lion. From the experience of several previous cool sum- 

 mers exuberant in these floral gems, and from their universal 

 dearth amidst the bright sunny days of an almost unclouded 

 sky, it would appear, that the several varieties even under 

 the effect of partial acclimation and a long absence from a 

 native habitat, have lost none of the peculiarities of consti- 

 tution, with which a high and humid region had endowed the 

 original species. Some of the finest flowers on the Society's 

 tables, were produced, as we understand, by a constant and 

 profusive syringing over the foliage and tops, evidently an 

 accidental imitation of the natural temperature ; while other 

 plants copiously supplied with water daily, at the roots, 

 shared the same common fate in a depauperation or total 

 absence of bloom. Facts like these should serve as valuable 

 hints, if not for practice, at least for further experiment, and 

 we feel assured that on the minds of the investigating and 

 studious they will not be lost. 



Summers, of great heat, are favorable to the insect race. 

 The past has been a striking instance. Myriads of those 

 minute foes, from the various species of Caterpillar to the 

 almost invisible fly of every genus, have ravaged equally our 

 gardens and fields. Each year introduces a new species, or 

 developes a new instinct in some well known species, render- 

 ing its ravages more deleterious or difficult of evasion. The 

 Dahlia has not escaped : but some insidious insect has blight- 

 ed the hope of the cultivator, or some new form of disease 

 has been traced to the silent depredations of an unseen foe. 

 In one instance, falling under our observation, no less than 

 four or five distinct larvae of moths, better known as Cater- 

 pillars, have rendered assiduity necessary to preserve a luxu- 

 riant foliage, so essential to the vigor and health of the plant, 

 while leading shoots and expectant buds have been prema- 

 turely ruined. Such discouragements are inevitable and to 

 be expected, until some project can be devised for extirpa- 

 tion or insurance against their presence. Undoubtedly a 

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