we were attracted was a very fine specimen of Ruscus androgynus 1 time received certificates at the meetings and exhibitions of the in a tub, trained in cylindrical shape, about 25 feet high. It was Royal Horticultural Society during the past season; and especiremarkably well grown, and, standing apart as it did, stood ally a collection of Pitcher-plants, which attracted great atThese were Nepenthes Hookeri, out in a prominent position. Then we had the magnificent tention from the visitors. group of Prince Demidoff, containing a collection of Palms such N. distillatoria, N. ampullacea variegata, N. hybrida, N. hybrida as are rarely to be seen. Among these were Corypha australis, maculata, and N. Sedeni, the three latter hybrids raised in the Areca rubra, Cocos australis, a splendid Seaforthia elegans, nursery of Messrs. Veitch between N. distillatoria and a species The other plants were Dieffenbachia Bausei, Areca Verschaffelti and lutescens, Phoenix dactylifera, Phoenix from Borneo. dactylifera sylvestris, Phoenix spinosa, Brabia dulcis, Caryota Dracena Baptisii, Chelsoni, Amabilis magnifica and imperialis urens, and Pritchardia pacifica. Interspersed among these were Hendersoni, and striatifolia; Croton Weismanni, Youngi, and noble specimens of Dasylirion serratifolium, and D. longifolium, undulatum; Aralia elegantissima and Veitchii; Tillandsia remarkably fine specimens of Cycas revoluta, Lettaa gemini- Zahnii, Abutilon Sellowianum marmoratum, Cypripedium Argus, folia, and Hechtia planifolia. We also observed very tall plants C. Dominianum, Ficus Parcelli, and Epidendrum pseud-Epiof Dracena arborea, Coccoloba Blumei, Agnostus sinuata, and dendrum. Dr. Moore had a hybrid Sarracenia raised between Banksia serrata. Altogether this was a fine collection, and the S. flava and S. Drummondi. Its habit is the strong free growth plants were well grown, and correctly as well as distinctly of S. flava, while it has the highly-coloured pitchers of Drumnamed. We must not omit to notice a fine plant of Brownia mondi. The flowers are yellow internally, and deeply stained grandiceps, which towered up among the Palms, rivalling in with red on the outside. This is, we believe, the first instance height the lofty Caryota urens, and crested with a plume of its of hybridisation having been effected artificially between species delicate feathery-looking pinnate young leaves. of Sarracenias; and though it has been exhibited under the provisional name of S. hybrida, it would only be proper that Dr. Moore's name should be associated with it, and that it be heneeforth known as Sarracenia Moorei. Dr. Moore also brought with him a good plant of Ouvirandra fenestralis, which appeared to have travelled in excellent condition, also some plants of Cephalotus follicularis, which appeared to attract much attention. Mr. Auguste Van Geert, of Ghent, had a collection of new plants, consisting of Pandanus Van Geertii, Areca Dicksoni, Kentia Fosteriana, Corypha australis var. ferruginea, and Copernicia cerifera.

The next we came to was the collection of the Marquis CorsiSalviati, to whom we are personally indebted for many kindnesses and attentions received during the Exhibition. This occupied a space equal to that filled by Prince Demidoff, but the plants though more varied were not so large, yet they contributed very importantly to the effect of the Exhibition. Here there were fine plants of Cycas revoluta, Cocos oleracea and australis, Corypha australis, Phoenix dactylifera, Chamaedorea elegans, Rhapis flabelliformis, Carludovica palmata, Pandanus furcatus, Strelitzia angusta, Pandanus utilis, and Seaforthia elegans. At the farther end of this S. di Conti-Salviati exhibited a fine group of Ferns, consisting of excellent plants of Cibotium Schiedei, C. spectabile, and C. princeps, Lomaria cycadefolia, Alsophila contaminans, Cyathea dealbata, and C. funebris, Diplazium arborescens, Asplenium nidus-avis, and Dicksonia arborescens; but perhaps the gem of the Ferns was an enormous mass of Todea africana in a pot 4 feet in diameter and 3 feet high. The mass itself stood 3 feet high, and was 3 feet 6 inches

wide.

There were also some very handsome Tree Ferns exhibited by Cav. Sen. Emanuele Fenzi, one of the Secretaries of the Society, such as Dicksonia antarctica, Cyathea dealbata, Balantium antarcticum, and a fine mass of Todea barbara, the stipes of which was over 2 feet high and 24 feet in diameter.

Corresponding with the Ruscus on the right we had on the left of the centre area a fine specimen of Cocos oleracea from the Museum of Natural History of Florence. The earthenware pot in which this was grown was worthy of notice, it being 5 feet high, and 4 feet 6 inches wide at the top, a size which we in England never dream of.

The collection from the Museum of National History of Florence was a rich one, containing some very fine and well-grown specimens, among which were Elais guineensis, Livistonia Skinneri, Arenga obtusifolia, Pandanus odoratissimus, Latania borbonica and rubra, Areca rubra, Enocarpus filamentosus, Acrocomia sclerocarpa, Chamaedorea Schiediana, Sabal umbraculifera, Ceratozamia mexicana, Encephalartos caffer, Cycas revoluta, Rhynchospermum jasminoides, Tupidanthus calyptratus, Pandanus utilis, Pandanus javanicus fol. var., and these were interspersed with flowering Azaleas, Dracenas with coloured foliage, and other plants of a similar character to give colour and brightness to a mass which would otherwise have been heavy and sombre.

There were some very fine plants in the collection sent from the garden of the Municipality of Florence, among which were most notable fine specimens of Pandanus odoratissimus, Alsophila australis, Monstera deliciosa, or as it was called Dracontium pertusum, Dracæna fragrans, Alocasia odora, Coccoloba excoriata, Cinnamomum albiflorum, Antidesma alexiteria, Coffea arabica, and a large Ficus elastica. Immediately adjoining this collection there was a fine group of Ferns from the Botanic Garden, including good specimens of Dicksonia antarctica, Todea rivularis, Cyathea dealbata, Cibotium princeps, and Alsophila australis.

These were the most prominent features which were to be seen in the nave, and we shall now simply note some of the leading plants and special objects that were to be met with in the Exhibition. To describe in detail the whole of the objects exhibited would be useless labour to ourselves and tedious to our readers. In this as in all other exhibitions of the kind there were numerous things which helped to give effect and to make up the whole, which, when examined in detail, had no individual interest. We shall therefore without any particular order make note of the various things as we met with them; and here we may remark that the absence of any catalogue on the third day after the opening was a great deprivation.

Let us begin first with the new plants. Here it was that our own countrymen, Messrs. Veitch & Sons, of Chelsea, and Dr. David Moore, of Dublin, were to be found. The former exhibited a collection of all the new things for which they had from time t›

Mr. Linden, of Ghent, occupied a large space with a collection of remarkable plants, among which we noted a splendid specimen of Dracaena gloriosa beautifully coloured, Phormium atropurpureum, Dieffenbachia Baumanni, Phormium Colensoi, Artocarpus grandis, Dieffenbachia Parlatorei, Dracaena Reali Araucaria robusta glauca is a fine variety of excelsa, dense in habit and with a glaucous bloom on the leaves; Zamia Roezli, Philodendron parimense, and Phyllotanium Lindeni. Mr. Linden had a group of Acers, including A. palmatum roseo-dissectum, palmatum sanguineum, atro-purpureum, reticulatum, and crispum; and also some choice Palms, of which Cocos elegantissima, the only plant in Europe of the species, was the most attractive from its graceful habit and novelty.

M. L. Buchner, of Monaco, exhibited a fine lot of Araliaceæ, to which he appears to devote especial attention. We remarked Aralia dentata, trifoliata, pulchra, peltata, dactylifolia, reticulata, Sieboldi variegata, papyrifera, quercifolia, nymphæfolia, digitata, mexicana, lucida, heteromorpha, parasitica, granatensis, Thibautii, crassifolia, leptophylla, pentaphylla variegata, Osyana, Shepherdii, Guilfoylii, Lindeni, amboinensis, and novæzelandiæ.

A beautiful group of Crotons was shown by Prince Demidoff, which occupied a large space in one of the pavilions, and we could not but remark in examining these plants how much more richly-coloured the leaves are than with us, due, no doubt, to the greater amount of light they receive in this southern climate. The centre of one of the pavilions was filled by a mass of wellgrown plants belonging to Marquis Torrigiani, of Florence. This produced a very good effect, and contained some excellentlygrown Crotons, a Phoenicophorium sechellarum, Areca alba, and numerous Dracenas, Caladiums, Dieffenbachias, and Cypripediums.

The centre of a corresponding pavilion to the former was filled by plants from the garden of the Marquis Corsi-Salviati; and here we observed some that were remarkably well grown. Of these the most striking were Anthurium regale, Angiopteris evecta, Dieffenbachia gigantea, Areca Verschaffelti, Sphærogyne latifolia, and Verschaffeltia splendida. In the same pavilion the same nobleman had collections of Crotons, Dracenas, Marantas, and Orchids, which displayed meritorious cultivation. We especially remarked among the latter a good specimen of the Foxbrush (Aerides Fieldingii), also Vanda suavis, Cattleya amethystina, and C. elegans. Here also was a good specimen of Adiantum farleyense.

In this same pavilion Mr. Willinck, of Amsterdam, had a very attractive specimen of Selaginella cæsia arborea, a wonderfully strong-growing variety of this beautiful plant. It was 6 feet wide and 3 feet high, and glistening beautifully in its iridescent blue and green.

There were not many Orchids shown. With the exception of a few Cattleya Mossiæ, Vanda tricolor, and Cypripediums there were few more than we have already noted in the collections. Orchids do not seem to have much attraction for Italian horticulturists, if we may judge by the limited number to be met with here.

Azalea indica contributed the greatest amount of colour to the Show, and these were supplied by Cavaliere Cesare Franchetti, Conti Ugolino della Gherardesca, Marquis Nicolo Rudolfi, and Prince Demidoff.

Palms were in great abundance besides those mentioned in

NOTES AND GLEANINGS.

famed for flatness and fens. The scenery is of a very pretty | everywhere. There is abundant evidence everywhere that Mr. undulating character between the grounds and kitchen garden. Turnor takes great interest in the comfort of his servants and The pleasure grounds are not very extensive-about seven or dependants. Mr. Dell's pleasant house is a proof of it, well eight acres--but from the pleasing manner in which they are situated, and commanding a good look-out over the gardens. laid out and planted one would fancy they occupied a much This is as it ought to be, but in many places the gardener's larger space of ground. The kitchen garden is rather dis-house is placed in any out-of-the-way corner.-J. SMITH, Exton appointing, hardly what might be expected from the style of Park Gardens, Rutland. the mansion and the houses in the village, which are models of their kind. There is a stream of water which passes through the kitchen garden, and by the side of this water Mr. Dell has planted a quantity of Phormium tenax, or New Zealand Flax. It seems at home and is growing freely; it is very useful for tying plants or fruit trees, being extremely strong and durable. Among early crops I noticed a good breadth of William I. Pea, which is spoken highly of for early work. As a Lettuce for spring and winter use nothing is found equal to Hicks' Hardy Cos. Strawberries are largely grown, President and Alice Maude are the sorts depended upon for large supplies. Apricots on walls promise to be a moderate crop. Apples, Pears, and Cherries are showing well. The glass erections are very much scattered, and although there is a good number of them they have not such a neat nor imposing effect as they would have if they were more compact. There is a number of Bolton's plant protectors made use of; they are handy for Lettuce, Cauliflowers, early Carrots, and also for hardening-off bedding plants. Great numbers of plants are required for the flower gardens. Among plants grown by the thousand are Golden Feather, Alternantheras of sorts, Mesembryanthemum cordifolium variegatum, Geraniums Lady Plymouth, Christine, Mrs. Pollock, Triomphe de Stella, Bijou, and a new sort called Striking, with a dark horseshoe leaf.

The first vinery we will name is a late house, 15 feet wide, 30 feet long, planted with Alicante, Trebbiano, Bowood Muscat, and Madresfield Court, all showing well. The Vines in this house are strong and promise some large bunches. The hotwater pipes in this vinery are laid flat all over the surface of the house, and are considered to answer better than when they are all placed in front, as in many houses. The next is a spanroofed house, 100 feet long by 18 feet wide, divided into three, with a path down the middle. The first is used as a vinery and planted with Lady Downe's and Alicante-these are young healthy Vines, giving every promise of splendid crops. In the middle division are Cucumbers and Melons, Cucumbers on the north side doing well, sort Telegraph; these bear well all the winter. They are planted out, but are only allowed about 4 inches of soil to grow in, by placing slates below the soil, so that the roots cannot enter the bottom material. Stimulants can always be given in the shape of rich surfacings. Melons are grown on the south span on the same principle. After they are set rich surfacing is made use of, and by this means the fruit quickly attains a large size. At the end are Alicantes again and young Vines of Muscats, all looking uncommonly healthy. In front of this range is a frame, 100 feet long by 12 feet wide, in divisions, heated by hot water, used for striking cuttings, growing-on young plants, forcing Kidney Beans, Strawberries, &c. In all the houses there is a great quantity of shelves for Strawberries, of which about two thousand are forced every year. Alice Maude and President are the two most depended on for a supply.

Going from this range of glass towards Mr. Dell's house there is another range. The first is a span-roofed greenhouse, in which are some magnificent plants of Azaleas well-grown and neatly trained, Heaths, Camellias, and others. The next is a span-roofed stove, used in winter for forcing flowers to supply the conservatory. In the back yard is placed a span-roofed greenhouse, in which are numbers of useful plants such as young Azaleas, Heaths, &c., and near to this is placed a small plant stove. Among other useful plants there is Dracena nobilis, a small-growing variety with pretty red leaves; Davallia Mooreana, a fine, large-growing new Fern; Asplenium Belangeri, and many others suitable for dinner-table decoration. There are also frames for bedding plants, Strawberries, Potatoes, Carrots, Radishes, and such like.

In the gardens there is another range of glass, in which are two Peach houses, each 50 feet long, with fine crops of fruit; also a Fig house, 25 feet long, with young bushes of Fig trees planted in square boxes in front made of bricks; a vinery, 30 feet by 16 wide, principally Black Prince and Black Ham burgh; an early vinery, 25 feet; another vinery, 30 feet by 16 wide, planted with Muscats, all showing well. Mr. Dell the skilful gardener may well feel proud of such a well-kept place. All was in good order, and characterised by great neatness

EVERY gardener must have seen the flowers of a whole row of the yellow Crocus cut off at one and the same time. Many have maintained that it was done by a night frost, but we always believed that it was the work of SPARROWS at break of day, before the gardener was at work. This opinion is now confirmed, and the same devastation committed on other flowers and by other birds is proved. Many communications on the subject are published in Nature from perfectly reliable witnesses. One gentleman testifies to the sparrows destroying the yellow Crocus, but he never noticed that they destroyed the white or blue varieties. Others have seen sparrows and finches similarly nip-off the flowers of Primroses and Polyanthuses. THE Fruit and Flower Show of the NORTH OF IRELAND HORTICULTURAL SOCIETY, to be held in August, ought to be successful, for the prizes are offered to every class, from the cottagers to the extensive growers of the rarest plants. We will quote but two instances. The Lord-Lieutenant gives a £10 cup for the best eight bunches of Grapes, and C. M'Garel, Esq., £20 for a dessert of twelve kinds of fruits.

SERMONS IN STONES.-We have the following from an American contemporary:-"A nut dropped by a squirrel fell through the opening in the middle of an old millstone which lay upon the ground, and, being thus protected, grew into a thriving sapling that shot-up through the opening. In a few years it had increased so that it filled the space and was firmly wedged to the sides of the heavy stone. Still it grew, and in a few years more, little by little, it lifted the entire weight clear from the earth, so that a man could sit beneath it. All was done by atom after atom, borne by the sap to the growing trunk. Think of this, my little man, puzzling over 'long division' in arithmetic; little by little of thinking and working will take you through fractions, rule of three, and those terrible problems at the end of the book, by-and-by; but be sure that the little by little is not neglected. And you, hardworking lad on the farm, or in the shops, look at Franklin, Watts, Morse, Field, Lincoln, Grant, and thousands more who have lifted the weight of circumstances that would hold them down like millstones, and who have by their steady perseverance risen above their fellows, easily bearing their burdens; and keep pegging away.'"

NOTES ON VILLA AND SUBURBAN GARDENING.

THE planting of all properly-prepared bedding stock may now be proceeded with under favourable circumstances. Begin with Calceolarias, Verbenas, Scarlet Geraniums, &c., leaving Heliotropes, Lantanas, Anagallis, and such things as are injured If the arrangement is on grass, warm colours, as scarlet, purple, by frost until the planting of the hardy kinds is completed. is a warm colour, the cold colours, as blue, yellow, and orange, and their shades should prevail; but on gravel, which white, which for gardening purposes take the place of green, would have to be placed in the beds containing warm colours, and vice versa. Colours thus arranged will have a far more imposing appearance than when thrown together at random. Hence each colour has its contrasting one close by, as scarlet and white, purple and yellow, orange and blue, and so on of brilliancy of each other, the group, as a whole, is far more imtheir different shades; and while they mutually enhance the posing than it could be under an indiscriminate mixture.

which deserve particular notice. First, to place all the plants In the planting of plants in groups there are three things with their tops pointing to the north; secondly, to plant all strong growing plants very shallow-that is, with the ball little more than covered with soil; and thirdly, to plant weak-growing plants deep, so as to make them grow luxuriantly.

These rules, simple as they are, are of considerable importance, for if plants are not placed with their tops to the north the points of the shoots when pegged-down will not assume an erect still more luxuriantly and flower but little; and if delicateposition; while if luxuriant plants are planted deeply they grow growing plants are not placed deeply the roots get parched-up and they quickly perish.