352 Retrospective Criticism. 



leaves, and spreads rapidly. We shall refer to it again when we 

 have proved its qualities. — Ed. 



Mr. Nultall, the Botanist. — This eminent botanist, whose name 

 has become identified with American plants, has lately come in pos- 

 session of a larire and splendid fortune, estimated at £100,000 ster- 

 ling, and upward, by the decease of some of his ancestors in Eng- 

 land. Mr. Nuttall sailed from New York or Philadelphia to take 

 possession of the estates, and is probably, ere this, enjoying the com- 

 forts which such wealth can bestow. Though botanists may regret 

 that he has been called from the broad field of the western continent, 

 over which he has so frequently roamed, and where he has spent a 

 larger portion of his life in enriching our flora by the discovery of 

 new and splendid plants, they cannot but wish a happy life around 

 the hearth of his ancestral home, devoting his leisure time to the pur- 

 suits of his favorite study. Mr. Nuttall's passion for botany is in- 

 tense, and it would not astonish us were he to make such arrange- 

 ments as to return to this country and continue his botanical research- 

 es. But whether he remains at home or comes again among us, we 

 hope he may long live to enjoy his ample fortune. — Ed. 



Mediterranean Wheat. — A new variety of wheat, under this name, 

 has been distributed among editors of farming periodicals and gentle- 

 men interested in agriculture, by the Commissioner of the Patent Of- 

 fice. According to letters of Dr. Smith, of Philadelphia, who has 

 tried it for several years, it is proof against the fly, and almost proof 

 against the rust. It is at least ten days earlier than any other sort, 

 and on this account alone is well worth trial by the farmers of the 

 New England States, where they have a cooler climate to contend 

 with. 



3'Ae Rev- H. Colman, late Commissioner of Agriculture of the 

 State of Massachusetts, and now editor of the New Genesee Farmer, 

 has been elected an honorary member of the Royal Agricultural So- 

 ciety of England. This is a well merited compliment, and in making 

 Mr. Colman an honorary member, they have not only conferred an 

 honor on him, but upon the Royal Society itself, which ranks among 

 its members but few men, who have with more devoted zeal and 

 singleness of purpose, directed their efl^orts to the promotion and ad- 

 vancement of the great cause of agriculture. — Ed. 



Art. III. lietrospective Criticism. 



Tuckermdma. californica. — In one of your former numbers of the 

 Magazine, you gave a description of a new plant exhibited at the 

 Pennsylvania Horticultural Society, called Tuckermania californica. 

 The plant there alluded to is the T. maritima, found by Mr. Nuttall 



