have been given in our last volume: that which is, perhaps, of the greatest value, by Mr. Thompson, (p. 29,) copied from his account of the gardens near Paris, where he had an opportunity of seeing the finest specimens of this mode of culture. Other excellent papers will be found at pp. 361, 505. The writer of the article last named, whose success was complete, if we are to judge from the size of the pears produced, has adopted a new mode of producing early maturity, that is, by taking off the leaves, in connexion with root-pruning: all who are much interested in the growth of dwarf and pyramidal trees should attentively read these excellent articles.

We should not forget to call attention to the capital article from our correspondent, Dr. Weed, (p. 145,) upon the growth of the pear upon the apple, a subject which has occupied much attention. We feel gratified to know that, in connexion with Mr. Humrickhouse's article, (Vol. XII. p. 393,) it contains all that has yet been written upon this interesting question. It only remains to be seen how time will affect the growth of those kinds which, so far, have succeeded upon the apple.

The culture of the grape has received a due share of attention in our last volume; an article on the formation of vine borders, (p. 49,) and another on the treatment of vines in pots, (p. 193,) will be found of the greatest interest to those who are cultivating this delicious fruit. So much has been said in regard to the preparation of borders, that we deem it important to know every thing in relation to their formation. We are advocates of a rich border, but prefer that this should be made as the vines progress, rather than to over-feed them at first, after which it will be much more difficult to keep up the requisite degree of stimulant. We shall undoubtedly have more to say on this head in the current volume. The growth of vines in pots is attracting more attention, and the ornamental appearance of the plants when in fruit, as well as the small space they occupy, and the facility with which they may be brought forward, should induce all who possess a grapery or greenhouse to cultivate a few vines.

Much attention has recently been given to the cultivation. of the Fig, and, with the view of aiding those who are in want of information as to the best mode of management, we

have copied some excellent advice in the last volume (p. 244.) We have already in bearing some six or eight of the most valuable varieties, and shall endeavor to give a full account of those which prove the most abundant bearers, together with our success in the treatment of the plants. So delicious a fruit should be cultivated by every one who can find room for a few trees.

The strawberry question has ceased to attract much attention from the fact that the conclusions which have been arrived at are deemed entirely satisfactory. Some new varieties have been introduced to notice the past year, the most prominent of which are Burr's New Pine, Prince's Profuse Scarlet, and Richardson's Late. Further trial is requisite to show whether these sorts are any improvement upon our well established kinds.

As a new feature in the onward progress of pomological science, the past year may be noted for its pomological conventions, two of which have been held; one at Buffalo, and the other at New York. We have no doubt but that beneficial results will flow from these annual gatherings of cultivators from all parts of the Union; and that the interchange of opinions, the information to be obtained in regard to particular localities or latitudes, and the peculiarities of soil and situation, will establish some data by which new varieties may be introduced into various sections of the country with a much greater certainty of success. In this way, we look for an accumulation of facts which cannot fail to be of the greatest value. The attempt to settle names, reduce the number of varieties in cultivation, and make a list of rejected fruits, we believe, will not be attended with the good effects which some cultivators imagine. We wish them, however, every success. We have given a full account of the doings of the convention at Buffalo; and, as soon as the report of the New York Convention comes to hand, we shall make an abstract of it in the same manner.

Several new varieties of pears, of high reputation, have fruited this year, for the first time. Among those which promise well, are the following:-Triumph de Jodoigne, a very large December pear; Beurré Benoits, or Auguste Benoits, a September pear, excellent; Jersey Gratioli, October,

fine; St. Nicolas, a late autumn variety; Compte de Lelieur; Bonne des Zees, a delicious September pear; Beurré de Rhine; Episcopal, a late winter pear; Henri Van Mons; Souverain d'Ete; Adele de St. Denis. The following American varieties, introduced to notice for the first time, also promise well:-Brandywine, Ott's Seedling, Howell, and Gustine's summer. The experience of another year has also confirmed the excellence of the following kinds :-Moyamensing, Swan's Orange, Reid's Seedling, Osband's Summer, Belle Epine Dumas, Dunmore, Jeane de Witte, Eyewood, Jalousie de Fontenay Vendee, &c. Knight's Monarch has at last been obtained, and it proves to be a superior fruit. We have had specimens in eating two months, and yet have some that will keep a long time. The new varieties now mentioned, we shall describe and figure in the present volume.

FLORICULTURE.

The taste for plants, which has rather fallen off, or, at least not kept pace with that for fruits, for the last three or four years, appears to be reviving. To encourage this has been our object, and we have endeavored to present our readers with all the information relative to new plants, and the best mode of cultivating superior specimens of the choice varieties already in our collections.

Since the expedition of Mr. Fortune to China, but a limited number of new plants have been introduced, by the London Horticultural Society. Some of the zealous English nurserymen have collectors in South America, through whom a number of valuable acquisitions have been made but they have been principally greenhouse or hothouse plants, and not so generally desirable as those sent home by Mr. Fortune. Nearly all the plants of any interest which have been introduced, will be found enumerated in our Floricultural Notices.

The subjects which have been admirably treated upon in our last volume, are the dahlia, (p. 27); the cacti family, (p. 119), by Mr. Teschemacher; the Chinese primrose, in a most capital paper, by Mr. Cadness, (p. 395); the Fuchsia, (p. 445,) by Mr. Thorburn; the Calceolaria, (p. 492,) by Mr. Kennedy; the Leschenaultia, (p. 447,) and the Achimenes, (p. 494,) by

Mr. Saunders. Besides these, we have given detailed articles on the culture and management of the magnificent tribe of Japan lilies, (p. 34,) the Anemòne japónica, (p. 165,) and two papers on the camellia, (p. 301,) the concluding portion of which will appear in the early numbers of the present volOur General Notices embrace a fund of valuable facts, in regard to the growth and treatment of numerous plants, flowers, &c. Some which we may more particularly allude to, are the azalea, (p. 179,) the Erica, (p. 181,) greenhouse specimens, (p. 279,) the camellia, (p. 413,) the pelargonium, (p. 420,) the orange, (p. 418,) the hollyhock, (p. 414,) and many others which will be found under the head of General Notices, in our table of contents.

There have been many additions to collections of plants, the past year, some of which are deserving of particular note: Begonia fuchsioides, an exquisite variety, with long drooping scarlet flowers; Gésnera Jerroldiana, with very brilliant flowers; Heliotropium voltairànum, with deep-colored blossoms; Clerodendron spléndens, and infortunàtum; Edgworthia chrysantha; Hòya imperiàlis; Clématis smilacifòlia, a very handsome species; Stigmaphilon ciliàris, another fine running plant; Gladiolus variety, Prince Albert, very superb; Sálvia spléndens major, a new variety, much finer than splendens; Weigèlia rosea, &c., &c. The new phloxes of the past year, though many of them handsome, have not embraced any distinct or striking varieties. The fuchsias have been more desirable, and a few of them, quite distinct.

The new pelargoniums are of the highest excellence. We scarcely thought it possible to make much improvement upon Aurora, Isabella, and others, but the new seedlings of Mr. Beck are as distinct as any plants could well be there is a clearness of the eye, a distinctness of the colors, and a firmness of petal, which quite change the character of this fine flower. Rosamund, Centurion, Cruenta, Blanche, and others of the seedlings of 1847, are truly exquisite. It is gratifying to see the increased attention which has recently been bestowed upon the pelargonium; but we trust it is only the commencement of that good taste which will elevate it to the highest place among greenhouse plants. What are termed the fancy kinds, are now much sought after abroad; and at

tention has been directed to the production of new kinds; the French have thus far raised the best, some of which are quite curious. The flowers are of moderate size, and irregular, and the contrast of colors very great; Mr. Beck has produced one or two very good ones. They will, no doubt, soon be introduced to American collections.

Of seedlings, the year has not developed many varieties of merit. A new camellia is mentioned, of Mr. Feast's, (p. 256,) as very beautiful. The Japan lilies, so far, have not sported into any new or peculiar colors; we have many seedlings, which, the present year, we hope to see presenting some distinct features, but time will determine this. We have urged upon amateur cultivators, as well as nurserymen, the importance of raising the hardy rhododendrons and azaleas, from seed, in order not only to have them so abundant that they may be found in every garden, but with the hope of producing new and beautiful varieties, as has already been done in England; a cross between those foreign kinds, which have the brilliancy of coloring of the Indian sorts, and their half-hardy character, with our well known and hardy species, would undoubtedly result in the production of a race of higher colored and hardy varieties. Some fine verbenas have been described at p. 220.

The naturalization of many ornamental plants is a subject. which has not received sufficient attention, though one of the greatest importance. It is well known, that many plants, formerly cultivated in the greenhouse, and supposed altogether too tender to withstand the severity of our winters, are now classed among our hardy plants. If we trace them to their native countries, we find they are from the same localities as others more recently introduced, which we deem tender, or, at least, only half hardy. Dr. Lindley, in a late number of the Gardener's Chronicle, has asked the question, whether "the camellia is a greenhouse plant?" And answers it, by a series of facts which leave but little doubt that, under certain favorable conditions of soil and situation, it may be found equally as hardy as other plants, from the country of the camellia. The Pyrus japónica, Wistària sinensis, Chinese honeysuckle, and Tree pæonies, are companions of the camellia in its own woods, and yet they are found to resist the cold, without injury, as far north as the latitude of 420.