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PROCEEDINGS OF THE ROYAL HORTICULTURAL SOCIETY. 
effected, the success of most of which is at present uncertain; one, however, a 
cross between the Ivy-leaved Pelargonium and some of the best zoned varieties, 
has been happily accomplished, and it is hoped that out of the numerous 
seedlings some striking novelties may be produced. 
Attempts have also been made towards the cultivation of Truffles and different 
kinds of Mushrooms. The truffle bed has not yet been disturbed, but a better 
result than has attended other attempts is scarcely to be hoped for. It was, 
however, thought right that it should be tried on the best principles; and should 
it not succeed, they will not be deterred from further attempts. So little at 
present is known of the growth of truffles in the infant state, that we must be 
content to work a good deal in the dark. As regards the mushrooms, it 
cannot be known till next aut umn whether any success has been obtained. 
A valuable series of observations on Radiation, and other cognate matters, 
has been made at the suggestion of Mr. Hadwen, which will shortly be published 
in the Journal. 
Great pains have been taken in verifying some of the doubtful plants in the 
collection. 
The Directors feel great pleasure in reporting the great success which has 
been achieved, as regards making the Gardens a school of Horticulture, by 
the employment of students in the work of the Garden. The results of the 
late examination are also very encouraging, and they think it may be 
advantageous, both to the Society, and to young men entering on the pro¬ 
fession of gardening, if the number were extended as opportunities permit. 
PoMOLOGICAL SECTION. 
Fruit Department .—With the view of continuing the experiments in the 
comparison of the numerous varieties of fruits now in the collection at the 
garden, and especially in the vast number of vines, the glazed wall was con¬ 
verted a few years ago into an experimental vinery, where all the varieties are 
trained against the wall on the “ single rod” system, by which means no less 
than 128 varieties have been planted. The last was the first season in which 
any great number of these vines produced fruit, and many important observa¬ 
tions were made which, however, it would be premature at present to announce, 
until they have been confirmed by the experience of another season. It is 
believed, from what the Board have seen, that many of these so-called new 
varieties will prove to be old kinds under new names, some will be found to be 
entirely worthless, while not a few must become useful and permanent additions 
to those already in cultivation. 
Great confusion exists among the large section of grapes included under the 
name of Chasselas ; and for the purpose of throwing as much light as possible 
on the subject, plants of all the varieties known to belong to that section have 
been propagated and grown in pots, and in the ensuing year the whole collec¬ 
tion will be fruited, and many points on which much doubt has hitherto pre¬ 
vailed will be cleared up, and this important section of the grapes will be 
reduced into proper order. 
Another very important subject which has engaged the attention of the Board 
is the collection of figs, of which there are now 7-f varieties in the gardeni Since 
the last report was made, the house in which the figs were usually grown has 
been entirely re-glazed; every alternate sash-bar has been removed from the 
lights, and the small squares of dirty glass with their numerous overlaps have 
been supplanted by squares of large dimensions, thereby introducing a flood of 
light, which is essential to the successful perfecting of the fruit of the fig. 
Considerable progress has also been made in the identification of old varieties 
under new names, and in the fruiting of others that have not hitherto been 
introduced to this country; but, as in the case of all new fruits, great caution 
is required in coming to any conclusions on the subject, and, therefore, before 
any report is made, the Board consider it judicious to repeat their observations 
another season, when, judging from the promising appearance of the trees, they 
