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FOUNDATION

COLLECTION IN
fiCIENCE AND TECHNOLOGY

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THE

AMERICAN

FLOWER GARDEN COMPANION.

ADAPTED TO THE NORTHERN STATES.

" Who loves a garden, loves agreeu-house loo.
Unconscious of a less propitious clime,
There blooms exoiic beauty, warm and snug,
While the winds whistle, and the snows descend."

BY EDWARD SAYERS,

LANDSCAPE AND ORNAMENTAL GABDENEB

BOSTON:

JOSEPH BRECK AND COMPANY
NEW YORK:— G. C. THORBURN.

1838.

Entered according to Act of Congress, in the year 133S, by EDWARD SAYERS, in the
Clerk's Office of the District Court of Massachuseiis.

PfCM of Tuitle, Dennett & Chisholm,
17 School Street, boston.

INTRODUCTION.

In introducing the present little treatise to the
reader, it may be well to say a few words on the
object, plan, and mode of execution of the work.
The " Flower Garden Companion" is intended to
aid those persons who are desirous to become ac-
quainted with the culture of flowers. In its compila-
tion the aim has been, to give within the compass of
a convenient manual for reference, as much useful
matter as possible relative to the subject. To this
end, each topic has been separately treated and in as
concise a manner as could be done with propriety :
and indeed, in some cases with a degree of brevity
that on the first reading, to the young practitioner,
might produce a feeling of disappointment at the
apparent deficiency of information ; but, on a careful
reading of the different articles it will be found that
everything useful in so small a treatise has been
spoken of ; and that, in many instances, one article

acts as a key to another.
1 ^

VI INTRODUCTION.

In the outset, directions for laying out the flower
garden are given, with remarks on various useful and
ornamental appendages. In treating of this subject,
I have confined myself to the general outline, ^vithout
entering into minute details, which will much depend
on location and circumstances, as well as upon the
taste and means of the proprietor.

The remarks on the diiferent stimulants requisite
to plants, and how they act on the vegetable system ;
with the observations on the leaf, root and bud,
when fully understood, will be found useful to the
young cultivator. The different methods of propa-
gating plants have been treated in the simplest
manner, in order that success may reward those
who put them in practice.

The second '^ part" is principally occupied with
directions for the culture of plants and shrubs. To
each class a descriptive list has been appended, giving
the color, height, and time of flowering, of such
varieties as have been found to be best adapted to the
American flower garden. Tt should be understood
that location and the different treatment plants receive
will have great influence on their color, height and
tinje of flowering, which I have set down on a
medium scale. I have introduced a monthly calendar
at this part of the work, and some observations on

INTRODUCTION. Vll

the variations of plants and flowers, as color, motion,
and double flowers.

The green-house being so intimately connected
with the flower garden, I have devoted a considerable
space to that subject. Directions are given for the
treatment of the different families of green-house
plants, as the Camellia, Erica, etc. ; and descriptive
lists of the most valuable varieties are subjoined.

The culture of plants in rooms, the management of
cut flowers, and a variety of other matters having a
bearing upon the subject of flower-gardening, consti-
tute a miscellany which I trust will be found inter-
esting and useful. At the end of the volume I have
placed a glossary of the most useful terms in botany,
(for which I am principally indebted to Stroud,)
to enable young beginners to become acquainted
with the terminology of plants.

Although the " Companion" is professedly adapted
to the Northern States, it will be evident to the
intelhgent reader that, in regard to the growth and
time of flowering of plants, some allowance must be
made for the difference of chmate in the various sec-
tions of those States. I have adopted the meridian
of New York and Massachusetts in giving the time
of planting and flowering ; where the season is earlier
or later than in these States, a corresponding differ-

Till INTRODUCTION.

ence in the time of performing the various operations
of the flower garden should be observed.

I must here beg leave to acknowledge ray obliga-
tions to several practical gardeners and lovers of
flowers for their kind assistance in framing the lists of
plants and for useful hints for this litde treatise, which
I send to the world hoping it may have a tendency to
throw some light on the culture of the flower garden ;
and should my feeble efforts in any way give a new
impulse to the zeal already manifest in the culture of
flowers, my earnest wishes will be fully answered.

EDWARD SAYERS.

TABLE OF CONTENTS.

PART 1.

ARRANGEMENT OF THE FLOWER GARDEN AND PROPAGATION

OF PLANTS.

CHAPTER I.

ON LAYING OUT THE FLOWER GARDEN.

Art. 1. General Remarks, 13

2. Laving out the Flower Garden and Planting, - - 14

3. Soi'l and Materials, - - 16

4. General Planting of Shrubs and Flowers, - - - 16

5. Location or Position of Plants, - - - - 17

6. Plan and Management of Trellises and Arbors, - - 18

7. Forming and Planting the Rockerj', - - - 19

8. Ornamental Waters and Bridges, - - - - 20

CHAPTER II.

ON THE nutriment OF PLANTS.

Art. 1 . Preliminary Remarks, ------ 21

2. Food of Plants, 22

3. Light, 24

4. Heat, 25

5. Observations on the Roots of Plants, - - - 26

6. Observation on the Bud, - 27

7. Observations on the Leaf , ----- 28

CHAPTER III.

ON THE PROPAGATION OF PLANTS.

Art. 1. General Observations, -------30

2. Propagation by Seed, ._---- 31

3. Propagation by Roots, - -32

4. Propagation by Running Vines and Creepers, - - 33

5. Propagation by Cuttings, 33

6. Propagation by Layers, ------ 34

7. Increase by Inoculation, ------ 35

X CONTENTS.

PART 2/

MANAGEMENT OF THE FLOWER GARDEN AND CULTURE OF
PLANTS — WITH DESCRIPTIVE LISTS.

CHAPTER I.

ON THE CULTURE SF ANNUALS AND BIENNIALS.

Aet. 1. Annual Flowers, 38

2. Growing Annuals in Hot Beds, for Planting out early, - 39

3. Sowing the Seed in the natural Ground, ~ - - 40

4. Descriptive List of Annual Flowers, - - - - 41
6. Biennial Flowers, -43

CHAPTER II.

ON THE CULTURE OF PERENNIALS.

Art. 1. Perennial Herbaceous Plants, 44

2. Descriptive List of Perennial Herbaceous Flow'g Plants, 46

3. Descriptive List of Tuberous and Fleshy Rooted Peren-

nial Plants, --51

CHAPTER IIL

ON THE CULTURE OF SHRUBS AND VINES.

Art. 1. Shrubs, 52

2. Descriptive List of Dwarf Hardy Shrubs, - - 54

3. Descriptive List of Tall Shrubs and Dwarf Ornamental

Trees, 55

4. Hardy Running Vines for Covering Arbors, &c. - - 57

5. Descriptive List of Hardy Vines, - - - - - 57

CHAPTER IV.

ON THE CULTURE OF THE ROSE.

Art. 1. Remarks, -----..--53
2. Descriptive List of Roses, 61

CHAPTER V.

ON THE CULTURE OF FLORISTS' FLOWERS.

Art. 1. The Double Dahlia. 63

2. Descriptive List of Double Dahlias, . - - - 65

3. Bulbous Rooted Plants, 67

4. Descriptive List of Bulbous Rooted Plants, - - - 68

5. The Carnation, 73

6. The Pink, 74

7. Polyanthus and Auricula, --..-- 75

CHAPTER VI.

ON THE MONTHLY CALENDAR.

Art. 1. Object of the Monthly Calendar, ... - 76

2. January, -76

3. February, 77

4. March, 77

5. April, 78

6. May, --- 79

CONTENTS. XI

Art. 7. June, - . 1 80

8. July, 81

9. August, 83

10. September, 84

11. October, - - - 86

12. November, 86

13. December, 87

CHAPTER VII.

ON THE VARIATIONS AND DISEASES OF PLAKTS.

Art. 1. Variation of Plants, -- 88

2. Color of Plants and Flowers, 89

3. Double Flowers, 91

4. Motion of Plants, 92

5. Insects and Diseases of Plants, - - - - 94

PART 3.

CONSTRUCTION AND MANAGEMENT OF THE GKEEN-HOUSE.
CHAPTER 1.

ON THE CONSTRUCTION OF THE GREEN-HOUSE.

Art. 1. Location and Plan, 97

2. Mode of Heating, 98

3. Walk and Stages, - 100

4. Repairing and Cleansing, . - . . - loi

CHAPTER II,

ON THE MANAGEMENT OF THE GREEN-HOUSE.

Art. 1. Taking the Plants into Winter Quarters and Potting, - 102

2. Arranging the Plants in the House, ... 103

3. Watering the Plants, -...--. 104

4. Temperature of the House, 105

5. Descriptive List of Green-house Plants, - - - 106

6. Tender Bulbous Rooted Plants, - - - - 111

CHAPTER III.

ON THE CULTURE OF THE CAMELLIA JAPONICA.

Art. 1. Remarks, 113

2. Propagation, -._.--. .114

3. Management in the Green-house, - - - - 115

4. Repotting the Plants, - - - - - - 116

5. Descriptive List of Camellias, - - - - - 117

CHAPTER IV.

ON THE CULTURE OF THE GERANIUM, CHINA ROSE, AND ERICA.

Art. 1. The Geranium or Pelargonium, ... - 118

2. List of Geraniums, - 120

3. The China Rose, 121

XU CONTENTS.

Art. 4. List of China Roses, 122

5. The Erica, - - - 122

6. Its Culture and Propagation, 123

7. Descriptive List of Ericas, 125

PART 4.

THE FLOWER GARDEN MISCELLANY.
CHAPTER I.

OM THE CITY FLOWER GARDEN. 127

CHAPTER II.

OS THE NATIVE AMERICAN' FLOWER GARDEN. 130

CHAPTER III.

ON PLVNGING GREEN-HOUSE PLANTS IN THE FLOWER BORDEHS. 132

CHAPTER IV.

ON THE MANAGEMENT OF CUT FLOWERS. 135

CHAPTER V.

ON THE MANAGEMENT OF PLANTS IN ROOMS, AND OF BULBS IN POTS
AND WATER GLASSES.

Art. 1. Result of Mismanagement, 137

2. Management of Plants, 138

3. Growing Bulbous Rooted Plants for Rooms, - - 140

4. Growing Bulbs iii Glasses, --.-__ 140

CHAPTER VI.

ON THE MANAGEMENT OF GARDEN FRAMES. 141

CHAPTER VII.

ON SPRING AND FALL MANAGEMENT.

Art. 1. Spring Management, ------ 143

2. Fall Management and Covering Plants, - - . 145

CHAPTER VIII.

ON THE SHRUBBERY. 147

CHAPTER IX.

ON POTTING AND REPOTTING PLANTS.

Art. 1. Potting Green-house Plants, 150

2 Potting of Plants taken from the Ground, - - - 151

3. Potting of Young Plants from Cuttings, - - - 151

CHAPTER X.

ON THE CULTURE OF THE PAN.SY OR HEARTSEASE. 152

The Prairie, - 155

ULOSSARY, -------- .-iry

Appendix, ------ '",^-

PART 1.

ARRANGEMENT OF THE FLOWER GARDEN, AND PRO-
PAGATION OF PLANTS.

CHAPTER I.

On Liayiug out tlie Flo'tver Garden,

Art. 1. — General Remarks.

The principal object of the " Flower garden " being
to please the eye, it should in every department have a
clean and healthy appearance, which greatly facilitates
the health and growth of the plants and flowers that it
contains.

The situation should be so selected, that all the kinds
of plants are, as near as possible, accommodated to their
natural location, which, by general observation, will be
found to be of a more varied nature than can in any given
spot be combined to suit the health and growth of such
plants as are placed in the flower garden : hence the
propriety of selecting a soil, that will suit most kinds ;
and in some cases, a proper soil, to suit those plants that
will not thrive without their peculiar earth to support
them.

A knowledge of these requisites, is in a great mea-
sure, the leading principle of what is called flower-gar-
2

14 THE FLOWER GARDEN COMPANION.

dening; although in many cases, the mere act of culture
is the only object in view, which has but little weight on
the subject ; for we can observe wild flowers growing
luxuriantly in their natural state, without any other as-
sistance thin the hand of nature.

For a definition of the different modes and manage-
ment of flowers, I refer the reader to their respective
heads.

A RT. 2. — Laying out the Flower Garden and Planting.

It is difficult to give a correct method, for laying out
flower gardens, owing to the diversified opinions of dif-
ferent persons, which are much at variance with each
other. Some say that nature should be copied, as much
as possible, others that formal lines and geometrical fig-
ures, such as circles, ovals, &c., are best.

The principal object to be considered in laying out the
flower garden, is the extent and location of the ground,
and the taste of the owner.

At country residences, where a large extent is appro-
priated to this department, many convenient and pleasing
appendages can be judiciously introduced ; as rustic
arbors, rustic seats, and rockery ; and if water can be
connected, it always gives a good effect. All such ap-
pendages, I recommend to be constructed in as natural
a manner as possible.

The arbors should be covered with vines and creepers,
and their form not be discovered until the person who
is desirous to rest, after viewing the flowers in the other
departments, happens to stroll into thern by an easy
walk : all such places should be constructed in the shade,
for retirement, and not on a rocky eminence, under the
influence of the burning sun, unless a fine landscape is

ON LAYING OUT THE FLOWER GARDEN. 15

to be seen from them, and then an observatory is more
proper.

In many cases, the flower garden will have a pleasing
appearance, when various figures are cut in a well kept
grass plat, where ease should invariably be attended to.

In laying out flower gardens, great care should always
be taken, that there is a regular proportion of the beds
and walks in the different departments ; for it will have
a bad effect if any thing is cramped. The walks should
if possible be wide enough for two persons to walk
abreast, in order to give a social effect, which should
always be the first consideration in the flower garden.
The beds should also be well proportioned, and not too
much cut up into small figures, which when bordered
with box edging, have the appearance of so many figures
formed for the amusement of children more than for the
purpose of growing flowers. There is also another
great error sustained in this method, namely, the edging
will retard the growth of the flowers by being close to
them ; for indeed there is nothing that so much exhausts
the soil of nutriment, as box edging.

Every department should have an open, easy appear-
ance and regular proportion.

I must also beg leave to caution my readers against
the very improper method often practised of planting
fruit trees in the flower borders and among shrubs : —
the impropriety is very evident, if we take into consider-
ation that many of the flowers must eventually be spoil-
ed in gathering the fruit ; besides the inducements pre-
sented for children to injure the flowers when in the act
of robbing the trees of their fruit.

If fruit is to be planted, a proper place should he se-
lected ; it should never be iningled among shrubs and

16 THE FLOWER GARDEN COMPANION.

flowers; unless the ornamental kinds, as the Siberian
crab, Weeping cherry and the like ; and those have a bet-
ter effect as a single ornamental object.

Art. 3. — Soil and Materials.

The soil best adapted for the flower garden, is a rml'
low loam incorporated with some rotten manure, and a
portion of dry sand, with a dry mellow subsoil.

A part of the ground should also be of a boggy
nature, composed of black earth and decayed leaves, in
a low situation, for the accommodation of such plants, as
grow in a boggy soil ; which are Lobelias, Iris, and the
like.

The other materials, are gravel for walks, which should
be rough for the bottoms to drain off the water from the
surface, and fine gravel for the top in order that the
walk may bind hard. Stones for the rockery should
be of the roughest kind, that nature may be as much as
possible imitated ; and the materials for arbors and
trellises and the like should be of the most simple con-
struction.

Art. 4. — General Planting of Shrubs and Flowers.

The best time for planting shrubs and flowers is in the
spring, when the sap is beginning to rise. This general-
ly happens in the month of April, and is, perhaps, the
best time for performing such business.

In many cases, planting may be very judiciously and
economically done in the fall, especially on dry ground,
and where hasty improvements are to be made : much
work will thus be forwarded before the coming spring.

The manner of planting may be simply stated in a few
words, combining trees, shrubs and flowers. As almost

ON LAYING OUT THE FLOWER GARDEN. 17

every species of plants have a conjunction of their roots,
a few inches under the earth's surface, which, if I may
be allowed the term, I will consider as the crown of the
roots : let this be the criterion of planting, that the above
mentioned part be placed a few inches below the surface,
and not too deep, which, in many cases, destroys the
plants, particularly those that do not freely root from the
foot or the base of the stem, when their natural roots
are destroyed by being placed in a situation injurious to
them.

The proper manner of planting, or act of inserting the
roots, so as to insure the growth of the plants, is simply
to observe the nature of the fibrous roots and place them
in their natural position in the soil.

Those plants that extend their roots far around the
crown or centre, require a hole made to accommodate
them, without cramping their roots ; others that root down-
ward in a perpendicular manner, as the Paeony and tuber-
ous roots, and most kinds of bulbs, should be planted so
that the roots find their way into deep, rich soil.

In the act of planting, place the crown of the roots an
inch or two deep, and close the fine earth well about the
fibres with either the hand or foot, observing well the
nature of the roots : and if the ground is very dry in the
spring, give a quantity of water to settle the earth about
them.

Art. 5. — Location or Position of Plants.
Plants in their natural state, have their peculiar loca-
tion : it is also requisite to see them in perfection, to place
them in similar locations, under the hand of the cultiva-
tor : hence, running vines, such as Ho7iey suckles, Clema-
tis, Bignonias, and so on, are most proper for covering
2*

18 THE FLOWER GARDEN COMPANION.

arbors and trellises, Ivy and Virginian creepers for
walls, tall shrubs for concealing old boarded fences, and
unsightly objects, and the pretty dwarf flowering shrubs,
as the Double Almond, Mazer on, and Roses, should be
brought nearer the eye of the observer. Their position
should also be such, as to give the effect of variety of
color, and so arranged that a variety is always in blossom,
which can be effected, by referring to the descriptive listy
of the several varieties enumerated therein.

Art. 6. — Pla7i and Management of Trellises and

Arbors.

In many flower gardens, trellises, arbors, and summer
houses, may be introduced to a very good purpose for
concealing offices and unseemly appendages.

The form and disposal of these must greatly depend on
the size and situation of the garden.

In city gardens, trellises are mostly introduced on en-
trances to the back offices, in which case, they are gener-
ally covered with the Isabella grape, or other running
vines ; as the Honeysuckle and Clematis. Such vines
should always be pruned in the spring, and trained with
the greatest care, to guide the summer shoots, which is
often too much neglected, to the injury of the plants.

The summer dressing of vines, is simply to thin them
out where too much wood is growing, and which would
cause a general weakness in the vine ; the next object is
to train the young shoots, so that all vacant places are
regularly covered. These remarks will be found appli-
cable to all kinds of vines.

In flower gardens attached to country residences, the
trellis is mostly applied to arbors, which ought to be of a
rustic nature, and any form most convenient ; formality

ON LAYING OUT THE FLOWER GARDEN. 19

in their structure, spoils the good effect they would other-
wise produce. I think that most of my readers will
agree that they should be of an easy and rural char-
acter.

Art. 7. — Forming and Planting the Rockery.

The Rockery, is perhaps one of the best features of
the flower garden and is particularly adapted to this cli-
mate : its location depends on taste and circumstances.
In most cases, it is placed in a very conspicuous situa-
tion, as the front of the Green-house, principal entrances,
and such like. By general observation,! have found that
a plant thrives best on the rockery, when placed in a situa-
tion where the principal part of it is partially shaded by
shrubbery or trees.

In extensive pleasure grounds the rockery has a good
effect when placed distinct from the flower garden, and
near a rustic arbor or ornamental bridge, or seat; and
if placed by the side of a retired walk, near the lawn or
grass plot, it has an easy effect. The form and dimen-
sions, may be so as to accommodate the location it is placed
in : a long oval line, or almost any form pleases.

The materials should be rough stones, and good rick
earth ; the base to be laid with stones, and then a quan-
tity of soil : this method may be pursued until the whole
is completed. "When finished, it should have as much as
possible a natural appearance, and ridge-like shape.

The plants best adapted for the rockery, are of the her-
baceous kinds, as the Phlox^ Penstemons and so on : all
kinds of pretty native plants may also be pressed into
the service of the rockery, as the Asters, Wood
Anemones, Violets, and in fact all kinds of plants that
will thrive on a rock should be planted indiscriminately,

20 THE FLOWER GARDEN COMPANION.

without order, so as to form a variety of flowering plants,
in every month of the season. Plants growing in this
manner, always assume their natural habits and are fine
specimens, for young beginners in botany, and the junior
members of families that are studying that delightful sci-
ence : perhaps there is no greater inducement to its re-
searches, than a fine collection of hardy native plants on
the rockery; especially if the beautiful tribe of ferns is to
be studied, which will thrive well on rocks.

Planting the rockery, is merely attended with inserting
the plants between the stones, in the soil in their natural
situations; either on the sunny or shady side: if the
rockery is covered with leaves and pine or hemlock brush
in the winter, the plants will flower much better in the
spring. Let it be remembered, that most native plants in
woods, are indulged by nature with a covering of leaves
in the winter, and therefore the utility requires no further
comment.

Art. S. — Ornamental Waters and Bridges.

There is nothing that I am acquainted with, that gives
more ease, and has so fine an eflfect in the ornamental
and flower garden department, as ornamental wa-
ters, in any form they can be introduced ; it gives a relief
to the eye, from too much sameness of the living part of
the created world ; and calls to mind, the utility that is
derived from its presence as a medium conductor of
food, to an organized kingdom. Independent of this,
the cooling aspect it assumes, forms a fine feature in ru-
ral scenery.

No correct definition that I am acquainted with, can be
given on the formation of ornamental water ; therefore
it must, like many other things, depend entirely on the

ON THE NUTRIMENT OF PLANTS.

21

taste of those who wish to introduce it. In many cases
canals have a pleasing effect as on extensive places where
they are so managed as to be lost to the eye of the obser-
ver ; in such cases the utility of canals is obvious to the
intelligent observer.

CHAPTER II.

On Uie Nutriment of Plants*

Art. 1. — Preliminary Remarks.

Before I proceed to the culture of plants and flowers it
will be proper to point out their different nutriments and
stimulants and how they act on the vegetable sys-
tem either in a congenial or injurious manner, which by
a little observation will be found to be of a great impor-
tance in the culture of all kinds of plants and flowers : —
to this I have also added some remarks on the develop-
ment of the different parts of plants, as the seed, the bud,
the root, the leaf, and the like which I consider essential
to be known to the cultivator and I hope the subject will
therefore be of some utility in this place.

These plants like all the other bodies which are organ-
ized, require an appropriate nutriment, for the germi-
nation of seeds and the further development of vege-
table economy. The most superficial observer is aware
that plants derive their principal food from the soil and
atmosphere, although not in equal proportions. They also
require different compounds, according to the nature of
the soil in which they naturally grow : thus the Cherry,

22 THE FLOWER GARDEN* COMPANION.

Peach and Nectarine, are found to grow on a light dry
soil, while the pear and plum, require a deep loamy soil ;
and aquatics grow altogether in water, as the Valisnera
Spiralis, Water Lihj, &c. : others, as the Ferns, live and
flourish on the hardest rocks.

Art. 2. — Food of Plants.

The principal food of plants is found to be either
vegetable or animal substances in a decomposed state,
which enter into vegetables by aqueous solution, and
as it were compose a new vegetable in an organized
state. This food is principally absorbed by the roots
of plants ; it is also inhaled by the leaves, its particles be-
ing often raised to a considerable height by the winds.

Earths, as Clay, Lime, Fliiits and Magnesia, are also
absorbed by plants in solution ; each particular variety
will be found to contain these earths in different propor-
tions, according to the preponderance of the soil in which
they grow : hence by calcination of corn stalks, flint is
found in the ashes, and is perhaps one of the finest fin-
ishers for steel.

Plants inhaling chalky soils possess portions of lime,
and by analysis each variety w^ill be found to contain a
portion of solid substance, which they most readily im-
bibe by aqueous solution.

Water. — Some authors are of opinion, that water is
the sole food of plants, who found their authority on the
fact, that many kinds, and particularly bulbs, vegetate
and produce their blossoms in that fluid ; the reverse of
this is however the case, as on calcination those plants
are found to contain component parts, but the quantity of
water necessary for different species is also very appar-
ent; as some plants are found to thrive on the hardest
rocks, and must obtain their moisture principally from

ON THE NUTRIMENT OF PLANTS. 23

their leaves, to which it is first imparted from the
atmosphere, whilst others are known to live wholly in
water ; consequently must be of a different nature in their
solids.

Atmospheric Air. — " The atmosphere," says Stroud,
" is composed of oxygen, carbonic acid, hydrogen and ni-
trogen gases, in different proportions ; all these are to be
found in vegetables, but they do not all seem to be vege-
table food.

" That oxygen is necessary to vegetation, numerous ex-
periments have proved, and few have been found to sub-
sist long without it, when in a growing state ; it is there-
fore plain, that plants inhale a considerable quantity of
the gas.

" Carbonic Acid. — This is also beneficial to plants, par-
ticularly to the root ; but if too large a quantity be ap-
plied, it proves injurious or fatal. Hydrogen and nitro-
gen are supposed to enter vegetables in combination with
other substances, as when they are applied separately to
growing plants, they refuse to inhale either of them, and
death is the consequence.

" From these facts, it appears that vegetables have a
power of extracting from the atmosphere, those parts which
contribute to their growth and health, as well as from the
soil, and of refusing to admit the constituents of either."
The above facts plainly show the utility and necessity
of obtaining a proper air, requisite to the growth and
health of the plant ; whether in a frame or Green-house,
the necessity is the same. When unwholesome air is
present, the plant suffers in proportion to the portion of
improper gas : the most delicate parts, as the flower, or
young fruit, being first affected, generally perishes : the
next is the tender leaves and branches, and so in succes-

24 THE FLOWER GARDEN COMPANION.

sion ; but in some cases, as tender annuals, foul internal
air destroys the plant in its infant state.

To all plants in a growing state, a small quantity of
external air should always be admitted, in order to rectify
the internal air. This plan should be observed in the
Green-house and other confined places.

Art. 3. — Light.

" Fairest of beings ! first created Light !

Prime cause of beauty! for, from thee alone,

The sparkling gem, — the vegetable race, —

The nobler worlds that live and breathe, their charms,

The lovely hues peculiar to each tribe, —

From thy unfading source of splendor, draw!

In thy pure rays, with transport, I survey

This firmament, and those her rolling worlds ;

Their magnitudes and motions."

Light is one of the most requisite agents to the vege-
table kingdom, as few vegetables (the Fungous excepted)
are known to thrive and have their proper qualities with-
out this stimulant.

The most common observer may have occular demon-
stration of this fact, by plants generally growing towards
the light, in windows of houses and confined situations ;
and as soon as the plant is reversed, the position is re-
versed also. Leaves, flowers and fruits, are always more
replete with their proper qualities, when in an exposed
situation. This is observable in the tops of trees. It is
generally understood by horticulturists, that no light as
yet known artificially, will compensate for the absence of
the sun. But, were I called upon to express my opinion
on the subject, it would be this : that, as the sun is the
sole agent of heat and light, its influence over those stim-
ulants is predominant ; hence, artificial light is partial to

ON THE NUTRIMENT OF PLANTS. 25

more confined particles : furthermore, all artificial light
which is caused by igniting any substance, contains a
certain quantity of impure gas, which is evaporated, by
ascending and mixing with the atmospheric air, and when
condensed or confined, generally proves injurious, if not
fatal, to the animal and vegetable kingdom : this is abun-
dantly proved by the frequent instances we find recorded,
of persons falling victims in consequence of burning char-
coal in a confined room.

That vegetables lose their proper qualities, when de-
prived of the presence of light, is exemplified in the Cel-
ery and Endive when blanched ; which is effected by ex-
cluding them from the light, in which case the vegetable
loses its natural qualities in a certain degree. So tena-
cious of light, are most kinds of plants, that when de-
prived of this stimulant, they begin to assume a yellow
appearance, and in time, when fully excluded, they turn
to a clear white : it is also obvious that when they again
receive a full share of stimulating influence, they re-
sume their wonted appearance.

I shall conclude this subject by impressing on the mind
of my readers, the utility of light to plants generally,
and especially in frames and green-houses, in the early
part of the season, when every opportunity should be ta-
ken to admit it. Let them also remember that in winter,
owing to the short days, the due quantity of light cannot
be given ; this should always be taken into consideration
by the cultivator.

Art. 4. — Heat.

It is very evident to the most common observer,
that a certain degree of heat is required by all plants to
cause them to grow, in a healthy, vigorous state. As we
3

26 THE FLOWER GARDEN COMPANION.

find that plants similarly situated, though natives, do
not all vegetate at the same lime : so also seeds require
a different temperature of heat, to cause them to vegetate
freely ; hence it will be seen that all kinds of native seeds
vegetate early in the spring, and many exotics, as the Co-
reopsis, Stock-gilli flower, Candy-tuft and the like : while
the more tender kinds as the Balsam, Globe Amaranth
and the like must be deferred to a warmer season.
The same affinity is also observable in the circulation of
sap in trees, as they are seen to put out their foliage and
to commence in growth at different times in the same lo-
cation.

Heat may be considered under two heads namely, sun
heat or natural, and artificial as that applied by fire,
fermentation and the like. Sun heat may be in all cases
considered as natural to plants, although in many cases
where plants are placed in very moist situations they are
drawn weak when it acts too powerfully on them after
much wet, and in such cases the leaves are seen to flag
and shrivel up. Fire heat also when applied in too high
a degree to plants, injures their constitution in a manner
that they lose in a certain degree their natural strength
or habit. Heat and moisture in all cases should be reg-
ulated as much as possible to correspond to the natural
habit of the plants that are to be cultivated.

Art. 5. — Observations on the Roots of Plants.

The roots of plants being intended by nature as chan-
nels by which the principal food is absorbed and conveyed
to the different parts, and finally forms a part of the plant,
should be very familiar to the cultivator.

By due observation it will be seen that the adaptation
of plants to their proper soil is of the greatest importance,

ON THE NUTRIMENT OF PLANTS. 27

as plants placed in a soil uncongenial to them, seldom
thrive well, owing to improper food being absorbed by
their roots : and in many cases, roots have been known
to travel out of their proper position in quest of a more
proper nutriment. The circulation of the sap in roots is
different in different kinds, as may be exemplified by
plants and shrubs beginning to put forth their leaves at
various periods, in the same location. This fact may be
proved by any intelligent observer who will notice the
commencement of vegetation in native plants and shrubs,
in any given part of the country, under the same circum-
stances and in the same location.

These plants are all fastened in the earth by the root,
and all exposed to the same temperature and natural
changes of moisture in the place where they grow :
but their time of vegetation or circulation of sap, is in
accordance to their peculiar nature, which varies a
month or more. As soon as the soil is sufficiently warm
to answer their economy of circulation, the process
takes place.

Art. 6, — Observation on the Bud.
The bud of plants is very aptly termed by the bot-
anist, the hybernacula or winter quarters. It is formed
in the summer, and properly fed and nourished by the
descending sap. Buds may be considered under three
definitions : first, buds which contain the rudiments and
organization of fruits only, as the Cherry, Plum and
Pear ; second, buds which contain the blossom and wood-
buds under the same covering, as the Grape, and most
trailing vines ; and thirdly, those which contain all the
rudiments of a young plant in embryo, as the Cherry
Plum and Pear, which are called wjaod-bads.

28 THE FLOWER GARDEN COMPANION.

Nature has carefully protected those precious appenda-
ges of plants, by covering them with a hard, scaly sub-
stance outwardly, and a woolly substance inwardly, to
protect the more tender parts.

It will be found by a due observance of buds, that those
which produce the fruit are the most delicate, and of
course the most liable to injury by drought, cold and the
many causes inimical to them; hence the Pe«cA, and ma-
ny other fruit trees require protection during the winter
in the Northern States, particularly those that have been
grown under glass, the buds of which are always more
delicate than when the tree is wholly exposed.

The blossom-bud being injured in any way, either by
cold or other casualty detrimental to it, is generally des-
troyed ; but the wood-bud on the same tree or shrub, is
not, although exposed to the same injuries ; and in ma-
ny cases, as the Grape Vine, the blossom-bud is blinded
or destroyed by many causes detrimental to it, alihough
the vine will perhaps break and grow in a very healthy
manner.

Art. 7. — Observations on the Leaf.

The leaves of plants being the principal organs of res-
piration, also contribute to their growth by their power of
absorption ; they are of the greatest importance in this
operation. The surrounding air, whether internal or ex-
ternal, being absorbed by their agency, requires to be of
a pure and wholesome nature, in order to keep them in.
a healthy, vigorous state. We are informed by botanists
that the leaves of plants are synonymous with the lungs
of animals, therefore, whatever disease is imbibed by them,
enters into their system.

When too much heat and moisture are applied in

ON THE NUTRIMENT OF PLANTS. 29

green-houses or frames, where plants are growing, it is
imbibed by the leaf, and the consequence is, that the plant
is elongated without its proper qualities, the leaves as-
sume a feeble appearance, and are often totally destroyed,
when the sun and air act on them sufficiently to nourish
their more healthy parts. Leaves, when decaying, are
most liable to breed many insects, as the Red Spider,
Trip, and all other insects which are increased by de-
composition ; therefore decaying and dead leaves should,
in all cases, be taken from plants in a state of vegeta-
tion.

In conclusion to what has been said on trees and plants,
it appears evident that the riative of all kinds of plants in
the common idea, is the primitive, and is perpetual, and
that every variety of improved quality, must originate
from it, either by chance or luxuriant culture ; and it is
at the same time clear, that by crossing the primitive or
native plants of any country, of the same natural order,
new varieties, of improved qualities, are produced,
congenial to the country which has given birth to such
varieties. From the very best of experiments and au-
thority, it has been proved that in raising plants either
from seed, cuttings, grafting, or any other mode of pro-
pagation, those kinds that have been propagated in a
hardy and natural manner, are the best qualified to with-
stand the natural changes of the climate ; and that, al-
though by nursing many tender plants, they are brought
to great perfection with attentive culture, it cannot be re-
commended to answer in a general way.

Any intelligent observer will discover that plants of all

kinds require to be so situated that the sun and air have,

as much as possible, free access to every part of their

leaves, fruit, and indeed, all parts of the plants; and that

3*

30 THE FLOWER GARDEN COMPANION".

any violence, either by severe pruning, disease, blights,
unwholesome food or air that is present, acts on their sys-
tem materially, either directly or indirectly.

CHAPTER III.

On tlie Propagation of Plants a

Art. 1. — General Observations.

To describe the many methods practised in propagating-
plants, would far exceed my prescribed limits, and be
altogether foreign to this little treatise, which is intended
to condense, as much as possible, the most requisite sub-
jects to be known by those who are desirous to become
acquainted with the culture of the flower garden. The
propagation of plants may be considered strictly belong-
ing to the nursery department, and would require more
space than the contents of this book to fully describe ;
therefore, the subject has been confined to such methods
as could be done with perfect ease by any person inter-
ested in the subject.

The plan, it will be perceived, is as much as possible
condensed into regular methods — and those plants to be
operated upon, are designated by their proper character in
the Descriptive List of their respective departments, by
which much space and repetition is in this place obviated.

Of all the different processes in Horticulture, pro-
pagation or increase is the most difficult, and con-
sequently requires every attention of the operator. Cor-

ON THE PROPAGATION OF PLANTS- 31

rectness must be, in all cases, attended to, and a neat and
active performance of the subject acted upon must be duly-
regarded, as in amputution, insertion, and the like
principles, that will be requisite in the different operations.

Art. 2. — Propagation by Seed.

The seed contains all the rudiments of the parent plant
in embryo ; and expands its functionary qualities, and is
developed into a new plant when the necessary stimulants
and nutriments are present either in a natural or artificial
form. The propagation of any plant or seed out of its
natural climate, is attended, in all cases, by artificial
means and is, therefore, under the laws of culture.

Proper location for seed. — That most plants require a
proper location is very apparent to the inquiring observer ;
some are found to grow naturally and thrive in water, as
the Water Lily ; others may be considered as amphibious,
growing sometimes in and at others out of water, as the
Water Plantain, Harrowhead, and the like ; to the reverse
of this, we find some plants living and thriving on rocks
and such locations, where it is very difficult to receive
water or food from any other source than atmospheric air.
Other plants, we find, are natives of rich and fertile val-
leys; and some are ornamentally intended, by nature, as a
fringe to the woods, by way sides, and the like ; hence, a
corresponding climate is always the best adapted and
should be as near as possible obtained, to grow seeds and
to propagate young plants to perfection.

By little observation, it will be seen that many seeds per-
ish in their natural soil and chmate,by accidental causes,
and in some cases not one of a thousand vegetates, while
if assisted by being placed in a proper situation, two out
of three would grow ; other seeds almost universally
grow when they leave the plants in an accidental man-

32 THE FLOWER GARDEN COMPANION.

ner. This fact is in the first case exemplified in large
seeds, as nuts, and the like. The Hickory and Chetsnut
are seen to bear bushels of nuts or seed, which fall from
the tree and are dispersed on their natural soil, but rare-
ly vegetate, owing to their not being imbedded in the earth
deep enough to receive a regular and proper nutriment to
cause them to grow. Most native annual seeds vegetate
freely, their covers being thin and of a small size, by
which they are easily imbedded in the earth to a proper
depth to cause vegetation to proceed. The principal
point to be attended to, in making seeds vegetate, is that
they are sown in a soil where they can easily take root,
and in a depth corresponding to their size ; small seeds,
as the Poppy and Migno7iette, should scarcely be covered ;
and larger, as the Balsam and Aster, may be covered
deeper ; and so in proportion to their different size. In
some cases frost destroys the vegetative principle of seed
when it is not well ripened ; or placed in a warm, moist
situation, where it begins to grow at an unnatural
season. But I have never known seed of any kind
destroyed by cold when perfectly dry and well ripen-
ed. The necessary food and stimulants to cause seed to
vegetate are heat, air and water.

Art. 3. — Propagation by Roots.

Increase of bulbous rooted plants. — Bulbous rooted plants
are increased by taking the ofTsets or side bulbs from the
parent plant, as the Hyacirithj Tulip, and the like. The
young bulbs are to be taken from the parent, and treated
in every way the same with this exception, they do not re-
quire so much room to grow, as they will not flower the first
season of planting. They must be separated from the pa-
rent with the finger and thumb, and care should be taken
not to bruise them in the operation.

ON THE PROPAGATION OF PLANTS. 33

Some bulbs, as the Garlic and Shallot, form a truss of
bulbs, from the centre of the plant, which is to be divided
in order to form a new plant : others are increased from the
tops, as the Tiger Lily ; such are termed cauline bulbs,
or bulbs of the stalk ; they onl}'' require to be taken from,
and treated as, the parent.

Increase of tuberous rooted plants. — The tuberous
rooted are exemplified in the Pceony and Dahlias ; the
root forms a crown, to which are connected many tubers,
which are to be divided w^ith a sharp knife, in such a
manner, as to leave part of the crown, with one or more
eyes or buds to each plant ; those parts are to be inserted
in the ground, in the same manner and soil, and treated
in the same way as the mother plant.

Increase of fibrous rooted herbaceous plants. — Fibrous
rooted herbaceous plants are increased by dividing the
crown, or main root, as the Phlox, Rudbecca, and perennial
Larkspur. This method may be applied to most hardy
fibrous rooted plants, in tlie month of September or begin-
ning of May.

Art. 4. — Propagation by Running Vines and Creepers.
The Potentella, Strawberry and Periwinkle are examples
of running vines. Such plants are increased by taking off
their joints where they have rooted, and planting in the
same manner and soil as their parent plants, in the month
of September : this process may be greatly facilitated by
covering the joints with fine earth and keeping them moist
previous to their rooting.

Art. 5. — Propagation by Cuttings.
Many kinds of hardy shrubs are increased by cut-
ting from the young wood of deciduous plants,

34 THE FLOWER GARDEN COMPANION.

which is either performed in the fall or spring".
The plants that are increased by this method, are the
Althea, or Rose of Sharon, Snowballs, Honeysuckles, and
most kinds of soft wooded plants. The manner of per-
forming this work, is to prepare a piece of moist, shady
ground, by digging and dressing the surface : when the
ground is ready, the cuttings are to be prepared by
cutting them one foot in length, and inserting them
into the ground six inches deep ; the rows should
be eighteen inches apart, and the cuttings eight inches
from each other in the rows. When the cuttings
are inserted, the ground must be pressed hard to them by
the foot, and raked off in a neat manner. The after
management, is merely to keep the ground clean about
the plants during the summer ; and in the autumn they
will be perfectly rooted. A moist northern aspect is the
best location for this business.

Art. 6. — Propagation by Layers.

The increase of plants by layers, is performed
on most kinds of hard wooded plants in the autumn
or early in the spring, as the Rose and Double-Jlow-
ering Almond. The manner of performing this
business, is to dig and prepare the ground about the
mother plant; the young shoots are then prepared, by
bending them down to the ground, in order to find the
proper length required to be inserted ; a sharp knife must
be applied to the under part of the shoot at a joint, cut-
ting, in a slanting manner upward, about half an inch
in length : the part is then inserted in the soil, from two
to three inches deep, in such a manner that the wound or
cut is left open, and pressed perpendicularly into the
ground : a hooked stick is then placed over the layer in

ON THE PROPAGATION OF PLANTS. 35

order to keep it in a proper position. This should be done
to every layer, to prevent the wound from uniting, being
the part from whence the roots will be made for the young
plant.

Carnations^ Pi7iks, and such like plants, are chiefly in-
creased in this manner ; the proper season for laying
these is August and September. Many others, as the Siveet
William Pinks and their natural family, may be laid by
simply taking out the centre of the plant, and placing a
quantity of earth sufficient to cover the side shoots,
which will form a circle of young plants in a few weeks.

Art. 7. — Increase by Inoculation.

Many trees and shrubs are increased by inoculation or
budding; which is generally done to propagate such
plants as do not thrive well by the methods heretofore
described.

Inoculation may be very successfully performed on
almost every variety of Roses, as the White Moss, Unique,
Tuscany, and all the finest varieties, on the wild kinds or
those of a strong habit.

The Double-Jloivering Apple, Double Cherry, and many
ornamental trees, may also be inoculated on those of their
natural family ; and so also with all trees and shrubs that
have large full buds. The best time for performing this
operation is when the buds that are to be taken off from the
choice kind are well ripened and the bark or rind leaves
the wood freely : this will generally be about the latter
end of July or beginning of August. The plants in-
tended to be inoculated should also be in a healty state ;
and the bark should part freely from the wood, or the
success will be doubtful ; and here it is necessary to state,

36 THE FLOWER GARDEN COMPANION.

that in many cases, inoculation is almost uselessly per-
formed on trees and plants that are in an unhealthy con-
dition ; the hud inserted must eventually die for want of
proper sap and nutriment-
Severe criticisms are often bestowed on gardeners, who
adopt the plan of inoculation during the season, when the
buds which are by them inserted die ; which in many
cases cannot possibly be avoided, if the plants are sickly,
and do not have their requisite food and nourishment.
This is often the case with the Orange and Lemon, which
are inoculated and, perhaps, exposed to the sun, without
water for many days, in which case the buds must eventu-
ally perish for want of nourishment. But I am now di-
gressing, which I hope will be excused in this place, for
without some remarks on the subject before me, it would
be impossible to elucidate the most proper and necessary
points.

Act of Inocidation. — At the proper season, when the
plants to be inoculated are in a right condition, prepare for
the operation by collecting healthy shoots of the summer's
growth, of such kinds as are intended to be increased ;
when the shoots are taken from the trees, they are to be di-
vested of their leaves, leaving a part of the forestalk to the
length of half an inch ; they are then to be kept damp until
they are inserted, which should be as soon as possible
after being separated from the trees.

There are many ways of inserting buds, but I shall
confine myself to the most general and, I believe most
successful method, which is performed by making an in-
cision in the tree intended to be inoculated, in the form of
a T, by first cutting through the rind, on the top, in a
transverse manner, holding the knife between the fore

ON THE PROPAGATION OF PLANTS. 37

finger and thumb : the bottom incision is made by draw-
ing the point of the knife downward an inch ; the thin end
of the haft is then to be applied to the top of the incision
in order to part the rind from the wood, which is done by
gently lifting the top and running the end of the haft
downward to the end of the incision. The incision being
made for the reception of the bud, the next thing
to be done is to prepare the bud, by placing the
the scion in the left hand, between the fore finger and
and thumb, with the top end next to the thumb. The
knife must then be taken in the right hand, and its heel
placed half an inch below the bud intended to be taken
off; it is then to be carefully drawn upwards half an inch
above the bud, cutting it out with about half the wood and
bark. This being done, the part is to be placed between
the thumb and fore finger of the left hand, and the rind
gently pressed back with the edge of the knife ; when
the wood is to be pinched between the thumb and knife
and divided from the rind with the bud, which is to be in-
serted neatly in the incision of the tree, and bound with
bass or other strina:.

PART 2.

MANAGEMENT OP THE FLOWER GARDEN, AND CULTURE
OF PLANTS — WITH DESCRIPTIVE LISTS.

CHAPTER I.

On the Culture of Annuals and Biennials.

Art. 1. — Annual Flowers.

Annual plants are those of one year's duration
only, and are renewed yearly by sowing the seed, as the
Lady'^s slipper or Balsam^ the China aster ^ Mignonette
and the like.

Annual Flowers do not, in many cases, receive that at-
tention they really merit, which, I imagine, is chiefly ow-
ing to the trouble of renewing them yearly from seed, and
the proneness of most kinds to depreciate into single flow-
ers and inferior qualities ; however, the easy and speedy
manner of growing them, and the pretty effect they
give to the flower borders, when mixed with other
plants, claim for them a place in the flower garden.
Their qualities, like all other flowers and plants, can be
retained, and in many cases even improved by attentive
management. I shall therefore proceed to their culture,
and add a descriptive list of the best and most appropriate
kinds for the flower garden.

ON THE CULTURE OF ANNUALS AND BIENNIALS. 39

Art. 2. — Growing Annuals in Hot Beds, for Planting

out early.

To have annuals flower early, the seed should be sown
on a moderate hot bed early in the spring, for the pur-
pose of transplanting in the flower bed and borders ; for this
purpose, prepare a hot bed in the beginning of March, in
the following manner. Collect two good cart-loads of
hot horse manure ; or if of equal parts of leaves col-
lected from trees in the fall and horse manure, the bet-
ter ; shake it up and mix it well together, at different
times, until it gets into a state of fermentation, which will
be in a few days, when the bed may be made in a shel-
tered situation ; if protected by a board fence, the better.

Prepare the place for the bed by taking out one foot
deep of soil, a foot wider at each side and the ends than
the intended frame is in size. A two-light frame, four
feet in width and six feet in length, will answer a good
purpose ; but in a small garden a frame half the size, with
half the portion of manure, will answer.

Having the place prepared, make the bed bj'' shaking
the manure well together, in order to make it of an
equal texture, beating it down with the back of the fork
as you proceed — but never tread it with the feet, which
is the cause of hot beds settling irregular. The bed being
made, place the frame upon it immediately to draw up
the heat, cover it well by night, and let it have the full
influence of the sun by day, until the heat rises, when the
bed may be earthed all over with about six inches of light,
rich soil, which should be prepared previous to its being
made : half rotten leaf mould and half mellow loam will
answer a good purpose for compost.

When the bed is earthed, the frame may again be
closed to draw the heat, and so soon as it rises, the seeds

40 THE FLOWER GARDEN COMPANION.

of all kinds of annuals may be sown in shallow drills,
and lightly covered with fine earth; care must be taken
in this part of the process, to give air sufficient by night
and day to let off the steam that arises, in order that the
young plants may not damp off or be too much drawn in
a weak and slender manner, especially when the heat
begins to rise after earthing the bed, which will be in a
few days. When the plants have come up, two extremes
must be guarded against, namely: to be very careful
that the young plants are not injured by the chill of
night, or drawn too much by being confined : the heat of
the bed and the external air must be the criterion to go
by: the internal air of the frame should be kept as near
as possible to the moderate degree of fiftyfive, by Fah-
renheit's scale. As the warm weather advances, the bed
may have more air by day and night, and be treated in
every manner so as to harden the plants as they grow in
size, and finally the lights may be left off night and day
previous to the plants being transplanted in the garden,
which may be done with most kinds about the first of
May, and the tender, the twentieth of May. But where
annuals are wanted to be very early in flower, they may
be much forwarded by transplanting them out from the
seed bed into another frame an inch or two apart, and then
transplanting them into the flower garden when the
weather is sufficiently warm.

Art. 3. — Solving the Seed in the natural Ground.

The seed of annual flowers may be sown when the earth
will work well, which will be from the middle of April
to the beginning of May; this is the best time for sowing
most kinds, and if two or three sowings are made at dif-
ferent times the better success may be expected.

ON THE CULTURE OF ANNUALS AND BIENNIALS. 41

The method of sowing is simply to make a small circle,
with a stick, in the form of an 0, about eight or ten
inches in diameter, from an eighth to half an inch in
depth, in the vacant places among flowering plants. Great
care must be taken to cover the seed very lightly with fine,
light earth, as the young plants are often much injured in
making their way through the surface. If the weather is
very dry, the places where the seed are sown may be
watered in order to make the seed vegetate more freely.
When the young plants are an inch or two high, they
may be thinned to about two inches apart, and they may
be in every way treated as other plants, according to their
diflferent habits.

Art. 4. — Descriptive List of Annual FlowerS'^

In giving a List of Annual Flowers I have divided them
into three classes ; namely, ^ew^er, less tender, and hardy ;
a classification which will at once give the cultivator
some knowledge of the most proper time of sowing the
diflferent varieties and whether they require any protec-
tion or not in any sudden change of weather that may
occur after they are planted into the flower borders for
flowering. I have omitted the time of flowering, which
it would be an arduous task to give, in annual flowers, as
they will flower earlier or later according to circumstan-
stances and seasons. In regard to colors, it is also difli-
cult to give any distinctive character, as annual flowers of
all kinds are very prone to depreciate and run out or sport
from their variety of color : indeed the better way of giv-
ing a list to every kind would be under the head of varie^

* The list presented in this article, includes all the old and well
known varieties. For a copious descriptive list of recently introduced
annual flowers, see Appendix, Art. 1 .

4#

42 THE FLOWER GARDEN COMPANION.

1i£s ; however, I shall in a certain degree follow the gen-
eral rule of giving the proper colors, and merely point out
the varieties.

TENDEH ANNUALS.

Amaranthus tree, tricolor and bicolor.

globe, purple, red, white and striped-
coxcomb, com. large red, scarlet, yellow, &c.
common dwarf of colcrs.
spike flowered coxcombs, a variety.

Browalliay spreading and upright, blue flowered.

Convolvulus, scarlet, (ipomaea quamoclit) a climber.

Effg- plant, white, yellow, red, and prickly fruited.

Ice plant, or diamond ficoidas, white and yellow flowered.

Sensitive, or humbleplant.

LESS TENDER ANNUALS.

Amaranthus, bloody leaved, with erect flowers, purple.

Aster, China, double, white, red, purple, brown, striped, &c.

Basil, common sweet, red and purpled flowered .

Chrysanthemum, double, white and yellow, plain and quilled.

Convolwlas major, pink, purple, and deep purple.

India, or Chinese pink, single and double, striped variously.

Ijove lies bleeding-.

Marigold African, pale and deep yellow, plain and quilled.

French, yellow and crimson striped, velvety.

dwarf sorts of both African and French.
Marvel of Peru, white, yellow, red, purple and variegated.
Nasturtium, yellow and orange flower.
Scabious, sometimes made an annual.
Stock, com. ten week, red, scarlet, purple and white.

dwarf French fine scarlet, and varieties.
Sweet sultan, yellow, purple, red and white flowered.
Xeranthemum, or eternal flower, yellow,white, violet and purple.
Zinnia, yellow flowered, and red, many varieties.

HABDY ANNUALS.

Adonis, pheasant's eye, or bird's eye, red and yellow.
Alysson, sweet scented, white flowering.
Candy tuft, while, red, crimson and purple.
Caterpillar plant, yellow, varieties.

ON THE CULTURE OF ANNUALS AND BIENNIALS, 43

Catchfly, LobeVs red, purple and white.
Clary, annual pink, purple and white topped.
Convolvulus minor, blue, white and striped.
CyaniLS, or corn bottles, blue, red, purple, white and striped.
Devil in a bush, or Lady in the Green.
Hawkweed, red, pale and deep yellow.
Ketmia bladder, or flower of an hour, yellow.
Larkspur, tall, branching and rocket,
dwarf rocket, of varieties.
Neapolitan, branched and spotted.
Lavatera, or Cretan mallow, red, white and purple.
JLupine, sweet scented, yellow flowered.

common, blue, white, and varieties,
giant blue, and rose colored.
Mallow, curled leaved Syrian and Chinese, pink.
Marigold, giant, or large common double.

large cape, leafy, and naked stalked.
French and African varieties.
Mignonette, (trailing) or sweet scented reseda.
Mulberry blight, or strawberry spinach, red fruit.
Pea. sweet, purple, scarlet, white, pink and white or painted lady.
Persicaria, oriental, red flowered.
Poppy, tall, double purple, scarlet, carnation, &c.
dwarf, or corn poppy, double, a variety,
chelidonium, or horned scarlet, yellow.
Snails, hedge hogs and horns, yellow.
Snapdragon, annual Sicilian, white flowered.
Stock, (maritime) dwarf annual, or Virginian.
Sunjlower, large double, pale and full yellow.

dwarf double ditto.
Venus's locking glass, blue, white and purple.

naval wort, common and Portugal, white.
Xeranthemum, or eternal flower, yellow.

Art. 5. — Biennial Flowers.

Biennials are those plants which flower the second
year from the seed and then perish : this definition, how-
ever, is not in all cases correct, for in some instances plants
of this denomination are known to flower for three years
after being produced from the seed. But as the term is
generally used and in most cases may be considered as a

44 THE FLOWER GARDEN COMPANION.

Standard rule, I shall here retain it as the general head.
The plants of this class are not numerous ; they are exem-
plified in the Foxglove, Campanula grandiflora, the
Wallflower, and the like — the method of culture is to
sow the seed in the spring with the annual varieties, and
let them remain in the beds or borders until they are of a
proper size to be planted out in the places intended for
their flowering, when they may receive the same culture
as other plants growing by them.^

Canterbury bells, blue, purple and white flower.

Carnation, a great variety.

Clary, garden, a variety in leaf, purple.

Honesty, satin flower, or moonwort, purple and white.

Mullien, branching, phlomoide and sinuated, yellow.

Penstemon, (a biennial perennial) violet and plain.

Scabious, purple, black, red, white and striped, flower.

Snapdragon,ied, purple, white, yellow, and variegated.

Sweet William, single and double, a variety.

mule, or sweet william pink, double red.

broad leaved, striped and red flower.

CHAPTER II.

On the Culture of Perennials.

Art. 1. — Perennial Herbaceous Plants.
Perennial herbaceous plants, are those which die down
to the root yearly, the toots of which remain many years ;

* For a descriptive list of tender biennials, see Appendix, Art. 2.

ON THE CULTURE OF PERENNIALS. 45

they are exemplified in the Phlox, Golden rod, Asters, and
many other kinds of native plants.

There is no class of plants more deserving general cul-
ture in the flower garden than perennials, which, when
once introduced, require but trifling attention ; their
increase is also of the most encouraging nature which in
most varieties is simply the dividing of or parting the
roots in the autu«in or spring as directed under the head
of propagation. Herbaceous plants may be divided into
three classes, namely : bulbous, as the Tulip, Hyacinth,
and most Lilies ; tuberous, as the Dahlia and Pceony ; and
fibrous, as the Phlox and Pereniiial aster. These separate
divisions may be again divided into hardy and tender,
with reference to the different climates to which they
belong : for instance in bulbs. Tulips and Hyacinths are
hardy — the Jacobean lily and Per aria are tender. In
tuberous roots, the Pceony is hardy and the Dahlia is ten-
der ; and in fibrous, most kinds are hardy, although in
many cases they are killed by the winter and wet saturat-
ing their crowns, on which account it is necessary that
they should be partially covered in the winter to guard
them against being injured in that manner.

In planting Herbaceous plants the principal object to
be borne in mind is their height, color, and time of flow-
ering, in order that they may be so distributed in the beds
as to form a pleasing variety, which can be effected by re-
ferring to the Descriptive List subjoined hereto.

In forming a Descriptive List I have been very particu-
lar in selecting such kinds as seem the most adapted to
the purpose, and I have also chosen rather an extensive
list in consequence of their being worthy of more general
notice than has been taken of that department.

46

THE FLOWER GARDEN COMPANION.

Art. 2. — Descriptive List of Herbaceous Perennial
Flowering Plants.

Botanical Name.

English Name.

Color. Height

. Time of flow(

ACHILLEA.

Sneezewort.

montana

mountain

Aug.

ACONITUM.

Wolf's Bane.

japonicum

Japan

Black

6

June, Aug.

album

white

White

4

July, Aug.

ACT.EA.

ACT^A.

album

white

White

3

April, June,

AMSONIA.

Amsonia.

salicifolia

Willow leaved

Blue

2

May, Juue.

latifolia

broad leaved

Blue

2

May, June.

ANEMONE.

Anemoxe.

Pulsatilla

pasque flower

Violet

h

April, May,

hepatica

common hepatica Blue

h

April, May,

ASCLEPIAS.

Swallow Wort.

tuberosa

tuberous rooted

Orange

2

July, Aug.

incarnata

flesh colored

Purple

2

July, Aug.

decumbens

decumbent

Orange

2

July, Aug.

ASTER.

Starwort.

Novae Angliae

New England

Purple

6

Sept., Oct.

amj'gdalinus

almond leaved

Purple

BETONICA.

Betony.

officinalis

wood

Purple

2

July, Aug.

CAMPANULA.

Bell Flower.

azurea

azure

Blue

3

July, Aug.

versicolor

various colored

Striped

4

July, Sept.

urticifolia

nettle-leaved

Purple

3

Aug.

persicafolia, pi.

peach-leaved

White

2

June, July.

CASSLA.

Cassia.

marilandica

Maryland

Yellow

4

Aug.

CENTAUREA.

Centaury.

nigra

Black Knapweed Purple

2

May, Aug.

CLEMATIS.

Virgin's Boweb

integrifolia

entire-leaved

Blue

2

July, Aug.

erecta

upright

White

3

July, Aug.

alpina

Alpine

White

3

Julj^, Aug.

angustifolia

narrow-leaved

Blue

2

July, Aug.

OIT THE CULTURE OF PERENNIALS.

47

Botanical Name.

English Name.

Color. H,

eight.

Time of flowerini

COMMELINA.

COMMELINA.

Yirginica

Virginian

Blue

h

July.

CONVALLERIA.

Lily of the Ya

lLLEY.

majalis

major

White

1

July.

COREOPSIS.

Coreopsis.

grandiflora

great flowering

Yellow

2

July, Aug.

lanceolata

lance-leaved

Yellow

2

July, Aug.

auriculata

ear-leaved

Yellow

2

July, Aug.

tenuifolia

fine-leaved

Yellow

2

July, Aug.

CORONILLA.

COHONILLA.

coronata

large-headed

Yellow

2 in.

June, July

CYNOGLOSSUM.

Hound's Tongue.

omphaloides

comfery leaved

Blue

k

July, Aug.

DELPHINIUM. -

Larkspur.

grandiflorum

great flowered

Blue

2

Sept. Oct.

datum

common Bee

Blue

6

June, Sept.

chinense

Chinese

Blue

2

June.

urceolatum

hollow -leaved

Blue

2

June, Sept.

DICTAMNUS.

Fhaxinella.

rubra

red

Red

2

Aug.

alba

white

White

2

Aug.

DRACOCEPHALUN. Dragon's He

AD.

denticulatiim

Carolina

Striped

1

Aug. Sept.

variegatum

variegated

Purple

1

Aug.

Tirginicum

Virginian

Purple

h

Aug.

speciosum

showy

Pink

2

July, Aug.

EUPHORBIA.

Spurge.

Ceparissias

Cyprus

Purple

2

April, May.

ERINGIUM.

Eringo.

planum

flat-leaved

L. Blue

2

July, Sept.

GENTIANA.

Gentian,

vema

spring

Blue

2

May, June.

GERANIUM.

Crane's Bill.

iberium

Iberian

Blue

li

June, Sept.

sylvaticum

wood

Purple

li

May, June.

angulosum

angular

Blue

1

May, June.

HEPATIC A.

Hepatica.

triloba

Early Anemone

Purple

h

April, May

48

THE FLOWER GARDEN COMPANION.

Botanical Name.

English Name.

Color. He

ight.

Time of flowe

HELIANTBUS.

Sun Flower.

divaricatus

divaricate

Yellow

6

Aug., Oct.

var. pie no

double

Yellow

3

Aug., Oct.

giganthus

gigantic

Yellow

10

Aug., Oct.

HESPERIS.

Rocket.

matronalis

common

Purple

4

July, Sept.

HIBISCUS.

Hibiscus.

palustris

marsh

Pink

4

July, Sept.

var. albus

white

White

3

July, Sept.

militaris

smooth

Purple

4

July, Sept.

LATHYRUS.

Lathyrus.

latifolius

broad-leaved

Pink

6

July, Sept.

luberosus

tuberous

Red

2

July, Aug.

LIATRIS.

LlATRIS.

scariosa

scarious cupped

: Purple

3

July, Aug,

pilosa

hairy-leaved

Purple

3

July, Aug.

spicala

long-spiked

Purple

6

Aug., Oct.

LINUM.

Flax.

perenne

Perennial Flax

Blue

2

July, Aug.

LOBELIA.

Lobelia.

cardinalis

Cardinal-flower

Scarlet

3

May, Oct.

siphilitica

blue-cardinal

Blue

2

May, Aug.

splendens

splendid

Scarlet

3

May.

fulgens

fulgent

Scarlet

3

May, Sept.

LUPINUS.

Lupine.

perennis

perennial

Blue

2

May, July.

polyphyllus

many-leaved

B. White 3

May, July.

LYCHNIS.

Lychnis.

chalceJonicus

scarlet

Scarlet

3

June, July.

var. pleno

double scarlet

Scarlet

3

June, July.

Tar. alba

double white

White

3

June, July,

LYSIMACHIA.

Loose tbife.

verticilata

wborled

Yellow

3

July, Aug.

ciliata

ciliated

Yellow

3

July, Aug.

slricta

upright

Yellow

3

July, Aug.

Nummalarie

Moneywort

Yellow

2

July, Aug.

LYTHRUM.

Willow Hebd.

salicaria

common

Purple

4

Aug.

verticilatum

whorl leaved

Yellow

3

July, Aug.

ON THE CULTURE OP PERENNIALS.

49

Botanical Name.

English Name.

Color. Hei

ight.

Time of flowering.

MONARDA.

MONABDA.

didyma

Oswego tea

Blue

3

July, Aug.

clinopodia

wild-basil-leaved P. white

2

July.

purpurea

crimsoa

Purple

3

June, Aug.

(ENOTHERA.

CEnothera.

Fraseri

Fraser's

Yellow

1

May, Oct.

PA PAVER.

Poppy.

orientale

oriental

R«d

3

May, June,

bracteatum

bracted

Red

3

May, June.

PARDANTHUS.

Pardanthus.

chinensis

Chinese

Orange

2

June, July.

PENTSTEMON.

Pextstemon.

campaRulata

bell-fiowered

L. purple

2

March, Oct.

pubescens

broad-leaved

Purple

2

March, Oct.

angustifolia

narrow-leaved

L. purple

2

July, Sept.

PHLOX.

Lychnidea.

paniculata

panic uled

Pink

3

Aug. Sept.

acuminata

Lyons

Red

4

July, Aug.

shepherdii

Sheperd's

maculata

spot-stalked

Red

4

July, Aug.

carnea

flesh-colored

Pink

1

Aug., Sept.

sauveolens

white-flowered

White

2

July, Aug.

tardifolia

late white (swee

it) White

3

Sept., Oct.

pyramidata

pyramidal

Red

4

July, Aug.

scabra

rough-leaved

subulata

awl-leaved

Flame

h

April, June.

listoniana

Liston

stolonifera

creeping

Red

2

April. June.

POTENTILLA.

ClNdUEFOIL.

formosa

beautiful

Red

2

May, Sept.

atrosanguinea

dark crimson

Puce

2

May, Sept.

RUDBECKIA.

RUDBECKIA.

purpurea

purple

Purple

4

July, Aug.

fulgida

yellow

Yellow-

2

July, Aug.

SAPONARIA.

SOAPWORT.

officinalis

officinal

White

2

July, Aug.

SAXIFRAGA.

Saxifrage.

crassifolia

thick-leaved

Purple

I

May.

50

THE FLOWER GARDEN COMPANION.

Botanical Name.

English Name.

Color. Height.

. Time of flowering,

SMTLAX.
herl)acea

Smilax.
herbaceous

Green

4

July.

SPIR.EA.

filipendula
lobata
ulmaria
flora pleno

Spir^a.
dropwort
pal mated
elm-leaved
double-white

White
Red
White
White

3

2
3
2

June, Oct.
July, Aug.
May, June.
May, June.

STATICE.
armenia

Sea Lavender

Pink

1

July, Aug.

THALICTRUM.
cornuti

Meadow Rue,
Canadian

White

3

May, June,

TRADESCANTIA.

virginica

Yar. alba

rosea

Spiderwort.
Virginian
white
rose-flowered

Blue

White

Pink

I
1

1

May, Oct.
May, Oct.
May, Oct.

TROLLIS.
europoeus

Globe Flower.
European

Yellow

2

May, June.

VALERIANA,
rubra

Valerian.
red

Red

3

July, Aug.

VERBASCUM.
purpurea

Mullen.
purple

Purple

4

July, Aug.

VERONICA.

gentianoides

siberica

hyhrida

spicata

latifolia

teucrium

Speedwell.

gentian-leaved

Siberian

Welsh

spiked

broad-leaved

nigged-leaved

Dark blue 2
Blue 3
Blue 2
Blue 2
W. blue 2
L. blue 2

May, June.
July, Aug.
July, Sept.
July, Sept.
May, June.
June, Aug.

VIOLA.

odorata
var. alba
var. plena
grand iflora

Violet.

sweet

white-flowered

double-white

great-flowering

Purple
White
White
D. blue

1
h

April, May.
April, May.
April, May.
May, Aug.

YUCCA.

filamentosa

gloriosa

Adam's Needli

thready

superb

White
White

3

4

Sept.
Aug,

ON THE CULTURE OF PERENNIALS.

51

Art. 3. — Descriptive List of Tuberous and Fleshy Rooted
Perennial Plants.
The tuberous and fleshy rooted perennial plants are
exemplified in the Pceony, Iris, and Hemerocallis or Day
lily. The culture is similar to the fibrous rooted herba-
ceous kinds, although they generally thrive and flower
better in a moist shaded situation than any other, and are
particularly adapted to the facing of shrubberries and large
flower beds. They are propagated by dividing the roots,
which see at page 33. In giving a description of a few
varieties of these plants I shall not divide them into parts,
but give the list entire and designate them in the mar-
gin.

Botanical Name.

English Name.

Color. Height.

Time of flowering,

PiEONIA.

Pmosy.

Tuberous rooted.

Whitlejii

double-white'

White

2

May, June.

Hiimei

double-crimson

Red

2

May, June.

fragrails

rose-scented

Red

2

May, June.

lartarica

Tartarian

White

2

May, June.

rosea

rose-colored

Pink

2

May, June.

tenuifolia

fine-leaved

Red

2

May, June.

paradoxa

paradoxical

2

May, June.

albiflora

eatable-rooted

White

2

Blay, June.

officinalis

common

Red

2

May, June.

HEMEROCALLIS.

Day Lily.

Fleshy rooted.

Japonica

white-flowered

White

1

Aug., Sept.

caerulea

blue-flowered

Blue

1

July, Aug.

flava

yello^v

Yellow

2

June, July.

IRIS.

Iris.

prismatica

New-Jersey

Purple

2

May, June.

versicolor

various-colored

Striped

1

May, June.

pumila

Dwarf

Purple

h

April, May.

siberica

Siberian

L. blue

2

Blay, June.

52 THE FLOWER GARDEN COMPANION.

CHAPTER III.

On the Calture of Shrubs and Vines*

Art. 1. — Shrubs.

Shrubs are either deciduous or evergreen ; the former
are exemplified in the Lilac, Double-flowering almond, and
Snowberry ; the latter, in the Kalmia or American lau-
rel, and those plants that are always clothed with leaves,
and hence the name evergreen.

Shrubs may be considered as the lower order of trees ;
they are a very useful class of plants for the flower gar-
den, and are especially adapted to the embellishment
of side entrances and many parts about town and coun-
try residences, where herbaceous and dwarf flowering
plants cannot be introduced to advantage. In the flower
garden department they form a prominent feature ; they
are planted in some cases in the centre of flower beds and
borders, in other cases they form good facings to the
larger kinds of trees that are planted as belts on the mar-
gin of pleasure grounds, &c.

There are few countries that possess a more pretty col-
lection of ?ia?2Y"e plants than the United States, and indeed
in Europe the first consideration on laying out flower gar-
dens and extensive grounds, is, to prepare a piece of
ground purposely for the American flower garden; how-
ever, the native shrubs and plants are much neglected in
culture here, which I imagine is chiefly owing to their
being considered too common, while those plants which

ON THE CULTURE OF SHRUBS AND VINES. 53

are brought from foreign countries are highly prized.
Whatever may be the opinion of others, I cannot conceive
that their being natives of this or that country can in any
wise affect the real worth of flowers and plants, which
in themselves are beautiful to every beholder, and are
intended by nature as an embellishment to the vegetable.
It is their finely woven texture and rich coloring that
should engage our admiration, and not the country
which has given birth to any particular variety. I hope
therefore that in future the many pretty varieties of
native shrubs and plants will find a place and be culti-
vated in the shrubbery and flower garden where they can
with every propriety be introduced to a good purpose-
Indigenous or native plants, having qualities adapted to
the country, will assume a most pleasing character and be
much improved by culture. In planting shrnbs, like her-
baceous and all other kinds of plants, the general rule
must be to place them as much as possible in their most
appropriate situation. For instance the pretty dwarf kinds,
as the Mezeron and Double-flx)wering almond, are the
most appropriate for small flower beds and the facings of
the shrubbery ; the taller kinds, as the Lilac, are gene-
rally planted to cover unsightly objects as old boarded
fences and the like.

In giving a descriptive list of shrubs I have divided them
into two classes, the Dwarf and the Tall, and have given
their height, color and time of flowering as near as possi-
ble on a medium scale with reference to soils and loca-
tions where they are generally to be found growing as
ornamental plants.

5»

54

THE FLOWER GARDEN COMPANION.

Art. 2. — Descriptive List of Dwarf Hardy Shrubs,

English Name. Color. Height. Time of flowering.

Botanical Nanne.

AMYGDALIS.

pumila

AZALEA.

nudiflora
viscosa
calendulacea
alba

CALYCANTHUS.

floridus
laevigaius

CLETHRA.

alnifolia

COLUTEA.

arborescens

pocockii

CORONILLA.

emeris

CORCHORUS.

japonicas

DAPHNE.

Mezeruru
Tar. album

HYDRANGEA.

quercjfolia
radiata

HYPERICUM.

kalniianum
frondosum

PHILADELPHIUS
coronaris
Tariegatus
grandiflorus

POTENTILLA.

frulicosa

PYRUS.

japonica

Dbl. fl. Almond.
double -dwarf Red 3 May.

American Honeysuckle.

naked -flowered Pink 3 May, June,

viscid White 3 July, Aug.

orange Orange 4 May, June,

early white White 3 May, June.

Sweet scented Smrud.

Carolina Purple 5 May, Aug.

smooth-leaved Purple 6 May, July.

Clethea.

alder-leaved White 5 Aug., Oct.

Bladder Senna.

common Yellow 6 July, Aug.

Pocock's Yellow 6 June, Aug.

COHONILLA,

Scorpion Senna Red 3 May, June.

Japan Globe-flower.

Japan Yellow 5 July, Oct.

E*APHNE.

Mezeron Purple 3 April, May.

white White 3 April, May.

Hydrangea.

oak-leaved W. green 3 June, Sept.

ray-leaved White 4 July, Aug.

St. Johns Wort.

kalmia-leavcd Yellow 3 July, Aug.

green Yellow 3 July, Aug.

Syringa.

common White 6 July, Aug.

variegated White 4 July, Aug'.

large-flowered White 3 July, Aug.

Shrubby Cinquefoil.

trifoil-leaved Yellow 3 July, Aug.

Pybus.

Japan Purple 4 April, May.

ON THE CULTURE OF SHRUBS AND VINES.

55

Botanical Name.

English Name.

Color. Height.

Time of flowering.

RHODORA.

Rhodora.

canadensis

Canadian

Purple

3

April, May.

ROBINIA.

ROBINIA.

hispida

Rose acacia

Pink

6

May, Sept.

RIBES.

Missouri Currant.

aureum

golden

Yellow

6

April, June.

RUBUS.

odoratus

Bramble.
flowering

Red

6

June, Aug.

SPIR^A.

sorbifolia

opulifolia

hypercifolia

chamaedrifolia

trilobata

laevigata

salicifolia

Spir^a.

pinnated White
Guelder-rose Iv. White
Italian May fl. Wliite
germander-leaved White
three-lobed White
smooth-leaved Red
willow-leaved Pink

4
5
6
2
3
4
5

Aug.

June, Aug.
May, June.
June, Aug.
June.

May, June.
June, Aug.

tomentosa

tomentosa

Pink

5

Aug. Sept.

STAPH YLEA.

Bladder Nut.

trifoliata

three-leaved

White

6

May, June .

SYMPHORIA.

St. Peters Wort.

glomerata
racemosa
variegata

SYRINGA.

common

Snowberry

variegated

Lilac.

Pink
Pink

4
3
3

Aug. Sept.
July, Aug.
July, Aug.

purpurea
persica
var. alba

purple

Persian

white

Purple
Purple
White

8
4
4

May, June.
May, June.
May, June.

Art. 3. — Descriptive List of Tall Shrubs and Dwarf
Ornamental Trees.

[Those marked thus * are used for single ornamental objects on
lawns, &c.]

Botanical Name. English Name. Color. Heig^ht. Time of flowering.

jESCULUS. Horse Chestnut.

*coccinea scarlet Scarlet 10 June, July,

parviflora small-flowered While 10 June, July,
macrostachya 10 June, July.

56

THE FLOWER GARBEN COMPANION.

Botanical Name,

English Name.

Color. Height

. Time of flowering.

AMORPHIA.

Amorphia.

fruticosa

shrubby

Purple

le

June, July.

CRATiEGUS.

Hawthorn.

pleno

double

White

10

June.

*monogj'nia

one-styled

White

10

June.

*coccinea

scarlet-fruited

White

10

June.

EUONYMUS.

Spindle Tree.

♦americanus

Burning bush

Pink

10

June, July.

♦fruclu albo

white-fruited

White

10

June, July.

*atropurpurea

purple-fruited

Purple

10

June, July.

FAGUS.

Beech.

♦purpurea

purple-leaved

15

*cuprea

copper-leaved

18

FRAXINUS.

Ash.

♦pendula

weeping

8

HALISEA.

Snowdrop Tree.

tetraptera

four-winged

White

6

April, May.

HIBISCUS.

Hibiscus.

syriacus

allhea frutex

Purple

8

Aug. Sept.

rubro pleno

double red

Dark red

8

July, Sept.

albo pleno

double white

White

8

July, Aug.

variegatus

striped-leaved

Striped

8

Aug. Sept.

LIGUSTRUM.

Privet.

vulgare

common

White

8

June, July.

variegatus

striped-leaved

White

8

June, July.

SALIX.

Willow.

caprea

great round-leaved

12

annularis

12

pentandria

Bay-leaved

12

pendula

weeping

20

SHEPERDIA.

Buffalo Tree.

eleaguoides

silver-leaved

White

12

April.

SPARTIUM.

Broom.

scoparium

common

Yellow

6

May, June.

SOPHORA.

SOPHOBA.

japonica

japonicum

VIBURNUM.

Viburnum.

opulus

Guelder rose

White

10

May, June.

oxycoccus

cranberry-like

White

12

July.

ON THE CULTURE OF SHRUBS AND VINES. 57

Art. 4. — Hardy Running Vines , for Covering Ar-
bors, ^c.

The Honeysuckle and Clematis are examples of run-
ning vines that are useful for the covering of arbors,
trellises, walls, and the like. Vines are readily propa-
gated by layers and cuttings which see under the head of
propagation, page 33.

Spring pruning and dressi7ig Vines. — All kinds of
hardy vines may be pruned in a spring in regular man-
ner, by cutting out all the dead branches and regulating
the remainder in such a manner that they are at an equal
distance apart, when they are to be nailed with shreds
of woollen or leather, or tied in a neat regular manner
with bass or other string.

Summer pruning. — The summer pruning may be
commenced so soon as the young shoots are grown six or
seven inches, by thinning them out in such a manner that
they are at an equal distance apart, and allowing room for
their future growth. The young shoots should after-
wards be regularly attended to during the summer in
pruning ofTall superfluous wood and training the remain-
der in a neat manner — not too thickly together, which is
often the case and by which they are often much injured.

Art. 5. — Descriptive List of Hardy Vines-

Botanical Name.

English Name. Color. He:

ight.

Time of flowering.

BIGNONIA.

Trumpet Floweb.

radicans

ash-leaved Orange

30

July, Aug.

major

large-leaved Orange

30

July, Aug.

CLEMATIS.

Virgin's Bower.

virginica

Virginian G. white

15

June, Aug.

flamula

sweet-scented While

15

July, Oct.

verlicilala

American Purple

15

May, June.

58

THE FLOWER GARDEN COMPANION.

Botanical Name.

English Name.

Color. Height.

Time of flowering.

GLYCINE.

Glycine.

frutescens

shrubby

Purple

15

June, Sept,

Apios

tuberous -rooted

Pink

12

Aug. Sept.

CAPRIOFOLIUM.

Honeysuckle.

Periclymenum

Eng. woodbine

Red

18

June, Sept.

variegatum

var. woodbine

Red

15

June, July.

sempervirens

trumpet

Scarlet

IS

May, Aug.

quercifolia

oak-leaved

Yellow

20

May, July.

Fraseri

Yellow- trumpet

Yellow

20

May, July.

rubrum

red flowered

Red

15

May, July.

CHAPTER IV.

On tbe Culture of tbe Rose.

Art. 1. — Remarks.
The garden rose is one of the most pretty ornaments
of the flower garden of its season, besides having many
useful qualities for medicinal purposes, as lotions, con-
serves, and the like. In perfumery, it is also used in
many ways, as waters, odors, and essential oils ; which
are extracted from it. The rose may be said to be unri-
valled as a flower,when its almost endless varieties of color
are taken into consideration, together with its fragrance
and neat habit as a garden shrub : and many varieties are
proved to be particularly adapted to the covering of trel-
lises and arbors, as the running kinds of the Multiflora,
Grivelle, and so on ; and to these may be added the China

ON THE CULTURE OF THE ROSE. 59

tea-scented, Noisette, and an innumerable tribe called the
China rose; which, although they are considered as
green-house plants, would endure the most severe win-
ters in this climate, with a little protection, as directed
under the proper head.

To take up much space in this place on the culture of
the rose, would be altogether useless. It may be briefly
stated that like most shrubs and trees, it requires, a deep,
rich soil to enable it to grow to perfection. Many va-
rieties, as the Moss and so on, thrive well on a stiff clay
bottom. It is proper to state here, that, in many cases, I
have found that laying the young wood of roses yearly
answered a good purpose ; particularly in the Red moss
and those of a straggling habit : the rose being laid yearly,
forms a neat compact stool of plants, which are always the
most thrifty and flower the best.

Propagation or increase. — The garden rose is gene-
rally propagated by laying the young wood early in the
spring.^ To this may be added, dividing the young
plants from the parent plant, and inoculating the

finer varieties, as the Moss and others, into those of a

strong habit.

Before I take leave of the subject of the rose, I beg

to ofler a few remarks on the more general introduction

of its culture into the flower garden.

I know not of any denomination of flower gardens

where the Rose should not find a prominent place.

When seen around the farm-house or cottage situated

on main roads, it enlivens the scenery of the country ;

and it should always be found in the choice collections of

the amateur. I am persuaded the fair sex will always

* See " Propagation by layers," page 34.

60 THE FLOWER GARDEN COMPANION.

encourage its culture, for the sake of its essential waters
and perfumes for the toilet, as well as its modest beauty ;
to them, therefore, I need not say a word in commenda-
tion of its valuable properties. To the apothecary too I
need not recommend a flower which is daily recognized as
of professional utility; and the buds, as a prominent
feature in the bouquet, at once show its importance as an
ornamental flower ; indeed, I knownot of anything more
beautiful in the vegetable kingdom, than a Red moss rose
bud, about half expanded : its mossy calyx or covering, as
a woven texture, is a perfect model of nature's production ;
and the petals or flower leaves exhibit the most beauteous
traces of the finest tinges of her pencil.

In giving a descriptive list of roses, I have selected
more numerously than I at first contemplated, in order to
introduce them more generally in the flower garden de-
partment. In my list it will be perceived that the time
of flowering has been omitted, which in most garden
roses happens in the months of June and July, with the
exception of the Chinese varieties, which should, I think,
be pressed into the service of the flower garden, as much
as possible. While I am on the subject of the rose, it
will be proper to say that the finer hardy kinds should be
inoculated on the native sweetbriar four or five feet high
for the purpose of forming tree roses, w^hich are the pret-
tiest ornaments of the season for planting on grass plots
and in centres of flower beds as prominent features ; the
severe winters, however, are an objection to this ; but in
many cases trees of this kind are successfully cultivated
by bearing in the inoculated part and protecting it with
straw or anything to guard oflTthe sudden changes of the
winter. I hope in a few years to see this subject suc-
cessfully and generally attended to.

ON THE CULTURE OF THE ROSE.

51

Art. 2. — Descriptive List of Roses.

[Those kinds which are thus designated * are the most proper for
small collections of the different colors. M. F. indicates the monthly
flowering ; in all parts of the Northern States, monthly roses require
to he covered in the autumn to protect them during the winter, which
see under article 12 of the chapter " On the Monthly Calendar."
R. V. stands for running vines adapted for arbors and the like.]

♦White Moss.
*White Provence.
White of the seasons.

Belle Auguste.
*Champney. m. f.
Double Sweetbrier.

WHITE.

Spineless Virgin.
White Globe.
Snowball.

LIGHT BLUSH.

New Double Sweetbrier.
Everblooming China, m. f.
Blush Bel^ic.

DEEP BLUSH.

Blush, 100 leaved.

*De Meaux.

*Double Red Sweetbrier.
Dutch Cluster.

*Imperial Blush.
Pierson's Gigantic.
*Prolific.
Striped Mundi.

LIGHT ROSE COLORED.

Bonaparte.
*Belle Aurora.
*Dwarf Dutch Cabbage.
*Damask.
Dwarf, 100 leaved.
*Early Ranunculus.
*Great Royal.
*Grand Monarque.
Greville. b. v.

Multiflora. m. f.

Noir Fence.

*Red Moss.

Royal Cabbage.

^Ranunculus.

*St. Francis.

*Versailles.

*York and Lancaster.

DARK ROSE COLORED.

♦Agreeable Violet.
Aurora Brilliant.
Bishop.
♦Brown's.
Burgundy.
♦Cabbage Provence.
♦Dutch Cabbage.

6

♦Grand Triumphant.
♦Imperial Red.
Maria Louisa.
Noisette, m. f.
♦Nigritiana-
Ornament de Parade.
Queen.

62

THE FLOWEE GARDEN COMPANIOIT.

* Belle Amiable.
Burning' Coal.
♦Crimson Velvet.
♦Chancellor,
King of Mexico.

Carmine.

♦Carmine Brilliant.
Favorite Pmrple.

La Nigresse.
♦Royal Agathe.
Red Mignon.
♦Superb Crimson.
♦Sceptre.

CARMINE.

♦Royal Bouquet.
Sabila noir.

YELLOW.

♦Double Yellow, (Harrison's.)
Yellow Sweetbrier.

Austrian, (Red and Yellow.)
Belle Alliance.

BED AND VIOLET.

Amaranlhe.

♦Domini.

Dark Violet.

♦Flora's Wreath.

Giant.

King of the Reds.

♦Brunette Superb.
Double Velvet.
♦Grand Pompadorc.
♦Hibernia.
♦Imperial Blackest.

♦African.
♦Brussels.

♦George the Fourth.
Iris Noir.
♦Ombre Superb.

DARK.

Nonesuch.

♦Negro.

Ornament of the Reds.

♦Purple Violet.

Shell.

♦Imperial Superb.
♦Negro Panacea.
♦Pluto.
Proserpine.
♦Triumphant.

VERY DARK.

♦Tuscany.
♦Infernal.
♦Bright Purple.
Cherry.

ON THE CULTURE OF FLORISTS' FLOWERS. 63

CHAPTER V.

On tbe Calture of Florist's Flowers.

Art. 1. — The Double Dahlia.

As the Dahlia is known in the flower garden depart-
ment as a flower of the first order, any thing that can be
said of its beauty, would be altogether superfluous here.
I shall therefore give a cursory notice of its culture, and
annex a descriptive list compiled from some of the best va-
rieties of the present time.

Increase. — The Dahlia is increased in the first instance,
by seeds, from which most of the beautiful varieties now
extant have been procured : the seeds should be sown
early in April, in a pot of light, rich sandy soil and plung-
ed into a hot bed. When the weather is sufficiently
warm, (which is generally in the middle of May,) the
plants ma}'- be planted out in the place intended for their
flowering. If a hot bed is not in readiness, the seed may
be sown in the open grounds the first week in May, and
planted out as above directed.

Increase by roots. — This is eflfected by dividing them
in March or April, or as soon as the eyes begin to push.^
The roots being divided, pot them in a rich sandy loam,
and plunge the pots into bottom heat, either in a hot bed
or pit ; or they may be placed in a green-house, or any
convenient place, to forward them previous to planting
them in their place for flowering, which may be perform-

♦ See " Increase of tuberous roots," page 33.

64 THE FLOWER GARDEN COMPANION.

ed when the frost has disappeared, and the weather begins
to be warm, which will be about the middle or latter end
of May."^

Soil and location. — The Dahlia thrives best in a deep,
rich, loamy soil, where its roots can strike deep, which is
of great advantage to its flowering, in a dry hot climate ^
its location should be such that the plants enjoy a free
exposure to the sun and air, and its adaptation should be
so, that the height of the plant corresponds to its intended
purpose, namely, the tallest kinds should be planted
among the tall shrubs, in a small parterre, the dwarf
kinds are most proper.

To each plant a strong stake should be fixed, to tie the
plant to, and guard it from storms and the like.

In the autumn when the frost appears and kills the stalks,
the roots are to be taken up, dried, and placed in boxes,
with sand amongst them ; or they may be deposited in
the green-house under the stage or convenient moist
place until the spring.

The roots of Dahlias being tender, the principal object
is to keep the frost from them, in a moderately moist situa-
tion, at a temperature some few degrees above freezing
point.

There are many instances of the Dahlia putting forth
its flowers in June, while the same variety, in the same
neighborhood, perhaps will not show a flower until Sep-
tember: — this is principally owing to the culture, and,
generally, those plants first planted, flower the earliest.
When the object is to have a few fine flowers for show
late in the fall, late planting is the best, and but few flow-
ers should be allowed to be on the plant at the time ; all

*The time will vary in different climates; when the weather has
settled warm, the business may be done with safety.

ON THE CULTURE OF FLORISTS' FLOWERS. 65

imperfect flowers should be taken from the plant as they
appear, and the white and delicate mottled kinds should
be shaded from the sun of mid-day. For an explanation
of double flowers, colors and the like I refer the reader to
the proper heads in the compendium.

Art. 2. — Descriptive List of Double Dahlias.
The plants described in the subjoined list, were se-
lected in the flowering- season last year from the best
collections in the neighborhood of Boston ; and are kinds
which produce fine flowers of their color and free bloom-
ers. The list is more limited than might be expected,
but it will be seen that the number of varieties will be
sufficient for small collections. To the connoisseur it
would be an arduous task to point out the many hundreds
of varieties that are yearly introduced from seed from
almost every part of the world, and which can only be
designated by referring to numerous catalogues : the list
here presented has therefore been chosen from the best
known varieties adapted to the purpose of private collec-
tions. I have omitted the time of flowering, which will
entirely depend on circumstances.

Name.

General Character.

Height.

WHITE.

Bride of Abydos

fine white

from 4 to 5 ft,

Harding's Bride

white

((

5 " 6 "

King of Whites

delicate paper white

u

4 " 5 "

Exemplar (Widnall's)

white cupped petals

YELLOW.

5 *'

Golden Sovereign (Headley'

s) rich gold ye\. perfect bloom

er"

4 " 5 "

Solomon

deep yellow

C(

4 " 5 '♦

William Cobbetl

fine yellow

((

4 » 5 ..

Gloria mundi

light yellow, very fine

((

4 " 5 "

King of the bellows

fine yellow

((

4 " 6 "

66

THE FLOWER GARBEN COMPANION.

Name.

Jackson's Rival
Sulphurea elegans

General Character.

YELLOW,

large yelloAv
sulphur-colored

Height.

from 4 to 5 ft.

« 4 «< 5<c

PARTl-COLORED.

fine wh. laced with rosy lilac " 3

Mary (Dodd's)

Mary Queen of Scots (Dodd's) clear wh. tipped with purple

Gem, or Royal Adelaide

Miss Broadwood

Lady of the Lake (Wells')

Brown's Desdemona

Angelina

Conqueror of Europe

Urania

Village Maid

4
4
white edged with rose 4

wh. purple tips,with dark centre

white and lilac
white edged with pink,
white edged with lilac
blush shaded with pink
pink with white centre
white edged with pink

King of Dahlias (Widnall's) pure white edged with rose pink

5 " 6 "

4 " 5 "

4 .c 5 ('.

4 " 5 "

4 " 6 "

3 " 4 "

3 "

Queen of Dahlias

white edged with purple

K

4 » 6 «

Widnall's Rainbow

purple shaded with crimson

and red 5 "

LILAC.

Beauty of Camberwell

rosy lilac

(C

4 " 6 "

Lilac Perfection

fine lilac, excellent form

{(

3 » 4 <4

In wood's Ariel

mottled lilac, fine

((

4 " 5 "

Unicorn (Gaines)

rosy lilac

PURPLE.

((

4 » 5 cc

Adventure (Toward's)

fine purple

4 "

Clio (Widnall's)

rich purple

(1

3 " 4 "

Dennisii

fine ruby purple

((

5 " 6 "

Lord Liverpool

fine dark purple

C(

5 " 6 "

British Queen

fine rosy purple

(1

3 " 4 "

Warminster Rival

bright purple

({

4 << 5 cc

Barrett's Susannah

fine purple with cupped petals"

4 •' 5 "

Widnall's Juliet

fine light purple

SCARLET.

l(

4 " » "

Countess of Liverpool

superb scarlet, fine form

((

6 " 7 "

Douglas' Glory

fine scarlet

5 "

Rising Sun

large scarlet

(C

6 " 7 "

Daniel O'Connell

fine scarlet

C(

5 " 6 "

Dennisii coccinea

fine scarlet

<{

4 « 5 "

ON THE CULTURE OF FLORISTS' FLOWERS. 67

Name. General Character. Height.

CRIMSON.

Mazeppa (Thorburn's) shaded light crimson, fine 4 ft.

Metropolitan Perfection dark velvet crimson from 5 to 6 "

Perfection (Widnall's) superb rosy crimson " 4 " 6 "

Sir Henry Fletcher rosy crimson, fine " 4 " 6 "

MAROON.

Granta (Widnall's)
Coronet

fine cupped petals
large flower, very fine

4
cc 4 « 5

King Otho
Zarah

ROSE- COLORED,

bright rose
delicate pink

" 3 " 4
" 5 •' 6

Art. 3. — Bulbous Rooted Plants.

Under the head of " florists flowers," the Tulip, Hya-
cinth and Ranunculus, with the Carnation and Pi?iky may
be considered the most prominent.

The above named varieties are known to be of value to
the florist, and are often bought and sold for large sums
of money ; they can never however be said to be of an
equal value, as forming a certain class of plants in the
mingled group of the flower garden ; the attention given
to them in common with other flowers, brings them more
in their primitive state than when they are under the cul-
ture of the professional florist, whose object is always to
cultivate in such a manner, as that the natural course of
vegetation is wrought up to a high state of being, which
cannot be possibly continued without the strictest atten-
tion to the high order of culture, familiar to the connoisseur
and florist. To point out the most proper manner of cul-
tivating these flowers in beds by themselves, and fully
to elucidate this intricate subject, describing the proper
compost, &c., would require more space than the con-
tents of this book. I shall therefore subjoin a list of

68 THE FLOWER GARDEN COMPANION.

the most appropriate varieties, to be planted indiscrimi-
nately in the flower borders, and particularly recommend
their more general culture, as flowers highly deserving a
place in every flower garden, as the prettiest ornaments
in the early part of the spring, v/hen few other flowers
are to be found.

Management of bulbous roots. — The management of
bulbous rooted plants, is simply to plant the bulbs, such
as Tulips^ Hyacinths, and others, about the latter end of
October, in the vacant places of borders.

The best method that I am acquainted with, is to plant
-the roots in small clusters of six or eight together, four
inches apart, by making a hole two or three inches deep,
into which insert the bulb about an inch under the earth's
surface ; and if a little sand is put into the hole, it will be
of utility to the bulb, as it will keep it from rotting. This
manner of planting may be applied to Hyacinths, Tulips^
Narcissus, Crocus, and Snowdrops. When the leaves of
bulbs decay, they should be taken from the ground, and
moderately dried in the sun, and put into boxes with sand
until autumn planting, when the young or side buJbs are
to be taken from the parent as directed in the " increase
of bulbous rooted plants," and planted separately from the
flowering bulbs.

Art. 4. — Descriptive List of Bulbous Rooted Plants.
DOUBLE HYACINTHS.

DARK BLUE.

Cseruleus Imperialis, puTyZe, L'lmportante.

Due de Nonnandie. Mr PiU, dark.

Datamus, 'purple. Noir Veritable, black.

L'Amitie, very dark. Quiriaus, dark.

ON THE CULTURE OF FLORISTS FLOWERS.

69

Lord Wellington.
Hannibal.

Roi de Noirs, dark.
Trosbloem, Bouquet des Fleurs.

PeaCELAlN AND PALE BLUE.

Admiral de Ruyter.

Belle A gathe, paZe.

Comte de St. Priest, po/e.

Globe Terrestre.

Habit Brilliant.

Joli Bouquet.

La Gentillesse, joa/e.

Nouvelle Mode.

Parmenio.

Parel Boot, pale.

Bouquet Constante.

Celeslina.

Grand Roland, paZe.

Amarante Trone, red.
Bouquet Tendre.
Duchesse deParma,^ne pink
Habit Nuptial, rosy.
Illustre Pyramidale, red.
La Beaute, Supreme, rosy.
Madelaine, rosy.

BED OR ROSY COLORED.

Phenix, red and green.
Rex Rubrorum.
Waterloo, _/ne crimson.
Madame Elizabeth.
Gen. Moore, cramoisi.
Mathilda, rosy.

Gloria Florum.
La Deesse.

Flavo Superbe.
Heroine.

PURE WHITE.

Triomph Blandina.
Van de Kasteelen.

WHITE, WITH A YELLOW EYE.

Sceptre D'Or.

WHITE, WITH RED AND ROSY EYE.

A la Mode. Og, King of Bashah.

America. Archduchesse.

Gloria Florum Suprema. Virgo Vestalis.

WHITE, WITH PURPLE EYE.

Bijou des Amateurs.
Constantia Elizabeth.
Prins von Nassau de Weilburg.
Herman Langue.

Passe Virgo,
Pourpre Royale.
Sophie.
Miss Kitty.

Gold of Ophir.
Louis d'Or..
Pure d'Or.

YELLOW, WITH VARIOUS EYES.

L"Or de Peru.
Grand Alexandre.

70

THE FLOWER GARDEN COMPANION.

SINGLE HYACINTHS.

Appius, very dark.
AmicuSj dark.
Le Crepuscule, purple-
L'Ombre, dark.

Madlle. de Ym[\\txQ, fine purple-
Pronk Jeweel, pale.
Madlle. Zoutman, dark.
Plutarchus, dark.

RED ARD ROSY COLORED.

Amiable Louise, rosy.
Diademe de Flore.
Anna Maria

La Beaut e Inexpressible.
Lord Wellington, rosy.
Pyramide Royale.

Beaute Supreme.

Countesse de Laval.

Laborer.

Mars.

Rose Bouquet.

Due de Cumberland.
Grand Blanche Imperiale.
Heroine.

Pj'ramide Superbe.
Premier Noble.
Prince de Galitzin.
Roi de Bashan.
Vainqueur.

Aurora d'Or.
Isabelle.
Sulpherina.
Toison d'Or.

Flora Mundi.

Fortunatus.

Le Candeur.

Hercules.

Melpomene.

Prince de Ligtenstein.

Staatsraad.

YELLOW.

Crcesus.

Le Chasseur.

Point de Jour.

HYACINTHS, DIFFERENT VARIETIES.

Blue Grape.
Purple Grape.
White Grape.

Large Purple Feathered.
Large Nutmeg.

TULIPS — EARLY.

VARIOUS COLORS ON WHITE AND YELLOW GROUNDS.

Amiable Royale.
Cramoisi de Baden.
Due Van Thol.
Due de Holstein.

Keyser's Kroon.
Drapeau Royale.
The Monument.
Waterloo.

ON THE CULTURE OF TLORISTS' FLOWERS. 71

BIZARRES.

BROWN AND VARIOUS COLORS, ON YELLOW GROUNDS.

Beaute Parfaite. Louis rEffroi.

Chapeau Transpareute. Lord Mayor.

Duchesse de Parma. Prince Ferdinand.

Due de Richmond. Roi de Golconda.

Gloria Mundi. Vice-roi Von Ireland.
Gordianus.

BYBLOEMS.

WHITE GROUNDS WITH SHADES OF PURPLE.

Due de Lancaster. Prince Mauri tz.

Grand Tamedlan. Q,ueen of the Moors.

Holmes' King. Tour de Salisbury.

Incomparable Cyrus. Violet ma Favorite.

Koning Von Prussien. Violet Washington.

FINE CHERRVAND ROSE.

WHITE GROUNDS AND ROSY SHADES.

Cerise Superbe. Ornament de Pare.

Cerise la Belle Forme. Ponceau Sanspareille.

L'Arbe de Diana. Princesse de Austurie.

La Couronne Imperiale. Queen of England.

La Grande Rose Roj-ale. Reine des Roses.

La Ravisante, striped leaiied. Rose Rebecca.
Maria Stuart.

FULL DOUBLE TULIPS.

Admiral Kingsbergen,^ne. Rex Rubrorum,^ne crimson.

Blanc Borde Pourpre. Yellow Rose, sweet scented.

Couronne Royale. Bijoux Imperiale, Jaune^amee.

Couronne d' Or, jaunejlamee. Sophie, jaunejiamce.

Due Van Thol, very early. La Cceur de Portugal, tres belle.

Duke of York, violet and yellow. Ne plus ultra.

Paeony Gold^^ne yellow and red.

PARROT TULIPS.

FRINGED EDGES ; MOST BRILLIANT CRIMSON AND YELLOW, WITH SHADES

BRIGHT GREEN.

Chevalier Vert. Margrave of Baden.

Couleur de Cafe, Yellow Sweet Florentine.

Luteo Major.

72 THE FLOWER GARDEN COMPANION.

CROCUS.

Cloth of Gold. Large White.

Large Blue. Large Purple.

Large Yellow. White Scotch.

FRITILLARIES.
Persian Fritillary, curious. Meleagris, checkered.

GLADIOLUS.

Alatus, bright orange. Floribunda.

Byzantium, delicate purple. Fragrans Recurvus.

Carneus,^es^ colored. Hirsutus Roseo.

Cardinalis, superb scarlet. Psittacina, or Parrot like.

LILIES.

Auranlium, or Orange. Elegant Silver Striped.

Bright Scarlet Pompone. Scarlet Chalcedonian.

Large White. Lilium Superbum.

Double White. Yellow Pompone.

TURK'S CAP LILIES.

Caligula, scarlet. Orange, La Parisienue.

Crown of Tunis, purjoZc. Pure White.

Double Violet Flamed. White Spotted.

POLYANTHUS NARCISSUS.

Bazelman Major. Grand Monarque de France.

Belle Legioise. Luna, white and citron .

Bouquet Triumphant, yellow. Morgenster, entirely white.

Dageraad, yellow. Reine Blanche, white.

Double Roman, sweet scented. Sultan, white and yelloxD.
Glorieux, yelloxo.

DOUBLE NARCISSUS.

Albo Pleno Odorato, /ra^onf . Orange Phenix.

Incomparable. Hundred Leaved.

SINGLE NARCISSUS.

Hoop Petticoat. Trumpet Major.

Long Flowered. Poet, with crimson nectary.

ON THE CULTURE OF FLORISTs' FLOWERS. 73

Art. 5. • — The Carnation,

The Carnation is highly deserving a more general cul-
ture than has been bestowed on it. It requires some
care and attention in its winter management, by protect-
ing it in frames, as it seldom thrives when exposed to the
inclemency of the winter.

The management I recommend, is to propagate the
Carnation by layers, in August or September, imme-
diately after they have done flowering ; and when the
plants are well rooted, which will be in four weeks, they
are to be put into moderate sized pots, in a compost of
two thirds loam, and a portion of sand and rotten leaf
mould : when this is done they may be placed where
they are not too much shaded, nor receive too much influ-
ence from the sun. The plants are to remain in this sit-
uation until the first frost appears, when they are to be
placed in a cold frame, well lined on the outside with
stable manure ; in this situation during the winter, they
must often be examined and divested of any dead leaves
or filth they may collect; and air admitted every op-
portunity in fine weather. When the winter is over, the
plants may be plunged into the proper place for flowering,
which should be an exposure where the sun has not full
influence over them : they may again be layered at the
proper time and the same culture continued every year.

Name. Color.

Cartwright's Rainbow. Purple Bizarre.

Davey's Royal Sovereign. Scarlet Bizarre.

Farrar's Huntsman. Scarlet Bizarre.

Lee's Duke of Kent. Purple Bizarre,

High Admiral. Scarlet Bizarre.

Orson's Anticipation. Purple Flake.

Smalley's Foxhunter. Scarlet Bizarre.

74

THE FLOWER GARDEN COMPANION.

Name.
Yo«ng's Earl Grey.
Woodshead's Spitfire.
Mount Etna.
Taylor's Birmingham.
Pride of the Isle.

Color.
Scarlet Bizarre.
Crimson Bizarre.
Scarlet Flake.
Crimson Bizarre.
Purple Flake.

Art. 6. — The Pink.

The Pink may be considered as a hardy plant, with
the exception of a little covering for the winter. It is
propagated as the Carnation, either by piping or layers.

The best compost as recommended by Mr Miller who
is much acquainted with the culture of Pinks, is as follows,
for one barrow of fresh loam, 1-2 barrow of vegetable mould,
1-8 of sharp sand, 1-8 of well pulverized clay, such as is
used for bricks laid up for the winter.

General Washington.
Daniel Webster.
Miss E. Wilkins.
Miss M. Rock.
Conqueror.

Cleopatra.
Beauty.

Blazing Comet.
Governor Everett.
Cardinal.

Defiance.
Beauty of Flora.
Eclipse.

Fair Rosamond.
Reformer.
Fair Ellen.
R. Wilkins.

PURPLE LACED MELLERS.

Highland Lad.
Lafayette.
Roxbury Beauty.
General Warren.

RED LACED PINKS.

Nimrod.
Lord Nelson.
Trafalgar.
Midshipman.

BLACK AND WHITE STAR PINKS.

Incomparable.
Independence.
N. England Beauty.

BED AND WHITE STAR PINKS.

Sir John.
Liberty.
Jolly Tar.

ON THE CULTURE OF FLORISTS' FLOWERS. 75

Art. 7. — Polyanthus and Auricula,
The Volyanthus and Auricula are pretty ornaments of
the flower garden, when well cultivated : the manage-
ment of both is similar to the Carnation, with the excep-
tion of their increase, which is effected by dividing the
roots in the fall of the year. The manner that I recom-
mend for the culture of these plants is, that they be rais-
ed in the first instance from seed, and the choice kinds be
selected for culture.

The time to sow the seed is early in the spring in a
northern aspect : when the seed springs up, the young
plants must be carefully attended to until the autumn,
when they are to be potted in the same manner as is
recommended for the Carnation ; and placed in frames as
recommended for them ; early in the spring the plants may
be turned out in the natural soil in a moderate aspect,
where they will flower in fine perfection.

POLYANTHUS.

Yellow or English Primrese.
Purple Primrose.
Double Lilac.
Double Crimson.
J)ouble White.

POLYA^TTHUS OF VARIETIES.

Double cupped.
Yellow Cowlip.
Yellow Oxlip.

AURICULAS.

Large purple — white centre.

Purple — yellow centre.

Fine purple — crimson border and centre.

Pure Yellow.

76 THE FLOWER GARDEN COMPANION.

CHAPTER VI.

On tlie Monthly Calendar.

Art. 1. — Object of the Monthly Calendar.
In giving a monthly calendar, the principal object is ta
take a cursory review of the management of the flower
garden, at the different seasons, which could not be, in any
other way, done in so condensed a form, corresponding
with the tenor of this book, which is as much as possible,
to treat on every thing separately. The manner of pro-
pagating most kinds of the plants adapted to the flow-
er garden, has been separately treated on in Part 1 ;
and it now remains to speak of their general culture,
as the seasons pass on from spring to summer, autumn
and winter. In commencing this subject, I shall begin
with the year ; for, although in the month of January
nearly all horticultural operations are suspended, it is
customary to allot that month a space in the calendar.

Art. 2. — Janicary,

In this month, little can be done in the flower depart-
ment, except in the green-house, and taking care of
plants in rooms, which I shall notice in their separate
places. However, if the weather proves changeable,
which is often the case, the coverings of the plants are
liable to be misplaced by the wind and other causes that
may happen ; therefore it is proper to look over the gar-
den, to see that all is in due order, particularly if Car-
nations and such like are covered.

ON THE MONTHLY CALENDAR. 77

Plants in frames also, as the Carnation, Auricula, Po-
lyanthus, and the like, maybe looked over and kept in or-
der, by taking away any dead leaves or filth that may be
collected in them ; and if any depredations have been
made by mice, rats, or other vermin, they should if possi-
ble be destroyed. If the weather proves mild, which is
sometimes the case in this month, the glasses may be la-
ken off in the middle of the day, and closed at night ;
care must be taken that they are not left open of a
night, and the plants frozen, which is often the case.

Art. 3. — February.
In this month, like the preceding, little can be done to
advantage in the garden, except where any forest trees
are to be pruned or cut down, which may be done to a
good purpose and much forward the business of the flow-
er garden in the coming spring; the frames should be
attended to as previously directed, and the garden should
often be looked over to see that the covering and the like
is in due order.

Art. 4. — March.
This month, if mild, begins the principal business of
the flower garden. A hot bed may be prepared as before
directed, (page 39,) for sowing annual flower seeds ; bien-
nials and perennials, that are intended for early planting,
may also be forwarded by this method. The plants in
frames may have more air given them, and every
opportunity should be taken to forward them as much as
possible for the planting out in the ground. The uncov-
ering of many plants may be seen to near the close
of the month, and all kinds of hardy shrubs and plants
may be pruned and tied or nailed in a proper manner,
7^

78 THE FLOWER GAEDEN COMPANION.

either to fences, walls or trellises, to which they are in-
tended to be trained.

The latter part of this month, all dead stalks may be
neatly cut from the plants and cleared from the garden,
and the grass plot may be raked and divested of all the
old dead grass, and any thing that may prevent the
young grass from coming up in a regular manner ; any
parts of the walks that have been washed either by rain
or snow water, should now be repaired and put into
good order previous to the spring dressing. The pruning
of trees and shrubs may be performed by simply, in the
first case, divesting them of all dead wood, and thinning
out all weak, superfluous branches, and those which cross
one another. In the act of pruning, a few simple rules
are to be regarded, viz : that all wounds or amputations
be cut with sharp instruments, and left in a clean, slant-
ing manner, that the wet may not collect on and rot the
wound ; the next thing is, that the plants be regulated in
a manner that the sun and air have free access to every
part of them ; and thirdly, that their natural form and
habit be as much as possible retained. In cases where
plants are grown into a straggling habit, they may be
headed in, to form a new head or crown. These remarks
will be found to answer most purposes, if correctly at-
tended to.

Art. 5. — April.

April is the busiest month in the flower garden.
As soon as the weather will admit, and the ground
is dry, the pruning and cleansing of the plants and the
garden should be finished.

The borders and flower beds may now be dug, and the
box or other edgings mended or replanted, and every

ON THE MONTHLY CALENDAR. 79

thing must be done preparatory to transplanting per-
ennials and sowing annuals.

In digging borders or flower beds, care must be taken
that they are so dug as to lay rather the highest in the
middle, by which the appearance wall have a more pleas-
ing effect and the water will drain from them in a regu-
lar manner. It must be recollected that wherever water
is allowed to lay long on any plants, (except aquatics,)
they are much injured thereby. The borders being
dug, the places required to be planted either with shrubs
or herbaceous plants, may then be planted after the man-
ner described under the heads of planting and des-
criptive lists, where every information will be found rela-
tive to their proper position, and the manner of performing
the work. When the borders are dug and planted, the grass
plot, if any, and walks must be repaired and put in pro-
per order.

If the latter part of the month proves fine, some seeds
of hardy annuals and perennials may be sown, and the
layering of plants, dividing roots, putting out cuttings,
and the like, may be performed as directed under the
head of " Propagation."

Art. 6. — May.

Supposing the work be done as directed in April or
the beginning of this month, the principal thing to be
attended to is to sow all kinds of annual, biennial and
perennial seeds, at three sowings this month : the hardy
kinds at the beginning, the half hardy at the middle, and
the tender at the end of the month. The beginning of
the month box edgings may be laid, and all kinds of
edgings, as Moss pink, Iris, Stone-crop, and the like,
may be neatly repaired, and every thing completely

60 THE FLOWER GARDEN COMPANION.

finished for the spring dressing. If the trees and shrubs
have not been pruned and trained (which see under the
proper head) as directed in April, no time should be lost
in performing that work the early part of this month.

The middle or latter part of the month, all kinds of
green-house plants may be plunged in the borders or
flower beds as directed under their proper head. The
Dahlia^ Jacobean Lily, and all kinds of tender rooted
plants, either tuberous or fibrous, may also be planted the
latter part of the month.

Tender and hardy annual flowers may now be trans-
planted from the frames ; the hardy at the beginning, and
tender at the end of the month.

All kinds of flowers that are of slender growth should
now be supported by tying them neatly to sticks; and
every attention should be paid to the health of the
plants and neatness of the garden.

Art. 7. — June.
The principal business to be done in this month is
hoeing and keeping the flower beds in order, often mow-
ing the grass plot, and cleaning walks ; indeed every
department should at this time meet the most strict at-
tention. And here let me remind the reader that one of
the principal things to be attended to in flower-gardening,
is to remove all weeds in their infant state ; for at this
stage they can be easily destroyed, but if allowed to grow
and get strongly rooted in the ground, they exhaust the
soil, as well as have a bad appearance. Hoeing, rak-
ing and destroying weeds are operations so simple and
common as to render any directions on the subject super-
fluous ; but its simplicity does not prevent it from being
a most important subject. To avoid irksome minuteness,

ON THE MONTHLY CALENDAR.

81

I will merely remark that the most strict attention should
be paid to keeping every part of the garden at all times
neat and cleanly ; and having once called attention to
this point, I may not recur to it hereafter.

Particular attention must be paid at this time to the
tying up &11 the slender plants to stakes or sticks ; as the
Dahlia and plants of a rapid growth. For this purpose
neat sticks or stakes should be prepared, of a size in pro-
portion to the height of the plant ; for the Dahlia, sticks
of about four or six feet planed off in a tapering manner,
either round or square, and painted green, answer a good
purpose ; in the operation of tying up the Dahlia, care must
be taken that the plant is not tied too tight, which is of-
ten the case and the consequence of which is, that the
plant is nearly cut asunder and the first storm that comes
blows it down. In tying up plants care must also be ta-
ken that they are not too much bundled together, which
is not only unsightly to the eye, but is often the cause
of the centre part of the plant being in a measure rotted,
owing to the leaves being too much confined and not re-
ceiving the influence of the atmospheric air.

Attention must now also be paid to the training of vines
asHoneysuckle, Clematis, and all such plants as are train-
ed to trellises, arbors, &c.

Annual flow^er seeds may now also be sown for late
flowering ; and in moist weather any bare places in the
borders may be planted and filled up with annuals to make
every part have a regular and sightly appearance.

Art. 8. — July.
Every favorable opportunity should be taken in this
month to keep down weeds as they appear, and to tie up
any plants that are of a slender habit. The Dahlias

82 THE FLOWER GARDEN COMPANION.

should be carefully looked over and tied to their stakes
to prevent them from being broken down by rains or hea-
vy storms. Every attention must now also be paid to an-
nuals by thinning out those that are growing thickly
together, which in their infant state causes a weakness in
their habitual constitution, and they rarely assume their
wonted vigor in the flowering season ; and the consequence
is, that they never flower in perfection. — Any kind of
bulbous roots, as Tulips, Hyacinths, Crocuses, and the
like, that are to be taken up and replanted in the autumn,
may be removed so soon as their leaves are ripe and de-
caying : for the method of performing this work I refer
the reader to page 68.

It will be proper here to observe that there is an ex-
ception to the rule of taking up bulbous rooted plants in
most kinds of Lilies, as the White Lily, Orange Lily
and the like. Indeed, in many cases they are much in-
jured by being often removcu ; the White Lily, seldom
flowers well, if at all the first year of its removal ; and
many other kinds flower but feebly. The best method
that I can recommend in the culture of Lilies is, to thin
out the roots in such a manner yearly that the large flow-
ering bulbs are three or four inches apart : the taking away
the ofl^sets and small bulbs in this manner gives those left
to flower a chance to obtain the difl^erent nutriments and
food in the grounds in which they are growing.

Great care must be taken this month of any green-house
plants whether plunged in the ground or otherwise, by
watering them moderately so that the earth they are grow-
ing in may be kept moderately moist. This is the most
critical month in the summer for many kinds of green-
house plants, particularly the Erica and Camellia, which
are often so much injured that they never recover, owing

ON THE MONTHLY CALENDAR. 83

to the earth in the pots being allowed to be dried to
dust. The consequence is that the roots of the plants
Perish by drought and the leaves turn yellow and fall off.
Insects also attack the plants, which, being in a weakly
state, by degrees dwindle and die. In all kinds of tender
annuals and herbaceous plants which are perishing for
want of water, attention may be paid to the watering at the
roots moderately of an evening; but care must be taken
not to overwater at this season, which will be unnatu-
ral and greatly injure them. Moderation must be the
guide in this process as in all others of the same
nature.

Art. 9. — August.
Little is required to be done in this month besides keep-
ing the flower beds and garden clean, tying up plants,
cleaning walks, &c., of which I have already spoken. If
any bulbous rooted plants, that are to be taken up still re-
main in the ground, their removal should no longer be de-
ferred. The inoculation to be done on Roses or any choice
plants should be attended to near the end of the month or
as soon as the plants are in a proper condition to be oper-
ated upon ; which see under the head of Inoculation, page
36. Any kinds of annual or perennial plants that have
done flowering and are encumbering their neighbors may
also be taken away or cut down, and the garden should
at this time go through a regular hoeing, raking, and
cleaning, which is very important at this season, and if
neglected is many times the cause of much labor by
weeds over-growing and spoiling the autumnal flowering
plants.

84 THE FLOWER GARDEN COMPANION.

Art. 10. — September.

The beginning of this month all kinds of green-house
plants intended to be taken up and potted, either for the
green-house or rooms, should be attended to. For the
manner of performing the potting of plants I refer the
reader to that chapter " On the Management of Green-
house Plants." — All kinds of annual and biennial flowers
may now also be potted and placed in a situation where
they can be partially shaded in order to encourage their
rooting freely in the pots. For a descriptive list of the
best kinds for this purpose I refer the reader to Articles 1
and 2 in the Appendix. Indeed any kind of plants in-
tended to be taken into winter quarters should not be de-
layed after this time ; they are rarely well rooted and pre-
pared for the sudden change.

There are but few things to be done in the flower gar-
den that require more practical knowledge and are
less understood than the taking from the ground and pre-
paring plants for winter quarters. In this I would wish to
be understood as referring to all kinds of annuals, bien-
nials and perennials. In the first place it is an act of vi-
olence on nature to remove plants from the soil when they
are established and in a vigorous growth, to a small pot of
earth, perhaps of quite a different compost from that in
which they have been growing ; besides they have in most
cases their principal roots cut asunder^ which have extend-
ed several feet in search of a proper nutriment ; conse-
quently the natural channels that extract food for the
plant are severed from it and its vigor is more exhausted
than nourished ; the plant being thus enfeebled eventu-
ally loses a portion of its leaves, in proportion to the loss
of such members ; and this again weakens it, owing to its
losing in a certain degree its powers of imbibing the

ON THE MONTHLY CALENDAR. 85

moisture of the atmospheric air. In this case the plant
has generally to undergo a change in habit and growth
at a time when it is least prepared for it: namely,
before the approach of winter, when it requires to be in
fall vigor, which can only be regained by the m.ost at-
tentive and natural management.

Taking the plants from the ground and potting them.
— If possible an opportunity should be taken to lake the
plants from the ground or pot them, on a moist, humid
day after a shower of rain. They should be taken care-
fully from the ground, and their fibrous roots as much as
possible retained. Being taken from the ground they
should be immediately potted, and well watered and placed
in a situation where they are partially shaded and have
a free circulation of air : it will be the better for them if
they be placed under trees where the direct rays of the
sun are withdrawn from them and a free circulation of
air can act on them. In this situation the plants must be
regularly attended to, by keeping the earth moderately
moist in order that they may root freely in the new pots.
All dead leaves should be taken from them as they
appear, being often very injurious to plants potted in this
way ; for the decaying leaves being in a state of putrefac-
tion, create an impure air, which is imbibed by the living
leaves and sickens the plants.

When the plants are well rooted in the pots and begin
to recover their strength, they are to be gradually ex-
posed to the sun and their natural location, in order that
they may recover their natural habit previous to their re-
moval to winter quarters.

In this month the principal business in the flower gar-
den is keeping it clean from weeds, gathering all kinds
of flower seeds as they ripen, (which see in the Appendix,
8

86 THE FLOWER GARDEN COMPANION.

Art. 3,) protecting plants of slender habits, training and
tying vines to trellises ; this is the proper time to divide
and propagate many kinds of hardy herbaceous plants
where wanted ; and if any alterations or new arrange-
ments are to be made in the flower garden, they should be
immediately attended to.

Art. 11. — October.

The principal thing to be attended to in the flower gar-
den this month is, to give particular attention to the
management of the green-house plants that are not taken
into the green-house or rooms. Green-house plants
should be protected at night after the first of the month
in most parts of the Northern States : for the first frost
which is always to be expected at this time, will much
injure them if exposed, besides spoiling their appearance^
Any kinds of hardy bulbs, as Tulips, Hyacinths, Lilies^
and the like, may be planted from the middle to the end of
the month, as directed under their proper head, page 68.

The Carnation, Polyanthus, Daisy, and any kind of
half hardy plants in pots, that are intended to be protected
through the winter in frames, should be placed in them
and covered on cold frosty nights.

Every attention must be paid to the Dahlia and tender
rooted plants that are injured by the early frost. It is a
good method to protect them by laying some long manure
or litter about the roots to guard them from being in-
jured by the first frost.

Art. 12. — Nove-inber.
Supposing the green-house plants to be housed, their
management will be found under the proper head of the
Green-house department ; but the half hardy plants m

ON THE MONTHLY CALENDAR. 87

the frames will require to be attended to by giving air,
coverinof on cold nio:hts and the like, as recommended
under the head of " Frames." Great attention must
be paid to the Dahlia, if not taken from the ground, thai
it be not frosted at the root. Indeed, it should always be
the rule, even in mild autumns, to take the roots from
the ground the first of this month. But if left after that
time, a double covering should be applied. Little will re-
quire to be done in the garden except to clear away any
kind of dead leaves or decaying plants which appear
to be a nuisance ; and everything may be prepared for
the winter.

All kinds of hardy bulbs that were not planted the latter
part of October, may be planted by the middle of this
month, and if any new plantations either in the shrub-
bery or flower garden are to be made in the fall, they
should not be omitted any longer than the middle of the
month.

Covering Plants and Protecting Shrubs. — About the
20th of the month or as soon as the winter begins to close,
which will vary from 15 to 50 days in the different parts
of the States for which this work is intended to be adapted,
will be a proper time to protect all kinds of herbaceous
plants by covering them on their crowns with long ma-
nure, or if leaves can be obtained they will answer a bet-
ter purpose. Tender kinds of shrubs as the Donble Hi-
biscus, Magnolia purpurea, &c. may be protected by ty-
ing up the branches in a neat manner and covering them
over with straw, and tying it neatly around them.

Art. 13, — December.

Little can be done in the garden this month except it is
a very mild season, when the covering plants and the like

89 THE FLOWER GARDEN COMPANION.

may be done as directed in November. For the manage-
ment of the Green-house and Frames I refer the reader to
their proper heads.

CHAPTER VII.

On the Varialious and Diseases of Plants.

Art. 1. — Variations of Plaats.

In order to diversify the subjects of the " Com-
panion", I have introduced several that are not altogether
pertaining to culture ; but which may be interesting to
those who are desirous to be made acquainted with the
different qualities and variations of plants, as color, mon-
strous habits, motions, &c. An article upon the diseases
of plants concludes this chapter.

Art. 2. — Color of Plants and Flowers.

Milne calls '* color an attribute or sensible quality of
of plants.'* There is nothing I am acquainted with in
the vegetable kingdom, that is more changeable and de-
serving notice than the coloring of plants ; which is dif-
ferent not only in flowers, but also in leaves, roots, seeds,
bark, and indeed in every part of them. When the earth
is clothed with vegetation in the spring, green is the
predominant color ; and so varied are the shades of this
general vestment or clothing, that it is hardly possible
to find two different varieties of plants of the same shade

ON VARIATIONS AND DISEASES. 89

of color. This general clothing of plants also undergoes
many changes during the season from spring to autumn ;
the most general change that takes place, is, the ex-
panding of the leaf of most plants, when the color is
commonly of a light green inclined to a yellow ; and the
forests have at that time a tinge of yellow in their ap-
pearance ; this coloring is soon changed into a deeper
greerty which, when the leaf is at its maturity, is then at
its deepest color. From the maturity of the leaf to its
decay, or dropping from the plant — which is shorter or
longer in different varieties — a gradual change takes
place from a deep green to a yellow, in most plants, and
in some varieties it is again changed into a deep red or
purple, as in most of the native shrubs, which is owing
to the acidity they contain. Leaves of plants are also va-
riegated or checkered in many ways with two or three
distinct colors, which is exemplified in the Amaranthus
tricolor, Variegated Geranium, and many evergreens, as
Hollies, Box, &c. Some leaves of plants have distinct
colors on each side, as the Tradescantia discolor ; and
in some cases the color of plants is entirely extracted and
a white is substituted, which is caused by the absence of
light and air as in the case of blanched Celery.

In the flowers of plants many changes are observable
from their first expanding to their decay. With a very few
exceptions the calyx, or covering of the flower is mostly
green ; there is, however, an exception to this rule in
some few flowers. The Ear-drop, or Fuchsia coccinea,
has a beautiful scarlet calyx, or covering, which is often
taken for the flower cups, which are purple ; and the
changeable part of the Hydrangea hortensis, is nothing
more than a changeable calyx or covering, the flowers being
no larger than a pin's head. The petals or flower leaves
8*

90 THE FLOWER GARDEN COMPANION.

are the most changeable, as in most flowers, when they
begin to expand, their petals are of a light green color,
which, on being expanded and exposed to the atinosphe-
lic air, becomes red-, purple, yellow, or any color natural
to them : during which time it undergoes many changes.
Flowers are also variable in their parts, as in most cases
we find the anthers, which contain the pollen, are of a yel-
low color, and the styles, which support them, of a hyali-
nus or water color. The flower leaves or petals are also,
in many cases, mottled or variegated, as in the Geraniu^n,
Balsam, Camellias, and many others.

In taking a general view of the colors of plants, it will
be found that white is most common in the petals of
spring flowers, as the Snowdrop, Wood anemone,
Cherry, Plum, &c. ; water color in the styles and stigma
of flowers ; yellow in the heads or anthers of flowers, and
in the petals of most compound flowers, as the Sunjlow-
cr, Coreopsis, Hawkiveed, and most autumnal flowers.
Black is most common in seeds and the bark of roots.
Blue, red, and violet, in the petals of summer flowers, as
the Rose, Larkspur, and many native plants. Red is also
very common in acid fruits and berries, and green pre-
dominates in leaves and the calyx of plants.

In closing the present article, it is proper to add that the
color of flowers varies from their natural or primitive ac-
cording to tlie location they are placed in, and by obser-
vation it will be found that all kinds of fulgid flowers,
as the Double Lychnis, Roses, or any high colored, re-
quire to be exposed to the sun and air : shade generally
causes most flowers to lose their deep colors, except
those of a pure white, as the Lily of the Valley, and
and those which naturally grow in shaded locations.

ON VARIATIONS AND DISEASES. 91'

Art 3. — Double Flowers.

Double flowers are vegetable monsters ; they are ex-
emplified in the Double Dahlia^ Stock gillijioicer, Rose,
and Camellia ; they are, in most cases, the result of lux-
uriance in culture or other causes by which the organs
of generation are transformed into gaudy j^^'teZ^ or flower
leaves ; consequently, such flowers cannot possibly pro-
duce seed ; their varieties have, therefore, to be prolonged
by propagation of cuttings, roots, and layers.

Nothing is less constant in plants than double flowers,
which is fully exemplified in the Dahlia ; as we may see
on the same plant, perhaps twenty flowers all differ-
ently formed ; some nearly single, with the organs of
generation, as the male and female parts, with a yellow
centre ; others approaching a semi-double and some a per-
fect double flower ; until the variety is termed " ru7i out,"
which is to say returned to its primitive state of a single
fioiver. This sporting of flowers is ver}^ different in
plants of the same family ; for we see in some plants that
almost every flower is perfectly double, as for instance in
the Dahlia : the Countess of Liverpool generally forms a
fine, clear, well-formed double flow^er ; whilst others, as
the Queen of Dahlias^ has occasionally a fine double
flower; others, on the same plant, are semi-double, and
some nearly single. The same affinity is observable in
many kinds of perennial plants, that produce double
flowers.

In annual flowers, as the Stock gilliflo2cer, the double
flowers are more perfect, but the duration is shorter : one
year only it can be said to continue, although it is often
elongated by cuttings, which are mostly of a sickly ap-
pearance. Whatever may be the value of double flow-

92 THE FLOWER GARDEN COMPANION.

ers, certain it is that they sooner or later will cease to be
in existence.

The primitive or single flowers are the only varieties?
that can perpetuate the vegetable kingdom to the end of
time. The economy of nature in this case, as in all
others, has given a variation, that too much sameness may
not cloy our pleasure. We for instance, in some double
flowers, find them continue their perfect character for
many years unaltered, as the Double lohite Camelliu ;
in others we perceiv^e a continual variation for a few years,
as in the Dahlia^ and then the primitive state again pre-
dominates; in other denominations of plants, as annuals,
a yearly variation from the single to the double flower is
observable, as in the Stock glllijiower ; whilst the primi-
tive or single flower at all times presents the same form
and number of parts, and is perpetually renewed and
continued in its natural habit and quality.

Art. 4. — Motion of Plants.
'* Motus, or motion ; when applied to plants," says
Milne, " the term motion is very limited, and expressive,
not of an absolute change of place, but of direction.'^
The most general motion of plants that takes place, as a
natural change, is the well known fact that most trees,
shrubs, and the lower order of plants, always incline to-
ward the light. This fact is observable in woods, where
trees grow close together, in which case their branches
always incline towards the light and air, as the vacant
places, and the outsides. Plants on the shelves of green-
houses, or in windows, always incline to the glass, and
when their position is changed the leaves and minor
branches change their position also, and incline to the
light. If a number of plants are placed in a dark room.

ON VARIATIONS AND DISEASES. 93

in different parts, where there is a small window, each
plant will be found to direct its position in a direct line to
such window. In conclusion to this part of the subject,
it may be" proper to state that soft-wooded plants alter
their position, on being changed, sooner than those of a
hard-wooded kind ; therefore, the time of regaining the
position of any plant depends on its nature.

The movements or motions of the leaves of plants is
exemplified in many different ways. If a branch of a
grape vine is turned from its natural position where it
grows, so as to turn the under sides of the leaves to the
light, they will in a few days regain their natural position
by being reversed on their footstalks. This movement is
apparent also in the leaves of most kind of plants when
reversed from their natural position, which they again re-
sume in a shorter or longer time in accordance to their
habit, as before stated. In some varieties of plants the
leaves fold up close to the footstalk in the night. This
motion is termed by botanists, " the^sleep of plants,"
and is observable in some varieties of Oxalis and many
of the winged leaved plants, as the Acacia lophanta^ which
folds its leaves close to the stem by night, and unfolds
them at the approach of day. The same movement takes
place if such plants are put into darkness in the day time.
Some plants are known to close their leaves on being
touched, as the ScTisitive plant ; and some leaves are put
in motion by the most gentle breeze, as the Aspe7i tree,
the leaves of which are always trembling on the tree, and
hence the name tremula. In flowers a motion is observa-
ble in their folding and unfolding in different periods of
the day ; an example of this is observable in a pretty
green-house plant, the Oxalis versicolor, which opens its
flowers in the middle of the day, when the sun shines on

94 THE FLOWER GARDEN COMPANION.

it and tlie heat is above sixty deg. ; but closes when dark-
ness comes on at night, and on the following day the
same motion is observable if the sun and heat is conge-
nial, but if not, the flowers remain folded. The most
beautiful motion in flowers, that I am acquainted with, is
exemplified in the Edivardsia grandijiora. This beauti-
ful plant expands its calyx — which is cloven — when the
sun shines strongly on it ; from between the calyx, a drop
of nectar or honey appears and becomes larger as the sun
has more influence ; the upper petals of the flower then
ascend to catch the honey and protect the more delicate
part of the flower, which in time fully expands; but so
soon as the sun withdraws, the tender parts of the flower
close and the upper petals descend with honey adher-
ing to them, which amasses the whole flower in nectar, a
rapid decomposition takes place, and in a few hours the
flowers drop from the plants, and putrefaction immediately
follows. This fact accounts for the difficulty of obtaining
seed from the plant in question.

Art. 5. — On Insects and J)iseases of Plants.

In treating of insects and disease of plants, I shall make
some cursory observations on those kinds that are com-
monly injured, and give some remarks on the causes,
and methods of evading them.

The most common disease of plants arises either from
poverty or luxuriance ; but the former is the most gen-
eral.

Of all the insects that are found on plants, the greenfly
is the most common in the fl/)wer garden and green-
house. In the green-house it is generally bred among
Roses, Stock gilliflowers, Geraniums, and soft-wooded
plants, at a time when they are making a feeble growth,

ON VARIATIONS AND DISEASES. 95

when the number of insect on the leaves soon sickens
them and brings on disease in their system.

The remedy to destroy the green fly, in the green-
house, is a fumigation of tobacco leaves. In the flower
garden, on the Rose and those plants affected, by dipping
the leaves or parts infested into a decoction of tobacco
extracted from the legives.

The next common insect that infests plants is the red
spider, a small, minute insect, bred by dry harsh heat or
internal air. Plants that are affected with this insect have
a sickly appearance, and their leaves turn ijello2v and then
red ; on the back of the leaf a fine iveb is seen, and the
insect is readily seen through a magnifying glass, and
sometimes by the naked eye. There is no insect that I
am acquainted with so difficult to destroy as the red
spider. In the green-house steam and moist internal air
counteract its ravages, and if the flues are whitewashed
over with lime and the sulphur of vivum, it will in a great
measure destroy it : but sulphur should in all cases be
very cautiously applied, as loo great a quantity suffocates
and scalds plants.

Many plants, as Ericas and Acacias, are very subject
to a white scaly insect, which must be removed by taking
it from the leaf either with the point of a knife or brush ;
after removing the insect, take a wash made by a de-
coction of soft soap with a small portion of sulphur and
tobacco juice, with which the parts affected are to be
spunged over three or four times. Oleanders, Camellias,
and many evergreens, are often infested with a large,
black, scaly insect, which can be removed in the same
manner as the before named.

There are many other insects that infest and injure
plants, which are in most instances at first generated by

96 THE FLOWER GARDEN COMPANION.

unwholesome air or some stagnation in the plant, which
of course can be counteracted or avoided by keeping
plants clean and healthy, the very best remedy against
disease.

In many cases plants and trees are cankered by al-
lowing the branches to cross and rub each other ; and
some throw out knobs or protuberances where they have
been bitten by insects, or some stagnation has taken
place in the sap. It is not always warrantable to say
that such appearances are always injurious to the
tree or plant, although, in most cases, their absence is
better than their presence, and they may generally be com-
pared to wens on the animal creation. They act as reser-
voirs of stagnated sap, which is mostly of an acid quali-
ty, and in some instances breeds insects, as worms, and the
like. Indeed, such appearances are mostly the result of
perforation by Jiies and other insects, made for a depository
to hatch their young into life ; therefore, the propriety of
their removal is at once apparent.

PART 3.

CONSTRUCTION AND MANAGEMENT OF THE GREEN-
HOUSE.

CHAPTER I.

On the Construction of the GreenIiou8e«

Art. 1. — Location and Plan.

The Green-house being, at this time, an almost general
appendage to the flower garden, particularly in city resi-
dences, where it is generally connected with the dwelling
house, is the principal reason for introducing some re-
marks on the subject in this place.

The position of the green-house should, if possible, be
such that it may face to the south, although a southeast
or southwest aspect may answer ; it must be a consider-
ation with the owner, as to which is the most convenient
place on the premises. In all cases it should be protected
as much as possible on the northeast and cold quarters,
and be exposed to the south and southeast. The site on
which it is to be built must be dry, which facilitates the
working of it in winter, and is most conducive to the
health of the plants. The house may be of almost any
plan ; it will appear to good advantage with a circular front,
although a straight one is the most general and answers
9

98 THE FLOWER GARDEN COMPANION.

best. Thirtyfive feet long, and fourteen wide in the in-
side, is perhaps a good house ; but when the length is
greater the width must be in proportion. The front and
end walls should be of brick and may be placed two feet
above the surface of the earth ; on the front wall, upright
sashes from two and a half to three feet high, must be
conveniently fixed so as to give air, either by sliding in a
grooved chase, so that the whole or any portion of them
can be taken out at either end, and air given if required,
at any part of the front of the house ; or they may be
suspended on hinges to be lifted up at pleasure. The
back wall must be carried to such a height that when the
roof, which must be glass, is put on, it forms an angle
of forty deg. ; the ends, which should also be glass, will
have a pitch accordingly ; the roof should be composed of
sashes four feet wide, the top ones to slide by pulleys and
reels over the bottom. The rafters may be four inches
wide on the outside, and bevelled to an angle inside ; the
panes should be five by seven inches, well glazed with a
lap of not more than a quarter of an inch, the wood and
all other materials require to be of the best quality.

Art. 2. — Mode of Heating.

The house may be heated either by a dry flue, or hot
water, but the dry flue is most general, and perhaps best.

Materials for the flue. — The materials are, about fifty
fire bricks, for an arch over the furnace, six bars of cast
iron for the grate, eighteen inches long, the ends of which
must be two inches square and the other part two inches
thick, and three fourths wide at the top, and half an inch
at the bottom ; which will allow a sufficient draught and
room for the ashes to pass through.

The two frames required for the furnace and ash-hole

ON THE CONSTRUCTION OF THE GREEN-HOUSE. 99

should be the same in size, twelve inches square, and
from two to three inches wide, with iron doors hun^- in
the usual way : next are two iron bars as supporters for
the grate, which must be two feet long ; the other mate-
rials are flue tiles, which should be twelve inches square
and grooved ; they can be had, of superior quality, at the
Salamander Works, New York. Soft bricks and good
mortar are the other requisites.

Building the furnace. — The furnace is the first to be
attended to, which should be at least fifteen or eighteen
inches below the level of the flue, in order to have a good
draught. The size of the furnace must be thirteen inches
wide, in order to give space for taking out the bars, when
it is requisite to clean the furnace : the bars must rest on
the two iron supporters, underneath which will be the ash-
hole of the same dimensions. An arch of fire bricks must
be turned over the grating, fifteen inches high in the
cejitre.

There should be a neck of a curvilinear form, about
three feet long, with a regular ascent of one foot, to cause
a good draught.

Position of the flue. — The position of the flue should
be such as to turn round the front of the house, from the
northeast to the northwest corner, where the smoke should
be carried horizontal from the neck before spoken of.

Dimensions of the flue. — In building the flue, I recom-
mend for a foundation, that bricks be laid in mortar, to the
width of twentyone inches from the wall ; on this foun-
dation, two courses of bricks must laid on their edges;
one three inches, the other fifteen from the wall ; leaving
a space of four inches between each brick so as to form a
pigeon hole under the flue : on these two courses, lay tiles
for the bottom \ then proceed with three bricks on their

100 THE FLOWER GARDEN COMPANION.

edges each side the tile, which, when covered with the
upper tiles, forms the flue, the inside of which will be
twelve inches deep and eight wide.

Art. 3. — Walk and Stages.

Adjoining the foundation of the flue, round the front
of the house, I recommend a paved walk, of white mar-
ble, two feet wide, to be laid in an inclined manner of half
an inch in eight feet, to the southeast or southv/est corner^
to carry off the water, which can be conducted through a
pipe, three inches in diameter, to pass under the wall,inta
a reservoir ; on the inside of the walk, a row of bricks
may be laid in a standing direction, to keep the earth
from covering the walk.

Staging of the house. — Over the flue, around the fronts
a stage may be built for the accommodation of small
plants, consisting of four shelves; that near the glass to
be eight, the second seven, the third six, and the fourth
five inches wide ; to descend towards the walk six inches ;
which wilt be two inches between each shelf. A stage should
also be erected from the walk, to the back of the house,
according to the following scale, viz : the first shelf next
the walk to be four feet six inches from the front glass, its
height three feet, and width seven inches ; the second six
inches above that, and the same width ; the third and
fourth, eight, fifth and sixth, ten, seventh, twelve, and
eighth the remaining space to the wall. Their height, one
above another, gradually to increase ; so as to leave the
seventh twelve inches from the eighth, which should be
five feet from the top of the wall. In addition to the above,,
shelves may also be erected in other parts of the house^
for succulent plants, as the Cactus, and dry stove plants,
with many little things tliat may be added to suit the
owner's taste.

ON THE CONSTRUCTION OF THE GREEN-HOUSE. 101

Having completed the house, the next thing to be at-
tended to is painting the wood work white, — the stage
excepted, — the brick work and walls require whitewash-
ing, for the benefit of the plants and its neat appearance.

Art. 4. — Repairing and Cleansing.

Before entering on the subject of green-house plants,
there remain one or two observations on the internal ar-
rangement of the green-house, which, though not strictly
pertaining to the subject of this chapter, may be brought
in here with advantage.

To have the house in proper order for the reception of
plants in the fall, it should be minutely inspected in the
month of August each year, that all repairs which appear
requisite may be done. The flue should be exam-
ined first, which requires that a few tiles be taken off the
tops, in order to clean out the soot, which has collected
during the winter ; this may be done with a hoe and
brush ; the soot must be drawn to the place where the
tiles are taken off; the flue being cleansed, it is next to
be examined outwardly, the tiles properly replaced, re-
paired, and whitewashed ; the back wall and every part
of the brick work, must also be whitewashed, which will
be of material benefit to the plants when growing in the
house.

Lime washing improves the appearance of the house
and is a great preventive against the many insects which
always infest plants. If a portion of sulphur be beaten fine
and mixed with the wash intended for the flue, the red
spider, that minute pest to plants, will be greatly deterred
from injuring those which are at the dry end of the house.
The furnace is next to be inspected and repaired.
The internal part of the house being cleansed and repair-
9#

102 THE FLOWER GARDEN COMPANION.

ed, ihe roof should be inspected and all broken glass re-
paired. The wood work should be painted if required^
and, in fact, every part put in perfect order.

When the house is filled with plants, great care must
be taken not to allow any leaves or filth to collect, as it
occasions an impure air, which often causes the plants to
have a sickly appearance.

The leaves of plants being porous and having the
power of absorbing ihe surrounding air in which they
grow, it is evident that their health greatly depends oa
the pure state of it^ consequently, care should be takeii
to obtain that which is most congenial, and which will
be found to be a sweet and pleasant internal heat.

CHAPTER II,

On the Management of Gieen-house Plants*

Art. 1.— Ta/cing the Plants into Winter Quarters and

Potti7ig.
In treating of the management of green-house plants,
taking them into winter quarters should be the first con-
sideration ; this must be attended to about the middle of
September, although in many cases it may be deferred to
the beginning of October, yet the latter month cannot be
recommended, as in many instances plants are much in-
jured by frost before that time.

ON THE MANAGEMENT OF GREEN-HOUSE PLANTS. 103

Potting the plants. — Previous to taking the plants into
the house, those that require repotting into a fresh com-
post should be attended to, in order that they may be well
rooted and established in the pots, so that they may have
a good appearance in the house ; many others that are
not properly green-house plants, may be potted and taken
in, to flower during the winter, as Pohjanthus, Primrose,
Stock gillijiower, Carnations, and others ; also many
varieties of bulbous roots may be potted, as Tulips, Hya-
cinths, and Narcissus, which will flower and decorate the
house in the winter.

Previous to taking the plants into the house, the pots
require to be cleansed of all dirt or any substance attached
to them ; all dead leaves should also, at this time, be taken
from the plants : indeed everything should be done to
bring them into the house as clean as possible.

Art. 2. — Arranging the Plants in the House.

To put the plants in proper order, requires some taste
and judgment. Most plants have a peculiar location in
their native state, therefore it is equally requisite that
they have something similar in their artificial location.

The Geranium, or Pelargonium, may be placed in a
situation as close as possible to the glass, where they can
obtain the full influence of the sun. The Camellia, on
the contrary, requires a shady situation, but should be so
placed, that a free circulation of air can act upon it, which
should be wholesome, or the flower buds will eventually
drop off* before they expand. All kinds of succulent
plants, as the Cactus, and Aloe, should be placed on
shelves in a warm, dry situation, where they can receive
the sun and air which is at the east end. On the front
shelves, small plants, of almost every kind, may be

104 THE FLOWER GARDEN COMPANION.

placed, and particularly the hardy kinds, as China roses,
Bulbs, and those of a dwarf habit. If this plan be ob-
serv^ed their appearance will be graceful and pleasing.

Some taste is also required in arranging the plants in
such, a manner, that the whole form a mingled group, not
too formal. Their various colors and forms should be so
managed that there is not too much sameness, which will
be the case if several plants of a similar kind are put to-
gether. Some plants, of tall habit, should be selected
and placed separately, where they can be seen to good
advantage.

Art. 3. — Watering the Plants.

The best criterion for watering the plants, is to observe
those which dry the earth in the pots soonest ; such will
generally require the most water ; but there is an excep-
tion to this rule in the fleshy plants, as the Cactus and
succulent tribe, which require water but seldom.

All kinds of evergreens, in a growing state, should be
well watered : as the Myrtle, Orange, Lemon, Lauresti-
71US, &c. China roses require often watering, and so do
also the Calla cethiopica; however, if pans containing wa-
ter are kept under them the better ; though not generally
recommended in a green-house.

In some cases plants are much benefited by watering
them all over ; this must, however, be done cautiously,
and at a time when the water will quickly dry upon them ;
for if it is left on them too long, it greatly injures and pre-
vents their respiration and perspiration.

The time of watering plants must depend on circum-
stances ; the evening is the best early in the autumn, after
a fine sunny day; but in the winter months, the morning
is the best, for by watering in the evening, in winter, both

ON THE MANAGEMENT OF GREEN-HOUSE PLANTS. 105

the house and plants are injured by being cooled too
much. In most cases a waterpot with a rose, is most to
be recommended, as it is not so likely to wash the earth
out of the pots.

Art. 4. — Temperature of the House.

Admitting air to the green-house requires some care
and practical knowledge ; to do it properly, regard must
be had to the nature of the plants, and the time of the
year. When the plants are first housed in the autumn,
the sashes should be wholly let down in the day, and the
house closed at about half an hour before sunset.

As the winter approaches, and the air gets colder, it
must be admitted more moderately in the morning, and
the house closed sooner in the evening, in order to shut in
the sun heat. The temperature of the house will de-
pend on what state the plants are to be kept in.

The green-house is m.ostly considered as mere winter
quarters for plants ; to keep out the frost is considered
sufficient ; but, for my own part, I think the green-house
should be made as inviting as possible in the winter, and
the plants forwarded a little, and forced into flower for
the gratification of those who visit. The house, under
such circumstances, will require to be kept warmer than
usual, by five or ten degrees.

The temperature of the green-house, is usually regu-
lated by the thermometer of Fahrenheit, and the prin-
cipal object is to keep it a little above freezing, say from
thirtysix to forty deg., in a cold night; but to forward
plants into an early flowering, from forty to fortyfive deg.
is the lowest it should be allowed to fall to. The heat in
the day time when the sun shines, may be allowed to rise
fifteen degrees higher than at night.

106 THE FLOWER GARDEN COMPANION.

In conclusion, I must again particularly recommend
that the plants be kept cleansed from all dead leaves and
other filth, that may either be attached to the pots or
plants ; the pots must be either washed or new ones u?ed
in shifting, about the beginning of March, so that they
have a clean and healthy appearance ; the shelves should
be often cleaned during the winter, and the pots often
moved to prevent water from collecting under them,
which stagnates and injures the roots. It is also very
requisite that a quantity of water, of a proper tempera-
ture, be always kept in the house for watering the plants,
and to be at hand in case of fire. Every attention should
be paid to the hottest end of the flue ; no chips or sha-
vings should be left near it, which, in many cases, I be-
lieve, has been the cause of the destruction of the house
by fire. The house should be examined during the win-
ter, and if any parts in consequence of the severe heat
have given way, they should be immediately repaired.

Art. 5. — Descriptive List of Green-house Plants.

In forming a descriptive list of green-house plants, I
have selected those kinds w^hich are of easy culture, and
free flowering. Some attention has also been paid to
select such kinds as would give a variety of flowers during
the season, with the addition of the list of the Geranium,
Camellia, &c., that are to follow. No particular attention
has been paid to those plants of a recent introduction,
unless they have been proved worthy of notice as stand-
ard varieties ; the principal object of the list being to
describe such plants only, as are hoped to be worthy al-
ways of a place in the green-house. I have designated
under their heads, the succulent plants, which require a
dry soil and little water in the winter.

ON THE MANAGEMENT OF GREEN-HOUSE PLANTS. 107

[Those marked thus * are running vines adapted to train on walls,
pillars, &c. Those marked with initials B. E. are plants that thrivfs
best in black peat earth or mould.]

Botanical Name.

English Name.

Color, lieight.

Time of flowering.

ACACIA.

verticillata

armata

suaveolens

decipens

longifolia

lophanta

Acacia.

whorl-leaved

simp-Id prickly

sweet-scented

paradoxical

long-leaved

two-spiked

Yellow
Yellow
Yellow
Yellow
Yellow
Yellow

6
4
3
3

10
8

March, April.
March, April.
Feb., June.
March, June.
March, April.
March, April.

AGAPANTHUS.

umbellatus
variegatus

African Lily.
large -flower
striped-leaved

Fleshy
Blue
Blue

Rooted.
3 April, June.
2 April, June.

AGAVE.

americana
variegata

American Aloe. Succident Plants.
common Amer. Yellow 20 March, Sept.
variegated Yellow 20 March, Sept.

ALOE.

■"■ariegata

arborescens

pumila

Aloe. Succulent Plants.
partridge-breast Pink 2 March, Sept.
tree Red 6 March, Sept.
small cobweb Green 1 March, April.

AZALEA.

indica
alba indica
purpurea plena
phoenecia

Azalea.
Indian,
white

double purple
purple

B. E.

Scarlet
White
Purple
Purple

4
4
4
3

Feb., April.
Feb., March.
Feb., March.
Feb., March.

BANKSIA.

serrata
grandis
ericifolia
speciosa

Banksia.
saw-leaved
great flowering
heath -leaved
long-leaved

Yellow
Yellow
Yellow
Green

12
4
6
5

July, Sept.
May, Aug.
Jan. December.
May, Aug.

BUDDLEA.
globosa

Buddlea.
round-headed

Orange

15

May, June.

BEAUFORTIA.

decussala

sparsa

Beaufortia.
splendid Scarlet
alternate leaved Red

3

3

May, July.
May, July.

BOUVAtlDIA.

triphylla
versicolor

BOUVARDIA.

three-leaved
various-colored

Scarlet
Red

2
2

April, May.
July, Sept.

108

THE FLOWER GARDEN COMPANION.

Botanical Name.

English Name.

Color. H(

sight.

Time of flower:

BURCHELLA.

BuRCHELLA.

capensis

cape

Scarlet

3

March, June.

CACTUS.

Cactus.

Succulent Plants.

speciosissimus

beautiful

Crimson

3

July, Aug.

grandiflorus

night-flowering

White

2

June, Aug.

flagilliformis

creeping

Pink

2

March, June.

truncatus

truncatus

Pink

1

January.

Jinkensonii

Jinkenson's

Crimson

2

March.

CALCEOLARIA.

Slippebwort.

inlegrifolia

entire-leaved

Yellow

2

May, Sept.

rugosa

rugose

Yellow

2

July, Sept.

Foihergilla

Fothergill's

Orange

h

May, Aug.

plalida

pale yellow

Yellow

2

March, May.

CALLA.

Calla.

aethiopica

Ethiopian

White

2

March, June,

CORR^A.

CORR^A.

alba

white-flowered

White

3

April, July.

speciosa

red-flowered

Red

3

April, July.

virens

green-flowered

Green

3

May, Nov.

*COB.EA,

COB.EA.

scandens

climbing

Purple

15

May, Oct.

CORONILLA.

CORONILLA.

valentina

nine-leaved

Yellow

3

March, Nov.

CRASSULA.

Crassula.

coccinea

scarlet

Scarlet

2

March, June,

versicolor

changeable

Variegated 2

March, June.

falcata

sickle-leaved

Scarlet

2

May, June.

CISTUS.

Rock Rose.

ladaniferus

gum

White

3

May, June.

incanus

hoary-leaved

Purple

2

CITRUS.

Orange Tree

myrtifolia

myrtle-leaved

White

3

April, May.

litnonum

lemon

White

12

April, May.

aurantium

sweet

While

15

April, May.

nobilis

mandarin

White

15

April, May.

CYC AS.

Sago-palm.

revoluta

narrow-leaved

3

DAPHNE.

Daphne,

odora

sweet-scented

Purple

2

Feb., March.

vaHeg-ata

variegated

Purple

2

Feb., March.

ON THE MANAGEMENT OP GREEN-HOUSE PLANTS.

109

Botanical Name.

English Name.

Color. Heij

?ht

Time of flowering.

DIOSMA.

odora

capitata

hirsuta

DiOSMA.

sweet-scented
pale purple
hairy-leaved

B. E.

White
Purple
Pink

2
2
2

March.
March, May.
March.

EPACRIS.

grandiflora

pulchella

purpuracens

Epacrib.
crimson
sweet-scented
riged

Crimson

Pink

Purple

2
4
3

Feb., June.
April, June.
January, March.

FICUS.
elasticus

Fig Tree.
Indian Rubber

8

FUCHSIA.

coccinea
gracilis
globosa
microphylla

Ear Drop.

scarlet

slender

globe-flowered

small-leaved

Scarlet
Scarlet
Scarlet
Scarlet

3

3
2
2

April, Sept.
April, Sept.
April, Sept.
April, Sept.

GARDENIA.

florid a

radicans

lalifolia

Gardenia.
Cape Jasmine
rooting
broad-leaved

B. E.
White
White
White

4

1
3

May, Sept.
May, Sept.
May, Sept.

GNAPHALIUM.

glomeratum

Everlasting-Flower. B
cluster-flowered Yellow

;. E

1

March, June.

HELIOTROPIUM.

peruvianum
grandiflonim

Heliotrope.

Peruvian

large-flowered

Purple
Purple

2
3

March, Sept.
March, Sept.

HOYA.

*camosa

HoYA.

fleshy-leaved

Pink

4

April, May.

HYDRANGEA.

hortensis

Hydrangea.
changeable

Red; Blue

April, Sept.

HYPERICUM.

monogynum
glandulosum

Saint John's-

Chinese

glandulous

WORT.

Yellow
Yellow

1
1

April, May.
April, May.

ILLICIUM.

flondanum

Aniseed Tree
red-flowered

Red

2

March, April.

IRIS.

chinensis
susiana

Iris.

Chinese

Chalcedonian

Blue
Striped

1

1

March, April.
Feb., March.

KENNEDIA.

*rubicuuda
*coccinea

Kennedia

dingy-flowered

scarlet

10

B.E.

Scarlet
Scarlet

2
3

Feb., June.
Feb., June.

110

THE FLOWER GARDEN COMPANION.

Bounical Name.

English Name.

Color. Hei

ight.

Time of flowering.

LAGERSTRCEMIA

. Lagerstkoemiji

I.

indica

Indian

Red

5

May, Sept.

LANTANA.

La>-tana.

mista

nettle-leaved

Purple

2

May, July.

camara

various -flowered Pur. Or.

2

May, July.

LAVENDULA.

Lavender.

spicata

common

Lilac

2

April, May.

dentala

tooth-leaved

Lilac

2

April, May.

LINUM.

Flax.

trigynum

three-styled

Orange

2

Dec, March.

LOTUS.

BiRD's-FeoT Trefoil.

jacobaeus

dark-flowered

Black

I

March, Sept.

MAGNOLIA.

Magnolia.

purpurea

purple

Purple

2

March, April.

conspicua

downy-leaved

White

3

Dec, Feb.

grandiflora

laurel-leaved

4

METROSIDEROS.

Metrosideros,

saligna

willow-leaved

Crimson

4

March, May.

lanceolata

spear-leaved

Crimson

4

March, May.

speciosa

showy

Crimson

4

March, May.

NANDINA.

Nandina.

domestica

panicled

4

NERIUM.

Rose-Bay.

splendens

double-hybrid

Red

4

May, Sept.

allmm

white-flowered

White

4

May, Sept.

▼ariegatum

variegated

Striped

4

May, Sept.

OLEA.

Olive Tree.

fra grans

fragrant

White

3

March, May.

PiEONIA.

P^ONY.

arborea

tree

Purple

4

March, May.

papavera

poppy-flowered

White

3

March, May.

mouian

shrubby

Purple

4

March, May.

PASSIFLORA.

Passion-Flower.

*alata

wing-stalked

Varieg.

15

March, Nov.

*princeps

15

March, Nov.

♦racemosa

racemose

Striped

20

March, Oct.

*coerula

blue-flowered

Blue

3

May, June.

PASSERINA.

Sparhow-wort.

filiformis

heath-leaved

White

1

June, Aug.

ON THE MANAGEMENT OF GREEN-HOUSE PLANTS. Ill

Botanical Name.

English Name.

Color. Heig

lit.

Time of flowering.

spicata

spiked

White

2

May, June.

grandiflora

great-flowered.

White

1^ May, June.

PITTOSPORUM.

PiTTOSPORUM.

tobira

Chinese

White

3

April, May.

undulatum

wave-leaved

White

3

April, May.

PLUMBAGO.

Lead-wort.

capensis

cape

Blue

2

April, May.

POLYGLA.

Milk-wort.

myrtifolia

myrtle-leaved

Purple

3

March, April.

speciosa

showy

Purple

3

March, April.

PROTEA.

Pbotea.

speciosa

splendid

Purple

2

March, June.

longifolia

long-leaved

Purple

2

March, April.

RHODODENDRON.Rose-Bay.

arboreum

tree

Purple

20

March; April.

catawbiense

catawba

Purple

4

June, August.

ponticum

purple

Purple

12

March, April.

hybridium

hybrid

Pink

6

March, April.

Russellianum

Russel's

6

March, April.

SERISSA.

Serissa.

fcEtida

fetid

White

2

March, Sept.

STAPELIA.

Stapelia.

Succulent plants.

grandiflora

great-flowered

D. Purple

^ Sept., Dec.

asterias

slar-fish

P. Striped

i May, Nov.

variegata

variegated

Y. Striped

d

; June, Sept.

STRELITZIA.

Strelitzia.

regina

canna-leaved

Yellow

2

May, Sept.

THEA.

Tea-Plant.

verdis

green

While

3

March.

bohea

black

White

3

March.

Art. 6. — Tender Bulbous Rooted Plants.

The plants named in the following list are of easy
culture, and deserve a place in the green-house ; most of
them are natives of the Cape of Good Hope or South
America. They require to be placed in a warm part of
the house, where they will flower to perfection ; the front
or east end is most proper. A compost of one third

112

THE FLOWER GARDEN COMPANION.

good, sharp sand, one third rotten leaf mould, and the re-
mainder good, fresh, black earth, from a dry location,
should be prepared when the bulbs are to be potted in it,
whilst in their dormant state, which is generally in the
months of November and December ; they may then be
placed over the flue and watered sparingly until they be-
gin to vegetate ; it may then be more copiously applied,
and the pots placed where they can receive the full influ-
ence of the sun. When the plants have done flowering,
and the leaves begin to turn yellow, they are to be placed
on some back shelf where they can ripen regularly ; but
little water is then necessary ; in this state they are to
remain in the pots until the time of repotting as before
described.

Name. Color. Tim« of flowering.

ALSTR.^MERIA.
Pelegrina Striped June, Sept.
Ligtu Striped Feb. Mar.

flookeri

flos Martini W. Pur. Y. Jan.

AMARYLLIS.

Johnsonii Crimson Apri',, May.
ibrmosissimusCrimson May, June,
vitata Varieg. May, June,

psiitaciua Scarlet May, Aug.
insignis Scarlet July, Aug.

equestris Scarlet Aug., Sept.
Belladonna Flesh color July, Sept.
ANTHOLYZA.

sethiopica Orange May, June,
viltigera Orange Jan.

BABIANA.

rubra cyanea Red, blue March, A p.
plicala Purple March, Ap.

sulphurea Yellow March, Ap.
tubiflora Yellow, red June.
CRINUM.
americanum July, Aug.

Name. Color. Time of flowering:

Commelini

June, Aug.

longifolium

June, Aug,

amoenum

June, Aug.

augustum

June, Aug.

amabile

June, Aug.

DIANELLA.

coenila Blue

May, Aug.

divaricata Blue

July, Aug.

EUCOMIS.

punctata Varieg.

June, July.

striata

June, July.

GLADIOLUS.

versicolor Varieg.

May, Jui>e.

cardinalis Dark red

May, July.

psillacinus Yellow

H.EMANTHUS.

coccinius Scarlet

June, Aug.

carneus Red

June, July.

IRIS.

moraeoides

April, Aug.

persica Varieg.

March.

IXIA.

crateroides Crimson

May, July.

ON THE CULTURE OF THE CAMILLIA.

113

Name. Color. Time of flowering.

Name Color. Time

of flowering.

conica Orange

May, June.

ORNITHOGALUM.

maculata Varieg,

April, May.

niveum White

Aug.

leucantha White, blue April,

flavum Yellow

June, July.

LACHENALIA.

altissimum White

June, Aug.

tricolor Varieg.

March, Ap.

PANCRATIUM.

quadricolor "

March, Ap.

augustum

May, Aug.

pendula "

May, June.

amoenum

May, Aug.

OXALIS.

rotatum

May, Aug.

versicolor Varieg.

Jan. Mar.

speciosura

May, Aug.

caprina Red

Feb.

TRITONIA.

crenata Red

March.

crispa Flesh color

May, June.

fabosfolia Yellow

Oct.

crocata Yellow

May, June.

rosacea Pink

Feb. Mar.

rosea Pink

June, July.

CHAPTER III.

On tbe Culture of tlie Camellia Japoniea.

Art. 1. — Remarks.
The Camellia Japoniea, or Japan Rose, may be consid-
ered as one of the nobles of the green-house, during the
period of its flowering, which happens — in a good selec-
tion— from November until April. No collection of
green-house plants can be said to be complete or respecta-
ble, unless it contains from ten to fifteen varieties of these
beautiful plants ; they are all delicate and of the most fin-
ished cast. The foliage is glossy and of a perpetual green,
which affords a striking contrast of shade with the flow-
ers. When we consider its longevity, annual increase in
10 #

114 THE FLOWER GARDEN COMPANION.

magnitude and blossom, together with its easy and simple
culture under proper treatment, it is a most desirable
plant. It should be cultured in the following manner :
In its location, either in the green-house or open air,
daring the summer season, it must be partially excluded
from the burning rays of the sun, especially at mid-day, at
which time it often bums and injures the leaves and also
damages the plant ; too much^^re heat, in a confined situa-
tion, is also injurious to the Camellia, and frequently
causes the buds to fall off before they expand ; every
opportunity should be taken to afford it plenty of air.

Art. 2. — Propagation.

The methods of increasing the Camellia arevarious,
viz. by cuttings, layers, buds, and inarching the finer sorts
on the single flowering red.

The most successful and generally adopted plan, is
however, to propagate the single red, by cuttings from off
the young wood, which should be taken from the plant in
September or October ; and rooted either under hand or
bell glasses. The method of performing this is to prepare
a sharp sandy loam, which is put into pots, or on a bed,
with a quantity of old tan underneath ; the cuttings are
put into the pots in the usual manner. When the cut-
tings are well rooted, which will be in two or three
months, they may be put into small pots of light
earth, or sandy loam, mixed with a quantity of black earth
or sandy peat. They should remain in these pots until
they are filled with roots ; they are then to be shifted into
pots of a larger size, for the purpose of inarching ; the
best time for this is the latter end of February or beginning
of March, and the scion may be taken from the mother
plant in August, if well united.

ON THE CULTURE OF THE CAMELLIA. 115

Art. 3. — Management in the Green-house,
The Camellia should be placed in the house so as to be
partially shaded from the sun ; and if on the ground
where some sand has been placed, the better. They will
require a moderate watering, in order to fully expand their
flowers ; and if moderately syringed in fine weather at
sun rise, they will be much benefited in their flowering :
but care must be taken that it is not done too copiously,
for if the water remains too long on the buds, it often
causes them to fall oif ; if they are kept too dr}^ especi-
ally when much fire heat is applied, they will also fail.
The leaves should be often sprinkled, morning and even-
ing, as they absorb a considerable quantity of nutriment •
being elastic, the leaves of the Camellia perspire less than
than those of deciduous plants, and consequently act as a
reservoir of nutriment, as we see by experiment ; if a
Camellia loses its leaves death often ensues, which is not
the case with deciduous plants and shrubs. I have had
evident proof that by refreshing Camellias in this way, it
gives health and vigor to them, and, at certain seasons,
causes the sap to descend, and buds will burst forth from
the bare parts of the plant even when it has been divested
of all the fibrous roots but a short time before. And fur-
ther, this process is essential to the flowering of the plant.
I have seen instances of large flowers being produced
from plants almost rootless ; the watering, or sprinkling
over of these plants, may be done more or less according
to the season, and the state of the internal air in the situa-
tion in which they are growing.

In the spring, when the flowering is over and the
plants begin to grow, refresh them often at their roots, as
they require a considerable quantity of water when in a
growing state.

116 THE FLOWER GARDEN COMPANION.

Care should be taken, not to water the top of the
plant while in flower, when the sun shines on it,
which causes the blossoms to have spots on them, by
the water collecting on their petals and especially on the
while kinds. This process may be omitted in cloudy
weather, as they will not be in a propter state to imbibe
the water ; the plants will not dry their foliage or buds,
in consequence of which the moistened buds will, in a
measure, decay, and the calyx fall off when the flow-
er expands ; this appears to be owing to that part being
moistened too long, which prevents respiration, in conse-
quence of which it becomes inert, and putrefaction fol-
lows.

The heat of the house should be moderate, from forty
to forty five deg., and at all times a wholesome and mellow
internal heat and air, should be the principal aim of the
manager ; extremes of either are always injurious.

Art. 4. — Repotting the Plants.

Shifting or repotting the Camellia may be perform-
ed any time after they have done flowering, which is
generally in the month of March ; in doing this, care
must be taken to give plenty of drainage, in order to
let off* the water, which sometimes settles at the bot-
tom and saturates the soil, and the consequence is the
roots are often rotted off". Broken pots will answer the
purpose for drainage.

The soil best adapted for the Camellia, is a good,
mellow loam, with a portion of black earth, well mixed
together ; if the loam is not of a sandy nature, some
good sharp sand may be added, to make it more porous,
for the fibrous roots to grow and work more freely in.

When the plants are potted, they are to be located in

ON THE CULTURE OF THE CAMELLIA.

117

such a manner that they may have the full benefit of the
air; if they are too much confined, they often become
very weak ; they seldom set their flower buds strong and
vigorous, and, indeed, it often causes them to lose their
buds, and, if not this, to flower weakly. The plants at
this time require plenty of water, to cause them to grow
freely and strong. As early as the weather will permit,
the plants maybe taken from the green-house, and placed
in their summer situation, which should be in a north or
northeast aspect; where they are fully exposed to the air
and not under the drip of trees or buildings.

Art. 5. — Descriptive List of Camellias.
[Those marked thus t are best adapted to rooms.]

Botanical Name. English Name.

talba plena
tfimbriata
tflavescens
candidissima

tvariegated

imbricata

Chandelerii

Colvilea

tEclipse

Punctata

Cambellii

altheaflora

elegans

tMyrtifolia

Aneraoneflora.

C live an a

reticulate

Floyii

Hendersonii

rubro pleno

WHITE.

Double white
white fringed
Lady Harris'
double white

STRIPED.

double striped

imbricated

Chandeler's

Colvil's

Pressis

Cambell's

Althea-flowered

English

BED.

Myrtle-leaved

Anemone-flow'd

red

red

Floy's

Henderson's

double red

General character of the flower.

prime white, beautiful shape,
margin of petals beautifully fringed,
compact white with a tinge of blush oa
fine form. [the petals.

clear red, striped with white,
double crimson, spotted with white,
dark red, with white spots,
white, blush spotted or striped,
double white, striped with pink,
fine white, blush spots or stripes,
double white, spotted with pink,
dark red, with white spots,
rose, spotted with white.

double light red, beautiful form,
double dark red, verj' fine flower,
double dark red, very fine flower,
red, shaded with crimson.
fine red, extra fine flower,
light rose, beautiful form,
fine large red.

118 THE FLOWER GARDEN COMPANION.

CHAPTER IV.

On tbe Culture of tlie Geranium, China Rose and Erica*

Art. 1. — The Geranium or Pelargonium.

This beautiful tribe of plants are mostly natives of the
Cape of Good Hope, and their elegance, when in a flow-
ering state, particularly recommends them to every lover
of flowers : indeed, no green-house is perfect without a
good collection of them.

The general management of the Geranium is some-
thing different from the Camellia, although they will both
thrive well in the same house, and with the same heat ;
but their location should be different, as they require to
be situated so as to obtain the influence of the sun and
air, and as near the glass as possible ; if this is not done
the wood will grow weak and succulent, and consequent-
ly will seldom flower strong and healthy.

Propagatio7i or increase. — The Geranium is increased
by cuttings in the months of August and September, or
at any time when the young wood is well ripened, or by
its roots being cut into joints and inserted in a pot of
compost and treated the same as cuttings.

The compost best adapted for this purpose, is one third
sandy loam, one third peat, with a little rotten leaf mould,
and some river sand.

When the compost is prepared, begin to propagate by
cutting the ends of the cuttings to a joint, transversely
and in a clean manner ; then take the pot, which should

ON THE CULTrRE OF THE GERANIUM. 119

be six inches deep, and six wide at the top, and fill it two
inches from the bottom with broken pots, beat fine with a
hammer ; after which the remainder should be filled up
to the rim with the soil, into which the cuttings may be
inserted half way in a neat manner ; the pots are then to
be shaken gently to close the earth to the cuttings, after
which they may be gently watered, and the pots plunged
into the ground to the rim, in a shady situation, under a
wall or fence. They will require to be watered when
the soil appears dry : in four weeks, if carefully attended to,
they will be rooted and fit for potting off'.

Potting the young plants. — When the cuttings are
well rooted, they must be potted singly, into smalls pots,
three inches deep, and the same in diameter. The man-
ner of performing this work is to put two or three small
pieces of broken pots at the bottom and on them a small
portion of rotten leaves, and fill up with the same soil,
as before recommended for the cuttings. When they are
well rooted they may be taken into the green-house.

The principal object in growing the Geranium being to
have a strong dwarf plant for flowering, care should be
taken not to over water it nor keep it too warm. It should
be always kept entirely dry about the roots and in small
pots during the winter season. When the plant is grown
four inches high, the heart is to be pinched out in order to
make it form a bushy head.

About the latter end of February, or beginning of
March, Geraniums may be shifted into the pots they are
intended to flower in ; for this purpose the soil should be
similar to that recommended above, with this exception,
that more rotten leaf mould, or manure be added, which
causes the plants to flower finer. They require as
much air to be given them as possible, and more water as
the weather grows warm.

120 THE FLOWER GARDEN COMPANION.

Art. 2. — List of Geraniums.

WHITE OB BLUSH, WITH DARK LIXE3 OH SPOTS.

*Beauty of Brooklyn. *Micans.

*Americanum. *Fosterianuin.

♦Admiral Codrington. *Macranthon.
*Brightoniensis.

LILAC BLUSH, WITH DARK LINES AND SPOTS.

Louis Philip, *Ontario.

Armesbury. Boll's Humii.

ROSY RED OR PINK, WITH DARK LINES AND SPOTS.

Queen Emma. *Queenii.

*Anne Boleyn. *Roseum Multiflorum.

*Clintoniae. *Coplice.

♦General Washington (new.) *Cleopatra, (new.)

♦Lord Munster. Juliet.

BRIGHT RED, WITH DARK LINES AND SPOTS.

Platagenet. *Youngii.

* Latilobium. *Rubescens.

Paganini, (new.) *Seneca.

BRIGHT CRIMSON AND PURPLE, WITH DAHK LINES AND SPOTS.

*Eminet. Perfectum.

♦Brundenellioe. *Reuben Apsley,

PURPLE AND PUCE, WITH DARK LINES AND SPOTS.

*Glorianura. *Albinotatuin.

♦Blue Beard. ♦Juno.

♦Drakiae. Lady Comberaiere.

DARK SHADE, RED OR CRIMSON, WITH DARK LINES AND LARGE

SPOTS.

*Tory. William the Fourth.

♦De Vere. ♦Fastuosum.

♦Earl Gray. ♦Hosackii.
♦Grandissimum.

BRIGHT RED OR CRIMSON, WITH BLACK LINES AND SPOTS.

Admiral Nelson. Flagons, or Lord Yarborougb.

Ne plus ultra. Romeo.

ON THE CULTTJRE OF THE CHINA ROSE. 121

ORAKGE, CRIMSON OB SCARLET, WITH BLACK LINES AND SPOTS.

^Princess Augusta. *Russellianum.

*Brown's Lady Gore. Queen Adelaide.

De Burghae. *Daveyanum.

RED, WITH DARK CLOUDED, PURPLE, CRIMSON.

Obscurum Grandiflorum. *Jenkinsonia.

Beauclarkii, (Duke of St Johns.) *Y€atmanianum,

VARIOUS.

^Scarlet Superbum. *Sanguinium.

*Scutulatum. *(iuercifolium Superbum.

[N. B. Those marked thus * in the preceding list are select varieties.]

Art. 3.— The China Rose.

The China i?05e should always be found in a collection
of green-house plants, amongst which it sustains a pro-
minent character ; and the high estimation in which the
buds and flowers are held in the winter, enhances its
value. Independently of this, it is one of the best
plants to decorate the flower garden in the summer, and
is almost perpetually in flower ; with the exception of
some of the tall growing kinds, which are ornamental in
covering arbors, trellises, and the like.

hicrease. — The China Rose may be increased either
by cuttings or layers, in the manner described for green-
house plants. It thrives well in the temperature of the
green-house, and its location should be on the front
stage near the glass, as being the most appropriate.

The soil best adapted for the China Rose, is a compost
of one fourth of sand, taken from a road side, (where it
has been drifted or washed by water ;) one fourth
of well rotted leaf mould ; and two fourths of the top
sod of a pasture of naturally rich, mellow loam, where
sheep or other animals have been for some time. This
forms an excellent compost for the China Rose.
11

122 THE FLOWER GARDEN COMPANION.

Art. 4. — List of Chi?ia Roses.
In giving a list of China Roses, no descriptive charac-
ter can, with any propriety, be given; most of the varie-
ties being of a light or dark red, with the exception of those
that are either white or yellow, which are so named to
enable those desirous of purchasing, to become fully ac-
quainted with their characteristic of flowering. I have
therefore designated the color by the abreviations, D. for
dark, L. R. for light red, B. for blush, and W. for white.

[Those marked thus * are choice kinds.]

^Undulata, d. Odorata, or tea scented, b.

India minor, l. r. * " Lutea, Y.

♦White China, w. * " Alba, w.

*Sanguinea, d. * " Rubra, r.
Lawrenceana, l. " Golcondi, k.

Due de Berri. Noisettiana, or Noisette.

*Belle de Monga, d. * " Purpurea.

*Amaranthe, d. " Coccinea, l.

Bourbon. '* Lutea, y.

*Barclayana, d. *Bengalensis.

Incarnata, d. Boursaltii.

Duchess de Parma. Banksia.
Champneyana, b. " Lutea, y.

Multiflora, b. Cherokee.

Grevillea, l. h. *Jacksonia.

Art. 5. — The Erica.

The Erica is one of the prettiest families of plants cul-
tivated in the green-house ; and its culture is highly de-
serving of more general attention than has hitherto been
bestowed upon it. However, there are many pretty va-
rieties finding their way into the collections in the vicin-
ity of Boston, which I hope will still continue to receive
additions. The plants are neat and pretty in habit ; and
when in flower form a lively contrast with other plants of
the green-house : they are indeed, a class of plants that

ON THE CULTURE OF THE ERICA. 123

are grateful to the common observer — claim the strict at-
tention of the ameteur — and are worthy the most minute
examination of the curious and refined. In a good col-
lection they possess many shades of color, as luhite, green,
red, pinky &c. ; and in some instances they are variegated
or checkered in a very pretty manner. The manner in
which they flower is also various ; as, in clusters, spikes,
and in numerical order which are designated as bijiora,
triflora, and so on; and in different habits as pendulous,
erect, &c. The formation of the flowers also varies and
has a definitive character, as that of tuhifiora, curvifiora,
and the like regular forms. But their intrinsic value is
only to be discovered by examining the flower minutely ;
when the neat form and prettily contrasted colors always
reward those who bestow such pains with a rich treat of
one of nature's most finished copies.

Ill the bouquet, the Erica is not surpassed by any
flower of its season ; and no flower keeps longer as a cut
flower in water.

To my fair patrons I must recommend the more general
culture of this pretty family of plants ; and, hope the lit-
tle treatise to follow will at least assist those who are de-
rous to cultivate them in their management, which when
better understood, I am convinced will greatly add to the
interest already manifested in the Erica.

Art. 6. — Its Culture and Propagation.
The culture of the Erica is, by many persons, consider-
ed very difficult, although, when practically understood,
it may be said to be very simple. Soil, situation, and
temperature, must be in accordance with the nature of
the Erica, or it will never flourish and flower well. All
kinds of the Erica require a black peat or bog earth to

124 THE FLOWER GARDEN COMPANION.

flourish to perfection ; for the roots of the plants being fine
and thready, cannot perforate into a heavy loam or close
soil ; and, on the other hand, a very spungy soil would
be quite as uncongenial to its nature. In fact, two kinds
of soil are requisite to grow the difTerent varieties to per-
fection : the small, dwarf kinds require a dry peat, ob-
tained from high, dry ground ; and the tall, luxuriant kinds,
a soil obtained from a low, moist ground ; this is readily
accounted for, as the dwarf varieties are found naturally
growing on high ground, and the taller varieties on low
grounds, but the nature of the soil is very similar. The
situation of the Erica should always be that of a
cool, shaded place. If the plants are exposed to the sun
in summer, they will suffer at the root ; and placed where
they receive too much fire heat in the winter, the leaves
will be injured. The Erica should be moderately water-
ed ; it should never be very dry at the root or very moist :
if the roots are allowed to be entirely dried, the plant
will sicken accordingly — if too moist, they will nuike a
slender, feeble growth at the leaf, and decay.

The Erica is propagated from seed, which I recommend
to be sown in the month of December, or so soon as it is
ripe, in a pot of black peat earth, and placed in the green-
house. Care must be taken that the seed is not covered too
deep; if a quantity of white sand can be procured and pla-
ced on the top of the earth, the better. When the seed is
sown, the top of the pot may be covered with glass, until
the plants make their appearance, when it may be re-
moved from them.

In the spring, when the plants are grown an inch or
two in height, they are to be potted off, in small pots,
for flowering, which will be, in the dwarf varieties, in the
following spring ; — the larger kinds will not flower until
the second year.

ON THE CULTURE OF THE ERICA.

125

The propagation by cuttings is performed by filling pots
of soil as before directed, and covering the top with white
sand. The cuttings may be taken from the plant at a
time when the young wood is grown an inch or two long,
which will generally be in the month of September. They
are to be taken off at a joint, the lower leaves taken off
with a sharp pair of scissors, and the cuttings neatly
pricked into the sand and covered with a bell-glass ; the
bell-glass must be regularly taken off every day and
rubbed dry with a cloth, in order to remove any mois-
ture, and prevent their being damped off. When they
are well rooted, they are to be potted off, in a small pot,
as recommended for seedlings.

Art. 7. — Descriptive List of Ericas.

[Those marked thus t are to be found in most collections and seed
freely.]

Botanical Name.

English Name.

Color. Height.

Time of flowering.

ERICA.

Heath.

tgrandiflora

great-flowered

Yellow

3

May, Sept.

teruenta

bloody-flowered D. Red

2

May, Sept.

ignescens

fiery

Red

^h

March, June.

ttubiflora

tube-flowered

Pink

2

April, July.

Hibbertia

Hibbert's

0. Yellow

2

June, Sept.

tcolorans

coloring

W. Red

2

April, June.

verdis

green-flowered

D. Green

2

May, Sept.

Massoni

Masson's

R. Green

3

July, Oct.

tbicolor

two-colored

G. Red

2

March, Oct.

tventricosa

Porcelain

Fleshed

I

April, Sept.

Atonia

Alton's

W. Purple

2

June, Sept.

tbaccans

Arbutus-leaved

Purple

2

April, June.

biflora

two-flowered

White

1

April, June.

hardens

glowing

Scarlet

2

April, June.

tarborea

tree

White

4

Feb., June.

rubens

red -flowered

D. Red

1

June, Sept.

tgracilis

gracile

White

I

Feb., June.

tpersoluta

garland

Purple

la

, Feb., May.

taus trails

Spanish
11 #

Purple

h

March, July.

126

THE FLOWER GARDEN COMPANION.

Botanical Name.

English Name.

Color. Height.

Time of flowering.

tMediterranea

Mediterranean

Purple

4

Feb., May.

vagans

Cornish

Red

1

July, August.

formosa

beautiful

Red

2

June, Sept.

tpubescens

pale -downy

Purple

1^

Feb., Dec.

tconcinna

blush

Flesh color 2

Sept., Oct.

coccinea

scarlet-flowered D. Red

Ik

Jan., Sept.

Leeana

Lee's

0. Yellow

2

Jan., August.

blanda

charming

L. Purple

1

April, Sept.

Cliffordia

Lady Clifford's

White

1

April, May.

elegans

elegant

Green

1

March, Nov.

triflora

three-flowered

White

I

May, June.

rubella

thrift-flowered

Pink

2

June.

floribunda

many-flowered

Purple

1

May, June.

imbricata

imbricated

Pink

1

May, August.

PART 4.

THE FLOWER GARDEN MISCELLANY.

CHAPTER I.

On the City Floiver Garden.

The flower garden attached to city residences, — when
well managed, — embraces many useful features relative
to health and pleasure, and in every way conveys to the
proprietor a moral lesson in natural history of the most
refined nature. I trust that every intelligent person is
aware that the continual working of the ground, attached
to city residences, is, in every way, conducive to the
health of the inmates, by dispelling and rectifying the
impure vapor, arising from smoke and other causes, that
condenses and settles on the surface of the ground ;
which is purified if the earth is frequently turned up; and,
in conjunction with this, the benefit arising is of com-
mon interest, in proportion to the quantity of ground kept
in such order, in any city or town.

Phytologists and philosophers inform us that the vege-
table kingdom exhales certain gases conducive to the
health of mankind ; and hence we infer the utility
of trees and plants in cities, especially when we
take into consideration their beauty and cooling shade.

128 THE FLOWER GARDEN COMPANION.

Nature, the best criterion, convinces us of the use of
plants and flowers, the earth being covered in a measure
with them, no doubt for the wise purpose of the welfare
of the animal kingdom.

In order to derive pleasure from a fine collection of
flowers, it is necessary to pay proper attention to their
varied and perpetual flowering ; so much the more in-
viting would they appear to the admirer ; and the sure
guide to this gratification, is to furnish the flower garden
with a suitable collection of plants. These are the in-
ducements to the culture of the city flower garden ; and
that a moral lesson may be derived from flowers, is proved,
from the researches of the most learned philosophers, to
the untaught prattling of the humble cottage.

The fragrance of the Rose is admired by all ; its struc-
ture gives a pleasing lesson to the young botanist or na-
turalist ; to the artist it furnishes a superior copy for
many purposes ; and the apothecary extracts many essen-
tial oils and Avaters from its petals, which are also used
in a dry state, as conserves and for various other purposes.
Nor is the White Lily., in its purity, less deserving a
place in every city flower garden. Its fragrance, together
with its pure white petals, is produced from bulbs, which
are valuable in cases of swellings and wounds.

Flowers contain also, in their primitive state, male and
female parts, covered with the petals or colored leaves,
which are in their infant state ; enveloped in a calyx, or
outer covering, by which they are protected or supported
w^hen expanded ; most flowers have also an equal propor-
tion, and an exact number of parts, in many thousands of
blossoms ; and in these there is every thing to please,
and nothing to ofl^end, the most refined or chaste obser-
vers.

ON THE CITY FLOWER GARDEN.

129

In concluding this subject, it may be necessary to offer
a few remaks on the management of the city garden. I
earnest^ recommend it to be kept neat and clean, in order
to promote the heahh of the plants and their owners. It
should be often worked, to create a clear, sweet, healthy
air ; and at different times fresh mould should be added,
to give new vigor to the plants ; much manure is seldom
requisite, as city gardens are often too rich, owing to the
quantity of lime, ashes, and the like, incorporated with
the soil.

The grass plot requires to be often mowed for conve-
nience, neatness, and the well being of the grass.

The plan of the garden I recommend to be such as to
give ease with variety ; so as to accommodate various
plants and shrubs; the walks to be of clean gravel, with
an edging of box or neat dwarf plants — as the Thrift,
Dwarf Iris, Moss pink, and such like.

The trellises, arbors, ic alls, fences, and so on, should be
covered with vines and creepers, so that the whole may
have a corresponding appearance.

In laying out flower gardens, let them be so managed
that many kinds of flowering shrubs may be introduced ;
for this purpose beds should be appropriated. The most
common error in laying out city gardens is, that they
are too much cut up into small figures, and consequently
shrubs, so essential to give a variety, cannot be admitted.
Nothing should be cramped, but every thing should have
an open, easy appearance, in the flower garden. (See
Part 1, Chapter I, " On Laying out the Flower Garden.")

130 THE FLOWER GARDEN COMPANION*

CHAPTER II.

On the Kative American Plo-wer Garden.

Native plants and flowers are those which are found
growing spontaneously, without the aid of culture ; per-
haps no country has a finer or more numerous collec-
tion of hardy flowering plants than the United States ;
indeed, no collection can be said to be complete, without
the American Flora, which has engaged the attention of
horticulturists to such an extent in Europe, that grounds
have been prepared and adapted for American plants ; and
it is greatly to be hoped that the present good taste for
gardening in this country, will be the means of intro-
ducing the many pretty varieties of flowers that are to
be found in every part of the Union ; particularly the
beautiful Azelias^ Kalmias, Rhododendroiis, and many
others, that are much wanted in the flower garden.

It would far exceed my prescribed limits to give a de-
scriptive list of the many varieties of plants that deserve
a place in the native flower garden. I have, therefore,
given Q list of those which most deserve notice ; and, as
in every section of this country, there are to be found
native plants adapted to their peculiar situation, I recom-
mend that such as are pretty be selected and planted as
similar as possible to their natural location. This method
will at once create a taste for cultivating native plants and
flowers, and facilitate a practical knowledge of their habits
and location, in a natural state. Nothing can be a more
inviting appendage to the country residence, where a sufii-

ON THE NATIVE AMERICAN FLOWER GARDEN. 131

cient quantity of ground can be appropriated, than a plot
converted into an American flower 'garden ; especially on
the banks of rivers and streams, as those of the Hudson,
and many others, from which water might be introduced.
In such situations, every variety of native plants might
be commodiously planted, and grown to a high state
of perfection.

The best method of laying out such gardens, is to
manage the water so as to form a narrow strip or stream
two or three feet deep, and if a natural stream can be had,
the better : at the end an artificial pond might be made
at a trifling expense, for growing the Water Lily, and
Native Aquatics ; and also for the purpose of introducing
gold and silver fishes.

The south margin of the stream might be advantageous-
ly planted with native flowering shrubs, as the Azelias^
Kahnias, Spireas, and those that are found growing in
such situations : the margin of the pond should be plant-
ed with drooping willows and trees of a pendulous habit
for shade, under which a rustic seat might be properly
placed for the accommodation of those who desire to view
the sporting fishes, and other interesting objects by which
they are surrounded. Attached to the pond or streams,
I recommend a well arranged grass plot, with a few
figures cut therein, wdiich should be planted with native
herbaceous plants, and dwarf shrubs. On the margin of
the grass plot, a serpentine or some well contrived walk,
bordered with shrubbery, leading to a rockery, of a semi-
circular form on the north side, and almost straight on
the south. A rockery so situated, might be planted with
various perennial and annual plants, and dwarf shrubs,
which \vould there find a natural aspect and location. On
the circular side of the rockery, divided by a walk, a

132 THE FLOWER GARDEN COMPANION.

broad belt mig-ht be planted with different kinds of native
shrubs, as Rhododendrons, Kalniias, Azelias, Andro7ne-
das, and Spireas.

In some convenient place near the rockery, a rustic
arbor may be very properly placed, and covered with
native vines and creepers, for the accommodation of visit-
ers, and the junior members of the family who wish to
study botany. The plants should be properly labelled
with the botanical name on one side of a neat tally, and
the native state on the other. For the better accommo-
dation of those who collect native plants, they should be
furnished with " NuttaWs Genera of the Plants of North
America,^'' a work which in a very concise and correct
manner, gives the habit, time of flowering and location of
all native plants, and should be in possession of every
lover of botany.

CHAPTER III.

On Plunging^ Oreen-house Plants in tbe Flower Borders.

The flower garden may be greatly beautified in sum-
mer, by plunging into the borders and beds, many varieties
of green-house plants, in their different compartments, in
order to give a diversity of foliage. The plants are also
much benefited by this method. Being placed in the
ground in this way, their roots are in a better situation

ON PLUNGING GREEN-HOUSE PLANTS IN BORDERS. 133

and receive a more regular supply of moisture than could
possibly be applied to them in their former position.

The best time and manner of performing this, is to turn
out some of the most hardy kinds in the beginning of
May, as the China Rose, Laurestinus, Mi/rtle, and the
like : the more tender kinds, as the Geraniums, Fuchsias,
and others, may remain until the middle or latter part of
that month, at a time when the frosts are over. This
process, like many others, must be managed agreeably
to the situation of the country in which it is to be per-
formed, and the nature of the season at the time of doing
the work, which a judicious person will at once discover,
as a practical knowledge is worth volumes of theory.

Care should be taken to place every plant, as near
as possible, in a situation the best adapted to its na-
ture. The Camellia, Daphne, Nerium, and most kinds of
evergreens, thrive best in a shaded situation; others thrive
and flower more effectually in an exposed location, as the
Geranium and most kinds of fulgid flowers.

Some taste is also required in placing the plants
where their habit will have the desired effect ; some
require sticks to cling to, and should be placed in the
centre of small figures, as the Thunbergia alata, and
Maurandia Barclayana, and all convolvulous plants :
others are more proper for the facings of borders and
clumps, being of a trailing nature, as the Verbena melin-
dris, and Verbena capitata. Vines and creepers are best
adapted to the covering of arbors, trellises, and so on.

The Thunbergia alata, Maurandia Barclayana, and
the like climbing plants, may be trained to appear to ad-
vantage on trellis of an ornamental form, as that oiafan,
balloon, ox pyramid, which should be of a size correspond-
ing to the place they are planted in.
12

134 THE FLOWER GARDEN COMPANION.

There are many kinds of plants belonging to the green-
house that ought to be propagated either in the fall by
cuttings and remain in the house through the winter, or
to be propagated early in the spring, for the express pur-
pose of ornamenting the flower garden in the summer ;
as, the different varieties of the Heliotrope, the Fuchsia
or Ear-drop, the Verbena, and soft, free-flowering plants,
which should be plunged out of the pots ; — they should
be mixed indiscriminately among the other plants in the
vacant places ; — however, in some cases they are planted
separately in beds by themselves, as in small figures on
grass plots, where they have a very pretty effect in the
flowering season.

All plants set out not to be taken up in the autumn for
the green-house or rooms, should be plunged into the
ground out of their pots. But those intended to be taken
into winter quarters, as most kinds of evergreens and the
like, should be plunged in the pot into the ground. Being
plunged in the pot, the strong, luxuriant growth they
would acquire, will be in a measure repressed, owing to
the roots being curtailed ; whilst if turned out of the pot
they would extend their roots some distance in the soil.
and when taken up in the fall, the roots would be severed
and the plants weakened so as to require some time to
recover.

The management of green-house plants in this way is
simply to water them when they need, and prune any
straggling branches that appear during the season.

ON THE MANAGEMENT OF CUT FLOWERS. 135

CHAPTER IV.

On the Manasemeut of Cut Flowers.

It being now an almost universal practice to have cut
flowers in rooms as natural ornaments, some hints rela-
tive to the management of them may perhaps be of service
to their fair patrons. To preserve cut flowers, such as the
Dahlia and succulent kinds, in a fresh manner, and to
keep them from wilting and fading in summer, when cut
from the plant they should be immediately immersed in
clean water, by which the pores will be nlleu with Vv'^t^r
and exhaustion prevented, and consequently the flower
will remain in a fresh state.

Packing cut floivers. — In packing cut flowers to go
some distance in the winter season, I recommend to put
them in a wooden box of a size corresponding to the quan-
tity to be packed, the inside of the box to be lined with
cotton wool, and the flowers to be laid loosely in the box»
beginning at the bottom with the hardiest kinds, placing
them in such a manner that the flowers are upwards and
that the leaves intersect them ; arranging the whole
so that one part will spring lightly on the other in
case of a sudden jerk in travelling: in this manner, pro-
ceed with the whole to the top, which cover with a lid lined
with cotton wool like the sides. In this mode of pack-
ing, the wool serves to keep out the cold, and gives way
to the flowers that press it without bruising or injuring
them.

136 THE FLOWER GARDEN CO3IPANI0Nc

For the preserving of flowers in rooms, I extract tne
following from. Sweet's Hot-house Manual, which is the
only article I have seen in print and the best method I can
recommend on the subject ; he says,

" Many persons have expressed a wish to be acquainted
with the best method of preserving cut flowers for a length
of time in water ; this we have never seen satisfactorily
explained, though it is a very simple question : the only
method we have seen adverted to, is to frequently change
the water; this of itself is scarcely of any essential bene-
fit : the only method is to cut off half an inch or an
inch of the stem that has been in the water, according to
the length of it ; this will again open the pores that have
become closed with glutinous matler that has exuded
from the stem when first cut, and the pores being stopt^
very often before the stem is placed in the water, fre-
quently occasions rapid withering : by cutting the bottom
of the stem, the moisture immediately begins to flow
upwards and the branch soon recovers its vigor :
the stems of flowers are also frequently kept in water un-
til the bottom begins to rot and decay ; those, if cut above
that, will also recover again^ and when placed in fresh
water will frequently continue fresh for some time after-
wards. Flowers bought in shops and markets, are often
dried at the bottom, before restored again to the water;
the bottoms of the stems of these should therefore be al-
ways cut before immersed in water again. Specimens
of plants coming from a long distance are frequently much
withered when they arrive ; they should therefore be en-
closed at the bottom in wet moss, tied round them before
they are packed in a box or basket ; we have frequently
had them arrive much withered, and find the best way of
recovering them to cut the bottom of the stem or branch.

ON THE CULTURE OF PLANTS IN ROOMS, ETC. 137

and place their ends in about an inch of water in the bot-
tom of a large bread pan, or some such vessel, and sprin-
kle a little water on their leaves, and they will in general
be all fresh in the morning : the vessel must be covered
close with a wooden, or other cover, that fits close, and
excludes the air."

CHAPTER V.

On the Management of Plants in Rooms, and of Bulba
in Pots and Water Glasses.

Art. 1. — Result of Mismanagejnent.

In order to be as explicit as possible on the manage-
ment of plants in rooms, I refer the reader to the first part
of this book and to carefully peruse the articles on the food
of plants and the necessary stimulants y as heat, light, air,
4*c., with the remarks on the bud, the root, and the leaf:
which will give some useful hints on the tendency of
plants to the presence of such natural food and stimulants
as contribute to their health and well being.

After a careful reading of those articles it will be seen
that the management of plants in rooms is not so diffi-
cult a task as is generally supposed, and that much of the
assiduous attention paid to them is more conducive to
their sickness than their health and vigor.

In most cases, plants are taken into rooms at an early
part of the autumn on the approach of the frost, and are
12=^

138 THE FLOWER GARDEN COMPANION.

subjected to a sudden and injurious change of air, tem-
perature and treatment. From receiving what nature
bestowed upon them, as -the dew, the sun, and air, they at
once become objects of the tender and dib'gent attention
of their fair cultivators, who foster them in a close room,
watering them frequently at a time when they require to
be hardened to withstand the severity of the coming win-
ter. Under this management the natural growth and
quality of the plant is reversed, by its being forced into a
lueaJi, slender habit and constitution, and the consequence
is that having put forth its vigor at a time unnatural to
vegetation, its property is partly exhausted and a weakness
ensues from which it cannot possibly recover till its whole
system undergoes a renovation, which will take a year at
least, and in some cases the plants never can be brought
again to their proper healthy state.

Art. 2. — Management of the Plants.

Previous to the plants being brought into the room they
should be divested of any dead leaves, repotted and clean-
ed as directed under the head of green-house plants in the
green-house department.

Much of the health and thriftiness of the plants
will depend on their being so situated that they can enjoy
the light from a window, and if in a situation to receive
the morning and mid-day sun the better. The best man-
ner of arranging them is on a semicircular stage with
running casters to it by which it can be moved to any part
of the room at pleasure; and as light will have no benefi-
cial effect on plants at night, the stage may be removed
to any part of the room the most convenient and corres-
ponding to their nature. The dimensions and construction
of the stage should be in proportion to the size of the win-

ON THE CULTURE OF PLANTS IN ROOMS, ETC. 139

dow, and should be so made that the lower shelf is on a
level with the bottom of the window, in order that the
plants placed on it may receive the light. The plants
should be placed on the stage in a manner that they can
all receive the light from the window. They should often
be turned, as all plants always incline to the light, and be-
ing reversed they reverse their position also, and hence
they are by this method kept in handsome form, and every
part of them will have an equal share of v^igor.

Every opportunity should be taken to let in fresh air to
the room, through the window in fine, soft weather, and in
any other manner in cold weather. So essential is fresh
air to plants that the least possible quantity let in mixes
with the impure air and greatly rectifies it — and of
course the more pure the air the more healthy is the plant.
Indeed cleanliness and wholesome air are the two princi-
pal things to be attended to in this case.

Watering plants, is by many persons considered as a
very difficult point in growing plants in rooms ; however,
a few practical hints on the subject will I think so sim-
plify it, that any person may water plants with the
greatest advantage. The rule is that all plants indicate
when water is necessary to be applied by their drying the
earth in pots. If the plants suffer for the want of pro-
per moisture, they lose their leaves and breed scaly
insects, red spiders, &c., (for a more particular notice of
which, see the article on diseases of plants. Part 2,
Chapter VII. j On the other hand, when they are over-
watered, the earth in the pots continues in a moist state,
and from the eflfect of saturation often so2irs, which is very
injurious to the plants. Most kinds of fleshy plants as the
CacticSj Aloes, and the like, require but little water in the
winter. Camellias and hardy evergreens require but lit-

140 THE FLOWER GARDEN COMPANION.

tie water in the winter months, and more when the flower-
ing season comes on. Most plants in a growing state re-
quire to be often watered, but at the same time they should
be as much as possible situated so as to receive the atmos-
pheric air;3.nd it should be at all times a consideration not
to allow plants of any kind to grow but as little as possible
in rooms or in a confined situation.

Art. 3. — Groiving Bulbous Rooted Plants for Rooms,
In the latter part of November, a compost of mellow
loam mixed with a little sand and leaf mould may be pre-
pared for potting such bulbs as Hyacinths, Narcissus and
those kinds required to be grown in rooms. The pots
may be filled with the above compost, and the bulb placed
in the centre by pressing it down in the earth so that its
crown is level with the earth ; the pots must now be plac-
ed in a situation where they do not receive much light, as
bulbs always strike root much better in darkness than
when fully exposed to light. Little water will be requir-
ed to be given until the bulbs begin to grow, when the wa-
tering may be gradually increased as they increase in
height, and when the flowers show they may be co-
piously watered. When the plants have done flowering
they maybe placed in the ground as tsoon as the weather
will admit, to renovate their strength.

Art. 4. — Growiiig Bulbs in Glasses.
Hyacinths and Narcissus may be grown to good ad-
vantage in glasses in rooms. The best time to commence
this business is in November : the glasses may be filled
with clear water and the bulbs placed in them ; they should
then be placed in a light, airy room where the temperature
of air is moderate, in order to start them in a vigorous

ON THE MANAGEMENT OF FRAMES. 141

manner ; as often when they are placed where they are
started into growth too rapidly they are drawn very weak
and flower badly. In the process of growing bulbs the
water should be changed every three or four days and the
fibrous roots rinsed in clean water, as any putrid substance
or impure matter that either collects about them or is in
the water is likely to injure them in the process.

If the weather is mild when the flowering is over, they
may be managed like those in pots, by planting them in
the flower beds to regain their vigor.

CHAPTER VI.

On tlie Management of Garden Frames*

In flower gardens where choice collections of plants
are always fostered, it is proper to have two or three
garden frames for the protection of the half hardy kinds
of herbaceous plants, as the Carnation^ Polyanthus, Atc-
ricula, &c. The frames for this purpose may be of al-
most any dimensions, but those of a moderate size are
the best — say of three lights, from nine to twelve feet
lonsr, and from four to five feet wide. The location of
the frame should be where it can have the full influence
of the sun ; it should be well protected from the cold
winds by a board fence or otherwise. Care must be
taken that the place is chosen where it is perfectly dry,
or the snow water running into it will rot and destroy
the plants.

142 THE FLOWER GARDEN COMPANION.

Having the ground and frame thus prepared, about
the middle of September a lining of leaves or manure
may be placed around it, of about two or three feet wide.
In the bottom of the frame, some cinders or ashes may
be laid, to keep it dry and to keep the worms from
working up the earth among the pots. Place the
plants in a regular manner in the frame, the largest at
the back and the smallest in the front ; be careful that
they stand level, in order that when watered the water
may not wash off at one side.

The management of the frame in the fall is simply to
water the plants when they require it ; to pick off all the
dead leaves, and keep it in every way neat and clean.
The sashes must be regularly taken off in the morning
and closed at night, on fine days, until the cold weather
appears ; when they must be left on at all times ; except-
ing fine, mild days, when they are to be taken off in
order to air and strengthen the plants.

When the weather sets in severe, the frame must be
lined all around two or three feet thick, and as high as
the glass, with hot horse manure ; and the lights must
be regularly covered at night with shutters, boards, mats,
or the like, and uncovered in the morning unless the
frost is too severe, in which case the covering may be
kept on all day.

During the winter the interior of the frame should
often be looked over of a fine day, and divested of any
dead leaves or other nuisance. As the spring advances,
more air may be given, and the plants hardened by de-
grees to plunge into the flower garden, as directed under
the proper head.

ON SPRING AND FALL MANAGEMENT.

CHAPTER VII.

On Spring and Fall Management.

143

Art. 1. — Spring Management.

When the snow begins to disappear in the spring, the
shrubbery and flower garden may be often overlooked,
and some of the plants and shrubs that have much cover-
ing over them, may have a part of it taken off: for it often
happens that plants being too much covered at this season
of the year, make a feeble growth and are much weaken-
ed and injured thereby when fully exposed ; we should
therefore uncover all kinds of plants and shrubs by de-
grees as the spring advances, for by either exposing them
too soon, or keeping them covered too long, we cause them
to make a weak and tender growth.

When the snow is all gone, the garden may be
cleansed of all kinds of covering and rubbish that have
collected during the winter, and everything should have a
neat, cleanly appearance. The grass plot may also have
a good raking in order to remove from it all the dead
leaves and decaying substances, which often deter the
the young growth of grass from coming up in a regular
manner : and the consequence is that it seldom has a
handsome appearance during the summer season.

Pruning and traiiiing. — The earliest opportunity
should be taken to prune and train all kinds of shrubs,
vines, creepers and the like. In this operation a few
leading principles are requisite to be known, and the

144 THE FLOWER GARDEN COMPANION.

thing is so simple and easy tliat any intelligent person
can perform it in the most accurate manner.

The first thing to be observed in pruning any kind of
trees or shrubs is, to take particular notice of the natural
shape or habit of the plant to be pruned. This will be
found to be different in almost every different kind of
plants ; for instance, in some plants we find them naturally
to assume an upright habit ; in others a straggling, and in
some a weeping : the first is exemplified in the Rose of
Sharon; the second in the Rose and Snowberry ; and the
third in the Weeping willow, Cherry, and the like.

To retain these habits and improve the symmetry of
plants, in such a manner that the sun and air may have as
much as possible a regular access to every part of them,
is the leading principle of pruning : for although in many
cases the natural habits of shrubs and plants are cramped
into unnatural forms, in order to give variety of effect*
it cannot be recommended to be followed as a general rule ;
for whenever the natural habits of trees or plants are
distorted into unnatural forms or positions, it has more
the appearance of mockery than reality. Nature in this
and every other case should he as much as possible copied
and assisted, but never cramped into unnatural forms
andpositio7is.

The natural habits of the plant being noticed, the next
thing is to examine and cut out all the dead wood.
In this operation the pruner must not be deceived and dis-
figure the plant by cutting out such shoots as will be re-
quired to be left to fill the vacancies of the dead wood in
the growing season. The dead wood being taken out, the
next thing is to prune the plant in a regular manner by
cutting out all the weakly shoots and thinning in such a
manner that the sun and air have a free access to every

ON SPRING AND FALL MANAGEMENT. 145

part : all long straggling shoots should be taken off that
the shrubs or vines may have a regular compact appear-
ance. In performing this operation, sharp knives and in-
struments should be used that the wounds may be cut
clear and heal freely.

Training all kinds of vines, as Honeysuckles, Clematis,
Bignonia, and the like, may be done with despatch in or-
der that everything may have a neat and cleanly appear-
ance. The training of vines is simply done by tying
them neatly with bass or other strings, in such a manner
that every part is equally divided at a regular distance,
and to allow a sufficient space for the summer-wood to
grow and be trained between the shoots laid in at this
season. In training vines and shrubs, regular systems are
often adopted to a good purpose as ornamental, for which
I refer the reader to that head in page 133, where the dif-
ferent methods are described.

Art. 2. — Fall Management and Covering Planets.

We should be cautious that the early frost does not
destroy the Dahlia roots and tender green-house plants
before they are centered or housed : I mention this the more
particularly as it is very often the case, especially with
young beginners in flower-gardening, that tender plants
are left too long unprotected, and thus are much injured,
if not totally destroyed.

The potting of plants, putting them in the frames, and
the like, are spoken of under their proper heads in the
Miscellany, to which I refer the reader.

The covering or protecting plants should be attended

to so soon as the frost begins to be severe. The Box

edgings may be protected by seaweed, hemlock brush, or

other light covering. Merely to keep off the sun from

13

146 THE FLOWER GARDEN COMPANION.

scalding Box edging will be sufficient, as it is more inju-
red by the sun thawing and bursting the sap vessels than
by being severely frozen ; and hence it is that the leaves
of Box edgings have a scalded appearance in the spring.

The same rule that is here given with regard to Box
edging, is applicable to covering most other plants. The
principal object is to protect them from the sun : for it is
not the severe frost that injures them, so much as the sun,
which when it exerts its full power on them, bursts their
veins in a frozen state and causes the plants to sicken,
and in many cases to die. Many plants, as bulbs and
herbaceous plants, are often materially injured in the
spring by being in a warm state and commencing growth
when excluded from air ; and when uncovered, the leaves
made are tender, and suffer very much on being exposed
to the sun and air.

If any China roses, tender vines or the like are to be
left out during the winter, they must be protected, either
by bending them down and covering them with soil, or
by strawing them up in a neat manner, — first tying
up the branches, and then snugly covering them with
straw.

In many cases the flower borders, if not in too conspi-
cuous a place, would be much better if the stalks of herba-
ceous and other plants were not cut down in the fall ; for
there is no better protection than the stalks of plants, and
especially if leaves can be obtained from woods or else-
where and put around the crowns of the plants, in which
case the stalks will keep the light leaves in their places
until the snow binds them down. Recollect that nature
has given leaves and stalks to plants as a natural cover-
ing, and therefore they are best adapted to the purpose.

ON THE SHRUBBERY. 147

CHAPTER VIII.

On the Shrubbery.

The shrubbery is so nearly allied to the flower garden
that in a work professedly treating of the latter, a parti-
cular notice of the former subject is required. In-
deed, it is rarely that the flower garden has a good
and natural appearance without the presence of the
shrubbery, either as forming an outline on the margin, or
occupying a prominent situation at one end for the conve-
nience of a shady retreat or other useful purpose. Upon
a careful observation of the general methods of laying
out flower gardens, it will be seen that there is too much
sameness in their appearance, arising [from the neglect
to appropriate a part of the ground to the shrubber3^
This I imagine to be chiefly owing to the geometrical or
Dutch system being mostly followed in the laying out^of
flower gardens : and hence a system has been adopted
that is altogether proper and natural to a foreign climate,
but has little claim upon good taste in this country,
where climate and local circumstances are so opposite.
It is a well known fact that the Dutch are the most suc-
cessful cultivators of the Tulip, the Hyacinth, and most
other kinds of bulbous rooted plants, in the known world ;
and it is also known that the soil and situation in which
they are grown are of a humid nature, which is congenial
to most kinds of bulbous rooted plants. Such local cir-
cumstances, united with industry and intelligence, have

148 THE FLOWER GARDEN COMPANION.

put the Dutch in possession of an annual income from
flower roots of a very large amount, which it is probable
will not be equalled by any other country for ages. But
the climate of America is not favorable to the culture of
bulbs to a great extent, owing to the soil and atmosphere
being dry : on the other hand, hard-wooded shrubs of
most kinds, are well adapted to our soil and climate, and
flourish in almost any part and place in the Northern
States. The native varieties of shrubs, as American
Honeysuckles, American Laurel, AndroTnedas, and the
like, are particularly adapted to the shrubbery, and are
highly deserving a more general introduction into it.

I recommend that shrubbery be more frequently plant-
ed on the margin of lawns, the outsides of the flower
garden, and indeed in all kinds of foregrounds and side
entrances to residences of almost any denomination. To
residences on the main road and in the immediate vicini-
ty of cities, shrubbery can with every propriety be intro-
duced on the side wings of the lawn and carriage roads :
and in many cases if a belt or border of some seven or
eight feet wide of shrubbery be planted in front next to
the road that passes such places, it would add much to
the beauty and value of the property. In many places
of this description the front entrances are planted alto-
gether with forest trees, as the Balsam Fir, Sugar Ma-
ple, Horse Chestnut, and the like tall-growing kinds,
which when grown to the full size give a heavy and
gloomy appearance where a lively variation should have
the precedence. There can be no objection, however, to
a few ornamental trees being planted in front of such
houses or even mingled with the shrubbery, and particu-
larly if so managed as to form a screen or outline to pro-

ON THE SHRUBBERY. 149

tect the building from the cold winds, when trees so situ-
ated serve the double purpose of shelter and ornament.

In planting shrubs of every denomination, the general
rule must be to place the plants so that their habit and ap-
pearance will be really ornamental and at the same time
subserve (or at least seem to) some useful end : for in-
stance, the taller kinds, as the Lilac, Snoioball, and the
like, are the most proper to cover board fences, and the
back part of shrubberies ; the more dwarf kinds, as the
Double Almond, Roses, Mezeron and so on, for the front
or facing. There is also some taste required in mixing
the varieties of foliage and habits of the different kinds
to be planted, which can only be acquired by a due ob-
servance of shrubs when in full foliage. The planting
should be so managed that when grown up the outline is
natural, that is to say, not too formal ; but here and
there a little broken by some tall shrub growing above
the rest.

In the front of such plantations a part of the ground
should be planted with herbaceous and other kinds of
plants, which when nicely mingled with the shrubs form
a pretty contrast in the flowering season. Indeed the
margin of a shrubbery is the only situation where such
plants will flourish and show to good advantage, besides
giving a fine finish to the whole.

For the manner of planting shrubs, I refer the reader
to an article on that subject in a former part of the book ;
(Part 2, Chapter III.)

13^

150 THE FLOWER GARDEN COMFANIO??,

CHAPTER IX.

On Potting and Repotting Plantev

Art. 1. — Potting Green-house Plants.

[The following directions for potting green-house plants-
are equally applicable to hardy plants, &c.]

Potting green-house plants is mostly done a short time
previous to taking the plants into the house, which is
generally the beginning or middle of September. In
performing this business, the first thing to be attended to
is the procuring of clean pots, compost, &c. to be used.
The compost that will answer most plants, consists of
about two thirds of good mellow loam taken from the
top sod of a pasture or other place where sheep, oxen or
other animals have lain and enriched it : this should be
taken off about six inches deep and laid in a heap some
time in order that it may rot and incorporate together.
The loam may be mixed with one third of well rotted
leaf mould, or other rich old manure that will mix and
incorporate with the loam ; — if the loam is not of a
sandy quality, a little sand may be applied in order to
give a little drainage to the plants to be potted in it. For
some families of plants, as the Erica, Dios??ia, &c., a
black peaty or bog earth is the most proper and must be
obtained from the sides of woods, natural bogs, &c.

Having the soil prepared, the potting may be com-
menced by carefully turning the plants out of the pots,
and paring off with a sharp knife part of the roots matted

ON POTTING AND REPOTTING PLANTS. 151

around the ball. This done, select a pot of a size to
allow some fresh compost to be put into the bottom and
side ; then pot the plant, thus : — lay a few pieces of
pots or other crockery at the bottom of the pot to act as a
drainage ; place two or three inches of the compost over
the crockery in the bottom of the pot, and then place the
plant with the ball in the centre of it, filling the sides
between the pot and ball with compost, when the pot
may have a gentle shake with the hands to settle the
earth about the ball and roots of the plants. The plants
may then have a gentle watering, and be placed where
they are to remain until they are taken into the green-
house.

Art. 2,' — Potting of Plants taken from the Ground.

The beginning of September is the best time to take
from the ground and pot such plants as are intended to
be taken into the green-house or rooms. In performing
this business the plants must be taken as carefully
as possible from the ground with a portion of earth
about their roots and potted in the same manner as
directed above ; but their treatment requires to be some-
thing different by placing them in a shady situation after
being potted, in order that they may root the more freely
into the new soil that they are potted in. When the
plants begin to make new roots into the fresh soil, they
are to be divested of any dead leaves that may be about
them, and more exposed to the sun previous to their be-
ing removed to the green-house or rooms.

Art. 3. — Potting of Young Plants from Cuttings.
All kinds of young plants, as Geraniums, Roses, and
the like, propagated from cuttings, should be potted

152 THE FLOWER GARDEN COMPANION.

in small pots as soon as they are well rooted. Having"
your compost and pots (which should always be small
for this "purpose) prepared, commence the business by
carefully turning out the cuttings with the Jball of earth
entire ; when the plants may be divided with as much
earth as possible about their fibres, and potted in the
same manner as directed for the above. The plants
when potted off should be placed in a frame, where
their rooting freely into the soil in the pots, may
be facilitated by covering them when the sun shines
strongly on them. If a frame is not at hand, the plants
may be placed in a shady situation until they are well
rooted.

CHAPTER X.

On the Culture of tbe Pansy or Heartsease.

The Pansy having become so favorite a plant in the
flower garden, I shall devote a small space to remarks
on its culture.

To obtain new varieties the same process as with
other flowers must be resorted to, namely ; selecting out
the best kinds and impregnating one with the other in
order to mix the colors and obtain those which are con-
sidered by florists the best marked fiowers, which are
those with a clear, dark ground, and well shaped petals

ON THE CULTURE OF THE PANSY. 153

that are regularly margined or laced either with white or
yellow ; but white is the most delicate and is considered
the best.

Having procured the seed, it may be saved to the
spring, when it may be sown either in a pot of light,
rich earth, or in a frame. As soon as the plants are
grown to a moderate size, they are to be pricked out
either into beds or borders of rich earth of a moist,
loamy nature ; in many cases they are planted as a
bordering for flower borders, — and when they are of a
good width they have a very pretty effect in the flowering
season. But the more proper way is to plant them in
four-feet beds, and if a little shaded from the noonday
sun the better.

The Pansy IS in most cases hardy; however, if the choice
and tender kinds are a little protected in the winter, they
will flower much better in the spring following. The
general manner of planting the Pansy is to prepare a
piece of ground in the usual way for planting and divide
it into .four-feet beds with " eighteen-inch alleys ; and
plant .the seedlings across the beds about a foot apart
each way ; and they are to be in every way treated as
other flowers. When the plants are fully grown or fit
for transplanting, they may be mixed with other flowers
in the borders for flowering, and a little shaded from the
mid-day sun, which generally runs the delicate colors
af them.

The Heartsease, or Pa?tsy, of choice kinds may be
potted and protected in frames during winter, or they
may be planted in the soil in frames and covered ; and
indeed the more choice kinds may be with every pro-
priety placed in the green-house to flower early, where
they will have a pretty appearance.

154 THE FLOWER GARDEN COMPANION.

I quote the following article from Harrison's Floricul-
tural Cabinet, (for Oct. 1837,) as containing some excel-
lent directions for the culture and propagation of the
Pansy. " The compost I use is one fourth maiden loam,
two fourths black garden mould, and one fourth rotten
dung. When the bed is prepared, I draw lines longitudi-
nally from one end of the bed to the other, by which
lines I set the plants in rows. A bed four feet wide will
allow of four longitudinal rows of plants ; there should
be one foot allotted to each plant in the rows. I always
choose short strong plants, which are small in circumfe-
rence, When I have finished planting, I procure some
hoops and mats, for the purpose of shading the plants for
a few days, until they have fully established themselves.
As soon as the season of propagating commences, which
I consider about the first of July, or if a late season it
may be delayed till the first of August ; I proceed cutting
off the strongest shoots, observing to cut them off at a
joint, and then putting the different varieties into separate
vessels of soft water, for a few hours, which I find greatly
to promote their striking. The cutting bed is composed
of about one third pit or river sand, to ensure a closeness
round the cuttings ; then the cuttings of each variety are
planted separately and numbered, and are allowed to re-
main in that situation until the following spring, when
they are taken up and planted in beds. It greatly im-
proves the flowers, if the plants are watered with liquid
manure, twice or three times a week ; it is necessary to
to keep a watchful eye upon the plants that are left for
seed, for it will disperse itself in a few minutes after it is
matured."

THE PRAIRIE.

[selected.]

The Prairie was ciad in its richest array,
Its brightest of scarlet and gayest of green ;
And the sun seemed to pause in his luminous way,
And to sparkle with joy o'er the beautiful scene.

The flowers, though florists will hardly agree
To a doctrine so strange and so novel to them,
Were blushing, and luring, and making as free,
As if each had a heart in its delicate stem.

Every gay little bud, had a smile for her peers,

Though the violet certainly looked rather blue ;

And the blush of the rose seemed to glow through her tears ;

But perhaps as 'twas early the drops were of dew.

Had you seen them, dear Myra, you never again
Would be sceptic enough to deny that a flower
Had tender sensations, and pleasure and pain,
And sweet recollections of sunshine and shower.

The wild deer was gracefully bounding along,
And tossing his anthers so proudly the while.
That the gay little blossoms he cantered among.
Were restrained by good manners alone, from a smile.

The Prairie bird strutted about with the air,
Of a tragedy king, or a comedy lover ;
While a pair of fond turtles, an amorous pair,
Were quietly cooing a love lecture over.

And music, such music ! the air bore along.
As it swept the green hillocks, and shook the lone tree ;
The Prairie bird's note and the mocking bird's song,
And the hoot of the owl, and the hum of the bee.

156 THE FLOWER GARDEN COMPANION.

And the cracking of twigs as the wolf trotted by,
And the bark of the hunter's dog far o'er the plain ;
The report of the rifle, and the favvn's plaintive cry,
And the dirge of the crow, and the shriek of the crane.

And the cattle bell tinkling, just heard far away,
And a farmer's boy whistling, the time to beguile ;
And a voice in my heart, what it was I can't say.
That was warbling of Myra and love all the while.

And I thought how delightful a change it would be.
When disposed to forsake the clay form I inhabit,
To live upon dew like the delicate bee,
Or to gallop through grass like a deer or a rabbit.

Or to a chaste bud with an aspect of snow,
Or a dandy of flowers, a gaudy gay fellow ; •
On the widf sunny Prairie 10 dance and to bow.
With a mantle of green and a trimming of yellow.

And I thought, but I happened just then to awake,
How the best settled intellects sometimes will rove ;
And yet 't is a pleasant excursion to take,
With Mab o'er the Praries when one is in love.

GLOSSARY.

A, in composition, signifies without, as Apkylla, without leaves ;
Acaulis, without a stem, &c.

Acaulis ; having no stem. Geniiana acaulis, Cnicus acaulis.

Acuminatus, pointed sharp. Erica acuminata.

Acutus, sharp, pointed, acuminate. Rumex acutus.

Alatus, winged; having membraneous appendages. Passiflora
alata.

Alburnum, the white wood near the bark of trees.

Albus, white. Populus alba, Azalea alba.

Amabilis, amiable ; pleasing. Crinum amabile.

Amphibium, amphibious; growing either in or out of the water.
Polygonum amphibium.

Augustus, narrow, straight, slender. Kalmia angustifolium, Linum
angustifolium.

Apex, the summit ; generally applied to anything terminating in a
point.

Apiculatum, {apis, a bee,) resembling a bee ; as the flowers oi Del-
phinum elatum, or Bee Larkspur.

Aquaticus, {aqua, water,) growing in water. Poa aquatica-, Water
Lily, &.C.

Arbor, a tree.

Arboreus, shrubby ; woody. Daturea arborea; Erica arbor ea.

Ardens, bright; glowing; burnished. Erica ardens ; Pelargonium
ardens.

Argenteus, silvery; white and shining like silver. Protea argentea.

Armatus, armed with spines, aculei, &c. Acacia armata.

Articulatus, jointed. Cacalia articulata.

Asterias, (a star,) stellate. Stapelia asterias.

Atropurpureus, compound of black and purple. Camellia atropur-
pure a.

14

155 THE FLOWER GARDEN COMPANION.

Augustus, imperial ; grand ; magnificent. Pelargoniwni angustum.
Australis, southern ; coming from the south. Erica australis.
Azurea, (azure, sky blue,) sky blue colored. Campanula azurea-

Barba, a beard; a species of rigid pubescence. Chironia barbata ;
Dianthus barbatus.

Bicolor, (com. bis and coZor,) two colored. Erica bicolor ; Pelargo-
nium bicolor.

Biennis, of two years duration. Gaurabiennis.

Biflorus, (com. bis and Jlos,) two flowered. Aarcissus bi/lorus; Eri-
ca bijlora.

Borealis, northern. Linnea borealis.

Bractea, an ornamental leaf, exemplified in the Lime or Basswood,
and Poinsettiipulcherimus.

Coeruleus, sky colored. Trachelium cceruleum.

Campanulatus, {campana^ a bell,) bell shaped. Ipomcea campan-
ulata.

Capitatus, growing in a head ; a species of inflorescence. Verbena
capitata; Diosma capitata.

Cardinalis, principal ; chief; also scarlet, from the color of a cardi-
nal's robe. Lobelia car dinalis .

Carneus, {carnis, flesh,) flesh colored. Veronica camea.

Carnosus, {carnis, flesh,) fleshy ; plump ; thick ; pulpy. Hoya car-
nosa.

Catharlicus, purgative. Rhamnu3 catharticus.

Ciliatus, {cilium, the eye-lid,) edged with hairs like an eye-lid. Eri-
ca cUiaris, Diosma ciliati.

Coccineus, scarlet ; a deep scarlet. Salvia coccinea.

Color, hue ; a sensible quality distinguishable by the eye.

Colorans, {color,) a term used to express mutability and diversity of
color. Erica colorans .

Coma, a head or tuft of hair ; a terminal bractea, forming a tuft as in
Euco mis punctata ; Lavendula spicata.

Communis, common ; general. Pyrus communis.

Compactus, close ; compact; solid.

Concolor, one colored. Erica concolor; Lilium concolor.

Conspicuus, clear, apparent ; excellent; very grand. Erica conspicua.

Corculum, (dim. of cor, the heart,) a little heart ; the embryo of the
future plant, contained in the seed.

Cordatus, (cor, the heart,) heart-shaped. Diosma cordata.

Cornuius, horned. Erica cornuta.

Corolla, a little crown ; chaplet, or garland ; the painted leaves of a
Jlower.

GLOSSARY. 159

Cortex, the outer rind or covering of trees and plants.

Coronatus, {corona, a crown,) resembling a crown. Lychnis coronata ;
Erica coronata.

Corynibus, a cluster of ivy berries.

Crassifolius, {crassus, thick; fleshy,) fleshy leaved. Saxifraga
crassifolia.

Crispus, crisped ; curled ; crumped. Ixia crispa.

Cruentus, bloody ; red like blood. Erica cruenta.

Cupreus, (cuprum, copper,) copper colored. Iris cuprea.

Cyaneus, of a bright blue color. Arista cyanea.

Cylindricus, (cylindrus, a cylinder or roller,) cylindric. Gnaphalium
cylindricum.

Deciduous, subject to fall. A tree is deciduous when the leaves fall off
in autumn,

Decorus, handsome ; graceful. Protea decora ; Erica decora.

Decussatus, {decusso, to divide crosswise.) A plant is decussate
when its leaves point in four directions only, or crosswise. Veronica
decussata.

Defoliation, (de, from, and ybZmm, a leaf,) the shedding of leaves.

Dentatus, toothed ; having notches like teeth. Mostly applied to the
margins of leaves. Lavendula dentata; Aspidium dentatum.

Didymus. (twins,) two united. Monarda didyma.

Dipetalus, two petalled. Pclargoninum dipetalum.

Discolor, {two and color,) two colored. Tradescantia discolor.

Divaricatus, growing in a disorderly manner; inclining. Phlox di-
varicata.

DulciSj sweet ; nectariferous. Inga dulcis ; Solanum dulcimera .

Echinatus, covered with prickles. Pelargonium echinatum,.

Edulis, eatable; good for food. Boletus edulis ; Passijlora edulis.

Elegans, elegant ; handsome ; neat ; fine. Erica elegans ; Eupato-
rium elegans.

Ensiformis, sword-shaped. Mimosa ensifolia.

Equestris, {equiLs, a horse,) having the fancied resemblance of a
horse's head. Amaryllis equestris.

Erectus, erect; upright; aspiring. Clematis erecta.

Erubescens, blush colored. Erica erubescens.

Eximius, choice ; excellent ; noble. Gnaphalium eximium.

Falcatus, {falx, a hook or sickle,) hooked ; bent like a sickle. As-
paragus Jalcatus.

Ferrugineus, iron colored ; rusty. Lasiopetalumferrugineum; Rho-
dodendron Jerrugineum'

160 THE FLOWER GARDEN COMPANION.

Filamentosus, (JHurriy a thread,) thread-shaped;' producing fila-
ments. Yucca JUamentosa.

Fimbriatus, fringed ; flounced. Gentiana Jimbriata ; Camellia Jim-
hriata. ,

Flagelliformis, Jlagellum, a whip. Cactus fiagellifor'tnis.

Floridus, florid ; gay; fresh. Gardenia florida.

Fcetidus, of a rank smell. PotJws fcetidus ; Cerissa fcstida.

Folium, a leaf of a plant.

Formosus, beautiful ; handsome; ornamental. Ruellafoi-mosa; Po-
tentilla formosa.

Fragrans, having a smell, either agreeable or disagreeable ; but gen-
erally applied to the former. Oka fragrans.

Fruticosus, (yrtt/ear, a shrub,) shrubby. Althea frute.r.

Fulgens, shining ; glittering; resplendent. Lobelia fvlg ens ; Salvia
fulgens.

Genera, pi. of Genus.

Genus, a kindred ; a race ; a family.

Gibbosus, (gibbus, bunched out, gouty,) abounding with excrescences,
particularly at the joints. Pelargonium gibbosum.

Giganlicus, giant-like ; huge. Colotropris gigantea.

Glandulosus, furnished with glands. Hypericum glandxdosxnn.

Glomeratus, {glomero, to gather into a round heap,) coliectetl together
in around assemblege. Gnaphalivm glomeratum ; Mesembryanthe-
mum glomeratum.

Gloriosus, superb ; grand. Yucca gloriosa.

Gracilis, slender; weak; lank. Jasminum gracile ; Fuschia gra'
cilis.

Grandis, great ; lofty; sublime. Tectona grandis ; Banksia grandis.

Grandiflorus, (grandis, gredtt, and Jlos.) Cactus grandijlorus.
- Granulatus, (granum, a grain of corn.) Resembling a grain of corn
in any part. Sasijraga granulata.

Gratus, grateful ; agreeable. Lonicera grata.

Hepaticus, {hcpar, the liver,) liver colored ; lobed like the liver. Ane-
mone hepatica.

Hihernacula, winter quarters; a part of the plant which protects the
embryo herb ; the covering of a bud.

Hirsutus, rough ; hairy ; shaggy. Epilobium hirsutum; Viola hirsuta.

Hispidus, rough ; bristly; rugged. Robinia hispida.

Hortensis, (horlus, a garden,) pertaining to or growing in gardens.
Anemone hortensis.

Hybridus, (a mongrel,) bastard ; partaking of the nature of two spe-
cies. Erica hybrida.

GLOSSARY. 161

Ignescens, (ignis, fire,) fiery; ardent. Erica ignescens; Pelargo.
nium ignescens.

Imbricatus, tile-like ; laid over one another. Aloe imbricata; Dios-
ma imbricata.

Immersus, immersed ; growing under water.

Incanus, hoary ; mouldy ; colored. Cislus incanus.

Incarnatus, (m and caro, flesh,) flesh colored. Erodiumincarnatum.

Indigena Planta, a native of any country is indigenous to it : home
bred. American laurel and Honeysuckles are examples of indigenous
plants.

Infundibuliformis, {infundibvlum, z. funnel,) funnel shaped. Eri<:a
infundihuliform is .

Inodorus, having no smell. Allium inodorum ; Syringa inodora.

Integra, entire ; whole. Clematis integri folia.

Involucrum, {involvo, to envelope,) wrap or fold in.

Laccatus, {lac, milk,) milky ; also, improperly lake colored. Gladio-
lus laccatus.

Laevigatus, Uaevis, smooth.) Prinos Icevigatus; Calicanthus Icexi.
gatus.

Lanatus, woolly ; covered with a downy pubescens resembling wool.
Stachys lanata; Geranium lanata.

Lanceolatus, {lanceo, a spear or lance,) lance shaped. Acacia lanceo-
lata.

Latifolius, broad-leaved. Kalmia latifolia.

Liber, the inner bark of trees and plants.

Liliacea, plants resembling the lily.

Linguus, {lingua, a tongue,) tongue shaped. Aloe lingua.

Lobatus, (the flap of the ear,) lobate. Pelargonium lobatum.

Lophantus, a crest or mane. Acacia lophanta.

Maculatus, spotted ; speckled. Arum maculatum.

Major, the bigger ; greater. Tropceolum majus.

Mammillaris, {mamilla, a little breast.) Cactus mammillaris.

Maritimus, growing near the sea. Crambe maritima.

Maximus, greatest; the superlative degree of dimension. Convolvu-
lus major.

Meleagris, a Guinea fowl ; speckled. Fritillaria meleagris.

Micaas, glittering ; shining. Lavatera micans; Pelargonium micans.

Microphyllus, small-leaved. Edwardsia microphylla ; F\Lshcia my-
crophylla.

Minor, (com. of parvus little) less ; smaller. Convolvulus minor.

Monophyllus, one-leaved. Kennedia monophylla.

162 THE FLOWER GARDEN COMPANION.

Monstrosus, monstrous ; out of ordinary course of nature. Hyacin-
thxis monstrosus.

Montanus, {mons, a mountain,) growing on mountains. Veronica
montana.

Moschatus, having a musky smell. Rosa moschata.

Multiflorus, {multus, many and Jlos,) many flowered. Rosa multiflo-
ra, Jasminum viultifiorum.

Muscosus, mossy ; resembling moss. Rosa muscosa ,* Moss Rose'

Nanus, dwarf, of humble growth. Philadelphtis nanus.

Naturalis, agreeable to nature.

Nectarium, {nectar, honey,) the part of a flower or plant that contains
honey.

Niger, black ; dark colored. Orohus niger.

Nobilis, notable, grand. Laurus nobilis.

Noctumus, (nox, night,) night flowering ; night smelling. (Enoihera
nocturna; Cestrum nocturnum.

Nummularius, {nummus, coin,) round like a piece of coin. I/ysima-
chia nummularia.

Obtusus, blunt ; obtuse.
Octagonus, eight angled. Cactus octagonus.

Odor, smell, either good or bad, but mostly applied to such as are
grateful. Daphne odorata.
Orientalis, eastern. Gnaphalium orientale, Papaver orientale.
Ovatus, {ovum, an egg,) egg shaped. Phlox ovatum.

Pallidus, pale ; of a dusky white color. Crocus pallidus ; Calceola-
ria pallida.

Palustris, {palus, a marsh,) growing in marshes. Caltha palustris ;
Hibiscus palustris.

Paniculatus, (panicula,) panicle flowered. Phlox panicuLa.

Parvus, small ; insignificant.

Pastoris, {pastor, a shepherd,) of a shepherd. Bursa pastoris.

Pavonius, ( pavo, a peacock,) spotted with gay colors as a peacock.
Gorteria pavonia.

Pedunculus, {pes, afoot,) the proper footstalk of a flower.

Pencillatus, {pencilluny, a painter's pencil,) painted as if with a pen-
cil ; delicately painted, as the lines or spots in the Pelargonium.

Pentagonus, five angled. Cactus pentagonus .

Pentapetalus, five petalled, flowers having five distinct petals or flower
leaves.

Persolutus, accomplished ; elegant. Erica persoluta.

GLOSSARY. 163

Pictus, {pingo to paint,) painted. Pelargonium pidum.

Planta, a plant.

Plumatus, (pluma, a feather,) feathery, downy. Erica plumosa.

Polypetalus, many petalled, as the Rose and Dahlia.

Praecox, early. Calycanthus prcecox.

Princeps, chief; principal. Passijlora princeps.

Prostratus, prostrate; lying flat. Disandra prostrata; Banksia
prostrata.

Pulchellus, pretty ; neat ; elegant. Crjrilla pulchella.

Pumilus, dwarf. Iris pumila.

Purpureas, purple colored. Aster purpureus.

Pyramidalis, {pyramis^ a pyramid,) pyramidal ; tapering. Phlox
pyramidalis.

Quadrangularis, four angled; square. Passijlora quadrangularis.
Quinquefolius, (quinque, five, z.nd folium.) Ampelopsis quinquefolia.

Racemosus, {racemus, a cluster of grapes,) flowering and growing in
clusters. Symphora racemosa.

Radicans, {radix, a root,) rooting ; producing claspers resembling
roots. Bignonia radicans.

Ramus, a bough or branch of a tree.

Reniformis, {rents, the kidneys,) kidney shaped. Pelargonium re-
nijbrme.

Repens, creeping. Ranuncidus repens.

Retortus, (turned backwards,) bent back; twisted. Erica retorta.

Revolutus, rolled backwards. Cycvs revoluta.

Ringens, grinning ; gaping. Mimulus ringens.

Rivalis, of or pertaining to a river. Mimvlus ricalis.

Roseus, rose colored. Ixia rosea.

Rotatus, {rota, a wheel,) wheel-shaped. Pancratium rotatum.

Rubellus, somewhat red ; redish. Erica rubella.

Rubens, ruddy; blushing. Crassula rubens.

Ruber, red. Valeriana rubra.

Rubicuiidus, deep red ; also, ruddy. Kennedia rubicunda.

Rugosus, rough ; wrinkled ; furrowed. Calceolaria rugosa.

Sanguineus, blood-colored. Geranium sanguineum.
Scariosus, having longitudinal incisions or channels. Liatris sea'
riosus.
Sempervirens, ever- green. Lonicera sempervirens.
Sparsus, scattered ; spread abroad. Beaujbrtia sparsa.
Spicatus, {spica, a spike,) spike-flowered. Liatris spicaia.

164 THE FLOWER GARDEN COMPANION.

Splendens, glittering ; splendid ; beautiful. Lobelia splendem.
Stamina, the male organs of a flower.
Slerilis, barren. Fragaria sterilis.
Stoloniferus, creeping. Phlox stolonifera.
Striatus, channelled ; also, striped. Geranium striatum.
Strobilus, the Artichoke ; the cone of a Fir.

Suaveolens, (suaris, sweet,) smelling sweet; more commonly appli-
ed to strong scented. Phlox suaveolens.

Sylvestris, (sylva, a wood.) Anemoiie sylvestris.

Tardiflorus, (tardo, to be long in coming; and flora.) Aster tar-
difl/jra.

Tenellus, slender, delicate. Aster tenella,

Translucens, (iransluceo, to shine through.) Pelargonium translu-
cens.

Tremulus, trembling ; shaking. Populus tremula'

Truncalus, {iruncv^, cut short, maimed,) leaves, roots, &e. are called
truncate when they terminate bluntly as if cut, or bitten off. Cactus
iruncatus.

Tubiflorus, {tubus, a lube,) tube-flowered. Erica tvbiflora.

Umbellatus, {umbella,') umbellate. Agapanthus umbeUatus.

Undulatus, {unda, a wave,) waved; when the margins of the leaves,
or petals are larger in proportion than their disks, Pittosporum undu-
latum, Amaryllis undulata.

Variegatus, (modern Latin,) having an intermixture of colors. Iris
variegatus, Pelargonium variegatum.

Vernus, pertaining to the spring. Phlox vemus.

Versicolor, changing color ; particolored. Iris versicolor ; Oxalis
versicolor.

Verticillatus, whorl-flowered. Acacia verticillata.

Viridis, green ; flourishing. Lachenalia viridis,

Vittatus, (a fillet, or ribbon) ribbon like. Amaryllis vittata.

Volubilis, twining round other bodies. Hibbertia volubUis.

APPENDIX.

Aet. I. — descriptive list of annual flowers.

[The first column gives the common name, the lecond the botanical,
the third the height in feet, the fourth the color. Those marked thus *
are climbing plants. Those marked thus § are delicate annuals, and
should be sown in hot beds in April and transplanted into the open
ground the end of May, or beginning of June.]

Mexican Ageratum

Ageratum mexicanum

H

Blue.

Sweet Alyssum

Alyssum maritinum

1

White.

Grand flowering Argemone

Argemone grand iflora

2

White.

Aster White

Aster hortensis fl. alba

Id

White.

Purple

var. fl. purpurea

IjJ Purple.

Red

var. fl. rubro

U

Red.

Lilac

var. fl. carnea

n

Lilac.

Red striped

var. fl. obscura

Ij Striped.

Purple striped

var. fl. striata

li Striped.

Quilled red

superba rubro

n

Red.

Animated Oats

Avena sensitiva

2

Green.

§Blue Amethyst

Browallia elata

1

Blue.

§White do. [flower

alba

1

White.

§Scarlet Cacalia, or Tassel

Cacalia coccinea

2

Scarlet.

Venus' Looking Glass

Campanula speculum

1

Purple.

♦Balloon Vine

Cardiospermum halicacahumS

White.

Great American Centaurea

Centaurea americana

2

Pink.

Purple Sweet Sultan

moschata

2

Purple.

Yellow Chrysanthemum

Chrysanthemum fl. lutea

2

Fellow.

White do

coronaria

2

White.

Beautiful Clarkea

Clarkea pulchella

2

Purple.

Dwarf Convolvulus

Convolvulus minor

1

Tricolor,

*Great Pu. Morning Glory

purpurea

10

D. blue.

166

APPENDIX.

Blue Commelina

Commelina ccelestis

2

Blue

§*Two col'd Orange Gourd

Cucurbita bicolor

10

Yellow.

§*0r

aurantina

10

Yellow.

§*Large Bottle Gourd

lagenaria

10

W. Green,

Elegant Coreopsis

Coreopsis tinctoria

3

Yellow.

Elegant Escholtzia

Escholtzia californica

1

Yellow.

Variegated Euphorbia

Euphorbia variegata

3

White.

Branching Larkspur

Delphinium consolida

2

Various.

Double do

var. pleno

2

Blue.

vi^T Tncpfi

2
1

Rose.

1/ finniic

ajacis
Hisbiscus trionum

Beautiful Ketmia

1
2

Striped.

African Hibiscus

vesicarius

2

Yellow.

Azure Blue Gilia

Gilia capitata

2

Blue.

Double Balsams, mixed

Impatiens balsamina

2

Various.

Oi-^fi-i /-tn\r\y^A

fl TOQPa

o

T?n«;p

Variegated

variegata

At

2

Striped.

Purple

purpurea

2

Purple.

^Ibo.

2

White.

Crimson

rubro

2

Red.

♦Scarlet ^Morning Glory

Ipomea coccinea

10

Scarlet.

♦Crimson Cypress

quamoclit

6

D. Red.

Sweet Peas, Painted Lady

Lathums odoratus

4

Fleshed.

♦White Sweet Peas

alba

2

White.

♦Purple do.

fl. purpurea

2

Purple.

♦Scarlet do.

fl. rosea

2

Scarlet.

♦Striped do.

fl. striata

2

Striped,

Red Lavatera

Lavatera trimensis

2

Red.

White Lupins

Lupinus albus

3

White.

Yellow do.

luteus

2

Yellow.

Large blue do.

hirsutus

2

Blue.

Rose do.

varius

2

Rose.

Ten weeks' Stock gilliflow

'r Mathiolus annua

2

Red.

Purple Ten Weeks' Stock

fl. purpurea

2

Purple.

White do.

fl. alba

2

While.

Scarlet Malope

Malope trifida

2

Scarlet.

§Ice Plant

Mesembryanthemum

1

White.

§Sensitive Plant

Mimosa pudica

1

Pink.

Marvel of Peru

Mirabalis jalapa

2

Red.

Red and yellow striped do

fl. rubro flava

2

Striped.

Red and white striped do
Yellow Virginia Tobacco
Trailing Nolana
Grand flow'g ev'g Primrose
Red and white evening do.
Hybrid Evening Primrose
White evening do.
Lindley's evening do.
White Officinal Poppy
Double white fringed do.
Double carnation do.
Double rose do.
§Scariet Pentapetes
*Scarlet flowering Bean
Red Persicaria
Marvel of Peru
Sweet scented Mignonette
Wing leaved Schizanthus
Double purple Jacobea

Double white do

§White Egg Plant

Vanilla scented Stevia

African Marigold

Orange Africa do.

P^ench do.

'^§Winged Thunbergia

*Great Nasturtium

Hearts' ease

Golden Eternal flower

Red Zinnia

Yellow do.

Violet do.

Elegant red do.

APPENDIX.

lt37

fl, rubro alba

3

Striped.

Nicotiana rustica

3

Y. Green.

Nolana prostrata

1

Blue.

CEnothera grandiflora

3

Yellow.

rosea alba

1

R. While.

CEnothera hybrida

1

Pink.

tetraptera

1

White.

lindleyii

1

P. White.

Papaver somniferum

4

White.

fimbriatum pie.

3

White.

nigrum pleno

8

Various.

rhceas pleno

2

Various.

Pentapetes phoenica

2

Scarlet.

Phaseolus multiflorus

12

Scarlet.

Polygonum orientale

6

Red.

Petunia nictagynaflora

3

White.

Reseda odorata

1

Cream.

Schinzathus pinnatus

2

Various.

Senecio elegans

2

Purple.

fl. alba.

2

White.

Solanum melongena

2

Stevia serrata

1

White.

Tagates erecta

3

Yellow.

var.

3

Orange.

patula

2

Blue.

Thunbergia alata

4

Y. PurpU

Tropaeolum majus

4

Orange.

Viola tricolor

1

Various.

Xeranthemum lucidum

3

Yellow.

Zinnia multiflora

2

Red.

pauciflora.

2

Yellow.

elegans

2

Violet.

var. rubro

2

Red.

168

APPENDIX.

Art. II. — descriptive LIST OF BIENNIAL FLOWERS.

[Those marked thus § are delicate, and require to be boused ia the
winter.]

Rose Champion

Agrostemma coronaria

2

Red.

Double light blue Columbine Aquilegia vulgaris

2

L. Blue.

dark blue do.

fl. azurea

2

D. Blue.

dark purple do.

fl. purpurea

2

D. Purple

Avhite do.

fl. alba

2

White.

§Bloody Wall Flower

Cheiranthus cheiri

2

Yellow.

Carnation Pink

Dianthus caryophyllus

2

Striped.

Broad leaved Pink

Dianthus latifolius

1

Pink.

Chinese imperial do.

ohinensis

1

Red.

Sweet William, of sorts

barbatus

2

Varieg.

Purple Fox Glove

Digitalis purpurea

4

Purple.

White do.

alba

4

White.

Yellow do.

lutea

3

Yellow.

§French Honeysuckle

Hedysarum coronarium

4

Scarlet.

Canada Hedysarum

canadensis

5

Purple.

Honesty, or Satin Flower

Lunaria biennis

4

Purple.

White Mallows

Malva fl. alba

2

White.

§Persian Stock Gilliflower

Mathiola odoratissima

2

L. d.

§Russian do.

var.

2

Red.

§White wall leafed do.

glabrata alba

2

White.

§Purple Prussian Gilliflower glabrata purp.

2

Purple.

§ Twickenham do.

incana purp.

2

Purple.

§Scarlet Stock Gilliflower

var. coccinea

2

Scarlet.

§Queen's do.

var. alba

2

White.

Tree Primrose

CEnothera biennis

4

Yellow.

Purple Topped Clary

Salvia sclarea

4

L. Blue.

Long flowered Verbascum

Verbascum micanthrum

5

Yellow.

APPENDIX. 169

Art. III.— laying OUT GARDENS AND ORNAMENTAL
PLANTATIONS.

On Planting Ornamental Trees to protect Build-
ings and to give effect to Landscape Scenery. — With-
out taking into consideration the value of forest trees,
as regards the several uses they are applied to as tim-
ber, (which will undoubtedly increase as the towns
and cities on the seaboard increase in population ; and
whilst the axe continues to diminish the timber forests
of the country,) the planting of ornamental forest trees
is really useful as relates to the domestic comfort of the
inmates of dwellings, that are protected and ornamented
by them ; by affording shade in the summer and protect-
ing the building from the cold blast of winter. Orna-
mental plantations of this kind also give a mellow and
finished cast to the surrounding scenery, and impress the
traveller with an idea of the additional value of property,
arising from an enterprising and intelligent community.
And although much has been yearly doing in every sec-
tion of this country, in the improvement of ornamental
plantations, there are two considerations which seem to
leave much to be done in that interesting subject : name-
ly, the former idea of laying bare certain districts by cut-
ting down almost every forest tree ; and the rapid growth
of enterprise and commercial wealth being the cause of
numerous dwellings of the first order to be built in the
the vicinity of cities in rapid succession, within these few
years, in situations which can only be ornamented with
trees by a progressive culture which depends much on
management.

^ The principal object of this kind of planting being
15

170 APPENDIX.

real utility blended with a picturesque effect, a certain
knowledge of the different trees to be used is requisite to
obtain the desired purpose ; as that of their j9or^ or habit,
natural locations, the soil and favorite situations in which
they thrive and form into the most beautiful structure and
foliage. Having ascertained these prerequisites, which
can easily be done by any intelligent observer taking the
trouble to make a general survey of the trees growing in
the neighborhood in which he intends to plant, — when
their healthy or meagre habits may be practically ascer-
tained in a more correct manner than from any theoretical
essay that can be given by the pen, — the next thing to
be considered is the soil and location of the ground to be
ornamented, which should be in accordance with that of
the most thrifty trees in their natural sites or place of
o-rowth. For let it be recollected, that the most beautiful
kind of trees, when assuming a sickly appearance, greatly
depreciate the good effect of ornamental plantations of
this kind — whilst, on the other hand, those of less beau-
ty, when in a healthy condition, perhaps serve to make
a fine contrast in the general group. There is some taste
also required in the arrangement or planting the ground,
which nuist be kept in view with the natural habit of the
trees before examined ; which should be grown to their
natural magnitude, so that some idea can be formed of
the future appearance of the improvement about to be
made, as well as the first planting or present appearance.

Having ascertained the nature of the soil and location
intended to be planted, and made a selection of such trees
as seem to be suitable to the intended object, the next
thing to be attended to is that of planting them in their
proper places, where they can thrive and have a free, easy
and useful appearance. In effecting this part of the bu-

APPENDIX. 171

sjness, the most exposed situations at the north and
northwest quarters should be planted in a neat and econo-
mical manner.

If a building is to be ornamented, the first considera-
tion is in planting on the north and northwest quarter to
break off the cold winds and protect it from storms. All
kinds of unsightly objects that are in view should be con-
cealed, and the whole group should have a fine pictu-
resque effect at a distant view. This may be accom-
plished by a little attention to the before named requi-
sites.

Whilst on the subject of ornamental plantations, I
cannot refrain from making some remarks on the great
neglect of a subject that is so apparently the very nerve of
useful improvement in almost every country, and more es-
pecially in this where shelter and shade are accomplished
by no other means in so advantageous a manner as by
the presence of ornamental trees. The neglect of plant-
ing appears lo be in a measure owing to the too prevalent
idea of a speedy return for money expended on general
improvements ; but it must be recollected that every per-
son who plants in this manner is almost certain to realize
his first cost by the improved appearance given to his
property which stamps a value as it were in the same man-
ner, as if the trees were useful for the purpose of timber.
There is also a kind of social effect given to the traveller
when he passes through a country where buildings of this
kind are ornamented by the presence of trees intended to
give shelter and shade ; and indeed I know not of any
legacy that can be transmitted from the father to the son,
of a more useful and affectionate nature, than a fine
grove of trees planted and reared by a careful and diligent
hand. If such useful records were to be handed down

172 APPENDIX.

from one generation to another, the bleak barrenness
of landscape scenery, which is now in many places ap-
parent, would be transformed into pleasing groups of or-
namental plantations that indicate social comfort and in-
telligence.

Choice of Trees for Ornamental and Landscape Plan-
tations.— Much art is required in selecting trcc-s for plant-
ing ornamental grounds ; as parks, lawns, foregrounds to
country residences and such ornamental plantations. The
planter should in this case duly consider the appearance
such plantations will have when growing to maturity ; as
the design will then have its full effect. Present appear-
ances have, in many cases, but little to do with the future,
which is the grand object of landscape gardening.

The first consideration is the nature and quality of the
ground to be planted, together with the different aspects
and locations ; these things must invariably be considered
in order that trees which will thrive best may be selected
for planting, and have a pleasing appearance. To accom-
plish this, such only should be chosen as are known to
thrive in similar situation and soil. Native forest trees
will be found, in most cases, to answer the best purpose
for the park and exposed plantations (with the exception
of some few varieties of foreign trees) their natural pro-
perties being particularly adapted to this climate; conse-
quently, they always assume a healthy appearance, which
is the greatest consideration in landscape scenery ; as or-
namental trees when in a sickly state, destroy that plea-
sing effect they are intended to produce.

In selecting trees from a nursery or elsewhere, at-
tention should be paid to choose those that are of a well
formed and regular growth, and from a situation where
they have had free exposure to the sun and air : trees

APPENDIX.

173

grown too close together are always of a more tender
nature than those in exposed situations, and are not so fit
for being removed to an exposed place.

If trees are to be selected for planting of a large growth,
care must be taken to choose them in such a manner that
their present and future place of growth correspond.
Trees from different situations are found to have entirely-
different properties ; for instance, the oak, maple, elm,
and indeed all kinds of trees where grown in an exposed
situation are found to have protecting properties, corres-
ponding to their natural location : their bark is of a thick,
coarse nature, their roots are numerous and extend some
distance into the ground, their tops and branches thick and
spreading ; this is natural to trees growing in an exposed
situation ; on the contrary, those in growing woods or
confined places, of the same denomination as the above,
have their bark thin, their branches few and on the top
of the tree, their roots few in number and of a weak, slim
nature. These facts should engage the attention of the
planter, in order that the removing may be done in such
a manner that theJr present and future soil and situation
correspond.

I particularly recommend the planter clearly to inves-
tigate this subject, which is perhaps the best method of
learning the physiology of plants ; natural cases are al-
ways the surest guides to perfection. Nothing can be
more pleasing to the horticulturist, than to reflect on the
beautiful economy of nature, which imparts to the vege-
table kingdom different qualities in the same genus of
plants placed in different situations. The animal king-
dom is in some respects similar, although more limited,
which is accounted for, when we consider that they have

a sensitive power and motion, and thus seek protection
15^

174 APPENDIX.

from storms and sudden changes of heat and cold. But
the vegetable creation in all its natural locations is station-
ary, and consequently it has to endure the changes of the
elements in its primitive place of growth.

Thus it appears, that trees and vegetables when remov-
ed, require to be placed as much as possible in the same
aspect and in similar location as they were in their infant
state. And it should be the principal object of the arbo-
riculturist to observe this rule as much as possible.

Natural habit or foliage of trees. — The planter should
only investigate the habit of such trees as are intended
to be planted, and those that are of a large size and ex-
posed so that the sun and air have access to every part
of them. Such as are too much crowded together, will
not attain a correct habit, as may be seen in the oak
when growing in confined places in woods and groves ;
It is then tall and slender, and has but few side branches,
but when it is exposed it forms a neat tree of a hemi-
spherical figure ; — the hickory in open, exposed places
takes a very beautiful semi-elliptical shape ; — the conical
form is seen in the tulip tree and button-ball when ex-
posed ; — the balsam fir forms a fine pyramid of living
green ; — and the Lombardy poplar is portrayed as a
complete spindle shape. To these many intermediate
habits may be seen, as in the elm, ash, walnut, and
chestnut ; but any person who is interested in this part
of ornamental planting, having duly investigated the
above mentioned, wuU at once discover the habit of every
tree sufficiently to be master of adapting them to the
most suitable places. Practice here is the sure guide to
perfection.

ADVERTISEMENTS.

NEW ENGLAND

AGRICULTURAL WAREHOUSE
SEED STORE,

AND

OFFICE OF THE NEW ENGLAND FARMER,

NO. 51 & 52, NORTH MARKET STREET,
BOSTON.

JO SEPH BRECK & CO.

The proprietors of this establishment would inform their friends and
the public, that they keep constantly on hand and for sale, the greatest
variety of Agricultural Implements, Grass Seeds, Garden and
Flower Seeds, Bulbous Roots, Double Dahlias, &c., to be found in
the country ; — among which are the following : —

AGRICULTURAL IMPLEMENTS.

C. Howard Cast Iron Ploughs,
Tices's do. do.

Side Hill, do. do.

Double Mould Board do.

Wrought Iron and Wooden Ploughs,
Scott Keith, and other Plough

Castings,
Willis's Improved Cultivator,
Green's Patent Straw Cutter, i

Willis's do. do. I

Common hand do.
Manure and Hay Forks,
Scythes of all kinds,
Patent and other Snaiths,
il all's and other Hay Rakes,
Grindstones on Rollers,
Corn Shellers,
Grain Cradles,
Chains of all kinds,
Willis's improved Seed Sower,

176

ADVERTISEMENTS.

Gaull's Patent Churns,
Self Operating Cheese Press,
Horse Power and Threshing Ma-
chine,
Davis's Road Scrapers,
Hale's Rotary Pump,
Force Pumps,
Copper do.
Iron do.

Lead Pipe,

Underh ill's Cast Steel Axe,

Ba-k Mills,

Corn and Cobb Mills,

Harris's Paint do.

Winnowing do.

Grater Cider do.

Cast Iron Cider Screws,

Yokes of all kinds.

With a great variety of Agricultural and Horticultural Tools, too nu-
merous to meution.

FIELD SEEDS.

Northern Clover,

Southern do.

White Honeysuckle Clover,

Lucerne,

Herds grass, or Timothy,

Red Top Southern Seed,

Do. Northern do.

Fowl Meadow,

Orchard Grass,

Ruta Baga,

Mangel Wurtzel,

Sugar Beet, <S'C.

Winter and Summer Wheat,

do. do. Rye,

Barley,

Oats, English,
Corn of various sorts.
Millet,
Hemp,
Flax Seed,
Potatoes.

GARDEN SEEDS,

Of every desirable variety will be furnished wholesale and retail ; by
the pound, box or package.

SEEDS IN BOXES,

For retailing, done up in the neatest manner in packages, with the
name and directions printed on each parcel. Retailers supplied on most
favorable terms, with boxes from one to a hundred dollars.

FOR THE FLOWER GARDEN.

We have a very extensive collection of choice Flower Seeds, em-
bracing all the Annuals, Biennials, and Perennials worthy of cultivation.
Packages of twenty fine sorts for one dollar.

DucTH Bulbous Roots. We import of these annually from Holland,
a splendid collection, consisting of double and single Hyacinths, double
and single Tulips, Crown Imperials, Narcissus, Iris, Crocus Gladiolus,
Amaryllis, Ixias, &c.

Double Dahlia Roots. Of this beautiful and popular flower, we
have more than two hundred fine varieties, embracing all that were
shown at the exhibition of the Massachusetts Horticultural Society.
Roots can be furnished from the first of October to the first of July,
safely packed in moss, and sent to any part of the country.

Fruit and ornamental Trees and Shrubs furnished to order at Nurse-
ry prices.

Large plants of the Morus Multicaulis, and cuttings of the same,
can be furnished by the hundred or thousand at moderate prices.

We would call the attention of the public to the New England Far-
mer ; one ot the oldest and best agricultural newspapers iu the country.

ADVERTISEMENTS. 177

containing a great amount of interesting and useful matter for the prac-
tical farmer and gardener. It is issued at our office weekly, on Wed-
nesdays, at the moderate price of two dollars and fifty cents per year in
advance, or three dollars at the close of the year.

We also publish the Horticultural Register, and Gardener's
Magazine, issued monthly, at two dollars per annum in advance, or
two dollars and fifty cents at the expiration of six months. 1 his work
is devoted principally to the cultivation of Fruits, Vegetables and Flow-
ers. New subscribers can be supplied with the back volumes at two
dollars and fifty cents per volume bound.

Among our agricultural Books we keep for sale, the Complete Far-
mer; Kenrick's Orchadist ; American Gardener ; Bridgman's Garden-
er's Assistant; Moubray on Poultry; Silk Grower's Guide; Cobb's
Silk Manual ; Loudon's Works, together with a great variety of useful
and interesting works in this line.

We hope by unremitting attention, to sustain the credit of this estab-
lishment, and realize the anticipations of our predecessors, Newell,
Russell, and Barrett, in makingitone of the most complete deposito-
ries for every thing in the Agricultural and Horticultural line in the
country. JOSEPH BRECK & CO.

GEORGE C. THORBURJV,

SEEDS :\I AN AND FLORIST,

No. 11 John Street, New York.

George C. Thorburn keeps constantly on hand the greatest variety
of Garden Seeds of every description. Hyacinths, Tulips, Dahlias,
Narcissus, Raauncules,Anemoai's, and other Bulbous Roots, supplied on
favorable terms. For particulars, as to their names and cultivation, and.
also for Green-house and Hot-house Plants and Roses, a choice and su-
perb collection of which are always on hand. The Greeu-houses are at
Hallet's Cove, L. I. six miles from New York.

Constantly on hand, a complete assortment of Gardening Tools —
Canary Birds of the most approved song, and other singing Birds —
Bird Cages of every description; Fish Bone for Canaries — Chinese
Gold FLsh ; Glass Globes — Garden Hand Glasses of various sizes, for
protecting early Cucumbers and Melons, for raising tender Flower
Seeds, and for striking Cuttings of Plants — Bulb Glasses, plain, color-
ed, and gilt, for flowering Hyacinths, Tulips, t^'C in winter — Pulver-
ized Poth erbs by the pound or in bottles — Hawthorn Quicks for fences
or hedges.

Also, a collection of choice Books, on Horticulture, Agriculture, Flo-
riculture, and Arboriculture. "The Planter's Guide," showing the
best method of Removing Large Trees and Underwood — with superb
Engravings ; printed on fine paper ; handsomely bound ; price Tnree
Dollars.

Imported from Scotland, every Spring, an extensive collection of the
finest Gooseberry and Currant Bushes, with names, price two dol-
lars per dozen.

Persons wishing Fruit and Ornamental Trees, are referred to C. &
A. J. Downing, Nurserymen, Newburgh, N. Y. (Newburgh is sixty
miles from the city of New York, on the Hudson River — Steamboat
communication daily. Orders to be sent to them direct.

178 ADVERTISEMENTS.

WINSHIPS' ESTABLISHMENT.

The Messrs. Winship have the greatest variety of Fruit, Forest,
Ornamental Trees, Flowering Shrubs, Herbaceous and Green house
Plants, to be found in the country.

All orders forwarded by mail will be executed with promptness, or
plants may be selected by persons visiting the Nurseries.

Brighton, April 1, 1838.

FRUIT TREES, ORNAMENTAL TREES, MORUS
MULTICAULIS, &c.

FOa SALE BY

WILLIAM KENRICK,

NONANTUM HILL, NEWTON.

The varieties, particularly of the Pears and the Plums were never
before so fine, the assortment so complete. Also of Apples, Peaches,
Cherries, Grape Vines, a superior assortment of the finest kinds, and of
all other hardy fruits.

20,000 Morus Multicaulis, or Chinese Mulberry trees, can still be fur-
nished at the customary prices, if applied for early, this being all that
now remains unsold.

Ornamental Trees and Shrubs, Roses and Herbaceous Plants, of the
most beautiful hardy kinds. Splendid Paeonies and Double Dahlias.

4,000 Cockspur Thorns, 10,000 Buckthorns for Hedges-
800 Lancashire Gooseberries, of various colors and fine kinds.
Harrison's Double Yellow Roses, new and hardy, color fine, it never
fails to bloom profusely.

Trees packed in the most perfect manner for all distant places and
shipped or sent from Boston to wherever ordered.

Transportation to the city without charge.

Address by mail post paid.

Catalogues will be sent gratis to those who apply.

CHARLESTOWIV VINEYARD.

{Corner of Eden Street, Charlestovm, Mass.)

THOMAS MASON,

Keeps a general assortment of Green-house Plants — with a choice
collection of Strawberries, Raspberries, Currants, &c.

He offers for sale a quantity of his Seedling Grape Raspberries,
which have been pronounced of superior quality.

Orders may be left with Joseph Breck & Co. 51 and 52 North
Market Street, Eoston.

ADVERTISEMENTS. 179

T. BRIDGEMAIV,

GARDEN, GREENHOUSE AND SEED STORE,
Corner of Eighteenth Street^ Broadioay,

IMMEDIATELY KORTH OF UNION PLACE,

And West of the New York and Harlem Rail Road,

NEW YORK.

POMOLOGICAL GARDENS,

SALEM, MASSACHUSETTS.

FRUIT TREES, VINES, SHRUBS,

AND

ORNAMENTAL TREES,

Warrranted correct, constantly for sale, at the Pomological Garden

of

ROBERT MANNING,

Dearborn Street, Salem,

And at JOHN M. IVES' adjoining NURSERY — packed for trans-
portation, and at Nursery prices.

SCIONS OF FRUIT TREES, &c.

EDWARD SAYERS,

BOSTON, MASS.

l//^ Ozecicon cl Q'lecn <:/6oud-ed^ .t^aif^'}ia otU KJ^lo^uer

^cuia67t4, (yinayncnta^ xyuznit/tiq , oCc. aedMned and

duhcu7Uended .

Reference, JOSEPH BRECK & Co.

Agricultural Warehoiise, 51 ^ 52 J^orth Market street,

{fUj'AW letters of comnmni cation must be post paid.

\/