342 
Correspondence . 
[May, 
PAUCITY OF ALMOND BLOSSOMS, &c. 
To the Editor of the Journal of Science. 
Sir, — The peculiarity of the season this year is curiously exem- 
plified in the blossoming of the almond tree. Generally in 
February, or early in March, everyone knows that the tree is 
usually clothed with a profusion of light pink blossoms, with a 
total absence of green leaf. This year the leaves appear with- 
out the blossoms, or if there be any blossoms they are scarcely 
distinguishable. This is the more to be regretted, as the wall- 
fruit, peaches, nedtarines, and apricots, follow in suit : there are 
scarcely any blossoms on them. The gardeners explain the 
phenomenon on the hypothesis of unripened wood. — I am, &c., 
Observer. 
Sunbury-on-Thames. 
THE COLOUR-SENSE. 
To the Editor of the Journal of Science. 
Sir, — It has been maintained by Drs. Magnus and Geiger, and 
I believe by Mr. W. E. Gladstone, that the colour-sense in man 
is of recent origin. I rather incline to the opinion that it is 
decaying, if we may judge from the fondness for dull and impure 
colours now so conspicuous, and which perhaps may be due to 
the lowering of the tone of the nervous system which the con- 
ditions of modern life bring on. 
A kindred fadt is the love for bitter foods and beverages trace- 
able to the increase of dyspepsia, and most striking among the 
most dyspeptic peoples. — I am, &c., 
Senex. 
THE MEANING OF BEAUTY. 
To the Editor of the Journal of Science . 
Sir, — When we see objedts openly and conspicuously beautiful 
to the naked eye, such as certain birds, insedts, flowers, &c., we 
