An early acquaintance with the founder of the Horticulturist gave us an assurance of his merits. Before he had written a line for the public, several letters passed between us which revealed a mind in active pursuit of truth. There was, too, an earnestness and hope about all that he did, and yet that repose and self-possession which are so fascinating. Looking over some bundles of filed letters and social notes, for a different object, the other day, a number of letters from Downing unexpectedly made their appearance. Though a small portion of those received, we have thought them worthy of extracting from, as they exhibit him in full career, when life and hope were predominant - so soon, alas! to be exchanged for his early tomb. Very many of our readers and friends were his, and we are quite sure his memory is sufficiently cherished to make these few characteristic revivals acceptable here. However small the contribution from his pen, it is sure to interest. We regret that a much larger collection of these letters has not yet been found.

Highland Garden, Aug. 24,1846.

My Dear Sir: On my return I found your most kind favor, with the MSS. from Dr. Brinckle, and the colored plate of the raspberry, for which I am truly obliged. But I found also so many back letters to be answered immediately, and so many persons here to interrupt me every day, that I have only now been able to sit down to my own private matters.

First I must tell you about the Genesee. We were the guests of Mr. Wads-worth, and were truly charmed with that, the most beautiful inland country, and finest agricultural country that I ever beheld. Imagine a thousand acres lying before his door of the most beautiful meadow that you ever saw, 'sprinkled and grouped with three or four thousand of specimen oaks developed on every side, such trees as you have only seen one or two of in your life in America, and you have some notion of the beautiful natural park that I have feasted my eye upon. The trees are all oaks and elms. The "great oak" measures twenty-two feet round, and is eight hundred to one thousand years old 1 I was truly proud of this country, and especially of the late Mr. Wadsworth, whose fine perception led him to preserve these trees. They have always stood alone, and were surrounded by forest The estate of the Wadsworth family in that country is forty thousand acres.

I was much disappointed in not receiving an account of the perpetual strawberry from Mr. B. Indeed, I have not yet decided to use the cut of the raspberry, but will write you about it again. Could he not give me a drawing of the orange raspberry? * * * Yours with regard, A. J. DOWNING. To J. Jay Smith, Esq., Philadelphia.

Highland Garden, Feb. 19,1847.

My Dear Friend: Thanks for your kind favor of the 15th, with the nice note for my domestic notices - just one day too late, however - but will not spoil by keeping. I wish very much that you would make another note, at your leisure, respecting the fine rare trees about Philadelphia that you can call to mind without trouble - giving about their height, etc. - such as the Salisburia and Madura, at the Woodlands, the Washington Chestnut and Box, at Judge Peters', the large Virgilias which you showed me, etc. etc.

1 have sold out all my nursery interest, stock of trees, etc, and am rejoiced at the freedom from ten thousand details, and a very heavy business correspondence, of which I am relieved. I now shall devote my time to literary pursuits altogether, and my home grounds, as the nursery stock is gradually withdrawn, to experimental purposes - including a dash more of your favorite arboretum planting.

When I was at Wiley and Putnam's, about a week ago, I inquired for the copy of your last work, which yon kindly promised to leave for me there, but it has not yet been received. I am quite curious to see it, especially after the notice I have seen of it in the Literary World.

The Horticulturist is going on steadily and well. We want to extend its circulation in your city, and will advertise there. * * *

Think of a New York farmer, James Wadsworth, Esq., of Genesee, subscribing one thousand bushels of corn, of his own growth, to the Irish Relief Fund! Won't this tell in Great Britain.

Mrs. Downing joins me in kind greetings to you and yours, and I am, Sincerely yours, A. J. DOWNING. To J. Jay Sum, Esq., Philadelphia.

Highland Garden, April 21,1847.

My Dear Friend: Your "Domestic Notices" for my Journal were most acceptable, and are already in type. I shall be glad at all times of a continuation, and especially when your convenience serves for the notes on the fine specimens of ornamental trees about Philadelphia. Volume I. shall be at your service as soon as it is complete, and all other future volumes of mine!*

When I was in Philadelphia a couple of years ago, you gave me a very nice sort of box, made of the cover of a book taken off by the binder, and told me at the same time that you had numbers of these covers that were of little use, having been taken off fancy books that you re-bind. If this is the case, you must let me persuade you to send some of these covers, if you have them to spare. I want to use them as a kind of portfolio covers for manuscripts, etc, which accumulate so much on my hands that I find it difficult to keep them in order. * * *

The Spring is wonderfully late, and we shall have an American leap from winter to summer.

Your ever kind invitation to Philadelphia, I assure you, was gratefully received. I, however, mean to be at home mostly this summer, as I wish to do something worth while with my pen, now; and I hope when you come to New York you will run up and see me here, where you know there is always a hearty welcome for you and yours. Very cordially yours, A. J. DOWNING. To J. Jay Smith, Esq., Philadelphia.

* The promise here expressed was never forgotten, and we consequently possess all his works published daring his lifetime, in the form of presentation copies, with his autograph attached, clothed in terms of the warmest friendship. - Ed.

(TO BE CONTINUED).