138 Domestic Notices : — England. 



from the common, the universal, infirmities of men. Let us look at the dif- 

 ference in private life between a frugal and a lavish expenditure ; let us see 

 how practically true it is, that equal means do not yield equal, but on the 

 contrary yield most unequal, results ; and we may then the more readily 

 conceive that English agriculture has large resources as yet almost unopened, 

 upon'which it may draw in the time of need, and which will give ample scope 

 for their exercise, before they have raised our average cultivation to the 

 standard of the South-east of Scotland. (^Foreign and Colonial Quarterli/ 

 Review, as quoted in the Morning Chronicle, Jan. 14. 1843.) 



Art. II. Domestic Notices. 

 ENGLAND. 



The new lioyal Gardens at Frogmore, which have already excited much 

 curiosity in the horticultural world, are progressing very satisfactorily, and bid 

 fair to surpass all existing establishments of the kind. The splendid range of 

 metallic hothouses and greenhouses, which, when completed, will be nearly a 

 thousand feet in length, begins to make a very conspicuous figure, several of 

 the most able workmen in the employ of Jones and Clark of Birmingham (the 

 contractors for the horticultural buildings) having been for many months past 

 actively engaged on the spot. The west wing of the range, to the extent of 

 more than 300 ft., is already nearly completed, and the corresponding portion 

 on the other side is being rapidly proceeded with. In the centre of the range 

 is a neat Gothic structure, designed for the residence of Her Majesty's gar- 

 dener, and it is intended to form a noble terrace or carriage drive in front of 

 the buildings, which, commanding a view of the entire range, will produce a 

 very striking effect. When the several works now in hand are completed, 

 they cannot fail to attract a large number of visitors, and particularly such as 

 take an interest in horticultural pursuits. (Siin.^ 



Bicton Gardens in February, 1 843. — I have now been a week in Exeter, 

 and twice to see Mr. Barnes. The weather here is at present dry and season- 

 able ; wind N. and N.E., with very slight frosts in the mornings ; and there 

 was a slight snow-storm or two at the beginning of this week. I am told 

 there has not been here this winter sufficient frost to kill scarlet geraniums, petu- 

 nias, 5alvia fulgens, and such like things. Where they are under the sheltered 

 walls, they have kept flowering all the winter ; as well as mignonette and 

 many other things. Of course the soft free-growing plants in the open flower- 

 garden were cut with the slight frost in the autumn, at the time the dahlias 

 were cut. Camellias out of doors have flowered beautifull)' all the winter, as 

 well as many of the beautiful scarlet and pink rhododendrons. Mr, Barnes 

 informed me that a large plant of i?hododendron Noblee?zz<m in the flower and 

 American garden had on christmas day above 200 heads of bloom fully ex- 

 panded; but the cold winds this week have turned some of them a httle 

 brown. The peach, apricot, and pear blossoms on the walls are getting very 

 forward. I hope this fine but cold weather is in time to retard and keep 

 things in their places, Mr. Barnes says he never found the ground to work 

 so well as it does this season. There are still excellent pine-apples here, and 

 a good succession coming on. I think I never before saw such a show of 

 pine-apples, at this season of the year, as are now coming on here. The peach- 

 house presents a splendid assemblage of blossoms, and the fruit seemingly 

 setting well. Mr. Barnes's new potatoes are thoroughly ripe, and he has a 

 good crop. Mushrooms, cucumbers, French beans, asparagus, &c., have been 

 very abundant all through the winter, and still continue so. It is really very 

 interesting to be amongst the plants here : the houses are very gay with 

 bloom, and the plants are very healthy and vigorous. Heaths are growing like 

 weeds. The camellia blossoms I never saw so large and perfect in form 

 before. Mr. Barnes has grapes as large as marrowfat peas. The kitchen- 



