] 96 Domestic Notices : — Scotland. 



400 cubic feet of timber each. In these calculations, the number of solid feet 

 in the trunk, or bole, only, is given ; some of the trees containing at least 100 

 cubic feet more in their tops. (Joseph Bonn, in the Carlisle Patriot, as quoted 

 in the Gardener's Gazette, Feb. 9., p. 90.). 



Muss, Cavcndlshu. — A plant of this species is now beautifully in fruit in 

 Mr. Harris's stove at Kingsbury, and another equally so in Mr. Harrison's 

 stove at Chcshunt: from the former, we received two fruits on Jan. 1 1., which 

 we kept till Jan. 14., and then tasted, and found them rich and well-flavoured, 

 notwithstanding the want of sun at this season. — Cond. 



Gigantic Cactus. — Among a recent importation of Cacti, by Thos. Harris, 

 Esq., of Kingsbury, is a plant belonging to the Melocacti division, which 

 measures 4 ft. 10 in. in circumference; and which is undoubtedly the largest 

 specimen of Melocactus in Britain. Mr. Beaton, Mr. Harris's gardener, 

 observes that, if this specimen were divested of its spines and ribs, it might 

 be taken for an oldfashioned Scotch haggis. — Cond. 



Progress of Education. — The Central Society of Education held a meeting 

 on February 23. principally for the purpose of presenting the prize of 100 

 guineas, awarded by the Society to Mr. Lalor, for the best essay on the 

 " Means of elevating the Condition of Instructors." The prize was awarded by 

 the decision of Professor Maiden, of the University College, and was delivered 

 to Mr. Lalor by Mr. Wyse, M.P., who, in so doing, descanted, in a speech of 

 great eloquence and power, on the station at present held by that class to 

 whom the world is so much indebted, and so little thankful. " The vocation 

 of a schoolmaster," justly observed Mr. Wyse, "is a high and holy one, of 

 deep importance to the state; for the school makes the nation, and the teacher 

 makes the school. Abroad, this great truth is beginning to be felt; and we, 

 perhaps, of the nations of Europe, are the only people to whom at present it 

 seems yet completely to be learnt." But, by the systematic exertions of the 

 Society, and especially by the admirable essays about to be published by them, 

 he added that he confidently hoped the public mind would be roused to a con- 

 sideration of this vital subject. {Morn. Chron., Feb. 25. and 26., 1839.) 



Gardeners' Benevolent Association. We observe, in the Gardener's Gazette 

 of March 9., that this Society, which has been under discussion in that journal 

 for some weeks, is finally established, the Duke of Cambridge having accepted 

 the office of President. It is but justice to Mr. Glenny, to state that this 

 result is entirely owing to the energetic manner with which he follows up 

 whatever he takes in hand. When the rules and regulations of the Society 

 are finally adjusted, we shall be happy to give them publicity, gratis, in our 

 advertising sheet. — Cond. 



SCOTLAND. 



Effects of the Hurricane of January 7.-— In Dumfriesshire more damage 

 appears to have been done than in any other county of Scotland. At Arbig- 

 land, the seat of a family celebrated in the agricultural history of Scotland, 

 upwards of 100 old trees were blown down. On the Earl of Mansfield's 

 estate, between Dumfries and Annan, above 1000 trees were destroyed; and a 

 number of other places are mentioned in the Dumfries Courier of Jan. 9., as 

 having lost from half a dozen to 200 trees and upwards. " At Dalscone, still 

 greater damage was done in the same way ; and at Gill, on the road to Craigs, 

 a tree .supposed to be 200 years old was not only uprooted, but lifted into the 

 air, notwithstanding its great bulk. In its descent, it lighted on another 

 goodly tree, where it still dangles, with its roots uppermost and top down- 

 wards." (Dumfries Courier, Jan. 9.) In the same journal, for January 23., a 

 number of other instances are given, and among these one where 10,000 trees 

 were blown down or broken over. The pine and fir are said to have suffered 

 in the proportion of 30 to 1. Those having roots like the oaks suffered least; 

 and it is very properly suggested, that, " where any of the roots of oak remain 

 in contact with the soil, it will be wise to let them alone till the spring; the 

 sap will then move to some extent, and the bark will be rendered available, 





