LANDSCAPE GARDENING. 
291 
traced to the chemical union of the two ingredients. I think it, 
however, a duty to pursue experiments; and, if I find opportunity, I 
shall test every mildewed subject that may fall under my notice, and note 
the results very particularly. 
T. 
July 1, 1835. 
ON THE GERMINATION OF SEEDS. 
BY W. M. 
The germination of seeds having excited some interest in former 
numbers of the Register, I was pleased to find the Author of the 
Domestic Gardener’s Manual express that he was prepared to fully 
investigate the subject, which he endeavoured to elucidate by experi¬ 
ments with seeds under glass. So far they may be conclusive, as by 
being so placed they have confined with them the moisture from the 
earth, which having a natural tendency to ascend and disperse in the 
atmosphere, is by such means prevented and turned to account in 
accelerating their germination; also in striking cuttings ; the same 
method is found to be almost indispensible as regards many plants. I 
would also remark that the common glass used for horticultural pur¬ 
poses always presents an unequal surface, refracting or reflecting the 
rays of light in various ways, thereby decomposing it, and rendering it 
very different from any light of nature; whereas seeds placed on the 
natural ground, and left entirely to nature, even should a favourable 
shower or two cause them to protrude forth the rudiment of a root, the 
smallest degree of wind or sun would immediately destroy the vital 
principle, as every horticulturist is aware that plants which have been 
kept in a confined and rarefied atmosphere, require to be hardened very 
gradually before they may be safely placed in contact with the free 
light and air. Hoping these remarks will lead to further investigation, 
I shall be happy to hear the results in some future number. 
W. M. 
LANDSCAPE GARDENING. 
LETTER SECOND. 
Having promised to give you in detail full descriptions of every 
principal feature of this interesting country seat, I seize a leisure hour 
