300 A7i7ials of Hortiadture. 



would do something to provide gardeners with truthful infor- 

 mation in the department to which he was now giving special 

 attention, and he became a careful note-taker, accumulating 

 material towards the object in view. 



In the year 1852, Messrs. Chapman & Hall published Mr. 

 Williams first book, which was none other than his now fa- 

 mous " Orchid Growers' Manual." Other books followed on 

 <' Ferns and Lycopods," "Stove and Greenhouse Plants," 

 and the *' Orchid Album," all of them characterized by sound- 

 ness of teaching, a generous breadth of view of every subject 

 treated, convenience of arrangement, and all that is implied 

 in the term "good book-making." 



A considerable part of his labors has been bestowed in the 

 formation and management of the Victoria and Paradise nur- 

 series, first in Hornsey and later at Upper Holloway, where 

 his son became his partner. Here orchids certainly take the 

 lead, and the collection is, for the present, the best monument 

 of the skill, taste and business energy of an honored veteran, 

 whose like we may not for many years look upon again. — 

 Adapted from the Gardefiers' Magazi?ie. 



The portrait of Mr. Williams is reproduced from The Gar- 

 deners' Chronicle. 



James Backhouse, director of the York Nurseries, died in 

 September, aged 65 years. He was one of the most promi- 

 nent of English horticulturists. 



W. H. Baxter, formerly curator of the Oxford Botanic 

 Gardens, died June ig, aged 74 years. He was associated 

 with Mr. Loudon, and was a constant writer for horticultural 

 papers. 



Henry Bennett died at his home in Shepperton, England, 

 August 12, from heart disease. He was one of the most suc- 

 cessful and best known growers of seedling roses. He 

 began life as a general farmer, but finding it somewhat un- 

 profitable, undertook rose culture. Among his most famous 

 roses are Her Majesty, Mrs. John Laing, Princess Beatrice, 

 Grace Darling, Viscountess Folkstone, Lady Mary Fitzwilli- 

 am, Earl of Pembroke, Cleopatra and Captain Hayward. He 



