1873.] CALENDAR. 431 



of plants, and lie has carefully and skilfully cultivated tlie art of plant-sketch- 

 ing on the most correct principles. It need therefore scarcely be said that he 

 is well qualified to instruct in making scientific drawings of plants. He has 

 also the gift of a clear and succinct way of conveying information with his pen, 

 and the result of his present effort is, to our mind, a most useful and much- 

 needed handbook on botanical drawing. The rules which he has laid down for 

 guiding the student are most understandable, and they are, besides, illustrated 

 with twenty engravings designed by himself. The work is very comprehensive, 

 though comparatively brief. Its instructions embrace : materials for drawing; 

 how to draw foliage, regular flowers, and irregular ones ; fruits and seeds, as 

 well as plants in their entirety. There are also instructions and illustrations 

 of group-drawing for shading and colouring, picturesque sketches, concluding 

 with numerous hints and suggestions. It is a wonder that botanical drawing 

 is not more frequently attemjited and acquired by young gardeners and botanists 

 than it really is. It is to be feared that the idea prevails that unless one is 

 born a draughtsman it cannot be acquired. Doubtless, as in every other 

 art or performance whatever, some have greater natural aptitude for drawing 

 than others. Still it is a great mistake to suppose that a considerable degree of 

 proficiency in correctly representing plants on paper is not within the reach of 

 very many. It only requires to be begun in youth, and carefully and persever- 

 ingly pursued. And once begun it is a most alluring occupation, and one w^hich 

 we would recommend to young gardeners as well worthy their attention. And 

 we know of no better instructing companion in the way of a book on the sub- 

 ject than this of Mr Burbridge. It is so very cheap that it is within the 

 reach of all; and we would strongly recommend it to the attention of our 

 younger brethren, feeling sure that if they purchase it and be guided by it, 

 with a little care and perseverance, they will astonish themselves by the repre- 

 sentations of plants which they will be enabled to place on paper with their 

 pencil. We should much like to have quoted from the work to show how well 

 it instructs, but as it is procurable for a mere trifle, we prefer referring all who 

 are interested in the subject to the work itself, and if they follow its instruc- 

 tions we are certain they will benefit by it. 



KITCHEN-GARDEN. 



Preparation should be made as early not stand severe weather; but when 

 as possible to get the crops planted growth becomes active in spring, they 

 which are to come into use during next will get the benefit of the manure then, 

 spring and summer. This applies to Cabbage may be planted a foot eacli 

 Cabbage, Lettuce, Endive, and Cauli- way where ground is scarce, and every 

 flower, on ridges or sloping borders, ! alternate one can be lifted and traus- 

 under handlights or plant- protectors planted in spring, or, if not required 

 (most useful structures). Trenching for that purpose, they can be used as 

 the ground, whether it is heavy or light, greens, leaving a full crop on the 

 is an important matter ; and though it ground. Lettuce can be planted 6 

 is not desirable to manure the land inches apart or less, and they can be 

 heavily, none of the above do well in blanched early by the use of flower- 

 poor soil. If it is necessary to give pots, boxes, &c., and come in useful, 

 manure, a good coating placed between or be transplanted to rich ground in 

 the top and bottom sjjit will answer ]\Iarch. AVe have often sown and 

 well : the roots will not get to it to ' planted them between Cabbage, and 

 make the plants rank, so that they will j the latter seemed to give protection ; 



