This is the second season that the new rose, Georges Bruant, has bloomed in our experiment grounds. It is the first known cross between a tea rose (Sombreuil) and Rosa rugosa, the first cross of any kind with Rosa rugosa having been effected by the Rural New- Yorker nearly two years, previously, the hardy rose, Harrison's Yellow, having then been used as the pollen plant.

G. Bruant, in so far as the buds and flowers are concerned, is a decided success. The buds are pointed, as our illustration from nature shows, and they unfold not unlike the teas, Niphetos for example. As the bud opens more fully, one is reminded of Gen. Jacqueminot, while, as may be seen, again glancing at the illustration (page 417), the full-blown flower is almost its counterpart, save in color, which is a pure white.

We may not speak in positive terms as yet respecting this rose's foliage, habit, blooming period and hardiness. Two large pot-grown plants were received last year, one from Ellwanger & Barry, the other from The Storrs & Harrison Co. Neither bloomed. Both were wintered in a cold frame, and though somewhat injured during the winter, both are bloomng freely now.

The habit seems a trifle leggy, the foliage scanty. The leaflets - usually five - are smaller than those of Rugosa and less leathery, though the closely netted veinlets, so distinctive a feature in the beautiful leaflets of Rugosa, are quite well defined. The odor of the flower is rather that of Rugosa than of the teas. The smaller and more closely-set thorns of Rugosa are wanting, while the larger thorns are more rigid and not less numerous. A third plant received from Peter Henderson & Co. this spring in fine condition is now badly mildewed, while the others have suffered as much from insects as the hybrid remontants among which they are growing.

Given a more vigorous growth and a closer habit, which it may still be found to possess under more favorable conditions, Georges Bruant must be considered a very valuable acquisition. E. S. C.

Horticulture, to be held in connection with the World's Fair, appears to meet with general favor. There is every reason to believe that a larger and better exhibition of horticultural products and devices than the world has yet seen could be perfected at Chicago. And from this exhibition there should spring a completer and broader study of horticulture than has ever been made. The horticultural interests of a World's Fair are worthy of a broader conception and treatment than our horticulturists have proposed for them. We do not want a show, merely, neither a mighty and fulsome conclave of societies and men. But we need to make a broad study of plant variation, of the adaptabities of plants to all conditions of culture and climate, of species and varieties, and of all other points in which the knowledge of plants touches the welfare of man. It is only with the opportunities which a great national and international congress can provide that such reports and monographs can be made. In other words, there should be a great ulterior aim in the project; but this seems to be farther above the conception of some advocates of an horticultural exposition than are the clouds above the tree-tops.

It is evident that the leadership of this great enterprise should fall to the Department of Agriculture, for the department alone can furnish the inspiration and the impetus ; and it could publish the results. The department would need to call upon many specialists, to be sure, but coordination and headship must reside in it. The Chicago Florists' Club has presented its president to the World's Fair authorities for "commissioner of horticulture," and the Nurserymen's Association has endorsed the action. If it is intended that this "commissioner of horticulture " shall act as a local officer to manage the local business of the exhibition, the movement may be a wise one ; but if it is expected that he shall assume the whole leadership of the enterprise, it is fatal. The boldest comprehensiveness should characterize this endeavor - must, indeed, if success is to come.

All our national societies must unite in this enterprise if the best is done. The following letters ions, made in:

From P. J. Berckmans, President American Pomologi-cal Society. " The proposition, as made in The American Garden, to hold an ' International Horticultural Congress in connection with the World's Fair at Chicago, meets with my ideas of progress, and I for one, would be happy to see such a scheme inaugurated. We may fail to secure adequate attendance when there is a 'bigger show' to draw from the material which should rightly form that of a scientific assembly. We tried to have a session of the American Pomological Society during September of 1876 at the Centennial Exposition at Philadelphia, but failed to secure sufficient members. Now if we can arrange such a programme as will secure a respectable attendance in point of numbers, and overcome the only obstacle which, in my past experience, has always proved a stumbling block, then I see no difficulty in the way of a hearty cooperation of the American Pomological Society".

From Parker Earle, President American Horticultural Society: "Your suggestion is timely. I have considered the matter of holding a meeting of our society during the World's Fair. I should be glad to make the meeting what you suggest, an ' International Congress of Horticulture. Yes, the American Horticultural Society will gladly cooperate with any and all other kindred societies for such an assembly of the horticultural forces. This society organized and conducted the first and only large international horticultural exhibition ever held in New Orleans, in 1884-5 ; and it may do a similar work here. In any case, a great meeting will be useful".

From George A. Sweet, President American Association of Nurserymen: " I heartily concur in the proposition to hold an International Horticultural Congress in connection with the World's Fair, and will do all in my power to have the American Association of Nurserymen participate. "