HORTICULTURAL JOURNAL. 167 
important particular, but that sucli knowledge constitutes a science is 
absurd." 
The author's peculiar ideas on the structure of monocotyledouous stems, 
are briefly, and to our mind satisfactorily stated ; but on this point we do 
not wish to express a decided opinion, as we have not given suflicient atten- 
tion to the subject. 
The systematic part of the work is at present of more interest to us ; 
the Linnaean and Dichotomous analysis, preceding the descriptions will be 
of use to those not familiar with the natural arrangement. 
The descriptions of species are full and clear, but the size of the book 
affords very little room for synonyms. 
Some genera which have been ignored, are retained, as the Darlingtonia 
of De Candolle, among the Leguminosae, and the Neottia of Linnaeus, 
amongst Orchideae. 
We have been able to give but a rapid glance at the book, but from that 
we are satisfied that it is worthy of a careful reading, and, as we said above, 
as a handbook, is indispensable. 
THE APPLE BORER. 
The impression has been prevalent, especially at the West, that little need 
be feared from the Apple Borer. And for this reason among others, this 
apparently insignificant insect, has been stealing a march on us, which has 
resulted in great damage. We learn from different quarters that its ravages 
have been terrible. 
A few facts may serve to put this matter fairly before the fruit growers 
among our readers. 
In the fall of 1854, a gentleman of our acquaintance, an amateur in 
gardening, remarked to a friend that nearly one-half of his apple-trees 
were attacked, and that several of them were past cure. He advised his 
friend to look about the roots of Ms trees, and see whether they were not 
infested too. His friend followed his advice, but found none. This spring, 
however, the friend examined his trees more carefully, and found to his 
dismay, a large proportion of his apple-trees seriously damaged. He 
found too, that beyond all doubt, the borer had begun its ravages years ago, 
and that they had multiplied greatly in his trees, while he was congratulating 
himself on his imaginary exemption from them. 
Another fact shows the same state of things. A nurseryman, doing an 
