gardeners’ benevolent associations. 179 
The cause of the fall of the leaf is, the disruption of the 
sap vessels at the base of the leaves, by the thickening of the 
pulp by frequent accumulations in its passage to and from the 
leaf. To say that the fall of the foliage is attributable to cold 
is not exactly correct, though it may possibly affect it by in¬ 
creasing the rigidity of the tubes before-mentioned. But there 
are many trees which throw their leaves while the weather is 
still comparatively warm: it must therefore depend more pro¬ 
perly on the obstruction of the sap vessels; for if a branch is 
cut off in summer while the leaves are still in health and per¬ 
forming their several offices, it certainly kills them ; but they 
do not drop off. So that we may conclude that as it is the 
presence of solar influence, by increasing the substance of vege¬ 
table fibre and its elasticity, which induces them to assume an 
evergreen character, so it is its absence by increasing the den¬ 
sity of the fluid matter and the rigidness of the fibre which 
causes that of deciduousness.— Ed. 
GARDENERS’ BENEVOLENT ASSOCIATIONS. 
In the subjoined paper we deviate a little from our usual course 
of confining our remarks to things directly connected with the 
management of plants and flowers, for, in considering the prac¬ 
tice of Horticulture, we are led to think of those who pursue it 
professionally. Gardeners, as a body, are as respectable as 
they are numerous ; and though we find less of pauperism 
among them than any other body of equal number, it does not 
follow that they are better paid (the average is unfortunately 
the reverse); but their respectability may be said to arise from 
the enlightening, invigorating, and moralising pursuit they fol¬ 
low. Still there are always many who from sickness, infirmity, 
or other casual misfortune, are reduced to feel the bitter pang 
of poverty; and our present object is to touch the philanthropy 
of those who, more fortunate than many of their fellow-men, 
are enjoying the good things of this life. To those who are 
suffering what we can but faintly describe, words are but as 
wind, and mere pity an idle remark ; they require something 
more substantial. 
