Within the past few years much has been said and written, and numberless queries propounded in respect to the adaptability of certain varieties of fruit in particular localities or soils, or for the purpose of gratifying those who may desire to enter upon any enterprise in this direction; and while discussions upon these points have been continued without intermission, the idea of propagating new varieties from seeds has not received that share of intelligent support which the subject deserves, to make it popular with the public mind.

Whatever may have been the theory or success of various distinguished pomo-logists, either of ancient or modern times, in respect to this very interesting branch of culture, we will not weary the reader by speculating upon it, but merely give our views, in the hope of attracting more attention to its importance, as well as hold out a prospect of success to those who may experiment in a right direction.

Our first impression, then, upon the amateur's mind as an index to the propagation of new varieties, is the great contrast observable in habit, wood, foliage, fruit and seeds of each distinct class of fruit; this will lead us to other thoughts. Now, if we take the pear for illustration, and select a few varieties at random, such as the White Doyenne, Van Mons Leon le Clerc, Louise Bonne de Jersey, Bartlett, Stevens's Genesee, and Duchesse d'Angouleme, those who are familiar with them will be instantly reminded of the contrast spoken of; but the most important contrast in these distinguishing points, so far as the propagation of new varieties is concerned, is in the seeds themselves; take up your knife and help quarter a pear from each of the above varieties, compare the seeds, and the contrast will be equally as convincing as in the fruit, foliage, etc. In reference to the seeds, however, we may expect that ninety-nine in a hundred in any particular variety closely resemble each other in shape, form, etc, peculiar to that variety, and producing seedlings exhibiting a close affinity to each other, and, therefore, not likely to result satisfactorily to the experimenter; but as soon as we find a marked difference in the formation of a single seed in any selected variety, thai seed should be chosen by the amateur, for in that seed (which apparently is one of nature's freaks) is the symbol (in embryo) of a new variety, whether " good, very good, or best," will be left for Providence to work out; man also doing his share in the matter.

Another part of the success, it is evident, will depend upon the choice of the best varieties, from which to select one of these "freaks," or "sports," which are more or less traceable throughout the whole classification of vegetable physiology, and intended by an all-wise Being to excite the wonder and admiration of man, prompt him to energetic action, and to stndy out the workings of Nature in all its beauty and complicity.

Experimenters should also be again reminded of the possibility of having to cut up quite a quantity of Bartletts, etc. etc, before meeting with a seed so distinct in formation or appearance from the generality of seeds, to warrant its choice to propagate from. Those, therefore, who may be liable to mourn over this destruction of pears, should find a substitute in the apple, and as this fruit is quite liable to these " sports," and in frequent use for culinary purposes, it offers a good opportunity to closely inspect the seeds.

To test seedling pears at an early date, graft scions upon the Angers quince stock, and the probability is a new variety may be known at two, three, or four years from grafting. Apples may be forwarded in the 6ame manner by grafting upon the Paradise stock.