72 THE FLORIST AND 
nals. From its office above a quarter of a million of colored plates, repre- 
senting the finest of the newly introduced plants, are yearly issued; the 
nursery furnishes an equally enormous number of new plants, and it is 
alike difficult to determine the influence which both of them exercise in 
favor of horticulture, and the limits which this influence has not yet been 
able to surpass. 
From the foregoing remarks, we will the more easily understand why the 
Belgian government, when the erection of a horticultural school was taken 
into consideration, entrusted without hesitation to M. Van Houtte the 
task of founding and directing this institution : the best practical school for 
young gardeners was found to exist already in his extensive establishment, 
where every branch of horticulture is carried on on a great scale. The 
third department, the G-ardener s Educational School, was therefore 
created, and we are happy to say, this institution, in its management, 
direction, and results, did not fall short of the most sanguine expectations, 
which were justly founded upon the creative talents and the zealous efibrts 
of its founder. The young men, admitted between the age of fifteen to 
twenty, receive instruction, board and lodging in the establishment. The 
pension is 500 francs per annum. The course of lectures lasts three years, 
and comprises all matters which in every way an accomplished gardener 
ought to know. The professors are appointed and paid by the Belgian 
government. This institution is equally open to all foreigners, and though 
only founded about five years since, is already frequented by young men 
of all nations. Spacious lecture-rooms, a well ventilated dormitory, and a 
rich garden-museum, library and herbarium, fill the second story of the 
long building already mentioned, the ground floor of which contains, besides 
the office of the " Flore," several sitting rooms for the young men, the 
spacious rooms for packing, stabling and other accommodations. Another 
large building contains the work-shops of the joiners, carpenters, painters 
and glaziers, all of whom find constant employment in the construction of 
new houses, frames, lights, etc., or in the keeping in order of the vast 
material already on hand. The second story and garret are occupied by 
the seed warehouse. 
Nursery business, office of the " Flore,'" and Gardener's Educational 
School, — these three departments (every one of which already being an 
extensive concern,) form together an establishment fwhich, ingenious in 
its foundation and admirably organized in all its branches, certainly 
justifies the appellation unique in the most extensive acceptation of the 
term. Its far extending and fruitful activity for the promotion of horticul- 
