338 TBANSACTIONS OF THE 



parable to our true cider, and, besides, it is apt to become ropy, 

 unless oak chips are put into it, as advised by.Mons. Vilmorin. 



]\^ns. Pissot thought that the non-ripening of the seeds, should 

 not be taken as a general truth, for they had ripened in the Jar- 

 dins d'Experience two years, last past, and in quantity enough for 

 new planting. 



Mons. Pepin said the seed has always ripened in the Jardindes 

 Plantes, of Paris, when not grown more than about seven feet high. 

 SITTING TENTH SEPTEMBER. 



A black melon, from Portugal, was exhibited, weighing about 

 fifty pounds; ripened September third, near AlenQon. It mea- 

 sured over sixteen inches in diameter. 



The Opium Poppy was considered in reference to its culture ia 

 Algeria. Some experiments have succeeded. 



The following fine pears were examined, viz : Belle de Berry or 

 de Cure, Belle Epine Dumas, Bezi Echassery, Beurre Clairgeau, 

 Beurre Picquery,Bon Chretien Napoleon, Calebasse grosse, Colmar 

 d'Aremberg, Delices d'Hardempont, Doyenne. 



Mr. Fortune, the distinguished exploring botanist of England, 

 has published the results. They are exceedingly interesting as 

 to manures, &c., as well as to botany. We extract a few things : 



"Amongst these woods I met with the chestnut, for the first 

 time in China. This discovery was of great importance, as I was 

 most anxious to introduce it to the Himmalaya mountains, in 

 India. Many attempts have been made to introduce it Irom 

 Europe, but they had not succeeded. 



" The seeds of such trees as oaks, chestnuts, tea, &c., retain 

 their vitality but a very short time after they are gathered, if they 

 are not sown and allowed to vegetate. I found two species here 

 of the chestnut; one equal, if not superior to the Spanish. The 

 other a delicious little kind, about the size and form of our com- 

 mon hazelnut. Large quantities of both kinds were gathered and 

 sent on to India, (in Ward's cases.) They vegetated freely during 

 the voyage, and many hundreds of nice, healthy young plants 

 reached India in the most perfect condition. The chestnut may 

 now be considered naturalized on the hills of India, and in a few 

 years will no doubt make its appearance in the markets imongst 

 other fruits." 



