“ é .¥ ? 3 ‘ a’ 7. . t ' . . 9 wd * " : 3 - o ‘ ~ ; " THE AND x HORTICULTURAL JOURNAL, A MONTHLY MAGAZINE OF Horticulture, Agriculture, Botany, Agricultural Chemistry, Entomology, &c. a I. C. HANSON, EDITOR, WITH THE FOLLOWING CONTRIBUTORS : Rosert E. Rocers, M. D. Professor of Chem- | Joun Cassin, late Cétr. Sec. of the Academy istry in the Med. Dept. Univ. of Penn. ee: Sci., of ee eee ; - \Prof. W. B. Rogers, df the University of Va. om am cs Pon ian Panne Ny ae BRACKENRIDGE, Washington, D.C. ; ° Messrs. R. Buisr, Philada.; Louis Menanp, Dr. W.D. Brincxie, Vice President of the Albany; Wm. Saunpvexs, Baltimore; Wm. Penn. Hort. Soc., late President of the Ame- Cuortton, New York; Tuomas Merrnan, rican Pomological Congress. Philada., and other's: é . 4s oe VOLUME Ii i] PHILADELPHIA: as | 1853. > they THE FLORIST AND HORTICULTURAL JOURNAL. Vol. IL] Philadelphia, January, 1853. [No. 1. = CAMELLIA—MRS. COPH. Erym.—Came tt, an Italian Jesuit, or according to others, G. CamEtius, a Mora- vian Jesuit, a traveller in Asia, and author of a history of plants of the island of Lucon. Ternstremiacee § Camelliee.—-Monodelphia-Polyandria. CHARAC. GENER.—Calycis bracteolati-5-9-phylli fodvol7s 2 3-seriatim imbri- catis, interioribus sensim majoribus deciduis. Corolle petala5-7 hypogyna imbri- ca‘a, interiora majora. Stamina plurima hypogina pluriseriata sepe imis petalis adbherentia basi plus minus interse coherentia, fi/amentz7s subulatis, anthers in- éumbentibus bilocularibus oblongis, cornect:vo crassiusculo, /ocu/?s longitudinali- ter dehiscentibus. Ovarium liberum 3-5-loculare. Ovuwia in loculis 4-5, angulo centrali alternatim inserta pendula. Sty/ws 3-5-fidus; stzgmatiius capitellatis. Capsula 3-5-locularis indehiscens loculicide 3-5-valvis, vadvis medio septiferis, axi centrali persistente feciebus seminifero. Semzna in loculis abortu solitaria rarius gemina Inversa, ¢esta nucamentacea, umbilico apicali impresso. Hmbryonis exal- buminosi cotyledones crasse carnose inequales, rad?cula brevissima supera. Frutices sempervirentes Asie australis plagam orientalem incolentes ob letisst- mum florum decorem magnis adonistarum studiis merito cclelraie, foliis alternis peti latis coviaceis nitidis integerrimis, germmis magnis perulis distiche imbricatis tects, floribus axillartbus et terminulibus speciosissimis albis rosets v. purpureis. CHARACT. SPEC. — E typo communi C. japonica, varietas in horto Sher- woodiano enata. The term florist flower, so often used amongst horticultural people, needs explanation to readers generally: It 1s applied to hybrids, or varieties of any flower obtained by crossing, in contradistinction to species. The florist flower is a mule, incapable, as all other hybrids are, of reproducing itself by seed, or at least of continuing the same for any length of time. The fine and numberless varieties of Dah- lia, of Camellia, of Fuchsia, Carnation, Verbena, &c., are the most familiar examples. It is, Ina great measure, to these abortions that we are indebted for the choicest beauties of our gardens and greenhouses. The Dah- lia, from a tawdry, illshaped flower, has become beautiful in form and color. The single red Camellia is ene of the parents of the splendid varieties with which we are familiar. Compare the first Fuchsias which were known to us, the coccinea and globosa, with the size and coloring of Fair Rosamond and Don Giovanni, and what an advance has been made! ] " " ‘THE FLORIST, AND There are some fastidious and hypercritical people who condemn these varieties as departures from nature—as an interference of art ; to these we have a most opportune reply. In the appendix, written by a scholar of Trinity, Cambridge, to the “ Account of the British colonization of New Zealand, the writer says, ‘“‘ There may be those who would look with apprehension on any intermixture of foreign- ers with the native race, from its supposed tendency to obliterate a peculiar and interesting variety of the human species * * * This feeling is natural and amiable, but it partakes of the gentle prejudice of Perdita, in expressing her distaste for the “piedness” or variegated character of carnations and other flowers, which she ac- knowledges to be the fairest of the season, but refuses to admit into her garden. Polixenes, to whom her conversation is addressed, in- quires— Wherefore, gentle maiden, Do you neglect them ? Perdita. For I have heard it said, There is an art, which, in their piedness, shares With great creating nature. Polizenes. Say there be, Yet nature is made better by no mean, But nature makes that mean; so, o’er that art Which you say adds to nature, is an art That nature makes. You see, sweet maid, we marry A gentler scion to the wildest stock, And make conceive a bark of baser kind By bud of noble race; this is an art Which does mend nature, change it rather ; but The art itself is nature. Winter’s Tale, Act IV. Scene 3. * * * God has so fashioned man as to empower man to fashion nature ; and so to fashion nature as to draw from her hidden ele- ments forms of far greater beauty and utility than in her present state of imperfection are offered to us by nature herself. It would be difficult to select a fruit, a grain or a vegetable which has not been raised to its present value by artificial means ; and wherever we turn we are reminded of the wonders which are effected in the floral kingdom by modern horticulture.” Who would prefer the common crab to the pippin or bellefleur; the insignificant fruit of HORTICULTURAL JOURNAL. 3 the amygdalus to the delicious peach? or any of the farimaceous grasses to the flour of wheat? Yet these have all departed from their original species, and have arrived at their present state of use- fulness and pleasantness by human care. The perfection to which the hybridization of flowers may arrive can hardly be guessed at ; the varieties of some plants are already beyond calculation; but there are many which are abandoned or neglected, as they are sur- passed or improved upon, so that the numbers will always be kept within certain bounds; besides, the widening of the gardening world increases the field, as the increasing extent of country brought under the influence of civilization affords room for the increase of the hu- man race. What is produced in Europe is admired, is the fashion, “struts its hour,” and is passed over to us; by the time it is intro- duced to the remotest points of our country it is old in our neighbor- hood, and is ready to be pushed aside for the next novelty. This is not true however, of all varieties: the double white Camellia which was introduced into England from China, where hybridization seems to have originated, nearly a century ago, is still the most favor- ite of its genus; so with others which have become standard favor- ites The flower of which we give a representation in this present num- ber, is one of those hybrids of the Camellia which have gained for Philadelphia a great reputation in the horticultural world. It was obtained from seed by Mr. John Sherwood, who has been the suc- cessful raiser of many fine seedlings, and by him dedicated to the late Mrs. Cope. It 1s certainly a flower which will take its place in the very first rank, among the productions of both the old and the new world. Our picture, which was faithfully and skilfully drawn from nature by Mrs. Russell Smith, is of a rather immature flower, the full-blown one appearing to much greater advantage as regards form, the imbrication of the petals being more perfect ; the color is unsurpassed in delicacy, and resembles in tone and markings the varieties Duchess of Orleans, (of which it is difficult to obtain a good flower, on account of its inability to expand,) and Low’s Alexina, which is inferior to our flower in delicacy. We can predict for it a continued favor. The stock is in the possession of Messrs. Buist, of Rosedale, and Ritchie, of Kensington. 3 H.C.H. 7™ . i e v4 | THE FLORIST, AND — oS EE OO HISTORY AND MANAGEMENT OF THE CAMELLIA. The Camellia, according to Loudon, was named by the Father of Botany, Linneeus, in honor of George Joseph Kamel or Camellus, a Jesuit. There is a beautiful fitness in the name for such a beautiful plant. The Jesuit is considered. by the body of men whose cause he upholds, their ornament and their pride—the Camellia is considered by the admirers of flowers as one of their choicest objects of admiration. It isa native of Japan and Chima, though more common in the former than in the latter. There it grows toa very lofty tree, and is planted everywhere in their gardens for ornament —and in their groves and walks for shade and shelter. It must be a beautiful sight to see an avenue of Camellias as large as silver ma- ples, with their deep glossy foliage and flowers of every hue, from the purest white to the richest crimson. Still though we may envy. the Japanese the magnificence of their specimens, we may well be proud of the innumerable fine and splendid varieties. which our su- perior skill in horticulture has produced. . In China it 1s also exten- sively cultivated, and most of the varieties originally in cultivation were imported from there. The date of its introduction to England is recorded as 1739, and I presume that for a long time afterwards the number of varieties was very limited. Tn one of the most po- pular histories of gardening, published in 1800, I find, in a history and description of the plant, the mere notice that “ There are varie- ties of it in cultivation with single red and purple flowers, with double red and purple flowers, with single white flowers, and double white flowers;” from which cornparatively brief notice I eonelude that there were very few varieties, and these little known or cared for at thattime. Mest of those introduced from China at that time were received between that period and 1820, after which many fine seedlings were let out by the English nurserymen. About this pe- riod, Chandler, of Vauxhall, near London, began to establish himself as the greatest grower and raiser of new kinds of the age; he pub- lished figures of his new kinds as they appeared; one of the first was eximia, and so great has been the change, so rapid the improve- ment, that it is very rarely indeed that we can find a plant in any collection. I have met lately with one single plant in an extensive HORTICULTURAL JOURNAL. 5 Philadelphia collection, but it was like gazing for an instant on the Daguerrotype of a long lost friend. About 1824 the imbricata was introduced by the Dutch nurserymen from China, and it is more than probable that the singular, and to this day unequalled beauty of this variety gave to Camellia growing the increased impulse which commenced a few years after, Since 1840 new. varieties have sprung up like mushrooms, both in rapidity and the multitudinous nature of their various forms. Low in England, Van Houtte in Bel- gium, and many of the Paris nurserymen, seem to have placed Chandler completely in the shade, and have for some years been the ruling spirits of Camellia development. . ihe In our own country the spirit of improvement has nae still more surprising ; our seedlings have obtained a reputation even in the old world almost as great as their old Chinese prototypes; and by means principally of this plant the names of our nurserymen are as famil- jar as household words. This is the case with Boll, Hogg and Dun- lap of New York; Smith, Buist, Ritchie and Dick, of Philadelphia, and Feast of Baltimore—all of whom have an European reputation amongst Camellia raisers of the highest eminence, We cannot, per- haps, boast of giving to the over six hundred varieties which make up the total of European collections, the greater portion of its num- ber; but we can point to some of our varieties as being among the brightest stars in their floral firmament ; their very ‘Reine des Cont. lias,”—-the Duchess of Orleans—with all the regal dignity attached to its name, is in danger of being superceded by a plain “citizen.” A specimen bloom of a seedling, by Mr. John Sherwood, and named Mrs. Cope, was exhibited at the Pennsylvania Horticultural Society’s rooms, in the early part of this season, and gave full promise of bearing the character I have just sketched out for it. Having thus given a brief outline of the history of the Camellia, I proceed to treat similarly of its cultivation. Som.—There are many opinions as to the best soil for Camellias; some, especially the French gardeners, go in strongly for loam— others, chiefly German, will be perfectly well satisfied with a brown hazelly loam; others, again, mostly British, require a “ mixture of peat, loam and sand.” The probability is, that in the hands of a good gardener, in a house, and in good conditions, any of the mentioned soils is as good as another. Climate has much to do '* : with the choice'of a plant. A dry and hot climate is very hard on plants grown in peat, or undecomposed leaf mould. The constant supply of water necessary to replace that loss by evaporation, joined to the dry heat, to which the soil is alternately exposed, causes the vegetable matter in it to decompose very rapidly, during which an acid is produced which sours the soil, and probably acts very © injuriously. Thus it follows, that a soil which is adapted to a Camellia in one country, or cirewmstances, is not by any means fit for all. But the principle of the thing being understood, the reader will vary his soils to suit his locality, or the conditions under which he is called upon to grow his plants. I have found my Camellias to thrive best in a soil having for its basis a brown hazelly loam, in this I put about a fourth part of turfy peat, or if this is not at hand, about the same quantity of well decomposed sandy leaf mould, at least three years old. Whatever proportions of any soil be adopted, nothing rich or rank should be amongst them, as rich manures of every kind have been found highly injurious. 6 - THE FLORIST, AND . Potting.—A subject which usually receives much minute attention from writers, but which is not of so much importance as the soil and after management. While the plant makes fine luxuriant shoots it requires no potting, unless the pots should become crowded by roots. When there is a tendency of the growth to become weaker than it has formerly been, and the pot is at the same time well filled with roots, it is advantageous to re-pot them. The best time inmy | estimation for this operation is, when the flowering is nearly over, and the new growth about to commence. _ I have always found them do well shifting by at this period. Many have a settled habit of soing over” their plants regularly the “first week in February 3” more frequently because the time has arrived, than. because the plants really require it. When the reason or principles of an opera- tion are understood, its position in’ gardening becomes a branch of science ; then times and seasons follow from the wants and réequire- ments of the plant, rather than the’ day or month of ‘the year.— The importance of draining all plants well is so generally understood, that it is scarcely necessary to observe that the Camellia is no exception. A portion of charcoal, with the potsherds used for HORTICULTURAL JOURNAL. 7 draining, is very useful ; the roots love to adhere to it, probably on account of the moisture charcoal absorbs. The material for drainage is frequently thrown in too carelessly ; flat pieces falling on the hole, and rendering the passage out of the water impossible. A large hollow piece should be chosen to cover the hole; then a few large ones placed around it; a quantity of pieces broken much smaller then being placed over, the whole covered lightly with moss to prevent the soil from getting amongst the sherds; this forms a good drainage. In placing the plants in the new pot, no person will bury the stem deeper in the soil than it was before— — We now come to the general management. Tue Hovse.—The best aspect for this, is like the bie ane for them,a much debated subject. Ina late volume of the “Companion to the Flower Garden,” I observe that one writer insists on the ad- vantages his plants derived from being placed in a shady situation on anorthern aspect in summer, while another describes the luxw- riant and healthy specimens he got by placing them in the full sun, under a south wall! In America this latter mode would never do. In a well constructed. house a northern aspect is perhaps as good as any ; it admits a large amount of light, while it prevents the plants from having their leaves scorehed by a sudden burst of sun in win- ter or early spring. Arrangements should be made for keeping the house above 36° or 40° in the severest weather; a common well made flue will be effectual where the house is small, but wherever the size of the house will warrant it, hot water pipes are much bet ter, as the best constructed flue will allow injurious gases to escape at times, more especially where anthracite is used as fuel. Fatt anp Winter Manacement.—I prefer to have my plants all housed before the thermometer falls often below 40°. A Camellia properly hardened will bear a much greater degree of cold than this ; but as Cobbet would say, “the above is my plan,” and it does well. After they are housed I give them all the air possible, so long as I can keep the temperature from falling below what.I have fixed; I thin out the flower buds according to the strength of the plants, ne- ver, however, leaving more than one at the point of a shoot. Igive them no more water at this time than will keep the soil barely moist and the buds just swelling ; caution is required in this, as, if the soil 8 THE FLORIST, AND 4 = oe become quite dry the buds will drop.’ As the buds swell the water must be increased, and when the: flowers are expanding they’ will require a pretty free supply. As they cease flowering and com- mence to grow, I keep the atmosphere moister by throwing water about on the paths and stages, and by giving the plants an occasion- al syringing in the mornings preceding a fine warm day; whenever warm enough I give air by the top sashes only, deeming the open- ing of doors and side sashes as admitting currents of air highly in- jurious to the young wood. If, as they show, some erow stronger than others on the same tree, thereby spoiling any desired propor- tion, I pinch them back half way—I invariably find that pinching back a growing shoot weakens it, while the other unpinched off shoots are strengthened thereby. As soonas the weather out of doors ceases to be changeable, I make preparations for Summer anp Fatt Manacement. — Here again “doctors differ,” — many preferring to keep them housed all summer, giving them an abundance of air, and keeping them shaded ; others advocating their being “turned out of house,” if not home, “about the first of May,” under some shady tree or some such situation. The first contend that by housing their plants, they protect them from the heavy summer rains which often injure them, especially if the dramage get defective. The other party contending that when the plants are out of doors, insects do not attack them so freely, and when they do at all, they are more easily cleaned and kept clean. As the full benefit of the air is no doubt of the highest importance to the \perfection of Camellia growing, I prefer to have the plants out in summer under an awning made for them, with all the sides open ; this, while it af+ fords them all the air possibie, prevents the heavy rains from injur- ing them, while they are easily cleaned when infested by insects. Insects. — The most injurious are the scale and red spider — lime water syringed over the plants will easily kill the former ; the latter more troublesome pest requires constant watching; the best thing, I believe, for destroying them is soapsuds—many excellent cultivators around Philadelphia use it, while others equally good object to it, on the ground that it stops up the pores which abound on the under sur- face of the leaf; but I have never found it injurious, and presume that the thin membrane-like coat, which adheres to the’ plant after the washing, cracks and peels off when it dries soon after. A Puivape.pita GARDENER. oii 4. HORTICULTURAL JOURNAL. 9 For the Florist, and Horticultural Journal. ELVASTON CASTLE, The seat of the Earl of Harrington, near ed is the. most cele- brated place in Europe for its profusion of evergreen trees and shrubs. of every class—if there exists a hardy evergreen, it is enough, it is soon deposited within the domain of this noted modern planter. Whea I visited it in 1831, to see my youthful friend, Mr. Barron, who had then entered as gardener, I noted the place only for its long level avenues: of lindens and chestnuts that..had- apparently stood the blasts of the past century. A noted landscape planter was invited by the orandfather of the late Karl to improve the grounds, but considered them so tame and level that nothing could be done, There were then half adozen cedars of Lebanon planted, which were the only evergreen trees of character on the place. The late Mr. Loudon, in his garden statistics about 1829-’30, did not even notice it. ‘The house is of. the plainest character, with all the ap- pendages of the establishment in conjunction with it; and strange to say, the parish church in juxtaposition—a plain sheet of water and ancient flower garden, with hedges of yew and laurel, formed the picturesque of this now noted spot, in the above year. How changed the scene—the cool, collected and ingenious talent of the gardener, backed by the Earl’s wealth and will, with a determina- tion to produce what he had so long desired, has resulted in so short a period with what no other has yet achieved, even with nature in all its grandeur at their command. The whole has been produced so quietly and privately that comparatively few have yet realised a solitary view, unless taken from the top of the church, as was done by our lamented friend Mr. Downing, or on a few special occasions granted by his lordship. The sequel fecbly shows what. twenty years have done—the whole feature of the place is decidedly Evzr- GREEN; so that the grand avenue of lindens gives way to rows of Deodar cedars, Douglas fir, and Austrian pine, till you approach within half a mile of the mansion, where there is an enclosure by a ha-ha or sunk fence, within which you enter by massive gilded iron gates; on the right the column is covered with the silver ivy, and on the left the lodge is embedded in mantles of the green.— 2 © = aD 10 THE FLORIST, AND ~ ! Ss ees 2 1a besser vast n= HU neteenePtnAhbh ehbe Ne hte ates —_- a ey So striking a contrast could not be overlooked. You are now with- in the paddock, in a serpentine approach planted on right and left with variegated holly, backed with cember pine, whose sombre shade : formed a striking contrast with the pale variegations of the holly. The next turning opened on beds of’ heather, beautifully in bloom, interspersed with boxwood and sheltered by .towermg specimens of Douglas fir and cedars of Lebanon, whose tops are grafted with Deodars, the dark green of the former contrasting with the soft green of the latter—yon could not resist the impression of the trees being covered with sea green silken mantlets. Another turning places the winter garden on the left, and brings you up in front of the mansion, from which you have a full view of the Winter Gar- den and Mount of Pleasure, that has no equal in Victoria’s domin- ions, or perhaps any other country—a covered walk of several hun-. dred yards. You cross its portals, and figure to your mind’s eye an old bushy yew tree that had been growing for centunes. before its removal to its present site eighteen years ago, forming now a beau- tiful artistically clipt arbour, fourteen feet square and eighteen high, perfect every inch, not a branch nor twig out of place, surmounted by two peacocks formed on the top of each other, and over,them cast two rings, all formed with the shears, and perhaps cost as much as any of the architectural churches of Philadelphia. The Irish yew stands in regimental phalanx about eight feet high, -grafted with the Taxus aurea formed into crowns, and shining in the sun as if burnished with gold, the Swedish and Irish juniper forming boun- dries of various tints of green and worked up into masses, creating by contrast of color and disposition of dwarfer variegations of fo-. liage, habit and form. The prevailing character of the forms were to produce a parterre with colors so centrasted as to strike the eye, producing an impression surpassing any floral arrangement which was readily accomplished with every imaginable shade. For ex- ample—take a half-circle or crescent, and plant the disc with dark upright sombre yew or juniper, and the concave with variegated plants such as Vinca, thyme or Benepe and you have af once a winter bouquet. | ) / To enter into a detail would rac far outstrip my ole i >> the ei of your readers; we give the outline, and leave iam un 2 - HORTICULTURAL JOURNAL. 11 a to form the picture. The gilding of the statuary, the elaborate work ofthe baskets surrounding some cherished novelty, the feathered declivity of the embankments, the terraces and slopes, the plains and the mounts—all exhibit an artistic skill fascinating in the extreme. What is this urrounded with such beautiful wickerwork ? 2 & Libo- cedrus chilensis, a great acquisition.”—It looks like a beautiful sil- ver Thuja. “O yes; youmay call it Thuja chiliensis.” There is another exquisite plant, “That is Biota aurea ;” Ah! very like a Thuja, too? “Yes, Thuja aurea.” There, you see, I have got fixed in a lybranth of names and art. What peculiar shaped pine is that? « A Douglas Fir* Ah, you have been using the knife on it? “Yes; andon’many others freely. I exploded the idea that evergreens will not bear pruning; do it at the proper time, and ju- diciously, they are with few exceptions, perfectly under control.” I thought Douglas fir an exception, and was only handsome from seed? “Of all the magnificent specimens on the place there are only about half a dozen seedlings’ Make a note of that. — -From the east front of the house the east avenue extends ten miles in a straight uninterrupted view, which is not used as an en- trance but merely asa prospect; a walk of about thirty feet wide extends half a mile, or as fur as the ha-ha; within this space the majestic horse chestnut has been replaced by Araucaria imbricata, Cryptomeria japonica, Taxodium sempervirens, Decdars, Cedars of Lebanon, and Picea pinsapo, disposed with a gracefully waved out- line. As you enter this amazing vista you have on your right and left specimens of Picea nobilis, each ten feet high, and about the largest in England, and grown from ctttings planted when three inches high, of the most symmetrical form and without a fault, sur- passing in beauty the far-famed Araucaria excelsa. Onward are beautiful trees of Araucaria imbricata, thirty feet high, planted on mounds, and clothed to the bottom with their distinct and unique foliage and habit. These trees have been sixteen years planted, so that their average growth has been nearly two feet. Next came the Cryptomeria, with its graceful airy form and pendulous branch- lets contrasting with the stiff habit and upright mean of the arau- caria. How grand! how expansive—what will it attain ?—Shall I see it again in twenty years? To the left of this prospect and en- PR THE FLORIST, AND tirely unobserved, is the tame sheet of water of 1831; now a magi- cal. lake interspersed with islands, peninsulas, promontorys and steeps of the most verdant erass——artificial rockwork, pallisades and geological formations, all having, been brought many miles to adorn this secluded spot, to which you are gently drawn by the mu- sical whisperings of a secluded waterfall. \ In your search you cast your eye on the vista of Spondon, the church with its towering'spire three miles across the lake, forms the termination of this picturesque view ; at your feet is a beautiful boat with its golden oars, in which we paddled from island to island, viewing and comparing the growth of trees. the formation of artificial rocks, and the design of the plan- ter, where the towering Douglas and Norway firs were flanked by our hemlock spruce, which makes an agreeable tree for rocky and water scenes, its delicate fohage and drooping branches kissing the ripple of the silver lake, adding new charms to the scene, in be- holding one of our most common trees luxuriating in those fairy isles with native splendour, Those trees were not. planted on low mud islands, but.on high artificial hills, nearly every foot of which had cost a shilling to the spirited owner, whose great delight was to employ the poor to raise the objects of hisfancy, His sole pleasure was planning, planting and replanting—cost was rarely estimated, the question was, can it be done? On the margins and inlets of this romantic sheet of water great effect was produced by the shades of foliage, the Austrian, Corsican and Norway pines gave dark shades, the Silver, Bhotan and Sabin give light shades; the Khutrow, cem- brian and insignis giving the green shades, with an occasional yew whose history went ale into other centuries, gave a tone of ancient and modern grandeur that must be-seen to be fully realized. On the south of the lake and very near the mansion, is formed a grotto and fountain, where all the gems of dwarf trees, lava and rocks are collected and rather systematically arranged, which appears to have been the prevailing taste of his lordship. How wonderful are the productions of the vegetable kingdom ! and they can only be compared 1 in collections thus mane together. We have been ad- miring the rapid growth of many of the firs and pines, frequently exceedingly five feet in one season. What are we now to say, of those miniature, less than Tom Thumb affairs, of those clanbrasil, \ HOR REE LOR kh fOERNAL ©c™ «ae 2 pigmy and Hudson firs, some-of which were tw enty years old, and had not attained. the height of as many inches,’ The view from‘this point across the lake was on the artificial ruins of an old. castle com- posed of rocks, pieces of buildings, tufa and limestone formations, covered with ivy and. wild flowers, all erected within fourteen years, and appeared as having stood for ages on a spot that was a low mea- dow at my last visit. All the walks j in the vicinity of this lake and indeed for miles, were asphalted, composed of four parts gr avel and one part quick-lime and gas tar sufficient to make the whole the consistency of mortar, which was heated on plates built for the pur- pose and laid down whilst hot, about two inches thick, and become as hard as marble. So much was I absorbed with what: I could, barely realise to be real, that 104 of the night found me under the soft silver beams ofthe moon, with nature’s cravings, still enjoying those magical scenes where I saw but yesterday, comparatively, the muddy pool skirting the field ‘of the mower. I retired to'rest, but found none for my evar imagination; the early dawn (22 0 ol’k) found me solitary and alone amidst the golden-crowned yews of the winter garden—not altogether alone, I find, for there comes that si- lent watehman of the night, who has trod the path for seventeen years, amongst those, to him no doubt, monotonous scenes. The thorough secret of the successful growth of all I have seen, consists in a complete system of under-draining; the: ground being so level the main drain had to be extended.14 miles in.a direct line. All the leading trees were planted on mounds of earth—no tree was too large to remove and none too small to plant; every power and facility was on the spot; all fibrous roots were sacredly protected ; during removal copious waterings were given ; stays of strong No. 8 wire were fixed from. the ground to various parts of the tree, to pre- vent its being displaced after planting ; evergreens were successfully moved at all times, but preference given just before their growth. Even a yew that had stood 300 years, was successfully brought from a distance, and the second year after removal made a luxuriant growth ; another striking fact was, to plant the best that could be got; from three inches to three feet high, were the general height of all those now unique specimens of rare evergreens. Seedlings, cuttings, layers or grafts, all were alike acceptable; if they were not of the proper form, the knife wag freely applied; where the. 4 ‘THE FLORIST, AND roots had been confined in pots before planting they were washed from the. old soil, the roots carefully extended, fresh soil placed amongst them, freely watered afew times, and success was the result. The most critical judges cannot now decide whether they were seedlings or not. I will now close with one word more: The whole art and energy has not been fully and entirely directed during the time to the one grand achivement of a Pine tree evergreen— pleasure ground and winter'garden. There is a fruit and vegetable garden with graperies, peach houses, forcing houses, pine pits, hot and cold walls, and all their accompaniments kept, in corresponding order, flourishing and fruitful; but these are every day affairs.— The achievments in the gronndsand the planting, their growth and keeping in the-short space of twenty years, has no: precedent in modern landscape gardening. oe: Re BUST -—____-—— HORTICULTURAL ‘SOCIETIES. Messrs. Editors:_—-Under this title I have read many articles’ in the “Florist,” and other Horticultural papers; every one giving his own views and opinions, but none it appears to me seem to have taken the subject into earnest consideration. | | Horticultural magazines publish articles about Horticultural So- cieties, horticulture, floriculture, straw berries, rural taste and its mission, landscape gardening, cultivation of Indian corn, &e., and of everything, even of Scoundrel tie Ist, or Napoleon IIL, as you please, the kinsman of that great man, who, in (1812, mm" a Titer genius, forgot his army on the banks of the Muskawa, probably to make hygiene experiments on the salubrity and healthfulness of sleeping in the snow, on pillo ows of ice, eating horse-flesh, when it could be got—but oftener refreshing himself with that compound of azote and oxygen, which natural philosophers call air—air at’a temperature of 28° below zero, Fah. (don’t you think, Messrs. Ed- itors, this a very substantial food? one does not want Ive: cream after such a meal,)—or taking cool baths in the Beresina. See what it is to be a man of genius!’ He wanted only wings to be a real genius of the air; although he could fly without them; as this greatest man of the age perform the greatest flight on record.— HORTICULTURAL JOURNAL. 15 He flew (4000 ages contemplated him,) from the pyramid of Cheops across the Mediterranean to the Paddiest nation in the world: I crave indulgence, Messrs. Editors, for making this digression on such small things as great men, but if Dr. Lindley indulges himself in talking politics in his Gardeners’ Chronicle, we may perhaps also’ do so in this free country, when discussing horticulture, which makes laurels to grow to crown the head of human butchers, generally called Heroes. | Iwas saying that horticultural magazines write on gardening, botany, &c.; some few of the public read these writings with as much attention as we generally read the advertisements of sales of second hand clothing or furniture. Horticultural socicties are daily estab- lished, one-tenth of the members attend the meetings and ‘sham- exhibitions of these societies, where the prettiest and most interesting productions are certainly not those of the vegetable kingdom. While I am in the vein,’ will you permit me to take for my sub-. ject your own Horticultural Society, as being the oldest and most important in the Union? Youdo not say yes. Well, let us see, let us be men, let us acknowledge our own infirmities. I said at the commencement of this, that horticulture and horticultural societies are not considered earnestly either by amateurs or by gardeners, with the exception of a few of each party ; this indifference to those. institutions so useful to both, arises from many very different causes. The indifference of amateurs comes principally from the disap- pointment they often experience in their gardeners; the indifference of some of the last comes simply from their own indifference—but some, and these are the minority in number, but the majority in talents, are indifferent, or rather, to be just, are dissatisfied, per-— haps disgusted, to see that their employers are never satisfied at whatever they do—want to have their own way about everthing, and yet make the gardeners responsible when things do not turn out well; or if satisfied, do not express their satisfaction for fear their gardeners should think too much of themselves, and might ask a little advance in wages,. which in this case would be very natural, having the sentiment of their own worth; they are dissatis- fied and become indifferent when they see that good plants, difficult to cultivate and well grown get no nore encomiums or better awards a ' 16 | THE FLORIST, AND V4 \ of premiums than mere trash; and sometimes worse than that, no mention, no notice taken at all of their. plants. In the year that is just past, we have seen something of that sort, but it is of no use to particularise. They become dissatisfied, demoralized, when they see that, besides getting no premiums or mean ones, they get no credit, no publicity bemg given to the awards of. prizes, exept in’ a few of the political papers; the two or three horticultural magazines they subscribe to, and which ought to publish all the proceedings of horticultural societies, never mention a word of such, or if they do, it is in such a partial way, that it is still worse.’ Editors and pro- prietors of these magazines seem not to comprehend that their interests are connected with the success and prosperity of horticulturak societies, the prosperity of gardeners, nurserymen,—of all,’ in fine, who are engaged in horticultural pursuits, all are linked together. This is entirely lost sight of; you are the first, in your last two numbers, who seem to have understood the importance of giving a large publicity to every branch of horticulture. In’ my opimion, your “monthly tour of inspection,” which I would call “horticultural review,” will do more towards the diffusion of. taste for horticulture than all the exhibitions alone. Butif magazines (and we will have a respectable number of them,) and horticultural societies, would join together and jay aside their little jealousies’\and many other things not worth mentioning, in a few years we would begin to see some of those wonders of the old world that I am anxious to see in the new one; thatis to say the wonders of gardeners’ skill. . Lam also desirous of seeing one day, a large Central Horticultaral Society, or Horticultural Congress, composed of all the local societies, that in twenty-four hours could meet in one given place, New York for instance ; but this is perhaps too much for the present, and before’ establishing a new society we must try to reform the defects of old ones. Let us begin. Will you allow me to speak of your so You do not answer ; so I take your : silence for consent; bit first, * few words in the shape of exordium. Besides my being fond of flowers, as my name implies, I am very fond of talking. ‘I say sO here to prevent some of my friends, the gardeners, telling. me that I have too much tongue for a lover of flowers ; real ‘love whatever | be,its object, speaks more with the eyes ‘and heart than with the toneue. I believe that too—but the object of my love, of my talk, HORTICULTURAL JOURNAL. aa I mean, could not understand the eloquence of my eyes or heart, so I must express: myself more significantly.. : Now my exordium is over, and I still ceraiee my ear to know how to come to the point. It is a delicate matter, interfering with other people’s private affairs; but I think this is not a private affair, it is an affair of the Horticultural public, so I have the right to rum- | mage it, and as I must begin with something, I will ask you, first: Who were the members of your committee of arrangement at your last September exhibition—they were not gardeners assuredly ?. but, if they were, I congratulate them upon the fine distribution of the — articles exhibited. When I entered)the Floral room, of. course nobody was there but the managers, as thought; there was no crowd. to prevent my looking at the objects closely, nor to distract my attention. But this was all in vain. Everything was so much mixed, pell-inell, that I could not find the plants that were for com- petition, except a lot of antediluvian specimens—I suppose the « hop-poles’? of the “ working gardener’’—which stood by the door ef the Hall—which plants, I suppose, had been once bushy ; they : must have been contemporaries of Wm. Penn’s elm. — How many times I sighed for the Ericas of Chiswick, ee or four feet across, when looking at these venerable, but not very ad- mirable productions of the 17th century, if not older; for I must tell you, that when I sailed from Dutchified Albany, I had the con- viction, whatever the “ working gardener” had said, that I should see some fine plants, if not of Ericas, at least some nApoomeRs simi- lar; but, alas! : | " Now I want all your indulgence, for I am going to flags all liberty of being indisereet. I am going to ask you, who are the members of your executive committee?—are there any scientific men amongst them ?—are they young men or old ones ?—it does. not matter, if they have young ideas. You will not speak. . I see— you are offended at my inquiries; if so, | am very sorry; but you will permit me to tell you, it is a poor, way of reforming abuse 8, uf you will not point them out. I am bi nae now and Iwill give you my opinion. I think a society like yours, ina cies like Philadelphia, ought to have, as much as. possible, scientific men for officers, or, if not 18 Si FLORIST, AND scientific, very zealous for the udvaneebroxit of science; (for you nisl not be too much dazzled with scientific’ men, they are often »great humbugs,) especially the more active men, Secretaries, Chairmen of Committees, &e. Such a society ought not to be overruled by the Gerontocracy.* We are in an age of progress, and you must. not retrograde or be stationary, but advance, march with the age 5 for are you not Americans in Pennsylvania? Will you allow the old country ideas of Europe to rule you? I do not believe it. You ought not to retrograde, but it is what I think you have been doing since a few years. I saw Philadelphia for the first time some 12 or 13 years ago, and I think there were more good plants to be seen then in public or private collections than at present. Your society. may possibly have saved money since then, but it has not advanced the science of Gardening or Botany; it has neither diffused the taste for exotic plants or native plants. Philarvensis and others will have a good deal to say before they convince people that the - Hemlock, Spruce and White Pine are as handsome trees as any coni- feree from Australia or other places. It will be a long time before people will believe that Andromeda Mezicana and THE FLORIST AND The soil of the greater portion of the region, the vegetation of which we have given the reader a faint idea, consists principally of a tenaceous red clay; but fromthe mild heat and great quantity of rain that falls, vegetation - is very rank, and decomposition of the parts thrown off is constantly going on, so that a vast accumulation of vegetable earth prevails all through the forests, affording food for plants of all kinds. At some future time we may say something of the natural and cultivated vegetation in the vicinity of Rio. PEREGRINUS. FLOWER GARDENS. Geometrical flower gardens when properly located and tastefully ar- ranged are always inviting. Objection has frequently been urged against this species of garden as being of too artificial a charaeter for introducing into natural scenery, but I apprehend that all such objections may arise from the misapplication of the principle. Artificial rockeries, lakes, and all other miniature representations of natural scenery require much taste both in their immediate formation, and the suitability of the locality in which they are placed. So with the geometrical flower garden. In pleas- ure grounds of an undulating nature, traversed by serpentine and abruptly curved walks, irregular masses of shrubbery and broad patches of flowers will seem more appropriately decorative, than any formal arrangement of straight lined or circular shaped beds. Nothing can be more out. of char- acter than laying down one of these gardens on an extensive lawn, or open pleasure grounds. Equally objectionable is that system of dotting lawns indiscriminately with flower beds and trees, as unmeaning as out of place. Many fine pleasure grounds are rendered tame ond uninteresting from the ineffective sameness thus produced. These designs are very efiective in retired situations, hemmed in by trees and shrubs, more especially when surr ounded with an elevated terrace walk, that it may be comprehended in one view. Perhaps their most appropriate position is within, or rather, placed so as to grow an extension to, the ar- chitectural boundary of the house. Here they can. be viewed from the’ windows of the dwelling, and may be decorated with vases, sundials, and other appropriate architectural devices. The flcwer beds are either inter- sected by gravelled walks, or cut out of the grass. The accompanying. woodcut is intended to illustrate the general character of those surrounded with grass. Withregard to the planting of these spots, there is much room for artistic skill and taste. The modern system is to fill each bed with a distinct colored flower, contrasting the colors so as to produce @ striking effect when viewed as a whole. Notwithstanding that this ar- rangement of contrasting colors is very frequently attempted, I have met ee 74 THE FLORIST AND ieee with few instances where it has been successfully carried out. A thorough knowledge of the composition of colors, is an indispensable pre-requisite. The plants usually employed for produeing masses of flowers are tender, consequently they are useful for afew months only. It is desirable there- fore to plant a few beds permanently with dwarf evergreens. The Ever- green Berberries are well adapted, beautiful in foliage, flower, and fruit. The Euonymus also forms a fine mass, can be pruned into any shape. Kal- mias, and Rhododendrons, will also be available. Deciduous Azaleas should be introduced. The varieties of Yucca, planted singly in the cen- tre of the beds would have a fine effect, so exotic in appearance. Aucuba japonica will produce a beautiful variegated bed ; in this way the flower garden may be rendered cheerful even in winter. As already observed, much depends upon the selection of suitable plants for a dazzling display of flowers during summer. There is nothing supe- rior to the numerous varieties of Verbena, they continue in splendor under the brightest sun. Petunias also flourish well in dry weather. The soil should be well deepened in the first place, and moderately enriched. This will save much labor in watering; an expedient often resulting from inefh- cient preparation. ‘The beds should not be elevated in the centre, as is often done, a level surface is preferable, and retains moisture longer. In- stead of filling each bed exclusively with one variety, a better effect is pro- duced from a mixture ; for instance, Verbenas form an unequalled display of flowers, but are deficient in height and (foliage. Heliotropes make ro- bust growths, attain the size of small shrubs, but are wanting in brilliant colors ; the two planted together, the latter inthe centre, form a desirable combination. So also with Petunias and Salvias, Geraniums, Penstemons, Portulacca, Nierembergia, &e. Examples might be multiplied, but it is not necessary. Many modifications and alterations will occur in practice, al- ways keeping in view the completion of a pre-conceived design, both in ar- rangement and choice of plants. ? Baltimore, February, 1858. WILLIAM SAUNDERS. BoraNICAL VARIATION IN A NEcCTARINE FLowER.—Mnr. Epiror :—I send for your inspection, a flower of a P’tmaston nectarine, having two perfect pistils. It is another instance of the uncertainty of botanical characters when the plants from which they are derived are under cultivation. At some future time I shall have some similar observations to record on the strawberry—tending to show, that the distinctions so much relied on by our friends in the great West, with regard to Staminates, Pistillates, and Hermaphrodites, are perfectly arbitrary—that a staminate can be changed to a pistillate, &c. entirely by cultivation. THomas MEEHAN. ‘§ HORTICULTURAL JOURNAL. 75 For the Florist and Horticultural Journal. ON THE CULTURE OF THE ERICA. There are upwards of seven hundred species and varieties of the Erica, and if any tribe of plants requires the special care of the gar- dener, if any more beautiful than another, it isthe Erica. The Hri- cas (except a few species) are found on the Table Mountain, at the Cape of Good Hope, 3600 feet above the sea, in latitude 34° 28” south, which is a hot and airy situation, and proves that the Erica can without injury, bear intense sun on the foliage, but not the de- structive effects of the sun’s rays beating onthe pot. To propagate the Erica by seed, I prepare a cold frame, in size according to the quantity of seed ; the soil I use is turfy sandy loam from an old pas- ture, I fill the frame to about a foot from the glass, and press firm and evenly down to sow the seed on, which should be in rows, with each sort labelled; cover lightly with fine soil, then syringe the bed over, to settle the soil, and keep the sash in until they vegetate ; if sown in March they will be fit to pot in the end of summer or be- ginning of autumn singly into thumb pots. After potting, place them in a close frame for a few days and gradually harden them off; at the approach of frost shift them into the greenhouse or heathry, near the glass, in a situation where they are exposed to the genial influence of the sun and capable of free ventilation at ail times. To propagate by cuttings is nearly as sure as raising from seed, and they mostly make stronger plants. In preparing for the cuttings, I take a square box 4 or 5 inches deep, I put sufficient drainage in the bottom and fill up with sand and loam well mixed, and cover with about 4 inch of white sand, and press gently down so as to al- low for the top of the cutting to be 4 an inch below the edge of the box; then lay a square of glass over the box, which may be turned once or twice a day, and is much quicker than wiping out bell glass- es. Cuttings may be put in at all seasons of the year, the most pre- ferable months are January, February and March. Having all ready for the cuttings, I select shoots which, on cutting at a right angle under a joint or set of leaves, will not be bruised, but ent clean through, which is a good criterion to judge from; dress the leaves 76 THE FLORIST AND off for two or three joints with a very sharp knife; the cuttings should be put in rows and have each sort labelled; a gentle watering is ne- cessary to settle the sand. I place them in a cool part of the green- — house, as they should not be excited at first, as they are apt to damp off or grow up weak; when they are calloused they may be moved toa partly spent hotbed with a gentle bottom heat; when too muck heat is applied the cutting is elongated, to the injury of its rooting; they should be potted off as they root in half turfy leam, half peat and sand rubbed through the hands, but retain all the vegetable matter in the soil; treat them the same as the seedlings after they are potted. In the spring following their seedling or eutting states, when they are too large for thumb pots, I shift into 38-inch pots well drained, and keep the ball about half an inch below the edge of the pot, so as it will hold water to wet all the soil in the pot at once; I then plunge in a cold frame in a partly shaded situation, and keep the sash on during storms, as they should not be exposed to the weather when so young, and plants in pots suffer more then when planted out; when the nights get frosty I give them the same treatment, as they had the winter before in the seedling and cutting states. In the season following, when the frosty nights are over, I prepare @ bed 18 inches deep, with good turfy loam from an old pasture, well chopped up; if not of a sandy nature I make itso. I then select one or two duplicates of each species; I do not expose too many of the rare and tender sorts to the heavy rains; I plant in rows 2 ft. apart; these by the following autumn will have grown fine bushy plants, when I have them carefully taken up with balls according to the size of the plants, and put in pots larger than the balls, to allow them to grow, as they should not have their growth retarded at this pe- riod, and [ take great care not to cramp the roots, as nothing injures plants more than to force them into small pots. I then place them in a cold frame shaded for a week or more, and syringe them over head occasionally, and gradually expose them to the rays of the sun. Ericas which I grow in pots, when the roots become matted round the side of the pot, I repot into 2-3 of turfy loam 1-3 of white sand, charcoal, and pieces of broken freestone, or any rough mate- rial to keep the soil from becoming sodden; and the roughness of HORTICULTURAL JOURNAL. 17 the compost should be according to the age and size of the plant. I make a practice to have the pot well drained with charcoal, crocks, &c., if not, the soil becomes soured, and premature death is the re- sult. ; With the above treatment I have grown Ericas complete ; bushes in three and four years from 1 to 2 feet diameter, from 9 to 18 in- ches high; and sorts such as Persoluta, Transparens, Politrichifolia, &c. Much larger Ericas should be repotted some time before they are exposed to the influence of the weather, and if not plunged in the ground they should be put within a larger pot, and the interven- ing space filled with moss, which retains moisture and prevents the injurious effects of a hot sun beating on the roots; when the plants are in a growing state they should be frequently stopped, and peg- ged down on the edge of the pot, which gives them a bushy appear- ance, as nothing locks so unsightly as sticks and props, (which Glen- ny calls the minor frigate of war style.) There has been much ca- villing as to the soil Ericas should be grown in; the soil I succeed best with is turfy sandy loam, which has been flayed from an old pasture to the depth of two inches and piled in a heap until it is well decayed; I find that Ericas grown in peat receive more injury from the het sun than when grown in loam; the cause may be from not having turfy fibrous peat, as the peat that is generally used is got from swamps or wet, shady woods, and is ina sodden state to be- gin with. To have Ericas root freely, the soil must be a free soil and not a binding one, and the color is no object ; Ericas should ne- ver be watered when the hot sun is beating on them, (especially if in a growing state) or they are apt to droop and die. In summer they may want water once or twice a day, in winter sometimes once a week; when the ball gets matted hard, I take a sharp stick and per- forate the ball from the top, which allows the water to sink all thro’, as sometimes when they are repotted the water sinks through the new soil by the side of the pot, and the ball is quite dry. J never give a little water, or water sparingly—ti always give sufficient to wet the whole of the soil in the pot at once, and never water but when they are becoming dry. I believe there is more injury done to the plants by injudicious watering than all other evils connected. The best structure for Ericas is a low span-roof house about 13 78 THE FLORIST AND feet wide inside, the sections being north and south; height 6 to 8 feet, length 60 to 100 feet, so made that the glass could be taken off in summer; or in short, a span-roof hotbed, or frame, heated with hot water pipes; smoke flues should never be put in a house for grow- ing Ericas; one-half of the house should have borders prepared for planting them out of the pots for three or four years, where they could have time to grow to specimens; and the other half for plung- ing the plants in pots. If they are kept in a greenhouse they should be arranged on the front shelf where they can have plenty of light and air when weather permits; the thermometer may range from 40 to 45 dezs. Fahr. or not below 35 in winter, and 45 to 55 or 60, with sun heat in the early spring months; if the house is kept too close and hot, they are apt to mildew; if there be any appearance of mildew, syringe with sulphur water, which will stop it. Syringings may be given on clear sunny mornings in winter and in the evenings in spring and summer, which keep them clear of scale and filth, and contribute greatly to the health and vigor of the plant. Wm. Grey, Kenwood, Albany. For the Florist and Horticultural Journal. ORIGIN OF THE CHOROZEMA, WITH RECOLLECTIONS OF GARDEN SCENERY. Among the many beautiful additions which New Holland has afforded to our greenhouses, few perhaps are more interesting than the Chorozema, whether we consider the beauty of its bloom or its entertaining history.— The derivation of its name from choros, a dance, and zema, a drink, alludes to the occasion of its discovery, which was made by a party in search of fresh water, and which they found at the same time. Among my earliest recol- lections I recall an elegant specimen of C. varium nanum, which stood 34 ft. high and as many across, never failing in the vernal months to cover every inch of its surface with racemes of its fine showy blossoms. This reference leads me to the beautiful place where this specimen grows; and I hope that a brief detail of its other beauties will not be uninteresting. Lismore Castle gardens, owned by the Duke of Devonshire, which are under the superin- tendence of one of his best gardeners, Mr. Keane, who has managed them for the last 25 years with the greatest credit. Here he cultivates upwards HORTICULTURAL JOURNAL. 79 of 150 varieties of that noble family, the Erica, which are exclusively grown in peat with a small mixture of turfy loam; he also uses liberally peat char- coal and white sand. I have never since seen any collection superior in lux- uriance of growth or of bloom. The peat is obtained from that part of the mountain where the heath grows, and the sods are piled in a heap for twelve months before using. A few of the varieties which I most admired were Hartnellii, wich pro- duces a profusion of red flowers, and possesses the property of blooming twice a year; Archeriana, which I never saw at any time lack its dozens of beau- tiful scarlet clusters; Propendens, a highly esteemed favorite, bearing in spring its fragrant purple bells in great profusion—one called hybrida, with tubular glistening red blossoms, deserves especial notice; Westphalingia, bright crimson,—most of the ventricosas; Bothwelliana, the best specimen I have ever seen, its flowers resembling ven. grandiflora; Cavendishii and de- pressa, splendens, ampullacea superba; Masonii, perspicua nana; triumph- ans, Shannonii, and almost endless variety of fine sorts. Inavisit which I lately paidto the nursery of Mr. Menand, I was much gratified by the healthy appearance of his fine young specimens of this family, which are the founda- tion, I don’t doubt, of something astonishing—even so much ag Chiswick specimens. Both the kitchen and flower gardens at Lismore are remarkable for their tasteful and peculiar construction, with winding walks and lofty trees; and well worthy of notiee is the ‘‘ dark walk,” so called from the fact that the brightest rays of the sun cannot penetrate the densely leaved arcade of Yew trees, the growth of centuries. Along the south walls in the pleasure grounds are planted all the fine va- rieties of tea and china roses, besides a large collection of beautiful climbers, such as Clianthus puniceus and Glycine sinensis; some fine Magnolias, the finest Coral tree I ever saw, two extraordinary Yuccas, var. gloriosa, which recently threw up spikes of flowers 17 feet from the ground. An Acacia affinis stands 30 feet high, an Araucaria imbricata not less than 12 ft. high. I once had the pleasure of showing a gentleman from New York around this establishment, and many times did he sigh for some such places in America, and so do I—but as the inclemency of our winters wont permit such rarities to live out of doors, let our gentlemen of sufficient means imitate my employ- er, in the erection of glass, and then we can have the pleasure of their beau- tiful appearance. Let our ladies also warmly advocate the cause, as it is only a natural circumstance that the gentlemen should listen to their solici- tations, and thereby evince that zeal which no tasteful mind should lack. Maurice WALSH, gr. to EL. Corning, Jr. Esq., Albany. 80 THE FLORIST AND Mr. Eprror:—Your correspondent ‘“‘Anthophilus” seems to have found @ ‘‘mare’s nest’’ in the fact that plants can be grown without peat. Indeed, he actually believes it. It would be a greater wonder to me to see plants, of the kind he mentions, grow well in it, if the peat he alludes to is the marsh mud that I see some gardeners collecting, drying, and storing past under that name. Onething I wonder much atis, that I never see any of them using it by itself in their plant culture;-—perhaps they would grow too well. Traddles thinks they would not grow at all in it; but Ae is no authority. I would hesitate in making the remark, did I not see encouragement loaming through some late articles in your pages. That I have known heaths on the tables at Chiswick with very little peat about their roots, not more than a ‘‘night-cap” full to the bushel. This was merely tried ag an experiment, not from a scarcity of good peat—real fibry stuff, fit for foot balls—that had to be cut with a chopping-knife before it could be used. I had hoped that the mysticism of compost making was at an end; but in a late ‘New York Agricultor” I observed a specimen which, a century ago, would have immortalized the author. It is a border for growing grape vines, composed as follows—I omit the quantities of each, which are considerable : Bones, sculls of sheep and oxen, pulverised charcoal, oyster shells, leather scrapings, coal ashes, blacksmiths’ cinders, leached ashes, iron filings, well- decomposed manure, street scrapings, garden soil, yellow loam and sod. The writer premises that he is ‘‘ very particular with his border,” and “ waters with soapsuds every Monday — one pailful to a root— and on Friday with guano.” If this is not horticultural charlatanry it is a very near approach to it. Such exposures go farther in retarding than advancing the subject they pretend to simplify. Many who would gladly undertake the culture of grapes would give it up in despair, if they seriously believed such a conglomeration of substances was indispensable for their growth. Your calendar writer may snuff out his farthing candle in the face of this bright light. He is content with well drained ‘‘ garden soil,” trenched two feet [deep, and mixed with charcoal and bones. ‘The latter substance is very generally recommended as a manure for grasses. Wonder if the idea was taken from Plutarch? He informs us that ‘‘ the Massalians walled in their vineyards with the bones of their enemies that they had slain, and they produced a prodigious crop the | next season.”’ ‘Truly, ‘there is nothing new under the sun.’’ This wassome 2000 years ago. | You remark that the London Horticultural Society have been trying sul- | phur and lime to prevent mildew, and think it will doit. They need not 4 think anything about it, its efficacy has been fully established long ago. As — like as not they picked up the remedy from Allen’s treatise on the vine, pub- lished some years ago in Boston; but, of course, they must find it out for — as. 4 f, i a HORTICULTURAL JOURNAL. 81 - themselves. The discovery has also lately been made in France. ‘ oe RosepaLe Nurseries, Darzy Roap, May 10th, 1853. SUMMER PRUNING OF THE PEAR. Mr. Epiror :—I promised in my last to say a word to your many readers, but your calendar writer, 8. B., has fairly anticipated me, and has, moreover, said as much in ten lines as book-makers gen- erally do in ten folios—in fact he has done up the subject well— read it again. It is thirty years since I summer-pruned fruit trees, but I have lived to see that the science was very imperfeetly under- stood then, and those who may succeed us will, 1 hope, be able to say soof us. Cur pruning was done in August just en the retum of the sap; an error if you wish fruit; a fit time if you wish wood. Before this reaches your friends it will be time for many of them to begin fo prune—not by cutting off shoots and thinning out, but by pinching off the tip ef the young growth as soon as it. has made six inches of young wood. Some may require nibbing off entirely where they form a thicket; but that is rarely required when the tree has had a judicious winter pruning. Strong shoots that offer to outgrow all others will require frequent topping during the season; and those of weaker growth will do with one topping, observing to keep the proportions ef the tree in the eye that it may be regular and uniform from base to tip; much defoliation should never be performed; the smaller the portion the more healthful the tree; deprive it of its foliage and you at the same time deprive it of a portions of its roots. When the summer pruning is performed HORTICULTURAL JOURNAL. 131 $< at the time we indicate, and in the manner described, the next season will show that many of the trees have formed fruit buds on this year’s wood. We object to summer pruning during the heat of the season, unless it be an occasional exuberant shoot. ‘The tree at that period requires all the foliage and growth to keep the bole of the tree cool and the sap in active circulation. Some trees, however judicious our management, are tardy in producing fruit buds. We have often, and do now every July and August, twist a piece of wire or cord tight round a limb, which checks the returning sap and causes it to be elaborated in the limb instead of the root. Another method, and a very old one too, is to cut out a ring of the bark about one-quarter of an inch in width, disturbing the sap on the surface of the wood as little as possible. From this old practice it will not surprise us to see a new one arise, that instead of scrap- ing the outer bark oif during early spring, the trees will yet be en- tirely denuded of their bark about the end of June, when a new bark will be male in 48 hours, and a new life, and new energies given tothe tree. We are not thorough arborists until we can take a growing branch of a tree and unite it to its kindred species at any period of the year, and when that time arrives, planting will not be confined to two short periods of the year. When attending to summer pruning, attend at the same time to thinning cut the fruit; one dozen first rate in size and fairness will bring more money than two dozen of inferior, or even mediocre size. Such is the opinion of yours truly, R. Beis. a THE CAUSE OF BAD COLORED GRAPES. There was a curious discussion a few months since in the London journals about a grape exhibited there as the “Red Hamburg.” One party culling | it a badly colored “Black,” the other stoutly maintaining its distinctness. Dr. Lindley, while adhering to the former party, thought it would be inter- esting to know whether grapes colored badly in warm climates—intimating that the real cause of bad coloring was not yet clearly understood. Having paid much attention to the subject, and having been fortunate in having a 3 ae THE FLORIST AND a i = Ss nee very varied experience in grape growing in many circumstances, and in many conditions, I have at length arrived at the conclusion, that bad color- ing is the result of a disproportion between the quantity of roots, and the fruit to be nourished on any given vine. Opinions seem to be very opposite on the subject. Some asserting their belief that the cause hes with “leaving on too many bunches ;” others “a want of air at the time of coloring ;” another section, “the want of bright sunshine or light” at that period ; and then again in “the borders being too wet,” ‘‘too poor,” “‘too rich,” or “the vines being placed too deep.” The quantity of heat or light has nothing to do with the subject of grapes 17- pening without color, for without heat or light sufficient they will not ripen at all though every other circumstance be favorable. The advocates of the other theories are all right. Mistaking effects for causes resultsin the seeming opposition of opinion. For instance, when “too many bunches”’ are left on, the proper proportion of roots to bunches is overbalanced—in other words the supply of nutriment afforded by the roots is insufficient. Then again if the borders are ill drained, or become in any way so wet that the young fibres are rotted off, the disproportion is again originated, and the grapes will not color. If the vines are planted too deep in the borders, fi- bres are produced in very small quantity; and, as the fibres draw much nu- triment from the atmosphere, the few that do exist are in no way propor- tionate to the demands made upon them by the plant and the grapes will not color. A border that is too rich, whereby the fibres are ‘“‘burnt up,’ or too poor to sustain the proper life of a grape vine, will also have the same ef- fect. It is very rarely that we see a grape growing in a soil rather dry, and not well enriched, ripen with a bad color, and where they seem to be, an ex- amination will find that the want of color is in reality a want of ripeness, arising from insufficient air, light, or heat. In a cold vinery where some grapes grew in the house at the back wall, and others planted deep in an out- side border and trained up the rafters, I have had the former beautifully colored, when the latter were but indifferently so; and in forcing them in pots, I have found that if a vine get ‘‘over-watered” causing some of the roots to decay, the same results happen. So if the pot is too small for the strength of the vine, the bunches will color badly, unless assisted by liberal supplies of manure water. From such observation and experience I Jay it down as arule, that what- ever interrupts the proper course of nutriment between the roots and the fruit, produces “(Red Hamburg’s.”’ THOMAS M@EHAN. HORTICULTURAL JOURNAL. 133 NOTES ON ROSE CULTURE. BY A LOVER OF ROSES. “Good work never springs from bad materials” is as orthodox on the present subject as any other. So the first object of attention is good soil, on adry bottom; or in other words good, rich, sandy soil, free from stagnant moisture in all seasons. Such being the case, we are indifferent about the exact component parts of the soil, but it must be rich to produce anything approaching a luxuriant growth, and full sized flowers. To obtain such I will briefly touch upon the following subjects—soil, disposition, sorts and pruning. Soi. I prefer a sandy loam, dug at least 18 inches deep, and in- corporated with at least one eighth of manure that is at least 4 to 6 months old. I prefer it from the cow stable, but when I can get a profusion of decomposed leaves from the woods and mix it in equal portions with the garden soil I never fail to have flowers of full size and fine color, and am convinced of finer odor. Another point of vast importance to the success of the grower is never to plant a rose in soil where a rose has grown before ; invariably re-. place your soil, or grow on it grass or vegetables for 2 years before renewing your rose plantation. The many failures and disappoint- ments that often occur arise solely from this neglect. How fre- quently have I seen some of my neighbors dig up an old worthless rose bush that had exhausted all the soil in its vicinity, and replant some other sort of more fashionable reputation that did not take hold of the soil, and consequently never made a growth. The fail- ure in nine cases out of ten, was cast upon the plant, or perhaps the unfortunate vender, whereas had it grown the planter would have assumed the full credit of its success. I speak now from experi- ence for which I have fully paid. Locality, is another important step in rose culture. In city gar- dens especially, how frequently you see some of the finest plants of the rose purchased in the market, carefully carried home and plant- ed directly opposite the back parlor window, whether the sun shines or not the rose is planted to grow? No—todie or dwindle out a sickly existence. Again in the country how frequently are your nerves irritated by seeing a fine Souvenir de la Malmaison or a 134 THE FLORIST AND Giant of Battles, both indispensable kinds, planted under the shade of some large maple, oak, or pine tree; every flower they produce is smaller than the one that preceded it, till you hear “Well! lam quite discouraged with my roses, they won’t grow.” It is not sur- prising; the soil exhausted with other rcots, and the sun (so es- sential) rarely smiles upon the plants. Avoid, therefore, all those crowded, shaded localities, and give them a full, free exposure, where the sun will have its full influence at least 4 to 6 hours every day from February to November. Disposition. Whether it be five feet or five acres, let it be a rose garden ; the very name itself carries with it an irresistable charm. Do away with all those incongruous mixtures of plants; not a «‘ wilderness of sweets,” a wilderness of confusion; cast your eye where you will, all is alike, a confused mixture—nothing striking, nothing to visit the eye; nothing for it to rest upon; nothing to brighten ; nothing to dazzle—all is one monotonous view. I go in fully for variety, but a decided variety, and a decided place for it, whether in the garden, on the lawn, or in the rosery ; by the drive or inthe park; and may I while on this subject ask for the benefit of. your citizens, and the strangers who visit here every season and leave therein their thousands, why Lemon Hill, the property of the city, now lying waste, is not converted into a Rose Park? It could not be appropriated to a more pure and beautiful purpose; we say then, give roses their place and they will in all their splendor shine from May till the chilly blasts of winter. There is no situation which they are not adapted to, or can be made to suit; amongst rocks ; over tree roots; by old quarries; on uneven surfaces; gang- ways to barns; espaliers to back buildings and out-houses; in the. oe 8) ] . , vicinity of water; by the lake or rivulet. Oh, strange! I have. just said they must have a dry subsoil, and now recommend them for margins of lakes, &«. How can their roots be dry in such locality? Pray roll together a few logs, tree roots, or large stones; cover them entirely, or partially with rich earth, and plant thereon. You will have in a few years very romantic masses of roses, ramb- ling in every form, and waving their crimsons, purples, blushes, pinks and whites, in separate clumps. This arrangement is much more pleasing to the eye, and creates a greater variety. Climbers - HORTICULTURAL JOURNAL. 135 © ee or runners; dwarfs and mediums, should have their separate spots, and independent treatment. It is much better to select a tew promi- nent, than torun into a great variety. We can by this arrangement procure plants much cheaper from the growers, or raise them by cuttings or layers, which is simple enough to those who will devote a litle patience or time to the subject, or those who prefer to begin at once, and with the return of the plant season might, we think, procure in May sorts in quantity at 12 to 20 cents each [Zo be continued. | MANDEVILLA SUAVEOLENS. Much and deservedly as this splendid climber is prized wherever it is pro- perly cultivated, it is nevertheless perfectly unknown in many places, a statement which may seem incredible to some, but which is strictly true. The lady owner of an elegant and well kept conservatory recently expressed surprise at seeing the Mandevilla rambling about the roof of a house in which she was standing, and covered with its deliciously fragrant clusters of snowy white Convolvulus-like blossoms; she said, ‘“‘We tried it in the stove, but we could not afford it sufficient space, and it .was not very satisfactory ; we therefore did not think that the conservatory would be warm enough for it.” And acorrespondent, evidently an intelligent person, writing so re- cently as the 10th inst., from one of the principal towns of the kingdom, begs for such information respecting it as plainly indicates that it is not com- monly grown in his locality. Had it not been his request to be informed whether this, the best of conservatory climbers, is worth growing, I should not have selected it as the subject of an article ; and I do so now more for the purpose of recommending it to notice than to give especial directions for its culture. As minute instructions may, however, operate as an inducement to some amateurs to add the plant to their collection (and there are few plant houses in whicha suitable place for the Mandevilla might be found,) I have thought it worth while to give them. It is not very suitable for pot culture, at least I believe itis not; for ex- cept the two first plants I had of it, I have never attempted to grow it in this manner. I am convinced, however, from the success which I obtained with those, that it may be made to bloom rather freely in a pot; and the fra- grance and beauty of the flowers render it worth an effort to obtain them in that manner. Were I to attempt its culture in pots, I would treat it as fol- lows; and although the display of blossom which I might get would be -poor compared with what plants turned out in the conservatory border, and al- lowed plenty of space to ramble about, would produce, it would nevertheless be ample compensation for the little attention which the plants would re- quire. I would procure good strong young plants, say in March, prune them back closely, leaving but one joint of the last season’s growth; then place 136 THE FLORIST AND _ them in a house where the night temperature might average about 50°, and when the plants started into active growth, I would give a moderate shift, and stop the shoots once or twice, to ensure an abundance of young wood: — When the pots became filled with roots, I would shift into the flowering pots, which should be 15 or 18 inch ones, according to the strength of the plants. The vigorous habit of the plant renders a good sized trellis néces- sary,which should be applied at once, and the shoots neatly and regularly tied over it. Water should be given rather sparingly at the root from the time when the plants are placed in the flowering pots; but the syringe should be used freely, and the plants kept in an airy, light part of the house, and if the night heat can be conveniently kept as low as from 50° to 55°, it will be more suitable than a higher temperature. When the trellises are well covered with wood, which probably may be the case by the middle of June, remove the plants to the greenhouse, placing them in the warmest end of it for a few days, toavoid injuring the foliage by a sudden removal from a moist atmosphere to a dry one; and when they are inured to the change, expose them freely to sun and air, giving no more water at the root than will suffice to keep the foliage from flagging. This treatment con- tinued for three weeks or a month, will effectually check the tendency of the. plants to make wood, and when this is effected, they may be placed in the warmest corner of the greenhouse, where they will speedily begin to open their blossoms. The plants of the Mandevilla which I grew in pots were treated in the above manner, and I distinctly recollect that one of the specimens was very much admired, and produced a great number of clusters of flowers during August and September ; the other was a weak plant when received from the nursery, and produced but a few clusters, owing doubtless to its having been stopped back later in the season than the stronger specimen, both were planted in the conservatory the following spring, where they have been so satisfactory that I have never cared to attempt cultivating it as a pot plant. Those, however, who possess a conservatory or greenhouse where climbers can be grown will find the rafters the best possible situation for its growth, especially if the roof of the house is kept close, and the roots can be af- forded a moderate space in a border composed of light sandy loam, which is the soil I would also recommend for its pot culture. Whether in pots or turned ont in the conservatory border, the soil should be kept rather dry after flowering, and till it may be desired to start the plants. into growth in spring, and severe pruning is absolutely necessary to keep the plant within bounds; the young wood should be cut back to the last joint, except in the case of plants that may not have attained the de- sired size, and plenty of water should be given to keep the border in a healthy moist condition during the growing and flowering seasons. It is readily propagated by means of cuttings of the shortest jointed wood, taken when rather firm, and planted in light sandy soil, covered with a glass and placed in a gentle bottom-heat, but the plant seeds very freely, and thus affords an easy means of increasing it to any extent. Alpha, (in Gard. Chron., April 23.) eet HORTICULTURAL JOURNAL. 137 AN ENUMERATION OF THE VINES OF N. AMERICA. BY JOHN LE CONTE F. 1.8.” (CONCLUDED.) 6. V. araneosts. Folis lato-cordatis, sublobato-angulatis, inte- gris, trilobis aut quinquelobis, lobis acuminatis, dentatis, dentibus submucronatis, supra glabris, subtus arachnoideo-villosis, villositate plus minus ferruginea., Racemis subdensis, baccis majoribus nigris. Ha5.—In the upper parts of Georgia. Vulg. Fox grape. Stem moderately large and high. Leaves broad, cordate, sublo- bately angled, entire and three or five lobed, acuminate dentate; the teeth submucronate, above glabrous, beneath arachnoideo-villous, more or less ferruginous; in the older leaves this villosity forms into small tufts or knots, and in the very oldest almost entirely vanishes, although in the youngest it is very thick and close. Racemes dense; berries of a middling size, °5 of an inch in diameter, black, often very sweet and agreeable. The leaves are sometimes 8 inches long and as many wide. This species is well worth cultivating. 7. V. Bicotor. Foliis lato-cordatis sublobato-angulatis acuminatis subintegris et tri aut quinquelobis irregulariter dentatis, dentibus acuminatis aut mucronatis supra glabris subtus pallidioribus, in ju- nioribus sparse arachnoideo-villosis. Racemis laxis, baccis parvis nigris. Ha).—F¥rom Pennsylvania to Virginia. V. estivalis, Darlington, Florula Cestrica. Stem moderately large and high. Leaves broad-cordate, sublo- bately angled, acuminate, subentire, and three or five-lobed, irre- gularly dentate; the teeth acuminate or mucronate, above smooth; beneath paler in the younger leaves, sparsely arachnoideo-villous, the villosity entirely vanishing with age. Racemes long, loose and compound; berries small, black, -3 of an inch in diameter, sweetand - agreeable. | * See Proceedings Acad. Nat. Sci. Phila. Feb. 1853. 138 THE FLORIST (Ses en won 8. V. puitariA. Folis glabris, ovatis bac acuminatis, ut plu- rimum versus apicem obscure aut profunde trilobatis rarius quinque lobatis soope integris, ineequaliter grosse dentatis, acuminatis. Ra- cemis longis ramosis laxis. Hab.—In Virginia and Maryland. Vul. Chicken grape. Stem moderately large and tall. Leaves thin, smooth on both sides, polished, ovate cordate abruptly acuminate, beyond the mid- dle more or less tri-lobed, sometimes five-lobed, often entire, unequal- ly dentate; teeth large, acuminate; petioles and nerves beneath con- spicuously pubescent. - Racemes long, compound and loose; berries smull, -3 of an inch im diameter. 9. V. riparta. Foltis elabris ovatis cordatis acuminatis ante me- dium plus minus trilobis sepe integris deutatis, dentibus latis de- pressis, brevi-mucronatis. Racemis laxis baccis parvis. Hab.—In a and Mississippi on the banks of rivers in over- flowed places. V. riparia Mx. V. dimidiata Rafinesque.. Stem larze a tall. Leaves thin, smocth on both sides, polish- ed ovate, cordate, acuminate, more or less tri-lobed beyond the middle, often entire, sub-crenato-dentate; teeth broad, flat, with a short point; the youngest leaves with a slight arachnoid pubescence beneath, petioles, nerves and margin pubescent. The leaves are someiimes five-lobed, the upper lobes with deep spathuliform sinus- es, the margin but little dentate. Racemes locse; berries small, -3 of an inch in diameter, black and acid. | This species, confounded by most authors with the next (if it has ever been seen by them,) is found enly in the southernmost States on the margins of rivers, in places frequently subject to inundation, whence its name among the inhabitants of the banks of the Missis- sippi, Vigne de battures; it very much resembles the next, but is easi- ly distinguished by its thinner leaves and the arachnoid pubescence on the under side of them in their younger state. 10. V. oporatisstma. Foliis glabris ovatis cordatis acuminatis in- sequaliter crenato-dentatis dentibus mucronatis, ut plurimum versus apicem obscure trilobis. Racemis laxis, baccis parvis. Hab.—In the Northern States, in dry situations, generally on the sides of rocky hills. V. odoratissima Donn. V. riparia Pursh, Torrey HORTICULTURAL JOURNAL. 139 and Gray, &c. V.scretina Bartram, |. ¢. seems to be Mi cordifolia of Emerson, &c. V. montana, concolor, columbina, populifolia, odor- atissima and amara Iafinesque. Stem large and high. Leaves smooth on both sides, broad-ovate, cordate, acuminate, unequally crenato-dentate, teeth mucronate 5 generally obscurely trilobate beyond the middle, nerves beneath very prominent, margin, nerves beneath and petioles pubescent; a small pubescent tuft on the axille of the nerves of the under side of the leaves. Racemes long and loose, berries small, -2 of an inch in diameter, biack, very acid and austere, ripening in November. This species is much cultivated in gardens on account of its fra- grant flowers, the perfume of which is exactly that of Reseda odor- ata. It very rarely produces fruit. I have found fertile individuals only on the rocky hills north of Hoboken, N. J. I have been in- formed that the Indians formerly used the juice of this grape for dy- ing blue. ii. V. rotunpiroiia. Foliis glabris nitidis rotundo-cordatis, acu- minatis nunquam lobatis grosse dentatis, dentibus acutis subequali- bus, racemis parvis baccis magnis nigris, rubescentibus vel albis. Hab.—From Virginia to Florida. V. rotundifolia Mx. V. vul- pina Walter. V. acerifolia, vulpina, angulata, and veruccosa Ra- finesque. Vulgo Bullace grape, from its resemblance to the bullace or wild plum of Europe, corrupted into Bull grape. In Virginia and N. Carolina it is called Muscadine and Scuppernon grape. Stem moderately large, unlike every other species perfectly smooth even in the oldest vines. Leaves thin, smooth on both sides, polished, shining, most so beneath, round, cordate, never lobed, ac- uminate dentate; teeth large, subequal, acute, axilla of the nerves beneath sometimes furnished with a small tuft ef pubescence. Ra- cemes small, simple; berries large, -2 of an inch in diameter, round, black, reddish, or white. This vine most frequently produces fruit of a delicious flavor and very sweet. In North Carolina much wine is made from the grapes, but generally it is spoilt by mixing it with peach brandy or whiskey to increase its strength. Among the ignorant it is commonly tho’t 140 THE FLORIST AND ee that no fermented juice of fruit can be kept for any length of time, unless it is adulterated with alcoholic spirit. | | In the pine forests of Georgia the V. rotundifolia is found pros-. trate, with stems scarcely 3 ft. long. 12. V.patmata. Foliis ovato-cordatis utrinque glabris, profunde quinque lobatis palmatis, laciniis sublanceolatis, inequaliter lateque crenatis vel incisis. Racemis subdensis subsimplicibus baccis magnis albis gena cuprea. Hab.—In North Carolina and on the banks of the Ohio. _ V. pal- mata Vahl. V. virginiana Poiret. This grape, which is the true Bland’s grape of former years, was once (30 years ago) extensively cultivated in the gardens of this city, but has since been utterly lost. I cannot now find a single plant of it. It was perfectly hardy, bore profusely, and ripened be- fore the frosts. The above description is made from memory assisted by Vahl’s and Poiret’s descriptions. I have seen it growing wild in the moun- tains of North Carolina and have been informed that it was once common on the banks of the Ohio river. There is certainly no grape found in America that can be compared with it; in every respect it is equal to any variety of the V. vinifera, being very sweet and per- fectly free from pulp, and without that peculiar flavor which is more or less common to all other American species. The V. cordifolia Mx. I have never met with, at least a species corresponding with his description has never fallen im my way either in the North or South. It is said to extend from Pennsylva- nia to Florida. There is another small and sweet grape called the Orwigsburg which I have omitted, although said to be native, I could never satisfy myself that it wasso. It has much the appearance of foreign varieties. Of the foregoing species, those most worthy of cultivation are of No. 1, the white variety, and the Isabella or Catawba, which would probably flourish in the coldest parts of Europe; Nos. 6, 11 and 12, all of which are sweet and agreeable, and furnish good wine. —— HORTICULTURAL JOURNAL. © 141 a INDIGENOUS PLANTS. As the floral season has commenced we must give, as we promised, the names of the various plants indigenous to this neighborhood. At this time (April) all are in bloom from the very earliest. Draba verna is generally the first open, and Hepatica triloba and Epigza repens, ss And where the spring some happier verdure frees Laugh into light frank-eyed Anemones.” Many of our readers, no doubt, like ourselves, are making additions to their herbarium, or it may be commencing one; to these we would give the advice, “‘ neglect nothing, no matter how common it may be.”’ Do not leave your collection without Ranunculus acris, because it is “‘only a Butter-cup,” or R. abortivus, because the flowers are not pretty—take Gray’s Botany of the Northern United States, a book which you cannot do without, and pre- serve every plant you can find: you will learn more by collecting the plants and trying to get the names yourself, than by any other method. Beginners however must be careful not to jump at conclusions, or to guess at the names of plants, or they may find themselves very often laughed at; they need not fear that, however, from real plant-knowers, for these know the difficul- ties in your way and remember their own mistakes. And here let me urge the fact, that knowing plants by name at sight does not constitute a botanist, any more than knowing a great number of people would make an anatomist. It has been said by plant collectors, that the Flora of the neighborhood of Philadelphia is one of the richest in this country, and certainly there are enough beautiful plants in flower from early spring until very late in the autumn, to satisfy any one who loves these most attractive of nature’s pro- ductions. Among the plants now in bloom in this neighborhood are the fol- lowing—all of which we have either seen in flower or have had reported to us :-— Anemone nemorosa. Wood Anemone. Ranunculacee. Hepatica triloba, blue and white. Liver-wort. o Ranunculus acris. Butter-cup. C 7 sceleratus. Cursed crowfoot. “6 ig abortivus. a ‘ bulbosus. | “ Caltha palustris. Marsh marigold. & Aquilegia Canadensis. Wild Columbine. “ Thalictrum anemonoides. Meadow rue. Oe Podophyllum peltatum. May apple. Berberidacez. Sanguinaria Canadensis. Blood root. Papaveracex. 142 THE FLORIST AND Corydalis aurea. Golden corydalis. Furnariacezx. Dielytra cuccularia. Dutchman’s breeches. gi Arum triphyllum. Indian turnip. Aracee. oe es Var atrorubens. Claytonia Virginica. Spring beauty. - Portulacacez. Saxifraga Virginiensis. Harly saxifrage. Saxifragacee. Chrysosplenium Americanum. American golden sax. : Hedyotis (Houstonia) ceerulea. Quaker-lady. Primulacee, Viola rotundifolia. Round-leaved violet—yellow, Violacex. s¢ pubescens. Downy violet—yellow. Sel hi, *¢ striata. Striped violet—whitish. Galt ** “cucullata. Hood-leaved—blue. Ss “ovata var. saggittata. Oval-leaved—blue. Y “¢ pedata. SBird’s-foot—light blue. $f *¢ primulefolia. Primrose-leaved—white. ‘¢ | Dentaria laciniata. Cut-leaved toothwort—white, Crucifere. Arabis lyrata. American rock cress. & és Draba verna. LHarly whitlow grass. Lay Bet is Capsella Bursa-pastoris. Shepherd’s purse. ‘ an Epigsea repens, ‘Trailing arbutus—pink and white. Hricaceex. ErythroniumAmericanum. Dog’s-tooth violet-—yellow. Liliacex. Obolaria Virginica. Obolaria—pale blue. Gentianaceex. Lamium amplexicaule, Dead nettle—purple. Lubiate. Pedicularis Canadensis. Lousewort. $ gs Antennaria plantaginifolia. Everlasting—white. Composite. Leontodon taraxacum. Dandelion—yellow. és Benzoin odoriferum. Spice-bush. $s Lauracee. Sassafras officinale. Sassafras—greenish yellow. c Luzula campestris. Field rush. Juneacee. Geranium maculatum. Spotted geranium. Gerantaceex, ae OD THE CurcuLio.—To prevent the ravages of this insidious insect, which in this climate often commences its depredations as early as the last of May or first of June, by depositing its eggs inthe young fruit, prepare a mixture made in the proportion of one bushel of wood ashes to a quart of soot, and one pound of flour of sulphur; apply it in the morning while the branches and foliage are wet with dew, and in sufficient quantity to coat the tree.— This is a very effectual and cheap remedy. HORTICULTURAL JOURNAL. 143 Translated from the Comtes Rendus. INFLUENCE OF AMMONIA ADDED TO AIR UPON THE DEVELOPMENT OF PLANTS.* BY M. VILLE. On adding ammonia to the air we find the activity of vegetation to be much increased. In the proportion 4,10,000 of the whole air this effect shows itself at the end of eight or ten days, and from this time its intensity steadily augments. The leaves, at first of a pale green, assume a shade more and more deep, until they become nearly black. Their foot-stalks grow long and straight, and their surfaces large and glossy. At last, when the growth has reached its maturity, we find that the product is much larger than that of the same plants grown in the pure air. This product is at the same time heavier and contains more than double the amount of nitrogen. Thus ammonia added to air produces two effects on vegetation—first, it favors the growth of plants; and second, it renders them more nitrogenous. Thus in an experiment made in 1850, the product in pure air was 64.19 grammes, and that in the air containing ammonia was 110.06 gr. The first contained 1.266 gr. of nitrogen and the second 4.313 gr. In 1851 the product in pure air was 68.72 gr. and contained 0.494 gr. of nitrogen. In the ammoniacal air the product was 135.20 gr. and contained 1.501 gr. of nitrogen. Besides these general effects produced by ammonia, there are others of a more variable nature dependent on special conditions, but which are not less interesting. Indeed, by means of this gas we are able, not only to increase the activity of vegetation, but even to modify its progress, to weaken the exercise of certain functions, and to increase, without limit, the development or multiplication of certain organs. If we expose the plant to the action of the ammonia some months before the time of flowering, its growth is more rapid, but is not accompanied by any disturbance of the usual succession of phases in its growth. It often happens indeed that plants, which when cultivated in pure air fail even to produce flowers, when grown in ammoniacal air produce matured fruit. But if we change the conditions of the experiment, if we wait until the plant is on the point of flowering before submitting it to the action of ammonia, the results are entirely different, the stem shoots up and sends out branches in every direction, clothes itself with innumerable leaves, and, if the season is * In our last volume we extracted a condensed account of M. Ville’s ex- periments ; we have been favored by one of our Jady readers with a transla- tion of the original article. 144 THE FLORIST AND not too far advanced, the flowering, suspended for a while, is resumed, but all the flowers are sterile. If we make the experiment upon a cereal whose hollow stem does not ad- mit of the production of new branches, the course of the phenomenon, the growth of the stem, crowned with its spike, is arrested, and from the neck of : the root there spring up clusters of stalks which soon overtop the parent stem. In this case also the plant bears no fruit. All these phenomena may be satisfactorily referred to the general laws of physiology. In-truth all organized beings are subject to alaw of compensa- tion which maintains harmony between the functions, and controls the de- velopment of the organs. Whenever any organ receives an undue develop- ment it is at the expense of some other organ, and if a function exerts too much activity, it is always at the expense of some other function. If the or- gans of growth, that is to say the stem, the branches and the leaves are de- veloped beyond a certain limit, it is at the expense of the organs of repro-. duction; the flowers are sterile and the plant bears no fruit. In the experi- ments above described, the plant was at the moment of flowering exposed to the action of ammoniacal vapor—its influence determined the formation of a certain number of leaves. This sudden formation of new leaves destroyed the equilibrium between the functions of growth and those of reproduction, and caused the former to predominate over the latter. The action of ammonia does not operate with the same energy in all the stages of the growth of plants. The effects are more marked from the time of germination to that of flowering than from this last period to the ripening of the fruit. This difference is easily understood. Up to the time of flow- ering all the activity of the plant resides in the foliaceous organs; favorable influences determine the formation of an increased number of leaves, which, being the organs of absorption, add their effect to the cause which has given them birth. After the flowering on the contrary, all the activity of the plant is turned to the organs of reproduction. Part of the leaves wither and fade, and those which remain are far from being as large as the first ; the result is that the-surface of absorption is diminished. Furthermore, at this stage the plant is near the extreme limit of its development. These two considerations enable us easily to account for the less marked effects that ammonia produces during the second period of the life of plants. The use of ammonia cannot fail to become common in greenhouses. In an experiment where it was introduced into a greenhouse of Orchidez it was found to impart an extraordinary activity to their growth. ‘The results ob- tained under these new conditions are so striking that the practical ques- tion may be regarded as settled. 3 HORTICULTURAL JOURNAL. 145 During the great heat of summer, ammonia may occasion accidents. It would be well therefore, to suspend its use during the months of June, July, and August. Such accidents as have been observed always occurred under the same conditions, and were of a uniform character. They affect chiefly plants whose vegetation is far advanced. The leaves turn yellow, wither, and fall; even though the atmosphere may be saturated with moisture, the evil extends to a certain number of leaves at the top, and the plant dies. This effect is the result of a certain failure of equilibrium between jthe quantity of the elements absorbed by the leaves and the roots. It is through the roots that mineral substances are supplied to plants. If the absorption of these substances goes beyond a certain limit, the plants can- not use all that they receive and they form a saline efflorescence on the sur- face of the leaves. If after a heavy rain the weather becomes dry, we ob- - serve frequent examples of this sort of efflorescence upon the large leaves of cucurbitacez. | When under different circumstances, the activity of the leaves exceeds that of the roots, the absorption of organic elements becomes predominant. For want of a sufficient supply of mineral matter, these elements cannot be usefully appropriated. Then a remarkable effect is observed, that which the roots cannot yield to the plant it obtains within itself; and there is a re-ab- sorption of the miueral substances of a certain number of leaves. In na- ture we often see examples of this re-absorption of the older organs to the advantage of those more recently formed. If we break off a plant of Purs- lain when it is in flower and put it on a sheet of paper in the shade, the vegetation continues, the seed forms and ripens. Now in this case the min- eral substances contained in the seed could not be derived directly from the soil, but must therefore have been drawn from the tissues of the plant. it- self. \ The following conclusions may be drawn from the observations above de- tailed. First—In the proportion of 4.10,000 ammonia added to the air imparts to vegetation a remarkable activity. Second—A given weight of the product thus obtained contains’ more ni- trogen than that of the same plant grown in thé pure air. We may add, that periods may be setected fur the use of ammonia in which its influence causes very different effects. First—If we commence the use of ammonia two or three months before the flowering of the plant, vegetation follows its usual course, and no dis- turbance takes place in the successive phases of its growth. Second—If we begin to supply the gas at the moment of flowering, the formation of flowers is arrested or retarded, the plant covers itself with leaves but produces no fruit. 19 146 THE FLORIST AND FLOWER GARDENS. In a former number you gave an illustration of a flower garden, intended to be cut out on grass. ‘he present design is to be traversed by gravel walks edged with box—a system preferred by many on account of the paths being accessible at all seasons, if the walks are properly made, which is not the case when grass forms the path. The arrangement in planting also dif- fers from the last ; the large beds in the figure are chiefly for the herbaceous plants, with a few choice flowering deciduous shrubs, as Forsythia viridissi- ma, Weigela rosea, various Spiraeas, Deutzias, Tree Paeonies, &c., inter- mixed. We are under obligations to Mr. H. A. Dreer for a basket of Moya- mensing Strawberries, which were most exquisite in flavor, and remarkably well colored. ErratuM.—On p. 143, for ‘‘Comtes” read Comptes. Letters received from J. C. Helm, Esq... L. Knorr, M. D., yours is re- ceived; the numbers shall be sent by the next Havre or Bremen steamer. T.M. Isuppose that Mr. Lenchars can give his authority for saying that the glazing without putty has been mentioned in English papers. BEGONIA XANTHINA. ; . THE FLORIST AND HORTICULTURAL JOURNAL. Vol. IE] Philadelphia, July, 1853. [No. 7. ~ -BEGONIA XANTHINA. mar in YELLOW-FLOWERED BEGONIA. | Begoniacee.—Monoecia-Polandria. CHARAC. GENER.—Flores monoici. Masc. Perigonii tetraphylli foliolis subrotundis, 4 €xterioribus majoribus. Stamina plurima; filamentis brevissimis liberis v. basi-connatis, antheris extrorsis bilocularibus, loculis inearibus discretis, connectivi continui obtusi margini adnatis longitudinaliter dehiscentibus. Fem. Perigonii tubo triptero cum ovario connate, limbi superi 4—9—partiti persistentis lobis plurtseriatim imbricatis. Ovarium inferum trilocutare. Ovula in placentis e loculorum angulo centrali bilamellatis plurima anatropa. Styli 3 bifidi stig- matibus crassis flexuosis v.capitatis. Capsula membranaceo-trialata trilocularis loculicide trivalvis. Semina plurimia minima striata. Embryo in axi alpiupaiet carnosi orthotropus. Herbe in Asia et America tropica indigena, foliis alternis petiolatis integris v. palmatilodis bast saepecordatis ineguilateris integerrimis dentatts v. mucronato- serratis stipulis /ateralihus mem ranacets deciduis, cymis axillaribus Redunoulats dichotomis floribuis albis rosers v. rubincundis. CHARACT. SPECIF.—B. acaulis, rhizomate brevi crasso subtus a er foliis amplis oblique cordato-ovatis brevi-acuminatis sinuatis denticulatis subtus discoloribus (rtibris,) petiolis aggregatis crassis folium subaequantibus rubris sti- pulatis crinitis, setis patentibus inferioribus reflexis, ‘scapo petiolis duplo longiore, floribus nutantibus corymbosis flavis, masculis tetrasepalis, sepalis 5 oblongo-cunea- tis unico majore rotundato magis coacavo, foeminis triplo minoribus hexasepahis, sepalis equalibus ovali- rotundatis, fructus alis duabus brevibusunica horizontahiter elongata striata. Hook. | | Begonia xanthina, Hoox, Bot. Mag. t. 4683. Although many different species of this valuable gentis have been discovered up to this time, we have had only those with white or red flowers. JB. cinnabarina with its orange red flowers was an approach to what we now figure—the Begonia xanthina. But even the yellow of this is shaded with the red which prevails in a greater or less degree in the flowers or leaves, and stalks of all the genus. This species, which flowered in July, 1852, m the collection of Mr. Nuttall, at Rainhill, Lincolnshire, was received by him in 1800, from the Bootan Himalayas, having been sent thence by his ne-. phew, Mr. Booth. 25 194 THE FLORIST ND SS It may be some time before this beautiful plant is imported into this country ; but we know that our enterprizing nurserymen and amateurs will obtain it as soon as it findsits way into the hands of © the trade in Europe. HISTORY AND CULTIVATION. Few plants havea greater claim on the American plant grower than the Begonia. It has been too much the habit to sigh after, and bewail the want of “Chiswick Heaths,” and other things which do not do well in America, to the manifest neglect of many beauti- fulthings which do. It is time we had ceased to be the mere copy- ists of English horticulture. We have so rapidly advanced, that we should aim at an independence that can be achieved ; and, as in government so in gardening, take our place as one of the horticul- tural “nations of the earth.” We have been a “colony of Chis- wick and Edinboro,” ‘Paris and Ghent” hitherto; we have experi- enced on every occasion slights and neglects; whatever we do is passed over in silence, and whatever we discover remains. unno- ticed or is scorned. These are some of our greivances. All our horticultural papers have taken up the subject in turn, and pressed our claims on English journalists; but how have they been met? A private letter on the success of one individual plant has been pub- lished in one magazine ; and two hybrid Peonys have been named in Belgium in honor of Americans. Perhaps cnce a year a short extract in the Revue horticole on Forsythia viridissima from the Hor- ticulturist ; or, a notice in the Gardener’s Chronicle of how to preserve Tomatoes from Hovey’s Magazine. We must have done with whining and coniplaining about these things. Let us strike cut new courses for ourselves. We may never hope to excel them in Heaths, Pan- sies, Calceolarias, or many other things, asa general rule, nor is it desirable we should. Let them boast of their exceilence; we will raise another standard. The Beconra is peculiarly adapted to become such a plant as I have described. Requiring in England a moist and very artificial atmosphere, it does not make any very great progress m popular es- timation. Here it thrives with very common care ; all deing in a HORTICULTURAL JOURNAL. 195 ereenhouse 9 monthsin the year; and many doing well in the open air, if in asomewhat shaded situation. They are for the most part natives of Brazil or Mexico. _ To cultivate them successfully we must divide them into two classes :—the ftuerous rooted, and the shrubby. Each of these will require seperate treatment. ‘The following kinds are amongst the best in cultivation, either here, or in English gardens, from whence they can be easily procured. Tuserous Roorep. 1. B. discolor or Evansiana, native of China, with pinkish white flowers, may be had in bloom front May to October. 2. cinnabarina, from Bolivia, deep pink or cinnabar, from June to October. 3. Martiana, from Brazil, deep pinky rose, from July to October. A. diptera, Cape of Good Hope, whitish, June to August. 5. Barkeri, Mexico, duil white, February to December. These require to be kept rather dry and cool in the winter sea- son. No. 5. may be had in flower ail the year, by having several pots, and keeping them dry at different periods. Early in spring the tubers may be potted in 6 in. pots, In a soil composed of well- decayed leaf mould, loam, and sand, They require little water till the leaves appear, when they will take an abundance. ‘They may be forwarded in a little heat, but will do pretty well if allow- ed to come along with the season. They are easily propagated from their tubers, by cuttings, or by seeds. SHRUBBY OR Fisrous Rooren. 1. B. nitida, native of Jamaica, with pinkish white flowers, and large, thick, shining leaves. May be had in bloomall the year, and made into handsome specimens. 2. B. spathulata, anothér West Indian, with a very erect habit of growth. The leaves are folded in like spoons, and the small white flowers appear at the ends of the young growth. It flowers from August to December, and is but an average kind. 3. B. odorata, a Brazilian kind allied to the last, but has a fine foliage, resembling nitida, the flowers came out like the last from August to December, are much larger and sweet scented. 196 THE FLORIST AND a 4. B. hirtella, a Brazilian species, with a rather starved looking habit of growth, but an abundance of small, pinky white flowers, | appearing from June to December. | 5. B. ulmifolia, a South American, with elm like leaves, but a no great beauty of flower, Only desirable to form a collection. 6. B. argyrostigma, a Brazilian species, with curiously spotted leaves, which is its chief attraction. The flowers appear from June to December, It isa very strong grower—occupies much yoom. 7. B. hydrocotylifolia, a Brazilian pretty species. It is herbaz - ceous, or has its leaves from a rhizoma creeping on the surface. Its pink flowers. borne on scapes about a foot high, appear from Febru- ary to May. : 8. B. parvifolia, a native of the Cape of Good Hope. It has very small leaves, grows about 2 feet high, and is always in flower. A white flowering and desirable kind. 9. B. albo-coccinea, a West Indian. Its oblique leaves are al- most round, are very large and thick, and of a deep red beneath. The flowers appear from February to May ; white on the inside, and scarlet on the back. The best of the rhizoma producing kinds. 10. B. nomonyma, a Brazilian species, in the way of B. manica- ta, with small white flowers, continuing from July to November. 11. B. castaneefolia. The specimens that I have seen growing are so like B. ulmifolia, that I have either not seen the true species or they are both the same. 12. B. Fischeri, a rather scarce Brazilian species, but one of the most desirable, approaching B. incarnata. In the spring months it is covered with its numerous pink or white flowers, 13. B. incarnata, a South American, that should be Ne. 1 in all collections. Its pink flowers may be had nearly all the year. 14. B. coccinea, another first rate Brazilian. A strong grower, covered with spikes of scarlet flowers from April to July. 15. B. manicata, from Brazil. A fine species when well grown, though the individual flowers are indifferent. ‘The leaves are dis- tinguished by a production resembling the claws of a mole on their under surface. Flowers in winter and spring. HORTICULTURAL JOURNAL. 197 16. B. fuchsoides, a well known species from New Grenada, with fuchsia like foliage, and scarlet flowers, appearing from June to September, a strong grower and fine kind. The species of this division are readily propagated from cuttings of the half ripened wood, put in sand, and plunged in a slight bot- tom heat. They are iiable to damp off if kept too close. Indeed if they are in a situation somewhat shaded they will do better without the usual accompaniment of a bell glass. They will grow well in a soil of sandy loam and leaf mould. They should never be grown in very large pots; or, in the language of gardeners, should be always under potted. When growing fast they take a good supply of moisture ; love a moist atmosphere and frequent ap- plications of the syringe, and may be placed in the full ight. Ifa moist atmosphere cannot be maintained, they will do better in a shaded part of the green house. ‘The chief thing to guard against, is their damping off; small, well drained pots are the securities. When they are not growing they will live and do better with very little water. They are easily raised from seed, sown on the surface of the soil in pans, and placed in a warm shaded place, with the only attention of never being allowed to get dry. Some fine varie- ties, I believe, -have been lately raised by hybridizing in Europe. It opens a fine field. I think the remark of the Calendar writer in the last No. worthy of repetition; that the Horticultural Society would do well to encour- age the growth of the Begonia by a premium. 7 A PHILADELPHIA GARDENER. - = + ee THE AURICULA. Dear Sir: Allow me to draw the attention of your readers to that much‘ neglected but truly desirable class of flowers the Auricula. There appears to be a general idea prevailing amongst many persons that considerable difficuly is experienced in cultivating this lovely gem in our climate. This notion is certainly erroneous, and the object 198 THE FLORIST AND of the following remark is to show how this may be accomplished. The Auricula, (Primula auricula,) is one of the very numerous spe- cies of Primrose, and no mean species either. Linnaeus claims this genus for Pentandria mouogynia, and it forms the type of the natural order Primulaces. Our present subject is indigenous to the alpine districts of the European continent, Syria, and occasion- ally is found in the same situations in Britain, though rare. Its name Auricula has been applied from the supposed resemblance of the form of the leaves, to the ear of an animal, and hence the vul- gar cognomen “Bear’s Hars,’’ a name somewhat revolting to the taste of some of our delicate and sensitive belles, but quite in character with the quaint and uncouth, yet intelligent and enthu- siastic class of individuals, with whom it originated. In a wild state, the colours are yellow, purple, and variegated, and I am in- clined to think, in opposition to the acknowledgement of some bot- anist, that two or three which are considered as distinct species, are nothing more than varieties of this, if so we may include white also. Handsome as the different varieties of this flower appear naturally, the claim to beauty has been so much enhanced, by the perseverance and enthusiam of the florist’s fostering care, for the last three. huudred years, that at length, it has assumed a perfect symmetry of outline and marking, which renders it truly a gem. Were it only for the peculiarly rich odor of the flowers, it deserves a place in every garden, but when we combine this with the ever- green and neat habit of the plant, and the exquisite beauty of the flower, it seems strange as the cultivation is so easy, that it is not more generally seen, even what is grown are mostly varieties of no pretension to perfection, but simply a step or two removed from the natural state. The Auricula is divided by florists into four classes, viz, green edged, gray edged, white edged, and selfs, the edged classes being mostly esteemed as exhibition flowers, although the selfs are tol- erated and encouraged. There are also, several double varieties, but these are not considered equally valuable, yet they are well worthy of attention. The following criteria constitute what is considered to be the main points of excellence ina prize Auricula. The stem should be HORTICULTURAL JOURNAL. 199 strong, erect, and high enough to raise the truss of flowers above the foliage. The individual footstalk, sufficiently strong to support the flower, and of a proportional length to the number of pips, so that they may not crowd each other, and which should not be less than seven in number, that the truss may be close and compact, and form somewhat a half globe. The tube containing the anthers, the eye, and the exterior circle, ought to be well proportioned, which will be the case if the diameter of the tube be one part, the eye three, and the whole pip six or seven. If edged the margin should be about equal with the next inner circle. The edges ought to be smooth, having no serrature, so as to appear starry, and the limb or upper surface, flat and even. The nearer the outline approaches to a perfect circle the better, although the very best flowers do not quite come up to this point as yet. Whatever the colours, they should be clear, bold, and distinct, and divided in a perfect circle, or the dark markings form a circle next the eye, and extend out towards the outer rim on each lobe, so as to form so many half cir- cles. In the selfs the colours ought to be uniform, bright and solid, or shaded off towards the outer margin distinctly and clear. Around the cultivation of nature’s greatest beauties there is gen- erally a halo of mystery thrown. When any thing of this kind becomes recognized as a general favorite, speculative ideas, and vague theories have each a portion of precedence, and as some of these peculiarities happen to succeed, they are lauded, made public, and the tyro catches up the most ridiculous notions. Our present subject has not entirely escaped from this general contagion, for if we refer to some old and long established growers of the Auricula, we find that one thinks that the rotted down roots of the Willow, is the only matrix in which it will approach perfection; others again suppose, that nothing is so suitable as rushes decomposed into mould, and a portion of the same material cut short in a fresh state, and strewed over the drainage ; while some will not believe in, any fertilizer, but blood, mixed up with maiden earth, and laid together’ for a season. Now all these materials are well enough in their place for other things besides the Auricula, but to say that they are absolutely necessary, and that nothing else will produce the same 200 THE FLORIST AND quality, partakes of a superstitious and retrograde movement, and belongs to the old school. The fact is, all that is required, is a tolerably rich and cool base, for if too poor the plant will be weak and the flowers correspondingly so, and if too rich the trusses are apt to become monstrosities, having irregular shaped flowers, and too crowded to form a handsome bunch, with confused colours, and undefined markings. In these remarks, I would not wish to detract from the honor due to the old floral veterans, to whose zeal we owe , a debt of gratitude, whose exertions have produced many of the very best flowers, and without which we should have been minus of many classes of the greatest beauty. Still we must move ahead we live in an age of progress, and if we cannot accomplish greater individual perfection, we can certainly attain to the same by more simple means. To grow the Auricula, plant in a tolerably rich soil, a suitable compost may be formed, by mixing two thirds fresh loam from a pasture, and one third cow dung, well rotted, and laid in a — heap a few months before being used. Fresh dung injures the colours, and causes the plant to grow too rank and deficient in substance, when thin and papery flowers are the consequence. The Auricula may be grown in pots, or planted out into frames, or the open ground. If it is desirable to have a show of this flower in the green-house or parlour window; about the middle of August, prepare a quantity of six inch pots, place in the bottom of each, about an inch of broken crocks, or what is better the same depth of lumps of charcoal, over this put a layer of moss or fibry turf, to prevent the soil from falling down amongst the drainage, next fill in a portion of the above mentioned compost, and place into the centre of each pot a good and strong single crown. Before” planting examine the roots and cut away any decayed portions, spread them out carefully, and fill up to the rim with soil, press it a little tight about the crown, and give the pot asmert rap-or two upon the potting bench, which will settle all and leave a little space for future watering, do not plant too deep, but let the collar of the plant be somewhat elevated, which will prevent damping off, after potting give a good watering, but do not repeat this afterwards HORTICULTURAL JOURNAL. 201 oe == — —— TT further, than to keep the plant in health, for the Auricula is impa- tient of too much moisture, and most particularly so while at rest in the winter. In order to avoid continued saturation, the pots should be placed in a position where the water can pass away freely, and likewise shaded from the sun’s rays; if plunged in a bed ef sand or porous ashes, so much the better, and if worms should get into the pots, give it a soaking when dry with lime water, using tlie clear liquid; here they may remain till the approach of severe weather, when the pots ought to be washed and the plants carefully looked over (all decayed leaves should be removed clean away,) when they may be takeri into the greenhouse and placed near the glass, freely exposed to the air and light; water carefully and rather sparingly at first; afterwards gradually increase it, (but at no iime unduly,) as they advance towards blooming: do not give much artificial heat, or the flowers will be rendered weak or abor- tive; a Camellia or Geranium house is quite hot enough; in which a temperature of 45 at night ought to be kept: | Where there is not the luxury of a greenhouse; the same object may be accomplished by a common garden frame, (in fact a much better display to my taste) and with much less frouble and expense considering the great number of plants that may grown. In this case, during the latter part of August. or early in September, place one or more frames, according to the number of plants, in a situa- tion freely exposed to the sun, and upon a well drained bottom, dig wip the base so that the water may pass fréely through, and fill in with about eight inches of the before mentioned compost, divide the plants into single crowns, the same as recommended for pots, and plant about six inches apart; if dry weather give a good watering, and keep off the glass till frosty weather sets in, when the sashes may be put on, and air admitted freely through the day. In case of rain the lights may be tilted up at the back, which will keep the plants dry and prevent any danger from rot. Open early in the morning, and keep all at rest till towards the middle of Jan- ‘uary, when the lights may be closed somewhat earlier in the eve- ning, and the sun’s heat allowed more freely; cover with straw 26 202 THE FLORIST AND mats or other material, to keep out the frost, and line round the | sides with rough litter or clean straw for the same purpose. When the flower trusses commence to push, water may be more freely? given, but not overhead, unless in case of a genial showers, whiclr seldom occurs at this time, and after the pips begin to expand, do not let even the rain in upon them, as much of the fine powdery substance, which constitutes a great portion of their beauty, would be thereby washed off, but apply water more freely between the rows, adinit air sufficient, but avoid beating winds. By following these directions, and having a good stock of plants, the lover of flowers may be rewarded through the months of March and April, without the aid of a greenhouse, with one of the loveliest sights, and most enchanting scents in Flora’s kingdom. So far we have spoken of the little favorite as a nursling and treasured up pet, but like many other of God's blessings, it is not so very mindful of man’s fostering care. ‘There are many of our city yards in which there is a shaded and sheltered spot, in all such there is ample ac- commodation for this plant; use a fertile and well drained soil, screened from the burning orb of summer, and the thawing gleams' of winter, and we can be recompensed by a sight of its beauty, and refreshed by its delicious odor, without any other protection, al- though of course if protected and taken care of under glass, we have greater perfection, and shall be no losers for our extra trouble. After blooming is fairly over, choose a piece of ground sheltered from the midday sun, if moist but yet drained, so much the bet- ter, plant out in rows a foot apart, and six inches in the row, place a little deeper than before, which will cause them to push out side’ roots. If dry give a good watering when planted and an occasion- al repetition, in case of drought through the summer; no further’ care is required, unless Red Spider, or Aphides should attack, when a good syringing with soap-suds, will speedily eridicate’ them. | | The following list, containing twelve of the best in each class, is from the authority of Mr. John Slater, one of the ‘Lancashire’. Heroes,” and a sure guide, a man whose enthusiam knows no bounds, and whose honesty is equal to his perseverance. HORTICULTURAL JOURNAL. 203 GREEN EDGED. Litton’s Imperator, Leed’s Colonel Taylor, Booth’s. Freedom, Pollitt’s Highland Laddie, Ashton’s Prince of Wales, Pollitt’s Standard of England, Yates’ Morris Green Hero, Oliver’s Lovely Ann, Barlow’s King, Howard’s Nelson, Moore’s Jubilee, Page’s Champion. | GREY EDGED. | Cheetham’s Lancashire Hero, Syke’s Complete, Kenyon’s Ring- leader, Grimes’ Privateer, Fletcher’s Ne Plus Ultra, Fletcher’s Mary Ann, Waterhouse’s Conqueror of Europe, Rider’s Waterloo, Kent’s Queen Victoria, Taylor’s Plough Boy, Beeston’s Fair Flora, Ashworth’s Newton Hero. iia WHITE EDGED. Taylor’s Favorite, Lee’s Venus, Ashworth’s Regular, Taylor’s Incomparable, Taylor’s Glory, Wood’s Delight, Catharina, Popple- well’s Conqueror, Kenyon’s Lord Chancellor, Hepworth’s True Briton, Cheetham’s Countess of Wilton, Pott’s Regulator. SELFS. Netherwood’s Othello, Kay’s Jupiter, Blege’s Blue Bonnet, Ber- ry’s Lord Primate, Berry’s Lord Lee, Grimes’ Flora’s Flag, Red- mayne’s Metropolitan, Schole’s Ned Lud, Whittaker’s True Blue, Bradshaw’s Tidy, Barker’s Nonsuch, Gorton’s Stadtholder. Yours Most Hespectfully, WILLIAM CHORLTON, New Brighton, Staten Island. June 27, 1853. / er 4 GARDENS OF PAEONIA MOUTAN IN CHINA. BY R. FORTUNE, These gardens are situated near the village of Fa-who, about 45 or 6 miles west from Shangae, in the midst of a vast country of cotton plantations. On the way I met a large number of covites each carry two baskets of Moutan-paeonies in full flower; they went 204 THE FLORIST AND ——_—s to sell them in market. Arrived at the gardens I found there ae number of these plants in flower and‘of a remarkable beauty. The _ purple and lilac species especially attracted the sight: amongothers a very pretty kind apparently distinct, with finely cut leaves and flowers of a velvety purple, like the Tuscany rose of our gardens. The Chinese call it Moutan Peony (black) and I believe it to be- the same as that called atro-sanguinea by Dr. Lindley, in the journal of the Horticultural Society of London, Ancther species called “tse” or purple, had double flowers of a remarkable size; it is pro- bably this variety which they say has a thousand fetals, and did not exist but in the garden of the emperor. The third kind is call- ed “Jan” (blue ;) it is a lilac variety; its flowers are of the color of Wistaria Sinensis, There are besides other kinds of purple differ- ently shaded, very distinct from the preceding and equally beau-. tiful. The double whites are also numerous and very remarkable. The largest among them has been called P. globosa by Dr. Lindley, but there are 4 or 5 others which approach very near to this. Some have a light shade of lilac, which gives tone to their color. The best is that called “wang” (yellow) hy the Chinese; this variety, of a straw color, is very beautiful, but notwithstanding inferior to some : others. The red peonies (Hong) are equally numerous. What is strange, is, that the kinds common at Canton and in England, are very rare here. These gardens contain about a half-dozen of new varieties of red peonies; among others, that called “Van-yang-hong” by the Chinese, is the most beautiful plant which I have ever seen. Its flowers are of a bright and pure red, entirely different from all the others perfectly double; each of them is about ten inches in diame- ter. In all I counted nearly thirty distinct varieties in these gardens. The greater part of these beautiful varieties of Paeonia Moutan are unknown at Canton. This may seem strange in a country where flowers are so generally sought for; but the Chinese are in everything such conservatives that.a slight acquaintance with their customs will suffice to explain this apparent anomaly. The gardens of HORTICULTURAL JOURNAL. 205, Canton derive their supplies of P. Moutan from a district situated more in the west than Shanghae. From time immemorial the same gardens have furnished these flowers; they arrive always by the same road, and at the same time of the year. It seems that Shan- _ ghae until the end of the last war, has never been in communica- tion with Canton, at least in what concerns flowers, consequently these beautiful varieties of Peony could not obtain a route towards the south and thence to Europe. The establishments where they cultivate exclusively the Paeonia Moutan are numerous, but very small. ‘They have the appearance of our cottage gardens, and are cared for in the same way, that is, by all the members of the family: the women take as much _ part in it as the men: they are very avaricious and love money ex- tremely. When they have been consulted; I always had to pay dearer for the acquisitions of plantswhich Imade. The soil of these gardens is rich and well-manured; this latter circumstance renders it less compact than the soil where they cultivate cotton. The propagation and management of the Paeonia Moutan seems to have been perfectly understood by the Chinese at Shanghae, much better than with us. Our horticulturists complain without ceasing of the difficulty of multiplying this beautiful plant, and this makes the price remain high. Here is the method which the Chinese pursue, and which our.growers may try. At the commencement of October, they collect in the sheds and out-houses a great quantity of the roots of a certain herbaceous Peony, roots which must serve for subjects of Paeonia Moutan. The bundle of tubercles which forms the root of a herbaceous peony Is | divided, and each little root, in shape of a finger, becomes a subject upon which they graft the P. Moutan. Having placed a great number of these tubercles upon the potting table, they bring the grafts of the plants which they wish to multiply. Each- graft is but an inch and a half to two inches long ; it isthe extremity of a shoot made during the summer just finished. The under part of it is cut into a wedge and inserted on the top of the finger shaped tu- bercle of which we spoke. ‘The graft is covered by a ligature or by clay and the operation is complete. A great number of grafts 206 THE FLORIST AND being thus made, they are carried to the garden and planted in rows distant about a foot and a half; the same space is left between plants in the same row. In planting, the head of the graft only re- mains above the soil; the part where the graft unites with the tubercle isalways buried. Kaemptfer says that the Chinese multiply the Moutan Peony by bud-grafting ; this is an error, this process is never prac- ticed by them, they do not even understand it. The author -has heen led into the error by the smallness of the bud which they use, this having but one eye at its end. Each autumn sees thousands of piants grafted in this way. The little empty space which may be seen in the rows proves the good- ness of the method; in fact a graft rarely fails to grow. At the end of about fifteen days the union of the root and the graft is complete : in the following spring the plants are beautiful and vigorous. They generally flower the first spring or at the latest in the second ; it is then that they are taken up and carried to be sold in the market in the way I have deseribed. The plant which has but one stalk and one flower has more value in the eyes of the cultivator at Shanghae than a stronger one; it is sold more easily, produces a very large flower, and presents no difficulty neither for lifting nor for transpor- tation. Thanks to this circumstance I could always procure strong plants more advantageously than small ones. In the gardens of the mandarins can often be met Peonies of a considerable size, Near Shanghae there is one which annually pro- duces 3 to 400 flowers. The proprietor takes as much care of it as could the most enthusiastic amateur of his tulips. During its flower- ing, it was protected from the burning rays of the sun by a tent of canvass; in front was a seat where the visitor enjoyed in full the sight of these magnificent flowers. Every day, for several hours, the old man installed himself there, and while pipes and bowls of tea succeeded each other he looked lovingly upon his favorite “Mou- tan wha.” It was certainly a noble plant, well worthy of the ad- miration of the old amateur, to whom I wish the pleasure of sitting a long time yet under his tent, to enjoy so beautiful a sight. Translated from the Flore des Serres. HORTICULTURAL JOURNAL. 207 CHINESE PRIMROSE. Winter flowering plants are not too plentiful, at least such as will bloom in the cool temperature of a greenhouse; we have many fine winter flowering exotics, but they either require a hothouse temperature to bloom freely, or are more difficut to manage during summer; we are indebted to the Celestials for many of our most valuable jwinter flowers, Azaleas, Camellias and among others that. beautiful little gem the Chinese primrose. They are all of hardy and robust habit, and are thus within the reach of all, so far as: cultivation is concerned, a recommendation of much importance to those amateurs who cannot devote much time to their collection. It has often occurred to me when visiting amateurs’ greenhouses, that they would derive much more pleasure from their labors were they more select in the choice of their plants, choosing those only of known hardy and free blooming qualities, instead of aiming at a varied assortment, often expensive, and rarely satisfactory. I was more deeply impressed with this fact during a visit to an en- thusiastic amateur last winter. On entering his greenhouse I was’ struck with the gay and cheerful appearance it presented, and it: was only when about leaving that I observed the only plants in flower were a few Camellias, two or three Cinnerarias, and a quan-’ tity of Primulas of various colors, but these were so well arranged. and set off with a profusion of healthy foliage, and the Primroses’ showing such fine rounded trusses, that I am confident not one’ person in ten would have noticed this simplicity of its production. Athough this plantis very hardy, I am aware that many ama~ teurs are not so successful with it as they would wish. This, I pre- sume, arises principally from its liability to decay if kept too damp’ at root, either from using pots of a large size, or supplying water’ too freely. Four and six inch pots will be found of ample size, not that a plant will not grow ina pot three feet in diameter as’ well as it would in one inches. The only difference would be that, in the former, the plant would probably require water once a month: and the latter daily. / 208 THE FLORIST AND to keep up 4 succession of flowers for four or five months, seed should be put in at intervals of five or six weeks, from June to Sep- tember, soil of a sandy nature should be prepared, and the seeds very slightly covered. The front shelf in the greenhouse will be a suitable place for them while growing, they should be encouraged ~ by transplanting into a shallow box as soon as the first true leaf makes its appearance. If thinly planted (not closer than [three inches) they can remain until sufficiently strong to be placed at once into flowering pots. These must be well drained by placing a handful of broken material in each pot. If attention is paid to this, there will be little fear of damp, if ordinary care is given in watering. Two small stakes should be inserted one each side of the plant, crossing other at top, no tying will be necessary, this will prevent them from toppling over and breaking off at the neck where they are very weak. A few of the latest sowing should be set apart for seedling. A little care and attention should be given to their selection, choosing those with large, well colored fringed flowers. Sometimes they incline to be semi-double; these should have the preference. About the middle of May they should be set out in the sun, watered regularly, and if they receive an oc- casional application of manure water the value of the seed will be enhanced. Under these conditions an abundance of seed will be secured: It is not worth trouble to preserve old plants; young ones flowering with much more vigour; any particularly fine va- riety, however, may be turned out of the pot after it has done blooming, some of the old soil removed and replaced in fresh com- post. The double varieties are much superior to the single ones. They are increased by dividing the plant into cuttings. To propa- gate them requires a cool dry situation, partially shaded, paying great attention in watering, they must be kept rather dry until they begin to show symptoms of growth; otherwise they are cer- tain to decay. It is probably on this account that they are not so extensively cultivated as they deserve to be. DELTA. HORTICULTURAL JOURNAL. ° 209 ON THE DOUBLE CHINESE PRIMROSE. To the Editor of the Florist, Sir: As you invite communica- tions from practical gardeners, I offer a few remarks on the above ; as I think it a much rarer plant than it ought to be—few plants excel it in simple beauty, and by proper management it may be had in bloom every month in the year. Being double, it can only be propagated by cuttings, which may be taken off at any time,and readily struck in sand under a bell glass. In about three weeks they are sufficiently rooted to pot into single pots. I find them to thrive best in a compost of rough leaf mould and sandy loam, in well drained pots: I repot them as often as they become well rooted; and pinch off every flower stalk that appears till the plant is six months old atleast: I then let it flower on, and as each flower truss shows symptoms of withering, pluck it out. By this course it will continue to flower a whole year. They frequently die out from exhaustion at this time, and the only way I find to prevent this, is to divide the plant into off-sets, and so start with them as with new plants. They always do well with me by this treatment. The double white is the commonest and most easy to be procured ; but I have observed in a report of the Pennsylva- nia Society, thet the purple exists also in your neighborhocd. If you think the above worthy of insertion in the Florist, I should be happy to send you some others when I have leisure. _ Yours, &c.. Hortus. a NOTES ON ROSE CULTURE, ; BY A LOVER OF ROSES: (Continued.) Hysaiw Perpetua or Remontant Rosus.This division of the Rose was introduced to us about 15 or 16 years ago and according to the opinions of good judges it originated between the perpet- val Rose Du Roi and the Bourbon Rose; they have been tili very recently nearly all of a crimson or dark red color. Florists and Rose-growers generally esteem these the finest of all Roses, to which I would coincide, provided, they were constant monthly 27 210 THE FLORIST AND —— eee bloomers, which they are not, giving only two or perhars faintly a third bloom with a meagre flower in the autumnal menths. They richly deserve special attention for their fine bold flowers, rich fo- — liage, and luxuriant shoots when on their own roots; or if budded they make very admired standard Rose trees. But oh! what nice- ty of eye, how critical the judgment to detect the difference of one half of them. For my own pleasure and gratification I would not - give a groschen for #ths of them ; but we are so led off our guard by “have you got so and so,” we blush to own up, and buy nearly all, good, bad, and indifferent; but pray who would grow Doctor Marx, Dr. Margolin, Madam Laffay, and nearly 50 others; all red, rosy red, dark red, light crimson, and such transpositions, meaning nearly the same in color and character? So be it. I will not de- tail before your thousands of readers such equivocal terms, but give off hand and full in my eye, a score that will please the most fasti- dious. Auguste Mie, clear ivaxy tose, cupped petals. Baronne Hallez, dark purple crimson, fine form. Baronne Prevost, rose color, very large. Caroline de Sansal, large, rosy blush, pink centre, of remarkably strong growth. Duchesse de Montpensier, pale satiny rose, very fragrant. Giant of the Battle, nearly bright scarlet. Is this not the rose of the group? Every one of your readers that wishes a rose bush that is perfectly hardy, bright in color, and constant in bloom may chose this subject. : Julie de Krudner, a new rose, nearly white, very double, and agreeably fragrant. La Reine. LI hesitate about this though a most superb flower ; it has a paucity of bloom not altogether to my fancy ; the color tco is undecided being a rosy lilac, but extremely large and luxuriant in growth. - Lion des Combats, reddish crimson, shaded with scarlet, large, full, and fragrant. Louise Le Clerc, delicate blush, perfect form, very profuse and fragrant. HORTICULTURAL JOURNAL. 211 ooo eS SEES Madam Laffay, purplish lilac, inclining to crimson, very full reg- ular flower, plant of strong growth. Madam Rives, quite a new variety, of a pale flesh or silvery blush color, of great substance, very distinct and perfectly formed. Marquis Boccella, pale blush, dwarf habit, a constant bloomer, very distinct. Pius 9th, crimson purple, very large, full and perfect, a profuse bloomer of strong growth. Patenatte, pale rose, very exquisite form, fragrant and profuse, quite a new variety. Queen Victoria, (Paul’s) blush white, shaded with pink or peach blossom color, large, very full, and distinct from any other variety, quite new, very desirable. Robin Hood, bright carmine, beautifuily globular, ad a ram- pant grower. William Griffith, satiny rose, distinct color, a large bold petaled flower, quite new, and will rank amongst the best. William Jesse, a favorite variety of a rosy crimson ‘color, edged with lilac, very large, full, and constant. Yolande d’Arragon, pale rose, producing its flowers in clusters the whole season, a strong grower, Sydonie, a newer variety 18 yery like this, and Iam doubtful if it is any improvement upon it, unless to a very critical observer. I have not seen a clear good white as yet in thisgroup. Florists and catalogues tell us of Blanche Vibert—white it is, but a sickly looking flower and plant, at the best. Blanche Portemer has nothing more attractive about it. A good white such as the old Madam Hardy is much wanted, it would be a treasure. There are over 100 of these Hybrid Perpetual varieties cultivated, one half of them. are nearly fac similies of each other. They all require more stimu- Jation in their culture than any other roses; if a strong luxuriant growth is not produced a very meagre show will follow ; dark rich green foliage and strong shoots will produce a‘corresponding bloom —but yellow foliage and weak growth produces similar sickly | blooms, deficient in color, size, and fragrance. Also, observe that taking off one half of the buds in May and June, is beneficial to a 212 THE FLORIST AND continuance of bloom during the season; in dry weather they should be liberally supplied with rich water or soap suds, or if the ground has been abundantly manured, water of any Uescription will suit; observing that one copious supply once a week is better than a small portion every day. NotsetTe Roses are those clustering sorts that bloom from early in the season till destroyed by frost; their flowers are generally small, though there are now some of them nearly as large as any others, but the size takes from their profusion. The growth of the family is of all grades, from 1 foot to 20 feet in a season ; unfortu- nately for us, however, the finer kinds are rather tender, being near- ly or entirely killed in our severe winters. Those tender kinds of: greatest splendor are Lamarque, Cloth of Gold, Solfatare,, La Vic- torieuse. ‘These are hybridised with the Tea Rose, making them. more tender; but for milder climates than Philadelphia the splen- dor of them equals any description. A friend writes me from Texas, thet Cloth of Gold reaches the 3d story, and isin bloom 9 months of the year, and its odar equal to the magnolia. In pruning Noisette Roses, thin out the old wood, and shorten the wood of the previous season. The young wood should always be allowed to have its full growth, asit is most frequently terminated with a clus- ter of flowers; the sorts without encroaching upon their beauties might be curtailed to one full dozen, which would comprise as follows: | - _ Aimie Vibert, pure white, very compact, a dwarf grower. Cloth of Gold, a very luxuriant grower, requiring dry rich soil; flowers quite large, frequently 5 inches in diameter, opening a bright lemon yellow, and fading to a pale straw color; should be protected by covering in winter. Despfez or Jaune Desprez, flowers buff color shaded with pink, in profuse clusters, very fragrant, plant vigorous, Felienberg, color pink, red, or crimson as the season may be; a constant bloomer—does very well for a piazza or pillar, pif: hardy. Lafayette, this old fine pink rose must not be neglected; there HORTICULTURAL JOURNAL. 213 are few or none to equal it in color and profusion; a moderate grower, flowers prettily cupped and quite profuse. Odorata, pure white, very sweet, an abundant bloomer and per- fectly hardy ; stood the winter of ’51, without any protection; of moderate growth. Ophirie, color orange, orange and pink, pale yellow or bright yel- low, all according to the weather and season; blooms abundantly, especially in the autumnal months, flowers very double, plant hardy and growing freely ; quite distinct, foliage of a pleasing lively green. Philippart, dark pink, must be well established before its charac- ter is fully ascertained; blooms in large clusters; exceedingly hardy: and of strong growth. Pourpre de Tyre, not easily to decide whether this variety is a Bourbon or Noisette; but florists place it where I now do. The flowers of medium size, dark red or crimson color; plant of mode-. rate growth. ~ Triomphe de la Duchere, one of the very best Noisette roses,. flowers abundant, large, full, of a rosy pink color and fragrant ; plant strong, but not rampant. Vittelina, pure white, fine form, buds shaded with ie very double, medium size, growth moderate, very desirable, Lamarque, flowers very large, white with a sulphur yellow cen- tre, plant of strong growth, requires a dry sheltered situation with a rich soil, and to be protected during the severe weather about Philadelphia. I have omitted many others nearly equal to the above, such as Solfatare, Du Luxemberg, Phaloe; Boulogne, Augusta, &. Of the latter I may say that I have not yet conversed with a judge or no judge of roses, in this vicinity, who pronounces it equal or nearly equal to the published description of it. I paid a V. for my plant, and consider it fully paid. If I was now to make out a list to send to my Florist, I would say Cloth of Gold, Ophirie, Augusta, &c. [To be continued. ] 214 THE FLORIST AND THE STRAWBERRY CONTROVERSY. The communication of Mr. Meehan to the Pennsylvania Horti- cultural Society, seems to have excited the opposition of all those persons, and we believe they are the majority, who have settled the question to their own satisfaction, that the Strawberry is either ’ pistillate or staminate, and unchangeably so. Mr. Meehan has produced his plants (of Hovey’s Seedling), with staminate flowers. The Strawberry cultivators pronounce them (in the teeth of Mr.. M’s assertion that they are runners from pistillate plants,) to be not Hovey’s, but another variety. Some others talk of the absur- dity of plants being fruitful without fertilization, which, whether absurd or not, Mr. M. does not claim for his plants; we have seen nothing yet on that side in the way of argument, it is all asser- tion ;—The Cinn. Hort. Society, formally pronounced it impossible, and with them there is no appeal from their “apse dixit. In the last number of the Farm. Journal, we have a letter, which we suppose is from the eminent botanist of that region, which we copy, as suggesting many reasons why Mr. Meehan may be right. The statement of Mr. Msenay, in the April number of the Farm Jour- nal, alleging that he has observed the sexual characters of the Strawberry flowers to be variously modified by culture, or different methods of treatment —has elicited some strong asseverations of opinion, in contradiction to that allegation of fact. One writer unhesitatingly declares the alleged change to be “utterly cmpossible:’ and I understand that in the Queen City of the West, they have had a public gathering, to deliberate on the subject, which resulted in a Pronunctamento adverse to Mr. Mrrnan’s statement,—his facts and observations being rejected by a clear majority of the voters pre- sent! The matter being thus settled, by preamble and resolution after the manner of political difficulties at a war-meeting, it may seem to be out of order, now, to offer any remarks on the controverted topic. Nevertheless, as this is reputed to be a Free Country, I should like to be indulged with the privilege of submitting aafew suggestions,—if not in arrest of judgement, at least as a plea in mitigation of the sentence, against my friend MgEHAN. It is the remark of a vigorous and sagacious modern writer, that ‘‘no scien- tific question was ever yet settled dogmatically, nor ever will;” and I think the same may be especially predicated of questions of fact, in Natural His- HORTICULTURAL JOURNAL: | 215 tory. I may here observe, that I was favored with the opportunity of ex- amining one of Mr. MEEHAN’S specimens,—in which there were certainly two scapes from the same root—one bearing a cyme of pistzllate flowers (with minute rudiments of abortive stamens,) and the other a cyme of per- fect, or hermaphrodite flowers: and whether the specimen was the progeny of a pistillate, a staminate, or a hermaphrodite plant, I should think the in- ference plausible, that the flowers on at least one of these two cymes; must tiust have been a modification, or altered product, of the parent plant. It is this kind of change, in the character of the flowers, which I understand Mr. MEEHAN to announce, as having occurred in plants under his mianage- ment. Now, in view of the countless modifications daily observable in the organs of plants—and especially in the floral organs—I can perceive no sufficient ground for declaring the changes, reported by Mr. MrEway, to be “utterly impossible.’ The modifications here referred to, are a very differ- ent thing from the alleged transmutation of one kind to another,—whick is vulgarly supposed to take place in certain plants, just as the Alchemists formerly pretended was affected among the metals. They merely alter the texture, distort the forms, or affect the developements of organs; but do neither change nor annihilate those essential characteristics, by which the plant is rendered permanently distinct from every other genus and species. The floral organs of many plants are remarkably subject to modification, under the long-continued influences of soil, climate, and culture, or manage- ment. Some flowers are rendered double, as it is termed, by the expansion of stamens into petals; others become imperfect, and even neutral, by the abortion or blighting of the stamens, or pistils, or both. The Strawberry appears to be very liable to this kind of blight; and hence the much talked of sorts, among cultivators, of prstillates, and staminates,—though in alk the pistillate flowers, which I have examined, there were vestiges more or less obvious; of abortive stamens, on the rim of the calyx. It also varies much, under culture, in some other features,—especially in the developement and character or quality of the receptacle, or what is commonly regarded as fruit: but no one, I believe, has yet seen a Strawberry plant transmuted into a Cinquefoil, though so nearly allied in habit. The organs of plants may be greatly disguised by the influences above mentioned; but still the essential distinguishing traits are preserved;—and there seems to be no in- superable obstacle to prevent a plant, with modified or abortive organs, from reverting, under a change of circumstances, to its original condition, and resuming its pristine form and character. The normal, or what may be called the constitutional character of the Strawberry-flower, is to be perfect —1. ¢. furnished with both stamens and pistils (possibly such may be the 216 THE FLORIST AND- true normal structure of ail flowers); and although many other plants, as the Strawberry, are found with imperfect, and even neutral flowers,—every Naturalist and careful observer knows, that there is often an obvious effort — and tendency, in such flowers, to a more complete development: 7. e. to be- come perfect and regular. We occasionally see diandrous flowers become didynamous,—and didynamous plants developing regular petandrous flow- ers; and it is not at all unusual to find the stamdnate tassel of the eulti- vated Maize (Zea Mays, L. a monoicous plant,) bearing fertile flowers, and exhibiting a very successful attempt at the production of an Har—or cluster of Ears—of Indian corn. These instances, I trust (for it is needless to’ multiply them,) may suffice to show that there is nothing irrational, nor in- credible, in Mr. MerénAn’s observations; and that it is rather strong phraseology, to declare such phenomena to be “‘atterly impossible.” The polemic writers on this Strawberry question, speak of the necessity of stam- inate plants among the pistillate, to produce; or perfect the fruit. No doubt, the pistils must be fertilized, in order to produce seeds that will vege- tate. But what do those gentlenten understand, by the “frudt?” «Dé they iiean the little single-seeded akenes or nutlets; which are sprinkled over the enlarged pulpy receptacle,—or do they refer to the receptacle ctself, which in popular parlance is intended by the term “‘fruct?” If they have refer- ence to the real fruit—the nutlets which contain the seed,—there is probaly ho question (as already intimated) about the necessity of staminate influence to produce perfect fruit. But I have a suspicion, that by the term ‘‘fruzt,”’ they mean the delicious receptacle which bears the fruit, and if they mean to allege that the pistils must be fertilized by the stamens, in order to pro- duce that enlargement of the receptacle which atfords an esculent substitute for fruit,—then I have only to say, it isa questeon of fact which I have had no adequate opportunity to determine; and concerning which I, for one, should be happy to receive reliable information. To ascertain the point satisfactorily; would require very careful experiments and observations, Whether such have been made, | am not informed. I may remark, however, by way of analogy, that there are instances in which pistdls, and even recep- tacles, are enlarged, where no staminate influence has been exerted. The conglomorate coalescent pistz/s of the Osage Orange (Maclura,) for example, attain to their full natural size (although the seeds are necessarily imper- fect,) where no-staminate plant is in the neighborhood; and, what affords a closer anology, the including receptacle of the pistillate Fig is fully devel- oped; when entirely free from any staminate influence. Whether the re- ceptacle of the Strawberry ever enlarges, without the pistils being fertilized, (as already stated,) is more than I can tell; but I feel well assured, that any competent authority, who may furnish the information, will make an aieceptable contribution to physiological Botany. Ww. D. West Chester, June 6, 1853. HORTICULTURAL JOURNAL. 217 THE STRAWBERRY QUESTION. Mr. Epiror:—Who among horticulturists has not heard of the ‘‘Straw- berry Question’’—has not wondered at the opposite opinions held by eminent cultivators, and perhaps like myself has been surprised that the spirit of in- quiry has not been more generally diffused concerning a subject of so much importance. Is it because our instructors cannot come to a unanimous con- clusion upon it, that we pupils in horticulture have been doubtful about ex- pressing our opinions upon it, or have we never studied the subject for our- selves but left them in their wisdom to decide it for us ? I was in this posi- tion waiting for their decision, but as it was not likely to be forthcoming, I resolved to study the subject for myself, have done so this season, and_ will give you my experience in connection with the “Strawberry Question.”’ The points of difference between a staminate and pistillate strawberry flower are so marked thata very casual observer catnot fail to notice them at once ; for in staminate varieties the flowers are lax, the sepals of the calyx appear alternately with the petals of the corolla, the stamens occupy the most prominent place in the flower, rising half their length above the eentral pistils, are very much swelled at the base, and very large compared with the other parts of the flower, anthers broadly heart shaped, large, and producitg abundance of pollen. Pistils, loose, long, and having a barren appearance, which is soor proved by their withering away, and leaving the stamens masters of the field. The embryo receptacle when it does exist at all is very much flattened, and in the most of cases cannot be said to exist at all, the pistils being inserted in the thickened cup of the calyx. All flowers that have this appearance in these varieties, very soon wither away and leave this impression on the mind of the observer, that they were surely staminate varieties. But as all staminate varieties do not thus wither away, but many of them produce fruit, it may be asked are the flowers all the same inappearance. It is here where the peculiarities ir this class are met with, for there are few but what produce some fruit, and as real stami- nate flowers conld not produce this fruit, it would readily be seen that stam- Inate varieties produce two sorts of flowers; the one where the organs are unequally balanced which produce no fruit, the other where the flowers are perfect and are fruit bearing. ‘Fhe appearance of the flower that will pro- duce fruit, is markedly different from the other—by the shortness of the stamens, the conical shaped receptacle, the pistils stiff and thickly set there- on. The flower is altogether more compact, and is as perfect in its organs as any of the Alpine varieties. The following sorts have proved staminate with me. 28 218 THE FLORIST AND Cuthill’s Black Prince, Boston Pine, Kittley’s Goliath, Alice Maud, British Queen, Ross’s Phoenix, and Victoria. Among pistillate varieties, the flowers are cup shaped, compact, with the. sepals of the calyx scarcely perceptible between the petals of the corolla. Stamens seldom visible, and when seen at all they are very minute, not Jonger than the pistils at the base of receptacle, never showing signs of having fertilizing powers, as the anthers never expand; the whole remains perfectly abortive. Pistils very numerous, uniform, stout, longer than in perfect flowers, and have not such a feathery appearance as in staminate sorts. Receptacle large, conical, always coming to perfection, and the in- stances where pistillate flowers do not produce berries are very rare, in fact scarcely ever to be met with; at least my sorts have proved so; and it is rea sonable to conclude that this has been occasioned by the sorts growing to- gether. The following sorts have proved pistillate with me. Bourbon Pine, Hudson, Swanson, Burr’s Pine, Hovey’s Seedling, tomas and Moyamensing. The varieties enumerated, I have growing together (both pistillate and staminate) under what might be called the ordinary mode of cultivation in one place; and in another completely isolated from them, I have a collee= tion of thesame sorts which have stood some years longer, and are almost worn out. But this difference of situation, culture, &c. don’t at all seem to have affected or in the least degree altered the organs of re-production in any variety; for to me it seems that the character of pistillate or stami- nate is as permanent and unchangable as in any other deciduous plant. A writer in one of the periodicals of the day, supposes it possible that the receptacle of the strawberry might enlarge, or even come to perfection without staminate influence having at all been required. That the experi- ment of planting a pistillate strawberry in a situation where staminate in- fluence could not reach it and that plant produce no berry, is the fact; as was proved by a cultivator in this neighborhood: but it is to be hoped that the coming season will be taken advantage of by many of your correspon- dents, for making experiments that will place this question in such a clear and forcible manner before the publie, so that all may be convinced, and those interested in the culture of this fruit may take advantage of, and turn to good account the information received. E We hope that those of our friends who have made any observations, or have anything to say on this interesting subject will be kind enough to com- municate them to us.—Ep. HORTICULTURAL JOURNAL. 219 AMMONIA ON PLANTS. The subject of the action of Ammonia on plants is exciting considerable attention in England. We copy below from the Gard- ener’s Chronicle accounts of experiments, the first of which is being tried at the Horticultural Society’s Garden. M. Ville’s mode of giving Ammonia to plants, with a: view to increase their bulk and vigour, is being tried in the large stove in which one of his apparatuses has heen placed. It consists of two clear glass bottles with long necks, furnished with tight-fitting corks, in each of which is inserted a — small bent glass tube. These two tubes are joined together by means of an India-rubber connection, or small hose, thus forming a communication be- tween the two botties. In the cork of one of the bottles is an escape tube (also of glass), which is connected (by means of a sinall India-rubber hose), with other small glass pipes that are laid all along and across the bed, and | through which the ammonia is intended to pass, in order that it may be the better diffused among the plants. When the bottles are put to work, one is charged with chalk, on which is poured sulphuric acid. and the other with unslacked lime, over which is poured a solution of ammonia. ‘The result of this experiment will, of course, be published in due time. Its conduct has been entrusted to Mr. Spriggs, the young man in charge of the house, who is to note down its effects daily, and report the same tu the Vice-Secretary. Tn another column will be found some further account of furnishing plants with more ammonia than they can get under ordinary circumstances. By Mr. Deane, Vice President of the Pharmaceutical Society. Ef- fects analogous to those produced by M. Ville (see last year’s volume, p. 755), with ammoniated air on the leaves of growing plants, have been ob- served by me, as the results of applying solutions ef ammoniacal salts to the roots. My attention was first effectively turned to the subject about eight or ten years since, when an extensive grower of Pelargoniums, Fuchsias, and Roses, applied to me for some remedy for the sickly con- dition of his stock; which, if left unchecked, would insure a very severe loss to him. On examining the plants they were found to be in a star- ving condition, the roots having filled the pots and exhausted the soil ; consequently, the leaves had lost their healthy green colour, and become very pale, with a strong tinge of yellow; the lower leaves were quite yel- low, spotted, and falling off. The natural remedy was obviously fresh potting, but as the plants were already in pots best adapted to answer the purposes of the grower, some other remedy had to be devised. I therefore 220 THE FLORIST AND made a very weak solution of sulphate and carbonate of ammonia, and there- with watered the roots of the plants once a day, in the evening ; and to insure any observed results as to the effect of the ammonia, certain rows ‘Of. j the plants on the stage of the greenhouse were selected for the experiment. In a few days the effects of the ammonia were most marked and satisfa cto-~ ry. The leaves began to put on a very remarkable appearance, the course of the veins, or spiral vessels, becoming perfectly green, the colour com- mencing at the basal portion of the ane, and thence spreading through all the reticulations, until the tissues were perfectly restored to their normal and healthy condition; and, in fact, the plants thus treated looked more vigorous than they had ever done before, being much darker colour and firmer in texture. The contrast between these plants and those which had received no ammonia left no doubt about the efficiency of the ap- plication. I forget the effects upon the flowering of the Pelargoniums, but there was certainly no deficiency of flowers on the Fuchsias and Roses ; they were, moreover, finer and better coloured than usual. On a subsequent occasion a gentleman’s gardener applied to me in a similar dilemma; he had a house full of fancy Pelargoniums preparing for a flower-show, at which he expected to take the first prize. Just as the trusses of flower buds were emerging, and there was every prospect of a good bloom, the lower leaves of the plants began to turn yellow and spotted, and then to fall off, leaving the plants bare, where the foliage was considered an essential point of beauty. I examined the roots and found them nearly filling the pots, it was therefore evident there was not sufficient nutriment left in the pots to meet the extra demand made by the large number of flower-buds; the lat- ter were, consequently, deriving their nourishment from the leaves—the natural storehouse of the food of plants during the growing season—and of course exhausted the lower leaves first. They were treated precisely as in the former instance, and with the same results; the lower leaves became healthy, and the flower-buds progressed favourably to maturity, being of good form and colour. The success of these experiments became known to other gardeners in the neighbourhoad, some of whom were equally suc- cessful, while others did not derive that satisfaction from the use of the am- moniacal solution, either from not understanding the principle of its appli- cation, or from a desire to accomplish more than they were capable of, when it frequently happened the plants became too vigorous to flower well. There is no doubt but that M. Ville is correct in stating that the flowering is ar- rested if the application of ammonia is made at a certain period of the de- velopment of the flower-buds. Few plants if grown too vigorously will flower well, if at all. A certain check in their growth is absolutely necessa- HORTICULTURAL JOURNAL. 221 ry, and the summer’s sun or winter’s cold, under ordinary circumstances, effects this perfectly in this climate—the former by perfecting and conden; sing the elaborated sap, and the latter by arresting vegetation altogether, Too much moisture and shade cause those parts intended for flower-buds to be developed as leaves. In the Aloe tribe when the flower stem is thrown up, it is at the expense of the outer leaves, the elaborated juices of which it appropriates, the roots at this time not being in action, because it is towards the close of a long period of dryness. If when the flower-stem is begin- ning to rise, the roots are watered, all further development of the stem is ar- rested, the leaves only being developed. The same thing takes place with many bulbs whose period of flowering is not the same as that for leafing. Many Cape bulbs follow this law; for example, the Heemanthus, the flower- ing of which is at the expense of some one or more of the outer coats. If these plants are watered at the wrong period, or if they have had not that proper rest which Nature designed they should have under'the influence of a roasting sun, such as their native country affords, no flowers will be produced, but in their stead a vigorous development of leaves. It would appear, therefore, that the arrest of development of the flowers and fruits of the plants treated with ammonia, is not so much the result of any specific property possessed by this substance, as by its bringing about artificially those conditions which may occur naturally, or be produced by other means. Also, that the application of ammonia to plants may be attended by results varying adcording to the conditions under which it is applied, and the ob- ject it is desired to obtain. The following is the formula for the solution alluded to in the previous note by Mr. Deane :—Sulphate of ammonia, 7006 grains ; sesquicarbonate ditto, 1000 grains; water, 80 fl. oz. Disolve. Of this solution one fluid once toa gallon of water will make a solution sufficiently strong for all ordinary purposes.—Pharmaceutical Journal. CALENDAR OF OPERATIONS. DispuDDING.—This operation does not appear to be sufficiently recognis- ed in its proper sense as distinguished from pruning. and pinching. In per- forming these latter operations we remove a portion of the growing shoot, in the former case the young bud is removed as soon as it can be rubbed off. These operations are therefore quite distinct, and their distinction is of much importance. Most fruit cultivators are aware that trees suffer mate- rially by suddenly depriving them of a large portion of foliage while in ac- tive growth, and expedients are resorted to in order to render the operation less injurious. In spring when the buds burst, attention should be directed 222 THE FLORIST AND to the quantity of young shoots desirable either for fruit or uniformity of growth; these being secured all others should immediately be rubbed off. As growth spanned luxuriant shoots are stopped or their points pinched off, removing more or less of the shoot, according to the object to be attained. If the plant is very luxuriant, more leaves may be removed and if every shoot upon a tree is operated on in this manner it amounts to a severe check onits growth. In the case of young trees, or weakly ones, where a certain form is desired, the young growing point should be bruised without remov- ing any of the elaborating foliage, securing density of habit without any perceptible check of growth. Suppose a shoot that has grown 12 or 14 inches to be pinched back one half of its length, the uppermost bud will burst again and the others remain comparatively dormant ; but allowing the same shoot to have been checked in its longitudinal growth, by pinching or bruising its extreme point, it will be found that all the lower buds will be benefitted and several additional shoots produced. We have alluded to this subject more particularly at present as we are aware of having occasionally made use of the term pinching when disbudding would have been the more | appropriate expression. STRAWBERRIES.—Preparations should now be in progress for securing plants for early forcing next spring. Various methods are adopted to get strong plants, such as filling small pots with rich soil and plunging them in the strawberry patch, introducing a young plant on the pot, and removing into larger ones when rooted. Others again prepare full sized pots at once and place them in this manner, securing the young plant in both cases with a small stone laid on the surface. ‘When close attention is paid in watering, these plans are good. An equally successful and less troublesome method is to prepare a few square yards of ground in a somewhat: sheltered situa- tion, manuring it well and digging deeply, and filling it thickly with young plants. They should be partially shaded for a few days, and duly watered. In the course of three or four weeks they will lift with good balls of earth and are potted at once in fruiting pots. Pistilo-staminate or hermaphrodite varieties are found to produce better when forced early than pistillate sorts. Root pruning of fruit trees is sometimes commendable, and the present is the proper season for.its more immediate beneficial effects. It is mostly performed on young vigorous trees that show no disposition to fruit. By cutting away some of the strongest roots at this time the supply of sap will be lessened and the wood ripening process accelerated, No fruit need be- expected from badly ripened wood. In nine cases out of ten» the non-ap- pearance of fruit on healthy trees arises from this cause. Mild autumn weather induces growth to a late period and sudden frosts arrive before the wood is sufficiently matured. This is more particularly noticeable on soils HORTICULTURAL JOURNAL. , 288 inclined to be wet, and here again we perceive the necessity of underground drains, in order to remove surplus water. It is an exceedingly erroneous idea that drains are worse than useless in localities where long droughts are of frequent occurrence. ‘The truth is that draining enhances humidity du- ring hot weather, since it enables the soil to exercise its absorbing properties to the fullest extent, there being more air in the soil water is retained in its pores, constituting a reservoir holding a lasting supply when other sources fail. ReENovaTiIne OLD TrEES.—Most satisfactory results have been obtained from old and apparently worn out trees by changing the soil about their roots, or applying a top dressing of wood ashes, guano, salt and plaster in equal quantities, allowing about one bushel of the mixture to each tree. If nothing better is convenient, a heavy dressing of well made barn manure forked in about the roots will have a decided effect. The absorbing points of the roots extend a considerable distance from the trunk, therefore, the principal part of the top dressing should embrace a circumference at least. equal to that of the branches. It might be considered unnecessary to men- tion this very apparent fact, were it not usual to observe manure applied to. the stem instead of the roots. | GRAPES UNDER GLASS will now be approaching maturity. Dryness both in soil and atmosphere favors this process, still they must not be allowed to suffer for want of moisture should the weather prove dry. The young growth may be stopped more rigidly as the ripening process proceeds. This _ will concentrate the sap and strengthen the buds for a future crop, if pinch- ed back too severely these buds may start into growth, which must be guarded against. OUT-DOoR GRAPES will require attention in thinning out lateral shoots and stopping others especially those on bearing shoots. Thinning out the berries is seldom practised on these, nor, indeed is it always necessary. Oc- casionally, however, the berries are so thickly placed that room is not af- forded them to swell out and ripen properly. By thinning out a few of the most central and smallest berries, the fruit will ripen earlier and be much improved both in size and flavor. S. B. AUGUST. FLOWER GARDEN AND PLEASURE GROUND. This is the month many prefer to plant their evergreens, and it is per- haps as gooda time as any. Take advantage of a ‘wet spell” for the ope- ration. Be particularly careful that as many roots as possible are preserv~ ed. If this can be well attended to, trees of any size can be moved suc- B94 . THE FLORIST AND k cessfully. It becomes a question of power—of profit and loss. If any amount of power can be applied, and expense is no object, the largest trees will move as easily as small ones. In moving an evergreen 20 feet high, FE - commence to open my “trench” 10 feet from the base of the trunk, go down about two feet, and continue to undermime and lay bare the roots their full length, right up to the collar of the tree. I care nothing for “ball of earth.” If I have a good supply of hands at the job, I only care to keep them aside a little to prevent injury by the operations of the workmen. If i have but few men, I roll the long roots, as fast as they are exposed, in mats tokeep them moist. For mechanical means and adaptations to take out the tree and convey it to its destination, an intelligent workman is never at aloss. Trees taken up in this manner scarcely miss the change; and besides after they are transplanted they require no staking, as they are capable of withstanding the strongest wind through their long roots. The broom should be well applied to lawns at this season of the year, even more seduuously than in spring. Many species of weed become so dwarfed by the summer’s drought, that they flower and fruit below the reach of the scythe, and can only be kept down by the hard sweeping. Lf have seen some lawns almost ruined by these weeds, especially by one of the nettle tribe. (Pilea pumila.)—Conclusion in next number. oo It is a pity that the rules adopted by Florists are so very rigid, that un- less a flower equals a certain standard in shape and markings it must be re- jected. Last week we had submitted to us by Mr. T. F. Croft, a beautiful seedling Verbena, a lilac with a broad stripe of white down each petal, quite distinct and very handsome, but the petals were too narrow, leaving a large space between each one. ‘This must condeme it as a Florist’s flewer, but to all who want a handsome and distinct variety it will be desirable. He calls it his No. 8. It isin style of Iphigenie. | oe The article on Tile draining in the last number should have been credited to the Ohio Cultivator. We never intentionally copy articles without credit. We wish that Dr. Warder of the Western Horticultural Review were as conscientious. ee Errata.—In the report of the Maryland Horticultural Society, The Winter Bon Chretien pears were shown by Mr. Fuss, not Mr. Feast as printed.. The premium for strawberries was for ‘the best 4 distinct varie- ties, 1 quart each. — THE FLORIST AND HORTICULTURAL JOURNAL. Vol. IL] Philadelphia, August, 1853. [No. 8. The non appearance of this number without a plate is caused by the fact that we could not get one in time—and our wish to issue two numbers at once im order that in future we may come out on the first of each month induced us to disregard that for the present. The number for September, however will make up the deficiency, as we will give then a double plate, the subject being one of the béautiful species of Rhododendron introduced from the Himalayas. We are happy to be able to assure our friends and subscrib- ers that the success of the Florist is very encouraging and that we will be in a few days in the receipt of all the plates for, this’ volume. Our subscription list has almost doubled since it came into our fiands, and we want but a little more effort on the part of our friends to place the magazine in a position which will make its ¢ontinuation a pleasure to all concerned in it. 29 219 THE FLORIST AND RANDOM NOTES ON FRUITS. By a Maryland Subscriber. Mr. H. C. Hanson, Dear Sir :— Believing as I do, that no one in faithfully recording his experi- ence and observations, can fail in imparting more or less knowledge to others, I offer no apology to your readers for intruding my opin- ions, since they are the result of personal attention to fruit grow= ing, and a wish that others of more experience will take up the subject mm your pages. Grapes —Now that a certain cure for the prevention and eradi- cation of mildew in graperies has been found, I hope that some one will step forward with a specific for the black rot on our arbors. It is the general opinion, I believe, that much wet during the pre- sent month favors this disease. This season has been particularly dry, and so far I have not detected its appearance. Should the rot be induced by the roots bemg wet and eold with a hot sun acting on the leaves, it would seem apparent that a dry soil should be se- cured, either by selecting an elevated position, or laying down un- der ground drains. While visiting a friend during the past winter I found him preparing the border of a small grapery. The original soil, which was of a clayey character, had been removed to a good depth, and fresh soil and compost put in its place. The work was well donie, and no pains spared to render it perfect in every respect, good drainage being provided to carry off extra wet. Notwithstand- ing, it occurred to me that the end m view would be equally at- tained without the trouble and expense of excavation, by merely laying the fresh soil cn the old surface and mixing the whole thoroughly together, I would rather build a two feet wall to hold up the soil than dig down an equal depth for the same purpose. Among the various foreign kinds that I have tried I find the Sweetwater, Zinfindal and Frankenthal give most satisfaction. The Sweetwater bears moderately well, but the fruit to my taste is in- sipid, and inferior to a well ripened Isabella. Both Zinfindal and Frankenthal are good grapes, bear abundantly, and ef vigorous HORTICULTURAL JOURNAL. 220 growth. Indeed the latter is little inferior to the Black Hamburgh, from which it is said to have originated. I have also the B. Ham- burgh out of doors some seasons; I gather tolerable fruit, but in general it is rendered useless by mildew. So far the present sea- son they are perfectly clean. | Herbemont’s Cluster is a good fruit, regular and abundant bearer. The Catawba seems very suscepti- ble of cold and wet while setting its fruit, and in some seasons the bunches are rather thin. Altogether it seems less robust in its. con- stitution than the Isabella. On this account the northern growers prefer the latter, while in the south the Catawba is more generally planted. Strawberries.—In preparing the soil for these I am particularly eareful in having it well broken up to a depth of 18 inches, putting plenty of manure on it, and also digging in a heavy dressing an- nually in the fall; my object being to produce superior fruit rather than a large number, I generally thin them out after the fruit is set, taking care to leave fruit of all ages.in order to keep them ripening in succession; by this means every berry is a specimen. I have tried various systems of management with regard to winter aad summer covering, and prefer short grass or cut straw for this purpose. From the high encomiums given to tan bark I was in- duced to make trials of it, I think it has a bad effect on the soil, and no particular good effect on the fruit, Hovey’s seedling is my standard bearer, although there are many others of great merit. Black Prince makes a beautiful variety on the fruit table on ac- count of its colour, but the flavor is simple and watery. Ross’ Phoenix, Keen’s Seedling and British Queen, give very superior flavored fruit, although not so very prolific. It seems to me that amateurs will prefer these sorts before those whose only recom- mendation is a numerous crop. McAvoy’s Superior has done very well, I have not been able to discover its superiority, although it is far from an inferior fruit. With regard to the result of mixing the sexes I have nothing difinite to note. As I have already remarked the soil is made very rich, and although I always have both pistill- ate and staminate varieties in my grounds, no care is taken to mix 221 THE FLORIST AND the kinds, and both produce to my satisfaction. I prefer a few large to a quantity of small fruit, and in this respect some of the staminate kinds just suit my views, Pears. Of these I have some sixty varieties all on the Quince. Many of my earliest planted trees are doing badly ; this I attribute to want of proper preparation when planting. Being a novice in the business I had holes about two feet diameter and one deep made for them, using compost for planting them in. They made more growth the first year than ever they have done since: Latterly 1 have had the ground better prepared, by spreading six inches of rotted sod, lime rubbish, manure, ashes, &c., on the surface, and working all up to a depth of eighteen inches. Nothing could be more satisfactory than the healthy appearance and abundant crops the trees planted after this preparation. I find great advantage from pruning the strong shoots during the summer; it improves the appearance of the tree by causing it to produce shoots and fill up in lean parts, which equalises the growth and prevents strong grow- ing branches from gaining headway and absorbing all the nourish- ment. I also fancy that summer pruning gives you more fruit at least on the older branches. The check given by pruning, sets these lower buds in action, and developes their latent fruit produ- cing capabilities. The winter pruning I perform early, generally before all the leaves are fallen, but since [ have practised summer pruning, I find that there is not much left for the winter cutting. As soon as they are pruned in the fall, I sprinkle about a quart of guano round each tree and fork it in the soil paying great attention not to have any of the roots injured ; I then have a good dressing of well composted manure spread uuder each tree. In spring when the weather opens the remains of this manure is also mixed with the soil. I have found great advantage from mulching trees the first summer after planting, when once they get established I pre- fer to have the soil uncovered, so that the surface can be occasion- | ally stirred and broken up when beaten down with heavy rains, with this treatment they grow luxuriantly, There is much differ- ence in their growth on the quince, while some are grown three HORTICULTURAL JOURNAL. 929 feet others will not make as many inches. The Seckel does not succeed well, fruit small, but exquisitely flavored. On the-contrary I measured young shoots on the Dix the other day three feet in length, although the tree was only planted last spring. Beurre Giffart I gathered yesterdy (July 20th,) full ripe; it is a beautiful fruit, and as an early good pear will be largely planted when better known. The Easter Beurre I consider the best late, | kept some of the fruit until the end of March, and they were excellent, as juicy as a fresh gathered peach. Glout Morceau and winter Nelis are also fine late pears. Louise boune de Jersey grows freely and produces the greatest quantity of beautiful, fine fruit. Vicar of Winkfield does not do well here, the fruit cracks even on young trees, and limbs are constantly dying off, sometimes the whole tree. I have observed it the same on several places. Otherwise it is a heayy bearer, although I consider the fruit of secondary quality. Fondante of Autumn is a free grower and bears well, fruit of fine quality. Tyson and Bartlett both fine early sorts, the former grows more luxuriant them the latter on the quince; Bartlett is yery large and first rate. Dutchess d’ Angouleme I think a first rate pear in every respect, tree thrifty and fast grower, fruit large and produced freely. Some complain of gritteness in this fruit. JI do not find any if gathered two or three weeks before eating. All pears, however, are better for being gathered sometime previous to use, indeed some are not fit for anything othcrwise. White Doyenne I consider equal if not superior to the Seckel in eating qualities. Doyenne d’ ete is very early and on this account worthy of a place in all collec- tions, and is a good table fruit if pulled and ripened in the house, when allowed to fall from the tree it is tasteless. Bloodgood is also a fine early pear of good flavour; indeed fine pears are now so, plentiful, that it is difficult to say which is best. There are many: excellent sorts of which I have no practical acquaintance. If I were to plant fifty trees to ripen fruit in succession for eight months in the year confining myself to 12 varieties I would probably make a selection as the following :—1 Doyenne @ ete, 3 Beurre Giffart, 223 THE FLORIST AND 2 Tyson, 3 Bartlett, 4 Seckel, 4 White Doyenne, 4Louise boune de Jersey, 6 Grey Doyenne, 6 Dutchess de Angouleme, 6 Glout Mor- ceau, 6 Winter Nelis, 6 Easter Beurre. My sheet is full, if this finds favor in your eyes you may probably hear from me again. — Respectfully Yours, A. R. N. For the Florist and Horticultural Journal. Mr. Epitor :— The question is often asked, where can a choice collection of Florist’s flowers be got, such as do not need the protection of a green- house with fire through the winter, nor a perpetual watering during summer? In the hope that some of our nurserymen will answer the inquiry, I will, with your permission, give your readers my re- collection of a Florist’s garden, so as to give them some idea of what really constitutes a Florist, for the name is much misapplied among us. William Hatelie, W. 8. of Duncliff Cottage, Murrayfield, a mile west of Edinburgh, Scotland, was (and may be yet) an amateur florist of refined taste. His garden I think was forty-eight yards wide and sixty yards long, and was enclosed by a stone wall sixteen feet high, with a small stable and carriage house on one corner; the cellar of which was divided into an apartment for keeping soil pots and other garden lumber, and another to hold the cleanings of the stable. The house was near the southern end; it was a two story house of white freestone with an observatory from which a beanti- ful view could be obtained. One third of the ground was kept as a back ground, and was used as a nursery for the front garden and for growing small fruits and small vegetables, it was divided from the front by a trellis which — was covered with dwarf pear trees. The wall of the back portion was filled with choice fruit-trees and that of the front with flower- ing shrubs and vines. Next to this was a border eight feet wide bedded with different kinds of flowers. There was no incongruous mixture ; every genus stood by itself, eyery species or variety was HORTICULTURAL JOURNAL. 224 sa ———— saperate—every plant stood singly so as to show its flowers to the greatest advantage. The gravelled walk was forty inches wide with box edging on the border side. The centre ground inside of this and around the house was lawn, studded with choice roses and dwarf shrubbery. Many ingenious flower beds were cut out on the grass, and among them were four of the same size and shape bottoned and sided with flagstones and eighteen inches deep, having a flag stone walk running through the middle. These beds were planted with the owner’s most favorite genera. A neat tent was put over each of these beds while the plants were in flower which greatly prolonged the flowering. The same was used for all of them: the frame was of light iron easily taken apart and put together; the uprights being let into staples run into the flag: it had a span roof witha door at each end in the canvass fastened by buttons. First it was put over the Hyacinths, next over the Tulips, then on the carnations and picotees, and last over dwarf double Ranunculus. The other beds on the lawn were each planted with a single species, so that no two resembled each other: and each bloomed at a separate time. The Crocus in all colors would drive away winter and give us a foretaste of spring ; these were succeeded by the Hyacinth with its waxy flowers of all colors, and their sweet odour, the gaudy Tulips, the fragrant Carnations and Picotees, beautifully laced and pencilled, and the large headed Ranunculus surpassed conception. There were also Primula auricula and Polyanthus of brilliant sorts; broad petalled and beautiful colored Pansies, double quilled Calistemma, beautiful double quilled Bellis, whose variety prolifera was very singular, double Cheiranthus of matchless fragrance and in colour from pale yellow to dark crimson, Mathiola all double and from pure white to crimson, ( the cape stock exquisitely rich), Dianthus Barbatus and Chinensis double white shaded to velvety marroon, and many other bulbous and other plants kept up the beauty of the garden throughout the séa- son. There was always something to admire, nothing common or coarse-growing was admitted there, and the fine keeping of the place made it always lovely; every thing was in good taste and 225 THE FLORIST AND always in order; though it was small yet it was a 12 months journey to get through it; if there be a paradise on earth surely it is Dun- - cliffe Cottage. | There were but six sashes on the place, a brick pit with bee and two cold frames of twos ashes each ; young plants of Chéiranthus Mathiola, Dianthus, Primula, &., were wintered in pots and pro- tected in the cold frames in winter, and a hot-bed was made in the spring for raising seedlings, which were pricked out into the cold frames after the other plants were set out. Many new varieties have originated there. I was but a favored visitor, as admittance was rarely allowed. It was said that Mr. H. paid twelve pounds for a bulb of the Tulip Louis XVI and would have ridden miles to see a new Carnation or Auricula; he had too aviareis of songsters, and also an Owl and an Eagle; the Owl was named “Cameron of Lochiel,” and the Eagle “George Washington.” Respectfully, Watrer Exper. Philadelphia, July 7, 1853. NOTES ON GARDENS. Pascuatt: Morris & Co., Wesr Custer, Pa. Having an hour to spare in this town, I took a stroll through the grounds of these gentlemen, and I was agreeably surprised in a place seemingly so local, to find so much attention and space given to ornamenting shrubs and trees —the grounds extended over thirty acres; and the variety was very great, as well as the stock of each kind. What struck me most pleasurably, and afforded me most interest was the assortment of evergreens; and it was a few new facts which I learned for the first time in connection with some of them that induced me to prepare these notes for you. In these times when the demand for evergreens is approaching to a sort of fever, it is well to know what kinds are decidedly hardy. The Auracaria imbricata has been given up in many quarters ; several trials having proved unfortunate. Here were many which have stood out two winters. In the severe winter of 1851-2 they mostly lost their side shoots. From the appearance of these plants I have no doubt that when the specimens are gradually hardened, they will prove quite hardy—Juniperus excelsa, seemed more at home, it HORTICULTURAL JOURNAL. 233 — ee will be a powerful rival to our J. Virginiana, J. recurva or pendula, as a large stock of it showed, was as hardy as the rest. There was here also another species or variety of Juniperus which I had not met with before, which Mr. M. informed me he received under the name of J. ertcoides. It is a very distinct looking kind, very much like young Cupressus funebris— a fine specimen of the latter was growing in a pot, and which I understood was destined to stand the ordeal of the next winter. There was, in a very exposed situation, a fine specimen of Adbzes morinda, perhaps more proper- ly A. Smithiana. The difference between this specimen, and the A. excelsa or Norway Spruce, was very striking. The new family embraced numer- ous ‘representatives of all nations, English, Irish, and American, besides a a good stock of that ‘dear little thing,” lady like speaking, the 7. adpres- sa, also proven hardy. The Silver Fir (Picea pectenata) seemed perfectly “at home,’’ thinking it easy work to throw out eighteen inches of a leader In one season—when young it frequently loses its leading bud in the winter, but it gets better of this misfortune as it grows. Ina large pot I observe a fine specimen of another Picea— Webdiana, which I believe has not proved perfectly hardy—Libocedrus chileensis, and many other of the newer kinds were also here in the same dubious company. The regularity and cleanliness of the evergreens and tlieir great variety allured too much of my attention, and I had but a few moments left to run over the collec- tion of deciduows trees and shrubs. A fine stock of Populus anqulatus, the cotton wood of the Mississippi, struck as ‘just m_ time,’’ as I am satis-, fied this tree is destined to become very popular as a shade tree for towns. Its rapid growth, large leaves and spreading head, its cleanly habits, easi- ness of removal and propagation, suggest it as the successor of the Adlan- thus, and similar things that have been “tried in the balance and found wanting.” The cottony down which it throws out while perfecting its fruit, will be thought objectionable, but it is a valuable property when compared with the stench of an Adlanthus in flower. I may remark in passing, that the Linden, both European and American, seem much more prosperous in West Chester than in Philadelphia, and are in reality, an ornament to the place. The sugar maple is also very common, and has a beautiful appear- ance; not perhaps so spreading in its growth as the Silver, but not so lia- ble to be broken by high winds. I saw several Silver maples completely “wind broken.” The subject of shade trees for towns has become one of the “great questions’ of the day, which may serve as my excuse for drag- ging it in as a finale to my few notes of the highly interesting ground of P. Morris & Co. i 30 234 THE FLORIST AND WAY SIDE SKETCHES. Baywoop NursErizs.—Availing myself of a courteous invitation from the proprietors of these nurseries; I was greatly surprised to find so exten- sive an establishment in that section. Their grounds are situated about four miles from Pittsburgh, within view of the Allegheny river, and one mile north of the village of East Liberty, which lies spread out like a map down in the Negley valley—seemingly shut out from the busy world by the lofty river hills. Fostered by the liberality of the citizens of Pittsburgh and vicinity, and knowing the advantage of their position, Messrs. Kennedy & Co. have spared no pains or expense to bring their business to a high state of per- fection, and to show the beauties of scientific landscape gardening. AlI- though lately commenced, their extensive improvements and flourishing stock are an evidence of their practical abilities and enterprize. They have two very large, span roof greenhouses, heated by steam, and a propagating house; also a span roof 40 feet by 20, fitted up on an improved principle, and heated with hot water on the tank system. This house contains as fine a young stock as ever it has been my fortune to see, taken I believe from their European importations of last fall and spring. Their show honse 80 feet by 30 is a splendid strueture—planted conservatory fashion: (viz.) the plants turned out of the pots into a bed prepared for the purpose, and occu- pying the whole centre of the house; whilst a stage for pot plants 3 feet wide all round the house is well stocked with flowering plants suited to the season, such as Geraniums, Calceolarias, Fuchsias, Achimenes, Gloxinias, and some fine specimens of the beautiful Torenia Asiatica, with many other plants equally fine. ‘Their collection of Roses, Carnations, and Ver- benas in varieties, were just in perfection, showing every shade in color, from a pink white up to the deepest purple. Of ornamental trees and shrubs, they have a full stock, and though the plants are young, they show signs of a high state of cultivation, and promise a rich stock to propagate from. A varied stock of Fruit trees, some distance from the ornamental departments, look well; and although the season has been unusually dry, their mode of ‘cultivation has prevented the evils I have witnessed elsewhere occasioned by drought. Weeds they seem to have an aversion to, as none are to be seen amongst their plantations. After noticing a large collection of new varie- ties of potatoes, corn, &c. which in appearance promise their owners an am- ple return for their improved system of cultivation, I retreated to the shade of a grove of lofty pines, in the rear of the residence of Mr. Negley, one the proprietors, who has lately erected a magnificent building in the Eliza- bethan style. I found “Elfin Wild,” the name given to this portion of the HORTICULTURAL JOURNAL. 235 ———— ground, the most enchanting and romantic spot I ever beheld; it seemed as though nature in a frolic had vied with the art of man—the rapid water of a stream which comes winding down the hill sides, has worn its way for ages through the solid reck, seeking a humble bed hundreds of feet below. On either side the high towering rocks aae clothed with velvety moss, mingled with Ferns and Rose Bay Laurel which have found a home on some broken ledge. Indeed I may be allowed to say that Elfin Wild although in mina- ture hasno equal. Icould say much more about the beauties of the place, but I have already trespassed too much upon your limits. I. 0. ee + er PLANT A TREE. Plant! plant!! plant!!! ‘Three times have we written down the word, in order to impress it upon the mind of the reader. God plants over the fair face of the world. The sprouting acorn, the winged seeds of the pine, and the maple, and the ash, the bright red berries of the dogwood, the holly and the hawthorn, the blue clusters from the evergreen cedar, and the pearly fruit of the mistletoe, high up in the old oak-top, all find a spot as a. birth-bed in which to take root and flourish.—Some grow in the mellow mould where shade and moisture protect and invigorate their tenderness— some, with the pitying spirit of an angel’s guardianship, seek their resting places where man has wrought all his ruin, on the bare bosom of the earth, and strive to hide her naked deformity by outspreading their evergreen arms —some cling with their viscid coverings to the rough bark of ancieut trees, as if they wished to add newer and greener chaplets to their decaying crowns—some seek the crevices of the barren rocks and creeping up ruined walls bind together, the fisures gnawed by the cankered tooth of time, in their tender embraces—all obey those laws of vegetable creation, which are ever active in renewing what waste, and heedless considerateness, and pro- digal destruction, have so ruthlessly ravaged. Go then, lover of nature, to the scathed hill-top, once crowned with the brawn of a mighty forest king- dom ,and plant a clustering knot of oaks and cedars. Go to the sun scorched brook, as it glides noiselessly like molten lead through your field, and pro- tect its bright waters by the friendly shade of graceful maples and wide spreading beeches. Go to the roadside and people these monotonous plan- tation lines with the walnut, the red fruited mulberry and the maronia— their shade will gladden the heart of the traveller—their fruit will cause un- born children to bless ‘ ** The hand that planted these old trees.” 236 7 THE FLORIST AND Add living monuments, and multiply them upon the earth. It was a beautiful custom, that, when the betrothed planted each a tree, standing side by side, through years that come, their branches interlocked—their flowers kissed each other, and keeping vigils of love through storm and through sunshine—they remained living sentinels over that affection which never dies. We once new two of earth’s better spirits, gentle in their na- tures, lovely in their angelic semblance, bewitching in their beauty, and thus they planted their affections side by side in front of the old homestead —those emblem-cedars grew, and when the fair hands which had planted them, were twining wreaths with the cherubin around the altars of the blessed, they still stood flourishing over the decay of the past. But the old homestead has passed into the hands of strangers, the beautiful lesson taught by these trees has been forgotten, and to make visible the glaring- ness of modern improvement, they too, like their sweet emblem spirits, are: numbered amongst the things that once were upon this earth, And again, when a child is born a birth-day tree should be planted. We know an elm which marks the natal hour of a matron in a neighboring vil- lage, and we never pass that early budding tree without thanking the hon- ored father who taught us a good lesson when he set its roots in the mellow soil before his door. The hot sweltering walls of our cities call for trees—trees to feed upon the vapors which spring from over-peopled quarters, and convert them into healthy-breathing atmosphere. The shade of trees is more genial and grateful to the pent-up dwellers of cities than it is to most of those who ramble in sylvan groves, during the free an unrestrained years of a life in the country. Let those then, who are forced to dwell in the busy marts of the world, be blessed by shade—shade in the streets, shade in the capacious parks and pleasure grounds. God made trees enough, so that every human being could revel in their shade. The tawney savage seeks his leafy home, under the Titans of this Western world—the sons of the desert bless Allah for the refreshing shade of the graceful palms, and the white man, who claims to be civilized, alone evinces a thoughtless spirit of tree-destruction. For him there is no bound or limit, and the whim of a moment is frequently gratified at the expense of centuries of beautiful forest growth. Is that new era coming when we are to be planters instead of ravagers ? Will the few examples of ornamental landscape adornment and improve- ment, be copied and become working texts to the millions? Are we to hear of forests plantations to be reared upon our old fields? Are the glaring eye-straining white houses of the land, to be soon hidden by graceful forest HORTICULTURAL JOURNAL. 237 trees, such as abound within the reach of every cultivator of the soil? Is eur country to be made picturesque and lovely by the grouping of the ele- gant specimens which are the pride of our forests, around our homesteads ? Are we at last to become a nation with common sense? We have often al- most worshipped the glorious avenues of live oaks—beautiful in their morn- ing drapery of solemn moss, which add such distinct charms to the lower sections of our state. We have admired the virgin-flowery magnolia, and ask why is it not made welcome to every home in the state. ‘The oak tribe embracing nearly half a hundred varieties, and the lofty tulip trees, and the graceful elms, and evergreen holly, and the cedar and the pine, all afford much characteristic beauty to the true lover of nature. There is still a lower fringe, of smaller trees and shrubs, upon the bosom of the earth, which interspersed with these, add bizarre ornaments to the grouped sub- jects of the forest. But when we write of these, we have brought to our mind’s eye a picture, pen-painted by WILLIs, which, striking upon the chords of the heart through a vision of the satisfactory and beautiful, will cause all who read it, to love the trees, which a sense of duty to coming ages has caused them to cluster as enduring friends around them. For the benefit of such, we extract from his “Letters from Under a bridge,” a Poet's planting of a tree. “As I look out from under the bridge, I see an Oriole sitting upon a dog- wood tree of my planting. His song drew my eye from the paper. _I find it difficult, now, not to take to myself the whole glory of tree, song and plumage. By aneasy delusion, I fancy he would not have come but for the beauty of the tree, and that his song says as much, in bird-recitative. Igo back to one rainy day of April, when, hunting for maple saplings, I stopped under that graceful tree, ina sort of Island jungle, and wondered what grew so fair that was so unfamiliar, yet with a bark like the plumage of the pencilled Pheasant. The limbs grew curiously. A lance-like stem, and, at regular distance, a cluster of radiating branches, hke a long cane thrust through inverted parasols. I set to work with spade and pick, took it home on my shoulder, and set it out by Glemmary brook, and there’it stands to- day, in the full glory of its leaves, having just shed the white blossoms with which it kept holiday in June. Now the tree would have leaved and flowered, and the Oriole, in black and gold, might perchance have swung and sung on the slender branch, which is still tilting with his effort in that last cadenza. But the fair picture it’ makes to my eye, and the delicious music in my ear, seem to me no less of my own making and awaking. Is it the same tree, flowering unseen in the woods, or transplanted 238 THE FLORIST AND into a circle of human love and care, making a part of a woman’s home, and thought of and admired whenever she comes out from her cottage, with a blessing on the perfume and verdure? Is it the same bird wasting his song in the thicket, or singing to me, with my whole mind afloat on his music, and my eyes fastened to his glittering breast? So it is the same block of marble, unmoved in the caves of Pcutelicus, or brought forth and wrought under the sculptor’s chisel, yet the sculptor is allowed to ereate. Sing on my bright Oriole! Spread to the breeze your desiring finger, my flowering tree! Like the player upon the organ, I take your glory to my- self; though, like the hallelujah that burns under his fingers, your beauty and music worship God.—South-Agriculturist. oe Oe 4 A LIQUID FERTILIZER FOR CHOICE PLANTS. BY AN AMATEUR. DrarR Srr—I am confident that there are many of your lady readers, and perhaps many of the other sex, who are puzzled among the many new manures, and having failed with some, and injured their plants with others, they end by raising only sickly and meagre plants, when they might have them presenting a luxuriant and satisfactory appearance—with leaves of the darkest green and flowers or fruit of double the usual size. Having made a trial for three years past, with a perfectly safe and sa- tisfactory liquid fertilizer, which appears to suit all kinds of vegetation, which is clean and easily applied, and procured without difficulty, in any town, I confidently recommend it to your readers, especially those who wish to give especial pains to, and get uncommon results from, certain fa- vorite plants—either in pots or in the open garden—plants, whose roots are within such a moderate compass, that they can be reached two or three times a week, if not oftener, by the watering pot. This liquid fertilizer is made by disolving half an ounce of sulphate of ammonia in a gallon of water. Nothing so good can be cheaper, and the substance may be obtained at al- most any apothecary’s. Now for the mode of using it. I may say, at the outset, that weak as the solution appears to be, and is, if plants are watered with it daily, they will die—just as certainly as a man will who drinks nothing but pure brandy. The right way to apply it is, to water the plant with this solution every, sixth time, the other five times with plain water. HORTICULTURAL JOURNAL. 289 The proportion is so simple, and the mode of using it so easy to under- stand, that the most ignorant person cannot possibly blunder about 1t—if he count six. If we prepare the Solution occasionally, and water our plants in pots every Saturday, with this ammonia water, and all the rest of the time with plain water, we shall have a safe rule. : The result will, I am sure, both delight and surprise every person who will make a trial of it. It has become such an indispensable thing with me, that I regularly mix a barrel of it every Friday, and use it on Saturday, upon any plants that I particularly wish to invigorate and stimulate. I do not know that I have seen a single instance of its disagreeing with any plant—ammonia being the universal food of vegetation. Of course, the more rapid growing plants—those with foliage that perspire a great - deal—are most strikingly benefitted by it. Of course, also, plants that are at rest, or not in a growing state should not be fed with it; but any plant that is about starting, or is actually in a growing state, wlll not fail to be wonderfully improved by it. Many plants that have fallen in- to a sickly state by reason of poor, or worn out soil, will usually, in the course of a month, take quite another aspect, and begin to develope rich, dark green foliage. I will enumerate some of the things that I have had great success with. trawberries.—Beds of indifferent appearance at the opening of the spring, last season, after being watered four times with this solution, grew very luxuriantly, and bore a crop of remarkably fine fruit. This year IL, have repeated the experiment on half of every bed; both foliage and blos- soms are as large again on the watered, as on the unwatered bed; and, by way of comparison, I have watered some with plain water also, and find, though rather benefitted, (for the strawberry loves water,) they have none of the extra depth of verdure and luxuriance of those watered with am- monia. Early Peas—A least a.weak earlier than those not watered, and much stronger in leaf and pod. Fuchsias.—A surprising effect is produced on this plant, which, with the aid of ammonia water, will grow in very small pots, with a depth of verdure, a luxuriance and a profusion and brillianey of bloom, that I have never seen equalled. Old and stunted plants are direetly invigorated by it. Dwarf Pears.—Some sickly trees, that I have given the best attention for three years previously, without being able to get either good fruit or healthy foliage, after being watered four times with the solution—of course with the usual intermediate supply of common water—became perfectly healihy and luxuriant, and have ever since (two years,) remained so. 240 THE FLORIST AND Dahlias.—Which I have never succeeded well with before, have done beautifully with me since, flowering most abundantly and brilliantly, wher watered in this way. In all out of door plants, if mulching is used, only half the quantity of plain water is needed. For plants in pots, I consider it invaluable; and gardeners who wish to raise specimen plants for exhibi- tion, will find this mode of watering them every sixth time with the solution, to produce a perfection of growth not to be surpassed in any other way.—10. ———— GLAZING WITHOUT PUTTY. Mr. Eprror :—An article copied from Hovey’s Magazine appear- ed in the Florist, in which I stated my belief that the system of glazing without putty, was not “American” as it had been called. — This drew forth a reply from a correspondent, who signs himself “Beta, Philadelphia,’ who doubts the veracity of my statements. Ido not at any time consider anonymous contradictory assertions on any subject worth replying to, especially when in a discourteous strain of language, much less do I consider such a writer worthy of notice when he advances nothing to support the fact he endeavors to establish. Now as we have seen nothing to establish the Amer- _ican origin of this method of glazing, save and except the assertion of Mr. Hovey, who seems very desirous of appropriating to himself the merit of originating it; and as no one here, with whom I have conversed on the subject, knows anything or ever heard anything of the houses which he says he built in 1833, and glazed in this way, I think it would very much serve the cause of truth, and also be a proper course of proceeding in the enquiry, if you would through the Florist inform your readers whether any houses have been glazed in this country on the systemthat you are yourself acquainted with about Philadelphia or elsewhere, and also the dates of their erection. ‘Beta,’ who I presume is one of your readers, will also favor us by considering this request also made to him. I have made a similar request to Mr. Hovey, requesting also to know where the houses he speaks of having built in 1833 can be seen, as they will be now in the prime of life, and will afford an excellent illustration of this excellent system. Ido not claim to have anything to do with the origin of the sys- HORTICULTURAL JOURNAL. 24] tem, though I have of late years adopted it somewhat extensively ; but I have always believed it to be of Scottish origin, and not only so, but to having been brought to this country, and practically ap- plied to horticultural buildings of any extent, by a Scotchman ; who has I believe been over 20 years in America, and who is at this lay one of the best known, and most successful practical men now in the country, and this I know is saying a good deal. But as we are all liable to be mistaken in our beliefs, [may possibly be wrong as wellas my friend. To warrant us however in changing our belief I trust we willhave something more substantial than mere doubts and assertions. I should be the last to deprive America of the credit of originating anything new in horticulture, and should it prove to be her due, I will be the first to accord my humble meed of praise. I shall write you more fully on the subject after your replies. Respectfully yours, JR. B. Leucrars. Quincy, July 18, 1853. The only instance we know in this neighbourhood of the above mentioned glazing is the orchid-house at My. Cope’s, Springbrook, in this county. Where it originated, we do nut know, but we don’t think that the constructors of that house got their ideas from Mr. Hovey. Probably “Beta” if he be aniong our readers will let us hear what he knows on the subject. We heard subsequently of another house, near Waterbury, Ct., if our memory serves, which was built in the same way. Our impression with regard to Mr. Cope’s house is, that it was an experiment of the carpenter’s.—Eb. pated) lggpun dead THE CINCINNATI STRAWBERRY THEORY. My experiments demonstrating the fallacy of the Cincinnati Strawberry theory have called into existence considerable opposition from its supporters. My time is too limited to reply to each object or on his own ground. I in- tended to leave my experiments before the’ public, to let them’ stand on their own merits, and let my opponents have tlie Worfian’s privilege—the last word. But they seem never to lave doné. As they go along with it, they encumber themselves with all kinds of extraneous ideas until the original idea they started with is scarcely to be found. In order to settle this ques- (3) ol i 242 THE FLORIST AND tion, I have decided to take it up again, explain their theory in all fairness, the evidence on which they build, and the benefits they claim for it; when I will show its fallacy both in science and practice, and the futility of the ar- guments that have been made against my objections. But it seems, Mr. Editor, I have to qualify myself to argue the point. They object to my nationality. ‘An Huropean, and a gardener too, what can you know?” Gentleman, I plead guilty; but I plead in mitigation of sentence that I was not aware of the importance until you discovered it— still I am willing to give you every chance of a verdict in the line of argu- ment you have chosen. Jam ignorant of the exact spot whereon I was born. I believe it was somewhere in England. I do not know in what county, but will try and discover. J have in my veins Geelic, Celtic. and Saxon blood, but do not know which preponderates. Sometimes I believe I am like Plun- ket’s client who “could not be a traitor to his country, because he had no country to sell.” Then as to my knowledge. That is a delicate subject. One can hardly find brass enough to speak well of himself. Cato Censor- ions says there are times when a man may do so. With such victorious au- thority may I not attempt it? Let mesay then that it may be possible to be an European and a gardener, and yet have knowledge enough to put a death blow to a fallacious theory. What is that theory? Ina large quantity of seedlings five varieties are produced: Namely, Péstillates, Hermaphr odites, &c., each variety remain- ing true to its character through any circumstances; that use was first made of this theory in the west, to produce fruit from Strawberry plants that otherwise would have been barren, by placing staminate plants in the vicini- ty of pistillate ones, and that fruit raised from such plants, were finer than if they had been Hermaphrodites and in greater profusion. Now, Iam in no way disposed to detract from the real merits of our fehal in the west. It has not yet been proved that a pistillate flower will pro- duce fruit without impregnation with the male property. The only thing I have seen in print in relation to the subject, is by my learned friend “W. D.” of West Chester, who has ably shown by Botanical analysis in the July No. of the Farm Journal, that such a circumstance 1s possible. Until that has been proved—and practice is certainly against it so far as the strawberry is concerned. The Cincinnatians have done some service. It is in the permanency of the sexual characters of their varieties that they fall into error. They believe in their permanency chiefly because they have had them un- der their eyes for years, and after the most careful observation, could trace fi: , ose HORTICULTURAL JOURNAL. 243 nochange in them. Now this is very strong evidence. But I have evidence that can overrule it. They can ask ‘‘cannet a man believe his own eyes? We have watched them closely—not once, but.a thousand times—not only individually, but in committees, in societies, in great nuinbers—not in one locality, or one state, or one situation, but in many. And if they do ever vary, should we not have seen them? and, if others observed it, should not we have heard of it?” But Botanical science is not satisfied with negative evidence, she modestly enquires why are those characters so permanent? and the reply is that permanence of character is universal—one of nature’s immutable laws. That a character given to variety at its birth, remains with it through all circumstances. That we may as well talk of changing the sex of the human family, or of any animal, as to expect a plant, pistillate at its birth, ever to produce flowers with perfect fairness. Now, I believe, I have given their arguments fairly. It will be scen that they rest first on negative evidence, which I shall oppose with postive and direct; and second- ly by a eupposed analogy, which I shall show to have no real foundation, and to which I shall oppose acknowledged principles of Botanical science. Many have seen beds of strawberries change sexes, and be of different sexes when only one was originally alone planted. They have had every care taken of them to prevent mixture; but their owners are told, that “strangers must have got in somehow and kicked the rightful owners ont of ’ the bed,” “Seedlings may have come up there,” anything but a change. “My strawberries don’t change, therefore, yours cannot.” This logic don’t convince the owner of the mixed bed; and yet how is he to prove the logic of the other unsound? Very easily—mark one plant, note its character, take runners from it alone, use the greatest care, leave no doubt for mis- take, and then when in a dozen such, you do as I have done, get seven of one kind and five of another, foliow the Cincinnati fashion, and ‘‘Give your Opinion to the world.” If they allude tothe ‘sexes of animals, which when once the same always the same,” ask them to undertake the absurdity of taking a runner from some animal, and make it another individual animal ; then to place it in totally different circumstances to the original animal, as you do the strawberry, and see whether it will then change or not, before they say much about it; andif they see the impossible absurdity of this, then tell them their “analogy” cannot be applied. I have alluded briefly in the last paragraph to my direct and positive evi- dence of the change, and in matters of fact brevity is always best. I will refer the reader again to it, and now proceed to show that it is consistent with Botanical science, and consequently, that any other theory is not, 244 THE FLORIST AND We will begin with the study of a plant. Itis composed of two distinet systems—the vascular and the woody. Those parts of a plant which have most reference to the former, have a tendency to change by cultivation. Kvery part of a plant belongs to one or the other of these systems; and each part as it 1s successively developed, is but a higher stage of the same thing. In reference to our subject we have to do with stamens. They be- long to the vascular division, and are but a higher stage of the petal, while these again, are but highly developed sepals ; and the latter but perfected bracts or leaves. All, or any one of these, belonging to that system, are lia- ble to change by culture and circumstance. Take Jeaves to begin with. If any gentleman will take the trouble of going into a wood of white Oak he will find that the leaves are merely (oded, often nearly entire, and resem- bling very much the leaves of the British oak on the branches nearest the base of the tree, while those on the top are very deeply s¢nwated, often near- ly laciniate. he most plausible inference at once is, that the absence of | much light tq the lower branches, has made the difference. Qn looking for a tree that has stood for years in the full light by itself, we find our pathesis correct, as there all the leaves are uniform. This shows how the forms of leaves are influenced by light. Other principles of cultivation have a similar influence, soil will alter the smoothness or downiness of leaves, as well as their color and form. By “taking off a part of any plant with these peculiarities, and making of it a distinct individua], we give it a greater power to perpetuate itself. The varigated leaved shoots, that sometimes come on Kvonymous japonicus, if taken off retain their peculiarity through many different circumstances ; but if they are planted in a wet sodl and shady situation, they will very frequently return to their original green state; going a long way to prove that a dry soil and exposed situation first caused the change, and that when taken off, they would retain that change in any circumstances, not opposed to the original cause—when that occurred they assumed their old form. I take this ex- ample because it has probably been obseryed by many, and ag stamens are subject to the same laws, being in fact the same thing more highly de- veloped, it will be apparent that they too must also change their form and character to suit the circumstances that govern them. Let us get amongst the stamens—take the Catalpa. The old Botanists placed this plant in. their class Didynamia, ‘which requires fowr stamens—their specimens from Virginia warranted them in so doing. But the English plants will never produce but two, so their Botanists placed it in Diandria—so in this district, where the catalpa is so far removed from its most natural localities, it yery rarely perfects all of its stamens. On the other hand HORTICULTURAL JOURNAL. — 245 take the melon. In England the climate not being perfectly adapted to its perfection, the plants are entirely monwcious. Here, where they grow in rich soil, out of doors, are quite at home, they are Polygamous, bearing frequently perfect Hermaphrodite flowers. If we attempt to force them it is quite another affair; their flowers being then pistillate. In this in- stance, I havé shown how by a perfect conjunction of circumstances, a plant which in other circumstances, would produce but pistillate flowers, produces hermaphrodite. I fear I trespass too long on your valuable space, or I should like to continue tnese notes, | will conclude with one more instance of how stamens may be produced or rendered abortive by cultivation. Every Bot- anist knows that the Brugmansia or Datura is a Pentandrous or five stam- ined plant. The B. Anzghtiz is a double one, or the flower has two corollas, with the five stamens and one pistil perfect. But suffer it, after having been well grown, to become starved and stunted, and it will become single but with ten stamens instead of five—we change the petals into stumens by cultivation. | Who now believes in the permanancy of stamens in a strawberry flower or otherwise? Let him take a pistillate plant, propagate from it, keep them in pots of poor soil, let them come forward naturally in a cool, shady place, on a north aspect where no direct sun can ever reach them, and if ten ta one who try the experiment fairly do not get Hermaphrodite flowers from these plants, I have done. Some of the advacates of the theory offer me ten thousand dollars if I can prove them wrong. If they will please to convince themselves in the manner I have detailed, they can forward me a check for the amount on any of our city banks, or of New York. THoMAS MEEHAN. —— CALENDAR OF OPERATIONS, (Continued from last No.) GREEN Hovsz. Cultivators must begin to turn their attention to next year’s stock. A commencement is generally made with the Pelargonium, In England the first thing in order is to prepare a hot bed, to obtain bottom heat. Here it is perfectly unnecessary. A few trials of the thermometer in August or September, will show the earth at that time to be several degrees warmer than the atmosphere, which is all that is required of temperature to success- — ful propagation. A bed of sandy soil made up out of doors, with a frame 246 THE FLORIST AND over it, in order to regulate the moisture, and to enable us to shade, is per- fection. Moles and ground mice are apt to give trouble—means should be taken to prevent their ingress. In cutting back the Pelargonium leave three or four good eyesto every shoot, if it be desirable to form it into a fine specimen next season. After they are cut down, set them in full sun, and give little water till they begin to shoot. | Chrysanthemums are much improved by waterings of guano water about once a week from this time till they begin to flower. This is the best time to propagate Cactaceous plants and succulents gen- erally. Many prefer to graft the former—generally on the Cered or (though seldom seem in America) the Pereskia Bleo. In my opinion they form very unnatural looking objects. The Epipyllum however, does not look so bad on the Pereskia. I prefer all these things on their own roots. Cuttings or offsets placed on a box of sand, or just beneath the surface, exposed to the full sun, with very occasional waterings, strike root readily. Those who did not sow their Chinese Primroses in the spring, should lose no time now, or their houses will be sadly behind their neighbors in in- terest the forthcoming winter. All plants got on for winter flowering, should also continue to have shifts as often as their pots become filled with roots. Ancient calendar writers would have much more to say this month about, “attending to watering,” “syringing,” “‘destruction of insects,” all of which subjects I expect my readers perfectly understand, It is not our object to mark out routine duties, so much as to record progressive factseayial VEGETABLE GARDEN. Don’t earth up Celery till it has grown stout and sturdy. To aid this, give copious waterings of soap suds or manure water, whenever opportunity serves. Plant out Hndive fifteen inches apart in very rich loam. They also are very grateful for occasional manure waterings. The greatest demand by the family will be for the curled variety. Give Brocoli and Cabbage strong soap suds too, you may “see them grow’ after it. I believe you sowed Ruta Bagas last month, and are nowready for the Flat Top Dutch, or Led strap leaved. The cooks prefer this kind. They are frequently sown after a crop of early potatoes. It is rather opposed to a sound system of rotation of crop; but they generally do well this way, and it is therefore followed. If the fly prove troublesome to you, see if soap water will prove troublesome to them. Still make another sowing of Corn, Peas, and dwarf Beans. If they eome in before frost they will add much to the credit of the department. Radishes and Lettuce will be sought after in the fall—look out a rich, cool, piece of ground for the prospect. prey! HORTICULTURAL JOURNAL. 247 THE POLYTECHNIC COLLEGE OF THE STATE OF PENNSYLVANIA. It is gratifying to be able to record any good work done by our rulers: especially when they do comparatively so little: At the - session of the State Legislature just passed, the Polytechnic Col- lege of the State of Pennsylvania was chartered. When we con- sider the vast importance of the Agricultural, Mining, and Manufac- turing interests of our country, we feel how great the necessity is of schools for the instruction of our youth in Practical Chemistry, En- gineering, and Mechanics. The circular of the Board of Trustees we give below. This Colloge, incorporated by the Legislature, at its recent session; is designed to include in its organization, a CoLtucEe of Mines, of AGRICUE- TURE, of ARTS, and of ManvuractuRrzES; and to afford those destined for these important branches of industry, a thorough scientific education. The application of Science to the Arts, is daily rendering them more powerful sources of National progress, and demanding increased intelligence’ in those engaged in their prosecution. The Civil and the Mining Engineer, the Ar- chitect, the Manufacturer of Chemicals, of Sugar, and of Glass; those en- engaged, or interested in the productions of the Plough, the Anvil, the Furnace and the Loom ; all these have, under the stimulus of modern sci- ence, and of modern competition, assumed a new and nobler position; and hence their proper education has become an object of deep public moment, and one closely affecting national prosperity. These facts, first recognized on the Continent of Europe, led there to the establishment of schools of Mines, andof Arts, which have not only tended locally to the perfection of Art, but have become the resort of students from all parts of the civilized world. The value and necessity of these Schools, is attested by the constant demand for their students, and the many respon- sible positions held by them, in this znd in other countries. The congre- gated Industry of all Nations, exhibited in the grandest temple ever dedi- cated to the Arts, exemplified the superiority of the educated artist and workman, and already reckons among its happiest results, the founding in Great Britain, under the most distinguished patronage, of the ‘Industrial College of Arts and Manufactures.” Animated by the general spirit of industrial progress, the Trustees of. the’ 248 THE FLORIST AND Polytechnic College hold that the time has arrived for the establishment in this country, of an institution which shall yield to our youth the advantages’ heretofore obtainable only in foreign lands, and which shall respond to the’ demands of the great interests of Production and Construction. ‘Such an institution is especially required in America, where, beyond ex- ample, demand for labor and capital exceeds supply, and where, consequent- ly, prodigal expenditure in the developement of our yet untold commercial) agricultural, and mineral resourses, is most disastrous. In the department of mining and metallurgy alone, millions of dollars have been squandered, and years irretrievably lost in vexatious delay, through ignorance of scien- tific and economical methods of working. The State of Pennsylvania has already become the centre of many of the most important branches of industry, and her metropolis, Philadelphia, —contiguous to the mines, and the seat of extensive and varied manufac~ tures,—owes it to her literary and scientific reputation, to provide the most ample means for education in the arts. The Trustees have not received, nor have they asked aid from the State. They rely upon the prompt, liberal, and cordial co-operation of every friend — of the measure, not only in Pennsylvania, but throughout the country. They confidently anticipate the opening of the College with a full facul- ty, and copious means of illustration, and of practice, im the month of Sep- tember next. The plan of organization will comprise the following Departments. 1. MATHEMATICS AND CiviL ENGINEERING. 2. MECHANICAL PHILOSOPHY, AND THR PRINCIPLES OF MACHINES. 3. METALLURGY, AND INDUSTRIAL; AGRICULTURAL, AND ANALYTICAL CHEMISTRY. . 4. MInInG ENGINEERING, MINERALOGY, AND GEOLOGY. A well supplied analytical laboratory, sections and models of mines and machinery, a geological and mineralogical cabinet, field operations, and architectural and mechanical drawing, will afford ample facilities for thorough and practical instruction. Students will be enabled to pur- sue one or more studies for a year, term, or less period, and after ex- amination, will be granted Certificates of capacity accordingly. Candidates for Degrees will be examined on all the branches, but may pursue the studies a longer or shorter tiie, according to industry and ability. Communications should be addressed to Joun McIntyrz, Esq., Secreta- 4 HORTICULTURAL JOURNAL. 249 ry to the Bowl of Trustees of the Polytechnic College of the State of Pennsylvania, Walnut Street, above Sixth, Philadelphia. PENNSYLVANIA HORTICULTURAL SOCIETY. The stated meeting of this Society was held on Tuesday evening, July 19th, in the Chinese Saloon, Gen. Patterson, president, in the chair. The exhibitions of plants was unexpectedly large for midsummer; each collec- tion contained some possessing interest, which it might be well to notice.— Among those brought by the President’s gardener, were a fine large plant of Plumeria rosea, which the General sent home from Mexico, and has now flowered for the first time. TZabernemontana coronaria, in fine flower.— Qolumnea S:hiediana, and anumber of air plants: Among Robert Buist’s were new plants, and shown on this occasion for the first time—Cyrtanthus magnificus, Lycaste tetragona, Achimenes Margaretta, Fuchsias Orion, Gem of the season ; Alpha and resplendens, and Gloxinia Victoria Regina. F. Lennig’s gardener,exhibited two very fine plants—Gurdenta Stanleyana, in full flower, and Plumeria rosea. Caleb Cope’s had three new species, exhibited for the first time—Justicia bicolor, Promenca stapeloides, an or- chid, and Hovey’s globe amaranthus, a fine specimer of Clerodendron Koempferit, Allamanda nereifolia, fc. W. W. Keen’s contained a new plant, Hoya campanulata, very pretty, and seen for the first time—Lophos- _permum Hendersonii, Fuchsias, &c. James Dundas’ gardenet presented handsome fuchsias, Gloxinias, and a most beautiful air plant, the Cattleya Mossia. The fruit table was laden with tempting specimens of peaches, very large—called Admirable, and a seeedling tree i fruit, growing in a 14 inch pot, also grapes of varieties, Black Hamburg, St. Peter’s, White Frontignac, Tokay, and Purple Damask, from Mr. Cope’s grounds. From Eden Hall, were Black Hamburg and White Muscat grapes. Very large and luscious Moorpark Apricots, by Thomas Robins, Wm. V. Pettit and Wm. Johns. H. Pratt McKean, large fine gooseberries, called Cook’s White Eagle, and Farrow’s Roaring Lion. Isaac B. Baxter had seedling Apricots, Plums, the Royal Hative and Jefferson; and 3 kinds of gooseberries. Mr. Buist, Breda Apricot; Pears, Bloodgood, Windsor, Madeline, English and French Jargonelle; Currants, Black grape, Black Naples and late black kinds. Alex. Parker seedling Apricots. H. W. 8. Cleveland, St. Michael Figs, a choice dark variety. Ww. Johns, green Figs, and John Perkins, seven varieties of apples. 22 = 250 THE FLORIST AND ~ Mr. Cope’s gardener exhibited a table of. fine esculents. Premiums awarded were by the Committee on Plants and Flowers. Plants in Pots—For the best twelve to Thos. Fairley, foreman to Robert Buist; for the second best to Thos. Meehan, gardener to C. Cope; for the third best to Wm. Grassie, gardener to W. W. Keen. Plant in Pot—For the best specimen, Gardnema Stanleyana, to John Pollock, gardener to F. Len- nig. Indigenous Plants—For the best to Alex. Parker. Plants shown for the first time—A premium of $3 for Hoya campanulata, to Wm. Grassie, gardener to W. W. Keen; one of a dollar for Justicza bicolor and Gom- phrena Hoveyii, to Thos. Meehan, gardener to C. Cope, and one dollar to Thos. Fairley, foreman to R. Buist; for a collection of Achimenes, (rloz- tnias, and a Cyrtanthus. Bouquet design—Yor the best to Isaac Collins, gardener to General Patterson. Basket—For the best to Thos. Meehan; — for the best of indigenous flowers to the same. | Special premiums—T wo dollars to James Bisset, gardener to Jas. Dundas, for Cattleya Mossia, a fine specimen ; and $3 to Isaac Collins, gardener to Gen. Patterson, for a large collection of plants, including a beautiful speci- men of Plumeria rosea, Orchids, and other green and hot house plants. By the Fruit Committee—Grapes—For the best black variety, Black Hamburg, to Thos. Meehan, gardener to C. Cope; for the second best to A.J. Smith, gardener at Eden Hall. For the best. of a white variety— White Frontignac to A. J. Smith; for the second best, Golden Chasselas, to Thos. Meehan. Apricots—For the best to Thos. Robins, for Moorpark ; for the second best to Wm. V. Pettit, for the same kind. . Plums—For the best, the Imperial Gaze, to Isaac B. Baxter; for the second best, Mirabelle, to A. Parker. Figs—Ffor the best to H. W. 8. Cleveland, for St. Michaels ; for the second best to Wm. Johns. Ctooseberries—For the best to A. Bur- nett, gardener to H. Pratt McKean, for Roaring Lion ; for the’ second best, the large green, to Isaac B. Baxter. Apples—For the best, the Harly Har- vest, and for the second best, the Bough, to John Perkins; and special pre- miums of $38 for very fine Peaches, and $2 for a seedling peach tree in fruit, in a pot, to Thos. Meehan. By the Committee on Vegetables—Tomatoes—For the best half peck to James Jones; for the second best to Wm. Johns. For the best display of Vegetables, by a private gardener, to Thos. Meehan, gardener to’ C. Cope. Adjourned. Tuomas P. James, Ree. Sec. —______22____—_ & HORTICULTURAL JOURNAL. . 261 FLORAL AND HORTICULTURAL EXHIBITION. The second annual Floral and Horticultural Exhibition of the Berks County Agricultural Society, was held in the Academy Hall, North Fourth Street, on Friday and Saturday, the 24th and 25th June. The time was exceedingly ill-chosen, being several weeks too late for the most advanta- geous Floral display, and as many too early for anything like an effective demonstration in the Fruit department. ‘The extreme heat of the weather also operated unfavorably. Yet, with all these drawbacks, the Exhibition was a very handsome affair—the citizens of Reading, and many of our country friends, entering into the c ompetition with all the spirit and anima- tion that characterized their effurts at the former exhibitions of the Associ- ation. ‘The attendance, too, was quite numerous—many of the farmers leaving their work at the busiest seasun to be present. We learn from the Secretary that twenty-one new members were added to the Association, ma- king the present number of members 800, and that the receipts for admis- sion amounted to about $140—a sum sufficient to pay all expenses, and leave a small balance besides to be added to the general fund. We annex the reports of the various Committees appointed to examine the articles pre- sented, and award premiums tothe most deserving: ; AWARD OF PREMIUMS. Fruit.—Your Committee would respectfully report premiums as follows, to wit: For Cherries—Black Tartarean, Joseph Wright, 1st premium, $1 00 Bigareau, Solomon Kirby, 2d premium, 00 Special premium to Samuel Bertolet, for largest Cherries—less quan- tity than a quart. Best variety, William D. Hains, 50 There were very fine specimens of English Morello, by Andrew Taylor and John Deininger, which came too late for competition. No premiums were awarded for Strawberries and Raspberries. A dish of Strawberries was exhibited by Mr. Wentzel. Some fine specimens of Raspberries of the Col. Wilder and Orange varieties, by Charles Kessler, and a fine plate of red Antwerp, by Jonathan Deininger. Also, Wild Rasp- berries, by Deborah Wright;—a plate of Service Berries, by Deborah Wright. Oranges, by Mr. John Kurtz. Strawberries in Spirits, Hovey’s Seedling, Pine Apple, and White, by Dr. P. G. Bertolet. 252 | THE FLORIST AND Plate of Apples, by Wm. H. Haines. — Lemons, Mrs. C. Ritter, premium, 50 Currants—Charles Kessler, White, Dutch, wae Red, very fine; also, by Henry Kessler, and Mr. Knop. Gooseberries—very fine specimens, Solomon Sherer, 1st premium, $1 00 Michael Knop, 2d do 5Q Mrs. Deborah Wright, best variety, 50 Very large and fine specimens were exhibited by Capt. Griffith, and Col. Kendall, The Committee on Vegetables, in pursuance of the duties detailed to them, beg most respectfully to report, that they have made the following awards, according to the schedule laid before them, viz: Jesse Wentzell, Exeter, best Red Beets, $1 00 do do "'’ do’ Salad, 50 do do do Beans, BOO: do do do _ Peas, 1 00 Jos. Wright, Maidencreek, best Potatoes, 1 00 do do 2nd best Beets, 50 Henry Gring, Cumru, 2nd dest Potatoes, 50 Jacob L, Greiner, 4 best Potatoes, but being less than half a peck re- quired were not entitled to a premium. Jesse Wentzel, Exeter, best dozen Tomatoes, 1 00 Jos. Wright, Maidencreek, best Onions, 1 00 Henry Kessler, Reading, best 3 heads of Cabbage, oQ Jesse Wentzel, Exeter, best display of Vegetables, 2 00 Michael Hauser, 2d best display of Vegetables, | 1 00 They also noticed with much pleasure, some fine Potatoes and Beets, ex- hibited by Dr. Bertolett, of Oley, and Mr. Hauser, of Reading, but not be- ing the quantity required, could not compete for premiums. 7 The Committee appointed to report on ‘Roses and Green House Plants in Pots,” haye the honor to state, that the premium for the best exhibition of Green House Plants in Pots, consisting as required, of ‘at least twelve dissimilar varieties, comprising not less than eight genera, labelled,’ is awarded to Capt. D. A Griffith, he being the only one who complied with the specified regulations. . In regard to Roses in Pots, no exhibitor furnished the number required for a premium ; although several beautiful varieties were sent by Mrs. Eliza Kessler, Mrs. Mary Davis, Xe. The Committee feel bound to make special mention of a large and splen- cia vt HORTICULTURAL JOURNAL. 253 did variety of Verbenas, Calceolarias, Petunia, Letospeira, &c., &., exhib- ited by Mrs. Eliza Kessler, and Mr. Michael Hauser. It cannot be expected that all the plants (of which there were so many fine specimens,) should be noticed individually; and it is probable, that during the examination in the | crowded Hall, the names of some of the numerous contributors have been omitted unintentionally. We would therefore merely state that Mrs. John Kutz, Mrs. J. ‘Arnold, Mrs. H. Nagle, (a beautifal Passion vine, &c.) Mrs. R. F. Brown, (among other fine plants a rare variegated Calceolaria, and a California Goldiana,) Mrs. Albright, Mrs. F. 8. Bickley, Mrs. John Henry, Mrs. Oakeley, Mrs. Snyder, Mrs. M. Miller, Mrs. Beckhardt, J. Gorgas, Mrs. Sell, Mrs. Foecht, Mrs. Rhoads, Mrs. Edes, Mrs. McKeever, Mrs. Me- Donald, Mrs. Siegel, D- Rhein, Peter Homan, (an Agave Americana, 21 years old,) Mrs. Dickenson, Mrs. Weitzel, Mrs. Mary Davis, Mrs. Kessler, Mr. Hauser, and perhaps others, presented for exhibition a very handsome and large variety of green-house pot flowers, among which may be enumer- ated white, red, and variegated Oleanders, Pomegranates, Verbenas, Petu- nez, Creeping Cereus, Aloes, Cactus of very many varieties, Pinks, Calce- olarias, Hydrangeas, Fuchsiz of many kinds. Also, a number of very rare plants, unlabeled, together with a general assortment of flowers now in bloom, all of them of a very superior character, as might be supposed from the names of the contributors. . The Committee regret that the rule requiring the plants to be labeled, was not more generally observed; the neglect thereof diminishing somewhat the gratification of the visitors. With the wish that the next floral exhibition may be held somewhat earlier in the season, and that each one will surpass in beauty, excellence, and variety, its preceding one, we close our report. Your Committee on Indigenous Plants, regard with lively pleasure the increasing interest taken in our county in the study of the “amiable sci- ence” Botany. They understand that there would have been a stronger competition for the premiums offered by your society, had not the intense heat and dryness of the previous week materially marred our flora. The first premium we consider fully due to Mr. Charles A. Deininger, whose beautiful and tastefully arranged vase of rare native flowers, elicited a general expression of admiration. , It contained 20 species, representing 18 genera. | | Your Committee sincerely regret their inability to award your second pre- mium to Miss E. B. Griscom, for her vase of ‘‘Never Sink” flowers, arranged with so much neatness and taste. They were deposited too late to come within the rules of the exhibition, The Committee to whom was delegated the delicate task to decide the 254 THE FLORIST AND merits of the cut flowers submitted for exhibition, approached the subject with a knowledge of the deep responsibility resting upon them; the fact of the great variety of flowers, rendering a decision more difficult on account of the different merits presented in various aspects, comprising great varie- ties, rare combinations, and excellent taste. The Committee strove to at- tain that impartiality so necessary to a proper discharge of their duties, and submit the following premiums as their award and decision : Roses. Best display of Roses, No. 20, Miss A. Arnold, Premium, $1 00 Second best, do No. 72, Chas. Kessler, : 50 Designs. Best design of flowers, in Rustic Basket, including Calystegia pu- | bescens, No. 74, Mrs. M. E. R. Keim, Lower Heidelberg, $200 Second best design on a Fan, No. 152, Miss Griscom, | 1 00 Third best design, No. 6, Capt. D. A. Griffith, | 15 Flowers in a Basket, Best display in a Basket, No. 20, Mrs, Deborah Wright, Maiden- creek, $1 00 Bouquets, | Best Round Bouquet, No. ie Mrs. H, B. Connard, $1 00 Second best, dg No. 62, Mrs. D, M’Knight, 50 Best Flat, do No. i Mrs. Brooke, 1 00 Second best do No, 128, Miss Julia Shearer, , 50 Pyramid. Best Pyramid, No, 108, very choice, Christian Shutter, $2 00 The Committee submit the following as being worthy of honorable men- tion: Dr. P, G. Bertolett, No, 155, design in leaves, commemorative of A. ne Downing. Miss Boyer, No. 188, Pinks. Henry Kessler, No. 1, Verbenas and choice flowers. Elmira Stetler, No. 157, Cactus, large and rich. Miss Mary M. Mayer, No. 91, 14 varieties of Verbenas. Pupils of the North-West Ward Female Grammar School, No. 149. Mrs. G. A. Nicolls, Nos. 37 and 388. Miss Clara Boas, No. 129. Michael Hauser, No. 53. Mrs. Levan, No. 148, Rhododendron. HORTICULTURAL JOURNAL. . 205 Henry S. Bickley; No. 164. Mrs. John Kutz, No. 134. Mary Davis, No. 98. Mrs. S. Young, No. 41. Charles W. Keim, Basket of Flowers. Mrs. John Ritter, No. 154. Lewis Briner, No. 6. John Moyer, Night Blooming Cereus, (cut.) Reuben F. Brown, No. 47, Pyramid. Miss Shearer, No. 129. ae / Tae Genesee Vater Horticutrurat Soctety held its first meeting for’ this season on the 2fst of June. The display was a very fine one. Messrs. A. Frost & Co., Ellwanger & Barry, and J. A Eastnian, Hsq., and others, contributed numerous varieties of Roses. Greenhouse plants and Bouquets. were also very good. We had a report sent us by a subscriber in Rochester, but we have not room for it. rs 77 We saw a plant of the new variegated climber, Cissus discolor, in the’ greenhouse of J. F. Knorr, Esq., West Philadelphia. The colors of the large heart-shaped leaves are more beautiful than those of any foliage we’ ever saw, being a reddish purple, deep green andashy white. In the course’ of this year we will give a figure of the plant. eee PERPETUAL FRUITING STRAWBERRIES. Last fall I potted some Strawberry plants for early forcing, these ripened a light crop during March and April, and were then planted out; they have’ continued bearing more or less ever since. At the present time there are fruit in all stages from the opening blossom to the ripe truss. I do’ not men- tion this as anything new, it being a common practice with [gardeners to gather a second crop from forced plants when treated in this manner. It occurred to me, however, that this “Crescent seedling” habit might not be generally known, and whether the climate of New Orleans where this vari- ety originated might not afford a natural treatment similar to’ what theso were artificially subjected to, and if so, would not any strawberry thus be- come in some measure a “‘perpetual.” Baltimore, July 18, 1853. W. 250), | THE FLORIST AND The Flore des Serres et des Jardins de ’ Europe. It is of the great- est importance to the botanist and to cultivators generally that new plants should be figured, as without the plant itself or a figure no idea can be formed from a description. In Europe there are several works which produce representations of the new plants which flower there. Curtis’s Magazine, and Paxton’s Magazine of Botany keep us well informed of the varieties of Kew and other English gardens—Turner’s Florist presents us with the best hybrids of several favorite genera—the figures of Vilmorin, Mlielliez and others in Paris do the same in that quarter. In Ghent M. Louis Van Houtte, the celebrated Belgian Horticulturist publishes his Flore des Serres —a monthly containing eight or nine plates of the rarest plants either of recent introduetion or of hybrids raised in England or the continent. The execution of these plates is very much superior to those of any other maga- zine we have seen, our readers can see specimens in our own plates whichi were procured from the same establishment. We are often gratified at seeing figured most beautifully some of the beautiful inhabitants of our own forest and swamps which in Europe are considered of some worth. In the last volume we found a plate of Pyxidanthera barbulata, which may be had here in the spring, at the corner of Market and Highth streets, nicely done’ up in a rag, for sixpence, yet the sending of that little plant is thus an- nounced. ‘This is a plant which a rare good fortune has enabled Sir Wm. Hooker to publish the excellent figure here reproduced. Specimens gathered in the pine barrens of New Jersey by “M. Evant of Radnor, (Delaware),”’ arrived last May in Kew gardens, as fresh, and as well flowered as if they had just been gathered. Still another feat of that great magician steam, still another service of that ingenious system of portable glasses which is called the Wardian system!’ Our friend of Delaware County has thus performed a service to the botanists of the other side; which he did not anticipate when he boxed up the little Diapensia in a Wardian case. The contributors to this work are among the most ¢elebrated botanists; besidesthe Hditor Dr. Planchon, we have the names of Blume, Brogniart, De Caisne, De Candolle and others: Mr. G. G. Sheppard of New York is Agent for the work in the United States. —— EratumM.—The eight pages of signature 30 in this number are wrongly numbered. RHODODENDRON EDGEWORTHI, Hook. Fil. * Ny gh 258. THE FLORIST’ AND ~ ie escapes destruction and taking root on the very” ‘ruins, seem to soften the misfortune, by opposing to the brute force of nature the reproductive power and the fecundity of life. It is in such situa- tions that Dr. Hooker has been able to gather without much trouble _ specimens of the plant, naturally little accessible in its most usual station, on the branches of large trees. ‘The fact that it ; oTOWS equally well on rocks will interest Woriteutigriats, by proving be- forehand the possibility of its culture in circumstances little differ- ent from those in which the terresterial species are placed. Only it must be supposed that this species, like &. Dalhousie, will require more heat and atmospheric moisture than do the species of the orangery such as arborewn, campanulatum and others. J. EK. PRANcHON, In the “Flore des Serres.” HISTORY AND CULTIVATION. i When Linnzeus first borrowed the Rose to describe the beauties of this family, he little dreamt of the honor future discoveries would pour out on his selection. Rhododendron, from the Greek Rhodos a rose, and dendron a tree, if any way descriptive of the beauties of the half dozen species known to Linneus, must be fully illustrative of the almost numberless varieties that are now known to exist. One hundred and twenty years ago, our own R. maximum alone adorned British collections. Twenty years later the R. penticum, introduced from Spain, gave a fresh interest to the tribe, and since that time, new forms appear annually in something like geometrical proportion. Over three dozen varieties of the latter are already — enumerated ; and up to 1838 nearly the same number of distinct — ; species had been introduced. Since that date the hazardous and romantic excursions of Dr. Hooker among .the Himalayas, and other parts of Asia, have brought to light many secret treasures. Still, unlike some of our modern fruit catalogues, the list never , 2 grows wearisome. We can feast on this floral banquet much longer yet, without danger of satiety. In the first form of R. maximum, we had rare and simple beauty, flowering in the summer months. rag ay o- - HORTICULTURAL JOURNAL. 259 ae Then in the next following form of RB. ponticum, we Had not per- haps such equal grandeur of inflorescence, but greater variety, and the superior advantage of early spring flowermg. Later mtroduc- tions, , such as R. dauricum, &c. kept up the interest without adding anything to its previous fame, till a totally new class made its ap- pearance from Nepal in 1820, or thereabouts. This class, the KR. arboreum, more like our R. maximum in habit, form, and appearance than any other, but considerably superior to it in the gorgeous splendor of its flowers, seemed destined to throw it far into the shade. Fortunately it did not prove sufficiently hardy-to come into competition with it, and hence arose our hardy and tender classes, % each indispensable in its own sphere. Although occasional novelties were introduced, nothing of much interest occurred in the history of the Rhododendron till 1847, when its admirers were thrown into astonishment by the announcement. that a yellow variety had been discovered in Java, which. possessed. besides the property of blossoming at any season of the year.’ So different is the appearance of thisspecies that Dr. Blume, a cele- brated botanist and describer of Japanese plants, made of it a dis- tinct genus, under the name of Vireya javanica. So far the R. ja- vanicum stands alone in its beauty. Two forms of it as yet only exist in cultivation; one with orange red, the other with yellow flowers. Closely following this, came the Epiphytal kinds discov- ered by Mr. Hugh Lowin Bornes. A Rhodendron, growing on the. trunks and branches of trees in warm and damp forests, exactly in the same manner as an air, or orchideous plant, created more excite- ment in the floricultural world, than the discovery of any other plant, the Victoria regia perhaps alone excepted. This prepared the way for the future discoveries of Dr. Hooker. All who .have seen. his beautiful engravings of the Rhodcodendrons of the Sikkim Him- alayas, can bear testimony to their rare and exquisite beauty. Glancing again at their history, we perceive that it gives us four classes, each requiring separate treatment in their cultivation. One represented by maximum, another by ponticum, a third by Javanicum, and the fourth Epiphytal kinds. MF iy im a * ps Paw oy, i@ 260 THE FLORIST AND The first division claims our especial attention as Americans. Glass houses for the protection of tender plants are in the minority so far; our first object must necessarily be the decoration of our ground. ft. maximum itself is one of the best adapted to open air culture. It grows wild in many parts of Pennsylvania in rocky, shady, mountanious situations.. It is probably hardy in such situations in any part of the Union. There are several varieties, and many more might be raised from seed. The writer once saw them of every grade-of color, from white to deep pink, in the old garden of the celebrated botanist, Humphrey Marshall, at Bradford in this State. When they “sport” so easily from seed, much might be done by ar- tificial aid in hybridization. R. punctatum is also perfectly hardy in Philadelphia, magnificent specimens having existed for many years in the old Bartram Garden. R. catawbiense, in the same place,: is equally hardy, and. every year produces a large quantity of its gorgeous flowers, little inferior to R. arborewm, These and their varieties, with some of the Siberian species, which are probably as hardy, offer a fine field for rural adornment. It 1s useless to at- tempt their culture in exposed sunny situations. In winter’ time an outburst of sun on their frozen foliage is more detrimental than perhaps the severest frost. If these conditions be complied with, they are not over fastidious in their choice of soils, rejecting entire- ly only wet ones, or stiff clays. In turfy peat they do amazingly well, yet I have seen splendid speCHmeAe! in dry eravelly soils, both. on gravelly and rocky bottoms, In the second division we have plants that will not stand our se- vere winters. They are usually reserved for pot culture. Most of the varieties of ponticum have been raised by hybridization. The celebrated Dean of Manchester was peculiarly successful in origi- nating new varieties of them. It is highly probable that by using R. maximum as a fertilizer, varieties could be obtained that would A prove nearly as hardy as it. . The best soil for these is a fibrous, — turfy peat, in well drained pots, If this cannot be had they will HORTICULTURAL JOURNAL. 261. do well in half decayed turves from an old pasture, mixed with about a fourth part of well decayed sandy leaf soil. In some cases it is difficult to procure fibrous or turfy soil, and that obliged to be. used, is of a loose and fine texture. The plants will thrive very well in such, if kept in small and well drained pots. Whenever. repotting is necessary, the new pots should be but little larger than the previous ones. In ordinary cases the Rhododendron does not require repotting often. Unless in cases of very rapid growth, they: will flower profusely, and do well in the same pots for several, years. , Most of the kinds allied to R. arboreum are of vigorous growth, frequently growing 20 ft. high—a few of them are exceptions. For soil and general culture, the remarks on the last division will be applicable. When they get large they may -be put into large wooden tubs, and stowed away during the winter with the orange trees, and treated in the same manner ; a principal item in that treat- ment being to keep them tolerably dry. ‘They are very apt to be much injured by the thrip and scale. Occasional fumigations with tobacco will stop the ravages of the former, and slight syringings of . soft soap dissolved in lime water, yal keep them ‘clear of the other. I have only had the Javanicum in cultivation two. seasons; but it | seems to do very well with much the same treatment asl give the arboreum. There are now many of the new species imported and flourish- ing in the different horticultural cities. During the past season sev- eral very fine ones have been exhibited in flower at our Societies’ meetings. I might particularize R. javanicum from the collection of Mr. Buist; R. Gibsonii from Mr. Cope’s; and some fine Aybrids be- tween some Rhododendron and Azalea sinensis, I believe from the collection of Mr. Sherwood. A Pritt aDEueuta (GARDENER. be 262 THE FLORIST AND ‘MIGNONETTE IN WINTER. Reseda Odorata, or Mignonette is a native of Africa, and has” been in cultivation rather more than a century; poets have im- mortalised it as “the fragrant weed,” and, although a plant of humble appearance there are few flower gardens considered com- plete without a small patch of mignouette. It is of easy culture in the border during summer, requiring, however, a deep, well en- riched soil to enable it to grow luxuriantly in hot dry weather. To produce it in pots during winter requires a little more care; those who have the convenience of a greenhouse, will find room for a duzen pots on the front shelf; where no such convenience exists, the parlour window may be supplied all through the winter, with the assistance of a close glazed frame. Damp is perhaps, its greatest enemy, if keptdry a few degrees of frost will not materially injure it. Pots or small portable boxes are most convenient for growing it in winter, if these latter. are made to fit the window intended for their reception, a fresh box can be introduced when required, and the plants will thus present a constant healthy appearance. A friend of mine who always has it in-great profusion, grows it in a small pit running along the frontof his greenhouse; where a lasting and abundant supply is desired, this is the best method I have ever seen practised. Usually there is a front shelf of more or less breadth in all greenhouses, if this was made portable a small pit might be constructed underneath, thus affording a fine site for flowering roses, heliotrope, mignonette, &c., in winter, the shelf. could be re- placed when the pit was unoccupied. ‘To have it to flower in Jan- uary, seed should be put in from the first to the middle of Sep- tember. Particular care will be required in the preparation of the soil with regard to drainage, as it will not succeed well unless water finds a ready access through the soil. stored. We must cease to cut down sq recklessly the noble forests, and ‘at the same time must plant shade trees. ‘his will have some effect; but we submit, that thorough underdraining will be found the best .and most eco- nomical means of equalizing the climate, removing the ‘insects, &c., which make such fearful devastation with the crops, and of eS our national ieee hak sadn Farmer. me: | — 4! NE W OR RARE PLANTS FLOWERED FOR THE FIRST | peg ey ange SPRINGBROOK THIS SEASON. Pty i MPMBIIAE Sis fF ee Pus Lycasts, HanrIsonre. —T yo varieties of this are antes to cultivators of Orchidz, one with yellowish | red flowers, the other with white, A fine va- riety bloomed for the first time lately in our collection with pale lilac flowers, each about two inches across, and with the lip deeply veined with rosy purple lines. It is of easy culture, ‘thriving well i in a moist atmo- U HORTICULTURAL | JOURNAL. git sphere, slightly shaded, with a femperature of from 65 to 80°, in Pete of moss, broken pots, and charcoal. t SrachytarpuEra Mutapinis.—This is a family closely aida Botininily with Verdena, but having more the habit and appearance, of a Lantana. The leaves of this species are often four inches long and three wide, and the flowers appear successively in spikes nearly a foot in length: These are of a rosy, or vermilion pink, each flower something resembling ‘a “beauty supreme’ Verbena. It is of easy culture, thriving best in a light sittation in a moist stove, or in the open borders.in simmer time. It wa’s originally introduced 50 years ago-into England, from South America, and is deserib- ed in page 976 of the Botanical Maadeinis: ; but I believe does not now ex- ist in their collections. Seeds were presented to Mr: Cope by Mr. Ezra Bowen, from the East India rwgekeck s see at. Calcutta. It is: highly ornamental. -CaMPANULA VIDALII. eth oa, species, “with RK AC afi stems, and narrow, short; shining leaves. Flowering stems are thrown up from the | ends of the strongest shoots, each bearing numerous white flowers... These _ are abont two inches long, and are contracted in the middle. -: It grows well -with me in‘sandy loam, in a cool greenhouse. Our plant was’ presente “ Mr. Knorr, who imported the original plant from Belgium. PHARBITIS LIMBATA.—Also from the same gentleman, and Sated in.a- late “Florist,” grows “‘like a weed,” and produces us half.a dozen of its beautiful white edged flowers every morning, in a light pant of a moist house. It is growing;in a.pot, of rich, turfy loam. INDIGOFERA DECORA. —One of Mr. Fortune’ S eet ane in China, and one of the best of the recent introductions that Ihave seen. The flowers come out in the axils of the leaves of the young growth, in racemes from 4 to 6 inches long, of a rosy pink and white color. It will become very pop- ular. It is easily grown in well drained pots of turfy loam, and grown in a light and cool greenhouse. It is very liable to attacks of red spider, _ Our plant was obtained from Mr. Hovey. ; ’ GOMPHRENA Hovevi. —Under this name the French, catalogues advertise Hovey’s new Globe amaranthus, while the London seedsmen offer it as a. ‘new orange Globe amaranthus, from Texas.” Whatever it is, it is one of the few plants which occasionally appear, ‘rapidly to become of standard value, It is specifically distinct from the common G. globosa—the head of | flowers being ovoid or elliptical, and the peculiarly green leaves margined with long ciliated hairs. Several who had seed tell me they failed to grow. I soaked one-half my packet 40 hours in water, and the other just as it was. The former came up in a few days; the others failed. “< 278 |». | ‘THE‘PLORIST AND’ LYcOPODIUM CoesIUM ARBOREUM.—What the. Tree. violet is‘to the-old* double blue, this new variety is to the old one. The-stems are near.an eighth of an inch thick, and the fronds are about one foot in length. Theshining ~ , changeable blue color that has always rendered the old kind so. weleome - m all collections, is even deeper in this. It. is'the admiration! of every one . who sees it here. It thrives wellin a soil formed of broken sticks; charcoal, and leaf mould, with about a fourth. part: of turfy loam, *in’a nee shady part of the Orchid House. It was obtained through Mr. Buist.. : \ PRoMEN@A STAPELIOIDES.—A sinall orchid belonging to the Macnilitas a vision. It is not ashowy thing, several. dozen pseudo bulbs only occupying a.circle of eightéen inches ;. but the flower is very pretty, about an inch across, imitating as its specific. name imports, the color and markings ofa stapelia. .It grows best suspended in a basket of. coarse moss. ee : by Mr. Cope, from Messrs. Loddiges, of: Londone spate 1A - JusTIcIA BrcoLor.—Under this name we received from’ Mr. Buist this spring, what I consider one of: the prettiest: introductions of the season. The plant does not seem a strong grower, or inclined to. be very -bushy. Ours is now, after every encouragement to grow, not over a foot in height; _ but it has been completely covered with: flowers fot the past 3 months, Each flower is of a pure white, with a large crimson blotch on the: lower di- vision of the corolla. . It is growing in sandy turfy loam, in a rather shady greenhouse, and will probably require the aknapbtcing of a-warm ‘_ccahaam or stove in the winter. | : DIPLADENIA SPLENDENS. — Although not ten years since this was intro- duced into English collections it has their become a standard plant. for “ex- hibitions. It was formerly considered ‘an Echites, and, like that family is a climber, or as we must here say, “a vine.” The flowers appear: in clus ters in the axils of the leaves, on the young wood, each being about 2 inches across, of adelicate pink color. It thrives well in any turfy soil in well- drained potsin a warm greenhouse. Our a was sae through D Mr. Buist. ; My friend, William Grassie, had D. ee ae at our 1ast meeting. in ’ flower, from the collection of Mr. Keen, West Philadelphia. It isa much smaller Species than the above, he i desirable. ges? ‘ : yf a ‘ ty ; ; Tuomas MEEHAN. . ai a, : . ir Pia HORTIC ULTURAL JOURNAL. oe 279 CALENDAR OF OPERATIONS. FRUIT. StrawSerries, —Plantations may now be put down; see. that the soil is thoroughly prepared, and select young plants from healthy vines that are in a good bearing condition. Old worn out plantations afford weak runners, and should never be employed if plants from robust’ beds are-by any means. attainable. Another point to be observed, isto plant a due proportion of staminate along with the more productive pistillate varieties. In a previous allusion to this. fruit, the remark, was made that, ‘notwithstanding all that has been written on the subject, many good cultivators pay no. attention to their sexual character.’’~ From the above remarks we have been accused Cc endorsing the statements of those: wuo maintain that there i is no distinction in their inflorescence, we merely stated a fact, well kriown | among strawberry growers; if all were agreed’on the subject we might look’ for a settlement of _the strawberry question. ‘ After planting spread a mulching of rotted ma- nure between the rows. This in the meantime.will arrest evaporation and shelter them when frost occurs. Tan bark j is also good for this purpose ; we lately saw a statement to the effect that tan bark used in this manner had killed the plants. Doubtless their death was attributable to some other cause; we have used it many years with successful results on various kinds of fruitasa mulcher. we . Botanizing during the hot days of summer js rather. severe work;. and we | have tramped a good many miles under the severest rays of the sun. But’ in the last few weeks the weather has been often. of the most delightful kind and we haye taken advantage of several cloudy days, and made some’ interesting additions to our herbarium. ‘The. neighbourhood of Gloucester in New Jersey, is a very celebrated one for plants; we have been there fre- quently and never without being repa aid—the trip down and up in the steam- boat is cool and refreshing ; quite different from toiling through, the sand when ance there.—Among the beautiful plants we have gotten we.can men- tion the Rhexta virginica, which with its congener R. mariana are the only representatives -of the order Melastomacee in the Northern States; the Gerardia flava and Gratiola aurea, showy and beautiful: species ‘of Sero-. phulariacee; Lobelia eardinalis ;. Trichostemma and Monarda punctata, well known among theLabiate or Mint Family, Cassia marilandica, and C. nictitans, with several species of Desmodium represent the numerous family of Leguminose. Hibiscus, Oenothera, Ludwigia macrocarpa, Sida’ spiro: sa, several Polygonums and*various other plants. add to the beauty of sin wood and swamp.. | | . Why One of our most favourite: walks i is along the banks and through the woods which border the Schuylkill; a river which is without a rival for quiet beauty. Shut in as it is by lofty trees, spanned by fine bridges, and with here and — there a stately ‘mansion standing at the top of a lawn’sloping to the river. Starting from the western side at-Fairmount, passing by John Penn’s house ‘of “Solitude,” the beautiful Egelesfield and Sweetbrier and the once miag- nificilent mansion of Thindstionnd, the seat of Richard Penn, now the pro- perty of Lord Ashburton,—picking up beautiful flowers and graceful ferns, and “hooking ot’’ of the water the sweet smelling Nymphea alba, we come to the Columbia bridge, opposite to Belmont, famous as the country seat of the witty Judge Peters, and as a favourite. resort of General Washington. Here is that avenue of Elms festooned with 1 ivy, which so excited the admi- ration af the late Mr. Downing, — ; 1 , Peter's Island in the middie of the river adds greatly to the landscape, Along the tow path blooms the graceful Saggittaria, the Impatiens fulva, the Mentha and and beautiful plants. ‘Looking up from this print, the ~ 4 HORTICULTURAL JOURNAL. 285 river seems like a quiet lake shut in by the turn at Laurél Hill, The walk to Manayunk, about four miles: further, is varied and picturesque ; a rich wood above the Fall’s bridge well repays exploration. Here we found, last spring Orehis spectabilis and Oorollorhiza verna. | Crossing at Manayunk, a walk of two miles brings us to the mouth of fee Wissahickon. On the river side below the creek is a steep wood where are many beautiful plants; along the river grows the Tradescantia virginica; the Commelyna angustifolia, the type of the natural order to which Trades- | cantia belongs is now in bloom and forms masses which in cultivation would almost rival beds of Plumbago Larpentze—having here filled our “botany | box,’ we made a strait.walk for home, doing the six or seven. miles at a pace which gave us an excellent appetite for dinner. We hope soon to be up further among the limestone rocks, where Pteris atropurpurea, ‘and Camptosorus and ki Antudesilst pumatiidum are now in fruit—if We see any- thing worth vides) we may give a notice of it. | THE ORCHID HOUSE: ATs. SPRINGBROOK. oh nerd Dear Sir :—The glazing of this house is not exactly the same as des: eribed in ‘Florist,’ No. 8, vol. I., and which is there termed the Ameri: can system. It was originally on the old putty system} but in spite of great care would leak with every thaw. In the spring of 1852; all the putty that could be got out was removed, and its place painted over. ‘This being fround to answer admirably, all the, putty was subsequently taken out, and the glass merely painted in, the loose ones being first’ tack’d in with tin glazing sprigs—with the exception of the glass laing on the old putty, the. house is correctly as you described it. It appears to be entirely without putty to all but close observers. ‘Though our glazing originated from ne- cessity and not from imitation, 1 was subsequently made acquainted with the fact of houses being frequently glazed on this system in the neighbour- hood of Boston. I believed the Florist had the merit of first making this. system known, till I afterwards found that it properly belonged to Hovey’ 8 aren one gentleman denies even this, and is “surprised at our igno- rance.”’ His “‘surprise’” adds nothing material to my information. I would thank him much more for a reference to the journal in which the system I styled American, was published previously to banert gs’ account. Tuomas ee 286 : va THE FLORIST AND Mr. Epiror :—There is a hiniee tree . . Magnolia conspicua now in full st, in the garden of Mrs. Eliza, H. Burd, at the S. W. corner of. Chest+ nut and ninth streets; it was purchased from Mr.-James D.. Fulton, for ten dollars, two years ago last February, and then transplanted ;, it was full: of buds, which all expanded well at its regular time of ‘flowering, ( (the end of March and beginning of April,) the following spring it had only half” a bloom, last spring a full bloom, and now a full bloom again. I never heard. of such a thing before. The tree has been left.to nature ever since it was. planted. I sent you two flowers yesterday, which I suppose you.got: There is, also, a large bush of Laurestinus now in'bloom in the garden ‘of; Dr. Charles D. Meigs, Walnut street; it was planted a year ago last spring, and — a glazed frame or case placed over it during the winter ; it lost eight inches of its top the winter before last, but pushed out ,vigourously again the fol- lowing spring, but did not bloom; last: winter it did not lose a leaf and yet did not bloom; about the first of June.last, it began to form flower. buds,. and now there is a cluster on the point-of every shoot over the whole bush ; many have expanded, (one of which I sent you®along with the Magnolia) and in about a week it will be in full flower, this too, Is also Singular, as April is the natural month for Laurestinus to flow er 1n. I If you think these notices worth giving to your readers, you are at tlibeity to do so, if not you may light Your segar with the paper. é | | Roxpectiilty, WALTER — Phila. Aug. 24, 1853. a We couldn't think of being so disrespectful—we abide the aowaree “they were very good blooms. ‘Would it not be advisable to shade the Latrestimas while 4 in bloom ‘pal pies the sun burning the flowers ¢ ? fe ——>——— Judging from the preparations being made, the annual. exhibitions of: the New York and Philadelphia Horticultural Societies, will this. year. surpass any former ones.. In New York they have chosen a new place for holding their show, Niblo’s carden—and their committee are doing all.in their pow- er to have a good collection of flowers and fruit. The crowd attracted by the Crystal Palace will be an inducement to them to endeavour to. make as good a show as possible and we hope that their endeavours will be crowned with success. The exhibitions of the Pennsylvania Society have always been successful ones.in a greater or less degree. We cannot hope to have such large collections of fruit as were brought last year by the Pomological Society, still we will have enough. The plant room will as usual present a brilliant display ; but we may venture to hope that the rare plants may be more visible than formerly. The crowding together the collections to pro- HORTICULTURAL JOURNAL. 287 duce the best effect puts out.of view many rare and valuable plants—on the other hand setting each collection by itself, would make the small ones look meagre in comparison;—a table or portion of the room set apart for novel- — ties or for specimen plants would be preferable;—at the triennial exhibition at Ghent, the collections are placed together and premiums awarded: by the committees, after that they are arranged on the stages, and the public ad- mitted—another thing which should be imitated in this country—all awards . should be made before the exhibition opens. The New se “ Souvenir de la Reine des Belges,” from evidences col- lected by Mr. Van Houtte, seems to. be identical with the Rose ‘Prince’ Albert,” Mr. Laffay, says in a letter to him. I received this rose im November, 1851. * * * * From its arrival. sf thought I recognised the wood of this plant; it resembles very much that of one of my seedlings, the Prince Albert. The specimens which I received as well as the grafts which I took from them, only furnished me with individ- uals-entirely like this last rose, as well in the structure of their branches as in their leaves; the buds, calices, and flowers varying in colour, according to the season from a clear red to a shaded and velvety violet: In fine, sir, I have not grafted a single branch for next. year, being persuaded that this variety is produced by an error. e.. pe ag a pa , The New York Horiiewltial Society are making arrangements for their Fall Exhibition, which we hope will be worthy of the’ oc- easion. We annex the circular of the committee : 7 Tue Fate Exurerrion or tas New York Horricutrurat Socrery fm be held at Niblo’s Garden, corner of Broadway and Prince Street, New York City, on Tuesday, Wednesday, and Thursday, September 20th, 21st,. and 22nd, 1853, to which the undersigned earnestly solicit your attention. ‘The Crystal Palace will doubtless attract large numbers of persons, not only from all parts of the Union, but also from various countries of Europe, and the undersigned therefore propose to put forth unusual: efforts’ to get up a Horticultural Exhibition which shall be worthy of the great commercial me~ tropolis. The fact of a large number of Europeans congregating in New York, will give our next Exhibition something more than a local interest; for they will expect to see in the first City in the Union, a fair exposition of what we are doing in the United States for Horticultural Science, and will judge us accordingly. It is very important, then, that their minds should be favorably impressed. The undersigned confess to feeling something more 288 THE FLORIST AND than a local pride in this matter; something akin to what has been Rappily called amor patrix, and they trust that this feeling will meet with @ ready and hearty response in every section of the country. The undersigned be- lieve that the material exists for getting’ up a grand general E Exhibition, and they know that there is abundant material in the country for making a “dis- play of Fruit, which cannot be surpassed, if equalled, in any City of Hu- rope. It is only the spirit that is wanting; how sadly wanting here in New York. This is a subject which eminently concerns the public taste and the public good, and all should feel some interest in it, no matter where their home, or what their pursuits in life may be. It is thus that we appeal to. you for your active aid and co-operation. If you have no Fruits, Plants, or Flowers to send yourself, perhaps your neighbor has, and.a word from you may induce him to send. It is conceived that our List of Awards is very liberal and worthy of attention; but in order to afford every rersona- ble inducement to exhibitors, the undersigned will pay freight on all arti- cles sent from a distance, when requested to ‘do so. Communications should be addressed to the Chair man of the Committee, Bible. House, Astor sienies New York. a ks PETER B. MEAD, ' , and others; Committee of Arrangement. We copy in this number, an article on Underdraining from the Gtenesee Farmer, a paper which we consider as one of the most valuable of our ex- changes. It is:published monthly, at Rochester, N. Y., at the very low price of 50 cents a year. The Southern Agriculturist, a monthly journal, devoted ‘to the science and practice ‘of agriculture, &c., is published at Laurensville, S.C. The contents are excellent; and the getting up of the paper is very creditable. We are happy to announce the commencement of an agricultural journal at Burlington, Iowa. The Jowa Farmer and Horticulturist, Edited by Messrs. J. W. Grimes and J. F. Tallant, has reached its fourth number. — ANswers To CorRESPONDENTS.—J. McD. Your pink flower is Sabbatia chlorotdes, the orchid is Platanthera (Habenaria) ciliarts. D. B., Utica—You should have sent entire frouds, we cannot judge from the pinnee—No. 3, is Asplenium acrostichoides, No. 6 and 8 are Asplenia— No. 7, Aspidium asplenoides—No. 9, Onoclea sensibilis—No.: 10, a’ Botry- . chium, the rest we cannot identify without larger specimens. As for books. for general botany we would recommend Gray’s es of Northern U. S. Presl 1s the best authority in Ferns. : VERBENA.. var. Princesse Marianne. ‘ Boucharlat.) THE FLORIST AND HORTICULTURAL JOURNAL. Vol. 1] Philp, October, 1853, [Ni. 10, : Peg ; VERBENA PRINCESSE MARTANNE, BOUCHARLAT. 4, Deprived of descriptive notices and of specimens, we do not know how to place this beautiful variety” in one of the four primi- tive stocks of the group of Verbena Melindres.’ By its leaves and inflorescence it would seem to be derived from the Verbena chame- drifolia, Juss) (V. Melindtes, Bor. Rea. t. 1184) a species of the pimpas of ‘La Plata, which flowered for the first time in England in 1828. But M. Decaisne assures us, resting on the authority of M. Vilmoria,this would never have varied from the brilliant vermilion- red which distinguishes its flowers. There remain the V. phlogiflo- ra, Caamtss, (V Tweediana, Bor. Mae. t. 3541,) incisa, Bot. Maa. t. 3623, and teucrioides, Bot. Mac. t. 3694, also introduced from the vast pampas of the La Plata, and which flowered in Scotland, the two first in 1836, the last in 1838. It is especially to V. phlogi- flora that in the monograph of the Verbenacee, M. Schauer (in D. C. Prodrom.) refers the greater part of the varieties of all shades be- tween bright red and bluish. Perhapsit is into this category that the variety here figured, by its white flowers with large lilac star,’ enters. But in this respact, as we have said, the means of forming an opinion are wanting. Whatever may be its origin, the plant re- commends itself among ali others by the singularity of its flowers. At first sight many persons would take it for a Phloz, they will see that to this mystifying resemblance to Phlox Princesse Marianne it owes its name, and this proper and picturesque name is of a nature tu give it success. Already, the first prize of the quinquennial and general exhibition at Lyons, held the 15th of September, 1851, has proven the rare merit of this acquisition of M. Boucharlat, and Ww “ith- out doubt the plant would have alreagy ornamented par terres, if the 37 ‘ : ~ ery 3 dosti of proving well the persistence of such remarktible: Phsiiace ters, had not delayed its sending out: reassured on this last point by: the experience of three consecutive seasons, M. Boucharlat has just issued it. : rae Lee St HELIOTROPE. Many varieties of the above have been introduced to cultivation . within the last few years, but taking all things into. consideration there is perhaps none more desirable than the old well known H. Peruvianum, a universal favorite on account of its delicious fra grance, which, combined with its free growth. and. profuseness of bloom, makes it a very desirable plant for furnishing bouquets du- ring the winter months. By keeping up @ succession of healthy young plants, flowers may be obtained at all seasons, with the aid of a warm greenliouse in cold weather. As a plant for. the flower be is during summer, it grows luxuriantly, provided the soil is mod- erately enriched. -It is however, very susceptible of cold, and will show the effects of a sight frost sooner than almost any other shrub- by flower garden plant. It is indeed an easily managed plant, cut- tings of it will strike root at any season, and grow in any ordinary garden soil. ‘To secure plants of sufficient strength to flower du- ring early winter, cuttings should be inserted in June. They will form roots in fio or three weeks at this season, if inserted: in a shaded situation; they should be immediately placed in small pots; and when these are filled with roots, shifted into flowering pots; eight inch pots will be sufficient in size.. They now require to be grown in a situation fully exposed to the sun, and if the pots are plunged to their rims, less water will be required and the plants otherwise benefitted. The roots of plants in pots fully exposed to the action of the sun and atmosphere are very liable to sustain in- jury. A few hours’ neglect in watering will counteract. the progress of weeks. The young incipient points of roots are so easily de- stroyed that nothing short of the most vivilant attention can keep plants in a vigorous’state when the pots are thus exposed. ‘Herce- the necessity of plunging the pots that evaporation from their eg nl surfaces may be. amar This.is more especially hogeeaey with - ' ’ . Z : ‘ be ged wid z ss “HORTICULTURAL JOURNAL... oe pots of a soft or porous ade Hard Ruiakd pots are ea ed by many, for what reason I donot know. So far as my expe-. rience goes I decidedly prefer pots glazed on the outside, both on account of the benefit they confer on the plant, and their freedom from becoming green and unsightly when placed in a warm, humid atmosphere. This latter circumstance alone is worthy of consider- ation. | : : When the plants are removed into the greenhouse, rise should be placed in the warmest position, near the light, in order to flower them freely. Plants that have been growing: in. the flower -beds during summer, lifted and potted before frost, will commence - blooming in early spring. . As a permanent climbing plant for a greenhouse or consefvatory it is worthy of notice. | When once: properly establishel in such a position it will.keep in Sower during. the year, and speedily cover a large sutface if allowed sufficient root accommodation. , ee Der Ae . ’ THE SARRACENIA. | My opinion having been asked concerning the ' identity of the. species of Sarracenia cailed undulata by M. Decaisne,* when com- pared with the S. Drummondii of Croom, I cannot hesitate to ‘pro=. nounce at once that the two supposed species are without doubt the- same. The S. Drummondii grows common enough | in the savannas. of Alabama and West Florida, and differs in nothing from the’ fpe- cimen described as undulata, except in having the upper portion of the operculum of the leaves, which is sometimes lengthened out,’ more or less rounded. AsI have seen the flower of this plant, 1 is of a most brilliant red color, the same as that of the Amar on formosissima, the true purple of the Romans and of Linne. I pre- sume that Mr. Croom’s figure in the 4th volume of the Annals of the Lyceum of New York, was taken from a dried and faded spe- eimen, which accounts for the duil color of the ge and the pe: u-_ liar form of the operculum. Ladd some remarks on the other species of this genus. ie _ Ihave seen the purpurea in the lower country of Georgia. As I * In the Flore des Serres, vol. vii. page ee = 5 ae | eee FLORIST AND © a ee \ am n acquainted with if, it has alw: ays been growing in bogs, a kind of soil unknown in the submaritime regions of our Southern States. How far north it extends there are no means of ascertaining ; it has been seen in the southern portions of the Labrador coast. The other species are'all confined to the Southern States. The flava is more abundant in the middle parts of North Caroline. In the neighborhood of Fayetteville it covers the ground in immense” pro- fusion ; and flowering at the same time and intermixed with the splendid Tris tripeta.a hus a most beautiful effect. The rubra first appears a. little farther south, but it is by no 7 . means common. The variclaris is confined to’ a distance of about. 30 miles from the sea shore, in South Carolina and Georgia, i in moist pine forests. ye As for the Catesbei of Elhott, it is quite a distinct species, and as far as I know it only grows in those parts of the country point- ed out by the author from whom it received its name. It has late- ly been thought proper to erase this species from our Flora, but whatever errors Mr. Elliott may have committed in other in- stances, in this he was certainly right. It is too much the custom with naturalists to pronounce opinions on objects described by others which they have never seen; I have myself much. to com- plain of in this respect, and may at some future time take occasion to notice what I have suffered from the w hims of, others. With all these species of Sarracenia I’ was once very familar, _and their forms and peculiarities have not left my memory; for years they were always before my eyes, and their distinctive char- acters indelibly impressed upon my mind. — | The locality of the psittacina with which I am siya is the immense pine forest to the south west of .the ee between that river and Florida. | _.-A word or two about the cultivation of ae highly orn dana plants: they should be planted in a mixture of black vegetable earth, such as is procured from the crevices , of rocks, and white sand, in equal quantities, with a small quantity of powdered char- coal. T hey require to arbi watered. ob 9a LC. HORTICULTURAL JOURNAL. 293 MANAGEMENT OF CIDER APPLE TREES. A practical treatise on the rearing and cultivation of Cider Apple Trees, | in Normandy, entitled ‘ ratte pratique de 1 Education et de la Culture du Pommier a Cidre, dans les Departments del Ancienne Normandie,” has been lately published by the Cercle pratique d’ Horticulture et de Botanique of the department of the Seine-Inferieure. It contains, as we observed some weeks ago, concise instructions on the subject ; and convinced that the work has a very useful tendency, we have thought it desirable to furnish our readers” with a series of translations from it. The subject is by no means unimportant. ‘In proof of this it is only ne- | cessary to adduce the facts, that in the cider counties, in a good season many farmers clear their rents entirely by the produce of their cider trees; and hence new plantations of these are being extensively made. The strictures in the first part of the treatise in question may prevent errors in the forma- tion of these plantations ; and it will be seen, when pointed out, that many~ errors are as easily avoided as practised. We may add, that many: of the strictures as well as the instructions that follow are appli not enly to cider apple trees, but likewise to other trees. | * Critical remarks on various Hoe eb of cultiv nila which have ste adopted, and are still practised as regards the Cider Apple Tree. . Formation of a Nursery.—When a private nursery is formed for supply- ing plants for an orchard, it is frequently established in a very bad sityation, such as the corner of a yard surrounded with Quick-hedges in which there, are large trees; or even ina narrow space’ between the back of a building and a hedge, with the view of getting shelter, or for the sake of economy of enclosure. To save the small cost of one or two pieces of fenge, a great por- tion of the plants is lost, because some are drawn up by the shade of build» | ings or of trees, and others cannot thrive on account of the ground being continually impoverished by the roots of the hedges and of aby sone trees: which usually grow in those hedges. | Choice of the Plants.—A false economy often causes second or third rate plants to be selected because of their cheapness. This is a mistake ; for al- though plants of the second picking are not altogether to be despised, andal- though occasionally some plants may be found. from among them that be- come as good trees as those from the first; yet it cannot be denied, that’ of two plants of the same age, grown in the same soil, and having received the same care, but which are of different vigor, the tallest and thickest should be preferred. ~ a THE FLORIST AND Preparation of the Plant.—To prevent the apple trees from becoming’ tap-rooted, many prune the roots to half their length, and thus almost make cuttings of their plants, the starting of which becomes more difficult, slower, and less. perfect than would be the case if the’ roots were preserved. Distance usually left between the Pilants.—It is an error to suppose ‘that the more plants we put in a given space, the more trees really deserving the name of such, we shall have. The apple tree, which should remain from se- ven to ten years in the nursery, in order to acquire the necessary strength, for being finally planted, requires a great deal of air and light to develop its . stem and head, and asufficient extent of ground to allow it to form good roots. In a nursery where the plants are too close together, as, for example, 2 feet between the rows and 12 to 15 inches between the plants in the rows, we.of- _ ten obtain only badly rooted trees with slender. drawn-up stems, no thicker: at bottom than at top; or, as is most frequently the case,.some trees more vigorous than the rest get the ascendancy, and stop the:growth of their. neighbors, which they eventually annihilate. In this case, he who has. planted | 1000 plants is fortunate if he get 500 or 600 trees, we do not say very ails: ones, but merely passable. 7 3 Rearing the Plants and forming the Stem. —If a a stem is not j in- dispensable to the formation of a good bearing apple tree, it is at least ne- cessary for new plantations in straight rows; and in all cases it is more eli- gible. Now, to obtain straight stems requires yearly attention to pruning, pinching off, and bending to a right position, &c. These operations should be skilfully performed; but such is rarely the case. In nurseries which are not totally neglected, the shoots which come on the stem are all taken off, and that generally at too early a period, As these shoots, or more strictly speaking their leaves, were intended to increase the size of the stem, the pre- uP) mature destruction of the shoots, and the consequent privation of leaves, — prevent robust, straight growth, and thence come those trees that have bend- — ing, weakly stems,-and which are more especially too slender at the base. has several defects. In order to perform the operation, the stem must be | cleft from side to side, and this cleft is a chasm which the sap cannot close up in asingle year. By neglecting to keep it. constantly covered, the intro- duction of water is permitted, decay of the wood follows, and this, continual- ly spreading towards the interior, shortens the life of the tree, and, renders it more liable to be broken or uprooted by high winds, because the rottenness ° extends to the dange roots, which, from that cause, cannot offer any resist-— ance.. Grafts are often broken by the wind, or by large birds. This i is an- other result of negligence in the grafters, who should always protect the grafts by fastening - to the stock, with osier, a rod to which the youn shoots ; + a = $ Neglect of matters relating to Grafts.—Cleft grafting, although most used, _ __ from the graft eonia be secured as wai proceed in aki hen . = . 7 HORTIO ULTURAL we OURN lhe 295 Formation of the Head of the Tree,—Whether the tree has been grafted low or high, its stem should be stopped at a convenient height for the growth of the branehes intended to form its head; -but, instead of keeping these branches at:a proper distance fron each other, and only retaining a small number, and‘allowing them to grow toa good length, the branches are all preserved and cut very short at the end of every winter, without calewlation, without forethought, and without the direction of the bud which has beth pruned on having been examined. «gible Hie Si wht, a iy es ~The consequence of this improper mode of } pruning is, that, after three or four years the head of the apple tree Is a a shapeless bush, the numerous and “widely- ramified branches of which would hardly afford a passage for a cat, although at a later period a man inust pass among them. It would be better to allow the trees to push freely, without employing the pruning knife at all upon them, than to exhaust them inthis manner, by inducing them to make a number of shoots, most of w hich must be als cut off. next year ; for the inevitable result of this bad pruning, besides exhaustion,,i is to necessitate the amputation of strong branches with the saw which should have been cut off with the pruning knife when first dev eloped; ; fr om these amputations With the former instrument Jarge wounds result, which only heal slowly and im- perfectly ; and the deeay of the wood arising from wounds not healed will eventually produce the same effects as the neglected clefts of grafts. Taking up young Trees from the Nurséeries.—We would gladly have said | that the apple. trees. are taken up from the nursery, but as their roots are very often cut short by the spade, or by strokes of the mattoek;’ or, having been pany uncovered, they are drawn violently out, so as to break all the fibres, wc., that are twisted, we are obliged to say that they are torn up. _ Again, the plants are often left exposed to the air, which ace the fibres, , iA» — . . if any remain; or to rain, which washes them ;. or sometimes, even, to the'de- structive influence of frust. Yet it does not require much science to know that roots intended to live and grow in the earth only, must suffer by ex- posure to the air, to light, and to frost; and that they should remain ineuaia to these influences as short a time as possible. 4 Tei ae The preservation of the leaves on the: tree, if it hai been Hiateptantea's at a time when they are still in a tolerably fresh state, such as the beginning of November, likewise affects the success of the operation. At the before-men- tioned period, although the leaves may only remain-on the branches for a single day, the death of the small roots will be the result; because, as the leaves, from the effects of light, continue to absorb the sap contained in the tree, which latter can draw up no more nourishment from the soil, they con- sequently dry up all the young and tender parts, such as the spongioles and the recent shoots. It is, therefore, of the utmost importance to take off the leaves, if there are any, at the time when we transplant. , ba 296 © ~~... ‘THE FLORIST AND | Preparation of the Trees:and Soil-for Planting.—We should never hesi- tate about thorough trenching and’making deep holes before planting. The | rapid growth of the trees will amply repay the expense.. The preparation of the soil,is commonly performed tolerably well, but as much cannot be said of ‘that of the roots, Planters are often seen shortening the roots of a tree as if they could make use of the portions cut off; they call that trimming the root. Some, more careful, allow the roots to remain at full length; but there are many who, instead of .spreading them out as the hole is being filled up, content themselves with throwing in the soil and treading it when the roots have been sufficiently covered. In conseqeence of this the flexible roots take a bad direction, by reason of the weight of the earth, and they are frequently squeezed into bundles, 1 in which the weakest ones become hot, moist and rot- ; ten. be ; Another bad practice should be aniiaey out. Itconsists in introducing the , earth among the roots by means of a pointed stake. Many old planters would 5 think they planted badly if, whilst holding the tree in one hand, they had not aa well- -pointed stake in the other; with this t they make many thrusts through the b earth that is thrown on the roots, severely bruising the latter and making = many excoriations. A stake is only used in the case of large trees which can- ~ not be shaken, and the roots of which are too large to be lifted and directed by a hand. When the stake is used, care should be taka not to injure the roots between which it is introduced. ey. ars ee When apple trees are finally planted they no longer require what are called : the attentions of rearing; other operations, however, become necessary; but - too frequently neglects and accidents await them.— Gard. Chron. | | [To be continued. | Sor arene Shr TF _CUL TIVATION OF THE EUROPEAN GRAPE IN AMERICA. tlouston, TEXAS, Sept. 27, 18 I cannot refrain from tendering: some information to your paper, a agreeable, my best services with reference to your suggestions as to. ‘t grafting of European Vines on robust American stocks in. your number | i oe the 2ist ult. (see p. 531, 1852.) In this neighborhood an opinion prevails — that the European Grape eannot. under any circumstances. be successfully cultivated, but this opinion I hope to find erroneous, inasmuch as I believe it to be founded in entire ignorance of the soil in which it delights, and on an impression that the climate and soil of this country can work im possibil- ities, and that pruning, and other means of husbanding ‘the energies of a plant’are here perfectly unnecessary. In this locality a native Grape known as the Mustang, or wild Grape, grows with extreme luxuriance, both on the sandy banks of streams and the heavy alluvial soil of the eats ‘and al- % P| om - € =? re HORTICULTURAL JOURNAL. © 997. though it does not attain in this neighborhood to so large ‘a size as it does on the Brazos, it is still to be met with from 6 to 9 inches’ in diameter, over-topping the highest trees, and bearing an enormous quantity of fruit, worthless for the table, but good as I have proved for wine. On the Brazos, six weeks since, the woods were stated to be perfectly blue in appearance from the immensé quantity of fruit which had ripened, even under the shade of a dense foliage. Itis entirely free from mildew, and to prevent its ap- pearance on European varieties, and: to secure a luxuriant growth, I intend in the coming season to make use of it largely as a stock, for I have proved .that it unites most freely with the scion, so much so that a cutting of this year’s wood attached to a Mustang stock during the last week of May, had — in a period of from 50 to 60 days not only taken, but had been followed up by such a vigorous growth that I counted 37 joints from the point of inser- tion. The following statement on this same subject by a Mr. Lincicum, ap- peared a few weeks since in the Galveston Journal:—‘“We have in our highly favored country many delicious, healthy, indigenous fruits, particu- larly in the Grape family, many of which are of fine flavor} and quite large, - bear eultivation well, and might be’ made with ‘small expense.a source of much wealth and comfort. Our nafive Grape will flourish well almost with- | out attention; all that is necessary is sufficient space and protection from cat- tle. But the foreign varieties, on their own roots, do not thrive well in our black and limy soil. They become diseased and die out in afew years: Amongst these are many varieties very delicious and suitable for the tables These varieties are available notwithstanding their want of thrift in the prairie soil, by a very cheap and simple process. In my experients the fol-. lowing has resulted very fayorably. Take a healthy cutting from the last year’s growth, from the kind of Grape vine you wish to propagate, and by the common wedge process, efigraft it _on a thrifty Mustang grape vine. ‘The wedge graft is so simple that a description of the process may be con- 3 sidered superfluous. However, any time between the 10th and 20th of Feb- _ Tuary, prepare your grafts, having two or three buds on each slip, cut the upper ends even and smooth ,and the lower ends into a true wedge—your knife should be sharp—then cut off the top of your stock Vine, within 2 or 3 inches of its root, split it. down through the centre, low enough to re- ceive the wedge of your graft, push in your wedge on one side of the stock, sap to sap, and downwards until the cut of the knife on the graft disappears. You may insert two grafts in the same stock if it is large enough. Then wrap a strip of wet domestic carefully around ‘all, with sufficient firmness to hold the graft in its place; after which raise the earth around it so as to cover the stock, leaving the buds of the graft only above ground. I have, however, inserted grafis 3 feet above ground and a grew ee well, but 38 298 APHE FLORIST! ARDY st, they require more protection and are more liable to be shaken out of places The above is the process of engrafting to the Mustang Vines that may be © found already growing about your premises. I. have two grafts which I in- serted into thrifty Mustang stocks on the 15th of last February; they have each run over 200 feet already, and are still growing rapidly. One of these grafts put forth a cluster 7 inches long, and matured 93:large Grapes: They are a bright, red, transparent Grape, very rich and delicious; they were brought to this country I think by the Germans. I have another graft of the Black Sweetwater Gr ape, which, at the expiration of 17 months from: the time I inserted it into the Mustang Vine, had matured. half a bushel. of” fine large Grapes, much better flavored as I think than when growing on their own roots. When it is desired to have them grow where ‘there are no Mustang roots, as in the regular form of a vineyard, it is easily effected by selecting from the woods asmany thrifty young Mustang Vines as you like; having them as large as your finger with good roots, top them off to about» 12 inches, carry them to your lot, insert and wrap your grafts properly, and then plant them in such manner as to let your graft buds rise just above the surface of the ground at the desired point in your vineyard. The hole in wiich they are planted should be large and pretty well supplied with ma- nure, fully rotted. Rotten logs or other decomposed vegetable matter is best. The Mustang Vine will, however, flourish very well in almost any kind of soil. It isa strong hardy Vine, and will live to a great age. Grafts from the good varieties growing on healthy Mustang roots will after the fourth year if properly dressed and cared for produce from 10 to 15 bushels’ of clusters apiece. Twenty such Vines would supply the. wants of a large family. They will bear abundantly the second year, but that injures the. Vines, and the greater part of the clusters should be clipped off. They may on the third year, be permitted to mature half their clusters—one to each fruit-bearing joint. There is no actual necessity for putting up expen- sive frames for the Vines to run upon. Any kind of a stake -sufficiently. strong and durable to support the Vine during the time of its fruiting is good enough. It is best for the Vines to fall and remain on the ground through the winter. Then, about the middle of February, or before the sap begins to run, prune your Vines, stick up your stakes at the proper places: to receive the branches, and with the ravelling of cotton bagging tie the - branches to the stakes. A yard of bagging will tie up 500 Vines. Now,. - all this is so simple,.so cheap, and so easily done, that three or four years hence there will be no plausible excuse for the man who has no Grape on his table—when I pay him a visit.’—J.H.S. Stantzy, - Gard. Cheeni o < ; 4 ‘ § HORTICULTURAL JOURNAL. | | 299 CALENDAR OF OPERATIONS. OCTOBER. - Peas FLOW ER GARDEN. Rackiene to plant deciduous trees at every aROuEe: - Whether spring or fall planting has the greatest advantages i is swallowed up in the fact that “we shall find enough work for the spring.” Hardy annuals of many de- scriptions will not flower next season unless sown now ; especially Larkspur, Tpomopsis, &c., and all bloom the stronger from being sown now. They can readily be transplanted early in spring to where they are to remain. Bulbs'that are easily affected by frost, as Gladioluses, Tuberoses, and Ti- gridias, should be taken up early and dried slowly in a secure place. Hya- cinths, Anemones, and similar plants for spring flowering, should be planted’ out as soon as they can be obtained. The latter may be put out an inch or so below the surface, and be protected during the winter with a slight cover- ing of leaves ; well decayed cowdung is an excellent manure for them. See that the Dahlias are true to their names before the frost destroys their flow- ers; after which take them up, dry them slightly for a few days, then stow them away loosely in any cool place just secure from frost. , If they rot in winter it will be either through getting too warm and damp, or:too dry and frosted. Wherever alterations and improvements are fo be effected, get as much as;possible carried out before winter. Look on the fall as if it were the real beginning of spring work. Laying of turf may be well proceeded with ; box edgings, though, are best deferred, as their beauty is er: fre-. | quently sadly defaced by frost. | , Gass Hovuss. i The tenderest plants. being housed last month, the remaining will require immediate attention. After housing, the object should be to rest them. the temperature not being suffered to fall below 38°; they will be the better for all the air that can be afforded them. No more water need be given for a month than will barely keep them. from flagging, Pelargoniums, Cinerarias, and similar things which will keep growing, should be kept as near the air or glass as possible—the latter, if full of roots, and desired for large, hand- some specimens, will require potting about the end of the- month into coarse turfy loam, with about a third of half rottéd stable manure. Roses in pots, for early flowering, may be repotted as they are brought in, if they require it; coarse soil is essential to their perfection—a close, compact soil will not grow them well; they should have the lightest part of the house. Many thin the buds of their Camellias as they bring them in doors; I prefer waiting for a time, as the slight change they necessarily experience by the move often eauses some to fall. As mignionette grows, pinch out the top of the shoots A 300 ©. (RHE FLORIST AND: occasionally, ‘it will ore e them bushy,: handsome specimens, and prolong their flowering period. The same may be said of any-other ornamental an- nual cultivated this way. A few plants of Petunias and Verbenas potted now, and also kept pinched in at every joint, make objects of the prettiest class by the spring. Piants of every kind kept in view for winter flowering . will require continual care in repotting, watering and staking. It is often desirable to have afew Azaleas and Rhododendrons in flower early; any | plants selected for this purpose should have even more care bestowed on them * in getting their wood well ripened by free exposure to sun and air than even. the others. Chinese Primroses’for early flowering will also require repot- J 8 | Pp Ings it is very fond of coarse leaf mould with the soilin which itis growing. Auriculas, the prettiest of spring’s blooming plants, are frequently lost in the winter; yet they are very hardy, they require to be kept from damp and ~ bright sunlight. Chrysanthemums will soon be the chief ornament of our houses. If encouraged at this time by occasional doses of liquid manure - their flowers will be finer. If seed is desired from them, let them flower in a cool, light situation, where they can get abundance of air without getting frosted. Cuttings of al kinds will continue to receive attention, and those rooted be successively removed to single pots. Before the weather becomes severe a stock of turfy loam, leaf mould, rotten stable dung and sand should be housed so as to have it at command whenever potting is required. ° Dif- ferent combinations of the above materials will afford ee for nearly all: kinds of Pane. VEGETABLE GARDEN. ae | Celery as it grows will require earthing up, and Endive successively blanched; but the main business of the month will be preparations for hous- ing the root crops for the winter. Beets are gerierally the first thing at- tended to, they being the most easily injured by frost; Carrots, Salsafy and Parsneps following, The latter are never really good until they have been well frozen; and many leave them entirely in the ground, taking them up as _ wanted for use. I prefer taking them all up and packing ‘them in sand or half dried loam, in a shed or cellar, which can be kept just above freezing aaa: yet the cooler the better. If suffered to be in heaps they heat and eo rot. In the same situation Endive and. Cape Brocoli may be preserved %, to the end of the year—they are taken up with a.small quantity of earth ad. gk} hering to them, and placed side-by-side together. Tomatoes, if dug up also, and suspended, roots upward, in such 4 situation, will keep good along time. — but this must be done before the least frost has touched them. . It isa wim plan to sow a little more Early York Cabbage early in the month, as in fine mild winters the September sowing grows too forward when protected. - A very slight aa is better for men than any elaborate affair, eT . Pe ia Perey HORTICULTURAL JOURNAL. 301 principally injuring them. ‘The same remarks apply to lettuce intended to be kept over winter for spring use, though the sun is less destructive to them than to the cabbage. : Forcing vegetables, wher ever the least command of Hout can be had, is the most*interesting and useful part of gardening. It is. not by any means what it is often considered, an operation by which you ‘pay a dollar for every mouthful. The Asparagus, Sea Kale, Lettuce, Radish and Cauliflower can be had for months earlier than in the open ground, wherever a regular tem- perature of 55° can be obtained, with, of course, the proper amount of air, moisture, &c. Asparagus can be had under a greenhouse stage, though of course the tops will not be so green, nor will it be much else but indifferent "under such circumstances, as it would be in the full light. Radishes require an abundance of air, and Lettuce light. Cauliflowers, if kept for some months with all the light and air possible, at a temperature of 50 or 55°, may have it gradually raised to 60 or 65, and even 70°, and thus come into use in February, when there is no vegetable more desirable. Cucumbers, Tomatoes and Beans require a temperature of at least 65° to begin with. If a temperature of 70 can be. maintained in the coldest wea- fit a few of these might be sown by the end of the month, which will pro- duce some very acceptable dishes about New Year’s day. Rhubarb, if care- fully taken up at the fall of the leaf and potted, or put into boxes, will also come forward well if put under the stage in a house of the last temperature. Dd FRUIT. Pear TREES ON Quince.—This method of Pear cultivation is rapidly in- creasing and gaining in public estimation, although there is still much oppo- sition to its introduction. No-doubt failures: will occur, but a few isolated cases are not to be taken as conclusive proof either for or against any system. It may serve a good purpose to note some of the reasons we heave lately heard advanced against the above, or rather show the circumstances which led to its being unprofitable. In one case lately examined thie trees were dying, out by degrees, whole limbs suddenly withering and drooping, occasioning — much trouble and anxiety as to their ultimate fate. The unsuitableness a 4 . 35 the stock was the supposed cause of failure, and this conclusion had been ar- rived at in the face of evident facts to the contrary. . The soil was a thin, gravelly clay, resting on a hard clayey subsoil ; when wet it became so soft . and yielding that trees could with difficulty be kept upright in it when in this. condition. The retentive ‘sub-soil preventing the downward escape of waters, -in fact, holding it like a basin, until it was again dried to solidity by surface evaporation—conditions evident to the most casual observer quite opposed to favorable growth. The “‘evident facts to the contrary” were apparent in the u me 302 THE FLORIST AND Laalths's state of those caine in more favorable soil, which aceidentally oil pened in grading the surface to’ that exact level insisted upon by many im their garden improvements. _ Garelessness in planting is also productive o future annoyance ; the tree _ghould be planted so that the stock may be just covered with the soil, If planted higher, the quince will in some cases get hide bound, and not swell sufficient for the graft. It also prevents the borer from committing his ra- yages upon the stock, which would otherwise most likely occur. We do not advise deep planting in any case, but the quince throws out roots so readily that little fear need be entertained of not having plenty of fibres near the surface. Indeed, the facility with which it roots is a very forcible point in favor of the quince over any other stock that can be employed, But the greatest general cause of failure arises from bad cultivation. In the first place, there should be no stagnated water in the soil; then it should be trenched and loosened before planting, and the trees receive an annual top dressing of manure in the fall, to be forked in about the trees in spring, the soil kept constantly loose and friable by breaking up the surface crust after heavy rains. An application of charcoal dust has been found useful on soils of a clayey nature, preserving them from consolidation and increasing their absorbent capabilities. Attention to these points, in conjunction with proper pruning and pinching will leave no cause for complaint 1 in this method of pear cultivation. ' PRuNING.—This operation, it is gratifying to observe, is ; becoming more ‘generally understood than formerly. Much has-been and will be said and written upon the subject; the general principle may be summed up in a few words. A puny, weak growing tree should be encouraged by every availa- ble means during its growth ; not a leaf removed, if possible, until they cease to perform their functions in the fall; then prune it closely down, this will induce a vigorous growth the following season. On the other hand, a thrifty, strong growing tree should be pruned in summer, and the growth so reduced as to admit of little or no removal of wood in winter. The effects and phy- siological reasons for these practices having been dwelt upon at some length in previous calendars, it is deemed unnecessary to make further allusion to . the subject at present. STRAWBERRIES, in pots, will require ‘to be ae widely apart, in a situation fully exposed to the sun, in order to mature their fruit buds. ‘Towards the end of the month provision should be made for keeping them: dry, either by » placing them in a glass protected frame, or by piling them on their sides. in ridge form. The latter method is simple and efficient. The pots are. laid on their sides commencing with two rows about thirty inches apart, laying the intermediate space is then filled up with leaves or them bottom inwards; t | tan, a second layer of j ots is then placed ontop in the same manner, keep- HORTICULTURAL JOURNAL. 303 ing them a few inches further back than the first, and fill up to their level as before. This is continued until the pots meet at top. A wide board will af- ford sufficient coping to throw off heavy rain. In severe frosts mats of loose straw willserve to protect them from injury. a } This is a favorable season for manuring and renewing the soil under old and sickly trees. There is no better material for this purpose than well rot- ted manure forked deeply and plentifully among the roots. Grapes on ars bors that appear weak should be similarly treated, and some of the old shoots laid and covered with soil. hese in time will emit-roots near the surface, which will impart additional vigor’ to the plant. Gooseberry and Currant bushes should also receive attention, the soil forked over and left rough and open, the better to expose the larvee of insects, which by thismeans are destroy- ed incold weather. Raspberries should be thinned out, properly secured, and manured heavily if you wish superior fruit. Want of proper care in cultiva- tion, is the frequent cause of resorting to expedients which have to be ems ployed as a means of counteracting defective management. S. Be. NEW YORK HORTICULTURAL ‘SOCIETY. The regular fall show of flowers, fruit and vogecalenadee the auspices of the New York Horticultural Society, opened on the 20th, September, at Niblo’s Garden. ‘he concert room has been devoted to this exhibition.— Side tables, ranged along each side and end of the beautiful saloon, weré decked with the choicest flowers, the most delicious fruit, and the most pon- derous specimens of vegetables that the gardener’s art can manage to raise. In the centre of the room were some half:dozen round tables, bearing hot- house plants, bouquets, baskets of flowers, &c., regailing at once the senses of sight and smell, and indicating the refined taste which devotes itself so successfully to this branch of horticulture. The exhibition, though perhaps not so large as on former occasions, bears the palm over them by the excel- lent quality of the articles. It would be at once a difficult and a needless task to enumerate the beautiful varieties of fruits and flowers. which were ex- hibited. The dahlias were in endless and many-colored variety, and there were some beautiful specimens of fuchsias and verbenas. The grapes and pears are also peculiarly excellent. We.would suggest, however, to exhib- ah propriety of a more strict and general compliance with the follow- ng rule: ; , As a large number of persons visit our exhibitions to learn the names of plants for future use, it is requested that the botanical and common name (of plants, &c.) be distinctly written on the same label. | An address was delivered by the Rev. Mr. Chapin, on the beauties and usé eo ae ~~ 4 304 _ THE FLORIST AND’ ‘Mr. Bailey, Plattsburg. cere, | For the second best, silver “medal; or $5, Mr. Le: Lighthisse, Orange, of Horticulture. The judges or committees on fruit, vegetables and | flo awarded the fnOwing prizes : ; FRUIT. Appius For the best collection of ied varieties, silver cup, ner — N. Jersey. For the best six dented variéties af table slee silver medal, or $5, H’y Thacker, Oneida Community,. Madison county. Prars—For the best collection of named varieties, silver cup, or $10, Us M. Hovey & Co., Boston. For 2nd best, ayer medal, or 85, oe Brill, NP For the best six named varieties of table pears, silver medal; or 85, _ Gordon, gardener to E. Hoyt, Astoria.~ For the second best, bronze medal, or $3, Mr. Grant, gr. to Mr. Vande. venter, Astoria. Piums—For the best three named varieties, silver medal, or $5, Henry Thacker, Oneida co. N. Y. Quinces—For the best twelve quinces, bronze medal, or $30, Jno. White, gardener to Gov. Morris. Grapes—For the best six named varteties foreign grapes, silver cup, or $15, J. Daillidaze, gr.to Robert Renny, Lodi, N. J... For the second best, silver cup, or 510, J. ‘McMillan, gr. to Beast Morris, - Throgg’s Neck. For the best three named varieties, silver cup, or $10, J. Daillidaze. - For the second best, silver medal, or. $5, Thos. Sprunt, gardener to J. ‘OD. Wolfe, Throgg’s Neck. For the best bunch of black. Hamburgs, silver medal, or $5, fi Daillidaze, For second best, bronze medal, or $3, J. McMillan. For the best punch ‘of hate Muscats, silver medal; or $5, Alex. ‘Gordon. Discretionery premiums have been offered to wee For fine collection of pears, Thomas Sprunt. For six fine specimens of pears, do ' For like, Henry Thackor. For extra fine specimens of second pears, Gerais Hopkins. For nectarines, Mr. Griffin. | i For three fine dishes of peaches, C. ¥Y. Spencer, West Farms. | For sweet potatoes, James Angus. For fine collection of pbars. Matthias Coleman, Caatenee to A P. Cum- mings, Williamsburg. For extra large specimens of ‘ates A. B. olomett Civitan Metons.—For the best two watermelons, bronze medal, or $3, Alexander Gordon. For the second best, diploma, or $2, Mr Lighthipe. For the best two muskmelons, bronze medal, or $3, Isaac Bucharan, As- . toria. For the second best, diploma, or $2, Mr. ade The committee on fruit consist of Messrs. Thomas Hoge, eles ta Carpene | ter, and Charles Moore. ‘ re no ce ae f ¢ HORTICULTURAL JOURNAL. 8H VE GETABLES. . oaeet the’ best peck for the table, bronze medal, or $3, Mr. ~ Baets—For oe best twelve long blood beets bronze ‘medal, or $3, Mr. fy Thacker. _ For the best twelve turnip rooted beets," bronze medal, or $8, Mr 3 ohn Brill. : . Carnots—For the best axle catrots, bronze medal, or 88, Mr. Mathe- son, Gowanus, L. I. For the second best, diploma, or $9. Mics Brill, Parsnrps—For the best ‘twelve parsnips, Bronte medal, or $2, James: Angus, gr. to W. W. Fox, West Farms, © For the second best, diploma, or 82, Julius Hartman, gr. to William i. Paine, Bloomingdale. it be ’ SatstFy—For ‘the best twelve baie of salsify, | diploma, or $2, “Mr, Thacker. - CaBBacEe—For the best thr ee beads of Savoy eer bronze medal, or $3, Francis Briell, Astoria. (Ontons.—For the best half peck of white onions, bronze medal, or s3— Peiced Angus, for three varieties: _Catery.—For the best twelve stalks of celery, bronze modal or. i a Mr. Hartman. *. For-the second best, diploma or $2_-Mr. “Angus. | Tomatoxs.—For the best half peck of red tomatoes, bronze medal or + $8 : —John Brill. _.For the second best, diptoma; or $2 Mr, Meiesaly Sprunt. _ For. the second ee diploma, or $9_-Mr.. Angus, HN, “Beans.—For the best half peck of Lhas beans, in pe) diploma, « or re) —Francis Briell. For the best half peck of kidney eas diptosiva,’ or $2—John Brilf'3 Corn.—For the best twelve ears of corn for the table, te medal, or $3—Mr. Sprunt. | : For the second best, diploma, or $2——James An gus. Turnips—For the best half is of yuna bronze thedat, or $3, Tohn 3 O'Connell. Wt dae For the second best, diploma, or 9, Fob Brill, SquasHes—For the best three sqashes. for the table, | bronze medal, or $3; Thomas Martin, gr. to H. Delafield, Seventy- ninth, street. stat For the second best, diploma, or $2, Mr. Sprunt. | GENERAL Dtspuay—For. the best general display of vegetables, silver medal, or $3, Mr. Angus, for thirty-two varieties. “The vegetable committee consisted of Messrs. John Fick, Joseph Cudlipp, od David Clark. vehi | ee a | 39 rae vols s | Hhuodoe alexa ‘Eee Puants. —For the best ae egg plants, bronze medal, or - $Me , a LORIE AND at _. ' PLANTS IN. POTS. Hornovse PLants—For the best. four, specimens ; of, hota plants i in bloom, silver cup, or $10, Mr. Thomas Duncan, gre. fo Fe de Wolsey, sid toria. For the second best, silver medal, or $5, Mr. Louis Megane’ Abay, . For the best single specimen of a hothouse plant i 1D bloom, br onze medal, or $38, Isaac Buchanan, Astoria.” - For the second best, diploma, or $2, Wiceagaee Gerace | GREENHOUSE | Paw’ og ed the best four specimens of zencebeey plants in bloom, silver cup, or $10, L. Menand.’ 7 , Kot the second best, silver medal,or-$5, J. Buchanan, ©. 5. For the best single specimen of a greenhouse plant, dn _— bronze medal, or $3, L. Menand. F jreqgh Oy Ow For the second best, seperti, or , $9, J. Buchanan. | gq Acntmenrs—For the best three ‘specimens in. bloom, Seana Bs or $3, Martin Collopy, gardener to J. H. Prentice, Br ooklyn: Helghtae, | For the second best, diploma, or $2, A. Gordon. . . ConIFERZ—F or the best collection of conifera, in pots, silver. medal, or $5, Thomas Hogg & Son, Yorkville. For the second best, bronze medal, or $3, Thomas pesos ic: Rockland, We st Farms. Special premium for collection’ of slants, $8, ‘Adolf Schutz, reg +6: Mr. Munn, Motthaven. Do. for. Cactus, $2, Thomas Richardson, Rick inids Do. for Ericas, to L. Menand. Bouquets, Baskets, ure.—For the’ best — of hand bouquets, composed of flowers promiseuously. arranged, bronze medal, or $8, Mr.-Buchanan. " For the second best, diploma, or $2, John T. Mahon, Broadway. For the best parlor, bouquet, bronze medal, ‘or $3, Mrs. “Archibald ‘Hen- derson, Brooklyn. i ‘ \ For the second best, diploma, or $2, Fouts Cetidatlt Hobelker: > F {4 For the best basket of flowers, not to exceed 15 by. Az inchés, bronze medal, or $3, George Hamlyn, Yellowhook. ~ Ie : For the second best, diploma, or $2, Mr. -Gabrielsen. 9-1 74.3 = For the best baskes of wild nie: bronze metal or #8, Mr. John Crane town. — cur FLOWERS, . » 68s 4OeP _ Rosrs—Diseretionary. premium for se Mik ‘Schule. TK For the best twelve named varieties, bets medal, or $83, Matteo Dona Astoria. | 7, A i fynoae edhe For the second best, peat or $3, Chas Moses. ia ig boas ER! oe Dautias—For the best twelve named self colored: on Bronte e medal, or $3, James Weir, Gowanus. ty, S08 ‘For the best twelve named faney dabling, ionic Inedlly or $3, 8 same. Verspenas—For the best twelve Ra ad ‘varieties; bronze aaa oF #8 Martin Collopy. ' For the second best, diploma, or $2, Janice Weir. . 4 ae ” 4 fia . yx” : o HORTICULTURAL JOURNAL. —«._-:-807 Patoxes—For the best six, ‘bronze medal, or $2, Je: B. Lenoir, Broad- way. , P - Diseretionaty premium for beautiful Selattlinng Pebutiay D3, Adolf. Schulz. The flower committee consisted of E Messrs. J. HE. Rauch, “Thos. Dunlap, and Andrew Frazer. P $4 00 For the best, one peck, of a Flgied variety, fe S. H. Bei woe 3:00 _ For the best, one dozen do .to C;"M. Harker, Mt. Holly 3 00 Forthe 2d best do do -to Sol. Gaskill, Mt. Holly 2 00 Nectarines—For the best, oné dozen do to Hiram B. Tilden, Baconly 2 00 For the 2d best yd ha do to T. Meehan; gr. to C. Cope 1 00 Piums—For the best. two dozen, of a named vanely, (Coe? s Goldén ay to Samuel Grasius, Huntingdon, Pa, on; $3 00 For the 2d best, two: ‘dozen, of a named variety, to Benj. Hunt. 2 00 Special Premiams of one dollar each for seedling Peaches to Benj. oulleee: to Benjamin Buckman, Mt. Holly; os + aie Spaet is and to sete aie B. Smith, {95 English Walnuts. ° a Metons—For the heat three Sutera named vaahotiys to Blisha Robertiy for citron, $2; for 2d best do, to Thos. Meehan, for do, $1. ~ WaTERMELONS—For best three specimens, Mountain Sweet, to David Perre, $3; for second best, three'specimens, Mountain: oa to Stacy H. Scott, $2; for best three Pe of. another varetys to T. D - Brown, for’ | Spanish, $3. Native Pears—For the best.collection, named. varieties, to Wetian Hans. cock, silver medal; for; 2d. best, Thos. Hancock, $3 ;- for the best one peck - Séckel, to George W. Earl, $3; for. the 2d best, to ‘Mrs, J. B: Smith, $2 § for the best, six specimens, of" ‘another named variety, to J. B. Baxter, for Washington, $3; for 2d best do do, to A. M. Eastwick, for Petre, $2. . ForEIGN Pears—For best collection, named varieties, to-Mrs. J. B. Smith, silver medal; for 2d best do, to: Thomas Hancock, $3; for best, one peck, any nqmed variety, to J. B. Baxter, for Duchess D’ Angouleme, $3 ¢ for 2d best, one peck, to J. B. Baxter, for White Doyenne, $2; for best half. peck, to: H. W. S. Cleveland, for St Michael Archange, bart for 3d seis ‘iu to J. Vandeventer, for Louise Bonne de Jersey, Bl. 9 The Committee recommend that a special premfunt of two dollars be’ awarded to each of the following contributors: R. Buist, for a fine and extensive collection. ce ieee Ge Jos. S. Cabot, Salem, Mass. - do wll Oe ' i Robert Cornelius, ~ do . renee he Mrs. Liggett, for a dish of remarkable fine “Regnier. ae yep Mrs. Kreider, for’ -' do. «do ’ - White Doyennes H. Wetherill, for do . do . EO | with, Mrs. J. B. Smith, for do do . do. W.H. Keichline, for do * —-do ee yg re James Harrison, for do- do: _ ‘Duchesse d’Angouleme. Mrs. J. B. Smith, for do do do, J. W. Hartmann, & Co., for do Bartlett. . Also, a premium of one dallar to Elisha Roberts for 2 very fine Siegen | of Citron Melons—being short in number for competition. 320 THE, rons AND - v2 rs on aie Aspiek—Bor thie best célleation gee? Thomas, Macedon 1 N. J; for second best do, Charles Kessler, Reading, Pa: for the best _ Perkitis, Mooréstowt, N. J; for the second best do, John Perkins, Moores« town, N. J; for the best peck. John Perkins, Moovestoweny? Nets ie second best do, John Perkins, Moorestown; N. J; for best: six specimens, Charles Kessler, Reading, Pa.; for second best, do Soin Perkins, Moorestown, N. J. Fras—For the best twelve specimens, Mrs. Knorr, Rising Sun. Quinces—For the best, half peck, Sarnuel. Huteliewon § for the second best’ do, W. Wi'iKeen!” *": Special premiums: to J. Bisset; fora fine dish of Quisices, alae: a apesiat preniium to L. Chamberlain, for a fine dish of Figs.. ; ‘They also recommend a ‘special-premium-of ‘@ silver medal to B. M Frenoly Braintree, Mass, and to A. H. Erust,-of Cincinnati, Ohio 3, also a ‘premium of three dollars; to D. Miller, Jr., of Carlisle, Pa, for contributions, all of which were received by the. Society, ‘too laté-to- coine into competition, and which your Committee think fully deserving the’ awards now asked. ‘They are’ also pleased to call the attention of the Society to two dishes. of fine Apples, grown by-H: B. Lindley, Athens, Ohio; finer specimens than any. exhibited before ae thi : which also eamé too late for competition. Potatoes. —For the best, one bushel, to’ Thos. Woubupks - oe $3 00 | For the 2d best’, + ‘do -. . to David P..Caley, ‘Delaware Co. 4 QAO For'the’ best Sweet _ do. to Wm. Cook, Bridgeport, Nid. 3.00. For the 2d best - do to Jesse Rambo, Gloucester Co,, Ni R 2 00. Beets, Long.—For the best one dozen, to Jas. Jones, gr. at Girard Col. 2 00 Round—For the best, ‘do | to Albinus i ‘Felton 2 2 00° : ' Carrots—For the best « 2 do | to James Jones 2 Pack ee: 00 For the 2d best do - .' to Daniel Riley, Germaiitfown "1 00: ~ Sausrey—For the best... do - to James Jones. ome of the same kind. It is therefore, necessary for the horticulturist to make experiments both to secure new varieties and to'revive old ones; and in such experiments it is of the greatest importance that there should be no douvt about the authenticity of the labelling, arising from carelessness, misplacement, neglect in taking notes, or want of permanency in the labels. ; Age The Doctor's mode of labelling involves some trouble, but he considers himself repaid by the certainty of his results. His mode is to use wooden labels marked with branding irons, which render the name as permanent as the stick, and more permanent than those written with acid upon zine. The mode of forming the irons is as follows: A set of bold faced print- ing types is selected, capitals: only being used, about half an inch in the height of the letter. These are used as models in an iron foundry; from which iron types are. cast, together with some spaces; and hollow brand- ing irons in which to set the types forming a name.. These may be fast- ~ ened by a screw, or by spaces. A vertical handle of thick iron rises out of each. For the commoner varieties the types may be less in their re- spective irons, and large quantities of the finished labels may be kept on hand. / Dr. K. uses bones freely placed upon the ground around the base of such trees as are starved or bad bearers, and he showed me several which had been resuscitated by the materials afforded by the slow decomposition of the fertilizer. Although Dr. Kirtland is advanced in years, he is in full activity, and enjoying a separate reputation in medicine, natural history, and horticulture, sufficient to make him distinguished in each, without the aid of the other two. He is now studying insects, a subject which he commenced at a period when most people would feel themselves justified in relinquishing old studies. In the opinion of Dr. Kirtland, the climate of northern ‘Ohio is so well adapted to the culture of grapes, that the time is not distant when it will rival @incinnati in the production of this fruit and the manufacture of wine. Unfortunately, there is some danger that the cultivation of the vine and the manufacture of its product, are destined to receive a check from the com- bined action of a few fanatical residents of towns, who wish to trammel the the great body of the agricultural population. with laws of merely a local application... NAL. 323 ———— ee “ " == —— aaa war = Renee SS SS ss — —— eee For the Florist and Horticultural Journal. CURRANTS. With the exception of the Strawberry, there is not a small fruit that holds a more important position’ than the Currant. It is of the most hardy nature; subject to no disease, good, better or best in all lecalities, accorJing to treatment, and even when it is cast aside and only visited when its fruit is matured for the table or the market. In nineteen cases out of twenty it is entirely neglected, receiving neither pruning, inanuring or culture—degenerating, as it is termed —deeenerate—no—never. It will produce rich scarlet, silver or jet black clusters, five inches long, and three in circumference, almost equal to bunches of grapes, and a certain crop. — Culture—Plant in a deep, sandy loam, that is very highly ma- nured, that is, manure from the stable or barn yard laid on three or four inches thick, and well incorporated with the soil eighteen inch- es deep—select plants that have been growu from cuttings, and about two or three years old; ‘cut the wood of the past season down to three or four eyes, and from the stem or roots cut out every eye or shoot leaving the stem clean six inches to a foot above ground— dig the holes one foot deep and five feet apart ; the soil that is re- placed amongst the roots must-be broken fine with the spade and gently trampped down ;—¢ive a few waterings in dry weather and you will have a growth of from one to two feet the first season.— During winter, prune back those shoots to within six inches of the proceeding year’s wood, and thin out any branches that are not six. inches from each other—the fruit is produced..on spurs of the old wood, and when those spurs make a small erowth, it should be cut back to one eye. When the bushes have reached three feet in height after pruning, they should. then have there young wood cut back every pruning season to one eye, and whenever the branches offer to be nearer to each other than six inches they should be cut clean out, forming the bush always with a round head and quite open in the centre. After their regular yearly pruning, they must have a periodical manuring ; digging or forking it in amongst the roots. You may thereafter rest assured of a full crop in wet or drought ;—no failure ;—always a supply for the table, the confec- 304.” TIE FLORIST AND tioner or market, where they meet a ready sale at a very remuner- ating price. Now for the Sorts ;—what a catalogue these nurserymen do make, it puzzles me to choose,” is the conclusion amongst so many high sounding names, all very fine, very large, very beautiful and other expressable terms ; but let us see what they are neclige wor iu The most important are Red, viz: | Cherry Currant—the very largest fruit in large clusters; but to my taste rather tart. Holland Grape, cannot be distinguished from the Red Dutch. Goliah, not so large as its name imparts, very lit- tle improvement on the Red Dutch. Fertile de Pallnau, said to ‘be very productive, but with me not more so than the old Red Dutch, when under equal culture : it is, however, a shade darker in color - to aclose observer... Knight’s Sweet—we had hoped that this sort was really sweet, to make it a very palatable desert fruit, but find it quite acid enough for any palate; it is a good bearer and makes long tapeing bunches. - Victoria, or the old: Raby Castle currant can be more readily distinguished by the foliage than the fruit; it has, however, the advantage of hanging longer on the bushes than any of the other kinds; by tying a mat over the bush they may be kept till August ; a few bushes should be covered with some ma- terial to shade them, as soon as nearly one, which pgs their maturity at least one month. | Wuite Currants; we have only fruited the White Dutch, White Grape and White Crystal: the last is certainly a very poor affair in size but quite transparant and sweeter than either of the others; the genuine White Dutch’ is as large and productive as any of them, and shows that horticulture in this particular has not advanced i in fifty years. Let évery one try the coming season to grow a new and better white currant; in three years it will produce fruit; and report to the Editor of the Florist ;—nothing could be more desira- ble than an improvement in this branch of fruit, which is emphat- ically the fruit of the million; every garden can produce them, and every citizen will purchase the product, which is neverfailing. The best quality commands from nine to twelve cents per quart ; a at HORTICULTURAL JOURNAL. mapas good bush will produce ave quarts, in value equal to a bushel of corn, and with no more labor. Brack Currants, are known by the names of Black Grape, Black Naples, Old Black and Early Black. © Two kinds only are worth at- tention, the Black Naples and the Early Black, the. former for its size and lateness, and the latter for its flavour and earliness; if I was to have only one sort it would be the Early Black. Their culture, pruning and management are the same as above described, with the exception that they do not succeed so well in warm cli- mates, and even with us do best in a half shaded situation. Such as on the north side of a wall or fence, but not under, or in the vi- cinity of large trees which impoverish the soil. . As a confection in sickness, sore throat,.or bronchitis, there is nothing equal to black currant jelly; they make also most excellent pics.and puddings, which every good housewife should know and try. If, Mr. Editor these few remarks will induce any one to try and grow those ex- ceedingly desirable fruits, to even approach the perfection they are capable of attaining, I will not have spent this hour i in vain ; or if any one requires to renew the stock of those they possess, they have only to take the young shoots that are about a foot long—deprive them of all the buds on the lower part; set them six inches deep in rich soil, partially shaded from the sun—cut the top to within four inches of the soil, and in three years they will form hondeemy plants for removal or permanent planting. Yours Truly, ne Burst. Rosedale, Oct. 1853. | STRAWBERRY QUESTION. Cincinnati, Oct. 4, 1853. When Mr. Meehan has iat twenty years cultivated as great a va- riety of foreign and native strawberries, as Walter Elder (a late writer in the Florist) has done, and paid special attention to their sexual character, he will know the Hovey’s seedlings, Mc- Avoy’s superior, and the extra red, by the leaf, and see no changes in. their sexual character. Even Mr. Downing, knew nothing of al ke 4 “ rag a i ag - THE FLORIST AND ° - he = “y the varieties of the strawberry from the stem and leaf, and his Hovey, when sent to the Horticultural Society at Boston, was by — all pronounced not to be the Hovey. It is easy to procure evidence to satisfy Mr. Meehan. He received three plants of the Extra Red from Cincinnati, and one. was Hermaphrodite, or not a pure pistill- ate. I direct the varieties I cultivate to be kept in separate , beds, Yet in many. of them,,from, neglect, or a chance seedling I yearly find many staminates, but have never yet seen one (except stami- nate necked pine seedling) but could* by the stem and leaf, be de- tected. During forty years, I. have got strawberry plants from the east, and often found mixture. One of our most reliable gardeners sold’ east a variety of our’ seedlings which he bought here from a reliable gardener, but found to his regret, there was a great mixture.,. Stranger still, Mr Meehan claims I have admitted a change by cul- | tivation, in the sexual character of the plant. He said the Extra Red, with him, which is pistillate, bore some staminate blossoms, I stated, that I raised the Extra Red, and that it was’a pure pistil- late. But as we do in raising seedlings, find an occasional Herma- phrodite, that sometimes bear a few pure pistillate blossoms, I have ‘no reason to doubt, that a plant strongly pistillate might be pro- duced, bearing a few staminate or Hermaphrodite blossoms. What bearing has this on the question, of changing the character of a pis- tillate to a staminate,’ by cultivation? AIL ask of Mr. Meehan, is, to get either of his friends, Mr. Buist or Dr. Brinckle, of Philadel- . phia, to endorse his doctrine, or get from either of them plants of the Hovey, or necked pine, and satisfy them of a change by culti- vation. The Editor of the Florist is severe on his correspondent, Mr. Elder. I would inquire what has been the Editor’s experience ? Has it been for more than twenty years, and his attention directed to the question, or as long as Mr. Meehan’s, one or two years, on a small scale? I. give Mr. Meehan credit, as he camé from England, for admitting the existence of pure staminate and pistillate plants. When he has for a year operated on plants furnished by either of his friends that I have named, he will promptly acknowledge’ his error. I fear.no injury from Mr. Meehan’s error in the west, among our strawberry growers. Men who give daily attention to HORTICULTURAL JOURNAL. 827 their plants, and bring from 20 to 120 bushels of a day to market, cannot be mistaken.. And those who cultivate for family use, will be governed by their opinions, and their own experience. For all say, till instructed on the subject, they could not produce a fourth of acrop, and often not a single fruit. Mr Meehan says, my gar- dener, Mr. Pentland, found plants with both sexes in my bed of Extra Red. He did find an interloper there, and a large number among other kinds—and heing recently from England, where the character of the plant was not known, and being unacquainted with our seedlings, could not readily distinguish them by the stem and. leaf. He is now satisfied it.was a different variety, and not an Ex- tra Red. For information on the subject, I would refer to the vete- ran strawberry grower of Philadelphia, Col. Carr, who is I presume still living. I believe that he has for fifty years cultivated the old pistillate Hudson. I would inquire of him, if he has in fifty years’ ever seen a change in the sexual character of that, or any other va- riety ? Mr. Meehan declares, as he can by a change of heat, change the sexual character of a few plants, “the ‘distinction between staminate and pistillate plants is worthless.” If true,it would | not lessen the value of the principle, and I would ask where Mr. Meehan’s common sense had strayed, when he made the assertion. I have for many years cnltivated a great variety of strawberries, on the south, west, and north borders of high stone walls, and’ never had a change in the sexes. Yet here was a greater charige in the atmosphere, than Mr. Mechan had in his greenhouse. N. LoneworTn. In the October number of the Farm Journal, Mr. W, R. Prince of Flush- ing, L. £., contributes a long article on the strawberry question; to say the least, % is, like the former articles by the same gentleman, in very bad taste: the writer mdulges in remarks not proper in any discussion ; but it is a well known axiom that those who are in the wrong always thake the noise. There has not been as we have said before, anything in the way of argu- ment on the side of thewnchangeable Cincinnati theorists, all is assertion, denial, and, on the part of Mr. Prince abuse of Mr. Meehan. — Asa scientific fact, the change from apparently pistillate to perfect flow- ers is one of the simplest ;—the strawberry in its natural state has perfect 328 Me a FLORIST AND flowers; is furnished with wali and stamens; chance scoala . under a high state of cultivation flowers in which the stamens are abortive; left to themselves, they return to their natural condition of flowers with perfect parts. The pistillate flowers of “improved varieties” are degenerations, the results which My. Downing and Meehan as well as many others have observed are mnerely nature exerting her forces to mend What a “high state ‘of cultivation,” and so on, has made faulty. If Mr. Prince’s article were not 80 longyor if it had any scientific bearing or imparted any instruction on the subject we should have copied it; but as it is we can only say that for his sake we regret that the Farm J ouehal ir sO = a circulation and so.many readers. Since writing the above we have received the letter of Mr. Longworth, in which, as will be seen he makes the same admission. alluded to by the Editor of the Farm Journal; “I saw no reason to doubt,. that a plant strongly pistillate may be produced, bearing a few staminate or herma- phrodite blossoms.” He adds “what bearing has this on the question of changing the character of staminate or pistillate by cultivation?” Just as much as the fact that the Editor of the Florist’s having no experience in strawberry raising has to do with the fact that’the change is possible. When Mr. Mechan and Mr. Downing produced pistillate ‘plants (for no other reason, at least in Meehan’s case for declaring them “not Hovey’s,” than that they had evident stamens,) the cry was “the thing %s ¢mpossible,” — now Mr. Longworth has acknowledged that it is possible; I cannot find that any one has said that a full crop can be produced without staminates being planted among the pistillate ; even Mr. Mechan announced that the plants from which he took his runners were so pistillate that he was obliged to procure a staminate plant to fertilize them. Whether in the advance of horticultural science, the possibility of retarding or developing any part of a plant, the stamens or the pistils, the petals or the leaves, may not be arrived. at, who. shall say? But before that is done we shall have to do away with all talk of “impossible things,’ and when anything i is presented for our dissent or approval examine whether it be reasonable or not, with- out at once stigmatising it as either impossible or nonsensical. * ©” HORTICULTURAL JOURNAL. 329. AZALEAS. These are the most valuable of all greenhouse plants for the amateur cultivator, being easy of cultivation, and affording a rich display of flowers during winter and the- early spring months, and that too, without any great degree of artificial heat. Natives of the Chinese hills they are not injured by being subjected to a few de- grees of frost 1f the wood is ripe and the plants in a state of rest. Their roots, like those of the Rhododendron, are very small, tender and fibry, requiring a regular supply of water; at the same time aif must find ready access to the roots. In potting a plant requiring these conditions, proper efficient drainage must be secured, the soil should also be of a porous free kind. A fibry loam, mixed with clear sand and small charcoal will answer ‘this purpose. The quan- tities of sand and chatcoal dust necessary, will depend on the na-_ ture of the loam. .If clayey a good portion will. be requisite to counteract the adhesiveness. It is difficult to convey an accurate idea of the kind of soil to be used, the term loam being: so indefinite,’ embracing soils of widely different quality. A sood criterion is to press a handful of it when in a half dry state, and throw it down, if it breaks-and crumbles up, it will be in a fit state for use, but if it remains hard and lumpy, more of these corrective materials should be added. Spring is the most convenient and mates season for roproutinian just before they commence growth. The only season that they re- quire particular care is while they are making a growth. . During this they must be carefully watered and kept in a moist, somewhat shady, and warm atmosphere. This can easily be afforded them in a greenhouse by placing them all together where they can.be fre-. quently syringed, and slightly shaded from intense sun.. Water must be carefully administered, those that are fresh potted will not require so frequent applications as those that have filled the pots with roots. I would here cauti@f the amateur against the extensive use of so-called peat soil. Much of the material that goes under this name is unfit for the growth of any plant, being for the most part 42 | 330 THE FLORIST AND | vegetable matter in the last degree of decomposition, inert, and worse than useless when used alone. I have seen a black unctuous, | sour mass of bog-mold carefully stored as ‘being “just the stuff for Azaleas.” Such ‘stuff’ when composted with barn-yard ma- nure and other substances may be formed into a valuable applica- tion for hungry soils, but for the growth of delicate rooted sprees house plants it is injurious rather than beneficial. During the plants growth, attention should be given to pinehihg the points out of strong shoots, and otherwise, prune and tie out to preserve a uniform habit.. ‘Towards the end of June; the young wood wil] assume a brown colour, when this is observed, the plants should be taken out of the house-and placed in‘a situation-where the mid-day sun can be kept from them by shading or other means, this will be a salutary check on the growth. and favor ripening of the wood and formation of flower buds. - About the month of Au- gust they should be placed in an exposed position, and the ‘pots plunged to preserve the roots from sudden changes of wet and dry. After remzining two months in this position the point of every shoot will feal round and hard, indicative of a well set head of bloom. After removal into the house they should be*rather sparingly watered and:kept cool and airy, unless they are wished to flower early, which is easily attained by SES them in a warmer tem- perature. Cuttings of the youns #08 strike root very realty” in the spring, especially of the large leaved varieties. The smaller leaved sorts grow better when grafted on such as Phoenicea, a strong growing variety, easily increased by cuttings. Very fine standard plants may be produced by grafting on tall.stems. I once saw a plant of variegata, grafted on a four in stem as beautifully depend- ent as a weeping willow. ‘i Denta. s+ HORTICULTURAL JOURNAL. 331 ———— a SOUTHERN PLANTS WORTHY OF CULTIVATION In passing through the gardens in America, one cannot help being struck with the little attention which has every where been bestowed upon our native productions. In Hurope, they are properly estimated, and their cultivation sedulously attended to. Many plants that might be made the ornaments of our flower-beds, but which are now overlooked, would be highly esteemed on the other side of the Atlantic, if they could be pro- cured, or if the climate there was suited to their culture. We pay large sums for foreign flowers, which frequently have little to hee them, and suffer others of the greatest beauty to “blush unseen’’ in our native forests. | I have undertaken in this fragment of a communication, to point out a few shrubs and herbaceous plants, with which we ought to ornament our gardens, and which can be obtained without much difficulty from South Carolina and Georgia. * If the same care be bestowed upon them, as has been lavished upon plants originally not-possessed of half their beauty, there is no reason to doubt but that from amongst ourselves we might produce the most brilliant results, and 7 in many instances eclipse ail that has been effected in the 1 improving plants from abroad. : , The names of the plants which I beg ssave to recommend ate taken from Elliott’s Botany of South. Careclina and Georgia. Many a these have, since the publication of that work, been changed and perhaps in a few years will again be altered, but that is of no importance; ve! are ag well known by their old names as by their new. I shall first enumerate the shrubs which I think worthy of enltivation, and afterwards the sible aa plants, interspersing side and there a few.re- marks. : Pinckneya pubens, a small tree about ten feet ah the foliage dark green, and the flowers, with their large bracts, bright: red. Cyrilla racemosa, fragrant white flowers. ~ Gelsemium nitidum, the most beautiful of flowering shrubs, whether we consider the permanency of its leaves, the golden color and copiousness of its flowers, or their most delightful perfume. It may not be able to with- stand the severity of the winters here without some protection, but in a greenhouse would be invaluable. © It:grows naturally as far north as Norfolk, in Virginia. ; dt Kalmia hirsuta, very dwarf species of this pretty genus, seldom rising up- right more than six or eight inches. : ELliotta racemosa, Andromeda nitida, and A. mariana, all very orna- mental aud the A. nitida, an evergreen. a THE FLORIST AND | °- ° . Vaccinium arboreum, a small tree about six or eight feet high; when in flower is entirely covered by a profusion of white blossoms’; the fruit ripens ~ in October. Styrax grandiflorum and Ss. eee highly omeenenl and the last very fragrant with the odor of the white jasmine, which it very much re- sembles i in the form of its flowers. Halesia diptera. I have seen the #. tetraptera growing in this eity, the flowers of this other species are double the size and full as numerous. Stuartia malacodendron ; most beautiful; when one considers what has made of the Camellia, which in its original and natural state makes but a poor appearance, what may we not expect from an assiduous, continued and proper cultivation of this splendid flower. Mylocarium ligustrinum, an evergreen, and highly ornamental when, in flower. Bejaria racemosa, possessing all the beauty of any of the Azaleas, ee at the same time time having fine shaped, glossy, evergreen leaves. je Asimina grandiflora, a shrub, not two feet high, producing large white flowers. } ae Ilerbpcrous PLANTS. | Canna flacciila ; Thalia dealbata, grows in the water, they are therefore perfectly protected from the effects of frost. Salvia azurea; Iris tripetala, as fine a species as can be found in-any quarter of the globe. Houstonia rotundifolia, a small plant which hardly rises from the earth, one of the first offerings of the spring, growing on the road sides, and resembling small patches of snow. Spigelia marilandica; Phiox glaberrima, flowers through- out the whole summer; Phlox pilosa, Phlox subulata; Viola pedata,. with two and three coloured flowers; Convolvulus sagittifolius ; Sabbatia pani- culata, Sabbatia gentianoides, with rose coloured flowers three inches in diameter; Asclepias pauperula ; Hydrolea corymbosa; the four different species of Pancratium; Lillium Catesbei; Helonias erythrosperma; Rhea- _ ta glabella, the ornament of the forests in the month of June, Silene fimbriata ; Jussieua glabella, a water plant which frequently covers the sur- face of the ditches and canals with its golden flowers. Lythrum alatum ; Sarraccenia variolaris and S. flava; Hypericum glaucum ; Passiflora in- carnata; Hibiscus grandiflorus, H. speciosus, and H. scaber with yellow flowers. Polygala luiea; Lupinus villosus; Clitoria virginica; Liatris secunda, L. elegans, Liatris area g) Aster Shaul... 3 Chaptaha — integrifolva. ’ All these are perennial, a with probably one or two exceptions er bear the greatest intensity of our winters. They can be obtained without much difficulty and at little expense. Je GG HORTICULTURAL JOURNAL. 333 MANAGEMENT OF CIDER APPLE TREES. Tree Guards.—Many proprietors at the present time go to the expense of posts, two, three or four of which they. join together with cross-pieces. This is unquestionably the best mode of protecting the trees against cattle and wind, but it is not everywhere adopted. In many places guards are employed that injure more than they protect the trees, and which cannot in any case maintain them against the action of the wind. With the view of preserving them from the shock of axles, shafts, horses’ collars, &c., the stems of the young Apple trees which are in tilled ground are completely and closely twisted round with straw ropes to the height of 44 feet. The bad effects of this guard, which in.nowise prevents the trees from being thrown down when they get a severe shock, are to cause strang- ulations of the stem, and, above'all, to deprive it of the free access of air and light, which are always of great benefit to the young bark ; and lastly beneath the straw covering various insects that are hurtful to vegetation breed in perfect security. Leaning Trees.—Many Apple trees, especially in the fields, lean to one side from the effects of the wind; and in our part of the country they lean so much over from the west, that a stranger, if he were lost, could find the right direction by merely looking at the stems of these trees. The majority of them have been thus blown aside for want of a post guard, to which they might have been fixed, or the tree might have been kept upright by, means of some sods piled against the stem on the side opposite to the direction of the wind. The neglect of these precautions renders the trees disagreeable to the eye, obstructs cultivation, and makes them more liable to be overthrown by high winds. } Suckers.—Trees often throw up suckers which absorb the sap to no profit, but, on the contrary, to the injury of the head of the tree. Common sense would teaeh us to uncover these suckers to the place where they originate, and then cut them off close, so that they may not again spring up; but aus is not the usual way of going to work. The most careful, pass a spade between the stem of the tree and the suck- ers; then striking vigorously, they wound the former, and by breaking and tearing away the suckers from the roots, wounds are formed which in heal- ing absorb a portion of sap which would have gone to promote the growth of the tree. But still more frequently no attention is paid to the removal of these suckers, the care of stopping their growth being left to the cows and sheep. | In arable land, bruises and tearing of the bark by axles, plough beams, collars of horses, &c., are of frequent occurrence, because the ground is 334 THE FLORIST AND worked as near as possible to the tree, in order to have less to dig. These wounds and cankers continually recurring, if they do not directly kill the trees, soon stop their growth, diminish the produce, and shorten their ex- istence. Gathering the Fruét.—This is also a frequent cause of injury to the trees. Instead of waiting till the Apples are sufficiently ripe to detach themselves by the branches being shaken, either by a person up in the tree, or by one on the ground with a hooked stick, they are often gathered too goon,and as they do not readily part, the branches are struck with poles. By thus bringing down the fruit, many fruit-spurs and leaf-buds which would possibly become flower-buds, are likewise broken off. : Modes of keeping the Fruit.—If the quality of the cider depends on the fitness of the instruments and vessels used, on the temperature, or the manner of crushing and pressing the Apples, as well as on the fermentation of the juice, it also greatly depends on the mode adopted in preserving the fruit, on its state of ripeness, and on the mixture of particular varieties in certain proportions. If the growers only knew how much rain deteriorates Apples that are laid in heaps out of doors for want of sufficient buildings to protect them, they would construct very cheap sheds by means of straw: mats, formed and supported with rods, im order to preserve the fruit from this drenching, which, being repeated, doubtless takes away part of the juice, especially when they are ripe or nearly so. If this fact were not acknowl- edged, I would say to the unbelieving, “put a sound and nearly ripe Apple in a glass of pure water, and leave it there for seven ‘or eight days; after that time you will find that the water is of a reddish tint, and the Apple al- most without flavour. Now, how can this be explained, if not by the fact, that a part of the juice of the Apple has passed through the pores of the skin, and diffused itself in the water; whilst the latter has taken the place of the juice and penetrated into the flesh of the fruit. Apples, therefore, should be gathered in dry weather and afterwares sheltered from rain. The custom of mixing together different kinds of Apples is also injurious, for the following reasons. The different sorts, although gathered at the same time, do not afterwards acquire, in equal periods, the same degree of maturity, and some keep longer than others after being fully ripe. The consequence is, that whilst waiting for the ripening of the later sorts, the others rot, and no one, I should suppose, will venture to say that the pulp of rotten Apples can give a juice fit for making good cider. Occasionally, to avoid this evil, the Apples are crushed too soon, and those that are not ripe only yield a colourless juice, which which is very liable to become acid. It is, therefore advantageous to separate the sorts, becatise each heap being composed of equally ripe fruit, we are not exposed to the danger of crushing green or decayed Apples with those of which the colour and perfume indicate a per- HORTICULTURAL JOURNAL. 835 feet degree of maturity. This is not the only advantage derived from keep- ing each sort separate, for by adopting this plan we can mix any sort in proper proportions so as to. obtain cider of the best quality. Those well acquainted with cider-making know, by experience, that if a certain sort of Apple were employed by itself, it would produce a sour, pale cider; and, on the other hand, that another sort would yield thick, syrupy juice, which would clarify with dificulty, or would even become dark by the action of the air; but by mixing these two sorts of Apples, a cider of very good quality is obtained. It would be difficuit to generalise the principles on which we should make mixtures of the varieties of Apples with the view of improving the quality of the cider, because the nature of the soil, the aspect, and the age of the trees? greatly the quality of the juices of fruits, and also’ because it is almost impossible to know the identity of varieties, the names of which vary according to the locality. ° This important part of cider making cannot therefore have any light thrown on? without repeated experiments made by good practical observers. We know that intelligent cultivators manage well in this respect, but no one has yet thought of assisting his brethren by publishing those modes of pro- ceeding which are the results of his own experience ; and this is much to be regretted. The action of frost also injures the quality of cider, and late Apples are nearly always kept, if not out of doors, at least in buildings readily penetrated by cold. In this case we can easily prevent the frost from affecting ‘the Apple, by covering the heap with a layer of straw from eight to ten inches in thickness, which is again covered with damp cloths, such as waggon tilts, &c. This simple and easy protection:is neither new nor unknown, but it is too seldom made use of. We will not continue further our strictures on the neglect and bad treat- ment of which the Apple trees are too generally victims. Although this enumeration is far from being eomplete, we think that we have said enough to show the advantage there would be in taking better care of this tree, which’ ig in Normandy what the Vine is in the countries more favoured in point of climate. To manage better than is generally the case is neither attended’ with more difficulty nor with greater eXpense, as we lly endeavor to show in the following part of this manual. (To be continued.) ) cencnemieinta abialnadinmanea aa6: - . THE FLORIST AND | ee The following from an address by Dr. John H. Rauch, of Burs lington, Iowa, before the Southern Iowa Horticultural Society, is a worthy tribute to the merit, and a just censure of the neglect of our own Flora. The cultivation of our indigenous plants, is a subject to which I would call the attention of this society, one which you have so far almost totally neglected, a neglect of which I am sorry to say you not alone but nearly all who have been similarly engaged in this country are guilty. Your gardens. are filled with plants of a foreign. growth, plants that are difficult, to culti- vate and in many instances far less beautiful than those which grow upon our prairies neglected. Why this is so, I really cannot conceive ; there are many who know all about foreign plants, but take them into our fields and. forests, and they are not able to distinguish one plant: from another.—This is fashionable floriculture, a species of cockneyism not to be admired. That we are governed too much by fashion is a deplorable truth, and it is one of the prevailing sins. of the present day that fashion in these things is often mistaken for taste. | <‘Despotic Fashion in fantastic garb, Oft by her vot’ries, for the magic robe Of Taste mistaken, with il] guiding step, Directs our path.”* For Americans to cultivate foreign plants which are not as handsome as those that are indigenous which they neglect, is certainly in bad. taste. The ignorance of men, with regard to our. own plants, who should know > better, is also surprising. In illustration of this, I will relate an instance. that occurred in your own midst. Quite a number of plants were sent here from a long distance, as great and rare curiosities; they were received ag such, but lo and behold, upon examination they were found to grow abund- antly in our swamps and lowlands. Many will no doubt be surprised when I say that we have a rival in Velumbium luteum, for the famous Victoria regia; it is found growing in the waters of our own Mississippi, and I have no doubt would be as all other plants could be greatly improved by cultiva- tion. Many will no doubt also be surprised, when I tell them, that on our more elevated and sandy prairies, we have a plant belonging to the Mexi- can Flora, Amorpha canescens, the flower of which will vie for beauty with the cactus that they take so much pains to cultivate because it blooms indi- genous on the table lands of Mexico, and I haye no doubt if it were gener- ally known that this plant belongs to the Mexican Flora, it would have ere this received their attention, and occupied a° prominent place in: their gardens. By these remarks I do not wish to be understood as condemning the cultivation of exotics, but let ours claim your attention first, then those — HORTICULTURAL JOURNAL. > : 7h of a foreign country may with propriety. It is like many Aniericans visit- ing other countries without first making the tour of their‘own land. It is high time that we. should throw off, in this respect the thraldom of fashion, emancipate ourselves*from this slavery, and: be American in our floriculture as well as in government. I am an American, I love everything t that j is Amer- ican, we have the largest lakes, the longest rivers, the widest and most fer- tile prairies, and if not the largest the most useftl plants. at seems to me thiat’ everything ‘which: nature has given us, is of a much more practical character, than the productions of:other climes, and this may no doubt have some influence in causing ours to be the most practical nation on the Karth ; that while the Victoria regia only gives pleasure: ‘to the sight and calls forth our admiration, the Nelumbium lutewm helps to. nourish and sustain the life of the wandering Indian, untutored in the arts and schools of civilization. | ~ Our lily, moccasin flower, butter-fly weed, orchis, dogbane, and many others will vie for beauty with any’ that’are “found i in other parts of the world. I had prepared a list of plants found in this vicinity, which would alorn any garden, but ‘shall not tax your | ‘time and. patience by reading it upon this occasion. ) _. Dariag the past surinter in order to “call At attention of the menibers a the Society to the beauty of our native plants, I selected some of them and brought.them to their monthly meetings, and if I can in this manner suc- ceed in awakening an interest in them, T shall during next season. willing- ly incur: the trouble’ of | produving a number of -sach plants as may be in bloom at the time of each regular meeting, and as an evidence of the inter- est this Society takes in the cultivation of our indigenous plants, would sug- gest the propriety of offering a premium by it; for the adi number and finest cultivated: : - | oc werardle ” . . ‘ ‘ e f+. ‘, 5 JF “8 s ’ ‘ 4. . Pg BEGG ee _¢ i NEW PITCHER PLANT. RAR tier »To the. Editor of the Florist. A: was much oneal with the ace count of the. Sarracenias you have in your. last. . This interesting tribe has had.justice done it by cultivators, and.L am pleased to see any notice of them tending to draw attention to their peculiarly pleasing forms. In.a-recent number of the “Smithsonian “contri- butions,” I find another new member of the family. figured and des -seribed by Dr. Torrey. It is said to have been first discovered ih northern California by Mr. Brackenridge in 1842, growing in a i pgs dts pod aul pe shite WoTy 101i lad. eaniene on * 338 , THE FLORIST AND , a ooo i marsh., Dr. T. establishes it as a distinct genus. from Sarracenia, Aedicating it to Dr. Darlington of. West Chester, Pa., the well known author of so many valuable botanical’ works! urider the name of Darlingtonta Californica. “It differs from Sarracenia'in the calyx not being calyculate ; in the form of the petals; in’ the somewhat definite and uniserial | stamens ; ;, In the dilated turbinate ovary. 3 and especially in the absence of the large umbrella. shaped summit of the style, which is S0 conspicuous in the. former genus.” From the plate the flower has somewhat the form of a Pyrola,and is al- together very beautiful. © Will not some of our Hote un-. _ dertake to show us. this 1 in cultivation? a a ae ‘ * NEW OR RARE | PLANTS, FLOWERED FOR THE. ‘FIRST TIME THIS SEASON, AT. SPRINGBROOK. Ee Or Shee _ Penvareres PHENECIA—This plant has been long. ago: deeantbad bat in ‘tanists, but is not now. I believe in cultivation. I raised my plants from seed introduced as I believe by the late Mrs. Knorr, of West . Philadelphia. It has a very erect, uninviting habit.of growth, but the flowers “which ap- pear late in the fall are very pretty, about/one inch across, and of. a bright | crimson, having in the eentre 5 finger-like processes—probably petaloid stamens. It is allied -botanically with the Mahernias, but in - ‘general’ ap- pearance would be taken for some Malva. Its. stragg ling habit. will ‘per- haps be against its: value as a greenhouse plant, but: it 18 @ good addition to our stock of fall flowering border flowers. "bya eR tly: oun - PERISTERIA BLATA,—The “Spiritu Sancto” of the ‘newspapers, and Dove flower of orchideous collections.. A pseudo-bulb presented to Mr. Cope last spring by Col. Totten of the Panama railroad, flowered beautiful- ly'this fall. Its waxy dove resembling blossoms, with their “delicious | fha- grance, and Jong period of remaining in blossom, combine to render it a most. desirable orchid: Tt is growing in a iad of ‘broken ait y and moss. Tig : -' BRuNFELSIA (Francisea) UNDULATA. pebbire writers oped of “Pyeaks of Nature;” such would suspect her of placing the flowers of Gesneria tubi- | flora on some luxuriant species ‘of olive, to form this plant. The ‘same de- _lightful fragrance too exist inthe flowers. The’ plant, i is of a very erect ‘obstinate habit.of growth, and, so far does not show a ‘tendency to — HORTICULTURAL JOURNAL. 339 freely. - Imported by Mr. Cope last year vised Mr. Lee of London. It grows well in coarse, turfy loam,.in a stove exposed to the full sun, at a temperature of. 69° in winter; and kept in a slightly shaded greenhouse in - summer. , MILTonta dla ae —A small growing eee resembling i in size er appearance the well known Epidendrum cochleatum. The flowers come out in a three flowered spike about six inches long at. the base of the pseudo bulb as it approaches maturity. Each flower has the ground color white, changing to yellowish, on which i is thickly set . large brown . ‘blotches—and - with. the column pur ple. In my specimens they méasure about 1 to 14 inches across. It grows well on a block of wood with a little moss attach- edtoit. Though not one of the handsomest orchids, it can scarcely be . called second rate. It wagamparied by My. Cope from Loddiges. of. Lon- don. Bi eeds pic M Buvust Mazon. ate speaking of. one of tiie Hatter t ex- hibited at Chiswick, the reporter styles it “a living fountain.’ ae a, appella- | tion more: char acteristic could not. perhaps be "salectores Though | our plant is but young its pendulous raceme of over a hundred flowers measured 14 : inches long and 2 broad. It is easily managed. Our plant: is. growing in, pot of broken charcoal and crocks—an old root is planted i in this up which the aerial roots creep. It delights i in being frequently lightly syringed, if it never at any time becomes ov erdosed. It was imported by Mr. Gee from Mr. Low, of Clapton: hii CALANTHE: VERATRIFOLIA. ard well, known’ white flowering terrestrial or chid of standard chatacter as an exhibition plant, and generally found in. good collections. It is of easy culture, doing well in a pot of M033, ‘char- coal, and coarse turfy peat. ihopenies from Messrs. Loddiges. ‘ | | » ‘to Thad Tuomas MAREN, o% ~. ae asissc CALENDAR OF OPERATIONS. a! | ‘NOVEMBER, hin Fiower Garpen.—One of the last thought of things, too fedqueritiyl is to apply manure to flower beds. Rut it is scarcely less essential to a fine summer display, than it is to the production of fine vegetables; and certain- ly as necessary as to trees, or the lawn. Still it should. be applied with caution., “While a poor soil will only grow plants to a diminutive minature size, which, though clothed with a profusion of small, starved looking blos- soms, make no show; a soil over rich will cause too great a luxurianee of . foliage, which is always opposed to an abundance of bloom. Im most cases 340° (THE FLORIST AND. ¥ I prefer half-decayed Jeaves—where these ‘could’ not be had -I would use. stable manure. ‘The former ‘spread over the soil.two inches thick, or the latter one inch—would form a dressing which in ordinary. cases should last two or three years. It is difficult to get flowers to do well in even the most favorable soil, if it is liable to hold water to stagnation in winter. Where flower gardens or beds exist under such circumstances, advantage should be taken of the present season to have it thoroughly underdrained, It will be more beneficial in the end than the most judicious manuring ; >it is indeed in itself a powerful. means of fertilizing the soil. Where cir cumstances render the draining of such places inconvenient, a temporary advantage can be: gained by digging up the'soil at this season: very roughly, 80 as to expose : as much as possible to the action of the frost. This is at best but putting @ patch on an old garment—an apology for the want of means to do better. The planting of trees will still continue to engage our attention at every favorable opportunity. Many préfer at this season to remove trees in the winter by the “frozen ball” system. There is nothing gained by this prae- tice. ‘T'o those unacquainted. with this mode of planting, I may as well de-. scribe it. Just before frost is expected, atrench is dug around a tree afew | feet from its base, leaving the tree 80, that With a rope at the top, it can be- easily dr awn over, A hole is then dug for it in the situation ‘desired. When the “ball” has become frozen through around the tree, it is removed to the prepared hole; and, when a thaw comes, the soil is filled in around’ it. “I. have said there is nothing gained by it, and there are many disadvantages. ; If the tree has been removed a “time or two’ before, as most. nursery trees have, it will haye an- abundance of fibres near the stem, and can be -succes- fully removed Without much regard to the “hall of earth’? either in fall or spring. If it has never been removed before, that is a, tree growing natu’ . rally, it will have no ‘fibresat its base, and so no “ball of earth” can pré- serve them, so that a tree which can be moved successfully on this freezing system, can be as successfully done without it. The disadvantages of it are that it exposes the injured roots for a long time to the injurious action ofthe . frost and the elements, besides the frequency of the operation being impro- perly’ done by several attempts being made at its completion. I have given the system a fair trial, and have done with it. The main object should be. to preserve;all the roots possible with the tree, keep them moist and preserve from injury, then go-a- head ond don’t wait for frost. Green Hovuss.—¥ fitt very few remarks to offer under this head in ade dition to what I made last month. Watering, airing, and. preserving from insects, occupy “ most of a gardener’ ape irate time at this season. Growth Wig Bb GD Hor. HORTICULTURAL JOURNAL. _ 341. SERRE ———— — — s hould not be much encouraged at this season; plants will consequently not require much air, the main object for its admission being to keep down the temperature oh sunny weather, and to guard against damp. Those plants which will grow, as Pelargoniams, Giger arias, Heliotrope, Chinese Primrosés, and many plants required for winter or spring blooming, should have all the light possible, and would be benefitted by the application of: manure water once a week. Guano water is as. good as any thing; a Half pint to about 10 gallons of water. The sweepings of the fowl or poultry house is nearly as” good, in about the same proportions is Correas, Epacrises, Pimelias, and a host of ornamental plants will now be coming into blossom, cheering their possessors during many an otherwise dr eary hour during the wintry season, and rewarding a thousand fold by their freshness’ and beauty the outlay they may have occasionéd, or the motes have given to those who: have loved and protected them. re Hot. Housr.—The most critical season to these plants is “fast approach- ing. A very common error, especially in houses heated by smoke flues, is to keep the temperature too high. Unless the house be heated by hot water, a temperature of 55° will do perfectly well.’ The absorbent proper- ty of heated bricks in flues i is so great, that the excessive waterings neces- sary to replace the moisture they absorb i is more injurious to the plants than a moderately low temperature. In a house heated by hot’ water, a temperature of 65° may be maintained with advantage. The house will be very gay with Habrothumnus, Cestrums,, Begonias, Pentas, Plumbagos, and so on, and the syringe must be kept in daily requisition. It is highly advantageous to put a little sulphur, lime water, or soft soap into the syring- ing water occasionally ; as the red spider, mealy bug, or scale, respectively may make their appearance; this, ‘with a vigorous use of one’s eyes and fingers at times will keep them pretty well in check.. Orchidex, those of them which bloom on finishing their growths, will begin to add considerably tothe attractions of the hot house. As any come into flower they should have less water at each time, but.be watered more frequently than they have been accustomed too; a very slight “dewing” with the syringe is all that is _ required. Heavy waterings and high temperature together destroy more orchids than many would dream of. Still atmospheric moisture must be re- tained for them in any case. ia Vecrraste GarpEen.—As in thus, Flower Garden, so here the season calls attention to the improvement of the,soil. . Draining and trenching are two of the most important operations. In performing the latter the soil need be only loosened to the depth of two or three feet, with manure mixed well through it. ‘Fine gardens are frequently rendered barren for years by 342 THE FLORIST AND the sterile clayey subsoil being brought to the surface. aig beds, a ag soon as the stalks are cleared off may have a good. portion of the soil on ~ them raked off va alleys, and. its place supplied with three or four inches ; of rotten manure.” If the ground is of a light or sandy nature salt may, be applied before the manure. In wet soils it is injurious. Where the . root crops are unhoused the remarks in last’ month’ s calendar will still be. applicable. It isa pice point to preserve celery well through the winter to.. the spring. The main things are to keep it cool, just above. freezing point, and just moist enough to keep it from withering. Many take it up, and put. it in a cellar, where the above mentioned conditions can be obtained, packed ~ in sand. My usual plan is to take. it up and pack them pretty close to- gether side by side in some sheltered spot, putting’a thick coating of dry straw on them on the ApErpach of .s severe frost; keeping it? dry by laying old. shutters over all. | tong ieee FRDUIT, Gathering and storing fruit. . The. preservation . of piesa frat. is” a matter deserving more attention and care than is generally. bestowed: upon it. It is not now as formerly when fruit eaters and growers were content with a few months supply. Nothing less should satisfy the cultivator than.a dish of fresh, ripe fruit every day in the year. Of course, very much de- pends upon a judicious selection of trees, that ripen fruit.in rotation; but the dependence for a winter supply. lies mainly in the mode of keeping thelate sorts through the winter and spring. The time of gathering requires par- ticular attention; if allowed to remain too long on the tree, the fruit be- comes deteriorated. It should be picked just as the seeds commence chang- ing color, The sacrifice of a few fruit in sscertaining this period 3 is of 10 importance, compared with the advantages of having them stored in proper season, Choosing a fine dry day, pick every fruit carefully by hand, and guard against. bruising them in the slightest degree. The ‘smallest bruise . lays the foundation for putrefaction. The object, now is to. preserve the juices of the fruit without subjecting them to decay. “The way to insure. - this is to place them in a temperature which will neither drain them of their juices by evaporation, nor promote decay through damp. Light also should be excluded. The difficulty of keeping the finer fruits in cellars arises from either moisture or heat in these apartments. It has been fotind in the pre- servation of ice, that houses constructed above’ ground, secured from-ex- ternal influences, keep it much longer than the best constructed well. The same principles occur in the preservation of fruit. .An exclusive artificial — temperature must be’maintained, as uniform as possible. A minimum tem-— perature of 84° and a maximum: of 40° may be considered the greatest fluctuation desirable. The principal difficulty lies 1 in keeping a pre 7 ‘ t a Fe e "alt HORTICULTURAL JOURNAL. 343 a grometrical state in the atmosphere; should any symptoms of damp or mil- dew appear, it should be removed by ventilatiom Care should be taken in the admission of external air whenever its temperature is much above that of the room. When this is the case a deposition of dew will take place and the evil be increased rather tham lessened. | : Frequent and careful examination will be necessary to remove all that shows symptoms of decay, .such should be promptly removed and every- thing kept. as sweet and clean as possible. The late keeping pears. as Easter Beurré require to be removed into a warmer temperature, say about 65° for a week.or ten days before eating. This has a tendency to remove all grittiness, and heightens the flavor of many varieties. So much depends upon the keeping and ripening of winter fruit, that many kinds of the high- est repute in Europe, have been considered nie unworthy of notice, simply from want of proper treatment in this respect. Planting. trees should be proceeded with without, delay, the past Reanih has been peculiarly favorable for trenching and preparing soil. The ad- vantages of preparing soil when in a dry state are very great, as it crumbles and mixes better, lays open and permeable to the atmosphere, and retains more heat. It is very hurtful -to clayey soils to work them in a wet state. The effects may be traced in years afterw ards in the hard eemented lumps which nothing but lengthened exposure to rain and frost can pulverize. Where trees are to be permanently planted the should be put in the best condition, and left as light and friable as possible, since it cannot afterwards “be remedied without i injuring the roots. Should the weather continue fa- vorable planting may be continued until the end of the month, after that, except om very dry soil, and elevated locations, it’ will perhaps be as well to "defer it until spring. We must again urge the advantages of autumn planting. Not only on account of there being more leisure to attend to it at this time, and the sdil in the best possible condition for its performance, but princi- pally becausé of the additional certainty that the trees will make a good growth the following season, consequent upon ‘the increase and establish- ment of roots during winter, and the diminished risk of losing them should a dry summer occur. ‘Grapes—both in and out ddore stiouta phe ‘winter pruned bdtabad the ena : of the month. ‘Whatever mode of pruning is practised should be strictly earried out. A continued change of systems will be unsatisfactory. . Nor indeed is this the proper season to commence a change, even should one be contemplated. The management of oe plant during summer must be con- ducted with reference to the winter pruning, so, that the present will only be the completion of: the years labor’ so far as pruning is concerned. The borders should be slightly forked over, adding a topdressing of woodashes, 344 | | THE FLORIST a which supply: ingredients largely used by the grape, sites chareoar i is very effective In preserving a proper degree of porosity. . A covering ‘Of (Sir: | eight inches of half rotted manure may then ‘be spread on the surface, — | will enrich the soil, and prevent frost from injuring the roots. Orange and Lemon trees, should receive very little water from this until spring, when ‘the wood is properly ripened, and the soil-kept comparatively dry, a few degrees of frost’ will do:them no harm. IEf kept i in a. cellar no water will, be required, unless, as we have observed in some cases they are placed near a furnace in order to keep them warm. ‘This kindness; however, — is entirely misplaced. -A close cellar is sufficient, fire heat is nore injurious then beneficial, but where the plants are. unavoidably set near heat, on o¢- casional watering will be ary to sap! y the evaporation from the lee Bo Be a“ SAVE YOUR PLUMS—THE CURCULIO congoesatie Epitors :—I find by experiment that the curculio, that curse of all plum. trees, can easily be conquered. , The little fellow is. not so bold as some’ imagine. If he were large enough perhaps his own shadow would affrighten him. . Although so small an insect, he has a keen eye, and can discern .an object. Ihave heard it observed that plum trees growing near a door or path, that is frequently passed, would be exempt. from ‘the curculio. We conclude that this object passing the tree keeps. them at bay. For several years past I have let the curculio have-his own way; ; and ie has taken every plum for his own use and behoof. But I came to the con-: clusion last spring, that the little imps were rather too selfish and _greedy— that I would put in for a share with them; I procured cotton batting—put 3 circles, 6 to 12 inches apart, around each tree; for several mornings I “smudged” the trees with ashes, as recommended; two trees, of the ’same variety standing some 8 rods apart, treated as above, each tree will. set with plums; on one of those trees I suspended a piece of white cotton cloth, about half a yard square, in this way ;—Shave out a rod as long as your cloth is wide, tack one edge of the cloth to the rod, suspend it from a limb of the tree, at the centre of the rod, and a little breeze of wind will keep . the flag in motion, and the little rebels will quit the field. On. two. other trees I suspended newspapers which had the same effect, but: the rain and wind will soon displace the papers—cloth is best. ) The result is, those, three trees promise a good yield of. sound plums, while d the others are destroyed—not, one. ‘yemains on the trees... | 3 Le. N onnis—Tu Farmers: Companion.: jin tae h ; 2h pe OM) bt RISES: Ge ia HORTICULTURAL JOURNAL. 345 PENNSYLVANIA HOTICULTURAL SOCIETY. — Ocrober 18, 1853. The stated meeting of the society ¥ was held in the Lecture Room of the Museum this evening. Dr. Wm. D. Brinckle, Vice President, in the ehair. The following Premiums were awarded: Design of Cut Flowers, for the best, to Thos. Mechan, gardener to Caleb Cope ; for the second best, to Joseph Cook. Basket of cut flowers, for the best and fer the second best, to Thomas Meehan. . Pears, for the best, the Doyenne. Gris, and for the second best, the Duch- esse d’ Angouleme, to Mrs. J. B. Smith. * Special Premiums.—Two dollars for a fine display of Grapes, to H. B. Tilden. One dollar for a display of Reine Claude de Bavay Plums, to Thomas Meehan. The Apples exhibited, although of fine appearance, were unripe, and not in condition to test. | The fruit con:mittee submitted the following : ‘ ; AD INTERIM FRUIT REPORT. To the President Penna. Hort.-Society :— | The Fruit Committee respectfully Report, That since the September meeting of the Society, the following Fruits have been submitted to their examination : From Alex. Parker, of Moyamensing—A Seedling Beach, nearly three inches in diameter; roundish; dull yellow, with a reddish cheek, and so dark about the base as to appear almost black; flesh yellow, very juicy; flavor delicious; quality ‘‘very good.” From A. M. Hastwick—The Petre Pear, from the original tree—speci- mens very fine, two and three-quarters inches long, by two and one-half broad; stem variable, in one specimen five-eighths of an inch by one-sixth, in another one and one- quarter by one- eighth ; ; flavor luscious 3. quality “‘best.”’ From Isaac B. Baxter—The Jane Peach (Baxter’ s Seedling, No. 4); large, ten and one-half imches in circumference ; roundish oblate ; ’ greenish yellowish white, with a red cheek; free; flavor delicious; quality “very good” to “best.” From Mr. Ladd, 242 Filbert Street—The Larissa, a Seedling Pear of small size; obovate pyriform; greenish yellow, a good deal russeted, with a mottled red cheek; flesh rather dry; flavor saccharime and pleasant; quality scarcely ‘“‘good.” From Peter Williamson, 296 South Second Street—Specimens of a Seedling English Walnut, of extraordinary size and excellence; two and one-sixteenth inches long, and one and five-eighths wide, one and one-half thick; shell remarkable for its thinness ; ; kernel delicious ; ; quality “best.” The tree sprung from an imported nut planted in 1846, and is now fifteen 44 346 THE FLORIST AND eT and one-half inches in circumference at the surface of the earth. It~ bore in 1852; for the first time. The attention of Nurserymen is directed to — this variety, which could probably be dwarfed and brought into speedy bearing by being worked on the Juglans preparturiens. From Mrs. George Lrggitt, 140 Christian Street— Te Regnier Pear— size full medium, two and one-half to three inches lodg, by two and one- half to two and three. quarters broad; some specimens weighed eight ounces; obovate ; yellow, witya number of minute russet dots, and very often a brilliant carmine cheek; stem cinnamon celor, three-quar ters to seven-eighths of an inch long, by one-sixth thick, inser ted in a rather deep, narrow cavi- ty; calyx open, with short erect segments, set in a wide, shallow basin; seed dark, plump, acute, with an angle on one side of the blunt end; flesh fine texture, buttery, melting; flavor exceedingly luscious; quality “best.” Un- der the name of White Doyenne or Butter Pear, which it is to all intents and purposes, this variety has repeatedly received a premium at our Annual Exhibitions. And not until recently were we informed by Mrs. Liggitt that it originated from seed of the Butter Pear planted about twenty-five years ago by her grandmother, Madame Regnier. On examining the tree, which is now two feet seven inches in circumference at the surface of the earth there is no appearance of its having been worked. Many suckers have sprung up from the root, presenting a similarity in wood and foliage to the tree itself. ‘The growth i is more erect and the top more full and rounded than is usual with the White Doyenne. We would suggest a trial of this variety in localities where the White Doyenne has long since ceased to flourish. From Henry W. Terry, Hartford, Connecticut—The Clark Pear,a sup- posed Seedling. Size medium, two and one-half inches by two and seven- eightlis. roundish; inclining to ‘turbinate, broad at the crown, roundedat the base; skin smooth, greenish yellow,, with numerous small russet dots, and sometimes a warm salmon cheek; stem one-inch by one-seventh, inserted in a very superficial depression; calyx emall, closed, set in a wide, rather deep, furrowed basin; seed brown, flat, inclining to oval, with a slight angle at the blunt end; flesh fine texture, buttery, melting; flavor excellent, with a delicate aroma; quality at least ‘“‘very good;” perhaps we should not err in saying “‘best.”” The Clark Pear bears a good deal of resemblance in form, texture, flavor and seed, to the Autumn Bergamot of Col. Carr, described in the ‘Transactions of the National Congress of Fruit Growers, for 1849, page 72. From Peter Raabe—Four varieties of his Seedling Grapes. In 1845, Mr. Raabe obtained a collection of Grape Seed from Germany, which he planted in a bed in his garden. Many of these seed vegetated ; and as the young plants were exposed, without the slightest protection, to the in- clemency of the weather, none but the hardiest survived. Of these the following four have already fruited, and are unquestionably varieties of great merit: The Brinckle—(Raabe’s No. 1)—Bunch large, rather compact, sometimes shouldered; berry five-eighths of an inch in diameter ; round; black ; flesh ‘solid, not pulpy ; ; flavor rich, vinous, and saccharine ; quality “best.” Fruit- edin 1850 for the first time. HORTICULTURAL JOURNAL. S47 —— The Emily—(Raabe's No. 2)—Bunch large, not very compact, oceasion- ally shouldered; berry below medium, from three-eighths to one-half an inch in diameter; round; pale red; flesh very juicy, with little or no pulp ; flavor saccharine and delicious; quality “best,” for an out-door grape. Fruited in 1850 for the first time. | The Raabe—( Raabe’s No. 3)—Bunch small, compact, rarely shouldered ; berry below medium; round; dark red, thickly covered with bloom ; flesh very juicy, with scarcely any pulp; flavor saccharine, with a good deal of the Catawba aroma; quality “best.” Although the Raabe originated in _the same bed with the Brinckle and Emily, its unequivocal Catawba flavor and native leaf induce us to believe thatit sprung from a chance seed of the Catawba that oad accidentally gained admission into the bed. This opinion is strengthened by the fact that the Catawba was in bearing in Mr. Raabe’s garden at the time he planted the seed he receivéd from Germany. It fruited iu 1850 for the first time. The Clara—(Raabe’s No. 4)—Bunch medium; not compact; berry me- dium; round; green, faintly tinged with salmon when exposed to the sun; flesh tender, juicy; flavor rich, sweet, and gomenoias 5 ; quality ‘“‘best.” Fruited the present season for the first time. From Benj. Gulliss—The Gorgas Peach, two ad one-half inches by two - and three.quarters ; roundish, with a slight prominence at the apex; dull greenish white, clouded and blotched with red on the exposed side; cavity wide, rather deep ; ; stone free; flesh whitish, slightly stained at the stone, juicy ; flavor saccharine and exceedingly luscious; quality ‘“‘best;’’ period . of maturity middle to end of Sept’r. ‘This fine serrate variety originated with Benjamin Gulliss, N. E. corner of Pine and Schuylkill Eighth streets, from a stone of the Morris White , planted in 1846. It fruited in 1850 for the first time. From H. B. Lindley, Athens, Ohio—Enormous specimens of an apple, labelled Rhode Island Sweet, but which we regard as Lyman’s Pumpkin Sweet. Some of them were more than three inches long, and nearly four wide, and weighed 17 ounces; seed small, short, plump, oval; flavor sweet _and pleasant ; ~ quality “ood.” From Wm. Graham, gardener to the Philadelphia Blockley Almshouse— The Graham Grapd; an accidental seedling raised by Mr. Graham. It sprung up in 1845, and fruited in 1850 for the first time. Bunch of me- dium size, shouldered, not compact ; berry half an inch in diameter, round, purple, thickly covered with a blue bloom: contains little or no pulp, and abounds in a saccharine juice of agreeable flavor; quality “best.” The leaf indicates its native parentage. Itis probably @ natural cross between the Bland and Elsinborough, both of which were in bearing in the garden where it originated. From Abraham Wismer, near jNovristown, Perkiomen township, Mont- gomery County— The Pep biomen Shell-bark. This is the largest variety of Shell-bark we have met with, measuring an inch and three- quarters long, one and five-eighths wide, and one thick, and with the hull on two and a half inches long, two and three-eighths wide, and one and seven-eighths thick; reversed oblong—cordate ; shell thin ; kernel of “best” quality. From Wm. Canby, Wilmington, Delaware—more specimens of the deli- cious Seedling grape, described at the close of the ad interim Report for 348 ‘THE FLORIST AND September, and which we have since named Delaware Burgundy. We con-. tinue to entertain the same favorable opinion of its merits; and regard it & decided acquision. from J. Hisk Allen, Salem, Massaclsetin 29h. Ghislain Pots ane mens remarkably fine ‘and of unusual appearance ; two and five-eighth inches long, and two and five-eighths inches broad; roundish, yellow with red check ; stem three-fourths of an inch long, one-fourth thick , very fleshy; flavor fine ; ; quality “very good.” From Robert Buchanan, Cincinnati, through Hugh Campbell, Esq.— very fine specimens of “six varieties of native Gr apes. Alexander, Schuylkill Muscadeile, or Cape Grape. Although this va- riety is of inferior qualify for the table, the late Mr. Resor, of Cincinnati, made from it a superior wine, so similar to the Constantia as to be, mistaken for it by some of our best wine connoiseurs. Mammoth Catawba—Bunch large, shouldered, not compact ; pi large, seven-eighths of an inch in diameter ; round ; of a. deeper red, and larger Bize than the Catawba, but not so high flavored ; quality “very good.” White Catawba—Bunch small ; berry large, seven-eighths of an meh in diameter ; round; greenish whites inferior to the Catawba in flavor and quality. Venango—a secdling from the Fox Grape. Bunch of medium size ; ber- ry three-fourths of an inchin diameter; round: pale red, attractive m ap- pearance 3 superior in the size of the bunch, and in quality to its parent ; quality “very good.” Ohio, or Segar-boz—Bunch rather large; berry below rier ante five- eighths of an inch in diameter ; roundish inclining to oval; specimens searcely ripe. From this grape Mr. Longworth makes a wine of fine quality, closely resembling in flavor the Spanish Manzanilla. From the Rev. 8. C. Brinckle, Wilmington, Delaware—Bonne de Zee— Size full medium, two and a half inches long by twoand five-eighths broad; roundish ; cianamon russet, interspersed with patches and irregular mark- ings of fair yellow ; in which respect, it bears a striking analogy to the ex- terior coloring of the Uwchlan ; stem three-fourths of. an inch long, and two-ninths thick, inserted in a narrow, superficial cavity; calyx medium, set in amoderately deep, even basin ; flesh fine texture, buttery, melting , flavor delicious; quality “‘very good,” if not “best.” ‘These specimens differed in form and color from the Bonne de Zee we have more than once received from Loston, which was yellow and obovate. (To be continued.) ————— MARYLAND HORTICULTURAL SOCIETY. This Society held their annual exhibition at Carrol Hall, on the 27th, 28th, and 29th, of September. The display of flowering plants and vege- tables was very superior—fruit was deficient in quantity. An assortment of pears from S. I’cast & Sons, comprised several superior specimens. Grapes from J. Standemeyer, gardener to Geo. Brown, Esq., grown under, glass, were highly creditable. As usual here the display of native grapes _ was very extensive. But neither were they so well flavored or colored as they have been shown heretofore, with the exception of Isabellas from G. Brown, Esq,, these were very superior, HORTICULTURAL JOURNAL.’ 349 The following are the awards of the Committee : Best six bunches Isabella grapes, J. Standemeyer, gardener to Geo. Brown, Esq., 2nd. Capt Pracht. | Best six bunches Cawtaba, W. C. Wilson, Esq., 2nd. F. J. Fuss, Esq. Best six bunches Madeira, Mrs. J: Albert, 2nd. W. ©. Wilson. Best display-native grapes, W. C. W ilson. Best three bunches Black Hamburg, Capt Pracht, these were grown in . the open air, 2nd J. Standemeyer. Best display foreign grapes, J. Standemeyer, dnd. Thos. V. Brundige, drd. Robert Gibson. Best display of pears, S. Feast & Sons; among others were superior fruit of Vicar of Winkfield, Winter Nelis, Van-Mons, Beurre Gris, Dutchess d’ Angouleme, Bezy de Montigy, Doyenne de Alencon, Passe Colmar, Duc de Bourdeaux, &c. Best half peck of pears, Charles Klasson, White Doyenne. Best Doz. Mrs.“J. Albert, 2nd Pentland, Bro. Best doz. Plums, Mrs. J. Albert. Best Figs, W. C. Wilson, 2nd. Mrs. H. Haster, Best Cantelope melons, John Regester, 2nd. W. M. Lushby. Best Water-melons, John Regester. : Discretionary premiums were awarded to Mrs. B. Whitely, for Peaches, Hon. 8. Walker, Roxbury, Mass. for Pears, H. Kurtz for Pomegranates and Capt. J. Hugg, for Zante currant grapes. | Vegetables were superb, considering the severe drouth of the past season. In general competition the awards were given for the best bushel of Potatoes to O. Kemp, gardener to Miss Tiffany, 2nd. Whittemore & Bro, Best new var. potato, C. Campbell, gardener to Dr. Edmondson. Best dish Lima-beans, C. Campbell, 2nd. Whittemore & Bro. Best Carrots, D. K. Lushby, 2nd. Whittemore & Bro. Best Salsify, D. K. Lushby, 2nd. Wm. Lushby. Best Onions from seed, Wm. Saunders, gardener to Mr. Winans, 2uu, Whittemore & Bro. Best Red Cabbage, Hamilton Haster, 2nd. C. Campbell. Best Lettuce, D. K. Lushby. Vegetable marrow, H. Haster, 2nd. J. Standemeyer. Best Turnips, John Regester, 2nd. Whittemore & Bro.. Best Celery, James Galbraith, gardener to J. Ridgely, Esq. — Best Egg-plants, D. K. Lushby, 2nd. J. Galbraith. Best Tomatoes, D. K. Lushby, 2nd. Wm. Lushby. Best Corn, C. Campbell, 2nd. Whittemore & Bro. | Best Pumpkins, O. Kemp, 2nd. Whittemore & Bro. Best Crookneck Squash, Whittemore & Bro., 2nd. John Regester. Best pickling Cucumbers, S. Feast & Sons, Ind. C. Campbell. Best Parsnips, W. Saunders, 2nd. D. K. Lushby, Brocoli, D. K. Lushby. Kohl Rabi, C. Campbell. Pepper, Whittemore & Bro. Amateur Premiums—Best Beet and Cabbage, C. Campbell. Best display of Vegetables, C. Campbell, 2nd. Hamilton Easter, Esq. Gardeners Premiums—Bost Bect, D. K. Lushby, 2nd. Whittemore & Bro. 550 THE FLORIST AND Best Cabbage, J. Regester, 2nd. Wm. Lushby. Best display of Vegetables, 2nd. Whittemore & Bro. 3rd. D. K. Lushby. Plants and Flowers—Best twenty-four greenhouse plants, C. Campbell, gardener to Dr. Edmondson, for large specimens of Hoya carnosa, Crinum amabile, Astrapcea Wallichii, Bonapartea juncea in flower, Gardenia amo- nz, Rhyncospernum jasminoides, Stigmaphyllum ciliatum, Cactus pereskia, Coffee, Tea and Pepper plants, Loquat and bitter and sweet Orange Trees, with other valuable large specimens. Second, Wm. Saunders, gardener to T. Winans, Esq., for Epacris impressa, EK. Copeii and E. palludosa, Ericas Bowel, intermedia, versicolor, rubra and verticillata, Begonias manicata, sanguinea, hydrocotylefolia, odorata and fuchsiodes, Russelia juncea, Bur- chellia capensis, Veronicas Speciosa, Andersonii and Lindleyana, Achim- enes grandiflora, &c. ‘Third, S. Feast & Sons—best twelve new and rare plants, Ist. John Feast, with Gardenia tubiflora, Hoyas mollis, imperialis and picta, Stephanotis Thouarsii, Kehites picta, Ceropegia elegans, Plecth- ranthus picta, Bouganvillea spectabillis, Hovea Manglesii, Bauera rubiodes, and Dipladenia urophylla, 2nd. S. Feast & Sons, who had Gardenia Stan- leyana, Rhododendron Dalhouseanun, Alloplectus Speciosa, Combretum grandiflorum, Hoyas imperialis and cinnamomifolia, Chirita Moonti, Quis- qualis sinensis, Allamanda Schottii, Cyrtoceras multiflora, Clerodendron sinuatum and ‘Achimenes Longiflora alba. 3rd. Mr. John Feast, for a lot of Commersonia rugosa, Phyllica imbricata, Adamia cyanea, Calladium bicolor, Correa Harrisii, Passaflora amabilis, Anthoceres speciosum, Allo- plectus speciosus, Combretum macrophyllum, Posoqueria longiflora, Pros- tanthera rotundifolia and Clematis indivisa lobata. Best twelve Roses in pots, Pentland & Bro. Best seedling rose to the same for a fine Noisette. Best twenty-four cut blooms roses, Mr. John Tuomay, 2nd. Pentland & Bro. Best twenty var. dahlias, W. C. Wilson, 2nd. J. Galbraith. Best twelve dahlias, O. Kemp, 2nd. 8. Feast & Sons. Best seedling dahlia, J. Galbraith. Best six var. ” Achimenes, J. Standemeyer, 2nd. 8. Feast & Sons. | Best Balsams, Mr. Fuss. - qa) ae Best Asters, Mr. Kurtz, 2nd. Mr. Sharp. yy Best display of Verbenas, W. Saunders. | Best Tuberoses, J. Galbraith. Best seedling Petunia, W. Saunders. f= Best, Phloxes, Dr. Edmonson. - Best Cockscombs, Mr. Sharp. | * Mr. Levering sent in leaves of Paulownia wine that measured three feet by two. For the best hand bouquet to Mr. J. Galloway, 2nd. H. Bosse, 8rd. 8. Feast & Sons. Best design for decorating the room, Mrs. Rodiewald, 2nd. 8. Feast & Sons, 3rd. Miss A. Feast, 4th. Linnzeus Feast. Best table design of cut flowers, S. Feast & Sons, 2nd. Miss Kurtz, ard S, Feast & Sons. Best basket of flowers, S. Feast & Sons, 2nd. Miss Pigniai 3rd Miss L. Feast. oy . HORTICULTURAL JOURNAL. 851 Discretionary premiums were awarded for large and beautiful design not entere in competition to Pentland & Bro. For baskets of flowers to Miss Kurtz, and Mrs. Pentland, and bouquets to Miss Edmondson and Pentland & Bro. Wm. Saunpers, Cor. Sec’y. esa TEE, ARBORIAL Curtosity.—The interest you take in trees, Mr. Editor, leads me to present to your cabinet of curiosities a note on a “curious curiosity.” You have no doubt often seen trees with one trunk and two heads; but did you ever see one with one head and two trunks? You may have heard -of one—the celebrated Welbeck oak, with an opening large enough to drive a carriage and horses through; but that was cut artificially for a wager. Thes is, for aught any one living can tell, a “natural case.’ On the road leading from West Chester to Marshallton in this State, is the White Hickory, pre- bably three feet in diameter, which stands on two bases from three feet of the ground. Long heads and round heads have been equally puzzled as to the how andthe why. M. — == + @= = COLLECTANEA FRAGRARIANA. Our present number contains a long article on this vexed question, almost sufficient of itself to form a treatise. Having promised the author space for another hearing, we could not well decline publishing it, which we should have done had we been apprised of its great length. The importance of the subject to practical farmers will not warrant the use of so much space, particularly as it has now been narrowed down to @ mere abstract point. It seems to be admitted all around, that a bed of pis- tillate varieties will not produce a full crop without the presence of stami- nates. ‘This is not the question at issue, but whether, wnder any ctrcum- stances, a pistillate plant will vary its prevailing characteristics, be lable to become staminate or perfect, and produce fruit. On the one side it is con- tended this is impossible, and as unnatural as for a cow to turn into a bull, the pistillate or other peculiarity being the fixed law of its nature—its true normal condition. By fruit, in this connection, we understand to be meant what is usually called the fruit of the strawberry, (the receptacle containing the seed,) and not the seed itself, which is the real fruit. Leaving the fact, or otherwise, of this in the casej of the strawberry, analogy would seem to settle it as neither impossible or improbable. The Maclura, a dicecious plant, produces the osage orange apple, or receptacle containing imperfect seed, many miles away from any staminate influence, and as Dame Nature is usu- ally a consistent old lady, what she does once she may do again. | Neither will it be denied that the strawberry plant, in its normal eondi- tion, has perfect flowers, and there are very many analagous cases, of plants under a change of circumstances, reverting back to, or varying from their original character. This is no new fact in vegetable Physiology. But when the very foremost champion of the fixed sexuality of the straw- berry plant, voluntarily comes forward over his own signature, and gives up the whole case, and of his own accord knocks away every prop of the plat- 352 - THE FLORIST AND form on which he and his friends have been contending, there is surely no use in further discussion in the Farm Journal or any where clse. N. Longworth, in a late number of the Western Horticultural Review, concludes an article as follows: ‘As Longworth’s Prolific (which is herma- phrodite) produces a chance pistillate blossom, I see no reason for saying that there may not bea pistillate bearing an occasional hermaphrodite or staminate blossom.” This admission covers the whole ground, and is ex- actly what T. Meehan has been assailed for asserting. One remark further, in conclusion, which simple justice to him seems to require. It is insinu- ated, and indeed directly asserted, that he had seen the article by W. D. _before penning his own, and had copied the ideas from it. On the contra- ry, being accidentally on a visit to West Chester, he informed us that he had forwarded his article to the Horticulturist, and this was before the issue of the number of the Farm Journal containing W. D.’s essay. That their views should have been identical, is no more strange than that the views ef scientific men should happen to agree on a scientific question when they are 2000 miles apart, and had never met.—/arm Journal. Our actwal opinion is this: that a pistillate by itself may, and often does produce fruit to some extent; but that to insure what is called a crop it is absolutely necessary to plant staminates near them.—Hd. Horticulturist. “T have a pistillate strawberry flowering; there is not, nor has not for many months, been a staminate in flower on the premises, nor perhaps for twenty miles, and the fruit is swelling very well. I merely notice this as showing that fruit will sometimes swell independent of pollen. I always thought so, now I know it.”— W. 8., Bait., Sept. 23. Tue PENNSYLVANIA Farm JourNnAL.—This valuable and interesting mag- azine comes out this month under partly new management. Mr. J. M. Meredith having retired from the Register and Examiner will devote him: self entirely to the publication of the Farm Journal. The circulation is deservedly very large, and we hope that it will still continue to increase. It is published at Westchester, Pa., at 1 dollar per annum. SYA >! Br BEBE “ajor P. R. Freas, of the Germantown Telegraph, has disposed of ati interest in that paper to Mr. John C. Stoever. We believe that the Tele- graph is more largely circulated in the neighboring counties than any other paper. It is an excellent family paper, and the agricultural portion ts con- ducted by Mr. Freas: no further recommendation is needed. Through some unaccountable delay, on the other side, several plates which were shipped on the 31st. of May last have failed to come to hand. We are therefore, compelled to issue this number without one; the deficien- cy will be made up in the December number. We again ask the attention of our delinquent subscribers to the bills which we mailed them some time ago; in most cases it has proved a mere waste of postage stamps. | sli ep > s ooh a ft TE We. Suelaue'’s hth ' QUEEN VICTORIA. e “a ' THE FLORIST AND HORTICULTURAL JOURNAL. Vol. IL] Philadelphia, December, 1853. [No. 12. ROSE QUEEN VICTORIA. The Rose which we figure in this number is a seedling raised in France, and named in honour of his Queen by Mr. Paul, the cele- brated English Horticulturist, who obtained the stock of the plant. M. Van Houtte, says of it that “it places itself in the first rank among Hybrid Perpetuals; nothing equals the softness of the éolour of these large flowers so delicately shaded with rose on a white ground, and even the fact of its being less full than the Rose de la Reine, turns to its advantage, because it renders more easy the symmetrical opening of its flowers.” The place of its nativity, whether near Paris or at Lyons is uncertain. ; —_—_—___o@—____—_ DESCRIPTION OF A NEW SPECIES OF THE PACANE NUT. By Joun Le Conve. This species of Hickorea, which I found cultivated in Georgia, is a native of the State of Texas. The small altitude which it attains, the later period of its foliation, and the very different form of the nut, readily distinguish it from every other hitherto descriked. have adopted Mr. aug s name, Hickorea, for the’ genus, In preference to Mr. Nuttal’s Carya, on the eround of priority. What- ever may have been the errors or aberrations of Rafinesque, Nuttal was not justified in changing » name proposed by the former, years before any publication of his own. Hickorea TexaNa.—Tree about ten feet high. Leaves 13 mehes long, frequently father over than under this measurement, com- 45 354 , THE FLORIST AND el posed of six or seven pairs of leaflets, scarcely petiolated, with a terminal odd one on arather long petiole; leaflets lanceolate acu- minate, the lower ones more convex on the upper than the lower edge, dentate on the upper edge from about one third the distance from the base; the lower edge is always most entire, except a few small teeth near the point. The terminal leaflet is dentate om both edges, but not near the’ base ; nut somewhat ovate, pointed at the upper extremity, less so at the lower, flattened, somewhat rough, ane slightly angled ; 14 inches long, one inch broad. ta Differs from H. oliveformis or common Pacane nut, in beimg a much smaller tree, seldom being more than 10 or 12 feet high, whilst the other frequently reaches to 80 or 90 feet ; in the smaller size of the leaves, which rarely exceed 14 inches in length, the leaflets being 4 or 5 inches long, whilst the H. oliveformis has the leaves from 19 to 20 inches long and the leaflets 7 inches; but most peculiarly in the shape of the nut; this, in our species, is ovate, flattened, although protuberant on the sides and rough; i the other very smooth, cylindrical, pointed at each end. The leaves of the H. oliveformis are fully formed before this species shows the least sign of foliation. H. OLIVEFORMIS. H. TEXANA. | Te a From the proceedings Acad. Nat. Sci. eee. HORTICULTURAL JOURNAL. 355 STRAY THOUGHTS ON GRAPE CULTURE. When Mr. Chorlton announced his work—‘The Cold Grapery,” we felt much disposed to bring up a cud bono argument on the subject. What good thought we, to write another full treatise on a subject so simple, and which every one who has a grape vine thinks he understands? But the past sea- son has dispelled all doubts of that kind; the late exhibitions have told another tale; the miserable apology for “luscious grapes,” which we find every where through the country, with a few worthy exceptions, have de- monstrated that Chorlton’s treatise, or a treatise of some kind, should be in the hands of the majority of those who now attempt to grow grapes.. The reason given for the falling off in New York is, that the atmospheric con ditions necessary to perfect culture have been imperfect during the past season; but, as some few grape growers there have been as successful as ° formerly, the atmosphere can have had little to do with the inferiority of the others, In Pennsylvania, judging by the specimens from many parts ex- hibited at its meeting, the same inferiority was observable. There was, it is true, a larger display, and the bunches on the average were larger than last year; some Black Hamburgs reaching the perhaps hitherto unparalelled weight of five pounds eight ounces each. But in the main essentials of a well grown grape, color and size of berry, the display was more deficient than we ever noted any one before. That no atmospheric causes effected this was apparent from the fact that some few bunches were perfect and these too, frequently from the same locality as the badly colored ones; and ‘indeed every experienced horticulturist knows, that this has little to do with the coloring of grapes, whatever it may have to do with their ripening ; and that in management alone the great secret lies. We have, indeed, heard it argued, that color is merely fancy ; and that grapes badly colored, if they are larger, and better flavored than others of the same kind, are really su- perior, and should be awarded so. This if subjunctive is too often taken for the positive. In all our experience—and this has been “some”—we have not yet met with that “Red” or ‘White’ Hamburg, the flavour of which ~ equalled the genuine. We have certainly met with them sweet and eatable, resembling thickened honey, or half frozen ice cream; ‘but having that inexpressible “‘lusciousness”’ of a real perfect grape—never. We have often been deceived into pronouncing a badly colored grape fine, when no opportunity afforded for immediate comparison; but not in a single instance where that could be made—mere size is soon overruled; for that without flavor, should only be tested by judges who are hungry. We fear no material objection in stating that as a rule, badly colored grapes, though famous for their obesity, are but the products of diseased — THE FLORIST AND” ts ————— SS anes =e = Swe = vines. Many causes may produce this disorder, and no one in particular ; over cropping is a fruitful source of evil;-although that term is one which it would take a whole treatise in itself to explain—a. healthy, vigorous vine, with strong luxuriant roots, will safely bear to perfection double the crop | that a poor scrub with half rotten roots will do. We have seen the most scanty crop of grapes, ill colored, w hile, on the other hand, we have. seen crops on an old vine, which had fine vigorous roots, feeding on the water of a neighboring pond and ‘not slaughter house drainings, bear crops that most gardeners in these days would think “tremendous,” and yet most perfectly colored. The greatest aim in good grape ete should be to preserve every root, and encourage an abundance. of them. The borders should be drained to prevent injury from stagnant water; while they should not be made so dry as to allow the roots to get.scorched in summer. It should be composed of materials favorable to the ramification of the fibres, such as a coarse turfy loam, having mixed with it a quantity of coarse silicious matter, or broken bricks, soft stones or even lime rubbish. It should be enriched with materials lasting in their tendency, and not having the property of turning ultimately into a “slimy, gelatinous mass.” If _ should not be cropped, or get an annual digeing, but every year get a fresk ~ but moderate dressing of manure, end every precaution taken to encourage the fibres to keep as near the surface as possible. A good supply of roots affords a firm foundation upon which to build ones future hopes ; but this is. but the beginning of the end. Roots are injured by other causes separable from the border. Severe summer pruning; an insuffidiency of light and air. to the wants of the foliage, and, probably, some other causes; have more influence on preventing an abundant production of roots ae many would be disposed to admit. But I can do no more in this paper, than thus briefly allude to them. The reader follow them up_ for himself, once fairly on, the track. The result of this care for the healthy luxuriousness of the vine, will be | fine, well ripened wood in the fall—such wood as can be made at any time to produce full crops of plump cheeked, chubby faced looking berries, with the rich, full colored hue which they should ever bear ; without caring a fig for the ‘‘atmosphere” outside, unless it brings with it the notorious Ozdzum Puckeri, as they have odiously dubbed the French vine mildew. ah a 4 by ey e PE he Sasi HORTICULTURAL JOURNAL. B57 whee MANAGEMENT OF CIDER. APPLE TREES. o@hics of the Situation and Soil for a Nursery.—The situation of a nursery should be sheltered from high winds, but at the same time it should not be so near any plantation of large trees as to'be in danger of its soil being invaded by their roots. If the soil at our disposal is argillaceous, compact, and generally sloping towards the south, that situation is the best of any; but if the soil is light and dry, a level surface, with a northern ex- posure, is to be preferred. In strong land, having a flat surface, and a clayey or impervious subsoil, the trees become infested with lichens or moss; in sandy or gravelly soils they languish, and in many cases the extremities of the shoots die off every year;-whilst they are subject to chlorosis ( yel- lowness) in soils that are too calcareous, that is to say, containing much chalk or carbonate .of lime. rom what has been stated, it will appear that the nature of the soil and aspect are not matters of indifference with the re- gard to the success of a nursery. When the trees from a nursery -are in- tended to be planted in its own neighbourhood, the fittest soil to establish it on is that which approaches nearest in its nature to that of the greater part of the ground in the locality, because the young trees will not find any change in the elements of their nutrition when they are transplanted, and this greatly assists their taking root. For a seedling nursery, a soil rather light than strong is generally preferred; but. for a training nursery, land which has a greater degree of tenacity, or that contains a greater proportion of clay than of sand, is the most proper; if it is not calcareous the addi- tion of marl would be beneficial. , Having made choice of the situation, we must neooeed to trench the: whole of the ground. This operation should be performed at a dry time of the year, such as August, September, or October, in order to avoid spoiling the ground by working it when wet: ‘The surface should be left rough, that the ground may be ameliorated by exposure to air and hight and that it may be- come more friable, | Fourteen to sixteen inchesis a wsliletent depth for the trenching of a seed nursery, because the plants do not remain long in it; twenty inches would be a good mean for a training nursery, for if the trenching were very deep it would cause the trees to become tap-rooted, and they would not paras take root when transplanted. Whatever be the depth adopted in trenching, the different layers of pei should be mixed, in order to obtain a soil as nearly homogeneous as possible ; but if we operate on pasture land the turf should be placed at the bottom of the trenches. Compost and manure should be employed with discretion when they are judged necessary. Animal and vegetable manures, reduced ars. 358 | THE KLORIST AND to the state of a finely divided mould, or humus, suit the seedling nurse- ries perfectly well, because these moulds, being plentifully spread and well _ incorporated with the soil, to the depth at which the seeds should be sown and put forth their roots, facilitate, and even induce, quick germination and a more satisfactory development. Buta training nursery should not be thus treated. .Manure, especially hot stable dung, should be only very sparingly applied, because nothing has a greater tendency to produce cank- er on young Apple trees than too rich, too highly manured, or too tiie ground. Although there may be no advantage in raising the Apple trees niaclons which we intend to put into the nursery, and although we may often do bet- ter by purchasing the quantity of plants that is required, still we think it necessary to say a few words on the manner of sowing the seeds, because some persons have plants from vigorous trees, which are in various respects — remarkable, and from which they hope to obtain. good varieties, with the view of advantageously replacing those that become more and more diseased and unproductive. 3 Preparation and Sowing of the Pips.—The pomace of Asineee 18 taken and rubbed between the hands in a tub of water, so as to separate the pulp from the pips. After allowing the water to remain a short time to settle, the contents of the tub or other vessel are poured off, so as to get clear of the pomace and bad seed. The pips that are at the bottom of the vessel are the only ones that should be made use of. They should be well dried, and kept in a dry place till they are sown. The sowing should. be made im- mediately the hard frosts are over, because the seed of the Apple, like that of the Pear, does not long retain its germinating power. The ground having been well prepared, divided, and sutigionsly manured with decayed manure, drills ‘are made about one inch in depth, and from seven to nine inches apart. (The plough and harrow are not employed in — these sowings, except when they are made on a very extensive scale, as in some communes of Rumois.) The seeds are then put in the drills, and are covered by arake. If the ground is dry, it is made firmer with the roller or the back of a spade. — . ) ‘We may also sow broadcast, but cenit is performed with greater diffi- culty; and the stirring of the soil, which is so beneficial and easy in the rows, 1s nearly impossible in broadcast sowings. | In whichever way the sowing has been made, the ground, if of small ex- tent, should be covered with decayed manure, or with fine litter, so as to keep the soil moist, and prevent the surface from drying and cracking. We may sometimes succeed by merely spreading the pomace upon the ground, to HORTICULTURAL JOURNAL. , 359 which it serves as a dressing, and ae it in, together with the pips it contains. When the-young plants are some one or two inches high, the weakest are thinned out, if possible, in the evening before rain; but failing that, the ground should be watered, in order to “consolidate it about the roots. - The culture, during the growing season, consists in weeding and frequent stirring of the ground, in order to keep it loose. When the plants are one year old they are chosen for the training nur- sery; for Apple trees selected at that age are preferred to older ones. Tran splantation and Choice of the Plants. In order to obtain the plants with all, or nearly all, their roots, an open trench must be made. ‘The strongest should not be pulled up by the hand, as is frequently the case, because a part of the roots would be broken and left in the earth. ‘In gen- eral the plants should not be taken up until we are ready to plant. At the same age, the stoutest plant, not the tallest, is the best, that 1 is, | one which has the best roots and that has had the met air and light in the nursery, because not having been crowded and drawn up’ by its neighbours, such plants have thicker and stronger stems, their roots are also more nu- merous and spreading. ‘This shows us that it is-hazardous to sow too thick- ly, as the plants produced would be slender and uprovided with lateral roots. Tue Tratsine Nursery.—TYime of planting, preparation of the roots. — Distance between the plants.—In light soils, as well as in those of moder- ate tenacity; planting should be performed immediately after the leaves have fallen in November, or the beginning of Degember; but in argillaceous soils which require to undergo the ameliorating effects of frost and! thaw, it is con- sidered preferable to plant in February or March, as the excess of wet in winter might prove injurious to the roots. - ‘The preparation or dressing of the roots consists in shortening them a little; and also in taking off the extremity of the tap root, if there is one. The distance between the plants should be the same every way ; but the necessity of turning the soil,.to account, and maintaining ar’ easy access be- tween the rows; as well for air and light as for the workmen, generally causes more space to be left between the rows than between the plants in the row. As the rearing of Apple trees, till fit for planting out, usually occupies from eight to wine years, forty inches between the rows and from twenty to twenty-four inches between the plants in the rows, appear to be sufficient. By this arrangement, air and light penetrate much more easily along than across the rows. In. determining, the direction of the rows, the nature of soil should also ve considered. In light soils, where it is requisite that the trees should protect each other from drought and from the heat of the sun, the direction of the rows should be from east to west; whilst in wet cold soils, the rows should run from north to south, in order. that the noon-day sune may penetrate between them and warm the ‘round. Mode of Planting.—Having traced the direction of the rows, we proceed to plant either with the spade or dibber. Planting with the dibber is only suited to plants haying tap-roots. ‘lhe spade is in every respect preferable; it allows us to lay the roots in their natural position, and to cover them with the finest of the earth. | Unless the stem is very tall and slender, it is never indribnee the same year that the transplantation takes place. Im this case, the third of the 360 _°.) THE FLORIST AND — — stem, or one half at the utmost, is cut off, in order that it may grow upright; but at the same time a sufficient number of buds is left to produce plenty of leaves; a8 these encourage the tree.to take root by elaborating the sap for the production of numerous small roots. — Gard. Chron. s —— + — 3 -PERMANEN CE OF. VARIETIES! ~The species of plants, like those of animals, appear to be octal, so far as anything mundane can deserve that name. There is not the smallest reason to suppose that the Olive of our daysis different from that of Noah; the Asa dulets stamped upon the coins of Cyrene still flourishes around, the site of that ancient city ; and the Acorns figured among: the sculptures. of Nimrod seem to show that the same.Oak now grows on the mountains of Kurdistan as was known there in the days of Sardanapalus.. There is not the slightest evidence to show that any species of plant has become extinct during the present order of things. All species have continued to propa- gate themselves by seeds, without losing their specifie peculiarities ; some: ’ appointed law has rendered them and their several natures eternal. It.would seem moreover that, with the exception of annuals and’ others of limited existence, the lives of the individual plants born from sith seed would be eternal also, if it were not for the many accidents to which they are exposed, and which eventually destroy them: ‘Trees'and other plants of a perennial nature are renovated annually ; annually receding:from the point which was. originally formed, and which in the nature of things must perish in time. Te’ condition of their existence is a perpetual. renewal of youth. In the proper sense of the. word decrepitude cannot overtake them. The Iris creeps along the mud, ever receding from the starting point, renews itself as it advances, and leaves its original stem to die’ as its, new. shoots. gain vigor ; in the course of centuries a.single lris might creep around, the world itself, if it could only find mud in which to root. The Oak annually forms new living matter over that which was previously formed, the seat of life incessantly retreating from the seat of death.. When such a tree de-: cays no injury is felt, because the centre which per*shes is made good at_ the circumference, over which new life is perennially distributed. In the’ absence of accidents such a tree might have lived from the creation to this hour; travellers have even believed that they’ had found in the forests of Brazil living trees that must have been born in the days of Homer. But. here again inevitable accidents interfere, and the trees are paaveneee from being immortal. Species, then, are eternal; and so would be the individuals sprung from. their seeds, if it were not‘for accidental cir cumstances. . | But plants are multiplied otherwise than by seeds. “The Hyacinth and the Garlic propagate naturally, not only. by seeds, but also by the perpetual separation of their own limbs, known under the name of bulbs, their bulbs undergoing a similar natural. process of dismemberment; and so on for ever. The Potato plant belongs to the same class: Another plant. bends : its. branches to the ground; the branches put forth roots, and as soon as these roots are established the connection between parent and offspring is broken, anda new plant springs into independent existence. Of this we find fa- 4 ” . HORTICULTURAL JOURNAL,. , 361 miliar examples in: the Str awberry and the Willow. Man turns ‘this pro- perty to account by artificial processes of multiplication ; ; one tree. he pro- pagates by layers, another by cuttings plauted in the eround. Going a step further he inserts a cutting of one imdividual upon the stem of some other individual of the same species, under the name of a bud or a scion, and thus obtains a vegetable twin. It is not contended, for there is nothing ta show, that these artificial pro- ductions are more short- ‘lived than either 4 parent, provided the constitution of the two individuals is in perfect accordance. ‘There ,is not the ‘smallest evidence—it has not been even.conjectured—that if a seedling Apple tree is cut into two parts, and these parts are reunited by g grafting, the duration of the tree will be shorter than it would have been in the absence of the operation. It is nevertheless believed by. many. that the races. “ore some pines: plants have but a brief duration, provided they are multiplied otherwise. than by seeds. ‘No one indeed pretends that the Garlic of: Ascalon has only a short life, although it has been thus. propagated from the time when it bore the name of Shutnniin, and fed the aE Hoters at. the Pyramids ; 5 nor. do we know that the bulb-bearing Lily has been supposed to have less in- herent vigor than if it-were multiplied by secds instead of bulbs. It is only among certain kinds of plants that exceptions to the great natural law of vegetation are supposed to exist.. It is thought that although the wild Potato possesses indefinite vitality, yet that the varieties of it which are brought into cultivation pass their lives circumscribed. within very narrow limits ; and the same doctrine haS been held concerning fruit trees. The great advocate of this view, the late Mr. Andrew Knight, rested his case upon the disappearance of certain kinds of Apples and Pears, once to be. found in the orchards of Herefordshire, but now no longer to be met with. This he ascribed to cultivated varieties being” naturally short- lived, and to an impossibility of arresting their gr adual decay: by any process of dismem- berinent ; and following out this theory he strongly urged the. necessity of. renewing vitality by continually’ raising fresh varieties “from: seed. It is difficult to comprehend what traia of reasoning led to this speculation. We, know that wild plants may be propagated by dismemberment for an indefi- nite period; we know that when sach wild plants spring up from seed the dismembering process still goes on and still without exhibiting symptoms of exhausted vitality ; and yet if a plant grows ina garden, and is brought under the direct control of man, the power is thought to Be lost, or so much: impaired that indefinite multiplication no longer ‘becomes possible. ©. Can this be true? Most assiiredly the cases adduced in support of the doctrine: are susceptible of another explanation, Wes nds consistent with the general laws of vegetation. That renewal by seed will not restore what is called exhausted: vitality, was sufficiently proved by the experiments with Potatoes after ‘the. bligut made its appedrance. We were assured by an ingenious’ writer in one “of the daily papers that the constitutional power of “thé Potato was on the de- cline ; in other words, that the lrves of individuals was approaching their end; that the blight arose in consequence, and that a certain remedy would — be the renewal of the existing” races by. sowing ‘seeds. Huudredy’ aon 46 ; . Pe 4 “4 4 a ren ns tan I ML 362 THE FLORIST AND eagerly i in what proved to be the vain pursuit. A worthy armorer at So- lingen even published an elaborate pamphlet in support of the idea. Wein mehr hungersnoth—no more farine—was his audacious motto—a prediction wofully falsified by the result, for the seedling Potatoes. ares if possible, more diseased than their parents. So many persons, however, a what we presume to think the preponderating weight of evidence ‘to the contrary, still continue to look upon the question as ore open to further discussion, that a learned German Scientific Society has determined to make it the subject of further and moré elaborate examination. A committee appomted under the Demidof foundation in Bae has just’ announced that a prize of 30/. (200 thalers) is offered for. the best essay upon the duration of life in plants propagated otherwise than by seed. The question to which competitors must address themselves may be thus freely translated :—‘ Is the life of an individual plant, in its widest sense, that is to say, of a plant itself raised from seed and then propagated otherwise than by seed (by euttings, layers, buds, grafts, &e.), unlimited in duration, an destractible only by accidental or external unfavorable circumstances, — before the extinction of the species itself? or is the life of such aw indivi- ‘lual limited, and to a certain definite extent shorter than the duration of she species ? e Competitors are expected to dive, in addition to any unpublished cases, the fullest possible collection and examination of published facts relating to - the degeneracy or total extinction of seedlings, preserved. and propagated otherwise than by seed, and more particularly of seedling fruits cultivated im Europe, viz. , Apples, Pears, Quinces, Medlars, Plums, Cherries, Apricots, Peaches, Almond ls, Figs, Mulberries, the different kinds of Orange, Olives,» Walnuts, Filberts, Grapes, Gooseberries: Currants, Raspberries, and Straw- berries; and the sourees from whieh the facts are taken must be stated. Attention must also be paid tothe circumstances under which the degener- ation of the plantsreported on eccurred'; the climate and soi! in whieh they grew, the treatment and care they received, so far as these can affect the answer to be given to the question, and any evidence relating to them which, can be found. It is announced that the essays for the prize may be written in ‘Singlish, French, Gerwan, Italian, or Latin, and must be delivered before the Ist of March, 1854, to Dr. NuEs vox EsENnBECK, the President of the Academy of Naturalists at Breslav. Each essay must haye a motto prefixed, and in an accompanying envelope the name of the writer must be given. The re- sult of the award is to be made known in the Bonplandia newspaper of the 17th June, 1854, and the successful essay will be printed in the Transac- tions of the Academy Naturz Curiosorum. Full particulars will be found in the Allgemeine Gartenzeitung for the 80th July, of the present year. Since it is obvious that no special experiments can now be instituted for the purpose of testing this theory, the attention of the essayists will neces- sarily be confined to # diligent accumulation of evidence, and to the con- clusions which it renders necessary. We ,dare say the proposal will find respondents among men of leisure who have access to large libraries, and we venture to hope that. they will be able to settle so vexed a subject. -We trust they will take care not to confound’ the duration of natural . seedlings. with that of vegetable mules, which is a ene different question. G. Chron. HORTICULTURAL JOURNAL. 863 ; : <== ; New Brieuton, StaTey IsLAND, November 14, 1853. Mr. Haxsox— | Dear Sir:—I do not wish to enter the arena of Meat patie Be now being so fiercely waged on the vexed strawberry question, but when I see so much assertion, without the least shadow of a scientific proof, being. so’ strongly advocated by the firm of Longworth, Prince & Co., I. cannot refrain from recording an example which has come under my own observation. What a “mare's nest” have they discovered and what has it brought. forth but: “moonshine?” It is a pity that these gentlemen with all their experience . | aud practice, should not have observed.a little closer the action of nature’s jaws, and been more susceptible of. conviction, instead of abiding so closely by the argument, ‘‘It is so, because it is.’ “Had they made the same use of. their brains as the immortal Linness did, they would. have known before | this, that a pistillate strawberry might be. made under kaw onsale influences te produce stamens, but— ‘ ‘sA man convinced against. his will, Is of the same opinion still.” and it appears to be the case with them:. However faulty and prejudiced the English character may be generally, there has been no cause for accusation in this matter ; and it adds nothing - to the credit of men who move in g0 respectable a position, to be retorting upon nationality when discussing matters relating to science. Their own vindictiveness proves their want of argument, and if their foundation was safe they would not be writing their own burlesque. : It is to vegetable physiology and experiment that we must go for proof, and Mr. Meehan has done nothing more, neither did he in the beginning record anything but a simple explanation of the results of his own experi- ence and conviction, founded upon the above basis, and my own observa- tions bring me to the’same conclusion. In proof of these statements, allow me to record the progress in blossoming of a bed of strawberries for the last three years at this place. The yariety was obtained from a reliable seurce for Hovey’s Seedling, but for the present purpose it matters not what the kind is, I only wish to show that sexual fixedness is not so certain as our friends would have us believe, but under certain influences is likely to alter. During the season of 1850, this bed of strawberries did not sut- fer from drought, nor much by scorching from the sun, and: the season after, ° viz. 1851, the blossoms were nearly all hermaphrodite, during the same summer they were much injured by drought, the growth was more stunted, and the season after (1852) they were all pistillate without exception, this same summer the growth was somewhat less injured by dry weather, and the last season (1853) there was at commencement of blooming, a more than equal share of hermaphrodite blossoms, as blossoming advanced the pistil- late became more numerous until at last nearly all were so, during this time the weather became very scorching and they were purposely left unwatered. I had ocular demonstration of these various changes, which were watched with much interest. Now let us turn to a physiological view of this same sansa. The first movement of vegetable action in spring is, merely a development of those ny ’ mee wy Pe ‘ieee - 364. 7 yd OS AND. = ——$$_$_$_$__—_—_—____,____... ' — ; a parts which were formed the fal] previous, the various parts thus a swell out and expand by the vital action of the plant, and the aid of heat, light, and moisture, ‘and according as steady and healthy concentration ac- eumulated until all these parts were perfected previous to expansion, so will be the perfectness in formation of each individual part, and vice versa. If we'take the generality of flowers, those which are: perfect: contain both male and female organs in a healthy state, and the Strawberry comes under. this division. We know that there are many exceptions to this rule, but: in some. of these there’ are’ often hermaphrodite flowers produced. me" growth pudgresses these developed parts begin to act for’ themselves, ‘true growth is formed, and fresh stores laid up for future expansion. ‘This after growth all tends: ‘towards central point, as is proved by each’ individual’ leaf or flower bud. In the flower, which is nothing more than a bundle of leaves more highly concentrated, it is more conspicuous, we find ‘the calyx encircling the corolla, which in-its turn-surrounds the stamens, the stamens - enclose the germ, which contains the. embryo seed, and which afterwards by the same action as the whole pl ant is endowed with, becomes a perfect bud only in a more highly organized state-than those whic: form leaves; I mean here the true seed, not the receptacle which is nothing but the collected juices retained, nied of as in tlre case of leaves are returned to the struc-. ture of the plant, thus adding to-its bulk.. A healthy and well stored growth produces all these parts in proper, ‘order. and perfect ; but if the “elimate be too hot and dry for.any "individual family, this perfect action is. interfered with and the ie odie by must be, -a deterioration of some or all, of the parts, which will show itself. in smal Her calyx, petals, stamens, and. pistils, if not entirely subdue, or ren ne abortive some of them. ‘This is, clearly shown in the Str awberr} y, and particularly in the changeable exam- ple above given, for in the pistillate flowers there are smaller petals, and. although the stamens are present, they are only rudimentary. ‘This. cen- tralizing principle is less likely, to affect the pistils than .any other part of, the flower, as it is the extreme point towards which maturation tends, but, it, is possible to carry the thing so far as to render even the pistils defective, und persevering in raising “seedlings' from pistillate sorts alone, would be, very likely to bring this about. . Our burning and fervid ‘sun. is properly, speaking too hot, and the climate too dry for the strawberry, notwithstand-. ing the great crops that are often obtained. The fruit. is comparatively swall to that of Britain, where there is more moisture and less heat during the growing season; these same circumstances. account for the varieties raised there -being ‘almost. without exception hermaphrodite, The crops, there are greater if weight and bulk are taken into, account, and not SO. acid as with us. A strawberry i is considered of great size here if five or. _ six inches in circumference, while a parallel ‘there would be from seven to eight, and they are occasionally produced nine inches; and they require no sugar to correct the sourness. Indeed (with the exception of afew of the, best flavored varieties) such as are mostly grown here would only be Fie sidered fit for boiling as a-preserve. . I do not wish to detract from the excellence ay pet Stronbeeee as the difference in quality is the result of climate; neither -would I ‘con-. tend that the British sorts prove better here than nated if so good bie I ~ — HORTICULTURAL JOURNAL. | 365 do say that gentlemen of ability ought to discuss.a scientific subject without: attempting to ridicule honest inyestigation. Respectfully yours, : Wo.. CHORLTON. . ( James Gowen, ek the practical and scientific inpaes of Mt. Airy in this county, lately made an address before the Mercer County Agricultural Society. He speaks from his own. observation on the value of different kinds of stock—and is properly severe on humbugs.. We copy his remarks on exhibitions. | Agricultural Exhibitions have ever been ‘with me a favorite expedient, whereby a laudable emulation and rivalry might be promoted among the til- lers of the soil; and to serve as a rallying point, where, in the presence of each other, they might learn to Kaye more confidence in themselves, and by emulating the progress of others, snatch a spark of that spirit and enter: prise, so luminous now-a-days, in the track of the busy throng, that are pushing along and going.a-head with rail road speed. It grieved me to per- ceive that the farmers, asa class, seemed regardless of the position, how- ever low or obscure, assigned to them; appearing ever content to labor un- requited and unhonored ; complaining snot, nor attempting to reverse the decree that fashion, folly and pretention had recorded to their prejudice, Such should not, I thought, be the condition of the farmer; his calling or profession is in itself so intrinsic and independant, that it seems strange (unless there is something in the soil with which he deals that deadens, or in the air he breathes, that bewilders his faculties), that he should not have the sense and spirit to stand more ere¢t, and beth ee for that lofty poste tion, which is his rightfal heritage? To the husbandman, under Providence, is committed the bounties of the field and seasons, and upon his management depends, not only the wealth of the nation, but the daily sustenance of every man whether rich or poor, high or low. Plenty and scarcity, fulness and famine, in a great measure depend upon the foresight, skill and energy of the farmer; he holds the veritable. cornucopia, and ‘so long as it is found in condition of teeming fullness, pour- ing out the invigorating comforts of sustenance, so long does the human fa-. mily wax strong, rejoicing in the enjoyment of health and vigor! Let it give but a partial supply, or none, feebleness and languor, famine and pest-_ ilence, brood over all and enshroud every living creature! Is there a man. so obtuse or insensible, whether mechanic or manufacturer, merchant or pro- fessional man, as not to perceive how indispensible are the functions of the farmer? Why should.he not:be held as ardinanily intelligent, with percep-— a THE FLORIST AND.» tions capable of penetrating the hidden operations of nature, so far as they lie within his sphere of action; profiting by all that is deducible from, or observable in her teachings? And is it not a reproach to us, farmers, if _we do not establish our claim to this high consideration, and prove that we are not the dull, unenlightened drudges we are supposed to be—good but so far as material has may serve, to toil, with other bisa animals of the field ! Agricultural exhibitions are precursors of improvement—they are emi- nently calculated to arrest the attention of the apathetic—to break in upon the dull monotony that pervades the locality where the fair is held. ‘They are as interesting as they are instructive, and never fail, if properly con- ducted, of impressing a salutary and,abiding influence upon the minds of all who have participated in their interesting display and innocent recreation. Within their enclosures are to be found the best specimens of farm stock, the choicest varieties of seeds, samples of the best crops, improved imple- ments of husbandry, specimens of household manufacture, butter, cheese and poultry ; all arranged for the‘inspection of the curious, and challenging competition. Who can look upon such a scene and not be struck with a deep sense of its utility, and what farmer, however enlightened, but may add something to his stock of knowledge, or have his doubts removed as to the excellence of some breed of farm stock, or the capability of some Fi ment, which he had never used, for the work it was designed to execute ? And who can be insensible to the advantages of such an opportunity for an interchange of opinion upon the theory and. practice of culture and hus- bandry ; upon soils, and the adaptation of crops and manures. to each va-- riety respectively? These, with the friendly greetings, the revival of old acquaintanceship, and the formation of new friendships, give to the scene a holiday freshness—a dash of rural felicity, that compensates fer many a long and solitary day of toil upon the farm. FARMERS AND RAILROADS. No wonder that Farmers dislike granting the right of way to Rail Roads. Mail Trains, Express Trains, Lightning Trains, fly through his grounds, smoking, steaming and screaming, as if in derision of him. Perhaps, an ae- egmmodation train comes along once a day, but it does not stop at his gate; no! no! He must go to the station three miles off or more, and be there rain or shine to the minute, and ten to one at the very hour, when in- stead of leaving home he ought to be returning to it; no great accomoda- tion to him truly. If there be a station or water tank on his farm is he HORTICULTURAL. JOURNAL. - 367 Ss i better off? Not if he has an orchard. For Passengers and Brakemen, and Stokers, and Baggage-master, and Engineer and Conductor all agree on two points, Ist: That the Farmer’s fruit is public property-—2d. That’ they are the public! So they help themselves. If, because the’ switch’ tender was sleepy, or a.cow was on the track, or the Engineer didn’t see the signal, or the track had spread, or a rail was misplaced, or a screw was loose, the train gets off the track, at midnight or in midwinter, the “nearest farm’ . house” is entered as if it were-an inn, and the farmers, “mine host.” “And if any of the patrons of his house or his ofchard.should forget to shut the gate or put up the bars, amd thereby an unfortunate and confiding cow or two should stray on the track, and become a-prey to that benevolent’ machine, shaped and armed like the lower. jaw-of an alligator, and very pro-' perly called a “cow catcher, "—who.eares whose choice Devon, or Ayrshiré’ or Durham is impaled? ‘The fellow ought to keep his fences up, and not endanger our lives and property,” say. the public. The engine snorts, and the groans and struggles of the creature’ 8. ast agony are.drowned in one noisé of the passing train. : _ The right of way to steam, sidiiad and noist. “When the Farmer grants this he grants also the right of ‘colonization to his worst foes the weeds. In the broad band right through his possessions these enemies entrench them- selves. Here a little fastness of the Iron-weed. There a camp of Canada’ Thistles. Yonder a citadel of May weeds. Further on a stockade of wild carrots, and discontented colonists they are too. Regarding neither picket, “‘ Virginia,” post and rail, or any other fence, and the thorniest hedge as’ little. Perfect “ filibusters” who “ go it strong” for “ extending the area of weed-dom.” All they need, as Decatur said of his countrymen is an oppor-’ tunity, and this comes along with every train. Mid the involucres of the’ Vernonia and the Carduus, on the receptacle of the Chrysanthemum and among the umbels of the Daucus do these adventurers lie in,ambush. The’ whistle of the locomotive is the signal for the rising of these clans, nor were Roderich’s more prompt to the call of their chieftain. The Engineer is’ more successful in “getting up a breeze’’ then either Lopez or Kossuth and away go the flying legions some to the forest and orchard, others to the’ lawn and garden. All who survive are sure to settle,, “make a location” and ere long dispute with true eye audacity, the Farmer’s pre- -emption right. From Dr. Henavagrs 8 adress before the Montgomery County Agricul- tural Socrety.—Oct. 1853 ow bit 368 THE FLORIST AND. . CINCINNATI, ae bk - EDITOR OF THE FLORIST. | a lo ee eS: We differ in our views more than ¥ you suppose. vee pial of Mr. es ean Sy ing’s having a change of a pistillate to a staminate’ plant. This change y was aes in his bed of Hovey. ‘To prove it he sent the plant to Boston, and Mr. Hovey and all the Horticultural Society pronounced it not the Hovey. T , Say a new pistillate seedling may be raised, bearing a few: hermaphrodite blossonis, but I shall not believe in a change in the sexés by cultivation till Iseeit. If it can be-made, Mr. ‘Mechan will be entitled to the credit of discovering it. I do not say it is: impossible. If true it has no bearing on | the necessity of attention ‘to the’ sexes'in common culture. For twenty years, I kept beds of staminatés and” pistillates one-hundred yards apart, 0 make new beds from,—and never had a change. : In your present number you say . “no-one has said that a full crop can be produced without staminates: being planted among the pistillates. I say that one thousand acres of: Hovey’s seedlings or any other pistillate will, if separated from all others never bear a sin gle perfect berry. ¥ou say that the strawberry in‘ its natural,state is perfect in both organs. I say, that in their wild state, the same difference i in-their sexual eharacter exists. fe Such I know to be their character in New Jersey, and in our Western States. I say, that Linnzus knew nothing of the sexual character of the strawberry. One of his disciples made the: diseovery and informed him. Linnus told him to keep quiet as his plants-failing to produce fruit was from frost, not a defect in the sexual organs. Mr. Keen was the next per- son to discover it. He raised.a seedling that bore no.fruit. On dlose ex- amination he could see no male organs that were-perfect. He placed his > old seedling in the bed, and he had an abundant crop. He made the dis- covery known to the London Horticultural Society ; it seems he was choked: off, as the disciple of Linnceus was, for no notice was taken of it. The Botanists of Europe for their present knowledge, are indebted to an illiterate German Gardener, oncea resident of your city, and who here made a fortune by her knowledge. But for a chance remark of one of her sons. the secret might have still been in her family. The persons name was Arbequit, for many years a strawberry grower at the Neck; and her neigh- bors informéd me, that from the same space of ground, she grew five times the quantity of fruit that they did; that wlien she thinned out her beds she — threw her plants on the road. They gathered them ‘BP and plaatony them ¢ but never could from them raise a single berry. I am myself anxious that Mr. Meehan should sustain his position. He sie? the genuine McAvoy’s superior; it bears no resembance to any other kindle 3 let him effect the change to the satisfaction of Dr. Brinckle and Mr. Buist, in Rs athe ; a ‘ ” ae 4i A - . : F ‘et Ds - a Nees eee \ eo a “u . : : FY $a . np 2 - fo } , 7 on SF a, E “ , HORTICULTURAL JOURNAL. 369 — a ee EEE this variety and even Mr. Prince will become a convert, rambunxious* as _youdeem him. But if Mr. Meehan should, which I do not believe, throw Prince on his back, I fear you will have a greater difficulty to encounter, and have nothing but the doctrines of Science and Linnzeus to sustain you against the judgment of the illiterate German woman, and the evidence given in our thousands acres of the Strawberry in our wild prairies when you say “the Strawberry in it natural state has perfect flowers, is furnished with pistils and stamens; chance seedlings, produce, under a high state of cultivation, flowers in which the stamens are abortive. Left to themselves they return to their natural condition of flowers with perfect parts” For facts are chiels that. winna ding And downa be disputed,”’ even by science. Yours Truly, 7 N. LONGWORTHL. Our correspondent Mr. Longworth, has italicised his quotation from our remarks in the last number. We are willing to re-iterate them, even in capitals, if he wishes, and will let them stand until disproved. We contend that if a pistillate plant, whichis a monstrosity, be left to itself, it will en- deavor to perforin the object of its existence, which is REPRODUCTION, and will develope the abortive stamens and thus become a perfect flower, which Mr. Longworth to the contrary notwithstanding, is its natural state. * We are a little in doubt about the spelling of this word; but we think it should be 7am- buxnctious. ; ‘ CALENDAR OF OPERATIONS. FRUITS. Strawberries —Should now receive a final dressing up for the season, by cleaning between the rows and forking in a layer of wanure. A covering of short manure or tan bark will be necessary to preserve the more delicate and superior varieties. Where tree leaves are plentiful they answer this purpose admirably, throwing a sprinkling of soil over them to prevent dis- placement by wind. ‘Tan bark has many advocates in strawberry cul titre. As a specific manure we would not trust much to its efficacy in any case, but as a mulcher in summer, and to protect tender roots in winter, its eflicien- cy cannot be déubted. Plants in pots intended for an early crop should now be placed under cover.. A glazed frame or the floor of a cold grapery would be the best situation for them, but any spare cover will do, so that they can be secured from wet and severe frost; opportunities should be em- braced in removing all dead and decaying foliage, surface stirring and top dressing, preparatory to starting them into growth. | 370 . THE FLORIST AND © -—— aa ese te Raspberries—require good culture to produce abundantly, prune out alf the old wood and thin out the present year’s shoots to four or five of the strongest canes, securing all neatly to stakes. An application of wood ashes, and yard manure to the roots will be a means of improving the qual- ity of the crops. 1tis a fruit well worthy all the care that superior culti- vation can bestow on it. A somewhat sheltered situation, and deep, rich soil, but not wet, is most suitable to them. Gooseberries:-—In pruning these, keep the center of the bushes well thinned out; they fruit best on young wood, a proper supply of which should be retained but do not shorten them unless vigorous growth is de sired. Black curkanta should be treated in a similar manner, thinning out the younger wood, and preserve a wide spread bush in the forn of a cup, by’ keeping the centre clear of spray.