We have no doubt that there are various readers who could see little connection between the figures of monuments in the churchyard at Dumfries, which we gave in a former Number (Vol. VII. p. 529.), and fountains and sundials for ornamenting flower-gardens and pleasure-grounds; yet it will be seen from communications in our present Number, and in a former one (Vol. VII. p. 724., and Vol. VIII. p. 91.), that our notice of these monuments appears likely to lead to a decided improvement with regard to economy and durability in architectural ornaments for gardens in England, as well as to a beneficial commerce between London and Dumfries. We have been asked what use there was in figuring Witty's patent gas furnace (Vol. VII. p. 482.), and what chance there was of so intricate a contrivance as one that would produce gas being ever made generally applicable in hot-houses. We are mistaken, however, if this furnace does not produce as great a revolution in generating heat for hot-houses, as the introduction of pipes of water has done in conveying and maintaining it. (See p. 26.) A correspondent, Suffolciensis we believe, some years ago attacked us severely for introducing Heathorn's limekiln (Vol. II. p. 403.) into a Gardener's Magazine. If he should happen to see one of Witty's furnaces, and understand the principles of its action, he will be able to comprehend the important improvement made by Heathorn in the preparation of lime, which in agriculture may truly be called the universal manure. Witty's furnace is an application of the same principle as Heathorn's, in a different form and on a smaller scale. We could refer to a number of similar cases in past volumes to prove the great advantage of bringing all discoveries or inventions that bear any relation to gardening, agriculture, or rural and domestic improvement, before our readers as early as possible.
