120 THE FLORIST. 



The Horticulturist (American), edited by P. Barry, Rochester. 

 James Vick. New Series. January, 1855. 

 This is an American monthly periodical, formerly edited by the late 

 lamented Mr. Downing — the Loudon of America — and now under 

 the management of Mr. Barry. The work contains much useful in- 

 formation on horticulture — especially Pomology and rural affairs — and 

 shows how keenly awake the Americans are to everything connected 

 with the productions of their country. Among matter more im- 

 mediately connected with our work, is a coloured plate of the Peach 

 Plum, and outlines of others, with a long discussion on the merits of 

 the Concord (said to be a seedling) and Isabella Grapes. Reviews 

 from English and Continental gardening periodicals, and the fol- 

 lowing, under " Horticultural Notes " may interest some of our readers. 

 " The freezing and thawing of last winter we supposed, at the time, 

 to be fatal to our Peach buds ; yet, as frequent as these variations of 

 temperature were, they produced no unfavourable effect. Every Peach 

 tree which came under our observation was loaded to its utmost capacity. 

 One farmer in this place (Richmond, Mass.) where, a dozen years ago, 

 planting Peach trees was thought an act of folly, after supplying his 

 family, and remembering his neighbours with kind liberality, had a 

 surplus of forty bushels for market ! So there is no mistake but that 

 Western Massachusetts, as rough as her soil and severe as her climate 

 is, may raise, at least, a good supply of Peaches for her own consump- 

 tion," [Could we not procure seeds from this hardy race of Peaches, on 

 which to work our own sorts — even if we could not fruit them ?] We 

 learn from this number that Mr, L. Berkmans, the distinguished 

 Belgian Pomotogist, has purchased property in the States, whereon he 

 intends cultivating fruit trees on a large scale, having taken with him 

 the entire stock of Seedling Pears, &c., of M. Esperen ; and being 

 thoroughly acquainted with European fruits, his arrival in the States is 

 welcomed by American Pomologists with much satisfaction. To those 

 of our readers interested in American fruits and horticulture we can 

 safely recommend this work. 



GRAND FETE AT THE CRYSTAL PALACE. 



The intimation conveyed in your last number, that it was the inten- 

 tion of the Crystal Palace Company to give a Grand Horticultural Fete, 

 has been quickly followed by the issue of the schedule of prizes, and 

 it must gratify every exhibitor that such a magnificent arena as the 

 Crystal Palace should be opened for their peaceful and beneficial com- 

 petition, and that the successful competitors will be rewarded by prizes 

 which greatly exceed those usually awarded on such occasions. The 

 facility, and security also, with which the public will be able to view 

 the gorgeous array, will greatly enhance the attraction, and it cannot be 

 doubted that the fete will be numerously attended, and be worthy the 

 present state of British Horticulture, and give it a beneficial impetus. 

 The total amount of prizes offered for flowers and fruit is £1,050, 



