184 The Jloyal Botanic Garden at Ke-js. 



and instructive state ornaments we possess, and one which is at the same 

 time so beneficial to science. It is given as an excuse, that the present 

 sovereign has no taste for botany or gardening ; but that appears to us far 

 from being a sufficient reason. The same sovereign may have no taste for 

 pictures, or statues, or books. Would that be a satisfactory reason for dis- 

 posing of the ro) al collections, or libraries ? Supposing the taste of the 

 sovereign to change, and botany and gardening to become favourite pursuits ; 

 is the sovereign in that case to be precluded from indulging in them ? or is 

 the country to be put to the expense of again assembling together such a col- 

 lection as now exists at Kew ? In the latter case, indeed, we doubt if it would 

 be practicable to do so at any expense. Either the Royal Botanic Garden at 

 Kew is an appendage to the crown, which the crown is allowed a certain sum 

 to keep up, or it is not. If it is, then we cannot understand on what principle 

 this appendage is proposed to be dispensed with, without an especial act of 

 parliament. If it is not, then we say let the subject be discussed in parliament, 

 and let it be ascertained how far it will be advisable to dispense with what has 

 hitherto been considered a state ornament. We know of only two substantial 

 arguments in favour of giving up the Royal Botanic Garden at Kew : and 

 these are, the miserable style in which it has lately been kept up for want of 

 funds ; and, secondly, the exclusive system on which it has, till lately, been 

 managed, from the superintendants acting on the now obsolete idea, that the 

 king's garden ought, if possible, to contain plants which were not in the 

 gardens of any of his subjects. This last feeling has, however, in a great 

 measure been given up of late years ; and, at all events, this reason and the 

 preceding one call only for reform in the management of the garden, not its 

 destruction. — Cond. 



Since the above was sent to the printer, we have seen the Literaiy 

 Gazette of February 22., in which is the following paragraph. 



Anticipated Destruction of Kew Gardens. — The Earl of Surrey, lord trea- 

 surer of Her Majesty's household, has just made, on the part of the govern- 

 ment, an offer to the council of the Horticultm-al Society, to sell the whole of 

 the unrivalled collection of plants in the Botanic Garden at Kew. This far- 

 famed garden was founded by a princess of the house of Saxe-Gotha, the 

 illustrious predecessor of His Royal Highness Prince Albeit, and wife of 

 Frederick, Prince of Wales. It was laid out by Sir William Chambers. It 

 contains, and has always contained, the finest collection in the world. It was 

 a source of great interest to Geoi'ge the Third, and to his consort. Queen 

 Charlotte ; and, in more recent times, to George the Fourth, and William the 

 Fourth : the last-named monarch erected the splendid new conservatory. 

 The whole expense of the gardens, including every thing, even to money paid 

 to the assistant gardeners, does not exceed 1000/. a year. [This must be a 

 mistake ; 2000/. is probably nearer the truth.] The council of the Horti- 

 cultural Society refused to purchase, and expressed their sorrow and regret 

 at the offer having been made, viewing it as a national misfortune. Since the 

 rejection of this proposal, we are assured that in a few days the plants will be 

 given to those who ask them. The palm-house, which contains some of the 

 finest specimens in Europe, could not be replaced under any circumstances j 

 the plants must inevitably perish, they cannot be removed and prosper, for 

 they are planted in the soil. The collection, also, of Australian plants is un- 

 equalled, both in extent and in the size and beauty of the specimens ; removal 

 of them will also be followed by destruction. In fine, the garden contains the 

 veo-etable treasures brought home by Captains Cook, Vancouver, Tuckey, and 

 other distinguished navigators ; and the anticipated abandonment by the 

 government is viewed by the whole of the scientific circles in the metropolis 

 with feelings of the deepest regret. (^Lit. Gaz., Feb. 22. 1840.) 



