224 Domestic Notices. — Scotland. 



is, however, a matter of regret that our funds have not enabled us to ex- 

 tend our ambition beyond the distribution of a few money prizes. Although 

 the advantages arising from scientific libraries are readily acknowledged by 

 all, yet the tardiness with which such propositions are entered into, and the 

 partial support we receive from the country gentlemen, make it very doubt- 

 ful if ever we shall attain such perfection, however much it could be wished. 

 The existence, too, of other societies at Perth, Dundee, and Arbroath, 

 operates powerfully against any attempt of this sort. These societies 

 necessarily consisting of the gardeners and amateurs in their respective 

 circles, their funds individually can never be great ; but if they could see it 

 their interest to form themselves into one society, say in Dundee, or in any 

 other equally central place to which the means of conveyance from all the 

 districts are as frequent, then the formation of a scientific library would be 

 accomplished, without a doubt of its success. Even if the Dundee Society, 

 by anticipating such a junction, were to attempt something of this kind, 

 they may be assured of the co-operation of the most intelligent of the pro- 

 fession : indeed, it will be a matter of surprise to many, if that society, 

 having a Right Honourable Lord for its president, and embodying wealth 

 and intelligence in its committee, does not extend its views to the exciting 

 a thirst for more intellectual enjoyment, rather than the gratification of the 

 love of money, by some not easy kept. A society, with such intention, 

 could scarcely fail to prosper, and no longer (as has been the case on 

 some of our show days) should we hear wealthy merchants asking the 

 name and use of that thistle-looking thing (pointing to an artichoke), 

 or well dressed and apparently respectable females enquiring the use of many 

 of our not uncommon culinary productions ; and while the luxuries of the 

 higher classes are improved, and those of the middle circles increased, the 

 comforts and condition of the mechanic and labourer will also be increased 

 and improved, and a higher standard of enjoyment will pervade the whole. 

 I am, Sir, &c. — Strathmoriensis. Balbrogie Garden, Aug. 14. 1817. 



The hint of our correspondent, in respect to forming a garden library at 

 Dundee, will, we trust, be taken into consideration by the society of that 

 place : ultimately, we trust, the example of the Ayrshire Horticultural 

 Library will be followed throughout Scotland. Nothing can better show 

 the use of local societies, however few their members, or limited their 

 sphere of usefulness, than the circumstance mentioned by our correspond- 

 ent, of many decent people not knowing the names and uses of what in 

 England are considered the commonest garden articles. Books on cookery 

 and domestic economy should not be forgotten in provincial libraries. 



The Autumn Meeting of the Strathmore Horticultural Society was held at 

 Cupar Angus, August 2.3., when prizes were awarded for an extensive col- 

 lection of flowers, fruits, and home-made wines. The meeting was as usual 

 ' graced by the presence of a numerous and fashionable assemblage of the 

 ladies of Strathmore, who have uniformly honoured it with their patronage 

 and support, and on this occasion bestowed their decided approbation on 

 the very superior collection exhibited. The members of the Society there- 

 after partook of an excellent dinner in Rose's Inn, George Brown, Esq., of 

 Blairfield, preses, in absence of Mr. Ross of Balgersho, and spent the evening 

 with the utmost unanimity. {Scotsman, Sept. 1.) 



Edinburgh Fruit Market, Aug. 15. — The prices of gooseberries, white 

 and red currants, and raspberries are now very low. The black currants 

 were almost instantly bought up at Is. 4d. the imperial quart. Geans also 

 sold well at from 8d. to lOd. a pound. Of the apples shown, the Early 

 Fullwood and Thorle Pippin were the best ; though not quite ripe, they 

 were in fair eating order. Within these three years a pear has made its 

 appearance in this quarter, which is not inaptly called the Premature. 

 It is a fair bearer, especially in sheltered places, about the same size, more 



