sorts; the whole of these were assembled in one house; and in full bloom on the 20th of November, and the greater part of the varieties were in equal perfection, closely trained against a south wall.

The Pine plants are equal in luxuriance to any in the neighbourhood of London, and in general every thing cultivated in the garden is in a prosperous state. In future numbers we expect to be more particular in our details of this garden, and of the meetings and transactions of the society in Regent Street.

The prospectuses of two publications have been issued by the society; the first is to contain correct delineations of the new or rare plants which may be flowered in the garden at Chiswick; and the second accurate delineations of the fruits cultivated there.

Ericas in flower from October 1st to November 26th, in the Tooting Nursery, communicated by Messrs. Rollison.

From November 1st to the 26th, besides many of the above.

We expect in our next number to give a catalogue of the Erica of Professor Dunbar, the most complete, we believe, in existence.

Scotch farming. One of the most spirited examples may be seen on the farm of Kidbrooke, Blackheath, consisting of 620 acres, occupied by Mr. R. Dickson from East Lothian. Mr. Dickson seems to possess abundant capital, which is directed by adequate skill, and stimulated by the highest spirit and love of his profession. In the appendix to Holdich's essay on weeds, lately edited by Mr. Sinclair, is given an account of Mr. Dickson's mode of freeing a field of heavy soil from couch grass, without the aid of a naked fallow. From this it appears that no cost is spared for the most improved implements; six being described as employed for the above purpose, which together must have cost at least 120l. The most effective of these implements is Moreton's revolving harrow.

To render trees permanently fruitful. It has been suggested we believe by Sennebier, that if a ring of bark were taken from the trunk of a rapid growing tree, and replaced by a ring of bark from a tree of an allied species, but of slower growth, it would have a tendency to operate like the process of ringing without any of its inconveniences. Apply a ring of plum-tree bark to a branch of peach-tree.

Provincial Horticultural Societies are established at Cambridge, York, Leeds, Liverpool, Winchester, and other places; we should be happy to receive some account of these societies, and from time to time a report of their proceedings for the purpose of inserting them in the Gardener's Magazine.

a

Magnolia macrophylla, a plant of this species about 14 feet high, flowered in the open ground at Chiswick in May last, and about the same time another trained against a wall in the flower-garden at Harringay near Highgate.

Botanic Garden, Mary-la-bonne. This establishment of Mr. Jenkins has been entirely broken up, and the plants sold to make way for building operations. Several nurseries have submitted to the same fate.

Large Pine Apples. On the 30th September a pine-apple was cut in Lord Anson's garden, at Shugborough, which was two feet in circumferance, and weighed 11 lbs. 3 qrs.-(Morn. Chron., October.) About the same time one was cut in the Duke of Buckingham's garden at Stowe by Mr. Brown, somewhat larger than the above.

Brighton Athenæum and Oriental Garden. The principal objects of this institution are the following: I. An extensive collection of exotic plants inclosed in a glazed conservatory. II. A library of standard works in literature and science, museum of natural history, &c. &c. III. Annual courses of lectures on all subjects of interest and importance.

The Oriental Garden. This name has been chosen from the adaptation of the place to the growth of tropical plants. The building will be of oriental character, entirely of glass, supported by iron-work of a peculiar construction; which, while it possesses the requisite strength for covering so vast a space, is delicate enough to admit the light with perfect freedom. It will include about an acre of ground: and under this magnificent canopy the finest and most beautiful tropical plants may be grown in all the perfection of their native soil and climate.

New Plum. Two nurserymen have been advertizing a plum imported from New Jersey; the one calls it La Delicieuse, as being a name given to it by Charles X. of France; and the other, Cooper's Large Red American Plum, as being the original name. It is said to be very peculiar in the habit of its wood and leaves; the fruit of a large size, oval, purplish color, rich, and juicy, making an excellent preserve. It is ripe in this country about the end of September, on trees trained to a wall; on standards it ripens a week or ten days later.

Destruction of Worms and Slugs. Mr. D. M'Dougal perseveres in disseminating his remedy for these vermin, and wherever he is employed is completely successful. His secret is well known, but we do not mention it, because most people make light of things which cost them nothing, and because we think that Mr.M'Dougal merits something.-Encyc. of Gard. 2284. American Aloe. One flowered last Autumn at the Duke of Devonshire's, of which the following description was sent us by Mr. Lindsay, gardener to his Grace: "The plant is upwards of twenty-four feet in height; the leaves average about four feet and a half in length, and about seven inches in breadth; the circumference of the plant at the base is about four feet, and that of the flowering stem about sixteen inches. In all probability the plant will continue flowering for three weeks. The flowers on being minutely reckoned, compose the immense number of 2112. This species of agave is a native of South America, and was introduced into Britain in the year 1640; the class hexan. monog. This plant is known to have been in Chiswick gardens for nearly fifty years, and is supposed to be upwards of ninety years old."

Mustard Seed of Scripture. Mr. John Frost thinks he has discovered that the Mustard Seed of Scripture was the seed of the Phytolacca do. decandra. Journ. R. Inst. Oct.

Action of Poisons upon the Vegetable Kingdom. M. T. Marcet, of Geneva, has lately made some curious experiments upon the effects of poisons upon the vegetable system. By causing plants to grow in poisonous mixtures, or by introducing poisons into their system, it was found that the effect upon vegetation was nearly the same as upon the functions of animals. The experiments were generally made with plants of the Kidney Bean, and a comparison was always made with a plant watered with spring water. Journ. R. Inst. Oct.

Hyde Park and Kensington Gardens. Considerable alterations are making in the roads and fences of the park, and a bridge, or viaduct of some description, is being erected at the head of

the Serpentine River. We have long ago suggested, that it would be a great improvement to reduce the piece of water in Kensington Gardens and that in the park to the same level; and these two rivers being united, to let them constitute the separation of the park from the gardens. In that case, the continuation of the New Road, Mary la bonne, along Grand Junction Street, might enter the park exactly where it abuts on the Uxbridge Road, and so continue along the north margin of the united river, till it joins the park road already existing, towards its eastern extremity. Another improvement would be to bring in the supply of water by a large pipe, which might take its rise where the present brook crosses under the Grand Junction Canal. Two ad vantages would result from this arrangement; first, the water would be brought in pure, instead of being, as it is, a common sewer; secondly, it might be brought in at such an elevation as would give a fall of ten feet for a cascade, as the source of supply. By the judicious employment of this cascade among the wood, and by other arrangements which we cannot here enter into, an excel. lent effect might be produced. Another improvement, which we have several years ago suggested, is the removal or thinning out of the inargin of timber trees from Cumberland Gate to the door into Kensington Gardens, Bayswater. These trees being removed, an open palisade should be substituted for the wall, and within, a broad margin of evergreen shrubs, to preserve the privacy of the interior gravel road and walk, and increase the beauty from the exterior. There can be no comparison, surely, between the beauty of a margin composed of hollies, box, yew, laurels, junipers, cedars, &c. and one of elms and poplars, like the present. But the truth is, both the park and gardens were planted before we had attained to much discrimination or taste (and which indeed we have hardly attained to yet) in the choice of trees and shrubs. The present time seems to be a favorable one for improving our public parks and gardens, which foreigners justly observe are inferior to those of every other great city of Europe. We had translated, from the Prussian Horticultural Transactions, some observations on this subject by Mr. Lenné, Royal Prussian Garden Engineer, who lately visited this country, but we find we have not room for them in this

number.

SCOTLAND.

Caledonian Horticultural Society's Garden. The following account is taken from the report by the Garden Committee, dated March 5th 1825. The ground, about ten acres, lies on a declivity immediately to the southward of the Botanic Garden, from which it is only separated by a wall (fig. 10. f.) The operations for forming it, commenced in August 1824; the plan was the joint production of two members of the committee, but chiefly of Mr. M'Nab. It has been drawn up with "the most careful reference to the general features of the ground in regard to its aspects, and to the varying conditions and qualities of the soil: those compartments allotted to standard fruit trees, have been placed on the western side, where the soil is deepest, and best calculated to receive them; and exterior to these, the arboretum has been disposed in such a manner as to unite the purposes of shelter, ornament, and utility.

In forming the various walks, attention has been paid to unite beauty of design with the readiest communication throughout all parts of the ground. The principal walk, which encircles the whole Garden, may be particularlized here, as constituting, on one side, a splendid terracewalk, of near 700 feet in length, commanding one of the finest views of Edinburgh on the south, and the Botanic Garden on the north, bordered on each side by an extensive collection of roses and evergreens."

The following are the details of the plan:

a, Orchards for Standard Apple, Pear, Plum, and Cherry Trees-They Occupy a space containing nearly two and a half English acres, and are

calculated to contain about 550 fruit-trees, at twelve feet apart every way. As the apple-trees, however, will mostly be trained en buisson, and many of the pear-trees en quenouille, eight or ten feet apart will generally be found sufficient: so that the number of trees may be greatly increased. It is here intended to form a collection of all the best varieties of hardy fruits, to be procured in this country, and from the continents of Europe and America: which will be brought with the utmost diligence into a bearing state, in order that the kinds may be proved, and the nomenclature fixed. We shall thus ascertain with precision those kinds best suited to the climate of Scotland; grafts or buds of which will be subsequently distributed to the members.

b, Central enclosed Experimental Garden.-A portion of ground enclosed by a holly hedge, with a door to be kept under lock and key, for select experiments.

c, The Culinarium or Kitchen Garden, containing nearly an acre of ground.-Besides paying every attention to the more ordinary kinds worthy of cultivation, all the new or little-known varieties of culinary vegetables will be fairly tried, in beds of considerable extent; and the relative advantages of various modes of culture determined. A copious supply of water is conveyed to a cistern in the centre of this compartment. d, Compartments for an ample assortment of Stocks of different kinds for grafting or budding: such as Paradise and Doucin Stocks for Apples: Quince Stocks for Pears; Plum and Almond Stocks for Peaches, Nectarines, Apricots and Plums: and Guin and Mahaleb Stocks for Cherries.

e, Nurseries for rearing Seedlings, Offsetts, Cuttings, and Layers of the rarer trees and shrubs.

f, Principal Wall, with a south aspect, for the finer kinds of fruit trees: as Peaches, Nectarines, Apricots, Cherries, Almonds, the best French and Flemish Pears, Figs, Quinces, and hardy Grape-Vines, with an exemplification of the different modes of training. This wall is in general 14 feet high: 402 feet are built of coursed freestone, 75 of coursed whinstone, and 210 are faced with brick. Three kinds of coping have also been adopted for different portions of the wall. The border in the front is eighteen feet broad, and is formed in the most efficient manner, with a compost which has been long in preparation. Part of it has been laid with a bottom impenetrable to the roots of the trees. On this border, also, it is intended to raise the choicest annual esculent vegetables; and in this warm situation, some of the rarer varieties may be expected to ripen their seed, and ultimately become more hardy.

g, Walled Experimental Garden. An enclosed space in the north-east angle of the ground, enjoying the advantage of walls, with south and west aspects, to which new or rare fruit trees and delicate shrubs may be trained. Part of this enclosure is to be devoted to the naturalization of tender exotics. This, and the compartment b, will be kept locked, and under the immediate charge of the society's gardener, in whose presence they may be visited by the members.

h, The East slip; - having a wall eight feet in height, with a west aspect, for new varieties of dwarf fruit trees, and a nursery border for raising new plants from seed.

i, Eastern Division of South Slip.-A fine border sloping to the south, well adapted for the cultivation of strawberries; and where the different species and varieties, at present in great confusion in Scotland, may be correctly ascertained and distinguished.

k, Western Division of South Slip; - intended for a collection of the small fruits, such as gooseberries, currants, and raspberries. Those varieties which require a deeper and richer soil, and a more sheltered situation, will be commodiously placed between the rows of trees in the lower division of the orchard.

1, The site for the erection of a hot-house for tropical fruits, and a few ornamental plants; a greenhouse, chiefly for the citrus tribe, Chinese plants, &c. and forcing houses for late peaches, nectarines, grape vines, &c. The plan of these houses is not yet prepared, and must be modified for the present in proportion to the extent of the funds. The space allotted to them is 200 feet in length by 25 in breadth, including back sheds. In the front will be a border 12 feet in width. The aspect is a little to the eastward of south, so that the houses will face the sun about a quarter beforeeleven o'clock.

m, The Framing Department,-150 feet in length, by 100 in width, for Ananas and Melon Pits, Cucumber and Gourd Frames, with room also for different Earths, Composts, and Manures.

n, Enclosure, sheltered by an evergreen hedge, for Greenhouse Shrubs, and other plants kept out of doors during the summer months.

o, General Arboretum; for large trees and tall shrubs which produce dry capsules, and fruits little used as food; so disposed around the Garden as at once to afford shelter, produce ornament, and serve the purpose of a scientific collection.

p, Raised Belts.-The larger ones dividing the orchards are intended for middle-sized trees and shrubs producing small fruits, such as Guins, Mulberries, Medlars, Azaroles, Mountain-Ash, Crabs, Barberries, &c. The smaller belt, next to the stock department, is appropriated to a collection of Chesnuts, Walnuts, Filberts, Hazel and Cob nuts. formed at a trifling expence during the levelling of the ground, constitute These raised belts, a part of the Arboretum, and will eventually afford much shelter.

q, Compartment for a collection of the most ornamental sorts of Perennial Herbaceous Plants.

r, Another compartment, destined for the cultivation of the most desirable Annuals, and for naturalizing the more tender exotic species.

s, A portion of ground set apart for receiving plants used in Agriculture; as Grasses, Clovers, &c.; where experiments may be tried at the suggestion of those interested in promoting the agriculture of the country. tt, American-Shrub Department, with prepared borders. Here also will be the Pond for aquatics, surrounded by a mass of Rock-work for alpine plants, &c.

u, A space for plants with striped and variegated leaves.

v, Ornamental Flower-Borders for Carnations, Pinks, Ranunculuses, Anemones, Stocks, and other plants producing double flowers, as well as for Tulips, Hyacinths, Polyanthus-Narcissus, &c.

w, The Rosary, forming a border on each side of the south terracewalk through nearly its whole extent; calculated to contain a collection of all the known species and well marked varieties.

r, Entrance from Trinity-road, with a cart-way into the frame-ground. y, Site of the Gardener's house and the Committee-room, with apartments for arranging and keeping seeds, &c.

z, South entrance to the Garden.

This plan, as far as we can judge of it without inspecting the grounds, meets our entire approbation. We consider it greatly superior to that of the London society's garden, in which a radical mistake consists in having placed the arboretum in one compact mass, instead of forming a belt of it to surround the garden. The ground plan of this arboretum, cially of the canal, or river, is quite a caricature upon ornamental landscape. espe

and

The Caledonian Horticultural Society held their great autumnal competition on the 31st of August last, at which a number of premiums were awarded for fruits of various descriptions. That for the best Queen pine apple, was awarded to Mr. John Mitchel, gardener to Sir David Moncrief, Bart.