lant, all seeds contributing by far the greatest value in
manures.

In the green-house the object aimed at, is the greatest possible results
from limited area. Of the atmosphere the gardener has almost absolute
control--no siroccos, biting frost, or destructive winds interfere. He
can beat nature all to pieces in growing plants faultless in shape and
in quantity of flowers, but his soil is of limited extent for the roots
to wander in. To counteract this, he can give in other forms just as
much and no more nutrition as is necessary to effect his purpose, and
here comes in this artificial supply of manurial agents.

Mr. DeVrey, the successful superintendent of Lincoln Park, uses horn
shavings. This is the cleanest and most pleasant material that we ever
recollect to have seen used for the purpose, it is the refuse in the
factories where the horns from the slaughterhouse are steamed and
manipulated into the numerous objects they are applied to, not the least
being into knife and fork handles, and the like. It is in the form of
thin shaving of half an inch to an inch in length, quite dry and light,
entirely free from odor. He takes all they make, and this year has a ton
of the material for which he pays at the rate of three cents per pound.
The method of using is simply to mix with the soil at the time of
potting, giving it, to the common eye, as oil specked all through with a
white flaky substance. Its effect is very visible in a clear, healthy
growth, given off gradually, and as it is quite common where vast
quantities of plants are required to be grown in small pots, when there
appears to be a necessity of some new stimulant, it should be given by
the amateur in a larger pot. This is done by shaking nearly all the soil
from the roots and re-potting again if possible in the same sized pots,
thus doing away with all artificial watering, and yet having healthy,
luxuriant growth all the time.

A pound of the material, which is light, will be enough for a
wheelbarrow of potting soil. After all, the question is not so much the
exact material employed of a number of similar agents, as it is with the
intelligence brought to bear so as to apply at the right time the right
quantity, and under the best possible circumstances.

EDGAR SANDERS.

SCIENTIFIC.

AM I A SCOT, OR AM I NOT?

If I should bring a wagon o'er
From Scotland to Columbia's shore,
And by successive wear and tear
The wagon soon should need r