262 
FRUIT TREE NETTING. 
lent a value, and given a reality to what was considered formerly 
as only a visionary dream. The converts to the doctrine affirm that 
every organ or distinct part of a plant is formed of the same elementary 
matter. This is undeniable ; but, it is added, that none of the organs 
have what is called normal existence, but are indifferently one or other, 
according as external circumstances affect them. Thus, if a tree grows 
luxuriantly, the elementary membranes are extended into shoots and 
leaves ; but if the growth be slow and feeble, the membranes are 
expanded into flowers and fruit, thus virtually denying that the fructi¬ 
ferous organs have any identity in the system. 
It has often been asserted that, animals and vegetables have in many 
particulars great resemblance to each other, and in nothing more than in 
their organic sexuality. The notions of the morphologists, however, 
destroys this similitude; in the first, they must know that these 
essential organs are always present; but in the second, they suppose 
them to be only accidental. A free growing tree contains no fructi¬ 
ferous organs in its structure; according to this new doctrine it only 
contains the common vegetable element of which the flowers and fruit 
are formed. A flower, therefore, is “only a stunted branch,” and, 
“ therefore, all theories of structure inconsistent with these propositions 
must of necessity be vicious.” 
I have thrown these observations together in the hope that yourself 
or some one of your readers will enlighten us who have not seen all the 
books in which this curious doctrine has been treated in detail. 
Perhaps the discussion may elicit something that may be useful as well 
as satisfactory to practical men. 
Querist. 
MISCELLANEOUS INTELLIGENCE. 
Among the many improvements invented for forcing or preserving 
exotic plants by means of heat evolved from some kind of fuel or 
fermentive matter, are those simple coverings which defend from frost 
only. These expedients have been alluded to in a late number of this 
periodical, and therefore have only to notice here that the manufacture 
of nets for garden purposes, viz. defending fruit trees from frost or 
birds, is brought to the greatest perfection by means of machinery; and, 
of course* on very reasonable terms. It also appears that they may be 
made to order, and probably of any desired material.—Orders are re¬ 
ceived at town and country seed-shops. 
