1853. THE PHILADELPHIA FLORIST. 345 



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A Committee on Botany. ry 



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 The Pennsylvania Horticultural Society, founded now about twen- \ 



ty-six years, confines its operations, according to its constitution, to 1 

 the promotion of Horticulture alone : that is, the improvement of 

 plants, fruits, and vegetables. When we say plants, we mean as we 

 suppose the constitution implies, ornamental flowering plants; Botany 

 as a science, is without its sphere of action; yet so closely does the 

 science of Botany connect itself with that of Horticulture that it would 

 require all the care which a a zealous guardian of the constitution 

 could bestow to keep it out. It will edge itself in at times. For in- 

 stance, a great novelty may be brought up at some of the meetings of 

 the Society, set forth as an extraordinar}' new vegetable, hitherto un- 

 known ; perhaps a new spinach from New Zealand, or a new monster 

 beet from California, or a new squash from South America, or Cuba, 

 or somewhere else : and what do the members of the committee know 

 as to its history or character without recourse to botanical science 1 

 Questions may aiiseas to identity of species of two plants competing 

 for a premium, in a collection which if proved to be distinct would 

 ensure for the exhibitor the justly merited premium, but if identical 

 would disqualify. Indigenous plants are however exhibited, but only 

 as ornamental flowers in bouquets and baskets, although we see indi- 

 genous plants in pots set forth in the schedule. The Pennsylvania 

 Society has no Herbarium ! With all the facilities which the exten- 

 sive correspondence of its officers ensures, no cabinet of seeds or ve- 

 getable products is possessed by it. We hope to see a change in all 

 these important matters, and Dr. Kennedy's motion will be the means. 



R.R.S. 



Our Monthly Tour of Inspection 



There is little to interest the general observer in the out-door de- 

 partment of gardens; at this season the greenhouse and conservatory 

 attract unusual attention. The expe;ienced gardener, furnished with 

 proper means and facilities, is there enabled to produce a few gems to 

 cheer the gloomy aspect of the season. 



At James Dundas' we observed a fine specimen of Cattjeya anceps, 

 or clawed Cattleya, a showy orchid, and one of the most familiar spe- 

 cies of this beautiful genus. The extensive collection of exotic ferns 

 to be found here impart a freshness to the houses, and are much admi- 

 red for their graceful and varied forms. 



James Ritchie's houses, of West Kensington, deserve a visit, now j 

 ul that the Camellias are coming into bloom. He is well known as an A 

 j2 experienced grower, and has introduced several new hybrids. Hik£ 



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