286 Seharanpore Garden. 



In the 3rd paragraph we learn, that in the previous year, 1838, 

 a large mixed collection, consisting of upwards, of 500 species from the 

 Himalayas, were sent to England at different times by the overland 

 route ; but although they came up freely, a great majority of them were 

 deemed hardly worthy of cultivation in England, and in consequence in 

 the dispatches of the season 1839-40, attention was directed more to abun- 

 dant supplies of selected choice species, than to numerical variety. The 

 collection sent was still rich. The seeds reached England in excellent 

 order, and for the estimation in which they were held, and their success- 

 ful germination, (hardly one failed), the testimony of Dr. Lindley is re- 

 ferred to. 



The 4th paragraph we cannot abridge ; it is as follows : — " The 

 arrangements for the current season have been on a similar scale, and a 

 still richer collection formed. An abundant supply has been sent of the 

 Neoza, or edible pine, and other species of which but sparing quanti- 

 ties went last year. The amount of the dispatches is only limited by 

 the capabilities of the overland mail to transmit them." 



The 5th and 6th paragraphs relate to the introduction of valuable 

 species into India ; viz. the varieties of wheat cultivated in Upper Egypt, 

 and grain seeds from Switzerland ; it being an axiom in scientific agricul- 

 ture in Europe, that grains gradually wear out, if the same sort is con- 

 tinually grown on the same spots, and that an importation from distant 

 localities is required to keep up the produce at the highest standard of 

 quality. On comparing the Switzerland grains with the best Indian 

 grains of the same sort, the superiority of the former was very apparent. 

 The body of the seed of European wheat was formed of a farinaceous 

 powdery albumen, which flew off into a fine dust on crushing ; while 

 the Indian grains were seen to consist of a hard long-looking albumen, 

 which was broken with difficulty, shewing what English agriculturists 

 call a " sleety body," and indicating a comparatively very inferior 

 grain. According to my observation, this is the general character of 

 the wheats cultivated in the plains of India ; and it is worthy of consi- 

 deration, whether the grains of the country might not be improved 

 by the Government encouraging the importation of seed from other 

 countries. 



We pass over 7th and 8th paragraphs, relating to the introduction 

 and cultivation of Rhubarb, Atropa belladonna, Hyosyamus pallidus 

 (Nov. spec. ?) Aconitum, fruit trees, and ornamental plants, which 

 evince an honest interest on the part of Dr. Falconer in the success and 

 utility of the establishment under his superintendence. 



