satisfied with such, that the scrutinizing eye of the botanist can detect the imposi- 

 tion. Cut flowers, both arranged and loose, were fine, particularly the former. The 

 fruit collectively was extensive and very excellent in ((uality. The pears, peaches, 

 and plums, extra; Messrs. Ellwanger and ]Jarry di.-^playod a fine lot of the latter. 

 One Flemish beauty pear from Alexander Gordon, gardener to Mr. Hoyt, measured 

 10 i inches in circumference. Native grapes were good, but the exotics only so-so, 

 con,sideriug the very liberal encuuragcmeut given by the society ; some of the best 

 growers, however, have not the privilege of ''coming out," excepting occasionally, 

 or the case would have been different. There was a fine bunch of a white grape, 

 named Ti/roUcur, shown by Mr. Morreau, which was evidently an exotic, and said 

 to be hardy ; if so, it will be a great acquisition, but I very much doubt, from the 

 appearance, if it had not been under a glass ease of some kind. 



A word about the Hunt Botanical Garden. — This intended establishment was 

 first mooted amongst the members of this society, aided by the energetic determina- 

 tion of its worthy president, A. J. S. Degraw, Esq., and has met with such favorable 

 support from Mr. Hunt, Mr. Langley and others, that they have now at their dis- 

 posal $100,000, and eighteen acres of land gratis. The chosen committee for car- 

 rying out the object have offered a premium of 8250 for the best design for laying 

 out the grounds, and at the above meeting there were exhibited two well-drawn 

 plans, one from Mr. Augustus Hepp, and the other from ]Mr. Graef. An opinion 

 upon such matters ought to be supported by practical acquaintance with the details, 

 a thorough knowledge of the subject, and disinterestedness in the concern or the 

 competitors ; taking this view of it I do not hesitate to speak out plainly. The 

 plans are both pretty pictures, well executed upon paper, but each wanting in gene- 

 ralities. Mr. Graef 's is little more than a diversified promenade on a monstrous 

 principle, while Mr. Hepp's, to a great extent, is misapplied utility. "We want for 

 such an establishment, utility, and promenade, and grandeur combined, the whole to 

 be easily instructive, so that the student of science, or the lover of nature may each 

 receive enjoyment, yet at the same time to be partly self-supporting, and afford plea- 

 sant walks, secluded noohs, and a spacious area for display; such is not collected into 

 either of the designs ; both gentlemen might do well to take the hint. 



In conclusion, Mr. Editor, allow me to say that the untiring perseverance of the 

 worthy president and his co-workers has been the means of instilling energy in^o the 

 surrounding districts, and if other parts of the country are not up and doing they 

 will be left in the back-ground. 



Potatoes. — We saw, on Saturday, says the Newport News, 50 potatoes which weighed 

 50} pounds ; they were raised on the farm of J. Prescott Ilall, Esq., on some low swampy 

 land which has but recently been reclaimed. AYe saw them weighed and consequently 

 know that the statement is correct ; this exceeds anything that we have heard of 

 in the potato line. 



