The improvement of the Petunia is now justly receiving marked attention, and no plant better merits it. For show, the Petunia, in our estimation, is one of the most valuable bedding plants we have. Thus far, American seedlings surpass those of foreign introduction in all the elements of a good flower. We saw some seedlings from Mr. Isaac Buchanan last fall, of great beauty; but the end has not been reached yet. The following is one mode of raising seedlings:

"It is but within these last ten years that this class of flowers has been brought into general notice, and during that time great improvement has taken place in the symmetry and substance of the blossoms, which has added much to their beauty, and rendered them still more attractive. The present mode of cultivating them as specimens, together will the peculiar fragrance they possess, unlike any other plant in cultivation, has deservedly won for them a place in the conservatory and the greenhouse, as well as the flower-border, where, under proper treatment, they form a conspicuous and interesting feature, when studded with their noble blossoms of varied colors. The following successful mode of their culture from seed will, I trust, be acceptable to those who admire the Petunia, About the beginning of March I prepare as much compost as I expect will be wanted for the season, by a mixture of one part decomposed leaf mould, two parts rich peat, and a portion of silver sand. At the same time I cleanse the pots or pans intended for use, that all may be sweetened and fit by the time the seed is to be sown.

" I commence operations by first sifting a little of the soil for sowing the seed upon, and carefully picking out all grubs and worms before using the same. I then put one inch of crocks at the bottom of the pan for drainage, and cover them with a little moss or coarse peat, to prevent the fine earth from running between, and fill up with the above compost, gently pressing it down with the hand till a smooth surface is obtained, when I sprinkle on the seed, distributing it as regularly as possible, and place the pan in a pit or frame where the heat ranges from 60° )to 65°, with a sweet and humid atmosphere. In ten days or a fortnight the young plants will make their appearance, when care must be taken to preserve them from slugs, wood-lice, etc, or the whole pan of plants may be devoured in one night. Give plenty of air; and, in order to keep them strong and stocky, raise the pans close up to the glass.

"As soon as the plants begin to get crowded, I prepare more pans, filled after the manner described above; prick out all the largest, and return them to the same pit or frame, taking care to shade and give air as often as necessary, till the plants have made fresh fibre. In a short time they will be fit to plant separately into 3-inch pots; they may then be removed to a cold frame, and a full supply of air must be given. As soon as they come into flower, select the best: those that are most circular, smooth on the edge, with the outline free from indentation, a stout corolla, and in color the greatest novelty combined with quality." - -M.