise was due to the anemones. The Rev. G. A. Browne being called to the chair, premiums were awarded as follows : — Plants. Geraniums. Six, in pots : 1. (Medal) Royal Princess Sophia Au- gusta, Rollinsonii, Macranthum, Latifolium, Hiiaief, Tippoo Saib, Mr. Widnall ; 2. Defiance, Macranthum, Latifolium, Paul Pry, Lord Comber- mere, Nairnw, Mr. Palmer.* Three, in pots : 1. General Riego. Lasiocau- lon, Foliosum, Mr. Palmer ; 2. Dohreeanum var. basilicum, Anna Boleyn, Mr. Widnall. Best, in a pot : Y)a.\eydnum and Triumphans, grafted on the stock of the Generalissimo, Mr. Searle. Paeonies. Three: Moidan,B.iihra, Officinalis, Mr. Gimson. Best: Officinalis, Mr. Gimson. Stock. Red, grown in a pot : Mr. Catling. White, grown in a pot : Mr. Brewer. Do- decatheon Meadia; Mr. Widnall. — Floivers. Tulips. Six : 1. (the medal) Washington, Abercromb}', Bagot, Rose Heroine, San Joe, Gloria Mundi, Mr. Gimson; 2. Unknown, Reubens, Holmes' Pit, Charbonnie Noir, Cerise a Belle Forme, Triumph Royal, Mr. Frederick Finch * ; 5. Ambassadeur d'HoUande, Triumph Royal, Matilda, Passe Catafalque, Majesteuse, Cancel- lier, Mr. Searle. Three: 1. Imperatrice de Maroc, Heroine, Reuben's Saint Louis, Mr. Dobson ; 2. Triumph Royal, Ambassadeur d'Hollande, Rose Blanca, Mr. Gimson. Best, Thalestris, Mr. Dobson. Anemones. * Mr.Widnall having alresfdy had the medal within three years, it will devolve on Mr. Palmer, and Mr. Widnall will take the second prize. Mr. Finch and Mr. Gimson will change prizes for the same reason. Pr-oviimal Horticultural Societies: — Cambridgeshire. 475 Six, in pots, Tlierese, Belle Comtesse, Aimable Princesse, Julien, L'Epis- copal, L'Empereur de Russe, Mr. Searle. Best, Deesse Flore, Mr. Seai'le. Heart's-ease. Six, in pots. Large Purple, Bright Yellow, Tricolor, Purple and Yellow tipped, Purple and Yellow Spotted, Dark Puce, Mr. Searle. Best, in pot. Dark Puce, Mr. Denson. — Fruit. Strawberries, best fifty, Rose- berry, &c.. Rev. G. Jenyns. — Culinary/ Vegetables. Coss Lettuce, two weightiest heads, 5 lbs., Mr. Magee. Lettuces, two best in quality, Mr. Palmer. Asparagus, fifty heads, Mr. Palmer. Cabbage, heaviest, Mr. Widnall. Cauliflowers, two. Colonel Pemberton. Treasurers Prize. Bouquet, Mr. Gimson. Cottagers' Prizes. Double Stock, grown in a pot, Mary Tuck of Hars- ton. Lettuce, Baron Moore of Grantchester. Cabbage, William Perry of Hildersham. Extra-Prizes. Cottager's Stock, John French, Cherryhinton. Cot- tager's Tulips, William Perry, Hildersham. Erica mii-abilis, Mr. Biggs. Heart's-ease, Mr. Dobson. Peaches, Mr. Palmer. Kitchen Apples, Mr. Brown, Fordham. {Cambridge Chron., May 29.) The Cambridge June Show took place on the 1 9th, when the display was very splendid and well arranged, and the company were highly gratified. The Rev. G. A. Browne was called to the chair, and announced the follow- ing adjudication of prizes : — Floiuers. Ranunculuses. Six, one of a sort: 1. (Prize Medal) Cedo Nulli, Charlotte, Lucrece, La Fran9aise, Louisette, Theodat, Mr. Searle ; 2. Thompson's Queen, Charbonnier, La Favorite, Chasselas, Naxara,Jaune en Pomponne, Mr. Twitchett. Four, one of a sort. La Singulaire, Princess of Wales, Jupiter, Passe Niobe, Mr. Twitchett. Best, Daphne, Mr. Searle. Pinks. Six, one of a sort: the first prize would have been given to Mr. John Sharpe (being No. 63.), but there were two flowers of a sort. Four, one of a sort : no first prize : 2. Mr. John Sharpe, Professor Turton's gardener. Best, Harefield Beauty, Mr. Haylock. Seedling, Mr. Sharpe. Roses. Six : no first prize ; 2. Tarquin, Prince William, Early Blush, Rouge Agathe, Rouge Carmine, Violette et Rouge, Mr. Catling. Three, Mr. Dobson. Best, Princess Victoria, Mr. Gimson. Sweetwil- liaras, four trusses of different shades, Mr. Charles Newby. — Fruit. Strawberries, best pound for flavour : 1. Keen's Seedling, Colonel Pember- ton ; 2. Keen's Seedling, Mr. Lestourgeon. Best pound containing fewest, 30 in number. Keen's Seedling, Mr. Dobson. Cherries. Best plate : no first prize ; 2. May Duke, Mr. Searle. Melon, not less than two pounds : 1. Netted Cantaloupe, Mr. Searle; 2. Early Cantaloupe, Mr. Wilson, Lord De La Warr's gardener. Grapes, White Muscat, Mr. Dall. Treasurer'' s Bouquet. Mr. Gimson. Cottagers' Prizes. Pink, Edward Dowse, Ickleton. Rose, Widow Pryor, Duxford. Geranium, James Becket, Ickleton. Potatoes, James Tuck, Windmill Cottage, Harston. Peas, Henry Hunt, Duxford. Extra-Prizes. Cottager's Geranium, Jos. Beales, Clierryhinton. Nee-. tarines, Mr. Palmer, Ely. Stock, Mr. Patrick Beales. Cucumbers, Mr. Dall The next Show was fixed for Friday the 24th of July, and the Commit- tee propose to give cottagers' prizes for the best pound of gooseberries, best pound of currants, best cucumber, best carnation, picotee, or pink, best balsam, and the best hollyhock. {Cambridge Chron., June 26.) Cambridge Florists' Society. — The Show of Tulips, Anemones, and Stocks was held at the Town Hall on May 25., when 347 blooms of tulips were sent in to compete for the prizes, from which 36 were selected by the judges, and placed on the grand stand at the upper end of the tables, where they presented a very beautiful appearance ; they were backed by the finest stocks, scarlet, purple, and white ; and from them extended a column of superb geraniums, orange-trees with fruit on them, and beautiful exotics, in 476 Provincial Horticultural Societies : — Snffolk. full bloom, to the bottom of the tables, the whole being encircled with a border of tulip blooms. The effect of the mass of flowers, of various heights and colours, was a source of admiration to all who beheld it. For this splendid show the Society were principally indebted to the kindness of Mr. Widnali, florist, &c., of Grantchester, who sent in a number of beautiful and rare geraniums, with some of m hich he had gained the silver prize medal given by the Horticultural Society at their Show on Friday last. Mr. Brewer, nurseryman and florist, sent in the orange trees, and several other exotics, as well as a number of beautiful geraniums; and Mr.Gimson, nurseryman and florist, of Linton, also contributed. Prizes were awarded as follows : — Tulips. Feathered Bizards: 1. Roi de Perse, Mr. R, Nutter; 2. Sur- passe Charbonniere, Mr. Haylock ; 3. Roi de Perse, Mr. R. Nutter ; 4. Grand Cairo, and 5. Gold Beaures, Mr. Bailey; 6. Gold Purse, Mr. Twitchett. Feathered Bybloemens : 1. Imperatrice de Maroc, Mr. Dob- son ; 2. Imperatrice de Maroc, Mr. Finch ; 3. Alexander Baguet, Mr. Haylock; 4 Ponceau Unique, Mr. Dobson ; 5. Black Baguet, Mr. Finch ; 6. Maitre Partout, Mr. Peeling. Feathered Roses : 1. Rose Heroine, Mr. Nutter; 2. Rose Heroine, Mr.Gimson; 5. Rose Heroine, Mr. Dobson ; 4. Rose Heroine, Mr. Nutter ; 5. Rose Heroine, Mr. Dobson; 6. Juno, Mr. Finch. Flamed Bizards: 1. Charbonnier Noir, Mr. Dobson ; 2. Tippoo Saib, Mr.Gimson; 3. Abercromby, Mr. Finch; 4. Castrum Doloris, Mr. Twitchett ; 5. Emperor Charles, Mr. Dobson ; 6. Sir Sidney Smith, Mr. Haylock. Flamed Bybloemens : 1 . Roi de Siam, Mr. Dobson ; 2. Bold Lutherus, Mr. Haylock ; 3. Titian, Mr. Twitchett; 4. Rigaut, Mr. Gimson; 5. Washington, Mr. Sharp ; 6. Washington, Mr. Finch. Flamed Roses: 1. RoseTriomphe Royale, Mr. Nutter ; 2. Rose TriompheRoyale,Mr. Dob- son ; 3. Hebe, Mr. Bailey ; 4. Hebe, Mr. Finch ; 5. Vesta," Mr. Dobson ; 6. Rose Triomphe Royal, Mr. Finch. Anemones: 1., 2., and 3. Stearne's W. Wilkins, Esq., Mr. Stearne ; 4. Leopard, Mr.Gimson; 5. Unknown, Mr. Dobson; 6. Unknown, Mr. Crisp. Stocks. Scarlet: 1. Mrs. Markham; 2. Mr. Twitchett; 3. Mrs. Markham ; 4. Mr. Haylock. White: 1. Mr. Rickard; 2. Mr. Dobson; 3. Mr. Twitchett; 4. Mr. Dobson. Purple: I.Mr. Balls; 2. Mrs. Markham. The Society's Show of Ranunculuses was then fixed for Wednesday, the 17th of June, at the Town Hall. {Cambridge Chron., May 29.) Suffolk. Bury Floral and Horticultural Society. — The Second Meeting of this Society was held at the Eagle and Child Inn, on June 3., and was nume- rously and respectably attended. The prizes were awarded as follows : — For the best and second best feathered bizard, best bybloemen rose, and second best flamed bizard, to Mr. John Warburton of Tottington. For the best, second, and third bj'bloemens ; second and third bybloemen roses ; best and third flamed bizard ; best, second, and third flamed bybloemen ; best, second, and third flamed, and second and third self-roses, to Mr, James Walmsley of Birtle. For the best and second hot-house plants ; second and third green-house plants; best, second, and third heaths; best geranium ; second herbaceous plants; best hardy shrub; and best rose, to the gardener of J. Ramsbottom, Esq. For the best green-house plant, best herbaceous plant, and best pine, to the gardener of J. Grant, Esq. For the second rose, and hot-house plant, to the ganlener of William Grant, Esq. For the third herbaceous plant, second and third hardy shrubs, best and second grapes, and best potatoes, to the gardener of J. Kay, Esq. For the best self-rose, to Mr. R. Palfreyman of Bury. For the best cucumbers, to Mr. Thomas Greenhaigh of Chesham Fields. For the best cabbage, to Mr, Robert Kaye, stationer. Bury. For the second geranium, to Mr. Charles Pi-ov. Hort. Societies : — Berkshire, Gloticestei'shire. 477 Openshaw. For the third geranium, to Mr. Thomas Clough. {Manchester Courier, June 1.3.) The Second Show of this Societt/ took place on June 30., and the exhibi- tion was exceedingl}' good, incUiding a great variety of exotic, Iiardy, and florists' flowers, among which may be particularly noted the prize Alstrce- merifl, a fine specimen of Cactus speciosissima, Scarlet Gladiolus, Oleanders, Dahlia compacta, the annual Coreopsis (tinctoria) 6 ft. high, and some superb bouquets. Some shaddocks, of extraordinary size, were shown from the hot-houses of N. L.Acton, Esq. Strawberries of superb appearance, French crabs grown by Mr. Pawsey of Lidgate, in 1827, perfectly sound, &c. &c. The Cape lettuces are an admirable species, as round and solid as a drum-head cabbage. A very meritorious specimen of virgin honey, the produce of this year, in a box, exhibited by a servant, was deservedly re- warded, though no prize was offered, and was sold readily at 2s. 6d. per lb. There were a great number of visitors ; and the ladies afterwards partook of some strawberries in another apartment decorated with roses. Prizes were awarded as follows : — Flowers. Red Stock, Mr. Lines, gardener to N. Lee Acton, Esq. Ra- nunculuses, Mr. Samuel Middledith, Bury. Pinks, Mr. Barrett. Roses, Mr. Hodson, Chapel House. Plant in Bloom, Aistrcemer/or, Mrs. Reeve, Westgate Street. Best Bouquet, Mrs. Reeve. — Fruit. Grapes. Forced, Black Prince, Miss Pollen, Hartest. Strawberries. For flavour, Downton, Mr. Lomax. Largest, 55 to the pound, Keen's Seedling, Mr. Marriott, Stowmarket. Cherries, White Heart, Mr. Barrett, Hardwicke. — Culi- nary Vegetables. Cauliflowers, Miss Pollen. Peas, Mr. Lord, gardener to the Rev. Jas. Cullum. Potatoes, Mr. Hammond, gardener to Sir H. Bunbury. Turnips, Mr. Knights, gardener to Mr. D. Beauvoir. Carrots, Mr. Buchanan, Stowmarket. Cape Lettuces, Mr. J. H. Payne, Bury. Cottagers' Prizes. Onions, Jermyn, Timworth. Cabbages, Agar, Tim- worth. Brompton Stock, Brett, Stowmarket. — Reward. Box of Honey, James Fenton, Ingham. {Bury and Norwich Post, July 1.) Berkshire. Windsor Horticidtural Society. — The Second Meeting of this Society took place on June 26., when the prizes were awarded as follows : — Floivers. Pinks: 1. Mr. Willmer of Sunbury; 2. Mr. Gould, Royal Gardens, Windsor ; 3. Mr. Weedon, Hillingdon ; 4. Mr. Lillewhite, Wind- sor ; 5. Mr. Cooper, Bray ; 6. Mr. Bowyer, Bray. Geraniums : 1 . Mr. Brown, Slough; 2. Mr. Ingram, Frogmore; 3. Mr. Cameron (E. Foster's, Esq.), Clewer; 4. Mr. Cooper. Roses: 1. Mr. Willmer; 2. Mr. Gould. Dahlias, Mr. Cameron. Geum coccineum, Mr. Vare, Windsor. Poppies, Mr. Lovegrove, Windsor. — Fnnt. Strawberries. Keen's Seedling : 1 . Mr. Ca- meron ; 2. Mr. Ingram. Wilmott's Superb, Mr. Robertson, Windsor. A great number of other articles were produced ; amongst them we particularly noticed Cactus speciosissima, Z-ilium longiflorum, Polygala cordata, the Iver Cottage Brier, from Mr. Woodcock, Iver, &c. ( Windsor and Eton Express, Jtuie 27.) Gloucestershire. Gloucester Horticultural Society. — The Second public Exhibition for the season took place on May 29., and, in point of splendour and attraction, was in no way inferior to former Shows, The varied beauties of the tulip and anemone classes, though, perhaps, a little too much advanced in bloom by the late warm weather, afforded great pleasure to the connoisseur, whilst the rarer ornaments of the hot-house and green-house were in high perfec- tion. The number of specimens contributed was very great, not less than 823 appearing on the books of the Society. {Hereford Journal, June 3.) 4-78 Provincial Horticultural Societies : — Gloucestershire. The Tliird Public Show for the season, of this very gratifjnng Institution, took place on June 26. The competition amongst the exhibitors of pinks was very strong ; and it was almost astonishing to see the perfection to which that once simple flower has been raised by careful cultivation. Of ranun- culuses the show was very limited, the extreme dryness of the season having caused an almost total failure in that department of the florists' occupation. The prize roses were splendid, and well deserved the distinction awarded them. There was a delightful assemblage of the £'rica tribe, and other choice ornaments of the green-house, were in great abundance. A pro- fusion of fruits, calculated to please both the eye and the palate, graced the room; some of the strawberries were really superb. In addition to those fruits which appear in the prize-list below, great praise was due to some remarkably fine grapes exhibited by Mr. Jessop of Cheltenham, some melons shown by J. H. Byles, Esq., and some nectarines sent by J. C. Straford, Esq The number of specimens entered in the Society's books amounted to nearly 1,200. Prizes were awarded as follows : — Plants. Stove or Green-house: 1. H6y« carnosa, and 2. Polygala lati- folia, Mr. J. C. Wheeler ; 3. Crassula versicolor, Mr. J. D. Wheeler ; 4. Me- serabryanthemum purpureum, Mr. J. C. Wheeler; 5. Gnaphalium fulgidum. Miss Walters. Heaths: 1. Ventricosa superba, and 2. Depr^ssa, Mr. J. C. Wheeler ; .5. Ventricosa incarnata, Mr. J. D. Wheeler ; 4. Coventryana, Mr. J. C. Wheeler ; 5. Vestita coccinea, Mr. J, D. Wheeler. Hardy : 1. Kalmia latifolia, and 2. Andromeda pulveriilenta, Mr. J. D. Wheeler; 5. Campanula persicifolia, R. Canning, Esq. ; 4. Hydrangea hort^nsis, Mr. J.D.Wheeler; 5. Mule's Pink, Miss Walters. — Floivers. Ranunculuses. Dark: 1. Capel, Mr. Crump; 2. Naxara, Mrs. Matthews; 5. Mr. Crump ; 4. Zebra, and 5. Mr. Crump. Light : 1. Eliza, 2. Druit's Yellow, o. Teme- raire, and 4. Thompson's Kitty, Mr. Crump ; 5. Lovely Ann, Mrs. Matthews. Pinks. Black and White : 1 . and 2. MV. George Bubb ; 5. Mr. Elton ; 4. Mr, Grafton ; 5. Mr. George Bubb. Red Laced : l. Mr. Crump ; 2. Mr. Hitch; 3. Mr. Pullen ; 4. Mr. Elton; 5. Mr. J. D. Wheeler. Purple Laced: 1. Mr. Pullen; 2. Mr. Crump; 5. Mr. J. D. Wheeler; 4. Mr. Earl ; 5. Mr. Crump. Selfs and Fancies : 1. and 2. Mrs. Matthews ; 5. and 4. Mr, George Bubb ; 5. A. Maitland, Esq. Roses. Dark: 1, Tuscany, Mr, T.Ryder; 2. Grand Sultan, Mr. Jessop; 3. Imperial, Mr. Elton; 4, Carmine, Mr. T. Ryder ; 5. Royal Purple, Mr. Jessop. Light : 1. Watts's Seedling, and 2, Rose Unique, Mr. J. D. Wheeler ; .5. Celestial, Mr. J. C. Wheeler ; 4. Rosa, odorata, Mr. Jessop ; 5. Hjbrida de Bengal, Mr. J. C. Wheeler. — Fruit. Cherries: 1. May Duke, R. S. Davies.Esq. ; S.Early May, Mr. Hitch; 3. Black Heart, R. Canning, Esq.; 4. Elton, and 5. Ro- nald's Black Circassian, C, O, Cambridge, Esq. Strawberries : 1, Wilmot's Superb, Mr, Elton ; 2, Keen's Seedling, Miss Button; 3, Waterloo, Mr,C. Bonner; 4, Caroline, Rev. Mr. Jones ; 5. Knight's Downton, Mr. Hitch. — Culinary Vegetables. Cauliflowers: 1, 2, and 3. Mr, Hulbert; 4. Mr. Hitch ; 5. Mr. Hulbert. Bristol Horticultural Society, — The First public Exhibition of this newly- formed Society took place on June 23. It was most numerously and fashionably attended, and could not fail of affording a high treat to the lovers of horticulture. On entering the show-room, the eye was struck with the rich variety of objects which presented themselves to view. In the centre of the platform, and proudly overtopping the rest, was a magnificent specimen of the Pan- £?anM5 odoratlssiraus, supported by a splendid plant of the Cactus speciosfs- sima in full flower; the Citrus sinensis, or myrtle-leaved orange, loaded with fruit; the Calceolaria integrifolia, covered with yellow blossoms; and the endless variety of the Pelargonium tribe. The fine specimens of double balaams, Rusuian stocks,and other tender annuals, attracted universal notice ; Provincial Horticultural Societies : — Worcestershire. 479 and the lately introduced hardy annuals, Clarkia pulchella, with its profu- sion of purple flowers, and the Petunia nyctaginiflora, covered with innu- merable snow-white blossoms, will soon find their place in every garden, and add to the variety already cultivated. The fruits and vegetables proved equally delicious to the taste, and pleasing to the eye. A fine specimen of the Rock Cantaloup Melon, from the garden of J. N. Franklyn, Esq., attracted particular notice, so early in the season, and to this was most deservedly awarded the first prize. Three fine specimens of grapes had prizes awarded to them for their great merit. The strawberries were universally admired ; and a description of their enormous size would excite doubt, in the minds of those who did not inspect them, of the correctness of the statement. Other prizes were awarded for fine specimens of flowers and culinary vegetables; among them was a vegetable possessing superior merit, called Aracacha, from South America, sent by Mr. Alderman Daniel, from the root of which a powder was obtained, of a farinaceous quality, and said to be highl}' nutritious. Plants. Stove and Green-house: 1. Calceolaria integrifolia, 2. Cactus speciosissima, and 3. Amaryllis Johnsoni, Mr. Maule. Herbaceous : 1. Eu- phorbia stricta variegata, Mr, Maule ; 2. Geum coccineum. Miss Bright, Ham Green ; 5. ffinothera macrocarpa, Mr. Maule. Hardy Shrubs : 1. Cjtisus nigricans, 2. A seedling ^Rhododendron, a la R. roseum, and 3. A seedling i^hododendron, a la R. catawbiense, Mr. Maule, StapJeton Road. Seedling Geraniums: 1. Pelargonium Agrippi?«<»«, and 2. P. ma- culatum var. ;oseum, Mr. Young, Taunton. Heaths : 1. £rica transliicens, Mr. Maule. — Flowers. Roses : 1 . and 2. Mr. Lee, Lawrence Hill. Pinks : 1. Mr. Lee, Lawrence Hill; 2. Mr. C. H. Jessop, Cheltenham. — Fruit. Strawberries: 1. Wilmot's Superb, Ph. Protheroe, Esq., Cote House; 2. Keen's Seedling, Miss Bright, Ham Green ; 3. A Seedling raised from Wilmot's Superb, Mr. S. Waring, Stoke Bishop. Grapes : 1. Black Ham- burgh, Mr. C. H. Jessop, Cheltenham ; 2. Black Tripoli, Rd. Okeley, Esq., Pen Park ; 3, White INIuscat of Alexandria, J. W. Ricketts, Esq., St. Vin- cent's Lodge. Melons: 1. Rock Cantaloup (a very fine specimen), J.N. Franklyn, Esq., Clifton ; 2. Cito d'Olor (from Carthagena), Mr. C. H. Jes- sop.— Culinary Vegetables. Potatoes: 1. Ash-leaf Kidney, Mr. Lee; 2. Shaw's Earlj', G.W.Hall, Esq., Sneed Park. Cucumbers: 1. Long Early Frame, White Spine, Mrs. H. Vaughan, Cote ; 2. Long Prickly, J. W. Ricketts, Esq. Cauliflowers: Mr. Lee. Cabbages: 1. Early Em- peror, Mr. Lee ; 2. Pullin's Early Nonpareil, Mr. C. H. Jessop. Vegetables possessing superior merit : 1. The Aracacha of South America, T. Daniel, Esq., Henbury ; 2. i?heum hybridum, W. P. Taunton, Esq., Stoke Bishop. Of ranunculuses, forced peaches, cherries, lettuces, pine-apples, and green peas, there were no specimens sent. Censors : J. L. Knapp, Esq., S. Horsley, Esq., Mr. Mackay, Mr. Boys. Mr. Miller of Durdham Down, the secretary, declined sending any speci- mens for prizes, being desirous of giving a fair scope to his friends. {Glou- cester Journal, June 27.) Worcestershire. Worcester Horticultural and Floral Society. — The Second Meeting of this Society for the present year was held on May 26., and was most nume- rously and respectably attended by the ladies and gentlemen of the citj' and county. The exhibition of flowers, fruits, &c., was excellent, and gave uni- versal satisfaction. The large stand was quite filled with the choicest spe- cimens, presenting one uniform mass of bloom, and must have afforded a rich treat to the connoisseur and admirer of the floral tribe. There were nearly 500 tulips, and the number of specimens of all descriptions, entered 4*80 Provincial HorticuUnral -Societies : — Worcestershire. in the Society's books, amounted to more than at any previous exhibition. The Prizes were awarded as follows : — Plants. Stove: 1. Cactus speciosissima, Mr. Smith ; 2. Strelitzk re<>inaB, Mr. Fuller; 5. Amarjlli*, J. Taylor, Esq. Green-house : 1. /Verium [?sp.], Sir A. Lechmere, Bart.; 2. Alstra'nieri« Pelegrina, Mr. Fuller; 5. Alichry- sum sesamoides, A. Skey, Esq.; 4. jErica florida, Mr. Smith. Hardy: 1. /?6sa Banks/cj lutea, E.Isaac, Est].; 2. Mossy Rose de Meaux, Mr. Fuller; 5. Daphne, Mr. Mowbray. Stocks: 1. Scarlet Double Brompton Stock ; and 2. White Double Brompton Stock, B. G. Kent, Esq. Gera- niums: 1. Germanicus, Mr. Smith ; 2. Cleopatra sup^rba, J. Taylor, Esq. ; 5. Spectabile elegans, Mr. Smith ; 4. Seedling, Mr. Beech. — Tvlips First Class: 1. Trafalgar, Mr. Smith; 2. Due de Savoy, Mr. Smith: 3. Abercrombie, and 4. Catafalque, Mr. Harrison ; 5. Trafalgar, Mr. Neale ; 6. Gold Beaures, Mr. Hickman. Second Class : 1. Videntra, Mr. Smith ; 2. Dutch Catafalque, Mr. Smith; 3. Charbonniere, and 4. Bell's King, Mr. Hickman; 5. Earl St. Vincent, Mr. Smith; 6. Zan Zio, Mr. Hickman. Third Class: 1. Ambassador de Holland, 2. Washington, and 5. Pearson's Seedlinc, Mr. Smith ; 4. Gadsby's Magnificent, and 5. Triomphe de Lisle, Mr. Fuller; 6. Maitre Partout, Mr. Smith. Fourth Class: 1. CceurdeLion, Mr. Holmes; 2. Washington, Mr. Gummery ; 5. Unknown, Mr. Smith ; 4. Pretiosa, Mr. Fuller ; 5. Roianne, Mr. Hickman ; 6. Transparent Noya, Mr. Smith. Fifth Class : 1. Rose Beaurepere, Mr. Fuller; 2. Rose Cerise Belle Forme, 5. Holden's Rose, and 4. Charles Fox, Mr. Smith. Sixth Class: 1. Rose Vesta, Mr. Gummery; 2. Rose Feu de Grand Valeur, and 3. Cramoese, Mr. Smith ; 4. Walworth, Mr. Gummery; .5. Rose Triomphe Royal, Mr. Smith. Selfs : One Prize, Mine d'Or, Mr. Davis. — F;«i/*. Strawberries. Forced : Keen's Seedling, Mr. Linton. Oranges, English growth, A. Skey, Esq. Shaddock, A. Skey, Esq. Citron, J. Taylor, Esq. — Culinary Vegetables. Peas, J. Taylor, Esq. Potatoes, E. Isaac, Esq. Lettuce, Mr. Mowbray. The following communication was received by the Secretary on Tuesday morning : — " Sir, I take the opportunity of the meeting of the subscribers of the Society, and amateur florists, this day, to recommend to their notice the extraordinary increase of an insect of the coleopterous tribe, specimens of which I send herewith. This splendid green and gold beetle was rather a scarce insect in this neighbourhood till within the last three or four years. In fact, before this period, I have rarely observed more than, perhaps, a dozen in my garden in the course of a season. But it is now so much in- creased as to become a serious annoyance to the gardener and florist. The last three seasons, my lilacs, strawberry blossoms, and roses, particularly the Scotch and Chinese varieties, have greatly suffered from their depredations, and, unfortunately, they do not retire into the ground in the month of June, as is the case with the common chaffer beetle; they continue till Au- gust, devouring strawberries, raspberries, and cherries, though their favourite food, in the early part of the season, seems to be the stamina, anthers, and corolla of flowers, which are no sooner expanded than they are despoiled of their beauty. Thinking the warm dry summer and winter of the years 1826 and 1827 might have caused their sudden increase, I was in hopes the wet summer last year would have reduced their numbers. But this, I now fear, will not be the case ; for, last week, I observed the first flowers of a seedling purple lilac were covered with them, and, in the course of an hour, every blossom devoured. As a matter of curiosity, I had them collected, and the specimens sent were all taken from this shrub. The mode I at present adopt to endeavour to lessen the number in my garden, is to pick them off the plants and flowers, and put them into a quart-bottle filled with water, where they soon perish. If any subscriber of our Society can give us information on the best means of reducing the stock of this destructive Provincial Horticulhaal Societies : — Worcesfeyshire. 481 insect, he will render an essential service to the cultivation of flowers and fruit. I am, Sir, your obedient servant, — John Williams. Pitmaston, May 26. 1829." In consequence of the above communication, the Society have resolved upon awarding a premium to any member of their body who shall point out the best method of destroying the above-described insect. Any communi- cation of the above nature, or on any other subject connected with the Society, will be thankfully received by the Committee, and, at future Meetings, will be read at two o'clock. ( Worcester Herald, May 50.) The Third Shoiv of the above Society was held in Worcester on June 1 7., when premiums were awarded as follows : — Plants. Stove : 1. Gloxinia sup^rba, Mr. Wood ; 2. Amaryllis, J. Taylor, Esq. Green-house: 1. Cactus speciosa. Rev. T. Waters ; 2. Prostanthera lasianthos, and 5. Evica ventricosa superba, Mr. Smith ; 4. Lachenalia for- mosa, Mr. Tapp. Hardy Annuals : 1. Clarkfa pulchella, Mr. Beach ; 2. Z)el- phlnium grandiflorum, Mr. Smith. — Flowers. Ranunculuses. Dark and Dark Purple : 1 . Viriat, Mr. Hickman ; 2. Naxara,Mr. Fuller ; 3. Heureux, and 4. Santalina, Mr. Smith. White Ground, Striped, Spotted, and Edged: 1. Princess Wurtemberg, Mr. Fuller; 2. Agreeable Unknown, Mr. Gum- mery ; 3. Harpalyce, Mr. Hickman ; 4. Suprema, Rev. T. Waters. Yel- low Ground, Striped, Spotted, and Edged: 1. Melange des Beautes, Mr. Smith ; 2. Albert, Rev. T. Waters ; 3. Julius, Mr. Hickman ; 4. David, Mr. Fuller. Orange : 1. and 2. Unknown, Rev. T. Waters ; 3. Triumphant, Mr. Gummery ; 4. Orange Boven, Mr. Smith. Yellow : 1 . Model of Perfection, Mr. Smith ; 2. Yiipi, Mr. Hickman ; 3. Unknown, Mr. Holmes ; 4. Miriam, Mr. Fuller. Scarlet : 1. Borsit, 2. Adonis, 3. Fernanda, and 4. Rosny, Mr Smith. Crimson : 1. Unknown, 2. Alphonso, 3. Domingo, and 4. Zebulon, Rev. Mr. Waters. Light: 1. Orange Lion, Mr. Smith; 2. Laythea, Rev. T. Waters; 3. Orange Boven, Mr. Gummery ; 4. Peronne la Pucelle, Mr. Smith. Pinks. Purple Laced : Humber's Regulator, J. Taylor, Esq. Red Laced : Beauty of Bath, Mr. Valencourt. Star : Davy's Eclipse, Mr. Hick- man. Roses: 1. Rose d'Enfer, Mr. Smith; 2. Infernal, J.Taylor, Esq.; 3. i?6sa odorata, Mr. Tapp; 4. Rose Unique, Mr. Fuller ; 5. Mossa Basa, Mr. Beach; 6. Rose Provence, Mr. Hickman; 7. Unknown, Mr. Hunt; 8. Yellow Scotch, E. Isaac, Esq. — Fruit. Strawberries : 1. Keen's Seed- ling (for size), Mr. Wood ; 2. Best Flavoured, Mr. Beach ; 3. Taunton Black, Mr. Hunt. Grapes : l . Black Frontignac, R. Nuttall, Esq. ; 2. White Muscat of Alexandria, R. Nuttall, Esq. Melon, Sir H. Wakeman. Cher- ries ; 1. Alton, Mr. Smith ; 2. May Dukes, Mr. Hemming. — CuHna?y Vege- tables. Cauliflower, Mr. Wood. Double Blossom Peas, Mr. Mowbray. Broad Beans, J. Taylor, Esq. {Barroiv's Worcester Journal, June 25.) Vale of Evesham Horticultural Society. — The Second Meeting of this Society was held at Evesham, on May 21., when upwards of four hundred specimens were placed on the stands ; the major part of which were first- rate tulips, of great beauty, and the high perfection in which they were brought to the Show, did great credit to the growers. Many other very fine productions were exhibited (particularly geraniums), and a hundred of asparagus, grown by Mr. Anthony New, of Evesham, of the extraordinary weight of 9 lbs. Several new names were added to the list of subscribers. The next Show is fixed for Thursday, June 18. Prizes were awarded as under : — Plants. Stove or Green-house, Bouvardia triphylla, John Taylor, Esq. Hardy, Mr. Mayfield. Geraniums: 1. Unknown, J. Taylor, Esq. ; 2. Un- known, Mr. Hartland. — Tulips. Feathered Bizards : 1. Trafalgar, Mr. Smith ; 2. Unknown, Mr. Valencourt; 3. Su- Sidney Smith, Mr. Mayfield. Flamed Bizards : 1 . PlatofF, and 2. Charbonnier Noir, Mr. Racster ; 3. Prince Potemkin, Mr. Smith. Feathered Bybloemen : 1. Ambassador de Holland, Vol. v. — No. 21. i i 482 Provincial Horticultural Societies : — Herefordshire. Mr. Smith ; 2. Triomphe cle Flora, Mr. \Vm. Miirrell ; 5. Seedling, Mr. Smith. Flamed Bybloemen : l. Acapiilco, Mr. Ilacster; 2. Washington, Mr, Smith; 5. Unknown, Mr. Mayfield. Feathered Rose : 1. Phoenix, Mr. Smith; 2. Rose Triomphe Royal, Mr. Hartland ; 3. Dolittle, Mr. Davis. Flamed Rose: 1. Perle Brillante, Mr. Racster ; 2. Unknown, Mr. Valen- court ; 3. Ornament de Pouksen Rose, Mr. Racster. Selfs: 1. Koming von Pigue, Rev. Mr. Gretton ; 2. Mine d'Or, Mr. Racster. Anonones. Dark and Light, Mr. Hunt. Lettuce, Mr. Cheek. {Worcester Herald^ May 30.) Herefordshire. Hereford Horticidturnl Society. — The Second Exhibition for the present year took place on May 25., and it may safely be pronounced a most ex- cellent display. The tulips were very numerous, generally well broken (or distinct in colouring), and many of them the produce of bulbs of consider- able value. The anemones were not numerous, but good. The stove and green-house plants, including pelargoniums, were in fine flower, and un- commonly abundant; and, amongst the latter, "Paul Pry" intruded, but was completely superseded by others more recently raised, in point of colour and other essential qualities. The large stage was even crowded, and presented the appearance of a mass of bloom. The whole arrangement gave satisfaction to every subscriber of the Society anxious for its pros- perity, and was witnessed by most of the rank and fashion of the city and county, the day being extremely fine. In comparing this exhibition with the Tulip Show of last season, we find that 150 productions were entered for competition on this occasion more than on that; indeed, the prize-stand was not sufficient to contain one half of them ; which must have been evi- dent to visitors, the pelargoniums and hardy plants being placed on the stationary side-forms of the room, which never had been the case on any previous occasion ; and, on referring to the tickets of admission, there ap- peared a corresponding majority of visitors also, which, together with the additions of between twenty and thirty new subscribers of the present year, speaks for itself Prizes were awarded as follows : — Plants. Pelargoniums. Dark: 1. Davey«Kz»?i, Mrs. Gordon ; 2. Decora, and 3.Z\umii, Sir J. G. Cotterell. Light: ]. Macranthon, C.G.Cooke, Esq. ; 2. Prince of Orange, Mr. Nott ; 3. Fair Rosamond, Mr. Godsall. Heath: 1. J?rica mediterranea, Sir J. G. Cotterell. Stove: Cactus spe- ciosa, Mr. Godsall. Green-house: 1. Epacris grandiflora, T. H. Symons, Esq. ; 2. Calceolaria, Mrs. Parkinson ; 3. Unknown, Mrs. Gordon. Hardy: 1. Z)aphne Cneorum, Mrs. Gordon; 2. Z/^lex europae'us pleno, Mr. God- sall ; 3. Trollius europas'us, T. H. Symons, Esq. — Floiuers. Tulips. Bi- zards : 1. Pompeius Magnus, and 2. Trafalgar, Mr. Gary Cocks ; 3. Un- known, R. J. Powell, Esq. ; 4. Captain White, Mr. Cary Cocks ; 5. Aigle Noire, and 6. Madame Gyzelaar, R. J. Powell, Esq. Roses : 1. Cerise nrimo, Mr. Cranston ; 2. Claudina, Mr. C. Cocks ; 3. Rose Triomphante, K.J. Powell, Esq.; 4. Brillante, 5. Roi de Cerise, and 6. Rose Celeste, Mr. C. Cocks. Bybloemens : 1. Norwich Baguet, Mr. Cranston ; 2. Imperatrice de Moroc, and 3. Globe Celeste, Mr. C. Cocks; 4. Washington, R. J. Powell, Esq. ; 5. Charlotte, Mr. Cranston ; 6. Conquest Vouraj-, R. J. Powell, Esq. Anemones: 1. Mr. C. Cocks; 2. and 5. Mr. Cranston; 4. Mr. C. Cocks. — Fruit. Gooseberries, Mr. Godsall. Strawberries, Sir J. G. Cotterell. Culinary Vegetables. Cabbages, R. J. Powell, Esq. Pota- toes, R. J. Powell, Esq. Asparagus, Rev. Mr. Trumper. Cauliflowers, Sir J. G. Cotterell. {Hereford Journal, May 27.) Hereford Horticidtural Slioiv. — On Friday, June 26., the .Seventeenth Exhibition of this interesting Institution took place at the Shire Hall; and, although the ranunculuses have generally failed throughout the kingdom, Provincial Horticultural Societies : — Herefordshire. 483 yet a few were exhibited ; but the roses and pinks were splendid, and so numerous, that the Society's bottles were soon filled, and four dozen bor- rowed for the occasion : indeed, had the ranunculuses been as abundant as heretofore, 200 extra-bottles would have been insufficient. A superb plant of Cactus speciosissima, in full bloom, elicited general encomiums: and deservedly so, for it is the most beautiful of that tribe, and by no means a free-flowering one. Another splendid plant of this genus arrived too late for exhibition, the Cactus flagelliformis : it contained 100 blossoms. The summit of the pyramidal priza-stand displayed a fine plant of Fuchs/rt gra- cilis, 9 ft. high, containing about 700 blossoms, two thirds of which were fully expanded ; the peculiar curve of its branches, disposed, as it were, in stories, and the pendent bell-shaped flowers, put us in mind of the pagoda of the East. Many beautiful specimens of full-blown dahlias were produced from Sir J. G. Cotterell's, the conduct of whose gardener is highly praise- worthy, for his liberal contribution of articles to decorate the room at each exhibition, particularly when we consider the distance he has to bring them ; he does not merely exhibit two or three specimens, and expect, as a matter of course, a prize for each. The elegant new hardy annual, Clarkia pul- chella, appeared in great abundance. The melons were very large and ex- cellent, as were also the strawberries, among which a plate of seedlings of great promise, and a plate of Knevett's new pine, appeared. The cauliflowers were likewise of the finest description, and the cherries, French and common beans, and carrots also. Prizes were awarded as follows : — Plants. Stove or Green-house : 1. Cactus speciosissima. Sir J. G. Cot- terell; 2. Fuchsia gracilis, Mr. Godsall ; 3. Crassula versicolor, C.G.Cooke, Esq. Hardy: 1. i?hododendron roseum, Sir J. G. Cotterell ; 2. Lonicera flexuosa, Mr. Godsall. — Floiuers. Ranunculuses: 1. R. J. Powell, Esq.; 2. and 5. Mr. Breeze. Pinks. Black and White ; 1. Westlake's Heroine, Mrs. W. Pateshall ; 2. Deacon's Baronet, Mr. Godsall ; 3. Dry's Earl of Uxbridge, Mrs. Gordon. Purple Laced : 1. Knight's Lady Acland, Mrs. W. Pateshall; 2. Dry's Lord Exmouth,and 3. Unknown, Mr. Breeze. Red Laced : 1. Button's Caroline, 2. Salter's Imperial, and 3. Blush and Beauty, Mr. Breeze. Roses. Light: 1. Boursoult, Mr. Cranston ; 2. Celestial, Mrs. Gordon ; 3. Du Roi, Mr. Cranston ; 4. Sir J. G. Cotterell ; 5. Double Yel- low, Mrs. J. Phillipps. Dark : l. Pluto, Mrs. Gordon ; 2. K. Evans, Esq. ; 5. Mrs. J. Phillipps. — F7-uit. Strawberries : 1 . Wilmot's Superb, Mr, Nott; 2. Keen's Seedling, Mrs. H. Morgan; 3. Hautboy, J. S. Gowland. Esq.; 4. Carolina, Mr. Lee. Cherries: 1. Florence, R. J. Powell, Esq.; 2, Mrs. W. Pateshall ; 3. Mrs. Gordon. Melons : 1 . Pocket Melon, T. C. Bridges, Esq. ; 2. White-seeded Rock, R. J. Powell, Esq. Cidinari/ Vege- tables. Cauliflowers: 1. R. J. Powell, Esq. ; 2. Sir J. G. Cotterell. {Here- ford Journal, July 1 .) Ross Horticultural Society. — The Twenty-second Exhibition of this In- stitution took place on May 27., when the usual attendance of the first families graced, certainly, the very best horticultural display we ever wit- nessed. The grand stand was covered with the very best bloomed gera- niums, ericas, and other green-house plants, intermingled with various fine specimens of hardy plants, the centre showing the fine broad leaves of the rhubarb and the Calla asthiopica, both in fine bloom. The skilful arrange- ment of this stand produced an extraordinary mass of splendour and rich harmonious colouring, which powerfully reminded us of the best works of the immortal Rubens. The stage of tulips, notwithstanding the late hot weather, contained not less than 200 named varieties of this magni- ficent flower, and the sparkling, porcelain effect of the stage commanded great attention. The thirty prize-flowers were the best we ever saw in size, clearness, and rich transparency of colour ; and the Ross florists certainly stand preeminent in this class. The anemones were small and indif- I I 2 484) Provincial Horticnlhiral. Societies : — Herefordshire, ferent in quality, and we almost suspect that this beautiful flower excites but little interest with the florists at Ross. The prize geraniums exceeded all praise, and proved to us that the gardener of John Cooke, Esq., is one of the best growers and bloomers we know. The ericas and other house- plants were also singularly beautiful, and of great variety. The tables of vegetables, &c., were well filled, and the specimens fine. Mr. Miller of Bristol attended to receive instructions in the final establishment and ma- nagement of the new Horticultural Society at Bristol, and from him we heard unqualified praise of this Show. It was notified by the honorary secretary that the London Horticultural Society's large silver medal for last year had been awarded to Mr. Hilton, Colonel Money's gardener, for the many valuable seedling, cider, and perry fruits grown by him, for his skilful mode of forcing grapes, and for the various fine specimens of fruit exhibited by him at the meetings of this Society. The number of specimens ticketed and entered in the Society's book amounted to 802, and the evening's sale of vegetables not removed to 14s. \d. The prizes were awarded as under : — Plants. Geraniums. Dark : 1. Spectabile striatum, 2. Humei, 3. Fe- ronia, 4. Anna Boleyn, and 5. T)a\eyanum, John Cooke, Esq. Light : 1. Macr^nthon, and 2. Cucullata grandifl6ra,'John Cooke, Esq.; 5. Prince of Orange, and 4. Oraatum, Rev. T. Underwood ; 5. Apollo, John Cooke, Esq. Heaths : 1 . Westfalingja, John Cooke, Esq. ; 2. Perspicua nana, and 5. Vestita coccinea, Mrs. Westfaling ; 4. Cylindrica, Miss Trusted ; 5. Ven- tricosa carnea, Mrs. Westfaling. Stove : 1. Cactus speciosa, Mr. Reynolds; 2. Crassula coccinea, and 5. Hoja carnosa, Mrs. Westfaling ; 4. Cactus fla- gelliformis, Rev. R.K. Holder ; 5. /hibiscus sinensis indica, Mrs. Westfaling. Green-house : 1. GortenVz ringens, and 2. ^lichrysum, John Cooke, Esq. ; 3. Polygala oppositifolia, T. H. Symons, Esq.; 4. Petunia nyctaginiflora, W. Gillman, Esq. ; 5. Diosma rubra, John Cooke, Esq. Hardy : 1. Azalea odorata alba, Mr. Reynolds ; 2. iJhododendron catawbiense, Mrs. West- faling ; 3. Kalraia latifolia, 4. Dodecatheon media, and 5. Azalea pontics, Mr. Reynolds. — Tulips. Feathered Bizards : 1. Pompe Funebre, Mr. P. Bay] is ; 2. General Murray, and 3. Captain White, Mrs. C. Cocks; 4. Gaude Beaures, Thomas Rudge, Esq.; 5. Trianon, Mrs. C. Cocks, Flamed Bizards: 1. Pompeius Magnus, W. Gillman, Esq.; 2. Hopkins's Solus, Colonel Money ; 3. La Lucar, W. Gillman, Esq. ; 4. Catafalque, J. F. Willis, Esq. ; 5. Le Ville de Paris, Mrs. C. Cocks. Feathered Bybloe- men: 1. Imperatrice d'Maroc, Mrs. C. Cocks; 2. Washington, T. Rudge, Esq. ; 3. Absalom, Mr. Sharp ; 4. Prince Sovereign, and 5. Neat and Clean, Mrs. C. Cocks. Flamed Bybloemen : 1. Cerese Lelat, Mrs. C. Cocks; 2. Duchess of Wellington, Colonel Money ; 3. Norwich Black Baguet, W. Gillman, Esq. ; 4. Princess Charlotte, G. Baldwin, Esq. ; 5. Diana, Mrs. C. Cocks. Feathered Rose : 1. Grand Valem, 2. Hebe Supei^fine, 3. Cramoise de Confrater, 4. Reine de Flemes, and 5. Van Eeden, Mrs. C. Cocks. Flamed Rose : l. Reine de Roses, J. F. Willis, Esq. ; 2. Triomphe Blandina, Mr. P. Baylis ; 3. Triomphe Royal, T. Rudge, Esq. ; 4. Reine de Cerese, Mr. P. Baylis ; 5. Triomphe de Lisle, J. F. Willis, Esq. Anemones. Dark Double : 1. Mrs. James Rudge ; 2. and 3. J.F.Willis, Esq. ; 4. Mrs.Westfaling ; 5. Mrs. James Rudge. Light Double: 1. J. F. Willis, Esq.; 2. Mr.Reynolds; 3., 4., and 5. J. F. Willis, Esq. — Asparagus: 1 . Mrs. Westfaling ; 2. Colonel Money; 3. T. H. Symons, Esq.; 4. Mrs.Westfaling; 5. Colonel Money. {Hereford Journal, June 3.) The Twenty-third public Exhibition took place on June 24. We have for five years reported this Exhibition, but words now fail us to do it common justice ; and it only remains for us to say, in number and quality it exceeded any we have before witnessed ; and we are assured no Society, whether as downright gardeners or fanciers, can beat the Ross horticulturists. The grand stand was nobly filled, and most tastefully arranged, with a profusion Provincial Hortiadtural Societies : — Yorkshire. 485 of valuables ; and the group in its centre, backed by an extraordinary-sized (S'pirae'a Mlmaria, delphiniums and campanulas could not, we think, be sur- passed in brilliancy and effect. The long stage sparkled, meteor-like, with innumerable-named roses, pinks, ranunculuses, and, to us. Nature's beauty, the double dahlia (although not in quantity), much aided the splendour of this portion of the exhibition. The table for strawberries and cherries was most abundantly covered ; and we heard a lady pronounce the strawberries young lobsters : several plates of Wilmott's Superb having the specimens exceeding an ounce in weight, and many plates of Keen's Seedling took less than twenty to the pound. The table for vegetables was well filled, and some heads of cauliflower were 12 in. in diameter. The number of speci- mens ticketed and entered amounted to 1151, much exceeding any previous Show. The prizes were adjudged as under : — Plants. Stove or Green-house: 1. Cactus specioslssima, Mr. J. D. Wheeler; 2. Celsia incisifolia, and 5. Calceolaria rugosa, J. Cooke, Esq. ; 4. Polygala latifolia, Mr. J. C. Wheeler ; 5. Jcacia arborea, Mrs. Partridge. Heaths: l. Ventricosa superba, Mrs. Westfaling ; 2. Pregnans, Mr. J. D. Wheeler; 3. Ventricosa densa, Mrs. Westfaling; 4. Ti'iflora, Mr. J. D.Wheeler; 5. Depressa, Mr, J. C. Wheeler. Hardy: l. 5pirEe"a wlmaria, E. Prichard, Esq. ; 2. Kalmk latifolia, Mr. Reynolds ; 5. ZJictamnus flore rubro, Mr. Purchas ; 4. Z)elphinium grandiflora, Mr. Reynolds ; 5. Campanula persi- cifolia, Mrs. Piatt. — Flowers. Ranunculuses. Dark: 1. Vortonox, Mrs. Westfaling ; 2. Vulcan, Mr. Crump ; 3. Vincent's Admiral, Mrs. West- faling; 4. Capel, Mr. Crump ; 5. Leo, Mr. T. Edwards. Light: 1. Eliza, 2. Pompelia, and 5. Duchess of Wurtemberg, Mr. Crump; 4. Adrian Ci- tron, and 5. Borsit, Mrs. Westfaling. Pinks. Black and White : 1 . West- lake's Heroine, Mr. T. Edwards ; 2. Symonds' Eclipse, Colonel Money ; 3. Burches's Maid of Kent, Miss Trusted ; 4. Beauty of Wolverhampton, Mr. T. Edwards ; 5. Davy's Eclipse, Mr. Reynolds. Purple Laced : 1 . Buf- faloe's Beauty, Miss Trusted ; 2. Oxonian, J. Cooke, Esq. ; 3. Earl of Uxbridge, Mr. T. Edwards ; 4. Hopkins's Bishop of Winchester, Mr. Reynolds; 5. Haslem's Ruler, Mr. T. Edwards. Red Laced : I.Cooper's Cupid, Miss Trusted ; 2. Stephens's Waterloo, and 3. Ratter's Seedling, Messrs. Breese and Reynolds ; 4. Glory of Newport, J. Cooke, Esq. ; 5. Salter's Imperial, Mr. Reynolds. Selfs and Fancies : 1. Blushing Beauty, Mr. Barrett; 2. George the Fourth, Colonel Money ; 3. Aurora Borealis, J. Cooke, Esq. ; 4. Unknown, J. F. Willis, Esq. ; 5. Duchess of Albemarle, Mr. Reynolds. Roses. Dark 1. Tuscany, K. Evans, Esq.; 2. Pluto, J. Cooke, Esq. ; 3. Royal Purple, Col. Money ; 4. Royal Crimson, K. Evans, Esq.; 5. Afi-icana, Mr. T. Edwards. Light: 1. Moss Provens, E. Pri- chard Esq. ; 2. Celeste, Mr. J. C. Wheeler; 3. Unique, K. Evans, Esq. 4. New Maiden's Blush, E. Prichard, Esq.; 5. Bengalense, K.Evans, Esq. — Frtdt. Cherries: 1. Early May, Mrs. Westfaling; 2. Dredge's Early, Mr. Barrett; 3. May Duke, R.Compton, Esq.; 4. Elton, J. F. Wil- lis, Esq. ; 5. Amber, Mr. Sharp. Strawberries: 1. Wilmott's Superb, and 2. Keen's Seedling, J. Cooke, Esq. ; 3. Carolina, Col. Money ; 4. Rose- berry, Mrs. Westfaling; 5. Alpines, Colonel Money. — Culinary Vegetables. Cauliflowers: 1. J.Cooke, Esq.; 2. Mr. Reynolds; 3. Mrs. Westfaling; 4. Mr. Reynolds; 5. Colonel Money. {Hereford Journal, July 1.) YORKSHIBE. Yorkshire Horticultural Society. — On June 3., the Yorkshire Horticul- tural Society held their June Meeting in Wakefield. From the unfavour- able state of the weather for several weeks past, it was not expected that the display of fruits and flowers would be so choice as might otherwise have been looked for. On entering the room, however, the visitors were most agreeably tlisappointed ; indeed, we have seldom seen a more splendid I I 3 486 Provincial I^orticulhiral Societies : — Yorkshire. exhibition of the riches of Flora. At the top of the room, where the plat- form for the council was placed, there were three most beautiful bouquets of a large size ; and over the president's chair was an arch, entirely com- posed of flowers of the most brilliant hues. The tables were covered with a profusion of hardy and exotic plants in full beauty, with pines, grapes, nectarines, peaches, and early and choice culinary vegetables, in great quantities, several of the latter being new sorts, the cultivation and intro- duction of which may be attributed to this Society, and afford a satisfactory proof of its utiHty. The company was numerous, and consisted of most of the families of the town and vicinity, with others from a distance. Prizes were awarded as follows : — Plants. Rarest Exotic, Thunb^rgfa alata, Mr. Menzies, gardener to C. Rawson, Esq., Halifax. Exotic Bouquet, Mr. Appleby. Hardy Bou- quet : 1. Mr. Menzies; 2. Mr. Senior, gardener to F. Maude, Esq., Hatfield Hall. Best Collection of Green-house Plants, Mr. Senior. Best Green- house Plant. Calceolaria purpurea : 1. Mr. Menzies; 2. Mr. Senior. Ge- raniums: 1. and 2. Mr. Marshall. The finest plant of this species, in the room, was one belonging to Mr. Ashton. This had been misplaced till after the judges had decided ; but when it was brought forward, the council ad- judged an extra-prize to Mr. Ashton for it. Seedling, Pelargonium Raw- sonidimm, Mr. Menzies. Heath, Mr. Senior. Best collection of Heaths, Mr. Senior. Hardy Plant: 1, and 2. iWimulus ?«uscoides, Mr. Senior. Geum coccineum, Mr. Senior. A beautiful specimen of Phlox canadensis was exhibited by Mr. Menzies, but only two prizes could be given in this class. Balsam, Mr. Ashton, — Flowers. Tulips. Feathered Bizards : Land 2. Mr. James Drakes ; 3. B.Eli. Feathered Bybloemens : 1. Mr. Drake ; 2. Jonathan Jackson ; 3. William Clarke. Flamed Bybloemens : 1. Jona- than Jackson ; 2. Mr. Drake; S.W.Clarke. Flamed Bizards : ], 2, and 3. Wm. Clarke. Feathered Roses : 1. Wm.Woodhead; 2. Jon. Jackson ; 3. Joseph Marshall. Flamed Roses : 1. and 2. Jonathan Jackson ; 3. Mr. Drake. Selfs: 1. Wm. Clarke; 2. and 3. Mr. Drake. Breeders: 1, 2, and 3. Benjamin Eli. — Fruit. Pine: 1. Mr. Ashton, gardener to B. Gaskell, Esq., of Thornes House ; 2. Mr. Boothroyd, gardener to R. K. Dawson, Esq., Frickley Hall. Grapes. White: 1. Mr. Plant, gardener to J. Hardy, Esq., Heath ; 2. Mr. Appleby, gardener to the Rev. J. A. Rhodes. Black : 1. Mr. Moore, gardener to T.B. Pease, Esq.; 2. Mr. Ashton. Cherries, Peaches, and Nectarines, Mr. Ashton. Strawberries, Mr. Appleby. Ap- ples, Mr. Padget, gardener to W. F. Paylej", Esq., Squire Pastures.— Culinary Vegetables. Rhubarb, Mr. Hinshey, Henshall, near Snaith. This was a new kind, and of large size. Asparagus, Mr. Campbell, gardener to H. Teale, Esq., Stourton Lodge. Mushrooms, Mr. Ashton. Cabbages, Mr. Campbell. Broccoli : White, Mr. John Marshall, Bell Hill ; Purple, Mr. Palfreyman, Potter Newton. Cabbage Kale, Mr. Palfreyman, Potter Newton. This was a very fine specimen of a new vegetable, which pro- mises to be a valuable addition to our cvdinary plants. Lettuce, Mr. Smith, gardener to A. Peterson, Esq., Wakefield. This prize was much admired. Potatoes, Mr. Boothroyd. Cucumbers, Mr. Marshall. Judges for Fruit and Vegetables, Thomas White, Esq., Mr. Charles Carver, and Mr. John Crament; for Flowers, Mr. Stead, Mr. Jamieson, and Mr. Wm. Barratt ; for Tulips, Mr. William Riley, Mr. John Calton, and Mr. Richard Marshall. Several ladies and gentlemen contributed to the decoration of the room, which was beautifully arranged under the direction of Mr. Wm. Barratt. Amongst the plants we noticed a superb yl^runi nigrum, from the garden of A. Peterson, Esq. ; a Pxonia Moi'dnn, from that of F. Maude, Esq. ; and a Cactus Gpeciosissima, from that of C. Rawson, Esq. {^Yorkshire Gazette, June 6.) Provincial Horticultural Socieiies : — Yorks/iire. 487 The York Floi-ists' Society held their Annual Show of Tulips and Gera- niums on May 26., in Petergate. The prizes were adjudged as follows : — Tulips. Feathered Roses : 1. RoseTriomphe Royal, Mr. Parker ; 2. Hero of the Nile, Mr. W. Hardman ; 3. Conipte de Vergennes, and 4. Num- ber Seven, Mr. Parker ; 5. Doolittle, Mr. W. Hardman. Feathered Bybloe- men : l . Black Baguet, Mr. W. Hardman ; 2. Norfolk Baguet, Mr. Rippon ; S.Violet Grand Turc, Mr. W. Hardman ; 4. Washington, Mr. Parker; 5. Black Baguet, Mr. Parker. Feathered Bizards : 1. Trebisonde, Mr. Rippon ; 2. Due de Savoy, Mr. W. Hardman ; 3. Ardington's Rainbow, Mr. Wilson ; 4. Surpasse Catafalque, and 5. Maitre Partout, Mr. W. Hardman. Flamed Roses: 1. Cerise Primo, and 2. Triomphe Royal, Mr. Parker; 3. Triomphe Royal, Mr. W. Hardman; 4. Cerise Primo, Mr. Summers ; 5. Number Eleven, Mr. Parker. Flamed Bybloemen : 1. Inconi. Pomona, Mr. Wm. Hardman ; 2. Bienfait, Mr. Summers ; 3. Incom. Voorhelm, Mr. Cooper ; 4. Tour de Salisbury, and 5. Bienfait, Mr. W. Hardman. Flamed Bizards: 1. Wolstenholme's Seedling, Mr. Wilson; 2. Bizard Incompar- able, Mr. Pai'ker ; 5. Number Thirty-nine, 4. Number Nineteen, and 5. In- comparable Primus, Mr. W. Hardman. Selfs and Unbroken: 1. White Flag, Mr. Parker ; 2. Roi de Mine d'Or, Mr. Summer ; 3. Number Eighty- nine, and 4. Number Ninety-nine, Mr. W. Hardman ; 5. Roi de Mine d'Or, Mr. Bean. — Geraniums. Scarlet and Dark Grounds : \.Y)a\e\dnuin, Mr. Rigg; 2. Emperor Nicholas, and 3. Defiance, Mr. Parker. Violet and Light Grounds : 1. Husseya«M7H, Mr. Bean ; 2. Beaute Supreme, Mr. Par- ker; 5. Countess, Mr. Rigg. White Grounds : 1. Macranthon, Mr. Par- ker; 2. Coronation, Mr. Rigg; 3. Macranthon, Mr. Bean. At the first Show of the season, held a few weeks ago, Mr. W. Hardman was presented with a piece of plate, he having won the greatest number of first prizes during the year 1828. Mr. A. Parker was presented with another piece of plate, he being the greatest winner of first prizes with geraniums, roses, and bouquets, during the same year. {Yorkshire Gazette, May 30.) Wakefield Florists' Society, — This Society held their Annual Show of Tulips on June 1., which was very numerously and respectably attended. The Show was most excellent, and appeared to give general satisfaction. Prizes were adjudged as follows : — Feathered Bizards: 1. Sir Sydney Smith, Mr. Shillito; 2. Gigantum, Mr. Blackburn ; 3. Due de Savoy, Mr. Shillito; 4. Gold Mont, Mr. Gill; 5. Trafalgar, Mr. Shillito ; 6. Leopoldina, Mr. I31ackburn. Feathered By- bloemens : 1. Gloria Mundi, Mr. Shillito; 2. Washington, Mr. Stephenson ; 3. Bienfait Incomparable, Mr. Drake ; 4. Cupido, Mr. Hardman ; 5. Bien- fait, Mr. Poynton ; 6. Light Baguet, Mr. Hardman. Feathered Roses : 1 . Doolittle, Mr. Shillito ; 2. Neat and Clean, Mr. Stephenson ; 3. Rose Lilby, Mr. Blackburn ; 4. Rose Beaurepere, Mr. Drake ; 5. Violett Quarto, Mr. Blackburn ; 6. Gray Stella, Mr. Poynton. Flamed Bizards : 1. Bell's lung, Mr. Shillito ; 2. Princess, and 3. Chat de Crickles, Mr. Gill ; 4. Mag- nifique, Mr. Blackburn ; 5. Surpasse la Cantique, Mr. Gill ; 6. Surpasse Ca- tafalque, Mr. Poynton. Flamed Bybloemens : 1. Dunstan, Mr. Stephen- son; 2. Black Baguet, Mr. Blackburn; 3. Seedling, Mr. Poynton ; 4. Woade's King, Mr. Newsome ; 5. Unknown, Mr. Hardman ; 6. Washington, Mr. Shillito. Flamed Roses: I. Favourite Rose, Mr. Gill; 2. Triomphe Royal, Mr. Drake ; 3. Cerise LifFe, Mr. Hardman ; 4. Rose Unique, Mr. Poynton ; 5. Unknown, Mr. Blackburn ; 6. Due de Bronte, Mr. Poynton. Selfs : 1. Mine d'Or, Mr. Gill; 2. Mountain of Snow, Mr. Blackburn; 3. Un- known, Mr. Stephenson ; 4. Mirabella, and 5. Unknown, Mr. Blackburn ; 6. Queen of Sultana, Mr. Shillito. Breeders: l. and 2. Mr. Blackburn ; 5. Mr. Newsome. Double: 1. Yellow, Mr. Hardman; 2. Striped, Mr. Blackburn; 5. Red, Mr. Hardman, {Wakefield and Halifax Journal^ June 5.) I 1 4 488 Prov. Hort. Soc. : — • Northiwiberhmd and Durham. NoRTHUMBERtAND AND DuRHAM. Botanical and Horticultural Societt/ of Durham, Northumberland, and Newcastle upon Tyne. — At a General Meeting of this Society, held at Newcastle, on June 5., the following prizes were awarded : — For the best dish of grapes, of sorts named, the gold medal to Mr, Joseph Clarke, gardener to Mrs. Bewicke, Close House. For the best half peck of potatoes, from the open ground, the silver medal to Mr. John Gledston, gardener to \Vm. Qrde, Esq., Nunnykirk. For the best half peck of peas m pod, to Mr. James Scott, gardener to Edward Charlton, Esq., Sandoe. For the best bybloemen tulip, named (Incomparable Panach^e), to Mr. Mat- thew Bates, Kenton. For the best rose and white tulip, named (Reine des Roses), to Mr. James Scott, gardener at Sandoe. For the best bizard tulip, named (Surpasse la Cantique), to Mr. Adam Hogg, at Messrs. Falla and Co's, Gateshead. For the best seedling geranium, to Mr. Christopher Robson, gardener at Dr. Headlam's, Jesmond, named (Isabella). For the best three double-scarlet Brompton stocks, to Mr. Harrop, Sunderland. For the best exotic plant in flower (Agapanthus umbellatus), to Mr. Wm. Kelly, gardener to A. Donkin, Esq., Jesmond. For the best bouquet of flowers, to Mr. Adam Hogg, at Messrs. Falla and Co's, Gateshead. An extra-prize, viz. a bronze medal, was awarded by the judges to Mr. James Scott, for a very fine bizard tulip (Mentor). The exhibition was one of the finest that has been held by the Society, and attracted a very large concourse of subscribers and their friends, who were evidently highly gratified. The Hexham Meeting of the same Society was held on June 9., when the prizes were awarded as follows : — For the best dish of grapes, of sorts named, the gold medal to Mr. Wm. Grey, gardener to Thomas James, Esq., Beaufront. For the best half peck of potatoes, from the open ground, the silver medal; and for the best half peck of peas, the silver medal, to Mr. Thomas Watson, gardener at James Kirsopp's, Esq., Spital. For the best bybloemen tulip, named (Monsieur Pitt), to Mr. T. Grey, gardener, Humshaugh. For the best cherry-coloured and white tulip, named (Rose Unique), to Mr. Thomas Cook, gardener to T. W. Beaumont, Esq., Bradley Hall. For the best bizard tulip, named (La Cantique), to Mr. James Scott, gardener to Edward Charlton, Esq., Sandoe. For the best seedling geranium, to Mr. Clarke, gardener to Mrs. Bewicke, Close House. For the best three double-scarlet Brompton stocks, and for the best bouquet of flowers, to Mr. James Scott, gardener, Sandoe. For the best exotic plant in flower, J^'chiura fastuosum, to Mr. James Charlton, gardener to Stamp Brooksbank, Esq., Hermitage, near Hexham. The Meeting was most respectably and numerously attended ; and the exhibition, which was most beautiful, evidently gave great pleasure to those who honoured it with their presence. {^Newcastle Courant, June 13.) At a General Meeting of the above Society, held at Newcastle, on July 5., the following prizes were awarded : — For the best-flavoured Pine-apple, the gold medal ; and for the best melon (George the Fourth's Favourite), the gold medal, to Mr. John Gledston, gar- dener to William Orde, Esq., Nunnykirk. Dish of Grapes, the silver medal to Mr. William Lawson, gardener to Matthew Bell, Esq., Woolsington. Dish of Strawberries, Bouquet of Chinese Roses, and Bouquet of Flowers, a silver medal, to Mr. Thomas Cooke, gardener at T. W. Beaumont's, Esq., Bywell Hall. Dish of Cherries, the silver medal to Mr. T. Watson, gardener to James Kirsopp, Esq., Spital, near Hexham. Double Ranunculus, named : 1. The Mulatto Maid, the silver medal to Mr. Matthew Bates, Kenton ; 2. Beaute fine, the bronze medal to Mr. Harrop, Sunderland. Twelve double Roses, the silver medal to Mr. James Scott, gardener to Edward Charlton, Esq., Sandoe. Double Pink, named: l. Davcy's Lord Wellington, the silver medal to Mr. John Wilson, Newcastle ; 2. Archduke Charles, the Prov. Hort. Soc. : — Northutnherland and Durham. 489 bronze medal to Mr. Thomas Grey of Humshaugh. Best Exotic Plant in Flower (Erythrina crista galli), the silver medal to James G. Clarke, Esq., Fenham. ( Newcastle Courant, July 1 ] .) The Botanical and Horticultural Society of Hexham. — This Society held a Meeting at Mrs. Wilson's, Bush Inn, on June 3., for the exhibition of tulips and stocks, when the prizes were awarded as follows : — Tulips. White Ground : 1. Brown Diana, Mr. Robert Charlton, gardener. Wall; 2. Incomparable Amazon, and 5. Rose Triomphe Royal, Mr. James Scott, gardener to Edward Charlton, Esq., Sandoe ; 4. Mr. Pitt, Mr. Joseph Robson, Hexham ; 5. Reine des Amazons, Mr. Robert Charlton, gardener. Wall. Yellow Ground: l. Maddox's Yellow, 2. Aquavera, and ,5. Grotes, Mr. Robert Charlton, gardener. Wall ; 4. La Belle Financier, Mr. Robert Grey, gardener, Humshaugh ; 5. Gloria Mundi, Mr. Robert Charlton, gar- dener. Wall. — Stocks. Best six: Mr. James Scott, Sandoe. {Ibid.) Gateshead Florists^ Society. — This Society held their Annual Show of Tulips on June 1,, when prizes were awarded as follows : — 1. Incomparable O, John Pearson; 2. Triumphe de Lisle, and 3. Arch- duchess, William Joyce; 4. Rose Triomphe Royal, John Ford; 5. King George the Fourth, Oswald Robson. {Ibid,, June 13.) Stamfordham Florists' Society. — This Society held their Annual Show of Tulips on June 1., when the prizes were adjudged as follows : — Tulips. White: 1. Hof ban-Manicha, and 2. Bienfait, Mr. E. Johnson ; 3. Rose Torschia, and 4. Beauty Virginal, Mr. George Hedley ; 5. Over- winer, Mr. Joseph Charlton. Yellow : 1. Maddocks, 2. Grace, and 3. Ho- neycomb, Mr. G. Surtees ; 4. Black Prince, Mr. Joseph Charlton ; 5. Bell's King, Mr. Henry Weightman. (Ibid.) Morpeth Florists^ Society. — This Society held their Tulip Show on June 4., at Mr. M'Lellan's. Prizes were awarded as follows : — Tulips. Rose-coloured: 1. Noble Blanche, Mr. John Dixon; 2. Cerise Triomphant, Mr. M'Lellan; 3. Rose Triomphe Royal, Mr. Hindhaugh; 4. Rose Primo, Mr. Lewins ; 5. Rose Hebe, Mr. Hindhaugh. Violet-co- loured : 1. Triomphe de Lisle, and 2. La Pucelle, Mr. Hindhaugh ; 5. Con- stant, and 4. Triomphe d'Europe, Mr. M'Lellan ; 5. Grand Alexandre, Mr. Lewins. Yellow : 1. Catafalque, and 2. General Bolivar, Mr. Hindhaugh ; 3. Goudbeures, Mr. John Dixon ; 4. Grandeur du Monde, Mr. Hindhaugh ; 5. Grandeur Magnifique, Mr. Edward Noble. {Ibid.) The Independent Society of Florists at Heiuorth. — The Annual Meeting for the Show of Tulips was held on June 6., when a very great variety of that elegant flower was exhibited, and the prizes adjudged as follows : — 1. Ceres de Grande, Mr. Thomas DLxon ; 2. Lord Nelson, Mr. George Stephenson; 3. Violet Kess Cubal, and 4. Triomphe Royal, Mr. Andrew Bouglas ; 5. Gay Stella, Mr. George Stephenson. After which, the evening was spent in the utmost harmony and convi- viality. {Ibid.) Bedlington Florists' Society. — This Society held their Annual Show of Tulips on June 1 ., at the house of Mr. John Morrison, when the following prizes were awarded : — Tulips. White : 1. Absalom, 2. Rose Triomphe Royal, 5. Caroline, and 4. Doolittle, Mr. John Cotes ; 5. Rose Favourite Superior, Mr. John Gra- ham. Yellow : 1 . Maddox's Yellow, Mr. John Cotes ; 2. Glory of Holland, Mr. John Johnson ; 3. Castrum Doloris, Mr. Robert Hay ; 4. King of Prus- sia, Mr. Henry Langlands ; 5. Duke of Bedford, Mr. Robert Hay. {Ibid.) The Union Florists of Bishopwearmouth and its Vicinity held their Annual Show of Tulips on June 8., when the prizes were adjudged as follow : — 1. Rose Triumph Royal, Mr. John Harrop ; 2. General Loftus, Mr. Mat- thew Patton ; 3. Washington, Mr. Thomas Hull ; 4. Belle Actrice, Mr. John Harrop ; 5. Demetrius, Mr. Sutton. {Ibid.) 490 Provincial Horticultural Societies .- — Lancashire. The above Society held their Annual Show of Ranunculuses on June 29., when the prizes were adjudged as follows : — 1. Melange des Beaut&, Mr. John Harrop ; 2. Orestes, Mr. G. Archhold ; 3. Prince of Wurtemberg, Mr. Thomas Hull ; 4. Prince Frederic, Mr. Sut- ton ; 5. Fair Phillis, Mr. G. Archbold. (Netvcaslle Courant, July 11.) The Union Florists of Sunderlmid held a Sweepstake Show of Ranun- culuses on June 7., when Mr. Thomas Hull gained the prize with Orestes. There was exhibited, from the garden of Mr. Thomas Moody, a most hand- some cabbage, of the early York kind, which weighed 6 lb. 1 oz. ; a cauli- flower, from the garden of Mr. G. Patterson, weighing 4 lb. 2 oz. ; and a most beautiful display of roses, from the garden of Mr. Matthew Patton. {_Ibid.) Lancashire. Manchester Floral and Horticultural Society. — The Second Exhibition, this year, of the Floral and Horticultural Society, took place on May 29., in the News-room of the Exchange. Large as this is, it was, however, found much too small for the numerous company who resorted to it during the whole of yesterday afternoon; the condition upon which the room was lent being, that every member should have free admission for himself and family. The arrangements evinced great taste ; and the whole of the beau- tiful specimens of " spring's early promise," as well as the precocious pro- ductions of the hot-house, were displayed to the best advantage, and in the most effective style. The green-house, stove, and hot-house plants formed an oval in the centre of the room. On the right, as you entered the large door, were placed on tables, extending from pillar, fruits and vegetables. On the left, in a similar manner, were placed tulips, arranged in their dif- ferent orders. The herbaceous plants were situated at the right hand of the lower end of the room, and the hardy plants on the left. This being what is termed the tulip show, they of course formed the principal feature in the exhibition ; we cannot say, however beautiful some of the grapes were, that, taken as a whole, they were equal to those of last year. The hot-house and stove plants were the chief attraction in the room, The great advantage and convenience of the arrangements consisted in the faci- lity afforded to the company of seeing every thing, by a way being open on both sides of the table. The Manchester band were in attendance, and played at short intervals during the whole of the day. At the conclusion of the exhibition, the stewards dined together at Mr. Lawler's, the Dog and Partridge. The following is a list of the prizes : — Plants. Stove : Two best. Cactus speciosissima and Ardisia colorata, a silver cup, Mrs. Hobson. Best, Gloriosa superba, Richard Potter, Esq. Green-house, Grevillia acanthifolia, the Rev. J. Clowes. Her- baceous, the Rev. W. Clowes. i'rica, Mrs. Hobson. Geranium, Feronia, W. Garnett, Esq. Hardy Shrub, C. Wood, Esq. Basket of Flowers, R. Potter, Esq. — Tulips. Pan of six: l. (the silver cup), William Turner, Esq. ; 2. W. Leighton, Esq. Feathered Bizards, Mr. Winstanley. Flamed Bizard, Mr. Bow. F^eathered Bybloemen, Mr. Falkner. Flamed Bybloemen, James Hardman. Feathered Rose, W.Tur- ner, Esq. Flamed Rose, James Walker, Esq — Fruit. Pine, P. Mars- land. Grapes, R. Potter, Esq. Peaches, the Earl of Wilton. — Culinary Vegetables. Cucumber, C. J. S. W^alker, Esq. Asparagus and Mushroom, F. Bayley, Esq. Peas, T. J. Trafford, Esq. Cauliflower, C. J. S. Walbe, Esq. Rhubarb, E. J. Lloyd, Esq. Lettuce, R. W. Barton, Esq. Cab- bage, F. Bayley, Esq. {Manchester Advertiser.) The Third Meeting of this Society, for the exhibition of pinks, ranuncu- luses, roses, stove, green-house, and herbaceous plants, fruits, vegetables, &c., was held on June 26. The display of pinks and ranunculuses was as Proroiiicial Hortiailtural Societies : — Lancashire. 491 fine as any we ever witnessed ; the only defect apparent in the roses was that of their being too fully blown. The frnit and vegetable tables were never seen to greater advantage. The strav/berries, which were of enormous size, excited particular attention ; and the other fruits were of superior growth. Amongst the vegetables we observed a cucumber, grown by Chas. Walker, Esq., which was 26f in. in length ; it is to be sent as a [)resent to Mr. Coke of Norfolk, the celebrated agriculturist. There were other vegetable pro- ductions equiilly entitled to admiration. The prizes were awarded as follows : Plants. Stove : 1. Mrs. Hobson of Hope ; 2. Mr. Charles Wood. Green- house : 1. and 2. R. W. Barton, Esq. Herbaceous : 1. Mr. Charles Moore ; 2. Mr. Edward Leeds. E\-\ci£ : 1 . and 2. Thomas Hey wood, Esq. Gera- nium : 1 . James Ramsbotham, Esq. ; 2. Richard Potter, Esq. Hardy shrub : 1. and 2. Mr. Charles Wood. — Flowers. Roses Single Red Moss : 1. Mr. Moore; 2. Mr. J. Faulkner. Red and Blush : 1- Mr- J. Hamnett ; 2. Mr. E. Deane. White Moss: 1. Mr. J. Smith,- 2. R. W. Barton, Esq. Red Moss: I. Mr H.Bent; 2. Mr. T. Marvin. Marbled: 1. Mr. E. Deane; 2. Mr. Charles Wood. Crimson : 1 . Mr. J. Hodgson ; 2. Mr. C. Moore. Tuscany (new class): 1. Mr. C.Moore; 2. Mr. J. Smith. Purple (new class): 1. and 2. Mr. J. Faulkner. Dark Red (new class): l.Thos. Booth- man, Esq. ; 2. Mr. C. Moore. White : ]. and 2. Mr. C. Moore. Ranun- culuses. Striped: l. and 2. Mr. Thomas Marvin. Dark Self-colour : l.Wm. Leighton, Esq. ; 2. Mr. J. Faulkner. Purple-edged: 1. Wm. Leighton, Esq. ; 2. Mr. Joseph Clegg. Light Self-colour: 1. iSIr. J. Faulkner ; 2. Mr.T. H. Hadfield. White-edged: 1. and 2. Mr. J. Faulkner. Yellow-edged Spotted : 1. Mr. Thomas Walker ; 2. Wm. Leighton, Esq. Pinks. Purple-leaved: I. Mr. Joseph Clegg; 2. Mr. Scrang. Black and White: 1. and 2. Mr. Joseph Clegg. Dahlias. Double: I. and 2. Thomas Knight, Esq. Single : 1. Mr. T. Marvin ; 2. Richard Potter, Esq., of Smedley. Pan of Anemones, Mr. Whitworth of Rochdale. Basket of Flowers: 1. Mr. J. Faulkner; 2. Richard Potter, Esq. An extra-prize was awarded to Mr. Taylor, for the best specimen of Ten-weeks' Stock. — Fruits. Peaches : 1. R. J. Norreys, Esq. ; 2. Earl Wilton. Strawberries. Best dish : 1. Mr. J. Alcock ; 2. Charles Walker, Esq. An extra-prize was awarded to F. Bayley, Esq., for white strawberries. Gooseberries: 1. and 2. Mr. Peter Deane. Pine: 1. and 2. T. Mottram, Esq. Cherries: ]. Mr. Thomas Hamnett; 2. Name unknown. Nectarines, R. J. Norreys, Esq. Red Currants: 1. Mr. T. H. Hadfield ; 2. Mr. F. Bayley. Grapes. Best dish, T. Mottram, Esq. In Pots, Richard Potter, Esq. — Culinary Vegetables. Cauliflowers: 1. Mr. C.Walker; 2. T. J. Trafford, Esq. Peas: I.Mr. F. Bayley ; 2. R. W. Barton, Esq. Carrots, F. Bayley, Esq. Cucum- bers: 1. Mr. C.Walker; 2. Lionel Lloyd, Esq. French beans, T.J. Trafford, Esq. Asparagus, R. W. Barton, Esq. Lettuce : 1 . L. Lloyd, Esq. ; 2. John Thackeray, Esq. Celery, L. Lloyd, Esq. Onions and Turnips, Mr. C. Walker. Extra-prizes were given to R. W. Barton, Esq., for a dish of carrots ; to Mr. B. H. Green, for a dish of peas ; and to Mr. C. Walker, for a cabbage of ample dimensions. Charles Wood, Esq., obtained no less than ten prizes, namely : — For the second-best stove-plant, Ifedjchium angustifolium ; the ninth-best green- house plant. Gloxinia speciosa ; for the best hardy shrub, iihododendron maximum ; the second-best hardy shrub, i?hododendron ferrugineum ; the third-best hardy shrub, Andromeda cassiiieioWa ; the seventh-best herbaceous plant, Dracocephalum Ruyschiawa; the eighth-best herbaceous plant, Poda- lyri« australis ; the second-best marbled rose ; the thii"d-best marbled rose ; the fourth-best dark rose. The Salford band was in attendance, and contributed to the gratification of the company by playing a variety of popular and select airs. ( Wheeler^ s Manchester Cliron., June 27.) 492 Provincial Horticultural Societies : — Laiicashij-e. Liverpool Floral and Horticultural Society. — The grand Tulip SIiow, being the second exhibition of flowers, fruits, &c., of the present season, took place on May 28. The number and perfection of the tulips exhibited commanded universal admiration ; and they were, indeed, beautiful beyond any expectation which the lengthened protraction of a season, particularly unfavourable for their culture, could have permitted one to indulge. The prizes were awarded as follows : — Plants. Stove : 1. Cactus speciosissima, Mr. Cunningham ; 2. Ixora coc- cinea, Mr. Davis j 3. Amaryllis Johnsoni, Mr. Ashtou Yates ; 4. Gesneria verticillata, Thomas Case, Esq.j 5. Gloxinia speciosa alba, Mrs. Edward Cropper ; 6. Thunbergfa alata, Mr. Powell ; 7. Gloxinia speciosa, Mr. Smith, Fullwood Lodge ; 8. Oncidium flexuosum, Thos. Case, Esq. Green- house : 1. Maurandya Barclaya?ja, Mr. Davis; 2. Calceolaria connata, Mr. Whalley ; 5. Calceolaria corymbosa, Mr. Cunningham ; 4. Calceolaria ru- gosa var., Mrs. Rathbone; 5. Agapanthus umbellata, Mr. C. Rawden; 6. Calceolaria rugosa, Mrs. Cropper ; 7. Epacris grandiflora, Mrs. Rathbone ; 8. Eutaxia ??jyrtif61ia, Mr. Davis. Ericas : 1. Pregnans coccinea, Mr. Whal- ley ; 2. Vestita rosea, Mr. Dyson ; 3. Donsa, Mr. Whalley ; 4, Vestita coc- cinea, Mr. Dyson ; 5. Lennox, Mr. Whalley ; 6. Translucens, Rev. R. Guillam ; 7. Laves, and 8. Vestita fulgens, Mr. Davis. Herbaceous : 1. Mi- mulus luteus, Mr. Smith, Fullwood Lodge ; 2. iilium longiflorum, Mrs. Cropper; 3. Geum coccineum, Mr. Skirving; 4. Astragalus uralensis, Mr. Davis ; 5. il/imulus moschatus, and 6. Ramonda pyramldica, Mr. Skirving ; 7. Lenira [? ] alpina, Mr. Powell ; 8. Galardia bicolor, Mr. Skirving. Pelargo- niums: 1. Davey«wM?M, Mrs. Rathbone ; 2. Paul Pry, and 3. Latifolium, Mr. Skirving; 4. George the Fourth, Mr. Powell; 5. Tricolor, Mr. Skirving; 6. Smithii, 7. Apollo, and 8. Macranthon, Mr. Thomas Walker. Hardy : 1. Psednia arborea, Mr. Whalley; 2. Eccremocarpus scaber, and 3. Hy- drangea hortensis, Mr. Skirving ; 4. Azalea calendulacea, Mr. R. B. Yates ; 5. Azalea pontics, Mr. Smith, Knowsley ; 6. J7'lex europae'us, Mr. Skirving ; 7. iedum Auxifolium, Mr. R. B. Yates ; 8. Azalea coccinea, Mr. Whalley. Orange Trees : 1. Mrs. Cropper ; 2. H. B. Hollinshead. Lemon Tree : Mr. Roskell. Baskets of Plants : 1 . Mr. Skirving ; 2. Mrs. E. Cropper ; 3. H. B. HoHinshead, Esq. Baskets of Cut Flowers: 1. and 2. Mr. Whalley; 3. Mrs. Rathbone. Double Dahlia (Georgma) speciosa: 1, 2, 3. and 4. Mr. Davies. Paeonies (Cut Flowers) : 1. Pavonia, Mr. Skirving; 2. Officinalis, Mr. Whalley; 3. Hamilles, 4. Riibra Plena, and 5. Anomalia, Mr. Skirving. — Tnlips, Premier Prizes : 1. Lambert's Rising Sun, Premier Mobile, Rose Unique, Triomphe Royal, Due de Savoy, and Black Baguet, Mr. Leighton ; 2. Rose Unique, Firebrand, Violet Waller, Charbonnier Noir, Sherwood's Rose, and Baguet, Mr. Morris, Manchester; 3. Count de Vergennes, Unique, Cleopatra, Baguet, Firebrand, and Vestris, Mr. Morris, Manches- ter; 4. (Best six bed-flowers) Albion, Unique, Violet Ti-iumphant, Captain White, Baguet, and Flora, Mr. Pyke. Feathered Bizards : 1. Firebrand, Mr. Morris; 2. Due de Savoy, Mr. Bruce; 3. Trafalgar, Mr. Appleton ; 4. Goud Beaurs, Mr. Morris ; 5. Catafalque, Mr. Bruce ; 6. Surpasse Cata- falque, Mr. Taylor ; 7. Rising Sun, Mr. Morris. Flamed Bizards: 1. La Cantique, Mr. Appleton; 2. Bailey de Holland, Mr. Bruce; 3. Lustre, Mr. Morris ; 4. Beaute Frappante, Mr, Leighton ; 5. Flamed de Guarel, Mr. Taylor; 6. Onyxcolea, Mr. Bruce; 7. Smith's Alexander, Mr. Leighton. Feathered Bybloemen: 1. Baguette, Mr. Leighton; 2. Soot, Mr. Appleton; 5. Bienfait, Mr. Leighton ; 4. Surpassant, Mr. Morris ; 5. Rowbottom's In- comparable, Mr. Harrison ; 6. Franciscus, Mr. Morris ; 7. Washington, Mr. Bruce. Flamed Bybloemen : 1. Reine d'Egypt, Mr. Leighton; 2. Violet Alexander, Mr. Bruce; 3. Princess Charlotte, and 4. Abdalonymus, Mr. Leighton ; 5. Laura, Mr. Bruce ; 6. Marie Pitt, Mr. Powell ; 7. Imneratrice, Mr. Leighton. Feathered Cherry, or Rose : 1. Count, and 2. Nile, Mr. Provincial Horticultural Societies : — Lancashire, 493 Leighton; 3. Little, Mr. Taylor ; 4.\Valvvorth, and 5. Triomphe Royal, Mr. Morris; 6. Gastelle, Mr.Appleton; 7. Holden's Rose, Mr. Bruce. Flamed Cherry, or Rose : I. Unique, Mr. Morris; 2. Vesta, Mr. Leighton ; 5. In- comparable, Mr. Wlialley ; 4. Triomphe Royal, Mr. Leighton; 5. Rose Ce- rise, Mr. Bruce ; 6. Rose Mintia, Mr. L Taylor ; 7. Rose Domingo, Mr. Pyke. Double Tulips : 1. Mr, Appleton ; 2. Mr. Whalley; 3. Mr. Board- man ; 4. Mr. Bruce. Self, or Breeder Tulips : l. Yellow, and 2. Breeder, Mr. L M. Taylor; 3. Seedling, Mr. Appleton ; 4. Flag, Mr. Roby. Maiden Growers. Best Feathered Bizard : 1. Due de Savoy, Mr. John Leigh; 2. Magnus, Mr. Carter. Best Flamed Bizard : 1. Catafalque, and 2. Phoenix, John Leigh. Best Feathered Bybloemen : 1. Baguette, John Leigh; 2. Seed- ling, Mr. Carter. Best Flamed Bybloemen : l. Triumph, and 2. Prince of Egypt, John Leigh. Best Feathered Cherry, or Rose: 1. Dolittle, Mr. Davis ; 2. Triumph, John Leigh. Best Flamed Cherry, or Rose : ]. Vesta, Mr. Carter ; 2. Cerise, John Leigh. — Fruit. Pine-Apples : 1 . and 2. Jamaica, Mr, Powell ; 3. Enville, Mr. Comer. Grapes. Black : 1. and 2. Hamburgh, Mr. Tayleure; 3. Mr. Cunningham. White: 1. and 2. Frontignac, Mr. Cunningham; 5. Mr. Smithy Fulwood Lodge. Strawberries: 1. Mr. Ros- kell; 2. Rev. R. Guillam ; 3. Mr. Roskell. Apples of 1828 : 1. and 2. Mr. Roskell ; 3. Mr. Isaac Harrison ; 4. H. B. Hollinshead, Esq. Nuts of 1828: Land 2. Mr. Whalley. — Culinary Vegetables. Asparagus: I.Mr. S. Woodhouse ; 2. Mr. A. Yates; 5. Mr. Smith, Fulwood Lodge. Cucum- bers : 1. and 2. Mr. Smith, Knowlesley; 3. T. Case, Esq.; 4. Mr. Powell. Turnips: 1. Mr. T. Walker; 2. Mr. Smith, Fulwood Lodge ; 3. Mrs. Rathbone. Lettuces : 1 . Mr. Davis ; 2. W. Earle, Esq. ; 3. Mr. T. Walker. Mushrooms: 1. W. Earie, Esq. ; 2. H. B. Hollinshead, Esq.; 3. Mr. Ros- kell. Peas: 1, 2. and 5. Mrs. Rathbone ; 4. W. Earle, Esq. Beans: 1 . T. Case, Esq. French Beans : 1 . T. Case, Esq. ; 2. Mr. Smith, Knowles- ley; 3. Mr. Tayleure; 4. Mr. Smith, Knowlesley. Cauliflowers: 1. Mrs. Rathbone ; 2. Mr, Preston ; 3, Mrs. Rathbone. Extra-Prizes. Cabbage, Mrs. Rathbone and Mrs. Cropper. Rhu- barb, Mr. H. Barnes and Mr. Whalley. Persian Lilac, Mr. R. B. Yates. Baskets of Plants, W. Earie, Esq., Mr. Dyson, Mr, Powell, Mr, Dobson, Mr, O, Heyworth, Mrs. Rathbone, Mr. H. Wilson, Mrs. Pyke, Mr. Skirving Mr. Cooke, Mr. Horsfall, Mr. Hadwen, Mr. Whalley, and Mr. Tudor! Fuchsia gracilis (green-house), Mr. Skirving and Mrs. Cropper. Ixora coccinea (stove), H. B. Hollinshead, Esq. Justicia bicolor (stove), Mr. Horsfall. {Liverpool Chronicle, May 30.) The Ashton under Lyne Floral Society held their Second Meeting on June 29. ; and The Stockport Floral Society held their First Meeting on June 50. Both Meetings were numerously and most respectably attended. {Manchester Courier, July 4.) Bolton Floral and Horticultural Society. — The Third Meeting of this So- ciety was held on July 1., at the large room in the Commercial Inn, for the exhibition of pinks, ranunculuses, stove, green-house, and herbaceous plants, fruits, &c. On account of the excessive wetness of the weather, the com- pany was not so numerous as on former occasions, but the Show itself was peculiarly worthy of admiration. The ericas of Roger Holland, Esq., at- tracted much notice, and deservedly, as they were truly superb and unique. The following are amongst the principal prizes obtained : — Plants. Stove: 1. Erythrina crista galli, W. Hulton, Esq. ; 2. Hoya carnosa, W. Grey, Esq. ; 3. Gardenia; radicans, E. Silvester, Esq. Green- house : 1. Clethra arborea, Joseph Ridgway, Esq. ; 2. Poljgala cordi- folia, W. Hulton, Esq. ; 3. Calceolaria rugosa, R. Holland, Esq. Herba- ceous : 1. Delphinium grandiflorum, R. Holland, Esq. ; 2. Psonk alba Whitleii, Mr. James Rushton. Hardy : 1. Kalmia angustifolia, E. Ash- worth, Esq.; 2. /Rhododendron ponticum, R. Holland, Esq.; 3. Azalea 494' Provincial Horticultural Societies : — Devonshire. 41ba, Joseph Ridgway, Esq. Geraniums: 1. Victory, and 2. Lady of the- Lake, R. Holland, Esq. Erica, R. Holland, Esq. — Fruits. Pine, W. Hulton, Esq., Joseph Ridjjway, Esq. Grapes, E. Ashworth, E?q. Melon, Joseph Ridgway, Esq. Cherries, E. Ashworth, Esq. Strawberries, W. Hulton, Esq., James Cross, Esq. Gooseberries, Mr. Matthew Gaskell. — Cxdinary Vegetables. Cucumbers, James Cross, Esq. Cauliflowers, Mr. Jos. Taylor. Lettuce, Miss Pilkington. Extra-Prizes. Zedum altius, Jos. Ridgway, Esq. Cucumber, E. Ash- worth, Esq. Broccoli, Celery, and Carrots, W. Hulton, Esq. Spinach, R. Rawson, Esq. Onions, A. Knowles, Esq. Calathea [? sp.], G^ladiolns cardinalis, and Maranta zebrina, Joseph Ridgway, Esq. Passiflora, E. Sil- vester, Esq. Thunbergia [? sp.] and Eccremocarpus scaber, Roger Holland, Esq, Combretum purpureum, W. Hulton, Esq. Best Basket of Flowers, E. Ashworth, Esq. {Manchester Courier, iuXy 4.) Bolton Floral and Horticitllural Society. — The Second Meeting of this Society, for the season, was held on May 29. The exhibition of tulips, stove, green-house, and herbaceous plants, fruit, &c., was excellent; and the very tasteful manner in which they were staged, gave the room a very pleasing effect. The company who attended consisted of nearly all the beauty and fashion of the town and neighbourhood. The Bolton old band was in attendance, as usual, and performed several interesting airs, in very creditable style. From the extensive and increasing patronage bestov/ed upon this Society, we anticipate that, at no distant period, it will rank as one of the first of the kind in the kingdom. We are sorry to say, that, from the lateness of the hour at which we received the list of the prizes, and the names of the persons to whom they were adjudged, we have been com- pelled to insert only the names of those who gained the first in each class : Plants. Stove, JMusa coccinea, Joseph Ridgway, Esq. Green-house, Calceolaria rugosa, R. Holland, Esq. Herbaceous, iSedum album, Joseph Ridgway, Esq. Hardy, ZJaphne C'neorum, E. Ashworth, Esq. Geranium, the best Triomphe de Flora, R. Holland, Esq. jBrica tubiflora, R. Hol- land, Esq. — Tulips. Best pan (as in each class), and best Tulip, Goud Beaurs, Mr. James Tomlinson. Feathered Bizard, Due de Savov, Mr. James Rushton. Feathered Bybloemen, Bienfait, Mr. Richard Greenhalgh. Feathered Rose, Comte de Vergennes, R. Holland, Esq. Flamed Bizard, Incomparable Bizard, Mr. William Crossley. Flamed Bybloemen, Atlas, Mr. James Rushton. Flamed Rose, Rose Unique, Mr. Wm. Crompton. Self: Yellow, Mr. Richard Greenhalgh. Breeder, Isabella of Cherries, Mr. Henry Pickering. Double, Crown Imperial, Mr. Richard Greenhalgh. — Fruit. Pine, Joseph Ridgway, Esq. Grapes, James Cross, Esq. Straw- berries, J. Ridgway, Esq. — Culinary Vegetables. Cucumbers, E. Ash- worth, Esq. Lettuce, Miss Pilkington. {Bolton Chron., May 50.) Devonshire. The Devon and Exeter Horticultural Society is now regularly organised, and we have just received a printed copy of their rules and regulations. " The objects of the Society will be, to extend the knowledge of botany, and to encourage useful and ornamental horticulture in the south-west of England." Meetings and exhibitions are to be held, a library formed, and, if practicable, a botanical and experimental garden established. The ordinary members are of two classes, who pay yearly 2ls., and 10*. 6d. respectively; payments made in advance, on the 1st of January each year — a wise regu- lation; and donors of 25/., and subscribers of 2/. 2*. and upwards, annually, shall be perpetual members and committee-men. The following is also an excellent regulation : — "As the property and advantages of the Society increase, no new members [except practical gardeners] shall be admitted, without the payment of a premium on admission, in addition to their sub- Biography : — Mr. William Smith. 495 scription ; the amount of such premium to be fixed, from time to time, by the Annual Meeting." The list of officers and of the committee for the present year is highly respectable ; and, we have no doubt, every man who has a stake in the soil, within thirty miles of Exeter, will soon connect himself with this Institution, which does credit to those who have exerted themselves to set it agoing ; and of these, we know Mr. Veitch has been very active, and will soon produce an impression on its field of exertions. The management of this Exhibition was entrusted to a committee, who employed an experienced gardener to attend, iu order to receive and unpack the articles intended to be exhibited, to pay proper attention to them while they remained, and to repack and deliver such as were returned to the contributors. The following are the prizes which were awarded : — Plants. Best bouquet of hardy annuals, six best tender annuals, were exhibited in pots, six best specimens of hardy perennials, six best specimens of hardy flowering shrubs, best bulbous-rooted tender exotic, and best tender exotic of any other kind, 1/. Is. each. — Floivers. Best six roses of sorts, in a bouquet, best six indicaodorata and Noisette roses, in a bouquet, 1/. Is. each. Best three climbing roses, in a bouquet, 105. 6d. Three best bizard car- nations of sorts, 1/. \s., three second best, 15*. Three best flake carnations of sorts, 1/. \s.; three second best, 155. Best seedling bizard carnation of the exhibitor's own growth, and not before exhibited, 1/. is. ; second best, subject to the same conditions, 155. Best and second best seedling flake carnations, subject to the same conditions, 155. Best bouquet of carnations, 155. The three best picotees of sorts, 1/. I5. ; three second best, 155. Best seedling picotee of the exhibitor's own growth, and not before exhibited, \l. l5. ; second best, subject to the same conditions, 15*. Best bouquet of picotees, and six best pinks of sorts, 15s. ea.c\\. — Fricit. For the best pine-apple, and best bunch of grapes, 2l. 2s. each. Best melon, best specimen of the Citrus tribe raised without fire or dung-heat, best dish of six apricots, best dish of six peaches, best dish of six nectarines, best dish of six plums, and best dish of cherries, not less than 1 lb. weight, 1/. Is. each. Six heaviest gooseberries, best flavoured dish of gooseberries, best dish of raspberries, best dish of apples of any sort, and best dish of pears of any sort, 1 Os. 6d. each. — Culinaiy Vegetables ,• Four best speci- mens of culinary vegetables of any kind, 1/. Is. each. In addition to the above, the committee were authorised to award the sum often guineas, in such proportions as they should think proper, to such other fruits, vegetables, and flowers, not having gained prizes, as they should con- sider deserving of reward. {Freeman^ s Exeter Flying Post, June 1 1.) Art. IX. Biography. The late William Smith. — Scotland has long been distinguished for pro- ducing superior practical gardeners ; but comparatively few of these have distinguished themselves as botanists. The meritorious young man whose name appears at the head of this article, seemed destined to excel in both characters. He was a son of Mr. James Smith, head gardener to the Earl of Hopetoun, and well known in his profession. He had the advantage of assisting his father in new-modelling the extensive garden at Hopetoun House, and in forming the collection of plants there. The subsequent part of his history we shall quote from a letter (now before us) from Mr. Sabine, secretary of the Horticultural Society of London, addressed to Mr. Neill, secretary of the sister institution in Edinburgh. " William Smith came to us in May, 1825. In April of the following year, he was made under- 4-96 Obituary : — Mr. Francis Charmer. gardener (i. e. foreman) ; and at the time of his death, which happened on tlie 15th of November 1828, when he was only in his 25th year, he had the entire charge of our Arboretum and Experimental Glass Houses. His skill, diligence, disposition, and manners, were all the best. He had the regard and good will of all his companions, and the esteem and respect of his superiors. Had he lived, he would not only have acquired credit as a practical gardener and botanist, but would have made a figure by his writings. He printed two papers in our Transactions; one on pendent trellises, and the other on dahlias. He had another paper on dahlias nearly ready; as well as a monograph on the genus Cyclamen. The British roses had engaged his attention, and I shall probably have to publish some new native species, distinguished by himself. Exclusive of all these, he had collected observations on several of the ornamental genera, as Pxonia, Fiich^a, Calceolaria, and Yucca.'" — This is high praise: it is praise from the first authority on such subjects in the kingdom, and the spontaneous testimony of an honourable mind to modest merit. It may be right to explain that the Arboretum, in the Horticultural Society's garden at Chiswick, is, perhaps, the richest or most varied in Europe, and requires in the superintendent, among other qualifications, very acute botanical dis- crimination ; that the charge of the experimental hot-houses of that estab- lishment implies extensive trust and responsibility ; and that the genus TJosa, which Mr. Smith was engaged in illustrating, is one of the most obscure and difficult of our native genera. {Scotsman, Dec. 51.) [The above appeared during our absence on the Continent, and we regret extremely that though more than one correspondent have sent us copies of the newspaper in addition to our own copy which we receive regularly, we have hitherto, from press of matter, been prevented from giving it insertion. Having frequently seen and conversed with Mr. Smith at the Horticultural Society's garden, we can bear testimony to his great merit, and we sincerely lament his loss. — Cond.] Art. X. Obituary. Died, on the 30th of May last, at his father's house near Thame, Ox- fordshire, aged 24, Mr. Francis Channer, late gardener to Sir Thomas Le Breton, chief magistrate in the Island of Jersey. Distinguished professional abilities, joined to a highly cultivated under- standing, rendered this joung man, while living, an object of the greatest promise and deepest interest. Characterised by virtues and a superiority of demeanour seldom to be found in the sphere he occupied, -he attracted the regard and the respect of all who knew him. The attention shown him by his distinguished employer during his illness, and the anxious efforts ex- erted for his recovery, confer the highest honour upon the heart and dis- position of that gentleman ; and, on the part of his afflicted servant, was felt as a most gratifying proof of approbation. Finding his mortal career inevitably about to terminate, this amiable young man expressed a wish to return to his paternal home; where he awaited and eventually met the stroke of fate, with the calmest feelings of resignation and fortitude; feelings acquired by the habitual cultivation of a proper sense of religion, and the possession of a conscience not oppressed with the gloomy memento of moral turpitude or complicated wickedness. — W. Jersey, June, 1829. , THE GARDENER'S MAGAZINE, OCTOBER, 1829. PART I. ORIGINAL CORRESPONDENCE. Art. I. Notes and Reflections made during a Tour through Part of France and Germany, in the Autumn of the Year 1828. By the Conductor. {Continued from p. 378.) The Botanic Garden of Rouen, September 3. — This gar- den occupies something less than two acres, enclosed by a high wall; it is entered from the south, whence ^^ range of glass meets the eye on the opposite side. This is always a fortunate ciixumstance in a garden containing hot^hquses ; and its absence is to be lamented in the Liverpool botanfc garden, and in those of Kew and of the Horticultural Society, in which we enter behind the hot-houses ; and in the Paris gar- den, where we enter at one side of them. The director of the Rouen garden, M. Dubreuil, has also the care of the public gardens and avenues : he is a man of science and general information, and possesses a good library and her- barium. His son, who is fond of every branch of natural history, and has made a considerable collection of butterflies and other insects, is a studious and very industrious youth, and will be sent to England to complete his education as a nurseryman. What gratified us particularly in this garden was to find Madame Dubreuil fond of plants ; she took a part in our conversation on the subject, and in walking through the garden with us one day, when M. Dubreuil was not there, evinced a knowledge of the application of the Na- tural System, by naming to us the order to which a certain plant belonged, of which she did not recollect the name. This is one grand use of the Natural System; we are less Vol. v.— No. 22. . k k 498 Notes and Reflections during a Tour : — likely to forget the name of a genus than that of a species, of a tribe than of a genus, of an order than of a tribe, of one of the grand subdivisions than of an order, and every man who know^s any thing of the Natural System can tell at sight whether a plant belongs to Monocotyledoneae, Dicotyle- d6ne£e, or Acotyledoneae. This is what cannot be said of the Linnean classification, and hence the importance of assembling, in private flower-gardens, types of all the natural orders and tribes of hardy plants. This (see Vol. II. p. 309.) ought to be done by every gentleman who can afford to have a pleasure- ground or a flower-garden. The arboretum in this garden forms a narrow circum- ferential belt, but does not contain many fine specimens. The interior of the garden is laid out in beds, and planted with herbaceous plants and trees, with vacancies for house-plants ; so that in summer, when these last are set out in their places, almost every order of the Jussieuean system is exemplified. The names of the classes, orders, genera, and species are painted black, on iron plates painted white ; to these plates iron rods are riveted, of four different lengths according to the four divisions of class, order, genus, and species. The most remarkable specimen that we saw among the trees was a standard silk tree (y^cacia JulibrissiJi) 20 ft. high, and finely in flower. The hybrid lilac, Si/rwga chinensis var. rotho- magensis, was raised in this garden by M. Varin, M. Dubreuil's predecessor. M. Marquis, the professor of botany, gives lectures in the green-house here from May till August, three times a week, at six o'clock in the evenings, and herbori- sations in the surroimding country every Thursday. The principal PublicGarden o/^o?/ew adjoins the church of St. Ouen and the Hotel de Ville. It only contains an acre or two ; but it has been laid out with care, and, as far as there is room, is planted with the rarest trees, shrubs, and flowers to be purchased in Rouen. We obseived Magnolm grandi- fl5ra, conspicua, glauca, tripetala, and acuminata ; rhodo- dendrons, azaleas, kalmias, &c. There is a small green- house placed against the church, in which are kept geraniums, georginas, and other green-house or half-hardy plants, which are turned out in the borders and in the groups, during sum- mer, along with balsams and other articles raised in hot dung. The whole of this garden, and all these fine plants and flowers, at this time in the greatest luxuriance, are open the whole day to every part of the public. On the seats we ob- served well-dressed people, servants and children, boys and girls, old men and women, and beggars and their chikh-en. No one touched any thing. In front of the Hotel de Ville, Rouen. ~ 499 in the most ornamental part of the garden, are a basin and fountain, with water-lilies, flowering-rush, sagittarias, &c., and gold fish; and around them was a collection of chrysanthemums in pots. Near this are a parterre of roses and other flowers, and a sun-dial, vieHdien a detonation^ for indicating midday by the firing of a small cannon, the gunpowder being ignited by the concentration of the sun's rays. We have already observed that all the public gardens are under the direction of M. Dubreuil. The planting and high order and keeping of this one does him the greatest credit ; its being open to all manner of persons, at all times, afforded us the highest pleasure. Mr. Pugh's Villa, Sej)t. 2. — This is the first suburban residence at which we called. It is situated in a street, con- tains about 1^ acres of flat surface without distant prospect, is not badly laid out, and is tolerably well kept. Near the entrance a short avenue, terminating in a painted landscape, at once characterises it as French. The principal feature is a collection of large orange trees, some of them with their boxes above 17 ft. high, and it is estimated, that they must be at least several centuries old, since the fathers of old per- sons still alive recollected that in their youth the trees were much of the same size as they are at present. There are a hundred of these venerable and beautiful trees, set out at regular distances, in a square hedged enclosure laid with gravel. In winter the trees are kept in a barn-like building, 85 ft. long, 30 ft. wide, and 18 ft. high, with a few small windows, and a large carriage-entrance in one end. They are taken out and in by Vallet's diable (p. 377.), with one horse and three men ; and each box, which is 4 ft. square, out- side measure, is with this power lifted up or set down in exactly two minutes. Two men will work the machine, but not so well as three ; and four render the work so perfect in point of rapidity, that the whole of these 100 heavy boxes may be taken in or out in one day. The materials of the boxes are oak or chestnut, which, when well painted, last 35 years. These 100 trees, in 1823, produced 14-00 lbs. of blos- soms, which sell, on an average of years, at 3 Jr. per lb., to the apothecaries and confectioners, and to private families who distil their own orange- water. This sura of 4200//'. is sup- posed to pay something more than the expense of keeping these trees, a circumstance which will account for the num- ber of orange ti'ees in France. There is a small green-house, the sashes glazed with panes cut curvilinearly at one end, and square at the other ; a bad plan, which causes a black seg- ment of dirt, and a fracture up the middle of each pane. K K 2 500 Notes and Reflections during a Tour : — Among the plants we observed a large brugmansia in flower, some good specimens of the more common Australian shrubs, and cuttings of A^erium striking root in phials of water. There is a small lawn containing one or two round clumps, and a circuitous walk, sanded and rolled, but not many exotic shrubs. The kitchen-garden occupies three fourths of the whole territory, and is very well cropped. Along the tops of the walls a horizontal vine-shoot is trained and spurred in ; the crop was abundant and the Muscadines beginning to ripen. By far too many of the leaves were stripped off; those left on were full of holes, which the gardener, Jean Picot, told us were the effects of a hail-storm. This good man's hobby was the georgina, of which he had raised some new sorts : his crops showed him to be a good empirical practitioner; but, as far as we conversed with him, he scarcely knew any thing of the science of his art. The Villa of the Abbe Gossier is in the Rue du Nord. The situation is one of the highest in Rouen; and from a pavilion on the top of the house are seen the whole of the town, and an extensive reach of the river. The garden contains above an acre, surrounded by a wall, and somewhat varied in sur- face by Nature, but much more so by the art and taste of the Abbe. Before the principal front of the house is a small lawn bordered by groups of trees, which completely shuts out Rouen, and forms a varied outline to the sky and the distance. All except this lawn is in the artificial style suited to a walled garden, and consists of terraced slopes, espaliers, hedges, dwarfs, vines, shrubs, fanciful little railings, and a line of posts and chains. Among the crops we observed large and excellent alpine strawberries, of the sort which produces no runners, the space between the plants being covered with rye straw : the Abbe propagates them by divi- sion, for the reasons given by M. Racine for propagating by runners (p. 124.), and sometimes also by seeds; at all events the plantation is renewed once a year. The Abbe informed us that no sea-kale was grown about Rouen, but we have since sent him abundance of seeds, and he may at any time pro- cure both seeds and plants from M. Vilmorin of Paris. There is an orangery ; and amongst a variety of curious contrivances about the house, is a painting of a portiere and a watch-dog, which is calculated to surprise one on entering from the street, and which, we believe, wc were told was intended to startle strano;ers and beairars. rill . ^^ 1 he Abbe is the president of the Agricultural Society here, and is very anxious for the progress of the art in this part of the country. We were amused at the account he gave us Rotten. 501 of some British gentlemen of high agricuUural character, who had sohcited to become members of the Rouen Society, and promised to become regular correspondents, but who have never said or done any thing for the Society since. We were not at all surprised at the Abbe's statement; for who in Eng- land, that is not indepeiKlent, can afford to love any art or science purely for its own sake? The Abbe informed us that the Rouen Society had for a number of years past been per- suading the farmers to leave off naked fallows, as recom- mended by the Board of Agriculture ; but they now found that those who took their advice had rendered their land so foul, that half the crop produced was weeds, and the Society were at present recommending fallows again. The Abbe Gos- sier has been some time in England and in Scotland, and is an intelligent, liberal, and most amiable man, worthy of the ease and elegance in which he lives, and of that which alone seems wanting to complete his happiness. We are happy to have fonned so interesting an acquaintance in a part of France which we so much admire, and which, if we ever leave Eng- land, will be the place of our retirement. We are obliged by the honour he has done us in procuring our election as a cor- resjwnding^ member of the Rouen Agricultural Society ; and if we do not fulfil the expectations of the Society any better than other British members, we at any rate did not solicit the honour, and, on receiving it, made no promises. A small Villa near Qiievillj/. — The grounds, which are but little varied, may contain 30 or 40 acres ; the house is a part of a large chateau ; and the general impression of the whole is, that of a deserted and neglected residence, on a site capable of being made something. An Englishman, who has not left his own country cannot form an idea of such; apparent wretch- edness as these grounds present; and yet the proprietor was said to be a man of wealth, and he must have known what comfort is, for there is a newly-formed and well-stocked kitchen-garden. This kitchen-garden was laid out by M. Prevost (p. 372.), and contains examples of his mode of training peach trees a la Forsyth ; i. e. allowing the shoot from the bud to form a main stem, and laying in the laterals horizontally, or at a very large angle. The tree is thus never cut at all. It soon rises to the top of the wall and bears iruit ; but it seldom fills the wall regularly, and, when any branch dies, it is not so easily filled up as by the fan method of training, which, even for an easy method, is greatly to be pre- ferred. It is but justice to M. Prevost, however, to state that he wishes the trees to be cut so as in the end to present the appearance of Mr. Forsyth's apricot tree (J3. of G. p. 720, K K 3 502- Improvements in the Kitchen-Garden fio-. 493.) ; but, judging from appearances in this garden, the desired result is not very likely to be attained. The walls, which were of rubble stone, were covered with a wooden trellis, and to this the shoots of the trees were tied with withered rushes ; but the gardener here seemed to have no idea of filling every part of the wall with shoots. In short, in this operation, as in most others, an English gardener has nothing to learn, in exactness and neatness, from his brethren in France. This garden was very neatly laid out; the walks edged with box, and covered with granite pounded to about the size of peas; the borders planted with dwarfs, except in the angles formed by the turnings and intersections, where a tree trained en jyramide -wa?, planted. In the compartments ■ we observed beds and rows of Perfumed Cherry (Cerasus Mahdleh Mil., bois de St. Lucie, Fr.), which were intended for forming plantations of coppice, that wood being highly prized for fuel on account of its agreeable odour. The stems of some apricot trees from which the gum had issued were covered with what seemed to be pitch, and thatched with wheat straw to exclude the influence of the sun. On the whole, the gai'den was in good order, and is the only part of the residence that we can recall to mind with any satisfaction. The gardener, Claudel le Coint, is a good-humoured man, walks in sabots when in his garden, but puts on shoes when he goes to Rouen ; reads, occasionally, gardening books as well as chansons a boire, and says he can write comme ilfaut. In our next we shall notice the other country seats which we visited in the neighbourhood of Rouen. ( To be continued.) Art. II. 8ome Account of the DuJce of Northumherland's Im- provements in the Kitchen-Garden and Forcing-DeparlmoU at S^on. By the Conductor. The improvements in these gardens, as we have formerly observed (Vol. I. p. 349. and II. p. 107.), were commenced in April, 1826, by the construction of a boundary wall along the public lane from Brentford to Isleworth (fg. 99. a a), the erec- tion of an excellent house for the gardener (b), and the general reformation of the surface and walks of the kitchen -garden. The ground within the walls contains between three and four acres, a quantity which may appear rather small for so large a family; but it must be considered that the Duke of North umber- and Forcing-Department at 8yon. 503 land's residence at Syon is but for a short period of the year. The chief disadvantage of too small a garden, as far as it con- cerns the gardener, is, the obligation it imposes on him of growing vegetables on the fruit-tree borders, in consequence of which the trees never do much good. By a reference to the plan 'iOj^t ^60j^ there will be observed the situation of the range of forcing-houses {cd\ of the pits {ee\ melon ground {/)-, and asparagus beds [g). The pits are remarkably complete, and we shall, on a future occasion, give detailed plans and sections of them as models for imitation. The melon ground is very small, K K 4 504< Improvements in ihe Kitchen-Garden but as that has not yet undergone any alteration, we have no doubt it will eventually be enlarged so as to be in proportion to the other departments. The asparagus and sea-kale beds are cased with pigeon-hole brick walls, which admit linings of dung or leaves 2^-ft. wide between, so that a crop is ob- tained every year with less trouble and expense, and of a better quality, than by any other method. These beds are very complete, and the pigeon-hole walls, which sometimes give way when not carefully treated, have a coping of cast- iron, which coping, having two depending sides, holds the upper course of bricks firmly in its place, and these retain all which are below. We do not know who invented this mode of forcing in brick beds, but we consider it by far the best for main forced crops of sea-kale and asparagus ; and, we have no doubt, it might be applied with equal advantage to forcing potatoes, radishes, lettuces, turnips, carrots, cauliflowers, peas, and many other kitchen crops ; some of which might require to be covered with glass frames, or with hoops and mats, or, as at Britton Hall, with wickerwork. The whole of the water from the roofs of the forcincr-ranfje and back sheds, and from all the pits, is conducted by pipes to a cast-iron tank (/?) containing 20,000 gallons, out of which are supplied a water-cistern in every house, and also a steam- boiler, which is used in the forcing-houses for the purpose of producing vapour at pleasure in any of the divisions. We consider this reservoir of rain-water of great importance for successful forcing, and the growth of plants generally ; no water whatever being found equal to that produced in the atmosphere, and the water of several subsoils being found injurious to vegetation, especially to heaths and other Cape and New Holland plants. For watering in the open air, the water is drawn from this tank by a pump (/), There is also a pump [k) of common underground water, for the purposes of cleaning, in the back sheds and other places; a degree of cleanliness being maintained, of which we have already (Vol. II. p. 108.) pointed out the advantages. The whole of the pit and frame department is enclosed with box hedges about 2h ft. high, kept neatly clipped (///); and their effect, at all seasons, is particularly handsome, rendering this part of the garden as neat, and even as ornamental, as the part in front of the forc- ing-range. The soils and composts are kept in a secluded department {m), and there is an excellent contrivance for delivering and keeping the coals which well deseives attention. The coal- house (?/) holds upwards of 150 chaldrons; all of which are carried up ladders to the roof by the coal-merchant (who de- mid Forcijig-Department at Syon. 505 livers them in sacks, as is usual about London), and poured through three small holes (o o o) in the roof, which is a per- fect security from stealing, and saves nmch labour. When wanted for the back sheds, the coals are taken out by a door which opens into the compost ground. The coals for the head-gardener's use are also delivered from the lane, through the roof, into a small shed [p) opening into the yard attached to his house {q). The cultivated part of the garden, in front of the forcing- range, was begun to be altered in July, 1826. The old hot- houses being taken down, and the walks grubbed up, the surface was reduced to determinate levels, new walks formed, so as to throw the whole into compartments and borders, and the soil was every where renewed, or prepared with a mixture of good new soil, to the depth of three feet. The gravel of which the walks are formed was dug out of particular portions of the subsoil, and its place filled with rubbish from the removed buildings, and with exhausted soil, waste gravel, &c., which would otherwise have required to be carted away. The cir- cumstance of procuring the gravel in this wa}"^, and at the same time getting rid of the rubbish, must have saved a very considerable expense. The perfect level of the walk in front of the range (/• r), the imiform slopes from it of the north and south walks {s s s s), the regularity of the borders and of the compartments, equal, in this kind of beauty, any thing we ever saw. Nothing can be finer in the way of a kitchen- garden view, than the appearance of the forcing- range, and of the garden in front of it, when entering at the main door (/), and walking up the central walk (ts). The upper border (u ii u 7i) is planted with the finest sorts of Flemish pears, to be trained en pyramide ; the other borders are planted with a complete collection of all the select table apples (dwarfs) on paradise stocks. Detached trees and dwarfs are preferred, as admitting more sun and air to the vegetables around them, and because, on the whole, such trees are more certain of producing a crop in adverse seasons than espaliers. The reason of this is, an espalier hedge has only two sides, and the whole of the blossom and crop is on the surface; whereas a globular or a regular bush has many sides, and has blossoms and fruit in the interior among its branches, as well as on its outer surface. On the south side of the south wall is a useful border (u v), bounded by a sunk fence, on the top of which is a holly hedge to be kept about 3 ft. high. Beyond this bor- der is a carriage road, which leads from the public lane {a a) to the farm offices which are situated southward of the garden (w). Opposite to the main entrance of the garden {t) is the 506 Improvements in the Kitchen-Garden walk (a), leading through the shrubbery and pleau re-ground to the botanic department and the house. All on the south side of the carriage road (j/s) is pleasure-ground. The forcing-range {fig, 102. p. 51 4'.) was begun and carried on at the same time with the open garden. Its consists of three vhieries with fig trees on the back wall (5, C, 7); two peach- houses with table trellises, and trees on the back wall (4, 8) ; and six pits or low houses (1, 2, 3, 9, 10, 11), for fruiting pines, and for forcing kidneybeans, strawberries, grapes, and figs in pots, roses and flowering shrubs, and flowers generally. We refer to p. 515. for minor details. The old houses being removed, the foundations for the new ones, as well as for the border in front of the vineries and peach-houses, were cleared out to the depth of 5 ft., and to the width in the part to contain the vineries and peach-houses of 35 ft. measuring from the back part of the back wall. All the foundations, except that of the back wall, were begun by carrying up piers, and these were joined by arches, which being brought to a level formed a basis, on which to build the flues and all those parts which appear above ground. The entire bottom of the border, within and without the vineries and peach-houses, was formed to a smooth slope with an inclination from the back to the front of 2 ft. This slope was paved with bricks laid flat, and the joints were grouted with mortar ; the object of this pave- ment being to pi'event the descent of the roots into the sub- soil. A drain was formed in front of the border, the bottom of which was made about 1 ft. deeper than the surface of this pavement. On the pavement was next laid 12 inches of brickbats over the whole of its surface, and from this stratum air-chimneys were carried up close under the back wall in the houses, and over the drain in front. Sections of these chimneys may be seen in the cross sections of the vineries and peach-houses {fig, 102. efg); and the surface gratings which cover them are indicated in the ground plan, along the edge of the garden walk in front of the border, and along the bottom of the back wall in the houses. These chimneys are 18 inches square in the inside, and covered with iron gratings; the use of them is to admit air to the porous stratum under the soil of the border; or, in case it should become necessary at any time, water or liquid manure might be poured down, and, by stopping the drain, it would rise in the rubble stratum and through the soil to any required height. It is evident, that by such an arrangement, the gardener has as completely the management of the roots of all his trees, as if they were in and Forcing-Department at Syon. 507 pots or boxes. It is a very common thing, in breaking up the foundations and borders of old vineries, to find the soil sod- den, or soured, and the roots rotten, owing to an excess of moisture being joined with rich nutritious matter without air or drainage; but where air is admitted to circulate through a porous stratum, as in these forcing-houses, the soddening of the soil and the rotting of the roots cannot take place. We, therefore, consider this excellent contrivance deserving of adoption in all vineries and peach-houses, and, if it were not for the expense of it, in all fruit-tree borders and even in open orchards. The soil for the borders was prepared by collecting the turf or surface of an old pasture meadow of hazel loam, and laying it up in small ridges 2 ft. broad at bottom, and 3 ft. high, there to be summer fallowed, or operated upon by the sun's rays and alternate rains from May till September. During this period it was three or four times turned, but not broken into pieces. It has been found that the treatment of soil in this way during one summer is, for all horticultural purposes, worth several winters. While this preparation was going forward, about 30 tons of ground bones were laid in ridges covered with 6 inches of soil, to undergo that degree of fer- mentation which is found necessary before they can be applied with safety as a garden manure. They were not turned, but remained all summer covered with a layer of soil. A large quantity of horse and cow dung from London was fermented during the summer, in a dunghill about 3 ft. deep; it was watered when it appeared to be getting dry, and it was turned over four or five times. An immense quantity of leaves in a rotten state were collected from under the trees in the plea- sure-ground ; these were not fermented, because they were the accumulations of many years, and in consequence were, for the greater part, decomposed. The month of September being fortunately dry, the whole of these materials were then first mixed together and laid in ridges ; the soil for the peaches being considerably (at least two thirds) less manured than that for the vines. This compost being all ready to be wheeled into its place, the stratum of rubbish was first co- vered with 6 inches of litter, haulm of beans or asparagus, clippings of hedges, summer prunings, &c. The weather being still dry, the whole was wheeled in, and thus the border was formed. It is to be observed, that during none of the turn- ings was the soil much broken or reduced to a fine state, or the turfy pieces and roots taken out ; a matter which deserves to be particularly remarked, because many amateurs and in- 508 Improvements in the K.itcheri'Garden experienced young gardeners think that by sifting soil of its stones and roots they do a great deal for the plants, whereas in most cases they are merely bestowing on it a greater capa- bility of becoming solid and sodden, than it would otherwise possess. Immediately after the border was filled with soil, from 6 to 8 inches of lime rubbish, that is, rubbish from old buildings, were laid over the whole of it; and during the en- suing winter the entire soil of the border, down to the stratum of litter, was turned twice and the lime rubbish thoroughly mixed with it. In the March following the trees were planted. The peaches and nectarines were chiefly full-grown trees, taken from the open walls, of approved sorts, which had already fruited there. They bore fruit the same season (1827), and ripened their wood well. The vines were plants of one year's growth, partly raised on the premises from eyes ; they pro- duced shoots from 20 to 30 ft. long, which in autumn were shortened accordiufr to their length and strength. The fig o o o (J trees planted on the back walls of the vineries were full grown trees taken from the walls ; they were planted in a border 3 ft. wide, and the roots kept separate from the vine border by a brick wall 4| in. wide, carried up from the bottomi pavement. The soil consisted of lime and brick rubbish, with about one third of loam, without manure. They produced fruit the first year, and two good crops a year ever since. In February and March, 1828, the peaches and vines were forced moderately, both produced abundance of wood, the peaches as sti'ong as could be desired, and the vines shoots from 20 to 40 ft. long, the wood, in some cases, 4^ in. in circumference, with numerous bunches of fruit, all of which were taken ofi^, except enough to prove the sorts. In the autumn of this year (1828), the roofs of the vine- ries, and the table and back trellises of the peach-houses, were covered with excellent fruit-bearing wood ; in November, fires were put to the peach-houses : the weather during the three succeeding months was dark and moist, and altogether very unfavourable for forcing, but, notwithstanding, ripe peaches were gathered early in the following May, weighing from 7 to 9 ounces each, which were regularly and successfully forwarded to His Excellency's establishment. Phoenix Park, Dublin. The vines were begun to be forced on the ] 7th of Novem- ber. From the length and strength of the shoots, it seemed doubtful whether they would break regularly at every bud ; but by bending the shoots in a serpenthie Ibrm (j%. 100.), and Forcing-Department at Syon. 509 and retaining them about a month in that position, every bud, from the lower part of the shoot to the summit, pushed out leaves and showed fruit. As soon as this was effected, the shoots were restored to their straight position ; most of them showed two or three bunches on every young shoot, and ^^loo some four or five bunches ; indeed, such was the abundance of the blossom, that some shoots showed 96 bunches. In the three houses, one of 40 ft. and two of 32 ft. long, and about 19 ft. wide, 1140 bunches were cut off in a green state in order not to weaken the plants. In this, the second year of their growth, between 300 and 400 bunches were brought to perfection and sent to Phoenix Park ; and be it remarked that the first bunches were cut on the 1 9th of April, at a time when they were worth in London a guinea and a half per lb. The berries of some of the muscats measured 3 J inches in circumference. The whole crop was cleared off by the end of June : the roof-sashes have since that time been removed, and the plants are now fully exposed to the weather, with their wood fully ripe, and the leaves dropping off. With respect to the six low houses for fruiting pines, forc- ing a variety of articles, and growing cucumbers, we can state from our own observation, and we know it to be gene- rally acknowledged by the profession about London, that no- thing ever surpassed the excellence of their produce. Last year, the family being in England, strawberries in abundance, kidneybeans, and forced flowers of extraordinary luxuriance were produced in April, May, and June, and pine-apples of as large a size as had ever been seen at so early a period of the season. Cucumbers, some of them 2 ft. long, were ga- thered in the early part of the spring of the present year ; and ripe grapes from plants in pots were cut on the 15th of February. It may now be necessary to take some notice of the mate- rials of which these forcing-houses, and also the range of pits behind them, are constructed. The pits are, for the greater part, of timber, with brick walls and smoke-flues. The roofs, ends, divisions, and trellises of the forcing-range, with the exception of three of the pits at the east end, are of metal ; the bars of the sashes being of copper, and their styles and rails and the rafters and every thing else of cast and wrought iron. The floor of the path in the central range is also of cast-iron grating, supported on brick piers, which has the advantage over flag-stones of admitting the sun and air to 510 Imprffoemejits in the Kitchen-Garden the soil below. The whole length of this path is on one level, and when the doors of the five divisions of these houses are open, the view from one end through them surpasses any thing of the kind we have hitherto seen. All the houses are heated by fire-flues, built of brick and covered with tiles, each tile containing a hollow panel in its upper surface, for the purpose of holding water for evaporation. The direction of these flues in the area of the houses, and in the back wall, will be seen in the plans and sections in p. 51^.', and though their success is very perfect, we consider it unnecessary to enter into the details of their construction, believing that in erecting similar ranges of forcing-houses in future, the mode of heating by hot water (as at the Duke of Bedford's, but on Weekes's principle, p. 544.) will be substituted. The mode of heating by hot water had not been sufficiently brought into notice, when Mr. Forrest formed the plan of this range, to justify its adoption. The low pits behind the range are covered at nights during the forcing season by wooden shutters; but no covering of straw mats, or of any other material, is applied at any time, for the purpose of retaining the heat, to the roofs of the forcing-range. The pine-pits in the range and the forcing-pits may be shaded in the daytime by letting down rolls of canvass, which cover the roof from end to end. 'Ihe yp|==4=,l=4= construction of these shades, invented by Mr. Forrest, desei-ves particular attention, not only because they are applicable to hot-houses, pits, and hot-beds of every description, but be- cause they may be rendered available in the covering of fruit- and Forcing' Depaj-tment at Syon. 51 1 walls, to exclude the frost from the blossom and the birds or flies from the ripe fruit, and also in the covering of flower-beds, hay-ricks, harvested corn, temporary structures for public as- semblages, &c. The length of these rolls at Syon is between 50 and 60 ft. but we have no doubt they might be made longer, since this depends on the diameter of the pole or rod {Jig. 101. a), and the toughness of the timber employed, or its power to resist torsion. On one end of this rod and not on both, as is usual, a ratchet wheel [b) is fixed, with a plate against it (r) so as to form a pulley groove between [d), to which a cord is fastened, and about 3 in. further on the rod is fixed a third iron wheel, about 6 in. in diameter and half an inch thick (e). This last wheel runs in an iron groove {f), which extends along the end rafter or end v/all of the roof to be covered. The can- vass or netting being sewed together of a sufficient size to cover the roof, one side of it is nailed to a slip of wood placed against the back wall, that is, along the upper ends of the sashes ; the other side is nailed to the rotl {a). When the canvass is rolled up, it is held in its place under a coping {g) by a ratchet (//), and when it is to be let down, the cord (/) of the roll is loosened with one hand and the ratchet cord [k) pulled with the other, when the canvass unrolls with its own weight. The process of pulling it up again need not be de- scribed. The most valuable part of the plan is, that the roll of canvass, throughout its whole length, winds up and lets down without a single wrinkle, notwithstanding the pulley- wheel is only on one end. This is owing to the weight of the rod, and its equal diametei' throughout. By this plan a house 100 or 150 ft. long, might be covered with two rolls, the two pulleys working at the two ends ; but if it were thought necessary, the two rods might be joined in the mid- dle, and, by a little contrivance, the pulley and groove placed there, so as to w^ork both of the rolls at once, from the inside of the house, from the back shed, or from the front. A more beautiful contrivance, for the purpose to which it is applied, we will venture to assert, is no where to be met with. It was constructed under Mr. Forrest's direction by Mr. Boughton, smith, Brentford End. Such are the improvements that the Duke of Northumber- land has made in his kitchen-garden at Syon ; and it is im- portant to remark that so promptly and judiciously were all the measures taken for their execution and so rapidly was that execution proceeded with, that in eight months after the work was commenced the whole was completed; the houses, bor- ders, and walls were planted; the compartments cropped; the 512 Improvements i?i the Kitchen-Garden walks finished ; and every thing else connected with the kit- chen-garden rendered as fit for the inspection and enjoyment of the family as if nothing had hapjDened. This magnificent range of forcing-houses may now, we think, be referred to as an additional evidence that metallic hot-houses are fit for every purpose of forcing; and we must take the liberty of saying what we have hinted at (p. 186.)? that the public are greatly indebted to the Duke of Northumber- land for having made this experiment, and that His Grace also has evinced a very superior degree of tact and discrimin- ation, in adopting a description of structure, the superiority of which, though supported by the evidence of science and the opinion of some enlightened men, was yet opposed by a host of prejudices on the part of men both practical and scientific. Though we inspected the different operations at Syon from time to time as they were going forward, yet we are, of course, indebted to Mr. Forrest for the dates and other facts which we have detailed. We should have a good deal to say of the merits of Mr. Forrest as the designer and successful and rapid executer of these works, were he not already suffi- ciently well known to the horticultural world. He has been engaged in works of this kind from his earliest years ; and, from having received a better school-education than falls to the share of many gardeners, even those of Scotland, and been lonff accustomed to the manaorement of numerous work- men, he has acquired those habits of arrangement and the division of labour, which are the only means of carrying on extensive and complicated works with that rapidity and suc- cessful result which have attended those at Syon. The great experience which Mr. Forrest has had in works of a similar kind under Mr. Macdonald, one of the very first gardeners in Scotland, at the Duke of Buccleugh's, at Dalkeith Park, and on his own account at the Hon. R. B. Stopford's, Barton Seagrove, Northamptonshire, and at the Earl of Grosvenor's, Eaton Hall, Cheshire, not to mention his botanical acquire- ments and his knowledge of the gardening of the metropolis while at work for several years in Kew Gardens, has not only given him habits of management, but cultivated his taste both in the art of desi a b, the two peach-houses and three vineries ; cd, the pineries and general forcing-houses ; e, the gardener's rooms, and garden-library. b c. The general ground-plan. 1, 2, 5, Pine-pits, with iron and copper roofs, ends, and doors, the section of which may be seen at d. In this section will be observed the indication of the canvass blind described p. 510. On the back flue of these houses, cucumbers are grown in boxes all winter, trained on wires down the roof. 4, Peach-house, with table-trellis, the section of which may be seen at £. g g, rubble stratum; k/i, air-shafts to rubble stratum ; i, garden-walk. 5, Early vinery, the section of which may be seen at f. gg, rubble stra- tum ; hh, air-shafts ; and i, garden-walk, as before. 6, Medium vinery, the section of which may be seen at g. gg, rubble stratum, &c., as before. 7, Early vinery; and 8, peach-house, with table-trellis; exactly the same as 4 and 5 Th^e five houses have the roofs, ends, and doors of iron and copper; all the trellises of iron, and also the cisterns and pathway. The roof trellis of the vineries is formed of wire in meshes, 24 in. by 8 in., the horizontal wires being 24 in. apart, and the sloping wires 8 in. The distance from the glass is 1 5 in. at the lower, and 1 6 in. at the upper part, of the slope. 9, 10, and 11, Pineries and general forcing-houses, the roof, ends, and doors of wood. Those structures having been newly erected on a diflerent part of the premises, before Mr. Forrest came to Syon, it was judged best to retain them. Their section is shown at h. 12, 12, &c. The furnaces and stock-holes to all these houses. 15, Tan- shed. 14, Mushroom-houses, with potting-benches in front. 15, Room for sashes. 16, Packing-room. 17, 17, Journeymen's bed-rooms, entered through the foreman's sitting-room. 18, Foreman's sitting and business room, with his bed-room and the garden-library over. 1 9, Room for shutters, sashes, mats, &c. 20, Room for flower-pots. 21, Potting-shed, 22, Room for keeping esculent bulbs and roots. 2.3, Tool-house. 24, Steam-boiler, a pipe from which leads the steam intp every house, where it is delivered at pleasure, to fill the air with vapour, by the cocks /c k k, &c. The advantage of having the steam-boiler heated by a fire which has no connection with the houses is, that steam can be applied in the summer season, when the fires are left off, without raising the temperature of the house. In the steam-boiler is a coil of pipe (p. 454.), connected at one end with the supply cistern, and at the other with the watering cis- terns (///), by which, at pleasure, hot water is conducted into the early forcing-houses, for tempering the cold water for use,during the winter season. ///, &c. Cast-iron cisterns, to each of which is a supply-pipe mm, &c., which is connected with a main pipe n communicating with thegrand tank of rain-water o ; and also a hot-water pipe from the steam-boiler, for tem- pering the water during the winter season. p]}. Gratings of the air-shafts in the front border, immediately within the edging of the walks. q, The same gratings to the air-shafts which are placed within the house at the bottom of the back wall. r. Open cast-iron work, serving instead of pavement for the footpath, the whole on one level, s, Stone pavement, also all on the same level. t, Doors into the back sheds for shifting, potting, &c., without taking the plants into the open air. u, Main trunk of the steam-pipe, which serves incidentally to heat all the back sheds at pleasure, v, Box hedges, 2 ft. high, kept neatly clipped. w, Walk to pits. a\ Walk to melon-ground, y. Level front walk. z, Main kitchen-garden walk, forming the approach to the forcing-range from the pleasure-ground, ^', Pumps with troughs. L L 2 516 PART II. REVIEWS. Art. I. Transactions of the Horticultra-al Society of London. Vol. VII. Part III. {Completed from p. 299.) 49. Upon a Mode of covering the naked Branches of Fruit Trees •with neiv Wood. By Samuel Spyvee Street, Esq., of Penryn, Cornwall. Wall and espalier trees often become naked for a foot or two on each side of the main stem ; but by ringing the lateral branches at 6 or 8 in. distance from the main stem, young shoots will be thrown out between the ring and the stem, which may be trained over the naked parts at pleasure. 50. An Account and Description of the Species and most remarkable Varieties of Spring Crocuses, cultivated in the Garden of the Horticidtural Society. By Joseph Sabine, Esq. F.R.S. Secre- ^tary.'_ ■ ■ • xnii o-^i ac Hardy bulbous plants have been the object of Mr. Sabine's attention for nearly 30 years ; he had formed an extensive collection of them, and, with that devotion to the Horticultural Society for which he has ever been distinguished, he pre- sented the whole collection to the experimental garden at Kensington, in 1818. This collection included a very ex- tensive assortment of spring crocuses procured from all quarters, to which additions have since been made. Linnaeus, in 1753, had only one species of Crocus, C. sativus, considering the autumnal or saffron crocus (C offici- nalis), and the spring crocus (C vernus), as varieties. Will- denow, in 1797, made Linnaeus's two varieties species, calling the autumnal crocus C. sativus, and the spring one C. vernus. The crocus has been found wild in the southern parts of Europe, and in the temperate regions of Asia; and botanical travellers " have proved the existence of many kinds of Crocus in a wild state." Most of these remain to be described, and a monograph is preparing by M. Gay of the garden of Transactions of the Horticnltnral Society. 517 the Luxembourg, Paris. Those described by Mr. Sabine, " may all, with the exception of Crocus pusilhis and of the native British C. vernns, be considered as garden produc- tions." [As this paper is to be completed in the succeeding part, we cannot proceed with advantage to the reader till that part appears. A coloured plate of 7 species and 12 va- rieties, grouped togedier in a bouquet, is given ; but we are compelled to say that we think the arrangement of this bouquet of the same character as that of the chrysanthemums, georginas, and other flowers, exhibited by the Society in the ffarden at Chiswick, or at the exhibitions in Recent Street. We have repeatedly, both verbally and in this Magazine, pointed out the sameness produced by this indiscriininate mixture of colours; but it seems to produce no effect. Certain minds cannot acknowledge themselves in the wrong; we are satisfied, however, of the truth and good taste of our position, and shall endeavour to maintain it, not caring for immediate results, but perfectly confident that, like every other truth, it will finally prevail. Lest we should be mistaken, we may state that the bouquet consists of 19 crocuses of three funda- mental colours, purple, yellow, and white. These colours are mixed indiscriminately. For instance, the two darkest purple varieties (Cvernus inflatus and Cvernus Sabinz/s) are put, the one at the lowest point on the left, and the other at the highest on the right, of the bouquet ; the two darkest yellows (C sulphureus concolor and C. lageneeflorus) are also placed as far apart from each other as possible ; and in the same m.anner the two whitest varieties (C vernus albus major and C vernus Anderson/) are disposed. Now what we maintain is, that, both in a botanical and picturesque point of view, those colours or sorts which are most like each other should be put nearest to- gether; not indeed formally, in heavy lumpish masses, but in masses broken off and blended with those adjoining, in that style which is at once painter-like, most favourable for botanical comparison, and most natural. Had this been done, instead of a spotted bouquet, a sort of hodge-podge of colours, which leaves a confused impression ; we should have had a mass, one side of which w^as white, blended into the yellow sorts occupying the middle, and these again losing themselves in the dark sorts of different shades of purple completing the other side. No one could have looked at such a bouquet without having received a distinct impression, which he could readily remember; but has any one a distinct impression of the bouquet of Mr. Sabine ? The Transactions are, doubtless, L L 3 518 Ctiriis's Botanical Magazine. seen by a mimber of lady-artists in the country, we appeal to them for the truth of our remarks ; we appeal also to the florist and to the botanical reader. We should wish to hear what can be said on both sides of the question. Art. II. Catalogue of Worlcs on Gardening, Agriculture, Botany, Eural Architecture, Sfc, jniblished since August last, with some Account of those considered the most interesting. Britain. Curtis' s Sotanical Magazine, or Floiver-Garden displayed; New Series. Edited by Dr. Hooker. In 8vo Numbers, monthly. 3s. 6d. col.; 5s. plain. No'. X'XXI.for Jidy, contains 2918 to 2925. — Clark?« pulch^ila (Vol. III. p. 197. fig. 5G.). — Nicot^'ona acuminata, the Petuni« acuminata of Graham, in Ed. New Phil. Jovr., July, 1828, p. 378. " Petun?'rt seems to differ from Nicot/«»rt in little else but its irregular corolla ; which being wanting here, I have reluctantly differed from my valued friend, who has hitherto alone described this species, iB considering it not to be of that genus." — Begonffl semperfiorens. — iigustrum nepal^nse var. glabrum. A considerable tree in the moinitains of Nepal ; here a green-house shrub, with white sweet-smelling flowers from April to June. — y/cacia lanigera. — JErigeron glabellum; CompositEe. A perennial, from the plains of Missouri, with purple flowers from Septem- ber to Christmas. First raised in the Glasgow botanic garden in lfi28. — GiVia gracilis. — Clerodendron emirnense; Kerbenacete. A brandling shrub, from the province of Emirne, in the interior of Madagascar. Discovered by Professor Bojer, and seeds sent by C. Telfair, Esq., to Robert Barclay, Esq., of Bury Hill, where it blossomed in 1824. No. XXXII, for August, contains 2926 to 2931. — Bonatert speciosa. {fig. 103.) A rare orchideous plant from the Cape of Good Hope, presenting a very com- plicated form of flower. Sent by Mr. Aiton to the Edinburgh botanic garden. — Maxillaria HarrisouiVc. A beautiful orchideous epiphyte, named " in com- pliment to Mrs. Arnold Harrison of Aigburgh." — Jcacia Oxycedrus. — Cestrum rtlaternoides. A stove ghrul) from Trinidad to the Glasgow botanic garden. — Stenochilus viscosus; Myoporhiai. A New Holland shrub, with ovato-lanceolate coriaceous leaves, and large, yellow, ringcnt, curved flowers, introduced by F. Henchman, Esq. F.L.S. H.S. &c., and by Mr. Mackay of the Clapton nursery, " kindly communi- cated to the royal botanic garden of Edinburgh." — ' Eulophia (eK/oy;/i(w, well crested; onaccount of the crest of the labellnm) strcptopetala. {fig. 104.) A very Hartdsome orchideous epiphyte ; and we are not sorry Edwards's Botanical Register. 519 to see so many additions to this beautiful and singular order of plants, because they thrive in the back parts of stoves, and under the shade and drip of other plants, where scarcely any thing else would grow, and thus, under judicious selec- tion and management, every spare hole and ob- scure corner of a tropical hot-house rnay be rendered highly interesting. This plant was received by Professor Graham of the Edinburgh botanic garden, " where so much has been done lately to extend the high reputation of that noble collection." No. XXXIII, for September, contains 29.52 to 2937. — Pontederia (Julius Pontedera, Prof. Bot. at Padua in 1700) azurea; 6 and 1, and Pontederea.'. A floating stove aquatic from South America, introduced to Kevv from Brazil a few years ago, and generally known under the name of P. crassipes. — Mi- tella pentandra; 5'axifrageae. A hardy perennial from the Rocky Moun- tains of America, by Mr. Drummond, to the botanic gardens of Glasgow and Edinburgh. — Draba aurea. From North America by Mr, Drummond. — Tradescant?« crassula. From Berlin to the Edinburgh botanic garden. Stove; white flowers. — Andromeda Ay pnoides. "This extremely pretty little plant was introduced from Canada, by Mr. Blair, into the extensive and interesting collection of Mr. Cunningham, at Comely Bank, near Edin- burgh, in 1 826; and this enterprising cultivator had the satisfaction of seeing the plant come into flower in his garden in May last : the first time it had been seen in Scotland, and after it had been lost in England. Pursh and Nuttall confine the American station of this plant to the north-west coast; but this Mr. Blair did not visit. It is, therefore, more diffused in the northern parts of America ; and, as it is a most abundant plant in the north of Europe and Asia, it is extremely probable that it may one day, in the north of Scotland, reward the labour of some British botanist; for, unless when it is in flower, it maybe very easily overlooked." {Graham.) — O'robns stipulaceus. From the Glasgow botanic garden, and supposed to have been introduced there by accident, from North America. Resembles O. setiformis, but is rather larger. Edwards's Botanical Register. Continued by John Lindley, F.R.S. L.S. &c. Professor of Botany in the London University. In 8vo Numbers, monthly. 4s. coloured. No. V.Jor July, contains 1247 to 125.". — Echeveria (M, Echeveria, a skilful botanical painter, employed on the Mexican Flora) gibbiflora. " A very handsome succulent plant, belonging to a small tribe peculiar to the Flora of tropical America. It lives readily in the green-house, where it flowers in November and December." Raised in "the Horticultural Society's garden from seeils re- ceived from Mr. James M'Rae. — Pjrus sinensis. " This, the Chinese Pear, Sandy (from the grittiness of its fruit) Pear, or Snow Pear, as it is indiscriminately called, is a species at present very little known in Europe. It dilFers from the European pear in having longer and greener branches; larger, more lucid, and almost evergreen leaves; insipid, apple-shaped, vvarted, very gritty fruit ; and a calyx, the inside of w hich is destitute of the down that is found in all the varieties of the European pear." Worth notice as an ornamental plant. — O'xalis tortuosa. From Chile, by Mr. James M'Rae, in 1825, and here grows in the green-house, with a tortuous scaly stem, to the height of a foot or thereabouts, producing yellow flowers in June. — Polygonum injucundum. Unattractive Polygonum. An annual, L L 4 520 Edwards's Botanical Register. from the Cordilleras to the Horticultural Societ}', where it is cultivated in the frame. — Z/upinus micranthus. Not to be compared, in point of beauty, with such fine species as L. perennis, ornatus, and others, brought over by Mr. Douglas, but nevertheless interesting, as an addition to the number of species of annual lupines. — Begonja villosa. A stove shrub or plant, of the easiest culture. — Azalea pontica var. sinensis. A fine plant, received from ('hina at different times, both by Messrs. Loddiges of Hackney, and Mr. Wells of Redleaf, with each of whom it has now produced its flowers. " It is one of the most showy plants we know, and is, upon the whole, decidedly superior to the now common Azalea pontica of Asia Minor. Probably quite hardy." No. VI. for August, contains 1254 to 1261. — Fiola praemorsa. Yellow flowers; and common, " ac- cording to Mr. Douglas, in dry u[)land soils, under the shade of solitary pine trees on the banks of the Colombia, and the plains of the river Aguilar in California, flowering in April. With us it is an exceedingly pretty peren- nial, hardj, and growing readily among rockwork, on the north side of large stones, — Teucrium orchldeum. A half hardy green-house, herba- ceous under-shrub, with whitish violet or purple flowers, in the open bor- der, in July, August, and September. It is a native of Chile, whence seeds were brought to the Horticultural Society, in 18?6, by Mr. James M'Rae, who found it common in the neighbourhood both of Conception and Val- paraiso." — Sterculia lanceolata ; Sterculiaceae. A small tree, with tapered smooth branches, and oblong lanceolate leaves; " a native of China, whence it was brought to the Horticultural Society, in 1822, by Mr. John Potts, one of their collectors. It is a stove tree, producing its inconspicuous dull-red flowers in May and June. The foliage is remarkably like that of Reevesia chinensis, and constitutes its only claim to notice as an ornamental garden plant, unless it should hereafter produce ripe fruits, which, according to Cavanilles, are bright scarlet, with black round seeds that stick to each side of the follicle M'hen it opens." — Hosackia (dedicated by Mr. Douglas to David Hosack, M.D. F.R.S., &c., of New York, a gentleman to whom the scientific men of North America owe the same gratitude as those of England did to Sir Joseph Banks) bicolor ; Leguminosae ioteae. {f'Q- 105.) A prettj' perennial plant, with yellow and white flowers, " found by Mr. Douglas in overflowed meadows between Fort Vancouver and the grand rapids of the Colombia. It is quite hardy, and easily in- creased by seeds." The description is by Mr. George Bentham, a near relation of the celebrated jurist ; and thus we associate two names of men . of liberal and enlightened minds, of no sect or party, or country, but feeling intensely interested m the whole of human nature, and the advance- ment of civilisation and happiness in every part of the world. It is pleasant to find a young man like Mr. Douglas indicating a sympathy with such characters as Dr. Hosack, and gratifying to see \M "^^^^^ 105 Mr. Lindley, whom we consider as the rising sun of the botanical world, and destined one day to be the Robert Brown of the age, doing justice to all parties, and not forgetting Sir Joseph Banks, one of the greatest names among the patrons of science. — Perscagratissima; Z/aurinea;. "The Avocado, or, as it is often called. Alligator, Pear, is one of the most esteemed fruits of the West Indies. In this country it is only cultivated in the stove, of which it is one of the rarest species. Our drawing was made in the princely garden of His Grace the Duke of Northumberland at Syon, an Edwards's Botanical Register. 521 establishment which, whether we view it with regard to the botanical or horticultural interest that attaches to it, promises to be soon the most im- portant, as it is already the most magnificent, in Europe. Sir Hans Sloane thus speaks of the Avocado : — " This tree grows commonly to the size of our largest apple trees in Europe, and spreads pretty wide at the top. The branches are very succulent and soft, the leaves oblong and veiny, and the fruit of the form of a pear; but the pulp is covered with a tou^h skinny coat, and contains a large rugged seed, which is wrapped up in one or two thin membraneous covers. The fruit of this tree is one of those that are held in the greatest esteem amongst all sorts of people in these colonies. The pulp is of a pretty firm consistence, and has a delicate rich flavour : it gains upon the palates of most people, and becomes soon agreeable, even to those who cannot like it at first ; but it is so rich and mild, that most people make use of some spice or pungent substance to give it a poignancy; and, for this pur- pose, some make use of wine, some of sugar, and some of lime juice, but most of pepper and salt. Most sorts of creatures are observed to feed on this fruit with pleasure ; and it seems equally agreeable to the horse, the cow, the dog, and the cat, as well as to all sorts of birds, and, when plenty, makes a great part of the delicacies of the negroes. The tree requires some care, a rich soil, and a warm situation, to raise it to perfection. It was first introduced from the Continent in 1739. — Buddle« heterophylla. A hand- some stove plant, presumed to be from South America. — Pentstemon con- fertum. " A very common plant, with greenish white flowers, according to Mr. Douglas, found in open places, in mountainous pine woods, in dry sandy soils, between Salmon River and the Kettle Falls on the Colombia, in 48° N. lat. ; also in the valleys of the Rocky Mountains, in similar soils, at an elevation of 7000 ft. above the level of the sea. Flowering in July and Au- gust. It was introduced by its discoverer in 1827 ; in the autumn of which year it flowered in the garden of the Horticultural Society, where our draw- ing was made. It is by no means one of the handsomest of the genus ; but it is a truly distinct species. A hardy perennial, propagated by seeds and division of the roots. It will grow in any common garden soil.' — Lowea (named in compliment to the Rev. Mr. Lowe, travelling Bachelor of the University of Cambridge ; a gentleman now resident in Madeira, from whose botanical investigations of that island we expect important results) berberi- folia ; ^osaceee. [Jig. 106.) " This rare plant is a native, exclusively, of a few districts in the north of Persia, and of the Desert of Songari in Chinese Tartary. From the latter place we pos- sess specimens collected by Shankin, an officer employed by the Russian government in survey- ing the province ; and of the former, the plate that accompanies this article is a representation. It was taken from a plant that flowered in .Au- gust, 1828, in the garden of the Horticultural Society, where it had been raised from seed sent home by Sir Henry Willock. The Persian plant differs in some respects from the Songarese one, especially in being more glaucous ; and the plants ^^^^^^^_ ^^"f^' 106 raised from the Persian seeds of Sir H Willock ~~* varied among each other in several slight parti- culars ; none of which, however, were of any interest in a botanical point of view. The two most important topics connected with it relate, first, to its genus ; and, secondly, to its cultivation. In the latter respect, no more appears to be known now than was known upon its first introduction. It resists cultivation in a remarkable manner, submitting permanently nei- ther to budding, nor grafting, nor laying, nor striking from cuttings ; nor, in short, to any of those operations, one or other of which succeeds with other 522 Edwards's Botcmical Register. plants, Droufflit does not suit it ; it docs not thrive in wet ; heat has no beneficial effect ; cold no prejudicial influence ; care does not improve it ; neglect does not injure it. Of all the numerous seedlings that were raised by the Horticultural Society from Sir H. Willock's seeds, and distributed, scarcely a plant remains alive. Two are still growing in a peat border in the Chiswick garden, but they are languishmg and unhealthy j and we con- fess that observation of them in a living state, for nearly four years, has not suggested a single method of improving the cultivation of the species. As to its genus, it is well known that, since the days of Linnoeus, the charac- ters of the genera of flowering plants have been exclusively taken from the organs of fructification, while those of vegetation have been rigorously excluded. This has arisen from the former having been supposed, in all cases, more constant in their modifications, and less subject to variation than the latter. No other reason can be assigned for the value thus exclusively ascribed to the organs of fructification. It is, however, time that botanists should disembarrass themselves of this ancient prejudice, and admit pub- licly that by which they are constantly influenced in private — that impo7-l- ant modljicalions of the organs of vegetation are suJIicient to divide into genera species which do not essentuiUy differ in the organs of fritctijicalion. Oi this the Indian cypripediums are one instance, the genus JN^cg^iW^w??* is a second, and the subject of this article is a third. The structure of its flower is in every respect that of a rose ; but its foliage is not even that of a rosaceous plant, there being no trace of stipulas. The simple leaves are not analogous to the terminal pinna of a rose leaf, for there is no trace of the articulation upon their petiole, which is required to indicate a reduction of a compound leaf, as we find in Berberis ; neither can they be considered confluent stipu- lae, for their vernation is not what would be found under such circumstances, but precisely that of an ordinary leaf. iV^o. VII. for September, contains. 1262 to 1268. — Pentstemon glandulosum. A handsome and strongly marked perennial species, with purj^lish-red flowers, from the rocky channels of mountain torrents, in latitude 47^ North America. Introduced to the Horticultural Society by Mr. Douglas, in 1827. " Of the various disco- veries that have resulted from the journey of Mr. Douglas to the north- west coast of America, the new species of iupinus and Pentstemon will probably be found the most interesting to the cultivator, in consequence of the great beauty and variety of their forms, and their hardy habits. Natives of a country, the mean temperature of which is supposed to be very like that of Great Britain, they seem as well adapted to our climate as to their own, and flourish as gaily on the fertile margin of the Thames as on the rude banks of the Colombia and the Multnoma. The following list of the pentstemons that have been found by Mr. Douglas, and which are now grow- ing in the garden of the Horticultural Society, will show the extent to which our gardens have been enriched with them : — p. glandulosum. P. Scoulm. P. vemistum. triphyllum. ovatum. pruinosum. confertum. speciosum. deustum. Richardson?. acuminJitum. attenuatum. RUjcs cercum. A small hardy shrub, from dry rocks in the north-west of North America, by Mr. Douglas — Argemone grandiflora. An annual from Mexico, with white flowers from June to September. " One of the nuiltitude of fine plants with which our gardens have been enriched by the importations of Robert Barclay, Esq., of Bury Hill. It is one of the most ornamental hanly annuals we are acquainted with, and far superior to any other of the poppy tribe, except Eschscholtzia californica." — Helianthus lenticularis. A handsome annual sunflower, attaining the height of e ft., Botanical Cabinet, — British Floisoer-Garden. 523 and with much smaller flowers than those of H. anniuis. From North- west America, by Mr. Douglas. " We are informed by its discoverer tliat it is a variable plant, abounding over the greater part of the temperate coun- tries situated in the interior and western coast of North America. In sandy parched ground it is a diminutive annual, scarcely a foot hi<;h ; while, on the banks of streams, or on the margin of lakes, particularlv m deer or buf- falo ground, it attains the height of 6 or 8 ft. The native tribes that inhabit the interior of North California apply the grains to the same purpose as that for which, we are informed by Nuttall, the Indians of the Missouri use H, tubaeformis. They collect them in the autumn, and dry them on heated stones, or in wooden troughs, with small embers, stirring them with a stick to prevent their burning. When dried, they are panned, and made into a sort of cake which is not unpleasant. — Scott/w angustifolia; Leguminosge ioteae. A beautiful addition to an interesting genus raised at the Clapton riiu'sery, from New Holland seeds. Twiggy, linear leaves, and solitary iflowe.-s pink and yellow. — Camclh'rt japonica punctata. Dotted Japan Camellia, or Grays Invincible Camellia. Raised in 1824, by ^Ir. George Press, gardener to Edward Gray, Esq. F.H.S, Harringay House, Hornsey. (Vol. II. p. 358.) — Pimelea humilis; Thymeleae. A low green-house shrub from the Comte de Vandes's, at Bayswater. Botanical Cabinet. By Messrs. Loddiges. In 4 to and 8vo Parts, monthly. Large paper, 5s. ; small paper, and partially coloured, 2s. 6d. Part CXLVII.for Jiilt/, contains 1461 to 1470 Azalea Indica purpurea. An elegant green-house shrub, introduced tromChinii, hy Mr. Brookes of the Ball's Pond Nursery, in 1819. — &illa bifolia. — Caniellfa japonica Ivnightii. A pretty variety raised from seed by Mr. Joseph Knight of the Exotic Nursery, King's Road. — Andromeda calyculata. — iJoroiiicum caucasicum. A charming, little, very hardy, her- baceous plant, with yellow flowers in March and April. — Evica Kvcheriana. E. sparsa. — As]n- distra luridii. {fig. 107.) A most singular-looking stove-plant from China; " from a sort of knobby root, producing three or four upright leaves, 8 or 9 in. in length, and, in the months of March and April, a number of dingy-coloured flowers lying on the ground." Ackcm ornithophora. — Dodonc^'a attenuata. A New Holland shrub culture, but no great beauty. latciy uf easy The British Flower-Garden, By Robert Sweet, F.L.S.&c. In 8vo Numbers, monthly. 5s. Ko. II. for July, contains 5 to 8. — Primula pusilla. A pretty little tufted stemless plant, becom- ing dormant in winter. — /beris carnosa. A pretty little annual or biennial plant, raised by the gardener of P. B. Webb, Esq., from seeds sent home by his master from the mountains of Granada in Spain. — Phlox procumbens. A beautiful and very distinct specie^ from North America to Bury Hill, producing bluish purple flowers in May. " It appears to be of very free growth, producing numerous roots, some of which strike root as they trail on the ground, so that it may be easily increased ; it succeeds well in a light sandy soil, or a mixture of sandy loam and light peat or decayed leaves will suit it very well; it will probably require a little protection in winter, such as a garden pot placed over it in severe frost, but exposing it as much 524 British Tlcnsoer-Garden. as possible at other times; it also thrives and flowers well in a small pot, in which it may be preserved in a frame in winter, if found not to be suf- ficientl}' hardy; at present it is very rare, and we do not know that it is for sale at any nursery, but it will soon become plentiful, and, of course, will be cultivated in every collection of hardy plants. Cuttings of it will root readily, planted under hand-glasses ; it may also be increased by dividing at the root. — Philadelphus grandiflorus. A handsome dwarf bushy shrub, attaining the height of 6 to 8 feet, producing large pure white flowers, scarcely scented, in May and June. It thrives well in the shrubbery in the common soil, and is generally increased by layers, or suckers from the root; but ripened cuttings, of one year's growth, will root freely if taken off as soon as the shoot is hardened, and planted in a shady situation and well watered." No. Ill, for August, contains 9 to 12. — Terbena chamaedryfolia, the V. Alelindres oi' Bof. Reg. {Gard. Mag. p. 106. 229.) " Certainly one of the finest and most splendid plants that have been introduced to our collections for some time past, particu- larly as it is so easily cultivated, and propagates so freely from cuttings, thriving well in any rich light soil ; and, when planted out in a bed or border, nothing can make a more brilliant appearance." iJhododendron Morterij. Handsome; from the "nursery of Messrs.. Whitley, Brames, and Milne, at Fulham, who received it from the Conti-' nent under the specific name that we have adopted ; it is of hybrid origin, and is intermediate between R. calendulaceum and one of the red varieties of R. nudiflorum. Several other hybrid species and varieties were received by them at the same time, but none more interesting than the present; another variety which we have distinguished under the name of pr^'stans was in flower at the time, and was sent by the name of Azalea praestan- tissima. The different hybrid productions and varieties that are now raised from seed, and will be in a few years, will, we have no doubt, bring this handsome tribe into great repute. We saw them flowering in great perfection at Messrs. Whitley and Co.'s nurserj^, at Fulham, this summer; and we also had the pleasure of seeing a splendid collection at Mr. Waterer's nursery, at Knap Hill, in Surrej% where many of them have almost attained to the size of trees, and are growing in the common soil of the nursery, w hich is of a sandy peat, as luxuriantly, and perhaps more so, than in their native wilds. Mr. Waterer has also succeeded in raising many fine new varieties, and hybrid productions between most of the old ones, the flowers of which are finer than the old varieties, and of every shade of colour between white, scarlet, purple, and yellow; they all thrive well in the open air in a sandy peat soil, or a light sandy loam suits them as well. They are generally increased by layers, but new varieties are only to be obtained from seed." /"ris nepalensis. Beautiful and singular. Flowered for the first time, in the latter end of June last, in the Fulham nursery; flowers of a delicate blue; roots fleshy, resembling those of a i/emerocallis ; stem leaves in- flated a little at the base. — Zyupinus versicolor. A handsome upright frutescent species. From Mexico to the Bury Hill garden, where it attained the height of 2^ ft. by the side of a wall in the flower-garden. No. IV. for September, contains 13 to 16. Phlox cordata. A handsome rather tender species, sent by Mr. T. Nuttall to the collection of Robert Barclay, Esq., of Bury Hill. — Habranthus {/labros, soft and delicate, nnfhos, a flower) robustus; Amar)lli- dea'. Imported by Mr. Mackay from the neighbourhood of Buenos Ayres. " The present species flowers frequently, and at different times, through the summer and autunm ; and is, therefore, a very desirable plant for the flower-garden ; the flowers have also a pleasant scent, but not a powerful Geranidcece. — Cistinece. — Botanic Gardcm. 525 one. The best situation for it is by the side of a wall, in a southern aspect, as it will not be so liable to be injured by too much moisture, as if grown in a more exposed situation ; if several bulbs of it are grown together in the same place, a slight covering will do for the whole of them ; and if the bulbs are planted about 6 in. deep, in a light sandy soil, they will not require the least protection, except the frost be unusually severe : if grown in pots, an equal mixture of turfy loam, peat, and sand, will be the best soil for them ; and they will require the protection of frames, or of the green-house, in winter, giving them a good supply of water, when growing freely or coming into bloom ; but they require very little when in a dor- mant state. They may be increased by offsets from the root, or by seed which will ripen in abundance, if a little care be taken to fertilise the stigma with the pollen when in bloom." — Alstroemeria psittacina ; Amaryl- MdecB. From Dr. Lehmann, through Mr. Hunnemann, to Robert Barclay, Esq., of Bury Hill. It is a native of Mexico, and thrives well in a warm border in the open air, with a little protection in winter. At Bury Hill it is planted in the open border in front of the hot-houses, where it does better than any of the other species. A. hirtella and Sims/i are now mag- nificently in flower with Mr. Sweet, for the fourth season, with no other protection than a single mat in severe frost. — Fuchsia microphylla. A handsome bushy evergreen shrub from Mexico, covered with bright red flowers nearly all the summer. There can be no doubt but it will prove as hardy as F. coccinea and F. gracilis, which endure the winter well in a sheltered situation by the side of a wall, where, if they are protected by a mat or any other slight covering in severe weather, they will pass the winter uninjured, and produce an abundance of flowers all the summer ; and if not protected at all, they will still survive, though killed down to the ground ; in spring they push out strong 3'oung shoots, which soon attain a good size, and become loaded with flowers. •'- ■-■-'''■■■ '-"\ Ge7'anihce(e. By Robert Sweet, F.L.S. &c. In 8vo Numbers, monthly. 5s. N^os. XIV. and XV. for August and September, contain 55 to 60. — Pelargonium melancholicum, intertlnctus, exquisitum, and KnnesXey aniim. The last species a hybrid of unknown parents, "raised by L. Weltje, Esq., of Hammersmith, who named it in compliment to Miss Annesley of Bletchington, Oxford, a lady much attached to this handsome tribe of plants. P. mirabile, Kenrickte (in compliment to Mrs. Kenrick of Broome, Dorking, in whose collection it was raised from seed), Yeatmani- anum (in compliment to Miss Jane Yeatman of Dorchester, by whom it was raised), and dissimile. CistmecB. By Robert Sweet, F.L.S. &c. In 8vo Numbers, every alternate Month. 3s. N'o. XXV. for .July, contains 97 to 100. — H. arabicum. A handsome and very distinct species with saffron yellow flowers and small hairy leaves, requiring the protection of a frame. — H. diversifolium var. multiplex. A handsome double variety from Lee's nursery, with variable narrow hairy leaves and dark purplish red flowers nearly all the summer. — H. carolinianum. A beautiful species, requiring to be grown in peat. Leaves petiolate, obovate, and hairy; flowers pale yellow — H. lanceolatum, narrow leaves and white flowers. All these species are propagated by cuttings, and are in every respect of the easiest culture. The Botanic Garden. By B. Maund, F.L.S. &c. In small 4to Numbers, monthly. Large paper. Is. 6d.; small paper. Is. X^os. LVI. and LVlI.for August and September, contain 221 to 228. — Potentilla splendens, A'sier Novffi A'ngliae, and Muscari comosum. Campanula nitida; a desirable little subject for cultivation either 526 Supplement to English Botany, in the margins of borders or in pots. iV^arclssus ,7o//(7Z(/7/«, Coronilla varia, iedum Jatifbliiim, and Campanula speciosa. The author tells his correspondents, on the cover, that in January next he will give them such directions for propagating Pseonia Moi'dan as " will enable the nurseryman to sell those plants at one shilling each, with ample profit, for which he must now, from the tedious method of propagation, charge seven shillings and sixpence." This announcement, we hope, will set young gardeners to work in speculating on what may be Mr. Maund's method. Is it by ripening seeds ; or by ringing under every bud, and then laying down the whole plant ; or by inserting buds in the common paeony ? The Supplement to English Botant/. By J. D. C. and C. E. Sowerby. In 8VO Numbers, monthly. "Fifteen years have now transpired since the General Index appeared, which formed the concluding part of Smith and Sowerby's English Botany. Often during that period, it was in the contemplation of the proprietors of that work to publish a supplement of those plants which had been discovered to be British, since its termination. The death of Mr. Sowerby in 1822, and the recent loss of the learned president of the Lin- nean Society, immediately after he had put the finishing touch to the last and most valuable of his writings. The English Flora, effectually prevent the original conductors from having any share in the continuation. Already a number of drawings have been prepared, and it is now the intention of the two sons of the late Mr. Sowerby, Messrs. J. D. C and C. E. Sowerb}-, to publish these and figures of other plants necessary to the work, as sup- plementary volumes; which, when completed, will at least comprise every known British Phcenogamozis Plant. The proprietors calculate upon extend- ing the work to two more volumes; by which means they will be able to introduce likewise such new C'rt/ptogamic Plants (exclusive of the Fungi) as have not been introduced in Dr. Greville's Cri/ptogamic -Flora of Scotland. The Messrs. Sowerby will be grateful to any botanist who will supply them with living native specimens of plants, suited to the work, addressed to them at No. 2, Mead Place, Westminster Road, Lambeth." N^o. I. for July, contains 2.595 to 2597. — Isnardrt palustris; 4 and 1, and Onagrariee. Found by Mr. Borer, growing in a pool at Buxtead, Sussex. — i?6sa Sabini. Found" wild in various places in Scotland and the North of England. — J2. sarmentacea. A common briar in hedges and thickets. — O'phrys arachnites. From the chalk downs of South Kent, between Folkstone and Sittingbourne. — Ver- rucaria oliviicea; Cryptoganiia jLichenes. On the smooth trunks of thorns, ash trees, &c. — V. rhyponta. An obscure production on the trunks of young trees in the New Forest, Hampshire, and in Sussex. — The engravings are beautifully executed, but we think the letter-press ought to have con- tained the natural order, as well as the class and order of Linnaeus. Tlw Florist's Guide and Cnltivator''s Directory, &c. By Robert Sweet F.L.S. &c. In 8vo Numbers, monthly. 55. coloured; 2*. plain. No. XXVI. for August, contains 101 to 104. — Cremona Ranunculus. From the collection of Richard Per- cival, Esq., of Highbury Park, Islington — Juno Georgina. Raisctl from seeil by W. Wells, Esq., of Redleaf [altogethci- the most romantic, beautiful, and highly enriched small place we have ever seen in this or any country], near Tunbridgc Wells. — Emperor of Austria Tulip. From the collection of Mr. Pile ol' Cambridge Road, Mile End. Price l/. — Ford's Prince George Pink. From the collection of Mr. Hogg of Paddington Green, . Medical Botany. 5 27 Ko. XXVII. for September, contains 105 to 108. — Moore's Violet Auricula, From the " choice collection of J. P. Morgan, Esq., of Formosa Cottage, HoUoway; a gentleman who culti- vates a fine collection of the choicest flowers with great success." — Lord Holland Tulip. " A grand flower, like the noble-minded individual after whom it is named." From the fourth row of the tulip bed of W, Strong, Esq. — Croesus Picotee Carnation; " from the collection of Mr. T. Hogg of Paddington Green, who possesses the finest collection of picotees that is to be seen at any one place in this kingdom." Medical Botany, &c. By John Stephenson, M.D., and James Morss , Churchill, Esq., Surgeon. In 8vo Numbers, monthly. 3.y. 6d. No. XXX. for June, contains 117 to 121. — Priinus Laurocdrasus. The distilled water of this plant, the virtues of ^yhich depend on the prussic acid that it contains, is a deadly poison, taken internally, or applied to wounds. The oil of laurel is also a virulent poison. Like various other poisons, it is considered an important medicine. It is a narcotic, but has not the property of lessening pain, nor of procuring sleep, like opium j nor of controlling the pulse like Digitalis ; but it soothes the stomach when in a state of morbid irritability. — Primus domestica. The dried fruit is gently laxative. — The fruit of the sloe (P. spinosa) is a powerful astringent; the juice is largely used for adulterating port wine, and the leaves for adulterating tea. — Erythrae'a Centaurium ; GeniidnecB, Common Centaury. The flowers form a useful stomachic, and were formerly used instead of cinchona. — iZhamnus catharticus. The juice of the berries is a violent griping drastic purgative, more used by the vete- rinary surgeon than the ph3sician. From the inspissated juice of the ripe berries, with a very small addition of alum, is obtained that green colour so well known by the name of vert-dc-vessie, or sap-green. " Sometimes it is prepared by adding eight pounds of lime-water to twelve pounds of the ex- pressed juice, and six ounces of gum arabic ; which mixture is afterwards evaporated into the consistence of an extract, and dried for use." — C/'lmus campestris. The decoction of elm bark has been recommended in cutaneous diseases. " The bark of the elm, dried and ground to powder, has been mixed with meal, in Norwa}', to make bread in times of scarcit}'. The leaves also afford a pleasant nourishment to cattle, and in some parts of Hertford- shire the poor people gather them in sacks for this purpose." No. XXXI. for July, contains 121 to 125. — Diosma crenata. The odour of this plant is very strong and peculiar, and incredible virtues are ascribed to it by the natives of Southern Africa. It appears to be an excellent aromatic stomachic, and it now ranks among the officinal drugs of the Dublin Pharmacoj^osia.-^ Jnchiisa tinctoria. Dyer's Anchusa, or Alkanet root. Sometimes used as a dye stuff for reds and blues, and formerly administered as an astringent in medicine, but now neglected. — A'rnica montana; Corymbiferas. The dried leaves are aromatic, and they excite sneezing. The root is bitter and ac- curate. It is given in fevers by somephj'sicians on the Continent. — ikfyrtus Pimenta. The pimento, or allspice tree, is a native of South America and the West Indies, and succeeds very well in our stoves. In its native country it attains the height of 30 ft., retaining its leaves like an evergreen. It prefers a marly or chalky soil, and arrives at maturity at seven years from the seed. " The berries are picked from the branches in their green state, and are then laid on cloths spread on terraced floors. During the first and second days they are often turned, to be freely exposed to the sun. When they begin to dry they are frequently winnowed, and laid in cloths to preserve them from rain and dews, still being exposed to the sun every day, and re- moved under cover every evening, till sufficiently dry ; which usually hap- 528 Medical Botany. pens in twelve ila^ s, and is known by the darkness of their complexion, and the rattling of the seeds. At this time they appear wrinkled, and are of a very dark brown colour, in which state they are stowed in bags or casks for market. Some planters kilndry them, and it seems the most eligible me- thod, when, from abundance of the crop, despatch and security against the rain are very essential. " The more odoriferous and smaller the berries are, the better are they reckoned. The leaves and bark of the tree are full of aromatic inflammable particles, on account of which the growers are extremely cautious not to suffer any fire to be made near the walks, for, if it once catch the trees, they consume with great rapidity. Nothing, it is said, can be more delicious than the odour of the walks in which the trees are planted, particularly when they are in blossom. The friction of the leaves and smaller branches, even in a gentle breeze, diffuses a most fragrant scent through the air, which is thought to render it very salubrious." The berries smell and taste like cloves, jimiper berries, cinramon, and pepper, or rather a mixture of all of them, and hence they are named All- spice. They are employed under the latter name as a condiment, and in medicine as an adjunct to bitters in dyspepsia, and other affections — iaurus nobilis. The leaves and berries are carminative and sedative, but they are little used by modern practitioners. No. XXXII. for August, conlahis 126 to 129. — Z/aurus Sdsnqfras. The bark and wood were formerly much celebrated in the cure of rheumatism and dropsy, but they are now only prized as stimulant and diaphoretic in the " compound decoction of sarsaparilla," formerly called the " Lisbon diet drink." — iaurus Cinnamo- nuim (for details of its culture and uses see p. 74.). " The cassia bud of commerce is the fleshy hexangular receptacle of the seed of the L. Cinna- momum. When gathered young, the receptacle completely envelopes the embryo seed, which progressively protrudes, but is continually embraced by the receptacle. The buds have the appearance of nails, with roundish heads of various sizes. If carefully dried, the receptacle becomes nearly black, and the point of the berry light brown. The seeds contract by drying, and often fall out : the receptacle is then cup-shaped. When kept long, they have a dirty brown colour, and possess very little of the flavour of cinna- mon. By distillation, they yield an essential oil, not inferior to that of cinnamon bark." — Laurus Cdmphora. The Japanese camphor is obtained by distillation from this tree, but the greater part of what is brought to Europe from Sumatra and Borneo is now fully ascertained to be the produce of the Dryobalanops Cumphora, a tree belonging to a distinct genus from the laurel." — Centaurea benedicta. " This plant was formerly in such high repute, that it obtained the name of the ' blessed thistle,' and was given for the plague, worms, and numerous other diseases. If we are to believe Simon Pauli, it has no equal in healing obstinate ulcers, and even cancers; and Arnoldus de Villa-nova lauds it in the same extravagant manner. Not- withstanding that it is now little employed, it is a useful medicine; the strong decoction, or infusion, being capable, like the chamomile, of inducing vomiting. The infusion, less strong, taken while warm, produces a copious determination to the skin ; while 6 drachms of the leaves, to a pint of cold water, forms an elegant bitter infusion, which is very efficacious in loss of appetite and dyspe|)sia. The dose in powder is from 10 to 40 grains ; of the infusion, a wine-glassful every four hours." — Pistacia Terebinthus. Tiiis tree affords the Chian or Cyprus turpentine, by wounding '•' the bark of the trunk in several places during the month of July, leaving a space of about 3 in. between the wounds: from these the turpentine exudes, and is re- ceived on stones, upon which it becomes condensed by the coldness of the night, so as to admit of being scraped ofi' befo-e sunrise. To free it from Pomological Magazine. 529 extraneous substances, it is again liquefied by the sun's heat, and pressed through a strainer, when it is fit for use. The quantity produced is so very inconsiderable, that large trees, sixty years old, yielded only 2 lbs. 9 02. 6 drs. : but in the eastern part of Cyprus and Chio the trees afford somewhat more, though still so little as to render its price high ; on which account it is much adulterated with the other turpentines." No. XXXIII. for September, contains 150 to 152. — Pistacia Lentlscus. The lentisc, or mastic tree, is a native of the south of Europe, and is very common in the Island of Scios, where its resin, called mastic, is chiefly obtained. The tree is there cultivated, and attains the height of 1 2 ft. The mastic is obtained by making transverse incisions in the back about the beginning of August, from which the resin exudes in drops, and, hardening on the trees, or running down and con- creting on the ground, is thence collected for use. In Turkey mastic is chewed for sweetening the breath, and strengthening the gums, whence the name. With us it is principally used by varnish-makers, and sometimes also as an astringent and diuretic. — Origanum vulgare. A mild stimulant and tonic, now in disuse. — Origanum Majordna. This is the sweet or knotted marjoram of the gardens and shops, and though chiefly employed to give relish to soups, runlets, and stuffings, yet the dried herb is considered ster- nutatory, and enters as an ingredient into the composition of some cephalic snufts. — Genimna lutea. The dried roots of this plant are imported from Germany, where they are cultivated in deep, rich, loamy soil, rather shaded than otherwise. Their medical properties depend on the substance called gentianine, which was discovered by M. Henry and M. Caventon at the same time, unknown to each other; aproof of the perfection to which the modes of vegetable analysis have of late years reached. Gentianine is one of the best bitters that can be employed in scrofulous affections. The root has been used from time immemorial as a tonic and febrifuge, and is only sur- passed by the cinchonas. The infusion is most generally employed. It is remarked by the editors, that the cultivation of Yellow Gentian for sale to the apothecaries might be worthy of the attention of British market-gar- deners, because, though not a native, it grows abundantly on the alps of Switzerland and Austria, the Apennines, the Pyrenees, in the mountainous forests of many parts of Germany, and in North America. The Pomological Magazine. In 8vo Numbers, monthly. 5s. coloured ; 3s. 6d. plain. No. XXI. for July, contains 81. TJie Syhehouse (a village in Yorkshire) Russet Apple. " One of the most favourite of our russets, being remarkable among them for the clear- ness of its skin, the beauty of its form, and the excellence of its flavour." Hardy, a good bearer, ripening in the middle of winter, and among our best keepers. 82. The Beachamwell Seedling Apple. Raised several years ago by John Motteux, Esq., at Beachamwell in Norfolk. Hardy, a good bearer and keeper, and being of a small size is well adapted for a select collection. " No good garden ought to be without either this, the Golden Harvey, or the Court of Wick, all excellent substitutes for the delicate and unhealthy Golden Pippin." 85. The Beurree d'Aremberg Pear. " Truly characterised in the Horti- cultural Transactions as deserving ' to be placed at the head of all the pears in cultivation.' We certahily do not know any variety which can, upon the whole, be said to equal it ; for its flavour is not only excellent, and its flesh tender and juicy, but it is hardy, a great bearer, and will keep till INfarch." Usually cultivated as a dwarf on quince stocks, and trained against an east or west wall; but it succeeds perfectly well as an open standard. The Vol. V. — No. 22. m m 530 Pcmological Magazine. Gloux Morceaux, and the Colmar Deschamps, come very near it in good qualities. 84. The Butch Mignonne Apple. Originally made known to English gardeners by Mr. George Lindley {Hort. Trans., vol. iv. p. 70.), who pro- cured scions from the garden of a Norfolk gentleman, by whom it had been imported from Holland. It is the Golden Reinette of Christ, and the Re dor^e of Mayer. " One of our very best winter fn.iits, being very hardy, a great bearer, keeping well till March, and retaining its beauty, along with its fine aromatic subacid flavour, till the very last." No. XXII. for August, contains 85. Tlie Barcelona Pearmain. A very good table apple, ripening in November, and keeping in perfection through December and January. " The singular speckled appearance of its surface distinguishes this from all other apples." 86. The Old Nonpareil Apple. " Perhaps the most general favourite with persons of every taste, on account of its peculiar, agreeable, brisk fla- vour, and the length of time it keeps." It is supposed to have been first brought out of France, and planted by a Jesuit in the time of Mary or Elizabeth. Nevertheless, Mr. Thompson, the foreman of the arboretum de- partment, remarks " that the French do not seem to know what an English Nonpareil is, notwithstanding the publication of their countryman Du Hamel, because Noisette speaks of it as being very like the Reinette de Canada, only less in all its parts : and further, that it is probable that the Americans are unacquainted with it, for their great writer Coxe speaks of what he calls the Nonpareil in terms of no great praise, and figures it with a very short thick stalk, a character the reverse of that of the Nonpareil, which has uniformly a long slender stalk." A tender tree, but a good bearer, and the fruit keeps with care till May. 87. The Scarlet Nonpareil Apjile. Very like the common in constitu- tion and quality, but differing in colour, and scarcely keeping so long, being in greatest perfection in January and February. 88. The Beurree Ranee Pear. Middle-sized ; described by Dr. Van Mons as being the best of the late pears, keeping from December to May. The tree vigorous, a good bearer after a few years, but straggling and pendu- lous in its mode of growth. No. XXIII. for September, contains 89. The Forman^s Crew Apple. Raised in Glamorganshire, by Thomas Seton Forman, Esq., at Pennydarron Place, near Merthyr Tidvill. " One of the best table apples we have, combining the excellence of the Old Golden Pippin and Nonpareil. It keeps as late as any variety we know, and the tree is among the most healthy. It bears abundantly as an open standard, and is especially well adapted for cultivating as a dwarf, either upon para- dise or crabstock." 90. The Ross Nonpareil Apple. Of Irish origin, and introduced to notice by Mr. Robertson of Kilkenny. " One of the few fennel-flavoured apples which are cultivated among us. Its good qualities are, that it is a great bearer on an open standard; that the tree is vigorous and healthy in all soUs ; and that the fruit, which is very handsome, keeps well till March or April, ripening in the end of November. The tree is round-headed." 91. The Keen's Seedling Strawberry. Large, good, and very prolific; forces better than any other, carries extremely well, and bears its fruit high enough above the earth to keep it free from the soil. Raised from the seed of Keen's Imperial by Mr. Michael Keen, a market-gardener at Isleworth. 92. The Elton Cherry. Raised in 1826 by Mr. Knight, from a seed of the Graflion or Ambr^e Cherry, which had been fecundated I)y the pollen of the White-heart. " Its merit can scarcely be too highly spoken of. In flavour it is by many considered the most delicious of cherries." It is British Farmer* s Magazine. 531 heart-shaped, bright red on one side, and of a golden yellow on the other. " Its hardiness and productiveness, whether upon a standard or against a wall, are ascertained." Ripe with the May Duke in the beginning of July. Trees strong and healthy, wood dark brown, shoots rather drooping, and leaves large and doubly serrated. Fleming's British Fanner's Magazine, exclusively devoted to Agriculture and Rural Aifairs. In 8vo Numbers, quarterly. 4s. No. XL for May. A paper in this number, by Mr. Ayton of Hamilton, entitled " Instances pointed out of false Philosophy imposed on Farmers by Men of Science, deserves notice." To attempt to detect and refute all the errors that have been gone into, either by voluntary writers, or those who have been selected by public bodies to draw up statistical accounts of districts or surveys of counties, Mr. Ayton observes, would be an endless, and, in some measure, an unnecessary task. " But where men, who are justly esteemed eminent in other branches of science, and are looked up to as men of superior abilities and profound erudition, who have been employed to deliver lectures before the Board of Agriculture, have either put forth errors of their own, or retailed those of others, as sound and correct data for the guidance of farmers in an important part of their profession, and when such errors are published and extensively circulated under the sanction of high names, the detection of such errors becomes the more necessary, " The Board of Agriculture employed Sir Humphrey Davy to deliver lectures on agricultural chemistry, and others to explain the mechanic powers; but owing to Sir Humphrey and the others employed having been, in a great measure, strangers to practical husbandry, they formed their opinions on that art from their own particular branches of science, and fell into many errors. Mr. Nasmith," author of Elements of Agriculture and other works, " having, as he thought, acquired some knowledge of chemistry, and wishing to turn it to good account, procured about half a bushel of moss earth, on which he experimented in Jloiver-pots in his cotu- house, and then detailed the results, or corollaries as he termed them, to the Highland Society, as data for the practical cultivation of all the mosses in Scotland ; and he was much offended at those who could not trust to his prattling conceits, or who sought different results by cultivating that earth on the broader scale of acres and fields, not in a byre, but where Nature had laid it down. " Sir Humphrey Davy, the first chemist in Britain, but who seems to know little about practical husbandry, has evidently gone into a similar error as Mr. Nasmith, by applying his chemical experiments to agricultural purposes, without perceiving that the one operation was altogether dif- ferent from the other." Sir Humphrey said that the mode by which he and Mr. Sinclair deter- mined the nutritive powers of the pasture and hay grasses, " by the quantity of matter they contain soluble in water," is sufficiently accurate for all the purposes of agricultural investigation. Mr. Ayton will not ad- mit this, because the analysis described seems to him to be " so entirely different from the much more complete processes of Nature, by which food is converted into nutriment in the stomachs and intestines ot animals.' The author, after describing the process of the stomach in extracting nourishment from food, and objecting in detail to various results of the experiments of Sir Humphrey and Mr, Sinclair thus concludes: " I cannot view the solutions or extracts these gentlemen say they procured by mash- ing or boiling dried grasses, as containing the whole nutritive matter in the plants they subjected to that process ; and as to the analysis of the dung, it appears to me a mere freak. I am disposed to believe that a considerable * portion of nutritive matter remained in the plants or hay after the scalding M M 2 532 British Farmer's Magazine. or'boiling operations had been gone through. I am also of opinion, that the mere weight of what boiling extracts is not a good criterion of the quality of that matter ; for I am certain that a solution of equal or still greater weight than any they found in the grasses they brought to trial, might, by the same means, be got from willows, alders, birch, firs, or broom, which cattle do not eat; or from rag-weed, nettles, docks, or mugwort, all rejected by cattle ; or even from hemlock, which is of a poisonous quality. " The errors these gentlemen have fallen into have proceeded from an over-degree of confidence in their botanical and chemical knowledge, and in applying these to agriculture, of which it is evident they know but little. For however much each of them may be conversant in his own proper vocation, it is evident neither of them understands practical agriculture, and, therefore, they can scarcely fail to err when they attempt to direct its operations by chemical or horticultural rules." We regret to see such a paper as this ; first, because, as our quotation will show, it is not written in a good spirit ; and secondly, because nothing can be more injudicious than to turn into ridicule the efforts of scientific men to throw light on the processes of the arts. It is perfectly clear to us, that Sir Humphrey Davy and Mr. Sinclair adopted the most scientific method of which the present state of chemical knowledge admits to attain the ends they had in view ; because we know from the writings of Thaer, that similar methods to attain similar ends have been adopted by the most eminent Fi'ench and German chemists. Mr. Sinclair has given an able answer to this paper in the succeeding number of the British Farmer's Magazine, and our esteemed correspondent, Mr. ShirrefF, of Mungoswells, has laughed at it in the Farmei-'s Journal for September 7. We recom- mend Mr. Ayton's paper to the scrutiny of Mr. Hayward and Mr. John- ston. Strictures on Dr. Fleming's remarkable Law of vegetable Life ; by Mr. Pa- trick ShirrefF. Dr. Fleming endeavours to establish that an abundant supply of food operates differently with animals and vegetables with reference to the reproductive system ; and Mr. ShirrefF, to show that the effects of an abun- dant supply of food, in reference to the reproductive system, are similar in animals and plants, as far as it respects agriculture. It is certain that, in both kingdoms, there is a medium state, in the fundamental organs, between weakness and luxuriance, in which the reproductive system is found to be most fruitful ; but it is equally certain that the starvation of plants, in almost all cases, throws them prematurely into a state of inflorescence; we shall not, however, at present, enter into this controversy, but recommend the subject to the care of our correspondent, Mr. Hayward. A clever paper, by a Lancashire correspondent, recommends the goat as a milk-giving animal for cottagers, and even for farmers. " Not a fanner in England but would find very many advantages in keeping a little herd, yet we do not meet with it from the Tees to the Thames; not a cottager in his employ who would not have reason to be thankful to Heaven for a cleanly docile animal, that would supply him with milk, the finest in nature, at morn, at eve, and in the summer at noon-day; that would bring him two, and sometimes three, j'oung ones yearly, requiring less at his hands than can well be conceived ; and yet we see him consorting with dirt, and labouring in slops, to fatten a filthy and voracious animal of quintuple the cost, for any return from which he must wait long and risk a loss, which, if he escape, only compels him and his family to feed a great portion of the year on a salty unsalutiferous diet, and entails on his offspring a scorbutic constitution; we see a day-labourer starving a family to fatten an animal, which, in the end, perhaps, helps to fatten no one but the doctor, and losing sight alto- gether of another, which would feed his children daily with wholesome food, and get fat itself on ivhat a jng tvasfcs. Quarterly Journal of Agriculture. 533 " May I hope that some of that bright galaxy, who are anxious to see every cottager in Britain keeping his own cow, and are ready to every good work, may kindly step forward in flivour of the lowest grade of our English cotters, and enable those who cannot keep a milch cow to keep at least a milch goat. It is undeniable that engagements of this kind among the poor restrain many from evil habits, whose leisure would lead them thereto ; who, instead of being the poachers of the next generation, or the sauntering tip- plers of the village, may become industrious breeders and owners of the little herds browsing on the common, or feeding on the village green and in its grassy lanes." We would strongly recommend this subject to the attention of married gardeners, who might feed a goat with the prunings of trees, clippings of hedges, and other articles that a pig would not eat : but we would not do away with the pig, nor with poultry, for the sake of the goat. The grand, and, we fear, insuperable, difficulty attending introducing goats on farms, is the expense of herding them; they can never be left to themselves among hedges or bushes of any kind, and therefore before a gardener or cottager can attempt to keep one, he nuist enclose a piece of ground, 50 or 40 ft. square, with a wall or pales at least 6 ft. high, and he may build a hut of any rude materials in the centre, on which the animal may climb up, and thus amuse itself and take exercise. A great many goats are kept in Italy and Switzerland for the sake of their milk, but they are carefully tended in herds. At Epinal, in France, a good many are also kept, without being always tended, and the consequence is, the hedges of the numerous little gardens that surround the town are cropped by them to such a degree that they look like low turf mounds. On enquiring, in October last, into the cause of this appearance, the gardener of M. Doublat informed us, that after the vintage, and at certain other times, the goats were left at liberty, and cropped every thing that came in their way. It is clear, therefore, that in most parts of Britain goats must be kept in such enclosures as we have described. That they would add much to the comforts of a poor family we can easily con- ceive, and v/e therefore hope that some liberal and enlightened proprietor will second the views of this benevolent writer. In many cases the goat- yard might be so joined to the cottage as that the goat might take exercise on the roof, and this roof might be trellised and covered with a rapid grow- ing creeper between the trellis and the slates or tiles, in such a way as to supply the goat with a good deal of food, without permitting him to eat through the main shoots of the creeper. To effect this it would only be ne- cessary to train each main shoot exactly under a trellis rafter. Dr. Clarke tells us, that in some parts of Sweden sheep are pastured on the tops of the houses; pasturing a goat in that situation would be no difficult matter in this country. The Quarterlij Journal of Agriculture ; and the Prize Essays and Transac- tions of the Highland Society of Scotland. Edinburgh. In 8vo Numbers, quarterly. 5s. 6d. No. V. In the present number is the commencement of a series of essays on the Origin and Natural History of Domestic Animals, which we hope will be continued, and the subject of breeding, not properly understood in Scot- land, scientifically discussed. The harrow is in this number treated of in a similar manner to what the plough was in a former one. (p. 179.) There is a valuable paper on beet-root sugar, the important conclusions of which have been already quoted (p. 325.); and one on planting hedges, on which we shall have a word to say at an early opportunity. On the whole, this journal, already stated (p. 173.) to be worthy of the times in which it is produced, continues to maintain its reputation. ]vr M 3 534j Letter on the Management of the Garden Anon.: A Letter to Thomas Andrew Knight, Esq. Pres. Hort. Soc, on the Management of the Garden and Funds of the Horticultural Society. London. Pamph., 8vo, pp. 26. 1*. 6d. We are well satisfied to see this spirited pamphlet, not that we think it will do much good at present, for the reasons which we have already given (p. 469.), but because it will prepare the way for judicious reformation at a period when it shall become practicable. We recognise in the author of the pamphlet one of our earliest and best correspondents, and one of the most active and valuable members of one of the grandest associations of the present age, the Society for the Diffusion of Useful Knowledge. It is but justice to this eminent individual, here to state that at the commencement of the Gardener's Magazine he communicated to it many of his ideas as to the management of the affairs of the Horticultural Society, but that we considered it prudent, at that time, only to publish a part of them, lest we should give our work a controversial character. We published enough in our Second Number (Vol. L p. 149.) to show what was our opinion at the time. Had the Society with their immense income confined their attention to such objects as could not be attained by individuals; had they given an impulse to the science of the art, and to the minds of gardeners, instead of monopolising the introduction of fruits and flowers, and such like matters, which would all have found their way into the country through travellers and nurserymen ; had they in short directed their efforts to the mind of gardening, instead of its empirical practices, they v.ould have done much good. But they have mistaken the means for the end, and staked their claim for public approbation on the most costly quarto volumes of Trans- actions, the house in Regent Street, the garden at Chiswick, with its splendid fetes, and their list of Fellows, which, like that of the Medico- Botanical Society, is graced with all the crowned heads of Europe. " Ille ego qui quondam, &c. I am he who, some few years ago, took the liberty of addressing a Letter to the late Sir Humphrey Davy, then President of the Royal Society, on the Management of the British Museum, and in which I took a glance at the affairs of the Society under his management. I now, with humbler flight, am about to take the same liberty with you, as President of the Horticultural, which I did with Sir H. Davy, as President of the Royal, Society. " I feel, however, the difference of the subject — that the motion of sap and the cutting of cabbages are not such important points as those I for- merly touched on. I beg my address may excite no uncomfortable feeling. I wish to set your mind at ease on this score at once. 1 have no cause of positive complaint against you. — I am not going to say one word about Turner's defalcations *, though I must say it was vexatious, that, amongst all the responsible and non-responsible officers of the Society, none were found cunning enough to make him give security, and that none were found active enough to prevent his running away — which might, it is said, have been easily done I am well aware you have never willingly de- scended to prosecute the poor devils of collectors, and were no zealous party to the hauling Mr. Don into the Court of Chancery, and threatening him with the abyss of a court of common-law. f — Of all this I acquit you ; but you are sorely guilty of misprision of treason, if not of actual commis- * Turner, we are informed, is now a waiter at a coffee.house in Paris. — Cond. "+ Mr. Don was employed as a collector to the Society, and because he ventured to publish (contrary to his agreement, I admit) some recollections on a botanical subject, he had a bill in Chancery filed against him, poor devil ; but the public has never yet reaped the benefit, in any ©ther shape, of his labours." [We hope the history of the prosecution of Mr. George Don, ami of the persecution of the gardener Christie, may at some future time be given to the public. Christie has never held up his head sinco ; and, indeed, he and Mr. Don are not the only persons who have been connected with the Horticultural Society whom a certain individual has tlircat- cncd to ruin.] and Funds of the Horticultural Society. 535 sion — you stand by — the watchman of the state — the very cherry-clapper put up by us to scare away the obscene bh'ds — and not one single flagging clack is heard from your tongue — all grim silence — you are a very King Log — and this is what I complain of. " I am one of those who have always been willing to allow you full merit, both for your knowledge of the physiology of vegetation, and your experiments in the cultivation of plants ; and I am one who thinks the knowledge of the one, and the practice of the other, no mean attainments- You have done much towards the elucidating many points in the circulation of the sap, and have given many practical hints to gardeners: you have a large fortune, and were the very best person who could have been selected as our President; but though you have comnuinicated to the Society what occurred to you from time to time (which, however, would have had more publicity if put in Bmiidc's Journal, or any of the magazines of the day), you have absolutely done nothing for the Society, as to the administration of its affairs — you have been looking after your own garden instead of ours — our garden is ... . " Now it is asked, what are you to do ? what has been omitted ? what has been done wrong? All very fair questions, I admit. I shall not answer them in order, though I will answer them all before I have done. In the first place, look at the published Transactions of the Society : with the exception of some papers of your own, and a few from practical persons, was there ever such a heap of trash impressed on wire-wove paper, and dealt out to the public at three or four guineas a volume? Was it neces- sary that a Society should come together for the purpose of printing a volume in quarto on the characters of sportive varieties of Chrysanthe- mums, and figures of fugitive Georginas ? Had you any such notion that this was the end and object of your being called into legal existence ? I know you laugh at all these things as well as I do, and amuse your guests at the expense of some of the amateurs and dabblers of the Society : but you should do more ; you should first stop the evil, and then laugh at those who would have perpetrated it, . . , . " Next, as to the administration of the affairs of the Society. A garden is taken without any calling-in of the general members and subscribers — the king and council decide on this — but they do not find the money — this must be got from the members — they (the members) may pay, but not vote. This, you will say, is an old complaint, and that it savours much of radicalism. I am aware that it involves the grave question of universal suffrage ; but let that pass. The garden is to be taken, though ten times too large for a mere experiment garden — but who is to pay, to effect this object of taking the garden ? — The whole class of subscribers were, in my opinion, imposed on, actually dealt unfairly by : they were told, if they did not consent to pay extra, they would be reduced, turned into yellow ad- mirals ; they were to be put into an inferior class, should not have a twig from the new garden, nor should they even have the privilege of taking their friends to see it. Now, the original subscribers, viz. those who first set the thing afloat, were treated as old friends sometimes are, that is, ill- used, and all the favour bestowed on the new ones. And here was the first error you made — it was two-fold ; you affronted many of the real friends of the Society, who did not, however, care to tell you so, and you began to dabble with money ; then came patronage, a clerk to be recommended, a bricklayer friend or a stone-mason cousin to be pushed forward, and the true English process of jobbing and patronage began — and has not yet ended. This is the fate of every institution in this country, wherever there are funds or patronage; and perhaps it might have required more than mortal vigilance in you to have stemmed the torrent — but you have absolutely done nothijig, and therefore arc surely to blame M M 4 536 Letter on the Managen :ni of the Garden " Will you venture to say that any one set or course of scientific e^peri- ments has been carried on at the gardens by any officer of the Society, whereby the knowledge of vegetable physiology or the cultivation of plants has been really improved or forwarded ? . . . . " Botany is not the end of our institution — our charter was not granted for the cultivation of that science. There is the Linnean Society for bo- tany, and yet some thousands have been thrown away purely in the col- lection of rare plants, without the collecting them being the object of the Institution. How many men and how much money do you think have been spent in growing orchideous plants, merely to figure in the Bulanical Register? Is this a fair mode of expending our money? I am aware that you are averse to this — that you complain, or are said to complain, of the waste of money in growing so many jjarasites in the garden ; but again I say, it is not enough merely to complain, if you do not use your influence on these points. " And it may be asked, how have the botanical stores of the Society been used? It is true that some of the periodical magazines were allowed, under restrictions, to figure them, but the permission was given under severe con- ditions. I myself saw a complaint made by one of your officers against a writer in one of the magazines, for having ventured to call a plant after the name of so humble a person as a mere collector — viz. the person who, at the risk of his life, at a guinea per week, had dug it out of the burning sands of Sierra Leone, or the dank pestilential woods of South America. All this is very trumpery for a Society with a charter, a council, and a president, honorary secretary, &c. " I have said, what have the Society done with its funds? Is there any thing to show? Has any taste been shown in the distribution of the gar- den ? What is it but a flat square piece, with a snake-shaped ditch trick- ling through it, with three or four straight walks, and three or four meandering ones, a lawn, and a dozen of kidney clumps ? This is as much as its staunchest advocate can say in its praise. Surely you would not like a foreigner, who comes over here open-mouthed to see our gardens — les jardins Anglais, — to go down to Chiswick to see ours as a fair specimen of what an English garden is. How many have been taken there who have stared when told this was the result of the expenditure of vast sums of money, under the guidance of yourself, and assisted by a council ! Surely if we were to spend our money in ornament, we should (if we had no per- son of taste in the Society) have called in those who created such fairy- land as is to be seen at Dropmore, at Lord Farnborough's, or at Ashridge, &c. &c. If some part of the thousands which have been buried at Chis- wick had been put at the disposal of Lady Grenville or Lady Farnborougb, should we have seen such rock-work, such clumps, such walks, such hodge- podge arrangements, as grace and deck our garden ? At all events, we have failed in the ornamental department — that is admitted : how we succeed in the fruit, the periodical exhibitions show " I write to you in a style something like that which guided the laying-out of our garden — it is of no moment, so long as I bring the points before you. " Most people have some cure for every disease, some theory, some uni- versal panacea : for my part, I really and fairly think the fountain of all the evil in the management, the " origo et fons," is, that we have not any paid RESPONSIBLE OFFICER — uo person who is paid, and who takes the real control and management of the Society's affairs on himself. I am very much prejudiced against any honorary officers. I do not mean that we shall be liable, as the Mendicity Society were, to such claims as were made by their secretary ; but, I take it, every body, or society, pays either in vieal or in malt, and that if our secretary is not paid, we cannot expect that particular attention can be so rigidly exacted in the fulfilment of duties, and, what is worst of all, cannot so strictly conf -le him to his particular and Funds of the Horticultural Society. 537 line of duty, as would be the case with a paid ofSccr. If a person who, for the mere pleasure of control, for the enjoyment of a little patronage, for the mere power of drilling labourers and inducting aspirant assistants to the clipping of edgings, rolling gravel walks, and forking up hot-beds, will undertake a drudgery that others would not go through without being well paid, one must pay him by concession: the result is, that the servant be- comes the master, and you, Sir — the actual President — with your ham- mer, mace, &c., of office, after all, are but a king with a viceroy over you. I have said before, that if you undertake the office, you should perform it. A scientific institution in this country will not do with a King Log : you must govern, or lay down your mace. I suspect that it is odious to you to mix yourself up with the squabbles of a scientific societ}'; that you feel it is beneath a man of your attainments and fortune to interfere when you know things are wrong ; but you must submit to importunity — to vexation — to something else not to be named, to set things right, or you ought to yield your office to some one who will condescend to perform faithfullj' its duties. Rich, devoted to your garden and the pursuits of science, you are unwilHng to set your shoulder to the wheel : but this is hardly fair j those who placed you where you arc depended on your superintendence, and any conduct whatever of yours which disappoints them of their fair expectations is unjust. Of the Council, not many ever attend, and I believe I am cor- rect when I say, the great stars rarely, if ever, appear. These are edged into the list .... " I know you never made yourself a party to this nonsense of giving a breakfast in a garden which was originally intended for scientific purposes, and which has not a spark of pretension to beauty or elegance in its dis- position or arrangement. There is not a single building which displays either taste or architectural design in the whole thirty acres. There is not a single bed or border arranged better than may be seen at a common nur- seryman's ; so that there was no excuse that it would improve the taste of the visitors, or leave them in admiration of ours ; or that the march of in- tellect, as far as relates to ornamental gardening, would be accelerated by the exhibition. And then the trumpery operation of making a profit by the tickets, like a charity dinner, or a subscription concert. The College of Physicians might as well, instead of their evening parties, give a " tea and turn-out" at so much per head, and then lay out the gains in buying mum- mies for their museum — if, indeed, they have one. Cut there is another light in which this was objectionable: many individuals in a middling class of life, as well as the aristocracy, are members of the Society. Now it was unfair on this class to give a fete, as it was termed, and put an exorbitant price on the tickets of admission, which would virtually exclude them, or put them to unreasonable expense ; and further, to give a party in their own garden, at which it would be no pleasure to them or their families to be present ; at which, if they appeared, they would have some chance of being jostled in the mud by the patrician order. And, if I mistake not, some liints were given as to those who were not wished to attend — those who were expected to remember to forget to come. This only came to me in a whisper, and it may not be true — but enough of this. My chief complaint is of the management. What has been done by the Society ? Has there been a bunch of grapes grown that would have been creditable to a market- gardener ? Have we attempted to grow or produce that which people of smaller means or less knowledge could not do? Have we sought to rival Mr. Loddiges's house, or to exceed what the Duke of Northumberland is doing at Syon? " I have before asked, who lectures at the garden ? What instruction is given? What success have the eleves, who have graduated in the horticul- tural departments of the Society ? What is the general opinion of the concern ? What is the number of the seceders ? What the number of 538 Letter on the Management of the Garden malcontents ? Members are tired of seeing two or three acres devoted to J?6sa Sabini and iJosa Donjjij and their supposed varieties, and the clerk's time devoted to record their supposed names. Did you hear of the poor man who was set to taste three hundred and sixty-five sorts of potatoes, at one sort per day, and then to write a description of the flavour of each — a pigeon a day for a month they say kills a man — but to carry the flavour of two shades of a variety of a red champion or an ox noble on the tongue from one day to the next, so as to form an estimate of the difference of taste between each, and then to distinguish both from the taste of a lady's finger, and so on through the whole series, and write down his sensations in a journal, was too much even for a poor Scotchman : he rebelled, and was dismissed as contumacious, after having tasted through a quarter of the task — at least so goes the story, or rather so says the man " If a new plant arrives, say a camellia from China, I, a simple member, can know nothing of its coming; but if I had a friend in the Council, or, what might be better, one of the officers, I should soon know, and he would say, " apply in time, and you will get it first;" so that the result is, when there is any such rarity, such as a new camellia, a paeony, Pinus Lamberti, &c. &c., these are all bespoken before those members who have no friend in council or at court know any thing of the matter. The same mode of distribution takes place with regard to the nurserymen. Ask such re- spectable men as Mr. Knight or Mr. Mackay, what their opinion is of the benefit done by the Society, and what ai-e the advantages said to be de- rivable by the nurserymen from the distributions. Ask them what they have received. Look to the selection of the nurserymen, who are put on fas practical men) to manage the affairs of the garden, and say if a real and judicious selection has been made, and what possible advantages are derived from their superintendence or assistance ; in fact, if it is even known that they interfere at all. One very respectable nurseryman admitted to me, that, though on the Council, except in giving an opinion on the choice of the site of the garden, he never ventured to interfere " What have the Society done to ditFuse science at a cheap rate ? Why they refused to let their Transactions be abridged, or at least I know their secretary wished it not to be done. They publish what they idly suppose worth printing, at a price perfectly beyond the reach of the middling class ; they do nothing for the education of the men they employ, nor generally for those connected with the pursuit of gardening. " With respect to the rules for the management of the garden, they have been framed in the true mercantile spirit : those who pay most shall get most. The hope of gain, and a feeling of selfishness, have acquired the So- ciety many as subscribers, who, I am quite sure, would never have thought of belonging to a scientific institution, but for the hopes of getting back their money in money's worth. Many have paid their additional guinea to the garden, or laid down their 10/. or 20/., in the hopes of reaping the fruit of it, notwithstanding so great a man as Aristotle has said that money is barren. But what has been the result? Every one of them has been dis- appointed, every one grumbles, and many take out their names ; indeed, I think they have not been fairly dealt with. You and the Council have expressly introduced the mercantile spirit and feeling in yoiu* dealings witli the public, and your members and you ought (particularl}- seeing that you have a royal charter) to have kept up the true old mercantile spirit, rather than the tradesman-like tone of the present day. You say expressly, that the surplus of new and rare plants shall be distributed amongst the nursery- men, and amongst the members according to the amount of their subscrip- tion— now mind that. Here is a. direct encouragement to subscribe liberally — there is to be a quid pro quo for all paid — tiie subscribers to the ganlcn are to have the produce of the garden ; of which, however, the old nicmbcr<, who set the aifair afloat, are to have none and Funds of the Horticultural Society. 539 " I should almost doubt whether you do not come within the meaning of the bankrupt laws. As you are a Society growing cabbages and strawberries for profit, perhaps the selling them amongst yourselves may make a differ- ence. The point is worth considering, particularly as the law is proverbially uncertain, and the Society has the reputation of being poor " One of the reasons I have heard advanced for this superabundance of cultivation is, for the purpose, not only of producing cabbages, but for the simultaneous production of young gardeners. What has been the result ? I could vouch the experience of many of your subscribers (some of high rank), that never were sucli servants sent out of the most trumpery nursery. And how could it be otherwise? Poets are born, not made, we all know — but is a gardener? What experience can they acquire at Chiswick? Who is there at this moment to teach them ? Does Mr. Sabine profess to be a gardener ? does he attend at all to the details ? Does Mr. Lindley wield the hoe? or, if either of them did, are they practical gardeners? Who else then is there ? The late Mr. Turner was a printer. Who, then, but Mr, Monro is the Coryphaeus of the whole set? And it is this person to whom the management of the education, practical and theoretical, of the whole establishment is confided — for there is no other person in office — he alone teaches the young idea of the whole class how to shoot. Yon, of course, never deign to " prune the vine : " you, if report says truly, think it better each time you come up, to be a " better stranger" with the gar- den. In fact, there is indeed little taught. No lectures are, as I before said, given on botany in practical gardening, or agricultural chemistry ; on the physiology of plants, &c. : nor is there one competent to give such lectures ; and I defy you to show a good gardener who has been made by the Society. If you were to disguise your dignity, and go round the garden like the sultan Haroini Alraschid, you would hear one half of them laugh most heartily at their teacher — at the institution — its rules — its bye- laws — the drilling — the orders as to dress — straw hats, &c. They admit that if they were to conduct their employer's garden at the same expense and with the same result, they should not stay in their place a year; nor, indeed, could any thing but the Society afford it. " I hope I, or some one whose voice is more powerful, will be able to stimulate you into exertion. Do not be supine, do not act like the country- man in the fable ; you must not call on Hercules to get you out of the mire — no, not even on Priapus — you must at once clap your shoulder to the wheel. All you have to do is to give the Society and its affairs fair attention; call around you an active Council; divide the work into depart- ments, put a responsible person at the head of each ; kick down the apple and cabbage stalls, burn the pottles and punnets ; dig up the kidney clumps, invite some persons of skill to lay out the grounds over again, dig up the dog-roses, arrange the arboretum properly and scientifically ; do awaj' with growing of plants, &c., for other gardens ; instruct the gardeners, let them have lectures on each department of their art, and have encouragement to educate themselves ; let some of the most deserving have the sole manage- ment of some particular branch of culture ; let there be a real and accurate catalogue of fruits and vegetables; turn out nine tenths of the trashy varieties of fruit (which are only fit for pigs) from the fruit quarters ; if there is to be any produce distributed (of the wisdom of which I cannot but doubt), let it be done fairly and openly, according to priority of applica- tion, not according to merit, which no Council can gauge, or let this be distributed to the nurserymen alone ; sell your Transactions cheap, and let the contents be good — not, as now, dear and bad, use wood-cuts instead of fine copper-plates, judge yourself of their contents or set proper persona to do so ; — we shall be safe, and shall prosper." Every gardener who can spare ] 6-. Qd., ought to read this pamphlet. 540 Lambert on the Rural Affairs of Ireland. Kennedy, Lewis, Esq., son of Mr. Kennedy, the late eminent Nurseryman of Hammersmith, Steward to Lord Willoughby De Eresby, Author of The Tenancy of Land in Great Britain, &c. : On the Cultivation of tlie Waste Lands in the United Kingdom, for the purpose of finding Em- ployment for the able Poor, now receiving Parochial Aid, and thereby diminishing the heavy Burthens of the Poor Rates; and on the Expe- diency of making some Provision for the aged and disabled Paupers of Ireland, London. Paniph. 8vo. 2*. 6d. Mr. Kennedy, obviously influenced by the most benevolent motives, re- commends, with Mr. Allen, colonies at home in preference to colonies in Australia or Canada, and paying for labour what now is paid as poor rates for nothing. We entirely agree with him, but having already given our opinion at length on this subject, and recommended the same thing in our concluding review of Slaney? and in our notice of Mr. Allen's pamphlet (Vol. n. p. 321 .), we need not follow Mr. Kennedy into details. It gives us much pleasure to find from his dedication, that " to promote the happiness and to increase the comforts of the labouring and distressed poor," has been " a favourite and cherished purpose " of Lord and Lady Willoughby De Eresby. We should be most happy if Mr. Kennedy would enable us to record the acts of his noble patrons j to give plans of the cottages they have built, the size of the gardens they have laid to them, and the description of village schools, established on the very extensive estates of this family in Perthshire, Lincolnshire, and Wales. Lawrence, John, Author of A PMhsojjhical and Practical Treatise on Horses, TJie History of the Horse, &c. : The Horse in all his Varieties and Uses; his Breeding, Rearing, and Management, whether in Labour or Rest ; with Rules, occasionally interspersed, for his Preservation from Disease. London, 1829. Small 8vo, pp. 315. 8s. The name of Lawrence is familiar to every agricultural and veterinary reader, and the present work may be considered as the concentrated essence of all that the indefatigable and patriotic author had formerly written on the subject of the horse, combined with some new matter of his own, and with whatever he found valuable in recent works on the same subject. To every one who keeps a horse, or intends to keep one, we can strongly recommend the book, as both good and cheap. Lambert, Joseph, Esq.: Observations on the Rural Affairs of Ireland, or a Practical Treatise on Farming, Planting, and Gardening, adapted to the Circumstances, Resources, Soil, and Climate of the Country. Dublin. 8vo, pp.327. This is a valuable little volume ; valuable because practical, plain, and rational. It is not inflated by theoretical dreams of what should, but com- mon sense directions of what may, be done. Nothing is advised to be un- dertaken or executed but what experience has already proved to be bene- ficial. The amelioration of the soil by the introduction of the best practice, and the greatest improvement of the moral and personal condition of the Irish peasantry, are the results at which the author aims, and which will certainly follow the adoption of the measures and means proposed by him. He looks to no parliamentary interference, or forced regulations, to alter the customs, by thwarting the opinions or prejudices, of the agriculturists ; but by the evidence of expedients which, from uniform success, bring conviction to the mind of the cultivator. The only blemishes arc those of nomencla- ture ; but on all the subjects treated of the advice is sound, the directions plain, and the phraseology respectable. The work should be in the hands of every rural improver; not in Ireland only, but every where else. — J. M. Chelsea. Wetten's Designs for Villas. 541 Haworth, B., Esq. M.A. : A Dissertation on the English Poor, stating the Advantages of Edncation, with a Plan for the gradual Abolition of the Poor Laws. 3s. 6d. " No scheme for the amendment of the poor laws merits the least atten- tion, which has not their abolition for its ultimate object." — Ricardo. Wetten, Robert, Architect : A Series of Designs for Villas, in the Italian Style of Architecture. To be published in six Parts, each containing one Design, illustrated by Plans, Elevations, and Scenic Views. London. PartL 4to. TwoGroundPlans, an Elevation, and a Perspective View. 6s, " The author has been induced to arrange these compositions in the Italian style of architecture at the suggestion of several amateurs, partial to its beauties, who, from the few specimens hitherto published, have re- gretted that it has not been more frequently adopted. He has been further recommended to submit them to public notice, under the impression that this style of architecture is entirely deserving of the high encomiums that were formerly passed upon it, although of late years it has been partially superseded by the Gothic ; and that without destroying the harmony of its proportions, or the beauties of its appearance, it may be accommodated to the means of those who, however they may have felt disposed to patronise the professors of this style, have, hitherto, in some measure been deterred by the apprehensions of expense. Design No. I. A Villa prepared for a lady near Bristol {/igs. 108, 109.) is exceedingly handsome in the elevation, and not badly arranged on the ground plan. The principal floor is entered by a loggia (fig. 108. a), which communicates with a vestibule (b), staircase (c), drawing-room (d), breakfast- room (e), dining-room (/), library (g), bath (h), water-closet (i), servants' en- trance (k), larder (/), man's room (?k), scullery (?«), kitchen (o), house-keeper's room (^;), and store room (q). The chief objections which we have to this ar- rangement are, the situation of the water-closet in the interior of the house 542 Wettcn^s Designs for Villas. without exterior ventilation or light. Such conveniences should, as niuoli as possible, be placed in a sort of loggia, so as that not only their windows but doors might open to the free air. The loggia, which of course should only be entered from some passage or lobby, might be contrived to shut in with glass or Venetian blinds in severe weather; or it might have the appearance ex- teriorly of a large window. The second objection is the projection made for the chimneys in the rooms {d e), which, being common in brick cottages, always conveys something of vulgarity and weakness or meanness to buildings of a higher character. We imagine, for example, on looking at the eleva- tion {Jig. 109.), that, if the walls had been sufficiently thick, the chimney- 109 flues would have been carried up in them, instead of in a stack or portion of wall of an extra-thickness, built on purpose to contain them. With this exception we consider the elevation as truly beautiful. The three central windows over the three windows of the same kind placed farther apart attract the eye to the centre, and retain it there in admiration, while the two smaller windows over the verandas in the wings have a similar effect in their way. The building is thus a well-defined whole, composed of three parts, separately wholes also and well defined. The colonnade and balustrade of the loggia harmonise with the centre pediment, as the verandas do with the pavilion roofs. Had the chimneys been in the walls instead of outside of them, it would have been perfect in its kind. Castle, T., F.L.S. : An Introduction to Botan)', including the History, Ele- ments, and Language of Botany, the Linnean Artificial System, the Natural Systems of Linnaeus and Jussieu, the Anatomy and Physiology of Plants, and the Harmonies of Vegetation. London. 1vol. plates. \0s. plain, and 1 '2s. 6d. coloured. Jones, the Rev. J. P., and J. F. Kingston : Flora Devoniensis ; or a De- scriptive Catalogue of Plants growing wild in the County of Devon, ai-ranged both according to the Linnean and Natural Systems, with an Account of their Geographical Distribution, &c. London. 8vo. 16*. Phillips H., Esq. F.H.S., Author of Pomarium JSntdnnicum, and other Works: Flora Historica. 2d ed. 2 vols. 8vo. 2U.bds. 5i3 PART III. MISCELLANEOUS INTELLIGENCE. Art. I. General Notices. Application of the term Involucrum. — Sir, Sweet, in his description of Davalh"« gibberosa, Nat. Orel. Filices, Fl. Austral, t. 31., has adopted the term Involucrum for the membranous covering of the sori, or tufts of flowers, in preference to the superfluous Indusium of modern authors. The decided superiority of such an adoption, I think, does him the highest honour, and deserves to be imitated by all systematists ! I — Botanicus. April 1 6. Principle of Human Developement. — Taking the mind and the body together, their united functions may be reduced to three : 1. the construct- ive, or those which relate to growth ; 2. the intellectual, or those which relate to mind and morals ; and 3. the rej^roductive, or those which have reference to the continuation of the species. Now it appears to be a uni- versal principle in nature, that any intension [design] of one of these three functions is attended liy a corresponding remission of one or both of the other two ; in other words, if any one of the functions is employed in ex- cess, a corresponding deficiency will be found in the usual exercise of the others. " In all cases there is e\adently in utero a very great activity of the constructive functions. This activity generally diminishes after birth in a degree, which, setting disease aside, bears an evident ratio to the increasing exercise of the jptellectual /unctions. The remission, or temporary sus- pension, of the intellectual functions, which occurs during sleep, is attended with an evident intension of the constructive functions, by which, in the time of healthy repose, the wearied or impaired organs are put into a state fit for renewed action. Great precocity of intellect 1 have certainly seen attended with a marked decrease of the constructive functions. It is com- mon for young persons of either sex to acquire, about the time of puberty, a sudden and extraordinary activity of the constructive functions ; and 1 have long observed that the intellect then, except in matters that regard the final cause of that activity, becomes uncommonly sluggish and inactive. The reproductive functions succeed to the completion of the constructive, and it is well known that too great exercise of them is incompatible with an intense application of the mind to study. On the other hand, excessive intellectual exercise is sometimes destructive of health (which depends upon a due performance of the constructive functions), and also of the repro- ductive powers or inclinations. Sir Isaac Newton, whose intellectual powers were never perhaps exceeded, is said to have exhibited this inactivity or deficiency of the reproductive." (T. Smith, Esq., Surgeon, Kingussie, Invertiess-skire, in Brewstci'^s Journal of Science for July, 1829, p. 33.) T7ie Conservative Tendency of Prosperity. — In Hawkins's Elements of Medical Statistics, a most original and interesting book, are collected to- gether a great number of facts, which prove, beyond a doubt, that health and the duration of life are promoted by occupation and prosperity, and 54:4! General Notices. retarded by their opposites. The mean duration of life has gradually in- creased in England, and even more strikingly in cities than in rural districts, since statistical tables were kept. In the middle of the last century, the annual mortality of London was about one in twenty; by the census of J821 it is as one in forty. On the continent of Europe similar changes have been taking place, but in a very inferior degree. A great portion of the deaths in cities is assigned to the constant importation from the country of individuals who have attained to maturity, but who having been previously habituated to frequent exercise in a pure atmosphere, and to simple regular diet, are gradually sacrificed to confined air, sedentary habits, or a capri- cious and over-stimulating food. A large portion of the disease of the country population arises from the excessive use of spirituous liquors, or of low sour wines or ciders. Masons are most subject to consumptions, and tanners least so : soldiers are more healthy than sailors ; there is more dis- ease in an army during an unsuccessful than during a successful campaign : gardeners and agriculturists, who have families, produce somewhat more male than female children, and the contrary as to those who are engaged in the pursuits of commerce and manufactures. Improvements in the public health are uniformly attended by a diminution of marriages and births, because there being only a certain quantity of subsistence, if men live longer, there must be a smaller number of them produced. Thus, with an equal mass of living beings, there is a smaller drawback by_deaths and the pains and dangers of child-birth. — Cond. Heating by hot Water. — Mr.Weekes, manufacturer of horticultural build- ings in the King's Road, has made one of the greatest improvements which have been accomplished in this mode of heating since its application to gar- dening purposes. One of the few objections to the system has hitherto been, that, in a cold morning, the temperature of a forcing-house cannot be so suddenly raised, and in foggy weather the damp in a green-house cannot be so suddenly dried up, as by fire flues. Mr. Weekes has completely removed this difficulty, by circulating the water along a box or tube, 12 or 1 8 in. broad, and only |in. deep, inside measure. The_boiIer being small, and exposing a long surface to the fire, on Mr. Cottam and ]Mr. Fowler's principle, the water is soon heated, and passes rapidly along the broad tube {Jig. 1 10. « a), which, exposing jjq so large a sur- /v^_v '^ 3~ face, quickly gives out its heat. At the further end of the house this broad plate is connected with two returning pipes ; one of a very small diameter, barely sufficient to carry back the water sent forward in the broad tube {b), and the other of 6 in. or a foot in diameter (c), to serve as a reservoir of heat in the night-time, or to be employed instead of the small returning pipe, when the house is once heated to the proper degree. The returning pipes open into a small cis- tern (rf), formed in the end of the broad tube, and the opening to each pipe is stopped by a plug; the one or the other of which is taken out, according to the tube the water is meant to return by. Nothing can be more beautiful, simple, and effectual, of which any one may be convinced, by inspecting the apparatus, placed in a house 60 ft. long, on Mr. Weekes's premises. Of course, the direction of the pipes may be varied at pleasure, to suit every form of house ; and instead of a returning pipe of large dimensions, a second one, of small diameter, might pass through a series of cisterns, of such dimensions as would retain the heat for any tenn considered necessary. To retain a layer of water on the upper surface of the broad tubes, for the General Notices. 54/ purposes of evaporation, it is only necessary to raise two ledges on their outer edges. Mr, Weekes has taken out a patent for his improvement, but we hope he will soon muke some arrangement by which his broad tube whether set on edge or kept flat, will be generally adopted as the going pipe by the numerous persons throughout the country now heatin"- hot- houses by hot water. Mr. Weekes is a simple harmless man, not very likely, we fear, to make the most of his invention. We trust, however, that the numerous trades- men to whom he shows and explains it, will act as honourably to him as they would wish to be done by, if in his circumstances. It is not uncom- mon with rich manufacturers in Birmingham and Sheffield, when they find a patent taken out by a poor one, for what they consider a good thing, to infringe it under various pretences, and risk the consequences, well knowing the expenses of the law, even when the law-suit is gained; but when a man like Mr. Weekes has hit upon a thing tha^s really entitled to a patent, that patent, however much it might be liable to be technically infringed, ought to be held sacred. This should be a point of honour among commercial men, and we know it is, in corresponding cases, amonw the respectable part of the London booksellers and other tradesmen. On the other hand, patentees ought to be liberal, and this we have counselled Mr. Weekes to be. — Cond. Siebe's Rotatory Garden Engine and Ptanj). — This machinist has made a very great improvement on garden engines, and has also produced a description of forcing pump, and a lifting or common pump, which offer very considerable advantages. The garden engine will be found a great deal more easily worked than the most improved modification of those in common use. The motion is rotator}', by a handle, as in turning a coffee-mill . The machine being entirely made of metal, without leather or other fibrous material, no changes of temperature, or of moisture in the air, will put it out of order when not in use. The stream of water thrown out being con- tinuous, a greater quantity is delivered in a shorter time. On the whole, we think it an excellent improvement. Our attention was first directed to it by Mr. Nash, head flower-gardener to Lord Farnborough at Bromley Hill ; and we soon after went to see the machine operate at the manufactory, 145. High Holborn, and were amply gratified. A pump, also, on a rotatory principle, was in- vented some years ago by Mr. Joseph Eve; but this engine (7?g. H 1.) had two cylinders, whereas Mr. Siebe's has only one, composed of four wings. In Eve's engine two cylin- ders (rt 6), working into each other, raised ; the water from the well or other supply by a tube (c), and delivered it by another tube (rf). It was stated in the Quarterly Journal of , Science for January, 1827, to have great advan- tages ; but we believe it has never come much into use. Siebe's engine we consider to be a great improvement on it, and we shall prove this to be the case, in next Number, by en- gravings. In the mean time, we counsel every reader not to purchase a hydraulic engine, or a pump of any kind luJiatever, before calling, or sending some competent person, to see Mr. Siebe's in- vention. Mr. Siebe being a foreigner, not knowing a great deal of the ways of the English world, has neglected to do himself that justice by publicity which we hope in some measure to do. — Cond. Downe's Self-acting Water-Closet. — This machine is to be seen in the same shop with Siebe's garden engine, and we can pronounce it with con- VOL. V No. 22. N N 546 Foreign Notices : — France. fidcnce to be the most perfect of all the water-closets hitherto invented. We are certain that no one who lias seen it will ever adopt any other. It is the only form we have ever seen perfectly adapted for foreign countries, and we would strongly recommend it to our friends and correspondents in the north of Germany and Russia, ])rovided they will always keep the tem- perature of the place where it is kept above 32° of Fahr. But another excellence of this machine which fits it for cold countries is, that it will operate in frosty weather without the use of water. We could not describe it in such a way as to enable a foreign workman to construct a similar one, without several engravings ujion a large scale ; but the price, com- plete, is only seven pounds. — Cond. The Stachi/s 2]aliist7-is, as an Esculent Vegetable. — The Society of Arts have lately voted the silver Ceres medal to Joseph Houlton, Esq. F.L.S. &c.. Lecturer on Botany at the Western Hospital, and one of the Editors of the London Medical and Surgical Journal, for the introduction to public notice of this plant. " The .Stachys palustris, or Marsh All-heal, is a plant not unfrequently occurring on the sides of ditches, or of moist rich corn fields: it increases rapidly by creeping roots, and forms on these, during the sum- mer, a number of thick, half-tuberous buds, from which the stems of the next year are to arise. From the end of autumn to the close of winter, these tuberous buds abound in a mild, somewhat sweetish, farinaceous mat- ter, and are tiien fit for domestic use, being crisp, without fibre, and of a peculiar but scarcely perceptible flavour. The plant and roots are figured in Curtis's Flora Londinensis, but Mr. Houlton has the credit of having first suggested its use as an esculent vegetable, and of having made some experi- ments on the best way of cultivating it- In one respect the subject is interesting to the philosophical botanist, as offering, perhaps, the only known instance of a plant belonging to the natural order of the LabiatEe producing farinaceous tubers, capable of being applied to human food. In general, the only use derived from j^lants of this order is as condiments, like sage, mint, thyme, &c. ; or as affording essential oil, like origanum, rosemary, peppermint, and lavender." {Pre/, to Trans, of the Soc. of Arts, Manu- factures, and Commerce, vol. xlvi. 8vo, 1818.) The Stalks and Roots of the common Comfrey (Symphytum officinale) are very farinaceous : the stalks have been blanched and eaten like those of Angelica, and we have no doubt of the tuberculated roots being at least as good as those of the iStachys palustris. The shoots of 5'ymphytum asper- rimum, as we have seen (p. 442.), are greedily eaten by cows. There are very few plants, indeed, that are poisonous, and there can be no doubt that a great many, by culture, n)igiit be increased in the whole, or in certain of their parts, so as to be worth cultivating as esculents. It is good to know every thing that can be done in this way, and Mr. Houlton has been very deservedly honoured for his exertions. — Cond. Art. II. Foreign Notices. FRANCE. Botany amo?ig the common People in the Neighbourhood of Paris. — Tliere are at Paris three courses o^ Botaniquc rurale, that is, three botanists make weekly excursions with a number of i)upi!s. Jussieu is the public professor of this branch, and his high reputation induced me to wish to join the party. There is no difficulty in it, the lecture is perfectly open, and no introduc- tion is necessary. On Wednesday, 29th of May, I repaired to the np|)ointed place (of which pui)lic notice is always given), at the entrance of the avenue of St. Cloud, 1 was told that the class sometimes amounted to (wo hun- Foreign Notices : — Denmark. 547 dred : on this occasion there were, I suppose, half that number; but it is dif- ficult to judge, as a large portion is always scattered about. It was quite a novelty to botanise in such a croiud, and a very amusing novelty. The party seemed to be taken from all classes ; among them were several ladies, and many who had the appearance of gentlemen ; but the larger portion, I apprehend, were students in the School of Medicine at Paris, and these are, in a great measure, derived from a lower class in society than that which peoples the English, or even the Scotch, universities. No person can exer- cise the trade of an apothecary without a certificate of having attended certain courses of botany. Some were evidently mechanics, and one or two private soldiers. It has, I understand, always been the case in France, that, among the private soldiers, there have been some who have attended the different courses. How honourable this is to the French character, and how much more favourable to morals than where the only resource for an idle hour is the alehouse ! Nor should I be satisfied with the observation, that they would be better emplojed in working for their families. Man has a right, occasionally, to relaxation, and to some exciting amusement ; nor do I believe that either his moral or physical health can be well preserved without it. In England, a gentleman or lady woidd not choose to be seen in such an assembly of all classes : why is it that our pride will not permit us to enjoy, without excluding our inferiors? In fact, with all our boast of superior religion and superior charity, there are more of contempt in our manners towards the lower classes, and less of kindness, than in, 1 believe, any other nation of Europe. It may be merely in manner, and may regard only trifles : but nine tenths of human life is made up of trifles ; I am more indebted to him who will make me happy in them, than to him who would relieve me in tlie other tenth of serious misfortune. ( Wood's Letters of an Architect, vol. i.) The Cidtivation of Maize is likely to become general in France. At the sitting of the Academy of Sciences in Paris, on the 51st ult., it was proposed to give a prize of J 500 francs value to the author of the best essay on the cultivation of Indian corn in the four departments surrounding Paris, with a view to render this grain useful for the nourishment of the human species. Hitherto it has been grown chiefly in the south of France, as food for cattle and fowls. It is a singular fact, that fowls fed exclusively upon this food have a yellow appearance. {Lit. Gaz., April 11. 1829.) Superior Salubrity of high and dry Situations. — In the French Anmiai?-e, or Almanack, for 1829, various statements respecting ])opulation are given. Among 855,658 deaths in 1826, 158 had reached or exceeded their hun- dredth year; and, what is remarkable, and shows the superior salubrity of high and dry countries, by far the greatest proportion of these centenarians was in the two departments of the Upper and Lower Pyrenees. {Scotsman, March, 1829.) DENMARK. Royal Gardens, Rosenlurgh. Aug. 20. 1829. — If the weather do not change, we shall have no harvest at all. No gardener living remembers such a season. Grass and cabbages, and the like, thrive luxuriantly ; but grapes, peaches, and the late sorts of pears, on the open wall, will not ripen this season. For several nights the thermometer has been down at the freezing point, and, one day, it was only 4° above it at 12 o'clock. Even the grapes in the vineries do not ripen. I am told, by one of our principal nursery- men, that Campanula pyramidalis will stand our most severe winters in the open ground, provided it be not covered ; if covered, it rots. I shall try it this winter. Professor Schouw's Geography of P/ants is an excellent work which you should translate from the German, and publish in your Magazine of Natural History. Rothe (a young gardener of education) has published his horticultural tour in Germany, Holland, P'rance, and Upper Italy, in N N 2 54-8 Foreign Notices: — Sweden, Switzerland. Danish ; I shall send you a translation of it, with remarks. I am, Sir, yours, Sec. — Jens Peter Petersen. Garden Library. — M. Petersen, C.M.C.H.S., has lately been appointed successor to the celebrated Danish court-gardener, Lindegaard, and has commenced forming a garden library. We have sent him our Encycloj^cedia of Plants, and one or two other volumes ; and if any society or gardener has any duplicates, and feels disposed to assist M. Petersen, they may be ad- dressed to him, to be left at Mr. Bergstrdm's, 10. Tottenham Court Road, London. — Cond. SWEDEN. Maritime Schools are established in Sweden in all the sea-ports, and a law passed, by which, from the 1st of January, 1829, no captain of a ship shall enjoy the rights of a Swedish citizen who has not previously received from the superintendant of the said schools, or from a naval officer duly authorised, a certificate of his having been examined and found in every respect duly qualified. ( Unit, Serv. Jour.) SWITZERLAND. Liquid Manure. — The farmers of German Switzerland give the name of gi'dle, in French lizier, to the liquid manure obtained from their stalls and stables, and collected into underground pits or reservoirs, in which it is allowed to ferment in a mucous or slimy state. The manner of collecting it, adopted by the agriculturists of Zurich, is as follows : — The floor on which the cattle are stalled is formed of boards, with an inclination of 4 in. from the head to the hinder part of the animal, whose excrements fall into a gutter behind, in the manner usual in English cow-houses. The depth of this gutter is 15 in., its width 10 in.; it should be so formed as to be capable of receiving at pleasure water to be supplied by a reservoir near it : it com- municates with five pits by holes, which are opened for the passage of the slime, or closed, as occasion requires. The pits, or reservoirs of manure, are 'covered over with a floor of boarding, placed a little below that on which the animals stand. This covering is important, as facilitating the fermentation. The pits, or reservoirs, are made in masonry, well cemented, and should be bottomed in clay, well beaten, in order to avoid infiltration. They should be five, in order that the liquid may not be disturbed during the fermentation, which lasts about four weeks. Their dimensions should be calculated according to the number of animals the stable holds, so that each may be filled in a week : but whether full or not, the pit must be closed at the week's end, in order to maintain the regularity of the system of emptying. The reservoirs are emptied by means of portable pumps. In the evening the keeper of the stables lets a proper quantity of water into the gutter; and on returning to the stable in the morning, he carefully mixes with the water the excrement that has fallen into it, breaking up the more compact parts, so as to form of the whole an equal and flowing liquid. On the perfect manner in which this process is performed, the quality of the manure mainly depends. The liquid ought neither to be thick, for then tlie fermentation would be difficult, nor too thin, for in that case it would not contain sufficient nutritive matter. When the mixture is made, it is allowed to run off" into the pit beneath, and the stable-keeper again lets water into the trench. During the day, wiienevcr he comes into the stable, he sweeps whatever excrement may be found under the cattle into the trench, which may be emptied as often as the liquid it contains is found to be of a due thickness. The best proportion of the mixture is three fourtiis of water to one fourth of excrement, if the cattle be fed on corn : if in a course of Foreign Notices : — Greece, India, Sfc. 549 fattening, one fifth of excrement to four fifths of water will be sufficient. {Bull, du Comite d'Agri. de la Soc. des Arts de Geneve.) This mode of increasing the manure produced by stalled cattle and cows is in general use in Holland and the Netherlands, and we have seen it prac- tised in France, at Trappe and Grignion, near Versailles ; at Roville, near Nanc}'; at Ebersberg and Schleissheim, near Munich ; and at Hohenheim and Weil, near Stuttgard. We would strongly recommend the practice to the British farmer, and not to the farmer only, but to every cottager who keeps a cow or pig; nay, to the cottager who is without these comforts, but who has a garden, in which he could turn the great accession of manure so acquired to due account. Let him sink five tubs or large earthen ves- sels in the ground, and let the contents of the portable receiver of his water-closet, all the water used for washing in the house, soap-suds, slops, and fermentable offal of every description, during a week, be carried and poured into one of these tubs ; and if not full on the Saturday night, let it be filled up with water of any kind, well stirred up, the lid replaced, and the whole left for a week. Begin on the Monday morning with another tub ; and when, after five weeks, the whole five tubs are filled, empty the first at the roots of a growing crop, and refill ; or use two larger tubs, and con- tinue filling one for a month ; then begin the otlier, and at the end of a month empty the first ; and so on. — Co7id. GREECE. Lancasterian Schools in the Ionian Islands. — SirF.A. spoke to me about establishing Lancasterian schools at Corfu and in the other Ionian Islands. It would be very desirable, because these islands would form a point from which education might be extended over the adjacent continent ; and it would probably much forward it in Italj', where superstition and bad governments will oppose it. I should not despair of making the Turks adopt it in time, if it were introduced without any attempts at proselytism, and the lessons consequently adapted to their religion. {Wood's Letters of an Architect^ vol. ii. p. 586.) INDIA. Of the State of the Schools and of Education in India, Bishop Heber, in his Journal, speaks rather favourably ; and is very desirous that, without any direct attempt at conversion, the youth should be generally exposed to the humanising influence of the New Testament morality, by the general introduction of that venerated book, as a lesson book in the schools; a matter to which he states positively that the natives, and even their Brahminical pastors, have no sort of objection. {Ed. Iiev.,Dec. 1820, p. 335.) MADAGASCAR. General Education in Madagascar seems to be making very considerable progress. From the second report of the Madagascar Missionary School Society, it appears that there are 38 schools and 2,309 scholars, and that what is called the king of the country is very favourable to these schools ; and from a note in the Evangelical Magazine, it appears that the schools have been increased, since the report was published, from 38 to upwards of 90. {Evangel. Mag., March, 1829.) NORTH AMERICA. The Aracacha Plant of Bogota and Neiv Grenada in Colombia " has not, that I know, been as yet cultivated with any promising results. From the failure to propagate it in maritime and northern regions, I despair of obtaining any benefit from its abundant and nutritious roots. The late Baron de Shack wrote me, that, although it vegetated in Trinidad Island, N N 3 550 Foreign Notices : — Australia. there was an expenditure of the wliole vegetative effort in producing her- bage and upper growth ; while there was not a single tuber, but only fibrous roots, under ground. Under this view of the case, I am inclined to the belief that, whether it be an ^'piuin, as commonly supposed, or a . Conium, as others say, it is a native of very elevated tracts, and will, in all likelihood, require a long and patient course of experiments to reconcile it to low lauils and places near the sea ; if, indeed, that object can be effected at all." {S. L. Mitchell, in New York Farmer, Nov. 1828.) Agricultural Societies. — Addresses to the Charleston, South Carolina, and St. John's Agricultural Societies, by Messieurs Morry, Seabrook, and Town- send have been sent us. It is gratifying thus to mark the spread of agri- cultural science and industrious pursuits. An infant state of things is precisely that state in which societies can be of real use to the public : in a more mature state they become monopolies, and while they do good on the one hand, do harm on the other. The Horticultural Society of London is as much a monopoly as the East India Company : both monopolies did good at first, and both are now, to a certain extent, oppressive to the free industry of individuals. The three addresses alluded to are written with verj' considerable ability and knowledge of the subject; and we speak with the utmost impartiality when we say, that, during the rage for agricultural societies which existed in this country some years ago, no one address appeared, not even those of Sir John Sinclair or Arthur Young, at all to be compared with them, either for extensive knowledge of the subject, or sound general views on agricultural legislation. — Cond. A Quantity of Rhubarb and Sea-kale Seeds has been sent us by Mr. Hale Jessop of Cheltenham, and by Messrs. Noble and Co. of B^leet Street, in compliance with our invitation (Vol. IV. p. 501.), for the Horticultural Society of Pennsylvania. We forwarded these seeds in February last, through Mr. Charlwood of Russel Street, to Messrs. Thorburn of New- York, to be sent by them to Dr. Mease of Philadelphia. We have also more recently sent Messrs. Thorburn a few of our pamphlets on Education (p. 70. note), to be forwarded by them to some of our friends in America, to which we request their particular attention. — Cond. AUSTRALIA. Sydney, May, 1829. — I have now been here eight months. Notwith- standing all the care I took to acquire a knowledge of this colony and coun- try before I left Scotland, you can hardly conceive how little I knew about them on my arrival. First, as to the feelings of the people, and the tendency of public opinion, I am sure that very few people in Britain know what these are. Would you believe it possible that the majority of persons in this country are thirsting a'ter independence and a government of their o\\n; and that, instead of having any desire to return to the mother country, they view it with indifference, or even hatred? Such, however, is the case. We are here in two parties, far more violently opposed than Whigs and Tories, or Catholics and Protestants, are in Britain. One l>arty, by far the more powerful, but forming not a hundredth part of the population, consists of those government officers and commercial s!)eculators who think of making fortunes, and returning home again; the other is composed of the settlers, who think of remaining, and forming a country and government of their own 'J'hcre is no regular chance of making money in this country ; nor can I conceive that there will be, for generations to come. The principal article of export at present is u ool ; but that will never afford much profit, because it can be produced here to an unlimited extent, at almost no expense I have no doubt the Australians will, in a few years, attain their grand object, that of underselling all Europe in this article. The climate and the pasture are formed for sheep ; and the wool is superior to that of Saxony or Spain. The great thing which we want here is labourers; and I should think your government might contrive some n)eans of sending out the super- Domestic Notices : — England. 551 fluous population without loss. You will be shocked at the idea that I am going to mention to you, which is that of government making it legal for captains of ships and others to purchase the labour of such men and women in England as might volunteer themselves, for a certain number of years, say rseven, and take them abroad to any British colony to be previously agreed on by the purchaser^and seller, and there dispose of the term yet to run of their lease. I acknowledge, this seems a very harsh mode of supplying us with labourers ; but, as a general principle, 1 believe you will agree w ith me that the service to both countries will be performed much more effectually when it is made the interest of individuals to do it, than when it is done by go- vernment. A single act of parliament, comprising all the necessary details, would set the whole of this matter to rights, and effect an inconceivably great service to this country, and, I should think, also to England. — R. S. Art. III. Domestic Notices. ENGLAND. Blenheim House, the once proud seat of the illustrious Marlborough, presents now but a melancholy and almost desolate appearance to the visitor. The courtyards are overgrown with grass, and the wallflower has introduced itself beneath the colonnade. Many of the windows are broken, and the ripples of the beautiful lake are intercepted by weeds, which luxuriate in all the perfection of undisturbed possession. {Berks Chronicle.) — If the laws relating to landed property were just and equitable, Blenheim House and all its dependencies would long since have been sold for the benefit of the creditors. But the probability is, that if the estate had not been entailed, the sale of Blenheim would not have become necessary. Good, however, . will result from this example of the abuse of aristocratical privilege ; be- fore any disease can be cured, it must come to what is calletl by physicians a crisis : in this view a bad duke may be better than a good one. — Cond. Gardens for the Poor. — The Earl of Clarendon has appropriated to the use of the poor at Wootton-basset, fifty acres of land for gardening pur- poses, thereby materially contributing to the comfort and advantage of nearly a hundred families. A more general adoption of this system would be highly desirable, inasmuch as it insures important benefits to the poor, and greatly tends to encourage in them habits of industry and sobriety. {Devizes Gazette.) If, in addition to such benevolent, and,in the end, advantageous, practices, proprietors would establish schools, and make it a condition in the leases of the cottages, that all the children born or brought up in them should undergo a certain degree of tuition, the benefit to the country and the in- dividuals would be great ; otherwise it might, to a certain extent, aggravate, at a future time, the evil to which it is a present relief. — Cond. Artesian Wells. — At a late Meeting of the Institution of Civil Engineers, it was stated as an ascertained fact, that a supply of water equivalent to the wants of even one district of the metropolis cannot be obtained from the water-bearing strata beneath the blue London clay. [Liiterary Gazette.) Mr. Mackay, of the Trinity College garden, Dublin, is now on a horti- cultural tour in this country. He informs us that there is a horticultural society in Dublin, which holds regular meetings and distributes prizes, which we are happy to hear, notwithstanding the indifference of its secretary in not sending us now and then a newspaper containing an account of its transactions. — Cond. Sept. 10. N N 4 552 Domestic Notices: — Scotland. The Cpcas revoluta (Vol. IV. p. 162., fig. 59.) has lately been in full fruc- tification at Wentworth House, Yorkshire ; I believe it to be the second instance only of its having flowered in England. — J. S. H. Cambridge, Sept. 5. 1829, A Strawberry, measuring 7i in., and weighing nearly li oz., was gathered on Friday, at Birdholme, near Chesterfield. {Hull Advertiser, July 10.) A Snake Cucumber (Ciicumis flexuosus), 6 ft. 8 in. long, and 1 in. diameter at the largest end, furrowed, but straight from having been grown in a hanging state, has been received from R. F. August 2. 1829. Gigantic Asparagus. — Sixty heads of asparagus were sold in Leeds mar- ket, last week, which weighed upwards of 7 lbs. ( Yorkshire Gazette, June 6.) Large Cauliflowers. — On May 30. Mr. Anderson, gardener, in Mickle- gate, cut a cauliflower, which weighed 3\ lbs., and measured 2 ft. 4 in. in circumference. On looking over his garden, June 4., he saw a much larger cauliflower, which he cut, and found that it weighed 4 lbs, 8i oz. and mea- sured 3 ft. in circumference. {Wakefield and Halifax Journal, June. 5.) SCOTLAND. Edinburgh Green Market. — August 2 1 . Grapes Is. 8d. to 2s., cherries 8^., and melons Is. 6d. to 2s. per. lb.; black currants, 6d., red, 4d., gooseberries id. to 6d. and rasps 6d. old Scotch pint ; peaches and nectarines from 5s. to 8^., and apricots from Is. to Is. 6d. a dozen ; geans 6d. to 9d. a lb. Prematures, Gold Naps, Crawfords, and Jargonelle pears are now ripe, and selling at reasonable rates. Cucumbers bring from 3d. to 6d. each ; green peas from 8d. to Is. 2d., and beans from 6d. to lOd. a peck. {Scotsman.) Caledonian Horticultural Society. — In our last we endeavoured to give a description of the promenade which took place on July 2., in the experi- mental garden of the Caledonian Horticultural Society at Inverleith. We now submit a correct account of the award of prizes which took place on that occasion : — For the best three carnations, from seedlings of the preceding year, only one parcel was produced ; these, however, were regai'ded as good, and the thanks of the Society were voted to Mr. Thomas Spalding, gardener to Mrs. Macnab at Arthurstone, who was found to have sent them. For the best six seedling pinks, from seeds of the previous year, five com- petitors appeared. After a careful comparison, the premium was awarded to Mr. Spalding at Arthurstone. Another collection of seedling pinks was considered so excellent, that a copy of the last volume of the Society's Transactions was voted to the cultivator, Mr. Allan Carsewell, Newington Place, as a mark of approbation. For the best garden rose, double or semi-double, from seed saved in Scotland, within the three preceding years, the Society's silver medal was adjudged to Mr. J. Howie, gardener, Perth Road, Dundee. The Commit- tee reported, that on proceeding to examine the merits of the competition articles under this head, they were agreeably surprised with a remarkable exhibition of seedling roses from Messrs. Charles and John Peacock, who transmitted a basket with their engraved card attached to it, containing no fewer than twenty-four kinds, raised from seed saved from their own rich collection at Stanwell Lodge in 1825. But, although the Messrs. Pea- cock had precluded themselves from competing by attaching their name to the basket, the Committee did not hesitate to recommend the award of an extra-medal, for such a very unusual display of new roses. Messrs. Peacock also exhibited a fine display of Dutch roses, amounting to one hundred named varieties. A very beautiful seedling rose having been sent by Mr. William Henderson, gardener to Sir Alexander Muir Mackenzie of Delvine, Bart., the last part of the Society's Transactions was voted to Mr. Hender- son, as a mark of the approbation of the Committee. Domestic Notices: — Scotland. 553 For the six finest exotic plants, the medal was found due to Mr. Do- nald M'Rae, gardener to George Dunbar, Esq. Rose Park, Trinity. Un- der the head of exotics also, the Committee felt constrained to recommend an extra-medal to be given for a superb collection transmitted by Mr. Wil- liam Macnab, superintendent of the Royal Botanic Gardens, which were merely sent for exhibition. Most of these plants were of great rarity, all of matchless beauty, and evincing the utmost perfection in culture, parti- cularly the heaths, a class of plants, in the treatment of which, all who have visited the Royal Botanic Gardens must admit Mr. Macnab to excel. The Committee were likewise much pleased with the plants which were sent from the garden of the Secretary at Canonmills, which were both rare and well cultivated. The last part of the Society's ATemoirs was accord- ingly voted to Mr. Alexander Scott, gardener to Mr. Neill, in testimony of his professional merit. No competitors appeared for the premiums offered for the best quart of American Scarlet Strawberry or of the Duke of Kent Strawberry, on ac- count of which much regret was expressed. {Edinb. Advert., July 10.) Caledonian Horticultural Society. — The Anniversary Meeting of this So- ciety was held Sept. 3. in the hall of the Royal College of Physicians, Daniel Ellis, Esq., one of the Vice-Presidents, in the chair, when several new members were admitted, and the Report of the committee of prizes read, from which it appeared, that, at the competition in the Society's apartments on the preceding day, prizes were awarded as follows : — Four sorts of peaches, from open walls, without artificial heat, three of a sort, with their names, Mr. James Stewart, gardener to Sir J. Hope, Bart., Pinkie House. Four sorts of peaches, from flued walls, without glass, three of a sort, Mr. Jas. Scott Thomson, gardener to Viscount Strathallan, Strath- allan Castle, by Crieff. Three sorts of nectarines, from fined walls, without glass, three of a sort, Mr. Thomas Inglis, gardener to William Ramsay, Esq., of Barnton. Six sorts of plums, six of each sort, with names, Mr. Jas. Young, gardener to John Richardson, Esq., of Pitfour, by Perth. Two im- perial quarts of retarded gooseberries, three sorts, red, white, and yellow, with their names, &c., Mr. William Oliver, gardener to the Earl of Ross- lyn, Dysart House. Four sorts of summer pears, six of each sort, with their names, Mr. William Oliver, Dysart House. Queen pine-apple, Mr. John Mitchell, gardener to Sir David Moncrieff, Bart., Moncriefi' House. Pine- apple of any other variety, Mr. W alter Henderson, gardener to W. F. Campbell, Esq., Woodhall. Cantaloup Melon, Mr. James Anderson, gar- dener to John Bonar, Esq., Ratho House. Highest'flavoured green-fleshed melon, Mr. John Mitchell, gardener, Moncriefi" House. Three bunches of Frontignac grapes, three different sorts, Mr, James Simpson, gardener to Capt. Wemyss, ^.. P., Wemyss Castle. Two finest and heaviest bunches of black Hamburgh grapes, Mr. John Kinmount, gardener to Miss Yeoman of Murie, by Errol. Best grapes, of three different sorts, and two bunches of each, with names, Mr. James Goodall, gardener to the Marquess of Lo- thian, Newbattle. Two sorts of figs, three of each, Mr. William Pearson, gardener to Dowager Countess of Hopetoun, Ormistoun Hall. Six kinds of summer apples, six of each kind, Mr. David Sinclair, gardener to James Donaldson, Esq., Broughton Hall. Six double or semi-double georginas,from seed saved in 1827 or 1828, Messrs. Dickson and Co., nurserymen, Leith Walk. An extra-medal was awarded for the greatest variety of fruits, of good quality, to Mr. Macnaughton, gardener to John Wauchope, Esq., Ednionstone. Extra-medals were awarded to Messrs. William Henderson, gardener to Sir A. Muir Mackenzie, Bart., Delvin, and William Todd, gar- dener to the Hon. Mrs. Norton, Abbeyhill, for nev/ seedling China roses. For the best home-made gooseberry wine, to Mr. Lewis Pederaner, Haly- burton House, Cnpar-Angus. An extra-medal for elder-flower wine, of excellent quality, to Mrs. Campbell, of Ormsary, Argyleshire, 554< Domestic Notices: — Scotland. The Meeting unanimously approved of the Report of the Committee, after whicli, the Chairman addressed the meeting in nearly the following terms : — " When I had the honour of addressing you in June last, I submitted to vou a few remarks on the comparative coldness of the preceding months and the consequent retardation of vegetation in all the departments of horticulture. 1 stated this condition of climate to have prevailed very generally throughout England ; and we have since learned that it ex- tended to neighbouring countries, particularly to France. Hence it has happened that, contrary to ordinary experience, the actual period at which various flowers and esculent vegetables were produced was, this season, pretty nearly the same in all parts of Great Britain. Of this fact, a striking illustration soon after appeared in some of the public papers of this city, in which it was stated that, in a former year, a dealer in Edinburgh, who had imported green peas from London, which he was enabled to sell at 2,?. 6d. when the market price in Edinburgh was 4$. 6d. per peck, had tried the same experiment this j'ear, but not with the same success ; for the green peas were nearly as early with us this season as with our neighbours in the south, and could not be purchased in Covent Garken Market at a price that enabled the dealer to undersell the native grower. It was stated, also, on the occasion before alluded to, that thougii vegetation had been kept back some weeks beyond its ordinary progress in this coimtry, it had at length come forward with so much vigour, and the blossom on the fruit trees was then so general and so fine, as to hold out the promise of a more than usual production of late fruit. This promise, with regard to the actual crop, especially of the hardier fruits, has not disappointed expectation ; but, from the unusual prevalence of rain, and deficiency of sunshine, the period of growth has not ceased sufficiently early, but has run, as it were, into that, which, in other years, has been employed in the ripening process. The fruits, therefore, of various kinds, which were sent in yesterday for compe- tition, as raised in the open air, were inferior, both in number and quality, to what they have usually been. This was more particularly remarkable as to the more delicate kinds of fruit, as peaches, nectarines, and apricots, the best specimens of which were not deemed to possess the rich flavour and mellowness they acquire in better seasons, and many of them were far from being ripe. Of apricots not one sample was sent in for competition, whilst in 1826, the Fruit Committee was summoned at least three weeks before the ordinary time of meeting, to inspect some uncommonly fine apricots, remarkably alike, both for size and quality, and which were then advancing fast to the condition of over-ripeness. The more hardy fruits sent in for competition, as apples and pears, were not deficient in size, but few of those which appeared to have been recently plucked from the tree had reached maturity, and the greater number were far short of it. Of course, the fruits raised in stoves and hot-houses are little affected by the lowness of atmospheric temperature ; but even these may be expected to suffer in some of their finer qualities from the deficiency of sunshine. It was partly from this failure in the fruits of natural growth, and in part too from the very unfavourable state of the weather for some weeks past, that the Committee appointed to make arrangements for the projected fete in the garden, which was to have been held this day, deemed it prudent, after mature deliberation, to abandon it altogether for this season. They did not wish to incur the responsibility of putting the Society to the expense of such an exhibition when there would have been so nuich difficulty in procuring a sufficient supply of good fruit ; and when the season was so precarious, that little dependence could be placed on an adequate attend- ance of company, especially at the time when the more influential classes of the community were absent from town. They were also of opinion that a failure in a first attempt at au exhibition of this kind might go far to ob- Domestic Notices : — Scotland. 555 struct success on any future occasion. The Committee, however, remained fully of the opinion that a promenade, such as was proposed, might be ren- dered extremely acceptable to the public, and in its effects advantageous to the Society. IBut they seemed to think that it should take place at an earlier season of the year; and that although it would not then be possible to exhibit any great variety of the finer fruits, yet that compensation for this single disadvantage would be found in the superior fineness of the sea- son, the greater beauty of the garden, the fulness of the town, and the number and rank of those who might then take an interest in the Meeting. In connection with these remarks, and as giving new imi)ortance to the subject to which they refer, I may mention, that, in order to meet the in- creasing desire of the conmumity for this kind of horticultural produce, the magistracy of this city have lately formed a fruit-market of great extent, where fruits are sold by wholesale. This new market for several Saturdays past has been crowded with carts, filled with vast stores of the smaller fruits, as summer apples, [)ears, &c., and the Society will participate in the satisfaction of learning that hitherto the demand has fully kept pace with this augmented supply. " 1 have only to mention that a treatise on an interesting subject has just been presented to the Society, which the author wishes should be made known to its members. It is a Treatise on t/ie Insects most jirevcdent on Fruit Trees and Garden Produce, with an Account of their Histori/, the De- jjrcdalions they commit, and the Recipes used for their Destriiciion, by ]\Ir. Joshua Major. The author, under the several heads of the trees, shrubs, and herbs, cultivated in our gardens, gives a list and description of the dif- ferent insects which severally infest them, and the means which have been used either by himself or others to effect their destruction. As the work has but just been received, little can be said of its execution, but it seems to treat of the several points relating to this very interesting subject on a more comprehensive plan, and in a more practical wav, than any work yet written upon it. Should any member consult it, and put in practice any of the recipes recommended b}' the author, the Society will be glad to hear the result of his trials, or to learn any information respecting the varieties of insects which attack different trees as enumerated by the author, their natu- ral history or habits as related by him, and the efficacy of any means that may seem best adapted to counteract their depredations, or to destroy them." ]Vlr. Robison begLjed to corroborate what had been stated by Air. Ellis in regard to the backwardness of the season. He had access to know that, even in the south of France, the weather has been equally unpropitious for horticultural experiments. The Secretary then stated, that, along with other communications, he had received one from Sir John Sinclair, giving an account of his having discovered a beautiful dye, extracted from the flower of the potato, and along with it a piece of very fine woollen cloth. The specimen sent was of a beautif"ul bright amber colour, admirably adapted for ladies' shawls. In the afternoon, the Society, to the number of about 120, met in the Waterloo Tavern, to celebrate its twentieth anniversar)', where an excel- lent dinner was served up by Mr. Steventon. The dessert, which consisted of the fruits competed for, was served up in no fewer than 300 dishes; of these, fifty plates were grapes, eighteen melons, and several pine-apples. Dr. Hope, Professor of Chemistr\', was chairman, and Mr. A. Dickson and Mr. J. Linning, croupiers. After the usual loyal toasts were given, the prosperity of the Horticultural Society was diunk with great enthusiasm. This was followed by a toast to the memory of Dr. Duncan. Dr. Hope, in proposing it, described the doctor as a man whose amiability of disposition often led him to the performance of acts of kindness far beyond his means. He described him as the father and founder of the Royal Public Dispensary, the Lunatic Asylum, and the Caledonian Horticultural Society. The healths of Daniel Ellis, Esq , and the vice-presidents ; Patrick Neill, Esq., tlic secre- 556 Domestic Notices : — Scotland. tary ; the treasurers, Mr. Dickson and Mr. Linning; Professor Dunbar and the Committee of Prizes; the successful competitors, and the unsuccessful competitors, were given and drank with great applause. The conviviality of the Meeting was niuch enlivened by the vocal powers of Messrs. Ken- ward, Smith, and Gleadhill. (Edinburgh Advertiser, Sept. 4.) Aberdeenshire Horticultural Society. — A Competition was held in Aber- deen on July 15., when the judges awarded the prizes as follows : — Flowers. Pinks : 1. William Barron, gardener. Blackball ; 2. Geo. John- ston, gardener, Haddo House. Seedlings (best six): 1. James Mennie, gardener, Hardgate ; 2. Captain John Clyne, Aberdeen. Irises : 1. Mr. \Vm. Davidson, jun., Aberdeen ; S.Alexander Diack, Mile-end. Roses. Double : 1. William Chalmers, gardener. Loch-head ; 2. Alexander Bell, Esq., Mary- well Place. Seedlings : 1. Diack's Ecyd Rose, Mr. Alexander Diack, Mile- end ; 2. John Roy, jun., seedsman, Aberdeen. — Fruit. Melon : 1. William Anderson, gardener, Cornhill ; 2. George Forbes, Esq., Springhill. Goose- berries : 1. and 2. Alexander Malcolm, gardener, Damside. Currants: 1. William Smith, gardener, Grandholm Cottage; 2. Peter Archibald, gar- dener. Park. Strawberries : 1. John Davidson, Dunottar House ; 2. Alex- ander Malcolm, gardener, Damside. Cherries: 1. George Johnston, gar- dener, Haddo House ; 2. John Wood, gardener. Logic Elphinstone. The Society's large medal, with a premium also, as an extra-prize, was awarded to Alexander Malcolm, gardener, Damside, for a species of very superior new seedling strawberries. The show, particularly in strawberries, irises, pinks, roses, &c., was very fine. There were also various packages of rare plants in pots from the gar- dens of Messrs. J. Walker, W, Davidson, jun., and James Forbes, Broadford. The prize melon (.Willox's Fame) from the garden of Mr. Young, Cornhill, weighed 7| lbs., and was highly flavoured. William Simpson, Esq., advo- cate, was elected a member. Upon this occasion, the president, Mr. Crombie of Phesdo, presented to Mr. John Davidson, gardener, Dunottar, the London Horticultural Society's large silver medal, voted to Mr. Davidson by this Society last year. (^Aber- deen Journal, July 22.) Dunfej-mline Florists' Society. — A Show was held on June 19., when the best six ranunculuses were adjudged to Mr. David Hutcheson ; the second to John Duncan ; the third to Wm. Meldrum ; the fourth to John Angus ; and the fifth to D. Inglis. The heaviest twelve early potatoes were pro- duced by Mr. William Anderson ; the second by James Beveridge ; the third by Robert Sinclair ; the fourth by John Duncan ; and the fifth by Wm. Meldrum. The heaviest six early turnips were produced by James Elder ; the second by J. Inglis; the third by Robert Sinclair; the fourth by David Hutcheson; the fifth by D. Inglis ; and the sixth by William Meldrum. {Scotsman, July 1.) Library of the Falldrk School of Arts. — In addition to the many valuable volumes which this institution can now boast of having in their library, Lord Dunmore, with that liberality which distinguishes his famil}', has this week given a very valuable donation of 21 volumes on science and history. (Scotsman, June 24.) W^e feel great pleasure in recording donations of this description, scarcely knowing any way in which a man of property can do more good to his neighbourhood. Were such schools, libraries, museums, and gardens, as we contemplate, established in every parish, we have no doubt the donations to them, from the surrounding proprietors and clergy- men, would be considerable ; and as there can be no doubt that every future author would send a copy of his works to his native village, and every painter and sculptor a specimen of his works, for the approbation of his townsmen, the accumulation of interest of mind and of power which would thus be made in every village and^hamlet, would produce effects on humanlcharacter and happiness in this country, of which it is difficult to foresee the result. — Cond. Garden Calls. 557 Art. IV. Calls in Hertfordshire, Bedfordshire, Berkshire, Surrey^ Sussex, and Middlesex. London to FUtwick House. July 22, — It happens that the most dh-ect route from Bayswater to Flitwick House is by secondary roads and lanes, so quiet and rural, that such a proprietor as the Duke of Bedford, ridinn- along them, might fancy himself on his own estate. As we passed Cannons, at Edgeware, the magnificent and truly aristocratic idea of the Duke of Chandos recurred to our mind, viz. that of having a straight avenue from his house here to his house in Cavendish Square, a distance of above nine miles, entirely on his own estate. Had he lived but a few years longer, it is said he would have realised the idea, as he had succeeded in purchasing every thing necessary but a small spot at Paddington. We can conceive something of the feelings of a man thus desirous of isolating himself from general sympathies, and of the kind of enjoyment which results from being looked up to and flattered, and from the conscious possession of great power; but we cannot conceive that this species of happiness is at all to be compared with that which would be sympathised in by the whole of human nature ; with that, for instance, of a man cultivating his own acres, and happy in his wife and children. At the same time, the enjoyment produced by every natural feeling depends so much on its cultivation, that any state of existence may yield happiness by being made the most of; and, without some degree of cultivation, no state, either of riches or poverty, will yield much. Notwithstanding the hcau ideal of an English yeoman or an Ame- rican farmer's manner of life, there are few states of existence duller or less enviable than that of an ignorant man and woman working hard on their own farm. To the imcultivated who know any thing better, such a state can only be rendered bearable during a certain period of life, from the in- terest which man, in common with all animals, takes in bringing his off- spring to maturity. By the time that work is completed, such parents as those to whom we have alluded will have become habituated to dullness. To return to Cannons and the Duke of Chandos : what must strike every one as the most remarkable feature in the character of this duke, is his regulated magnificence; his employing the best calculators to ascertain ex- actly to what extent he might carry his annual expenditure without exceed- ing his income, and how that income might be expended so as to produce the most brilliant effect. The magnificence of the liouse is still talked of by the old people in the neighbourhood. The principal staircase consisted of blocks of Italian marble, 20 ft. long, and the hand-railing was of silver. This house has long since been pulled down, but the lodges at the entrance gates still exist, and are so ample in their dimensions, and commodious within, as to have been let, at different times, as country-houses, to gentlemen of the rank of esquires, magistrates, and officers in the army and navy. The duke had a horse-patrol, which perambulated the boundaries of the park, by night and day; a body-guard; a band of music for general purposes, and one" or two eminent musicians for joining them on grand occasions, and leading the church music. That the whole establishment should have been broken up at his death is looked on by some people as a visitation of Providence, for certain alleged irregularities in the mode (in the army, and by marriages) by which he acquired his immense fortune ; we know of nothing on record, however, that indicates him to have been less honest than other menof like rank in his time. Perhaps, indeed, he maybe considered as superior to his contemporaries; not only in having made such an immense fortune, but in having spent it with so much magnificence and liberality. We would much rather see such an establishment as Cannons demolislied, than such a one as Blenheim kept up to the ruin or injury of creditors, and to the protec- tion of disgraceful conduct from its natural consequences. We should be 558 Gardefi Calls .- — sorry to see one stone of the palace of Blenheim touched, or the park di- minished by one acre; but not so to see the family of iVIarlborough made subject to the like penalties with other men. In the present stage of civil- ised society in Britain, there ought to be no special laws by which certain individuals may, with impunity, set the general laws of society at defiance. No outlet from London has been more improved within the last fifteen years than the road to Edgeware, which, from passing through naked grass fields, with, here and there, a miserable cottage, farm-house, or ahaj'-barn, is now bordered by villas and gardens, vying with each other in architec- tural taste, in the display of flowers, exotic trees and shrubs, and in what no foreigner can form an idea of who has not been in the country, English turf and gravel. The hills on the road have been lowered, the direction of the road straightened, its width regulated, and its surface Macadamised. A nursery at Edgeware, founded by Mr. Greg, an indus- trious Scotch gardener, nearly 40 years ago, has now extended to a number of acres. He yielded up his interest in the nursery to his son, on consideration of an annuity to retire on ; a plan of life rarely yield- ing the happiness it promises, and ruinous to all parties in this case. We mention the circumstance as a cautionary hint to other gardeners, and to parents in general. The churchyard has been enlarged, and sur- rounded by an elegant iron railing; we wish two dozen of exotic trees, and as many shrubs of so many distinct species, had been scattered over the surface, the walks better arranged, gravelled, bordered with trees and ove 400 ac. of pleasure ground, so judiciously disposed, that a walk admitting a pleasing transition of view, of upwards of 12 m. may be undertaken without retracing one step. The surface partakes of tiie greatest irregularity, and Deepdene, 591 the ground, in general bold, sometimes hangs abruptly over the walks, and at others declines in gentle slopes to the level parts." We refer to Mr. Neal's work for a historical and detailed description both of the house and grounds, and shall content ourselves with copying from it slight outlines of the elegant engravings given of the entrance front {fig- 119); south front {fig. 120) J north-west h-oni{ fig. 121.)of thehouse ; andone of the entrance lodges (^g. 122.): — and merely put down some gardening recollections, and but a lew, as the almost incessant rains that fell while we remained at Dor- king, prevented us from seeing more than the kitchen-garden, and the im- mediate vicinity of the house. The kitchen-garden has been lately much enlarged, and surrounded by a wall. On the fruit-tree borders of this wall Mr. Woods intends growing no crops, nor even digging it after the second or third year. In the brick- built pits excellent crops of cucumbers have been grown in beds of earth, supported by fir poles covered with turves, and heated by recent stable dung thrown in at one end. The plants grow so vigorously alter the first great heat of the dung is exhausted, as to send the roots through the turves and moist air into the fermenting dung, and the dung and earth being now removed, we saw the remains of the roots adhering to the side walls. There is an arched trellis over the main walk, which connects tlie kitchen-garden with the fruit-garden, on which gooseberries are trained, and bear most abundantly. This trellis is here admirably placed, because it disguises the descent of the walk to the tunnel through which it passes under a public road to the fruit-garden, and is therefore desirable as an object of design and taste, and it is rendered most economical by the heavy crops it produces. Mr. W. grows more sorts of peas than we ever before saw in any one garden. He has three sorts that are eaten in the pod like kidneybeans, one of which, the dwarf sugar, he recommends as particularly prolific. In gathering for use, he varies the sorts, so that one kind is never sent twice in succession. The dry sandy soil is peculiarly favourable for this description of culture, in wet seasons, and not less so by the aid of water when the season is dry. Every year Mr. W. gathers peas from the end of May to the end of November, and we hope he will send us a paper 592 Garden Calls . — Deepdene, on the subject. In the fruit-garden there is an excellent crop of grapes, in a vinery on Mr. Atkinson's construction, and one of peaches in low Dutch pits, like those of Mr. Labouche (Vol. III. p. 390.). without artificial heat of any kind, by which the fruit comes into use between the forced peaches and those in the open air. In a botanic stove in this garden there are forty- nine species and varieties of i^ibiscus, recently raised from imported seeds; only one or two of which have yet come into flower. Francisi« Hopeowa, formerly noticed, is here in great luxuriance and beauty. In the open border is a fine specimen of Mr. Barclay's scarlet thistle, and another thistle 8 ft. high, which Mr. Woods, who is an excellent British botanist, considers a new species, and we hope it will be named after him. In a smaller inclo- sure the American and English cranberry are doing remarkably well in beds of dry peat. The valley, open and sloping to the south, from which this residence takes its name, besides its architectural and sculptured decorations, phea- santry, fountain, grotto, and some rare antiquities, is richly ornamented with groups of American and other rare shrubs and trees, exotics and an- nuals; and no situation can be better adopted for half-hardy articles. (Salvia chamoedryoides, with its deep-blue flowers, has a very fine eflect in summer masses. The heliotropiums planted out here are of a very distinct variety, large in their leaves and flowers, and so hardy, that they ripen, seed, and sow themselves. Mr. Woods pointed out to us several plants which had sprung up from this year's seeds. The georginas are remarkably good, and the whole of them were raised in the early part of the season from cuttings, the advantages of which Mr. Woods has promised to point out in a professional communication. There is an excellent collection of tj-ee and dwarf roses ; and at few places does the yellow rose bloom so freely as here. The Liquidambar and Magnolia tript^tala are rising in the woods from self- sown seeds; the former is so abundant that it might pass as indigenous. The conservatory is highly ornamental from the style of its architecture, the free growth of the plants, the fine disposition of the cHmbers, the exte- rior approach through a terraced garden of orange trees and exotics, and, above all, its connection with the galleries and cabinets of the most exqui- site sculpture, antique and modern. A specimen of Fuchsia gracilis is remarkably fine, and perhaps the largest in the country. Most of the things have grown so bulky, that, with the exception of some of the creepers, Mr. Woods proposes to take them out, renew the soil of the beds, and replant, with a selection from the best and most suitable things now in green-house culture. This practice deserves the particular attention of all who possess conservatories. Experience will soon prove, that whenever ornamental plants are planted out in beds of earth under glass, they will require renewal every five or seven years, in the same way as do plantations of gooseberries or raspberries. In front of the conservatory is a plantation of orange trees in pots sunk in the ground ; and of different descriptions of green-house plants, chiefly from the Cape of Good Hope and New Holland, turned out of the pots into the soil, in order to grow and flower freely during the mild season, and take their chance of standing the winter. The efFect in summer is excellent, and it has been found that several New Hol- land species, such as Acacia dealbata, and others, have survived several winters. We have repeatedly recommended this practice, both with hot-house and green-house plants, not only for the sake of the rare and splendid appearance produced during summer, but for the chance of find- in" some of the species hardy enough to stand the winter, and thus adding to our acclimated trees. Every gardener who has a green-house or a hot- house, or even pits, which will keep plants during winter better than either, ought to have a clump on his lawn expressly devoted to this pur- pose; and in this clump, every May, he ought to turn out all his spare plants. If he has no lawn, he undoubtedly will have borders; and he will Bwy Hill. .'593 find no way of rendering thein so interesting as by the use of his spare exotics, especially the free-flowering Cape and Austrahan plants. Gentle- men's gardeners in the country, who have abundance of showy green-house things, such as pelargoniums, fnchsias, brugmansias, heliotropes, cinerarias, celsias, &c., might give some of them to the cottagers on their masters' estates, for the sake of ornamenting the roadside gardens. Snakes and adders are occasionally seen in the grounds here ; but Mr. Woods has nearly extirpated them, by giving od. for each of the former, and ed.^ov the latter, to his men. The only fault that we can find with Deepdene is, a want of high keep- ing in the grounds near the house, and in the fruit and kitchen gardens. We do not speak of the walks in the woods; thes3, and almost every thing a furlong from the house, are just as they ought to be : the whole place, indeed, may be called well kept ; but it does not display that high and polished neatness which the architecture of the house, and its sculp- tured and classic appendages, seem to demand. The grass about the house ought to be mown oftener, and a part of the walks and roads, espe- cially in the focus of art and ornament, laid v.'ith Kensington gravel. The walks in the kitchen and fruit gardens, being rather steep, we would form of flagstones, placed on piers, with open joints, by which means they would at all times be in perfect order; whereas now, in consequence of the slope and sandy soil, every shower deranges them. We are sure such walks, at such a place as Deepdene, will be found cheaper in the long run than those of gravel with box edges. These walks formed, and the addition we should suppose of three garden labourers, would make all the difference between Deepdene as it is now, and as it is in our beau ideal of what it ought to be. We do not speak of the sculpture gallery, because, greatly as we admire its contents, and respect the high and cultivated mind that selected and placed them there, we feel that we are incompetent to do it justice. Duly to appreciate works of art of such extraordinary rarity and excellence as are her3 assembled, would require more of the mind of the artist and the clas- sical scholar than we can pretend to. All must feel the effect of sculptures and paintings to a certain extent ; but this feeling, like every other, to be made the most of, must be highly cultivated. The feeling which these sculptures excite in us, when viewing them, is that of reverence and awe at the presence of so much mind; on leaving them, the idea presents itself of the man who has shown his appreciation of such excellence, and we think of him with profound respect. To say a word in the praise of either, we do not think necessar}^. We were grat'fied by a view of the house in September, 1827, from which much is to be learned, and in which the value of admitting light in masses is well exemplified. Mr. Woods, who stuffs birds, and has formed a cabinet of the objects of natural history found on the estate, has promised us, at some future time, a general account of Deepdene, with a catalogue of its native productions, animal, vegetable, and mineral, with which, we are sure, our readers will be highly gratified. He is above our praise or reward ; but we have, neverthe- less, sent him a part of Jardin and Selby's Ornithology. Bury Hill; Robert Barclay, Esq. Aug. 15. —This is a fine old place, simple and grand, like its excellent and benevolent proprietor. We cannot do justice to the whole residence at present, and therefore shall confine ourelves to a very short notice of the kitchen-garden, well known to every botanist in the world as a centre for the reception of plants from, and their dissemination through, all countries, M. Otto of Berhn, who had lately been here, told us he was more struck with the collection at Bury Hill than with that of any private gentleman's garden he had ever been in, either in this country or on the Continent. The hot-houses {fig. 123.) have a re- markably mild and harmonious effect exteriorly, from being painted of a Vol. V. — No. 22. s Q 594. Garden Calls : — Bury Hilly stone or cream colour ; the stoves have lately been heated by hot water, by Mr. Fowler (p. 453.), entirely to the satisfaction of Mr. Cameron. Mr. Fowler, in his boiler, combines the improvement of Mr. Cottam (Vol. IV. p. 17.), and one in use by several engineers, that of causing the flame com- pletely to surround the boiler. He also places all his pipes on a gentle slope to the boiler, in such a way that, when the water is not wanted, he can, through a cock there, drain off the whole. He introduces in the pipes several air-holes, which facilitate circulation ; and, on the whole, he maybe considered as having added something useful to the improvements already made in this system of heating. Mr. Cameron lighted a fire, to show us in how few minutes the pipes were heated from one end of the house to the other. The plants in the houses are in the very best order; the collection i» most numerous, and the rare species of far too frequent occurrence among them to be noted down in a passing visit. The collection of ferns is con- siderably increased since Mr. Cameron sent us his catalogue (Vol. IV. p. 1.). In the border in front of the hot-houses, the usual sanctum for choice half- hardy exotics, are many rare and fine things. Conium Arracdcha in good health, but Mr. Cameron thinks there are two varieties or species, and is doubtful whether this be the true one. O'xalis tetraphyllus Cav., and another species, the roots of both of which are eaten, like those of the Arracdcha. Ferbena chamaedryoides is trained against the wall, like a tree, and, covered with its deep-scarlet blossoms, has a most splendid effect. V. pulch^lla is also so trained, and looks well. There are many new and rare things in the borders, and we hope Mr. Cameron will find leisure to make a supplement to the list he formerly sent us. (Vol.11, p. 297.) In front of the hot-houses is a fountain (see^g. 125. above), supplied by the aquatic ram of Montgolfier, which also supplies an aquarium in another part of the garden lately formed, different cocks in the compartments, the offices behind the hot-houses, the gardener's house, and the family mansion and offices. We have before alluded to this very ingenious machine (Vol. III. p. 255.) when speaking of No. II. of the Library of Useful Knotv- ledge, where it is described. No machine hitherto invented can effect so much, with so small a quantity of water, and so trifling a fall. TheWashington plum, introduced by Mr. Barclay, shows abundant crops on the walls, and is now nearly ripe. In the open garden is an enormous crop of large onions, which, Mr. Cameron informs us, he never fails to have, by sowing in autumn, and transplant- ing in rows early in spring. Success in this practice often fails from the transplanter burying or dibbling in the bulb, instead oi firming in, or pressing the earth to the fibres only ; the bulb, or rather the part destined to become the bulb or onion, ought to be entirely above ground, or, at least, in loose earth. In the garden-room^ between the green-house and vinery, we observed a straw seat with a back, formed of layers of straw, in the manner of the strawbee-hive {fig. 1 24.),which seems a clean and com- fortable piece of garden furniture; and, in the tool-house, a two-edged blade. Denhighs, Ashtead PatJc. 595 fixed obliquely to a long handle {fig. 1 35.), used as a daisy-rake for cutting off flowers and herbs which obtrude themselves on grass lawns. For using this daisy-knife the handle is held with both hands, and the blade is moved to the right and left along the surface of the grass ; the operator advancing from behind the work, as in mowing. Denbighs. — This house is on the top of a hill, which commands a fine prospect, with the town of Dorking at its base ; and beyond that, Deepdene. The approach is a mile and a quarter in length ; great part of it through a plantation, mixed with spruce firs, which, notwithstanding the dry calca- reous soil, in 1827 made shoots from 2 to 4 ft. in length. This is the more remarkable, since the natural soil of the spruce fir is soft and moist, as in the north of Prussia, and in the Black Forest on the Rhine. Ashtead Park; Col. Howard. August 18. — The house is a plain substan- tial building, in a situation not much marked, either by nature or art, but surrounded by turf and good trees, the latter not badly disposed. The kitchen-garden is the best managed of any which we have seen during this tour. The soil is very unfavourable ; but Mr. Hislop has overcome this, and every other difficulty, so as to produce excellent crops both of fruit and vegetables, and no garden was ever in more perfect order and neatness. At one end of the house is a flower-garden [.fig. 1 26.) on the open lawn, in the form of a parallelogram, surrounded by a gravel walk (a), and the whole 126 enclosed by a light wire sheep fence : it is simple, but suitable to the house, and the effect is good. It consists of three compound clumps (i to g\ and 596 Garden Calls : — Ashtead Park, seven simple ones {h to k), and is thus planted : b, pinks ; c, heliotropes ; d, o-reenhouse plants of various sorts ; e, carnations ; /, dwarf roses, migno- nette, and standard roses, every e ft, ; g, standard roses and mignonette ; h, pelargoniums ; i, herbaceous plants of choice sorts, with bulbs intermixed, an equal number for every month of three fourths of the year; k, a collec- tion of cistuses and helianthemums. There are two pine and grape stoves heated by hot water, by Mr. Cot- tam ; the vines are spurred in, and have produced remarkably large leaves and berries, and a regular and most excellent crop. We do not know that we ever saw the sjmrring in method of pruning attended with so few super- fluous summer-shoots; though we could not find that Mr. Hislop did any thing more than pinch off these at the first leaf, in the usual manner, and always on their very first appearance. He had lately lifted the plants, and placed the whole of their roots in a bed of new soil, on which he has placed turf and a few beds of flowers. We hope he will give us a detailed account of the manner in which he performed this operation. The pines looked as well as the vines. The wood of certain fig trees, trained against a wall, grew so luxuriantly that it never ripened, and of course little or no fruit was produced. Though the trees were covered every winter, the points of the young shoots were generally found rotten when the covering was taken off in spring. Mr. Hislop thinned out the wood of these trees, and cut off and walled up their roots about 3 ft. from the wall; the consequence of which is, that the supply of nourishment being limited, the trees now make but little wood, but that little being perfectly ripened, it requires no cover- ing in winter, and every year a crop of fruit is ripened. The fig trees in the Duke of Northumberland's forcing-houses at Syon are walled in a similar manner by Mr. Forrest. The garden being too small for the consumption of the family, Mr. Hislop is obliged to put slight crops on his borders ; but he entirely disapproves of the practice, and would not even dig them, but do every thing in his power to encourage the roots to come to the surface ; a practice, as Agronome advises (Vol. IV. p. 478.), which deserves adoption in orchards, and wherever fruit trees are grown on a bad sub-soil. In such a garden as this we think the mode we have suggested (p. 595.) of forming the walks of flag-stones would be decidedly economical ; because the stones being laid on brick piers, founded sufficiently deep in the soil, and the sur- face of the soil being kept 3 or 4 in. under the flags, the width of the walks might be considered as so much added to the width of the fruit-tree borders;. By placing the flags a quarter of an inch apart, instead of close-jointing them, the rain would run through the joints to the soil below ; and there being no danger of ice being formed in the joints, the stones would not be displaced by the operation of frosts and thaws. In a garden of an acre, with a surrounding walk and two cross-walks, the saving of ground by such walks would often be about one-sixth part ; besides the saving of labour in trimming the box or other edging, weeding, and rolling the gravel. We hope some gardener in a district where flag-stone abounds will try this de- scription of walk, and let his brethren know the result. In steep slopes the flags might be laid like broad oblique steps, with rises of half the thickness of the flag, in the manner of the broad staircase to the Monte Capitolino in Rome. A wheelbarrow is easily wheeled up and down such steps, and they are walked over as easily as a common slope. The borders in this kitchen-garden are without fruit trees or bushes, and wholly devoted to herbaceous and annual-flowering plants, with which they are at present exceedingly well stocked. The soil is particularly favourable for the growth of carrots and parsneps, which attain a very large size, but do not keep. The crops in the melon-ground are good, and the succession pine-plants in excellent health. Every part of the back sheds was orderly and neat, and more especially the tool-house, which is a shed, open in front, in which every tool, and even the ladders were suspended from the back Epsom Nursery. 597 2 ft. 3 in. wall. Mr. Hislop has invented a short grass- rake (Jig, 127.), which consists of a piece of thin plate iron 128 (/g. 128.) cut into teeth, f— n with two slips of ash, or ^ l\ other tough wood, between which it is firmly riveted, to form a back, and keep it from bending. When put together, the back is li in. thick. The wood is beveled to nothing half an inch above the interstices of the teeth, at which point the iron is slightly bent longitudinally, to admit the thickness of wood underneath, and give a proper inclination to the handle. The instrument serves both as a grass-rake and a daisy-rake, and has the advan- tage over the daisy-rakes in conniion use of being easier cleaned, from the wideness of the insterstices between the teeth. VVe have not time for fur- ther details, and indeed have partly forgotten some other things which we intended to notice ; but we repeat that we were better pleased with this kitchen-garden than with any other which we have seen on this excursion ; in testimony of which we have presented to Mr. Hislop Vol. I. of our ilfa- gazine of Natural History, and a copy of the EncyclopoBdia of Plants. Epsom Nursery ; Messrs. Young. August 18. — This nursery has under- gone considerable changes since we last saw it in 1827. At that time it had been enlarged and improved, and one of the foremen, a self-taught drafts-^ "^^ 129 man, had made us a general view of it as seen from the road. {Jig. 129.) Since that sketch was made, several plant-houses and pits have been erected, and, as will be allowed by any one who is in possession of Hortus Epsome'n- sis (vol. iv. p. 260.), the most extensive collection of herbaceous plants, at least in Britain, has been assembled. A great many species have been added since the catalogue was published, and some of ver\^ great rarity. The lists of rare plants which flower in the Epsom Nursery, furnished us by the bota- nist of the nursery, our very intelligent correspondent, Mr. Penny (p. 470.), render it unnecessary for us to enter much into detail, and indeed, if we were determined upon this, we do not know where we should begin. Mr. Penny is a most successful propagator, and the number of young plants, of rare articles, both of the green-house and open air, is sufficient, one would ima- gine, to supply all the trade, both in Britain and France. Messrs. Young have bought the entire stock of Magnolia Soulangiawa from M. Soulange Bodin for 500 guineas, in consequence of which that fine tree will soon be o Q 3 598 Garden Calls : — Epsom Nursery. spread over the country. The collection of phloxes here amounts to 60 species and varieties, and of Dianthus to 40 species, one of which, the D. Fischeri, is highly odoriferous. A new hardy evergreen honeysuckle was pointed out to us, which, from its rapid growth, promises to be as valuable an addition to our ligneous twiners, as Eccremocarpus scaber is to our herbaceous climbers. Hardy orchideous plants are grown to an extraordi- nary degree of perfection, and also such rare bog genera, as Pinguicula, DionEe'a, iVepenthes, &c. In small square enclosures, which they call sanc- tums and paradises, are many new things not to be shown to the unini- tiated till they come into flower, and not to be sold till a number of plants have been propagated ; and in several places are beds of green-house plants, to prove how far they will stand the winter. The bed of fuchsias made a very rich appearance, and Mr. Penny thinks that several species will be found hardy enough to stand our winters in a dry soil, and under the pro- tection of a wall, or near a bush with very little protection. We are very much gratified to find this nursery devoted in so marked a manner to herbaceous plants,believing this circumstance will further our plan of introducing every where Jussieuean flower-gardens. It will be a great point gained in spreading a knowledge and love of plants, to be able to exemplify almost every natural order by species that will grow in the open air in this country. At the end of our Hortiis Britdnnicus, we intend to state the number of orders that can be so illustrated, and as we think Messrs. Young will be able to illustrate more of these orders than any other nur- serymen, we propose ascertaining from them and publishing the price for collections of different degrees of extent ; and we shall suggest, probably in our next Number, a more complete and durable mode of naming private col- lections than has hitherto been done any where, founded, however, on Mr. Murray's invention (Vol. III. p. 29.), and Messrs. Loddiges' name-bricks. In conclusion, we have to express our highest approbation of the liberality of Messrs. Young, whose collection is at all times open to gardeners and botanists of every description ; and who most readily allow specimens to be gathered of every thing that can be spared for such as are forming herba- riums. No nurseryman ever loses by this kind of liberality. As the Lon- don botanist who would study trees ought to spend two days a week in Messrs. Loddiges' arboretum at Hackney, so he who would acquire a know- ledge of herbaceous plants should pass two other days a week in the herba- ceous ground of the Epsom nursery. The fruit-tree and timber-tree departments of this establishment, being at a little distance, we had not leisure to look into ; but all that we saw in the home ground was in as good order, and as neat as the present wet season would permit. Mr. Penny is a most ardent and highly scientific botanist, and ranks as such with George Don and Mr. Sweet, with the prospective advantage of having his mind in a larger body than has either of these botanists. As a proof of the pleasure which we feel in seeing such a man in such a place, and of our personal esteem for him and his employers, we have sent him the First Volume of our Mag. Nat. Hist, and the Encyc. of Plants. In consequence of the continued rains, a good deal of anxiety was very naturally expressed respecting the getting in of the harvest, and, as is usual, different plans have been suggested for drying corn in wet weather. Our readers have seen Mr. Vazie's plan, and his patent hedge stake, (p. 459.) Mr. Donald, of the Goldvvorth nursery, purposes to introduce Sylvester's air-stoves in the corn-barns throughout the country, at the expense, of course, of the landlord; and some writers in the provincial newspapers, we observe, suggest the Russian mode of kiln-drying, either in the straw or after being thrashed. There can be no doubt that the simplest n)ode of gaining knowledge on the subject of harvesting in a wet season, is to study the practice which prevails in countries or districts wetter or colder than Garden Calls. 599 our own. The mode suggested by Vazie, with the exception of the hedge- stake, is resorted to in the wet districts both of Scotland and England ; but when it is applied to the oat-crop, the ears of the hood or cap sheaf are kept uppermost, instead of the lower ends of the stalks; the latter present- ing a broad surface to receive the rain, but the former a cone or tuft which is found to throw it off. In Sweden, where the climate is still more cold and moist than in Britain, and where, of course, evaporation goes on more slowly, the corn is spread out or suspended in small handfuls on frames {Encyc. of Agr. ^ 683.), by which the rain, when it falls, readily runs off, and the straw, when the weather is dry, is exposed on greater surfaces for evapo- ration. In that country the corn often remains so suspended till it is dried by the setting in of the winter's frost, and during this often long period it seldom or never germinates. This arises from the coldness of the atmo- sphere, and from this particular circumstance, that in the intervals between showers the air is not often so charged with moisture, or fog and damp, as in England and Ireland. It is important to mark this difference of climate, in order to account for the seemingly paradoxical fact, that the quantity of rain which falls during the harvest months is not always a proof that the harvest weather has been proportionately unfavourable.* The grand objects to be attended to in harvesting corn in a wet season are, to cut down only when the corn is dry, to dispose of it so as it may throw off the rains which may afterwards fall, and to tie it in small sheaves so as to preserve the largest evaporating surface. Small sheaves and shocks with hood-sheaves will suffice under all ordinary circumstances, and Mr. Vazie's mode, with small sheaves, in difficult cases. We cannot think it can * The following judicious remarks on this subject are from the Scotsman: — In some of the newspapers attempts have been made to trace a relation be- tween the quantity of rain which falls in August, and the injury done to the harvest. " If in August 1828, when less than three inches of rain fell, the crop was considerably injured, how much more must it be injured in August 1829, when upwards of five inches of rain have fallen in less than twenty days ! This mode of stating the question certainly has, at first sight, a very formidable appearance ; but the damage done to the harvest is by no means in proportion to the quantity of rain that falls whilst it is in progress. The worst harvest during the last twenty years was undoubtedly that of the year 1816, and perhaps the best in the year 1822; and yet a greater quantity of rain fell in the harvest months of 1822 than in those of 1816. According to Hanson's Meteorological Chart, the rain in the months of August and September 1816, which entirely ruined the crop of that year, amounted to less than four inches; whilst in 1822 it amounted to five and a half inches. If the month of July in each year be added to the statement, the fall of rain in the three months in each year would stand thus : — In July, August, and September, 1816, 8^ in. In July, August, and September, 1822, 13| in. Yet the harvest of 1816 was the worst, and that of 1822 the best for many years past. The fact is, that it is not the quantity of rain, but its contimi- ance, that is most detrimental to the harvest. A drizzling rain, that lasts a whole day without producing any sensible effect on the rain-gauge, will cause greater injury to the crops than a short and copious shower, though the latter may bring down ten times as much water as the former. The rain during the present month has generally fallen in heavy showers, which have been speedily followed by brisk drying winds ; and hence the injury to the crops, so far as we have had an opportunity of observation, has been much smaller than nn"glit reasonably have been expected from its quantity. — (^Scotsman, Aug. 26.) 8S 4 600 Garden Calls. ever be worth while in Britain to build stoves, or form any other erections for drying corn, because what would be gained to the farmer in a bad sea- son, would be lost to him by the capital thus employed, which would be un- productive in good seasons. If an extraordinary exertion were to be made for drying the corn crop, a temporary structure of poles, to be covered and imcovered at pleasure, with rolls of canvass, in Mr. Forrest's manner (p. 5 10.), might be erected in a twenty-acre field, and the corn either placed in shocks under it, or spread in layers on hurdles, supported from the ground by other hurdles. But even this plan could never become general in a corn country, and we think it would be a folly to introduce any thing of the kind in Britain. The circumstance of such plans being thought requisite, in consequence of the wetness of our seasons, affords an additional argu- ment in favour of free trade ; in which case corn would only be grown in those countries where the climate was most favourable to all the operations connected with its production. Comparing one country of Europe with another, nothing can be more certain than that the British Islands, both in soil and climate, are formed by nature for the growth of the pasture grasses and herbage plants ; and hence we have always said, that beef, mutton, and horses will one day be the staple produce of the country. It is a connnon and well-meant remark of town's-people, that a bad har- vest, by requiring more labour for getting in the crop, is better for the labourers; but in proportion as it is good tor the labourers, it must be bad for the farmer and the consumer, and surely no good is worth much that is not good for the whole. With respect to the advantages which labourers now derive from the extra-labour required at harvest, we should not be sur- prised to see them reduced in a ver}' few years, at least in the northern coun- ties,,to little or nothing, and the scythe and the sickle laid up in a corner, as well as the spinning-wheel and the flail. In Scotland, where men of large capital have embarked in agriculture, it will probably not be long before this result is realised. Various reaping machines have been produced from time to time during the last 1 5 years, and the approaches have been nearer and nearer towards perfection. In September, 1828, a reaping machine, invented by Mr. Peter Bell, was tried at Powrie, in the county of Forfar, before the member of parliament and the sheriff of the county, and forty landed proprietors and practical agriculturists, all of whom put their names to a declaration which is given in the Quarterly Journal of Agriculture for Nov. 1828. This declaration states, that the machine cut down a breadth of 5 ft. at once, was moved by a single horse, and attended by from six to eight persons to tie up the corn ; and that the field was reaped by this force at the rate of an imperial acre per hour. The cost of the machine is 30/., un- questionably too much for a small farmer; but if such machines were to come into general use, a class of men would arise who would hire them out to be worked, or probably work them themselves ; and should this last mode become general, we have no doubt Finlayson's harrow (Vol. II. p. 250), and a portable threshing and winnowing machine, would be worked by the same persons. The declaration mentioned thus concludes: — " We con- sider it unnecessary to advert to the advantages attending the introduction of an efficient rea[)ing machine, as these advantages are universally acknow- ledged ; but we beg leave to express our conviction, that Mr. Bell s reaping machine will come immediately into general use; that it will confer a signal benefit on agriculture; that his invention is of national importance, and that he deserves the highest encouragement for his active and strenuous exertions for the public good." Notwithstanding the very unfavourable weather, and disappointments at Dorking and various other places, we have not passed these fifteen days without instruction and gratification. The wheat crop appeared in general to be at least of the average quantity and quality ; in some places, as between Godalming and Haslemere, and from the last place to Midhurst on Garden Calls. 601 the one hand, and Petworth on the other, it was very bad ; and, indeed, an extensive district in this part of Sussex is only fit for pasture and wood. We may safely say we saw no good agriculture, and only one field, of turnips on raised ridglets. Nothing can prove more completely the general igno- rance of the farmers of England than the slowness with which they admit improvements in their own profession. Compare them only for one mo- ment with Scotch farmers in this respect, or with English manufacturers. The cause is clearly to be found in their general ignorance, which in all trades and professions is the grand obstacle to improvement. Enlighten a man generally, and he will soon bring his knowledge and reasoning powers to bear on the particular subjects of his pursuits, or on whatever concerns his personal interest. Let his knowledge be confined to one subject, and he will rest where he is, nor believe that there is more to be known. The superiority of the Northumbrian method of cultivating the turnip has for nearly fifty years been placed beyond all doubt among the reading farmers of Britain, and scarcely one can be found who cultivates that plant in the broad cast manner, north of York. Yet the practice seems unknown in Sussex ; though, as we shall probably be told, there are some farmers there who grow the turnip in rows. The row culture, however, is quite a different process from the ridglet system, and one attended with compa- ratively few advantages. The only chance that we can see for improve- ment among the Sussex farmers, is through the education of the rising generation. But, indeed, how can a farmer, whether ignorant or enlightened, be expected to adopt improvements when he is struggling for existence ? The low price of corn and wool, the increase of paupers and of poor rates, and executions for rent and for assessed taxes, were almost the only sub- jects that we heard talked of, either by farmers or tradesmen; and the influence of those evils we saw every where obvious, both on the land- owners and their gardeners. Almost eveiy farmer seems to be looking to the government, and hoping for relief through new restrictions on importation ; but whoever holds out either to landlord or tenant any relief from the influ- ence of government exercised in this way, in our opinion, takes but a very confined view of the subject. If restrictions on corn and wool could do any thing, it would be but a very momentary relief, to defer the crisis of the disease and render it more dreadful. With respect to wool, it is perfectly clear to us, from sources both public and private, that Australia will in a short time undersell not only England but all Europe in this article. It appears to us equally certain that, unless a free trade in corn and every thing else is opened, the manufacturing capital of this country will be carried to others, where it can be employed to greater advantage. No restriction can be imposed that will prevent this result ; and, supposing it to take place, what then would the agriculturist call upon government to do ? The landlord who has not mortgaged his estate, and the farmer who has no lease, has nothing to fear from a free trade in corn, because, as the price of food is, fundamentally, the price of every thing else, each will have the same command of labour then as now. The landlord deeply in debt, and the tenant with a long lease and an inexorable landlord, must unavoidably suffer sooner or later ; but we question if even for these it would not be better to have the evil day over than to have the certainty of its future arrival hanging over them. " When things are at the worst they some- times mend;" and with mortgages and existing leases got rid of, the national debt reduced, and a perfectly free trade in every thing, we have no doubt both landlords and tenants would thrive, in spite of the increasing popu- lation, for a long period. The great object is to effect the contemplated changes with the least quantum of evil to all parties ; and however dif- ficult it may appear to do any thing for possessors of deeply-mortgaged estates and of long rack-rent leases, yet it is practicable to save the agri- cultural and commercial world, by introducing free trade in every thing by 602 Gardeti Calls. degrees. Every evil is lessened by being foreseen ; and if every agricul- turist, manufacturer, and commercial man knew that in 1840 trade would be perfectly free, commerce would be regulated accordingly. It is in vain to think of continuing the prosperity of the country, if the national debt is not either paid off, or the interest of it paid by some other means than the assessed taxes. Government must unavoidably resort to a tax on real property, or to yearly loans, perhaps to both ; and to a free trade things will certainly come sooner or later. A free trade, taken in connection with general peace and the extraordinary facilities of uni- versal intercourse of the present day, cannot but lead to an extraordinary degree of prosperity in all countries. Australia will not undersell Europe and ^America in wool, without taking its value in commodities in return. When an article is produced, the producer will not then, as now, look to any one country for a market for his commodities. Every country will produce that which it finds it can produce cheapest and best, and commerce will do the rest. The climate and soil of England and Ireland is better adapted for the production of butcher-raeat'than those of any other country in Europe, not even excepting Holland and Denmark, where the winters are too severe for perennial grasses and the preservation of roots. We cannot help thinking, therefore, that the day is not very far distant when Britain will export fatted live bullocks to various parts of the Continent, and more especially to France. Suppose for a moment that butcher-meat was as generally consumed by the laborious classes on the Continent as it is in England, to what a consumption of fat bullocks would this not give rise? It is certain these bullocks would be fatted at less expense in England and Ireland than on the Continent, because grass grows in these countries all the year, and because the growth of grass and of monocotyledonous plants generally during summer is always greatest in a humid atmosphere. Here, then, is a permanent cause, that will always maintain the value of landed property in Britain on a high level : but, that it may rise to this level, trade, in the first place, must be free. In the Ti'ansactions of the Highland Society of Scotland, vol.vii. pub- lished along with the Quarterly Journal of Agriculture for February 1828, is a description, accompanied with plans and sections of a steam-boat for conveying live stock, the cattle stalled so as they may be fed and watered, and the accommodation for 2C0 head of cattle, or 1560 sheep. How easy to convey these from any British sea-port to any part of the Continent, or even the Peninsula! If it is distressing to witness the present state of the proprietors and farmers, it is still more so to hear the complaints of the common labourers. The want of employment is general throughout the country ; it exists even about London, and the effects of the want of food are too; obvious in the countenances of mothers and young children. We shall here mention a suggestion that we have just received from a correspondent at Sydney, whose letter will be found in another part of this Magazine. As is the case in every colony, the want of labourers at Sydney is felt as the greatest evil, and the supply of convicts is now out of all proportion to the increas- ing demand. R. S. suggests, therefore, that the English government should pass a law to render it legal for British subjects, merchants, captains of vessels, or others, to purchase the labour or life of individuals, with their consent, for a certain number of years, not exceeding, say seven, on con- dition of taking them to New South Wales, and reselling their interest in them there to persons in want of labourers. This is no doubt a species of temporary slavery ; but R. S. thinks the law might be arranged in such a way as to render it a great blessing to the individuals, a great relief to many parishes in England, and a most acceptable supply for Australia. We have since mentioned the idea to a gentleman who has been several years in a public situation at Sydney, who has lately passed two yciu^s on the Conti- Garden Calls. 60S nent, and who is now in London. He says the thing has already been done on a small scale by what are called redemptionists, i. e. labourers, who, be- fore leaving England, agree to labour a sufficient length of time after their arrival at Sydney, to pay for their passage there, with interest, and the ex- pense of insurance. If the plan, with some improvements, were rendered legal, he thinks it would be attended with immense advantages to both countries, and, above all, to the labourers themselves, who would eventually become proprietors. He is of opinion, that if government were only to pass a proper law on the subject, so as to protect all parties from injustice or cruelty, and to justify the overseers of parishes in forming contracts on behalf of such of their poor as might volunteer themselves as emigrantSj, that the exportation of labourers would go regularly on according to the demand, in the same way as the exportation of any other article. He is far from thinking it necessary for government to incur any expense in aid of emigration, because the interest of all parties would be sufficiently great to carry it on as a matter of business. We sincerely hope government may be induced to take the subject into serious consideration, and have no doubt of thousands being found who would sell themselves for seven years, for the certainty of independence and plenty afterwards. As to the pain of leaving one's native country, it is but very trifling, when in that country a man can no longer obtain a sufficiency of daily bread ; and, indeed, as a general principle, in an age like the present, when every man is a citizen of the world, wherever a man's family and his property is, there will be his heart, his happiness, and his country. Perhaps we shall be told that these matters are foreign to the Gardener's Magazine ; but this we deny, for though they are not horticultural, they are still intimately connected with the prosperity of gardeners and garden- ing, and with rural and domestic improvement. It is our duty to open up to young gardeners what we conceive to be correct views on all these sub- jects, because the prosperity or adversity of the whole of a country involves the prosperity or adversity of every part of it. Should government con- tinue the same system of taxation and restriction, many of the landed pro- prietors will soon be ruined. Gardeners and the Gardener's Magazine will be among the first to feel the effects of this, and it is proper that they and we should know this in time. It is a grand moral error to suppose that every man ought to rest content with a knowledge of his own trade or pro- fession, leave every other to follow his, and the government of the country to its administrators. This is a very convenient doctrine under absolute governments ; but it is unsuitable to the present age, and especially to the state of society in England, where scarcely any man can be said to be eminent in any art or profession, without having just, or at least enlightened, views on every other subject, and especially on those most important of all subjects, morals and politics. It is the first duty of every man to acquire the art of labouring at something by which he may, at all events, gain his daily brcnd, support a family, and, if possible, acquire independence in the country in which he lives ; but, having fitted himself for living in society, it is his next duty to ascertain the place he occupies there, the rights to which he is entitled as a man and a citizen, and the power he has of main- taining these rights. If he and others neglect this, such indifference will soon be turned to account by the natural cupidity of aspiring individuals, A man, whether he be a labourer, an artist, or a man of science, what- ever may be his talents or his industry, provided he knows nothing more than the subject of his pursuits, is only the better fitted to become a slave to superior power. Let every gardener and farmer, therefore, look around him, hear different opinions on all subjects, especially on those important ones, morals and politics, and endeavour to select the best in these sciences, no less than in his profession. In a reading age like the present, it is only by the operation of this principle among the most intelligent part of a com- eo^ Improvements at Windsor Castle. munity that good government can either be formed or maintained. Every day shows more and more the influence of general opinion on modern governments, as promulgated through the daily and periodical press ; and hence the great importance to the government and the landed interest of the country of enlightening those who cannot enlighten themselves, in order that their power may not be turned en masse against them by a revolution- ary or party spirit of any kind j and to the poor and ignorant themselves, that they may the better be able to understand and maintain their natural and political rights. Having given this advice, it may be asked what books we would recommend to young gardeners and farmers, from which to acquire that degree of knowledge in morals and politics that every man ought to possess ; and as the subject must always be considered secondary to professional reading, we shall content ourselves for the present with recommending the most prominent reviews and newspapers. Those news- papers whose knowledge of political economy we consider the most sound are the Scotsman, the Morning Chronicle, the Examiner, and the Globe ; but there may be others, and especially country newspapers, equally scientific in their general views. We regret that the Farmer'' s Journal, a newspaper read every where by the farmers, and containing many valuable agricultural communications, should pursue a line of politics, which, as far as it has any effect, can only encourage false hopes in farmers. Were that extensively- circulated paper to take a different line of argument, we cannot help think- ing it would render the farmers a much greater service than by encouraging their outcry against free trade. Art. V. The Improvements at Windsor Castle. Having from time to time heard of the orangery and flower-garden formed by the king, a pompous and fanciful account of them, and of the grounds at Virginia water, which appeared in the Mo]-ni?ig Chroiiicle of May 21., determined us to go to Windsor soon afterwards. The new flower-garden forming there, of which we present a general outline from memory (^g. 130.), occupies between three and four acres, which are enclosed from the park on the east side of the grand terrace. This garden is sur- rounded by a new terrace {a a) on the same level as the old ones {ef), and the arena of the garden being 12 or 15 ft. below the level of the terraces, the descent to it is by two staircases {b c). The orangery is formed under a part of the terrace (da), and is lighted by upright windows in the manner of the old orangeries at Kensington and Versailles, facing the south and south-west. It follows from this arrangement that walking on the terrace all round the flower-garden, the eye looks down on its arena of grass and beds of shrubs and flowers on the one hand, and outwards on the exterior park scenery on the other : the effect thus produced is dignified and grand and altogether suited to the castle and the situation. When wehave stated this, however, we have, we think, stated all that can be said, either in favour of the orangery or the garden. The first grand deformity which strikes the eye of a stranger when looking down on the flower-garden towards the orangery from the old terrace {d e) is, that this building has been a second thought, the ground being excavated in front of it, in the manner of a sunk fence (Jig. 130. gh). The surface has no doubt been lowered in this awkward form in order to obtain a sufficient height for the orangery ; but by spoiling the symmetry of the flower-garden it greatly injures its effect, and destroys in our minds all Impriroements at Windsor Castle. 605 idea of a perfect whole. We have no doubt there may be persons who would haixily venture to question the beauty and propriety of any thing in the garden of a king; but we hardly think there can be a single individual who, if he saw an orangery so situated in the garden of a private gentleman, would not consider it as deforming the scene to which it belongs. A farmer would call it an orangery at the bottom of a ditch, and a gardener in de- scribing it would say that it formed the wall of a ha-ha. If the true history of its formation could be known, we have little doubt it would turn out to be an afterthought, and like most afterthoughts it remains a blemish on the original design. The deformity would have been less had there been a level plot of 50 or 60 yds. in breadth in front ; but the slope coming abruptly down to the upright glass, makes the very worst of a bad idea. Let any reader imagine such a bank raised in front of the orangery windows at Versailles, and then say what would be the effect. The dimi- nution of reflected light by such a bank is demonstrable j but that is com- paratively not worth enquiring about. This ha-ha orangery appeared to us to be about 300 ft. long, 18 or 20 wide, and 25 or 50 high ; the roof is of flag-stones, laid on cast-iron rafters; the stones are covered with lead to prevent the rain from penetrating, and this with clay and the gravel of the terrace. The grass slope {fig. 130. i i) may be about 100 ft. long, and the rise about 15ft.; but these dimensions are entirely guesswork, and being made from memory, after a very hurried glance, are probably far from the truth. Their inaccuracy, however, will not affect our argument. The defects of the level part of the flower-garden, unlike those of the orangery and the ha-ha part of the garden, are remarkable. The greater part of the level surface of the garden is in grass, with beds of shrubs and flowers parallel to the walks. The objection that 606 Imp'ovements at Windsat- Castle. we have to the whole is, a general meagreness of effect both in the number and forms of the beds, and in the disposition of the trees and plants. There is a slope of turf from the inner edge of the terrace (Jig. ISO. k k) to the level arena of the garden, which is without beds or plants, and without even an architectural margin at the upper angle. The beds in the arena are altogether too simple, or rather poor in their outlines for the architecture of the castle ; some of them are raised panels in imitation of the raised beds at the Tuileries and the Luxembourg ; but the effect of those at Windsor is insipid from their not being sufficiently raised and relieved from the general surface. The justice of this criticism may be deduced from the principle which ought to guide the architect or gardener in the choice of forms for a geometrical flower-garden near a house or other building. All writers, including Sir Uvedale Price, Mr. Hope (Essay on Gardens in the Artist), Mr. Meason, and our correspondent An Amateur (Vol. IV. p. 85.), agree that these forms ought to be taken from the building ; and therefore it may be asked, whether any one looking at the east front of Windsor Castle, and especially at that part of it containing the 400 rooms used as the king's private apartments (these alone, as we were informed, being finished externally), and then, looking down to the flower-garden, could dis- cover any connection of the latter with the former? The answer to this question will determine the beauty of the garden on this principle. But, perhaps, it will be said that the architectural principle was not adopted. In that case it is to be criticised by a comparison with other gardens in the geometrical style ; and whoever has seen either the remains of parterres still existing in France, or the plans of them in Le Blond or Switzer, or the plan of Marshal ToUard's garden at Nottingham, which they will find in our succeeding Number, will allow that they are not less deficient when tried by this test. Whoever laid them out, and we could not learn whether it was Sir Jeffery Wyatville or Mr. Alton, must furnish us with some other principle by which to try the work: we know of no other; and when the works of an artist have failed in carrying off our applause, it is but justice to him to enquire into his intentions, in order to discover whether the fault may not lie with ourselves. The planting of the beds we pronounce with confidence to be as far behind the present state of science in this branch of gardening, as the plan is deficient in those of design and taste. The artist can take no shelter under historical associations, because he has introduced American shrubs, and Mexican and Peruvian flowers, and therefore it may fairly be presumed, that if he did not mean to give all the beauty he could in the forms of the beds, he intended to produce every practicable beauty in planting them. If he did so, his ignorance, or his indifference, is not a little remarkable. The beds are filled with an indiscriminate mixture of rhododendrons, azaleas, kalmias, and other evergreen American shrubs, with lilacs and some of the commoner deciduous sorts, but with some few beds planted with standard roses and flowers. With the exception of the distinct features of the standard roses and the flowers, there is not the slightest indication of design. Such a garden properly planted would have had a very different appearance, and so far from presenting a general aspect of mixture and con- fusion, every part of it, and all the kinds of trees and shrubs, would have appeared so exactly fitted to their place, that it could not be removed without presenting a deficiency, or occasioning a derangement. Considering the modern catalogue of choice shrubs, their disposition in this way is not to be undertaken without a good deal of previous care and labour in arranging the sorts on apian; but the labour taken, and the plan executed, the effect will amply repay. But it is not in a royal garden, which is only one of half a dozen under the same gardener's direction, that this de- scription of planting is to be expected. We could not observe a single shrub in flower, though a few days afterwards we saw at least a dozen Retrospective Criticism. qq'j species in blossom in the London nurseries. A judicious planter of such a garden would have had shrubs in flower every month in the year. A mass of the hardy heaths alone would have produced this. What a fine effect a compartment of .<^lthae'a frutex would have had at this moment ! (Sep. 7. 1829.) To the exterior of the architecture of the palace we cheerfully yield our unreserved admiration : on whatever side we view it, we feel it to be a whole ; and that every part is of the same kind, and contributes to one kind of expression. This expression is every where sufficiently powerful to prevent its absence for a moment from the spectator's mind. This is what cannot be said of Buckingham palace, which, on the north side, might be mistaken for a part of a street, and after having passed the east side and imagined it to be the grand entrance, we come to the south side, and are puzzled by a semicircular colonnade, an evident afterthought, which seems to be another entrance; and yet, both in proportions and in style, the second entrance seems to have no connection or harmony with the front which it is placed against. However the architect of Windsor may have failed in the garden, no one will question his success with the exterior of the building. Every one must feel also the suitableness of the main entrance to such a castle directly at the grand avenue. — Cond. .L. n'r Art. VI. Retrospective Criticism. Fowler's Thermosiphon.' — Sir, In your Magazine for August (p. 453.), I have read the notice of Mr. Fowler's thermosiphon. In the year 1812, when in Philadelphia, I had the pleasure of being introduced to a gentleman, one of the Society of Friends, who showed me his plan for a warm bath, in a room situated over the kitchen ; the water was conveyed to it from the kit- chen fireplace, on a principle, as nearly as I can recollect, similar, if not the same, to that mentioned in Mr. Fowler's pamphlet. I have frequently men- tioned this method of procuring warm baths in our dwelling-houses, as both easy and unexpensive, and as a thing much wanted, whether regarded in a medical point of view, or as adding to domestic comfort. I am glad it has been made public, having long contemplated giving it publicity. Brown's Gas Engine. — I beg to add, that, in the same year, 1812, the Rev. Dr. Allison, a resident in Philadelphia, suggested to me the practica- bility of using gas instead of steam for engines. You will, I doubt not, allow this communication a place in your useful publication, of which I have the happiness to be a constant reader, and remain, yours, &c. — William Johns, M.D. F.L.S. Aug. 1829. The Anson or Otaheite Pine. — Sir, I beg leave to trouble you once again respecting the Anson or Otaheite Pine, as I observe a Mr. C. F. Webster has written a very ingenious letter respecting that pine in the last Number of your Magazine (p. 466.), and which is only calculated to mislead the public ; but it is to be hoped that truth and justice will always over- come caprice and falsehood. Since my last letter respecting that pine appeared, in No. XIX. of the Gardener's Magazine, in pages 231, and 252,, I have found such evidence, that there cannot be the least doubt but that that pine was first cultivated at Shugborough. I am now authorised to state from Mr. Dermott, who is at present living as gardener at Tixall Hall, that he very well remembers the pine in question growing and fruiting in the most luxuriant state at Shugborough in the year 1795. At the first sight it struck Mr. Dermott very forcibly that it was a distinct variety ; and, on enquiring of Mr. Tyley (who was then gardener to Thomas Anson, Esq., of 608* Retrospective Criticism. Shugborough) what pine it was, he was informed that it was a seedling pine raised by Mr. Allen, a former gardener there, and who received from his employer the seed, which had been imported from the West Indies. Now, to convince Mr. C. F. Webster, who seems so very sanguine about the origin of this pine, as Fazeley is but a very few miles from hence, and as several coaches run through that place daily, and pass within a quarter of a mile of Shugborough, I shall be most haf)py to see Mr. C. F. Webster, and to introduce him to Mr. Dermott, who lives only two short miles from this place, whom he will find as respectable and intelligent a man as any in the profession, and who grows the Anson or Otaheite pine in abundance. Mr. Dermott will be happy to give him some other particulars respecting this pine, which I have not here mentioned. I also beg to state, that I saw Mr. Hodson a few days ago, who expressed himself much surprised and indignant at the manner in which Mr. C. F. Webster had written concern- ing that pine. Mr. Hodson assured me that those imported pine plants (which Mr. C. F. Webster chooses to write about) did not fruit while they were under his care at Colton, viz. from 1797 to 1810 : he therefore posi- tively denies ever saying that the pine in question was produced from those imported plants. Now, from what has been said before upon this subject, it is very apparent that this pine has lost the original name (the Anson pine) since 1810, which was the year that Mr. Nicol (then gardener at Shug- borough) left his situation. Ever since Mr. Nicol gave me the information relating to it (as 1 stated in my last letter), I have considered the Otaheite an erroneous name given to that pine, but could not prove that it was so until within these few weeks, when Mr. Dermott gave me so correct a statement, and produced such facts respecting that pine, that there cannot be now a doubt remaining but that it is the Anson pine, and I shall adopt that name in future. I am very sorry to trespass on your time with the present article, but as it may be satisfactory to some of 3'our correspondents, I hope you will give it insertion, and I promise not to trouble you any more upon this subject. I remain, Sir, &c. — W. M'AIurtrie. Shugboronglty August 15. 1829. Mr. Knight's Experiments on the Potato. — With reference to Mr. Knight's experiments on the culture of the potato, there is not well-authen- ticated accounts of more than 400 bushels of potatos having been produced per acre, in the ordinary course of farm management in East Lothian. The value of an experiment depends upon the process by which the result has been obtained, and the worth of Mr. Knight's is rendered doubtful, not merely by the want of particulars relating to the extent of surface from which the result was attained, but by circumstances which he has mentioned connected with the experiment. Could not a spot have been found un- damaged by " rabbits" and " pheasants," and how was the allowance of 2 lb. of earth in every bushel ascertained ? Mr. Knight's personal character may probably stamp a value on the experiment, but if he did not superintend every operation connected with it, the character of others must be taken into account, and the assumption of 2 lb. as the weight of earth adiiering to each bushel of potatoes is so unphilosophical a step, as to throw discredit on the whole experiment. Mr. Knight's mode of culture scarcely dif- fers from that adopted by the late Mr. Curwen of Workington, in 1816", whose produce in that year, over an extent of 41i acres, was stated in the Farmers' Journal, by Mr. Sibson, to average 498 bushels; but Mr. Curwen's, like that which is the subject of remark, does not seem to have been accu- rately ascertained. Viewing such crops as partaking of the marvellous, yet, in this respect, they yield to one obtained by Mr. Prentice, Covington Mains, Lanarkshire, from newly reclaimed moss, which amounted to 591 bushels An East Lothian Correspondent. Aug. 1829. Queties and Ans^Ji^eis. 609 Art. VII. Queries and Anstuers. Possibility of enlarging the size, and hastening the tnaturitt/ of Fncit. — Sir, As a proof of the possibility of materially enlarging the size and hastening the maturity of fruit, I send you two peaches (JSg^, 131, 152.), just plucked from separate branches of the same tree, each the largest, but not materially so, on its respective branch ; the smallest peach being the usual state of the fruit at this season. The tree is a Royal George, received from Messrs. Ronalds, and has always been one of the latest to ripen its fruit ; but this year the fruit on one branch is ripening the earliest in my garden, whilst that on the other, I have no doubt, will be the latest. The early fruit is also nearly double the size of that hitherto produced on the same tree. The cause of this great change is accidental, but arises, I suppose, from the loss of the bark on the lower part of the branch : of this, however, you will be the best judge, when I re- late the circumstances attending it. In consequence of an injury in the stock, received, I believe, in the carriage from the nursery, one of its three main branches, an outer one, died last summer from canker. In the spring I therefore pulled down the middle branch from its upright position, and nailed it nearly horizontally (which, perhaps, might also produce some effect on the fruit), elevating, at the same time, the remaining branch, so that the tree might again assume a shape adapted to fill its allotted space on the wall. The canker having also af- VoL. V. — • No. 22. R R 610 Ciueries and Answers. fected the middle branch, I cut out the diseased part, and in doing so, separated the bark all round the branch, applying the usual composition. These are, I believe, the only circumstances which could have caused any change in the fruit, respecting which, however, I shall be glad to know your opinion. I am. Sir, &c. — William Halcomb. Poullon House, Marl- borough. Sept. 2. 1S29. The accident of losing the bark seems to have produced the same effect as ringing, and to have given the large proper-sized early fruit; the want ot nourishment in the depressed branch the small ill-shaped late one. — Cond. IVUmot's Superb Strawberry. — Sir. I have had several strawberries from two or three plants of Wilmot's Superb, of great size and weight ; I, at least, have never met with any to equal them. The smallest of those which I have particularly noticed, measured 4^ in. in circumference, and weighed upwards of \ oz. troy weight ; another measured 6 in. round and 4 in. across, and weighed 5 dr. 1 sc. 6 gr.j and the one which I have gathered to- day weighs 7 dr. 15 gr. It is, indeed, a beautiful specimen, and I only wish I could preserve it to look as it does now. Pray are these beautiful, though almost monstrous, productions common ? or are they the result of some- thing favourable in the season, which, though not dry, has certainly not been inimical either to flowers or fruit here ? and I must mention in parti- cular, that I have had several perfectly beautiful and well opening yellow roses, an indulgence I never had until this year; for though former seasons have held out abundant promises, they have never until now been fulfilled. — J. M. White Leaf, near Risborough, July 6. 1 829. Wilmot's Superb, in common with most other strawberries, has attained a larger size this season than usual, for the reasons assigned by our corre- spondent. We have heard of none larger than his largest, unless it be that alluded to in the following extract from the Coventry Mercury (July 5.) : — " Amongst the strawberries exhibited at Hereford Horticultural Show, on Friday, was a plate of Wilmot's Superb, one of which measured 7 in. in cir- cumference, and weighed 1§ oz. avoirdupois." — Cond. We have seen an outline of a Wilmot's Superb, exhibited at the Bristol Horticultural Society (p. 622.), which measured 2 in. across, and in looking over the article Provincial Societies, some other large ones will be found noticed. — Cond. The JVire Worm in Gardens. — Sir, Will you, or any of your correspond- ents, have the kindness to inform me if there is any effectual remedy for the wire -worm ? as our garden is so much infested with it, that it is with the greatest difficulty we can bring any of the ^rassica tribe to perfection. If you will insert this query, or give me an answer through the medium of your valuable Magazine, you will greatly oblige — A Subscriber and Well- wisher. Wiltshire, July 10. 1829. Our correspondent may refer to Vol. IV. p. 191. and p. 317., where the experience of four persons, and their success in the destruction of this pest, are given. — Cond. Insects on an Oak Coppice. — On a tour into Wales in the last month, I observed, in the mountains beyond Machynlleth, an immense number of flying insects, about the size of the moth which so frequently destroys clothes by eating small holes in them ; but this insect had pale-green wings. These insects had laid complete siege to a fine coppice of natural oak, and had almost stripped the whole of the leaves off. They did not appear to have eaten any other than the oak leaves. Perhaps some of your numerous correspondents would favour the public with the cause of the insects attack- ing the oak, and state some method to get rid of them, or a method to pre- vent their multiplying. I never saw the like before, and was very much astonished at the sight of the coppice, as it appeared to be all alive, and would, I feel persuaded, suffer very considerably from the depredations Horticultural Society aiid Garden. 611 committed by this little creature. I am, Sir, &c. — John Owen. Oswestry, July 16. 1829. Hybi-'ids between Slndpis arvensis and Brassica l^apits. — Will either of the varieties of charlock, or wild mustard, blossoming at the same time with, and contiguous to, turnip, produce hybrid seeds ? — P. S. East Lothian. Aug. 22. 1820. The Xavet, or French Turnip, and Cape Broccoli. — Will any of j'our correspondents inform me of the time of sowing these plants, in a very wet cold soil ? — A young Beginner. Arundel, April 22. The Russian Violet. — Is there such a plant as the Russian Violet ? I do not see it mentioned in Sweet's Hort. Brit. If there is, what is the time of flowering, what the colour of the flower, where can it be purchased, and at what price? I am, Sir, Sic. — F. R d. Bees. — I would beg to suggest that there is a subject of rural economy that is not altogether unconnected with gardening, which you have never touched upon; it is the cultivation, improvement, and management of the honey bee. I dare say many of your readers have apiaries, and at times could point out various improvementsin their culture,accompanied by observ- ations on the best mode of obtaining the greatest profit from' their labour. I should like to know if any society exists which offers premiums for keeping the greatest number of stocks, or any thing else connected with the subject, what their rules are, and where they are to be obtained ? If you think this suggestion not unworthy of your attention, the noticing of it in your next Number will confer an obligation, and perhaps I may trouble you at a future period with a few hints respecting these interesting insects. I am. Sir, yours, &c. — G. A. E. Chichester, May 29. 1828. IridecB. — Sir, A species of Trls was some years ago found growing wild at Lochnawe, in Wigtonshire, as I am informed. Having received a plant last year from Messrs. Dickson, nurserymen, Leith Walk, I was surprised to find that it proves to be the /'ris Pseudacorus var. pallido-flava of Cur- tis's Botanical Alagazine, vol. xlviii, pi. 2239. and is there said to have been imported from Carolina by Mr. Lyons. Can you refer me to any book containing the description or figure of /Vis Monnien'i?' — David. Falconar. Carlowrie, near Edinburgh, July 20. 1829. Art. VIII. Horticultural Society and Garden. August 4. 1829. — Read. Measurement of an American Aloe now in progress of blowing at Castle Freke, Ireland ; by Lord Carberry, F.H.S. Exhibited. Banks/a serrata, from Mrs. Leader's garden, at Putney, brought by Mr. Gibbs, the gardener. Carnations, from Messrs. Osborn and SVill- mer of Sunbury; these were very handsome flowers. Fourteen sorts of Apples, a branch bearing fruit of the Summer Portugal Pear, and a branch bearing fruit of the Green Chisel Pear, from Mr. Hugh Ronalds, F.H.S. Black Prince, and Black Hamburgh Grapes, and a Green Pine-Apple, from Mr. Charles Spring, CM. H.S. A Seedling Grape raised from the Black Damascus, by Mr. Benjamin Fielder, gardener to William Linwood, Esq. F.H.S. A specimen of Flanagan's Cucumber, from Mr. Patrick Flanagan, F.H.S. Also, from the Garden of the Society. Fruits: A Melon, from the Crimea; Cantaloup gros noir de Hollande, Psidium C?i.it\e\anum, four sorts of Pears, four sorts of Apples, seven sorts of Cherries, Otaheite Pine-apple. — Flowers: Lobelia Tupa, Coreopsis Atkinsonii, Eccremocarpus scaber, Potentilla nepa- lensis, jRosa Champney ana, Double Georginas, Anemone-flowered Georginas, R R 2 612 Lo7idon Nurseries, Brown's Mule Pink, French Marigolds, Double ten-week Stocks, J erbena pulch^lla, Aublett« and Melindres ; Eschscholtzja californica, CEnothera quadrivulnera, viminea, Lindley««fl, and decumbens; Tracbymcne caerulea, iupinus plumosus, polyphyllus, and ornatus; G\\in pulchella, Clarkm pul- chella, Galardia aristata, Chelone nemoi'osa, M\m\.\\\x% moschatus, Pent- stemon Richardsonii, campanulatum, atropurpureum, and Hollyhocks. August 18. — Read. On acclimatising Plants ; by William Pyle Taunton, Esq. F.H.S. History and Description of the Varieties of Camellia japonica that have been imported from China ; by Mr. "William Beattie Booth, A.L.S. Exhibited. A Hoe, invented by Mr. Lea of Warley, near Halifax, com- municated by the Rev. John Armitage Rhodes. This was a contrivance by means of which the blade of the hoe could be unscrewed from the shank, and taken off to grind; it had also the advantage that one handle would answer for several hoes, and the necessity of taking off and resetting the hoe in its handle every time it was ground was obviated. Seedling and Dwarf Dahlias, Seedling Noisette Rose, and Hamburgh and Frankendahl Grapes, from William Wells, Esq. P'.H.S. Seedling Dahlias, from Mr. Renn^ Lan- gelier, gardener to William Hervey, Esq. F.H.S., of Acton. Magnolia grandiflora, and five sorts of Apples, from Mr. Joseph Kirk, F.H.S. Belle- garde and Millets, Mignonne Peaches, five sorts of Melons, Elruge Necta- rines, and Black Hamburgh Grapes, from Mr. Henry Bailey, F.H.S. Moor Park Apricots, from Mr. John George Fuller, F.H.S. Ten sorts of Apples, from Mr. Thomas Gibbs, F.H.S. Green-fleshed Melon, from Mr. Thomas Bailey. Also, from the Garden of the Society. Fruit : Ribes aureum prae'cox, sangulneum, and tenuiflorum; Gaultheria Shalloii, nine sorts of Pears, twelve sorts of Apples, Late Duke Cherry, Red August Siberian Crab, Prijnus dasycarpa, and Melon of Nukschevan. Flowers: Chrysanthemum monspeli^nse, Combretum purpureum, Eccremocarpus scaber, Donia villosa, Ferbena Melindres, pulchella, and Aublet/o;; Trachymene caerulea, Esch- scholtzia californica, ^'nthemis arabica, ffinothera viminea, lAmWeyana, decumbens, quadrivulnera, pallida, and a new species ; Galardm aristata, Gilia pulchella, //iblscus africanus. Coreopsis tinctoria, lanceolata, diversi- folia, and Atkinsonii; Pentstemon ovatum and Richardsonii, Clarkm pul- chdlla, Jg^ratum mexicanum. Double Stocks, Mule Pink, Double China Asters, iSenecio ^legans, Double French Marigold, Double Gcorginas, French Marigolds, and Helianthus lenticularis. Art. IX. The London Nurseries. A NEW seedling variety of G^eum chilo^nse, first observed at Messrs. Whit- ley, Brames, and Milne's, proves to be more general, and in some places to be found exclusively, the original species being smaller-flowered, and not even known to some cultivators, who have the former and wish to obtain the latter. Some difficulty appears to prevail as to the origin of this plant, but as it is the only variety known about Edinburgh, I have little doubt of its having been obtained there from seeds received by Mr. M'Nab from some of his numerous correspondents. That most beautiful plant, Terbena cha- ma^dryfolia \MeHndris Bot. Reg.] figured in Sweet's Flower-Gardcn, No. 3. new series, from its ready method of increase, promises to become a perma- nent ornament of our conservatories, as it may be cultivated to bloom at all seasons. I have little doubt in time it will prove half-hardy, and only require a slight protection in winter. A new Alstroemena (psittacina), one of the most showy of that beautiful genus, also figured by Mr. Sweet, from Mr. Barclay's prolific collection, and said to be hardy, as is the case with A. LiOndon Nurseries. 613 hirtella and Slmsii, promises to enrich our flower borders for the enjoyment of all our cultivators. It is vvith regret that I have heard from time to time some of our best and most extensive nurserymen observe, that any particu- larly handsome plant is too free to increase either by seeds or cuttings, that it will soon be common; this evinces too much of the selfishness of com- merce, to the exclusion of the more liberal feeling of science, which should rejoice in the ready facilities of communicating gratification to others, rather than the paltry feeling of self-interest. Besides, I think the principle of this feeling may be fairly disputed, inasmuch as the increased distribution of any thing by its cheapness, will amply compensate by the increased demand for it. The new varieties of Dahlias, now rightly called in our botanical works Georginas, serve to enrich the gardens with every variety of the most splendid colours, and by their increased distribution have certainly created a more extensive demand for them. The most conspicuous as novelties are the Irish anemone-flowered ; and, from their peculiarity of appearance so different from any hitherto observed, I am almost at a loss to conjecture by what means of culture they have been obtained, perhaps you may possess the secret. A great variety of almost every shade of colour are daily to be observed in the extensive collection of Messrs. Dennis, at Chelsea, as well as in those of many other nurserymen and private gardeners in the neigh- bourhood of London ; nor are they confined to these, but appear to exist in equally splendid profusion throughout the country. A beautiful new shrub. Fuchsia microphylla, covered with a profusion of bright scarlet, is now in full bloom at Mr. Mackay's, at Clapton, as well as at Messrs. Young's of Epsom, fyclamen europa2\un (true) is now in full bloom at Mr, Knight's, in the King's Road, its very delightful and delicate fragrance enhancing its value to all the admirers of that beautiful genus. 6'yclamen repandum has bloomed beautifully with Messrs. Dennis during the summer, and is well worth the attention of all cultivators. These, with coum, vernum, /icderaefolium, and persicum, may be kept blooming in almost con- stant succession throughout the year. Our gardens are now enriched with many new splendid species of Lupinus and Pentstemon, from the exertions of Mr. Douglas, during his journey over a part of the north-west territories of America; and it ts only to be lamented that so I'ich a collection did not pass immediately (like those of the late Mr. Lyons, IVIr. Frazer, and Mr. Bradbury) to the public, instead of being so closely confined to the Hor- ticultural Society's garden, from which they are only distributed very sparingly, and I believe in very many instances with more of partiality than justice. — In my last you have printed the word hybrid, high-bred, which is a most unscientific mistake. — G. C. Sept. 9, 1829. In Waterton's Nursery at Knap Hill, near Woking, was one of the most splendid displays of azaleas ever seen in England, in the first week of June last- Mr. Waterton has raised many hundreds of hybrid seedlings, and has, besides, all the best old varieties, and many of the new sorts raised by others. Mr. Waterton has lately purchased the premises and stock of the late Mr. John Taylor of Bagshot, and has thus greatly extended his re- sources.— J. W. B. June, IS29. Epsom Nursery. — New or rare plants which have flowered during the months of July and August : — Malcomia (K. Br.) areniuia Dec. Apparently suffruticose ; stem ascend- ing much branched, 12 to 18 in. in height, with lanceolate dentate leaves and lilac flowers. Frame ; propagated by cuttings and seeds. Helianthemum (Tourn.) glutinosum Pers. Sweet's Cistineae, t. 8-3. Stem ascending, much branched, branches clothed with villose hairs, glutinose. Leaves lanceolately linear, with sub-racemose small yellow flowers. Frame. — H. glaucum Pos. A small upright bushy shrub, with roundish or elliptic oblong glaucous leaves, and yellow flowers. It is hoped, that samples of this interesting species will be transmitted to Mr. Sweet, previously to the close of his indispensable Cistinece. n 11 3 614 London Nurseries. Dianthus {L.) pub^scens Sib. et Sm. Sweet's B. F. G. ined. An erect jnucli-branched plant, densely clothed with a viscous pubescence, with linear awl-shaped leaves, and intense rose-coloured flowers elegantly spotted with white. Cuttings and seeds ; perennial ; frame in winter. — D. erub&cens Trev. — D. monspessulanus L. Stem panicled, few- flowered ; flowers solitary, with serrulated linear leaves and digitately fim- briated lilac flowers. Hardy, and admirably adapted for rockwork. — D. Fischeri Spreng. Sweet's B. F. G. t. 245. Stem 18 in. in height, panicled, leaves lanceolate, flowers aggregate, of a beautiful purplish lilac, delightfully fragrant. Perennial ; frame; propagated by cuttings and seeds, which are occasionally produced. Silene (L.) regis Sims. Bot. Mag. t. 1724. Stems erect, 5 to 4 ft. high, clothed with a viscous pubescence, with lanceolate leaves, and panicled splendid scarlet flowers. Decandolle considers it a doubtful perennial, and in other works it is considered a green-house biennial; but it is evi- dently a perennial, and perfectly hardy. It is successfully cultivated in peat soil, and propagated by very young cuttings in spring. ^Ithse'a {Cav.) Froloww Penny in Hort. Eps. Addenda, p. 51. No. 5845. Lavatera (L.) maritima Gouan. A handsome evergreen shrub, 6 or 8 ft. in height, with tomentose roundish obtusely angular leaves, and axillary pearl-white flowers, purple at the base. Requiring the protection of a mat in winter ; propagated by cuttings and seeds. Pelargonium {L. Herit.) melancholicum Penny. Sweet's Ger. sec. s. t. 5.5. niirabile Penny. Sweet's Ger. sec. s. t. 57. (Donna Maria, of the gardens about London.) O'xalis {Lin.) floribunda Lehm. Bulb solid, leaves shorter than the scapes, leaflets obcordate, scapes numerous, terminated with twelve to twent)^ elegant rose-coloured flowers. This admirable species should be planted in a border of rich soil, in May, where it produces a profusion of flowers until October. Requires protection in winter ; propagated by seeds. The O. floribunda of Lindl, Bot. Reg. t. 1123. and of Hooker's Bot. Mag. t. 2830. is a very different species. ZJorycnium {Tourn ) rectum Ser. SuflTruticose, with small rose-coloured flowers. Galega {Tourn.) p^rsica Pcrs. Sweet's B. F. G. t. 244. A hardy peren- nial, with white flowers from May until October. Division and seeds. Z/upinus {Tourn.) mexicanus Cerv. Bot. Reg. t. 457. An extremely rare biennial species. — L. \eY%ico\or Siveet. B. F. G. t. 12. A handsome up- right branching shrub, with numerous racemes of small flowers elegantly variegated with blue and light purple ; the lanceolate bracteas fall before the expansions of the flowers. Propagated by cuttings and seeds; frame. (Spirai'a {L.) digitata Willd. VotentWla. {Nestl.) Ashnv'xca Nesll. floribunda Pursh. The above two unquestionably distinct species are considered varieties of P. fruticosa L. by M. Scringe in Dec. Prod. ! Fuchs/rt (Plum.)microphylla H.£. el Ktinth. Sweet. B. F. G. new s. 1. 16. An elegant small upright bushy shrub; leaves elliptically oblong, dentate, shining; flov/ers axillary bright red nodding; berries roundish, black, shining. According to Decandolle this is the F. gracilis of the unpublished Flora of Mexico. This favourite genus has now become rather extensive. In this collection I observed fifteen species and varieties, the whole of which are perfectly hardy with the exception of F. /ycidides And., F. arbor^scens Sivis, and F. excortic^ta Lin.f. which require the protection of a green-house. HelmzV? (Link et Otto) salicifolia Link et Otto. Sweet's B. F. G. t. 281. An elegant bushy shrub, with lanceolate leaves and axillary yellow flowers. Hardy ; i)ropagated by cuttings. Scorzonera (L.) pusilla Pall, tubci'dsa Pall. SWyhum {VaiU) cdrnuumG'drhi. A handsome hardy perennial. Stem j London Nurseries. 615 to 4 ft. in height, radical leaves cordate, stem leaves ovate am[3lexicaul, with large drooping yellow flowers. Propagated by seeds and division. J5^rigeron (L.) ? maxinuim Lin/c et Otto. Stem 5 to 6 ft. high, much branched, with large oblong semi-amplexicaul deeply-toothed leaves, and showy white flowers. Frame ; seeds and division. ^'ster (Zy.) acuminatus Mich. Podolepis {Lab.) gracilis Graham. Sweet's B. F. G. t. 285. Galardia (Lam.) aristata Pursk. Jsclepia* {L.) Greeniana Nutt. Houstonja (L.) purpurea L. Stem erect branched, 5 to 4 in. in height; leaves linear lanceolate, with terminal corymbs of pale purple flowers. — H. serpyllifolia Mick. Bot. Mag. 2823. Caespitose. Branches numerous, rooting ; leaves spatulate, somewhat hairy ; peduncles elongated termi- nated by a solitary white flower. This species and the preceding are' excellent furniture for rockwork ; they also thrive well in small pots, well drained, composed of turfy loam and peat. Phlox {L.) cordata Ell. Sweet B. F. G. n. s. t. 13. This is really a handsome and very distinct species with smooth stems, 4 to 5 ft. high, cordate oblong leaves, and corymbed panicles of purplish lilac flowers, delicately fragrant. — P. disticha Sabine. Stem erect, smooth, purplish, 3 to 4 ft. high ; leaves undulate, oblong, acuminate, smooth, margin rough, panicles distichous, petals lanceolate distinct, flowers of a beautiful lilac, fragrant. The distichous mode of flowering at once distinguishes this species from its coordinates, it has perhaps the nearest affinity to P. undu- lata Ait. Digitalis [L.) micrantha Roth. (Salvia {L.) johlomoides Ass. Phryma (L.) leptostachya L. Scutellaria {L.) serrata Andr. Rep. 494. Stem 18 in. to 2 ft. in height, with ovate acuminate serrate leaves and terminal racemes of elegant purple and white flowers. It succeeds best in peat soil. Division. Leonurus (Z,.) lanatus Pers. Introduced in 1752, but now become rare. It is a curious and pretty species, of low growth, with densely woolly stems, palmated woolly leaves, and verticillated villose sulphur-coloured flowers. Hardy. Propagated by seeds and division. Phlomis {L.) pungens Willd. Sweet's B. F. G. t. 33. Chasmonia {Presl) incisa Presl. Bot. Reg. t. 1244. This genus has emahated from theLinnean Molucc^Ila, of the propriety of which there can be no question : it attains the height of 6 or 7 ft. with numerous erect branches from the bottom. Leaves cut-palmate ; flowers in whorls of twelve or fourteen, yellowish and lilac, calyx armed with strong spines. It is a biennial, flowering from May until October. Cuttings and seeds. iysimachia {L.) dilbia Ait. Taxanthema {Neck, et R. Br.) incana Sweet, B. F. G. t. 272. This is perhaps the most elegant of the red-flowered kinds ; the dark red flowers exhibiting a peculiar contrast with the persistent scariose calyx. Flowers from July to September. It may be occasionally increased by splitting the crown ; but unless this operation is effected with due care, it is certain to prove fatal to the plant. It has not produced seeds, consequently it is very rare. Begonm (L.) semperflorens Link et Otto, not Bot. Mag. Habranthus (/iTer^.) robustus Herb. Sweet's B. F. G. new s. 1. 14. A bulb- ous plant with a solitary rose-coloured flower, appearing throughout the summer. Perfectly hardy. Propagated abundantly by seeds. Alstroemena (L.) psittacina Lehm. Sweet's B. F. G. t. 15. Stems several from the same root, 18 in. to 2 ft. high, erect, maculate. Leaves oblong lanceolate, twisted at the base, with many-flowered umbels of splendid crimson, purple, and green flowers. Frame or mulch in winter ; propagated by division and seeds. — Alpha. Sept. 9. 1829. R R 4? 616 Covent Garden Market. Art. X. Covent Garden Market. The Cabbage Tribe. Cabbages, per dozen White Red Plants, or Coleworts - Cauliflowers, per dozen - Broccoli, Cape, per bunch Legumes. Peas, per sieve Beans, Windsor, per sieve Kidneybeans, per half sieve Tubers and Roots. c per ton Potatoes . •} per cv?t. C per bush. Fine early round, per J sv. Ash-leaved Kidneys Fine red Kidneys Turnips, White, per bunch Carrots, old, per bunch - Red Beet, per dozen Skirret, per bunch Soorzonera, per bundle - Salsify, per bunch - - Horseradish, per bundle - Radishes Red, per dozen hands (24 to 30 each) White Turnip, per bunch TTie Spinach Tribe. «P--^ SLTsieve New Zealand, per ^ sieve Sorrel, per half sieve Tke Onion Tribe. Onions Old, per dozen bunches Pickling, per half sieve Leeks, per dozen bunches Garlic, per pound Shallots, per pound Asparagitious Plants, Salads, fjc. Artichokes, per dozen Lettuce, Coss, per score Endive, per score Succory, per bunch Celery, per bundle (12 to 15) Small' Salads, per punnet Watercress, per dozen small bunches . . . Pot and Siveet Herbs. Parsley, per half sieve Tarragon, p. doz. bunches Purslain, per bunch Fennel, per,dozen bunches Thyme, per dozen bunches Sage, per dozen bunches Mint, per dozen bunches Peppermint, per doz. bunch Marjoram, per doz. bunches Savory, per dozen bunches Basil, per dozen bunches - Rosemary, per doz. bunches From ' ro £ s. rf. & 5. d. 0 0 9 0 1 0 0 2 0 0 3 0 0 1 3 0 1 6 0 1 6 0 2 0 0 0 6 0 0 8 0 3 6 0 5 0 0 2 6 0 3 0 0 1 3 0 1 6 3 0 0 4 0 0 0 3 f> 0 4 0 0 1 9 0 0 0 0 1 6 0 2 0 0 2 0 0 2 6 0 2 6 0 0 0 0 0 H 0 0 2 0 0 4 0 0 6 0 1 6 0 2 0 0 0 3 0 0 4 0 1 0 0 0 0 0 0 6 0 0 9 0 2 6 0 4 0 0 0 9 0 I 0 0 0 1 0 oii 0 1 0 0 1 6 0 0 9 0 1 3 0 1 6 0 2 6 0 0 6 0 0 9 0 3 0 0 4 0 0 2 6 0 3 6 0 2 0 0 0 0 0 0 5 0 0 8 0 0 8 0 1 0 0 3 0 0 4 0 6 0 9 0 1 0 0 1 0 0 2 0 0 0 0 0 0 6 0 1 0 0 1 6 0 0 2 0 0 3 0 0 4 0 0 6 0 1 0 0 1 3 0 0 0 0 6 0 0 0 10 0 1 0 0 0 0 0 2 0 0 0 0 0 2 0 0 0 0 0 2 0 0 1 6 0 2 0 0 1 6 0 2 0 0 0 0 0 2 0 0 0 0 0 2 0 0 2 6 0 3 0 0 0 0 0 3 0 Lavender, per doz. bunch. Tansy, per dozen bunches Stalks and Fruits for Tarts, Pickling, Sjc. Angelica Stalks, per pound Sea Samphire, per sm. pun. Vegetable Marrow, per doz. Pompions, each Gourds, per dozen - Tomatoes, per sieve Capsicums, per hundred - Edible Fungi and Fuci. Mushrooms, per pottle - Truffles, per pound English Foreign - - - Fruits. Apples, Dessert, per bushel King Pippins Goodenoughs Nonsuch _ . - Quarrenden,'Red Apples, Baking, per bushel Dutch Codling Hawthornden Pears, Dessert, per | sieve Jargonelles Williams's Bon Chretien Windsor, ... Bergamot ... Peaches, per dozen Nectarines, per dozen Apricots, best, per dozen Second best, per dozen Plums, dessert, [P^;:j,^if„\'^j Green Gages, per \ sieve Orleans, per half sieve Goliaths, per half sieve \ Baking, per half sieve . Cherries, per pound Morellos, for preserving Mulberries, per gal. (2 pot.) Barberries, per half sieve Currants, per half sieve Black - White Red, for Wine - Dessert . . - Raspberries, Red, per gal. (2 pottles) - . - Filberts, English, per 100 lbs. Nuts, Hazel, per peck Pine-apples per jiound Hot. house Grapes, p. pound Figs, per dozen Large Melons, per pound Small Melons are sold by tale, according to sizt and quality. Cucumbers, Frame, p. bract Ti- 1 v„ C per hundred Pickhng, ^J^er thousand T f lier dozen Lemons, ||,er hundred Brazil Nuts, per bushel From ( To £ s. d. £ s. d. 0 2 6 0 3 0 0 0 0 0 1 6 0 0 4 0 0 6 0 1 6 0 1 9 0 1 6 0 0 0 0 2 0 0 5 0 0 1 6 0 0 0 0 10 0 0 12 0 0 4 0 0 5 0 0 1 0 0 1 6 0 4 0 0 4 6 0 0 0 0 15 0 0 6 0 0 7 0 0 6 0 0 7 0 0 5 0 0 6 0 0 4 0 0 0 0 0 2 0 0 2 6 0 3 0 0 0 0 0 3 0 0 0 0 0 4 0 0 5 0 0 2 fi 0 3 0 0 3 0 0 4 0 0 3 0 0 4 0 0 1 6 0 6 0 0 1 6 0 5 0 0 2 0 0 2 6 0 1 0 0 1 6 0 2 6 0 3 0 0 0 6 0 I 0 0 3 0 0 5 0 0 2 0 0 2 G 0 4 0 0 5 0 0 1 6 0 2 6 0 0 6 0 0 9 0 0 6 0 0 8 0 6 0 0 7 0 0 0 0 0 4 0 0 1 6 0 2 0 0 2 0 0 2 G 0 3 6 0 b 0 0 0 6 0 0 8 1 10 0 2 10 0 0 0 9 0 1 0 0 5 0 0 8 0 0 2 6 0 5 0 0 1 C 0 2 0 0 1 0 0 1 6 0 0 6 0 0 9 0 1 3 0 1 6 0 10 0 0 12 0 0 1 0 0 2 0 0 7 0 0 16 0 0 16 0 0 0 0 Observations. — Our supplies have been most abundant, but, in conse- quence of the continued rains, somewhat irregular, and the articles have not come to hand in fine condition, more particularly the plums, of which the green gages have been very deficient in flavour. From the prices quoted in the list, it will be apparent that these circumstances have materially affected the value ; the price usually obtaincd^at this season not being at all Coveni Garden Market. 617 times determined by the suppi}', but depending in a great measure on the demand, which, in the case of ripe fruits, is increased by the state of the weather, the consumption being increased by fine and warm temperature. Pears of the commoner varieties have been sent from the lower counties in great abundance. Jargonelles have not been a general crop, though in some places plentiful. Windsor pears have been very fine and large, and, if possible, with less than their usual flavour ; but in consequence of their size and showy appearance, have met with ready sale. Williams's Summer Bon Chretien has not been by any means in such supply as in former seasons, and is at all times very transient and of limited demand. As a proof of the improved state of culture prevailing (which may be fairly attributed to the increased means of communication, by the pub- lication of the remarks of individuals, through the means of the Gardener's Magazine, and other cheap and useful periodicals more particularly devoted to the purposes of improvement in agriculture and horticulture), may be remarked the early production of the larger varieties of carrots, such as the Altringham, now grown extensively in Bedfordshire ; the Studley variety, and the Surrey or Long Orange, entirely superseding the older varieties of the Horn and the Short Orange in our market ; the latter one still gene- rally cultivated for the provincial markets, more particularly those of the north of England and Scotland. French and scarlet beans, which, in the early part of the season, promised a most abundant return, have in a great measure failed, in consequence of the prevalence of so much wet. This leads me to remark the change of taste in tiie public with regard to vegetable productions, in now preferring the scarlet runners to the dwarf varieties. Formerly the scarlet beans could not be disposed of on any terms in the London markets. The same change of taste has taken place in favour of the Green Artichoke, which is now preferred to the Old Globe variety, that hitherto had been exclusively cultivated. Some interest is necessarily attached to any thing which may be offered as a new vegetable. Indian corn, or maize, has been hitherto well known as an ornamental plant, rather than as one of extensive utility ; but many of its valuable properties have been somewhat exaggerated by a very popular political writer. Several varieties, amounting in all to more than twenty, have been cultivated by Mr. Poynter of North End, among which that so strongly recommended by Mr.Cobbett is to be found, which is neither more nor less than the variety extensively cultivated in Nova Scotia and New Brunswick ; of which I have by me good specimens, grown from seed im- ported from Halifax in the year 1822. A more dwarf variety from Egypt, with corn almost ripe, which will grow freely in rows not more than 12 in. or 15 in. apart, is also to be observed. The remainder are principally of the tall varieties, among which may be enumerated the Early Flint, the Long Island White, the Meat and Sugar Corn, with the Pearl Corn, evidently a distinct species [?]. Tliis, in the present season (very unfavourable), givesno indication of fructification, but would yield the largest quantity of succulent herbage, if required for that purpose. The green corn should be in season in August, to supply, in case of an extremely dry season, the deficiency of peas at that period ; to obtain which it will always be necessary to sow it on a very moderate hot-bed in April, and transplant it in May : but this would present no difficulty, where labour is so readily obtainable; and should drought prevail at the time of planting out early in May, a crop for general use might be obtained from dibbling in the seed. A very considerable mis- take appears to prevail with respect to the quantity generally expected in return as a crop per acre. I have had opportunities of observing it in America, and I have made enquiry of my friends there, who are in the habit of cultivating it extensively, and cannot find that, under very favourable circumstances, it ever yields more than sixty bushels to the acre. Should 618 T'dco Articles of the Dunfermline Florists^ Societj/. you consider a comparative estimate of its probable value as an article of culture, in lieu of oats, barley, or peas, in our general system, desirable, I think I could, with some atteijtion, furnish it to you. — G. C. Sept. 9. 1829. Art. XI. Two Articles in the Constitution of the Dunfermline Florists' Society. Sir, a society for the cultivation of fine flowers, &c., was formed at Dun- fermline in 1827, called " The Dunfermline Florists' Society." As the prin- ciples upon which it is formed have given universal satisfaction, a wish has often been expressed that a short outline of them might be sent to you. Being secretary of that Society, and now in London for a week or two, I herewith give you two of the leading articles, which probably may be of some use to such of your readers as are about to form similar institutions. Article 1. — That there shall be six prizes awarded at each competition ; the first to be entered No. 6 in the prize-book, the second 5, the third 4, and so on down to 1 : that, at the end of the season, each gainer's num- bers shall be summed up, and the person whose numbers are greatest shall receive the greatest prize, in the ratio of six to one. For example, suppose A. B. to have got a first (6), a third (4), a sixth (l), and a second (5), making in all 16. ; C D. has got three seconds anda first, making 21 ; J. D. has got numbers to the amount of 18, W. M. to the amount of 20, D. J. 12, and J. A. 21 (those gainers whose numbers are below twelve get nothing, the six highest being only taken). Now add A B. 16, C. D. 21, J. D. 18, W. M. 20, D. J. 12, and J. A. 21, making a total of 108. Let the sum to be shared, 8/. '2s., be divided by 108, when the quotient will be 1*. 6d. Now each person will be entitled to as many 108th parts as his number amounts to ; therefore, A. B.gets 16 times \s. 6d-,or 1/. 45. ; C. D. 21 times, or l/, lis 6d.; J. D. ]/. 7s- ; W. M. ll. lOs. ; D. J. 185. ; and J. A. 1/. 1 Is. 6d. ; making a total of 8/. 25., the sura to be divided. — The members pay 25. each annually. The next Article that we reckon most encouraging to such members as have not a large stock of flowers is, " That when more than one sort of flower is to be competed for at the same time (for example, at the spring show, the auricula, polyanthus, and hyacinth form but one competition), the judges shall first go over all the different parcels sent in, and select the best one from each" (for example, A. B. sends in auriculas, polyanthuses, and hyacinths ; his auricula is reckoned the best of his parcels, it is brought forward, and the others are set aside : another member may send in only two varieties ; the best is taken, and the other set aside : another may send in only one, it is taken, and brought forward for the second selection ; and so on), " and setting the rest aside, they shall then go over the first selection again, and say which is the best one of all these:" so that the member who has only four good auriculas, or four polyanthuses, or four hyacinths, has as good a chance as the one who has all the twelve. These are the two main articles ; the others, I presume, are common to all societies of the kind. — D. Inglis. Sept. 1. Art. XII. Provincial Horticultural Societies. y-^ Sussex. Chichester Horticultural Society. — The Annual Meeting of this Society was held on August 3. ; and it afforded us much pleasure to witness the Provincial Horticultural Societies: — Hmitingdonshire. 619 obvious improvement which this institution has effected in the productions of the hot-bed and vinery, the display of melons, grapes, and pines, far ex- ceeding any previous show, both as to number and quality. The tables were arranged down the middle of the room, and contained a profusion of fine melons, grapes, pines, nectarines, peaches, gooseberries, and other fruits ; a beautiful plumbago from the conservatory of T. Rhoades, Esq., two magni- ficent cockscombs from Lord Egremont's and Messrs. Humphreys' ; a stand of seedling picotees and carnations from the Rev. W. Watkins, which was particularly admired, and several other splendid and highly cultivated flowers. The prizes were awarded as follows : — Floivers. Picotees: 1. Rev. W. Watkins ; 2. Mr. Gorsuch. Carnations: 1. Rev. W. Watkins ; 2. Mr. Gorsuch. — Fruii. Pines : 1. Mr. Saunders, gardener to W. Newland, Esq. ; 2. Mr, Harrison, gardener to Lord Egre- mont. Grapes : 1 . Mr. Cakebread, gardener to Messrs. Henty ; 2. Mr. Fielder, gardener to C. Dickens, Esq. ; 3. Mr. Coates, gardener to the Rev. G. Porcher. Melons: 1. Mr. Hammond, gardener to Messrs. Humphreys; 2. Mr. Sims, gardener to W. Leeves, Esq. ; 3. Mr. Lasseter, gardener to W. Wyatt, Esq. ; 4. Mr. Hislop, gardener to Mrs. Smith ; 5. Mr. Gorsuch, gardener to the Bishop of Chichester. Gooseberries : 1. Mr. Goddard, gar- dener to Col. Todd; 2. Mr. Dicks, gardener to J. Dyson, Esq.; 3. Mr. Softly. The following extra-prizes were awarded : — Rev. W. Watkins, for his stand of seedling picotees and carnations; Mr. Hammond, cockscomb; Mr. Gorsuch, celery ; gardener to W. Ridge, Esq., raspberries. (^Brighton Gq-^ zette, August 6.) '.' Huntingdonshire. Hmitingdonshire Horticultural Society. — This Society was formed in 1821, and originated with a few gentlemen of Huntingdon and its immediate neighbourhood, who elected John Maule, Esq., their president, and Mr. James Wood of Huntingdon, secretary, under whose care, together with the cooperation of an active committee, it has extended itself into the sur- rounding counties, and has now upon its list of members nearly 200 ladies and gentlemen. There are two annual shows : one in the spring, for auri- culas, polyanthuses, hyacinths, cucumbers, &c. ; and the other in July, the objects of which may be seen in the subjoined report. The Society is open to members for competition, from any part of the kingdom, and its regula- tions may be obtained from the treasurer, Mr. James Wood, or the secre- tary, Mr. Robert Fox, on application, post-paid. Mr. Maule having resigned the presidency, that office is now filled by Lord Strathaven. The Eighth Anniversary was celebrated with increased splendour at the Assembly-room, Huntingdon, on Wednesday, July 29. 1829. Flowers. Carnations (extra-best flower), Gregory's King Alfred, Purple Bizard, Mr. John Frankhn, jun. Bizards. Scarlet: 1. Yeomanson's Metro- politan, Mr. Raye ; 2. Smalley's Foxhunter, Mr. Franklin, jun. ; 3. Wood's President, Mr. Fordham. Purple : 1. Gregory's King Alfred, Mr. Franklin, jun.; 2. Gregory's King Alfred, Mr. Todd; 3. Cartwright's Rainbow, Mr. Reed. Flakes. Scarlet: I.Wood's Lord Strathaven Seedling, Mr. James Wood ; 2. Pearson's Madam Mara, E. Howson, jun. ; 3. Tomlinson's Duke of Rutland, Mr. Reed. Purple: 1. Turner's Princess, Mr. Furze; 2. Tur- ner's Princess, Mr. Franklin, jun.; 3. Kenney's Excellent, Mr. Dearlove. Rose : 1. Fletcher's Duchess of Devonshire, Mr. Furze ; 2. Wood's Lady De La Warr Seedling, Mr. J. Wood ; 3. Fletcher's Duchess of Devonshire, Mr. Franklin, jun. Seedlings : 1 . Wood's Lord Strathaven, Mr. James Wood ; 2, Howson's Beauty of Huntingdon, Mr. E. Howson, jun. Picotees (extra-best flower): Rose, Purchas's Granta, Mr. Fordham. Purple: 1 . Huftcn's Miss 620 Proviricial Horticultural Societies : — Cambridgeshire. Willoughby, Mr. Franklin, jun. ; 2. Wood's Lady Strathaven Seedling, Mr. James Wood; 3. Russell's Lady Bagot, Mr. Reed. Red: I.Wood's Tri- umphant, Mr. Franklin, jun. ; 2. Wood's Triumphant, Mr. Raye; 3. Wood's Triumphant, Mr. Furze. Rose : 1. Purchas's Granta, Mr.Fordham ; 2. Corn- field's Lady Miller, Mr. E. Litchfield ; 3. Jeeves' Lady Arabella, Mr. P'ranklin, jun. Yellow: 1. Hird's Miss Harriot, Mr. Reed; 2. Louis the Sixteenth, Mr. James Wood ; 5. Hyland Xenobia, Mr. E. Litchfield, Seedlings : I.Wood's Lady Strathaven, Mr. James Wood; 2. Dalley's Goliah, Mr. Dalley. — Fruit. Gooseberries. Heaviest, Farr's Roaring Lion (Red), 21 dwts. 7grs., Mr. Hyland. Red: I. Farr's Roaring Lion, 21 dwts. 7 grs., Mr. Hyland; 2. Farr's Roaring Lion, 21 dwts. 1 gr., Mr. Furze; 3. Farr's Roaring Lion, 20 dwts. 17 grs., Mr. James Wood ; 4. Farr's Roaring Lion, 20 dwts. 11 grs., and 5. Hoopley's Jubilee, 20 dwts. 5 grs., Mr. Hyland. Yellow : 1. Hardcastle's Royal Gunner, 17 dwts. 8 grs., Mr. Hyland ; 2. Pro- phet's Rockwood, 17 dwts. 8 grs., Mr. James Wood ; 3. Seedling, 16 dwts. 2 grs., Mr. Hyland; 4. Andrew's Nelson's Wave, 15 dwts. 5 grs., Mr. Bleet; 5. Andrew's Nelson's Wave, 14 dwts. 12 grs., Mr. Dalley. Greens : 1. Ing- ham's Green Ocean, 17 dwts. 3 grs., Mr. Bleet; 2. Moore's Troubler, 15 dwts. 20 grs., Mr. James Wood ; 5. Ingham's Green Ocean, 15 dwts. 11 grs., Mr. Hyland; 4. Moore's Troubler, 14 dwts. G grs., Mr. Dalley. White : 1. Hyland's Earl of Sandwich, 20 dwts. 4 grs., 2. Hyland's Earl of Sandwich, 19 dwts. 14 grs., 5. Hyland's Earl of Sandwich, 19 dwts. 6 grs., and 4. Cook's White Eagle, 17 dwts. 15 grs., Mr. Hyland ; 5. Bratherton's Wistaston Lass, 16 dwts. 17 grs., Mr. Franklin, jun. Seedling, Hyland's Earl of Sandwich, 20 dwts. 4 grs., Mr. Hylands. Best dish for flavour : 1. Cham- paigne, Mr.Hyland; 2. Champagne, Mr. Franklin, jun.; 5. Champagne, Mr. E.Lichfield; 4. Champagne, Mr.Dall; 5. Champagne, Mr. Slight. Currants. White : l. New White Grape, 16 bunches to the lb., Mr. Hyland ; 2. New White Grape, 17bun. tolb. Mr.Fordham; 5. White Dutch, 20 bun. to lb., Mr. Bleet. Red: 1. New Red Grape, 17 bun. to lb., Mr. Hyland; 2, Red Dutch, 26 bun. to lb., Mr. Boucher; 3. Red Dutch, 28 bun. to lb., Mr. Dal- ley. Cherries. For flavour : 1. Turkey Bigarreau, 49 to lb., Mr. E. Litch- field; 2. May Duke, 49 to lb., Mr, Dalley; 3. May Duke, 51 to lb., Mr. Boucher; 4. May Duke, 57 to lb., Mr. Slight ; 5. Tuikey Bigarreau, 58 to lb., Mr. Fordham. Peaches. Dish of six : 1. and 2. French Mignonne, Mr. Frazer, Grapes. For flavour (fruited in a pot) : 1. Black Hamburgh, and 2, Royal Muscadine, Mr, Boucher. Pines: 1. and 2. New Queen, Mr.Dall, Cambridgeshire. Cambridge Horticultural Society. — This Society held their July Show on July 24. The arrangement of the Show was very judicious, and the coup rf'fd/ imposing. The Rev. R. Lascelles took the chair at half-past two pre- cisely, and announced the following adjudication of prizes : — Flowers. Cai'nations. Five best: 1. Wilde's Perfection, Rainbow, Timm's Lord Byron, Yate's Supreme, Potter's Lord Belmont, Mr. Joha Bailey; 2, Wilde's Perfection, Madame Mara, Duchess of Devonshire, Princess Charlotte, Gregory's King Alfred, Air. Twitchett, Three best of different sorts : 1 . Pearson's Madame Mara, Yeonianson's George the Fourth, Mason's Duchess of Gloucester, Mr. John Sharp ; 2. Turner's Prin- cess Charlotte, Wilde's Perfection, Cartwright's Rainbow, Mr. Robt. Nut- ter. Best, Wilde's Perfection, Mr. John Sharp. Seedling: 1, Mr, Grimson ; 2. Haylock's Curator, Mr. Haylock. Picotees, Six best : 1, Purchas's Granta, Matilda, Beauty, and Eliza, Martin's Linnaeus, Chilwell Beauty, Mr. Purchas ; 2. Bunion's Miss Neville, Muliton's Will Stukely, Cornfield's Lady Miller, Wood's Countess of Sandwich, Martin's Linnaius, Howlett's Paragraph, Mr. Rickard, 'J'hree best bloom; 1, Biggleswade Beauty, Cleo- patra, Miss Neville, Mr, Dobson; 2, Wood's Countess of Sandwich, Miss Neville, Seedling, Mr, John Sharp. Best, MissNeville, Rev.G. A. Browne. Provincial Horticultural Societies : — Siiffblk. 621 Seedling: 1 , Rev. R. Lascelles ; 2. Mr. Dobson. Hollyhocks: three best, Mr. Brewer ; best, Mr. Catling. Balsam, Mr. Searle. Cockscomb : 1 . Mr. Thomas Ready; 2. Mr. Lestourgeon. Georginas. Best six : 1. Fulgida nana, Imperiosa, French Lilac, Princess Augusta, Imperial Purple, Perfecta, Mr. Widnall ; 2. Coronation, Sans Rival, Phoenix, Sangufnea, Gloriosa, Marshall's Purple, Mr. Gimson. Best three, Colville's Perfecta, Theodore, Coronation, Mr. Searle. Best, Donna Maria, Mr.Widnall. — Fruit. Melons: 1. Royal Vvlndsor (Scarlet Flesh), Mr. Catling, grown at Dr. Haviland's ; 2. Cantaloup, Mr. Palmer of Ely. Apricots, Masculine, John Hemington, Esq. Cherries. Duke : 1. 55 to the lb., Mr. Chaliis ; 2. 56 to the lb., Mr. Wilson, Lord De La ^yarr's gardener. Heart, 51 to the lb., Mr. Fordham, gardener to T. Quintin, Esq. Raspberries: white, Mr. Chaliis; red, Mr. Dall. Gooseberries: red (Roaring Lion and Rough Robin, 14 to the lb.), Mr. Gimson ; white (Cheshire Lass, 20 to the lb.), Mr. Gimson ; green (Green Ocean, 20 to the lb.), Mr. Chaliis ; yellow (Nelson's Waves, 19 to the lb.), Mr. Gimson. For flavour: I.Champagne, Col. Pemberton ; 2. Warrington, Mr. Palmer, of Ely. Heaviest (Rough Robin, 1 oz. 1 dwt. 1 gr.), Mr. Gimson. Currants. White : 1.19 bunches to the lb., Mr. Pal- mer of Ely; 2. 19 bunches to the lb., Mr. Fordham of Hatley. Red: 32 bunches to the lb., Mr. Patrick Beales. — Cidinari/ Vegetables. Lettuces, best three Paris Coss, Mr. Widnall. Treasurer's Prize. Bouquet, Mr. Gimson. Cottager's Prizes. Gooseberries, Joseph Beales, Cherryhinton. Currants, James Tuck, W^indmill Cottage^ Harston. Cucumber, Henry Hunt, Dux- ford. Carnation, John Munns, Barnwell. Balsam and Hollyhock, Joseph Beales, Cherryhinton. Exti-a-Prizes. Bigarreau Cherries, Mr. John Eaton, Cambridge. Cot- tager's Bouquet, Joseph Beales, Cherryhinton. Cottager's Cabbage, Ro- bert Freeman, Abington. Wilmot's Superb Strawberries, Mr. Wilson, Lord De La Warr's gardener. Turnips, Maltese, Mr. Denson, Waterbeach. Kitchen Apples, Kentish Pippin and Norfolk Beffin, Col. Pemberton. Dou- ble Sweetwilliam, seedling, Mr. Brown, Fordham. White Spanish Onions, Mr. Lestourgeon. Table Pears, Citron des Carmes, Mr. Searle. French Marigolds, Mr. Dall. Fuchsia, Mr. Palmer of Ely. Double Scarlet Z<\'ch- nis, Mr. John Bailey. Hydrangea, Mr. Hajlock. Candytuft, /beris umbel- latus, C. Pemberton, Esq. The Committee then proposed prizes for cottagers, at the next Show, for apples, pears, plums, onions, parsneps, three china asters, and georgina. {Canibiidge Chronicle, July 31.) Suffolk. Bury Horticultural Society. — At the Meeting of this Society on July 28. the show of flowers, fruits, and vegetables was excellent : amongst the most note-worthy were Eucomis striata, Thuitb^rgm alata, and Crassula cocci- nea, by Mr. Hodson ; georginas, carnations, melons (including some very fine ones, not offered for the prize, by J. Phillijis, Esq.), lettuces, and onions of immense size, &c. Several specimens arrived too late to be submitted to the judges. The two prizes of one guinea each for cottage gardens gave great satisfaction, and, we trust, will be of the most beneficial tendency. The following was the award : — Flowers. Carnations : Bizards, six sorts, Mr. Barrett ; Flakes, Mr. Bar- rett; Picotees, Mr. Lord. Best Bouquet, Mr. Hammond. — Fruit. Melon, Gros Cantaloup, Mr. Lines, Apricots, R.Pettiward, Esq. Cherries, Elton, Mr. Barrett. Raspberries, red, Mr. Stacey. Gooseberries. Heaviest : red, Mr. Brett ; white^ Mr. S. Nunn ; green and yellow, Mr. Levett. For fla- vour, Mr. Musk. Currants, white,"22 to the lb., Mr. Levett ; red, R. Petti- ward, Esq. ; black. Rev. W. Basset. — Culinary Vegetables. Lettuces, Mr. Francis Clark, jun. Onions, Mr. Pierson. 622 Pron). Hort. Societies .- — Berkshire, Gloucestershire. Cottagers' Prizes. Fruit, Rickwood, Timworth. Vegetables, Jermyn, Tiraworth. Best managed cottage-gardens : Jermyn, Timworth ; and Spink, Hengrave. {Bury and Norwicfi Post, July 22.) Bebkshiri:. Windsor Horticultural Society. — At the Meeting of July 22., prizes were awarded to the following gentlemen : — Carnations. 1. Mr. Gould, Windsor ; 2. Mr. Willmar, Sunbury ; 3. Mr. Willmar, jun., Sunbury; 4. Mr. Bates, Oxford; 5. Mr. Beedon, Hillingdon ; 6. Mr. Smith, London. — Melons. (.30 shown) : l. Mr. Ingram, Frogmore ; 2. Mr. Austin, Burnham : 3. Mr. Ingram, Frogmore ; 4. Mr. Anderson, Dit- ton ; 5. Mr. Ingram, Frogmore; 6. Mr. Anderson, Ditton ; 7. Mr. Stevens, Harefield ; 8. Mr. Cooper, Bray. — Gooseberries. 1 . j\Ir. Brown, Hammer- smith ; 2. Mr. Gould, Windsor ; 3. Mr. Turner, Eton; 4. Mr. Stevens, Hare- field ; 5. Mr. Bowyer, Bray. — Some fine peaches and grapes were exhi- bited, but these fruits not being entered for a prize, none was awarded. Miscellaneous Class, — Four prizes were awarded to Mr. Ingram for georginas. Cactus speciosissima, hollyhocks, and a blue hydrangea. — J. P.B. July 24. 1829. Glocjcestershiee. The Bristol Horticultural Society. — The Second Exhibition of this So- ciety was held on August 4., which abundantly realised the warmest hopes that the friends of that institution had conceived. The suite of Assembly Rooms were opened on this occasion ; the front and central rooms were fully occupied by a magnificent display of ornamental plants and flowers, tastefully arranged on an elevated platform, in the centre of the front room, and on tables extending completely round that apartment, and in two pyra- midal groups in the middle room. Amongst others, for which no prizes were awarded, were conspicuous — a very fine lemon tree, belonging to Mr. Hurle ; a beautiful Hydrangea hor- tensis, sent by Miss Shepherd of Compton ; a fine plant of Yucca filamen- tosa, in full bloom, belonging to Mr. Maule ; a Maurandja Barclayo?2a, pro- raising soon to blossom, belonging to A. Hilhouse, Esq., accompanied with an engraving of the flower ; a fine Theophrasta longifolia, a Cycas revo- liita, and a ver}f large Coffea arabica, nearly 10 ft. high, belonging to the Rev. Mr. Pring of Hambrook ; a beautiful specimen of Musa paradisiaca, and a large scarlet seedling geranium belonging to Colonel Grseme. We also observed, belonging to Mrs. March Phillips, a Cjcas revok'ita, a Phoe'nix dactyllfera, two beautiful plants of Hydrangea horlcnsis, and some flowers of the large Agave americana, now blooming, which is open to the inspec- tion of the curious under the care of Mr. Dunn, her gardener, at Brisling- ton ; a very vigorous young Clethra arborea, in full bloom, the owner of which we could not ascertain; some fine myrtles; a Yucca acuminata, and several others, belonging to Gabriel Goldney, Esq. ; a beautiful plant of Thunb^rgia alata, in full bloom, belonging to John Scandrett Hartford, Esq. of Blaize Castle ; a handsome Cactus Opuntia in blossom, from Mrs. Acland of Clifton ; a beautiful plant of Lobelia ^rinus, sent by Mrs. John Hurle of Brislington ; superb flowers of Bignonia radicans major, and magnificent blossoms of Magnolia grandiflora, from Miss Bright of Ham Green. Mr. J. Young of Taunton exhibited a box containing a number of beautiful georginas; two in particular, which he has named corymbosa and globosa, excited marked attention ; a large pale yellow one, and a deep purple, also called forth much admiration. We noticed some beautiful georginas from Mr. Wheeler of Warminster ; also plants of Rodlla ciliata, Matri- caria grandiflora, and many others ; and fine trees of the Hawthornden apple and Keswick codlin, loaded with fruit; belonging to Mr.Maule. Provincial Horticultural Societies : — Gloucestershire. 623 Mr. Miller, the honorary secretary, contributed to the ornaments of the day a beautiful Amaryllis, believed revoliita, J5^rica Ewerana pilosa, E. Sa- vilea«a, £^. ampullacea, E. Bandonid«fit, £. Juliana, E. cerinthoides, several fine pelargoniums, a beautiful plant of Svvainsonirts galegifolia in blossom, Gloxink caul&cens, plants of Crassula coccinea, C. falcata, and C. odora- tissima, Fuchs/a conica (a rare species), a magnificent plant of Banksia mar- cescens, Cussonia spicata, Dryandra longifolia, and some fine specimens of the new annual and herbaceous plants, Collomia grandiflora, Brovvallia elata, Clarkia pulchella, Russian stocks, Cleome rosea, Xupinus mutabilis, Spigelia marilandica, Z)elphinium chinense, a new iythrum from America, Campanula pyramidalis, var. lactiflora, and var. versicolor, and several fine plants of Phlox, viz, P. Wheelerz, P. corymbosa, and P. pyramidalis ; a superb collection of about fifty varieties of georginas in two boxes, and a box containing about the like number of carnations and picotees of distin- guished beauty, together with many exotic and other shrubs, and a profu- sion of flowers and evergreens, tastefully disposed in ornamenting the rooms. In the third room were exhibited the fruits and vegetables, amongst which, besides the articles which obtained the prizes, were some fine cherries, sent by Col. Houlton and Mr. Ricketts ; and among the vegetables were fine specimens of poiree a carde, sent by Mr. Shepherd of Compton. A specimen of Cobbett's Indian corn was sent by Mr. Rankin ; and some fine drumhead cabbages not belonging to a subscriber. It is to be regretted, that there were only two competitors in the class of cottagers' prizes; but on future occasions the donations of these will haply be made more extensively known, and the competition increase, so that the subscribers may attain their much wished for object, of making this in- stitution not less subservient to the increase of comforts to the agricultural labourer, and of plenty to the markets, than it is to the luxuries of the rich, and the gratification of a taste for the most elegant productions of nature. The judges chosen by the Committee were, J. L. Knapp, and S. Horsley, Esqrs., the Rev. W. Phelps, Mr. Fedden, and Mr. Rootsey. The prizes were awarded as follows : — Plants. Green-house : Fuchsia gracilis. Miss Bayly ; Cotyledon orbicu- lata, Christopher George, Esq. Hardy : Yucca filamentosa. Col. Graeme ; Potentilla formosa, Mr. Lee. — Flowers. Carnations: Scarlet Bizards, Mr Taylor and Mr. Jacques; Scarlet Flakes, Mr. Taylor; Purple Flakes, Mr. Taylor and Mr. Jacques ; Crimson Bizards, Mr. Jacques and Mr. Taylor ; Rose Flakes, Mr. Taylor and Mr. Maule ; Pink and Purple Bizards, Mr. Taylor and Mr. Maule ; Seedling Carnations, Mr. Jacques and Mr. Taylor ; Purple Picotees, Mr. Maule and Mr. Jacques; Red Picotees, Mr. Tajlor and Mr. Jacques ; Yellow Picotees, Mr. Taylor and Mr. Maynard. Geor- ginas : Dark Purple, Mr. Wheeler and Colonel Houlton ; Double Scarlet, Mr. Wheeler and Mr. Maule ; Double Light, Mr. Maule. Double Balsams ; Mr. Maule and Mr. Varney. Cockscombs : John Warne, Esq. and Mrs. Cartwright. Hollyhocks : Richard Oakley, Esq., and Mr. Lee. — Fruit. Pine-apples : Prize Queen, W. P. Jillard, Esq. ; St. Vincent, Mr. Varney. White Providence, Mr. Maule. Grapes : Black Hamburgh, Mr. C. H, Jessop ; White Muscat, W. P. Jillard, Esq. Melons : Netted Cantaloup, J. W. Ricketts, Esq. ; Black Rock, Miss Bright. Peaches, Mrs. March Phillips and John Hurle, Esq. Nectarines, Mrs. March Phillips and Philip Protheroe, Esq. Apricots, Breda, Mrs. Lydia Gregory. Cher- ries, Morello, Miss Bayly and J. N. Frankly n, Esq. Early Apples: Kerry Pippin, D. Staunton, Esq. ; Keswick Codlin, J. W. Ricketts, Esq, Early Pears, Citron des Carmes, Mr. Fry and Mr. Lee. Raspberries, Red Antwerps, Mr. G. W. Hall. Currants, Red Dutch, P. Protheroe, 624 Prmincial Horticultural Societies : — TVorcestershire. Esq., and Mr. S. Warring ,• White Dutch, Mrs. SherifFe and Mrs. John Hurle ; Black, W. P. Taunton, Esq. Gooseberries : Red Roaring Lion, Mr. Cartwright ; Crown Bob, Henry Brooke, Esq.; Green Angler, Mr. Cartwright ; Ocean, D. Stanton, Esq. ; Yellow Rockwood, Mr. Cartwright. — Culinary Vegetables. Kidnejbeans, Mr. Lee and Mr. John Hurle. Celery, White Solid, Mr. Lee. Cauliflower, Mr. Lee. Cucumbers, Mr. Jessop and W. P. Taunton, Esq. Peas, Rev. Dr. Sweete and Mrs. John Hurle. Potatoes, Ash-leaved Kidneys, Mrs. L. Gregory and Miss Bayly. Carrots, Mr. Maynard and D. Stanton, Esq. Artichokes, Richard Oakley, Esq. Cabbages, Battersea and Emperor, Mr. Lee. Turnips, Mrs. John Hurle and Mr. Lee. Vegetable Marrow, J. N. Franklyn, Esq., and Mr. Maule. Extra-Prizes. Keswick Codlin, Mr. Maule. Cantaloup Melon, Mrs. John Cave. Citrus medica tuberosa, and Citor d'Olor Melon, Miss Bright. Black Hamburgh and White Sweet Water Grapes, Mrs. Harford. Cottagers' Prizes. Large Cabbage, Elizabeth Martin, Ashton. Codlin Apple, J. Bullock, Tockington. {Bristol Gazette, August 13.) Worcestershire . Vale of Evesham Horticultural Society. — The Third Meeting of this Society for the present year, was held at Evesham, on the 18th inst., when the following prizes were awarded : — Plants. Stove or Green-house ; 1 . Mr. Hartland ; 2. Mr. Procter ; 3. Mr, Hartland. Hardy Annuals : 1, Rev. G. Shute; 2. Mr. Mayfield.— Flowers. Ranunculuses. Class 1: 1. Rev. Mr. Gretton; 2. Mr. Smith. Class 2 : 1. Mr. Mayfield ; 2. Mr. Smith. Class 3 : 1. and 2, Mr. Smith. Class 4 : 1. and 2. Mr. Mayfield. Class 5:1. Mr. Smith ; 2. Mrs. Eyston. Class 6 : 1. Mr. Smith; 2. Mr. Mayfield. Class 7 : 1. Mrs. Eyston; 2. Mr. Mayfield. Class 8 : 1. Mr. Gratton; 2. Mr. Hunt. Pinks. Purple- laced : 1 . Mr. Valencourt ; 2. Seedling, Mr. Racster ; 3. Mr. Jessop. i^Red- laced: 1. Mr. Hunt; 2. Mr. Valencourt ; 5. Mr. Smith. Stars: Land 2. Mr. Valencourt; 3. Seedling, Mr. Mayfield. Roses: 1. Mr. Racster; 2. Mrs. Eyston; 3. Edward Rudge, Esq.; 4. Mr. Valencourt ; 5. Mr, Hunt; 6. Mr. Racster; 7. Mr. Hunt; 8. Mr. Racster. — Fruit. Strawberries, Heaviest: 1. Black Taunton, and 2. Keen's Seedling, Mr. Hunt. Best flavoured: 1. Mrs. Eyston; 2. Keen's Seedling, Mrs. Charles. Cherries, Mr. Goodall. — Culinary Vegetables. Garden Beans, Mr, A. New. After the prizes had been announced, and exhibited to a numerous as- sembly of the members and visitors, the London Horticultural Society's silver medal, which had been awarded to Mr. George Fulton, gardener to Lord Northwick, of Northwick Park, Worcestershire, for his general pro- ductions in horticulture, of superior excellence and flavour, and for his communications read to the Society, was presented to him by the presi- dent, E. Rudge, Esq., with the following address : — " In presenting to you, Mr. Fulton, this medal, as the merited reward of your labours, I congratulate you on being the first member of this Society on whom this honour is conferred ; the presentation of a medal to its mem- bers is the highest mark of distinction which any learned society has in its power to confer, and we are greatly indebted to the liberality of the Hor- ticultural Society of London, for having placed annually one of theirs at our disposal. There is no doubt but you will fully appreciate its value, and that it will be a stimulus to your future exertions in the cause of horticul- tural science. I take this opportunity of thanking you, in the name of this Society, for the various floral and horticultural specimens which you have exhibited to the Society at its Meetings, and to express a hope for their continuance, as well as for any future communications on such new or im- proved modes of culture, as you may find, by experience, have proved suc- cessful." {Worcester Herald, July 4.) Provincial HoH. Societies : — Herefordshire. 625 Herefordshire. Hereford Horticultural Societi/. -^The Fourth Show of this Society, for the present year, took place on July 27., and although the late ungenial wea- ther gave little promise of the usual excellence displayed at this exhibition, we were agreeably surprised by a rich assemblage of choice varieties of stove andgreen-house plants (many of them from the gardens of Sir J. G. Cotterell, Bart. M. P. and C. G. Cooke, Esq.), georginas, picotees, carnations, balsams, &c. &c. The grand stand was richly decorated with choice plants, and the small one in the centre of the room presented a beautiful variety of Flora's choicest favourites ; most of the georginas were remarkable for luxuriance of growth and richness of colour, and, with the picotees, were deservedly admired. The stage for fruits and vegetables was crowded with the finest melons, peaches, nectarines, apricots, plums, grapes, apples, cherries, goose- berries in great variety and of extraordinary size, raspberries, and currants, and remarkably large carrots, turnips, cauliflowers, and onions, and afforded additional proof that the horticultural productions of this county are not inferior to those of any other part of the kingdom. A lemon tree on the grand stand contained fruit by far the largest we have ever seen growing in this country; and amongst the vegetables there was a new esculent im- ported from Hungary, and called kohl rabi. The introduction of new va- rieties of vegetables forms one of the advantages of these societies, and it would be well to encourage them by a specific reward. The following was the award of prizes : — Plants. Stove or Green-house : 1. Pancratium mexicanum, C.G.Cooke, Esq. ; 2. Hoya carnosa, Sir J. G. Cotterell ; 5. iS'olanum melongena, C. G. Cooke, Esq Hardy : 1 . Potentilla formosa, Mr. Godsall ; 2. Chelone barbata, Mrs. Canon Morgan. — Floivers. Carnations. Scarlet Bizards : 1. Yeoman- son's Triumphant, Col. Money; 2. Hale's Defiance, and 3., Mrs.W.Pateshall. Scarlet Flakes: 1. Strohg's Sir S. Romilly, Mrs, W. Pateshall ; 2. Hayley's Marquess Cornwallis, Col. Money ; 3. Walker's Ruby, Mr. Godsall. Rose Flakes : 1. Fletcher's Duchess of Devonshire, Mr. Godsall ; 2. Davey's Lady Shannon, R.J. Powell, Esq.; 5. Col. Money. Crimson Bizards : 1. Wild's Standard of Perfection, Mrs W. Pateshall ; 2. and 3. Mr. Cranston. Purple Flake : 1. Strong's Emperor, and 2. Smith's Fair Ellen, Mrs. W. Pateshall. Picotees. Purple: 1. Mr. Cary Cocks ; 2. and 3. Mr. Godsall. Red: l. Mrs. Gordon ; 2. Salamander, Mrs. W. Pateshall ; 3. Weldon's Litchfield Hero, W. H. Bellamy, Esq. Yellow: l. Prince Maximilian, Mr. Godsall, Georginas. Dark: 1. Coronation, Mrs. Gordon; 2. SirJ.G. Cotterell; 3. Cran- ston's SeedHng, Mr. Cranston ; 4. Young's Triumphant, R. J. Powell, Esq. Light: l.Ne plus ultra, Mr. Cranston; 2. Grisette, Mr. Godsall; 5. Lady Hardinge, Sir J. G. Cotterell. Red : l . Festina, Mr. Cranston ; 2. Morn- ing Star, Mr. Nott. Balsams: 1. Mr. Lee; 2. C. G. Cooke, Esq. Cocks- combs : 1. and 2. C. G. Cooke, Esq. — Fruit. Gooseberries. Red: 1. Bang-up, Mr. Spencer; 2. Red Walnut, Mr. Godsall; 5. Ironmonger, Sir J. G. Cotterell. Green: l. Green Ocean, and 2. Sirrell's Green, Mr. Spencer; 3. Wilmot's Early, Mr. Godsall. Yellow: 1. Mr. Godsall; 2. T . C. Bridges, Esq. ; 3. Mr. Godsall. Grapes : 1 . and 2. Sir J. G. Cotterell. Melons : 1. Green-fleshed, R.J. Powell, Esq. ; 2. Sir J. G. Cotterell. Plums, Mrs. Gordon. Raspberries, R. J. Powell, Esq. Currants : 1 . T. C. Bridges, Esq.; 2. R. J. Powell, Esq. Peaches, Royal George, Sir J. G. Cotterell. Nectarines, Elruge, C. G. Cooke, Esq. — Culinary Vegetables. Carrots, R. J. Powell, Esq. New esculent vegetable (kohl rabi), J. S. L. Pateshall, Esq. {Hereford Journal^ July 29.) Ross Horticultural Society. — The Twenty-fourth Public Exhibition of this long established Society took place on the 22d of July, and notwithstand- ing the wet and chilly weather of the previous month, the grand stand sup- ported a rich and harmonious display of the house and hardy July families, much heightened by the tasteful arrangement of the prize fruits at its base Vol. V. — No. 22. s s 6 '2 6 Provincial Hort. Societies : — Herefordshire. At the back of the long table, the twenty prizes in green-house and hardy plants, cockscombs, and balsams were placed, and the front was covered with upwards of two hundred plates of gooseberries, currants, raspberries, and other fruits. The cockscombs were remarkably fine, many of the blooms much exceeding a foot in length. The grower, Mr. Reynolds, has been long known as first rate in this rich flower. In the centre of the room the long stage was covered with an infinite variety of named double georginas, carnations, and picotees ; this mixed assemblage formed a most fascinating sight, and we never witnessed a field of colour so rich, mellovv, and sparkling. We understand tiiat the Ross florists will in future exhibit their georginas in seven classes, which alone can meet the merits of this most delightful production. The prizes in carnations, picotees, and georginas were placed on a separate table, and the florists declared that they had never seen staged such prime blooms. The prizes were awarded as under : — Plants. Green-house : 1 . Hoya carnosa, and 2. Eucomis punctata, .1. Cooke, Esq. ; 5. Euphorbia punicea, 4. Gardenia florida, and 5. Gloxinia alba, Mr. J. C. Wheeler. Hardy : 1 .Monarda fulgida, and 2. Campanula pyramidalis, John Cooke, Esq. ; 5. Coreopsis lanceolata, Mrs. Robertson ; 4. ffinothera linearis, W.Gillman, Esq.; 5.1>ysimachiacapitata, Mr. Reynolds. — Flowers. Carnations. Scarlet Bizards : l. Yeomanson's Triumphant, Col. Money ; 2. Davey's Sovereign, Mr. Reynolds ; 3. Seedling, Mr. Crump ; 4. Howarth's Rifleman, Col. Money; 5. Prince William Henry, Mr. Reynolds. Crimson Bizards : 1. Clarke's Rainbow, Mr. Crump ; 2. Bosted's Queen, and 5. Da- vey's Duchess of Devon, Col. Money; 4, Lord Ashbrook, Mr. Crump; 5. Lyford's Regent, Mr. Reynolds. Scarlet Flakes : 1. Seedling, Mrs. West- faling; 2. Stainard's Britannia, and 3. Lacey's Wellington, Mr. T. Ed- wards ; 4. Durett's Lord Hill, and 5. Seedling, Mr. Crump. Purple Flakes. 1. Butt's Lord Rodney, Mr. Reynolds; 2. Castle's Mrs. Barrington, and 3 Turner's Princess Charlotte, Mr. Crump; 4. Strong's Esther, Mr. T.Ed- wards; 5. Fripp's Jemima, Col. Money. Rose Flakes: 1. Seedhng, J. F. Willis, Esq. ; 2. Mason's Lady Hamilton, Mr. Reynolds ; 5. and 4. Seed- lings, Mrs. Westfiiling ; 5. Brown's Eliza, Mr. Reynolds. Picotees. Pur- ple : 1 . Salamander, and 2. Marchioness of Ormond, Mr. T. Edwards ; 5. Martin's Linnsus, Mrs. Piatt; 4. Davey's Lady Craven, Mr. Reynolds; 5. Cornfield's Leopold, Mr. J. C. Wheeler. Red: 1. Pearson's Chilwall Beauty, Mr. T, Edwards ; 2. not named, Mr. Crump ; .3. Wonter Van Twiller, and 4. Louis Sixteenth, J. T. Willis, Esq. ; 5. Lord Efiingham, Mr. T. Edwards. Georginas. Dark Double : K Coronation, Mrs. Westfaling ; 2. Seedling, H. Rosser, Esq. ; 5. Young's Triumphant, and 4. Westland's Fimbriata, Mr. J.C.Wheeler; 5. Superbissima, T. Rudge, Esq. Light Double: 1. Ro- nald's Superb, Mr. Reynolds; 2. Footina, and 3. New Lilac, Mr. J. C. Wheeler; 4. Mont Blanc, Mrs. Westfaling; 5. Clifton Yellow, Mrs. James Rudge. Balsams : l . Mr, Reynolds ; 2. Mrs. Westfaling ; 3, 4, and 5. Mr. Reynolds. Cockscombs: 1, 2, 3, 4, and 5. Mr. Reynolds. — Fruit. Goose- berries. Red: 1. Rough Robin, Mr. J. C. Wheeler; 2. Roaring Lion, T. Spencer, Esq. ; 3. Crown Bob, Mrs. Westfaling ; 4. Raspberry, Mr. J. C Wheeler ; 5. Champaign, Mrs. Westfaling. Green : 1 . Green Ocean, T. Spencer, Esq. ; 2. Nelson's Waves, Mr. Crump ; 3. Smiling Beauty, C. Biss, Esq. ; 4. Chissell's Green, Col, Money ; 5. Rough Green, Miss Har- yey. Yellow: I. Scorpion, Mr, Crump; 2. Viper, T, Spencer, Esq. ; 3. Hornet, Mrs. Webb; 4. Gunner, Mrs. Westfaling; 5. Small and Sweet, John Cooke, Esq. Grapes : 1 . New Black Hamburgh, Mrs. Westfaling ; 2. Hamburgh, Col. Money ; 3. Muscadine, and 4. Sweetwater, Mrs, West- faling; 5, Red Hamburgh, John Cooke, Esq. Melons: 1. Silver Rock, Mr. Reynolds ; 2. Amacan, Mrs. Westfahng. Raspberries: l.R. Compton, Esq.; 2. Col. Money; 3, Mrs, Webb; 4. Mrs. Westfaling: 5, Col. Money. Currants : I. Mrs. Westfaling ; 2. R. Compton, Esq. ; 3. John Cooke, Esq. ; 4, Rev. T. Underwood ; 5. Col. Money, {Hereford Journal, July 29,) Prov. Hort. Soc. .- — Nottinghamshire, Yorkshire. 627 Nottinghamshire. N'ewarh Gooseherry Show. — The Anniversary Show of this Society was held on August 6., when prizes were awarded as follows : — Gooseberries. Heaviest of all colours. Red: 1. Roaring Lion, 21 dvvts. 17grs., William Swift; 2. Sir John,2ldwts. 1 6 grs., Edward Rose; 3. Roar- ing Lion, 20 dwts. 22 grs., Thomas Gregg; 4. Huntsman, 19dwts. 1 gr. William Swift. Yellow: 1. Gunner, 18 dwts. 5 grs., and 2. Sovereign, 16 dwts. 3 grs., Thomas Gregg; 3. Rockv,'ood, 46 dwts. 2 grs., William Swift. Green: 1. Favourite, 16 dwts. 16 grs., William Swift ; 2. Jolly An- gler, 16 dwts., Thomas Gregg ; 3. Independent, 14 dwts., 11 grs., William Swift. White: I.Eagle, 19 dwts. 16 grs., and 2. Lady of the Manor, 17 dwts. 19 grs., Thomas Gregg; 3. Bonny Lass, 13 dwts. 17 grs. Least number to a lb. : 1. Roaring Lions, 16, T. Gregg; 2. Lions and Sir Johns, 18, E. Rose. — Currants. Fewest bunches to a lb. : thirtj'-seven bunches, Richard Cawkwell, Newark; one bunch, having twenty-one berries, weighed 9 dwts. 15 grs. — Carnations. 1. Scarlet Bizard, Lord Eldon ; 2. Crimson Bizard, Rainbow, 3. Purple Flake, Commander, 4. Pink Flake, Seedling, and 5. Picotee, Cleopatra, G. Bowley, Nottingham. [Newark Times, Aug. 12.) Kirkgaie Gooseherry Show. — The Annual Show of this Society took place on August 6., Mr. Gilstrap in the chair, when prizes were awarded as follows : — Gooseberries. Heaviest of all colours : Red Roaring Lion, 20 dwt. i gr., Mr. Chatwin, Muskham. Red : 1. Roaring Lion, 20 dwts. 1 gr. Mr. Eggle- stone, Newark; 2. Regent, 18 dwts. .'5 grs., Mr. King, Newark; 3. Plough- boy, 16 dwts. 11 grs., and 4. Huntsman's Viper, 15 dwts. 16 grs., Mr. Chat- win, Muskham. Green: I.Ocean, 17 dvvts. 15 grs., and 2. Favourite, 16 dwts., Mr. Egglestone, Newark; 3. Angler, 14 dwts. 4 grs., Mr. Chat- win, Muskliam ; 4. Independent, 13 dwts. 8 grs., Mr. H. Fletcher, Muskham, White: l.Rockwood, 16 dvvts. 21 grs., Mr. H.Fletcher, Muskham ; 2. Eagle, 16 dwts. 12 grs., Mr. King, Newark : 3. Cottage Girl, 14 dvvts. 21 grs., Mr. Egglestone, Newark; 4. Viper, 14 dvvts. 4 grs., Mr. Chatwin, Muskham. Yellow: Roj'al Gunner, 14 dwts. 20 grs. and 2. Governess, 14 dwts. 15gr,, Mr. H. Fletcher, Muskham ; 3. Reformer, 13 dvvts. 12 grs., Mr. Egglestone, Newark ; 4. Bonny Lass, 13 dvvts., Mr. King, Newark. Least number to a lb., 17, Mr. Egglestone, Newark. — Carnations. 1. Coxon's George the Fourth, 2. Welby's Duchess of Devonshire, and 3. Fletcher's Queen Caro- line, Mr. W. Fletcher, Newark. Picotee : Lee's Robin Hood, Mr. H. Fletcher, Muskham. {Newark Times, Aug. 12.) Yorkshire. Yorkshire Horticultural Society. — This Society held its July Meeting on July 1 ., in the Festival Concert Room, which was arranged as usual. Four tables formed a square in the middle of the room, on which the fruits, flowers, and plants were set out ; there was a fifth table at the bottom of the square, on which a gigantic bouquet was placed ; and a sixth, in front of the gallery, was covered with culinary vegetables. Another table stood in front of the orchestra, at each end of which was placed a specimen of the Cactus speciosissima in flower ; one from the garden of the Very Rev. Archdeacon Markham, and the other from that of N. Yarburgh, Esq., of Heslington ; with several bouquets and stove plants ; and there were two elegant pyramids of flowers on the table in the centre of the room, sent by S. W. Nicoll, Esq. ; and one from the Rev. Archdeacon Markham's. Some fine stove plants, in pots, were placed in the passage leading to the gallerj'. Amongst the plants we noticed the following, sent by J. Smith, Esq., Hun- gate. Stove Plants : Maranta bicolor ; Phrvnium t'iolaceum (a very rare and beautiful plant, belonging to the class Monandria) ; Canna limbata ; Canna coccinea ; Gloxinia caulescens (a new and beautiful species); Thun- bergia alata ; Clerodendrura fragrans ; AscXh^ias curassavica vai". alba ; Cala- S S 2 628 Provincial Horticultural Societies : — Yorkshire. diiim blcolor ; Xvlophjlla latifolia ; Passiflora (new hybrid) ; Begonia argy- rostlgma ; and the Phoe'nix dactylifera, a fine and noble plant. Green-house Plants: Passiflora ca^ruleo-racemosa; Maurandya Barclay«na, a beautiful climbing plant from Mexico, quite new, not yet inserted, we believe, in any catalogue; Hgemanthuspunlceus and multiflorus; 5empervivum tabulaeforme ; Humea elegans ; andiythrum alatum. The following were from Messrs. T. and J. Backhouse : Eccremocarpus scaber (this beautiful climber lately intro- duced from South America, with its fine spikes of deep orange-coloured flowers and rapid growth, is likely to prove one of the greatest ornaments to our gardens); Digitalis minor; Cistus vcnustus ; Veronica taurica; Primula scotica ; and Spigelia marylandica, &c. Mrs. Archdeacon Markham, Mrs. Pickard, S.W. Nicoll, Esq., &c., also sent plants to ornament, the room. In the fruit department there were forty-one dishes of strawberries ; twelve dishes of grapes, with pines, melons, peaches, nectarines, cherries, currants, gooseberries, j-.reserved apples, &c. The culinary vegetables consisted of remarkably fine cabbages, seven dishes of cauliflowers, four dishes of salads, five of cucumbers, three of po- tatoes, one of peas, together with turnips, onions, &c. Amongst the flowers were a large basket of roses, sent by Mrs. Markhara (in which were some beautiful specimens of the moss-rose); two trays of roses, from Messrs. Backhouse, containing 127 different kinds ; several most beautiful single roses, which were shown for prizes ; as well as some choice specimens of the ranunculus, pink, and georgina tribes. The chair was taken by the Rev. Danson R. Currer, and premiums were awarded as follows : — Plants. Hardy: 1. Eccremocarpus scaber, Henry Baines; 2. Spigelia marylandica, Joshua Brooks, gardener to Mrs. Pickard, Bootham. Stove : 1. Cactus specioslssima, Anthony Smithers, gardener to the Very Rev. Archdeacon Markham ; 2. Phrynium dolaceum, James H dgson, gardener to John Smith, Esq., of Hungate. Green-house: Cotyledon hemisph^ricum. Hen. Baines. — Flowers. Ranunculus. Dark: 1. CafFreRoyal, and 2.Rosney, Mr. Thomas Wilson, York ; 3. Rosney, Mr. Alexander Parker, York. Grey and Olive: 1. Bishop von Lima, Mr. A.Parker; 2. Bouquet Sanspareil, John Raby, gardener to Messrs. Backhouse, York ; 3. Quintin, Mr. Thomas Wilson. Yellow and White Striped : 1. Mignonne, John Raby; 2. Lanza - Beauty, Mr. Daglisii of Myton. White and Yellow Selfs : 1. Model of Perfection, Mr. T. "Wilson; 2. Model of Perfection, John Raby; 3. Argus, Mr. Godfrey Bean. Red Selfs : 1. Conqueror of the Lulies, and 2. Char- lemagne, Mr. Thomas Wilson ; S.John Raby. Spotted: l. Tendresse, 2. Julius, and 5. Ma d^lice, Mr. A.Parker. Yellow and Red Striped: 1. Mignonne, Mr. T. Wilson, Purple-laced; 1. and 2. Cleopatra, and 5. Bowes's Leicester, Mr. T.Wilson, Red-laced: 1. Bowes's Claudius, Mr. W, Hardham ; 2. Bowes's Cardinal, and 3. Bowes's Eclipse, Mr. T. Wilson, Plain Pinks : 1. Davey's Eclipse, Mr. T. Wilson ; 2. Davey's Eclipse, Mr. A. Parker ; 3. Davey's Eclipse, Mr. T. Wilson. Georginas. Single : 1. Mr. Ro- bert Hindsall of Elmsall. 2. Single Striped, John Raby. Double: 1. Luny, John Raby ; 2. CameWiccflora, Thomas Deuxberry. Bouquets. Hardy, H. Baines. Exotic : 1. Thomas Appleby ; 2. H. Baines ; 3. Samuel Cur- rie. Best Collection of Roses, Messrs. Backhouse, for an assortment of one hundred and twenty different kinds. Best Roses : I.Tuscany, and 2. Tinwell Moss, George Clarkson, Walmgate. — Fruits. Melon, Elias Hildyard, gardener to Sir Thomas Frankland. Pines: 1. William Ash- ton, gardener to B. Gaskell, Esq., of Thornes House; 2. Joseph Benson, gardener to Colonel Croft of Stillington. Grapes. White: 1. Muscat, James Brown, gardener to J. Hebblethvvaite, Esq., Leeds; 2. Muscat, Wil- liam Suttell ; 3. Muscat, William Bunting, gardener to John Hutton, Esq., of Sobergate. Black : 1 . Hamburgh, James Brown ; 2. Frontignac, Thos. Appleby; 3. Frontignac, Thomas Cooper, gardener to R. S. Thompson, Esq., of Bilbrough. Peaches, William Ashton. Nectarines, Thomas Appleby, Provincial Horticultural Societies : — Yorkshire. 629 Cherries, William Ashton. Currants, Charles Haigh. Apples, William Ashton. Strawberries: 1. King's Seedling, Joseph Benson ; 2. Wellington Seedling, James Burnett, gardener to H. J. Baines, Esq., Bell Hall ; 3. Keen's Seedling, T. Walker ; 4. Keen's Seedling, William Amys ; 5. Roseberr}', J, Ricketts of Bishopthorpe; 6. Roseberry, Messrs. Backhouse. — Culinart/ Vegetables. Onions: I.David Empson, gardener to R. Svvann, Esq., of Askham; 2. John Sharpies, gardener to T. Price, Esq. ; 3. Charles Haigh of Bishopthorpe. Peas, C. SufBeld, of Bishopthorpe. Potatoes: I.Tho- mas Appleby, gardener to the Rev. J. A. Rhodes, Horsforth Hall ; 2. T. Walker, gardener to the Rev. D. R. Currer. Carrots, S. Currie, gardener to J. Ingham, Esq., Mirfield. Cabbages, William Amys, gardener to J. Walker, Esq., of Sandhutton. Lettuces: I.John Sharpies; 2. Thomas Appleby, Cucumbers: 1. H. Baines, gardener to Messrs. Backhouse; 2. William Suttell, gardener to William Garforth, Esq., of Wiganthorpe ; 3. Thomas Walker. Cauliflowers : 1. and 2. Thomas Deuxberry, gardener to H. Pres- ton of Morcby, Esq. Though no prize was advertised for geraniums, the Council awarded prizes to H. Buines, for his De Vere, and to Mr. A. Parker, for his Humef, in consequence of their excellence. As there was great difficulty in decid- ing betv.'een the white grapes furnished by William Suttell, and a dish of the Tokay kind, furnished by William Bunting, gardener to J. Hutton, Esq., of Sobergate, a premium was also awarded to the latter. A premium was also awarded to the roses already mentioned, from ^Nlrs. Arcluleacon Mark- ham's, which in the first instance escaped the notice of the judges, owing to the gardener having mixed the very valuable sorts contained in the col- lection with some of a common description, omitting to state that there were some very rare specimens in the basket. The premium for the second best white grapes would have been awarded to William Cooper, gardener to the Rev. R. S. Thompson of Bilbrough, but he only produced one bunch ; and the rules of the Society require that not less than two shall be offered for a prize. A prize was awarded to James Hodgson, gardener to John Smith, Esq., for ornamenting the room. The Chairman expressed the thanks of the Council to the ladies and gentlemen who had sent bouquets and plants, particularly to Mrs. Markham, Mrs. Pickard, N. Yarburgh, Esq., S. Nicoll, Esq., J. Smith, Esq., and Messrs. Backhouse ; Also, to the Rev. J. A. Rhodes, for two dishes of grapes presented to the Society, Mr, E. S. George, one of the secretaries, then read the list of the officers and council for the ensuing year ; the Rev. J. A. Rhodes was elected President ; Mr. Price and Mr. Wolstenholme, Curators ; and Dr. Belcombe, Robert Denison, Esq., John Hutton, Esq., Henry Preston, Esq., Thomas Smith, Esq., and R. J. Thompson, Esq., the York Committee. The Secretary also announced, that the next Meeting would be held on the 5th of August, at Leeds, Thanks having been voted to the Chairman, the Meeting broke up. The Judges for the Fruit and Vegetables were. Col. Croft, Thomas Price, Esq., Mr. Alderman Smith, Mr. E. S. George, and Mr. H. Baines, Judges for the Flowers, the Rev, W. Hinckes, Mr, Bulmer, and Mr, H. Mills, We cannot help remarking that the number of prizes awarded to the ranunculuses and pinks was greatly out of proportion to the whole number distributed; particularly when it is considered that there is a Florists' So- ciety in York (and in many other places), expressly for competition in flowers only. We would suggest that in future the prizes of this descrip- tion should be greatly curtailed in number, and that more should be awarded for stove and greenhouse plants. The meetings of the Society should not degenerate into mere flower shows ; but every encouragement should be given to the cultivation and production of rare plants, fruits, and vegeta- bles, in preference to, though not to the exclusion of, flowers ; the culti- vation of which is jiromoted by other Societies, which do not aim at a higher object. {Yorkshire Gazette, July 4,} s S3 630 Provincial Horticultural Societies .- — Yorkshire. The Summer Meeting of the Yorkshire Horticultural Society was held on August 5. For the decorations of the room the Society was greatly indebted to Christopher Rawson, Esq., of Halifax, who sent a variety of rare and beautiful plants, as well as one of the most splendid bouquets we ever witnessed. The Rev. J. A. Rhodes contributed, in pot, a fine pine, the foliage of which was most healthy and luxuriant, and we regret ex- tremely that neither our time nor space will allow us to do justice to the numerous other gentlemen and gardeners who did so much towards the ornamental part of the exhibition, and which could not fail to be highly gratifying to all who witnessed it. A little after two o'clock, the Rev. J. A. Rhodes, of Horsforth Hall, was called to the chair, and awarded the prizes as follows : — Plants. Stove: 1. Thomas Appleby; 2. J. Menzies, gardener to Chris- topher Rawson, Esq., Halifax; 3. Thomas Appleby. Green-house: 1.2. and 3. T. Appleby. Hardy : 1. J. Menzies, gardener to C. Rawson, Esq. ; 2. Thomas Appleby ; 3. and 4. J. Menzies. — Flowers. Carnations. Scar- let Bizards : 1. William Riley, Leeds ; 2. John Gill, Wakefield ; 3. William Woodhead, Halifax. Pink Bizards : 1. William Riley ; 2. William Wood- head; 3. James Spence. Purple Flakes: 1. and 2. Benjamin Ely; 5. James Spence. Scarlet Flakes : 1, John Gill ; 2. Benjamin Ely ; 3. Wil- liam Riley. Pink Flakes: l. J. Spence; 2. J. Gill; 3. J. Spence. Purple Picotees: l, 2. and 3. Benjamin Ely. Scarlet Picotees : l. and 2. Wil- liam Riley ; 3. Benjamin Ely. Seedlings : Scarlet Bizard, William Wood- head. Pink Bizard, J. Spence. Scarlet Flake, William Riley. Scarlet Picotee, William Pi ckersgill. PurplePicotee, William Woodhead. Geor- ginas. Double Dark : 1. H. Baines, York ; 2. William Morris, gardener to Mr. Clarkson, York; 3. John Paget, gardener to F. Payley, Esq. Double Scarlet: l. William Morris ; 2. H. Baines; 3. John Paget. Single Scarlet : I.John Kearsley ; 2. Joshua Marshall. Single Purple, John Kearsley. Hardy Bouquets": 1. J. Menzies; 2. William Clarke. — Fruit. Pine. Best flavoured, Thomas Appleby, gardener to the Rev. J. A. Rhodes ; largest, Thomas Appleby. Grapes. White : 1 . James Brown, gardener to J. Heb- blethwaite, Esq. ; 2. S. Currie, gardener to Joshua Ingham, Esq., of Blake Hall. Black : 1. W. Reynolds, gardener to Edward Armitage, Esq., Farnley Hall ; 2. J, Deuxberry, gardener to Abram Rhodes, Esq. Seedling, T. Ap- pleby. Melons: I.John Southward, gardener to James Armitage, Esq., Cookridge Hall ; 2. James Brown, gardener to John Hebblethwaite, Esq. Apricots, W.Ashton, gardener to B. Gaskell, Esq.,Thornes House. Peaches, Joseph Moore, gardener to T. B. Pease, Esq. Nectarines, Joseph Moore. Plums and Cherries, Wm. Ashton. Apples, eating, Wm. Clarke of Rodney ; baking, the gardener of Wm. Hadfield, Esq., Wakefield. Strawberries, J. Southward. Currants : 1. gardener to Wm. Hadfield, Esq.; 2. J. Mooi'e ; 3. Mrs. Kennedy, North Hall. Gooseberries: I.William Clarke; 2. Mr. Hicks, Benningbro' ; 3. J. Marshall, of Rothwell Haigh, nurseryman. Sorts, John Kearsley, market-gardener, who exhibited the astonishing number of 131. — Culiiiari/ Vegetables. Celery and Turnips, S. Currie. Artichokes, gardener to E. Birchall, Esq. Cucumbers: 1. H. Baines, gardener to Messrs. Backhouse of York; 2. gardener to E. Birchall, Esq. ; 3. Holding, gardener to Brown, Esq. of Mirfield. Vegetable Marrow, S. Currie. Peas, Wm Appleby. Onions : 1. John Royel, gardener to W. F. Paley; 2. and 3. Mr. Thomas Abbot of Knaresbro'. Kidneybeans, Thomas Ap- pleby. Lettuce, J. Deuxberry. Cabbages: l.gardener to Edwin Birchall, Esq.: 2, Wm. Clarke; 3. T.Appleby. The Chairman, in distributing the prizes, drew largely upon that fund of humour and knowledge of horticulture, which he is well known to possess ; and addressed the successful competitors, in such a way as was calculated to suppress any improper feelings of triumph, and at the same time, to con- sole those who had experienced a defeat. He was loudly applauded on Provincial Horticultural Societies : — Yorkshire. 631 vacating the chair, when a vote of thanks was proposed bj' the Rev. Samuel Sharp (vicar of Wakefield), and carried by acclamation. Judges of Fruits and Vegetables: Mr. Wni. Pontey, Kirkheaton; Mr. Wm. Baines, gardener to F. H. Fawkes, Esq., of Farnley Hall ; Mr. James Jameson, gardener to Lady Beckett of Gledhow ; and Mr. Duncan Mac- donald, gardener to Colonel Tempest of Tong Hall. Carnations and Pico- tees : Mr. John Rhodes ; Mr. Joseph Barstow ; and Mr. Edward Fletcher. Flowers : Mr. Holland of Leeds, and Mr. Baines of York. The following is a list of the rare and beautiful plants exhibited by the gardener of Christopher Rawson, Esq., of Halifax : — Pentstemon diffusum (this obtained the first prize for the hardy plants), atropurpureum, and roseum ; Gesnerfa bulbosa (this obtaine^l the second prize for the stove plants); Eccremocarpus scaberj GiUa capitata; Lobelia xenecioides ; Phlox triflora, penduliflora, and corymbosa; and Lilium penduliflorum. {Leeds Intelligencer, Aug. 6.) York Florists' Society. — On July 7. the Ancient Society of York Flo- rists held their Annual Show of Pinks and Roses in Petergate. The prizes were adjudged as follows : — Pinks. Dark and Purple-laced : 1. Westlake's Hero, and 2. No. 44., Mr. Summer; 3. Hardman's Perfection, Mr. Wilson; 4. Bowes's Claudius, Mr. Summer ; 5. Bovves's Claudius, Mr. W. Hardman. Scarlet and Red-laced : 1. Gordon's George the Fourth, Mr. Wilson; 2. Turner's Princess Char- lotte, 3. No. 64., 4. No. 14., and 5. No. 4., Mr. Summer. Plain or unlaced : 1. Davey's Eclipse, Mr. Wilson ; 2. Williamson's Prince of Wales, Mr. W. Hardman; 3. WilHamson's Prince of Wales, Mr. Wilson; 4. No. 13., and 5. No. 43., Mr. W. Hardman. — Double Roses. Coloured : 1. Sultan, and 2. Rose des Ranoncules, Mr. Parker ; 3. KutusofF, Mr. Wilson. W'hite : 1. Rose Unique, and 2. No. 53., Mr. W. Hardman; 3. Rose Unique, Mr. Summer. {Yorkshire Gazette, 3\.\\y \\.) Hull Floral and Horticultural Societi/. — The Fourth Meeting this season was held on July 7., for the exhibition of Pinks, Roses, Bouquets, and Strawberries. The display of pinks was numerous, and consisted of the choicest kinds, many of v.'hich were of a new variety, and far superior to any ever exhibited by this Society. The roses were less attractive and fine than on former occasions. Several of the strawberries were of an extraor- dinarily large size. The show, upon the whole, was of a more interesting character than any which preceded it. The judges were Messrs. James Carr, Thomas Lambert, and J. R. Lumb. Premium. Bowes's Lustre, Mr. Burman. — Pinks. Purple-laced: 1. Bowes's Lustre, Mr. Burman ; 2. Bowes's Cato, Mr. Wharton ; 3. Bowes's Suwarrow, Mr. Burman ; 4. and 5. Bowes's Lustre, Mr. Wharton ; 6. Su- warrow, Mr. Burman. Black and While : 1 . Davey's Eclipse, Mr. Norman ; 2. Davey's Eclipse, Mr. C. Lambert ; 3. Bray's Incomparable, Mr. Norman ; 4. Cupid, Mr. Deighton ; 5. V/ellington, Mr. Norman ; 6. Bates's Free- holder, Mr. C. Lambert. Red-laced: 1. Bowes's Cato, Mr. Beecroft ; 2. Brooks's Eclipse, Mr. Smithson; 3. Cowper's Cubit, Mr. Beecroft ; 4. Bates's Favourite, Mr. Allinson , 5. Bowes's Miss Foote, Mr. Burman ; 6. Bowes's Suwarrow, JNIr. Wharton. Semi-double: 1. Bowes's Cato, Mr. Wharton; 2. Lustre, 3. Prince Leopold, and 4. Verona, Mr. Allinson ; 5. Thesedia, and 6. Facista, Mr. Norman. Seedling, Mr. Norman. Roses. Moss : 1. Venus (single), Mr. Wadsworth ; 2. double white, and 3. red, Mr. Robson ; 4. red, Mr. Allinson ; 5. red, Mr, Norman ; 6, red, Mr. Robson. Plain: 1. Duke of York, Mr. Robson; 2. Maiden Blush, Mr. Wadsworth ; 5. Lady Hill, Mr. Allinson ; 4. Duchess of St. Albans, Mr. Wadsworth ; 5. Grand Duke of Tuscany, Mr. Allinson ; 6. Grand-duchess of Tuscany, Mr. Wadsworth. — Bouquets. 1. Mr. Robert Oglesby ; 2. Mr. Wadsworth ; 3. Mr. G. Wharton ; 4. Mr. Smithson. — Strawberries. 1. Lord Wellington, Mr. Robson ; 2. Wilmot's Superb, Mr. Wadsworth ; 3. and 4. Keen's S s 4 632 Provincial Hoiticultural Societies ; — Yorkshire. Seedling, Mr. Voase ; 5. Wilmot's Superb, Mr. Wadsworth ; 6. Sykes's "William Pitt, Mr. Wharton. {Hull Advertiser, July 10.) Bedale Horticultural Society. — At the General Meeting of this Society, held at Bedale on the 26th of June, prizes were awarded as follows : — Geranium. Macranthon, Mr.Elsworth. — Pinks. Purple-laced: l.Bowes's Cato, Mr. Hewson ; 2. Bowes's Cardinal, Mr. May ; 3. Bowes's Suwarrow, Mr. Elsworth ; 4. Miss Georgiana Beresford, Mr. Hewson ; 5. Mr. W. Mafham ; 6. Bowes's Suwarrow, Mr. Hewson. Red-laced : 1 . Bowes's Rosanna, Mr. W. Mafham ; 2. Cotton's George the Fourth, Mr. May : Z. Cotton's George the Fourth, Mr, Hewson ; 4. Bowes's Claudius, Mr. W. Mafham ; 5. Bowes's Rosa, and 6. Cotton's George IV., Mr. Caven. Plain : 1. Bowes's Premier, 2. Rushton's Beauty of Flora, and 3. Davey's Victorious, Mr. May ; 4. Davey's Eclipse, Mr. Caven ; 5. Black Baguet, Mr. Hewson; 6. Bowes's Premier, Mr. Mafham. Seedling, Mr. Hewson. — Ranunculuses. Dark and Purple : 1. Bishop Von Lima, 2. Viriat, 3. Na- kapa, 4. Quintus, 5. Rosney, and 6. Condorcet, Mr. Weatherald. Striped : 1. Melange des Beaut^s, 2. Monument of China, and 3. La Temeraire, Mr. Weatherald ; 4. Passe la Cour de France, Mr. Hewson ; 5. Favorite Mig- nonne, Mr. Weatherald ; 6. Monument of China, Mr. Hewson. Spotted, Mottled, and Edged; 1. La Tendresse, Mr. Hewson ; 2. La Tendresse, 3. Pucella, and 4. Quilla Folia, Mr. Weatherald ; 5. Thompson's Queen, Mr, Elsworth; 6. Julius, Mr. Hewson. White and Yellow Selfs: 1. Model of Perfection, Mr. Elsworth ; 2. Skiddaw, 3. Countess of Exeter, and 4. Di- rector-General, Mr. Hewson ; 5. Model of Perfection, and 6. Skiddaw, Mr. Weatherald. Rose, Red, and Crimson Selfs : 1. Domitian, 2. Fontenoy, and 3. Adonis, Mr. Wetherald ; 4. Aurora, Mr. Hewson j 5. Domingo, Mr. Weatherald; 6. Flaccus, Mr. Hewson. — Straivberries. ]. Taylor's New Emperor, and 2. Keen's Seedling, Mr. Caven ; 3. Scarlet, Mr. Hew- son. — Cherries. 1. Mayduke, Mr. Hewson ; 2. Mayduke, Mr. Donass; 5. Mayduke, Mr. W. Harker. {Yorkshire Herald, July 4.) The Ripon Horticidturnl Society. — This Society held their Second Meet- ing this season in Ripon, on June 27., Colonel Dalton of Sleningford Hall in the chair, when prizes were awarded as follows : — - Plants. Geraniums. Scarlet Ground : l.LordLynedoch,Mr.Cuthbertson; 2. Feronia, Mr. May. White Ground : 1 . Macranthon, Mr. G. Grayson ; 2. Ma- cranthon, Mr. J. Binn. PurpleGround: Land 2. Seedlings, Mr. Cuthbertson. Rarest Exotic, Calceolaria purpurea, Mr. May. Hardy Bouquet, Mr. May. — Flowers. Ranunculuses. Dark: 1. Bravura, Mr. Wetherald ; 2. and 3. Violet Fonce, Mr. Bateman. Purple and Grey : 1. Viriat, Mr, Wether- ald; 2. Mr. Bateman; 3, Quintus, Mr. Wetherald. Olive: 1. Cox's Buff, Mr. Reed ; 2. Mr. Abbot ; 3. Orange Brabancon, Mr. Reed. Spotted : 1. Princess of Wurtemberg, Mr. Reed; 2. and 3. Mr. Abbot. Edged: 1. and 2. Mr. Bateman; 5. Mr. Banning. Striped: 1. Le Melange des Beautes, 2. Surpass le Melange des Beaut&, and 3. Mr. Bateman. Selfs : I, 2, and 3. Mr. Bateman. Pinks. Purple-laced: 1. Bowes's Suwarrow, Mr. T. Harrison ; 2. Bowes's Cardinal, Rev. H. Chaloner ; 3. Bowes's Cato, Mr. May. Selfs: l. Fulbrooke's Beauty, Mr. May; 2. Chetwin's Beauty, Mr. Banning; 5. Bowes's Premier, Mr. Chaloner. Red -laced : 1. Bowes's Cato, Mr. T.Harrison; 2. Bowes's Rosa, Mr. J. Binn; 3. Cotton's George the Fourth, Mr. May. Pan of Roses : 1. Captain Smith ; 2. Mr. May ; 3. John Reed, gardener to T. K. Stavely, Esq., Old Sleningford. — Fruit. Pine, Mr. Cuthbertson, gardener to Mrs, Lawrence of Studley Park. Melon : 1. Richard Lacey, Esq., of Cayton Hall ; 2. Mr. Daglish, gaidener, Myton. Grapes : 1. Mr. Dauriss, gardener to Mark Milbank, Esq., of Thorpe Hall ; 2. Mr. Cuthbertson. Cherries : 1 . Christopher Whyteli, gardener to Thomas Mason, Es(]., of Copt Hewick; 2. Mr. Thomas Harrison, Ripon. Strawberries: I.Mr. Cuthbertson; 2. Mr. Lumley, gardener. Hay Park, near Knai'csboiougb ; 3. Mr. Daglish. — CtdinaryVii'dablcs. Cucupibers: I.Mr. Prov. Hort. Soc. : — Durham, Lancashire, 633 Dagllsh ; 2. James Middlcmist, gardener to Colonel Dalton. Cauliflowers : 1. Mr. Cuthbertson ; 2. Christopher Whytell. Potatoes : kidney, Mr. Luniley; round, George Whitton, gardener, Aiskew, near Bedale. Judges. For Plants and Flowers : John Hill, Esq., Richard Lacey, Esq., and Mr. G. Grayson. For Fruit and Vegetables: William Morton, Esq., Mr. May, and Mr. Banning. Amongst the plants which decorated the show-room were the following : iilium longiflorum, Calceolaria integrifolia var. angustifolia, Petunk nycta- giniflora, &c., exhibited by Mr. Cuthbertson ; a splendid bloom of the new plant Geum coccineum, also a beautiful hardy bouquet, by Mr. Idle, gar- dener to John Yorke, Esq., of Bewerley Hall ; a fine bouquet of white moss roses, of about 20 blooms, gathered from one plant, M'hich covers a wall 1 2 ft high for the length of 3 yards, and is supposed to be one of the oldest and finest plants in the kingdom, shown by Colonel Dalton's gardener; Calceolaria purpurea, rugosa, and integrifolia, il/imulus luteus var. rivn- laris, Didymocarpus Rhexii, and also a magnificent exotic bouquet, 10 ft. high, &c., exhibited by Mr. May ; and also an exotic bouquet, shown by Mr. Weatherald. The Chairman called attention to the superiority of the cucumbers and cauliflowers. The strawberries were deserving of much notice, particularlj' the first prize dish, one strawberry of which measured full 6 in. in circum- ference, and several others were nearly of the same magnitude. The first prize melon, which was grown in a forcing-pit, the invention of Mr. Lacy, afforded a further instance of the advantages of his plan. {Yorkshire Ga- zette, July 4.) Durham. The Botanical and Horticultural Society for the Counties of Durham, Northumberland, and Neiucastle uj^on Tyne. — A Branch General Meeting was held at Alnwick on July 10., when the following prizes were awarded : For the best-flavoured pine (Queen), the silver medal, to Ralph Naters, Esq., Sandyford House. This was a most beautiful fruit, and was produced upon a plant only one year old. For the best-flavoured melon, best dish of grapes, best bouquet of China roses, and best bouquet of flowers, silver medals, to Mr. M'Leish, gardener to A. J. Cresswell Baker, Esq., of Cress- well Hall. For the best dish of strawberries, the silver medal, to Mr. Bal- four, gardener to the Right Hon. Earl Grey, Hovvick House. For the best dish of cherries, the silver medal, to Mr. Lowrey, gardener to Ralph Rid- dell, Esq., Felton Park. For the best double ranunculus (Coquelicot), the silver medal, to Mr. Wm. Newton, gardener, Alnwick. For the second- best ranunculus, the bronze medal ; and for the best exotic plant in flower (Cactus speciosa), and the best 12 double roses, silver medals, to Mr. Oliver, gardener to the Hon. H. T. Liddell, M.P., Eslington House. For the best pink, the silver medal, to Mr. Scott, gardener to Edward Charlton, Esq., Sandoe. There were some very fine seedling strawberries, named the Broome Park Seedling and the Lass of Glenshey, and also two fine seedling pinks, and a number of seedling myrtles, grown in the open ground, exhi- bited by Mr. Allan M'Pherson, gardener to Wm. Bui'rell, Esq., of Broome Park. {Newcastle Courant, July 18.) L.ANCASHIRE. Manchester Floral and Horticultural Society, — The Fourth Meeting of this Society was held on August 3., for the exhibition of carnations, georginas, and the various fruits and vegetables of the season. Notwithstanding the unfavourable weather, which had prevailed for some time previous to the Meeting, and which had retarded the blowing of many choice specimens, the show of flowers, and particularly of carnations, was extremely good, though not quite so large as on former occasions. Prizes were awarded as follows : — 63^ P/-Ofincial Hortiadhtral Societies : — Lancashire. Planis. Stove : 1. Curcuma Awtada, Charles Wood, Esq. ; 2. Ardfsia «>- lanacea, Mrs. Uobson. Green-house : 1. Fuchsiu gracilis, James Ramsbo- thaiu, Esq. ; ^. Crassula coccine-a, Mr?. Hobson. Hardv : .\zaiea viscosa, Charles Wood, Esq. Ericas: 1. and -1. Richard Potter, Esq. ; and extra- prizes were a«.ijudged to Thomas Heywood, Esq., R. W. Barton, Esq., Richard Potter, Esq., Mr. William Bow, auJ >lr. J. Darbvshire (who received two prizes). Geraniums: I. Richard Potter, Esq.; 2. James Ramsbotham, Esq. Orange tree in beiuin^, G. R. Chappell, Esq. — Ftotcen. Bizards : Scarlet", Mr. S. Hall ; Pink, Mr. Wakefield. Flakes : Scarlet, Mr. James Booth ; Purple, Mr. Leighton ; Rose, Mr. Whittaker. Picotees: Purple-striped, Mr. H. Thomas; Feathereil, Mr. Faulkner; Red-5tripe\i, Mr. C. Lee ; Purple-feathered, Mr. Buckley. Geor^inas. Double: 1. Rev. J. Clowes; H. Nathaniel Philips, Esq. ; 5. Mr. William Skirving. Single: 1. Mr. James Smith; -2. ^lr. William Bow; 3. Mr. John Alcock. Basket of Flowers, Richard Potter, Esq. — Fnut. Pines : 1. Edward Lloyd, Esq. ; 2, 3, and 4. Richard Potter, Esq, Grapes : 1. Peter Maryland, Esq.; 5. Charles Wood, Esq. Peaches: 1. Mrs. Hobson; 2. Edward Lloyd, Esq. Melons: 1. Mr. Lane; -2. James Darbvshire, Esq. Nectarines: 1. Earl of ^^'ilton ; 2. Rev. J. Clowes. Plums: 1. Mr. R. Smith ; 5. Mr. C.Walker. Pears, John Moore, Esq. Apples : 1. C.Walker, Esq. ; 2. T. H. Hadfield, Esq. Extra-prize for some very fine apples of last yeai^s growth, Mrs. Smith. Raspberries : White, R. W. Bcu^on, Esq.; Red, N. PhUips, Esq. Currants : Black, Mr. C. Moore ; ^^^lite, Thomas Knight, Esq. ; Red, C. Wood, Esq. Gooseberries. Best dish : ^^^lite and Yellow, Mr. P. Dean ; Red and Green, Mrs. Smith. Premier prize for single : Red Roaring Lion, weighing 2 1 dwts. 1 7 grs., Mrs. Smith ; White, 1 s dwts. 4 grs^ Mr. Thomas Slater; Yellow, IS dwts. 12 grs., T. H. Hadfield, Esq. ; Green, 1 6 d%vts, 1 1 srs., Mrs. Smith. — Cullnaru Ves.eiah'.es. Dish of Peas, Robert Tebbutt, Esq. Celery: 1. Lionel Lloyd, Esq.; 2. G. R. Chappell, Esq. Onions, Mr. Thomas Thorpe. Cabbage, Mr. C. Walker. Kidneybeans, R. W. Barton, Esq. Vegetable Marrow, Mr. Edward Taylor, Oldfield Lane. (J/fl.it-.icf/e-r Guardiafs, Aug. S.) Lirerj}>}i' FZcral and HortscLltura! Societt/. — The Summer Show of car- nations, sreen-house and stove plants, fruits, &c., of this Society, was held on Julv -31., and w-as numerously and fashionably attended. Carnations and georginas formed the most prominent part of the show. The pines, grapes, nectarines, &c. were extremely fine, and the loaded benches gave ample proof that nature's choicest productions were not wanting to give eclat to an exhibition which has taken so great and so just hold of public attention. Prizes were awarded as follows : — Plamii. Stove: I. Crinum amabile, Mr. G. Cunningham ; 2. Ciiphea Melvflla, Mr. Skirving; .3. HeJychium GardnerianiiHi, Thos. Case, Esq. 1. Crinum cruentum, Mr. Richard Harri>on ; 2. Ixora coccinea, H. R Hol- linsbead, Esq. ; 3. Thunb€rgif r. Skir%iDg ; 4. Tricolor, and J. Pelargonium, Mr. T. Davis; 6. Specta- Prcminciol Horticultural Societies : — Lancashire. 635 bills, Mr. C. Lawrence. Ericas : 1 . Ampiillacea, Mr. Whallej- ; 2. Irhyana, Mr. Davis ; 3. Jasminiflora, Mr. Whalley : 4. Ventricosa, Mr. H. Wilson ; 5. Savileawff, Mr. Whalley; 6. Aitonia, Mr. Da^-is. Orange tree, Mrs. Rath- bone. Basket of Plants : ] . T. Da%-is ; 2. Mr. Whalley ; 3. T. Davis ; 4. W. Earle, Esq. — Flowers. Premier Prizes : 1. Foxhunter, Dr. Franklin, Lord Anson, Miss Foote, Princess Charlotte, Will Stukely, and Unknown, Mr. Gandy ; 2. four Seedlings, Lady Hood, Queen Charlotte, and Cleopatra, Mr. SVakefield, Manchester; 3. Triumphant, Rainbow, Seedling, Lady Hood, Queen Charlotte, Lady Chatham, and Incomparable, R. F. Buckley, Esq., Chester. Bizards. Scarlet: 1. Seedling, Mr. Large, Prescot ; 2. Ro- by's Salamander, Wm. Leighton,Esq., Preston ; 5. .Seedling, Mr. B. Bruce; 4. Seedling, Mr. Wakefield; 5. SVild's Pass Perfection, Mr7 Roby, Prescot ; 6. Foxhunter, W. Leighton, Esq. ; 7. Charles the Tenth, Mr. Faulkner, Manchester; 8. Birtle's Commander, Mr. B. Bruce. Pink or Crimson: 1. Rainbow, 2. Seedling, and 5. King Alfred, Mr. Wakefield; 4. Summit of Perfection, Mr. Leighton, Preston ; 5. .Seedling, Squire Traffbrd, Mr. Buck- ley, Chester; 7. Prince Leopold, Sir. Appleton ; 8. Chance, Mr. Leighton. Flakes. Scarlet: l. Atlas, Mr. Leighton ; 2. Unknown, Mrs. E, Cropper; 5. Seedling, Mr. J. Smith, Devonshire Place; 4. .Seedling, Mr. Wakefield; 5. George the Fourth, Mr. Leighton; 6. Duke of Rutland, Mr. B. Bruce; 7. Seedling, Mr. Lowe; 8. Madam Mara, Mr. Powell. Pink: l. Miss F'oote, 2. Sir George Crewe, and 5. Supreme, Mr. Leighton ; 4. Lady Hood, Mr. Buckley ; 5. Eliza, Mr. Wakefield; 6. Seedling, Mr. Thomas Roby ; 7. Seedling, W. Large ; 8. Lord Essex, Mr. Leighton. Purple : 1. Queen Charlotte, Mr. Leighton ; 2. Alfred the Great,Mr. Wakefield ; 5. Major Cartwright, Mr. Buckley; 4. Mary Anne, Mr. WakefieM; 5. Mi- nerva, Mr. Leighton ; 6. Bates's \\ ellington, and 7. Seedling, Mr. Appleton ; 8. Smith's Fair Ellen, Mr. W. Ranse. Picotees. Red-feathered : ] . Seed- ling, Mt. Wakefield ; 2. .Sir R. Peel, Mr. Faulkner ; 3. Will Stukely, Mr. Wakefield ; 4. Seedling, Mr. T. Roby ; 5. Seedling, Number Thirty-three, Mr. Buckley ; 6. Queen Caroline, Mr. Gandy. Red-striped: 1. Chilwell Beauty, ^Ir. T. Roby ; 2. Seedling, Mr. Potter ; 3. Seedling, Mr. Faulkner ; 4. Seedling, Mr. W. Large; 5. Seedling, Mr. T. Harrison, West Derby; 6. Salamander, Mr. Faulkner. Purple-striped: 1. Taylor's Lord Nelson, ;Mr. Wheeler; 2. Marj- Anne, Mr. Potter; 5. Mumford's Lord Nelson, Mr. B.Bruce; 4. Seedling, Mr. Potter ; 5. Seedling, Mr. Carter; 6. Mumford's Lady Nelson, Mr. Buckley. Purple-feathered: 1. Lee's Cleopatra, Mr. Wakefield ; 2. Pearson's Lad, Mr. B. Bruce ; .J.Florentine, and 4. Hannibal, Mr. J.Faulkner ; 5. Mason's Wellington, Mr. B. Bruce ; 6. Charlotte, Mr. Gand}-. Maiden Growers. Bizards : Scarlet, Sir James Bouehey, Mr. J. Leigh ; Pink, L'nknown, Mr. J. Thompson. Flake : Scarlet, Queen, Mr. J. Thompson ; Pink, L nknown, Mr. J. Thompson ; Purple, Unkuown, Mr. J. Leigh. Picotees : Red, L'nknown, Mr. J. Thompson : Red-striped, Mr. S. Colquitt ; Purple, Mason's Wellington, Mr. J. Thomson ; Pur- ple-striped, Mr. J. Leigh. Georginas. Double : 1. Sovereign, Messrs. Dickson; 2. Scarlet Turban, and 3. Kentish Hero, Mr. G. Cunningham; 4. Triumphant, Mr. Powell; 5. Black Turban, Mr. Skirving; 6. Yellow, Mr. Powell. Best Pan, Mr. Skirving. Single: 1. Mr. Whalley; 2. Mr. G. Cunningham ; 3. Mr. Skirving ; 4. Mr. G. Cunningham ; 5. Mr. Powell ; 6. Mr. Wheeler. Basket of Cut Flowers: 1, 2, and 3. Mr. Whalley; 4. W.Earle, Esq. — Fruit. Pines: 1. Antigua, Mr. T. Davis; 2. Jamaica, and 5. En ville, Mr. Potter, Manchester; 4. Providence, Mr. Powell. Me- lons: 1. Cantaloup, !Mr. Whalley; 2. Rock, Mr. T. Booth; 3. Antigua Nutmeg, T. Case, Esq. ; 4. Lnknown, Mr. .Smith, Fulwood. Peaches : 1. Noblesse, Mr. Colquitt; 2. Yellow ^Vlberge, Mrs. Rathbone. Necta- rines : 1. Murray, and 2. Brugnon, Mr. Colquitt ; 5.\N hite,Rev. R. Gwillym. Apricots: 1. and 2. Moor Park, H. B. Hollinshead, Esq.; 3. Orange, Mr. Tayleur. Figs, Mr. Cooke, Millbank. Grapes. Black: l. and 2. Ham- G36 Provi?icial Horticultural Societies : — Lancashire. burgh, Mr. Preston ; 3. Damascus, W. Earle, Esq. White : 1. Muscat, Mr. Tafleur ; 2. Muscat, H. B. Hollinshead, Esq. ; 3. Frontignac, Rev. R. Gwil- lym. Currants: Black, Mr. Whalley ; White, Mr. Walker ; Red, Mr. Whalley. Cherries: 1. Mrs. Rathbone ; 2. Mr. Roskell. Apples : I.June- eating, Mr. H. Wilson; 2. Margarette, Mr. Roskell ; .". Summer Pippin, Mr. A. Yates. Pears: 1. Citron, Mr. Manifold ; 2. Citron, Mr. Powell ; 3. Early Spring, Mr. Manifold. Gooseberries. Heaviest ripe Red, Sports- man, Mr. Skirving. Red : 1. Roaring Lion, Mr. Whalley ; 2. Huntsman, Mr. Skirving; 3. Mr. Leighton. Heaviest ripe Yellow, Sovereign, Mr. Apple- ton. Yellow: 1. Rockwood, Mr. Skirving; 2. Mr. Range; 3. Mr. C. Logan. Heaviest ripe Green : Premier Prize, Gunner, Mr. Skirving. Green : 1. Greenwood, Mr. Whalley ; 2. Ocean, and 3. Wainman's Ocean, Mr. Skirving. Heaviest ripe White : Premier Prize, Eagle, Mr. John Appleton. White: 1. Mr. Skirving; 2. Scholefield's Royal, Mr. W. F, Porter; 3. Gunner, Mr. Skirving. — Culinary Veiretables. Celery: I.Mr. Walker; 2. H. B. Hollinshead, Esq.; 3. Mr. Horsfall. Onions: 1. Mr. S. Dutton ; 2. Mr. Smith; 5. Mr. O. Hey worth. Broccoli : 1. Mr. S. Wood- house ; 2. Mr. Comer. Lettuce : 1. T. Case, Esq. ; 2. Mr. Smith, Fulwood. Cucumbers : 1 . Mr. Smith, Fulwood ; 2. Mr. Whalley. Cabbage, Mr, T. Orret. Extra-Prizes. Grapes in Pot, Mr. Smith ; Dracce'na frtigrans, Miss Waterhouse; Fruit of the Palm, John Blackburne, Esq.; Two Baskets of Flowers, Mr. Powell; Thunbdrgk alata, Mr. Skirving; Campanula P3'ra- midalis alba, Mr. Powell ; Clarkza pulchelia, Mr. Smith, Fulwood. {Gore's General Advertiser, Aug. G.) Bolton Floral and Horticultural Society. — The Fourth and last Meeting for the season, of this Society, for the exhibition of carnations, stove, green- house, and herbaceous plants, &c. was held on August 1 2. It would be a de- reliction of duty to omit noticing the unequalled specimens of horticultural art produced this year by Mr. Whittle, the gardener of W. Hulton, Esq. There were three turnips exhibited of his cultivation, called early stove; they were nearly of the same size : the heaviest weighed 14 lbs., and measured 2 ft. 9 in. in circumference; he had a yearling vine in a pot, which con- tained fifteen bunches of fine fruit. He also had two dishes of magnifi- cent celery, one of which won the first prize. He has obtained prizes this year with blanched celery at four different shows of auriculas, tulips, [^inks, and carnations. Nor must Mr. Holland's gardener be passed over in silence. He produced the best pan of carnations, which attracted much notice, and some went so far as to say that it surpassed all they had witnessed this year. He won twenty-one prizes, viz. four stove plants out of five : three green-house out of five ; four ericas out of five ; two geraniums out of five ; and three hardy plants out of five. Miss Pilkington's currants and raspberries were also much admired. Prizes were awarded as follows: — Plants. Stove : 1. Pitcairnia hYomeMcefolia, E. Ashworth, Esq.; 2. Me- lastoma corymbosa, 3.Thunbdrg2a alata, 4. Begonia Agrosldmma, and 5. Pan- cratium amoe'num, R. Holland, Esq. Green-house : 1. Crassula coccinea, W. Hulton, Esq.; 2. Fuchsia gracilis, and 3. Loddigesia oxahfolia, R. Hoi- land, Esq. ; 4. iVerium splendens, W. Hulton, Esq. ; 5. Poljgala cordifolia, R. Holland, Esq. Ericas : 1. Bowieawa ? and 2. E. ventricosa, R. Holland, Esq. ; 3. E. Savllii, Mr. W. Faulkner ; 4. E. ampullacea, and 5. E. tricolor, R. Holland, Esq. Geraniums: 1. P. Banks»(7»»H, Mr. W. Faulkner; 2. P. ma- cranthum, Mr. W. Crompton ; 5. Victory, and 4. Dmeyimum, R. Holland, Esq. Herbaceous: 1. Oenothera missourii^nsis, R. Holland, Esq.; 2. Poten- tilla nepalensis, W. Hulton, Esq. ; 5. Camjianula pyramidalis, and 4. Che- lone barbata, R. Holland, Esq. ; 5. Lobelia fulgons, E. Ashworth, Esq. Hardy: l. C'oluteaPocockii, Mr. W. Faulkner ; 2. iSpira'a^orbifolia? E.Ash- worth, Esq. ; 3. Potentllla fruticosa, Mr. W. Faulkner. — Flowers. Car- nations. Best pan, R. Holland, Esq. Premier Prize, Gregory's King (a most Provincial Horticultural Societies : — Lancashire. 637 admirable specimen), Mr. James Rushton. Scarlet Bizards; 1, Perfection, Mr. Rich. Greenhalgh ; 2. Fox-hunter, Mr. James Haslam ; 3. Lord Bag- got, Mr. Wakefield; 4. Surpass Perfection, Mr. James Haslam. Pink Bi- zards : 1. Seedling, Mr. John Wakefield ; 2. King Alfred, Mr. James Has- lam ; 5. Rainbow, R. Holland, Esq. ; 4. Duke of Kent, Mr. Joseph Clegg ; 5. Lord Denbigh, Mr. James Rushton. Scarlet Flakes : 1. Mountaineers, Mr. W. Wakefield ; 2. Florentine, Mr. W. Faulkner ; 3. Enchanter, Mr. J. Stewart; 4. Lord Anson, Mr. W. Lomax. Purple Flakes : 1. Knot's Al- fred, C. Todd, Esq. j 2. Wellington, Mr. Wm. Lomax ; 3. Major Cartwright, T. Booth ; 4. Seedling, Samuel Ogden. Picotees. Purple-striped : I.Rob Roy, Mr. W. Faulkner ; 2. Fair Helen, Mr. W. Wakefield. Purple-fea- thered: I.Wellington, Mr. Joseph Clegg; 2. Cleopatra, Mr. R. Green- halgh. Red-striped Seedling, W. Faulkner. Red-feathered, Sir Robert Peel, Mr. W. Faulkner. Georginas : Double, Black Turban, W. Hulton, Esq.; Single, Mr. Richard Greenhalgh. — Fruit. Pine, W. Hulton, Esq. Grapes, best and heaviest, E. Ashworth, Esq. Seedling Nec- tarines, Peaches, Apricots, and Plums, W, Hulton, Esq. Gooseberries, heaviest: Red, Mr. John Bradshaw; White, Mr. Peter Norris ; Green, Mr. Matthew Gaskell ; Yellow, Mr. John Bradshaw. Plate of Gooseberries : Red, White, Green and Yellow, Mr. M. Gaskell. Currants : White, Red, and Black, Miss Pilkington. Raspberries : White and Red, Miss Pilking- ton. Apples, Mr. George Greenhalgh. Pears, Benjamin Rawson, Esq. — Culinary Vegetables. Onions, Mr. George Greenhalgh. Celery, W. Hul- ton, Esq. Extra-Prize. Basket of Flowers, Joseph Ridgway, Esq. {Manchester Courier, Aug. 15.) Radcliffe Gooseberry Show. — This show was held at the house of Mrs, Leah Hampson at Radcliffe, near Manchester, August 29. The meeting consisted of seventy-nine subscribers at 5s. each. Four very handsome sil- ver cups, total value 9/., given by gentlemen desirous of encouraging the meeting : eighteen copper kettles, value 1 1 guineas, two garden spades, and 11/. 125. in money were distributed. A fat goose also was offered for the least berry of any colour. Maiden Prize: 1. Roaring Lion, isdvvts. ISgrs., Edmund Baines; 2. Roaring Lion, isdwts. ISgrs., Hampson Wood. Best Berry: Red, Roar- ing Lion, 22 dwts., Geo. Leigh ; Yellow, Globe, 19 dwts. 15 grs.,Wm. Berry ; Green, Angler, 17 dwts. 5 grs., H. Anderton, Esq.; White, Eagle, 19 dwts. 11 grs., James Chapman. Best two Berries on a stem. Roaring Lion, 36 dwts. 1 gr., John Baker. Heaviest beaten Berry, Roaring Lion, 20 dwts. 18 grs., Richard Taylor. Red Berries : 1. Roaring Lion, 21 dwts. 17 grs., Geo. Leigh; 2. Bell's Fancy, 19 dwts., Jas. Cranshaw ; 3. Huntsman, 18 dwts. 22 grs., Robt. Kay ; 4. Tnunpeter, 18 dwts., John Haslam ; 5. Lan- cashire Lad, 18 dwts. Igr., * Geo. Leigh ; 6. Overall, 17 dwts. 1 gr., Wm. Allen; 7. Seedling, 16 dwts, 22gr., Wm. Horsefield ; 8. Seedling, 16 dwts. 21 grs., William Cooper; 9. Prince Regent, 16 dwts. 13 grs., John Barlow; 10. Squire Hammond, 16 dwts. 15 dwts., * Abraham Rostron ; 11. Seed- ling, ledwts. lOgrs., John Saxon; 12. Sir John, 16 dwts. 9 gr., Robert Smith. Yellow: 1. Gunner, 19 dwts. 12 grs., John Barlow; 2. Duckwing, 17 dwts. 12 grs., Wm. Hardman; 3. Cottage Girl, 17 dwts. 2 grs., Jacob Wolstencroft ; 4. Bunker's Hill, 16 dwts. 23 grs., Jas. Birtwistle : 5. Globe, 16 dwts. 11 grs., John Worrall ; 6. Rockwood, i6 dwts. 9 grs., Thomas Wal- work ; 7. Viper, 16 dwts. 8 grs., Geo. Leigh ; 8. Husbandman, 16 dwts. 8 grs., Jn. Barlow; 9. Sovereign, 15 dwts. 17 grs., Abraham Rostron; 10. Teazer, 15 dwts. 13 grs., Richard Taylor ; 11. Old Queen 15 dwts. 11 grs., and 12. Leader, 15 dwts. 5 grs., John Rothwell. Green: 1. Favourite, 16 dwts. 20 grs., Geo. Leigh ; 2. Angler, 16 dwts. 18 grs., John Worrall; 3. Bang- down, 16 dwts. 11 grs. ; 4. Peacock, 16 dwts. 3grs., and 5. Seedling, ledwts. * Lost tiieir places by not being weighed in time. 638 Provincial Horticultural Societies : — Devonshire. 2 grs. Richard Taylor; 6. Providence, 15dwts. 18 grs., John Saxon; 7. Troubler, I5dwts. 5 grs., George Leigh; 8. Ocean, 15d\vts. 2grs., Charles Knight; 9. Lord Crewe, 15dwts., Robt. Kay; 10. Greenwood, 14dwts. 1 3 grs., Geo. Leigh ; 11. Bang Enrope, 14 dwts. 5grs., Richard Taylor ; 12. Mountain, 14 dwts. 4 grs., George Wolstencroft. White: I.Eagle, 18 dwts. 13 grs., Joseph Ramsden; 2. First Rate, 18 dwts. 10 grs., Wm. Hardman ; 3. Lord Valentia, 18 dwts. 5 grs., John Haslam ; 4. Nailer, 17 dwts. 5 grs., John Worrall ; 5. White Lion, 17 dwts. 2 grs., John Barlow ; 6. Ostrich, 17 dwts., James Barlow ; 7. Delamere, 17 dwts., John Openshaw; 8. Non- pareil, 16 dwts. 20 grs., and 9. Seedling, 16 dwts. 20 grs., George Leigh; 10. Wellington, 15 dwts. 12 grs., John Bradshaw; 11. England's Glory, 15 dwts, 11 grs., Richard Taylor ; 12. Lady of the Manor, 14 dwts. 22 grs., Abraham Rostron, Least Berry: Whitesmith, 1. gr., Sam. Cranshaw; Lancashire Lad, 1 gr. John Warrall. Prize divided. — John Smith, Bury, Lancashire, Aug. 29. Devonshire. Devo7i and Exeter Botanical and Horticultural Society. — The day fixed by this Institution, for their First Exhibition of fruits, flowers, and vegetables, was July 30. Upon the doors being opened, the room was filled almost immediately, and shortly afterwards the President (the Right Hon. Lord Clifibrd) took the chair, and, in the name of the Society, thanked the indi- duals who had contributed to the splendid display of horticultural produc- tions exhibited. He expressed, too, his full confidence, that as the climate of Devonshire was more favourable to horticultural pursuits than that of any other part of the kingdom, so this Society would shortly become infe- rior to none in its extent and usefulness. Mr. Gidley then, at the request of His Lordship, read the names of the successful candidates, and as he announced each prize, he at the same time, wherever it was practicable, exhibited to the company the article for which it was awarded. Plants. Hardy Perennials (best six), Mr. Young, nurseryman, Taunton. Hardy flowering Shrubs (best six), Messrs. Pince and Co., nurserymen, Exeter. Bulbous-rooted tender Exotic, Amaryllis ornata var. gigantea, John Milford, P^sq. Tender Exotic, Allamanda cathartica, John New- combe, Esq. — Flowers. Roses, Mr. Charles Sclater. Carnations. Bizards : 1. and 2. H. Pigou, Esq., Taunton. Flakes: 1. and 2. H. Pigou, Esq. Seedhng Bizard (of the exhibitor's own growth, and not before exhibited), 1. W. Gray, Esq. ; 2. G. Whittaker, Esq. Seedling Flake (of the exhibitor's own growth, and not before exhibited), W. Gray, Esq. Best Bouquet of Carnations, Mr. Charles Sclater. Picotees : 1. and 2. H. Pigou, Esq. Seedling Picotee (of the exhibitor's own growth, and not before exhibited), 1 . G. Whittaker, Esq. : 2. W. Gray, Esq. Bouquet of Picotees, John New- combe, Esq. Bouquet of Hardy Annuals (Russian Stocks), Sir S. H. North- cote, Bart. Tender Annuals exhibited in Pots, Cockscombs, John New- combe, Esq. — Fruit. Pine, John Newcome, Esq. of Starcross. Grapes, Muscat of Alexandria, Sir Trayton Drake, Bart. Melon, Roniana, Colonel Wright. Apricots, J. W. Bulier, Esq. Peaches, H. Porter, Esq. Plums, Mr. Williamson of Peamore. Cherries, John Newcome, Esq. Heaviest Gooseberries, the Lancashire Lad, G. Whittaker, Esq. Best-flavoured Gooseberries, Mr. C. Sclater, Nurseryman, Exeter. Raspberries, Mr. Townsend, nurseryman, St. David's Hill, Exeter. Apples, Lemon Pippin, John Cole, Esq. Pears, Mr. Hall of Powderham. — Culinary Vegetables. The best Cucumber, John Newcome, Esq. The judges also recommended rewards to be given for the undermen- tioned specimens, which they considered highly deserving of notice : — To Mrs. Waldon of Montrath House, for three seedling Pines. To Ed- ward Divett, Esq., for a bunch of Muscat Lunel Grapes. To John New, Esq., for a bunch of white Nice Grapes. To the Rev, T. PiUt, for a dish of Provincial Horticultural Societies : — South Wales. 639 Apples of the last season, in good preservation ; who also exhibited a fine bunch of the Black Prince Grapes. To Dr. Tayleur, for a dish of China Strawberries. To Sir Thomas D. Acland, Bart, for Erythrina crista galli, Metrosideros maligna, and Fuchsia gracilis. To Miss Johnes, for Thunber- gia alata, trained, and Pelargonium Devoniae grafted. To Mr. Dymond, nur- seryman, Exeter, for Gloxinias, Fiicca filamentosa, and hardy Perennials; and for a new Seedling Apple raised by Mr. John Hutchings, his foreman. The judges were the Rev. Finney Belfield of Primley Hill, Mr. Pontey of Plymouth, and Mr.Veitch of Killerton. {Western Times, Aug. 1.) The three cucumbers of the Turkey sort, grown by William Billingsley, gardener to John Newcome, Esq., and exhibited on the 30th of July, at tlie Subscription Rooms, measured in all 6 ft. 5 in. in length, and weighed 10 lbs. The dwarf cockscombs in pots, of which there were six from the same garden, were also extraordinary productions ; some of them not being more that 1 ft. high from the surface of the mould, and measuring 26 in. in length over, and 14 in. across the crest. This account appeared on the 13th inst.in Trewmaii's Flying Post. — An Exonian. August 28. 1829. South Wales. Glamorgan, Monmouthshire, and South Wales Horticultural Societj/. -— At the Meeting of this Society on the 1st of July, the show was held in the Town-Hall, Cardiff, instead of the Grand Jury Room, as heretofore, the latter having been found too small for the purpose, and to the Hall also the General Meeting was adjourned, as soon as tlie judges of the show had announced that they were ready to deliver in their adjudications. The chairman, J. H. Moggridge, Esq., of Woodfield, congratulated the Meeting upon the increasing respectability and prosperity of the Society, which, he said, he had no doubt would both progressively increase, till it had attained that high rank amongst the horticultural societies of the island, to which it was on every account entitled. Its finances he pronounced to be in a very satisfactorj' state, the number of its members continually increasing, its shows more and more enlarged and varied, and its prospects of doing cre- dit to the district in which it was situated, and of being the instrument of rational amusement and good to all classes of the community, more and more flattering. The Hon. W. B. Grey, president, was reelected, as were all the vice-presidents ; and the names of the Earl of Jersey, Lord Dyne- vor. Col. Lewis, Sir C. Cole, Major Mackworth, Col. Cameron, J. P. Wil- kins, Esq., and the Rev. F. Gough, added to the list. The gratifying pro- posal of Sir Charles Morgan, Vice-Patron of the Society, for holding the Monmouthshire show, on the 5th of August, at Tredegar, with the offer of his green-house for the occasion, was announced from the chair in terms of suitable commendation ; and extracts from Sir Charles Morgan's letters read, from which it appeared that his liberal offer was accompanied by the very handsome expression of the Hon. Baronet's desire, that " the show should be held at Tredegar solely under the Society's regulations, as if at the King's Head, or elsewhere." The report from the judges of the show being then handed to the chair, the following adjudication of prizes was announced, viz. Melons, John Moggridge, Esq., Gabalva. Grapes : Black, Col. Morgan, Llandough Castle; White, and best Frontignac, the Hon. W. B. Grey, as well as that for the best raspberries. Cherries, J. Moggridge, Esq. Cur- rants : White, Col. Morgan ; Red, Richard Hill, Esq., Llandaff. Pinks, the Hon. W. B. Grey. Balsam, Richard Hill, Esq. Best and most curious plant of any description : 1. Rev. J. M. Traherne ; 2. Rev. E. W. Richards. Best and most beautiful plant: 1. Rev. E.W.Richards ; 2. Richard Hill, Esq. Roses, Col. Morgan. Extra-Prizes. Strawberries, E. P. Richards, Esq., Cardiff. Second best Melon, the Hon. W.B. Grey. Best Red and White Currants, 1. and 2. J. M. 640 Obituary. Richards, Esq , Roath Court. Flowers, R. Reece, Esq., Hon. Sec. Btrawber- ries : 1. E. P. Richards, Esq. ; 2. R. Hill, Esq. Grapes, 1. and 2. Sir C. Mor- gan. An extra-prize was also adjudged to J. H. Moggridge, Esq., for his exhibition of the foliage of certain American timber trees, now first at- tempted to be introduced into South Wales, and for his description of the trees, and another to Mr. Murrell, for his fine onions, &c. &c. Enquiries having been made in vain for cottagers applying for the nume- rous premiums exclusively offered them, the Chairman commented thereon very feelingly, expressing his deep regret that one of the most favourite objects of the Society should thus far, and up to this period, have been de- feated by circumstances of which no competent knowledge had been hitherto obtained. He had, he said, been informed, that, at the time of the last show, it had been mischievously given out by persons unknown, that en- trance-money would be demanded from competitors for the prizes who were not subscribers. Tliis utterly unfounded report had, he knew, deter- red some persons from applying for the cottager's premiums, and, although pains had been taken to contradict the falsehood of the report, and parti- cularly in the public papers, it was to be feared it still operated. In the hope of assisting to counteract more effectually and speedily the cause of the injury done to the kind intentions of the Society, as well as to the cottagers themselves, the Chairman requested permission to offer the premium with which he had been honoured, in the name of the Society, as a prize to the owner of the best cultivated cottage garden in Blackwood village, to be ad- judged under conditions (which would in the mean time be made known), at the Monmouthshire show at Tredegar, on the 18th of August, in addition to those already announced as applicable only to the cottager ; which pro- posal being assented to, it was ordered to be announced accordingly. Al- though the state of the weather prevented the dressing up of the Hall in the manner intended, a great many groups, baskets, and wreaths of beauti- ful flowers were placed on the judges' seats and desks, and tastefully, though hastily, arranged in other parts of the Hall, whilst the large table and stands were loaded with fruits of a description which would have done no discre- dit to the first provincial society in the kingdom. The pine, from Tredegar, and the grapes were particularly fine ; the size of the bunches of the lat- ter unusually large, though exceeded in size of berries by those from Llan- dough Castle, to which the first prize had been adjudged before Sir Charles Morgan's grapes (detained in consequence of the stormy weather) had ar- rived. The day, which was one throughout of high gratification, afforded a most convincing proof to all present that, as was asserted in the opening address, Glamorganshire, Monmouthshire, and South Wales afford abun- dant materials for rescuing that naturally favoured part of our island from the reproach of being behind any other in the productions of the garden, the field, or the orchard. {The Cambrian, July 11.) Art. XIIT. Obituary. Died, in February, 1829, M. HolboU, our universally respected botanic gardener, whose name will long be remembered by the horticulturists of this country. In the November preceding his death. His Majesty the King of Denmark graciously conferred on him the honour of Knight of the Order of Dannebrog. — Je7is Peter Petersen. Roi/al Gardens, liosenburgh, Jidy 4. 1829. THE GARDENER'S MAGAZINE, DECEMBER, 1829. PART I. ORIGINAL CORRESPONDENCE. Art. I. Notes and. Reflections made during a Tour through Part of France and Germany, in the Autumn of the Year 1828. By the Conductor. (^Continued from p. 502.) Chateau de Qiicville, the Prince de Montmorency, about tvoo miles from Rouen, Sejyfemher 3. — A flat sandy situation, with no apparent boundary ; the house a large plain modern edifice, approached through a broad avenue of lime trees, descending rather than ascending ; the effect of the whole, to an English eye, the reverse of grandeur, dignity, order, neatness, and habitableness. It put us in mind of some of the wretched chateaus which we have seen in Poland and Russia ; and with every desire to be pleased and to commend, we could really find nothing on which to bestow our approbation, except the urbanity of the gardener, and of another man who went round with us. The house is surrounded by a very broad sandy area, on which are placed a profusion of old orange trees and pome- granates, and a number of the commoner green-house plants of the last Century ; few of them well grown, or, in our idea, at all ornamental. There are a conservatory and a green-house ; the former in great part below the level of the surrounding surface, with a temporary flooring over it, to be used at pleasure during winter and in bad weather, as a place of exer- cise and romping for the family children. The green-house had sloping glass and a flue in the English manner. There is a considerable court of stable offices, with a number of carriages and horses, and some of both are English. The house, we were told, was full of company. In a shed were a Vol. V. — No. 23. t t 642 Notes and Hejiections during a Tour : — diable for moving orange trees, a large cast-iron roller for the roads, and some rude agricultural implements. Adjoining these offices is the kitchen-garden, containing perhaps 2 acres within the walls. The soil is sandy and very poor ; it requires constant watering during the summer season, and the water is raised by a horse-wheel from a deep well in the centre. The surrounding walls are about 10 ft. high, of stone, and covered with a wooden trellis, on which pear trees are trained, chiefly in the fan manner, but not neatly. The trees had very little fruit on them, which, considering that the borders were cropped and the soil soft and deep, was not to be wondered at. There was a considerable breadth of red alpine strawberry, and the walks were, for the most part, edged with common sorrel. The asparagus was in rows between 2 and 3 ft. apart, but less strong than might have been expected, probably from want of manure. Plenty of artichokes and kidneybeans. On what may be called the garden front of the house was an open avenue of grass, perhaps 1 50 ft. wide and on each side was a wood, in some places open like a grove, and in others thicker like an artificial plantation. In the thick parts the Pin de Bourdeaux (Pinus maritima), which the gardener informed us was greatly to be preferred to the Pin d'Ecosse (P. sylvestris) or the Sapin epicea (y^^bies communis), because shrubs and grass grew much better under it, and the cones, which are thick and from 6 to 8 in. long, made an excellent fuel for the poor, being picked up by them as they fell from the trees, so that the proprietor of the wood sustained no injury. There are various walks, straight and winding, both in the woods and in the grove. In the latter, near the house, are several swings of different kinds, very completely equipped, for ladies and gentlemen ; and roundabouts, which the gardener Informed us were much used by the younger part of the family. There are also a skittle-ground, a place for playing at bowls, and a sort of rustic house containing a table nearly as large as a bil- liard table, but fitted up like a bagatelle board, for playing at iron madame. These contrivances for amusement seemed to be very judiciously placed under the shade of the trees, which were at the same time so lofty, naked-stemmed, and far apart, as to create or admit a jjentle coolinir breeze. It was now near noon, and a very warm day; no one was taking amusement in the grove, but a billiard table in the house was in use by a party of gentlemen. Directly in front of the house, on the centre of the grass avenue just mentioned is a meridien a detonation^ the cannon 3 ft. long. Beyond the wood there is a small nieadow with winding walks, a V Anglaise^ which we looked at over the turf fence, but did not enter. Chateau dii Mailleraie. G^S Rouen to Mailleraie and Landin, September 4. — These residences are situated on the left bank of the Seiiie, between Rouen and Honfleur. The nearest road is on the right bank of the river, probably 10 or 12 miles in length, exceedingly hilly, grand, varied, and picturesque. The most agreeable way of making the excursion is by water. A steam-boat sets out on certain days for this purpose, and for affording a view of the beautiful and rich scenery on the river, from Rouen to Havre, said to be unequalled in France; but we had not time to adopt this mode. In leaving Rouen we passed two or three small villas, apparently in a better style than that near Quevilly (p. 501.); the nursery of M. Morelle, in very perfect order; and, near Duclaii', the Chateau du Tailly, a small residence, occupy- ing a walled parallelogram of about two acres, surrounded by an open corn country. This chateau, as far as could be seen from the road, is about the date of the Tuilleries, and un- chanffed in a single external feature, either in the house or grounds. As a piece of antiquity we felt it to be extremely interesting. We passed several cottages and gardens, and one or two villages ; but, except some houses in the latter, we can- not say that we saw much appearance of comfort. Most of the cottages were in very bad repair, but almost all of them seemed to have cow-houses, a place for pigs, and sometimes for sheep. We learned afterwards that the occupiers were for the greater part small farmers or proprietors. The road, though of the secondary or cross-country description, was bordered in most places by fruit trees, in genei-al young. The surface of the country was undivided by hedges, except near villages and cottages ; but it was occasionally varied by patches of native wood. Clover, wheat, kidneybeans, and potatoes, seemed to be grown by every one. Little could be said in favour of the cottage gardens ; not so many vines were planted against the houses as in the suburbs of Rouen, nor so many flowers before thena as in the manufacturing district of the Dieppe road (p. 369.). Still the soil was every where a brown loam on limestone rock, the surface varied, and the dis- tance agreeable or grand. The germs, therefore, of riches and beauty exist every where; and future, and, we hope, not distant, prosperity will call them into existence. The Chateau du Mailleraie is built close on the margin of the river, on a bank somewhat higher than that opposite, but not so much so as to give the situation anv decided advantage in point of character or effect. Behind and on one side lies the park scenei'y, chiefly avenues and woods in the ancient style ; and on the other side the stable offices, kitchen-garden, church, and village. The park, we were told, contains above T T 2 644 Notes a7id Reflections during a Tour : — 100 acres ; about three fourths of it consist of a flat or very slio"htly varied surface, planted with hornbeam avenues, and close woods pierced by numerous clipped alleys diverging from centres in the usual manner, of which the only one that has left any impression on our mind, is the triple vista, from a patte d'oie to the river. The remaining fourth part consists of a surface a good deal varied, and is laid out in imitation of the English manner, with numerous buildings, and on the whole it is not an unsuccessful imitation. The kitchen-garden is close to the house, and in former times must have been its chief ornament in the way of pleasure- ground ; at present it is in a state of ruin and desolation, such as no British gardener can form the slightest idea of. The walls, terraces, slopes, platforms on different levels, basins no longer fit to hold water, ruined fountains, broken statues and urns, the remains of an old conservatory and of some pavilions, neglected wall trees, and old shrubs, show what it has been, and the luxuriancy of the w^eeds what it might very soon be. An English gardener would turn the whole into one of the richest flower-gardens in the world. The house is grand, considered with reference to its size, accompaniments, and antiquity ; but it has little architectural merit either externally or within. A great deal, however, might be said about the house and grounds, the view to the Abbaye de Jumieges, built in the 1 1th century, and containing the ashes of Agnes Sorrel, and about other views ; but the reader, we fear, must be tired with the unavoidable sameness of our details. With the excep- tion of the kitchen-garden, it gives us pleasure to state that the grounds were tolerably well kept. We were shown them by the gamekeeper, who could write very well. IJie Village of Mailleraie is situated close by the river, and, though small, contains an inn, tolerably good for the country, which is said to be much frequented by visitors during sum- mer. After dining on stewed eels and eggs, this being Friday, we hired a one-horse vehicle of a very rude description, with a man between seventy and eighty, who could neither read nor write, and a pony, to take us to Landin, a distance of five or six miles. The road is indescribably bad, and of very little variety or interest in a pictui'esque point of view. Great part of it is thi'ough a forest of birches and oaks, which seems to be cut down periodically for fuel, and the rest is a narrow crooked lane. We arrived at Landin about five o'clock. Laiidin, at present the residence of the Marquis de St. Marie, has long been celebrated for its situation, on the bank of the river, here lofty, irregular, and covered with natural wood. The chateau must be at least 300 ft. above the level of Chateau de Landin. 645 the water. We were told at Rouen that Landin was neg- lected and no longer worth going to see, but we felt ourselves amply compensated for the journey, even if we had not seen Mailleraie, nor any thing else. Almost the entii*e interest of the place, in our eyes, consists in thegrandeur of the situation, and the facilities which it affords of forming what we have always considered as the grandest description of walk or road in nature or art; that of a level line carried along the side of a steep, irregular, winding, wooded bank or hill, looking up to woods and hill tops on one hand, and down to water, rich and varied country, and extreme distance on the other. At Landin the hill tops are wanting, but the irregularity of the bank affords every opportunity that we could desire for varying the line of walk, by retiring into wooded recesses with rocks, caverns, and springs, and advancing to bold prominences commanding the whole extensive reach of the river. In the alluvial plain on the opposite side, and directly under the Chateau de Landin, is a very remarkable feature in rural economy ; a strip or strand of one or two hundred acres close by the river, some yards higher than all the rest, and entirely covered with cottages and fruit trees. AVe were informed that, being found particularly suitable for the culture of table fruits, especially apples, it is let in portions of an acre or two for that purpose ; that every allotment has a cottage for the occupier and his family ; and that the whole have for many years formed a very remarkable colony. We regretted our inability to examine it minutely. The fruits, chiefly the apples, are said to be sent to many parts of Europe, especially the celebrated Reinettes Grises. Beyond this alluvial island, and on each side of it, up and down the river, for several miles, the surface is flat, in meadow, and often during winter and spring entirely covered with water. The Chateau de Landin on these occasions looks down on an im- mense lake, with the island of fruit trees and cottages in the foreground, and in the distance a cultivated hill}- country, varied by natural woods, and the remains of some chateaus and religious buildings. Before the revolution, the Chateau de Landin was possessed by the Abbe Boismont, a man of learning and a gardening amateur of that day. Some of his vei'ses may be seen in the summer houses in the English part of the grounds at Mail- leraie ; and the numerous walks which he traced in the woods at Landin, with the ruins of some of his root houses and temples, still remain. The Abbe Gossier informed us that the Abbe Boismont had a flock of sheep, a herd of cows and bullocks, and several milkmaids and shepherds, all formed of plaster of Paris, and stuck about the grounds, and that it cost him 2000 francs T T 3 6^6 Notes and Itefiectio7is during a Tour : — a year to keep them in repair. People of all ranks came from every part of the country to see them ; but since they had gone to decay, no body looked near the place ; so true it is that man in a rude state admires only art, because it is only in works of art that he can recognise mind. The Abbe had doubtless mind to enjoy the sublime prospect from his chateau, and feeling to be amused witli his delighted and astonished visitors. We advanced to this chateau w^ithout any letters of intro- duction, but on requesting permission to walk through the grounds every attention was paid us, and we were conducted to the principal points of view by a very interesting and intel- ligent young lady. Mad. , to whom, through the Abbe Gossier, we have sent a copy of this Magazine as a mark of our esteem ; and this record will remain as a remembrance to our- selves of a chateau, the situation of which, and the circum- stances attending our view of it, produced an impression upon our minds stronger by far than did any other object or circum- stance in or about Rouen. We hope we may again see Landin with more leisure for examination and enjoyment. Rouen to Fletiri/, Sept. 5. — Passed a variety of suburban villas, those nearest the town in very commanding situations, ornamented with flowers, and enriched with vines, but, in ap- pearance of solidity, refinement, and comfort, very distant from analogous villas in the suburbs of London, or of any of the larger towns in England south of York. Still these Rouen villas are almost as far in advance of what the suburban villas of Edinburgh and Glasgow were twenty years ago, the time which has elapsed since we saw them, as those of London are in advance of those of Rouen. The London villa indicates in the possessor a love of comfort, luxury, and neatness; the Rouen villa indicates taste, style, and superficialness ; the Scotch villa, ambition, poverty, and slovenliness. A residence, which we think was called Fra7iqiieville, was undergoing chanfjes in what is called in France the English manner; and the lines and forms produced with this view, as seen from the road, were such as might be expected from a cockney jobbing gardener, who had never been five miles from London : here and there a round or an oval clump ; a piece of water of the shape of that in the Horticultural Society's Garden ; a semicircular bridge over it; a naked road of three equal bends, as an approach to the house ; and a ser- pentine walk round the boundar^^ of the park or paddock. It is a pity the proprietor had not called in Mr. 131aikie, who two years before was in this neighbourhood, laying out the grounds of the Marquis d'Etamps near Laboulle. But even this would not have done everything; for the best plan ever Pleury^ Chateau de RadepoJit. 647 given may be rendered ridiculous, when the execution of it is committed to men wliolly ignorant both of the science and the practice of that part of their ai't. Frequent as are the handsome residences, and numerous as are the examples of beautiful land- scape-gardening, in England, yet it is certain there is not one residence in a hundred that is any thing like well laid out ; comprehending under this term, well designed and well exe- cuted. Every competent judge will allow that we are correct in this assertion : and we know, from 25 years' experience, that things will never be otherwise till the patrons of gardening ac- quire by a very different education from that which they receive at present, by travelling, and by reflection, a degree of taste far superior to what one in a hundred of them now possesses ; or till a new race of gardeners arise, educated to the utmost, and allowed by their masters opportunities of looking about them, and of reading, reflecting, and sketching from nature. It is not likely that there ever will be many such serving gardeners in this or in any country ; and, therefore, our hopes of im- provement are from the rising generation of small proprietors, who, highly educated, travelled, and accomplished, will act as their own architect, landscape-gardener, and botanist. All the professions in the world have arisen from the ignorance, pri- vations, or superfluities of individuals. When, by a high degree of education and its effects, mankind become more nearly alike in knowledge and in property, professional men will be less necessary, and some professions, and among these that of landscape-gardener, will probably cease to exist. But in this, as in every other contemplated advance in the progress of mind and of happiness, all will depend on the degree of increased education given to both the employers and the employed. Fleury is a small village of one straight street across a valley ten or twelve miles from Rouen, on the road to Paris. A stream which drives two or three cotton machines is the prin- cipal cause of the village, and accounts for the houses being chiefly new. Radepont is about half a mile distant from it down the stream, on the north side of the valley ; it is ap- proached through some very wretched-looking thatched mud cottages, with earthen floors and small windows. The Chateau de Radepont, M. le Marquis de Hadepont, pre- sents no fTi'and or striking feature ; but the grounds are varied, well planted, very well laid out, and exceedingly well kept. The extent of the demesne may be 30 or 40 acres, partly on the side, and partly along the bottom, of a valley. The house, a plain modern building, is situated in the middle of a low flat surface, and unaided by any external feature. The interesting part of the grounds is the irregular declivity which rises from T T 4 64:8 Notes and Reflections during a Tour : — the platform of the house, and the leading feature of this declivity is formedby the ruins of an ancient castle or fortress, and of its various outworks. These are exceedingly well managed, and made the most of by walks leading to different points of view, and by a chapel, hermitage, mausoleum, and armoury. Another feature is a conservatory with some good orange ti'ees, and perhaps 30 or 40 species of the common green-house plants. There are a Temple of Fame, with a statue in it of some prince or other person belonging to the court, who had honoured Radepont by a visit ; various seats covered and open, the former with rush mats or cushions, both for sitting on and to place beneath the feet; an American ground ; a hanging wood with a dark walk ; a bridge over the stream which drives the cotton mills and passes through a part of the low grounds ; a cascade ; an aviary and a menagery with a lemur, turtle doves, pheasants, &c. ; English cottages ; a dairy and very neat cow-houses ; with some similar objects of amusement and interest. The walks are, for the most part, ornamented with groups of showy annuals of the commoner sorts, asters, marigolds, poppies, mallows, &c. The views from the rising grounds are over the house and the low grounds, to the naked down-like chalk hills on the other side of the valley; and those from the low grounds are, in most places, limited by a boundary of wood, and are chiefly from one object to another within this boundary. The kitchen-garden may contain three acres, surrounded by a mud wall trellised, and has a very good gardener's house, a fruit-room, a hot-house, pits, and frames. The hot-house contains some good old plants of general in- terest, such as the sugar-cane, date palm, Indian-rubber tree. The frames were shaded with straw mats, and contained, if we recollect right, a few pine plants, cantaloup melons, and some pots of cuttings. The walks, like all the others about this residence, were laid with fine river gravel, which, as it does not bind, is kept soft and even, by frequent raking. The edgings in the kitchen-garden were of strawberries, sorrel, and other culinary plants. The borders were planted with dwarfs, and trees trained en jyramide, and in the compartments were some standards. The whole, even to the melon ground, was in the most perfect order, the walks newly raked, and scarcely a weed to be seen. With no part of the grounds could we find fault in this respect. On expressing our surprise and admiration at this degree of order and neatness to the gardener, a gay old man, who could read and write, with a stout healthy wife of nearly the same age who looked out on us as we passed the door of her dwelling-house, he said that his master insisted that it should always be so, and therefore it could not Chateau de Radepo7it. 619 be otherwise. Nothing gratified us more than to hear of this taste, and rigid exaction of duty, on the part of the master. An easy master is not so bad as a whimsical or capricious one ; but he is much worse than one who requires even a mihtary exactness in the performance of duty. All servants, whether of the public, like ourselves, or of individuals, like many of our readers, are, from the nature of things, more or less machines ; an easy master lets them rust and go out of order, but a systematic one polishes the cogs and oils the gudgeons, so as to increase their mechanical efficiency, prevent noise, and accelerate motion. On the whole this place only requires an English-looking house, to be a very successful imitation of the English man- ner. The house servant who showed us round, a Ger- man from Alsatia, who could not read, and who excused himself by saying he did not understand the French letters, said it was entirely laid out by his master, who had passed some time in England. Thinking that the new village and the old one might in- dicate the present and the former states of the habitations of the poor in this part of France, and being on a walking excursion, we entered some of the cottages in both villages. The interior of the thatched mud structures was not so un- comfortable as we expected. The total internal dimensions might be 12 ft. by 20; there was one fire-place, large, open, and raised about 6 in. from the floor, for burning wood ; a boarded partition separated a space about 12 ft. by 6 or 8 ft., which we had not an opportunity of looking into, further than to see the corner of a box-bed without curtains ; this partition was not higher than the side walls, and in one case it was formed of a straw mat stretched on posts and rails ; the common ceiling to the whole interior seemed to be of loose boards, and in one cottage there was no ceiling. The furniture consisted of a large oak chest in every case, with a table and some straw-bottomed chairs, a cupboard, a bench, earthen pots, wooden plates, a distaff, bill-hook, reaping-hook, spade, hoe, and a few other articles. In New Fleury, the dwelling houses are substantially built of brick and stone, of ample dimensions, and two stories high. On the ground floor are a large apartment with a fire- place, and a smaller one entered from it without a fire-place. Over these ai-e two sleeping-rooms to which the ascent is by a staircase which proceeds from the entrance door. Our next will commence with the gardens of Paris and its environs. {To be continued.) 650 PART 11. MISCELLANEOUS INTELLIGENCE. Art. I. General Notices. Prices of Commodities. — The progress of a town depends greatly on the abundance and cheapness of consumable commodities; and hence we find that all the large citiesof ancient times were situated either near the sea, or on the lower part of navigable rivers. Such were Nineveh, Babylon, Memphis, Carthage, Rome, and Constantinople. All these places enjoyed the advan- tage of water-carriage, without which even Babylon, though placed in the midst of a most fertile country, never could have swelled its population to a million, or three-quarters of a million, of souls. At the union of the crowns of England and Scotland, Edinburgh did not probably contain 20.000 inhabitants; and yet such was the difficulty of feeding them, that every foot of the soil to which the plough could be applied, on the high parts of Arthur's Seat, was torn up. Why was this? Simply because Scotland having few ships, and being no match for England by sea, her capital necessarily had all its supplies brought in by pack-horses. Hence the expense of conveyance was so great, that it was more profitable to raise corn on the very worst soils in the neighbourhood, than to bring it from the best soils at some distance off. With our improved roads, our canals, and our shipping, 150,000 persons could be more easily fed in Edinburgh at this day, than 20,000 at the time of the union. Railways will go far to place inland towns, remote from I'ivers or the sea, on a level in this respect with those which have the most abundant means of water communication. {Scotsman, k\>Y\\ 18. 1829.) Extending this reasoning to countries, corn and raw commodities of all kinds ought to be cheaper in Great Britain than in any other country in Europe ; because there is a greater demand there than in any other country, and because Great Britain is surrounded by the sea, which serves as a canal to any other country, and, unlike other canals and tracks of communication, requires no expense to keep it in j-epair. What is it, then, that renders corn, with every other raw material, dearer in Britain than in any other country ? The corn laws, restricted commercial intercourse, the interest of the national debt, and the expense of the national church; and the problem is to get rid of these with perfect justice and honesty to all parties concerned. No plan that is not perfectly just and honest is worthy of Great Britain. — Cond. Use of Si/stematic Names. — Every gardener is at home with every other gardener, no matter whether he ever saw him before, or in what part of the country he may find him, or even if they do not understand the common lan- guage of each other. To be convinced ofthis,itis only necessary to observe the personal intercourse of the Continental and British nurserymen, which with a few exceptions is almost entirely carried on by pronouncing a few systematic names of plants ; these systematic names being what may be called the universal language of gardenei's. If, therefore, the systematic General Notices, 651 names of plants and animals were in universal use, there would be to a cer- tain extent a universal language, and this, we think, is one reason why sys- tematic names should be adopted into all languages without altering their terminations. There are few travellers who have not experienced the ad- vantages of belonging to that universal society the Masonic brotherhood ; the Society of Jesus is another universal institution ; and the universal pro- pagation of the Christian religion by missionaries, and of the Bible by the Bible Societies, will tend towards uniting mankind in one family. The probable destiny of the human race, it is not unreasonable to suppose, is ulti- mately to speak one language, to use the same weights and measures, to be governed by nearly the same laws, and to be much nearer an equality in point of knowledge, manners, and even propert)-, than they are at present. The changes required before this state of things is attained may be various, and their accomplishment may be distant ; but they have already been effected to a certain extent : the English and French languages and lite- rature are spreading every where ; and gardeners and naturalists are every where springing up, who all make use of the same systematic names. It ought to be gratifying, therefore, to gardeners to know that, independently of other advantages, in the mere acquirement of the systematic names of plants, and in teaching them to others, they are abso- lutely contributing to the spreading of a universal language, and certainly, though slowly, clearing the way for the greatest human improvement that the mind can contemplate. — Cond. Ploughing and digging very tenacious Soils. — It may be useful now and then for farmers and gardeners to turn their attention to the implements with which they perform their principal opei'ations ; the most frequent and important of which, both in the farm and garden, are ploughing and digging. Now, the friction of the plough and the spade are very different in different soils, and in the same soil under different circumstances. The most diffi- cult soils to plough are strong, tenacious, flinty clays, such as those of Kent, when between the wet and the dry. Mr. Finlayson, in his excellent prac- tical work, the British Farmer, observes that, when the clays of Kent, Surrey, and Middlesex are betwixt the wet and dr}', they adhere to the body of the plough like glue, and double or treble the friction that would otherwise take place. Hence the necessity of such clumsy unwieldy implements as the Kentish turnwrest plough, requiring five or six horses to draw them. " Considering the great expense of working land with this plough," says Mr. Finlayson, " I began to consider, that, in place of a mould-board, three or four rods of iron might be substituted. On trial I found it to answer the purpose completely ; and I have no hesitation in saying that the most adhesive land may with ease be ploughed with the skeleton plough {^g. 133.) and one pair of good horses. The clay or earth being prevented from 652 General Notices. adhering to the plough, the draught is thereby much diminished; the whole surface of this plough not being more than one third or one fourth the sur- face of other ploughs will account for the ease of draught." Notwithstanding the Kentish farmer's well known aversion from reading and from inno- vation of any kind, we confess we are a little surprised that this skeleton plough has not been fairly tried. It may not on every soil succeed without wheels; but these could easil)' be joined to the construction. It is worthy of notice, that another individual, we suppose a machinist, Stothard, has taken out a patent for a plough with a perforated mould-board, the ob- ject of which he states to be exactly the same as that of Mr. Finlayson's. We hope some of our readers will give Finlayson's skeleton plough a trial ; and we hope that gardeners, by reflecting on what we have stated respecting this plough, will see the great saving of labour in digging or hoeing stiff clays, be- tween wet and dry, with two-pronged spade-forks and hoes. {fig. 134.) The navigator's spade, with a semi-cylindrical blade (_;%. \55.a); with a rounded blade {b); with a scolloped blade (c); with a tapering blade [d) ; with a triangular blade {e) ; with a pierced blade (/ ), and with a shield blade (g), "are all for the purpose of piercing the earth with greater ease, and, of course, diminishing friction. For diminishing friction in loamy soils, and in all such as can be worked with ease, the most perfect plough hitherto produced is that of Wilkie of Uddingston,nearGlasgow. {fig.\36.) Wheels are generally placed under the X36 xi?==^^-_^ beams of ploughs, with a view to ren- der them easier to hold ; but a wheel fixed like that of Mr. Wilkie {a) is for the purpose of diminishing the friction of the land side and the sole. This wheel is placed so as to incline from the perpendicular at an angle of about 30°, and following in tiie angle of the furrow cut by the coulter antl share, it insures a greater degree of steadiness in the motion of the plough, than when rolling only on the bottom General Notices. 653 of the furrow. The father of the present Mr. Wilkie constructed a plough on the above prmciple in 1825,ancl they have since been highly approved of both in clayey loams and free soils. The sock, or share, is of cast iron, which is a great saving both'in first cost and repairs ; costing only Is., and ploughing at an average upwards of 10 acres. The coulter alone requires to be taken to the smithy, the share being renewed by the ploughman at pleasure. The wheel, which is of cast iron, will last many years. The draught of this plough has been proved, at a public ploughing match in 1829, to be fully 30 per cent less than that of the common swing-plough of the most improved form. The price is also lower than that of any iron plough now in use. A specimen may be seen at Weir's, Oxford Street, London, and we would sti'ongly re- commend a trial. — Cond. Improvements on Wilkie'' s Wheel Plough. — Sir, Since writing, I have re- ceived the most satisfactory testimonials in favour of the wheel plough from the different gentlemen who have used them; in particular, from Mr. Shed- holm of Carlisle, Mr. Rothwell of Manchester, and Mr. Rooke of Leicester who has got three of them. The latter gentleman writes me that his soil is a strong deep loam, very difficult to plough : that his neighbours work with ploughs having a wheel on each side of the beam to keep them steady, drawn by four and five horses, a man holding and a boy driving; while he employs only one man and a pair of horses to perform the same work. The only improvements suggested are, to increase a little the breadth of the rim of the wheel, so as to prevent it from sinking in loose or wet soils ; and to place a cover over it, to protect it from any loose earth getting over the top of the mould-board and obstructing its motion. I intend likewise to have the rim of the wheel cast in an iron mould, by which means the casting will become ex- tremely hard, and, when polished, little or no earth will adhere to its surfaces; but the stickage from the present position of the wheel is nothing to what it was when the wheel was placed vertically. I am at present making a plough for a farmer in this immediate neighbourhood, embracing all these im- provements: the beam is made almost wholly of steel; the plough is intended, when completed, not to weigh more than half the common plough, and the draught is expected to be diminished in the same propor- tion. It is likewise proposed to have a piece of mechanism attached to the wheel, by the revolution of which the quantity of ground passed over by the plough may be indicated. You seem to think that the wheel plough will be more difficult to ma- nage than the common plough. With respect to this point there is rather a diversity of opinion among the ploughmen ; but, for my own part, although I have had little experience in holding the plough, I was able to make a straighter and evener furrow with the wheel plough than with the other: from having fewer points in contact with the bottom of the fur- row and land side, it keeps a firmer hold of the ground, and is not so apt to deviate on encountering different resistances ; this is seen to great ad- vantage in breaking or taking up the last furrow, in which its superiority over the common plough is most conspicuous. — James Wilkie. Uddingston, Oct. 17.1829. Wilkie^s Brake or Cidtivator, and its various Applications. — Another ex- cellent invention for diminishing friction in labouring the soil is Wilkie's parallel adjusting brake, f^g. 157) This implement is said to penetrate the 654! General Notices. soil with less draught than Finlayson's harrow ; and, by the application of a parallel movement, the tines, which may or may not be hoes, maybe regu- lated to work at any depth, ^ from 1 to 8 or 9 in. This is " done instantaneously, and with mathematical exactness. In gardening, the Spanish hoe (Vol. II. p. 233. fig. 64.), the Grenoble hoe (Jig. 158. a), the pick hoe (b), and the Sarthe hoe (c), with some others of the French (rf ef), may be considered as the nearest approach to this ap- plication of pronged instru- ments. The Fi'ench have a great variety ofhoes(_/?g5.139, 140.), because a greater part of the agriculture of France alternates with a sort of gar- den culture. The hoe, M. Thouin observes (Coicrs de Culture, Sic), is an implement of universal use, and by it the surface of the soil can be stirred to the 1 159 C^^ ^^^^fe> ^:^i depth of from 3 to 7 in. at less expense of time and human strength than by any other manual implement whatever. It is among manual implements what the plough is among implements drawn by cattle. Pronged hoes are par- ticularly suitable for gravelly, stony, and clayey soils, and those full of root weeds ; but, in any soil, they require less strength on the part of the opei'ator than common hoes. The vineyards of France are mostly worked with hoes; and as the operator has most power over the implement when he is bent with his head half way to the ground, this po- sition is said to produce anchy- losis of the spine, and to deform General Notices. 655 the operator during his future life. Gardeners and others ought to bear this in mind when they send women to hoe turnips, and to other field work. — Co7id. Improvements in Wilkie^s Brake . — With regard to the brake, it cer- tainly has a nearer resemblance to Finlayson's harrow than to any other implement of the kind, more particularly in the form of the tines and mode of adjustment. With respect to the tines I do not conceive that I have followed Mr. Finlayson's plan, but rather that of my late father, to whom the merit of originality in this instance unquestionably is due. He first applied the principle of the bent lever to the hoes attached to his drill implements, a perspective drawing of which I furnished for the Farmer's JUagazine for 1821. The drill harrow, with the hoes on the principle alluded to, you have copied into your Encyclopcsdia of Agriculture. The following sketches {fig- 141. a, b, c) will at once show the identity of principle. c ifig. 141.) is ,A^ .1 / — ^ h that of my father; /— xr/ i /<~?) .^ " A Finlayson's ; and /"x^Vrf '- ^.^i^^^ 1} // B mine. They are _£^j;i:i^^4. c^^-=s^^^^^^^^^b .^i^:^ c all bent levers ; '"^*^^^^ the fulcrum being at «, the power at i. b I conceive to be stronger than A or c ; the upper curvature at e serving to introduce the prin- ciple of tension ; the power at b acting with greater effect as a coun- terpoise to the resistance at d than in either of the former. The curve erf is that of the cycloid, described by mathematicians as the solid of least resistance : this curve has been considered only as a jeu d" esprit of its great author; but I have found it, from repeated experiment, to answer better than any other. Nor do I think that I have copied Mr. Finlayson in the mode by which the implement is regulated. By an application of the simple, yet beautiful, principle of the parallel movement, 1 have effected, by one instantaneous operation, what, in Fin- layson's harrow and every implement of the kind, required three separate adjustments. In Finlayson's harrow, the lever has only power to lift the fore part out of the ground ; the hind part being raised b)' means of screws at each extremity of the axle ; always a tedious process, and one which can- not be performed while the implement is at work. The tines of Finlayson's harrow are ranged in two parallel rows, at right angles to the line of draught. I have adopted the form of an isosceles triangle, the tines being attached to its equal sides, and by thus having their resisting points obliquely to the line of draught, they act more on the principle of the wedge, and consequently with greater effect and less waste of power. Although, in the first instance, I have fitted up this implement to serve as a brake or harrow, this Is but one of the many uses to which it may be applied in tillage operations. 1st, By attaching tines, with triangular feet, it makes a scarifier ; or, in place of tines, one large triangular blade suspended from each of its extremities or angles. Sdl}', By substituting cutting wheels, in place of tines, it is con- verted into a sward-cutter. 3dly. From its extreme accuracy of adjustment, it will make an excellent drill or ribbing machine, and may be made to sow at the same time. And 4th!y, If steam is destined ever to supersede the labour of horses in drawing the plough, this machine, from its peculiar formation, and mode of management, will afford the greatest facility for trying the experiment, as it may be made to take a number of furrows at once. Steam has never yet been applied to tillage, but I am perfectly convinced of its practicability, if the weight of the engine could be reduced so as not to sink in the soil, or consolidate too much the surface on which it moved. I have not yet seen any of the portable steam threshing-machines, but expect to have one fitted up by and by, wiiich may be applied to other im- portant agricultural operations. Mr. Bell's reaping-machine appears to be a nearer approach to perfection than has hitherto been attained, and from 656 Foreign Notices': — Switzerland. what I learned, when at Perth, has given very great satisfaction. Steam could certainly be employed to great advantage in impelling this machine, as horse power is awkwardly applied when required to push instead of to pull forward. I am, &c. — James Wilkie. Udd'mgston, Oct. 17. 1829. The Sonde {fig. 142.) is a watering-machine, said to be used in the neigh- bourhood of Avranches; and where much watering in the open air is requisite, as in the market-gardens of France and Italy, it must produce a con- siderable saving in labour. It is simply a cylinder of copper, brass, or tin, (wood might do) with the bottom fixed an inch or two above the lower and pierced with holes like the tf_^^ rose of a common waterina:- ~- pot, to let the water enter and escape ; and there is a hole in the handle of the upper part of the utensil (a) to let the air escape when it is filling with water. To fill it, plunge it into a well or cistern, and, when full, let the person who carries it place his thumb on the hole (a), or turn the cock {b). To let the water escape in a fine shower, remove the thumb or return the cock. The operator should have a utensil in each hand, and the sizes may be those of common watering- pots. The sonde is not likely to be of much use in English gardens ; but one of the simplest, cheapest, and best shower baths hitherto in use may be formed from it. We shall have one constructed, and send it and the sonde to Weir's manufactory, Oxford Street. The sonde was brought to us from Paris by the Baron Baude, at the suggestion of M. Souligne, late editor of the Journal Hebdomadaire. — Cond. Art. II. Foreign Notices. SWITZERLAND. Education in the Canton of Geneva. — It is interesting to~compare the state of education in our little canton with that of the neighbouring countries, France and Sardinia. In 1827, in the department of the Seine and Loire, there were 4535 young men found liable to the conscription ; of these, 2925 could neither read nor write, 15U could both read and write, 233 could only read, and 6B uncertain. In the department of the Ain there were 3093; of whom 227 could read onl}, 1079 who could read and write, 1718 who could neither read nor write, and 79 uncertain. In this department is the little town of Gez, on the southern declivity of Mount Jura, in which there were 198 liable to the conscription; of these 122 could read and write, 3 covild read only ; so that there were but 56 in 100 who could neither read nor write. In this place, therefore, which is on the frontiers of Geneva, and the Canton de Vaud, five eighths have been at school, and acquired, at least, some knowledge. In Gez also, among all the towns in the department, agriculture, breeding of cattle, and manufac- tures are the most flourishing. This is, however, entirely owing to its proximity to Geneva. According to the above computation, nearly two thirds of the French youths were wholly uneducated. Of the females, six eighths may be reckoned as in the same predicament, {For. Qiia?-t. Rev., Jan.) Education in Savot/. — In Savoy, out of ten young people of both sexes, we may reckon that eight are without education, and, in the interior of the Foreign Notices : — Italy, Sicily. 657 country, for instance in the Tarantaise and Maurienne, nine. Mere, in Geneva, and, for the last five jears, in the Canton de Vr.ud, it would be difficult to find a healthy child, of ten years of age, ciiat cannot both read and write with facility'. (Fo?'. Quart, Rev., Jan.) Education in the Canton of Argovia. — The little council of the canton of Argovia has issued an ordinance, in order to secure the benefits of edu- cation to children who are employed in manufactories. By this ordinance the owners of all such manufactories are compelled to establish a school, and provide a proper schoolmaster to instruct the children employed by them. One hour daily, or two hours every other da}', is to be allowed them for the purpose. All these schools to be under the special super- intendence of the counsellors of schools. No manufacturer is allowed to receive a child into his establishment without a certificate from the clergy- man of the parish that the child is of proper age. {Ibid.) In the Gymnasium at Bern the children are taught not only the exercises of the mind, but also those of the body ; to swim, to jump, to climb, to ride ; a plan which seems to me excellent, as giving a wholesome direction to that restless activity of boys, which so often leads them first into mischief, and then into vice. (JVood^s Letters of an Architect, vol. i. p. 192.) The VaUais is a fine valley, much narrower here than I had imagined from my view of it from above Martigny. The mountains which bound it are steep slopes, the bottom appears flat, and, altogether, it wants variety : yet it offers some beautiful scenes, especially at the openings of the little valleys. The inhabitants are esteemed to be lazy, dirty, and goitrous, and by far the most licentious in Switzerland, but rather improving of late years. Till the road over the Simplon was made, it was one of the most unfrequented parts of the country, and it may serve as an encouragement to those who fear that good roads, and freer intercourse with their neigh- bours, will spoil the sobriety and simplicity of the Swiss character. {Ibid, p. 197.) ITALY. Food of the lower Classes. — On one occasion I listened to a capuchin preaching in the Coliseum : his subject was a comparison between the Virgin Mary and the river Jordan, which descends from Lebanon as the virgin descended from heaven ; and he added a great deal of stuff, which you would not thank me for remembering. I asked one of the more respectable clergy why such conduct was permitted, and he pleaded that it was necessary to please the lower classes with nonsense, as hogs are fed with garbage. To amuse and to cheat the people has been too often the endeavour of those who think themselves called to rule the world ; but if they vitiate the taste of the multitude, by furnishing them with unwhole- some food, it is the fault of the teachers, not of the people, if the latter lose their relish for plain and salutary truths; and this argument seems to come with a very bad grace from the Roman Catholic clergy. The watch- fulness over the press, and the refusal of the Scriptures to the people, can only be defended on the plea of refusing to them, not only every thing but good and wholesome food, but all such as they can by any means mis- digest, if I may coin a word, and continue my metaphor. Particular truths may be hurtful at certain times ; general ones are good at all times ; and he who imagines that the multitude is incapable of understanding the prin- ciples which gnide his own conduct, has either mistaken his way, or is led by vanity to attribute to himself a superiority over his fellow-creatures which he does not possess. {Wood's Letters of an Architect, vol. ii. p. 586.) SICILY. The Botanic Garden at Palermo. — There is a good botanic garden at Palermo, and the warmth of the climate gives us an opportunity of seeing Vol. V. — No. 23. u u 658 Foreign Notices : — N'ot'th America. many of our green-house plants growing freely and in great perfection in the open air. Among them we may observe the sugar-cane, the papyrus, and the banana ; and the botanist will also be gratified by meeting with many Sicilian plants, which are hardly to be seen elsewhere. The casino was designed by M. du Fourny, whom I have alread}' mentioned to you at Paris; the general form is good, but the details do not please me. The metopes (for the order is Doric) are ornamented with different fruits. The idea is ingenious, but it ought to have exhibited the various modes of fructification, especially such as tend to elucidate the different families of plants. In the present instance, thej' have neither been well chosen nor well executed. (^Wood's Letters of an Architect, p. 341.) Hedges in Sicily. — About Monreale the aloe is very abundant, and I once counted ninety-eight flowering stems in one view. It is employed as a fence, but it is not a good one ; for though excellent for one or two years before flowering, yet, as the old plant dies immediately afterwards, two or three years elapse before the offsets are sufficiently advanced to supply its place effectually. I sometimes, also, see the cactus employed as a fence ; but, after some time, the lower part loses its prickles, and men and animals may creep through. {Ibid., p. 354.) NORTH AMERICA. Growth and Manufacture of Silk. — During 1828, six thousand copies of a compilation on the growth and manufacture of silks were published by order of the House of Representatives in congress. This compilation contains an abridgment of all that is relative to its introduction into America. Dr. Mease, of Piiiladelphia, has also translated Count Hazzi's Lehrhuch des Seidenbaues fur Deutschland, and published it with plates. {Neiu York Farmer and Hort. Rep., Oct. 1828.) The Maize was the finest I had seen, having stalks 14 ft. in height, abun- dantly furnished with ears of grain (helotes), in which, I was informed, a minute and very venomous snake is sometimes secreted. Here the delicious cherimoyer flourishes in a wild state ; roses are absolutely weeds. Among some neglected peach trees I saw an orange tree covered with fruit. {Lyon^s Mexico.) Gooseberry in Albany. — The gooseberry has not been extensively culti- vated among us, and our assortment is but indifferent. The fruit is very liable to be blighted by mildew ere it is half formed, and we know no remedy for the evil. {Communicated to Mr. Saul from a Correspondent at Albany, Nov.';. 1828.) Sugar made from the Water-Melon. — It has been discovered in the state of South Carolina, that a very fine quality of sugar may be extracted from the water-melon, which grows in great perfection there. The landlord of a public-house has shown that all the sugar used in his house during the preceding twelve months, and which had passed as the finest cane, had been obtained from water-melons of his own raising. (iVcw^^j., Jan. 1829.) General Education. — The New England states and New- York have made the most liberal provision for the instruction of the people. It appears from a note in Mr. Cooper's book, that there were in the last- mentioned state in 1825, without including 656 schools from which no returns were made, 7773 common schools, which were supported wholly, or in part, by the public, and attended by 425,000 scholars. Besides the means afforded for the lowest elements of education, the state of New- York has a fund which has contributed largely to classical schools, and endowments to no inconsiderable extent have been made to colleges. Other ()rovinces have been eqvially munificent; and congress, in autiioris- ing the admission of new states into the union, has made to them distinct Domestic Notices : — England. 659 appropriations of public lands for common schools, and for the establish- ment of colleges. (Rev. of Cooper's Notions of the Americans, in Westmins- ter Rev. for Jan. 1829, p. 66.) Art. III. Domestic Notices. ENGLAND. Preston Institution for the Diffusion of Knowledge. — On Thursday night last, Mr. John Dewhurst, mason and slater, gave a historical lecture on architecture, to the members of the above institution. The lecture was well attended, and Mr. Dewhurst gave an elaborate account of the science, from the earliest ages to its perfection by the Grecians and Romans, which he exemplified by many well executed drawings from the most celebrated buildings of the ancient architects. He lamented the decline of the science, and concluded his lecture by exhorting his fellow-members, such as masons, joiners, and smiths, to form themselves into classes, for the study of the qualities of stone, the strength of iron, timber, &c., attributing the many accidents from the fall of buildings to a want of this knowledge. He an- nounced the subject of his next lecture to be, the state and progress of the art from the invasion of the Romans to the present time. He then pre- sented the whole of the drawings, together with a beautiful model of the Choragic monument of Sysicrates, which is called by the modern Athenians the " Lantern of Demosthenes," to the institution. The model was exe- cuted by Mr. Ducket, sculptor, in this town. It is composed of three dis- tinct parts: first, a quadrangular basement; secondly, a circular colon- nade, of which the intercolumniations were entirely closed ; and, thirdly, a tliolus,oY cupola, witli an ornament upon the crown of the dome. For this munificent gift of Mr. Dewhurst, the members expressed their gratitude by a simultaneous clapping of hands. {Preston Chronicle.) We have great pleasure in recording this attempt to diffuse architectural taste and knowledge. No description of science, or of taste, is more in want of a stimulus, especially in the country. It is remarkable that, not- withstanding the great number of societies in England for objects of utility, there should be so few for objects of taste. Scarcel}' one of the numerous gardening societies pays any attention to the art, as one of design or taste. \Ve should like to see a society established for the diffusion of architectural knowledge, which a society might do by merely publishing periodically a series of designs and details of all manner of ordinary buildings, at a price which would come within the reach of every journeyman bricklayer and carpenter. — Cond. State of the Poor in Colne. — The labouring population at Colne, we hear, are at present suffering more severe distress than they suffered in 1825 and 1826. The wages for weaving are now something lower than they ever were at that period, and provisions are nearly one third dearer, A siu'vey of the poor was matle last week, by personal visitation at their houses, and the result is, that there are 1940 individuals (being nearly one third of the population), whose average weekly income per head, inclusive of parish relief, amounts only to Is. 2^d., or 2d. a day ; and that there are 1248 individuals, whose average weekly income per head does not exceed Is. 9|rf., or 3d. a day; thus there is nearly one half of the population who have not on an average above 2Af/. a day to live upon. Similar returns have been obtained from the adjoining townships, with nearly the same results. It is added, that preparations are making for forwarding to government a u u 2 660 Domestic Notices : — England. memorial on this unnatural state of society. Surely it forms a strong ground of appeal on the subject of the corn laws. {Bolton Chron., May 2.) The unfortunate difference between the poor of England, and the poor of every other country in Europe is this, that being raised higher by artificial circumstances, their fall to the lowest state is so much the greater. Requiring a good deal to live even miserably, when mis- fortune arrives they cannot live at all. Small as may be the sura of 2d. a day, it would support a man in France or Germany. In all countries, the only poor who can be considered as having any fixed comfort, either in hand or in prospect, are those who derive their income direct from the produce of land ; who rent or own a cottage and large garden, or who are labourers in agriculture, paid chiefly in kind, as in the northern counties. In all that relates to food and warmth, the poor of Russia and Poland are incomparably better off than the poor of England ; but this evil in Eng- land, like every other evil, will work its own cure, and in proportion as it presses on the class next above them, in the same proportion will remedies be sought after and found. Nothing worth mentioning will ever be done for either the poor, the farmer, the tradesman, or the manufacturer, till the trade in corn be perfectly free. — Cond. Atherstone Self-Supporting Dispensai-y. — The object of this institution is to furnish medicine to the poor, not gratuitously, but on a certain scale of payment, according to the means of the applicants. We would strongly recommend it as deserving encouragement and imitation, were we not deeply impressed with the opinion, that nine tenths of the diseases of the poor arise from want of sufficiency of good food and clothing, and from low, damp, uncomfortable cottages; and we know very well that medicine cannot do mucli in curing these evils. Would not the same amount laid out in soup do them more good ? It is lamentable to think, that, in such a place as Atherstone, stated in the Gazetteer of England to contain only a population of 2500 individuals, there should have been so many as 765 under the me- dical treatment of this dispensary in one year. Surely this in a country population cannot be what may be called natural disease. We highly ap- plaud the elevated motives of the members, but we can see no hopes for the poor of England but in the general diffusion of education, and in a perfectly free trade in corn and in every other raw material. The poor of England will then, and not till then, be upon an equal footing with the poor of other countries. — Cond. The Drainage of extensive Tracts of Marshy Country, by means of steam, begins to be adopted ; though it is surprising that it has not long ere now become more general in the marshy and fenny districts of the eastern coast. A steam-engine of 40-horse power, with a water-wheel of 28 ft. iu diameter, has lately been erected at Misterton, near Gainsborough, for the purpose of draining upwards of 6,000 acres belonging to different proprietors, and jlying in four parishes. After the engine had worked one hour, it was as- certained that the main drain running from the carrs had been lowered eight inches, and that the drain into which the water was thrown, measur- ing from the stop-gates of the engine to the sluice-doors adjoining the Trent (which were kept closed), about three quarters of a mile in length, and about forty feet in breadth, had risen two feet. The commissioners and proprietors present, after intimating their entire satisfaction with the engine, buildings, &c., and as to the capability of the former performing the work for which it was calculated, presented the workmen, about sixty in number, with a sum of money to regale themselves, and expressed their thanks to Alfred Smith, Esq., the engineer employed on the occasion, and also to the contractors of the work, for the manner in which it had been executed. {Farm. Jour., Jan. 26. 1829.) The Mrhutus liybridci, in the Fulham Nursery, is sixteen years old, and 16 ft. high, with a large head completely covered with foliage. No frost has Domestic Notices : — England. 661 ever hurt It. It is more prolific of bloom than any other species or variety, and its flowers are also much larger than those of the ^'rbutus f/nedo. The following is the origin of this plant: — At Dr. Fothergill's, at Camberweli, was a fine specimen of the J'rbutus AnArachne, and one season it produced ripe berries, which were given to the late Mr. Thoburn, nurseryman at Old Brompton, who was at that time celebrated for his success in raising seedlings. He was fortunate enough to raise about ten plants ; I say fortunate, as 1 do not believe the ^ndrachne ever perfected seeds in this country but in this one instance. Several of the seedlings were sold to the amateurs of plants of that day : but Messrs. Whitley reserved one, the most dissimilar to the parent plant they could select; for though this hybrid has the deciduous bark of the ^ndrachne, yet it partakes more of the habit of ^'rbutus [7nedo ; and the leaves being so much larger, and more deeply serrated, it may be called a Giant Arbutus. After the death of Dr. Fothergill, his plants were disposed- of by public auction, and the contest for the purchase of the ^ndrachne was carried on by two spirited nurserymen of that day, till the biddings amounted to forty pounds, and I think ^tr. D. Grimwood was the fortunate purchaser. — R. W. April 7. 1829. Aldrica Northikna. — I have flowered a plant this summer, which I never recollect having seen in flower before, and which is well worth the at- tention of all plant-growers, 1 mean the old Marica Northw7ia. 1 put a plant of it in the hot-house last May, gave it plenty of water, and kept pulling off the suckers as they made their appearance. In August it threw up a strong spike of flowers, ten or twelve of them opening every day, for more than two months. Nothing could be more beautiful. I mean to flower a dozen or more of them every year in future. When in flower, the plants may be put in the green-house, or even out of doors. The plant above mentioned has been out this month past, and even now (November) continues to show a flower or two almost every day, and altogether there have not been less than 400 flowers upon it. I make no doubt but this plant has flowered in many places ; but still it is a plant that is generally despised as worthless, and difficult to flower; but the contrary is the case, and any one who will manage it as I have mentioned, I will answer for it, will be highly gratified with the result. I often wonder you have not more communica- tions on the best method of making plants flower, that are difficult to flower, or of cases in which the method of flowering them is not generally known. For instance, how many have been trying to flower the Combretum comosum, and wondering what sort of treatment Mr. Campbell gave his plant, when out comes the secret of fastening a piece of wire round the stem. Many of us country gardeners would be glad of as many hints of the same kind as you can find room for. I am, &c. — Robert Reid. Alontrath Hott.se, near Col- lumpton, Devonshire, Nov. 8. 1828. Neiv Plants from the Caraccas. — Mr. Fanning, the proprietor of the Botanic Garden at the Caraccas, has lately arrived in London with the following plants, most of which he considers are new to this country: — The Arbol de Leache, or Milk tree; Brownea grandiflora, grandiceps, and coccinea; Canalindea, Span.; a new Hedychium; Coral, Span.; a new Brexia; Velvet plant; a new Heritiera; Boliverrt montana, gloriosa ; a new splendid Polygonum; Caldditim, new species ; two sorts of Arachacha; with a variety of other plants all new. Mr. Fanning returns to the Caraccas in the course of a few weeks, and in the mean time he will be happy to enter into correspondence with such naturalists as may wish to avail themselves of his services. His agent is Mr. Hunneman, Queen .Street, Soho. Garden Vases. — Mr. Peake, a manufacturer of draining tiles, conduit pipes, and other articles of this kind, of a very superior description, at Tunstal near Newcastle, Stafl^ordshire, has lately begun to produce cm- u u 3 662 Domestic Notices : — Scotland. bossed flower-pots and ornamental garden vases, of a very superior descrip- tion and very cheap. The articles are made in moulds, and the foliage and other ornaments are as sharp and as amply relieved as in sculptured productions. Mr. Peake assures us that there are roof tiles in his part of Staffordshire which have been in use for upwards of three centuries, and are still perfectly good; and that the vases and flower-pots are made of the same material as the tiles, and will last equally long. Having purchased some specimens from him, and among others a richly ornamented vase 3 ft. high for only •21. 10s., we can safely speak of their elegance, and from the appearance of the material we have little doubt of their durability. There are several other articles manufactured by Mr. Peake, which will deserve the attention of gardeners, agriculturists, and builders, especially his drain- ing tiles, conduit pipes, flue tiles, and hip and valley tiles. Specimens will be sent for exhibition to Weir's manufactory, Oxford Street, and at Charlwood's seed-shop. Great Russel Street, London. — Cond. Garden vases have also begun to be manufactured of very substantial and apparently durable materials, by Mr. Jones of Lambeth, who has sent us one of an elegant form and most correctly executed, as a specimen. A great number of ornamental garden vases have been lately brought from Florence by the Earl of Mansfield, and from these Mr. Jones has taken his patterns. Specimens may be seen at Mr. Charlwood's, Russel Street, Coven t Garden. — Cond. SCOTLAND. Fruit Market. — Sept. 26. Fruit is uncommonly abundant this season, and consequently it is selling remarkably cheap. Baking apples are selling at Is., and best at \s. 6d. a peck of 16 lbs. Pears are nearly over. Magnum Bonums are from 8d. to Is. a dozen ; Orleans 4s. a peck. Black damsons are selling at 6s. a peck: list year they sold from 18s. to a guinea the gallon, that is 1 peck and a half Grapes are Is. 6d. to Is. lOd. a lb. Oct. 13. All horticulturists agree that this is the most abundant fruit season that we have had for half a century, and the quality is not so inferior as might have been expected. Damsons from Cheshire, which ai-e bought there for 2s., sell here for 16s. a bushel. {Scots7na7i.) Village Libraiy at Ceres. — By the exertions of a number of the most respectable and best informed of the inhabitants, a public library was lately established in this village ; and, from the support with which it has already met, we are inclined to augur ftivourably of its ultimate success. During its brief existence, a collection of books, amounting to upwards of 300 volumes, has already been obtained, principally as donations; and, among the various donors, we would in particular mention Mr. Robert Gourlay, as having been extremely liberal to this institution. (ScotsDian, Sept. 17.) Education in Fifeshire. — A manufacturer of the small town of Kirkaldy, the birthplace of Adam Smith, has left 80,000/. for the education of poor children in the seven adjoining parishes. In so far as charities are com- mendable at all, this is unquestionably by far the most useful kind; but as it is clear from past experience that all manner of charities are liable to be very grossly abused, we should not be sorry to see government take posses- sion of the whole of those left for the purpose of education, and apply the income, as far as it would go, in the establishment of parochial schools, libraries, museums, and gardens, on the i)lan that we have elsewhere suggested. Neither should we be sorry to see the superfluous church property so applied, and livings reduced to something like what they are in Scotland. A national clergy, to be of any service to a country, must be kept so poor as to belong to the middling rather than to the higher classes. The experience of all ages j^roves this to be true; it equally proves that Domestic Notices : — Scotland. 663 in no age or country were the higher classes ever reformed by religion. People who are exceedingly well off in this world seldom care much about the next, nor is it our business whether they do or not. It is, however, a part of our duty to suggest every thing which we think cal- culated to promote the general improvement of our country, and of our fellow-creatures every where ; and we cannot help directing attention to the charities for education, and to the superfluous wealth of the church. — Concl. Loudon's Howe and Loudon's Brae. — Two gentlemen in Perthshire, who received some of our Scotch pine seed from Hagenau, have sown it in exposed hilly situations, where the plants are to remain, without removal, till they become timber; and one gentleman has named the site of the future pine grove Lotidon's Howe, and the other Loudon's Brae. We are by no means insensible to this description of honour, because we associate the idea with the dural)ility of the earth itself. We despise a monument that can be removed by a change of property, or destroyed by the revolution of a government. Here are a valley and a hill dedicated to our memory, which will be recorded in the maps of the country, and exist, bearing our name in these maps and in this Magazine, during the remainder of the interval between the past and the next geological change of our island's surface. We feel this to be an ample gratification for the act of procuring and bringing home the seeds — in itself a pleasui e. — Cond. Hot-house in Islay. — In Islay House garden, Island of Islay, Mr. Gray erected, last year, a splendid hot-house, on a new principle, which promises to admiration. A single cluster of citrons, produced in it, consisted of four fruit, averaging each 19 in., making a total of 6 ft. 4. in. {Scotsman, May 2: 1829.) Gardening in the Shetland Islands. — Crossing Brassa Sound, a distance of near a mile, we landed on Brassa Island, a place of considerable size partly marsh, covered with peat moss, and partly hill)*. It contains the mansion-house of the proprietor, William IVIorrat, Esq., standing close to the water, and surrounded b}' arable land, producing oats, here, potatoes and clover, the finest in Shetland. This gentleman has an extensive garden, maintained at considerable expense, prockicing cabbages, greens, turni|)s, carrots, parsneps, artichokes, and other hardy vegetables, with a few straw- berries and peas; the peas seldom fill, from the sea breezes and the severity of the climate. It is enclosed by a high stone wall, against which a ?ew scraggy apple trees are shown as a curiosity. The Sil)erian crab appears to thrive tolerably well ; and the gooseberry bush, trained against the wall, produces leaves and branches in luxuriance: a few fruit of good size, ripening during the month of September, are all that repay the labour and expense. Amongst the flowers, which consisted of wild ones introduced from the sea coast, the most showy were the Seathrift (5'tatice Armeria), Persicaria, Sea-catchfly (Silene maritima), Ragged Robin Campion (Lychnis fl6s cuculi), Red Campion (Z/ychnis dioica) the flowers of which were par- ticularly beautiful, Tormentilla officinalis, ^Antirrhinum, /'nula. Common Yarrow (Achillea Millefolium) with reddish-coloured flowers, &c. In front of the house, surrounded by a very high stone wall, which protects the vegetable world within from the sea breezes, is a square parterre, con- taining plants in full flower, partly from the hot-house, and partly from seed. Concealed from the bleak country and the surrounding ocean, it appears like fairy land, and is the finest thing of the kind that I have seen in Orkney or Shetland. Its smoothly cut grass-plots, traversed by gravel walks, resemble a bowling-green. Near the mansion is a hot-house, in which, b}' means of constant fires, the vegetable world pros|)ers as well as it would do in any other country. What will give a very good idea of the state of gardening in Shetland is, that Mr. Morrat, every few years, o-ets a young gardener from the south country, who, though he enjoys a good U U 4 664i Domestic Notices : — Scotland. salary and every comfort, disgusted with the unsuccessful result of his labours, becomes low-spirited, and returns to a more genial climate, where his professional toils are rewarded with success. {From Dr. Howison's MS. Notes.) Spots in Leaves. — In summer, when, after some days of fine weather, a storm happens, accompanied by a slight shower, and the sun appears im- mediately afterwards resuming his usual strength, his beams produce upon the flowers and leaves an effect similar to that of a burning glass, marking them here and there with round spots. Naturalists have been much puzzled about the cause, but the truth I think is this : — During fine wea- ther a certain portion of dust is deposited by the wind upon the foliage as well as on other places. When the shower falls upon the dust, the drops collect together, and assume a rounded form, as we may observe within doors on a dusty floor, when we sprinkle a little water on it. Now, these little globules of water collecting upon the leaves act like convex glasses, and produce the same effect. If the shower happens to be heavy and to last for some time, the same effect is not produced, because the dust is by degrees washed off, and the drops of rain, losing their globular form, spread over the leaf, and cease to exert their caustic effect. {Constable's Miscel- lany, vol. X., Table Talk, p. 6.5.) As you invite extracts from books, I send you the above. The hypothesis is plausible, and I should like to know if it coincides with your view of the subject. Every year the leaves of the wall apples, pears, and cherries in my garden are more or less affected with these spots, and this year particularly so. The epidermis of the leaf (if I may so call it), as far as it is covered with the spot, readily separates, and, in its early stage, is occupied by a small brown maggot. — John Ferme. Haddington, Sept. 23. 1828. Snag-imining of Ti^ees. — Some time ago I had occasion to be on the public road, about a mile west of Paisley, and was astonished to find, in the neighbourhood of that enlightened town, a number of fine old trees, con- sisting of beech, ash, and elms, on which had been committed the unmerci- ful operations of snag-pruning : a practice which every lover of his country should try to abolish. — X. Y. Z. Near Renfrew, May 26. 1826. List of a few of the rare Plants which have flowered in Carlowrie Garden this season. — il^fimulus moschatus, luteus var. rivularis, alatus, and gutta- tus, Genlmna alphia, Bellevah'a romana, Diphylleia cymosa, Xerophj'llum flsphodeloides, Chamgelfrium carolinianum, 6'yclamen vdrnum and repan- dum, iychnis fulgens, ^conitum volubile, Zigadenus glaberrimus, Hypoxis erdcta, Nuttalli« digitata, Silene regia, Salpiglossis atropurpurea and sinuata, Sieversia montana, triflora, and Peckii, Astrantia minor, Dryas integrifolia, Trillium plctum, /Vis trip^tala of Bot. Mag. 2886. : the plant figured by Mr. Sweet in Biit. Floiver Garden, pi. 274., appears to be a distinct species. — David Falconar. Carloivrie, near Edinburgh, July 20. 1829. C'dlla cethioinca {RichdrdvA oi Knnih). — Having seen this plant in the open air on a terrace at Beil, in this county, where the intelligent florist, Mr. Street, informed me it stood the winter with the protection of only a little litter thrown over it, I turned out a large plant, in the beginning of last summer, at the foot of a wall with a west aspect. It throve remarkably well, and had a fine flower on it as late as the month of November. The stalk and leaves were all cut down by the subsequent frost, but I am glad to see that the root is quite safe, and that it is already beginning to throw up fresh shoots. I have little doubt (although it is marked as a green- house plant in Sweet's Hortus Britunnicus) that the Calla has already grown in tlie o|)en air in other places; but, as it is considered by most |)er- sons as a green-house plant, 1 think it proper to notice it, for the purpose of introducing it as an inhabitant of our borders, to which it forms an elegant addition. The plant received no shelter from me, and I may mention (though usually treated as an aquatic) that the situation was dry, and it Domestic Notices : — Scotland. 665 was but sparingly supplied with water. — John Ferme. Haddington, Sep- tember 23. 1828. A Black Cluster Vine on a wall with an easteriy aspect in the open garden at Clarkstone is now covered with numerous well-formed clusters of perfectly ripe fruit. {Scotsman, Oct. 14.) Caledonian Horticultural Society. — A Meeting of the Council and Com- mittee of the Horticultural Society was held in the Experimental Garden on the 1st of October. At this Meeting eight competitors produced each six different varieties of hollyhocks, in flower, raised from seed sown in 182 7. All of the flowers were good; but three sets of specimens were placed apart by the Committee as superior to the others. After a very careful comparison among these three, the medal was awarded for a set which, on opening the sealed letter, was found to have been sent by Mr. William Ohver, gardener to the Earl of Rosslyn, at Dysart House. The other two selected collections were found to have been sent by Mr. James Scott Thomson, gardener to Viscount Strathallan, Castle Strath- allan, near CriefF; and by Mr. James Foulis, gardener to James Tytler, Esq., of Woodhouselee. A most splendid collection from Redbraes was pre- sented, but not for competition. This collection consisted of no fewer than ninety varieties, many of the very best and double. Thanks were voted to Walter Dickson, Esq. for this fine exhibition. A letter from Mr. John Macnaughton, gardener to John Wauchope, Esq., of Edmonston, was read, giving account, 1st, of a seedling nectarine ; 2d, of two seeilling peaches ; 3d, of a seedling plum ; and, 4th, of a seedling grape vine ; all of wiiich were approved of, and considered as highly pro- mising. The Society's silver medal was unanimously voted to Mr. John Mac- naughton, for these interesting productions, and he was requested to attend to the progress of the fruits, and also to furnish grafts or buds for the Experimental Garden. A letter from Mr. Thomas Spalding, gardener at Arthurston, was read, mentioning his having now sent (1st of October) some seedling carnations, in addition to others sent in the beginning of July, showing the long duration of the carnation season. Mr. Spalding also presented specimens of a promising seedling plum, resembling a damson in colour, though raised from seed of the green gage. The Committee recommended that Mr. Spalding should attend to this seedling plum for another season ; and they voted him a copy of the half volume of the Society's Memoirs lately published, as a testimony of their approbation. Specimens of^ a very promising seedling apple, raised by Mr. James Goodall, at the seat of the Marquess of Lothian, were presented and tried. The meeting also voted to Mr. Goodall a copy of the Memoirs as a testi- mony of their approbation. Specimens of the new Smooth-leaved Royal George and Noblesse Peaches, and of the Elruge Nsctarine, from the open wall at the new gar- den at Lulfness, planned by the Hon. Sir Alexander Hope, were exhibited, and much admired for their size and beauty. Mr. James Dick, gardener to the Right. Hon. Lady Mary Lindsay Craw- ford, at Crawford Priory, near Cupar, Fife, sent a specimen of the half- hardy melon, which originated from a seedling plant that accidentally appeared in the asparagus quarter in the fine summer of 1826, and ripened its fruit in that situation. This was now the third generation, and the fruit sent was raised in a cold frame. Although the present season has been very unfavourable, the fruit was found to be well flavoured and ripe. The Meeting likewise voted that a copy of the Memoirs should be presented to Mr. Dick for his zeal and attention, and they recommended to Mr. Barnet to cultivate this half-hardy melon in the Experimental Garden. {Edin. Advert., Oct. 16.) 666 Domestic Notices : — Irela)id. IRELAND. Remedies for existing Evils, — In the Monthly Magazine for October is a valuable paper on the causes of the distressed and disturbed state of the country. These causes are proved to be various, but the chief of them obviously is the want of some system of providing for the poor. " Every civilised state in the world, except Ireland, has prevented the extortion of the landlords, by institutions, either springing from the nature of society, or established by positive legal enactments." The writer proposes that govern- ment should appoint a civil engineer for public works which may afford productive employment, and that the overseers of parishes be empowered to send any pauper on application, who has no occupation, to these works for employment, and to charge his wages to the township or parish wherein he was born. " There is a chain of three lakes in Galway very near one another — Corib, Marsh, and Caira; by cutting a gallery 3,000 yards long through a limestone rock between the first and second of those lakes, an interior na- vigation of 50 miles would be opened up, and 1 7,000 acres of land now under water would be drained. The cost of the gallery is estimated at 30,000/., and the value of the land gained 330,000/. By removing the bar of the Cashen River in Kerry, you open a navigation of 30 miles, and drain 200,000 acres of waste land. By removing a small impediment in the River of Lough Gara, a large tract of submerged land would be gained. By removing the bar of the Shannon at Athlone, you could drain a large tract of land at Lough Ree." There are, no doubt, a variety of evils in Ireland, that would probably require a variety of measures for their eradication ; but it is a re- markable fact, as Mr.Nimmo, the celebrated engineer observed in his evidence before the House of Commons, that Ireland is the only country in Europe, where the landlords are not bound by law to take care of the poor. At first sight it appears not a little singular that this seeming want of feeling should exist among a people who are said to be " all heart;" but the fact may be accounted for, from the circumstance of the landlords of Ireland being for the greater part foreigners, residing in other countries. Be the cause what it will, surely the fact of there being no provision for the poor points out the justice of introducing the poor laws of England, with such amendments as they may admit of or require. This is a very simple measure, and we are convinced it would be of great service to the country in various ways. It is the only effectual method of compelling landlords to reside on their estates ; or of employing a very different description of agent from what they are said to do at present. The very meetings of the vestries, that would be necessary two or three times in every year for making assess- ments, would do good, by the discussion it would create on individual and general interests. The Irish peasantry suffer privations greater than those of any peasantry in Europe, with a degrading degree of resignation ; and this is the reason why nothing has hitherto been done for them. As it may be expected, therefore, whatever is done will originate with England in her own defence against the inundation of Irish labourers, and to lessen the expense of keeping the country in subjection. It is clearly for the interest of the Irish landlords to resist the establishment of poor-rates, as long as the superfluous population on their estates can find employment in England or elsewhere; but the moment this ceases, it will be their interest to establish a poor-rate. But a poor-rate system established in Ireland, though it will relieve England, will do but little for the former country, unless it be joined to a system of general education. When an Irish peasant knows that himself and his offspring are sure of receiving support from the parish when it be- comes necessary, he will be more regardless as to the numl;er of children which he may bring into the world. In this as in every case, therefore, in Domestic Economy. 667 increasing the comforts of the poor, raise also their character by education. The writer in the Monthly Magazine considers education alone as a dan- gerous experiment. " Many insist upon education as a panacea for the dis- orders of Irehmd. We deem it a dangerous experiment to leave the cure of its disorders to education alone; for you are only making tiie line of demarcation between the rich and poor still broader, by rendering the latter still poorer; adding the wants of education to those superinduced by poverty, you fling a new poison into the bitter cup of indigence; you give a new weapon to the enemies of social order." It would be well if the supporters of this opinion would tell us how much is the effect of education, and how much of habit. Educatetl men at present are for the most part men used to indulgences, which long habit renders wants ; and these wants are attributed to education, which, in truth, alleviates, instead of producing or increasing them. The writer seems to forget, or jirobably he does not beheve, that " knowledge is pleasure as well as power." If education teaches the poor their wants, it will also teach them how to supply them, if that be practicable, or how to endure with a good grace evils which are inevitable. Education will make them acquainted with the nature of the ameliorations of which their nature is susceptible, and enable them justly to appreciate what is done for them by government or society ; it will prevent them from being worked upon by fanaticism ; and will enable them to make known their sufferings to their countrymen and to other nations, and sooner or later to obtain that sympathy, and those ameliorations in their condition, which human nature and the nature of things admit of and require. — Cond. The Mulberrif Plantation at Mitchel's Town, near Cork, we regret to learn, has been utterly abandoned, as has that in England, near Slough, by the British Silk Company. The cause assigned is, that the air is too lumiid for the vigorous health of the insect. — Cond. Art. IV. Domestic Economy. Variety in Food. — From various experiments it appears that the chyle is of a different quality when produced from ditferent alimentary substances; and as this nutritive fluid has to supply the various textures and juices of the body, differing in comjjosition from each other, may not a chyle, com- posed of these different alimentary materials blended together, be more adapted for the purpose than that i'rom a single substance? It is well known that a successive change of aliments is peculiarly grateful, and, indeed, almost essential to the human appetite, and that it is apt to pall on the repeated and daily use of one particular food ; and that this is not a consequence of over-luxurious corruptions may be fairly inferred from the fact, that graminivorous animals are fond of a change of pasture, and of blending a variety of herbs and grass in their feeding; and birds, too, though one species of food, such as a particular grain, should be in aljund- ance before them, delight to have a variety in their meals. With regard to the Modes of Coolcerij, it is almost enough to say that that kind is to be preferred which, v/hile it renders the food sufficiently tender and savoury, so as duly to excite all those organs connected with the diges- tive functions, yet leaves some labour for the stomach itself 0\i this account the roast beef and plain joints of the English seem, on the whole, preferable even to the best made dishes of the French, which either con- centrate the nourishment too much, or present it in a state too nearly approaching the chyle to which it is to be reduced. {Ed. Rev., Jan. 1828.) To maA-e Kitchen Vegetables fender. — When peas, French beans, and similar productions, do not boil easily, it has usually been imputed to 668 Hints for Improvements. the coolness of the season, or to the rains. This popular notion is erroneous : the difficulty of boiling them soft arises from a superabun- dant quantity of gypsum imbibed during their growth. To correct this, throw a small quantity of sul)carbonate of soda into the pot along with the vegetables, the carbonic acid of which will seize upon the lime in the gypsum, and free the legumes, &c., from its influence. {Bull, des Scien, Econ.) To prepare Verjuice for bottling and keeping. — Express the juice of un- ripe grapes or gooseberries, without bruising the seeds, whicli would give a disagreeable taste to the liquor. Strain the juice through a linen cloth ; bottle it, and expose it, uncorked, to the sun for six or seven days. The liquor will ferment, and a part will be lost in froth, which must be replaced every morning. When the fermentation has ceased, decant the liquor into other bottles, cork them, and place them in the cellar for use. In this way, the juice of any sour fruit as the citron, crab, &c., may be preserved, and no expense of sugar incurred till the moment it is to be used. Verjuice is much used in France as a summer beverage ; a little syrup or sugar is mixed with a small part of it, which is then well shaken, and afterwards poured into a glass, and filled up with water. Gooseberry verjuice is commonly used j and, when mixed with sugar, it is sold by the confectioners of Paris, under the name of Sirope de Groseilles {Gooseberry Syrup). Any gardener or cottager might make it for himself. (Jour, de Connoissan. Usuelles.) Bread of the Shetland and Orkney Islands. — Over those islands, with the exception of the capital towns of Kirkwall and Lerwick, the superior classes are compelled to bake their own bread, and this they do in great perfection without the assistance of yeast. Their method, which is as fol- lows, may be adopted with great advantage in countries where yeast is diffi- cult of attainment ! — Mix two pounds of mashed potatoes with a table- spoonful of yeast (or double the quantity of porter), two table-spoonfuls of flour, and a table-spoonful of salt; beat these ingredients well together, adding as much lukewarm water as will reduce the composition to the con- sistency of butter. Let it stand for twenty-four hours in a closely covered earthenware jar, when it will be tit for use. For every pound of flour to be baked, take four table-spoonfuls of the composition; mix up two thirds of the flour, adding a little lukewarm water or fresh cream, then knead the remainder of the flour into the mass of dough ; give it the desired shape, and let it stand four hours covered with a large dish, before it is put into the oven. Replace the composition by an equal quantity of mashed potatoes, flour, and salt, in the proportions stated above ; and beat the whole together in the jar, having first poured off the liquid collected at the bottom of the vessel. Let the jar be kept well covered, in a warm place in winter, and in a cold place in summer. The loaves or rolls may not rise well on the first or second attempt; but after a ^ew repetitions, they will be found superior to any baker's bread, and the composition, if daily renewed according to the directions, will continue for years to improve in quality. {From Dr. Hoivison's MS. Nvtes.) Art. V. Hints for Intprovements. The Fine Arts as a source of Moral Improixement for the People. — Why do not our societies for the improvement of the people avail themselves of the fine arts, as at least a i)owcrful auxiliary in the attainment of their laudable objects? They may depend upon it, that " the ocular proof of the miserable consequences of vice hanging on the walls of a cottage, would have more eflect than a hundred mor^l essays hidolen in the cupboard. With \ Hints for Improvements. 669 the facilities which lithography and steel plates afford, infinite good might be accomplished in this way, at a very moderate -expense. {Literary Gaz., April 11. 1829.) A Mode of Existence for Gardeners. — In a letter of Dr. Franklin to B. Vaughan, Esq., in 1784, at that time M.P. for the borough of Calne, Wilt- shire, is the following remarkable paragraph : — " It has been computed by some pomical arithmetician, that if every man and woman would work four hours aftlay on something useful, that labour would produce sufficient to procure all the necessaries and comforts of life; want and misery would be banished out of the world, and the rest of the twenty-four hours might be leisure and pleasure." " Why should poverty exist in the world ?" &c. &c. A celebrated gardener at Brighton [who?] gives it as his opinion, that one acre of rich land, by the best mode of cultivation, would support a man, his wife, and three children, giving a proportionate quantity of animal food, bread, and vegetables. I seriously would recommend ten or twenty gardeners to club their means, and, by the assistance of the friends of horticulture, an experiment might be tried as to the nunibe^bf hours noiu necessary to accomplish what four hours ^ would accomplish forty-four years ago. The gardeners should accumulate, by their own deposits, and by^ona- tions from noblemen ana gentlemen, a sufficient sum of money to purchase land enough, tithe-free, to support double their number of families, getting an equal number of the families of artisans, of a respectable class, to join with and contribute their sha^ of capital, skill, industry, and perseverance. Buildings could be erected at trifling cost, by means of fir poles being cut down to proper thickness and length, placed at distances of 4 or 6 ft. and in rows 6 in. a^art, rods and twigs thin nailed along, and the centre filled with dlay and strawj woiflier material of that kind, and plastered over with a little lime added t^the clay, the walls coloured; a story added, if desired, and roofed with thaltch or cheap, composition. I have by me a c/lculation of the cost of such, which I will furnish the gar- deners with, if th^BPf nsider it of the least service ; but the sum at this mo- ment strikes me to be not above 6/. for a room, exclusive of labour, which would be comparatively trifling, considering the rapidity with which such buildings could be erected. — J. V. Londoji, Sept. 5. 1828. Trials of Green-house Plants in the open Air. — Sir, Were all your readers and correspondents to send you lists of plants from time to time, wljich from their own experience and observation they found hardy eti(High to resist the winters in our climate, I am sure they would confer a benefit upon many of your readers ; I mean those plants that have not yet been known to resist the frost in this country. I am led to make these observations from your notice of the Digitali* canariensis in Vol. IV. p. 139.; there it is said to be " an elegant plant from the Canary Islands, long since introduced, but by ^o means common." — This plant is certainly an elegant one; but that it is by no means connnon seems rather surprising, as it is one of the hardiest plants we have, and ripens its seed abundantly, retaining its verdure throughout the severest winter, and is indeed quite an evergreen shrub. Ferbena triphylla, changed to Aloysia citriodora, I have growing upon the east end' of a vinery, and it has stood these eight years. It nearly covers the whole end of the house, and the only protection it gets is a loose mat hung over the root about 3 ft. high. By all who have seen it, it is considered to be the finest plant of the kind in this part of the country. On this west coast of Scotland, Cratae'gus glabra endures the severest winters without protection, in the open border. This plant is marked hardy in Donn's Catalogue. i>aphne Gnidium and odora, Pittosporum 6Y0 Hints for Improvements. Tobh-a, Camell/a japonica, and Oiea europae^a and fragrans, stand upon a wall without protection. I am trying some others out of doors j if they succeed, I will give you an account of them. I am, Sir, &c. — M. A. Jan. 1. 1829. Plans of Gardens and for Systeinatic Arrangements of Plants. — Sir, Being amongst the earliest subscribers to the Gardener's Magazine, it has been with increased interest that I have perused its columns, as there is manifestly a progressive improvement in each succeeding Number. Writers of more abilities now appear in its pages, and those who were your first correspondents evidently improve in their style of arranging and transmitting their ideas. Those correspondents who intend continuing their communications deserve the highest praise and grateful thanks of every reading gardener. G. W. Johnson is more especially entitled to our thanks, for his valuable papers on Horticultural Chemistry ; as is like- wise " A Landscape-Gardener," for his excellent articles. I hope that prac- tical gardeners will take the hints that the latter gentleman has given them. Jiivenis Olitor, I fear, has forgot the proposal he made, of sending the plans of the different structures in the garden plan (Vol. IV. p. 214.), which I and more of your readers would like to see if J. O., will favour us with a continuation of them [in the hands of the engraver]. I beg leave to call your attention to another subject, which opens a wide field in which to exercise the abilities of the young aspiring botanist or gardener ; that is, to commence a series of plans for laying out a garden on theJussieuean system of classification, where systematic arrangement will associate with the beauties of Flora to form at once both a flower and botanic garden; to unite nature and art together, both to be visible in the design, but by imperceptible gradations, to be always advancing to or receding from each other ; and for each tribe and genus of plants, whether they be natives of plains, mountains, woods, marshes, rivers, &c., to be assigned a situation congenial to their natural habitats, as far as nature and cultivation can be connected together. I shall add no more at present, but leave the hint to you and your readers. I am. Sir, yours, 6cc. — J. P. January, 1829. Churchyards. — Sir, You have recommended ornamenting churchyards with trees and plants, and rendering them arboretums or flower-gardens. Allow me to suggest the idea of surrounding some of them, in rich parishes, with a colonnade or arcade, which might be built of the material cheapest on the spot, and the interior painted al fresco, as in the Campo Santo at Pisa. The interior of the colonnade of a metropolitan sepulchre might be divided into portions, allotted among the principal historical painters of the day, and the result would be a work unparalleled in the world. But, per- haps, you would like better to have the walls covered with objects of natural history, or casts of all the best pieces of sculpture in the world; to which I have no objection, provided you agree to let me have a part in my own way. The colonnades would require to be glazed like our old-fashioned conservatories. What would not such a colonnade, painted by such an artist as Mr. Haydon, be worth ? Yours, c^-c. — An Artist. May'lO. 1829. Transmitting the Heat of Dung by Pipes. — I wish some of your phi- losophical readei's would impose upon themselves the task of enquiring whether any real advantage is gained in respect to the resistance of frost, by the insertion, in the body of a hotbed, of the tubes proposed by the President of the Horticultural Society. My doubt originates in the con- sideration, that a given quantity of heat, being generated in a given time by the fermenting dung, is transmitted through the body of the dung to the entire external surface of the bed, and from that surface is comnluni- cated to the ambient air within the frame. The heat being transmitted from the bed into the air in so many points of the surface, the quantity of heat, transmitted at each point of contact with the air, is necessarily the less ; and the entire surface is consequently cooletl down to a temperature Garden Memorandums. 671 much lower than that which exists in the centre of the dung ; but there is a continual transmission of caloric from the centre to the surface, to supply this abstraction of heat at the surface. Now, if a certain portion of the caloric generated in the centre, instead of being transmitted to the surface through the body of the bed, is communicated to the ambient air through tubes, it appears probable to me that a less quantity of the caloric will be transmitted from the place where it is generated, through the body of the bed, to the several points of the surface, and thence to the ambient air, so that precisely the same quantity of caloric will be given off into the air of the frame, whether proceeding, as it does, from the internal part of the bed to the atmosphere of the frame, or transmitted partly through a tube, and partly through the residue of the surface of the bed which remains, after deducting the section of the tube. It would not be a diffi- cult experiment to place a thermometer in the hotbed, and, after noting the heat while the tube was open, to closely cork up the tube below, or in the plane of, the surface of the hotbed ; and, after an hour or two, when the transmission of the entire quantity of caloric, through the body of the dung to the surface, may be supposed to be restored, to again examine the thermometer, and if (making due allowance for the change of weather in the interval) the temperature of the air in the frame should be found just the same as it was while the tube gave passage to a part of the caloric, I confess it would not at all surprise me. Until the experiment be tried, I shall be incredulous of the effect of the President's method for resisting frost, though I fully expect that the heat, given out at the orifice of the pipe, will be greater than will be given out by any other equal area on the whole surface of the bed : but that will be gained at the expense of the residue. I am, Sir, &c. — Causidictis. iW)t). 24. 1828. Art. VI. Garden Memorandums made during a Tour in Rut' landshire, Nottinghamshire, Lincolnshire, Yorkshire, Derbyshire, Staffordshire, Worcestershire, &)C., in October, 1826. The following notes were made immediately after our return, and we have not thought it necessary to rewrite them, for the sake of introducing the changes which have subsequently taken place at some of the residences mentioned, because we have not had an opportunity of seeing these changes. A few additions are made which are enclosed in brackets [ ]. London to Wandsford, October \. — Passed Albany Street behind Mr. Horner's Pantheon, Colosseum, or Colliseum : the first name the most appropriate as that of its prototype in Rome ; the second admissible as expressive of its colossal size; but the third absurd, as having no relation to it whatever. Saw on the lofty boundary wall, blocks and tackle projecting for hoisting up the evergreens of 20 and 30 ft. high, which are now planting in an immense wooden trough, supported on posts upwards of 20 ft. high, along the inside of the wall. The intention is to shut out from the garden of the Pantheon the view of the tops of all the surrounding houses. [ Most of these boxes have been since taken down, and the wall has also been taken down and rebuilt, with a view to another arrangement.] The garden of the Colosseum will be divided into two parts, completely separated ; a Swiss garden, with a cottage and waterfall, and an evergreen valley, including a conservatory ; both will be " works to wonder at." — Paltry gateway into the Regent's Park, a little farther on. The steep banks of the road leading to the liighgate archway, now in a state of waste, miglitbc maile interesting and ornamental as terrace gardens to small villas. Good efl:ect of the his- torical figure of Whittington, placed in the centre of the flower-garden of 672 Garden Memorandums. the alms-houses which bear his name. Had Whittington lived in the pre- sent day, instead of these ahiis-houses we should have had a parochial institution, or a university, or some other medium for the diffusion of know- ledge, instead of the production of comfort. [Had the late Mr. Farquhar lived in Whittington's time, he would have acted like Whittington ; for no man can steal a march upon his age. All improvement is more the result of the general mind of society, than of the mind of the individual who is the immediate instrument.] Awkward approach now forming to a new villa on the left of the road near Barnet; affected as well as awkward, because the trees are not placed so as to account for the bends in the line of road. Mr. Cattley of Barnet at church, and therefore declined calling to see his fine specimen of Psidium Cati\eyunum or Guava, which has attained a large size in his stove, and bears two crops a year of fruit, equal to the plum in the dessert, and, preserved in jam, not inferior to the Guavas of the West Indies. Between Stanborough and Lemnford Mills, about twenty-one miles and a half from town, in the front garden of a cottage on the left side of the road, is a mountain ash with proliferous drooping shoots; which shoots, if grafted on a common mountain ash, or on a thorn, standard high, would probably produce a weeping tree like the weeping cherry, which was so originated. A weeping birch, from grafts of the proliferous shoots of the monstrosities called birds' nests produced on that tree, might be worth a nurseryman's attention, and also a weeping elm, of the narrow-leaved kind, from the monstrosities of the elm. A weeping birch, so originated, would be quite different in form and stature from the natural weeping birch, and, besides being an object of curiosity, would be odoriferous, — Magnificent park, and ivied, buttressed, and picturesque park wall, of Viscount Mel- bourne. Meagre entrance lodge, and common-looking avenue road to Hatfield House, a magnificent Elizabethian palace. We viewed these gar- dens in detail about this time last year (1825), and then, as now, found them in good order, and well stocked with common showy flowers. Around the garden front of the building the green-house plants are tastefully grouped, and the pots as completely covered with green moss as if the plants were growing in that material ; the effect exceedingly good. We dislike as much to see plants in pots about a country house, as we desire to see pots of plants in the balconies, porches, and on the stair-cases of a town- house. In the country pots should never appear; even large boxes with orange trees we would sink in pits, so as to give the trees the appearance of growing in the free soil. It must be in bad taste to raise attributes about a country-house that belong to a town-house, and to give the air of a nur- sery garden to a place of retirement and repose. The operation of this feeling on the sensitive minds of the female part of the occupants of Hat- field House,in all probability led to covering these pots with moss. Some fine magnolias, myrtles, arbutuses, and laurustinuses are trained on, or fringing the basement of, the three garden fronts; but an attempt to grow Cob^ '^'"^ therefore not so likely to be thrown out by the frost; and that the plants rise in rows, which admits of their being trod or harrowed between. In light t;^s.^^« \j^ sandy soils it is considered as good as dibbling; and ^^5o\ we see no reason why a small drill should not be added to the pressing plough, so as to deposit the seed with greater accuracy than can be done by the hand broadcast. A broad-leaved elm, apparently what is called the Scotch elm, is here conunon in plantations and hedge rows; its timber is superior to that of the narrow- leaved elm, and it is not apt to throw up suckers; but as it is a widely spreading tree, it is more injurious to crops : in masses or strips it is valuable, and in a f)ark it is very desirable. Pigeons are here remark- ably common. Instead of lead for the ridges of roofs stone is used, cut and painted to imitate that metal, from the ambition of being thought rich enough to use it, or at least from an allusion to the mansions of the rich ; in London lead is sometimes painted in imitation of stone, to prevent the colour from attracting thieves. The lime of this part of the country, when made into mortar, sets underwater; consequently external plaster and the jointing in brickwork and masomy are very durable. Plaster flooring is also common, and is at once durable and less sonorous than boarded floors ; if executed on brick arches abutting on cast-iron rafters, tied by wrought-iron rods, as invented by Mr. Strut of Belper, and practised in building most manufactories, and in the whole of the building operations going on by Colonel Wildman at Newstead Abbey, they become fire proof To turn such arches in the best manner two sizes of bricks are necessary, the smaller for the middle part of the arch. In dwelling-houses these arches and ribs may form the groundwork of very handsome coved ceilings ; and if they were to become general, the improvement would be not less elegant in ap- pearance than important as lessening the risk from fires. The roads here are generally metaled with round land or river stones, and it is a gratifying sight to see the comparatively interesting manner in which these stones are broken ; we say gratifying and interesting, because breaking stones upon a public road has hitherto been considered as the lowest and dullest descrip - X X 3 678 Garden Memorandums. tion of country labour; perhaps it is so still, but one is more reconciled to it by seeing it partake in some degree of modern improvement, and become, by the use of a machine, a species of manufacture. [By the use of railroads and steam carriages along the sides of all our main roads, so many stones will not require to be broken. By means of loco- motive stone-breaking machines, of which some are said to be already em- ployed in Lancashire and Northumberland, this lowest degree of country manual labour may be almost entirely superseded, or probably limited to felons. We would never, at all events, send paupers on the roads ; because, nless they are men of some strength, and paid by measure or the job, they will never do any good. They are heart-broken already, and to send them to break stones on a public road must be like a lingering death to them. We hope the time will come when the labours of all paupers, not able-bodied, will be confined to the workhouse gardens, and the gardens of parochial institutions, (p. 696., and p. 714.)] The diameter of the stones to be broken according to the mode in ques- tion should not exceed 5 or _ , ^g 6 in. They are placed on a ''»- ^^ * tabic of a triangular shape {fig. 156.), boarded on three sides like a dressing-table, but open at the narrow end, which is placed next and in front of the operator, who sits on a stool (A), or stands as he may choose, and has a block between him and the point of the table («), the top of which is about 6 in. lower than the top of the table. By means of an iron ring fixed into a handle of wood (7?g.l57.), he draws from the table as many of the stones as the 157 ring will enclose on the block, and then breaks them while still enclosed in the ring, which is held by his left hand. When this is done, then with another motion of the left hand, he draws them in the ring off the block till they form a heap at one side, or he at once drops them into the handbarrow measure. {fig. 158) To prevent any fragments from getting to his face, he puts on a wire guard or veil ^^nf — ___„. 158 {fig- 159.), which may be tied by a riband round his head, or sus- pended from his hat. In the same handbarrow, which serves as a cubic yard mea- sure, stones are conveyed to any distance. The price paid is so much a yard. In some places the breaking apparatus consists of three separate parts, the table, the block, and the stool; in others the whole is combined in one machine, furnished with a wheel {fig. 1 56. c), which serves as one foot when the machine is stationary, and handles {d), by means of which it may be moved from place to place as easily as a common wheelbarrow. It only wants a light portable roof to protect the operator from the rain or sun, and a moving side to shelter him from the wind. These could be formed of sheet iron or sheet zinc, at very little expense, pi'served some brick walls of sheds of open work, like the walls of M'Phairs pits, to save materials and admit lighi and air ; also some field walls, built in the same manner, simply for th'e sake of saving materials. Garden Memorandums. 679 The zigzag walls {Enc^c. of Gard.) we consider both better and cheaper. Enter on a country of stone walls and hilly roads. Wentworth House. — Fine effect of the mausoleum from Greasborough {Jig. 1 60.) ; of the arched gateway and appropriate alto-relievo of the head of Diana projecting over the archway. This place is in many respects one of the first in England; all the features, both of nature and art, are grand, and cooperate with each other in the general effect. What confirms us in this opinion is the perfect recollection that we had of all the main features, after a lapse of twenty years, while we had almost entirely forgotten those of some residences in the neighbour- hood. It appears by our memorandum journal that we viewed Wentworth House on the 21st of Sept. 1805, and the mau- soleum, breadth of lawn, masses of wood, grand hall of the mansion, and straight walk in the flower-garden are noted as leading features. Some clumps are objected to in our notes of that date, which have since probably been thinned out, as we did not now observe their bad effect. After view- ing the house, we went to the kitchen-garden, where Mr. Thompson showed us three stools of queen pine-plants, each of which had produced a fruit of about 3 lbs. weight early in the sunjmer ; and each of these stools had now four suckers in fruit, and this fruit of a size that would probably ripen about Christmas to 1 or 2 lbs. weight each. We also saw a sucker taken off'about two months ago bearing a fruit of considerable size. The flues in the hot- houses here, at Bretton Hall, and other places, are cased with rubbed flag- stone, with a vacuity of two or three inches between the brickwork and the stone, which has a handsome appearance, prevents smoke from getting into the house, lessens the risk of overheating, and such a body of materials, by retaining a large mass of heat, lessens also the risk of overcooling in the night-time. At Bretton Hall and other places the stone covers are hollowed so as to hold water for the purpose of supplying moisture to the atmosphere {Jig. 161.); an excellent plan, which we have generally supposed to be the invention of the very ingenious Mr. Butler, formerly gardener to Earl Derby, and afterwards nurseryman at Prescot. Two excellent pine and grape stoves have recently been erected here, the plants in which are most luxuriant. The upper sashes are hung and balanced by weights which rise and fail in the back shed, in the manner practised by Messrs. Richard and Clarke, and by others of Birmingham. In 1805 we saw for the first time, in the hot-houses here and at Harewood Hall, the Passiflora quadrangularis in fruit. Mr. Thompson grows that very large pumpkin, known in the London seed-shops as the Mammoth, and he has had it weigh- ing half a cwt. when ripe. It is used in soups, and keeps during the whole of the winter. One or two would supply a small family with a slice every day, for nine months in the year, \^'e expect from him some account of the uses of this pumpkin, and the weight of the fruit now growing on his pine- stools. [It is not now (1829) too late to hear from him upon these subjects.] All the walls of the kitchen-garden are flued, and some of them had, in 1805, projecting wooden copings. There are still a number of sashes destined for forming a temporary covering to any part of them at pleasure. Late crops ofgrapes and figs were now so covered, and we observed among the leaves heart- shaped pale green glasses {Jig. 162.) filled to the widest part X X 4 680 Garden Meynorandums. with honied water for catching flies. Mr. Thompson found this form more effective than any other. The glasses are made in Rotherham, and cost 5s. each. The Xew Zealand spinage is cultivated here and in other gardens in this part of the country, and much approved of as an autumn spinage. Mr. T. grows excellent crops of strawberries in Mr. Knight's manner: — 1. He pricks out the runners in beds, in July. 2. He transplants these in rows at the ordinary distance in the following spring. .". He has a full crop the third season, and having taken three cro[)S, he digs in the whole. Mr. Cooper has the management of the botanic garden and pleasure- ground : he excels in the growing of hot-house plants, and especially of Sci- tamineae ; he has seventeen species of Hedjchium, some of which are now finely in bloom. The pitcher plant (iVep^nthes distillatoria) has been pro- pagated by him, and grows vigorously ; OrchidcEe also are very fine, and Cactus truncata, speciosa, and speciosissima, with other showy plants, are well grown. Amaryllis and Hedychium, being flowers of this season, were finely in bloom. There is an excellent collection of herbaceous plants arranged after the Linnean manner, a native floia, grass garden, rockwork, aquarium, aviary, architectural green-house, rotunda, noble terrace walk, and various other objects and scenes which a drizzling rain and the approach of night prevented us from examining so fully as we could have wished. Wretched road to Barnsley. Barndey to Bretton Hall, Oct. 13. — Handsome Gothic railing to Barnsley churchyard, {fig. 163.) Roads metaled with the scoria from the iron works ; bad field gates, without diagonal braces. Parfaite (?), a seat on the right, finely situated for hanging gardens and water- works. Too much ground on the out- side of the gate at Bretton Hall for the extent of the park within. Bretton Hall has been celebrated for upwards of twenty years for its gardens, and deservedly so; and there are at pre- sent such additions and improvements going forward as will maintain this cele- brity. The principal of these is a mag- nificent " domical" botanic stove, by Messrs. Bailey of London {fi-g. 164.), and the secondary are an elegant curvi- linear vinery by the same mechanics, and several culinary hot-houses and other improvements, under the direction of Mr. M'Ewen, the gardener. A great deal has been done here since we saw the place in 1805, and the chief thing to be regretted is that, as a whole, the pleasure-ground is so much intersected by roads, walks, and gates. Half the roads, by a little arrangement, nn'ght be done \vithout or concealed, and some of the walks admit of improvement in their direction. The recently erected curvilinear vinery is one of the handsomest structures of the kind we ever saw, and if occasionally painted Will last for ages. Of the " domical" stove, which is 60 ft. high, we shall say little, because it is not yet completed ; and after it is we expect to be favoured with a plan and some account of it, after the manner of M'Arthur's paper (Vol. I. p. 105.), by Mr. M'Ewen. [Mr. M'Ewen has since left Bretton Hall, and we have therefore for the present given an elevation of the grand " domical " hot-house from the original model in the posses- sion of Messrs. W. and D. Bailey, the manufacturers.] We cannot, however, avoid expressing our astonishment that the building containing the steam apparatus should have been erected side by side with a glass dome; it spoils every thing, and should be innnediately sunk and concealed. As the ground Garden Memorafidums. 681 164 rises considerably from the site of the dome, there never was a better opportunity for carrying the smoke flue under ground, like a drain, to some distance, something in the manner practised at the lead works of Messrs. Hall and Co. near Richmond, Yorkshire, as seen by us there in 1811. The drain or flue might be carried to such a distance, as that any soot, not burned by some of the best devices for that purpose, might be deposited before the smoke escaped into the atmosphere. We wonder, indeed, that a situation was not fixed on midway between the culinary hot-houses and the botanic hot houses, all of which it might have heated as far as was desirable. It might also have steamed hay and roots in the ftirmery, heated water baths, or produced vapour ones, &c., in the house, and thus done away with the numerous chimneys and clouds of dense smoke which at a distance give Bretton Hall the air of an iron foundery ; in part, no doubt, owing to the nature of the coals, which give out a quantity of soot more than double that of the coals of Newcastle. The situation of the dome is excellent; it is finely backed by wood, supported by a group of three fine old oaks, and contrasted by a massy stone-built conservatory, which only requires the back to be made exactly the same as the front, to be widened, raised, and to have the roof entirely of glass. When this is done, Bretton will contain two of the most magnificent plant structures in the kingdom, in two distinct styles, and both excellent of their kind. [Both are now (1829) surpassed by the range of botanic stoves at Syon.] We might notice a number of things in the pleasure-ground and kitchen-garden here that reflect credit on the late and present gardener. There are a number of American trees and shrubs in a very thriving state; we never saw scarlet oaks in finer autumnal tint. Cytisus purpureus, grafted standard high on the laburnum, is singular and fine. Groups of iJhododendron arboreura have stood several winters protected by a cover of wickerwork {fig. 165.), and one of the plants has flowered. The case or cover consists of two parts ; the sides which have an iron rim at top 165 682 Garden Memorandums. and bottom, and the top which has an iron rim at bottom, where it rests on the top rim of the sides ; there are openings in each end of the top for giving air, with covers which fit into them. There are various other protecting cases of wickerwork, in the , j^g form of hand glasses, and of different sizes, so as to cover shrubs from 1 ft. to 6 or 8 ft. high. There are very convenient garden seats {Jig.\66), the backs of which fold down (a) when they are not in use, to ex- clude the rain from the parts which come in contact with the clothes in sitting. As- paragus and sea-kale are forced in an excel- lent manner, by linings of dung or leaves in trenches between the beds, as they stand in the garden [as at Syon, p. 504.], The sides of the beds are supported by 4 in. walls of open brickwork, like that of a M'Phail's pit; they have a narrow stone coping, and are surmounted in the forcing season by a wooden frame or box, which has openings with hinged shutters for gathering the crop. The walls are bevelled a little towards the bed, which renders them stronger; and as the dung lining shrinks in sinking, this in- clination arising from the pit between being rather widest at top, compensates for the vacuity that would otherwise be formed between the dung and the brickwork, and, by preventing the contact of the former with the latter, admit of the escape of heat. We consider this by far the best plan of forcing these plants which has yet been devised. Not only do the plants produce crops annually, while when they are taken up, and forced on dung beds, they are destroyed; but, in consequence of the same plant being forced every year, their habits become changed; they vegetate early in the season, as it were of themselves, and provided the chilling rains and snows be kept from the surface of the bed by the boarded cover, and the trenches be kept full of leaves, haulm, or almost any kind of vegetable rubbish, the plants will begin to grow in December. To keep the dung or other matter m the linings from being chilled by the rain which falls on the covers, the latter ought to have gutters to carry the drip to the ends of the beds ; a very judicious practice, adopted in many places, in early forcing of cucumbers, to keep the drip of the glass from chilling the linings. But asparagus and sea- kale may be forced exceedingly well in this way, by covering both beds and linings with abundance of loose litter. If the beds were on a sloping sur- face, they might be regularly thatched, so as to throw off the whole of the rain both from the beds and linings. To throw the rain off the beds into the linings, a layer of litter or leaves, covered with reed mats, is almost as good as boarded covers. It should not be forgotten, that loose litter does not carry off the rain which falls upon it, but merely absorbs it ; and the evapora- tion of this water from the litter afterwards, carries off a great deal of the heat of the bed or body below. Xanthochjmus pictorius was fruited here, for the first time in England, last spring ; the plant, we believe, had no particular treatment. There is a handsome arcade of trellis-work over a principal walk in the kitchen-garden, which is covered with a great many sorts of apple trees, and when the trees are in fruit it is said to have an excellent effect. The dwarf apple-trees along the borders are in part trained on a cast- iron espalier rail(J??icj/e. of Gard., p. 1579.), and in part as spiral or globular dwarfs. Mr. Duff's beds of American cranberries (Vol. I. p. 151.) are doing well ; the English cranberry less so, from the supply of plants not having been abundant when the beds were formed. Passiflora albida and Chian- thod^ndrum ^jlatanifolium have flowered here, and the former now carried several fruit. In the conservatory different species of Banksi« and Dryandra make shoots from 3 to 6 ft. long in one season. The walks of this conser- Garden Memorandums. 683 ^--M^ vatory are ornamented with lead vases painted of a Ba 167 stone colour {Jig. \ 6'.), in which are placed pots of plants in flower ; the pots concealed by saucers, jgg which are in two parts (Jig. 168.) and planted with succulent plants or creep- ers, and which fit into the top of the vase, having an opening in the centre for the stem of the plant in the pot below. By keeping these vases supplied at all seasons with plants in flower, the paths are bordered with a line of rich fringe, which contrasts well with the masses of dark green foliage of camellias, banksias, oranges, &c., in the beds. The fruit-room here, and those at Wentworth and Worksop Manor, are very completely fitted up with open shelves and drawers ; the latter for the more select fruit. The names are painted on labels of tinned iron (7%. 169.), which can be hooked on any shelf or drawer at igg pleasure. There is a complete cabinet for seeds, and ano ther for bulbs; pieces of furniture which are too generally wanting in gardens. Indeed, in almost every establishment, the whole system of garden offices, from the pot-shed and tool-house up- wards to the head gardener's house, requires reformation and improvement. Everj' one will allow that the same progress has not been made, during the last twenty years, in these departments, as in others which more immediately strike the eye ; in gardens, as in other places, the eye is to be caught first, and the understanding afterwards. The want of good gravel in this part of the country is a considerable drawback from the beauty of garden scenery; in the kitchen-garden it is of less consequence; but we rather wonder that, in such places as Wentworth and Bretton, it should not have been thought worth while to employ Ken- sington gravel in the walks of the pleasure-ground, and in that part of the approach road which is within the kept ground. We think that this ought to be done at every residence having any pretensions to distinction. We have known this gravel employed in very small places in Scotland ; and every body knows that it is employed in many eminent gardens in Poland and Russia, and even in India and South America. At Wentworth crushed bricks, or the debris of brick or tile kilns, are employed as substitutes for gravel in the kitchen-garden, and some of the walks at Bretton are of grass, with a line of flag stones along their centre. We ' should think a very handsome and durable walk might be formed by laying the bottom with brick rubbish, or small stones, gravel, &c., with a little lime, and .^— it(, then embedding a thin coat of Kensington gravel in I llP^^ Roman cement. Such a walk, formed with care, I — ^ 1 might be expected to last many years ; no worms or weeds would rise in it, and to prevent moss from appearing it might be watered occasionally with salt water. On leaving Bretton we observed a latch with a stopper (Jig. 170. rt), for preventing a swing gate from rebounding after falling too ; a very useful appendage. On the whole, Bretton Hall is a most unsatisfactory residence, though perhaps more money has been laid out on it than on any other place of the same extent in Britain. The grand misfortune is, that there is no marked natural situation for the house ; this building, with the whole of the offices, splendid hot-houses, and gardens, is placed on an inclined plane or bank of considerable steepness, but with 684- Influence of Steam Carriages scarcely any undulation or irregularity. As this bank is confronted by another of a similar character, which rises from the narrow bottom of the same streamless valley, the views from the house are either directly across to this bank, or obliquely along the bank on which it is placed. The approach road descends to the house, and that considerably, which is always bad, and here very bad. In consequence of the whole of the extensive stable-offices and farm-yard being placed between the house, and the hot-houses, kitchen- garden, and pleasure-ground, the walks to the latter objects necessarily cross both the main approach and several back roads and paths, which destroys all idea of seclusion As the valley, and consequently the banks, lie in a direction more or less north and south, the hot-houses are, in order that they may front the sun, obliged to be built across the slope. This is very inharmonious ; and as these hot-houses, and many of the leading objects, have been built at different times within the last thirty years, there is an appearance of disorder combined with abundance and magnificence, that is not favourable to grand and dignified effect. The whole of these evils, which are utterly incurable, are owing, first, to the idea of building the house in a situation unmarked by nature ; secondly, to not having strongly marked the featureless situation by appropriate art; and, thirdly, to the want of a general plan for arranging the details. Some future lord of Bretton Hall will raze the whole, rebuild the house at the head of the valley, and lay out the pleasure-grounds on each side of it along the banks. We regret to be obliged to disapprove so much of this place as a whole, more especially, as, in common with every gardener and botanist in the country, we highly admire and approve the noble-minded and muni- ficent proprietress, who so liberally spends her princely income in enriching it, and encouraging all arts and trades. No lady was ever a more liberal and kind mistress to all her servants, or a better landlady to her tenants; and that splendid exotic, the Beaumontia uecussata (so named by the cele- brated Robert Brown), will, in all future times, remind gnrdeners of one of the greatest patrons of their art. {To be continued.) Art. VII. Steam Carriages, and their estimated Injluence on Domestic and General Improvement. The progress that has been made, within the last few years, in the adapt- ation of steam to road-carriages, has been most extraordinary ; and the pros- pects which it holds out of human improvement are almost beyond the power of the imagination to contemplate. It is not clear to what extent steam may be applied to carriages on common roads, unless liy stationary engines, or where the roads are level ; but it has been proved by the expe- riments lately made at Liverpool, that carriages can be impelled along a railroad at the rate of upwards of 50 miles an hour. It cannot be too much, then, to conclude that, on the average of the main roads of Britain, if a railroad were laid down on one side of the common road, the travelling between all the grand points, as London, Edinburgh, Glasgow, Aberdeen, Inverness, Fort George, Greenock, Liverpool, Bristol, &c. &c. might be performed at the rate of 24 miles an hour. The cheapness of this mode of travelling is not less remarkable than its rapidity. The editor of the Scots- man, in a most interesting article on the subject (Oct. 21.), calculates the coach -hire per head at Is. for 15 miles, and the hire for goods at about 2rf. per ton per mile* In a work like ours, professing to record tlie progress of rural and domestic improvement, it cannot be considered irrelative to give the following extracts : — on Domestic and General Impvonement. 685 "When the carriage of goods, which is now about 9c?. or XQtd. a ton per mile by land is reduced to v.d., and when, in point of speed, one day does the work of four, the heaviest commodities, such as corn, potatoes, coals, will bear the expense of carriage for a hundred miles. The result of this will be, that the expense of living in great towns will be reduced, and the price of raw produce will rise in remote parts of the country. The fa- cility, celerity, and cheapness of internal intercourse, contribute more,pro- babl}', to the advancement of civilisation than all other circumstances put together. Sixty or seventy years ago, the journey from Edinburgh to Lon- don occupied twenty days. At present, taking the average of all the modes of conveyance by land and water, it occupies three or four, and the quantity of travelling has increased probably twenty or thirty fold. Are we too sanguine in anticipating another increase equally great, when the time is reduced from three or four days to twenty hours, the expense almost in the same proportion, and when the traveller is put in possession of a much higher degree of ease and comfort? Let the improvement we speak of be realised, let wliat was once a journey of twenty days be reduced to one of as many hours, and we have not a doubt that we shall have five hundred times as much travelling as we had in the year 1760. In point of fact, when the time is reduced from eighty hours to twenty, the result is exactly the same as if Edinburgh were brought as near to London as Leicester or Birmingham ; and, to pursue the comparison, when the journey was one of twenty days, the effect was the same as if Edinburgh had stood in Iceland. Besides, we must always remember that the intercourse grows in a much greater ratio than the distance is shortened. Volumes might be written without exhausting the materials for speculation arising out of such a change. To use our own words, when writing upon this subject in 1824 : — ' With so great a facility and celerity of communication, the provincial towns of an empire would become so many suburbs of the metropolis — or rather the effect would be similar to that of collecting the whole inhabitants into one city. Commodities, inventions, discoveries, opinions, would circulate with a rapidity hitherto unknown, and, above all, the intercourse of man with man, province with province, and nation with nation, would be pro- digiously increased.' " " We now look back with some pride to the series of papers which we published in the Scotsman on this subject four years ago, which first deve- loped the advantages derivable from employing locomotive carriages on railways, for the purposes of commercial intercourse of all kinds. Prac- tical men, as they term themselves, were shocked.* The trial has been made, however, and the result has confirmed and even exceeded our most sanguine anticipations." " * Mr. Nicholas Wood, one of the judges at Liverpool, published an oc- tavo volume, in 1S25, containing the result of his own experiments at Kil- lingsworth, and inserted the following remarks in allusion to the articles in the Scotsman : — ' It is far from my wish to promulgate to the world that the ridicidotis expectations, or rather jjrofcssions of the enthusiastic specu- latist will be realised, and that we shall see engines travelling at the rate of twelve, sixteen, eighteen, or twenty miles an hour. Nothing could do more harm towards their adoption or general improvement than the promulgation of such nonsense!^ Mr. Wood, as the editor of the Mechanics' Magazine observes, has been spared to see, not only what he declared to be ' ridicu- lous ' and ' nonsense ' reduced to an unquestionable matter of fact, but of witnessing something so much more extraordinary, that had any one hinted it to him in his days of incredulity, he would, we presume, have pronounced it to be absolute madness." 686 Hints for Breathing Places " A notable project is suggested in the Journal des Debats, in a letter from a Frankfort corresponrlent. This is nothing less than the formation of a canal to unite the Danube and the Rhine, and thus to secure the means of an uninterrupted navigation from the Tower of London to the Golden Horn at Constantinople, or the most distant part of the Euxine and Levant. Thus Europe might be traversed from its western to its eastern extremity by steam-boats ; and travellers, without changing their conveyance, might start from the Thames to visit the ruins of Troy, or the pyramids of Egypt." This project was talked of at Munich when we were there about this time twelvemonth, and the engineer Bader was of opinion, that a suspen- sion railway was greatly to be preferred, in that and in every country liable to much frost and snow. We have no doubt that the time will come when a railway will be laid down between Paris and Pekin, and steam carriages employed on it. The tract of country by Berlin, Vienna, Moscow, and Astrachan, we understand, is almost level; and if the governments of Eu- rope were to become shareholders in such a railwaj', there can be little doubt it would pay. In contemplating the introduction of railways and steam carriages in Russia, North America, and Australia, it seems to reduce these immense countries to the size of Britain, and viewing their extension to Asia and A'Vica, the travelling capacity of the whole world is brought within that ot Europe. The editor of the Scotsman truly says that whole volumes might be written on the changes which this improvement is cal- culated to effect, that the French revolution sinks into nothing in compa- rison with it, and that the onl}' single impulse to civilisation that has ever surpassed it is the art of printing. " The experiments at Liverpool have established principles which will give a greater impulse to civilisation than it has ever received from any single cause, since the press first opened the gates of knowledge to the hu- man species at large. Even steam navigation gives but a faint idea of the wondrous powers which this new agent has put into our hands. It is no exaggeration to say, that the introduction of steam carriages on rail- ways places us on the verge of a new era — of a social revolution of which imagination cannot picture the ultimate effects." There are many, no doubt, who think that we are far too sanguine in our ideas as to the practicability of establishing a system of high and equal na- tional education (p. 692.) ; perhaps we may be so, but before our scheme be pronounced to be utterly impracticable, let the history of the progress of gas and of steam be deliberately considered. — Co7id. Art. VIII. Hints for Breathing Places for the Metropolis, and for Country Toivns ajid Villages, on fixed Principles. A LATE attempt in parliament to enclose Hampstead Heath has called our attention to the rapid extension of buildings on every side of London, and to the duty, as we think, of government to devise some plan by which the metropolis may be enlarged so as to cover any space whatever with perfect safety to the inhabitants, in respect to the supply of provisions, water, and fresh air, and to the removal of filth of every description, the maintenance of general cleanliness, and the despatch of business. Our plan is very simple ; that of surrounding London, as it already exists, with a zone of open country, at the distance of say one mile, or one mile and a half, from what maybe considered the centre, say from St. Paul's, (^^r. 171.) This zone of country may be half a mile broad, and may contain, as the figure shows, part of Hyde Park, the Regent's Park, Islington, Bethnal Green, the Commercial Docks, Camberwell, Lambeth, and Pimlico ; and it may be succeeded by a zone of town one mile broad, containing Kensington, for the Metropolis. 687 Bayswater, Paddington, Kentish Town, Clapton, Lime House, Deptford, Clapliam, and Chelsea ; and thus the metropolis may be extended in alter- nate mile zones of buildings, with half mile zones of country or gardens, till one of the zones touched the sea, To render the plan complete, it would be necessary to have a circle of turf and gravel in the centre of the city, around St. Paul's, half a mile in diameter. In this circle ought to be situ- ated all the government offices, and central depots connected with the administration of the affairs of the metropolis. That being accomplished, whatever might eventually become the extent of London, or of any large town laid out on the same plan and in the same proportions, there could never be an inhabitant who would be farther than half a mile from an open airjf situation, in which he was free to walk or ride, and in which he could find every mode of amusement, recreation, entertainment, and instruction. 171 1. Finchley Common ; in the 17. zone of country. 18. 2. Tottenham ; in the zone of 19. town. ' 20. 3. Walthamstow ; town. 21. 4.- Forrest House ; town. 22. 5. Stoke Newington ; town. 23. 6. Highgate ; country. 24. 7. Harapstead ; country. 25. 8. Kingsbury ; country. 26. 9. Wilsdon ; town. 27. 10. Kentish Town ; town. 28. 11. Clapton ; town. , 29. 12. Horamerton ; town. 30. 13. Stratford ; country. 31. 14. West Ham ; country. 32. 15. West Ham Abbey ; country. 33. 16. East Ham ; town. 34. Bethnal Green ; country. 35. Hoxton ; town. 36. Islington ; country. 37. Soraers Town ; country. 38. Regent's Park ; country. 39. Paddington ; town. 40. Paddington canal ; town. 41. Six Elms ; town. 42. Bayswater ; town. 43. Hyde Park ; country. 44. Green Park ; country. 45. Southwark ; town. 46. London Docks ; town." 47. West India Docks ; town. 48. Woolwich ; town. 49. Isle of Dogs ; town. 50. Greenwich Park; country. 51. Deptford ; town. 62. Walworth ; town. Brompton ; town. Kensington ; town. Hammersmith ; town. Lambeth ; country. Kennington ; country. Camberwell ;' country. Peckham ; town. Dulwich ; town. Clapham ; town. Fulham ; country. Putney; town. Rochampton ; country. Wandsworth ; town. Wimbledon Park ; country. Tooting ; town. Norwood, town. Sydenham ; town. Supposing such a plan considered desirable, it could not be carried into execution in such a metropolis as London, unless in consequence of accident or revolution, in less time than one or two centuries; because it could never be recommended to purchase and pull down so many valuable houses 688 Hints for Breathing Places as would be requisite to form the central circle of country, and the first zone of country. But were government to determine the boundaries of certain future zones, and to enact a law that no buildings now standing on the future zones of country should be repaired after a certain year, and that when such houses were no longer habitable, the owners should be indemnified for them by the transfer of other houses of equal yearly value in another part of the metropolis, belonging to government, the transition, considering the great increase that will take place in the size of London during two centuries, and the alteration in the relative value of property in consequence of the law respecting zones, would not be felt as the slightest injustice or inconvenience. Government would be justified in adopting a plan of this sort, from its obvious reference to the public welfiire; and a committee being appointed to carry the law into execution would begin by purchasing such lands as were to be sold in the outskirts of the metropolis, in order to be able, at a future period, to exchange them for lands destined to form the central circle of the first zone. In endeavouring to give an idea of the situations of the zones round London {fig. 171.), we have drawn the boundary lines as perfect circles; but in the execution of the project this is by no means necessary, nor even desirable. The surface of the ground, the direction of streets already ex- isting, which it would not be worth while to alter, the accidental situations of public buildings, squares, and private gardens, with other circumstances, would indicate an irregular line, which line would at the same time be much more beautiful as well as economical. Supposing a town to be founded on this principle, a capital for an Aus- tralian union for example; then we should propose to place all the govern- ment public buildings round the central circle, in one range (« b c), with the house of representatives in the centre; and between it and the government buildings as many markets, churches, and play-houses as might be deemed necessary for the inner half mile of the inner zone of town. In the first and succeeding zones of country we would place the slaughtering-houses {de), markets, churches, burial grounds, theatres, universities, parochial institutions, workhouse gardens, botanical and zoological gardens, public picture and statue galleries, national museums, public conservatories and tea-cardens (p. 251.), gasometers, public water-works, baths and swimming ponds, sewer works, and all public buildings and places whatever not con- nected with the national or municipal government, and therefore belonging to the circle in the centre. The zones of town we would confine as much as possible to private dwellings, not admitting squares, burial-grounds, market-places, or any naked space, save good broad streets ; because we think the closeness together of the buildings containing fires, or otherwise heated by art, would materially aid ventilation, by producing a greater rare- faction of air over them, and the advantage for business and visiting would be greater. In the zones of country we would contrive to have the hay, corn, straw, and cattle markets not far apart; and we would limit certain of the streets which proceed from the centre to the circumference, and certain also of the others which run parallel to the zones, exclusively to the supply of these markets from the distant country, and to the transfer of articles from one market to another. All the streets of such a city we would limit to two kinds ; radiating main streets communicating in direct lines from the centre to the circum- ference {dc\ and concentric main streets for lateral communication iff). Every alternate grand radiating street (rfeg), and concentric street {dddh), should be those alone by which cattle, hay, fuel, and similar bulky articles were brought to the markets, or conveyed from one market to another. In the radiating and concentric streets, alternating with these, the mails might be understood to depart; and in all the main streets, radiating and con- centric, public conveyances, like the omnibuses in Paris, propelled by steam or otherwise, according to the improvements of the age and country, parcel for the Metropolis. 689 carriers, letter carriers, &c., might be established for ready ajid economical intercommunication. Every man might thus ride from any one point in the metropolis to any other point without loss of time, and at very little expense. For instance, A living in the central circle, wishes to call on B in the second zone of town ; then, by the radiating coach which passes nearest B 's house, he will be set down where the radiating street crosses the con- centric street in which B lives; and when one of the concentric street coaches belonging to B 's street passes, A will step into it and be set down at B 's door. Supposing steam carriages running on railroads to be estab- lished in every street, or even in all the main streets, this might be done with inconceivable rapidity. It is evident that every description of goods and provisions being brought in by the radiating market roads, might be distributed by the concentric market-roads, on public conveyances, and by the ordinary concentric roads on private conveyances, with as great ease as in the case of personal inter- course. Letters and books, also, could be so distributed with great facility and rapidity. Under every street we would have a sewer sufficiently large, and so contrived as to serve at the same time as a subway for the mains of water and gas, and we would keep it in view that hot water, hot oil, steam, or hot air, may in time be circulated by public companies for heating houses ; and gas supplied not only for the purposes of lighting, but for those of cookery, and some for manufactures The matters conveyed by the sewer we would not allow to be all wasted in a river; but here and there, in what we would call sewer works, to be placed in the country zones, we would strain the water by means of machinery, so as to gain from it almost every particle of manure held in mixture. This manure being diy from compression might be conveyed to any distance without smell or other inconvenience. The water, freed from its grosser impurities, might be I'aised to towers, and, by the pressure of the atmosphere, forced through pipes to tracts of country beyond the outer zone, for the purposes of irrigation. In the country zones we should permit individuals, on proper conditions of rent and regulations, to establish all manner of rural coffee-houses, and every description of harmless amusement; and the space not occupied by these establishments, and by the public buildings before mentioned, we would lay out as park and pleasure-ground scenery, and introduce in it all the plants, trees, and shrubs which would grow in the open air, with innu- merable seats, covered and uncovered, in the sun and in the shade. We would also introduce pieces of w ater, under certain circumstances (especially if there were no danger of it producing malaria), rocks, quarries, stones, wild places in imitation of heaths and caverns, grottoes, dells, dingles, ravines, hills, valleys, and other natural-looking scenes, with walks and roads, straight and winding, shady and open; and, to complete the whole, there should be certain bands of music to perambulate the zones, so as at certain hours to be at certain places every day in the year. Though we have not the slightest idea that this beau ideal of a capital for an Australian or a European union will ever be carried into execu- tion; and though we would rather see, in every country, innumerable small towns and villages, than a few overgrown capitals; yet we think, that, as there nuist probably always be some grand central cities in the world, some useful principles for regulating the manner in which each is increased may be deduced from the foregoing hints. Tiie principle of having all the public or government buildings in the centre will apply in all cases, and so will that of radiating and concentric roads. Wherever a country town is likely to extend beyond a diameter of half a mile, we think a zone of breathing ground should be marked out as not to be built on, for the sake of the health of the poorer part of the inhabitants. In cases where towns and villages stretch along rivers, in very narrow vales, Vol. V. — No. 23. y y 690 Hints for saving the London Manure on the ridges of hills, or in narrow stripes along the sea coast, these zones become unnecessary, because the surface of the land is supposed to be open on one or on both sides ; but in by far the greater number of cases, which are continually occurring in every country, the principle of con- centric zones or breathing places will be found to present advantages which no other form or disposition of breathing places could produce. In country towns or large villages, where the greater number of the inhabitants cannot be supposed to keep horses or to support steam hackney coaches, or street conveyances o f anykind, the first zone or breathing place ought not to be farther from the centre than a quarter of a mile, and the exterior zones of building should not be of greater width than half a mile, in order that the inhabitants may never have niore than a quarter of a mile to walk. It is much to be regretted, we think, that in the numerous enclosure acts which have been passed during the last fifty years, provision was not made for a public green, playground, or garden, for every village in the parishes in which such enclosures took place. We hope the subject will be kept in view in future enclosure bills ; and we hope, also, that the legislature may not think it unworthy of their attention to take into consideration the subject of breathing places, on some systematic plan, calculated for the benefit of all ranks in all pai'ts of the British metropolis. Art. IX. Hints for a Plan for saving the Manure lost in the Common Servers of London^ and for rendering the Thames Water ft for Domestic Purposes. There are few gardeners or agriculturists who have not regretted the immense loss of manure which takes place in London : though it is not likely that any one would think of giving up the public sewei's for the sake of saving this manure ; but as the time may possibly come when it may be found worth while to be as careful of the manure of cities in England, as they are of that of Brussels, Paris, and other cities on the Continent, we shall here suggest how every particle of that which now finds its way to the common sewers, and through them to the Thames, may be saved, and made up in a portable form for agricultural or garden- ing purposes in Britain, or exportation to any part of the world. Along both margins of the Thames form main sewers of dimensions adequate to contain the contents of all the sewers and rivulets which now empty themselves in the Thames, between Fulham Bridge and Deptford, but which should henceforth fall into these main sewers. Continue these main sewers down the river, gradually raising the bottoms of them, till at Gravesend, or higher or lower, they dehvered their contents on the surface of the ground. Proceed there as at the 2^oiidretfe manufactories in the neighbourhood of Paris. Instead of sewers or tunnels underground, an aqueduct might be formed by cast-iron troughs raised on columns along both margins of the river; and into these the contents of the sewers might be raised by lifting wheels, or pumps, worked by steam. These aqueducts must be raised so high as to pass over the tops of carriages at the bridges ; and they must sink underground and rise up again, or be carried round on a level, where they come to docks for masted ships ; or, instead of carrying the aqueducts down the river, they may be carried up, or they may recede from the river in any direction to convenient situations for depositing their contents. By raising the commencement of the aqueduct SO or .30 ft. above the level of the river, the contents nrlght be conveyed several miles up the country. This would certainly be the cheapest mode, but it would be attended with and purifying the TJiames Water. 691 the disadvantage of producing malaria in the neighbourhood of the basins where the contents were left for settHng, running off, filtration, and drying. Instead of one main sewer, or one aqueduct or more, form a well at the mouth of every sewer where it enters the Thames; filter off whatever is larger than an inch in diameter, and force through underground pipes, of adequate capacity and strength, all the liquid contents of the sewers several miles' distance into the. country for evaporation and desiccation. However expensive this might be, there can be no doubt of its practica- bility. Notwithstanding the large size of the sewers, there are few if any of them that deliver, at an average, more fluid matter than would pass through a pipe of 2 ft. in diameter; the contents of some of them, we are persuaded, would not, at an average, fill a pipe of 1 ft. in diameter. A better plan, and, we think, the best, would be to construct a building, 50 or 60 ft. high, rectangular, and from 50 to 100 ft. in diameter, over the mouth of each sewer. In this building there might be .30 or 40 floors, at about afoot apart, each floor being a grating or filter; commencing at the top with a filter of wire with the meshes half an inch apart, and ending with a floor of sponge. The contents of the sewer, after passing through a grating to separate bones and other matter above an inch in diameter, might be pumped up to the upper floor by the power of steam, every floor being in, say eight divisions. The discharge from the pumps might easily be so contrived as to be delivered for about five minutes at a time into the top floor of each division. From this it would filter to the bottom floor, gradually becoming purer and purer, leaving a deposit of different degrees of fineness on each floor, and coming out pure water. This would give half an hour to the deposit on each floor to dry, and to be brushed oft' by machinery into vats or boxes, where it might be compressed into cakes for sale. The bones and other bulky matter separated by the fii'st filter or grating, before the liquid matter entered the well from which it is to be pumped, might be passed through a bone mill, to be worked by the same machinery, and would be found no't the least valuable part of the manure. Perhaps it might be worth while to mix the ground bones, and other bulky matters ground along with them, with the finer matter procured by filtration, adding a little quicklime; by this means the cakes woidd be less liable to break by carriage. The average discharge of any sewer being ascertained, it woidd be easy to determine the proportionate size of all the apparatus, and the whole might be roofed in with glass to admit the influence of the sun, while the sides might be formed of open weather-boarding, like the late horizontal windmill at Battersea, in order to admit a free circulation of air. The cakes of manure, or poudrette cakes, might be dried in a separate building, or set up in walls and thatched in the manner of unburnt bricks, mushroom spawn, or turves cut from peat bogs to be dried for fuel. After the water had passed through the last filter of sponge, it would at least be free from all the impurities it held in mixture ; and though there would remain the impurities held in combination, still these would be nothing like what mix with the water of the Thames at present. We cannot help thinking that an apparatus of the sort contemplated, placed at the Chelsea Dolphin, would pay as a manure manufactory : and it may be worth while for the government and the water companies to consider how far the establishment of similar manufactories, at the mouths of all the sewers, would contribute to render the Thames water sufficiently wholesome for domestic purposes, which it is acknowledged not to be at present. Perhaps the time may come vvhen the 140 sewers, which empty themselves into the Thames between Deptford and Battersea, may be let out to manure manufacturers by the city of London, as toll-gates now are. ^ Y 2 692 Oittline of a Plan for Art. X. Parochial Institutions ; or an Outline of a Plati for a National Education Establishment, suitable to the Children of all Ranks,from Infancy to the Age of Puberty. Instead of pointing out the uses of education, in body, in mind, in heart, and in manners, we shall at once take it as granted — That all human happiness and prosperity, whether public or private, do- mestic or national, are founded on individual cultivation. That knowledge is pleasure as well as power ; and that of any two indi- viduals in society, whether rich or poor, the more highly cultivated, other circumstances being the same, will possess the greater share of happiness, and will be the more valuable member of society. That every good principle in society, to do good eflFectually and generally, ought to be effectually and generally applied; and that, therefore, to raise any society or nation to the highest degree, individual cultivation should be carried to the greatest practicable extent in all classes of society. That individual cultivation carried to its greatest practicable extent in any one society, however corrupt or misgoverned it may be, will, sooner or later, effect, in the laws and government of that society, every amelioration, and, in the people, the highest degree of happiness and prosperity of which human nature is susceptible under the given geographical circumstances. That the education of every individual has been encouraged by govern- ment for the last thirty years in Bavaria, Wurtemberg, Baden, and other states of Germany, and has been attended with the happiest effects on all ranks in these countries; that it reformed the government of Wurtemberg contrary to the wishes of its late king ; and that it has neutralised the animosity of different religions, and produced and maintained a marked superiority of happiness in Bavaria, Baden, and other states.* That a National Education Establishment in Great Britain would ulti- mately, by degrees, and as far as human nature admits, lead to arrange- ments which would correct every evil at present existing in society. These positions being granted, we shall present an outline of wnat we think ought to be, I. The degree of education to be imparted ; 11. The description of school buildings ; III. The qualifications and duties of the teachers; IV. The obligations of parents, with respect to sending their children to be instructed ; V. The obligation of the parochial govern- ments or vestries, with respect to seeing that the parents do their dutyj VI, The expense J VII. The immediate national advantages; and lastly, VIII. we shall notice the objections to the scheme. We premise, however, that our plan is neither original on our part nor striking, being little more than what is already put in practice in Bavaria, Wurtemberg, and Baden. We have merely made such variations in the application of the system which has been for upwards of thirty years in use in those countries, as we think suitable to the present state of things in Britain. We by no means offer this plan as perfect : but, such as it is, we think it advisable to make it as public as possible, in order to call attention to the subject, and we shall be happy to hear all that can be suggested for or against it ; requesting only that our critics or commentators will previously * For proofs vie refer to Des E'lahlisscmens pour l^E'ducat'wn Pitblique en Bavicre dansle Wurtemberg et a Bade, &c.{lS29. Paris, anilTreuttell and WUrtz, London. 8vo, 2s. 6d.) Athcna'uni, A[ml 22. 1829, p. 215. Monthly Bevicw, Aug. 1829, vol. xi. p. 604. Gard. Mag.,\o\. iv. p. 487. Alag. Nat. i?«/.,vol. i. p. .385. The Ecclcoiastic, vol. i. p. 204. See also Ensor on National Education, 8vo, 1811, by far the best work that has yet appeared on the subject in any language. a National Education Estahlisliment. 693 inform themselves, as we have done, with regard to the plan and result of the public education in Wurtemherg, Bavaria, Badeu, Silesia, and Sweden. I. Tlie Degree of Education to be imparfed. — The kind and degree of edu- cation that we think ought to be given to every human being in this and in every country, and in every state of civilisation, may be thus defined : — All the knowledge and accomplish ments that a child's body or mind, and the state of knowledge and the art of teaching at the time, will admit, previously to the age of puberty ; giving 2)reference to those branches of knowledge considered the most useful, and those accomplishments and manners coiisidered the most humanising, by the ivise and good of the age. We consider this degree of cultivation to be as much the birthright of a child in a community where there is a high degree of civilisation, as food and clothes are its birthright in the rudest states of society ; because, with- out it, a man or woman is ushered into society without a fair chance of be- ing able to procure the means of subsistence and of happiness which belong to human nature, under the given degree of civilisation ; in short, without a fair chance of making the most of life. To introduce an ignorant youth into a highly civilised country, under the supposition that he could obtain the requisite degree of prosperity and happiness, would be raore absurd than to turn an educated child into a country of savages. This is one view of the subject, and it is a view on which ail who can afford the expense act with respect to their own children. If we regard the subject in the light of humanity, and the sympathy of one part of society with another, this principle will equally dictate the duty of bestowing, as far as [jracticable, that good on others which we feel to be a good in ourselves, and which we are convinced would add to the general happiness. Viewed as a matter of public policy, and considering that the grand ob- ject of every government ought to be, with reference to its subjects, their happiness and prosperity ; and, with reference to other governments, its own stability; reason dictates the use of the most important means for gaining these ends ; and that it would be prudent, no less than just, in government, so to legislate, as that every individual subject should have the degree of education above defined. Let none, therefore, exist in society who have not their minds ma- tured by the care and culture of public teachers, as their bodies are by the nourishment and clothing of their parents. The religious and humane owe this to the poor as a part of human nature; the benevolent, as sympathising with the miseries they suffer ; the enlightened, in order to raise them to their rank in the scale of creation ; the rich man, to give them a greater chance of possessing property, in order that they may respect the property of others ; the prudent man, that they also may become prudent ; and go- vernment, that they may not be made the tools of faction, foreign or domestic. Knowledge gives power; and if one part of society has the degree of cultivation defined, and the other has it not, it is evident that there can be very little sympathy between them. The experience of ages shows the continual tendency of the powerful in wealth or in skill to oppress the weak ; and the continual tendency of the weak to react by personal force, by cunning, or by numbers, on the strong. Materials so discordant can never form the basis of a sound, healthy, and. permanent state of society. The poor and ignorant, becoming, under such circumstances, little better than slaves to the rich and enlightened, regard them as their enemies, and often finding them to be such, must and will rebel ; and the result is, sooner or later, a subversion of society. It would evidently contribute to the stability and harmony of society to moderate this action and reaction, by a more equal distribution of power ; and, as knowledge gives power, the most obvious and effectual way of attaining the end proposed is, by Y Y 3 694* Outli7ie of a Plan for diffusing such a liigh and equal degree of school education as we have de- fined. It must be evident, we think, that the state of society which this degree of education will sooner or later produce, will include in it every amelioration and happiness of which human nature, under any given circum- stances, is susceptible. In all countries, education, in as far as it has been carried, has had the effect of rendering the poor content. Compare the poor of Sweden and Germany with those of England. The uneducated are prone to consider wealth and happiness as synonymous, a delusion which knowledge quickly dispels ; philosophy teaches its fallacy, and history exemplifies it. For our part, we can see nothing in education but increased security to the rich, and increased happiness to the poor. One of the great evils which at present afflict society in this country is over-production ; not onlj^ of manufactured goods, but also of human beings. We are apt to believe that the plan proposed would remedy even this cala- mity; for if every labourer in the country considered a high and equal degree of education as a necessary of life, and no more to be dispensed with in a child than food or clothing, he would not think of marrying till he could bestow this degree of education on his children. If any labourer acted otherwise, he would bring himself into disgrace among his own class; he would suffer a loss of reputation for good sense and good taste; his wife and himself would no longer be able to associate with their neighbours, either from the extraordinary exertions which they must make, in order to educate their children up to the general level, or in consequence of not being able to do so, and having it done for them by the parish as paupers. The dread of the reflections and neglect of the children when they arrived at maturity, and found that they were indebted to the parish more than to their parents for their education, and that they had, in fact, to pay the parish for this education themselves, would also act as a powerful induce- ment to prudential conduct. Besides, when parents themselves have once enjoyed the degree of education defined, they will consider it cruel and unjust not to bestow the same degree of education on their children. This is, in fact, the feeling of all educated parents ; and one great object that we have in view is to communicate the same feeling to the very lowest mem- bers of society. We are justified in concluding that universal education would do so, by what actually takes place at present among the educated classes. But, supposing that a high and equal degree of education had no influence whatever on the amount of the population, the question is, Would any thing like the same degree of misery exist as at present ? Would an en- lightened superfluous population be as miserable individually, and as ex- pensive and dangerous to the state, as an ignorant superfluous population ? Unquestionably not. An enlightened superfluous population would emi- grate, and try their fortune in other countries, like the superfluous popu- lation of the comparatively enlightened part of the Contment and of Britain. How is it that there are more Scotchmen to be found in other countries than either Englishmen or Irishmen? It is simply because they are taught a little more at school. We consider that it has been satisfactorily proved, that, by means of infant schools, and the judicious application of the most improved modes of teaching after infancy, boys and girls may attain the degree of knowledge and manners contemplated in our definition by their fifteenth or sixteenth j'ear. We would, therefore, commence with infant schools on the most approved principles, and embracing all the subjects taught in those of Edinburgh and Glasgow ; ample details of which have been given, from time to time, in the Scotsman newspaper, and in various publications on the subject, to which it is needless to refer. In many cases, from the distance of families from the echool, it would be impracticable to send infants there; but these might after- a National Educatmi EstablisJimetit. 695 ^vards attain the requisite degree of cultivation in the adult schools ; in which, also, the infants should enter after a certain period, and continue, whatever might be the degree of progress they made, till the time of puberty j or say, in Britain, fourteen years for the girls, and fifteen for the boys. It is an essential part of our plan that both sexes continue till the age of puberty, because, before that age, we do not consider that their faculties, under any system of education, can be fully developed. At that age, we conceive, they may; but to educate to any period short of it, would not be just to the poor, because the children thus incompletely educated would not have a fair chance with those of parents who could afford fully to develope their children's faculties. We know very well that the capacities of individuals are so very dif- ferent, that probably no two persons are capable of deriving equal benefit from instruction ; but still we would give the same opportunities to, and take the same pains with, all. Supposing education to be a fluid, we would immerse every male and female child in it, not only for the same length of time, but in order to let the rich become personally acquainted with the poor, and the poor witb the rich, in the same vessel : in short, we would wish, as far as should be found practicable in the state of society which we contemplate, to keep the children of the rich and the poor on the same level in the public school in all respects. If in some minor details, such as equality of pocket money, and of the ornamental part of dress, we would borrow from the school system of the Jesuits, it must not be supposed on that account that we would wish to extend this jurisdiction beyond the limits of the school, and the age of puberty. At that age, those parents who could afford it might cultivate their sons and daughters by private teachers, or in superior schools, colleges, or universities, as much more as they considered necessary for the profession or part in society which their children were intended to fill. The children of the poorest, on their part, would have imbibed a sufficient degree of elementary instruction to enable any one of them of extraordinary capacity to pursue any subject, by the aid of books, as far as he chose. The subjects to be taught as essential may be stated, as reading, writing, arithmetic, geography, drawing, geometry, anatomy, physiolog}', vegetable culture, the care of live stock, natural philosophy, political economy, morals, and natural theology, with a knowledge of French, and the rudiments of Latin. The accomplishments for the boys alone should be, the manual exercises, military tactics of every approved kind, swimming, wrestling, and self-defence, with and without weapons; those for both boys and girls, march- ing, dancing, singing, music *, and, to a certain extent, even horsemanship. Works and accomplishments for the girls alone may be, the principles of cookery and housewifery, tailoring, hair-dressing, niantua-making, millinery, embroidery, lace-making, knitting, straw-plaiting, and such other female works as are useful in families, and for the ornament of individuals, -f We will not stop to reply to the objections which will be made to teach- ing girls who may never rise higher than maids of all work, and men * We would not omit this even in the case of pauper children : the guitar might be taught to boys as well as girls. It is of all musical instru- ments the most easily learned, and one which more than any other en- courages and calls forth the exercise of the vocal powers, which after all form the most charming and agreeable part of the musical art. f With the exception of horsemanshi[), swimming, and one or two other articles, all these branches are taught to the children of even the commonest labourers and paupers, in the public school in Carlsruhe. We saw the school, and received the printed half-yearly account of the progress of the pupils, in November, 1828. See Des E'tabkssevwns, &c., p. 18. Y Y 4 696 Outline of a Plan for destined to be common labourers, the guitar or horsemanship, farther thari to repeat that our principle is that of keeping every child at school till the age of puberty, whether he or she learn little or much; and to give to each, previously to that period, an equal chance of acquiring all useful knowledge, and as many accomplishments as possible. We wish to repeat, that our principle is that of making «o distinclion between the studies of rick and 2Wor previously to the age of pttberty, except in the single article of lan- guages ; the dead languages not being generally useful, and the most uni- versal and easily acquired living language, the French, being sufficient for every other purpose. We contemplate, indeed, as an ultimate, and perhaps not very distant, result, the total disuse of the dead languages, except for scientific nomenclature; the universal prevalence of the EngHsh and French languages; the universal use of one nomenclature in natural history and natural science, of one system of money, weights, and measures, and, to a certain extent, of laws, religion, and government ; and the total disuse of professional soldiers and sailors. We consider it good, at all events, to encourage the idea of such a result. II. Schools. — We propose that there should be established in every parish at least one suitable school-house, with not fewer than three school-rooms, a room for a library and museum, and another for public lectures in the evenings for the benefit of adults ; a piece of ground for a garden, and lor exercises and amusements; a house for the master,and another for the mistress.* These houses should not be liable to assessed taxes, nor their occupants to serve in the militia or as constables, &c. A plan might be given for such school-houses and gardens; but, providing that the house consist of not less than five rooms, one for the boys, one for the girls, one for the infants, a fourth room for the library and museum, and the fifth for the lecture room; the size and disposi- tion of these rooms might be left to the vestries of particular parishes, f So might the size of the garden, provided it contained not less than an acre, and exhibited an exemplification of twelve of the Linnean classes, and of six of the orders under each of the leading subdivisions of the Jussieuean classes. The minimum accommodation of the dwelling-houses of the masters and mistresses may be three sitting-rooms and five bed-rooms. Both of the dwelling-houses and the garden ought, if possible, to be near the school ; but, as this might not be always convenient, the garden, in the case of towns, might be at some distance. A few books and philosophical instruments, and an anatomical model (such as are made bj' Mr. Simpson, Charles Street, London), would be required to make a beginning in the museum, and to enable the master to go through the proper instructions ; but these being purchased, the more wealthy parishioners would not fail to present dupli- cates of books, models, curiosities, &c., and no author or artist would ever fail to send specimens of his works to his native parish. Very little expense would be required to stock the garden. Twenty shillings would procure the plants requisite to illustrate the orders ; or the master, if a practical botanist, might collectmost of them in the fields. Nurserymen and gentlemen's gardeners, we are persuaded, would, in many cases, supply not only these plants, but all else * One house might often serve for both master and mistress ; but in large parishes and in towns the mistress might often be the wife of some of the occasional teachers, as the drawing-master ; or of a clergyman, or of some person in trade. Much of this part of the details must be left to circum- stances, and to the vestry. f In manv, a commencement might be made in buildings already existing ; even the parish churches might be made use of in this way, as in many places in Ireland. Dwelling-houses might in some cases be hired for the teachers, till certain houses in England, and others in Scotland, fell in to the parish, in consequence of the deaths of their occupiers. a Nati07ial Education Estahlishnent. 69*7 that was wanted for the garden department; and any naturalists that might be in the parish would feel a pleasure in sending articles to the museum. III. Teachers. — Every school would require a properly qualified master and mistress, with assistants and occasional teachers, according to circum- stances. Both master and mistress should obtain their places by competi- tion, and be removable at the pleasure of the vestry of the parish. They should have a fixed salary from the parish, independently of a house rent free, and certain quantities of provisions, either delivered in kind, or paid in their money value. The fixed salary, we think, should not be less, in the present value of money, than 200/. to the master, and 200/. to the mistress, in order to produce efficient teachers. It ought to be the same in every parish in the empire, in order that there might be no temptations, but such as would involve in them additional activity, for a teacher to remove from one parish to another. No living ought to be lower, and no teacher ought to be allowed to hold two livings. The hopes of advancement to a teacher would be, those of being the successful competitor for a parish where there were probably several acres of ground attached to the school and school- house ; or where there were a great many pupils, and consequently a considerable amount of sessional and premium fees; or where lie might be handsomely paid for performing the offices of religion or philosophy to some sect or part}' on Sundays ; or where he might take boarders. But the greatest inducement of all to this profession would be what we should wish established by law; viz. that every teacher, after a certain number of years' service, say thirty years in any one parish, or forty years in any number of parishes, ought to be allowed to retire on a third of his or her fixed salary. The retiring salary should always be paid by the parishes in proportion to the time which the retiring teacher may have lived in them. Thus, if a maa had been head teacher in three parishes, ten years in each, he would be entitled, on retiring, to receive an equal portion of his salary from each of these three parishes. The fees ought to be so much per annum, according to the age of the child, and so much in addition half-yearly, according to the number of premiums awarded at the examinations of the vestry. Consider- ing that the head teachers would always iiave a house rent free, fuel, light, water, and the produce of the garden, they would in every case be in easy circumstances, as such men ever ought to be ; and it would be their interest to get as many scholars as they could, for the sake of the fees of the session; and to cultivate these scholars to as high a degree as possible, for the sake of the fee on the premiums to be awarded by the vestry half-yearly. The assist- ants should be paid a fixed salary, to be agreed on by the master and the vestry, and the hope of advancement to the general assistants would be that of succeeding to vacancies in head teacherships. The hope of advance- ment to teachers of particular branches, such as drawing, fencing, swimming, military tactics, &c., would be that of succeeding to schools where larger salaries were given for these branches. We do not consider it necessary, as in Germany, to establish colleges on purpose to supply teachers ; because the system once commenced, an effectual demand would soon produce the requisite supply. We would also make it legal for the clergyman of any parish, to give up his duties as clergyman, and commence on the salaries and duties of parish teacher. In many cases the teacher might act both as schoolmaster and clergyman, with the exception of the dutiesofregisteringbirths, marriages, and deaths, which we would intrust to the vestry clerk, under the superintendence of the vestry, of which the teacher should always be a member, in right of his profession. There ought to be one system of discipline for all the schools, and, as far as we have been able to observe and reflect on the subject, a modification of that adopted in Latymer's free school at Edmonton is the most suitable. In conformity with this plan, a ledger may be kept, in which every child may occupy seven pages for the last seven years it is to be at school. The 698 Outline of a Plan for page may have as many perpendicular columns as there are studies and accomplishments to be taught, with an additional one for general remarks, and as many lines across as there are weeks in the year, with two additional lines for summing up half-yearly. Taking O as the minimum, and 100 as the maximum, of excellence in each study and accomplishment, and also in general conduct, cleanliness, and health, every scholar ought to have his progress in studies, manners, and conduct, entered weekly, and all the columns summed up at the end of every half year would give the data for the premiums. This large book ought to lie at all times on the table of the library, for the inspection of parents and visitors ; and abstracts of each examination, with the sum of each scholar's columns, ought to be printed half-yearly, and a copy preserved in the museum to be bound up in what may be called the Transactions of the school, and another sent to the parents as a family record, and as affording data for estimating the future characters of the children. But these, and many other details, would require further consideration. If the general idea were adopted, it might be worth while for government to offer a handsome sum for the best general plan for regulating and managing such schools. Much also must and ought to be left to the local authorities ; and, above all things, no regulation ought to be introduced which would prevent the introduction of any subsequent improvement in the art of teaching. IV. Obligation of Parents to send their Children to the Local School. — A law should be passed, rendering it obligatory to the parents or guardians of all children born or residing in the parisli, to send such children to the parish school, under certain penalties, and with certain exceptions. The penalties may, perhaps, be left to the vestry, under defined limitations; but, with respect to this part of the law, the experience of thirty years in Ger- many has shown that it hardly ever requires to be enforced. As the lower classes become cultivated, they no more think of refusing education to their children than food. The exceptions may be, distance, ill health, poverty, or superiority of rank. Distance would preclude infants from being sent to the infant school, but it would not apply to boys and girls of six and seven years of age.* Children so situated, and also those in ill health, unless indepen- dent, ought to be sent to school for some time beyond the age of puberty, so as to bring them up to the par of cultivation of the other boys and girls of that age. This also might be left to the vestry. The children of poor persons, pauper children, foundlings, &c., ought to be regularly sent to school at the expense of the parish ; and it should be at the option of the vestry to require the service of such children, after they have left school, for such time as should pay back the expenses of the session fees. This repayment would not apply to foundling children, or to those of parents who, after the children were born, were, from causes not originating in misconduct, incapacitated from gaining their bread. As to persons of wealth or rank, it would be sufficient for them to satisfy the vestry that their children were pro- perly educated somewhere. At the same time, as it was before observed, we think it would be greatly for the advantage of all classes in a parish, if the children of the rich and poor went to the same school, from infancy till the age of puberty. The effect would be to humanise both classes, and to create a sympathy between them which does not at present exist; It is evi- dent that, by this means, both classes would know more of human nature; and " knowledge is pleasure as well as power." It would produce a salu- tary feeling of gratitude to Providence, in the mind of a rich man in the enjoyment of his wealth, to be able to compare his state with that of the poor ; and, in the day of adversity, it would be useful to him to be able to * Little children are taken by their elder brothers and sisters to the infant school in Marylebone, and left there in their way to the higher school. a National Education Establishment. 699 reduce to practice his knowledge of the mode in which the poor contrive to live. It is a great thing to know how easily the wants of man are sup- plied, when he confines himself to what is necessary. A landlord, by mixing at school with those men who were likely to become his tenants, tradesmen, or servants, would know better what might be expected from them in these capacities ; and the same as to a mistress with her future governesses, cooks, and housemaids. To cooperate with this law rendering it obligatory to send children to school till the age of puberty, we would also render it illegal to employ any child for hire before that age. We wish it to be distinctly understood, that we do not consider either the law obliging parents to send their children to school, or that rendering it illegal to em[)loy children under the age of puberty, as essential parts of our plan, but rather as stimulants to put it in action ; and because we know that these stimulants worked well in German}^, and especially in Ba- varia, thirty years ago, when, probabl}^ not above five in every hundred of the labouring population could read. We were every where informed in that country, in Wurtemberg, and in Baden, that these laws were now totally unnecessary. We think, however, that they might be useful in protecting pauper children, foundlings, orphans,and the children of the unfortunate and of bad characters, for which reason we should prefer commencing with them. We are aware how unsuitable these ideas will appear to a number of minds among the higher classes, but it must not be forgotten that we are supposing our plan to have been some time in operation ; and, in that case, we should regard this state of feeling in the higher classes as one of disease, which it would be for the benefit of all parties to remove, and which, in fact, circumstances would remove. V. Obligations of the Local Police or Vestries of Parishes. — A law being passed by the government to render it obligatory to all parishes to establish such schools, to such an extent as to insure the education of the whole of the community, the execution of this law would devolve on the vestries of parishes. These, we think, ought to be perfectly independent of each other, and of any superior authority, in carrying the law into execution. We wish to guard, above all things, against any thing like a hierarchy or an oligarchy creeping into this system. We would impose on the parishes the duties of finding the school and garden, and paying the salaries ; and we would leave it to them to judge of the efficiency of their teachers. The local press, we think, would be a sufficient check upon the evils incident to this part of the system. The teachers ought to be independent as to their manner of teach- ing, except that they should be obliged, for the benefit of grown-up people, to complete a course of universal knowledge in evening lectures, once in each year, in the lecture-room of the school ; to lecture on every evening ; and not to employ a substitute more than three times a week, without con- sent of the vestry.* The Sunday evening lectures might be devoted to natural theology and morality. But as we consider the institution of ves- tries, though liable to abuse, as one of the best in this country, we would pass the general law by the central government, and leave it to work its way among the parishes. It would be an unspeakable satisfaction to us if the legislature were simply to pass a law, obliging the vestries of all parishes • The difficulties of giving a useful course of universal knowledge would not be great, considering that there are so many excellent encyclopaedias. Even a course of public reading would be of great importance. As no one man or woman could be expected to attend every evening, a manuscript syllabus of the lectures for the past and approaching week or month should always lie on the table of the library, with references to books for such reading as would serve as a substitute for the lecture. 700 Outline of a Plan f ot- to provide for, and enforce the education of, all children within their juris- diction, to the extent of reading, writing, arithmetic, drawing, geometry, and natural history*; to provide competent teachers, who should, with their assistants, deliver evening lectures for grown-up people; and to oblige every child, not incapacitated by distance, disease, or rank, to remain at school from its sixth or seventh to its fourteenth or fifteenth year. So much information is to be obtained from books, and books are now so abundant, that it would be a great point gained if all were taught to read and understand works of science before the age of puberty, and had an oppor- tunity of attending the evening lectures of the parish afterwards. It would also be a great point, to communicate to all some knowledge of vegetable culture, and a taste for a house and garden. To communicate a taste for architecture, we would place some thousands of miniature bricks under a shed in the garden, and offer small premiums for the best-contrived ground plans, the most ingenious miniature bridges, farm buildings, &c. (See Des E'tablissemens pour f E'ducafum Publique, Szc. p. 53.) What is powerfully desired will sooner or later be attained ; and if an ardent desire for a cot- tage and garden were general among the youth of the laborious classes, if they could not procure that gratification here they would emigrate. VI. Expense. — This, in the first instance, we would leave to every parish to raise by loans and rates, as it chose. VII. Immediate National Advantages. — An immediate advantage would result to the population in remote parts of the country, from having a learned and intelligent man, a library, a museum, a botanic garden, and a course of lectures intelligible to all classes, established among them. Even the labour required to build the proper school-rooms would produce some immediate effect; and we may observe that government ought to remit the duties on all the materials used in the construction ofthese buildings, which •would encourage the erection of ample and substantial edifices. On all books and other articles purchased for the school, during the first year after its erection, all duties should in like manner be remitted. But the grand advantage to the country would not be fully experienced before another generation, when it may fairly be presumed that the entire mass of society would be reformed. In the mean time, in the advances to * Drawing is taught in all the Lancasterian schools in France, and is found almost as useful to most mechanics, carpenters, smiths, masons, &c., as writing. The great use of natin-al history and comparative anatomy is, that it humanises and softens the heart. If iDoys were acquainted with the wonderful structure of insects, and of other animals low in the scale, they would not be found sticking pins into flies, or tormenting cats ; nor, when men, would they treat those noble domestic animals, the horse and the ox, with cruelty. NVould any naturalist break the tail-bone of the ox, joint by joint, as is now sometimes done in Smithfield, to urge the animal forward ? To instruct youth in natural history is the true way of effecting the objects of Mr. Martin of Galwa}'s bill for preventing cruelty to ani- mals. A knowledge of the anatomy of the human frame, which might be readily obtained at an easy exjoense in every parish school in the empire, by means of the atlmirable models lately invented, would, by showing the fearful manner in w Inch we are made, "induce even the most robust to be more careful of his health. A very slight knowledge of some of the first principles of chemistry, attraction and combination" for instance, would be of the greatest use to every class of society, even to cooks; and we wouUl have all taught something of agriculture and gardening, because, we think, in a more perfect state of society than that which now exists, almost every family, and es|)ccially all those who do not live in large cities, will possess a house of their own and a small portion of the earth's surface. a National Education Establishment. 701 this state, various cooperating ameliorations would be introduced, till society gradual!}', and without those violent revolutions which must other- wise inevitably take place, attained a form more conducive to general hap- piness than that which now exists. VIII. Ohjections. — These of course will be innumerable,but we shall merely indicate the answers to such as we consider will be reckoned the greatest; — 1. Teaching all Ranis the same Things. — This on the face of it seems unreasonable, if not absurd, and we admit it would be so, if it could be proved that any degree of instruction could be given to the children of the poor that would prevent them from earning their daily bread when they became men and women, or that would not in some way or other con- tribute to their happiness. It must never be forgotten, that with respect to the individual, " all knowledge is pleasure as well as power," and that with respect to society, the effect can only be obtained by operating on in- dividuals. If a high degree of education would not prevent the poor from working for their bread, we maintain that it would give them more enjoy- ment while so working ; because they woukl feel themselves, in all things but property, on an equality with the rich ; and we maintain also that an instructed poor man will be better able to gain his bread than an ignorant one, on the principle of "knowledge being power." With respect to personal accomplishments, independently altogether of knowledge, ever}' one will allow that they tend to humanise the feelings and soften the manners in the higher ranks. Why should they not also have the same effect in the lower? The idea of this degree of education and accomplishment raising people above their condition in society, and unfitting them for the most humble and laborious offices, was the great outcry a few years ago ; but it is already become obsolete and hardly worth answering. When all are highly edu- cated, education will then cease to be a distinction. No man whether learned or ignorant labours but from necessity, or to attain some greater good. No unambitious man or woman, surrounded by plenty of every thing, ever did or ever will labour. Men do not labour because they are ignorant, but because they have wants to be supplied. As long as these wants con- tinue, therefore, they will labour, whatever may be their state of ignorance or of knowledge, their rudeness or politeness. So far from it being the interest of the higher ranks to keep the poor in ignorance, their true in- terest, nay, even the preservation of their property depends upon educating them to the utmost. If they remain without education, they will multiply in such numbers, as to eat up the rent of the lands in poor rates ; if their minds be raised to the level of those of men of property and rank, they will still multiply, but they will be restrained by elevated sentiments, and a more enlightened self-love, from acts tending to their own degradation. Education and polished manners will never unfit a man or woman for any station in society, when they cease to be distinctions; and experience has shown that in so far as individuals of the very lowest classes have been educated above those with whom they were surrounded, they have fulfilled the duties of their station better. Many examples might be given ; but it is only necessary to refer to the difference in the character of the disturbances in the manufacturing districts at the present day, and their character in former years. The nature of society is such that there always will be a lowest class, and different degrees between that class and the highest ; nature has formed these differences in our physical and intellectual capacities, and by no effort of man will they ever be overcome. But as they are aggravated by wealth when joined to knowledge, and by poverty when joined to ignorance, so the introduction equally among the rich and poor of the equalising prin- ciple of knowledge, will reconcile the one class to the other; not only by approximating them, but by showing the poor in what the difference between them and the rich consists; what may be referred to skill, and what to 702 Outline of a Plan for chance ; what may be overcome, and what is inevitable. It will be an im- measurable advance in the happiness of the lower classes, to know that in the rank of mind they are on a level with the higher classes, or even nearly so. When men once know exactly what they are, they will know what they have a right to expect, and how to realise and maintain these rights. So far from knowledge and refinement of manners unfitting men and women for being servants, and for filling the very humblest situations in life, it is a fact not to be disguised, that all cultivation of this kind tends to tame, humanise, and domesticate; and in consequence of this quality in education, and the great difference which exists in the natural capacities of individuals, our conviction is, that if all were highly and equally educated till the age of puberty, there would be a greater difference in the qualifi- cations and capacities of men and women for employment than at present, and, in consequence, a greater number of persons fit only to become docile domestic servants, and common out-of-door labourers, than at present. As a proof that this theory is correct, we may refer to the effect of high and equal education among those classes of society where it obtains. Of 500 country gentlemen, and 500 country ladies, who have all gone through the same education, are there not a number who, if they had had their bread to gain in the world, would not have succeeded in trade or me- chanics? What could these have done but become servants? At all events, let none suppose that people labour hard, or are servants, because they are ignorant; it is because they cannot help it. 2. Teaching no jmrticular Religion. — This will not hinder parents from teaching their children whatever religion they choose. As children of all sects and parties are to be taught in these schools, it would evidently be wrong to infuse into them the peculiar tenets of any. This principle, in- deed, is recognised by the School Society of Ireland (p. 84.), and by various other domestic and foreign institutions. Natural theology we would certainly teach them, and this is the firmest foundation for true religion. Morality would be taught on the principle of utility; because its rewards and punish- ments, though confined but to this life, are certain and immediate, and admit of neither doubt nor escape. 3. Forcing Parents lo send their Children to School. — This, it will be said, is contrary to the spirit of liberty which prevails in this country. We admit that it has this appearance, but we deny that it is so much so in reality as several other existing laws. All civilisation is founded more or less on an infringement of liberty ; and the infringement we propose, as compared with others, may be called one of the most salutary that ever were made. It has been mentioned to us that it would be less obnoxious to pass a law, ren- dering it illegal, after a certain year, to employ any person who could not prove that he had been at school till the age of puberty, or who had not a certificate indicating that he had attained a certain degree of school edu- cation; but though we should prefer this law to none at all on the subject, yet we think the preventive system of legislation greatly to be "preferred. We know that this system has worked well for thirty years in Germany; and we know also, that the comparative absence of crime in the great cities on the Continent, is very much owing to the exercise of this system in the police. At the same time, let it be recollected that our object, in recom- mending an obligatory law, is merely to give an impulse to the scheme at its commencement, and that we do not consider it an essential part of our system, but only an essential part of its commencement. Such is a mutilated outline of our plan, which will be found more at length in a separate tract, a few of which we have distributed among our friends. We ardently desire that the government of the country would take this subject into consideration; but as we can form some idea of the difficul- ties which any minister who attempted to introduce our plan would have to contend with, our chief reliance is on the public press. The actual pro- a National Education Establishment . 703 gress which has been made in general education in the South of Germany, and the influence which this has had in raising Bavaria, the most backward and priest-ridden state in that empire, to the first rank in intelhgence and prosperity, is but little known either in France or Britain. When it is, it will then be seen how very far we are behind. We hope something, also, from the example of Finance *, which is making extraordinary exertions in general education. The best security for the progress of any one country is the progress of the countries by which it is surrounded. It is but reason- able in us to desire that the plan should have a fair chance of working its way among thinking people, and that the labouring classes, being thus able to form some idea of the immense importance attached by others to the education of their children, might be induced to take the subject into con- sideration for themselves. But how, it may be asked, can the poor take the subject of education into consideration when they are without bread ? This is certainly an afflicting question ; but we shall not answer it further in this place, than to state that our plan provides that where parents cannot pay for education, payment shall be made by the vestries as in Germany. {Mag. Nat. Hist., vol. i. p. 48.".) If the children are without food and clothes, these also must, even in the existing state of things, be supplied by the parish. Thus, if we are not providing the poor with bread, we are at least taking none from them, while we are laying the foundation of prosperity to their offspring. Considerable improvement might no doubt be made in the parochial management of the poor of this country ; and the hired servants and la- bourers of occupiers of land might be rendered much more comfortable at very little expense or trouble, if vestries and landed proprietors could take a more enlightened view of their own interest : but the general question of bettering the condition of the labouring classes on a great scale, can only be considered as similar questions in political economy. If the labouring classes are suffering from want of employment, it is because the sup|)ly of labourers is greater than the demand ; because in labourers, as in every thing else brought to market, there will always be an alternating super- abundance and scarcity. This seems a harsh mode of treating the subject; but, we are afraid, it is the only mode that does not promise much more than it can perform. Even under a high and equal education system, the same alternation must unavoidably take place to a certain extent ; but the difference in its effects would be this, that, in times of superabundance, vo- luntary emigration would be immediately resorted to till the balance were restored. If all were liighly educated, or even so far educated at school in their early years as to be able to work out their own education after the age of puberty by reading, human existence, even in its lowest form, would be of a far higher and more refined kind than at present. Whoever lived at all, would live well and be happier ; because he would have more wants, and more means of supplying them. Thoroughly and effectually create the wants and desires, and the means of gratification will as certainly follow as effect follows cause. An educated population would never submit to live on potatoes and lodge in mud hovels, as in Ireland ; or on bread made from chestnuts or Indian corn, and lodge in the open air or in sheds without windows, as in some parts of Italy. If such a population could not find bread and meat and comfortable dwellings in one country, they would find them in another; or they would go to another, where they could create them. Such, in fact, are the nature and progress of civilisation in as far as it has hitherto gone. The extraordinary effects produced in Britain by the recent and rapid improvements in machinery, have produced a corresponding extraordinary * See Lasteyrie's Journal d'E'ducation, in 8vo numbers, monthly, and Bulletin de la Societi jjoui- r Enseignement E'lementaire, also monthly. 704 Cultivation of Waste Lands. "\wt of iineraplojed population, which it is unquestionably the duty of the ffovernment to attend to in some way or other. There is abundance of em- ployraent for this population, in the high garden cultivation of lands now under the plough; in the cultivation of waste lands; and in the execution of great national works, roads, canals, drainages, (Sec. But what would be theconsequence of such a general stimulus to production? Unless the children of the people so employed were highly educated, so as to produce voluntary emigration among thein whenever it became necessary, the evil would in a very few years be greatly increased. We confess, however, that we should wish to see the superfluous population so emploj'ed, and their children so educated, rather than that they should be compelled to emigrate. With the high degree of education to their offspring of which we have given an outline, we would take our chance of the results; and more espe- cially as before any great addition could be made to the population, a reduc- tion of the national debt, free trade in every thing and especially in corn, free and greatly facilitated intercourse with every other country, an increased population in these countries, and in consequence an increasing demand for our manufactures, must have taken place. Art. XI. Cultivation of Waste Lands. In The News, one of the most spirited of the London Sunda}' newspapers, the leading article for October 4. argues the advantage that would result from a general enclosure act, and selling on long credit, or letting at very low rents, the enclosed land, in moderate portions, to the superfluous popu- lation. It seems there are upv.ards of 8 millions of acres of waste lands in the Scotch and English counties; or more probably, according to the writer, 10 millions of acres, and 4 millions in Ireland. Yorkshire alone contains 600,000 waste acres, and 100,000 unemployed and half-starved artisans and labourers. To encourage the cultivation of these lands, for which there is, without doubt, abundance of capital in England, the writer proposes that all the lands so brought into cultivation, with the erections on them, and the materials used in forming these erections, should be left untaxed and untithed for 20 years. Unquestionably this degree of encouragement would soon effect the culture of the lands, and as the writer is aware, it would also reduce the rental of lands in cultivation at least one half. This he says, and we entirely agree with him, " would be a great good in itsc/f: as, in the lowering of prices, it would advance the jjecinnari/ capacity of the country to increase its consumption of agricultural produce (an inadequate proportion of which promotes disease and imbecility), antl of our home manu- factures ; while it only took away from the rich the glitter and gewgaw of high life, now become so excessively artificial as to cease in its resemblance to any thing originally and substantially English. It is their excessive wealth which has created that eternal craving for foreign indulgences in our aristocracy, and which leads them to reside abroad, more than the desire of knowledge and the study of European life, which were the original induce- ments to travel. The rentals of land must come down: if they do not fall from one cause, they will soon tumble from another. The unnational and antisocial plan of emigration, encouraged by the great landowners, will never meet the difficulty they seek to remove, viz. the growing pauperism of the country : for, as i'ar as it now operates, it is injurious rather than beneficial, inducing the removal of industri/ and capital, more than of poverty and idleness ; it is even taking away from the country, to the direct inj*jry of the landowner himself, the marketable demand for farms." Cultivation of Waste Lands, 705 " In proportion as any country possesses extensively and finely cultivated land, it holds tiie hash of all real wealth. The abundance of wholesome food for the people is the best security of their allegiance and their content. Comfort is the greatest anti-radical principle in Europe. You may trace its operation on all the rats of distinguished life. Let the powers that be duly consider the admirable properties of this specific, which never fails them among the comparatively great ; and weigh well the advantages of adminis- tering a larger proportion of it to the middle and lower classes. They would soon find their account in such a policy." " A general enclosure act, under the advantages which we have named, would give seventy thousand additional yeomen and farmers to the state ; there would be a general l)reak up of unprofitable speculations in commerce ; and men of capital would take their own workmen from the unprofitable loom to the remunerative plough." The fact noticed in the above communication, that the emigration to other countries, which is at present going on, is one of " industry and ca- pital " instead of " poverty and idleness," is of some importance ; but, as it appears to us, nothing like so great as the writer seems to imagine. Till the price of transport be so reduced as to come within the means of all, or till experience has rendered emigration unattended with difficulty, in even the huniblest labourer, the good which will result from it will cer- tainly be much less than it otherwise would be; but we must not forget to take into account the demand which the capital thus carried abroad will create there for British manufactures. It might even, we think, be argued, that this capital will do more good to Britain, when employed in her colonies, than when employed at home, more particularly if commerce, and especially that in corn, were free, so as to render our manufactures suffi- ciently cheap to meet the competition of other countries, now manufactur- ing as well as we, and rapidly accumulating capital. It is not very likely that the landlords of the country will voluntarily consent to a measure, which, if brought fully into operation, will reduce their rentals one half; but they may possibly be compelled to do it. In the mean time the poor now out of employment would be benefited by passing a general enclosure act, and taking all tithes and taxes for 20 years from portions of land not exceeding 5 acres, and dwelling-houses and offices not exceeding five rooms, and a two-stalled cow-house with the usual appen- dages. This would at once bring a very considerable capital into activity, and the produce of the soil, being chiefly consumed by the occupiers and their families, would not have much effect in lowering the rentals of lands now in cultivation. The objection to the plan by political economists will be, that the cottagers so settled, by bringing up large families, will greatly aggravate the existing evil at some future day ; but in answer to this we would say, raise the taste of the children of these cottagers by a high degree of education, and if this will not prevent the evil, it is certain it will do all to alleviate it which human government can do. An overflowing educated population must, at all events, be less dangerous than an overflowing ignorant population. But the principal object that we have in view, in noticing this suggestion for a general enclosure act, is, to propose that if any such act should be passed there should be a clause in it providing for breathing places round all towns and villages, of extent in proportion to their population ; another for allotting woi-khouse gardens to parishes, also in proportion to their population ; and a third for gardens to Parochial Institutions. Were the common to be enclosed not situated near the town, village, or work- house, the allotments ought still to be made; because opportunities of exchanging such allotments for others more conveniently situated to the village,"the workhouse, or the Parochial Institution, might afterwards occur. Vol. V. — No. 23. z z 706 Condition of the Labouring Classes. Art. XII. The Conditionqf the Labouring Classes. "In the Quarterly Revieiv for July there is an article on this subject, attributed to Dr. Southe)', pregnant with interest and feeling. We shall give some extracts, which we shall introduce by observing that if the re- viewer's remedies were applied, without at the same time applying a very high degree of education, the effect in twenty years would be to aggravate the disease to a fearful extent. Joining Dr. Southey's plans of amelioration with our plan of high and equal education, the combination will amount, as near as possible, to what the late excellent Mr. Stevenson, author of the History of Discovery and Commerce, has recommended, in the different ar- ticles on SI aneyznd. Allen in this Magazine. (See, in particular, Vol. II. p. 183.) Even if it were contended that a high degree of education will not be so effectual in keeping the population within proper limits, as " sin and sor- row," to use the words of a clever writer, still we contend that there will be this difference between an educated and uneducated superfluous po- pulation, that while the latter will remain at home to starve, and commit crime, the former will go abroad to push their fortunes, and thus extend commerce and civilisation in every part of the world. Mr. Marshalobserves of the poor of Ireland, that those who have any education emigrate and thrive, while those who have none stay at home and get hanged. It is certain that both Scotland and Switzerland would be overstocked with labourers did these not emigrate; and their doing so can only be attributed to their education. There is probably no country in the world where the labouring population superabounds to the same extent as in England, and yet there is no country from which so few labourers emigrate. This may possibly arise from various causes; but that the greatest cause is ignorance is evident from this, that the few who do emigrate are men who can read and have read. Previously to forming the idea of emigrating to another country, it is necessary to know that such a country exists, where it is situated, what advantages it holds out, and something of its history. The man who can neither read nor write is not likely to know any of these things; or, if he takes them upon hearsay, he is less likely to act on them, and, however great his sufferings, will " rather bear those ills he has, than fly to others that he knows not of." From the Conquest to the accession of Henry VII. the population was purely agricultural. The peasantry worked hard, and fared scantily enough, but they were never in absolute want of food or dependent upon charity; the whole body was poor, but it contained no paupers. In the course of the fourteenth century, the demand for wool to supply the markets of the Netherlands and the infant manufactures of our own country, by rendering sheep-farming more profitable than aration, con- verted great part of the country into sheep-walks. The misery and suffer- ing which this change of system inflicted upon the peasantry ejected from their little holdings, have been depicted in glowing language by Sir Thomas More, in his Utojna, who states that even the abbots, " holy men, God wot," pursued the same system, leaving no ground for tillage, and throwing every thing into sheep- pastures. The system of English poor-laws was commenced under Elizabeth ; they were very effectual in accomplishing the purposes for which they were enacted; and until the conmiencement of the last century, " the parochial funds of this country were expended solely upon orphans and destitute children, and upon aged and infirm persons totally unable to work ; but never upon able-bodied labourers in want of employment." In the beginning of the eighteenth century it was discovered that the division and enclosure of the common field lands and wastes would render ' such projjcrty more profitable, by facilitating the introduction of an im- proved system of tillage. The first enclosure act was passed in 1709; and Condi tioji of the Labour itig Classes. 707 4000 enclosure acts since passed have subjected about 5000 parishes (a moiety of the whole territory of England) to the operation of these mea- sures. The change has been a woeful one for our peasantry; a complete severance has been effected between them and the soil ; " the little farmers and cotters of the country have been converted into day-labourers, depend- ing entirely upon daily earnings, which may, and frequently in point of fact do, fail them. They have now no land upon the produce of which they can fall as a reserve whenever the demand for labour hajipens to be slack. This revolution is unquestionably the true cause of the heavy and increasing burthens now pressing upon the parishes in the form of poor-rates. Inde- pendently of all reasoning founded upon general principles, th's is a truth capable of being substantiated by a mass of evidence, so clear, and so well authenticated, as to leave no reason for doubt. In almost every instance, the increase of poor-rates has kept pace with the progress of enclosure." Turning to Scotland, the reviewer shows that the same system of con- solidating farms led to such a band of mendicants as threatened the peace of the Lothians in the time of the celebrated Andrew Fletcher of Saltoun, who proposed to reduce the offenders to a state of personal slavery ; that at present the landlords in many parts are almost annually called upon to make large advances for the maintenance of the poor ; and that though they may struggle to put off, as long as they can, the day when a regular poor- rate shall be found indispensable, yet that they can no more prevent this result, than they can prevent the waters of the Tay from making their way to the ocean. After showing the enormity of the sufferings and degradation of the poor, in various parts both of England and Scotland; that nothing but the poor-rates prevent an open rujjture between the labourers and the farmers ; that the better-informed among the poor are " striving politically to learn the cause of their altered state ; " and that they only suffer in silence, because they have not the means of making their voices heard ; the reviewer glances at the effect of consolidation among the Romans. The limited farms of the early Romans were afterwards generally consolidated ; and the defence of the empire, instead of being effected by voluntary recruits drawn from the class of cultivators, was intrusted to hireling legions, and Rome fell. " The fabric of British power may be safe against any foreign attack; it may not, perhaps, fall under the assaults of a host of savage bar- barians emerging from their steppes and forests; but is it equally secure against internal commotions ? In such an emergencj', we are really afraid that in many districts of this country it would be unsafe to expect much assistance from the loyal feelings of the agricultural peasantry; there seems to be but too much reason to fear that they might be as ready to abet, as to resist, any outbreak of violence. There remains, we shall be told, a great and gallant standing army. It should not be forgotten, however, that every standing army must be raised and recruited among the labouring classes, and that, in the long run, feelings and opinions generally and permanently adopted among these can hardly fail to spread among bands necessarily composed of their sons and brothers." We have proved in detail (Vol.11, p. 51.) that the money wages of la- bourers in the present day are not equal, in the purchase of the necessaries of life, to what they were two centuries ago; and that while every other class of the community is advanced in food, dress, comforts, and lux- uries, the poor alone have stood still. The reviewer draws a touching picture of their sufferings in different counties in England, and clearly and distinctly points out, from the recorded experience of Lord Brownlow, Lord Winchelsea, SirT. Eurnard, Mr.Sabatier, and others, the great advan- tage to the cottager of having a large garden or a field of two or three acres attached to his cottage. z z 2 708 Condition of the Labouring Classes. " There is no better way," says Mr. Sabatier, " to encourage the poor, than by inducing them to employ all their waste time in cultivating a small piece of land, and to make use of all their dirt and rubbish to manure it ; to do which effectually, it must be contiguous to the cottage. The object should be, to employ the wife and children at times when they would other- wise be idle. A cottager, who works for daily wages, has now and then an hour or two to spare in the long days; and, by weather partly wet and partly fine, at all seasons. These, if he had an allotment of land, he might be induced to employ : it is, in short, that kind of work which Dr. Franklin advises all persons to keep by them, because it may be taken up and laid down at any time; when this is not the case, these scraps of time are spent in lounging about, or else at the alehouse." {A Treatise on Poverty, its Con- sequences, Sfc.) " But what is the remedy?" says the reviewer. " Mortgage the poor- rates, and raise funds to remove the excess of population to Canada. This might, perhaps, answer for a very few years ; but the vacuum, we fear, would soon be filled up ; the number removed would be replaced ; and, at no distant period, a second removal, and consequently, a second mortgage, would become necessary. This succession of removals and mortgages would require, we fear, to be repeated, until at last no surplus revenue would remain to mortgage : the rent of the land would thus be annihilated. Check the increase of population ! as well might an attempt be made to stop up the current of the Thames; the puny efforts of men can do but little to counteract the effects of one of the strongest and most powerful of Nature's laws " The manufactures of this country no longer offer a resource for the superabundant hands not absorbed by agriculture. The only alternative, thereforej seems to be the application of this increasing force to the culti- vation of their native soil. If we can neither remove nor diminish the popu- lation of a district, let us attempt what is still better than either — to augment the produce. In this way one thing is certain, that no harm can be done ; and we observe with satisfaction the growing strength of an impression, that some great effort must be made to render the land of this country an avail- able source of prodnctive employment to the labouring population. Con- vinced by what he saw elsewhere, as well as by practical experiments on his own property, of the beneficial tendency of the system of attaching small allotments of land to cottages, the late Lord Brownlow determined to adopt it generally on every part of his extensive estates ; he eventually al- lotted between 5 and 6 acres of land to each of his cottagers, in number about 500. The occupiers pay for these allotments the same rent as the neighbouring farmers pay for land of the same quality ; and this has made them so comfortable and independent, that the whole body does not contain an individual who would not resent the mention of parish assistance as a disgrace and an insult. The present Bishop of Bath and Wells divided a considerable portion of the glebe land belonging to a benefice which he formerly held in Cambridgeshire, among a certain number of the more in- dustrious labourers of the parish. So well satisfied was the reverend prelate with the result of this parochial an'angement, that when he removed to Wells he introduced the same system on a portion of his episcopal demesne in the vicinity of that city; nor has that failed in Somersetshire which suc- ceeded in Cambridgeshire. The moment the lease of any of his fiirms fell in, it was the uniform practice of the late Duke of Northumberland (which is continued by his successor) to have the farm carefully examined. Every cottage was put into complete repair ; every garden was put in order, and from .~ to 5 acres of land were then taken from the farm, and attached to each cottage; and it was not until these arrangements liad been eflected, that the residue was let as a farm. It has never been found that any of these labourers, or their families, arc found to go to their parishes for relief. Condition of the Labouring Classes. 709 Upon the English estates of the Marquess of Stafford, the character of the numerous cottagers is an object of great solicitude; without any inter- ference with the manner in which a man may choose to occupy himself, their regular and decent behaviour is made the subject of care and atten- tion ; and the steward has strict directions to watch carefully over them, and, where it may be possible, to promote their improvement. Whenever a potato-garden can with advantage be adJed to their cottage, that accommo- dation is afforded them. In the vicinity of Trentham the cottages are of the best sort ; and these, with their gardens, are kept in the nicest order. To almost every one of them is attached land for the maintenance of one or two cows. It is a circumstance worthy of remark, observes Mr. Loch {Lord Stafford's Improvements, 1820), tJiat, of all the labourers ivho possess a cow, none receives relief from the poor-rates, except one widow at Trentham, who has a large familt/ ; and, even in this instance, the relief she receives is in a less ratio than any person labouring under similar difficulties would seem to require. The Earl of Beverly, I^ord Carrington, Lord Stanhope, Sir John Rushout (now Lord Northwick), Mr. Burdon of Castle Eden, Mr. Babington of Rothiey Temple, near Leicester, Sir John Swinburne : we could easily name many other landed proprietors, and also many incumbents of parishes in their glebes, v/ho have adopted similar means of improving the condition of their labourers ; and disappointment has rarely, if ever, attended the experiment. Their rents have been punctually paid ; their conduct respectful and orderly ; their industry unremitting ; no allowance from the parish on ac- count of children, or of time lost from want of work. Even in the most trying years, times of scarcity or agricultural distress, very few of the la- bourers enjoying these advantages have been found to apply for parochial relief. They are uniformly found to be most steady and trustworthy work- men, and are, therefore, the last to be throvvn out of employment by agri- cultural reverses ; and the produce of their allotment being mostly green crops is less exposed to casualties from the seasons than the corn crops of the farmer." It is impossible not to dwell with pleasure on the foregoing picture, and to revere in the landlords sentiments productive of so much good ; but we must be allowed to say that the picture is deficient, from the total absence of any appearance of schools. It would be of considerable importance, both morally and politically, to know the precise state in which the children of the families, thus rendered comfortable on these different estates, are with respect to education. Is there a sufficient number of schools within their reach ? Do the parents send their children thither ? For what length of time ? And what do they learn ? Or do the parents employ the children chiefly in assisting them to cultivate their gardens ? To make the most of school education, as a check upon population, and as a stimulus to emigra- tion when the population is superfluous, it is not only necessary that there should be a sufficient number of schools, but that it should be obligatory on parents to keep their children at school till the age of puberty; not to forbid their assisting their parents in their gardens out of school hours, but to render them the fitter subjects either for staying at home, or emigrating, and what we have chiefly in view at present, to enhance the difficulties and expense of bringing uj) children. If a high and equal education could once be rendered as essential to the bringing up of the children of the labouring classes respectably, as it is among the middling classes, it cannot be doubted that it would operate as a very powerful check. It would raise wages, and prevent early marriages. At present the little that the labouring classes think on the subject at all may be presumed to be on the wrong side ; the doctrine " increase and multiply " is held to be of the highest authority, and, unfortunately, it is the interest both of clergymen and medical men to support this opinion. We would therefore wish to know, whether, and to what extent, any thing has been done for the minds of Z Z S 710 Condition of the Labouring Classes. the human beings rendered comfortable on these gentlemen's estates; and we repeat, that much as human nature is indebted to them for their benevolence, jet still without a high degree of education their improvement is incomplete, because it does not provide for its own continuance. What is to become of the multitude of children that will be reared up in these comfortable cottages ? They must either be supplied with cottages in their turn, or made citizens of the world by education. By educating these children, so as to give them the capability of emigrating, these benevolent landlords will not only have the satisfaction of having produced much pre- sent comfort, but of furthering the intentions of nature in spreading civili- sation over every portion of the habitable globe, and thus approximating the consummation of that felicity which we must believe to be ultimately in- tended for the whole of human nature even in this world, since by a part of this world we see it already attained. The reviewer next gives instances of parishes having let land to labourers who had previously been burthensome to the parish, but who afterwards required no assistance. The greut produce from cultivating a piece of land of only 5 acres, in what is called the Flemish manner, or field -gardening husbandry, is stated from some communications to the Board of Agriculture by vSir Henry Vavaseur. An allotment pf arable soil is very properly stated to be preferable to one of meadow land. We cordially agree in desiring "vehemently, to see the day when every cottager shall be allowed to occupy, at a fair rent, an allotment of land of sufficient extent — not to convert him into a |)etty farmer — not to withdraw him from his regular labour, but to employ him, and more especially his family, during their leisure time." With respect to the portion of land necessary for this purpose, we think it may vary in extent from the fourth of an acre to 5 acres, according to a variety of circumstances of a local nature. A fourth of an acre may be the minimum for a labourer who has no cow ; and 5 acres will not be too much for a labourer who has, perhaps, a little capital, and who may produce, with the assistance of his wife, milk and vegetables for sale. Cottagers who are mechanics may, in some situations, find 10, 20, or 30 acres, a desirable acquisition; and in such cases, as in all where the quantity required exceeds an acre or two, the landlord has only to consider what is best for his own interest, always taking that term in an enlightened sense, and looking to permanent as well as temporary advantage. With a high and equal degree of education, we see no reason why this mode of distributing land among the lowest classes in England should not be as productive of general and particular good, as the same mode of distribution is among the labouring classes in some states of Germany, and in Sweden, Norway, and Switzer- land. The good produced in these countries is not great ; the condition of the labouring classes in them is one of poverty, with regard to money, clothes, and luxuries, but not of starvation and hopeless misery. Every family, with scarcely an exception, amongst the lower classes in Bavaria, Wur- temberg, and Baden, possesses a house and more or less land, and, as we have elsewhere {Mag. Nat. Hist., vol.i. p. 482.) stated, though exceedingly poor in point of money, and coarsely clad, yet they iu-e enlightened, very free from crime, and totally without paupers. The condition of the farm servants in the south of Scotland and north of P]ngland, where every married man has a house and garden, a certain quantity of potatoes, wheat, and oats, land for flax, often the keep of a cow, and so many days' labour of a horse and cart to carry home his fuel, is an inferior degree of the same comfort which exists in Wurtembcrg and Bavaria. The condition of these agricultural labourers is greatly superior to that of their brethren in the greater part of England ; because, whatever may be the price of bread corn, potatoes and the produce of a cow and a pig, they have always the same quantity of these ar- ticles. The possession of land not only affords a labourer or mechanic an op- portunity of employing every moment of his leisure time, and of saving what would be spent in idleness or in the alehouse ; but it renders hiui, by the sense Condition of the Laboiiriiig Classes. "7 11 of importance which it induces, more frugal and economical when in full employment. The first step to the improvement of a man is, to let him have something which he can call his own ; something which he can add to and improve, with the feeling that he is doing good to his family, and acting in such a way as to be generally approved of. Poverty is the parent of im^ morality and crime. No improvement in the condition, either of individuals or of nations, takes place till property exists ; and of all the different kinds of property known to civilised society, none exercises so important an influence on the individual, as a portion of the earth's surface, however small ; a dwell-- ing surrounded by land ; a small house and a large garden. This taste is implanted in human nature for the wisest purposes ; since it is only in such dwellings that healthy children can be produced and matured. Under these impressions we do not hesitate, with the reviewer, most ar-- dently to desire, that every labourer had a cottage, and land more or less. We desire it even without the establishment of national schools, for the immediate good it would produce, and because we anticipate that, before the production of much evil, schools of some sort will, by some means or other, be established every where, and emigration has become as common, as the exportation of manufactures- To realise such a state of things is the difficulty. Land-agents and rent- collectors of every kind are said to be against multiplying cottages and gar- dens; because " it is much less troublesome to collect lOO/. from one farmer than 10/. apiece from 10 cottagers." It is, therefore, for the independent and benevolent proprietor to make a commencement, however opposed by his agents ; and it will be " policy no less than humanity and philosophy to do so." " No alteration which the legislature can make in the poor laws — no^ improvement which can be introduced into their administration — nothing short of giving the labourer a field for the application of his industr}^ can prove available. Except, perhaps, by an enactment enabling the landowner to detach small cottage allotments from farms now under lease, we are not aware that the interference of the legislature could much assist in carrying this mode of ameliorating the condition of the peasantry into effect. If the landowners do not utterly forget the obligations and duties which their situation imposes upon them — nay, if they take a correct view of their own true interests, they will not hesitate. They are not called upon to give any thing j it is not suggested that they should parcel out their land among a host of small occupiers : all that is required of them is, that the labourers actually wanted for the cultivation of their property should be allowed the privilege of hiring, at a fair rent, a small allotment of land, to be cultivated at their leisure hours ; and of establishing, by that means, at their own doors, a savings' bank, in which every hour that can be spared, either by themselves or their families, from more profitable employment, may be saved and laid out in a productive manner." Neither the interference of the legislature between the employer and the employed, nor the giving of any thing by the former to the latter, will be productive of any other than a momentary and partial good. What- ever is done must be effected on the general principles of free agency and self-interest. If any thing be attempted on other principles, it will neither become general nor be of lasting duration. A correct view of a landlord's, or even a farmer's, true interest will, we agree with the re- viewer, lead to rendering the labourers and servants of every description,^ actually wanted for the cultivation of his property, as comfortable as pos- sible; and the most effectual mode of accomplishing this, with the married servants, is that of allowing them a comfortable cottage, and as much land as will completely occupy their leisure hours, at a moderate rent. This is so obvious to common sense, that it may be safely recommended to all land- lords and farmers: many have all along acted on it; and, of those who had z Z 4- 712 Condition of the Labouring Classes. so acted, we never heard of one who gave it up. While there may be great doubts as to the policy of granting as much land as will just enable a family to live, there can be none as to either the general policy, or individual pru- dence, of grants to servants and labourers of the description above contem- plated. If every landlord in the country were to act on it, a great proportion of the existing misery would be immediately reduced. " A very beneficial law has been recently enacted, enabling parish officers to purchase or hire any quantity of land not exceeding twenty acres, with the viev/ of letting it out in allotments to the labouring parishioners. The judicious application of the authority thus vested in overseers cannot fail to produce the best effects. A number of cottage endowments may be thus created, and placed beyond the reach either of the cupidity or the caprice of individual proprietors. In one point, however, it seems to us that this excellent act is susceptible of improvement. The quantity which it places at the disposal of parochial officers is much too limited to meet the neces- sities of large parishes. The overseers should, we think, be authorised, under proper restrictions, to purchase or hire a quantity of land, for the purpose of establishing these small cottage-farms, bearing some defined pro- portion to the extent of cultivated land contained in each parish." We have great doubts as to the permanent benefit of any thing that can be done by parishes, or, indeed, we may say, that can be done by any party, out of the natural course of things. We do not see the point at which any parish is to stop, or could with justice stop, after it had begun to let out small allotments to labourers. At the same time, we admit that the poor- rates may become so excessive, in some parishes, as to render the measure contemplated the best one that could be adopted, in order to save, for a time, some rent to the landlord. If adopted generally, we think it would not be difficult to show that it would end in rendering the poor the lords of the soil. But if it were adopted generally, in connection with a high de- gree of education, what would be the probable result ? Either it would make parents prudent as to the number of children they produced ; or it would fit these children for emigration, and thus, instead of burthening the country, create in other countries a demand for its manufactures. It is remarkable that only once, in the course of this review, does the reviewer mention the subject of education. " Incredible exertions," he says, " have been made to spread more extensively, among the English peasantry, the advantages of education, in the hope that the knowledge of what is right would wean them from the practice of what is wrong. But while we sow the wind, we must content ourselves with reaping the whirlwind : we endea- vour to sweeten the stream, and make no attempt to cleanse the source." The general opinion of men of a certain manner of thinking is, that the use of education to the poor is to " wean them from the practice of what is wrong." This is a part of our object also : but the grand efficient pur- pose which we have in view, in recommending universal and high education, is to render a man better able to support his family ; to render that family more comfortable by creating a greater number of wants, and supplying them; to raise the dignity of the poor as intellectual beings ; to enable them to ascertain their precise position in society; to maintain their rights as men and as citizens, against the encroachments of the rich ; and to render their opinion influential in the control of local and general government. The reviewer concludes by stating, that he has confined his attention "to the condition of those labourers who are regularly employed in the ope- rations of husbandry : the disposal and employment of that surplus popula- tion, both agricultural and manufacturing, for whose labour there is no effective demand, forms a wholly distinct question." We thence conclude that this question will be cntccd into in an early number of the review ; and we sincerely desire that it may be done, because, at all events, good will arise from discussion. Hints for Prize Questions. 713 In the mean time, whether any thing be done by government in the way of estabhshing a national system of education or not, landlords of every descrip- tion cannot err in increasing the comforts of their hired servants and day labourers; by rendering their cottages morehealthy, commodious, and neat, and by adding to them a large garden, in no case less than a fourth of an acre. We shall, in our next Number, discuss the subject of improving rural dwellings, commence a series of plans for improved labourers' cottages and gardens, and show how such gardens ought to be cultivated, and what they are calculated to produce. Art. XIII. Hints for Prize Questions, submitted to Provincial Horticultural Societies. The report of the committee of the Newcastle Botanical and Horticul- tural Society has been sent us by the secretaries, with a request that we would furnish them with some hints for prizes. We are much gratified to observe that an excellent garden-library has been established by the Society, and more especially to learn from the report, that " the taste for readino-, already engendered by it, has exceeded their most ardent expectations, and they can with confidence state, that the books in it are in constant and active circulation among those of the members for whose use they were more especially intended, the practical gardeners." Most of the books, it is gratifying to observe, are presentations; and one gentleman, Mr. Charnley, has nobly given fifty volumes of standard works. Mr. Falla, jun., one of the secretaries, and one of the most enlightened of the nursery gardeners of the north, seems to have vied with Mr. Charnley in the liberality of his dona- tions. As to prizes, the following is a copy of the rough sketch which we sent, and to which we would wish to direct the attention of other countrj' so- cieties : — " What quantity of garden ground does it require to supply all requisite culinary vegetables, including potatoes, to a labourer's family, and to his live stock ; the former consisting of two grown persons and four children, and the latter at an average of one pig, three rabbits, three hens, and three ducks? Name all the articles, and give a calendarial treatise on their culture, and on the management of the whole garden throughout the year, specifying the number of hours' labour of one man for every week in the year. Include the mode of cooking the vegetables, so as to make the most of them ; how far the potatoes may be mixed with flour to make bread; where and how the manure is to be procured and managed, &c. " All the above circumstances being the same, but two goats for milk being added to the live stock, what additional ground, and what arrange- ments and management would be requisite ? " All the above circumstances, &c., as at first, but a cow added, what addition of ground and what arrangements, &c. " All the circumstances, &c., but a cow, horse, and cart added, what, &c. " Take each of these cases separately, and consider what additional quantity of ground, and what arrangement, management, implements, hand- mills, or machines, &c., would be requisite to supply the family with bread- corn; what are the best corns to cultivate for this purpose, and what proportion of each ; and whether Indian corn might be included ? Describe the mills, and mode of grinding and preparing the corn as flour, &c. " Handsome premiums should be given for the first, second, and third answers to the above questions. " We are far behind the French, as to the use of the kidneybean, and especially the dried seeds of certain climbing varieties ; and much inferior to 71 4 Workhouse Gardens and Gardeners. the Germans in every thing relating to the varieties of the cabbage family, their culture, and especially their cooking. The same as to winter salading. It would be useful to encourage the annual importation of cabbage-seeds from Germany, especially the borecoles. A good deal is to be done in spreading a taste for succory and other winter salading, as suggested in Vols. 11. and III. by a correspondent abroad." It would be a grand object to ascertain, all over the island, what portion of land would keep a fomily in culinary vegetables, pork, and eggs; in culinary vegetables, pork, eggs, and milk ; in culinary vegetables, pork, eggs, milk, and bread corn ; and the best modes of culture and management in every case, including therein the number of hours' work of a man every week in the year. To whatever first premium the Newcastle, or any other country societ)', may offer for the best treatise on each of these three sub- jects, we shall, with their permission, add a copy of our Encyclopccd'ia of Plants, and to the second premium a copy of our Hoi-tus Britannicus. We also offer a copy of the Encyc. of Plants, and of the Hort. Brit., to the person who may send us the best answer in detail to the whole of these three (juestions as to cottage gardens, provided the same be received by us before the 1st of Feb. next; and copies of the Hort. Brit, to the papers ranking second, third, and fourth in merit. The papers to be clearly and plainly written, with a number, mark, or motto, and without either real name or address. The awards we shall announce on the cover of the Magazine, and the candidate can then come forward with his name, and claim his prize. Art. XIV. JVo7-khouse Gardens and Gardeners. One of the greatest evils in the management of the poor of this country is the payment of able-bodied men and women, or, at least, of men and women who can work, without requiring or obtaining any useful labour from them. In many parishes, the parish poor are set to work at labours of no real use to society; such as carrying or wheeling stones from one place to another, digging pits and filling them up again, Sec. &c. ; which cannot but be felt by the humblest labourer as an utter degradation of his nature. In some parishes the labours are of a useful description; but persons who have been accustomed to work at mechanical trades within doors, or who have been servants, perhaps housekeepers, can never do any good at such occupations as breaking stones, mending, watering, or sweeping roads, &c. ; on the contrary, they must be disheartened, and so broken down, both in body and mind, as to produce very little benefit to their employers, and to injure their own health. VVhy should not every parish be obliged to have a parish garden pro- portionate to the size of the parish workhouse ; say one acre for every four persons which the workhouse is calculated to maintain ? The work- houses of large towns might have their gardens in the country, and if it were situated at a great distance, the paupers might be carried thither in the morning and back in the evening in vans. The great advantage of garden work is its agreeableness to almost all men and women whatever, and whether they have been brought up in the town or conntrj'. The pro- duce of these gardens would, in great part, be consumed by the poor them- selves, and the remainder might be sold. By growing potatoes, wheat, perhaps Indian corn, peas, and kidneybeans of the kind used in France and An erica in soups, and by feeding [n'gs with the refuse, almost the entire subsis'cnce of the poor would be home-made. A good large garden, and a good gardener as a manager, would always supply abundance of work, which would be both suitable and agreeable to every description of paupers, male and female, old and young; and when WorkhoKse Garde?is and Gardeners. 715 able-bodied men applied for allowances, or work, they could at once be set to digging or trenching by the job, or by meaburement, which would be much'better than employment by the day. Almost every thing would depend on getting a very superior gardener, and contriving his remuneration in such a way, as to make it depend on the produce and profits of the gar- den. As scarcely any single parishes in the country could afford to maintain such a gardener, half a dozen or a dozen parishes might join and employ a gardener in common, and this man, by keeping a horse, might visit each workhouse garden two or three times a week. Each garden might have its pauper foreman and forewoman, and the labours, from the least to the greatest, should, as much as possible, be let against time, or at certain rates; and out of every job seme small proportion, if it were only a pipe of home- grown tobacco (or the remuneration might be in numbers of a certain value per dozen), should go to the private pocket of the pauper. Now and then, when superior-minded men have directed their attention to the management of the poor, or of prisoners, they have effected astonishing ameliorations. A case which presents itself to our minds at this moment is that of the workhouse of Hagenau (p. 6 7.), where 600 female prisoners, condemned to labour for limited periods, by the admirable management of the present governor, actually pay the expenses of the establishment, and put something in their own pockets. Let a source of agreeable and productive labour, such as large gardens, be found for the inmates of our workhouses, and let efficient gardeners be set over them, and we have no doubt the poor in many parishes would nearly or wholly support themselves. Eut if they did not support themselves, it would surely be a powerful check on the able- bodied idle poor, to know that it was utterly impossible for them to get any relief without a return in labour. Much might be effected in reforming the workhouse system if it were once fairly set about. But very little can be expected to be done in this way, or in any other tending to reformation, while the parish vestries in the country are com- posed of men ignorant of general principles on any subject, and governed by the most erroneous ideas of their own interest. The landed proprietors, and the enlightened class of a parish, find it impossible to have any thing to do with such men; they are outnuii.bcred and sometimes bullied by them into absurd measures, and they in consequence seldom look near the vestry, unless compelled to do so by some extraordinary pressure of the rates. Few about large towns have ;;ny idea of the absurdities that are committed by vestries in remote parishes in the country ; and this will continue to be the case till the men composins these vestries are generally enlightened by readmg. As this can never take place with the present generation, any radical improve- ment must depend on the degree of education given to their oftspring. School education, in short, applied to all classes, to such an extent as to produce a reading population, like that of Germany and Sweden, is the only source that can be relied on, either for introducing or perpetuating any grand or general improvement in the condition of any part of society. It is this general ignorance in the country, and even in the parliament, which renders it necessary to promulgate such an endless number of laws. A people enlightened, justly represented in their legislative assembly, truly free in their commercial "intercourse among themselves and with other nations, free as to their choice of opinions, and, above all, free in regard to the press, would not require a multitude of new laws every year. Biit in an old, corrupted, diseased country like Britain, this is unavoic'able, till its constitution be renovated by a new generation of men who have been highly enlightened in their youth, and who shall be neither too rich nor too poor for public business. In the mean time, as this law-enacting system must go on for want of something better, we do not see any great harm that would result from passing an act rendering it legal to have workhouse gardens r.nd gardeners, as well as workhouses. 716 Retrospective Criticism. Art. XV. Retrospective Criticism. Mb. Knight^ s Pines. — Sir, You call upon nie (p. S67.), and justly, to send you my opinion of T. A. Knight, Esq.'s method of cultivating the pine- apple. There is no gentleman in the kingdom that I respect more than the worthy president of the Horticultural Society ; and I am extremely con- cerned that you should use such severe language in the pages of your Ma- gazine towards one whom we have greater reason to honour and applaud than to censure; and I am well assured that the practical gardener has not a more sincere friend than Mr. Knight. With regard to those words used by him when he first publicl}' noticed his method of cultivating the pine-apple, and which have so frequently been brought up in a censurable way by many gardeners, I am convinced that Mr. Knight never meant them as a slight upon practical gardeners ; and that if he had suspected that only a small portion of them, and those of the lowest grade, would have felt themselves hurt at the expression, he would have omitted it. He never meant it in any other light than that of illus- trating the simplicity of his method of culture over the usual way; still intelligence and rigid attention are obviously of the utmost importance. Mr. Knight may be said literally to live in his garden, and therefore he does not require a professed gardener; as he sees and orders every thing himself, and will continue to do so as long as he is able to walk. I have had opportunities of seeing Mr. Knight's method of cultivating the pine-apple several times in the year, from the time that he first adopted it to the present time; and, from first to last, the extraordinary luxuriance in the appearance of his pine plants has surpassed any that I have ever seen cultivated in the usual way. The plants have more the sturdy appearance of the American Aloe than that of the Yucca gloriosa ; and not the thin lank look that the pine plant assumes as it is generally cultivated; and I have grown them myself upon a stage, in a common wooden frame, with wooden lights, so as to astonish every gardener who saw them ; and from small suckers, planted at Candlemas, I produced plants by November, superior to those of two years' growth in the usual way of culture. Had I had a house with a curvilinear roof, I should certainly prefer the method for growing my plants, to any other ; but as that is not the case, and as fuel is expensive, and tanners' bark and oak leaves close at hand, as I am at present circum- stanced, the old method is the best. Although I grow my plants so very fine, and have seen Mr. Knight's as I have described, yet I have been disappointed on seeing the fruit of such plants. What I have seen of Mr. Knight's this season have been much finer than any previous; and I am confident, that if the plan were more gene- rally adopted by some of those gardeners eminent in their profession, so that they may have a constant judicious management under their eye, pines may be grown with fi'uit equally luxuriant as I have ever seen on any plants. Mr. Knight has never, in my hearing, spoken of his method as being su- perior to the old; he has only recommended it where tan and leaves are not conveniently to be had, and where fuel is not a material object ; and that a hot-house, of a given dimension, will contain many more plants than when confined to a pit in the usual method. What I here remark is my candid opinion, nor do I dissemble in any one expression with a view of favour, or lest I should hurt his feelings. ' If I did not think that he merited our warmest esteem and applause, I should not give it to him ; and I trust, ere long, to be gratified by reading of him in your pages as he justly merits. Mr. Knight's son-in-law, Mr. Stackhouse of Acton Scott, near Church Stratton, Salop, has built a larger curvilinear pine-house than his, and they are under the superintendence of two very steady and persevering young Retrospective Criticism. 717 men, who were both pupils of mine. They only commenced this last spring, after I sent the last yoinig man as foreman to the other, who is the acting steward, and cannot pay such close attention himself as pines require, by whatever method they are cultivated. I went over to see them about Mid- summer, and I was astonished at the wonderful progress and sturdiness of the plants. They keep the house at an extraordinary high temperature through the day, and the plants comparatively dry, but the air in the house is kept like a vapour bath. I shall feel happy in sending you the state of the plants both at Downton Castle and at Acton Scott, as soon as I can make it convenient to pay a visit to these places. I am surprised to find, by the last Number of your Magazine (p. 465.), that you had never heard that Mr. Knight's pine plants looked well. I am persuaded that no one who had ever seen his plants could say any thing against the appearance of them, unless prejudice blinded his eyes. I am, Sir, &c. — John Mearns. Shobden Court, near Leominster, Septemher, 1829. Mr. Knighfs Pines. — As I promised to acquaint you of the present state of Mr. Knight's pines as soon as I could ride over to Downton Castle ; I now inform you that I have been there. I went over a iew days ago and took a friend, a practical gardener and excellent pine-grower, formerly a pupil of my friend Mr. M'Murtrie's, at Shugborough, along with me. We had a good deal of argument upon the subject of pine-growing, upon our way thither; and as we had both but recently visited Mr. M'Murtrie, and seen his pines and those of the Marquess of Stafford, Lord Bagot, &c., and he had never seen Mr. Knight's, although but eight or nine miles from him, for the last three or four years, you may suppose that he would not think much of the method till he had seen it : however he was much pleased, and not a little astonished when he saw the plants, and also the fruit, and I have to say from him, that, under certain circumstances, he is become as much a convert to the system as any of us : and I am likewise permitted lo say that Mr. Corbett, Mr. Knight's acting steward, who was previously gardener, and an excellent pine-grower, has long been as great a convert as myself, and intends to make an attempt at it ere long, near some of our great coal-works. My friend, Mr. Andrew Begbie, had changed his tone before he left Downton Castle, and was anticipating all the way home the great prospect of success that was likely to accrue from Mr. Knight's method in the neighbourhood of such a place as Musselborough, where coals, glass, bricks, and timber could be had at hand and cheap; and at so convenient a distance from Edinburgh. Yours, &c. — John Mearns, Shobden Court, near Leonmister, Oct. 10. 1829. Mr. Knight's Pines. — Sir, I observe in one of your previous Numbers of the Gardener's Magazine, that you would be much obliged to any of your readers that visited Downton Castle, if they would send you some account of what they saw there. But you appear to show as a cause why they do not, " that gardeners having so great a personal respect for T. A. Knight, Esq., from his obvious goodness, and that peculiar sort of winning simplicity and ingenuousness which pervades his character, they will not incur the risk of hurting his feelings ; " which I consider to be as much as to say, that his pines are so very bad that they dare not report them, lest they should get Mr. Knight's displeasure. However, I dare run the risk of informing you and your readers, that I visited Downton Castle on the 26th of August last, and that I was very much deceived in T. A. Knight, Esq.'s pines ; so much so, that I think 1 shall become a zealous convert. I expected to find them poor, stunted, and bad-looking; but, on the contrary, I found them stout, healthy, and the finest-looking plants that ever I saw in my life, of the kinds which he grows. Fruit from 3 lbs. to 5 lbs. weight, of the Montserrat kind. Therefore, let his mode of growing the pine be what it will, I think that he might (at the present time) challenge any pine-grower 718 Retrospective Criticism. in the kingdom with the black kinds. Sir, &c. — John Pearson. Kinlet Gardens, near Bewdley, Sept. 22. 1829. Mr. Knight on the Culture of the Potato, Sfc. — Sir, In the last Number of jour Gardener's Magazine (p. 294.), 3'ou have expressed a wish to know the length and breadth of the ground which vi\y crops of potatoes occupied ; upon which I calculated, in the account sent by me to the Horticultural Society of London, the produce per acre : and as I consider the subject to be out of very great national importance, I send you the following state- ment. The public will, however, I believe, give me credit for knowing how to make such an experiment correctly, and for integrity in stating truly the result of it: but I have the evidence of two competent judges, who saw the potatoes taken up and weighed, and the ground minutely mea- sured; and who are ready to attest on oath their conviction that the crops, extraordinary as they are stated to have been, exceeded the published ac- count considerably. The account published by you must have appeared, as you very obviously wished it to appear, incredible to your readers; for you have suppressed every fact and inference which led me to send the account to the Horticultural Society, and upon the evidence of which I accounted for the immensity of the produce; and you have represented that com- munication, which I consider much the most useful that I ever addressed to that Society, and one of the most useful ever published by it, to be perfectly nugatory, and discreditable to me as the writer, and to the Coni- mittee of that Society as the publishers of it. I received the first intelli- gence that you had done so, from a gentleman residing some hundred miles distant from me; and whom I had never seen. If this charge is unfounded (I do not accuse you of intentional misrepresentation), you can refute it by publishing my paper: and it is a very short one; and this I call upon you to do. The large, or Lankman's, potato grew in a plantation which was about seventy yards long, and about twenty yards wide. I fixed upon the central row, because it was the central row only ; and without any previous examination of it, and having caused twenty yards at one end to be measiued off^ and a stake driven in the ground at the end of that distance, I took the produce of the next succeeding twenty yards, and allowed something more than the full extent of the ground occupied by the se- lected portion of the crop. Not less than half a peck of potatoes appeared to have been drawn out and injured, as I have stated, within the twenty yards above mentioned ; and as that quantity was more than equivalent to twenty bushels per acre, I thought it proper, as I wished on this, as on all other occasions, to convey minutely correct information to the public, to mention the circumstance. The rows of the small ash-leaved kidney potato were about 12 ft. long; and those grew in good soil, but without manure. One of these rows, the central one, as in the preceding case, and what appeared to me not to be a favourable one, was selected. I'he terminal plants, having had more than their due share of light, were taken away, and the remaining produce, upon a perfectly fair calculation and correct admeasurement of the ground, inilicated, as I have stated, a produce per acre of G65 bushels of 82 lbs. each. My gardener requested to have the produce of another, and appa- rently a more favourable, row ascertained; and that indicated a produce per acre of 695 bushels and .3 pecks. As you have asserted that there was nothing new in my mode of manage- ment, except that of collecting a shallow soil into high ridges, I beg to ask you, whether any person except myself ever pointed out the great advan- tages of pliuiting potatoes, of every variety, large enough and near enough to each other to cause the whole s irface of the ground to be covered, under the conflicting influence of gravitation and of light, without the plants in any one row being overhung or shaded by those of contiguous Retrospective Criticism. 719 rows; and whether any gardener of any country is prepared to prove, that he ever saw as large, or even half as large, a produce afforded by the dwarfish ash-leaved kidney potato, as that above stated ; or who will en- gage to cause as large a produce to be afforded by any other mode of culture than that pointed out by me. I could put many more questions to you, which, I think, you would find it difficult to answer : but, as I conclude you will lay my paper before the public (as I have called upon you to do), I think the foregoing sufficient. You may perhaps say, as you did respect- ing my pine-apple plants, that you have seen a gardener and a nurseryman who had seen my crops of potatoes, and insinuate that they could contra- dict my statement, only that they do not choose to give their names : but such evidence is not calculated to convince any person, nor to injure any character (I believe I could here use a past tense) except your own. I remain. Sir, your obedient servant, — T. A, Knight. Bownton, Sept. 10. 1829. The following is a copy of our answer to the above communication : — T. A. Knight, Esq. Bayswater, Sept. 1-5. 1829. Sir, I have received your communication of September 10. which I am sorry is too late for the October Number of the Gardener's Magazine, but it will appear in the December Number, together with the whole of your paper on the potato, as you required. As I put the question, to which your communication is an answer, myself, I think it would render your answer more clear, if you would state what breadth you allowed to your row of 20 yards. You say, that you " al- lowed something more than the full extent of the ground occupied by the selected portion of the crop;" but if you would state in figures what that " extent of ground" was, it would perhaps prevent me from falling into any mistake in replying to your conniiunication. I am. Sir, your most obedient servant, — J. C. Loudon. The following reply to this letter was received, marked private ; but having written to Mr. Knight and obtained his permission to publish it, we now do so : — J. C. Loudon, Esq. Bowntcn, October 16. 1829. Sir, I should have answered your question sooner, but that I waited with the hope of being first enabled to see, and to state, the produce of a small plantation of potatoes, which still remain unfit to be got up, on account of the excessive wetness and coldness of the season. The crop of potatoes, which I stated to have been proportionate to five hundred and thirty-nine bushels per acre, was planted with a plough. My orders were for the rows to be placed accurately at four feet distance from each other, conceiving that to be a proper distance for that variety of potato. I measured accurately, when the potatoes were taken up, the width of the intervals upon each side of the selected row, and having taken half the width of those united, I am quite certain that my calculati.on was correct. But if I obtained, as I did, and as I can obtain next season, a produce proportionate to six hundred and sixty-five bushels per acre, from a small and generally supposed unproductive small variety of potato, it is not, surely, very important that I should prove that I obtained a much smaller produce from a large and very productive variety. 1 did not sug- gest any possible cause why the produce of the smaller variety was not greater than I stated it to be ; and, therefore, I think (and I have good reason to know that others think) that your sneers and personality might have been spared, as I certainly have never done any thing to call forth either. The public are not (and I am sure that they have no reason to be) in- cliiied to believe that I am actuated by any interested or impure motives ; and whether your character, or rather that of the work of which you call 720 Hetrospective Criticism. yourself Conductor, or my character, will suffer, is a question deserving your most serious consideration. The supposed motives of some persons, who are supj)osed to have an interest in your publication, are suspected, by some persons, not to be the purest possible. I shall have occasion to address myself again to the Horticultural Society, upon the subject both of potatoes and pine-apples ; and if you choose to persist in your present course, I shall show you that I have the power to bear you down by un- answerable facts. You have called upon me to name some of the gardeners who have be- come convents to my opinions and practice respecting the culture of pine- apples ; and therefore, though I would not, as I conclude you well knew, descend to name them in your Magazine, I now do so in a private letter, confining myself wholly to strangers, whom I had never before seen, and over whom I cannot have any hifiucnce, and I give the names of all such persons who have visited my garden, during the last summer and autumn. Mr. Boughton, an eminent nurseryman of Worcester. Mr. Stroud, who has long been in the service, and now travels for, Mr. Miller of Bristol. Both Mr. Boughton and Mr. Miller cultivate pine-apples for sale. The gardeners of — Childe, Esq., of Kinlett, Salop, and of — Hopton,Esq., of Cannonfrome, Herefordshire ; both these gentlemen are entire strangers to me. — Mr. Bennett, gardener to Sir Harford Jones Bridges of Boltibrook, near Presteigne, Radnorshire ; and as you have called upon Mr. Mearns, I would mention him ; but I have been informed that he has written to you, certainly not owing to any desire or instigation upon my part. Any one or all of these would, I believe, say, if required to speak, that they never saw pine-apple plants finer, or so fine, of the same age, and confined to the same narrow limits; nor fruit, under the above-mentioned circum- stances, more perfect. I have already told you that Mr. Knight of the Botanic Garden, King's Road, had seen my houses. I remain. Sir, your obedient servant, — T. A. Knight. With respect to the pine-apple we are now, what we never were before, perfectly convinced that Mr. Knight's pine-apples look exceedingly well ; we have no doubt in our own minds, from the various evidence contained in our present Number, that they look as well as those grown by any of the ordinary modes. We do not conceive that we owe any apology to Mr. Knight, or to our readers, for not having been convinced sooner ; no man is to be convinced without evidence ; the truth is, we never before met with a single individual who had seen them, who did not report very difTerently. The nurserymen we alluded to are perfectly well known : if, from the insinuation of Mr. Knight (p, 719.), any reader should doubt our word in this matter, on proper application we shall give him the names of the indi- viduals. We repeat that we are perfectly satisfied that Mr. Knight's pines look as well as can possibly' be desired, which is one point gained ; the next will be to determine the eligibility of his mode of culture, which we shall leave to be done entirely by others, only taking care to mark the results, and lay them before our readers as they occur. In regard to the potato experiment, we refer to our correspondent, an East Lothian Farmer, one of the most enlightened and intelligent in Scot- land (p. 608.), and merely state that we think Mr. Knight ought to have stated, in his communication to the Society, what he has now stated, as to the quantity of ground estimated from. Unless this be done, we appeal to every practical man whether a satisfactory conclusion can be drawn from the experiment. But, as unfortunately an appearance of bad feeling has some way or other got into this correspondence, though we can say with truth that nothing of the kind exists in our heart, we now put a stop to this appearance by printing Mr. Knight's communication at length, in parallel columns, with our own abridgement of it. — Cvnd. Retrospective Criticism^ 721 On the Culture of the Potato. By T. A. Knight, Esq. &c. ; as given in the Horticultural Transactions, vol. vii. p. 403. ■Whatever may have been the amount of the ad- vantages, or injury, which the British empire has sustained by the very widely extended culture of the potato, it is obvious that, under present existing circumstances, it must continue to be very exten- sively cultivated ; for though it is a calamity to have a numerous population who are compelled by poverty to live chiefly upon potatoes, it would certainly be a much greater calamity to have the same population without their having potatoes to eat. Under this view of the subject, I have been led to endeavour to ascertain, by a course of experiments, the mode of culture by which the largest and most regular produce of potatoes, and of the best quality, may be obtained from the least extent and value of ground ; and having succeeded best by deviating rather widely from the ordinary rules of culture, I send the following account of the results of my expe- riments. These were made upon different varieties of potatoes; but as the results were in all cases nearly the same, I think that I shall most readily cause the practice I recommend to be understood by describ- ing minutely the treatment of a single variety only, which I received from the Horticultural Society, ander the name of Landman's potato. The soil in which I proposed to plant being very shallow, and lying upon a rock, I collected it with a plough into higii ridges of 4 ft. wide, to give it an artificial depth. A deep furrow was then made along the centre and highest part of each ridge : and in the bottom of this, whole potatoes, the lightest of which did not weigh less than 4 oz., were depo. sited, at only 6 in. distance from the centre of one to tlie centre of another. Manure, in the ordinary quantity, was then introduced, and mould was added, sufficient to cover the potatoes rather more deeply tlian is generally done. The stems of potatoes, as of other plants, rise per- pendtcularly under tlio influence of their unerring guide, gravitation, so long as they continue to be concealed beneath the soil ; but as soon as they rise above it, they are, to a considerable extent, under the control of another agent, light. Each inclines in whatever direction it receives the greatest quan- tity of that fluid, and consequently each avoids, and appears to shun, the shade of every contiguous plant. The old tubers being large, and under the mode of culture recommended rather deeply buried in the ground, the young plants in the early part of the fummer never suffer from want of moisture ; and being abundantly nourished, they soon extend them, selves in every direction till they meet those of the contiguous rows, which they do not overshadow on account of the width of the intervals. The stems being abundantly fed, owing to the size of the old tubers, rise from the ground with great strength and luxuriance, support well their foliage, and a larger breadth of this is thus, I think, exposed to the light during the whole season, than under any other mode of culture which I have seen ; and as the plants acquire a very large size early m the summer, the tubers, of even very late varieties, arrive at a state of perfect maturity early in the autumn. Having found my crops of potatoes to be in the last three years, during which alone I have accu- rately adopted the mode of culture above described, much greater than they had ever previously been, as well as of excellent quality, I was led to ascertain the amount in weight which an acre of ground, such as I have described, the soil of which was naturally poor and shallow, would produce. A colony of rati- bits had, however, in the last year, done a good deal of damage, and pheasants had eaten many of the tubers which the rabbits had exposed to view ; but the remaining produce per acre exceeded 53y bushels of 82 lbs. each, 2 lbs. being allowed in every bushel on account of a very small quantity of earth which adhered to them. The preceding experiments were made with a iarge and productive variety of potato only ; but I am much inclined to think that 1 have raised, and Vol. V. — No. 23. 3 a On the Culture of the Potato. By T. A. Knight, Esq. &c. ; as given in the Gardener's ilagazine, vol. v. p. 294. " I have been led to endeavour to ascer- tain, by a course of experiments, the mode of culture by which the largest and most regular produce of potatoes, and of the best quality, may be obtained from the least extent and value of ground ; and having succeeded best by deviating rather widely from the ordinary rules of culture, 1 send the following account of the results of my experiments." The soil was shallow on a rock, it was collected with a plough into high ridges 4 ft. wide, and whole potatoes were then planted 6 in. apart, in a deep furrow made along the centre and highest part of each ridge : manure was introduced over the potatoes, and mould was added so as to cover rather deeply. As usual with Mr. Knight's experiments, at least as related in these Transactions, some- thing occurred to render the result less complete than it otherwise would have been. " A colony of rabbits "did a good deal of damage, and " pheasants " had eaten many of the tubers which the rab. bits had exposed to view ; but the re- maining produce per acre exceeded 539 bushels of 82 lbs. each, 2 lbs. being allowed in every bushel on account of a very small quantity of earth which adhered to them, s The mode of culture is nearly that which is practised on a large scale by the farmers in Scotland, only they do not generally require to raise the soil on account of its poverty or shallowness, but sometimes they do on account of a wet bottom. When sets are put in every third furrow, the dung is frequently put over them ; when in the furrows of ridge- lets, most frequently under them, but sometimes also over them. Mr. Knight's experiment, therefore, has no claim to novelty ; the produce, however, certainly appears extraordinary, but to us, at least, not so, when we remark the way in which it was ascertained. It does not appear that an acre of ground was planted, and the produce measured, but " having found my crops of potatoes to be in the last three years, during which I alone have accurately adopted the mode of cul- ture above described, much greater than they had ever previously been, as well as of excellent quality, / ivas led to ascer. tain the amount in iveight which an acre of ground, such as I have described, the soil of ivhich was naturally poor and shal- low, would produce." Every farmer knows that nothing can be more fallacious than to draw conclu- sions, with reference to acres, from re- suits that have taken place on, perhaps, a few square yards. A good crop of the yam in East Lothian seldom exceeds 4 0 bushels per English acre. Mr. Knight is " much inclined to think that he has raised, and shall raise in the present year, 1828, nearly as large a produce per acre of the small early ash-leaved kidney." In a postscript, dated March, 1829, he states " somewhat contrary to my ex- pectations, the produce of the small early potato exceeded very considerably that of the large one above mentioned ; being per acre 665 bushels; of £2 pomids." (See Card. Mag., vol. iv. p. 147.) We shall be particularly obliged to Mr. Knight, if he will state, not merely the contents of the surface, but the length and breadth from which the above cal- culation, and that relating to the crop of 539 bushels, were made ; also, to a cer. 722 Retrospective Criticism. shall raise in the present year, 1828, nearly as large a tain friend near Haddington, to let us produce per acre of a very well known small early know the heaviest crop of potatoes he variety, the Ashleaved Kidney Potato. Of this has ever heard of having been grown in variety I selected in the present spring the largest Scotland; and Mr. Fraser would much tubers which I could cause to be produced in the last oblige us by similar information with year; and I have planted them nearly in contact regard to Ireland, with each other in the rows, and with intervals, on account of the shortness of their stems, of only 2 ft. — ^— betv/een the rows. The plants at present display an unusual degree of strength and vigour of growth, arising from the very large size (for that variety) of the planted tubers ; and as large a breadth of foliage is exposed to the light by the small, as could be exposoil by a large, variety ; and as I liave always found the amount of the jiroduce, under any given external circumstance, to be regulated by the extent of foliage which was exposed to light ; I think it probable that I shall obtain as large, or very nearly as large, a crop from the small variety in the present year as I obtained from the large variety in the last. 1 have uni- formly found, that to obtain crops of potatoes of great weight and excellence, the period of planting should never be Liter than the beginning of March. p. s. March 23. 1829. Somewhat contrary to my expectations, the produce of the small early potato exceeded very considerably that of the large one above mentioned ; being per acre 665 bushels of 82 pounds. It is usually calculated by farmers that eighty pounds of potatoes, though eaten raw% after they have begun to germinate, will afford two pounds of pork ; and I doubt much if the haulm, and the whole of the manure made by the hogs, were restored to the ground, whether it would be in any degree impoverished. I am not satisfied that it would not be enriched, — an important subject for consideration in a counti-y of which the produce is at present unequal to sup- port its inhabitants, and which produce is, I confidently believe and fear, growing gradually less, whilst the number of its inhabitants is rapidly increasing. Whitmore Lodge. — In speaking Cp. 564.) of the high order in which we found this place, we inadvertently omitted to do justice to the gardener, Mr. William Dalby, who is not only skilful and diligent in his profession, but, as his master writes, conducts himself " entirely to my satisfaction^ and a more diligent, industrious, young man has never been in my ser- vice." We have sent him Vol.1. Mag. Nat. Hist., as at once a mark of our approbation, and an expression of our regret at having for a moment seemed to forget him. — Cond. AshteadPark. — There are a few things in your notice of this place a little calculated to lead to misapprehension : — 1. the grass-rake is not my invention ; 2. the sketch from the flower-garden is the centre piece only, not the whole ; 3. the garden ground here is not good but had for grow- ing carrots, although it grows them tolerably w ell for summer use ; 4. I do not so much disapprove of cropping fruit-tree borders, as of digging them, which is in some measure implied in the word cropping ; but it is the digging which is the direct and immediate cause of the mischief. — Johii Hislop. AshteadPark, Oct. 13. 1829. Such mistakes are unavoidable in the hurried glances which we are often obliged to take ; we were not much above a quarter of an hour at Ashtead, and during the whole time it rained. The great thing is to correct these mistakes as soon as we are informed of them, which we always have done, without a single exception, and always shall do. No one that is eager to make advances of any kind, or in any way, can e.xpect to do so without committing errors : but the advance being made remains a permanent good, while the error is corrected and forgotten. — Cond, Effect of Inoculation on the Russian Transjiarent Crab. — In p. 534. you give some minutes of the Caledonian Horticultural Society : among these is a communication from Captain Smith, of Dysart, describing the effect of inoculating the Russian transparent crab with buds of the Ganges apple ; by which union the fruit of the latter assumes the transparent property of the former. How can this be accounted for ? Has any similar effect ever been noticed by any of your correspondents ? It is completely in the teeth of all our previous knowledge on the subject. — J. M. Chelsea, August, 18^9. Sweet's Hortus Pritdnnicus. — Seeing you wish to make your Magazine a vehicle of public utility and improvement, I take the liberty of suggesting, through this medium, to Mr. Robert Sweet, that it would be a most import- ant and valuable addition to his Hortus Britdnniciis, if, in the ne.xt edition, he would add a column in which might be given, after the name anil de- scription of each plant, a reference to one nurseryman or more (or amateur cultivators, if no nurserymen possess the species), in whose collection it is to Retrospective Criticism. 723 be found. The amateur would cheerfully furnish the reference, ;)oi<;- la gloire, the nurseryman, it may be expected, would add it for the purposes of trade. Such information would, I conceive, much increase the value of the work to individuals who are often much at a loss to know where they can buy any plant that is new or uncommon, andwould readily pay an additional price for such a directory ; and at the same time it would be worth while for the nur- seryman thus to advertise his rarer plants at the cost of a small gratuity to Mr. Sweet for the insertion. In order to provide for the case of such plants as are to be found in several gardens, the information might be condensed by using letters or Arabic figures of reference, several of which would be com- prised within the space of one line of the column, and which might either refer to notes at the bottom of the page, or to a table of the names of nur- serymen to be placed at the end of the book. This last would be the shortest and cheapest mode, inasmucli as thereby the same letter or figure, though it should recur five hundred times in the course of the work, would refer to one and the same name, not requiring the name to be printed more than once in the whole book : this mode of reference has many years been used with much accommodation in the Annual Law Lint, for reference from the names of country attorneys to those of their town agents. I subjoin an ex- ample of what I mean. Clematis. Reference. 1. erecta Dec. \ Virgin's Bower | Austria I 1597 | 6-8 | H. "V . | Jacq. aust. 3. 6. 291. \ aSyht {a. Lee, S Loddiges, y Miller, S Young, % Milne and Co.) For plants which are become fully established, and to be met with in every nursery, it would suffice to say ■passim, which might be abbreviated top. Whether Mr. Sweet shall adopt this suggestion or not, I sincerely hope he will soon publish a single entire Index Generum to his whole Hortus Bri- tunnicus. He owes this to his purchasers; the present divided index, of which the part that refers to his second volume comes first, and the part that refers to his first volume comes after, occasions very great and very unnecessary trouble to his purchasers, and is a blot on his character for diligence. Had I discovered this defect before I had bought the work, I would never have purchased it till an improved edition should appear; and if ever he shall publish another edition, w ith a consolidated index, he owes it to the purchasers of his first edition to give them, at least, an opportunity of purchasing his improved Index Generum separately, and to print an extra number of copies for that purpose. — Causidicus. Feb. A. 1829. Music and Dancing among the Laborious Chsses. — Sir, Until very lately intellectual darkness has clouded the minds of the majority of the people of England. I am, perhaps, as desirous as yourself to see this moral night vanish before the bright star of improvement, and the cold mist of ignorance yield to the genial rays of intellectual refinement. But, I think, in their ardent endeavours to promote this march of intellect, some people are running into an opposite extreme, likely to counteract the main object of their desires, by encouraging the pursuit of music and dancing among the lower orders of society. These light amusements have an evident tendency to promote levity and dissipation, two of the greatest banes to mental improvement. They pos- sess such a fascinating influence over the mind, and so perfectly do they harmonise with the thoughtless gaiety of youth, that it can be no matter of surprise if a young man pursue them, to the neglect of more important sub- jects, particularly when the opportunity of attaining a knowledge of thtin is laid within his grasp ; and that, too, stamped with the recommendation of those to whom he is accustomed to look for sage counsel and advice. The greatest care is requisite, lest we aim at the shadow, while the sub- stance eludes our grasp. I consider the solid improvement of the mind, derived from attentive reading and studv, of far greater importance and permanent satisfaction, 3 A 2 72 4? Retrospective Criticism. than the momentary gratifications of the senses in the frivolous amusements above alluded to. These pursuits must needs occupy much precious time, and where can the labourer find leisure sufficient for these things? He cannot compass every thing. The more useful subjects, then, should be selected, and the whole of his time and attention applied to them. As the amelioration of all classes of the community seems to be your sincere desire, and the welfare of gardeners the grand aim of your truly valuable Magazine, permit me to add one remark more ; that religion is the only rock and foundation on which we can build our hopes of real and last- ing happiness. The temporal pleasures of this world are but sportive bubbles, playing in the sunbeam of prosperity, but doomed to be extinct with the first blast of adversity. When all other earthly comforts fail, when a man is ready to sink under the oppressive weight of his afflictions, even then religion can support him, and enable him to rise superior to all the miseries of this precarious world. " Her ways are ways of pleasantness^ and all her paths are paths of peace." " True Happiness had no localities. No tones provincial, no peculiar garb; Where Duty went, she went, with Justice went, ' < And went with Meekness, Charit}', and Love." Yours, truly, — P. R. May 20. . VJi The Reform of Horlicultural Societies. — I am particularly anxious tliM you should take into your serious consideration the reform of Horti- cultural Societies. Let the competitors, at all events, be classed, who can compete with nursery gardeners, (see Vol. IV. p. 288. and p. 221.?) How can the gardener of a small family and confined premises stand any chance against the great curators of Horticultural Peers? And pray what public good is actually conferred by the competition as now arranged? Benefit must be obtained to the nation, if no prize were given except to the competitor who gave with the article exhibited an account in writing (correct " on the honour of a gardener ") of the mode of cultivation he has used. Let all excellent things, not so described, be placed on the honourable list, in a folio register, as they deserve; but still let the means possessed by stick individual gardeners be taken into the account in award- ing every prize. Seedlings of every kind deserve encouragement, and vegetables and fruit brought to market. If you understand me and agree with me, pray put these ideas into a proper form for a future Number; or I will write more at length on the subject, if you wish it. From an original subscriber. — W. April 24. 1829. We shall be glad to hear from W. on the above, or on any other subject. — Cond. Humane Mouse-Trap. — Sir, I have observed, in your valuable Magazine (p. 109.), an article bearing the name of a humane mouse-trap, and which is certainly far more so than the one so described in Vol. II. p. 278. (which I should have taken the liberty to have objected to, had it not been more ably done by your worthy correspondent Agrestis); but the one in question, with the most submissive respect to the worthy author of it, I carmot forbear condemning as too cruel for practice. Your worthy cor- respondent. Sir, seem not to be aware that the ilfus sylvaticus of Linnaeus, or garden mouse, can swim remarkably well, and must therefore, in the kind of trap which he proposes, suffer a most lingering and painful death ; swimming round and putting its little paws up the sides of the jar with the hope of escaping, and the despair of so doing, the poor little animal will continue to struggle, till overcome with fatigue, it must at last resign itself to its fate. As humanity is a prominent feature in the mind of every truly enlightened man, I am persuaded that gardeners will not make use of either on that account ; for, as all animals, even the most noxious, as we are pleased to call them, acknowledge one universal Parent, they have all a right, by the laws of nature, to their being, as fur as consistency Retrospective Criticism. %25 allows ; and whenever it becomes necessary to deprive them of it for whatever cause, it is our duty to do it by the quickest means, and that which gives the least possible pain, in our power. The sort of traps I make use of, I consider so very simple and well known, that I should never have ventured to have intruded a description of them on your notice had not the above-mentioned articles appeared. I take the heaviest bricks I can find, and place one flat, and sunk a little, so as to be nearly even with the surface of the ground, on each side of which I thrust down into the ground a small stick sharpened at the lower end, and cut flat and split at top. I then take a large pea or small bean, and make a hole through it with a small brad awl or garden nail, through which I put a piece of brown thread, putting one end of it through the split of each stick and twisting it round, so that the bait is suspended over the centre of the brick; then I take another brick and place it on the lower one, so that it rests supported by the thread. The mouse coming to the bait, and finding it fixed, bites the thread in two with the view of taking away the bait, when the upper brick immediately falls on its head and crushes it to death instantly. It is beat completely flat, and feels very little or no pain. The process is so very simple and easy that a child may attend to the traps every morning after they are once set, and the trouble of first setting them is comparatively so small that I really should consider him as deserving to lose his crops who would not bestow it. I am Sir, yours, &c. — D. French. Harlow, Essex, March 50. 1S29. Iron Hot-houses, and No. XX. of the Gardener^ Alagazine. — Dear Sir, I feel truly sorry that my scribbling should give offence to any of your cor- respondents, and particularly that my favourite iron-framed houses should prove so hot as to cause blisters on the very thin skin of a favourite of my own. It is a pity that his nerves are so delicate as to make him start at what he calls nothing but the shadow of a man, I cannot with propriety " doff my habit" at present, though I can assure you that I am not at all ashamed of my name, but am afraid that my name may sometime or other be ashamed of my scribbling. You perceive I am only just trying my hand at authorship, and, though it be rather in a clandestine way, I hope there is nothing criminal in it, more than in the manner in which I learned many other things ; budding and grafting, for instance. I used to steal out at over hours, under hedges, into the woods and shrubberies, and put all kinds of grafts and buds into all kinds of stocks, some kinds ridiculous enough to be sure. Such as took, I exultingly showed to my companions; and such as missed, I said nothing at all about. So with my writings : if they take with the public, I can claim them if I choose ; if not, you must stand father to them yourself. Agronome feels very proud of being the favourite of Seventeen (see the cover of No. XII.) : he presumes that the writer is some beautiful lady of that age, who has fallen in love with his old, withered, and weather-beatea physiog, and that her papa very prudently disapproves of the connection. There needs be no alarm on that score, as Agronome is engaged ; and the only consolation he can give to his fair favourite is, that if he should happen to live another seventeen years longer, he engages to treat of at least seven- teen dozen of subjects, some of which he hopes will be " exactly to her taste." ^ ■, ;, , . "■■ \ 'I ., - : ■ But tlie chief reason for my intruding upon the public is, that I begin to get rather old, and having had rather more than an ordinary share of ex- perience in gardening, &c., I think it rather a pity that I should die and nobody be the wiser. I shall, therefore, commence criticising the last Num- ber of the Gardener's Magazine ; and, oh Sir, I am highly delighted with your tour to and through the Continent. I wish I could give as good an account of my tour through the north country, but it is out of my line. I, however, do not approve of your ornamented mile-stones ; I think a " 3 A 3 726 Retrospective Criticism. labourer's cottage would be much preferable, with a sign over the door of " small beer at a penny per pint sold here :" next mile, good porter at 2d. per pint ; and a third, British wine at 4rf. per pint, &c. Further on there might be fruit and other eatables sold. Each house might also have the picture of some famous wine-bibber, gluttonous man, or friend of publicans, porter swiller, or small beer drinker, over the door. And, dear Sir, I should have liked much to have been with you at Totes ; but how could you be so wicked as to encourage the monkey to break the Sabbath day ? I almost think I see the hearty old dame in the midst of her half-year's wash. - If such were the custom in England, we could submit to the miseries of the washing day better than we do generally. And the garden — oh Sir, the garden is beautiful. I wonder what he of the Bear and Spear would have thought or said about it. And now, Sir, for Miss Variegata ; she hits my opinion to nothing. A mu- seum should be kept in a room in the parish workhouse, and the garden attached to the house, and kept in repair by the paupers and invalids, under a scientific and amateur governor. 1 think a public orangery would be no great speculation in England: there are plenty of club-rooms, smoking- rooms, reading-rooms, &c., established in large towns, which may be decked out with oranges, myrtles, or geraniums, &c , at the pleasure of the landlord. Mr. Joseph Thompson's observations are very good, and I hope will lead to some further enquiries respecting the physiology of plants ; but he is evi- dently on the wrong side of the question. There is clearly an ascending as well as a descending sap in every vegetable, not to speak of the bleeding of late cut vines. How comes it that a plant that is dying for want of water, immediately pricks up its leaves as soon as water is applied to its roots. If the branches, fronds, buds, and leaves are caterers for the roots, instead of the roots being caterers for the branches, how come some oaks, at seven years old, with a head like a besom and a root like a carrot, to be only a yard high, and an inch in diameter in the stem ? Such oaks I always cut off bv the surface. Mr. Mitchel may have his caterers and me mine, and see whether he will cater roots as soon as 1 will cater branches. Mr. Thompson is like a young surgeon ; he has observed veins in the human body, but his pocket microscope has not been sufficient to detect the arte- ries. Robert Byers, Esq., may heat his houses with hot water, or hot steam, or hot air, if he chooses ; but I shall never like any thing so well as hot bricks. I wish I had a hot-house adjoining his, with only a wall betwixt us : should he build his furnace and boiler on my side, I venture to say that I could grow as many pines and grapes with his waste or overplus heat as he could with his hot water ; and the cost of his apparatus would build me an excellent Dutch pit. A friend of mine has a range of houses built to be heated by steam, at a vast expense. The family are gone abroad for a few years, and he rents the gardens till their return. He tells me that he could not be troubled with the steam, but built a fire flue in it. His houses this moment are full of pines well swelled off, most of them from 4 to 7 lbs. weight (not Providences). I think it would do T. A. Knight, Esq., good to see them ; and the gardener would be as glad to show them, and sell them too, if Mr. Knight wished to treat his friends with good pines. The gardener wants customers, as " He dwells unnoticed and alone. Beside the springs of Dove ; A lad whom there are none to praise, And very few to love." He need not be ashamed of his name ; it is Mr. George Lennox, gardener to Jesse Watts Russell, Esq., Hum Hall, near Ashborne, Derbyshire. Mr. Lennox has grown the Providence pine to above IS^lbs. avoirdupois. It is a pity that Mr. Knight should think that such pines arc not worth growing Retrospective Criticism. 727 Mr, Anderson's number tally is all very well, but there is nothing new in it, and you have figured and described far better long ago. A. Z., the Landscape-Gardener, is excellent ; I could not have written a better article myself. The Oswestry conservatory looks very well on paper, but it will not grow plants very well, and it is evidently a bold speculation, and catch- penny advertisement. Mr. Spinosa's gorse fences are truly an abomination ; they take up too much good land, for the land must be very good where gorse will grow sufficiently strong for a fence against large cattle. None of your gorse-fed horses for me. I do not approve even of thorn fences on some lands. In the dividing of pastures, where there are cattle on each side, I am always obliged to make tv/o good fences to guard a bad one. I have many miles of such fences under my care, most of which have already cost above a shilling per yard, and are not good fences yet ; whereas a row of strong, say poplars, planted a foot apart, will, in the course of a few years, become a ivooden ivall, so close that a hare shall not creep through, and so high that a partridge or pheasant cannot fly over. The Calceolaria, the Hydrangea, and even the flower-stand of Mrs. Fox, are all quite old to me. The sweet potato culture is new to me : I think it a valuable communication, as well as a very valuable vegetable. The process ofdestroying wasps at Sweeney Hall is too complicated : a horseman's pistol, charged and wadded with squib materials, and fired into the hole, which must be closed up immediately, is quite sufficient ; or the}' may be dug up and puddled with water. Such nests as hang in sheds or on trees are readily taken in a bucket of water. For such as hang in thick hedges, and cannot be well got at, the pistol should be charged and filled to the muzzle with peas; stand at a proper distance (three yards), fire straight, and you will blow them all to . Mr. Parkes should not wait till his fruit is eaten before he kills the wasps, nor even till the fruit is ripe. He should hang the phial glasses on the wall in good time, half filled with sugar and vinegar ; the outside of the glass should be well anointed, particularly about the mouth, with honey, sugar, and water ; they should be regularly emptied and re- newed, as they get full of blue flies, as well as wasps. The ground wasps are a smaller species than the hanging ones. It is very pleasant to see how many fine fruits are cultivated at Sydney, but, as I never intend going there, the catalogue is not very interesting. The Transactions of the Horticultural Society are rather insipid, except the ■management of the vine at Thomery, which is very good indeed. I cannot think why Mr. Knight calls a bark-bed an " irregular and ungovernable heat." I can regulate and govern a bark-bed at a twentieth part of the trouble attending a coal fire, but I suppose it is his hobby. I am not at all disposed to profit by his suggestions ; yet I must thank him for the invi- tation, and he may look at my pines in return. The new publications on gardening and botany are all out of my line. I like Mr. Robinson's designs of cottages,&c., better than you seem to do, but am not such a good judge as you. The literai'y notices are generally good, but I am sick of polyan- thus and auricula shows. I have no objection to the gardener's newspaper proposed by Mr. Burnard, if it comes in a parcel once a month, unstamped. Yours, &c. — Agrojiome. June, 1829. Plan for a Kew Garden. — Your correspondent, Mr. Green, jun. Stepney, (Vol. III. p. 493.) has satisfactorily pointed out that my plan for a new gar- den was not a good one, and I feel convinced of it in the soil I tried. I have since relinquished the idea of forming a garden on the spot. The plan, I think, is more likely to be useful in drier soils, and still more so in drier climates, than the West Highlands, and such as are of no great depth. — W. M. Argyleshire, Nov. G. 1829. The Floiver-Garden at Dropmore (Vol. III. p. 2 58.) I think on a good principle, so as to have the gardens in beauty by the succession of summer and winter flowers intermixed, at the same time that each set reigns in its 3 A 4 728 Queries atid Atiswers. season ; but the plan of the flower-garden itself is somewhat objectionable, more particularly the centre (l), and its appendages (15 15 15 15). Your own remarks on the plan of the Welford Hall grounds, I think in some degree applicable here (Vol. IV. p. 91.). It is very difficult to judge correctly from ground plans, of the elFects produced by the different modes of laying out and disposing the patches and dug- borders of a flower parterre. The more frequent introduction of such plans, I doubt not, will be of great ad- vantage to the profession of practical gardeners, who may be enabled to pick up something from even the worst plan, if it should only be to correct one of his own blunders. From the exposed situation of rny grounds, I have been obliged to introduce a greater number of hedges than is, perhaps, justifiable in good practice, and over these have raised high banks, on which I plant shrubbery, and in front of them also; so that it will have the effect of giving depth to a narrow belt. I had another object also ; by increasing the quantity of fine soil, I expect the shrubs will come away more freely. Walls of compressed earth, as noticed in your First Volume, p. 355., might probably have been easier and more quickly substituted. I should like to know what sort of soil or mixture is best for such walls, and the propor- tions. I shall be obliged if any information on this head can be given in an early Number ; and also of the cost of the Bramah press recommended ? — W. M. Argyleshire, Nov. 6. 1S28. Prize Gooseberries for 1828. — In your Magazine (Vol. IV.) J. C. informs lis, that, by consulting the gooseberry records, it will be found that the heaviest berries, at the commencement, seldom exceeded lodwts.; and, as he has not informed your readers what the heaviest are called, I shall select a few from each class of the heaviest this year : — Roaring Lion, 29 dwts.; Sir John, 25 dwts. 2 grs.. ; Huntsman, 24 dwts. ; Squire Hammond, 23 dwts. 20 grs. ; Statesman, 22 dwts. ; Top Sawyer, 22 dwts. 17 grs. All the above are red. Yellow: Gunner, 24 dwts. 5 grs.; Sovereign, 22 dwts. 17 grs.; Nelson's Waves, 22 dwts. 8 grs.; Hawk, 21 dwts. S grs,; Husbandman, 21 dwts. 6 grs.; Rockwood, 21 dwts. 5 grs. Green: Lord Crew, 23 dwts.; Providence, 20 dwts. 7 grs.; Angler, 20 dwts. 1 gr.; Green Willow, 19 dwts 20grs,; Elijah, 18 dwts. 21 grs.; Peover's Pecker, 19 dwts. 10 grs.; Bonny Lass, 21 dwts. 10 grs.; Thrasher, 20 dwts. 12 grs.; Lady of the Manor, 20 dwts. 9 grs. The heaviest berry now on record is the Roaring Lion, grown in the year 1826, by J. Bratherton ; it was 31 dwts. 16 grs. There are twenty-four new seedlings sold out this year. — M. Saul. SuUi/ard Street, Lancaster, Dec. 6. 1828. Art. XVI. Queries and Anstvers. )■«• •; Corrections and Additions for the Enci/cIoptBdia of Gardening. — Agree- ably to your invitation (p. 238.), I send you the following, and remain. Sir, &c. — B. April, 1829. Berkeley Castle, near Berkeley, Colonel Berkeley. The kitchen-garden and forcing department are well managed by Mr. M'Intosh. Spring Park, near Nailsworth, Lord Ducie. Beautifully-disposed plea- sure-grounds, and a good kitchen-garden, kept with great neatness by Mr. Napier. Kingscote Park, near Horsley, Colonel Kingscote. A fine place; the pleasure-grounds extensive, and within the last five years, greatly improved under the direction of Mr. Page, nurseryman and landscape-gardener, of Southampton. The whole kept in the neatest order by Mr. Boyce, author of several articles in the Gardener's Magazine. ^tiifdwr of Man requisite to keep a Kitchen-Garden and rieasure-G round, <5c.— ^Sir, 1 see that some of your correspondents (p. 108.) have been so Queries and Answers. 729 kind as to make some observations on the queries I asked (Vol. IV. p. 447.), respecting the number of men requisite to keep a gentleman's kitchen and pleasure garden, &c., in good order. They complain that I have given no regular data, therefore, I have taken the pains to explain every circum- stance attending my present case and circumstances. As to situation 1 should think this a very bad one. The garden is nearly sixty years old, and the soil is from 3 in. to 6 ft. deep. It is a nasty sour soil, very bad to work in during very wet or very dry weather ; a better soil in appearance for vegetables could not be, but it is so very late. I am taking away both trees and soil from time to time, adding all new in the wall borders, and am double-digging the remaining part of the garden. I have had two men and a boy for a month working hard on about a chain's length of ground before it was fit for tillage, clearing away stones, &c., from old buildings wliich had been thrown down and covered over. We found some stones so very large, about 6 in. deep under some asparagus beds, that I was obliged to get a horse to draw them out. Bad as this may appear, the garden has passed through the hands of several professional English and Scotch gardeners. My garden is on the side of a hill, declining so much that it falls 1 J in. at every foot, and leads down to a wood of immensely high timber. The garden is about 150 yards from the top to the bottom. We have to wash all the vegetables and salading, and to carry them into the house; and I have also the care of 5 acres of orcharding to plant, prune, and graft, &c. I have to gather and store up all the fruit for kitchen and parlour use, and to take in desserts and flowers for table, &c. I have to clean the snow from the top of the house when any falls, and it takes all hands from the garden to store ice and snow for summer use which requires a week ; and you must be aware that it takes a great deal of time to get it up for the use of the house, as they use a great quantity : and then the cook must have one from the garden to assist in getting up the ice creams, &c., and she must have one man three hours every day for other house work ; and the butler or footman or some one will come and say, " My employer says one of your men is to go and take this letter somewhere or other." At the same time they were deceiving me. Then there is hay time and harvest, wlien all hands must go to assist the bailiff, with many other jobs too tedious to mention. I have no glass at all, but my trees are infested with canker, mildew, insects, &c. ; for my employer wishes me to grow all the seeds I can, which are taken up to the top of the garden and then up nineteen perpendicular stairs into a fifteen feet room which is all the place I have fit for that use. Then I and all my assistants have to go a mile and a half every night and morning, and leave the garden exposed to every thing. With respect to the pleasure-gardens there is as much mowing as two men can do in one day every fortnight with cleaning away the grass. There are also the rolling, and clipping round the flower knots which are cut in the turf, including all the turf clipping 530 yards, 200 yards of edgings of various flowers, 200 yards of dwarf box edging, 250 yards of thrift edging, 460 yards of gravel walks (gravel is a very scarce article here), and 780 yards of sand walks. All the walks are 5 ft. in width, and there are flower borders to the principal, and all is expected to be kept clean. I hope some of your most practical correspondents will handle this to the best of their knowledge for the advantage of gardeners and their em- ployers. I forgot to mention the shrubberies also, besides a vast quantity of plantation, and fishing waters, though there are a bailiff and gamekeeper kept. The walls are from 6 to 30 ft. high. — A Shipston Corresiwndent. March 21. 1829. The Poor Widows, and a Proposal/or a Gardeners^ Fund. — Sir, I have taken the liberty to enclose one shilling, sixpence of which I wish to be 730 Queries and Answers, given to each of the widows of the poor gardeners you have mentioned, Mr. Davidson and Mr. M'Leish, I am sorry I cannot afford to send more; but having a large family, and being in narrow circumstances, I must, Sir, beg your acceptance of this trifle for them. I should be happy to see a fund established for the relief of gardeners' widows and sick and infirm and superannuated gardeners. 1 am persuaded that the thing might be prac- ticable. Perhaps, Sir, you will give it your consideration. I am, Sir, yours, &c. — JD. French. Harlow, Essex, March 30. 1829. Hedges made of Whins. — I was much interested by a short paper in one of the late Numbers of your very valuable Gardener's Magazine, on the subject offences made of whins (furze). Having frequently observed on commons, the impenetrable face this plant presents where it is cropped by sheep, I have thought it might be made useful in forming hedges, pro- vided it was kept cropped by shears or some other instrument. Without this process furze would soon become naked, and would be extremely mis- chievous by scattering its seeds on the adjacent lands. Having expended much in raising thorn hedges, I should be obliged if your correspondent would inform me through your publication, what is the best plan of raising and preserving in fences the common whin. I am sure any particulars you can present to the public on the subject of hedges, must be highly valuable to the land-owner, and will always add to the interest with which your work is read by your obedient servant, — E. D. April 14. 1829. Ants on Peach Trees, in answer to G. M. of Atherstone. (p. 259.) — Ants in this case are not the cause but the effect of injury. Before the ants become troublesome the trees are infested with the A'phis, /jwceroH, which produce what is commonly called honey-dew, and which is their excrement, to which the ants resort for food. To destroy the A'phis I frequently syringe the trees with water mixed with a strong decoction of potato haulm and elder leaves, which I have found to be most effectual. I have often used, as a bait for the ants, the refuse part of melons, sent from the table of the family; when this is not to be had, turnips cut and rubbed over with honey ; by which I have taken thousands. I am, Sir, &c. — W. Boyce. April 15. 1829. Effect of the Sea Air on Peach and Nectarine Trees planted contiguous to it. — Sir, The effect prevails to a greater distance than any one would imagine, particularly when the trees are not sheltered from the south-west wind. An east aspect answers well, but a south one is invariably hurtful. In the year 1812,1 was at a garden in the east part of Sussex, from which the sea was visible at the distance of sixteen miles. A south-west wind prevailed during the May of that season which killed the young wood ; the trees, however, made fresh wood, but the season was too far advanced to mature it, and the trees all died away. I was, also, last year in an ex- tensive garden ten miles from the sea where a part of a south wall planted with peach trees was exposed to the south-west wind then prevailing, which entirely destroyed the trees ; those on the east aspect, however, were preserved in a good state. I have seen no other kind of fruit tree injured by it. I have had a peach-house for two years, in which the trees have thrown off their buds instead of expanding them: I conjectured it was occasioned by the wood being over ripe and too hard. The subsequent season I shortened none of the wood, intending all the greenest wood to remain ; but, although in both seasons I took care to keep a good degree of humidity in the house, I have not been able to obviate the same occurrence. 1 have three other peach-houses, two heated by steam, and the other merely covered with glass. The first-mentioned house is he^ited by fire ; but I cannot attribute it to that, as I have been careful to keep the air moist. This house being found earlier than the others, I uncovered it earlier, as I always do when the Queries and Ans'wers. 731 fruit is off. I have been told by a friend that it is the effect of the sea air after uncovering, but I can scarcely think it. I shall feel obliged to your readers if they can assign any other cause. If I live and continue here another season, I shall not uncover so early, and if desired I will com- municate the result. I am, Sir, &c. — J. D. P. Feb. 16. 1829. We shall be happy to hear from our correspondent on this or on any other subject. — Cond. Canker in Apple Trees, in answer to W. G. W. ( p. 111.) — Sir, I would advise W. G. W., after taking out all the cankered wood, to use the fol- lowing composition: — Take fresh cow-dung, quicklime, and wood ashes, of each an equal quantity: to them add a little sulphur, with a sufficient quantity of urine to make it of the consistence of paint; and, having mixed the whole well together, then, with a painter's brush, wash the trees well, taking care not to miss any of the parts which are infested. I have tried it on several trees in my orchard, and have found it to answer perfectly. I am. Sir, &c. — An Amateur. Apple Trees for an Orchard. — Sir, In reply to your correspondent, J. S. L. (p. Ill,), I can strongly recommend the following apples: — The Nonesuch and the Newtown Pippin as autumnal fruit, and the Pome-ro}', Brandy-apple, and the Ashmead's Kernel, all of which are good in the winter and spring. The last three apples are, I believe, natives of Glou- cestershire, and are to be had at the Gloucester nurseries. There are no finer apples than these. — C. Laivrence. Cirencester, JlTarck 12. 1829. The Frankincense Pine (Pinus Tee da). — Has any of your readers seen this pine with suckers, as I have heard it said that it throws up these when cut over by the surface. — J, D. C. The Coccus ovutiis. — Sir, In Vol. IV. p. 189. a reader wishes to know what will kill the Coccus ovatus. I beg to inform him that I had some choice apple trees against a wall, which were much troubled with them, when I thought of the following simple remedy : — I unnailed the branches and poured boiling water (though I would recommend soap-suds in pre- ference) on the trees, and thus effectually killed the insects which were under the shreds. I doubt whether it would not injure the buds of peaches, nectarines, and apricots. I have not tried it for the American bug, but I think it would succeed. In cases of canker I find it best to head down and scrape and clean the stock well, and then dress it well with soap- suds and sulphur. I am Sir, &c. « — .7. Haythorn. Wollalon, Jan. 7. 1829. Cabbage Plants bitten off. — If a Surrey reader (Vol. III. p. 581.) will, in a morning, remove the soil an inch or two deep round the stems of his cabbage plants which have been bitten off the preceding night, he will almost invariably find the enemy in the shape of a dark muddy-green caterpillar or grub, varying in length from 1 in. to 1^ in. This plan, if followed up, will certainly tend materially to lessen the evil he complains of, and prevent an immense increase the following season. I do not ap- prehend that wire worms attack the ^rassica tribe. Perhaps some of your readers will favour us with an entomological description of the before-mentioned caterpillar. I am Sir, &c. — A Florist. Feb. 8. 1828. Heaths and Ferns. — I am glad to see two papers in a late Number on Heaths and Ferns, and would be glad if any of your correspondents would inform me of any nursery in which these tribes are cultivated to a considerable extent, as I want a supply of each. Mr. Housman gives a list of ferns, which he says are to be had at " the Liverpool Garden." The Liverpool Garden is, undoubtedly, the Botanic Garden, though I presume he does not refer to that, as I conceive nothing is sold there. [On the contrary, we believe ferns and other herbaceous plants are sold.] I am quite at a loss to account for the great difference in prices at various nurseries. I was furnished with a list of ferns and the prices per plant, some weeks ago, by a nurseryman, being from 3s. to 7s. each, which ap- 732 Queries and Afistvers. peared to me most extravagant. I applied to Mr. Miller of Bristol, whose collection was very small, but consisted of the same species which were named in the former list : his prices were 1*. and Is. (jd. per plant. Hor- ticulture is now so much encouraged that nurserymen and florists would consult their own interests by keeping down their prices as much as pos- sible, and thereby very much extending their market to a large class of customers, who are become re infccta, but are afraid to enter upon that which really ought, at the present time, to be a cheap gratification. Yours, &c. — C. Lawrence. Cirencester, March 12. 1829. Groivih of Broccoli, Sea-kale, and Celery. — I wish some of your corre- spondents, who have been particularly successful in the management and growth of broccoli, sea-kale, and celery, would furnish the details of their operations through your Magazine; the value and utility of which would, I think, be enhanced by a more liberal supply of practical directions from those who have chanced to be successful in raising productions in common domestic use. — Id. Plan for watering Cucumber Hills. — Sir, My plan is nothing more than a watering-pot pipe with a funnel at the top, I have a stick to fit in easy, and thrust both down to the dung in any part oi the bed, then withdraw the stick and pour in water. Would it not be to the interest of the nur- seryman and horticulturist, to try the plan on the orange, camellia, &c., in pots, the soil of which is often moist above but dry below. — J. HaythoriL Wollaton, Jan. 7. 1829. ',' Characters of the principal Gooseberries. — Your correspondent wfip favoured us, in your Number for December 1828, with some I'emarks oh gooseberries, would confer a general benefit on your readers in the West of England, who are little informed on this subject, if he would enable you to publish an enumeration of the characters of the principal kinds, distin- guishing those which are conspicuous for earliness, lateness, high flavour, copious bearing, sweetness, acidity, beauty, fitness to be gathered in an early stage of growth, size of the plant, rapid growth and strength of the plant, fitness for preserving, beauty of the fruit, favourite soil and aspect, and any other remarkable or useful qualities which any of the varieties may possess. I am. Sir, &c. — Caiisidiciis. Jan. 18. 1829. Pots ivithout Apertures to prevent the Escape of Water. — Mr. Knight states in a paper in Vol. VII. Part II. of Hort. Trans., " Whenever I have adopted the practice of plunging the pots into the ground, or into the soil of a larger pit, I have almost invariably used pots without any apertures, to prevent the escape of water and of the I'oots. Gardeners are generally very strongly prejudiced against pots of this construction j but, whenever plants are kept constantly under glass, I have found that they may be used with advantage ; and by properly covering the mould with tiles, I have not found any difficulty in preventing during summer, the ingress of too much water, when the pots have been placed in the open air." I should be glad to know if any of your readers have adopted or tried this very sin- gular practice of Mr. Knight, and what has been their success? Had it been recommended by any other man than the President of the Horticul-, tural Society, I should have considered the writer of unsound mind, or a' a rogue wishing to entrap some one into the death of a nuniber of plants. ' — A Common Gardener. Feb. 6. 1829. The Tottenham Park Muscat Grape. — Sir, If anj' of your readers, who may have what is called the Tottenham Park Muscat vine, and have fruited it, will give their opinion whether it is a new variety of the White Mnscat of Alexandria, or whether it is not owing to the particular situa- tion it is planted in at Tottenham Park, it will be no doubt satisfactory to others as well as to myself. I understand it is planted within the hot-house at Tottenham Pii A", by the back flue, which may cause it to ripen its fruit better than those Queries mid Ansii-ers. ■33 planted outside ordinarily do, and which is the case in that place. I fruited it last season, but could not perceive any difference whatever from the other White Muscats in the same hot-house, and under the same treat- ment. If any of your correspondents who have fruited it can give a better account of it, it will reconcile those, perhaps, who have been induced to give two guineas a plant, for what is feared bi/ some to be neither more nor less than the old White Muscat of Alexandria. I am. Sir, &c. — W. IV. Feb. 20. 1829. Zante Currant Grape. — Sir, I shall be obliged to you, or any of your correspondents, who will inform me, through the medium of your Maga- zine, of the best method of treating the Zante Currant grape, so as to make it fruitful. I have had plants of it for several years, but have not succeeded in getting them to produce. I am, Sir, &c. — C. L. May 9. 1829. Vines trained doivn from the Rafters. — Sir, In reply to the querist (p. 110.), touching the growth of vines, when trained down from the rafters, I have to state, for his inform- ation, that the vines are planted outside the JiousCj and when introduced, are trained upon wires imme- diately under the rafter, and under each other, or in the same plane with it; say about 1 ft. asunder {fig. 1 72) by which he will perceive that neither of these great requisites, light and heat, is thereby obstructed. By this method of training, the back wall becomes an object of great importance, as it may be entirely covered by a continuation of training on a trellis, and enjoys all the benefits of light and heat that could be derived, if there were no other training admitted in the house. I am, Sir, &c. — John Haycroft. Vines for a Green-house. — Sir, In a green-house intended chiefly for geraniums, the health of which is entirely studied, I am about to put six vines, and as of course the house must not be heated to a higher degree than the geraniums require, I shall feel much obliged by any of your experienced practical readers mentioning in your next Magazine, whether the following vines will succeed in such a situation : — White Frontignac, Grizzly Frontignac, Early White Teneriffe, Black Hamburgh, Royal Mus- cadine, and West's St. Peter. I shall also feel much obliged by their mentioning the names of any other vines you can particularly recommend for such a green-house. I am, &c. -r:- A Constant Reader. Sept. 16. 1829. Mr. Squibs's Mode of pruning the Vine. — A subscriber in Salem, Massa- chusetts, is desirous of a more detailed account of this method, with its advantages and disadvantages; and we should be much obliged to Mr. Squib, or any other gardener who has practised this method, to supply it. What is said of the method, in the page above referred to, is sufficient for an experienced vine-dresser, but not, perhaps, for a beginner. — Cond.^ Sisynibrimn indicum. — Can you give me an account of Sisymbrium indicum, from the Isle of France, an Indian cress said not to suffer from the haj'dest winter; how to cultivate it; and where seeds may be procured ? -rp-W^ |7"f Bridport, May 23. 1829. _ _ ,' ' ' / " Mr. Whit/aw's Hemp. — Sir, In some one of the periodicals I lately met ^ith a description of a new hemp-plant, said to be introduced by Mr. Whit- law, and grown in his garden at Bayswater. Would you, or any of your eorrespondents, furnish me with the mode of culture of this plant, and how 731- Queries and Ansxvers. seeds of it may be obtained, 1 should feel obliged. Large quantities of hemp are manufactured in this place; and could the growth of an article superior to the common kind produced in this neighbourhood be intro- duced, it might prove of essential benefit to the labouring classes of the town and its vicinity. — W. J. Bridport, May 23. 1829. Cider. — Sir, Can any of your correspondents inform me of any book containing practical directions for making cider, according to the most approved method ? Yours, &c. — Rusticus. Our correspondent may refer to Croker's Art of mahing and managing Cider, London, 8vo, 3d edit. 1827. — Cond. Tulipa Sibtkor2na.na, enquired for by D. Falconar, Esq., of Carlowrie, (Vol. IV. p. 446.) is in the collection of Robert Barclay, Esq., of Bury Hill. — Perceval Hunter. Epping Forest, Essex, March 18. 1829. Trejle farouche. — Many thanks will be due to the person who will in- struct the British farmer how to turn this beautiful and early plant to any practical use in this country. I tried it several years myself without profit. I have sown it as late as the 6th of June, among spring wheat, but it flowered and ripened its seed before the 29th of September. It is strictly annual, and if it once forms its seed it dies. I therefore conclude, that if it be sown among spring corn, it will rise with the corn, blossom the first summer, and spoil or endanger the barley or oat crop. In Roussillon, where it is princi- pally cultivated, it is sown as a secondary crop on the wheat stubbles, upon one ploughing given immediately after wheat harvest; and in that fine climate, with the aid of irrigation, which is extended to nearly all the arable land there, this species yields a copious crop, to be cut in May, or for soiling in October, when it is ready to blossom. Receiving this check, the plant endures through the winter, and comes into blossom the following May, when it yields a full hay crop, and is then ploughed up to be succeeded by spring corn ; but in England, when I have sown it immediately after harvest, 1 have never found our autumns warm enough to force a growth fit to come to the scythe before winter, though the plant yielded a hay crop early in the following summer: and, therefore, the question occurs, whether it will pay the farmer to break up his wheat stubbles for the sake of growing this crop, which he cannot get off" early enough to enable him properly to pre- pare for a succeeding crop of spring corn in the same season, as he may do after stubble turnips. No farmer has strength enough to break up and sow all his stubbles instantly, as his corn crops are harvested. If the tillage occu- pies much time, the sun deserts him, and the stubble crops do not answer expectation ; and for the little that he can plough up in good time, winter vetches and stubble turnips will, probably, answer his purpose better than Trefle farouche. It is not impossible, that by sowing the Trefle farouche by itself in July, a green crop might be obtained for feeding or soiling in October, to be succeeded by a hay crop in May; but in July no spring corn remains to be sown with it. What farmer will give up a whole year's cul- ture to a green crop in autunm, and a hay crop in the following spring, without corn ? It is, therefore, improbable that this crop will, in our cold climate, be of very extensive utility. Will some farmer try the experiment of sowing it together with lammas wheat in July, feeding down both in autumn, mowing off" the hay in May, and leaving the wheat to rise and per- fect itself afterwards? It is to be feared the wheat plant would be too much exhausted by the autumnal feeding and spring mowing, to yield a good crop of grain after this severe operation. The Trefle farouche is a plant of singular beauty; but, from the deficiency of ligneous matter, the hay it makes must weigh very light, and for the same reason it must be more suit- able for sheep than for horses. Trifhlium Moliner\. A plant extremely resembling the Trfefle fiirouche in habits, except that the blossom is of a paler colour, especially at the apex. Horticultural Society a7id Garde7i. 735 the plant some what more bulky, and the habit altogether more hardy, is the Trifolium Molineri, which has been collected growing wild about Paris, and which, not impossibly, may be the Roussillon, or farouche trefoil, ac- depeiul, for the accuracy of the seeds which he sends out. 1 should be sorry to deter any agriculturist from an experiment with the Trefle farouche, which may turn out beneficially, and 1 hope no farmer will consider these observations as having any other view than to point out where the principal difficulties lie, and to stimulate the exertion of his ingenuity to overcome or avoid them. I am. Sir, &c. — Cmmdicus. Feb. 4. 1S29. Art. XVII. Horticultural Society and Garden. Sept. 1. 1829. — Exhibited. A collection of Seedling Double Georginas, from Mr. John Young, C.M.H.S. A collection of various flowers, from Robert Barclay, Esq. F.H.S. ; also, from the same, Washington Plums, and specimens of a Plum unnamed, which proved to be the Imperial Diadem. A collection of Plums, Apples, and Pears, from Mr. Thomas Gibbs, F.H.S. Moorpark Apricots, and Purple-Fruited Passion Flower, from Mr. John George Fuller, F.H.S. Specimens of the Sanguinole Pear, from Andrew Arcedeckne, Esq. F.H.S. Also, from the Garden of the Society. Flowers : Double Georginas, Seed- ling Georginas, Anemone-flowered Georginas, and Dwarf Georginas, Terbena Meltndres, pulchella, and Aubletia, iSenecio elegansfl. pi., EschscholtZifa ca- lifornica, jgeratum mexicanum, Centaurea americana, Clarkia pulchella, if^ibiscus africanus, Heiianthus lenticularis, Gil/ffpulch^lla, CEnothera -vi- mlnea, Lindleyaw^, quadrivulnera, decumbens, and odorata ; yi'nthemis arabica, Trachymene caerulea, Argemone gi'andiflora, China-asters, Mule Pinks, China Pinks, French Marigolds, Coreopsis tinctoria and Atkinson?? Galard/'rt aristata, Doniw villosa, and Eccremocarpus scaber. — Fruit : Gaultheria Shallon, and jE'mpetnmi scoticum ; eight sorts of Pears, and Fourteen sorts of Apples. "-' ''^1 --<.-. ^{iiua-Mi ^ ri ti923b nua arii ,911 \ \ : , irldfiaoiq ,iliv/ ^qir/ L • :. ill// lara-! ' j£i"i'// .ii , // Chiswkk Garden, Oct. 19. — The principal entrance (^g. 1 73. a)* being now completed, visitors are no longer admitted by the back door which opens on Turnham Green {b). The archway, containing the door and a * The sketch is made entirely from memory, and has no pretensions to accuracy, which is not required for the present purpose. 736 LiOndon Nurseries. lodge for the porter, is good ; but, unfortunately, ther straight broad walk (c) which proceeds from it, and is seen through the open iron-work, is at an oblique angle ; what is worse, this broad walk, the main walk of the gar- den, may be said to lead to nothing ; since it terminates in front of a wall in a low iron wicket (d) ; even the council-room (e) would have made a termination. But if the original plan of the garden {Enc. of Gard., p. 1060.) be referred to, it will be seen that this council-room is a subsequent thought, and what else than incongruity can be expected from such a mode of pro- ceeding ? Taking this garden altogether, as a piece of design, it would be utterly beneath criticism if it did not belong to a public body. In the fruit-room we observed an excellent collection of French and Flemish pears, and in this particular the Society is rendering a real service to horticulture. Indeed, we do not think it would be too much to saj', that this service, when completed, will be worth all their other services put together. Perhaps it may be rather dearly purchased ; but it is not always that a grain of wheat is found in a bushel of chaiF. The true character of every thing and ever}' body is certain of coming to light sooner or later; and those who think that we are unduly prejudiced against the measures of the Council of the Horticultural Society, and the plan of the Chiswick gar- den, will one day have their eyes opened. If we could see any thing like grand and masterly measures, we should feel delighted in praising them. — Cond. Art. XVIII. The London Nurseries. The Brentfo7-d Nurserij, Mr. Ronalds and Sons, Oct. 27. — Mr. Ronalds has, for many years, paid great attention to the culture and improvement of the apple, and has collected above 500 sorts, all of which have borne fruit for several years. The quantity of fruit grown on his specimen trees this season is estimated at upwards of 800 bushels; and it will easily be con- ceived, from this circumstance, that the trees are of such a size and age, and Mr. Ronalds's experience respecting their individual character and habits of such an extent, as to enable him to determine fully, and with confidence, the merits of every variety. For several years he has studied them at all seasons with this view, and kept notes; and his descriptions of the different varieties, of the hardiness or delicacy of the tree, its blossoms, leaves, fruit, time of ripening, keeping, &c. &c., are copious and voluminous. Many of the fruits also have been drawn by one of his daughters. Miss Elizabeth Ronalds, in a style surpassed by no artist whatever, and only equalled by the late Mr. Hooker and by Mrs. Pope. We have strongly urged Mr. Ronalds to publish a selection of engravings and descriptions ; the former in folio plates, with from eight to twenty apples on a plate, something on the principle recommended in this Magazine (Vol. III. p. 325.) ; and we hope he will do so, because we do not know any one who could perform such a service so well. The Horticultural Society may, in the course of several years, describe the fruit in their interminable work ; but who has had ex- perience of the full-grown trees like Mr. Ronalds ? and of what fruit is it so desirable, as speedily as possible, to disseminate all that is useful to be known? The apple is the poor man's fruit. We saw specimens of nearly 280 sorts of Mr. Ronalds's collection, ar- ranged and labelled in his fruit-room ; the other sorts completing the col- lection being summer apples, had, of course, decayed. The largeness of some, and the beautiful shapes and fine colouring of others, excited admir- ation. It is gratifying to think that such beautiful and useful objects may be grown with ease in every poor man's garden, and in all our hedge rows, and by the road sides, as in Germany and France, delighting the eyes of all, and London 'Nurseries. ^i2>*i gladdening the hearts of those to whom they belong. The culture of no fruit deserves to be more encouraged than that of the apple, and from Mr. Ronalds's knowledge of the trees, he will be able to indicate such as are adapted for producing least shade on the crops below, such as are best fitted for cold and exposed situations, and a variety of other useful particulars now imperfectly understood. Mr. Ronalds's successful exertions afford another proof of what we have all along stated, that if the labours which the Horticultural Society have undertaken to perform in their own garden had been given out to the nur- serymen, to market-gardeners, and to gentlemen's gardeners around the metropolis, they would have been much more speetlily and effectually per- formed. The Society might still have received things in their garden from all quarters, giving them out to the individuals who had undertaken to per- form specific divisions of labour. The saving thus effected by the Society would have enabled them to publish the fruits at once, and in a good style, as well as to give handsome premiums and high honours to the different co- operators. Nothing could have been more gratifying, more honourable, or more advantageous, in a business point of view, to the nurseryman, than this kind of arrangement. One nursery ever after would have been the fountain- head for apples, another for pears, another for grapes, and so on. All the country nurseries would have had their stock plants from these nurseries; and all the Fellows of the Society, instea 1 of seven royal 4to volumes, price 39/. 1.55. Q,d.y containing about as much information as seven of our Maga- zines, price 1/. 45. Gd., would have had coloured engravings of all the best varieties of European fruits. From this standard work they would have given their orders, which, as far as means can be adapted to ends, would have been at every nursery correct!}' executed. The mind of the societ}', however, did not rise higher than that of an individual gardener; it set to work itself, and therefore it must now go on v.ith its labours. — Cond. The Haversiock Kurscri/, Hampstead Road, Oct. 31. — We have been much gratified by a call at this nursery, which we regret not to have before examined. Mr. Money, the proprietor, has one of tiie most extensive and correctly named collections of vines in the trade, and he has at least three sorts, which, we arc sure, we shall be doing a real service to grape-growers to make extensively known. We had, through the kindness of our good friend, Mr. Oldaker, described a grape, called by him " West's St. Peter," in our First Number. (Vol. I. p. 36.) In that paper, Mr. Oldaker mentions " another St. Pe.er grape," and it would appear from Mr. Money, that there is a third St. Peter, because the one grown by him is very different from either of the two described or mentioned by Mr. Oldaker. Money^s West's Black St. Peter " was raised from seed about the year 1775, by Mr. Daniel West, in his own nursery ground, situated on the north side of the New Road, opposite Fitzroy Square, in the parish of St. Pan- eras. Mr. West had the highest opinion of this grape, as to all the quali- ties requisite to constitute a first rate sort; but the demand for grapes at that period being very trifling, this variety never became sufficiently known * during Mr. ^^'est's life time ; and after his death, Mr. Green, who got pos- session of his grounds, though sensible of the high merit of this grape, suf- fered the plant to ramble about in a state almost wild, and there being little demand, only a few plants were scattered about the neighbourhood. Mr. Green let the ground to a musical reed maker, and his daughter, who was his head gardener and paid very little attention to the vine, let things fall into a state of neglect, so that in a few years the ground fell into the hands * One person has been named to us who sold it under the name of Rai- sin de Carmes, at iOs. 6d. a cutting, with two eyes. — Co7id. Vol. V. — No. 2'3. 3 b 738 London Nurseries. of a Mr. Lawrence, who destroyed the original plant, and planted a young one in a very poor green-house, which, though very badly managed, pro- duced exceedingly fine fruit." Mr. Money adds, « the lobes of the leaves of this grape arc not downy ; but they overlap each other in a particular way {jig. 174.), by which it is known from all others. The berry is large, London Nurseries. 739 oval {Jig. 175.), dark, but not of the deepest black, very thin skinned, and each berry has only one seed. The size of the bunches is from Jib. to l^lb. The plant grows freely in a pro- per grape soil, and it will ripen against a south wall. I have been a grape-grower more than forty years, and have 130 sorts in my possession, most of which I fruit, and all of which I propagate ; but I know of none, except the Muscat, so valuable as West's Black St. Peter." Till the nomenclature of grapes is settled by com' petent authority, we propose to distinguish this variety of St. Peter from the two mentioned by Mr. Oldaker, by the name of Money's West's Rlack St. Peter. Mr. Oldaker's favourite grape may be called Oldaker's West's St. Peter. Mr. Money has raised an Early Black and an Early White Muscat, both from seeds, which, if we do not deceive ourselves, will be real treasures to gardening, as they are likely to ripen in ordinary years against an open wall. We tasted some berries taken from the bunches of both, which, even in this singularly unfavourable season, were soft and very highly flavoured, though two other varieties of Muscat, on the same wall, were not even fully grown. A black Muscat, with a flavour equal to the white one, has hitherto, we believe, been a desideratum in horticulture; but a hardy Muscat is what few gardeners ventured to hope for. Mr. Money has an excellent variety of the Golden Muscat; and we never saw or tasted finer berries of the Black Tri- poli, or saw leaves of a deeper colour than those of the Claret Grape in the open air. These leaves are worth growing as ornaments for the dessert ; they are of the deepest purple red, and as thick as cartridge paper. There are here many sorts of grapes trained under the span roofs of the green-houses, in order to prove the sorts ; and as Mr. Money scarcely propagates any other fruits, growing principally green-house plants and flowers, we believe he is remarkably correct in his names. Three vine plants were transplanted at from 12 to 14 years; the roots were lOft. long, the thick main stem still longer; the younger wood was headed close in, and the new shoots bore a crop the second year. It is commonly said that old vines will not trans- plant so as to give any advantage over young ones ; but this, and various other instances that have lately come under our observation, convince us, that, provided abundance of roots is taken up with the plants, time is gained. It is a nice point in the management of wall trees to know to what ex- tent leaves may be taken oflf for the purpose of colouring the fruit and ripening the wood. The rationale of Mr. Money's practice is as follows : — When there is abundance of heat, and a sufficient portion of the season to elapse for every desirable purpose as to the fruit of the present year, and wood of the year following, it is of little consequence whether any leaves be taken off or not; but when the weather is cold, and the season far ad- vanced, by thinning out leaves, the motion of the sap is checked, and a sort of withering or artificial ripening is produced both in the fruit and wood. The fruit, however, under this management, will neither attain so large a size, nor so high a flavour ; nor will the buds for the following season be so plump, or the wood quite so large ; but the wood will be sufficiently dry and firm to resist the frost, and the buds will grow, perhaps, about as well as seeds or bulbs gathered or taken up before they are ripe. Apple trees canker here when they get down into the subsoil, which, as in other nurseries and gardens where the surface is dug, they are certain of doing; to prevent this, Mr. ]\Ioney has moved a collection of 100 sorts twice, and below each plant has placed a pavement, or impervious layer of 3 B 2 740 London Nurseries. brick-bats and Roman cement. The plants are dwarfs, look healthy, and bear well. We observed a beautifully curled blue-green variety of German Greens, evidently nearly allied to the Woburn Kail ; they have stood two years without running to flower, but they have produced side shoots or suckers which have been taken off and planted; the variety is perhaps of too slow growth, and the leaves not sufficiently tender to give it much value as a culinary or cottage plant, but it is certainly highly ornamental. Mr. Money propagates the Jiiistletoe, and intends having a number of plants on standard crabs for sale; he places the berry on a rough part of the bark of a young shoot, causing it to adhere by its own glutinous pulp, and sometimes he ties a bit of thin muslin over it to prevent the birds from carrying it off. An improvement on the common watering-pot by him deserves notice; instead of the common rose, the pierced surface of which points outwards, he uses a rose of an oval shape, the pierced surface of which points upwards. {Jig. 176.) The advantage of this form is, that the shower never falls on the ground or the plant with more than its own weight ; and no carelessness on the part of the operator can ever wash away the soil from newly planted things or recently sown seeds, as is frequently done by the common pots. These pots have also the throat of the spout («) made much larger than usual, which increases the delivery at the rose, especially when the pot is $ nearly empty. These watering-pots are made by Thompson, Oxford Street, and may be asked for under the name of Money's inverted rose watering-pot. The principal article raised in the Haverstock nursery is the pelargonium, for which purpose Mr. Money has built a number of houses and pits; and, aware of thegreat importance to plants of soft and pure water,he has formed gutters to all these houses, pits, and frames, and led all the water to tanks, of which there are fifteen built, at an expense exceeding 500/. Almost all the houses are span-roofed, and almost all the gutters are formed in the wall plates by sunk grooves, formed in a direction from the inner to the outer edge {Jig. 177.), by which, and by placing the wall plate not on a 177 flat but on a bevelled surface, so as it may incline outwards, or its outer edge be lower than its inner one {Jig. 178.), the collected water has a con- siderable current to the conducting pipe. {Jig. 177 a) There can hardly be a cheaper or more secure descrip- tion of gutter. Specimen plants of all the principal sorts of grapes are trained on wire trellises under the span roofs of these houses ; but, as they are kept open all the summer, grapes do not ripen in them so well as in houses fronting the south, with back walls for absorbing the heat in the day time and giving it out at night. We shall conclude this notice by stating what was told us by Mr. Money of his former and present customers. Twenty years ago his pehirgoniums were sold at consi- derably higher prices than at present, to families of property or regular gentry, who called in their carriages, and looked out the plants ; now and for some years past, they arc sold in greater numbers, and at much lower prices, to hawkers and basket-women. — Cond. Covent Garden Market. 741 Art. XIX. Covent Garden Market. The Cabbage Tribe. Cabbages, per dozen White Red Plants, or Coleworts Savoys, per dozen Cauliflowers, per dozen Broccoli, per bunch White Cape Tubers and Roots. I 'roi s. n [ d. 0 0 9 0 2 0 0 2 6 0 0 9 0 1, ^6 0 1 0 0 0 6 3 10 0 0 3 0 0 1 6 0 2 0 0 1 6 0 1 6 0 0 1 0 0 3 0 0 6 0 0 5 0 0 9 0 1 0 0 0 0 0 0 0 0 1 6 0 0 6 0 1 0 0 2 0 0 i 0 0 0 0 0 , 6 0 2 6 0 2 0 0 1 6 0 0 6 0 1 0 0 0 9 0 0 9 0 0 9 0 0 9 0 2 0 0 0 2 0 0 i 0 0 2 0 1 0 0 0 0 0 1 0 0 0 0 0 0 0 0 0 0 0 0 0 0 0 0 0 0 0 To £ s. d. 0 1 0 0 3 0 0 3 0 0 1 6 0 2 6 0 1 3 0 0 9 4 10 0 0 5 0 0 2 6 0 3 0 0 2 0 0 0 0 0 0 1* 0 0 4 0 0 8 0 0 6 0 1 0 0 1 6 0 1 3 0 1 3 0 6 0 0 0 0 0 1 3 0 2 6 0 i 3 0 1 0 0 4 0 0 4 0 0 4 0 0 0 0 0 0 10 1! 0 1 6 0 1 3 0 1 0 0 1 6 0 1 fi 0 0 0 0 0 3 1 , i rper ton Potatoes, . -J per cwt. ' L per bush. Kidney, per bushel Scotch, per bushel Jerusalem Artichokes, per half sieve - - Turnips, White, per bunch Carrots, per bunch Orange Altringham Surrey Parsneps, per dozen Red Beet, per dozen Soorzonera, per bundle Salsify, per bunch Horseradish, per bundle Radishes Red, per dozen hands (24 to 3U each) White Turnip, per bunch The Spinach Tribe. Spinach, [pel- f 7,6 tppr half sieve Sorrel, per half sieve The Onion Tribe. Onions Old, per bushel - Pickhng, per half sieve Spanish, per dozen Leeks, per dozen bunches Garlic, per pound Shallots, per pound Asparaginous Plants, Salads, ISjC. Lettuce, per score Cos - . - Cabbage . . _ Endive, iier score Celery, per bundle (12 to 15) Small Salads, [per i sieve ' Xper punnet Watercress, per dozen small bunches ... Burnet, per bunch. Pot and Siveet Herbs. Parsley, per half sieve Tarragon, p. doz. bunches Purslain, per |)unnet Fennel, per dozen bunches Thyme, per dozen bunches Sage, per dozen bunches Mint, per dozen bunches Peppermint, dry, per dozen bunches . - „ Marjoram, per doz. bunches 0 Observations. — The dry weather of the last month has been favonrable to the late crops, but the prevalence of rain throughout the summer has chilled the soil so much that vegetation has made but slow progress, con- sequently our supplies have not been as yet so abundant as thev generally are at this season. From this cause rather better prices for most articles have been obtained, which it is likely mav continue throughout the winter 3 B 3' 0 0 0 0 5 0 0 0 0 0 2 0 0 2 0 0 2 0 0 2 6 0 1 0 0 2 0 From To i £ s. d. ^e .y. d. 1 Savory, per dozen bunches 0 0 0 0 2 0 Basil, dry,per doz. bunches 0 0 0 0 2 0 Rosemary, per doz. bunches 0 0 0 0 6 0 Lavender, dry, per doz. bun. 0 0 0 0 2 0 Tansy, dry, per doz bunches 0 0 0 0 1 0 Stalks and Fruits for Tarts, Pickling, S;c. Vegetable Marrow, per doz. 0 1 0 0 1 3 Large Pompions, each - 0 2 0 0 7 0 Gourds, per dozen - 0 1 0 0 1 6 Tomatoes, per half sieve 0 6 0 0 8 0 Capsicums, per hundred Green ... 0 5 0 0 0 0 Red - 0 0 0 0 8 0 Edible Fungi and Fuci. Mushrooms, per pottle 0 1 0 0 1 6 Morels, dry, per pound . 0 0 0 0 14 0 Truffles, per pound English - . 0 4 0 0 0 0 Foreign, dry 0 0 0 0 14 0 Fruits. Apples, Dessert, per bushel 0 5 0 0 8 0 Golden Pippins ,. , ., Fearn's Pippihs 1^ - ',-, 0 7 0 0 10 0 0 4 6 0 6 0 Peannains jq')a'ini 0 4 0 0 5 0 Ribstons ,, v., , irr.i 0 5 0 0 7 0 Flower of Kent 0 5 0 0 7 0 HoUandbury 0 4 0 0 6 0 Apjjles, Baking, per bushel 0 2 6 0 4 0 Pears, Dessert, per half sieve Golden Beurree 0 4 0 0 5 0 Autumn Bergamot 0 2 6 0 4 0 Doyenne 0 3 6 0 5 0 Swan's Egg, fine - 0 3 0 0 3 6 Pears, Baking, per half sieve 0 2 0 0 2 6 Cadillac 0 1 6 0 2 0 Chaumontel 0 1 e 0 2 6 Quinces, per half sieve - 0 1 6 0 2 0 Medlars, per half sieve - 0 3 0 0 4 0 Peaches, per dozen - 0 6 0 0 8 0 Plums, Dessert, per punnet 0 0 0 0 2 6 Barberries, per half sieve 0 5 0 0 7 0 Elderberries, picked, per bushel . . - 0 0 0 0 10 0 Cranberries, per gallon - 0 2 6 0 4 0 Walnuts, per bushel 0 5 0 0 8 0 Chestnuts, per peck French ... 0 4 0 0 8 0 Spanish 0 0 0 0 12 0 Filberts, English, per 100 lbs. 1 10 0 2 10 0 Nuts, Spanish, per peck . 0 4 0 0 0 0 Pine-apples, per pound - 0 0 6 0 10 0 Grapes, per pound Hot. house . . - 0 1 6 0 3 6 From the open wall 0 0 4 0 0 8 Dutch ... 0 1 6 0 2 0 Malaga . . f. 0 1 0 0 0 0 For Wine, per bushel .- 0 10 0 0 12 0 Spanish Melons, each 0 2 0 0 3 6 «^-^-. {^erllurred- 0 0 1 5 0 0 0 0 2 14 0 0 L— ' [j^^ri^Sred- 0 0 9 0 2 0 0 7 0 0 14 0 Olives, per gallon 0 0 0 1 10 0 Sweet Almonds, per pound 0 2 9 0 3 0 Brazil Nuts, per bushel 0 0 0 0 16 0 Garden Snails, per quart - 0 0 0 0 0 6 742 Provincial Horticultural Societies : — Essex, as from the above cause and from the probability of early frosts, it is not to be expected that vegetation can now make very rapid progress. Turnips are at present in abundance and of good quality ; the late crops do not promise so well, consequently it is expected they will be in more demand and bring better prices. Colevvorts are at present not very abundant, nor are they likely to increase much in bulk before Christmas; it is likely therefore their present price will be supported. Broccolies are not as yet plentiful, but at the same time not much looked for or expected, except the Cape variety or Grange's cauliflower, which begins to make its appear- ance ; but from the breadth planted, should the weather be moderate, a considerable quantity maybe expected and prices in consequence moderate. Carrots do not promise well; and although our supplies from Bedfordshire of the Altringham variety have hitherto been good, the promise from Surrey is not great, as wet weather is unfavourable to the growth of that root. Savoys are not yet very plentiful, but I have no doubt will soon be abundant. Potatoes are in heavy supply, and at present none but of the best quality will realise the prices quoted, although better prices are confidently ex- pected by the growers and dealers ; and should bread maintain its present rate, I have no doubt these expectations will be realised. Onions, of which a great breadth has been harvested in much better condition than the early part of the season promised, are in fair supply at reasonable prices; but it is probable, from the extreme humidity of the summer and autumn, they will not keep well in the loft, and may become much scarcer and dearer by the spring. — G. C. Nov 5. 1829. Art. XX. Provincial Horticultural Societies, ESSEX. Colchester and East Essex Horticultural Societi/. — The Second Annual Show of this Society ■was held in Colchester, August 5. Dr. Maclean, Mr. Burgess, and Mr. Smith were chosen as judges, and awarded the prizes as follows : — Flowers. Carnations. Stand: 1. Mr. Sally, gardener to H. N. Jarrett, Esq., Bromley Lodge ; 2. Mr. Goodwin, Manningtree. Seedling: a line scarlet flake, named Sally's Miss Penrice, Mr. Sally. Picotees. Seedlijig : 1. Mr. Sally; 2. Mr. Goodwin. A fine stand of seedling picotees from the Rev. Green's, Lawford ; a prize was given to one flower named Gillingwater's Miss King. — Fruit. Pine, Enville, Blr. Smith, gardener to Wm. Hawkins, Esq., Colchester. Welon : 1. Mr. Riach, gardener to R. Cox, Esq. Lawford ; 2. Mr. Sally. Grapes, Mr. Smith. Gooseberries. Fewest to the pound : 1. Mr. Smith ; 2. Mr. Riach. Best-flavoured, Mr. Riach, Currants: red, Mr. Gillingwater ; white, Blr. Smith. Plums, Mr. Girling, Colchester. Cherries, Mr. Girling. — Culinary regeiables. Onions, Mr. Sally. Cape Lettuce, Mr. Sally. Cucumbers, Mr. Girling. Mr. Smith, gardener to W. H.awkins, Esq., produced a fine Queen pine, which measured 16 in. in circumference, and weighed 3 lb. lU oz. It was allowed, by all the growers present, to be the finest ever seen from a plant of its age, only seventeen months having elapsed since the sucker was planted. Mr. Sally produced a stand of seedling georginas, of very superior shape and colour. Mr. Appleby of Boxtead sent two vegetable marrows, which were much admired. Three Cape lettuces, grown by Mr. Burgess of Brightlingsea, attracted the notice of the visitors by their extraordinary size. Many very respectable members were elected. [Suffolk Chronicle, Aug. 8.) CAMBRIDGESHIRE. Cambridge Vorticiillural Society. —This Society had a splendid Show of fruits, flowers, SiC, on Sept. 17. The Rev. G. A. Browne was called to the chair, and the award was as follows : — Flowers. Georginas. Six best double, one of a sort : 1. (medal) Lord Farnborough, Roj'al "William, Imperiosa, Royal Lilac, Inwood's New White, Donna Maria, Mr. Widnall ; 2. Douglas's Seedling, Nutter's Seedling, Donna Maria, Imperiosa, Colville's Perfccta, Brewer's Cambridge Surprise (seedling), Mr. Robci-t Nutter. Three best, one of a sort : Lady Grantham, Seedling, PrEEcellontissima, Mr. Widnall. Best: Achilles, Mr. Widnall. Seedling, Mr. Widnall. Lob^l/a fi'dgens, in a pot, Mr. Scarle. Fi'ichsin, in a pot, Mr. Widnall. Plant in a pot (A''t:rium splendens), Mr. Searle. — Fruit. Pine: 1. and 2. (medal) Black .Jamaica, Mr.'Dall. Gmpes. Black, cluster not less than l|lb. : 1. Black Hamburgh, Mr. Gimson ; 2. Black Mogul, Mr. Searle. White, cluster not less than 1| lb. : 1. White Hamburgh, Mr. Dall ; 2. White Frontignac, >Ir. Catling. Out-door. Best bunch : White Musc.idinc, BIr. Palmer, Ely. Best pot : 1. Black Hamburgh, Mr. Dall ; 2. Royal Mu,scadino (white), Mr. Robert Nutter. Peaches. Best six, three of a sort : Rendlesham Mignonne, The Master of Sidney. Best three of any sort : Royal George, BIr. Hnggins, gardener to the Rev. Mr. Millar of Ely. Best: Noblesse, Mr. Wilson, gardener to Lord lie la Warr. Ndct.arines. Best six, three of a sort : Newington Brignon, The Master of .Sidney. Best three of any sort : Old Newington, Mr. Searle. Cherries. Morello : Best lb. containing fewest (46), Mr. Robert fJrecn. Plums. Best plate, two sorts, six of a sort : Green Gage and Coe's Seedling, Mr. Challis. Best plate, not less than six : Caledonian, Mr. H.aylock. Fig.s. Not less than six : Brown and Black, Mr. Dall. Gooseberries, best plate : Red Raspberry, Mr. Wilson, gardener to Lord De la Warr. Currants, best plate : 1. White, Mr. Dall ; 2. Red, Mr. Wilson, Cambj'idgeshire, Sitffhlk. 743 gardener to Lord De la Warr. Melon, not less tlian 21b. : 1. Silver Rock, Mr. Dall ; 2. Scarlet Flesh, Mr. Searle. Mulberries : best plate, Mr. Calling. Apples, table, best dish : 1. Carr<5e Pippin, Mr. G. Stittle ; 2. Kingsland Pippin, Mr. French, gardener to the Rev. Mr. Jenyns. Pears, table, best .dish : 1. Bergamot, Mr. French ; 2, Mr. Ripsher. Filberts, best lb., Mr. Chal. lis. Nuts, best lb., Mr. Wilson, gardener to Lord Ue la Warr. — Culinary Vegetables. Celery, six best heads, G. Jenyns, Esq., Wilbraham. Treasurer's Prize. Bouquet, Mr. Gimson. — Cottagers'' Prizes. Apples: Ribston Pippin, William Smith, Trumpington. Onions, White Spanish, Robert Freeman, Abington. Parsneps, James BuUen, Wimpole. Gcorginas, William Perry, Hildersham. China.asters, three, James Tuck, Windmill Cottage, Harston. — E.vtra.Prizes. Cottagers' Apples, Hawthorden, Thomas Chapman, Wimpole. Cottagers' Onions, James Tuck, Harston. Cottagers' Georginas, Joseph Beales, Cherryhinton. Cottagers' Bouquet, James Tuck, Harston. Cottagers' Lettuces, Silesian, Harris Marshall, Trumpington. Cottagers' Currants, Red, Harris Marshall, Trumpington. Onions, White Spanish, Mr. Palmer, Ely. Apples: Torbay Pippin, The Master of Sidney ; and Alexander,' Mr. Biggs. Lettuces, White Cos, Mr. Palmer. Apricots, Moorpark, Mr. Huggins. African Marigolds, Mr. Wilson, Lord De la Warr's gardener. French Marigolds, Mr. Palmer. China-asters, Mr. Huggins and Mr. Brewer. The annual dinner took place immediately after the show. After dinner, forty-two prizemen of the year received their prizes, which amounted to two medals, and 108^ 9s. in money. An honorary medal was also presented to Mr. Charles Baron of Saffron Walden, for his valuable services as a judge. The London Horticultural Society's annual honorary medal was also presented to Mr. Samuel WidnalL {Huntingdon Gazette, Sept. 19.3 SUFFOLK. Ipswich HorficnUiiral Society. — The Third Meeting for the present year was held on Aug. 3., and most respectably attended; the show of fruits and flowers, considering the season, was al- lowed to be very good. The judges appointed to award the respective prizes were, Dr. Maclean of Colchester ; Tiios. Allen, Esq., Crane Hall, Ipsivich ; and Mr. Bray of Barham ; who adjudged as follows : — Flowers. Bouquet of Border Flowers : 1. Mr. Jcffery ; 2. Mr. Lovely. Plant in bloom in a pot : 1. Maurandyrt Barclayart«, Mr. Jeffory; 2. Coreopsis, Mr. Lovely. Georginas: Seedlings, Mr. Jeffery. — Fruit. Grapes: VVhite, Sweetwater, Mr. Chapman, gardener to Charles Berners, Esq. ; Black, Frankenthal, Mr. Bird, Ipswich. Melon : Scarlet Flesh, Mr. Newman, gardener to T. 15. Western, Esq. ; Green Flesh, Rev. I. S. Matthews, Hitcham. Apricot: 1. R. Pettiward, Esq., Finborough Hall ; 2. Mr. Allen, gardener to Mileson Edgar, Esq. Plums, Black Morocco, Mr. Milborn. Cherries : Table, Mr. J. Smith, gardener to Dykes Alexander, Esq. ; Morello, Mr. Chapman. Gooseberries. Red: 1. Roaring Lion, 2o dwts.fi grs. Mr. Woollard ; 2. Roaring Lion, igdwts. 10 grs., Mr. Dunning. Yellow: 1. Gunner, ISdwts, i^grs., Mr. AVoollard ; 2. Viper, 16 dwts. jgrs., Mr. Lovely. Green: 1. Angler, 17 dwts. 1 gr., Mr. Woollard ; 2. Independent, 15 dwts. 2. and 3. Bonny Lass, 14 dwts. IS grs., Mr. Newman. Best plate, fewest to the.pound : 1. (U) Mr. Woollard ; 2. (20) Mr. Milborn. Best plate for flavour, Red Champagne, Mr. Barney. Cur. rants. White, best lb. : 1. (19 bunches) New White Dutch, Mr. Woollard ; 2. (28 bunches) Mr. Burn. Red, best lb. (34 bunches), Mr. Woollard. Raspberries : 1. Antwerp, Mr. Lovely; 2. Ant. werp, Mr. Milbourn. {Suffolk Chronicle, Aug. 8.) The Fourth Meeting of the above Society for the present year was held on Sept. 15. The judges appointed to award the respective prizes were Thomas Allen, Esq , Dr. Beck, and Mr. Burgess, for the fruits and vegetables ; and Mr. Hunt and Mr. Baldiston for the flowers. Pre- miums were awarded as follows : — Flowers. Double Georginas : 1. Mr. Sally ; 2. Mr. Buchanan. Seedling, Mr. Jeffries. Flower in bloom in a pot : 1. Mr. J. Smith ; 2. Mr. Felgate. Bouquet of border flowers : 1. Mr. Jeffries ; 2. Mr. Lovely. — Fruit. Grapes: White, Muscadine, Mr. Jelly, gardener to Miss Lloyd; Black, Hamburgh, Mr. Jelly, gardener to Miss Llovd. Melon : 1. New .Scarlet Flesh, Mr. Milborn ; 2. Old Scarlet Flesh, Mr. Sally, gardener toH. N. Jarrctt, Esq. Peaches : I. French Mignonne, W. RodwcU, Esq. ; 2. Grimwood's Royal George, Mr. J. Smith, gardener to Dykes Alexander, Esq. Nectarines: 1. Early Newington, Mr. Sally; 2. Eiruge, Mr. ISarney. Apri- cots : 1. Moorp.ark, Mr. .1. Smith ; 2. Moorpark, Mr. Bird. Plums : 1. Goliah, Mr. .Sally ; 2. Green Gage, Mr. Potter. Pears: 1. Jargonelle, Mr. Milborn ; 2, Jargonelle, Mr. J. Smith. Apples: Table, Kerry Pippin, Mr. Sally ; Kitchen, Hawthornden, Mr. Jackson. Cherries, Morello, Mr. Jelly. Raspberries, Mr. Milborn. Nuts, Cosford, Mr. Burn, gardener to Lord Rivers. Figs, Mr. Burn. — Culinary Vegetables. Cape Broccoli : White, Mr. Barney ; Purple, Mr. Lovely. Endive, Mr. Allen. Red Cabbage, Rev. J. S. Matthews. Amongst the Georginas exhibited by Mr. Sally and Mr. Buchanan were some -splendid specimens. A beautiful seedling geranium, reared by Mr. Crawley, was also exhibited, which was named the Crawleyt/rta ; and we could not help noticing the excellent state of preservation of the dish of cherries produced by Mr, Jelly. [Ipswich Journal., Sept. 19.) Ipswi<:h Carnation Show. — At this Show, held on August 6., the judges were, Mr. Sheming, Woodbridge ; Mr. Keymer, Colchester ; and Mr. Shreeve of Ipswich ; who decided as follows : 1. Ive's Prince Leopold, Smalley's Foxhunter, Ne Plus Ultra, Fletcher's Duchess, Pearson's Madame Mara, and Hufton's La Belle Alliance, Mr. Lee; 2. Strong's Victorious, Foxhunter, Rainbow, La Belle Alliance, Fletcher's Duchess, and Madame Mara, Mr. Jessup ; 3. Davey's Duchess, Turner's Duke of Devonshire, Strong's Victorious, Fletcher's Duchess, and two Scarlet Flake Seedlings, Mr. Hunt. Picotee prize, Mr. Goodwin. Crimson Bizard .Seedling, Mr. Woollard, afterwards named Woollard 's Mr. Peel.' Scarlet Flake Seedling, Mr. Woollard, afterwanls named Wopllard's Miss Anstruther. {Suffulk Chronicle, Aug. 8.) fVickhain-market Flower Show. — The Annual Show of Carnations and Picotees, held at Wickham Crown, on August 3., was respectably attended, and there were many fine flowers shown. The prizes were adjudged by Mr. E. Cadman, Mr. J. Cadraan, and Mr. Williams, as follows : — Pan of four blooms : 1. Foxhunter, Lacy's Water, La Belle Alliance, and Madame Mara Mr. William Barker, Hcmingstone; 2. Foxhiniter, Rainbow, Fletcher-s Duchess, and Madame Mara, Mr. William Barker, Wickhani ; 3. Strong's Vittoria, Ive's Prince Leopold, Hannibal, and Fletcher's Duchess, Mr. Jessup, Helmingham. Picotees, Will Stukely, and Barker's Sportsman Mr. Tyler, Wickham. Seedling Carnation, Mr. Barker, Wickham, afterwards named Barker's Mrs. Amyss. Seedling Picotee, Mr. Jessup, Helmingham, afterwards named Jessup's Bang-un {Suffolk Chronicle, Aug. 8.) t- b i 3 B 4 74-4- Prov. Hort. Soc. : — Berh/tlre, Gloucestershire, BERKSHIRE. The JVallingford Ranunculus Show was held on June 10., when the prizes were aw.nrded as follows : — First Class, Dark and Dark Purple : 1. Melius, Mr. W. S. Clarke ; 2. and 3. Naxara, Mr. Costar ; +. Viriat.Mr. E. Wells. Second Class, Striped : 1. Melange, Mr. W. S. Clarke ; 2. Oeillet Parfait, Mr. Birkett ; 3. Tamaire, Mr. W. S. Clarke; 4. Favourite Mignonne, Mr. Woodbridge. Third Class, Crimson Red and Rose: 1. Henrietta, Mr. Costar; 2. Gunn's Crimson, .Mr. W. S. Clarke , 3. Papius, Mr. Atkinson ; 4. Rose Velona, Mr. Birkett. Fourth Class, Edged : 1. Grand Berger, Mr. Costar; 2. Grand Berger, and .3. Doctor Franklin, Mr. Clarke; 4. Horatio, Mr. E. Wells. Fifth Class, Spotted : 1. Arbrisseau, Mr. Costar; 2. Arbrisseau, Mr. W. S. Clarke; 3. Fabius, Mr. W. S. Clarke; 4. Agamemnon, Mr. Birkett. Sixth Class, Yellow and Straw: 1. Adrian, Mr. W. S. Clarke ; 2. Golconda, Mr. Woodbridge ; 3. Beroth, Mr. E. Wells. Seventh Class, Mottled: 1. Thompson's Queen, Mr.,W. S. Clarke; 2. Benjamin, and .3. Isodorus, Mr. Woodbridge. Stand of nine blooms: 1. Mr. W. S. Clarke; 2. Rev. Jos. Tyso ; 3. Mr. Costar; 4. Mr. E, Wells ; 5. Mr. Woodbridge ; 6. Mr. Birkett ; 7. Mr. Atkinson. Steward's prizes. Grand Berger, Mr. Costar. — J. T. GLOUCESTERSHIRE. Gloucester Horticultural Society. — The Fourth Public Show for the season took place on July 31., and was eminently attractive. The display both of flowers and fruits was brilliant in the extreme, and far exceeded any former exhibition. The assemblage of carnations and picotees was particularly admired, and the richness and variety of the georginas left nothing to be wished for in that splendid tribe. Other choice flowers were also contriltuted in great numbers. The abundance of luxurious fruits of all descriptions was such as to gratify the eye, and provoke the taste of the most fastidiou.s. The evening's sale of fruits was very productive. The number of specimens entered in the Society's books amounted to upwards of 1220. (The Bristol Mirror, Aug. 8.) Cirencester and Cotswold HorticulturalAssociation. — The Second and last E.Khibition of this Institution for the present year was held in September. The display of fruits, particularly, far surpassed our expectation, and affords us every reason to hope that this Institution, which is quite in its infancy, will next year become one of the principal attractions of this neighbourhood. {Bath Journal.) WORCESTERSHIRE. The Worcestershire Horticultural Societi/ held their last Meeting for the present year in Wor. cester, on August 28. Among the fruits we particularly noticed a pine from the garden of the Marchioness of Downshire, which weighed 10 lbs. 11 oz. ; also a bunch of grapes from the gar- den of J. Taylor, Esq. The peaches, nectarines, and apricots were likewise particularly fine. There were also exhibited two new specimens of the new silver beet, and a new esculent vege- table lately imported from Hungary, called Kohl.rabi. We are sorry to say that indisposition prevented the attendance of Sir C. S. Smith, Bart. The prizes were awarded as follows : — Plants. Green-house: CalceolSiria corymbbsa ; 2. .Elichrysum proliferum, and 3. Lechenault/a formbsa, Mr. Tapp ; ;4. Pelargbnium ardens. Rev. T. Waters. Cockscomb, Sir H. Wakeman, Bart. — Flowers. Georginas, Crimson : 1. Seedling, Mr. Beach ; 2. Denin's Seedling, 3. Sanguinea, and 4. Wells's Victory, Mr. Tapp. Purple : 1. Wood's Favourite, Mr. Tapp ; 2. Seedling, R. Nuttall, Esq. ; 3. Langley's Favourite, and 4. Triumphant, Mr. Tapp. Scarlet : 1. Superb, 2. Coccinea, 3. Unknown, and 4. Unknown, Mr. Tapp. Sulphur: 1. Yellow Sulph urea, and 2. Dwarf Yellov/, Mr. Tapp; 3. Unknown, J. Taylor, Esq.; 4. Sulph iirea supt'rba, Mr. Beach. I/iglit : 1. Unknown, Mr. Tapp ; 2. Quilled Lilac, Mr. Beach ; 3. Seedling, J. Taylor, Esq. ; 4. Unknown, Mr. Tapp. — Fruil. Pine, Mr. Wood. Blelon, K. Griffiths, Esq. Peaches, J. Taylor, Esq. Nectarines, Mr. Wood. Apricots, Mr. Berkelev. Grapes : Black Hamburgh, Mr. Beach ; White Muscat, J. Taylor, Esq. Cherries, Mr. Wood. Plums, Mr. Hunt. Figs, Mr. Wood. Apples: Dessert, R. Allies, Esq.; Culinary, Mr. Wood. Pears: Dessert, Mrs. Berkeley; Seed- ling, E. Isaac, Esq. — Culinary Vegetables. Carrots, Rev. G. St. John. Onions, Mr. Wood. Celery : White, Sir H. Wakeman, Bart. ; Red, Sir H. Wakeman, Bart. New Silver Beet, Mr. Wood. (Worcester Journal, SepL 3.) Vale of Evesham Horticultural Society. — The last Show for the season was held on the 24th of September, at which the display of fruits was so abundant, that additional tables were required, one of which was entirely appropriated to seedlings. Mr. Boultby of Springfield House, War- wickshire, sent three different sorts of apples from Ireland, and a seedling of his own, with a report of their qualities, which was read to the Society, and accompanied with the obliging offer of furnishing such of the members of the Society as wished it with grafts at the proper season. Besides the productions which obtained prizes, we noticed among the numerous articles that were exhibited: — A green pumpkin (Cucurbita Pepo Linn., C'ucurbita indica rotunda Vale- champ) of 70 lbs. weight, from Mr. Fulton ; six uncommonly large roots of red celery from Mr. Brown; specimens of water cresses (A^asturtium officinale Hort. Kew.), raised in strong soil, without water being applied to them, by Mr. Maytield. The President, E. Rudgc, Esq., exhibited, amongst various other productions, the musk-plant (il/imulus moschktus), raised from seeds sent last yearfrom the Colombia river, in North America. The very strong animal smell of musk which this curious plant so powerfully and remarkably possesses forms one of those numerous links m nature, which connect the animal with the vegetable kingdom. Also fVom the same, six specimens, of uncommon size, of the Duke of Wellington's apple, which, from its beautiful scarlet colour, and as a curmary iii point of flavour, is unrivalled. The prizes were awarded as follows : — Plants. Stove or Green-house: 1. Regbn/a capensis, T\[r. Smith; 2. Calceolaria intcgrifulia, N. Hartland, Esq. ; 3. Polianthes tuberbsa, E. Rudge, Esq. Hardy or Tender Animals: 1. Mr. Ball ; 2. Mr. Smith ; 3. John Taylor, Esq. Perennials : 1. Mr. Smith ; 2. Mr. Fleetwood. Cocks, combs : 1. Mr. Fulton ; 2. Sir Chailes Throckmorton, Bart. — Flou'crs. Georginas. Scarlet : 1. and 2. John Taylor, Esq. Crim.son : 1. Mr. Gregory; 2. Mr. Smith. Purple: 1. Sir Charles Throckmorton, Bart. ; 2. Mr. Goodall. Sulphur: 1. Mr. Hunt; 2. Mr. Fulton. Light: 1. John Taylor, Esq.; 2. Mr. Smith. White: Land 2. John Taylor, Esq. — f;v//V. Cherries: Morello, Mr. CJregory. Damsons : 1. Seedling, Mr. Tovey ; 2. Mr. Edwin. Apples : 1. Seedling, Rev. Mr. Bonakor ; 2. Seedling, Mr. Hignell ; .3. Blenheim Orange, Mr. Check. Pears : Dessert, Maria Louisa, Mr, Ball; 2. Seedling, and 3. Grey Bury (culinary), Mr. Hunt. Out-door Grapes : Worcestershire, Hcrefurdshire. 745 1. Black, Mr. Barnes ; 2. White, Mr. Charles. — Culinary Vegetables. Peas, John Taylor, Esq. Onions : 1. Sir Charles Throckmorton, Bart. ; 2. John Taylor, Esq. ; S. Mrs. Charles. Beet Root, Rev. Mr. Parker. Celery : J. Red, six stalks, weight 26 lbs., Mr. Brown ; 2. White, Mr. Hunt. Eftra-Prizes. Two kinds of Seedling Apples, Pitmaston Orange Nectarine, and Seedling Apri- cot of the Moorpark Standard, Mr. Hunt. White Grapes, Muscat, Mr. Fulton. Black Prince Grapes, John Taylor, Esq. {Worcester Herald, October 10.) HEREFORDSHIRE. Hereford Horticultural Society. — The last Meeting of this Society for the present season took place on Sept. 29., and on no former occasion have we witnessed so brilliant a display of apples. A seedling apple, raised by Mr. Cranston, and several others, were deservedly admired. A bundle of celery from the garden of R.J. Powell, Esq., attracted general admiration, both as to the size and perfection of the roots. In addition to the usual prizes given at this and similar institutions, the Hereford Society awards the^foUowing premiums, and the Committee have it in contemplation to extend itsoperations next year in a way that cannot fail to give satisfaction : — A prize of five sove- reigns will be given to the subscribing gardener of any member of the Society who shall bring written testimonials from his master or mistress, at the last meeting in the year 1830, of his having lived in his service at least five years, and of his having, during that period, been distinguished for honesty, sobriety, industry, general good conduct, and attention to, and knowledge of, his busi- ness; should two or more gardeners be considered equally meritorious, the preference will be given to him who has lived longest in his place. This prize will be ofli^red every five years, but the same individual is not to be entitled to it more than once. A sovereign will be given to the subscribing gardener of that member of the Society to whom the greatest number of prizes shall be awarded in the course of each year. Half a sovereign will be given to the subscribing gardener who shall rear the earliest cucumber in each season, the day on which it was cut, and its weight, to be attested in writing, by the subscribing master or mistress, at the first meeting in 1830, and every succeeding year. Should two or more cucumbers be cut in the same week the greatest weight will take the prize. Fiveshillings will be given, under the same regulations, for the earliest (after the 1st of January) and heaviest dish of sea-kale, to consist of four heads. Premiums were awarded as follows : — Plants. Green-house : £rlca, G. C. Cooke, Esq. Stove : Pancratium mcxic'inum, G. C. Cooke, Esq. — F/otuc;s. Georginas. Scarlet: 1. Diadem, Mr. Cranston; 2. Scarlet Turban, Mr. Nott; 3. Princess Victorine, Sir J. G. Cotterell. Purple: 1. Lord Farnborough, Mr. Nott ; 2. Isabella, Mrs. W. Pateshall ; 3. Purple Velvet, Mr, Godsall. Crimson: 1. Ariconium, Sir J. G. Cotterell ; 2. Beautc^ Supreme, Mrs. W. Pateshall ; 3. G. folgida, Mr. Godsall. Light : 1. Quilled Lilac, Sir J. G. Cotterell ; 2. Acteon Mr. Nott ; 3. Mont Blanc, Mrs. W. Pateshall. China.asters. Purple-striped : 1. Mrs. H. Morgan ; 2. Mr. Cranston ; 3. Mrs. Gordon. Red-striped : 1. Mrs. Gordon ; 2. Mrs. H. Morgan. Self, Sir. Cranston. — Fruit. Melon : Paris Melon, Sir J. G. Cotterell. Apples. Early Dessert : 1. Ribston Pipjiin, R. J. Powell, Esq. ; 2. Summer Queen- ing, Mrs. J. Philliijps ; 3. Longueville, Mr. Cranston. Late Dessert : 1. Nonpareil, and 2. Brandy, Mr. Cranston; 3. Grange, and 4. Pome du Roi, Mrs. J. Phillipps. Culinary: 1. Hawthornden, Sir J. G. Cotterell; 2. Blenheim Orange, Mrs. Downes ; 3. French Codlin, J. S. Gowland, Esq. 4. Russian Emperor, Mr. Cranston. Cider : 1. Foxwhelp, 2. Woodcock, and 3. Dymock Red, Sir J. G. Cotterell. Pears. Early Dessert : 1. Bon Chretien, T. H. Symons, Esq. ; 2. Gansell's Berga- mot, C. G. Cooke, Esq. ; 3. Brown Beurr(5e, Sir J. G. Cotterell. Late Dessert : 1. Crassane, Mrs. Dov/nes ; 2. Swan's Egg, Mrs. J. Phillipps. Perry : Seedling, Mr. Cranston. Grapes: 1. Musca- dine, Mrs. Gordon ; 2. T. C. Bridges, Esq. Peaches : I. Royal George, R. J. Powell: 2. Belle- garde, Sir J. G. Cotterell. Nectarines : 1. Sir J. G. Cotterell ; 2. EIruge, R. J. Powell, Esq. Straw- berries : Alpine, Mrs. Downes. — Culinary Vegetables. Celery : R. J. Powell, Esq. {Hereford Journal, October 7.) Ross Horticultural Society. — The Twenty-fifth Public Exhibition of this Society took place on Sept. 30. Previously to the opening of the show-room, the General Annual Meeting was held, the Rev. Canon Underwood in the chair; when the committee, treasurer, and secretary were re- elected for the ensuing year. On which occasien a vote of thanks was passed to William Hooper, Esq. the honorary secretary, for his exertions in the cause of this Society, and the Committee stated they had great satisfaction in reporting the public e,-.timation of the liberal and unremitting exertions of Mr. Hooper to the concerns and interests of the Society, testified by the present of a gold snuff-box, raised by the contributions of 21U subscribers, at .5s. each, and in directing that a minute of the circumstance be entered on the books of the Society, as a memorial of his kind and efficient services, and their sense of them. The number of specimens ticketed and entered into the Society's books amounted to 1047. The prizes were awarded as under : — Flowers. Georginas. Scarlet and Orange : 1. Scarlet Turban, H. Rosser, Esq. ; 2. Morning Star, and 3. Duke of Hamilton, Mrs. Westfaling; 4. Apollo, Mr. J. C. Wheeler; 5. Coccinea superba, Mr. Reynolds. Red and Crimson : 1. and 2. Seedlings, Mrs. Westfaling ; 3. Young's Triumphant, Mr. J. C. Wheeler; 4. Seedling, Mrs. Westfaling; 5. Princess Elizabeth, W. Hooper, Esq. Purple and Lilac : 1. G. indiana, and 2. Royal Lilac, Mr. J. C. Wheeler ; 3. Super- bissima, K. Evans. Esq. ; 4. Bold Forester, H. Kosser, Esq. ; 5. Seedling, Mrs. Westfaling. White and Sulphur : 1 . Mountain of Snow, Mr. J. C, Wheeler : 2. Clifton Yellow, Mrs. J. Rudge ; 3. Mont Blanc, Mrs. Westfaling; 4. Wells's Dwarf Yellow, H. Rosser, Esq.; 5. Double White, Mr. C. Frere. Buff and Yellow: 1. Grisdelin Superb, and 2. Bronze, Mrs. Westfaling; 3. Belvidere, Mr. J. C. Wheeler; 4. Camell/>/?6ra, Mr. Reynolds; S. Prince of Orange, W. Hooper, Esq. Rose and Carmine: 1. Duchess of Wellington, H. Rosser, Esq.; 2. G. conspicua, Mr. J. C. Wheeler; 3. Seedling, and 4. Princess Victoria, Mrs. Westfaling; 5. Purpfirea grandiflbra, Mr. J. C.Wheeler. Morone and Puce: 1. Black Turban, and 2. Veni'istum, Mr. J. C. Wheeler; 3. Coronation, Mrs. Westfaling; 4. Diadem, H. Rosser, Esq ; 5. Douglas's Achilles, Mrs. Westfaling. — Fruit. Apples. Early Dessert: 1. Ribston Pippin, Mrs. Piatt; 2. Queen's Pippin, T. Rudge, Esq.; 3. Margil, Mr. Reynolds ; 4. Ciun's Mills Russet, H. Rosser, Esq. ; 5. Golden Pippin, J. .S. Collins, Esq. Late Dessert: 1. Wheeler's Extreme, Mr. J. C. Weeler ; 2. Brandy, J. F. Willis, Esq.; 3. Golden Rennet, Mrs. Piatt ; 4. Court de Wick, C. Biss, Esq. ; 5. Pearmain, Mrs. Piatt. Cu- linary : 1. Blenheim Orange.Rev. L. Robertson ; 2. Campbell's Kernel, J. F.Willis, Esq. ; 3. Orange Prunella, C. Biss, Esq.; 4. Hawthornden, Mr. Crump; 5. Goose, W. Hooper, Esq. Cider: 1. Hagloe Crab, and 2. Foxwhelp, Mrs. Piatt; 3. Knight's Downton Pippin, Mr. Crump; 4. Yel- low Stire, Mrs. Piatt ; 5. Ansel, Mr. Crump. Pears. Dessert : 1. Bergamot, Mr. Paines ; 2. Bon Chretien, T. H. Symons, Esq. ; .3. Brown Beurree, Mr. C. Frere ; 4. Gansell's Bergamot, Mr. Reynolds ; 5. Swan's Egg, J. F. Willis, Esq. Perry : 1. Sack, Mrs. Piatt ; 2. Red Longdon, and 746 Prov. Hort. Societies : — Leicestershire, 3. Blakeney Red, Mr. Crump; 4. Barland, and 5 Moorcroft, Mr. Reynolds. Out-door Grapes: 1. Sweetwater, T. Kudge, Esq. ; 2. Muscadine, and 3. Royal Muscadine, C. Biss, Esq. ; 4. Mus- catel, E. Jones, Esq. ; 5. Black Cluster, Miss Harvey. — Culinari/ J'egetablcs. Celery : 1. and 2. John Cooke, Esq. ; 3. K. Evans, Esq. ; 4. John Cooke, Esq. ; 5. K. Evans, Esq. Autumn Broc- coli : 1. K. Evans, Esq. ; 2. and 3. Mr. Crump : 4. and 5. K. Evans, Esq. (Hereford Journal, October?.) : LEICESTERSHIRE. The Bury Horticultural Society held their Fourth Meeting on Sept. 8. The show was admirable ; the first objects of attraction were the Georginas, the profusion and variety of which beautiful description of flowers presented a most superb appearance. Amongst the finest were the Donna Maria, Achilles, Douglas's 12, Dennis's Invincible, Fulgida suptrba, and the admired Anemone- flowered variety raised at Cork. The seedlings were very good. There were also some incom- parable China-asters. Of the fruit, the Persian Melon was most worthy remark, and there were two new South American species. The Seedling Grape (white), raised from a raisin, is a very excellent one. The Peaches, Apricots, Caledonian Plums, and Morello Cherries were very fine, and the show of. Apples was grand, especially the Mars Hill by the Kev. H. Hasted, Hawlhorn- dean by the Rev. C. Devvhirst, and seedlings of great merit by Mr. Hotison and several cottagers. The display of honey obtained without destroying the bees was very gratifying, including a box of 25 lbs. by a cottager, obtained from a swarm of this year, a glass of the purest nectar shown by Mr. Payne, and many other boxes and glasses. The Red Celery was of extraordinary siza The following was the award of the judges, Blr. Chandler of Vauxhall, and Mr. Dennis of Chelsea, for flowers ; Messrs. Lines and Sharp, for fruit and vegetables : — Flowers. Georginas : Six, 1. and 2. Mr. Buchanan ; Seedling, Mr. Barrett. Plant in a pot, Mr. Wright. Plant in a pot (extra-prize), GloxlnM hirsilta, R. Bevan, Esq. Bouquet : Tender, Mr. Hammond ; Hardy, Mr. Lord. Glass of Honey, Mr. Payne ; Box of Honey, Rev. C. Dewhirst. — Fruit. Peaches: 1. Mr. Barrett; 2. Mr. Musk. Nectarines: 1. Mr. Musk; 2. Rev. G. J. Haggitt. Melon : 1. Persian, Mr. Hammond ; 2. Winter, Mr. C. Johnson. Pine : 1. Mr. C. Johnson ; e. Mr. Wright, Ampton. Grapes : 1. White Out-door, Mr. C. Adams, Barton ; 2. Black forced, Mr. C. Johnson ; .5. Seedling, from a raisin, Mr. R. Taylor, Burv. Figs, Brown Ischia, Sir J. Afl1?ck. Pears, Mr. Corsbie, West Stow. Plums, Green Gages, Sir. Barrett. Cherries, Morello, Mr. Sparrow, Shropham. Apples : 1. Dessert, Kerry Pippin, Rev. B. T. Norgate ; 2. Kitchen, Hawthorndean, Rev. Mr, Dewhirst; 3. Seedling, Mr. Barrett. Filberts, Mr. Hammond. — Culinnrij J'egetab/es. Celery : 1. Red, Mr. J. H. Payne ; 2. White, Mr. Hammond. Onions : 1. Mr. Barrett ; 2. Red, Mr. C. Middleditch. Peas, Charles Bloomfield, Esq. Tomatoes, Rev. B. T. Norgate. Cottagers' Prizes. Potatoes, Last, Rougham. Cabbages, Steed. Onions, Jermyn, Timworth. Green Gages, Fcnner, Fornham. Apples, Tooley, Whclnetham ; Seedling, Smith, Bury. Box of Honey, Reach, Bury. {Bu>y and Norwich Post, September 9.) YORKSHIRE. Yorkshire Horticultural Society. — The First September Meeting of this Society took place on September 2. at Wakefield. The chair was taken at two o'clock, by the Rev. S. Sharp, vicar of Wakefield, when the prizes were adjudged as follows : — Flowers. Georginas. Purple: 1. Thomas Carnall, gardener to P. Walton, Esq., of Walton ; 2. and 3. Mr. William Barratt. Scarlett : 1. and 2. Mr. William Thorp of Halifax, nurseryman ; 3. Thomas Carnall. Light : 1. Thomas Carnall ; 2. Mr. William Barratt ; 3. Robert Hinsley of Hensall, near Snaith. Crimson : 1. Mr. William Carrat ; 2. Thomas Carnall ; 3. Robert Hinsley. Single Georginas : 1. Mrs. Dealtry of Lofthouse Hall ; 2. Robert Hinsley. Light : 1. Joseph Marshall of Carr Lane, near Leeds; 2. William Clark of Rudley. Bouquet. Exotic, Thomas Appleby. Hardy, William Clark. Carnations. Scarlet Bizard : 1. John Gill of East Moor ; 2. William Hardman of Wakefield. Pink Bizard: 1. and 2. John Hives. Scarlet Flake: 1. and 2. John Smith, gardener to the Rev. Lamplugh Hird of Low Moor. Pink Flake : 1. and 2. John Smith. Purple Flake : 1. William Hardman ; 2. William Newsome of Dewsbury Bank. Pico, tees. Red-laced : 1. John Smith ; 2. John Gill. Purple-laced : 1. and 2. John Smith. Rarest Exotic in Pot (a Pitcairn/a chilensis), William Baines, gardener to Jeremiah Rawson, Esq. — Fruit. Pine: 1. William Ashton, gardener to Benjamin Gaskell, Esq. of Thornes House, near Wakefield; 2. John Plant, gardener to John Hardy, Esq. of Heath Hall. Largest, John Cork of Grange Ash. Grapes, White : 1. James Brown, gardener to John Hebblethwaite, Esq. of Wood- house Lane, Leeds; 2. William Ashton ; 3. John Ives, gardener to Mrs. Rawson of Stony Royd, near Halifax. Black : 1. Joseph Moore, gardener to T. B. Pease, Esq. of Chapel AUerton, near Leeds ; 2. Thomas Appleby, gardener to the Rev. J. A. Rhodes of Horsforth Hall ; 3. William Ashton. Melon: 1. John Southward, gardener to Edward Armitage, Esq. of Cookriilge Hall; 2. James Brown. Peaches : 1. William Ashton ; 2. Job Boothroyd, gardener to Kennet Dawson, Esq., of Frickley Hall, near Doncastcr. Nectarines: 1. William Ashton ; 2. Job Boothroyd. Apricots: 1. William .\shton ; 2. William Partridge, gardener to the Rev. Henry Torre, of Thornhill. Cherries : William Caladine, gardener to J. F. Carr, Esq. of Carr Loilge, Horbury. Figs, James Cooper, gardener to John Lee, Esq., St. John's, Wakefield. Plums : 1. John Plant; 2. and 3. William Ashton ; 4. George Yanwith, gardener to Sir Edward Dodsworth, Bart., of Newland Hall. Currants, Mr. J. Hatfield of Wakefield. Pears : 1. William Ashton ; 2. Job Boothroyd. Greatest variety of sorts (140 in number"!, Mr. William Barratt of Wakefield, nur- seryman. Apples. Eating : 1. Job Boothroyd ; 2. John Markwcll, gardener to A. Peterson, Esq., of Wakefield ; .3. William Ashton. Greatest quantity of sorts (93 in number), Mr. W. Barratt Baking : 1. Mr. Robinson of Wakefield ; 2. John Markwell ; 3. James Cooper ; 4. William Ashton. A dish of Apples, grafted in March last, upon branches sent from the Horticultural Society in London, Mr. William Barratt. Best Seedling Apiiles, William Clark of Rodley. A dish of Sibe- rian Golden Crabs, Mr. Joshua Scott of Wakefield. — Culinary I'egetabtes. Peas, Samuel Currie, gardener to Joshua Ingham, Esq , of Blake Hall, Mirfield. Potatoes, William Newsome. Cauli- flowers, Thomas Cireen of Newton, market-gardener. Red Cabbage, Mr. William Barratt. Celery, Samuel Currie. Endive, Thomas Carnall. Winter Onions, WiUiam Hardman. Spring Onions, Thomas Carnall. Broccoli, Samuel Currie. Vegetable Marrow : 1. George Yanwith ; 2. Samuel Currie. A prize was awarded to Thomas Appleby, for a fine specimen of the Granadilla, the fruit of the Passifliira, or Passion Flower. Joseph Marshall of Carr Lane produced the l-.ranch of an apple tree, bearing both fruit and tlowers. William Ashton produced a dish of May Duke Yorkshire. 747 Cherries, wliich had been exhibited in the months of May, June, July, August, and September. {Yorks/iin- Gazette, Septembers.) The Second September Jleeting of the above Society was held on September 23. There were two collections of Georginas, from S. W. Nicoli, Esq , of Fulford, most tastefully arranged ; one from Messrs. Backhouse, containing 85 varieties of the double Georginas; and one of seedlings, containing 35 varieties, from Mr. Parker, which were much admired. A twin Georgina, furnished by Mr. Parker, was also considered a great curiosity. It was a crimson one, with a yellow one growing from the middle. The following stove plants were furnished by John Smith, Esq. Hun- gate : — Hedychium maximum, H. coronarium, Thunbergw alata, Curculigo sumatrana,Ca/("irfiw?« od6rum, f Icus elastica, Cactus stellata, Kjempferw rotiinda, and C'ypcrus alternit~ilius, with the Corra^d speciisa, and Acrostichum alcicurne, green. house plants ; and a fineChasselas Vine in pot, bearing 20 bunches of grapes. We noticed in the room a sample of woollen net, for the protection of fruit trees, very superior to any before exhibited. It was manufactured in the workhouse at Darlington, and was shown by Messrs. Backhouse. The doors were opened about half-past one o'clock ; about two o'clock Francis Cholmeley, Esq., of Bransby, was called to the chair. The prizes were then distributed as follows : — Plants. Green-house : Tecoma capt'nsis in flower, to Henry Baines, gardener to Messrs. Back- house. ^Stove : 1. Hedychium maximum, and, 2. Curculigo sumatrana, James Hodson, gar- dener to John Smith, Esq., Hungate. Tl;ese were most beautiful plants, and looked remarkably healthy. — Floivers. Georginas, Double: 1. 2. and 3. Robert Hinsley of Ensall, near Snaith. Single: 1. C.Hague of Dale Street, York; 2. A. Parker of York ; 3. Robert Hinsley. Semi- double: 1. Superb French White, a most beautiful flower, Thomas Deuxberry ; 2. Veitch's Triumphant, John Raby ; 3. Robert Hinsley. Bouquets. Exotic : 1. Thomas Appleby ; 2. H. Baines. Hardy : 1. Thomas Holdsworth, gardener to Messrs. Riggs ; 2. T. Sharpies, gardener to T. Price, 'Esq. — Fruit. Apples. 1. and 2. Downton Pippin, William Amos, gardener to James Walker, Esq. of Sandhutton ; 3. Knight's Golden pippin, M. Clark ; 4. Ribston Pippin, William Morris ; 5. Seedling from a Ribston Pippin, John Smith, gardener, York ; 6. Dish of the Cornisli Pippins, Andrew You.ig, gardener to Constable Maxwell, Esq., of Evcringham ; 7. Fillbaskets, Thomas Smithies, gardener to Sir W. Milner of Nun Appleton ; 8. Hinsley's Seedlings, R. Hins- ley ; 9. Knight's Spring Grove Codling, Mr. Clark ; 10. Hauthornden, Thomas Mason. Plums: 1. Green Cfages, Thomas Mason ; 2. Magnum Bonums, James Burnett, gardener to Colonel Baines of Bell Hall. Currants : White Dutch, James Burnett. Pears : 1. York Burgundy, grown against a wall, Thomas Deuxberry; 2. Y'ork Burgundy, John Butters, gardener to tlie Hon. Alexander Macdonald ; 3. Scotch Burgundy, William Morris. The Chairman called the attention of the company to two species of pears which were exhibited, the White Doyenne, by Messrs. Backhouse, and the Williams's Bon Chretien ; both remarkably fine fruit, and the trees good bearers on standards. Nectarines: ]. EIruge, Thomas Deuxberrj' ; 2. Brugnon, Thomas Mason. Peaches : 1. White Noblesse, and 2. Red Magdalen, Thomas Mason. Pine, Montserrat, Thomas Foster. Largest Pine, uncut, John Kirk, gardener to Sir John L. Kaye, Denby Grange, near W.-jkefield. It was a superb specimen of the White Providence kind, weighing 61b. 3qrs. For the Pines raised in pots without heat, Joseph Benson, gardener to Colonel Croft of Stillington. Melon, Windsor Prize, Thomas Deuxberry. The Chairman called the attention of the company to the two pines in pots, which had been raised without fire. Grapes, Black : 1. and 2. Black Hamburgh, J. Moor, gardenerto V. B. Pease, Esq., of Chapel Allcrton. White : 1. Tokay Grape, Thomas Mason ; 2. Muscat of Alexandria, Tliomas Appleby. — Culinari/ regetables. Cut umbers: 1. Thomas Walker, gardenerto the Rev. D. R. Currer; 2. Thomas Foster, gardener to the Hon. and Rev. W. H. Dawnay of Beningborough. Cauliflower (Malta), Thomas Abbot of Knaresborough. There was no competition, therefore the prize was not adjudged, but a present was made to Mr. Abbot. Broccoli, Mark Clarke, gardener to Messrs. Backhouse of York. Peas, the Cimiter, Thomas Appleby, gardener to the Rev. J. A. Rhodes of Horsforth Hall. Cabbage, White, to James Rutledge of Elvington. This was a most superb specimen of the drum-head species. Savoys, Mark Clarke Red Cabbage, Richard Hodgson of Bishopthorpe. John Lamb of Great Ouseburn also produced a red cabbage, which wcs so nearly equal to the former, that a prize was awarded it. Celery, Red, Tliomas Deuxberry, gardener to H. Preston, Esq., of Moreby ; White, Thomas Abbott of Knaresborough. Onions, Thomas Mason, gardener to R, J. Thompson, Esq., of Kirby Hall. Carrots, Pnrsneps, and Beetroot, Thomas Deuxberry. The Prizes having been distributed, the Chairman begged to cM the attention of the company to some beautiful heaths, sent by Miss Nelson of Bootham ; and also to a very fine standard vine, in pot, with twenty bunches of grapes upon it, sent by John Smith, Esq., of Hungate. Thanks were then voted to the Rev. W. H. Dixon of Bishopthorpe, J. Smith, Esq., Thomas Price, Esq., Miss Nelson, and Messrs. Backhouse, for their presents of flowers, for decorating the room. Judges of Fruit : Dr. Belcombe, William Oldlield, Esq., John Hutton, Esq., and John Barkley, gardener to William Thompson, Esq., Kirk Hammerton. — Judges of Flowers: The Rev. W. Hincks, Mr. F. Eulmcr, jun. and Mr. H. Mills. — Judges of Culinary Vegetables : The Rev. Dr. R. Currer, Thomas Price, Esq., and Martin Abershaw, gardener to B. Horner, Esq., Fulford Grange. (Yorlis/iire Gazette, September 26.) Ri])on Horticultural Society. — The Fourth and final Meeting for the season was held at the Town Hall, in Ripon, on September 11. Col. Dalton of Sieningford Hall again honoured the Meeting with his services in the chair, and announced the adjudication of the prizes as follows': — Flowers. Cieorginas. Double. Purple: 1. Langby's Purple, Mr. May ; 2. Mr. Abliott. Scirlet and Crimson : 1. Alexandrina Victoria, Mr. May ; 2. Princess Victoria, Mr. Weatherald, Mickley. Yellow and Buff: 1. Mr. Weatherald ; 2 Mr. J. Binns. Lilac and White: 1. Amiable Rosette, Mr. James Metcalf, gardener to Henry Wormald, Esq., Sawley Hall ; 2. Mr. Abbott. Single. Purple: 1. and 2. Mr. T. Grayson, Bondgate, near Ripon. Scarlet and Crimson : 1. Black-eyed Susan, Blr. James Metcalf; 2. Victory, Mr. W. Banning, gardener, Pickhill. Lilac and White: 1. Mr. T. Harrison ; 2. Mr. Wm. Banning. Bouquet : Hardy, Mr. May ; Exotic, Mr. May. — Fruits Pines : 1. Montserrat, Mr. Cuthbertson, gardener to Mrs. Lawrence of Studley Park ; 2. Mr. Thomas Mason, gardener to R. J. Thompson, Esq., Kirby HalL Grapes, Black : 1. Black Hamburgh, JMr. Cuthbertson ; 2. Black Hamburgh, Mr. P. Daurriss, gardenerto Mark Milbanke, Esq. ; 3. Black Hamburgh, Mr. A. Kirkpatrick, gardener to Col. Serjeantson of Camp Hill, near Bedale. White: 1. Muscat, Mr. Cuthbertson; 2. Muscat, Mr. Kirkpatrick; 3. Mr. Cuthbertson, I'igs, Red, Mr P. D.auriss. Nuts : 1 and 2. Mr. Adam Sybald, gardener to George Knolles, Esq., of Lucan House. Peaches : 1. and 2. Mr. T. Mason ; 3. Mr. C. Whytall. Nectarines : 1. Brugnon, and 2. EIruge, Mr. T Mason; 3. Mr. C. Whytall. Apricots: 1. John Hill, Esq. ; 2. Moorpark, Mr. T. Mason ; 3. Moorpark, Mr. P. Dauriss. Plums : 1. Mr. T. Mason j 2. Mr. A. Sybald ; 748 Prov. Hort. Soc. : — NortJmmba-land and Durham, _ 3. Mr. Cuthbertson. Peirs ; 1. Jargonelle, Mr. T. Harrison, Ripon ; 2. Jargonelle, Mr. P. Douriss ; 3. Summer Portugal, Mr. May. Apples. Eating: 1. Ribston fippin, Mr. Elias Hilyard, gardener to Sir Thomas Frankland, Bart., of Thirkleby; 2. Downton Pippin, MrC. Whytall. Baking: 1. Kes- wick Codlin, and 2. King's Apple, Mr. Abbott, Knaresborough. Melons : 1. Mr. Robert Camp- bell, gardener to the Hon. '1'. O. Powlett ; 2. Blr. Abbott. — Culinary Vegetables. Tomatoes. Yellow : 1. Mr. C. Whytall, gardener to Thomas Mason, Esq. of Copt Hewick ; 2. Mr. A. Kirk- patrick. Red, Mr. T. Blason. Celery : 1. Mr. Abbott ; 2. Mr. Kirkpatrick. Onions : 1. Tripoli, Mr. T. Mason ; 2. Mr Abbott. Broccoli, Mr. Abbott. Judges : for Flowers, Mr. Hill, Mr. Knowles, and Mr. Campbell ; for Fruits and Vegetables, Mr. Morton, Mr. Peter Neesh, and Mr. Sam. Winn. Prizes were also awarded to Mr. May, Mr. Cuthbertson, and Mr. Thos. Grayson, for their respective contributions, for decorating the room during the season; to Mr. Smith of Green Royd, for a fine bouquet of sweet-scented China roses ; to T. Dickens, Esq., for two very rare and splendid exotics, the Crassula falcata and Chirbn/a /ychnoides, both which were much admired by the amateurs, Ijeing so seldom seen in bloom, and rarely, even then, in such perfection as were these ; to Mr. Cuthbertson, for a superior collection of cockscombs, namely, Cel6sia cristata cocci- nea, Celbsia cristata liitea, Celbsia cristata pyramidalis, much admired for their size and brilliancy of colour ; to Mr. May, for Gloxinm specibsa var. albitibra, Fuchsia cunica. Fuchsia gracilis, Thun- bergia alata, Thunberg/a fragrans, Rbsa. ralicifblia, il/imulus Ifiteus var. rivularis, &c. &c. The exhibition ofgeorginas was of a very superior order, and well competed. {YorUshiie Gazette, Sept. 26.) York Florists' Society. — On Aug. 11., the Ancient Society of York Florists held their Annual Show of Carnations, Picotees, &-c. The prizes were adjudged as follows : — Carnations. Bizards. Scarlet: 1. Davey's Sovereign, and 2. Number Sixty-one, Mr. Parker; S.Ely's Mayor of Kipon, Mr. W. Hard man ; 4. Number Sixty-two, and 5. Number Six, Mr. Parker. Pink : 1. Cartwright's Rainbow, 2. Number Fifty-one, 3. Gregory's Alfred, and 4 Num. ber Fifty-two, Mr. W. Hardman ; 5. Gregory's Alfred, Mr. Parker. Flakes. Scarlet: l.Lacey's Queen, Mr. W. Hardman ; 2, 3, and 4. Wilson's Seedling, Mr. Wilson ; 5. Number Fifty-eight, Mr. W. Hardman. Purple : 1. Hufton's Mrs. Godfrey, and 2. Number Twenty-seven, Mr. W. Hardman ; 3. Number Twenty seven, 4. and 5. Seedling, Mr. Wilson. Rose : 1. Clegg's Smiling Beauty, Mr. W. Hardman ; 2. Clegg's Smiling Beauty, Mr. Parker ; 3. Number Fifty-three, Mr. W. Hardman ; 4. and 5. Number Sixty-three, Mr. Parker. Self's : 1. and 2. Seedling, Mr. Wilson ; 3. Number Eighty-four, and 4. Number Fifty-five, Mr. W. Hardman ; 5. Number Seventy, Mr. Parker. — Picotees. Red and White: 1. Wilson's Duke of Wellington, Mr. Wilson ; 2. Pearson's England's Defiance, Mr. W. Hardman ; 3. Lee's Will Stukely, Mr. Parker ; 4. Lee's Will Stukely, Mr. W. Hardman; 5. Wilson's Bonaparte, Mr. Wilson. Purple and White: 1. Wilson's Ulysses, 2, 3, 4, and 5 Wilson's .Seedling, Mr. Wilson. Yellow and BufF: 1. Charlton's Yellow Picotee, 2. Dobson's Seedling, 3. Number Fifty-nine, 4. Maid de Magdeburg, and 5. Number .Si.xty, Mr. W. Hardman. Best Bouquet, Mr. Parker. — Gooseberries: Heaviest, Mr. Parker ; fewest in a pound, Mr. Parker. ( Yorkshire Gazette, Aug. 22.) Ripon Florists' Society. — The members of this Society held their Third and Final Meeting this year, in Ripon, on Aug. 15,, when the specimens exhibited were numerous, and of a very superior description. The prizes were awarded as follows : — Carnations. Bizards. Scarlet : 1. Wild's Perfection, and 2. Ely's Mayor of Ripon, Mr. Cuth- bertson ; 3. Mayor of Ripon, Mr. G. Grayson ; 4. Mayor of Ripon, and 5. Doctor Syntax, Mr. May; Wild's Perfection, Mr. J. Binn. Pink: 1. Bang Europe, Mr. May ; 2. Ive's Prince Leopold, Mr. Cuthbertson ; 3. Ive's Prince Leopold, Mr. Mufham ; 4. Gregory's King Alfred, Mr. J. Binn ; 5. Hall's Morning Star, Mr. Clarke; 6. Ive's Prince Leopold, Mr. J. Binn. Flakes. Purple : 1. Turner's Princess Charlotte, and 2. Smith's Number One hundred and eighty-seven, Mr. Cuthbertson ; 3. Pike's Nonpareil, Mr. J. Binn ; 4. Turner's Princess Charlotte, Mr. Sweet- ing; 5. Bate's Wellington, Mr. Clarke ; 6. James's Queen, Mr. T. Harrison. Scarlet: 1. Cart- wright's Commander, Mr. May ; 2. Pearson's Matlame Mara, Mr. G. Grayson ; 3. Harley's Wonderful, and 4. Pearson's Madame Mara, Mr. Clarke; 5. Unknown, Mr. May; G. Pearson's Madame Mara, Mr. Sweeting. Pink : 1. Seedling, Mrs. Lawrence, 2. Tate's Miss Nannj', and 3. Yates's Supreme, Mr. Cuthbertson ; 4./rate's Waterloo, Mr. Sweeting; 5. Plant's Lady Byron, Mr. Mufham ; 6. Unknown, Mr. Sweeting. — Picotees. Purple : 1. Lee's Cleopatra, Mr. jlay ; 2. Hufton's Miss Emma, Mr. Clarke ; 3. Ely's Lady Grantham, Mr. G. Grayson ; 4. Hutton's Miss Emma, and 5. Milkmaid, Mr. Moore; 6. Complete, Mr. Sweeting. Scarlet: I. Ely's Com- plete, and M. Marshall's Miss Bramilin, Mr. Cuthbertson ; 3. Will Stukely, Mr. T. Harrison ; 4. Will Stukely, Mr. Cuthbertson ; 5. Will Stukely, Mr. Mufham ; 6. Marshall's Miss Bramilin, Mr. Sweeting. Yellow : 1. Hird's Miss Harriett, Mr. J. Binns ; 2. Highland's Grenadier, Mr. May,; 3. Fair Maid of the Alps, Mr. Mufham ; 4. Highland's Phoenix, 5. Highland's Turtle Dove, and 6. Highland's Excellent, Mr. May. {Yorkshire Gazette, Aug. 22.) Bedale Florists' Society. — The members of this Society held a Meeting in Bedale, on Aug. 15., when the prizes were adjudged as follows : — Carnations. Bizards. Scarlet : 1. Plant's Lord Nelson, 2. Foxhunter, and 3. Seedling, Mr. Hewson. Pink and Purj'le : 1. Doctor Syntax, and 2. Plummer's Ix)rd Denby, Mr. Spence ; 3. Gregory's Alfred, Mr. Hewson. Flakes. Scarlet : 1. Madame Mira, Mr. .Sanderson ; 2. Thorni- croft's Blucher, Mr. Whitton ; 3. Seedling, Mr. Hewson. Purple : 1. Seedling (the Rector of Bedale), Mr. Hewson ; 2. Harley's Diana, Mr. Sanderson ; 3. W^)od's Commander, Mr. Spence. Rose: 1. Waterhouse's Rose Imperial, Mr. Hewson; 2. Plant's Lady Hood, and 3. Duchess of Devonshire, Mr. \Nhitton. — Picotees. Scarlet : I. Will Stukely, Mr. Whitton ; 2. Will Stukely, Mr. Hewson; 3. Alpha, Mr. Hird. Purple: I.Telford's Major Healey, Mr. Hewson; 2. Cleo- patra, and 3. Seedling, Mr. Sanderson. Yellow : 1. Sultana, Mr. Cavea; 2. Sultana, Mr. Whitton; 3. Fair Maid of the Alps, Mr. Caven. {Yorkshire Gazette, Aug. 22.) NORTHUMBERLAND AND DURHAM. The Botanical and Horticultural Society of Durham, Northumberland, and Neivcaslle upon Tyne held a Aleeting in Newcastle, on Sept. 11., when prizes were awarded as tbllows : — For the best-fiaroured pine (Anson's Seedling), the gold medal to lialph Natcrs, Esq., Sandy, ford House. This fruit was selected out of eight fine pines of various sorts, sent by the same gentleman. Red-fleshed melon, the silver medal; dish of best-flavoured gooseberries, the silver medal; and seedling apple, the silver medal; to Mr. Joseph Clarke, gardener to Mrs. Bewicke, Close House. Six peaches, the silver medal, to Mr. Robert Turnbull, gardener to the Rev. J, S. Ogle, Kirkley Hall. Dish of nectarines, the silver medal; and dish of plums, the silver medal; Sojiiersetshire, Devonshire. 749 to Mr. T.Watson, gardener to James Kirsopp, Esq., Spital. Green-fleshed melon, the silver medal, to Mr. John M'Oueen gardener to S. W.Parker, Esq., Scot's House. Six apricots, and exotic plant in flower rAmai-yllis gigantea}, silver medals to Mr. John Ward, gardener to C.J. Clavering Esq., Axweil Park. Dish of mulberries, and bouquet of flowers, silver medals to Mr. Thomas Cook, gardener to T. W. Beaumont, Esq., Bywell Hall. Double carnation, Sandham's Lady Kay ; double picotee, Rosalie de Rohan ; and seedling picotee. Victory ; silver medals to Mr. James Scott,' gardener to Edward Charlton, Esq., Sandoe. Seedling carnation, named North Tyne Hero, a silver medal to Mr. Thomas Grey, Humshaugh. Twelve georginas, of sorts named, the silver medal to Mr. Adam Hogg, at Messrs. Falla and Co., Gateshead nursery. A collection of extremely beautiful seedling picotees and carnations were sent to the Meeting by Mr. Robert Telford, gardener to F. Hartley. Esq., Middleton Lodge, Yorkshire, and attracted great admiration. Tlie Committee awarded Jlr. Telford a silver medal for these very superior flowers. As a proof of the great interest this Society has excited in the country, there were no less than thirty competitors for the various prizes, A Branch Meeting of the same Society was held on September 9., in Durham, when the follow- ing prizes were awarded : — Green-fleshed melon, red-fleshed melon, six apricots, six peaches, and twelve georginas, silver medals to Mr. T. Cooke, gardener to T. W. Beaumont, Esq., Bywell Hall. Six nectarines, the silver medal to Mr. N. Billau, gardener to the Rev. Joseph Cooke, Newton Hall. Dish of plums, the silver medal to Mr. John -Avery, gardener to T. W. Salvin, Esq., Croxdale Hall. Dish of best-flavoured gooseberries, the silver medal to John Gregson, Esq., Durham. Dish of mulberries, the silver medal to Mr. Watson, gardener to Jas. Kirsopp, Esq., Spital. Seedling carnation, the silver medal to Mr. Jas. Scott, gardener to Edward Charlton, Esq., Sandoe. Carnation and pico- tee, silver medals to Mr. John M'Leish, gardener to A.J. Creswell Baker, Esq., Creswell. Bouquet of flowers, the silver medal to Mr. John .\very, gardener to T. W. Salvin, Esq., Crox- dale. Some fine specimens of honp plants, manufactured hemp, and Cobbett's corn, were exhibited by Mr. Hopton, from the garden of the prison in Durham. The Committee afterwards examined this crop of hemp, consisting of two acres, the estimated produce of which is £u bolls of seeds, one quarter of a ton of hemp per acre, worth ;\'l. Some tine roots of Italian or turnip- rooted beet, a new variety, were sent by 3Ir. Alex. Reid of Etal, and were much admired. The exhibition was most numerously and respectably attended. Some fine bunches of grapes, of various sorts, grown against a hot wall at Croxdale, were also exhibited, and attracted great atten- tion. {Newcastle Courant, Sept 12.) SOMERSETSHIRE. Bristol Horticultural Society. —TheTh'itd Exhibition of the above Society took place on Sept. Ifi. We were particularly stiuck with some remarkably fine pines, grown by Mr. Burn, gardener to the Marquess of .Avlesburv, and some rich and delicious grapes by J. Wickham, Esq., and the Rev. T. Coney of Bru'ton. There were also upwards of 30 sets of fine peaches and nectarines, from Mr. Miller's experimental garden at Amo's Vale, besides a beautiful collection of seedling and anemone-flowered georginas from the same, and eighteen sorts of fine double China-asters from Hamburgh, produced by Mr. Miller. A very fine specimen of Cobbett's corn, with sugar extracted from it.Was much'ailmired. Prizes were awarded as follows by the censors, Messrs. Fedden, Masev, Rootsev, Edwards, and Breese : — Plants. Hardy: 1. Gloxin/n maculkta, J.S.Harford, Esq.; 2. £rica stricta, Mr. Maule. Green-house : 1. .Salvia splendens, Mrs. Hurle ; 2. Hhya carnbsa, Mr. Verney. Stove : 1. Cr'inum amabile, Mr. Burn,; 2. AUamanda cathirtica, T. Daniel, Esq. Herbaceous : 1. Dracocephalum specibsum, Jlr. Lee'; 2. /Iconitum variegatum, Mrs. Hurle. Ericas: E. Bowieona, and 2. E. elata, Mr. Maule. — Ftoiuers. Georginas. Double Tall : 1. Mr. Wheeler, Warminster ; 2. Mr. Lee; 3. W. P. Taunton, Esq. ; 4. and 5. Mr. Maule; H. Mr. Lee. Double Dwarfs : I, 2, .3, 4, and 5. Mr. Lee ; 6. Mr. Maule. Seedlinos : 1. Mr. Lee ; 2. Mr. Young, Taunton ; 3. Col. Houlton. — Fruit. Pine-apples : 1. Black Jamaica, 2. Russian Globe, and 3. Cockscomb, Mr. Burn, Tottenham Park ; 4. Black Jamaica, and 5. Black St. Vincent. Mr. Verney. Apples, Early Dessert : 1. Mr. G. W. Hall ; 2. Kerry Pippin, Mr. D. .Stanton. Late Dessert: 1. Mr. G. W. Hall; 2. Golden Pippin, J. W. Ricketts, Esq. Culinarv : 1. Hawthornden, Mrs. Gregory' ; 2. Emperor .Alexander, Captain Mitchel, Stoke. Cider : 1. Koval Kentish Pippin, Mr. Pittard ; 2. Quarrenden, W. W. Davies, Esq., Cote. Seedlings : 1. Seedling Nonpareil, W. Oliver, Esq., Taunton ; 2. Seedling, Mrs. Gregorv. Pears. Dessert: 1. Chaumontelle, Col. Houlton, Farley Castle ; 2. Gansell's Bergamot, Miss Powell, Henburv; 3. Jargonelle, Christopher George, Esq.; 4. Orange Vert, Mrs Gregory; 5. Golden Beurree, J.' W. Ricketts, Esq. ; 6. Portbury, Miss Bright ; 7. Crassane, Col. Houlton ; 8. Ambrosia, Mr. Pittard; 9. -Autumn Bergamot,,' and 10. Summer Bergamot, Miss Bright. Peaches : 1. Roval George, Mrs. Gregorv ; 2. Roval Kensington, Mrs. Hurle, Brislington ; 3. Orange, Captain Parish, Timsburv ; 4. Vanguard, Jtr. Pittard ; 5. Royal George, Mrs. Gregory. Nectarines: 1. Roman, Mrs. Hurle'; 2 Tawny, Mr. Pittard; 3. Elruge, Mr. Mossman, Leigh; 4. Newington, Mrs. Gregorv; 5. Roman, Colonel Houlton. Melons: 1. Cantaloup, Mr. Maule; 2. Netted Clantaloup, H. >u'yers, Esq , Lawrence Weston ; 3. Green-stalked, Mr. Verney ; 4. Melksham, Mr. Maule. Filberts : 1. -Alfred George, Esq. ; 2. Mrs. H. Vaughan, Cote. Grapes. Hot-house : 1. White Syrian, Mrs. Harford ; 2. Black Damascus, Mr. Verney ; 3. Black Ham- burgh, J. Wickham, Esq., Batcomb, near Bruton ; 4. Medley, and 5. St. Peter's, J. W. Ricketts, Esq. Out-doors: 1. White Muscadine, Mr. Cartwright ; 2. Hardy Black, Miss F. Player; 3. JIuscadine, Mrs. SheriflTe; 4. White Grape, Mrs. Gregory. — Cu'/inari/ J'egetab/es. Celery. White : 1. Mr. Maynard ; 2. Mi. Sealy. Red, H. Meyers, Esq. Broccoli : 1. Cape, Mr. Maynard ; 2. Mr. Sealy. Fruits and Vegetables possessing superior Merit. Seedling Apples, Mr. Pittard ; Brown Naples Fig, Mrs. John Cave; Morello Cherries, Mr. Mossman; Seedling Nonpareils, W. Oliver, Esq. ; Apple, large. Rev. Mr. Phelps, Meare, near Glastonbury; Catshead -Apple, Mrs. Cartwright; New Seedling Grapes, W. P. Jacques, Esq. ; Cobbett's Corn and Sugar, Mr. Rankin ; Mexican Pota. toes, Mr. Fewster. — Cottagers' Prizes. Potatoes : Ash.leaf Kidneys, Jos. Warry and Betty Royal. Onions : Betty Royal; underground, Thos. Phillips. {Bristol Gaxelte, Sept. 17.) DEVONSHIRE. Devon and Exeter Hotiicultural Society. — At the September Meeting of this Society the supply of rare and curious exotic plants was greater than at the July exhibition : among them the Screw Pine, the Tamarind Tree, the Cotton Plant, the Musa coccinea or Scarlet Plantain which was exhibited in flower, Strelitz/a reg'inje, Dracae^ia terminklis, Caladium bicolor, the Fan-leaved 750 Obituary. Palm, AllamAndn cath4rtica, Vallbtn! purpurea, Crinum americanuin, Tbunb^rgia alMa and grancUflbra, Pittusporum Tob'tra, and a beautiful collection of heaths were most conspicuous. The above beautiful specimens were supplied from the stoves of Mr. Milford. The llev. Finney Bel- field, Mrs. Johues of Hill's Court, Mr. Pontey, Messrs Pince and Co., and Mr. C. Slater, all of whom contributed liberally to the splendour of the exhibition, as did Sir Stafford Northcote, Sir T. Ackland, Mr. Cholwich, and many other subscribers. The great attraction, however, in the flower department was formed by the collections of georginas, exhibited by Mr. Veitch of Killer- ton, Messrs. Pince and Co., Mr. Dymond, Mr. C. Slater, and Mr. Young of Taunton. Messrs. Pince and Co. also exhibited the best collection of hardy perennials, among which we particularly remarked the Phlu.x reflexa in fine flower. Among the fruit we notice, as curious, the Brazilian Pines exhibited by Mr. Pontey, and we must not omit to mention the Sweetwater Grapes ex- hibited by Mr. Saunders, gardener toC. Hoare, Esq., of Luscombe, grown in the open air, which were in the highest perfection. The pears (26 distinct varieties) exhibited by the Uev. F. Bel- field were greatly admired, as well as the apples (47 distinct varieties) exhibited by Messrs. Pince and Co., who also produced the best collection of dessert apples : a dish of six pears, of the Swan's Egg sort, exhibited by Mr. Nicholls, gardener at Winslade, attracted great attention from their extraordinary size and beauty, as well as a dish of tine pears, grown by Mr. Lambell of Bo- vey, from grafts inserted on the White Thorn. The prizes announced for Honey led to the exhibition of the Polish Log Hive, full of tine honey-comb, by Mr. Read, gardener to.Mrs. Walrond of Montrath House, who also contributed a fine bell-glass full of virgin combs taken without injury to the bees. Mr. Milford also exhibited a swarm of bees in a glass hive, which they had nearly filled with their useful labours, and where tliey still were in active employment. — The Judges were, Colonel Wright of Lympstone, Mr. Saunders, gardener to C. Hoare, Esq., of Lus- combe, and Mr Cragg, gardener to Sir T. Ackland, Bart. : all of whom contributed liberally to the exhibition, particularly Mr. Saunders, whose exhibition of grapes, nectarines, peaches, lemons, pines, and tomatoes, was of first-rate excellence. Colonel Wright also exhibited some fine citrons and lemons, and a good collection of apples. Prizes were awarded as follows : — Plants. Tender Exotic : 1. AUamindrt cathartica, J. Newcoinbe, Esq. ; 2. Thunberg/a grandi- flbra and alata, Mr. C. Booth, gardener at Mrs. Johnes's, Hill's Court. Bulbous-rooted tender Exotic: 1. Crlnum americanum, J. Milford, Esq. ; 2. Vallbtd purpurea, Rev. F. Belfield. Exotic that has survived two winters in the open ground without protection : 1. Erythrina crista galli. Rev. F. Belfield ; 2. Pittosporum Tob'ira, Mr. C. Booth. Bouquet of tender Annuals, Mr. Reed, gardener to Mrs. Walrond. Best specimens of hardy Perennials, Messrs. Pince and Co. — Flowers. Georginas: Crimson or Morone of sorts, Scarlet and Purple, Mr. Veitch, Nursery, Kil- Jerton ; Lilac, Messrs. Pince and Co. ; other Light Shades, Mr. Dymond ; Dwarf of sorts, Mr. Veitch ; Anemone-flowered of sorts, Messrs. Pince and Co., Bouquet, Mr. Veitch. — Fniit. Pine- apple : 1. Mr. Herman Saunders, gardener to E. P. Bastard, Esq., of Kitley (this fruit was of high flavour, and produced from a sucker in 11 months only) ; 2. Blr. Wooster, foreman to Mr. Veitch of Killerton. Grapes, White : 1. Mr. James Law, g-ardener to Edward Divett, Esq., Bystock ; 2. Mr. Hall of Powderham. Black: 1. Mr. James Davey of Exeter ; 2. Mr. Hall of Powderham; Best and high-flavoured, Sir S. H. Northcote, Bart, (the cultivation of these grapes reflected great credit on Mr. Edmonds, Sir Stafford's gardener). Melon : 1. and 2. Mr. C. Sclater, nurseryman, Exeter. Specimen of the Citrus tribe, raised without fire or dung-heat : 1. (Seville oranges), and 2. the Kitley Shaddock, Mr. Herman Saunders, gardener to E. P. Bastard, Esq. Exotic Fruit : 1. Psidium Cattiey unutn, and 2. Psidium pomiferum, J. Milford, Esq. Mr. Millbrd also exhibited the fruit of the plantain, unripe, in the state in which it is dressed in the West Indies ; and the exhibition of these fruits, as well as the general appearance of his stove-plants, entitles Mr. Henry Dagleish, his gardener, to high encomium. Peaches, Mr. May, gardener to Sir Lawrence Palk, Bart. Nectarines, Mr. May, gardener to Sir Lawrence Palk, Bart. Apricots, J. B. Burn, Esq., Shobrook. Plums, J. Sweetland, Esq., Teignmouth. Figs, The Right Hon. Lord Clifford. Pears : collection named, two of each sort (26 varieties), the Rev. F. Belfield ; Dish of 12 (Gan. sell's Bergamot), Mr. Hall, Powderham. Apples, dessert : collection named, two of each sort (47 v:.rieties), and dish of 12, Messrs. Pince and Co. Quinces, Mr. Waldron, St. Thomas. Mul- berries, John Hart, Esq., Hill's Court Nuts, Mr. Herman Saunders. Dish of Fruit of any kind from a Cottager's Garden, John Lambell of Povey. This fruit, as we have before noticed, was produced from grafts inserted on the white thorn. — Culinary I'cge/ables. Celery, Mr. Williamson, gardener to S. T. Kckewich, Esq., Peamore. Broccoli, The ;Rev. Henry Thorp, Topsham. Carrots (Altringham), Whittaker, Esq., Ide. Peas (Cimeter), Messrs. Pince and Co. Arti- chokes, Sir Stafford Northcote, Bart. Cucumbers, J. Newcombe, Esq., Starcross (whose gardener, Mr. Billingsiey, greatly distinguished himself at the July Exhibition, having received a prize for every article he exhibited). Endive, blanched, Mr. C. Sclater. Red Beet, G. Whittaker, Esq. Culinary Vegetable from a Cottager's Garden (Cabbage) : 1. Mr. Westcott of Topsham, exhibited by the Rev. H. Thorp ; 2. Savoy, Mr. Palmer. Honey. Box or butt of honey, obtained from one hive without destroying the bees, Mr. Reed, gardener to Mrs. Walrond. The judges al.so recommended that rewards be given for the under- mentioned articles, they not having gained prizes ; — Brazilian Pines, Mr. Pontoy of Plymouth ; Black Hamburgh Grapes, Mr. Williams, gardener to the Right Hon. Lord Clifford ; Granadilla, James Law, gardener at Mr. Divett's; Nectarines, J. Sweetland, Esq.;; Dessert Apples of the growth of 1828, in excellent preservation, W. Guscott, gardener to the Miss Putts of Gittisham ; Seedling Apples, W. Elstone, Mrs. Patch's f,'ardener, at Topsham (this fruit was of superb size, and was reported to be excellent). Raspberries, Mr. James Townsend, nurseryman, Exeter j Curled Parsley, Mr. Williamson of Peamore. {Woolmcr's Exeter Gazette, Sept. 26.) Art. XXI. Obituary. Died, Sept. 4., at Nurseryville, rear Comber, Mr. John Hervey, nursery- man, in the 4.3d year of his age. Mr. Hervey has fallen a victim to hy- drophobia, and the circumstances which attended this terrific malady have Ohituary. ^51 created a feeling of intense sorrow, amidst a very large circle of friends and acquaintances. " It is, however, in a public light that we must view the deprivation society has sustained in the loss of this worthy and intelligent man. His example and his taste as a botanist had spread a spirit of im- provement over the whole province of Ulster; and the beautiful grounds of Nurseryville were the resort of almost every scientific person who visited this part of Ireland. Nor did his active and enquiring mind rest contented with bringing to a state of the highest perfection the more mechanical parts of those interesting pursuits in which he had been engaged for the major part of his life ; he examined, with the study and the investigation of a man of science, into the most abstruse parts of botanical pursuits. His acquaintance with this branch of knowledge was allowed to be very con- siderable. He also corresponded with the first naturalists of the present time ; and considered no expense too costly in storing his mind with every useful information, or in enriching his gardens with the rarest and most valuable plants. His taste and skill were the boast of his country; his hospitality was proverbial, both among friends and strangers; and his melancholy death will be a great public loss, and will long leave behind it feelings of deep sorrow, in the bosom of every man who enjoyed his society or his friendship," Mr. Harvey occasionally corresponded with both our Magazines, and none of his friends more sincerely regret his loss than we do. Every accident of this sort ought to teach us to make the most of life, by employing or enjoying every moment ; and to be always ready, in respect to worldly afliiirs, to leave it, by ordinary or extraordinary disease, at the shortest notice. " The remains of Mr. Hervey were removed from Nur- seryville to the family burying-ground at Annahilt. The multitude of per- sons who filled up the long train of the funeral pageant, — persons of the first respectability, and of different religious and political opinions, — best bespoke the universal esteem in which he was held. It was an esteem that sprung from a firm conviction of his worth ; and this, like wealth honestly earned, will wear long and well." It may afford a useful lesson to our readers, to mark the steady fortitude and vigilant exercise of duty with which Mr. Hervey met his approaching end ; knowing it to be an inevitable result, and knowing also that it would be attended by dreadful previous suffering. He received a scratch on the check, and was bit in the arm by a dog in June, and as soon as possible afterwards had a portion of the flesh of the arm cut out, and a course of medicine prescribed. It is uncertain whe- ther or not he attended to the medical prescription with suflicient rigidity; but on the 2d of Sept. he first discovered himself to be labouring under the influence of hydrophobia, by experiencing a spasmodic affection, when he attempted to put some water into his mouth. *' He was in Belfast on business on the 1st inst., and dined with one of his friends, without any thing remarkable being observed in his manner, except, it is now said, a restlessness and a dulness of spirits. Soon after liis arrival at home, however, he found himself unwell, and continued so until morning, when he rose to take a glass of water, and found that he could not bear to look at it. From that moment he knew all was over, and that not a hope re- mained; notwithstanding which, such was his nerve, that he retired to bed, without alarming the family, until his aunt came to call him to breakfast, and even then he did not communicate to her the awful certainty of his approaching end, but sent into Comber for two of his particular friends, under pretext of business, to whom he communicated his fatal discovery and situation. Dr. Purdon was immediately sent for, and did his utmost to alleviate his distress ; but all was in vain, no human aid could then avert the sad fate which awaited him. Although perfectly aware of his own situation, he remained firm and collected, frequently expressing his hope that the Almighty would endue him with firmness to meet his fate as a man and a Christian, and giving occasional instructions for his friends' govern- 752 Obituary. ment, after his demise, until within a few hours of his death." {Belfast Chronicle, Sept. 7.) About a week after we had prepared the above account, we saw in the Scotsman an account of Mr. Harvey's case, which enters much more into detail than that in the newspaper which was sent us. A more fearful relation we never read, and we should not harrow up the feelings of our readers by the following concluding paragraph, were it not for the pur- pose of appending some remarks. " He struggled dreadfully, and appeared to wish to get himself out of the bed. He screamed with the most appalling agony, and called for Dr. O'Neill to cut his jugular vein. He besought his friends about him to put an end to his horrible torment, if they had the smallest spark of pity remaining in them. Some of his labourers came in, and assisted in holding him down. So intolerable was the dreadful agony of the sufferer, that he threatened to bite those who held him, if they did not kill him or let him up. Fearing that the courage of the men might fail, Mr. Miller called on them to remain firm, if they valued their existence. Hearing this, the tortured sufferer exclaimed, ' Miller, you savage, I will never forgive you.' He continued beseeching those about him, alternately, to put an end to his pain ; when, finding all ineffectual, he cried out, ' If ever the soul be allowed to haunt those who have done them wrong, I will return and torment you all.' He then ceased shouting, but three or four times he was heard to say, in an under tone, 'severe, terrible,' in a manner that showed he was perfectly sensible, though the agony in the height of the paroxysm was too great for even a man in his senses to bear. At 20 luinutes to 4, squeezing the hand of one of his friends, and breathing his name, he expired. The self-possession, the firmness, the disinterestedness, and the amiable kindness evinced 'by Mr. Hervey, during his unparalleled sufferings, though only indicative of his general character, are sufficient to excite our astonishment at the fortitude and magnanimity which a noble spirit can display." {Scotsman, Oct. 10. 1829.) As a general principle, it can never be laid down as a part of the duty of a physician to do any thing with a view to shorten life ; but, in such a case as that of Mr. Hervey, we certainly think his friends would have been justified in administering hydrocyanic acid. We think we should have done so, had we been in the place of Mr. Miller. On mentioning this dreadful case to Professor Thomson of the London University, he informed us that, from past experience, he had little doubt of being able to cure hydrophobia, if ever a case should again come before him. He referred us to the Medico- Chirurgical Transactions^ vol. vii. p. 299. in which is given by him a case of hydrophobia, with the appearance of the body on dissection, and remarks on the nature and treatment of the disease. On dissection, the spine was found to be the part chiefly diseased, there being great turgidity of the blood-vessels, and depositions on the coats of the spinal marrow. The fol- lowing is the proposed method of cure : repeated cuppings all along the course of the spine; early administration of large (15 grs.) doses of calomel, then prussic acid ; and, when the excitement is abated, powerful tonics. It is higlily consolatory to think that there is even a prospect of curing this dreadful malady; and we have no doubt but it, and several others at present considered incurable, will, with the progress of medical science, be ulti- mately subdued. The first step towards the curing of any disease is to ascer- tain on what part of the system it operates, and if every one who dies of this malady were dissected by such men as Dr. Thomson, it could not fail to be discovered. A correspondent of the JMorning Chronicle, speaking of Mr. Hervey's case, suggests the idea of neutralising the canine poison by ad- ministering to the dog or man "under its influence the Wourali poison, which, he says, acts as a sedative. — Cond. INDEX TO BOOKS REVIEWED AND NOTICED. THE GENERAL SUBJECT. Arcana of Science, noticed, 202. Associate, not., ."388. Bidaut de la Mendicity, de ses Causes et des Moyens de la dctruire en France, not., 206. Bishop's Causal Botany, io.'r. Brard's Min^ralogie, &c., 206. Castle's Introduction to Botany, 542. Cline's Observations on Breeding, &c., 201. Cooperator, not., .'j88. Curtis's Botanical Magazine, &c. for September, reviewed, 149; October, 149; November, 150 ; December, 151 ; January, 151 ; February, 152: | March, 299; April, 300; May, 301 ; June,} 445; July and Augus,t, 518 ; September, 519. Domestic Gardener's Manual, rev., 190. Edmburgh Jounial of Nat and Geog. Science, j announced, 455. j Edwards's Botanical Register, rev., Sept. 15'5 ; ' Oct. apd Nov., 154; Die, 155; Jan., 156; Feb., 1.57 ; March, 302 ; Ajiril, 302 ; May, 303 ; June, 445; July, 519; Aug., 520 ; Sept., 522. Eisner's Veredelten Schafzi:cht, 207. Felton^s Gleanings on Gardens, &c , rev., 193. [ Fleming's British Farmer's Magazine, rev., Nov. and Feb., 172 ; May, 531. F16ra Mtdica, not., 172; for April, 315. Fowler's Thcrmosiphon, rev , 453. George's Cause of the Dry Rot discovered, &c. rev., i9t). Hardmg's Farmer's Account Book, not., 201. Haworth's English Poor, not, 541. Hazzi's Neuester Katechismus des Feldbaues, &c , 207. Hogg's Oueen's Wake, 318. Hooker's Botanical Miscellany, &c., rev., 303. Johnson's History of English Gardening, about to appear, 207. Jones's Flora Devoniensis, 542. Kachler's EncytlopEBilic Dictionary of Plants at Vienna, 210. Kennedy's Cultivation of Waste Lands, rev , 540. Kennedy and Granger's Tenancy of Land in Great Britain, not,, 200. Lambert's Rural AfTairs of Ireland, rev., 540. Lawrence's Horse, &c., rev., 540. Lawson's Treatise on Smut in Grain, &c., to appear, 2(>7. Legarre's Southern Agriculturist, &c. not, 323. Letter to Thos. A. Knight, Esq., &c. .534. Loddiges' Botanical Cabinet, rev.. Sept 158 ; Oct, Nov., Dec, and Jan., 159; Feb., 160; March, 309 ; April and May, 310 ; June, 446 ; July, 523. Loudon's Encyclopsedias of Gardening and Agriculture, errors in, 238. Loudon's Encyc. of Plants, lev., 452. Loudon's Hortus Britannicus, query and an- swer on, 109, Major's Treatise on Insects, rev., 192. Martin Doyle's Hints, Sec, 318. Maund's Botanic Garden, rev., from Aug. 1828 to Feb. 1829, 165; March, April, and Mav, 311; June and July, 449; Aug. and Sept., 525. Moggridge's Address to the Glamorgan and Monmouthshire Hort Soc, rev., 195. Paratonnerres, Sec, 206. Parmentiers E^peces de Lait, 5W6. Peclet's Traite 4 ; March, April, and May, 311 ; June, 448 ; Aug. and .Sejit, 525. Tovey's Earnest Address, not., 201. Trimmer's Improvement of British Fine Wool, &c, 201. Wagner's Merinos .Sciiafzucht, 207. Walker's F16ra Oxon., to be published, 323. Wallieh's Plant.- <•!! luio I dening, o2 ; episcopal. With reference to land. cucumber frames and pits, 435. Mouse-trap, humane one, by Mr. James Rollins 109 ; critical remarks respecting the, by Mr' D. French, 725. Mulberry, certain and expeditious method of raising, 63; the United States, 78; method of cultivating the, in the government mulberry plantations at Nymphenburg, with a list of the species and varieties grown there, by M. Bis- chof, 424; plantation near Cork, abandoned 6G7. ' Munich, landscape-gardening at, 210 ; university „?.'l^'^' J^oyal Nursery at, description of, 385 M'Murtrie, Mr W., F.H..S., on destroying the mealy bug and white scale on pine plants 57 • on the liberties taken by Agronome, 98 -'cri' tique respecting the Anson or Otaheite Pine 607- ' Mushrooms, on raising, and on the forcing of rhubarb stalks in the open air, by Mr. James Stuart, 443. M^urray, John, Esq., F.L.S. A.S. &c., figure and . description of the cow-cabbage, 64; on the cor : rection of miasmata in a conservatory 65 ■ on planting an onion near a rose to increase its odour, 6b ; Cobbett not the first who raised the scape-gardening, 33. Palermo, botanic garden at, 657. Palmyra ot JaflTna, figured and described 77 larents ol)ligation of, to send their children to scnool, 098; answer to the objections to 70'^ Paris, state of the season at, 326; state of veeet ation in. for June, 456, 457; botany among the common people in, 546. Parish gardens, suggested, 714. Parochial institutions ; or outline of a plan for a national education establishment 692 Parks Mr. John Damper, F.H.S., errors by the Conductor pointed out, 97 ; on the proper ma- nagement of plants during their voyage from China to England, 293, 572. Parker, Thos. N., Esq., on tlie destruction of wasps, 277. Parks, English, remark on, 381. Parson's flower-garden at Brighton, 121 ii'^' '"^^"'"S °*' t'^*^ ''-''■'" as applied to fruits. Patents, infringements on, by rich manufac- turers, 54,). Paving, improved plan of, figured and described. Peach, the Royal, 316. GENERAL INDEX. 761 Peaches and grapes, large crop of, in the same , house, by John Merrick, gardener, 81. > Pear, the Gilogil, 315 ; the Princess of Orange, Slfi ; the Seckle, the Grey Doyenne, the Na. ■ poleon, and the Duchess of AngoulJme, 316 ; the Easter Beurree,450 ; the Beurri^e d' Arem- berg, 5i9 ; the Beurrce Ranee, 530. ] Pears, Scotch, an account of, by Mr. A. Gorrie, C.M.H.S., 285. Pears and apples, select list of required. 111. Pear trees, &c., on rendering fruitful, by oper- ating on the borders, and bv natural training, by Mr. Robert Hiver, 60. Pearson, Mr. John, remarks on Mr. Knight's pines, 717. Pentstemon, new species of, 613. Pentstemon atropurpilrea, figured and described, 310. Penny, Mr., A. L. S , 598. Perry, Mr. John, on the introduction of the Terbcna Melindris, 106. Perr)', J., Esq., view of Midhurst cottage, 581. Perry, the Misses, 0/5. Pestalozzi's system of education, 22.5. Petersen, M.JensPeter,C.M.C.H.S.,horticultural obser\'ations, 547 ; garden library establishing by, 548. Pet worth House, 576. Philosophy, false, in agriculture, pointed out, by Mr. Ay ton, 531. Phlox, answer to query on the genus, 109. Phurraium tenax, 84. Physiological botany, account of some experi- ments in, undertaken with a view to ascertain the probable cause of failure in early forced grapes, by Mr. Joseph Thompson, 253 ; an essay in continuation of, 257. Pike, Jlr. Henry, an effectual mode of destroy- ingjslugs among cauliflowers and cabbages, 143. Pin de Bordeaux, 642. Pine, the Frankincense, query respecting, 731. Pine, Anson or Otaheite, critique respecting, by W. M'Murtrie, 231; introduction of, by Mr. C. F. Webster, 466 ; critique respecting, by Mr. W. M'Murtrie, 607. Pine-apple, on the cultivation of the, by Tho- mas Andrew Knight, Esq. F.R.S. &c. Presi- dent, 296 ; on the culture of without pots, in the royal kitchen-gardens at Nymphenburg, by 5Ir. Joseph Lang, 427. Pine-apples grown in common dung hot-beds, 464. Pine-apples and melons produced by steam, 83. Pine plants, on the destruction of the mealy bug and scale on, by Mr. James Dall, 430. Pines of Mr. Knight, remarks respecting, by Mr. Meams, 716, 717 ; by Mr. Pearson, 717. Pinol, the name of a variety of grape, 69. Pinus spectabilis of Nepal, 215. Pinus Cembra, figured and described, 231. Pinus Pinea, figured and described, 230. Pipes for hot- water, price of, corrected, 107. Plants, on discovering the anatomy of, by nitric acid, 68 ; on the proper management of, dur- ing their voyage from China to England, by Mr. John Damper Parks, F.H.S., 293; for rock.work, 239 ; exotic, attempts to accli- mate, 331 ; alpine, for sale or exchange, 332 ; new, flowered in the Epsom nursery during July and August, 613 ; green-house, trials of in the open air, 669; systematic arrange- ments of, plans for hinted, 670; in pots, ob- jectionable in the country 672. Plough, 179 ; Mr. Finlayson's skeleton, 651 ; Wilkie's, for diminishing friction, 6.52 ; the pressing, figured and described, 677. \ Pomological JIagazine, critique on its appella- tion, 103. Pombna Britannica of Brookshaw, query re- psecting. 111. Poor, labouring, on bettering the condition of, 79 ; gardens for the, 551. Poor laws, system of, 706. Poore, Sir Edward, Bart F.H.S., obseri'ations on the cultivation of stove plants, 293. Vol. V. — No. 23. Portuguese style of gardening very artificial, 413. Potato, on the culture of, bv Thomas Andrew Knight, Esq. F. R.S. &c. President, 294 ; state- ment respecting the culture of, by Mr. Knight, 718 to 722 ; on the everlasting, by J. Murray, Esq., 107. Pots without holes in the bottom, query respect- ing, 732. Potsdam, weather, &c., at, 210. Prejudice, tendency of gardeners to, 15. Preston Institution for the Diffusion of Know- ledge, 659. Prevost, M., fils, account of his garden, &c., in Rouen, 372. Prize questions, hints for, 713. Prince, Mr., of the Linnean botanic garden near New York, fruit trees received from, 211. Priories, with respect to landscape-gardening, 33. Professions, the result of ignorance, 647. Prosperity, conseri'ative tendency of, 543. Pugh, Mr., his villa in Rouen, 499. Questions for prizes, hints for, 713. Queville, Chateau de, description of, 641. Racine, M., fils, his method of cultivating the Honfleur melon, 141 ; account of his nursery, 123. Radepont, Chateau de, 647. Railing, handsome Gothic, 680. Railways, introduction of, contemplated, 686. Raja Pakse, description and figure of, 75. Ranunculuses, on, a method of obtaining late flowers of, by Mr. Henry Groom, F.H.S., 293. Ranunculus show of Wallingford, .June 10., 7*4. Reaping machine, by Mr. Peter Bell, 600. Reid, Mr. Robert, flowered Marica Northiann, 661. Reider, M., 69. Renard's market-garden in Rouen, 372. Rhubarb leaf, large one, 81. Rhubarb plant, leaf of a hybrid one, by the Rev. \V. T. Bree, 81. Rhubarb stalks, on forcing, in the open air, 444. Rice pai>er, some account of, 309. Riilges of roofs covered with stone, 677. Rinz, M. Jacob, jun., remarks on various gar. dens about London, and in other parts of England, visited in April and May, 1829, Ripening of fruit by artificial heat, after being taken from the tree, by James Howison, Esq., 444. Rivere, T. R., Esq., on a winter garden, 23. Roads, on planting with fruit trees, 115 ; im- provements suggested for, 116 ; of England and the Continent compared, 113. Rocks, influence of, on the prosperity of vine plants, and upon the quality of their produce, by M. Metzger, 436. Rockwork, plants for, 239. Roberts, Mr., description of an ornamental con- servatory, in the Grecian style of architecture, to be disposed of, 268. Robertson, Mr. John, F.H.S., an account of the manner of training the vine upon open walls, at Thomer)', near Fontainebleau, 286. Rogers's flower-garden at Brighton, 121. Rollins, Mr. James, on the neglect of practical gardeners by the provincial horticultural socie. ties, 101 ; on an improved mode of cultivating the Calceolaria corymbttsa, 272 ; personal no- tice respecting 213. Ronalds, Miss Elizabeth, her beautiful drawingg of fruit, 736. Ronalds, Mr., F.H.S., his nursery and collection of apples, 736. Roots, plants cultivated for their, 176. Rose, double yellow, on the culture of, by Mr. John Fraser, 142. Roses, standard, cast-iron stakes for, 332. Rouen, remarks on the approach to, 370; bo- tanic garden of, 497 ; the principal public garden of, 498 ; Agricultural Society of, 501. Rouvroy, M. de, figure and description of his kitchen garden, 204. Sabal BlackbiirnM, figure and description of a 3 D 7(52 GENERAL INDEX. plant of, now in th« gardens at Hale Hall, JLancashire, by Thomas Kirkland Glazebrook, Esq., 52. Sabine, Joseph, Esq. F.R.S., the most remark- able of the spring crocuses in the garden of the Horticultural Society, 516. Sacks of corn, iron frame for weighing, figured, 674. Saffron in England, 460. Salubrity of high and dry situations, 547. Silvia spl^ndens, new variety of, figured, 577. Sandpit Gate in Windsor Forest, 568. Saul, Mr., record of the prize gooseberries of 1828, 728. Saunders, Mr. Bernard, on the culture of the cow cabbage, or Cesarean cole, 440. Savoureux, M., his nursery and flower-garden, &c., in Rouen, 378. Savoy, education in, 656. Scarthing Moor, inn at, 675. Schleicher, M., his herbarium to be disposed of, 457. Schools in Ireland, increase of, 84. Schools of Agriculture, practical, 337. Schools, Gaelic, in the Highlands and Islands of . Scotland, 338. Schools, maritime, in Sweden, 548. Schools, to be established universally, sugges- tions for, 696 ; obligations of the local police respecting, 699. Schultes's botanical visit to England, 305. Scotch pine, on the, by Agronome, 139. Scotch pine and larch, premiums offered for raising from foreign seeds, 336 Scraper to the pressing plough, figured and de- scribed, 677. Sea air, effects of, query respecting, 730. Seas, artificial, on forming in ornamental land- scape, 137. Seat, garden, made of straw, 594. Seats for gardens, convenient, 682. Seats, country, with respect to landscape-gar- dening, 35. Seeds, genuine agricultural, on the propagation Of, 179 ; American, received from New York, 212; alpine, for sale or exchange, 332; of rhu- barb and sea-kale, for the Horticultural So- ciety of Pennsylvania, -550. Selwood Park, 570. Sepulchre, a metropolitan, 214. Servants and masters, 649. Shades for the forcing-pits at Syon, figured and described, 510. Sheaves of com, mode of setting up, figured and described, 458. Shed, pleasing effect of one, 676. Sheffield, horticultural impostor at, 215. Shetland Isles, gardening in, 663. Shirreff, Mr. Patrick, strictures on Dr. Fleming's remarkable law of vegetable life, 532. Show places, suggestion respecting the payments given at, 561. Shrubs, transplanting in full growth, 208 ; co- vering for, of wicker-work, 681 ; American, treatment of, in the Goldworth nursery, by Mr. Donald, F.H.S., 143. Sicily, hedges in, 658. Siebe's rotatory garden engine and pump, 545. Silesia, education in, 326. Silk, growth and manufacture of, 658. Siphon, circulation of, hot water in, exempli- fied, 453. Sis^brium indicum, query respecting, 733. Skerrat, Mr. John, gardener at Milton Bryant Rectory, 564. Slugs, an effectual mode of destroying among cauliflowers and cabbages, by Mr. Henry Pike, 143 ; on destroying by lime water in prefer- ence to chopped straw, by Mr. W. P. Vaughan, 440. Sluice, on a new one for regulating the rise and fall of the tide in artificial seas, 137. •Smith, the late Mr. William, biography of, 495. Snag-pruning of trees, 664. Societies, practical cooperative, as a means of ameliorating the condition of the laborloui classes, 387. Soils, analysis of, 404 ; very tenacious, ploughing and digging, 651. Song of the Hungarian gardener, 326. Soude, the, figured and described, 655. Spade-forks, two-pronged, 134. Spades, varieties of, for peculiar soils, 652. Spain, elysium in, 71. Spence, William, Esq. F.L.S., «rc. remarks on the education and amusement of the lower Spinage.'New Zealand, 80. 680. Spring Grove, 564. Squib, Mr., query on his mode of pruning the vine, 733. Stachys palustris, an esculent vegetable, 546. Staircase, well arranged, 565. Stakes of cast iron for standard roses, 332. Stamford, 673. Standard apple and pear trees, dwarf, upon pruning and managing by Mr. William Green. shields, 146. St. Anne's Hill, remarks on, 382. Steam, heating by, 188 ; diffused through a bed of stones as a means of heating pine pits, 450 ; applied to tillage, remarks on, by Mr. James Wilkie, 655 ; draining by, 660. Steam carriages, and their influence on improve- ment, 684, Stephenson, William, Esq., obituary of, 240. Stone, artificial, 82. Stones, steam diffused through a bed of, as a means of heating pine pits, 450 ; on breaking in gravel walks, by Mr. W. Anderson, 459; machine for breaking, 678. Stone pine, critique respecting, 230. Stove, handsome domical, 680. Stove plants, observations on the cultivation of, by Sir Edward Poore, Bart. F.H.S., '■293. Strawberry, on the cultivation of, by Sir George Steuart Mackenzie, Bart. F.H.S, 286; the Keen's seedling, 530 ; Wilmot's superb, query respecting, and answer, 610 ; large, 552. Strawberry beds, 183. Strawberry wall, a plan for a, by Robert Bvers, Esq., 437. Strawberries, two new ones, 216; grown in Mr. Knight's manner, 680. Straw garden seat, 594. Street, Samuel Spyvee, Esq., upon a mode of co- vering the naked branches of fruit trees with new wood, 516. Strelitzirtr reg'mje, query respecting, 2S9. Strong, B. W., Esq., on the culture of the sweet potato, as practised in the neighbourhood of New York, 275. Stroud house, 574. Stuart, Mr. James, on the raising of mush- rooms, and on the forcing of rhubarb stalks in the open air, 443. Succession, natural, of forest trees in North America, 421. Sugar in Florida, 78. Sugar from the beet root, 325. Surrey, on some gardens and country residences in, by J. Gale, Esq., 9. Swan river, new settlement on the, 327. Sweden, maritime schools in, 548. Sweet, Mr. R., F.L.S.' &c., plagiarism, by the author of the article signed "A Blooming Bulb," 105 ; and, a Blooming Bulb, remarks on, by T. S. Alcock, 229 ; notice respecting Brunsvig/n Josephln<5, 332. Sweet potato, on the culture of, by B. W. Strong, Esq., 275. Sweet's Hortus Britannicus, critical suggestion) respecting, 722. Switzerland, liquid manure in, 548. Syon, some account of the improvements in the garden at, 502. Systematic names, use of, 650. Tailly, Chateau du, 643. Talipot tree, 76 ; use of the leaves, 77. Tally, notice of a durable one of earthenware. GENERAL INDEX. 763 by Mr. William Anderson, F.L.S. H.S. &c., 263. Tallies, a simplified method of marking numbers on, bv Sir George Stewart Mackenzie, Bart. F.H.S., U3. Taste in furniture, &c., 569. Teachers, suggestions respecting. 627. Thermometer, improvement in Bregazzi's bark bed one, 21.3 ; .self-registering one, 21.3. Thermosiphon of Mr Fowler, 4.53 ; remark con- cerning, bv William Johns, M.D. F L..S., 607. Thompson, Mr. Joseph, an account of some ex- periments in physiological botany, undertaken with a view to ascertain the probable cause of failure in early forced grapes, 253; an essay in continuation of, 237. Thorn hedges, on a method of facilitating the growth of, on high and exposed situations, by Mr. D Anderson, 42. Tiles, draining, 677. Timber, to render uninflammable, 69. Time, on the judicious division and employment of, especially addressed to young gardeners, 135. Tobacco, growth of, 216. Totes, remarks made at, 247. Tour through part of France and Germany, notes and reflections made during a, in the autumn of 1828, by the Conductor, 1. 113. 241. 369. 497. 641. Toward, Mr., his dwelling-house at Bagshot Park condemned, 571. Training fruit trees en pyramide, observations on, 373. Travelling, benefit to be derived from, 2. Tredgold, Thomas, Esq., obituary of, 240. " Tree cabbage, 460. Trees, beautiful, in landscape-gardening, 265; picturesque, 266 . Trefle farouche, queries respecting, 734. Trellises, 582. Trellis-work, a handsome arcade of, 682. Trianon nursery, belonging to Mr. Calvert, in Rouen, account of, ■374. 7'rifblium MolinJ-ri, 734. Tuberoses, very double Italian, query respecting, 2.39. Tucker, Mr. H , description of a flower-stand, designed and constructed for the Honourable Mrs. Fox, of St. Anne's Hill, 274. Ttilipa Sibthorp/VmiT, answer to query respecting by Perceval Hunter, Esq., 734. Turnip, large one, 83. Union Florists of, Bishopswearmouth and its vi- cinity show of, for May, 359 ; June 8th, 489 ; June 2Pth, 493. Union Florists of Sunderland, show of June 7th, 490. Uva passa, origin of the term, 68. Vallais, the, 657. Vallet, M., his nursery in Rouen, 376. ; diable for removing orange boxes, 499 ; Vases for gardens, 661 ; lead, for containing flower-pots, 683. Vaughan, Mr. W. P., on destroying slugs by lime water in preference to chopped straw, 440. Vegetable phvsiologv, with a view to vegetable culture, by M. W.' Hertz, 132. Vegetable aiid Florists' Society of HowdonDock, show of May 9th, .358. Vegetables, on condensing and preserving, 95 ; culinary, to make tender, 667. Ferbena chamsedryfblia, 612. Ferbtna Me/lndris, by whom introduced, by John Perry, 106 ; critique respecting, 229. Verjuice, to prepare for bottling and keeping, 668. Vestries of parishes, obligations of, respecting schools, 699. Villa, account of a small one near Quevilly, .501 ; design for, with a plan and elevation, 541 ; rural, in landscape-gardening, 36. Villas, town, 36 ; of England, Scotland, and France compared, 646. Village of Mailleraie, 644. Village library at Carcolston, 95. Village libraries. East Lothian itinerating juve- nile, 226. Vine, an account of the manner of training the, upon open walls, at Thomery, near Fontaine- bleau, by Mr. John Robertson, F.H.S., 286. ; black cluster, 665. See Grape. Vine plants, upon the influence of rocks on the prosperity of, and upon the quality of their produce, 436. Vines in the open air, 96 ; within the tropics, by W. Hamilton, Esq. M.D., 98; query on, when trained down from (he rafters, 110; query on training down from the rafters, S39; trained from the rafters, answer to the query respecting, by Mr. John Haycroft, 733 ; for a green house, query respecting, 733. Violet, Russian, query respecting, 611. Wages of gardeners, discussion on, 100. Walker, , Esq., late proprietor of Michel Grove, circumstance respecting, 588. Walton, remarks on, 381. Warsaw, letter from, 458. Wasps, on the destruction of, by T. N. Parker, Esq., 277 ; the most effectual mode of destroy. ing, 3^i. ; on the destruction of, by Mr. James Dall, 438. Waste lands, cultivation of, 704. Water, soft, plan for collecting, 740. Water-closet, Downe's self-acting, 545. Water-melon, sugar made from, 658. Waterm-'in's nursery, remarks on, 382. 571. Watering pot, improved, 740. Watering, system of, at Syon, 504. Weare, Thomas, Esq., obituary of, 240. Weather, prognostics of, 78. Webster's, Mr. C. F., introduction of the Ota- heite pine, 466. Weeding under and above the economic point explained, 372. Weekes, Mr., improvement in heating by hot water, 544. Wells, Artesian (t. e. invented in the county of Artois), 551. Wentworth House, 679. West, Counsellor, remark on his hot-house near Dublin, .3.38. Westdean House, 581. Westland, Mr., nurseryman, 589. Weyhenstephan, royal central fruit tree nursery at, 386. Wheat, insect which attacks the ear of, 177. Whin, as a hedge plant, 43. Whin hedges, query respecting, 730. White Knights, remarks on, 383. Whitlaw, Mr., query as to his hemp, 733. Whitmore Lodge, 564, 722. Whitton House, near Hounslow, 94. Whitton Park, near Hounslow, 94. Wick House, 93. Wilkie's plough for diminishing friction, 652; his wheel plough, improvements on, 653; his brake or cultivator, 6,53, improvements in, 654. Windsor Castle, improvements at, 604. Williams, Mr. Richard, an account of an easy method of destroying caterpillars on goose- berry bushes, 294. Wilson. Mr. William, on training the goose- berrv, 62. Wilson, Mr. William, of New York, on the cli- mate of the eastern and middle States of North America, with reference to horticul- ture, 409. Wines, superior gooseberry and currant, French method of makins, .364. Wingfield Spa in Windsor Forest, 567. Winter, Mr. Joseph, answer to queries, on, 109. Winter garden described, by T. R. Rir^re, Esq., 23. Wire-worm, query respecting a remedy for the, and answer, 610. Woburn Abbey, iron hot-houses at, 213 ; notice of, 560 ; beauties of, 561 ; defecU of, 562. Wood-lice, answer to queiy on destroying, 238. 764 CALENDARIAL INDEX. Woods, Mr., gardener'at Deepdene, 591. Woodwird/a rad'icans, critique respecting, 233. Workhouse gardens and gardeners, suggestions respecting, 714. Wuttemberg and its environs, GO ; state of edu- cation in, 8. Yaldwin, Mrs., of Blackdown House, 580. Young'g nursery at Epsom, 597. CALENDARIAL INDEX. January. — Manufacture straw or reed Mats ill weather unfit for working out of doors, 414 ; prepare for destroying the insects on Pine plants, 430. Tehruary. — Strike Cape Heaths, 47 ; plant the Sweet Potato (Convolvulus i?a/a:«■- «« •• * 9: ^. ci_ ^^-iLi-, ^^ .fc: _v 'f