Retrospective Criticism. 377 



of buildings is, that, with the exception of the walls, it is composed entirely 

 of metal and glass, the dome and the curvilinear roofs being formed of 

 wrought-iron bars, whilst the gutters and all the framework of the upright 

 sashes are of cast iron : the flat sloping roofs have also cast-iron rafters, the 

 intermediate sashes or lights being made with wrought-iron rims and copper 

 bars, and glazed upon the patent shield principle ; which, I am told, is an 

 effectual preventive against breakage by frost : the doors are likewise of cast 

 iron, with copper bars ; and, what is particidarly (t'orthy of remark, they are 

 made to slide in grooves, upon brass rollers, instead of being hung in the 

 usual way, by which are gained several important advantages, too obvious to 

 mention. It is impossible to give an idea, by any verbal description, of the 

 lightnesss and elegance of these horticultural buildings. Their seemingly airy 

 and unsubstantial form produces upon the eye of the spectator, at a first 

 glance, a magic-like effect, which, on a nearer inspection, is absorbed in a 

 feeling of amazement at the real strength and firmness of the several build- 

 ings, announcing a durability to which no limit can be assigned. The erection 

 of these metallic houses, as I am informed, was commenced in 1832, by 

 Messrs. John Jones and Co. of Birmingham ; but the range of buildings was 

 not completed until last summer, when the conservatory, which forms the 

 chief point and centre of attraction, was erected by Mr. Thomas Clark, jun., 

 also of Birmingham. It is, however, due to Mr. Jones to state, that the 

 design for the conservatory was originally furnished by him, and the building 

 was, in fact, executed under his immediate superintendence ; Mr. Clark 

 having, upon the dissolution of the firm of Messrs. John Jones and Co., 

 about three years ago, as I have learned, engaged that gentleman to superin- 

 tend the manufacturing department of his extensive and increasing concern. 

 With respect to the gardens themselves, too much praise cannot be bestowed 

 upon Mr. Campbell, the intelligent and scientific curator of the establishment, 

 not only for the judicious and tasteful manner in which they are laid out, but 

 also for the beautiful and perfect order in which they are kept. The site, 

 however, is decidedly inferior either to the Sheffield or Birmingham Botanic 

 Gardens; both the latter being beautifully undulated by nature, whilst the 

 former is remarkabljr flat. Art, however, has done its best to compensate for 

 natural deficiencies ; and those essential elements of the picturesque, rock, 

 wood, and water, are so happily interspersed and combined, as to make us 

 oblivious that nature has contributed so little to the adornment of this really 

 enchanting spot. — J. C. Thomas. Prestwich, June 16. 1837. 



SCOTLAND. 



Earlif-mowing Grass. — Mr. Kay of the Shiphaugh Farm, near Stirling, 

 commenced cutting grass on April 25., which turned out a tolerably good 

 sward. The field consists of nearly two acres of clayey loam, which was 

 sown down on July 11. 1836, with the following mixture : — Italian ryegrass, 

 perennial ryegrass, Timothy grass, meadow foxtail, white and red clover, 

 and cow-grass. The Italian ryegrass, in the mean time, is far ahead of the 

 others, and confirms the opinion we had previously formed of this newly 

 introduced grass, that there is no agricultural plant better adapted to come in, 

 after the turnip season, as early green food for cattle. When cultivated for 

 this purpose, it should be sown in autumn, along with rrifolium incarnatum 

 (crimson ryegrass), which keeps pace with the Italian ryegrass in early and 

 vigorous vegetation. (Stirling Observer.) 



Art. IV. Restrospeclive Criticism. 



Errata. — In p. 279., lines 12. and 14. from the bottom, delete the 

 inverted commas ; it being the reviewer who speaks, and not Mr. Herbert, 

 In p. 306. for " PuUen," read "Puller." 



