It gives us pleasure to refer to an article, in the present number, on ferns; these plants will sooner or later become great favorites with true admirers of the beautiful. Most lovers of a garden contrive to have something a little varied from last year in a part of their grounds. "What have I to do with thee, dull, unjoyous constancy?" sings an old poet, and with some show of reason. Perhaps nothing that will cost less, these hard times, would be more satisfactory than to collect all the hardy ferns from the neighborhood, one or more of each according to the space to be occupied. The situation must be shady, but not wet; neither must it be entirely dry, for though ferns may be seen growing in the hot sun, as a rule they attain their full luxuriance only in the shade.

In addition to the extreme beauty of the foliage, the easy cultivation of most of the plants comprised in the class Cryptogamia, should induce horticulturists to add many of these truly beautiful objects to their collections. We always place a high estimate on the taste of the possessor of a fernery; a hardy one forms a pleasing and attractive feature in garden scenery, and the fine foliage of many of the strong growing kinds produces a glorious effect when seen floating in the breeze. The shape and extent will be best dictated by the owner's fancy, but one thing that is essential, is at least a foot in depth of suitable soil in proximity to the roots. The soil which suits most ferns of moderate growth, is three parts of rather light, fibry peat, and one part turfy loam, not of a stiff character; or leaf mould will be found to answer. This should not be made fine, but used on the surface; if rough pieces occur, so much the better; the finer should be placed nearest the roots. On the surface may be placed blocks of old wood, roots of trees, stones, er anything of a rough appearance, which not only gives a rustic feature in keeping with the plants, but is a direct means of retaining moisture.

The dirtance between the plants may be three feet for the strongest kinds, and a proportionate distance for smaller; but remember the shade.

It is announced that Dr. Gtrisebach has undertaken the preparation of a complete Mora of the West India Islands, in aid of which the English Treasury has granted £800. A botanist more qualified lor the work could hardly have been selected.

We also learn, from Hooker's Journal, that Mr. Chas. Wilford, lately one of the botanical assistants in the herbarium of the Royal Botanic Gardens, Kew, has joined the British Mission to Japan as collector of plants for that establishment. Let us hope that circumstances will favor his carrying out successfully the object of his mission. In a horticultural point of view, Japan is one of the lands of promise.

The Flora of the Cape of Good Hope is reported to be taken up in earnest by Prof. Harvey, of Dublin, who long resided in the colony, and whose materials for the purpose are most ample.

Robert Hogg, of London, has issued Parts 1 and 2 of a Natural History of the Vegetable Kingdom, which is well spoken of. It is arranged on the system of Deoandolle, and is illustrated.