JANUARY. 3 



opinion through whom or by what means so unfortunate a result has 

 been arrived at ; but as the difficulties of the Society are now acknow- 

 ledged by its executive to exist, it should be the duty of all interested 

 in the welfare of horticulture, whether Fellows of the Society or not, to 

 come forward and rescue this institution from its present position, and 

 reinstate it in its original sphere of usefulness. 



Since the above was written, we have heard that in addition to their 

 having disposed of the collection of plants, the Council also intend to 

 dispose of the Society's Herbarium. Without questioning the right of 

 the Council in this matter, we think it would be a most impolitic step, 

 unless the rumour we noticed at our commencement is true, and that 

 the entire abandonment of the gardens is intended. Under these cir- 

 cumstances, we hope some influential Fellows of the Society will take 

 steps for calling a special general meeting, to ascertain what the plans 

 and intentions of the Council are ; and, if necessary, to appoint a 

 committee of inquiry, to examine and report on the actual position of 

 the Society's affairs, and the causes which have led to their present 

 embarrassment ; and likewise to suggest such alterations in the 

 governing body and management as will more effectually promote the 

 prosperity and usefulness of the Society in future. 



According to the bye-laws of the Society a special general meeting 

 can only be held while Parliament is sitting, and therefore we hope 

 that this will be fixed for as early a day in February as will be con- 

 venient for Fellows to attend ; and considering that the peculiar financial 

 affairs of the institution must have been well known to the Council 

 during last session, we are surprised that no steps were taken to bring 

 the matter before the Society at that time. 



Since the above was in type, we learn that a special general meet- 

 ing has been convened for the 5th of February next. Let us hope that 

 it may be a full one, and that the result may be the placing the Society 

 in a position to effectually carry out its original intentions. 



FERNS AND LYCOPODIUMS. 

 Of all modern favourite plants, I think there are none more desernng 

 of general cultivation than Ferns and Lycopodiums. To take them 

 individually, there is much that is interesting in most of them ; and a 

 group of nice healthy specimens, tastefully arranged, presents the most 

 pleasing variety. 



There are many of the exotic species which look unsightly when 

 cramped up in small pots, but where sufficient space can be given them 

 to develope their fronds, they aie exceedingly beautiful. The species 

 are so numerous, and varied in their habits, that it is possible to fill 

 any given space it may be convenient to devote to their culture, 

 whether it be a " Wardian case," or a " Crystal Palace." 



For the winter decoration of sitting rooms, &c., the Ferns are found 

 exceedingly useful, particularly where the means for having a large 



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