GEOLOGY FOR BEGINNERS. 
553 
not an}' of which bring good hearts, and all 
are, for the most part, but a poor apology for 
greens. When a Cabbage is cut, the leaves 
should be cut off the stem, and as soon as the 
buds of the stump begin to grow, rub off, or 
out, all that are not wanted, leaving one of 
the strongest and best to grow into a head, 
which it will do in an incredibly short time ; 
equalling, and more frequently excelling, the 
first head itself in flavour and appearance. This 
is adapted for families more than market gar- 
dens, because there is some trouble in rubbing 
or taking off the useless shoots ; but it is well 
worth while in the case of early Cabbages, in a 
private family; for it forms an excellent second 
crop. 
DENDROBIUM KINGIANUM. 
(Bidwill.) 
CAPT. KING'S DENDROBIUM. 
This belongs to a race of which we very 
seldom introduce figures into this work, chiefly 
on account of their requiring a high tempera- 
ture, and peculiar treatment, which places them 
in great measure beyond the reach of those to 
whom this work is specially addressed. In 
this case, we have one of several of this sin- 
gular, and beautiful, and grotesque family, 
which by no means require the high tempera- 
ture which, in the minds of many persons, 
seems hardly separable from the term " or- 
chidaceous plants." From our own personal 
knowledge, we can state this plant to be an 
exceedingly pretty subject, and worthy of cul- 
tivation. 
It is quite a small plant. ' The flower-stems 
do not rise many inches high ; they issue from 
between a pair (usually so, but sometimes 
four) of oval leaves, on the top of a short 
jointed stem, each producing about three 
rather small, but exceedingly pretty, rose- 
pink flowers, spotted and marked with crimson 
in the centre. They are produced in the 
early part of spring. 
The plant is a native of New Holland, and 
in cultivation requires only a warm green- 
house to bring it to perfection. It may either 
be potted in turfy peat earth, or attached to 
a block of wood, and suspended from one of 
the rafters. In winter it must have but little 
water, but in the summer a larger supply 
might be given. If grown on blocks, those 
that have been slightly charred on the surface 
are to be preferred. It should be fastened 
to the blocks with copper or zinc wire, the 
roots being enveloped in a slight covering of 
moss. 
GEOLOGY FOR BEGINNERS.* 
There is hardly any science more difficult 
to understand than that of Geology. The 
uninitiated are lost at whatever point they 
commence it ; and they have accomplish^ no 
small portion when they have learned even 
what it means, and what ends it is intended 
to accomplish. Mr. Richardson has adapted 
his work to those who are altogether unac- 
quainted with the subject. To commence 
with the definition of the science, geology, 
then, means an inquiry into universal nature, 
extending through all her kingdoms, animal 
vegetable, and mineral ; and comprising in 
its investigations all time, past, present, 
and to come. The present explains to us the 
past ; the past and present reveal to us the 
future. The examination into existing 
geological phenomena, causes, and effects, 
enables us to understand those which have 
occurred in past periods of our earth ; to 
interpret nature by herself ; and to appreciate 
agencies and results which are obscure and 
remote, by a comparison with such as are 
familiar and well known ; while the study 
both of the past and present, empowers us to 
deduce presages of the future ; and to infer 
the nature of those changes and vicissitudes 
wdiieh will doubtless occur on the face of our 
* Geology for Beginners. By G. F. Richardson, 
F. G. S., of the British Museum. London : Long- 
man, Brown, Green, and Longmans, Paternoster 
Row. 
