It took just thirteen days per S. S. Penland from the foot of Grand St., Jersey City, to see the Exposition. I thought I would just take a race across and see some plants that would be new to me; but in this I am mistaken. However, I am glad I came, as it gives one an idea of how things are done in other places than America. There is a good sized park near the centre of the city, in which American trees and plants are well represented.

The Exposition grounds, although not near so large as at New Orleans, are in much better condition. It is a long time since I had the opportunity to see Roses and Geraniums in such condition at this time of the year; and Carnations look almost as good as they did when I was a boy. I find some very pretty effects in carpet-bedding, but no better nor as good as some I have seen at Fairmount Park, and other public and private places in the United States. I believe an attempt has been made of late to cry down this class of work; but I do not see why a man with a taste for it should not be allowed to indulge in it. It is not every man can make a success of it by any means.

There are two collections of Conifers in the grounds, of which Auracarias and Japanese Cypress - Retinospora - in varieties, form the major portion. Acer Negundo - sometimes called Box-elder - is used very freely here in a dwarf state. I marvel when I see Geraniums, Gladiolus, Mignonette, Lobelia, Stocks, French Marigold, and several other things look so fresh and healthy, when mine were all done a month before I left New Orleans; but so they ought! I have not seen a thermometer above 6o° since I have been here, and when I hear folks complaining of the heat it makes me turn away for politeness, and smile.

Rhododendrons and Azaleas must have been a sight here earlier. I do not see what in the world they grow so many Laurus nobilis in tubs for, all shaved into a sugar-loaf shape, 7 and 8 feet high, with 2 and 3 feet of bare stem above the tub. If any one sees any beauty in them, I should like to know where it comes in. The inside Horticultural Department appears to have been divided off from one of the series of buildings occupied by the Exposition proper, by a partition and green baize cloth. The roof is partially glass, shaded with curtains, and from which the public are rigorously excluded. But to-day the jury pass their verdict on the different exhibits, and I see by the papers that the Horticultural Department will be open to the public to-morrow, when we shall see what we shall see.

I made several unsuccessful attempts to get in to-day. I think it must have been my lack of fluency in the Flemish language "as yet," or want of the insignia of a juror. At all events I talked American English to that fellow at the door, at one time for three-quarters of an hour at a stretch, and when I paused for breath he only turned his back on me and closed the door the tighter. I pitied that poor benighted creature, I did !

Antwerp, Belgium.