the analysis of the chemist. In a former volume (1849), I took occasion to allude to this subject; more recently, we find an increased attention given it by scientific writers. So much depends upon the decomposing power of the atmosphere, that its presence or absence in a soil will materially effect its productiveness. The soil should be considered as a laboratory, in which, by the aid of air and moisture, chemical changes are constantly occurring, preparing the various kinds of plant food for admission to roots. But let the atmospheric influences be excluded, and this process is stopped; the most valuable ingredients, although present, may now remain unavailable and useless to vegetation, because not in a condition fitted for absorption. It has been proved that soils which, on analysis, have shown a sufficiency of ingredients for a crop, have proved unproductive, because these matters have not been present in an available form. Draining removes the surplus water, and allows the unimpeded access of the various gases upon which vegetable life wholly depends.

FRUIT. The cultivation of the pear-tree grafted on quince roots, is now being a subject of discussion among fruit growers; we should be sorry to see this system of dwarf culture fall into unmerited disrepute. It is a fact beyond dispute, that where a judicious selection of sorts that are adapted to this system has been made, and proper care given in culture, there has been no want of success. It is only by experiment that we can ascertain the kinds adapted to special systems of culture; and in making these experiments, failures must be expected. The list of pears that have been found to succeed on the quince stock, is sufficiently extensive for ordinary purposes of utility, and the list is yearly increasing. The Duchess d'Angouleme, Beurré Giffard, Glout Morceau, Louise Bonne de Jersey, Vicar of Winkfield, and Easter Beurré, will form a reliable collection; but no collection can be reliable unless properly cultivated. Let the ground be loose, deep, and mellow, and not saturated with manure. Plant so as to cover the quince root, whatever others may say. Mulch, both summer and winter. Prune understandingly, and success will be certain. But do not attempt to improve upon the practice of successful growers until you first learn to equal it, nor spend money on special manures, or any other extraordinary expedients, until you are successful under ordinary cultivation.

GREENHOUSE.-Before severe frosty weather prevents out-door operations in the ground, it will be useful to secure a quantity of soil for repotting during winter. Select a quantity of surfy sods from old meadows or pasture grounds, and pile them up under cover. All greenhouse plants will grow well in this. In former years, when vague ideas were held in regard to the relations between the soil and its vegetable products, mysterious virtues were ascribed to certain complicated mixtures of manures and composts. These mixtures are not at present held in such estimation; the intelligent florist looks upon soil as a medium for conveying nourishment, where the roots have presented to them the various gases from which they derive their principal food. To be available for the use of vegetation, soils should not only possess all the ingredients of fertility, in a chemical sense, but its physical condition (its relation to air and water) should also be of a nature to allow a free admission of air to all its parts, and be favorable to the extension and ramification of roots. Fibry soil, such as is derived from decomposed sods, presents all these conditions in an eminent degree. The vegetable matter in which they abound insures porosity, and, as it gradually decays, a constant supply of food is liberated in the immediate vicinity of the roots. The principal care required in the general management at this time, is to guard against excitement. Air may be given freely, and watering must be cautiously conducted. Discriminate between those plants that have completed their growth, and now require a season of rest, and those that are still growing or coming into flower. The latter will require a more constant supply of water than the former. There is no operation in the management of plants in pots that demands more judgment than supplying them judiciously with water; and so varied are their requirements of this element, that no definite rules can be given to be universally applicable.

PLANTING.-In sheltered situations, trees may yet be planted; do not, however, plant in a hurry, but let the ground be thoroughly prepared, and in good condition. It is a commendable practice to prepare the holes now, throwing out the soil, and leaving it exposed, to be acted upon by frosts; by that means, it will acquire a friability not otherwise easily obtained. If you find it more convenient to get your trees now than in the spring, or if your orders have to come from a more northern locality than your own, by all means secure them at once; and, when they arrive, have a deep trench prepared, and lay them in closely, covering them well, at least one-half up their stems; they will then be ready to plant at the earliest fitting moment in spring-a matter of great importance. This is also the best season for transportation. In the hurry of spring work, trees are frequently exposed to parching winds, which are not so prevalent during the present month.