decidedly superior to the covered barley with respect to the quality of the grain; an equal measure weighs about a fifth more. The absence of skin must render the meal sweeter and better; in short, every body agrees in praising them, and yet they have never been brought into general cultivation. I speak at least of France; two species, the large with two rows, and the small, or celestial barley (orge céleste), have for a long time been tried and recommended, and I know of no locality where they have become market grain. To what must this be attributed? Is it only to the force of habit, and to the difficulty which, often without any other reason, new things find in obtaining a place beside the old, or have these sorts of naked barley any obvious defect which may have prevented their adoption? I am inclined to believe that both causes have had their effect here; but I cannot decidedly settle the question. Though I sow every year a certain extent of these species for the commercial collection of the house, I have never compared them sufficiently exactly with the common barley, to judge with certainty of their respective merit. These crops have, however, furnished me with some ideas, which I now communicate to you.

The large naked barley, or naked two-rowed barley (orge nue distique), (that to which the article in the Gard. Mag. refers), is the largest in the grain of the naked sorts; the ear is fine, long, and well filled; it is the earliest sort of barley, and perhaps of all grain. Opposed to these qualities it has some defects the straw, scarcely so high as that of the common barley, is less strong in the stalk; it is subject to fall over, and to shed its seed, and to become entangled, which renders mowing very inconvenient, and causes loss. But the greatest disadvantage consists in the difficulty of thrashing; the grain. adheres so strongly to the axis that it can only be separated by the strokes of the flail; and the straw after this operation is broken and good for little. An eminent agriculturist, the late Marquis of Barbançois, author of a small volume full of good observations, says that he has rejected this naked barley on account of this defect, notwithstanding its other advantages. In the part of Berry where he resided (the neighbourhood of Buzançais), barley straw is considered the best of all for horses, and reserved for their fodder. This was certainly a great disadvantage in the naked barley; in richer districts, where this straw is in less estimation, the detriment may not be so great.

The small species, or orge céleste, is also difficult to thrash, but less so than the preceding; the grain is smaller, fairer, and more delicate. It sends up many shoots; the straw is higher than that of common barley, larger, and firmer in the ground. From these qualities it seems to be superior to the preceding species, but it is more tenacious of the quality of the soil. In a middling soil, part of the ear cannot escape from the sheath, and is abortive. It has besides the defect of reproducing for a long time successive shoots, so that there are some quite young and herbaceous at the root when the first stalks are ripe. Notwithstanding this, good crops have been obtained, and I think on the whole it is a good grain. About twenty-five years ago this species was very much increased and noticed, in Belgium, under the names of Blé de Mai, Blé d'Egypte, and Blé de Cent Jours. The cultivation of it was then encouraged by the government; I do not know if it has kept its ground since.

I have also tried the barley of Nepal, or trifurcate barley, in the fields for some years, so remarkable for its singular ears without beards. The stalks are extremely thick, the leaves very broad. The grain is shorter, and not so fine as that of the two preceding species. In 1838 it yielded a produce equal in weight to that of common barley. I do not yet know what to think of it. I understand from Mr. Lawson, that in Scotland they were tolerably well pleased with it.

I shall conclude by enumerating the different species and varieties with naked grains which we now possess:

1. The large naked barley (Hordeum distichum nùdum).

2. The small, or celestial, barley (H. vulgàre nùdum; H. cœléste Linn.)

3. The naked barley, Risso. Straw shorter than the preceding; ear yellower; grain rather larger, shorter, of the consistency of that of the large naked barley. I received it from the late M. Risso, under the name of Orge céleste, but it differs considerably from that of the North.

4. The barley of Guimalaye (in Taurida). Fine ear similar to that of H. vulgàre vérnum; straw of a good height, ripens earlier than that of orge céleste; grain greenish. It was lately given to me by M. Pepin, Principal of the School of Botany at the Jardin du Roi, and appears to be very good.

5. The barley of Guimalaye, with purple grain, Sub-variety of the preceding; the same origin.

These three varieties (3, 4, 5.) belong, like No. 2., to the species H. vulgare Lin.

6. The barley of Nepal, or trifurcate (H. trifurcàtum Ser.).

Besides these some new varieties have lately arrived at the Jardin des Plantes, among seeds received from Abyssinia. A portion of each has been sent to us. We shall sow them next spring.

You will see that there is room for further study and experiments, in order to arrive at the exact appreciation of the merit of the naked barley in general, and of the different species and varieties in particular. A great number of trials have been made on Nos. 1 and 2., but the greater part of them have not been followed up sufficiently, and very few of the statements have been laid before the public.

The great fault of almost all has been the not bringing one or more of the old species into comparison. This would be the only means of obtaining ideas on the subject, perfectly useful and satisfactory to the minds of practical men. - Vilmorin. Paris, Sept. 1840.

ART. IV. Queries and Answers.

THE Cause of Curl in the Leaves of Vines. (p. 568.)—A subscriber at Knightsbridge (p. 568.) wishes to know the cause of the curl in the leaves of vines. Whenever vine leaves flag, they are sure to curl afterwards, as the sap is stagnated, and the veins of the leaves get contracted when in a drooping state; and the sap being checked causes a curl and rough surface all over the leaves. The flagging of vine leaves is caused in many ways; viz. from the roots being injured, from vineries being kept too hot when the leaves are young and tender, and the sap being excited so as not to be able to supply all the wood; from heavy cropping, or from keeping too much wood in the vines. — William Wilson. Blagdon Gardens, Northumberland, Oct. 14. 1840.

ART. V. Biographical Memoir of Charles Augustus Sckell, Intendant of the Royal Gardens of the Kingdom of Bavaria.

DIED on the 10th of July, 1840, in consequence of an apoplectic fit, Charles Augustus Sckell, garden director of the kingdom of Bavaria. The name of Sckell is so celebrated among landscape-gardeners and friends of gardening, and the deceased has, himself, contributed so much to support and extend the same fame, that a short notice of his death cannot be out of place in your interesting pages.

Even to the fourth generation the family of Sckell has distinguished itself in gardening, and the application of its principles; and for nearly a hundred years, the grandfather, grandchildren, and great grandchildren have been celebrated in this branch of knowledge by their services to the chief of Bavaria. The deceased's uncle, Frederick Lewis von Sckell, effected the most for the art, at a time when the nation showed a disinclination for the old French style of gardening; and he, by renewing it, and particularly in the South o

Germany, produced a most æsthetical effect in the art of landscape-gardening. Munich is indebted to him for its beautiful gardens; the English garden, the garden at Nymphenburg, Biederstein, and the improvements in the Royal Gardens; and his name will ever live in the grateful recollection of the public generally, as well as in the hearts of his professional brethren. If these have not had opportunities of displaying their talents in similar great undertakings, arising either from political changes or other circumstances, they have always remained faithful to the prototype of their master and friend; and, by more fully establishing and extending his principles, have, to the present day, creditably supported one of the most beautiful and comprehensive departments in the art of gardening. Much of this merit is due to the deceased. He was born in 1794 at Karlsberg, near Zweibrücken, where his father, Matthew Sckell, was gardener to the Duke Charles of Zweibrücken, and towards the end of the last century came to Munich, when the king, Maximilian Joseph, succeeded to the electorate of Bavaria. His father was appointed head gardener at Nymphenburg, where he effectually realised his brother's intentions. Preceded by such men, and guided by their example, young Sckell grew up amid the favourable auspices of his future greatness; but he had originally but little inclination for the art of gardening, and on leaving the gymnasium in Munich, wished to continue his studies at the High School, when, in 1811, a variety of circumstances induced him to succeed to this hereditary profession. After a regular apprenticeship he visited the most celebrated gardens in Germany, Holland, and France, and stayed a long time in England in the Botanic Garden at Kew, and at Lee and Kennedy's at Hammersmith. The bounty of his sovereign also enabled him to travel in England and Scotland, with a view of pursuing his studies, and to make himself thoroughly acquainted with the noble and simple style of landscape-gardening practised by Kent and Brown. The death of his father, in 1817, called him suddenly home, where he succeeded to his place as royal gardener at Nymphenburg. He had the good fortune to be under his uncle's directions till 1823, during which time he became more fully conversant with the art, and gave proofs of his acquired knowledge. At that time the gardens at Nymphenburg were very much improved, many new scenes formed, and many tasteful gardens belonging to private individuals were laid out. The hothouse and green-house plants at Nymphenburg which had been collected by his uncle, and also by himself on his journeys, and through the various connexions he had formed, increased so rapidly, that it was found necessary to make a considerable addition to the houses, and which was readily effected by the beneficence of the king.

On the death of his uncle in 1823, the king, Maximilian, appointed him Inspector of the Royal Gardens. In fulfilling this high office he remained faithful to his taste for landscape-gardening, and by making an annual journey to the romantic regions of Bavaria, he there found the best models for gardens, hills, waterfalls, groups of trees, &c.

The chief scene of Sckell's labours of late years has been in Munich; such as the garden belonging to the Ruhmeshalle in the Theresenweise, the Pinakothek, the gardens of several institutions, and of rich private individuals; and in Kissingen, the gardens of the baths there. In the English garden, and also in Nymphenburg, he has formed many beautiful scenes, which give evidence of the pure taste and talents of the deceased. During the seventeen years which he had the management of the Royal Nurseries, they were found to increase in value and extent; and the fruit and vegetable departments were greatly improved, and new sorts introduced. To all those acquainted with the difficulties of the soil and climate of Munich for gardening, it will be evident what share of merit is due to the services of Sckell.

His Majesty the King of Bavaria valued his labours, and rewarded him by raising him to the office of Royal Garden Director in 1833, and with an increase to his salary, and, in 1837, he was elevated to the office of Intendant of all the Royal Gardens in the kingdom of Bavaria. In this honourable situation he lived till his death, which at so early an age called him to another

state of existence. He was a mild and just master, an affectionate husband, and a faithful friend. He is therefore worthy of the tears shed to his memory by those who are left behind. Peace be to his ashes!— L. C. S. Garten Zeitung, 1840.

ART. VI. Provincial Horticultural Societies.

OUR notices this year, as in that preceding, commence with November 1. 1839, and extend to November 1. 1840; and, as before, we have only given details when we have been enabled to do so through the kindness of the secretaries of societies in sending us newspapers. The total number of societies noticed last year was, England, 121; Wales, 1; Channel Islands, 2; Scotland, 25; and Ireland, 14. This year the numbers noticed are, England, 102; Wales, 1; Channel Islands, 2; Scotland, 16; and Ireland, 3; by which it appears that there is a falling off of about one fifth part; but this apparent result is probably owing to the indifference of the local secretaries in sending local newspapers containing accounts of the meetings of the provincial societies to our own and other journals.

ENGLAND.

The Horticultural Society of London.

found in p. 318.

Abstracts of the proceedings will be

The West London Gardeners' Association for mutual Instruction. -Abstracts of the proceedings will be found in p. 172. 313. 379. 420, and 611. The Royal Botanic Society of London. Notices of the proceedings will be be found in p. 321. 514.

BEDFORDSHIRE.

Biggleswade Horticultural Society. — April 27. See Gard. Gaz., 1840, p. 328.—July 24. Ibid., p. 511.

Berkshire Royal Horticultural Society. May 27. See Ibid., 1840, p. 360. BUCKINGHAMSHIRE. Hartwell Gooseberry Show. Aug. 10. Ibid., CAMBRIDGESHIRE. Horticultural Society. - Autumn show, 1839. See Ibid., 1839, p. 820.- Spring show, 1840. Ibid., 1840, p. 216.

p. 535.

The Cambridge Horticultural Fête was held July 16., when the following cottagers' prizes were awarded :— best collection of vegetables, Wm. Clarke, Bourne; second best ditto, Ellis Lawson, Bourse; third best ditto, Peter Fuller, Great Abington; fourth best ditto, Thos. Shelford, ditto; fifth best ditto, John Saunders, Bourne; sixth best ditto, James Blows, ditto. The company included all the most influential and fashionable people of the county, and the numbers admitted amounted to upwards of 5500. (Farm. Journ., July 20.)

Cambridge Horticultural Fête.-Sept. 11. See Gard. Gaz., 1840, p. 599. Cambridge Annual Dahlia Show. Ibid., p. 617.

Cambridge Florists' Society. - Sept. 28. See Ibid., p. 664.

CHESHIRE.Chester Floricultural and Horticultural Society.— April 29. See Ibid., 1840, p. 311.

1840.

Northwich Floricultural and Horticultural Society. Ibid., 1840, p. 311.

- Spring show.

See

See Ibid.,

Sandbach Floricultural and Horticultural Society. — May 15. 1840, p. 351. Stockport Annual Tulip Show.. May 16. See Ibid., 1840, p. 319. CORNWALL. Royal Horticultural Society of Cornwall. The first meeting this season was held at Truro on May 15. Among the flowers in the room, there was not anything which, from its rarity or its novelty, would call for particular remark. The following cottagers' prizes were awarded :—Best nosegay geraniums, 2s. 6d., Francis Green, Kenwyn. Best six tulips, 2s. 6d., Joseph Tamblyn, St. Mary's. Best nosegay of wallflowers (double), 2s. 6d., John Eudey, Illogan. Best nosegay of stocks (double). 2s., John Bond, Kea. Best nosegay of flowers, 3s., John Eudey, Illogan. Best six apples, of 1839,

5s., Nicholas Scobell, Kea. Best six turnips, 1840, 5s., Henry Lobb, St. Gluvias; second ditto, 2s. 6d., Peter Murton, St. Gluvias. Best three lettuces, 2s. 6d., Peter Murton, St. Gluvias. Best six onions, 5s., 1840, John Gay, Feock; second ditto, ditto, 2s. 6d., Thomas Gay, Feock. Best six leeks, 58., Thomas Merifield, St. Mary's; second ditto, 2s. 6d., John Eudey, Illogan. Best six carrots, 1840, 2s. 6d., Peter Murton, St. Gluvias. Best dish of spinach, 2s. 6d., Walter Lance, St. Mary's. Best two cabbages, 5s., Richard Pearce, Illogan; second ditto, 2s. 6d., Samuel Martin, Mylor. Best twelve potatoes, of the growth of 1840, 7s. 6d., John Eudey, Illogan. Best basket of vegetables, of sorts, 7s. 6d., John Eudey, Illogan; second ditto, 5s., Peter Murton, St. Gluvias.

Extras. Rhubarb, 2s. 6d., Henry Lobb, St. Gluvias; spinach, 2s. 6d., Henry Lobb, St. Gluvias; eschalots, 2s. 6d., George Marks, Kenwyn; apples, 2s. 6d., James Trevena, St. Gluvias; gooseberries (of one sort), 2s. 6d., John Luxton, Kenwyn; heartsease, 2s. 6d., James Luxton, Kenwyn. (West Briton, May 27.)

The second exhibition of this Society was held on July 17., at Falmouth. The show of plants and flowers was a very good, though by no means a large, one; and the attendance was tolerably numerous, and highly respectable. The vegetables and fruits shown by the cottagers were especially worthy of notice and of commendation; for, without possessing the means which wealth will always command, to adopt every kind of valuable suggestion that the advancement of science may afford, the cottagers' productions were barely excelled by their more wealthy competitors. This state of things is most satisfactory on more grounds than one, and it is with great pleasure that we again record a fact which is not now asserted for the first time. (Ibid., July 24.)

The third and last meeting of the season was held on September 15. at Truro, and, in spite of the stormy state of the weather, there was a very numerous and fashionable attendance of visiters from all parts of the county. The appearance of the room was unusually gay, although the supply of plants was not so large as is frequently seen. The pillars, and underneath the gallery, were tastily festooned, and there were two very beautiful_devices exhibited, which presented a coup d'oeil that was highly gratifying. The first was a very large and elegant device, formed of dahlias by Mr. Treseder, the present occupant of the gardens formerly belonging to Lewis Daubuz, Esq. This was behind the president's chair, and in the centre of the room. The design embraced, inter alia, the words “Victoria Rex;" but although we cannot praise Mr. Treseder's Latin, which perhaps he does not wish to have praised, we may justly say he deserves great credit for his beautiful and varied display of this elegant flower. At the bottom of the room stood the other device, formed of different flowers, and consisting of the initials "V. R. A.” These were surmounted with a crown. This device was exhibited by George Nicolls Simmons, Esq., and obtained for that gentleman the silver medal, another stimulus in addition to the many he has already received for his successful cultivation of botanical science. The orchidaceous plants, though small as to the supply, were select. There was a new species, named Maxillària Skínneri, by Mr. Bateman, in compliment to its discoverer, G. Ure Skinner, Esq., of Guatemala, a gentleman to whom the botanical collections of this country are under great obligations, for the liberality with which he has contributed some of the finest productions of the interesting spot on which he resides. This plant was grown by Sir C. Lemon, and is the first that has flowered in this country. The show of fruit was highly gratifying, and, without particularising, we may say that the melons, pines, strawberries, cherries, currants, and grapes (a second crop from the garden of S. Moyle, Esq.), apples, pears, &c. &c., were worthy of all praise. The cottagers' exhibition was very beautiful; really far superior to anything that we have ever had of the kind. There were not many flowers shown, the articles exhibited being chiefly of the more useful kind. (İbid., Sept. 18.)

Trecan Cottage-Gardening Society.. 8140. DEC.

The sixth annual exhibition of this Y Y