EDITOR'S TABLE. 



^Dltoi^'^ Ji\h\c. 



I>rpoRTANT PoMOLOGicAL MovEME^fT IX BELGIUM. — From the London Gardeners' 

 Clironide and other European papers we ])ave intelli^'ence of a movement in Belgium of 

 tlie utmost importance to American pomologists. The Belgian Government has ii^sued a 

 Koyal Commission for the purpose of collecting and publishing all existing information 

 concerning the qualities of fruits and their cultivation. The old kinds still deserving pre- 

 servation are to be described, as well as the numerous varieties of modern origin ; the 

 names by which they are known are to be reconciled and reduced to a common standard ; 

 and the best sorts are to be illustrated by figures. This measure, which the Agricultural 

 Congress of Belgium has for four years recommended, is confided to eight gentlemen of the 

 country, and to certain corresponding members, among whom Mr. Rivers, of Sawbridge- 

 worth, and Mr. Robert Thompsox, of Chiswick, represent Great Britain, 



The work will appear in parts, each containing four colored plates, and the necessary 

 letter-press. Ordinary sets are to be charged twenty-four francs, and fine paper copies 

 thirty -six francs a-year ; the first part is advertised for the beginning of the present year. 



The Commission announces that no statement whatever will be made, the truth of which 

 is not ascertained, and which shall not have been justified by experience. The errors which 

 ignorance, charlataneric, or private interests have rendered current will be rigorously 

 exposed. Every writer is to sign his own article ; but no article is to be admitted which 

 shall not have been specially discussed by the Commission. The points to be elucidated 

 with each A^ariety will be the best mode of culture, whether as standard, pyramid, or 

 against walls; the bearing vigor, good quality and keeping; the soil best suited to each, 

 and the settlement of the synonyms. None but the finest kinds wiU be figured, that the 

 Commission guarantees. 



Our National Pomological Society has no doubt to some extent been the means of calling 

 out this Commission. It is much needed, and if the work is prosecuted in the thorough 

 manner indicated will do much good. 



GuTTA PERcnA BASKETS FOR Epii'iiytes. — A Correspondent of the Allgemeine Garten- 

 seitiinff suggests the use of gutta percha, instead of Avoodcn, baskets for the growth of 

 Epijihytes, air plants so called. lie says : " It is not affected by moisture, and therefore 

 durable and cheap; besides, the roots are not injured by coming in contact with wire, 

 which is used in the construction of wooden baskets." We have no doubt but that very 

 tasteful baskets may be made of this pliable material, but it is very doubtful whether j)lants 

 AvUl flourish in them so well as in those entirely of wood, which is a more natural material. 

 It is worth a trial. 



The Cajan Pea. — "We have to thank A. 11. Erxst, of Cincinnati, for a few of these 

 They resemble a common garden pea, but the plant is of a woody, erect gr 

 was formerly classed in a botanical arrangement with the cytmi. 



