90 Retrospective Criticism. 



In p. 624., line 14. from the bottom, for "three thousand" read "thirty 

 thousand;" and in p. 625., line 5. from the top, for "destruction" read 

 " dispersion." 



In our last Number, p. 35., under fig. 1., for " ^ida pulchella " read " Plagi- 

 anthus La7npen'ii" 



Thoughts on viodern Burying-Grounds. (Vol. for 1842, p. 616.) — In visiting 

 the country I have often regretted the very slovenly and neglected state of 

 the churchyards. If they were judiciously planted with Irish yevi^, cypresses, 

 junipers of different kinds, hollies, box, and other dark evergreens, the grass 

 kept short, and the nettles and brambles destroyed, they would interest the 

 spectator, and tend to keep alive a taste for neatness and decency generally 

 amongst the poorer classes. I cannot doubt but that a great improvement 

 would speedily take place if the public mind were roused on this subject ; 

 and I do think it is of more real importance than may appear at first sight, 

 and your pen would be very powerful if applied to cure this foul disease, 

 though it may be a hereditary one. Pray give the subject that consideration 

 which it deserves ; and draw up yourself, or get some of your correspondents 

 to draw up, a paper, comparing the general states of churchyards in the 

 country with what they might be made by a little attention, and at an expense 

 which the frequenters of the churches would not grudge. I think the Church 

 Society would be very much indebted to you for such a paper, and also that 

 they would cause it to be printed and extensively circulated amongst the 

 clergy. If I stop in a village I generally make a point of visiting the church- 

 yard. I like to see the names, ages, &c. ; but, as I said before, it is generally 

 accompanied with regret at seeing the very slovenly manner in which they 

 are allowed to remain. The churchyard at Henbury near Bristol is an ex- 

 ception ; and one of the neatest village churchyards I have ever seen is about 

 two or three miles west of Henley-on-Thames, but I forget the name at this 

 moment. The churchyard walls, and sometimes even the churches themselves, 

 would be much improved in appearance by ivy being planted to grow up over 

 them. — H. T. Dec. 5. 1842. 



Our readers will find a great many remarks on cemeteries and churchyards, 

 both at home and abroad, in the Notes of our Tours, but we fear little good 

 will be done till the clergy can be induced to take up the subject ; which, 

 happily, in various places they are now doing. The formation of public 

 cemeteries, which are in general kept in a very superior manner to what 

 churchyards are, will contribute to the same desirable end. — Cond. 



Roots and Tops of Trees, — Although Mr. Barnes has of late given some 

 very useful information on this subject, still I may be allowed to make a few 

 remarks on what he says about orange trees in your Vol. for 1843, p. 24. 

 He observes : " 1 purposely keep their lieads ii-om growing this season to any 

 extent, because they should make themselves properly strong at bottom first of 

 all." By this are we to understand that if trees were allowed to make large tops, 

 that would prevent them from making roots ? If so, it is against the received 

 opinion, nay, the I'act, that roots of trees extend accordmgly as their branches 

 do ; for, if otherwise, how is it that those who understand the culture of vines 

 do not prune them the first summer or two after they are planted, but allow 

 them to grow wild, if I may say so, solely with the view of encouraging tlieir 

 roots ? Mr. Crawshay, the celebrated horticulturist, alv.'ays adopted that ])ian 

 with his young vines ; but, as Mr. Barnes mentions that he has "a great deal 

 to say some day on the culture of the vine," perhaps he will then throw more 

 light on the subject. — J. Wigkton. Cossey Gardens, Jan. 6. 1843. 



Lime-water for kiliing Worms. — I hardly know what you consider a fair 

 trial of lime-water for a lawn infested with these pests; but I have tried it so 

 often, and so long, that I give it up. You say, after the worms have come 

 above ground, do so and so ; why, my good Sir, that is the very point 

 at issue between us. I cannot make them come up ; the last time 1 tried, 

 not one out of fifty showed their faces. The truth is, we are ignorant of the 



