of spawn for this purpose, forms an important branch of trade in China. Profess. Silliman's Journ. of Science, Vol. viii. p. 581.

NORTH AMERICA.

The American Farmer's Journal, vol. vi., and the American Plowboy, vol. ii., both weekly publications after the manner of newspapers, have been lately presented to the Horticultural Society, and will afford us some gleanings for our next Number.

African Sheep. An importation into the United States from Africa has recently taken place, of a number of the broad-tailed breed of sheep, procured from the interior of Africa at considerable expense and trouble, by Captain Creighton, of the United States ship Cijane. This species is said to be extremely valuable, not only for the wool, but the flesh; and the tail in particular, which is eight or ten inches in breadth, is esteemed a great delicacy. This is the first attempt to introduce the breed into North America. Morn. Chron. Oct.

A Horticultural Society has been established in Jamaica; the secretary of which, Mr. Miller, has proffered its services to the Caledonian Horticultural Society.

SOUTH AMERICA.

The Cow Tree. This tree, which has been named Galactodendron, and appears to belong to the family of Sapoteæ, grows on rocky declivities on the northern Andes. Its leaves are large, oblong, thin, dry, and coriaceous. "Its thick ligneous roots scarcely enter the rock; for several months in the year rain scarcely waters its fan-shaped leaves. The branches appear dry and dead. But when an incision is made in the trunk, a sweet and nutritious milk runs from it. It is at sun-rise that the vegetable liquid runs most abundantly. Then the natives and negroes are seen to come from all parts provided with vessels to receive the milk, which becomes yellow, and thickens at the surface. This vegetable milk possesses all the physical properties of the milk of animals, only it is a little thicker, and mixes easily with water. When boiled it does not coagulate, but a thick yellow pellicle is formed on the surface. Acids do not form with this milk any coagulum as with that of the cow." Humboldt, Voyage aux Regions Equinoxiales du Nouveau Continent, lib. v. chap. 16. p. 263 and 264.

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AUSTRALASIA.

Australian Agricultural Company. We are happy to be enabled to state of our own knowledge, that this company, which has been incorporated for the promotion of horticulture and agriculture in N. S. Wales, is proceeding under the most favourable auspices. Large quantities of agricultural implements and new farming stock, and horticultural productions of all kinds have been sent from this country, and the reports from the colony are of the most gratifying description. It is expected that the olive will be soon introduced at Port Jackson, where the cultivation of the grape has already succeeded beyond expectation. We have seen samples of a growth of wine from these young vineyards, which is not inferior to the very best of the light white Burgundies. With the protection which the promoters of the purposes of this company will meet with from the new and enlightened colonial secretary, Alexander M'Leay, Esq., it is not too much to anticipate, that in a few short years the vineyards and olive grounds of Port Jackson and Sidney will rival the best of France and of Italy, as their Merino fleeces already do the finest which are imported from Spain.

Government Garden. Some additions have been made lately to the colonial garden at Port Jackson, which, under the care of its indefatigable superintendent Mr. Charles Frazer, is rapidly accumulating in one common

point, the vegetable riches of the colony, and the most important pro ductions of our own quarter of the world."

ART. II. Domestic Notices.

ENGLAND.

Prangos Hay Plant. This is a perennial herbaceous plant belonging to the Umbelliferæ, nearly allied to Cachrys, and named by Mr. Lindley, Prangos pabularia. It has a large fleshy root stock, and finely cut leaves, about two feet long, which constitute the fodder. It is cultivated in Thibet, and employed in the form of hay as a winter fodder for sheep and goats. It is considered to be at least as durable as Lucern, and may probably become a valuable plant in several British colonies. Seeds sent to this country had lost their vegetative power, but from various facts it is conjectured, that the Prangos may become an agricultural plant of this country. Lindley in Jour. of R. Instit. No. 37.

Camellia Oleifera, a handsome plant of this species is now in flower at Messrs. Loddiges for the first time in this country; the petals are white, and about two-thirds of the size of the single white Camellia japonica. In the southern provinces of China it is cultivated in great abundance for the sake of the seeds, which produce by pressure a fine pure oil used for lamps, and for various purposes of cookery.

Island of Jersey. A nursery was established here in 1816, by B. Saunders. Its extent is about six acres, in which a general assortment is kept, of fruit and forest trees, greenhouse, and herbaceous plants. Many new varieties of apples and pears from France are here cultivated. It is noted for the Chaumontel pear, which here grows to great perfection; and also for very choice new roses, Tulips, Jonquils, Anemones, Ixias, Gladioluses, double white Primroses, Carnations, and Yellow picotees, in great variety Supplies of Belladona and Guernsey Lilies are annually sent to the London and provincial nurserymen.

The

Woods and Forest Lands. We omitted to include in the last edition of the Encyc. of Gard., a work entitled Observations on Woods and Forest Lands, by W. Wilkie, published by Rivington and Co., in 1800. author is at present employed in the nursery of Messrs. Cormack, Son, and Sinclair, New Cross, Deptford, and may be advantageously consulted by gentlemen on the subjects of his book.

Horticultural Society of London. Nothing very particular was exhibited at the Society's rooms on the two meetings of October; but on the 1st and 15th of November, a splendid shew of chrysanthemums was placed on the table, including nearly twelve sorts, which have never before bloomed in this country. Among the fruits tasted during the last four meetings, the best in our judgment were, the Tottenham park Muscat grape, the Beurré d' Aremberg pear, and the Golden pippin and Nonpareil apples. The pears were grown by Mr. Knevet, an eminent market gardener at Turnham Green, who occupies ground that was a garden celebrated for Pine apples in the time of Justice, nearly a century ago. Some very large fruit of Pyrus japonica were exhibited by Miss Crabtree, an amateur. Pine apples of November had very little flavor. Fine specimens of Humea elegans, Crowea saligna, and Cyclamen persicum were exhibited on the 6th of December, and at the same time a very interesting paper read on the laws which regulate the production of double flowers, by Mr. Lindley.

The

In the garden of the society the finest autumnal feature has been the Chrysanthemums; the Dahlias had bloomed tolerably well for the season; but the Chrysanthemums, for variety, brilliancy, and luxuriance, we may assert, without the least risk of exaggeration, presented a display never hitherto equalled in Europe. There are now in the garden about fifty

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.

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 dodecandra. 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 advantages 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 margin 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