108 THE FLORIST. 



X. ABIES AMABILIS THE LOVELY SILVER FIR. 



This is said to be allied to Grandis; it was discovered by Douglas, 

 in California, in 1831, and so named by him. The tree grows to a 

 large size, reaching a height of 150 to 200 feet; of the quality of the 

 timber but little is known. The leaves in our specimens are smaller 

 than those of Grandis, more pointed at the apex, and entire, and are 

 arranged in a more spreading manner on the shoots. We have not 

 seen any cones of this species ; but they are recorded as being longer 

 than those of Grandis. With us, this tree presents characters suf- 

 ficiently distinct from Grandis ; it is a looser growing tree, and its 

 smaller leaves and neater habit render it a pleasing variety ; and we 

 have no doubt, as it grows up, its distinctive characters will more 

 clearly establish themselves ; like those described above, this is a 

 plant hard to be met with. S. 



PROPOSAL FOR A POMOLOGICAL SOCIETY. 



For several years it has appeared to me that we have not paid 

 enough attention to the cultivation of fruits ; we have Floricultural 

 Societies, in which the qualities of a Hollyhock, Fuchsia, Pansy, or a 

 Dahlia are discussed, certificates awarded, and reports printed. Yet 

 the value and importance of fruit culture is, in my opinion, of much 

 more consequence. How different is it with our cousins across the 

 Atlantic ! Nearly every State in North America has its Pomological 

 Society and Pomological conventions ; meetings are regularly held, the 

 value of new and old varieties of fruits discussed, the most favourable 

 sites for their culture pointed out, and much other matter pertaining 

 to fruit and fruit-trees reported on. In Belgium, a Royal Commis- 

 sion has been appointed to inquire into fruits, and a new Pomological 

 Society has been recently formed there. How cold we seem here in 

 comparison with all this " go-a-headism !" Ever since the early days 

 of the Horticultural Society, when Mr. Knight exercised such a bene- 

 ficial influence, we seem to have been stationary, or perhaps retro- 

 grading. The meetings of the Horticultural Society are of interest, 

 as far as they go ; but the four guineas per annum subscription is too 

 heavy for many lovers of fruit culture ; and besides, these meetings 

 are not social enough; more discussion is required, and special meet- 

 ings held for particular kinds of fruit, at which many kindred spirits 

 may meet, and discuss in a friendly way the merits or demerits of 

 new and old varieties of fruits. Let us therefore endeavour to form 

 a Pomological Society, with some influential and practical person 

 at its head. A trifling subscription, say of 10s. per annum, would 

 be sufficient to pay the hire of a room for an exhibition, say in 

 July,* for Strawberries and Cherries ; in September, for Peaches, 

 Plums, and autumn Pears ; and again, early in December, for 

 winter Pears and Apples. No prizes need be given at first, but 

 social friendly exhibition meetings held, to give and obtain informa- 



* Fluctuating according to the earliness or lateness of the season. 



