272 
NOTICES OF BOTANICAL PUBLICATIONS. 
they have of the inherent chemical capabilities of their soil; and,, con¬ 
sequently, that their mode of manuring and cropping their ground 
may be altogether inapplicable to many gentlemen’s gardens, where the 
soil and situation must necessarily vary much. Now the object of this 
society is, by means of books* and mutual instruction, to enable its 
members to make the science and practice of gardening bear on and be 
subservient to eacli other. For instance, if we find by practice any 
particular soil favourable to the growth of a particular sort of vegetable, 
we, by chemical analysis, ascertain what the constituent properties of 
that soil are (which will probably be found to be composed of alkaline 
earths and common earths in various proportions) ; then when we have 
ascertained this, we are in possession of a quantum of real, useful, and 
definite information. But until gardeners understand the science of 
gardening as well as the practice of it, they need never expect to be 
successful in every branch of their profession. And for young gardeners 
to go to see these market-gardens, that they may merely see the 
astonishing productions thereof without learning anything of the 
nature of the soil and subsoil in which they grow, would be parallel to 
an engineer gazing at a steam-coach passing along the road, that he 
might understand its internal machinery. 
Mr. Burnham acknowledges that “ the life of a young gardener is a 
life of privation why, then, should he oppose a society which is so 
obviously calcu ated, and ’solely intended, to ameliorate his condition, 
by affording him a cheap and efficient means of acquiring a scientific 
knowledge of his profession ? 
This I believe to be the worthy object of Messrs. Walker and Fish’s 
advocacy, as also that of “ W. P. A.,” and I sincerely trust that the day 
is not far distant when these intelligent and benevolent individuals 
will yet have the gratification and honour of accomplishing what they 
have proposed on behalf of their younger brethren, and that their 
laudable design will not be defeated by either prejudice or illiberality. 
Yours, &c. Lucilius. 
Middlesex , MayXAth , 1836. 
NOTICES OF BOTANICAL PUBLICATIONS. 
Edwards’s Botanical Register, continued by Professor Bindley. 
The June number contains- 
1. Habenaria procera. This is a rare species of the genus, and has 
been long marked in the lists of Orchidece by Afzelius and Persoon. 
* I believe it is in the plan of the projected society, that there shall ultimately be 
a library formed by donations and by a trifling subscription from each member. 
