editor's table. 



The Coming Autumn. — With a good harvest gathered, our spirited gardeners are looking 

 forward to the ripening of fruits, and the consequent conventions, exhibitions, and shows, 

 to test the excellence of our products no less than the ability, and talent, and industry of 

 the growers. The officers, &c., of the various societies throughout the country, will confer 

 a favor on our readers by forwarding to the Editor of the Horticulturist all proceedings and 

 reports at as early a day as possible. 



The Horticulturist is looked to for reports of all useful novelties, and has, so far, not dis- 

 appointed expectation, as is proved by its extending circulation, and the most unequivocal 

 marks of approbation from all quarters of the Union. 



The Season. — The period of active industry among nurserymen and florists rapidly ap- 

 proaches. Already the note of preparation is heard in the flow of advertisements, which 

 enhance the interest of our publication, and which begin to crowd upon the printer from 

 every point of the compass. We have no objection to make to those who read these evi- 

 dences of business tact before they peruse the regular columns of the Horticulturist, for they 

 tell the story of what is going on in the busy gardens of those who minister so largely to 

 the pleasure of the public, by assisting to adoi-n our rural homes. As usual at this season, 

 the advertisements exhibit the commendable industry of the advertisers, and detail their 

 various specialities. It would be well to remember that no one can do a large business who 

 has not something to sell ; the season is coming (or come) to collect the seeds for another 

 year, and all who neglect this duty, enhance the value of what their more careful compeers 

 accomplish. 



As a season, this has, generally, been a bountiful one. Had it not been thus, there is no 

 telling where our extravagance and reckless importations of gew-gaws might have landed 

 our ticklish banking system. 



Of fruit, we have a good report to make. Peaches, if not abundant, will prove an ave- 

 rage crop ; pears never were more abundant ; apples, not so plenty. The crop of potatoes 

 gives fair promises, and, it may be hoped enough food will be laid up for the winter in 

 every section of the country, to prevent the cry of famine heard in some places the past 

 winter. 



The season has been particularly propitious to the lovers or fine lawns ; successive rains, 

 too, have made weeds a prominent object in too many places ; but, on the whole, we meet 

 nothing but smiling faces among gardeners and farmers. 



Another Step. — The jurors at a recent cattle show at Poissy (France) made another step 

 towards testing the value of the animals ; after the weight had been ascertained, the jury 

 were entertained at a dinner, where portions of the various prize animals were served up, 

 to test which breeds give the best quality of meat ; the time taken to get it ready, the weight 

 before and after cooking, were all observed with minuteness. It was found that the flesh 

 of certain breeds was better adapted to boiling, and others for roasting. There was a trial 



