THAT many of our readers are interested in this matter, is clear from the number of communications we have received relating thereto; and the tone of these communications is to deprecate the giving up of Chiswick, as proposed by the Royal Horticultural Society. There appears to be something about such a proposal that savours of desecration - the forcible giving up of what has become endeared to many by pleasant memories, and the power of associations - a spot sacred in times past to the promotion of the best interests of practical horticulture, and the preparation of young men to go forth and assume foremost positions among the leading gardeners of the day. To many, the proposal to abandon Chiswick is the snapping asunder of the only link binding them in a bond of sympathy to the doings of the Royal Horticultural Society.

It is now believed that a portion of the gardens will be retained for the use of the Society till the termination of their lease, some years hence. Steps have been taken to effect such an arrangement, and, in all probability, it will be perfected ere these lines appear in print. But that, with such retention, there will also be continued those illustrations of practical horticulture that have won such renown for Chiswick in times past, we very much doubt; and we by no means stand alone in our scepticism. Our impression is, that the Society finds a garden like Chiswick somewhat irksome, and, naturally enough, desires to be quit of the responsibility and cost of maintaining it. Those who are in the habit of visiting Chiswick, and seeing what can be done there, were much surprised to read in the recent report of the Society that "the results of the cultivation there, owing to its low, cold, damp position, combined with the gradual increase of smoke and houses around it, are yearly becoming less satisfactory." We had come to think differently of Chiswick, and to believe that, had Mr Barron at his command means to make it a valuable school of instruction in matters horticultural, neither its position, nor the increase of houses and smoke about it, would prove very serious obstacles in working out his plans in a satisfactory manner.

Rather, the wonder is that, with such poor means at his command, he has done so much.

To our mind, the Society cares very little indeed for practical horticulture as it could be exhibited at Chiswick, were ample means employed thereat. All that the Society appears to require is a feeding-place for South Kensington - a nursery, in fact, from which can be drawn materials to decorate the gardens there. Horticulture at South Kensington has become fashionable - the gardens are a fashionable lounging-place, the exhibitions a means for drawing a company together, to see each other, and be seen in return; and the gardens must, therefore, be made as attractive as possible. The practical horticulturist is a being regarded as capable of affording an attractive show for the fashionables to gaze at when not absorbed in the contemplation of each other; he is encouraged, and petted, and in a certain way rewarded; but the Society has no practical sympathy with what he is so worthily doing, and the extent of the obligation can be assessed at a pecuniary value. It is the price paid by horticulture for having been raised into the elevated atmosphere of fashion; and when any science attains to such a distinction, the chances are that it will cease to operate for the production of much practical good.

All that the Society means to do - all that it perhaps can do - is to maintain a series of exhibitions at South Kensington for the amusement of its fashionable fellows. Those practical horticulturists who are connected with the Society will have to rest satisfied with what encouragement horticulture can get there. It is refreshing to know that horticulture will progress and achieve new triumphs, even though a Royal Society may relegate its practical workings to those who develop them for the sake of the love they have for their work or for their own profit. From the Council of the Royal Horticultural Society they can henceforth expect but little; while the anticipations of those that have been but small in times past, will be completely destroyed. Whatever is in store for horticulture in the future - what of bright hopes and cheering doings shall brighten its progress in the time to come - will and must emanate from some centre other than that now to be found at South Kensington; and the sooner a new power rises into action the better will it be for the best interests of practical horticulture.