Recently I paid a visit to the works in progress at Earl's Court, upon which over a thousand men are employed, when a glance at the main exhibition building now in progress, and the surrounding grounds, which cover 23 acres, sufficed to show what a great undertaking our " American cousins " are about to attempt here.

The gardens and promenades surrounding the buildings occupy about 9 acres, and are divided into two sections - the western and the central. This large extent of ground is beset with great difficulties, which must be overcome before what was market gardens and waste ground can be transformed into a pleasing promenade and gardens for the visitors to the Exhibition.

One of the most prominent features at the present moment, and the only one that shows an approach toward completion, is some rockwork artistically arranged, and which harmonizes with the gentle undulations of the surface in that part near the West Kensington station. This spot will probably be one of the most attractive in the whole garden. Here will be arranged some of the choicest hardy flowers, especially Lilies, Orchises, etc., of North America; and the beds are so designed as to suit the various requirements of the plants. A portion of this section has already been taken in hand, and planted by Mr. T. Ware. There are " colonies " of such interesting plants as Cypripedium spectabile, Sarracenias, Dodecatheons, Trilliums and many other well known beautiful perennial plants. The crevices of the rocks are planted with North American ferns and Saxifrages.

The garden throughout will be studded with groups representing the American flora, giving it a distinctive feature; indeed, no other plants but those inhabiting North America and Mexico will find a place. It is the aim of Mr. Goldring, the landscape gardener, to so ** group " the plants that when in flower each "group" shall have a characteristic effect. For instance, in one part he will have all the varieties of Evening Primrose (CEno-theras) in one large group, the prevailing color of which is yellow, interspersed with white; further on all the Phloxes, and these will be very ornamental, as it is intended to include the showy varieties which have originated from the North American species. Close to these will stand groups of the best species of Michaelmas daisies (Asters), and these will carry on the floral display until the close of the Exhibition. A glow of color will be produced by thousands of Tigridia, scarlet, yellow and white, and these will be associated with other flowers of kindred tints.

The Composites will, of course, predominate, as they comprise such a large portion of the flora of the States; the garden will therefore be most attractive during the latter part of the summer.

Other important classes of plants are the herbaceous Spiraeas, showy Gaillardias, and Helian-thuses; scarlet Lobelias of California, annual and perennial Lupines, alpine Phloxes, and Iceland Poppies; while under such trees as exist, chiefly pears and elders, are shady spots for the larger-growing ferns.

The temptation to introduce Dahlias appears to have been too great to resist. Mr. Goldring wishes likewise to introduce such singular-looking Cactaceous plants and Agaves of Mexico as are likely to prove interesting to the visitor, and add considerably to the picturesqueness of the whole.

The "central garden" will be enlivened by Cali-fornian annuals, which Messrs. James Carter & Co., High Holborn, have undertaken to furnish, and the same firm will also sow the lawns. As yet little has been done in the way of tree or shrub planting, but the ground is being prepared in all haste for the purpose. A large area is being set apart for a Rhododendron display on ground furnished with undulating slopes, and which will be wholly covered at the flowering period with canvas. Plots are to be set apart for tobacco, maize, hemp, and other plants connected with the chief industries of the United States. The main building and its surroundining garden are quite apart from the eastern section - an area of 6 acres - connected with the main building by a wide corridor of about 100 yards in length. - Gardeners' Chronicle.