Of Gothic Construction

In every arch, whether a segment of a circle, an ellipsis, or in the pointed arches, called Gothic, there is a great lateral pressure. This constitutes the leading principle of construction in Gothic architecture, which depends on its abuttals [see fig. 2]. An arch may sometimes abut against a rock, as in bridges; or against a pier of masonry, as in castles, etc.; but, in light Gothic structures, the abuttals consist of buttresses to counteract the lateral pressure; and where such buttresses are not sufficiently-heavy, additional weight is used under the various forms of pinnacles, or finials, which have often been mistaken for mere ornaments, of no use in the construction; and these are sometimes placed at a distance, when they are connected by what are called flying buttresses, like those at Henry the Seventh's chapel [see fig. 4].

Gotta Percha

The curious article on Gutta Percha, which we have compiled for this number, will find many readers. The discoverer of this inspissated sap of an Indian tree, was Dr. William Montgomerie, of the Indian medical service, and this only in 1846; he first observed that the handles of the knives of natives of Borneo were peculiar, and, on examination, saw of what they were composed. Without this useful article, discovered just in time, the sea telegraph could not be employed. The son of the discoverer has lately been placed on the list of military promotions for this discovery of the father.

Governor Wood

This variety has probably had a more general and widespread reputation than any one among Prof. Kirtland's Seedlings. It is a little too much inclined to overbear, and thus lessen the size of the fruit, unless the tree is in rich soil; but its quality is unsurpassed, and while for market it, like Coe's Transparent, is too tender, as a variety for the table it should be always in the orchard and garden.

Fig. 57. - Monstreuse, or Great Bigarreau of Mezel.

Grades Of Black Cherries

The Country Gentleman says there are four old black cherries that present successive grades of improvement, namely: the Black Mazzard, a small, bitter variety, which has a high and somewhat agreeable flavor when "dead ripe;" the Black Caroan, or Carone, larger and less bitter - by some confounded with Black Heart, which is still larger and better; and lastly, Black Tartarian, the well-known, old, popular variety of largest size. As each sort is successively larger, it becomes milder in flavor. Prince, in his Pomological Manual, made the Carone distinct from the Black Heart, but the Catalogue of the London Horticultural Society seems to confound them, and Downing copies the mistake. The true Carone has probably passed out of existence or cultivation.

Gradual And Successful Progress In Planting

One of the most interesting fragments of individual history we have lately seen, especially as connected with horticultural pursuits, is contained in the following extract, which we make from the " Notes on Gardens and Nurseries'" in the last number of Hovey's Magazine: