602 Experiments taith jiure Earths. 



Makei-, either in his works or in his word, hasten away to some 

 gas-h'ghted tap-room, and there talk of their patriotism amidst 

 the fumes of alcohol and tobacco? and in their cups they will 

 not forget to say, 



" Here's to gude auld Scotland yet;" 



and continue their bacchanalian carousal until they are scarcely 

 able to lift the pot to their mouth, or reach their arm across 

 the narrow table, and say, being unable to sing, 



" Come, gie 's your hand, my trusty friend. 

 And there 's a hand o' mine, 

 And we '11 tak' a right gude wally waught 

 For auld lang syne." 



Such men, by continuing such habits, soon become a pest to 

 the profession they belong to, and a disgrace to the country 

 that gave them birth. The continuation of scenes that would 

 shame Pandemonium must soon make unwelcome inroads upon 

 their weekly earnings, and undermine a framework that contains 

 a gem that, by proper culture and training, might have proved 

 a blessing to themselves, and an ornament in society, instead of 

 being looked upon as the vilest weed, and shunned by their 

 fellows as they would shun an ophidian reptile. 



How different is the example of such men as the founders of 

 the West London Gardeners' Association for mutual Instruc- 

 tion ! These men will enjoy the luxury of doing good, and 

 make true that saying of holy writ which is spoken by Solomon, 

 " There is that scattereth, and yet increaseth :" while they 

 impart knowledge to others, their own minds will become more 

 fruitful. What a contrast there is between the men who are 

 willing to raise their fellow-men to honour and dignity, and 

 those who have to cast up their accounts in Newgate, and pay 

 their reckoning in the hulks or Norfolk Island ! I intended to 

 say a few words in commendation of mutual instruction societies 

 among gardeners ; but, as my sheet is full, I must leave it to 

 another opportunity. 



West Plean, Nov. 5. 18 4.1. 



Art. V. Notice of a comparative Trial of the Qualities of various 

 pure Earths Jbr supporting Vegetation, made in the Gardens of 

 Messrs. Drummond, at Stirling. Communicated by Messrs. W. 

 Drummond and Sons. 



Oats sown in the middle of April, reared in pots 8 in. in 

 diameter, three plants in each, and plunged to the rim in an open 

 border, cinders being put under them, and care otherwise taken 

 that the roots should obtain no extraneous nourishment. The 



