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 and bids fair to endure the blighting winds of Cornwall. My two largest Pines of this species measure, respectively, ten feet eight and thirteen feet five in height, and were planted about the year 1841. I conclude with one remark on the management of Fir plantations, the result of some years' experience. Thinning ought to be commenced at a very early period, before the thinnings are of any value. It tends greatly to the thriving of the trees to admit the sun and air freely, as soon as a shelter has been formed against the prevailing winds. Weeds and underwood should be cut and laid round the trees, which will keep the trees from the too powerful effect of the sun, and will also check the growth of the weeds. One thinning prepares the way for an early repetition, and as soon as the branches meet, the intermediate trees should be cut down. I never cut the side limbs of a Fir, except preparatory to felling it the succeeding winter; and the flourishing state of my plantations fully confirms the propriety of this mode of treatment. Planters generally begin to thin their plantations when injury has been already sustained by the trees growing too near, and by the want of the free access of the air and the sun.

Penrose.

August 25th, 1847.

The Ceylon Botanic Garden.

(Extract of a despatch to the Colonial Secretary from J. EMERSON TENNENT, on the condition of the Ceylon Botanic Garden.)

In connexion with the agriculture of the island, I feel it my duty to call your Lordship's attention to the very satisfactory progress of this institution, and the services which it is rendering to the development of the natural resources of the island. The attention of its superintendent, Dr. Gardner, has been directed not merely to scientific investigation, but to the introduction from other countries and the acclimatized cultivation of such exotic plants as are likely to add to the agricultural wealth of the island. Previously to the arrival of the present superintendent, who was selected by Sir W. J. Hooker, the garden had been so neglected as to be almost valueless to the colony. By Dr. Gardner's attention and exertions, it is now one of the most flourishing and useful institutions in India: large nurseries have been established for the propagation and distribution of useful plants,