15 



2d. That there cannot be a cross fecundation be- 

 tween a natural species and a variety. 



3d. That double flowers are not a variation, but a 

 sign of feebleness. 



4th. That the varieties of the most dehcate fruits 

 are those which are the shortest hved. 



5th. That the seeds of an ancient variety, though 

 of acknowledged excellence, will produce trees of 

 great variety, but always with poor frnit. 



Although he has proceeded thus far, there is yet 

 much to be discovered, and we are curious to know 

 to what extent this amelioration can be carried, and 

 what hmit nature has set and the causes of it. These 

 questions interest us much, and perhaps it is to be 

 regretted that this Society has not a garden for the 

 purpose, wherein to continue the experiments, which 

 the age and misfortunes of this M. Van Mons pre- 

 vents him from pursuing. I say misfortunes, for he 

 is interesting to us, not only on account of his great 

 learning and labors, but also on account of the many 

 reverses he has met with. As I before remarked, 

 he began his observations at Brussels, in his father's 

 garden, at the age of fifteen years, and early became 

 distinguished as a man of learning. He was for a 

 short time engaged in politics, and this seems the least 

 brilhant part of his life. At the age of twentytwo, 

 he had established in his own mind his theory and 

 proceeded to his labors in its behalf. During seven 

 years, he held the office of Professor of Physic and 

 Chemistry in the Central School of the Department 

 of Dyle, and when Belgium became a separate sove- 

 reignty was appointed as professor of those branches 



