2 General Results of a Gardening Tour : — 



tion between the figures of monuments in the churchyard at Dumfries, 

 which we gave in a former Number (Vol. VII. p. 529.), and fountains and 

 sundials for ornamenting flower-gardens and pleasure-grounds ; yet it will 

 be seen from communications in our present Number, and in a former one 

 (Vol. VII. p. 724., and Vol. VIII. p. 91.), that our notice of these mo- 

 numents appears likely to lead to a decided improvement with regard to 

 economy and durability in architectural ornaments for gardens in England, 

 as well as to a beneficial commerce between London and Dumfries. We 

 have been asked what use there was in figuring Witty's patent gas furnace 

 (Vol. VII. p. 482.), and what chance there was of so intricate a contriv- 

 ance as one that would produce gas being ever made generally applicable 

 in hot-houses. We are mistaken, however, if this furnace does not pro- 

 duce as great a revolution in generating heat for hot-houses, as the intro- 

 duction of pipes of water has done in conveying and maintaining it. 

 (See p. 26.) A correspondent, Suflblciensis we believe, some years ago 

 attacked us severely for introducing Heathorn's limekiln (Vol. II. p. 403.) 

 into a Gardener's Magazine. If he should happen to see one of Witty's 

 furnaces, and understand the principles of its action, Ke will be able to 

 comprehend the important improvement made by Heathorn in the pre- 

 paration of lime, which in agriculture may truly be called the universal 

 manure. Witty's furnace is an application of the same principle as Hea- 

 thorn's, in a different form and on a smaller scale. 



We could refer to a number of similar cases in past volumes to prove 

 the great advantage of bringing all discoveries or inventions that bear any 

 relation to gardening, agriculture, or rural, and domestic improvement, 

 before our readers as early as possible. 



There is another reason why we should embrace all subjects connected 

 with gardening and rural improvement, as well as botany, physiology, and 

 the mere practice of cultivating fruits and vegetables ; and that is, the 

 necessit}' which exists at the present time for young gardeners to extend 

 the boundaries of their knowledge in all country affairs. The changes 

 which are taking plaqe in society, and the desire of the employers of gar- 

 deners to economise, is gradually leading to the union in the same person 

 of the offices of gardener, bailiff, and even land steward. We know 

 various instances both in England and Scotland, in which this union has 

 lately taken place; and we rejoice to see it, for the sake of gardeners, and 

 because we have long been aware of the injury which the agriculture and 

 the farmers of this country have sustained from the employment, as land 

 stewards, of attorneys, who, residing in towns, frequently know nothing of 

 rural affairs. The young gardener, therefore, should not only inform 

 himself upon general subjects, for the sake of keeping himself on a par 

 with mechanics, artisans, and indeed almost every other class of young 

 men, who, in consequence of mechanics' institutions and cheap publica- 

 tions, are making the most rapid progress ; but he should especially inform 

 himself upon all matters connected with rural improvement, as the only 

 means of fitting himself for rising in the world. Assuredly the time is fast 

 passing away for a nobleman or rich country gentleman to keep a separate 

 head gardener at high wages for each department of his gardens ; or for a 

 man possessing only the art of growing pines or perhaps grapes to perfection, 

 or excelling in any one particular article, to even hope to obtain a first- 

 rate situation. The spirit of the times requires in every man not only 

 a thorough knowledge of his own profession, but much general know- 

 ledge, to enable him to keep pace with the rapid changes which are taking 

 place around him. 



As a farther portion of the general results of our tour, we shall submit, 

 in the present Number, some general remarks on the gentlemen's seats, and 

 park and pleasure-ground scenery, of the west of Scotland. 



