340 
THE GARDENERS' 
CHRONICLE. 
[Max 23, 
all University curricula. But that it is not thus 
limited will be better shown by extracts from some 
modern Examination papers, than by any train of 
reasoning whatever. We take those of University 
College, London..— 
Senior Class, 1845.—“ Describe the flower of the 
plant now placed in your hand ; point out any peculiari“ 
ties that may occur to you ; explain their nature theo- 
retically, and refer itto its natural order; or, if you 
are unable to do so, state to what order you suppose it 
tobe most nearly allied, and give your reason for the 
opinion you may express.—Leaves alternate, exstipu- 
late. Sepals 5. Petals 5, Stamens indefinite in 
number and hypogynous. Carpels 5, connate as high 
as the ovary extends, but free at the styles ; bearing 
many seeds on an axile placenta. Embryo minute at 
one end of hard albumen. What properties would you 
expect to find in the seeds of such a plant, and why ? 
—What are the sources from which plants derive their 
food! and what is that food ?—What kind of tissue is 
that in which the functions of elaboration are carrie 
on ? and in what parts of a plant does it occur ?—Woul 
a plant growing on a sunny mountain-side be likely to 
form its peculiar secretions more or Jess abundantly 
than if it were growing in a similar situation in a low- 
land station? Give your reasons for the opinion you 
may express.—An ovary contains one erect ovule whose 
foramen is at its apex. Will the embryo which is 
eventually found in such an ovule, when changed into a 
seed, direct its radicle to the apex, base, or side of the 
fruit 1? 
Junior, 1846.—* What is the difference between à 
bulb and a corm ?—In what sense are the words regular 
or irregular, symmetrical or unsymmetrical, used in 
Botany i—Distinguish Sol from Primul ; 
Labiate from gi ; Saxif from 
Rosaceze ; Papaveraceze from Cistacese.—On what do 
you rely for distinguishing Grasses from Sedges (Cype- 
racer) i—State the Botanical differences between 
Wheat, Barley, and Rye.—Let a European Endogen 
have this structure :—Ovary inferior. Flowers hexape- 
laloid. Stamens 6. Anthers turned inwards. Would 
you suppose it to be poisonous or inert ?—Suppose that 
of three European Corollifloral Exogens, with regular 
symmetrical quinary flowers and epipetalous stameus, 
one has parietal placentze, another free central placentz, 
and the third axile placentæ, would these differences 
in structure correspond with the uses to which such 
plants can be applied in medicine? and if so, what 
peculiar properties are to be expected in each plant ?— 
What common European Natural Order is that with 
ealycifloral flowers, and an inferior ovary with a pair of 
parietal placentze ?” 
It should be stated that these questions are chiefly 
intended for Medical Students, and that the existing 
regulations of the Sociéty of Apothecaries, and 
other governing bodies render the time for teaching 
Botany much too short; nevertheless such ques- 
tions are well answered. It is, therefore, obvious 
that if it were an indispensible branch of general 
education it could be easily adapted to higher 
purposes. 
Natural History has one great advantage over 
Classics and Mathematics, which is not sufficiently 
insisted upon by its advocates. Those subjects 
train the memory and the reasoning faculties, but 
they do not touch the habit of observation. Yet 
the habit of observing correctly is not inferior in 
importance to that of reasoning. “ How to observe” 
is the great question with all of us, and which so 
few know how to answer. If two men of equal 
attainments and intelligence, of whom one has 
gained honours in Classics and Mathematics, and 
the other distinguished himself in Natural History, 
were called upon to describe an event or a given 
object, the naturalist would have this enormous 
advantage that in consequence of his whole per- 
ceptive powers having been steadily directed to- 
wards minute and accurate observation, he would 
be able from mere habit instantly to apply himself 
to a task, for which his competitor would be 
unprepared, and the nature of his studies would have 
30 familiarised him with the use of words that his 
description would be made without an effort. In 
ilustration of this argument we cannot do better 
than quote the words of Professor Epwarp Fonnzs, 
of King's College, London. . 
“The first lesson of Natural History is observation. 
The study of an animal or vegetable species is the 
perfection of observation as far as that species is 
concerned. The form, the substance, the qualities, 
the phenomena of existence, the influence of sur- 
rounding objects, are all observed with the greatest 
precision, and defined so as to be capable of expres- 
sionin words. No point affecting that species is 
left untouched. The study of a group or genus of 
animals or vegetables is in like manner the perfec- 
tion of discrimination. All the members of the 
group are compared in all their parts with each 
other, the relations which they have in common are 
A p; summed. up, and their differences recorded in ever 
possible poiut of view. The causes of those rela- 
tions and differences are anxiously inquired into, 
and a survey is taken of the bearings of the whole 
group to its proximate allies, and, finally, to all equi- 
valent assemblages in organised nature. Who can 
rise up from such a study, and not feel mentally 
strengthened? The mind through such an exer- 
cise must gain in both its analytic and synthetic 
powers." 
We have dwelt on this subject at greater length 
than usual, because we regard the present conjunc- 
ture at Cambridge as one from which important 
consequences must flow, and because it is connected 
with some of the highest considerations in which all 
men are interested. Had it not been for these rea- 
sons, and for the sake of putting the public in pos- 
session of the main arguments employed By those 
who advocate the introduction of Natural History 
into our Collegiate education, we should have been 
silent ; for when the Members of an ancient Uni- 
versity themselves arrive at the conclusion that its 
institutions require reformation, the world will not 
be disposed to think them in the wrong. And if the 
reasonable proposals which may on such an occa- 
siou be made are resisted by the men in authority, 
it requires no great foresight to perceive that a 
struggle is at hand, the end of which must be con- 
Cession. 
Since writing the above, we find that an ad- 
journed meeting of the Members of the Senate has 
been held at the Philosophical Society's Rooms, 
when Dr. Pacer was called to the chair, and the 
following resolutions were passed unanimously :— 
l. That it is desirable that a Syndicate should be 
appointed for the purpose of considering the best means 
of providing funds for making and maintaining a new 
Botanie Garden. 
2. That the Chairman be requested to report the pre- 
vious resolution to the Vice-Chancellor ; and that the 
present meeting be adjourned to Friday next, the 22d 
instant, at 2 o'clock, to receive the result of his con- 
ference with the Vice-Chancellor. 
THE VALUE OF A WEED. 
Few persons seem to be aware of the value of some 
of our native plants ; in fact, it is considered by some 
cultivators belonging to the old school, as a sign of a 
frivolous disposition in a young gardener, when they 
see him studying the flora of his own country, and ad- 
miring the beautiful structures of wild flowers ; or, as 
these venerable worthies would term them, weeds: and 
would even qualify the term weed by adding, in the 
case of the plant which I am about to praise, an adjec- 
tive in the superlative degree, such as a most vile, a 
most troublesome weed. Be it so then. But, since the 
plant in question isa Briton like ourselves, let us at 
least state both sides of the question fairly, and acquit or 
condemn it after a patient hearing. 
Now, I would beg itto be borne in mind, that the mere 
fact of a thing being common, or accounted troublesome, 
or even nauseous, and that for ages, and in the opinion 
of many, is still no proof of its worthlessness, although 
we may be unacquainted with its value. The valuable 
mineral substance, cobalt, was accounted for ages a 
very troublesome article to the miner, The article 
bone, now so valuable as a manure, was, in my own re- 
collection, allowed to whiten on the lone heath, as a 
thing unworthy of notice. The richest portion of our 
manures are often, even in our enlightened and manure- 
hunting-day, allowed to waste their fertilising proper- 
ties on a hole in the earth, or, what is worse, on the air 
that we are to breathe. These examples might teach 
us to give common, troublesome, and even nauseous ar- 
ticles, a patient trial before we condemn them as worth- 
less ; and ought to humble us, when we see blessings of 
no mean order showered upon us, and, as it were, even 
dogging us through life without our knowing their value, 
or being able to turn their useful properties to account, 
notwithstanding our boasted knowledge. Hoping, there- 
fore, now, for an impartial verdict, I beg to introduce 
to your notice a truly British plant, of great beauty, 
and known value; and, moreover, of the easiest cul- 
ure, yea, even to be obtained for the plucking up in 
many instances without any consideration whatever. 
But hold; for the plueking up of this plant is some- 
times a matter for grave consideration, for it has deep 
and eross-laid fangs in the earth ; and the best of it 
being under-ground, it requires a strong spud to dis- 
lodge the treasure. 
‘The beautiful name Dandelion (Leontodon taraxacum) 
lion’s-tooth, would indicate something of a tearing fellow 
among weeds, a sort of superior free-booter, after the 
fashion of Robin Hood or Donald Caird ; and such is 
really the case, for Dandelion picks his time and 
chooses always the best of everything that he requires— 
e never opens a flower in foul weather, nor even in 
fair weather unless the sun shines ; but this is not all, 
for he not only chooses the best hours of sunshine to 
flower in, but (robber that he is) makes free to ride in 
his airy car over hedge and wall, into the choicest shel- 
tered nook of the amateur’s Tulip bed, or the noble- 
man’s walled garden ; for his seeds have a mane like a 
shuttlecock, and the wind that carries them only allows 
them to rest in some region of settled calm, which 
is precisely what this uncultivated child of flora wanted, 
namely, a sheltered situation where he might establish 
himself. I observed, one beautiful sunny evening, a 
silvery speck slowly lowering itself into the most shel- 
tered compartment of the garden ; it was followed soon 
after by another, and shortly after by a shower of rain: 
the dry seeds of the Dandelion had thus winged their 
way, and were now planted, watered, and sheltered, 
without the aid of a team to transport their grain, or 
the skill and labour of officious man to assign them a 
smooth bed and a suitable locality. “ But,” says my 
old friend, “ what after all will you make of such a weed ? 
What use can it be turned to? for it will neither yield 
bread, corn for a man, nor good provender for a beast. 
Horses will eat Gorse, and asses will eat Thistles, 
but I never knew Dandelion relished by any animal.” 
Very true : and so fully am I convinced of the truth 
of this, that I would not have risked my reputation as- 
a gardener, or even as a man endowed with common 
sense, to recommend Dandelion in any shape to man or 
beast, were I not supported by some whose reputation 
and character are already established. I, therefore, 
state at once that I cultivate Dandelion side by side 
with other crops, planted in rows like any other culinary 
article. Extract of Dandelion has been long known in 
medicine as a diuretic. The herbage of the Dandelion 
is well known in gardening as a beautiful and delicate 
blanched salad. But, besides these uses, the root is 
capable of producing, when roasted, a beverage equal 
to Coffee, and actually sells at a much higher rate. 
Might not some of the many hard earned shillings of 
labouring men that go to purchase Coffee be saved, and 
Dandelion be drunk in its stead. The trial of the ex- 
periment would do good, since the collecting of the 
roots from waste ground and weedy gardens, would im- 
prove the land, and the cleaning, drying, and roasting 
of the roots are processes simple enough. In regard of 
taste or flavour, let it be borne in mind that the tastes 
of Coffee, porter, Tobacco, &c., are all acquired tastes, 
and I should think that those who have persevered to 
acquire the habit of using Tobacco in any form need 
not feel very squeamish about trying the thrifty use of 
Dandelion. Now, although Suecory or Chiecory may 
be more profitably cultivated than Dandelion as a sub- 
stitute for Coffee (and is really cultivated extensively 
in Europe for this purpose) ; the mere fact of the one 
requiring culture, whilst the other is to be had gratis, 
gives Dandelion the preference. In conclusion, then, 
let me entreat cultivators to give ita trial ; large plants 
fit for use may be obtained ready for roasting, and now 
is the time to make a plantation of the smaller roots, 
and if the fiowers are picked off, the roots will soon 
attain a‘large size. Seeds may be sown now, and seeds- 
men might take notice to provide themselves with a 
supply of seeds, as it is just possible that it may be 
wanted, notwithstanding all the foul names by which it 
has been called, and all the pains we have hitherto been 
at to extirpate it. 
I see no reason why the roots of Endive and Lettuce, 
so nearly allied to Chiecory and Dandelion, should not 
join to make a substitute for the expensive and exotic 
Coffee berry, and should this prove to be the case, the 
scarce and little known article, Salad, so rare among 
cottagers, might be obtained by blanching the leaves, 
thereby securing mach wholesome food to every poor 
family. Endive would come in as a crop after Pota- 
toes, and Lettuce will produce a greater weight of eat- 
able vegetable than any plant with which I am ac- 
quainted ; three or four good sized plants will grow on 
a square foot of ground, and come to maturity in six or 
eight weeks, thereby allowing three or four crops an- 
nually from the same land ; but I have not the leisure 
now to enter upon the subject of Salad herbs, but would 
beg of your able practical correspondents to come for- 
ward with plain directions as to the best articles for a 
supply of Salad for poor people, thereby enabling many 
to augment their resources. The love of Salad, in some 
shape or other, seems to be natural, and even neces- 
sary, to the rudest portion of the community. Witness 
the Highlander of Scotland greedily eating the seaweed 
Dulse, which the fish carriers bring inland in sacks, 
and find a ready sale for ; to such a people the introduc- 
tion of Salad herbs would be a boon indeed,and as for 
land to cultivate, I never heard a highlandman complain 
of any lack of that.—Alexander Forsyth, Alton Towers; 
April 24. 
Home Correspondence. j 
Culture of Tomatoes, &c.—Sow the seed early in 
March, allowing the plants to be raised in a very gentle 
heat, and as soon as the second leaves appear, pot off 
the plants into 4-inch pots, gradually hardening them 
until they are prepared for final planting out, which 
ought not usually to be done until the first week in. 
June. The interstices between Wall-trees on a south 
or east aspect are a favourable situation for . planting 
them, where there is space without fear of intrusion; 
but where this is impracticable they are usually planted 
in the open ground ; and our ordinary summers are 8° 
short that it usually happens they are just beginning © 
ripen when they are destroyed by the first autranal 
frost. As an improvement on open ground planting, 
there is probably no better mode of cultivation than 
that of forming a bank or slope in the direction east 
and west ; the base of the slope may be from 5 to 
feet, the apex as much above the ground level 
nature of the soil will conveniently allow, or w 
suppose at an angle of about 45° to the south, and EON 
55? to 609 to the north, so as to have the, most space 
facing the most f: ble as; i or dimi- 
pect, il; 
FER k i oi 
nishing the angle according to the nature of nde 2 
e wi 
as the season advances, to SEA a super! 
growth, and peg the branches to the slope. “il 
means, from their exposure to the sun's rays, they wit 
have a greater tendency to fruitfulness, Bul d km 
over-luxuriant growth ; and from the same cau 
