Notes and Gleanings. 237 



Arboretum of the Department of Agriculture. — We are glad to 

 know that this collection of trees and shrubs, mentioned by Mr. Wilder in his 

 " Southern Horticultural Trip '' in our March number, is making rapid progress. 

 It will embrace a single specimen of every tree and shrub that will exist in this 

 climate ; and, in their disposal, a twofold arrangement has been kept in view, — 

 that of a strictly botanical classification of fcimilies, species, and varieties, and the 

 production of a high degree of beauty in landscape-gardening. This has neces- 

 sarily involved a vast amount of time and study. The botany of all nations had 

 to be ransacked in order to cull out every suitable plant and tree. Thtfascicicli 

 for this arrangement covers over two hundred pages of closely-written foolscap. 

 As a collection of hardy plants, it will be unequalled by any thing in existence 

 at the present time. To combine a strictly scientific arrangement with artistic 

 effect required no ordinary amount of skill and foresight ; years, however, will 

 be required before the ultimate effects will be fully produced so far as the devel- 

 opment of individual forms and combinations of growth are concerned. 



Much has already been accomplished in the planting of trees and shrubbery. 

 With the completion of the planting of the present season, about three-fourths 

 of the entire collection will be set out. Many of the plants, especially those of 

 our Western States and Territories, will be difficult to procure ; not being in cul- 

 tivation as yet, they are not to be found in ordinary nurseries. Some of the 

 family groups are already completed : the elms, for instance, number over fifty 

 specimens, all distinct. Of ashes there are forty, of willows over a hundred, 

 oaks seventy, maples about fifty, and others are equally well represented. The 

 pines and other evergreen species are now being planted. 



The possession of this collection will enable the department to answer many 

 important questions with reference to the value of trees for wood, rapidity of 

 growth, &c. (a point of great importance in the treeless tracts in the West), and 

 the most suitable plants for live fences, and other subjects of equal prominence. 



To the artist it will be of great attraction. The various forms of growth, the 

 individual peculiarities of foliage and combinations of forms, will afford a delight- 

 ful study ; and the mere visitor will be arrested by forms and beauties of foliage 

 such as can rarely be found available ; and the student in botany cannot possi- 

 bly find a source of elementary knowledge at all comparable with being brought 

 face to face with the living plant. 



The immediate direction of the arboretum is in charge of Mr. William Saun- 

 ders, than whom no man is more competent to select and arrange the trees and 

 shrubs, both botanically, and with a view to picturesque effect. Besides the 

 arboretum. Commissioner Capron's plans include a collection of all plants whose 

 products are used in medicine, to be arranged according to a strictly botanical 

 classification ; and similarly-arranged collections of all plants grown for their 

 textile qualities, for dyes, and other economical purposes. The ground imme- 

 diately in front of the building is formed into an architectural flower-garden, in- 

 tended to be embellished with balustrades, vases, and other decorations ; thus 

 affording an agreeable transition from the building to the grounds. A design 

 for a series of hot-houses and greenhouses, of much architectural beauty, has 

 been prepared. 



