The Patent Office is in receipt of a lengthy and interesting communltion from Samuel B. Parsons, an experienced nurseryman, of Flushing, N. Y.,who is now travelling in Europe, concerning the Zante currants. During his tour, he visited the Ionian Islands, and acquainted himself with the mode of cultivation, climatic necessities, and the method of drying and packing this fruit; as well as the diseases incidental to the plants, and profits arising from its cultivation; of all which be informs the Patent Office in detail. He also urges the importance of attempting the introduction of the fruit into this country. The agricultural department of the Patent Office did, however, introduce a great quantity of the vines last year, which were widely distributed in the Southern States and in California, and from which the happiest results are anticipated. - Star.

[We have several vines of these currants, or rather grapes, growing thrifty at "Vineland," and hope to gather fruit from them next year. - Ed. Southern Cult].