2 
THE FLORIST. 
state of perfection, in an ordinary Peaeh-liouse ; it is very 
sliort-jointed, and a most abundant bearer ; tlie bunches are 
large and handsome, with fine shoulders; the shape of the 
berry varies even in the same bunch, sometimes round like the 
Hamburgh, to oval, like the Muscat; the flesh is melting and 
remarkably rich in flavour, fully charged with the aroma of 
the Muscat, and with an unusually high perfume.” 
PROGRESS OP HORTICULTURE, 1857. 
There was wisdom in the suggestion that we should pause at certain 
intervals in our onward march, and allow ourselves time to take stock, 
as it were, and post the progress oi gardening made within a given 
period. This may be made to serve a twofold purpose,—that of 
recording what has been done, and at the same time, by investing the 
cumulative experience of the past, enabling us to draw upon it as we 
proceed in our object of extending the knowledge and simplifying the 
practice of the gardener’s art. 
The commencement of a new year, as well as a new volume of the 
Florist, appears to us the most opportune moment for noticing this 
subject—fraught as it is with interest to those who, with ourselves, are 
watching the progress and extension of horticulture among all ranks of 
our countrymen, as a means of adding to the comforts, and improving 
the social happiness of the times. The record of facts and places 
relating to the improvements made in gardening will also be so far 
valuable to those who may wish personally to inspect what is being 
done at different places,—a mode of obtaining information above all 
others to be recommended to those about to follow in the wake of 
improvement. 
Taking, first, the Horticultural Society of London as standing at the 
head of British gardening, we have the cheering information before us 
that this society is fast regaining its former popularity. For some 
years previous to the last a series of unfortunate causes had produced 
a marked decline in its prosperity, and many felt its re-establishment, 
to say the least of it, doubtful; but by throwing more energy into its 
management, and on the council evincing a determination to maintain 
the gardens, and appeal to the friends of British horticulture for support, 
not only has the sum of nearly £3000 at once been subscribed for that 
purpose, but not less than 220 new fellows have been elected within this 
last year,—a fact strongly corroborative of our previously expressed 
opinion, that so important a society would never be allowed to collapse 
for want of support when once its past claims and prospective utility 
were fairly brought before the public. There can be but little doubt 
now that when the remaining obstacles which clog its progress are 
removed, the Horticultural Society will rise equal to the important 
duties required at its hands. And why should it not ? The interests 
