JUNE. 
135 
dormant powers developed. Horticulture, for 
instance, has a commercial tendency which 
may be carried too far. Charlatanism may 
slide in amongst flowers. Botany, on the 
contrary, is a science, and consequently rests 
on the investigation of pure and simple truth. 
A horticulturist who allows himself to be in¬ 
fluenced by a scientific spirit, necessarily frees 
himself from over-selfish tendencies. Natu¬ 
ral history, on its side, by reason of the per¬ 
fection of its method, its nomenclature, and 
its minute observations, has something tech¬ 
nical and dry about it, which contrasts with 
the grandeur of nature and the sentiment of 
art. It is for horticulture, combining as it 
does the planning and the decorations of gar¬ 
dens, to develope the sesthetic faculties of the 
savant, as of the world in general. A lovely 
flower, beautiful trees, a splendid floral ex¬ 
hibition, excite a sort of admiration and even 
enthusiasm, similar to the effects produced by 
music or painting. 
The powers of the German composers of 
modem days, and those of the Italian painters 
of the sixteenth century, are justly extolled ; 
but may it not also be said that in point of 
art they are equalled, in their way, by the 
beautiful parks of old England P The feeling 
of harmony in form and colour, is it not also 
studied in them ? The effect of contrast, is 
it not skilfully managed ? The gradual tran¬ 
sition from architectural to natural beauties, 
is it not treated in an admirable manner ? 
Yes ; decidedly the English landscape gar¬ 
deners are poets ; they have drawn from the 
same sources of inspiration as the most na¬ 
tional writers of their country, and that 
source is the appreciation, so universal in 
England, of the beautiful, in an aspect of 
nature which is elegant and attractive, though 
somewhat severe. 
Thus, gentlemen, for the development of 
our talents, as well as for our actual benefit, 
Art and Science keep pace together. Let us 
rejoice over their union, rendered conspicuous 
to-day by this congress of botanists, held in 
connection with a great floral exhibition ; and 
after these general observations — perhaps 
rather too protracted—let us enter upon the 
consideration of those more truly scientific 
subjects, in which many among you are no 
doubt disposed to take part. 
CALENDAR OF OPERATIONS. 
OECHID-HOTJSE. 
Shade, water, and a very humid atmosphere 
during this their period of active growth, are 
essential; the Mexican species should, how¬ 
ever, have the cooler end of the house. 
GREENHOUSE. 
Mixed Greenhouse .—Most of the common 
hardwooded plants should either be removed 
to a sheltered place out of doors, or to pits; 
this will make room for Balsams, Fuchsias, 
Neriums, Crassulas, &c., which, with Gera¬ 
niums, will make the house gay for a consider¬ 
able time. Camellias should be watched, and, 
as the growth gets matured, more air must be 
admitted, accompanied with a larger share of 
light; this will induce the formation of bloom- 
buds. If in a house, however, with a south 
aspect, shading must be resorted to during 
bright sunshine. Syringe as usual. Cinerarias. 
—If sufficient seed has been saved, cut down 
all that have not been already so treated, and 
stand them in a cool north aspect. A little 
very fine soil should be placed round the old 
stools to encourage the young shoots that break 
from the bottom to root. Save seed for winter 
blooming. Heaths and Epacrises. — Many 
kinds may now be transferred to pits and 
frames, where they will thrive better, during 
the summer months shading them from the 
hot sun; any done blooming should be cut back 
slightly, to insure a bushy habit, and kept in 
a shady place till they commence to grow. 
Bemoving the young and early-blooming stock 
to frames will permit plants in the Heath- 
house to stand thin, which will be much to 
their advantage. Shading and watering as 
before. 
CONSERVATORY AND SHOW-HOUSE. 
The conservatory should now be kept thin 
of extra plants, to allow of the free growth of 
the proper inmates, which will require air 
plentifully. Water inside borders freely. The 
regulation of climbers should take place 
occasionally, allowing them, however, to grow 
in natural form as much as possible. A north 
house is at this season the best structure for 
showing plants in bloom. 
FORCING. 
Vines .—When the early Grapes are cut, 
apply the syringe, especially if red spider is 
abundant; and give the same attention to pre¬ 
serving the foliage, preceding the ripening of 
the crop. Stop and tie-in the late Vines, and 
proceed with thinning as before advised; in¬ 
side borders will require water oftener. 
Peaches .—Suspend a netting underneath the 
Peaches, &c., to catch the fruit, should any 
fall between the periods of gathering. It is 
better to look them over frequently, as they 
should not be allowed to hang on the tree till 
they get so ripe. Pines. —Shade slightly in very 
bright weather; water, and often, now they 
are swelling off, diminishing it as the fruit 
approaches ripeness. Give air liberally, and 
syringe once or twice daily, according to the 
state of the weather. Bepot succession plants, 
and allow more room for them, as they will 
now growfast. Melons .—Earth up successional 
