8 Retrospective View of the 



numerous classes of plants which make up the beauty of 

 every collection. Let a liberal premium be offered, if but 

 for the best miscellaneous collection of a dozen plants, and 

 let skill decide the result. We only want more space to 

 enforce the importance of this upon all our horticultural 

 associations. 



Two of the most valuable practical papers, in our last 

 volume, in this department, are extracts from the Gardener's 

 Chronicle^ on potting and watering plants ; for on a perfect 

 knowledge of these depends every good result. The writer 

 has so fully gone over the ground, that we can only refer the 

 reader to them, to obtain all the information that can be 

 needed. So much learned, the young practitioner has only 

 to apply his skill to the art of pruning and training, and he 

 will be able to accomplish the highest objects of the science. 

 The use of guano for floricultural purposes has been fre- 

 quently noticed in the notes of our tour ; and Ave believe we 

 may say that its application to many kinds of plants, has 

 proved so beneficial, that it is no longer necessary to recom- 

 meird it to every cultivator. 



Arboriculture. 



The planting of trees for timber is beginning to attract 

 more attention. We know of some gentlemen, who have a 

 few acres of waste land planted with the English and Ameri- 

 can oaks, which have sprung up well and promise a rich 

 product. 



Improvements in this respect will be slow, but, viewed 

 ornamentally, arboriculture is attracting much attention. In 

 the vicinity of Boston, more trees for shade and ornament 

 have been planted the last year, than in twice the space of 

 time previously. Information is now wanting in regard to 

 what are the best trees adapted to various situations, and 

 also as to what new varieties are perfectly hardy, adapted to 

 our climate, and desirable cither for their rarity, — their foli- 

 age, — their fruit, — their flowers, — their form, or their poetical 

 and legendary interest. Until the planter is made acquainted 

 with these, it will be in vain to expect pleasing and -satisfac- 

 tory results from any arrangement of trees and shrubs. But 



