If we take a retrospective view of the science of horticulture for the last ten years, we shall certainly find that forcing early fruits has not progressed, but retrograded ; a few, and very few, exceptions to the rule have been found, although especial claims have been iusisted upon that the forcing department is more efficient now than it was at the above-mentioned period. Such, however, is not the case.

There is nothing in the whole routine of a well-kept place, that places the skillful gardener in a higher position than fine crops of early fruit under glass. Since the introduction of improved methods of heating, and invariably claiming our attention, are the different modifications of heating by hot water - the low price of glass, compared with what it was some years since - the enterprise that characterizes some of the wealthy amateurs and gentlemen of refined taste - it is extraordinary that erections for the production of early fruits should be so seldom met with. Gentlemen witness, in many places that fall under their notice, sometimes poor crops, and oftener miserable failures, in structures every way calculated for a different result) and where nature has been but slightly assisted by artificial means. Hence they are deterred from erecting a house, or houses, especially adapted for the production of early fruit, as structures suitable for the purpose would secure an abundant supply, under judicious management, at the earliest possible period, and in the greatest perfection.

Five hundred dollars expended on a house for the purpose of early forcing, would contribute much to the addition of securing a good dessert, beside being an annual contribution that would be hailed with delight, because occurring at a season of the year when ripe fruit would be a most grateful welcome.

Gentlemen should not be deterred from making an essay in the forcing department, because they may witness some experiments that are not successful. Every practical gardener has ambition to excel in the production of early fruits; although it is true that some gardeners may excel as plant cultivators, and find themselves wholly inadequate to conduct successfully an establishment where forcing is made a desideratum. Forcing early fruit should not be allowed to fall into disrepute, because the majority of gardeners may excel in embellishing their respective places in the highest artistic manner with plants, but are wholly inadequate to grapple with the science of forcing. Think of the gratification a gardener would have in placing a dessert upon his employer's table, at an early season of the year, second to none in the world; and horticultural societies would afford him an opportunity of " illustrating " that they were the best in his neighborhood. Then he might with propriety say, that " this dessert, sir, is the best in New York," or " Philadelphia " (as the case might be). Then the merits of a skillful gardener could be realized and appreciated. Interest having been excited in the growing crop, as it advances towards maturity, new interest would be felt for the garden and the produce.

Nothing is better calculated to leave a more lasting impression, than to keep the table well supplied with fruits and vegetables.

By no means must it be understood that I am opposed to plant culture, and excellence in culture, combined with neatness - predominating characteristics in private establishments, which are sure to be favorably noticed. Still, however, it is to be regretted that gardeners do not pay more attention to the culture of fruit than they do, instead of devoting all their time and resources to plant culture, as is too often the case. Hence, a strong desire should animate every gardener, not to excel in one particular branch of the profession, but to have a thorough, practical education, so that it would be a matter of indifference to him whether he was called upon to produce a crop of Grapes, or Peaches, or Nectarines, in the month of April, or a collection of well-grown show plants in the month of May. And he who unites within himself the happy medium of excelling in both practical gardener".