APRIL. 
117 
long will clear away and admit the sunshine of prosperity to visit her 
again. We have seen nothing elsewhere to equal the aristocratic 
assemblages which used to grace the Chiswick Gardens, and gave a 
princely tone to the fete days, not since equalled, and we are glad, 
therefore, to hear of their revival under the new regimey and also that 
the Society is gaining ground in the estimation of the public. Let us 
hope it may not only become hnce more a place of fashionable resort, 
but an institution of practical utility—a much better position—though 
we are fully sensible how much the former might conduce to assist in 
carrying out the latter. 
G. F. 
HORTICULTURAL SOCIETY. 
As we warmly advocated the retention of the Society’s Gardens at 
Chiswick at a time when they were all but doomed, it is the more 
gratifying to us now to inform our readers that a start in earnest has 
been commenced towards a reformation of that establishment. Our 
readers have been apprised that the superintendence of the gardens is 
placed in the hands of Mr. M'Ewen, a gentleman well known to the 
horticultural world ; and from what we know of his talent and previous 
perseverance, we doubt not that he will carry out the reformations 
necessary for placing this department on a footing of practical utility. 
Several improvements in the grounds have already, we hear, been 
commenced, and the public may expect to see considerable alterations 
effected, even by the time of the grand exhibition which takes place 
early in June. But where so much has to be done, time, and that to 
a considerable extent, will be required to complete the many changes 
under contemplation by the executive. 
We think we may confidently assert that the Society has seen its 
worst days, and that in a very short time it will be in a sound and 
healthy position. It is gratifying to see how large an accession of new 
Fellows takes place each day of election, including a number of prac¬ 
tical men who have hitherto kept aloof We name this as a proof that 
the reduction of the annual subscription from four guineas to two 
guineas has been practically a benefit to the Society, and that increased 
confidence is felt by nurserymen and gardeners in its management. 
We look forward to a large increase of new members, to a complete 
renovation of much in the garden, and ultimately to its becoming an 
exponent of horticultural skill and practice worthy of the country. 
We say again, every gentleman owning a garden should encourage this 
establishment by becoming a F.H.S. 
At the last ordinary meeting of the above Society, held on the 3rd 
ult., eleven new Fellows were elected, and H. Behrens, Esq., of 
Travemiinde, was added by the Council to the list of Honorary Mem¬ 
bers, in consideration of his having subscribed the handsome sum of 
£100 towards the fund for maintaining the garden at Chiswick. Of 
Pine-apples some good fruit was exhibited, and there were some very 
