The name of Larkspur has been given, in consequence of the horn-shaped nectary of the flower, being in form like the spur of a lark's foot. There are many beautiful varieties now cultivated. - Some idea may be formed of the prodigiously increased drain upon the functions of a plant, arising from an increase of dryness in the air, from the following consideration: If we suppose the amount of its perspiration, in a given time, to be 57 grains, the temperature of the air being 75°, and the dew-point 70°, or the saturation of the air being 849°, the amount would be increased to 120 grains in the same time, if the dew-point were to remain stationary, and the temperature were to rise to 80°; or, in other words, if the saturation of the air were to fall to 726°. Besides this power of transpiration, the leaves of vegetables exercise also an absorbent function, which must be no less disarranged by any deficiency of moisture. Some plants derive the greatest portion of their nutriment from the vaporous atmosphere, and all are more or less dependent upon the same source.

The Ne-penthes distillatoria lays up a store of water in the cup formed at the end of its leaves, which is probably secreted from the air, and applied to the exigencies of the plant when exposed to drought; and the quantity which is known to vary in the hothouse is, no doubt, connected with the state of moisture of the atmosphere. - Double glass sashes are recommended by some writers. The lights of many frames not in use, in winter, might be fitted to slide over the hothouse during the severe season; and, in the spring, their places might be supplied by night mats, or canvas. - The Tamarisk, a very beautiful plant, not much known in America, should be planted in the shrubbery, to mix with broad and fixed foliage, as the laurel or holly. It is also calculated to cover the sides of hills, where it is desirable not to take off the view by taller trees; in marine gardens, it soon acquires sufficient height to protect rosebushes, and other low flowering shrubs. The Tamarisk is deciduous, although, when in foliage, it has all the character and appearance of an evergreen shrub. - The Whitlavia grandiflora, among new hardy annuals of recent introduction, ranks with the prettiest.

It is a native of California, and grows from nine to eighteen inches high, branching freely, and blooming profusely, if not in a very rich soil. The flowers are bell-shaped, of the richest gentian-like blue color, with a tinge of rose inside. Bach blossom is an inch long, and an inch and a half across the mouth. - The Lily of the Valley does not grow well in very rich or very dry soil. - Universal Compost. Turf cut from an old loamy pasture, such as is used to lay down for lawns, about three inches thick, and laid in a heap to rot, is invaluable. This rubbed through a sieve that would let a hazel-nut through, two barrowfuls; peat earth, full of fibre of a spongy, light nature, used for heaths, half a barrowful; and cowdingung rotted into mould, half a barrowful, with a sprinkling of white sand, and small pieces of charcoal, well mixed together, form a compost for almost everything. - To kill rats and mice, out cork into thin slices, and fry them in fat, butter, or meat gravy; the animals are very fond of them, but cannot digest them. They are equally destructive of cats and dogs. - Observations which have extended over many years, prove that with the seasons the solar powers are, relatively to each other, subject to an interesting change.

In the spring, the actinic power prevails, and during this period its agency is required for the development of the germ. As the summer comes on, the actinic rays dimmish, and those of light increase. We Bee the necessity for this, since luminous power is required for the secretion of carbon, with which the woody fibre is formed, and also the approximate principles of the plant. Autumn, the season of fruit, is characterized by the increase of the heat rays, and a diminution of the others; this change being necessary, as science now teaches us, for the production of flowers and fruit. - There are now cultivated, pink and red fuchsias, with white corollas, and a scarlet sepal, and snow-white corolla. - A garden can be kept in constant bloom by cultivating larkspure, lupins, coreopsis, sweet peas, nemophila, mignonette, convolvulas minor, and such like plants, in small pots, very few seeds in a pot, and lightly covered; give plenty of water. These, with care, will grow strong and healthy, and may be used to fill up the places vacated by others that decay.

The removal of a plant, and filling its place with one in good order, is only the work of a minute. - The London Gardeners' Chronicle of April 12, first inserted a brief notice of the Lawton Blackberry. Dr. Lindley might safely read one or two American periodicals. - Another English paper, devoted to horticulture, says: "A correspondent asks whether any attempts have been made to cultivate and improve the common blackberry, and he wishes to know whether any of our readers can "show any just cause or impediment" why a fruit should not be produced as much superior to the present as a Ribstone pippin is to the original crab." - Italian rye-grass is much cultivated now in England, and the price of the seed has nearly doubled, so that orders can scarcely be supplied. - Great frauds in the seed trade have excited much remark in the London papers. By means of steam, sulphur, and old age, all sorts of rubbish are made to pass for articles of sterling value; dead rape does duty for turnip-seed, and so on.. London is getting a very bad character for adulterations. - On the wall of a conservatory camellias may be trained, say varieties such as colvillei and imbricata, both of which flower at one time, and their blossoms being of different colors, contrast admirably with one another.

Camellias managed in this way make charming coverings for walls, and where a border for planting them in does not exist, boxes either of slate or wood answer the same purpose. If made of the former material, they are of course more durable than if wood is employed. - William Minards, of Palperro, says the Cornwall Gazette, has in his possession a cat that is very expert in catching trout and eels-. When the water is low in the river that runs down the valley, near the outlet of which is built the little town of Palperro, the cat watches on the margin of the river, and, when any of the finny tribe approaches within her reach, she lays aside the natural dislike that is common to the feline race, that of wetting their feet, and instantly darts her paws into the water, and fixes her talons in her prey, brings it from its natural element, and carries it in triumph to her master's house. This feat she will repeat several times a day. - A Scotch newspaper declares that the following rather remarkable circumstance is worthy the consideration of poultry breeders. A duck, rather under the ordinary size, belonging to Mr. Hay, of Laggan, has this season deposited an egg every day for one hundred and forty-three days in succession.