344 Generc-l Mticss. 



Mr. Sweetser''s Garden., Cambridgeport. — There are but few 

 gardens that ofler a great display of flowers this dry season, 

 and, consequently, we found this, as well as others we have visit- 

 ed, quite destitute. The dahlias suffer in common with those of 

 all other gardens, and, from appearances, there will be a very spar- 

 ing bloom. Some few flowers were open, among others Brown's 

 Quilled perfection, a very pretty variety, though the specimen was 

 not perfect. Mr. Svveetser has one of the most choice collec- 

 tions, and we yet hope that many of the plants will bloom in tol- 

 erable perfection, though it is too late to expect any thing like 

 the profusion of flowers of last year, let them do ever so well. 

 We found that pretty climber, Lophospermum scandens, in 

 bloom; we wonder it is not more extensively grown. Some bulbs 

 of Gladiolus natalensis had thrown up five spikes of flowers, 

 nearly five feet high. 



The camellias have budded well, and promise a fine bloom; 

 and the extensive collection of cactuses, echinocactuses, &.C., 

 are in fine health, and many of the plants have made remarkable 

 growths. Mr. Svveetser has promised us a list of all the species 

 and varieties in his collection, which we shall endeavor to find 

 room for in our next number. The garden is in better order 

 than we have ever seen it. 



MISCELLANEOUS LNTELLIGENCE. 



Art. I, General Notices. 



Pubescence of the Plane tree. — Mr. Morren has made some curious re- 

 marks respecting the downy pubescence which coats the youn^ leaves 

 and branches of plane trees. This down is formed of delicate branched 

 spiculre, which, like the alimentary organs, composing the chidismus, 

 and other parts of many plants, consists mainly of silica, and may, con- 

 sequently, be likened to extremely minute glass needles. In the spring 

 of the year, more especially, this down readily falls ofl', and, being waft- 

 ed about by the air, is rendered noxious to gardeners who may chance 

 to be engaged in their occupations in the neighiiorhood of these trees. 

 Entering at the mouth and nostrils, these spicidic insinuate themselves 

 into the more delicate parts about the base of the respiratory organs, 

 and produce considerable irritation and inflammation there. It seems 

 advisable that these trees should never be planted in the neighborhood 



