The wider diffusion of a taste for agriculture, or floriculture, than now exists, would have the effect to elevate the moral and intellectual calibre of the rising generation. In this connection, I would suggest that at all colleges, agricultural or merely literary, a piece of ground be set apart to be divided into smaller plats, and placed at the disposal of such of the students as may desire to cultivate, and in such way as their taste or inclinations may lead them. These plats to be supervised or overlooked by some competent person, and reports made at the annual commencement of such as were found to be worthy of specia mention. The same idea in a different shape might be engrafted on our public school system, by having an annual exhibition in every grammar school of such plants as the scholars may have raised or propagated themselves, and giving a small reward for the best, and also for these accompanied by a history or description. The money thus expended would be of far more use to the community than much that is now spent upon music, and other matters of questionable importance. If some of the more wealthy members of the Horticultural Society, or others interested in floriculture were to add something in the way of a premium, it would be an additional stimulus.

The plan is, I think, susceptible of much elaboration in the hands of those capable of giving it proper shape. Philadelphia, July 2d, 1886.

[Like our correspondent, we have often wished more could be done to encourage a love of flower culture among school children. One of the best means is to get the teachers, or officers of school buildings, to care for flowers. In the Philadelphia district we go into one school-house and find no sign of a flower anywhere. In another, window flowers will abound and the whole place have a cheery look in consequence. In this case the teachers love the flowers, and they happen to have a janitor who will look after them during the school holidays.

The Newton School in West Philadelphia is a paradise of flowers. Complimenting the School Committee on the beauty of the spot, they remarked that the whole credit belonged to the janitor. " He likes that thing, and we let him do it." It seems to us, that besides the premiums to school children, it would be a good thing to offer some to janitors and school teachers. When they get the love, it will soon pass to the children. - Ed. G. M].