Different Uses of Moss in the Cultivation of Plants. 447 



wards one another, each one confining his knowledge to him- 

 self, like misers hoarding their treasures, neither benefiting 

 themselves nor others so much as they might do : he believed 

 that if they were to exchange knowledge with one another all 

 would be gainers; and quoted the words of Lord Brougham, 

 when he said, " It may easily be demonstrated that there is an 

 advantage in learning, both for the usefulness and the pleasure 

 of it; there is something positively agreeable to all men, to all 

 at least whose nature is not most grovelling and base, in gaining 

 knowledge for its own sake." The other two heard Sandy's 

 proposal with delight, but did not know how to proceed in 

 order to accomplish their object; they agreed to inform their 

 master of their design, and ask his advice and assistance. 



Sandy was appointed to make known what they intended to 

 do ; he did so the first opportunity he had ; their master was 

 glad to hear of their good intentions to each other, and pro- 

 mised to further them with all the assistance in his power. He 

 was a man well advanced in life; he had studied men and 

 manners in a way somewhat different from that recommended 

 by Lord Chesterfield; he was well acquainted with the various 

 branches of his profession, and could turn his acquired know- 

 ledge to good account in practice. He promised to meet with 

 his young men on an early evening, and make arrangements for 

 their future advances in knowledge ; and also to read, by way of 

 introduction, a short essay on certain points which are neces- 

 sary for young gardeners to know and practise. I will say, 

 what has already been said by an eminent author, that " I will 

 never undervalue the pursuits of science and literature, or the 

 diffusion of general knowledge. Far from me be such a purpose ! 

 Most unfeignedly do I rejoice in the advancement of such know- 

 ledge, and in the success of all the means for its universal com- 

 munication by which our age, and especially our country, are 

 distinguished. I have no sympathy with the apprehensions of 

 those who are tremblingly jealous of the spread of information. 

 There is ground for congratulation, not for despondency, in the 

 prevailing thirst for knowledge, and in the zealous desire on the 

 part of those who are in possession of it to gratify that thirst. 

 By all means let it be quenched to the uttermost." 



West Plea?}, July 27. 1842. 



Art. IV. On the different Uses of Moss in the Cultivation of Plants. 

 By M. Heicke. 



(Translated from the Garten Zeitung.') 



That plants planted in damp moss, instead of earth, live and 

 grow is a fact not new, and moreover one that is easily explained ; 



