We learn that the American Institute is about to offer valuable prizes for the best Essays on the cultivation of various kinds of fruit, such as the Pear, Grape, Strawberry, etc. It will also offer a valuable prize for the best seedling Pear, Apple, Grape, etc., not yet disseminated. In regard to the last, we hope the prize list will be so worded as to exclude all inferior seedlings, without regard to competition. The Judges should be very carefully selected, and instructed to rule out promptly every specimen not reaching a specified standard of merit. It is only by a stringent course of this kind that the endorsement of the Institute can be made to assume any value whatever; it is due alike to the public and the character of the Institute. The prize list for seedlings should not only be circulated freely in circular form, but as freely advertised in the horticultural press. In regard to the Essays, the prize list should be put in the horticultural journals at once, and kept there for several months, in order that it may meet the eyes of all interested in such matters. There is no credit to any body in keeping such matters concealed; they should have the widest publicity. Heretofore this prize essay business has been badly managed.

It has only come to the knowledge of a few, and these few have learned of it so late as to be compelled to treat the subjects in a very hasty and imperfect manner. The requirements of each essay should be distinctly stated, so that each one may know what he is expected to furnish. Properly managed, the Institute may in this way secure a valuable series of papers for its Transactions. We know the managers to be men disposed to do every thing in the right way when this is made apparent to them, and we therefore make these remarks for their guidance. We wish, at the same time, to give the matter publicity, that it may early meet the notice of those most likely to engage in competition of this kind.