LIBRARY OF THE MASSACHUSETTS AGRICULTURAL COLLEGE NO.. 5__i 0 ____ oAT._i- 1 .^ 8.5:. SOURCE "nrhrs. Letvv .Uip.cohi CPe-x ioiU,/%. C^^- // M^ -^a^ i/^ ^u>^ /V '/%>«. ^/^^-^"^^^., ■^ N V THE MAGAZINE OP HORTICULTURE, AND ALL USEFUL DISCOVERIES AND IMPROVEMENTS IN RURAL AFFAIRS. " Je voudrais echauffcr tout I'univers de mon gout pour les jardins. II me semble qu'il est iin|)ossible qu'un mechant pnisse I'avoir. II n'est point de vertus que je ne suppose h. celui que aime k pailer et k faire des jardins. Peres de faniille, inspirez la jardinomanie k vos enfans." — Prince De Ligne. VOL. X. 1844. Edited by C. iM . HOVEY BOSTON: PUBLISHED BY HOVEY AND CO., MERCHANTS ROW. 1844. PREFACE. The Tenth Volume of the Magazine, will be found equal in interest, to any which have preceded it. Notwithstanding the great amount of information which has been written upon almost every branch of gardening, there are yet numerous subjects w'hich have scarcely been noticed, but which will continue to receive attention in future volumes. The Tenth Volume will close what may be called the First Series of the Magazine, For the greater facility of commencing subscriptions, the next volume will begin a New Series, or the Eleventh Volume of the entire work. Two title pages will be given, in order that the enumeration of the volumes may be continued. In the present volume, we have commenced the publication of a series of articles on the Insects which infest trees and plants, by that excellent entomologist, Dr. Harris. Two have already appeared, on insects which have but recently made their appearance, but which, should they be allowed to increase, will be highly injurious. These papers will be continued in our next, and future volumes, and will, we hope, be the means of aiding, by a knowledge of their habits, in the discovery of more effec- tual means for their destruction'. An article on the ripening of the Pear, (p. 22,) by Mr. Walker, is deserving of attention: since the introduction of the numerous varieties of this fruit, which ripen from November to May, it is quite important that the best mode of preserving them should be known. Mr. Tes- chemacher's articles on the growth of plants in charcoal and guano, are subjects which will interest every cultivator. Mr. Carmichael's papers on jjruning, and a continuation of our de- scriptions and engravings of pears, will be found valuable to the pomologist. The Reviews and Miscellaneous Intelligence in this volume, are unusually interesting. IV PREFACE. The next Volume will contain several improvements. One additional feature, of no little interest, will be a Foreign Corres- pondence, which will appear in nearly every number, giving an account of the new methods of heating — brief descriptions of new flowers and fruits which are introduced into Great Britain — and notices of horticultural exhibitions. A series of articles on hardy trees and shrubs, describing the most ornamental and desirable, will be commenced. This we have had some time in contemplation, and with the increasing attention which is now devoted to plantations of trees for shade and ornament, we hope to make it valuable to all our readers. Engravings of a great number of new pears will appear, besides illustrations of modes of heating, plans of green-houses, &c. And when, in addition to these, we mention the notes of our tour among the gardens and nurseries in the vicinity of the cities of London, Paris, and Edinburgh, the past summer and autumn, we shall endeavor to make the New Volume one of the most acceptable we have yet published. The dissemination of information, on all subjects connected with Horticulture, was the object and purpose for which the Magazine was established. How far the promises we held out at its commencement have been fulfilled, we leave to our read- ers to decide. If valuable Original contributions from our many correspondents — Reviews of all useful works — and the glean- ings of Foreign publications, united to our own zeal and devotion to the science, could accomplish this, we feel confident of the result. In conclusion, we must again call upon our many friends who have cheered us through the long period of ten years, to renew their exertions in our favor. From all our correspondents we trust we may still expect additional aid; for their past kindness, we return them our sincere thanks. C. M. H. Boston, Dec. 2, 1844. CONTENTS. ORIGINAL COMMUNICATIONS. GENERAL SUBJECT. / A Retrospective View of the Progress of Horticulture in the United States, during the year 1843. By tlie Editor 1 Progress of Horticulture in Rocliester, N. Y., and other portions of the Val- ley of the Genesee. By P. B., Rocli- ester, N. Y 15 Gardening in the vicinity of Flushing, L. I.; with some notice of the collection of plants of J. R. Valk, Esq. . . 19 Notes and Recollections of a Tour through Hartford, New Haven, New York, Philadelphia, Baltimore, Wash- ington, and some other places, in Oc- tober, 1843. By the Editor . 41, 81, 121 The Curculio. By B. A. Fahnestock, Esq., Pittsburg, Pa 88 Guano ; its action upon the growth of various Plants, Fruits, &c. By J. E. Teschemaeher, Corresponding Secre- tary of the Mass. Hort. Soc. . .140 Observations on the Curculio, and the modes recently recommended for its destruction ; with some remarks upon the application of Salt Lye, and its ef- ficacy in extirpating the Insect. By J. A. Kenrick, Newton, Mass. . . 143 Some account of an Insect that attacks the Grape Vine. By Dr. T. W. Har- ris, Cambridge, Mass 201 Notes on Agricultural and Horticultural Chemistrv. By Robert Carmichael, Newton, Mass .321,361 Remarks upon Saperda vestita,the Bor- er of the Linden-tree, with extracts from letters, upon the same insect, to Dr. T. W. Harris, of Cambridge, Mass. 330 HORTICULTURE. Some hints on the culture of, and the best method of ripening, the Pear as an article of Commerce. By S. Walk- er, 22 Grafting Grape Vines — and a remedy for the Peach Worm (iEgeria Exitiosa). By James Camak, Esq., Athens, Ga. 27 Some remarks on the sterile character of the Hautbois and Hudson Bay Strawberries. By Dr. J. H. Bavne, Alexandria, D. C. . . . ' . 30 Remarks on tlie Strawberry, its dioecious character, habits, &c. By G. W. Huntsman, Flushing, L. I., New York. .^1 Comparative earliness of six varieties of Early Peas, with a description of their qualities, and remarks on their culti- vation, &r. By the Editor, . . 9] Notices of Culinary Vegetables, new or recently introduced, vvorlhv ofgeneral cultivation in private gardens, or for the market. By the Editor, . . 96 Pomological Notices; or notices respect- ing new and superior fruits worthy of general cultivation. By the Editor. Descriptions of twelve varieties of Pears, new or recently introduced, viz. 1. Winter Nelis, Napoleon, Urban- iste,Be!le Lucrative,Louise IJonne de Jersey, Vicar of Winkfield (LeCur6) 127 2. Fulton, Lewis, Andrews, Wash- ington, Cabot, Buffuni, . . . 288 Notices of several new Apples and Pears, .... Notices of new Fruit, An account of two new Seedling Apples, with a description of their qualities. In a letter to .1. S. Skinner, Esq., Cor- responding member of the Col. Hort. Soc, Washington, D. C. By J. W. Scott, Esq., Toledo, Ohio. Commu- nicated by Mr. Skinner, On Transplanting Fruit Trees in the Au- tumn ; and some account of a mode of autumn grafting of fruit bearing branches, with a view to obtain fruit the following year. By Capt. Josiah Lovett, 2d, Beverly, Mass. . Hints on the system of Pruning Fruit Trees, as practised in the London Hor- ticultural Society's Garden, by R. Thompson. By R. Carmichael, New- ton, Mass. An account of a New Seedling Apple, with an engraving of the fruit, its ori- gin, &c.; and a notice of the variety called the Detroit Apple; in a letter to the President of the Massachusetts Horticultural Society. ByA. H. Ernst, Corresponding Member, Cincinnati, Ohio, Origin and cultivation of the Pearl On- ion. Translated from the AUgemeine Gartenzeitung of October. By K., 1841 170 Notice of a large fruited and large leafed variety of the Native Black Mulberry. In a letter to J. S. Skinner, Esq. By Hon. E. Whittlesey, Ohio. Commu- nicated by Mr. Skinner, On Summer Pruning of Fruit Trees : with a few observations on training Trees in the pyramidal or en que nouille form. By R. Carmichael, Additional remarks on Root-pruning Pear Trees ; with an engraving illus- trating the subject. By T. Rivers, Jr. Sawbridgeworth, Eng. Extracted from the Supplement to his Catalogue of Pears. By the Editor, . Remarks on the cultivation of the Grape in Pots. A page from my Note Book, for the Miiga/.inr of Horticulture, &.C. By R. Buist, Philadelphia, . . .371 205 241 138 161 164 166 171 215 281 CONTENTS. The Monthly Alpine or Four-Seasons Stra\vberr\-. By the Editor, . . 401 Remarks on the Ribston Pippin Apple, location, &c. By J. W. Russell, New- ton, Mass. . . ... 403 The Blight in the Pear Tree ; its cause, and a remedy for it. By Rev. H. W. Beecher. Read before the Indiana Horticultural Society, and communi- cated by Mr. Beecher, . . . 441 FLORICULTURE. 48 Experiments on the Cultivation of Plants in Cliarcoal. By .1. E. Teschemacher, The Tennessee, or Prairie Rose, (/i6sa rubifolia,) with some remarks upon its employmeiu for Hedges or Live Fences. By Joshua Pierce, Washing- ton, D. C 98 Observations on the Camellia, with a de- scriptive account of all the finest vari- eties which have been introduced, or raised from seed In this country. By M. P. Wilder, Esq., President of the Mass. Hort. Soc. . . . . .145 Sowing Seeds in Snow. Translated from the Allgemeine Gartenzeitung of April, 1841. By K . . . . 172 Some remarks on the evil effects of re- moving small Plants, from frames, in- to large and spacious greenhouses. By C. J. Ryan, Gardener to J. M. Thor- burn & Co., Astoria, near New York, 214 Descriptions of several new Verbenas. By the Editor, 220 Descriptions of Mr. Feast's Seedling Ru- bifolia or Prairie Roses. By the Editor, 246 Some remarks on the cultivation of the jRaniinculus asidticus, with directions for planting, &c. By S. Walker, . 326 On the Propagation and Culture of Prize Pelargoniums. By James W. Russell, 328 Descriptions of twelve new Seedling va- rieties of the Peedaia Moiitan or Tree Pfeony. By William R. Prince, Lin. Garden and Nurseries, Flushing, L. I. 333 On the Cultivation of Pelargoniums, without the aid of hot-beds or the green-house. By J. E. Teschemacher, Boston, 367 On the pruning and general management of Prize Pelargoniums thesecond year from the cuttings. By James W. Russell, 373 Floricultural and Botanical Nptices of New Plants, figured in foreign period- icals ; with remarks on those recently introduced to, or originated in Ameri- can gardens, and additional informa- tion upon plants already in cultiva- tion, . . 54, 173, 248, 375, 411, 456 Notes on Gardens and Nurseries, 223. 254 BOTANY. Some remarks on the Botany, &c., of Eastport, Me., and its vicinity. By X. 405 REVIEWS. Manures, a Prize Essay. By Dr. Samuel L.Dana. Published by the Massachu- setts Society for the Promotion of Ag- riculture, 102 Address delivered at the close of the six- teenth Annual Fair of the American Institute, New York, October, 1843. By the Hon. James Tallmadge, Presi- dent of the Institute, 102 Proceedings of the New Castle County Agricultural Society and Institute, at the eighth Annual Meeting, held at Wilmington, on the 13th and 14th of September, 1843, with the Address, de- livered by William Darlington, M. D. 103 The Western Farmer and Gardener's Al- manac, for 1844. By A. Randall, The Rose Manual ; containing accurate descriptions of all the present varieties of Roses, properly classed in their re- spective families, their character and mode of culture, with directions for their propagation, and the destruction of insects, with engravings. By R. Buist, Nurseryman and Florist, The New American Orchardist ; or an account of the most valuable varieties of Fruit of all climates, adapted to cul- tivation in the Fniled Stales, with 106 181 their history, modes of cultivation, management, uses, &c., with an Ap- pendix on Vegetables, Ornamental Trees, Shrubs and Flowers ; the Agri- cultural resources of America, and on Silk, &,€. By William Kenrick, . 185 Transactions of the Essex County Agri- cultural Society for 1843. . . .185 The Young Gardener's Assistant ; in three parts : containing Catalogues of Garden and Flower Seeds, with prac- tical directions under each head for the cultivation of Culinary Vegetables and Flowers : also directions for cultiva- ting Fruit Trees, the Grape Vine, &c. To which is added a Calender to each Pan ; showing the work to be done in the various departments each month in the year. The whole adapted to the Climate of the United States. By T. Bridgeman, Gardener, Seedsman and Florist, 187 The Rose Manual. By R. Buist, Nurse- ryman and Florist. ' 1844. The Rose Amateur's Guide. By T. Rivers, Jr. Third edition, corrected and improved, 257 The New England Fruit Book. By Rob- ert Mannmg. Second edition, enlarg- ed 268 CONTENTS, European Agriculture and Rural Econo- my, from personal observation. By Henry Colnian. Vol. I., Part I. 'J'o be completed in ten numbers, Third Annual Report of the American Institute, on the subject of Agriculture to the J.egislature of New York, Transactions of the New York State Ag- ricultural Society, together with an abstract of tlie proceedings of the County Agricultural Societies, . . 305 Annual Report of the Commissioner of Patents for the year 18i3, . . .305 270 302 Topographical and Geological Descrip- tion of Wisconsin, &.c. By I. A. Lap- ham, 307 The American Agriculturist's Almanac for 1845. By A. B. Allen, Editor of the American Agriculturist, . . 308 European Agriculture and Rural Econo- my, from personal observation. By Henry Colman. Vol. 1. Part II. . 421 Boston Journal of Natural History, . 426 MISCELLANEOUS INTELLIGENCE. General Notices. — Remarks on new Dah- lias, 66 ; Zinc Labels to write on with a common pencil, 68; Pear training, 68; Cul- tivation of i'dlvia spl6ndens for Winter Flowering, 225; Standard Currant Trees, 225 ; Improvements with regard to induc- ing Trees to form Roots, so as to render them independent of the Stock, 22C ; Nitre a remedy for Mildew, 226 ; Budding and Inarching the Grape Vine, 226 ; Mode of ascertaining the quality of Seed, 227; Char- coal, 227 ; Climate and Vegetation of Up- per California, 227 ; Condensation of Car- bonic Acid by Charcoal, 228 ; How to pre- serve the Vitality of Seeds in long voyages, 228; To grow Carapinula pyramiddlis, 228; Season for repotting Plants, 229 ; Wash for Fruit Trees, 229 ; Cultivation of SoI4ndra grandifldra, 229; Destruction of tlie Goose- berry Caterpillar by Salt, 230; O'xalis Dep- ■peii, 230 ; Propagation of Plants by Cir- cumposition, 230; Cultivation of the Ca- mellia, 335; Soot, 336; Charcoal, 337 ; To preserve lateGrapes from Mould or Damp- ing, 337 ; On Roses, 337 ; On the cultiva- tion of Grapes in Pots, 338 ; Whitney's Composition, 342; Grafting Pelargoniums, 343; Potter's Liquid Guano, 343; Syrian Fruits, 343 ; Asparagus, 344 ; The Holly- hock, 345 ; Grafting Fuchsias, 345 ; Early Peas, 345 ; Grape Vines, 346 ; French method of grafting Roses, 427 ; Hybrid Rhododendrons,42S; Grafted Currants, 428; Strawberries, 428 ; The Deodar, or Ilim- alavan Cedar, (C^drusDeorfdra) 429; Rose Budding, 429 ; The Tliird Flowering of the Paul6wnw imjieridlis, 429; Note upon a way of Grafting so as to accelerate bear- ing, by M. Lecoq, Gardener to the Royal Society of Horticulture, 429; Potter's Li- quid Guano, 430. FoKEicN Notices. Ensland. — English Dahlia Exhibitions for 1844, 460. France. — Cercle Generale d' Horticulture do Paris, G8. Domestic Notice.s. Salt Ley for the destruction of the Curculio, 33; The Nectarine Plum, .34; Destruction of the Public Conservatory by Fire, 71; Purchase of the Latin School House by the Massachusetts Horticultural Society, 72; Rats fond of the Tigrldia pavdnia, (Tiger flower) 72; Horticultural Society in New Jersey, 72 ; Beurr^ Spence Pear, 72; Hor- ticulture in the vicinity of Boston, 73 ; Tank System of Heating, 106; Soutli Car- olina Tea, 106; Raising Seedlings of Roses, 150; Artificial Guano, 150; New method of destroying the Curculio, 231 ; Saltpetre a remedy for the Peach Worm, 231 ; Ex- periment with Guano on Corn, 232 ; An- nual Fair and Cattle Show of tlie New York State Agricultural Society, 309 ; The Chenango Potato, 310; Seaweed a preven- tative of the Curculio, 311 ; Rocky River Grape, 311 ; Phlox Drumm6nd/?, 311 ; In- sects destructive to the Lime tree, 311 ; Tradescintio virginica a test for tlie de- tection of Acids, 311; The Sixteenth An- nual Exhibition of the Massachusetts Hor- ticultural Society, 312; Hovey's Seedling Strawberry, 312 ; American Institute of the City of New York, 347 ; Seedling Plum, 349 ; Seedling Chrysanthemums and Cac- tSB,349; Hovey's Seedling Strawberry, 349; Grapes, 349 ; The Uueens County Horti- cultural Society, 349 ; The Season in Penn- sylvania, 349 ; Mildew on Grapes, 350 ; New Y''ork State Agricultural Society, 382; Rust on Corn, 431 ; Sphaj'ria Rob6rtsu, 431. Retrospective Criticism. Errata, 107, 234, 312, 480 ; New Seedling Grape, 34 ; A full Index to the Magazine, 35; Gardening in the Vicinitv of Flushing, L. I., 107; Beurr6 Bronz6 Pe'ar, 109; Dia;- cious character of Strawberries, 109, 187 ; Ohio and Norton's Seedling Grapes, 190; Dr. Gunnel's collection of Camellias, 190; . The efficacy of Salt for destroy iiig the Cur- culio, 234 ; Hovey's Seedling Strawberry, 312; Staminate and Pistillate Strawberry Plants, 432. Massachusetts Horticultural Society. Exhibitions, 36 ; Notice of the Lawrence Pear, 36; Exhibitions, 115; Exhibitions, 152 ; Appropriation for Premiums for 1844, 153 ; Award of Premiums for Flowers, Fruits aud Vegetables for 1843,1.53; Ex- hibition, 191; Premiums offered for Flow- ers, Fruits, and Vegetables, for 1844, 192; Exhibitions, 235; Premiums awarded for Tulips, Pansies, Hawthorns, Azaleas, and VUl CONTENTS. Magnolias, 237; Exliibitioiis, 274; Notice of the Nortlieni Spy apple, 275; Premiums awarded for Roses, 277; Exhibitions, 313; Premiums awarded for Picotees and Car- nations, 316; Exhibitions, 350; Premiums awarded for Phloxes, 353; Exhibitions, 384; Ceremonies at laying the Corner Stone of the new Hall, 386; Sixteenth Annual Ex- hibition, 388; Olficers of the Society for the year 1845 to 1846, 433; Premiums awarded for Dahlias, German Asters, and Tender Roses, 434; Exhibitions, 474. Worcester Co. Horticultural Society. Fourth Annual Exhibition of the Society, 113. Exhibitions of Hort. Societies. Essex County Natural History Society's Ex- hibitions, 462; Cincinnati Horticultural So- LisT OF Plants i ciety, 472; Queen's County, (L. I.,) Horti- cultural Society, 473. Faneuil Hall Markht. January, 38; February, 78; March, 117; April, 158; May, 198; June, 238; July, 278; Au- gust, 318; September, 358; October, 398; November, 438; December, 475. Horticultural Memoranda. January, 39; February, 80; March, 118; April, 159; May, 199; June, 240; July, 279; Au- gust, 319; September, 358; October, 399; November, 438; December, 476. Obituary. Death of John Claudius Loudon, with a Biographical Sketch of his Life and Works, 74; Willis Gaylord, 239. N Vol. X., P. 477. LIST OF ENGRAVINGS. !,.„ MODES OF TRAINING. „ Fig. Page. 9. Pear Tree, en quenoiiille, root-prun- ed, 286 IMPLEMENTS. 17. Sticks used for tieing in the shoots of Pelargoniums, .... 369 FRUITS. 1. Winter Nelis Pear, . . . .127 2. Napoleon Pear, .... 129 3. Urbaniste Pear, .... 131 4. Belle Lucrative Pear, . . . 132 5. Louis Bonne de Jersey Pear, . . 134 6. Vicar of Winkfleld Pear, (Le Cur^,) 137 Fig. 7. Cannahan's Favorite Apple, 10. Fulton Pear, 11. Lewis Pear, 12. Andrews Pear, . 13. Washington Pear, 14. Cabot Pear, Page. . 167 . 290 . 292 . 295 . 296 . 299 15. Buffum Pear, 301 INSECTS. 8. The Procris americana in its various forms, injurious to the grape vine, .^j paucifolia Benth. Few-leaved Bossifca. A green-house plant ; growing 2 feet high ; with crimson and yellow flowers ; appearing in July ; a native of New Holland ; increased by cuttings; grown in peat, loam and sand. Bot. Reg. t. 63. 1843. Syn. B. virgita. Hooker in Bot. Mag. t. 3986. 1842. When well managed, a pretty little green-house shrub, with small, oblong, linear foliage, " gaily sprinkled with yellow and crimson blossoms." Like many New Holland shrubs, it possesses but little beauty unless carefully grown ; it should not be allowed to grow straggling, but should be kept dwarf, when it forms a compact bush. Its cultiva- tion is simple. It should be potted in rough peat, mixed with little loam and sand; and the stem should be little elevated to prevent damp. It requires a good supply of water in summer. Readily increased by cuttings. {Bot. Reg., Dec.) OXYLOBIUM obovitum Part. Obovateleaved Oxylobium. A green-house plant; growing a foot high ; with yellow and brown flowers ; appearing in April; a native of New Holland; increased by cuttings ; grown in peat, loam and sand. Pax. Mag. Bot. Vol. X. p. 243. Syn. O. oune^tum. A very showy species, with leaves like the O. retusum, that is, obovate, with the broadest part at what is generally the pointed end. They appear in whorls of three, and of New Plants. 61 irom the axils the flowers appear in dense capitate, many- flowered, racemes, of a deep yellow and rich brown. This species, like most of the New Holland plants, requires some skill in its management, and when properly treated, blooms most prodigally. Neglected, however, it is an indifferent looking plant. Introduced about two years ago. The soil should be rough peat, loam and sand, and a bushy habit given to it by repeatedly pinching off the young shoots. It is increased by cuttings. {Pax. Mag. Bot., Dec.) Anacardidcece. DAVAU.4 loiigifoli.i iinRIA oculita Linill. Dark-eyed Viscaria. A hardy annual; growing a foot high ; with rose or lilac flowers; appearing in summer; a native of Algiers ; increased by seeds. Eot. Re", t. 53. 1843. Syn. iychnis oculifa Jas. Backhouse. A hardy and pretty annual, similar to the old Agrostemma Coeli rosa, but distinguished from that by a dark eye, a short and slightly emarginate appendage to the petals, and the sur- face of the seed vessel rough, with fine granulations. The flowers are of a deep rose color, or lilac shade. The seed may be sown in patches, in April or May, in any good soil, and thinned out to proper distances. They do not trans- plant well. The genus Viscaria of Rohling, adopted by Endlicher, is distinguished from /S'ilene, by having tive styles, and from Z/ychnis, by its ovary being imperfectly five celled. It in- cludes the Agrostemma Coeli rosa of Linnceus, and the Lychnis viscaria, alpina, Iseta and Corsica of authors. {Bot. Reg , Oct.) 62 FloricuUural and Botanical Notices SILE^NE speciosa Paxt. Showy Catch-fly. A half-hardy perennial plant ; growing a foot high ; with scarlet flowers ; appearing in the autumn; increased by division of the root ; grown in any good soil. Paxt. Mag. Bot. Vol. X. p. 219. A very brilliant species, similar to S. laciniata, but of a better habit, and with flowers of a more splendid hue. The leaves are opposite, sessile, long and lanceolate, and the flowers in axillary and terminal panicles. The petals are divided into two principle segments. The plant is sup- posed to have been brought from some of the Continental gardens into the London collections. Its management is rather delicate. It should be grown in a porous and very fibrous loamy soil, with a small portion of rough peat and but little sand ; and the pots well drained. It may be win- tered in the green-house, or in a dry, airy pit. Increased by division of the root or by cuttings. {Pax. Mag. Bot, Nov.) Jhj-icdcecB. iJHODODE'NDRON aprilis Herb. (Garden variety. ) A hardy shrub ; growing 4 feet high ; with pink flowers ; appearing in April ; a hybrid variety ; increased by cuttings and grafting ; grown in loam and peat. Bot. Reg. t.'62. 1843. One of the elegant hybrid productions of the Rev. Dean of Manchester, from the seed of i?hododendron ponticum, fertilized by the evergreen Davurian Rhododendron. The flowers are of a delicate flesh color, tinted with pink, and have a peculiar soft and exquisite appearance. It flowers in April, from whence its name. The foliage is only mod- erately large, and the head of flowers of good size. It is not yet in the hands of the trade. {Bot. Reg., Dec.) In the collection of Hovey & Co. the following Azaleas will be in bloom in February and March : A. variegata, ledifolia, phoenicea, Danielsmwa, speciosa, speciosissima, double red, purpurea superba, formosa, pur- purascens, Copei, ignescens, splendens and superbissima ; besides several seedlings, raised by Mr. Feast, of Baltimore, and several by Mr. Mackenzie, of Philadelphia. Gesner idcecE. ACHI'MENES hirsuta Lindl Hairy Achimenes. A green-house plant; growing a font high ; with rose- colored flowers appearing in summer ; a native of Guatemala ; increased by offsets of the roots ; grown in peat, loam and sand. Bot. Reg. t. 55. 1843. " Another acceptable addition to the charming genus Achimenes," which will probably be as great a favorite as any of the species. It approaches nearest to A. peduncu- Idta, and like' that species, is disposed to bear little bulbs at of New Plants. 63 the axiis of the leaves and branches. The fohage is large, cordate, serrate and hairy ; the flowers are of a fine rose color, delicately spotted in the throat, and about two thirds the size of A. longiflora. The flowers are solitary at the axils of the leaves, on long slender peduncles. Its cultiva- tion is the same as that of the others; that is, it should be potted in light compost, consisting of peat, loam and sand. The roots should be potted as soon as they commence grow- ing in the spring ; shift as the plants require it, and water freely at the roots in summer, but very little over head. The introduction of this species was rather singular, and shows the importance of carefully examining the earth, moss, &c., in which the plants are often packed for export- ation. The Achimenes was hidden among a mass of Or- chidaceous plants, imported from Guatemala, and sold at auction a few months ago. Mr. Henderson, who purchased them, accidentally detected it ; and thus a plant, which must have been often sent home with fruitless care on for- mer occasions, was received without any attention what- ever. {^Bot. Reg.^ Nov.) tnultifiora Hooker. Many-flowered Achimenes. A green house plant; growing a foot high; witli lilac flowers appearing in summer; a native of Brazil; increased by offsets- grown in sandy loam and heath soil. Pax. Mag. Bot. Vol. X. p. 223. The present makes the sixth species which has been in- troduced within two or three years, viz., A. longiflora, gran- diflora, ?-6sea, pedunculata, hirsuta and multiflora : add to these the old coccinea, and we now have seven species. In general appearance, this comes near to longiflora, both in size, shape and color of the flowers. The foliage is shortly petiolate, ovate, and rather coarsely serrate; the peduncles, as in the others, axillary and solitary. The flowers are nearly two inches broad, of bluish tint, with a dash of pink, which gives them a lilac shade ; and the edge of the corolla is strongly and prettily fringed. This and the profusion in which they are produced, renders the multiflora a distinct and desirable plant, equally admired with the longiflora. It requires nearly the same treatment as the other species, but is rather more impatient of mois- ture ; the pots, therefore, should be well drained, and not too large for the plants. Its native place, according to Dr. Hooker, is "on dry banks in woods, in the province of Goyaz, Brazil." {Pax. Mag. Bot., Nov.) Hybridization has already commenced between the dif- 64 Floricultiiral and Botanical Notices ferent species introduced ; as yet, however, no remarkable varieties have been obtained ; but there is no doubt, with skilful management, many new and extremely beautiful varieties await the experiments of cultivators. ScrophularidcecB. * TETRANE>MA, (from tetra, four, and nema, a filament, on account of their being four filaments in this genus,) Bcnth. mexic«innm, Sentli. Mexican Tetranema. A greenhouse plant ; growing a foot high ; with purple and white flowers ; appearing in summer ; a native of Alexico ; increased by division of the root; grown in leaf mould and sandy loam. Bot. Reg. t. 52, 1843. Syn ; Pentstfemon mexic^nus Hort. Under the name of Pentstemon mexicanum, this plant has been received from Belgium, where it was introduced from Mexico. But Mr. Bentham, who has given particu- lar attention to this class of plants, is of opinion that this is certainly a new genus, very near Pentstemon, with the same calyx and corolla, but without any trace (or very lit- tle) of the sterile stamen, so conspicuous in Pemtstemon. It is a greenhouse plant, growing eight to twelve inches high, with an almost stemless habit, and with a "profusion of little corymbs of showy purple and white flowers, which rise up from among the leaves on long purple scapes." It should be kept rather dry in winter, and in spring repotted in a light free soil, chiefly leaf mould and sandy loam, and placed in the greenhouse, where it will flower all summer. It is propagated from seeds or cuttings. Probably in our less humid climate it might be managed as a frame plant, and turned out into a dry border in summer. It is a very pretty plant. {Bot. Reg., Oct.) VERO'S^lCA. Fpccio^a Paxt. Showy Speedwell. A greenhouse plant ; growing from twelve to eighteen inchfs lii^jh : willi blue flowers ; appearing all summer ; a native of New Zealand ; increas- ed by cuttings ; grown in light open compost. Pax. Mag. Bot. Vol. X. p. 247. A very showy and beautiful species of the Veronica, brought from New Zealand in 1841, Its general aspect is that of Lisianthus Russelha;??/5, but it is a robust growing, decidedly evergreen shrub, with an abundance of neat foli- age, and an extraordinary^ number, as well as succession, of flower spikes, about three inches in length, densely clothed with deep blue blossoms. These flower spikes ap- pear singly at the axil of every leaf, and as the blossoms fade ofl" from blue to Avhite, they give a pretty A^ariety to the ptaut. Add to this that its habit is particularly clean of New Plants. 65 healthy and compact, with a profusion of bright green shining foliage, — and the species may be considered as a very beautiful and desirable plant. It should be grown in a light open compost, full of fibre, and placed in a moder- ately large pot. It begins to bloom in August and contin- ues till December. Propagated by cuttings. {Pax. Mag. Bot., Dec. Amanjllidkcese. ALSTRCE.MER/.4 lineatiflora Fl. Periiv. Lined Alstraemeria. A greenhouse plant ; growing eighteen inclifis high ; with pinlt stri|)p(l flowers ; appearing in summer ; a n;itive of Peru ; increased by division of the roots ; grown in loam, peat and sand. Bot. Reg. t. 68, 1843. Very similar to the old A. Pelcgrhia, and like that species, " one of the finest of the genus." The flowers are of a del- icate pink shade, each sepal distinctly lined with pale green, and the two upper ones spotted with crimson. Its habit and mode of growth are like the other species. The roots are tuberous, and spread horizontally, and in conse- quence the plants require large pots, which should be half filled with potsherds. The soil in which it thrives best con- sists of half loam, and the other half peat and sand. Keep rather dry till January, when the roots should be repotted. Increased from seeds, and by offsetts from the roots. All the Alstraemerias are pretty plants and deserving of culti- vation, but we rarely see them in our collections ; the A. psittacina is the most common. {Bot. Mag., Nov.) IriddcecB. ELEUTHERILNE, TT. Herb. MS. anomala Herb. Anomalous Eleutherine. A greenhouse bulb ; growing eight inches high ; with white flowers ; appearing in spring ; a native of the West Indies ; increased by off- setts ; grown in light soil. Bot. Reg. t. 57, 1843. A " singular little plant," with stems of white flowers, somewhat resembling a Morge'a, or a Marica; but though allied to both belonging to neither. The learned Dean of Manchester, who has studied this family carefully, has placed it in the genus Eleutherine, established by him some time ago, when attempting an arrangement of the Sisyrin- chiums ; the type is the Marica plicata of the Bot. Mag. It flowered in the garden of the London Horticultural So- ciety, and its origin is unknown. Cultivated the same as other /ridaceae. {Bot. Reg., Nov.) VOL. X. — NO. n. 9 66 General Notices. liiViaccce. \jil'iiiin fcs/dceinn, which we noticed in onr last volume, (IX. p. 1 85.) is figured in Pa.r. Mng- BoL^ Vol. X. p. 22i, where a highly finished drawing is given. In addition to what is stated in onr previous notice, we learn the following in relation to the treatment of the species: — "Pioperly managed they arc amone the noblest flowers we y-ossess. Yet good specimens are far from frequent. The principal thing that they require is rich, but light soil; such as an open, fresh loam, with a proportion of rotten dung incorpo- rated. The latter both enriches the other earth, and serves to keep it light. They should not be grown more than one or two years in the same soil. In nniltiplying this, and the rest of the species, a single scale, taken from the bull :s, will sufiice to produce a young plant; and some clever propaga- tors will even make four or five plants of each scale, by slitthig it into as many pieces. {Pax. Mag. Bot.. rVov.) MISCELLANEOUS INTELLIGENCE. Art. I. General Notices. RemarTxS on new Dnhlxaa. — The Dahlias enumerated by " A Subscriber" are some of the most uncertain bloomers in cultivation ; and if he suc- ceede.l with them in the year 184?, the chances were that he failed in the followinir season. Sussex Rival I should not advise him to retain in a limited collection; it is seldom good, and is too small. Fanny Keynes never was, even at the best, more than a second-rate flower; it is of a com non color, and totally destitute of style or character. Ruby was a good flower in its time, but is quite gone by ; it is too much quilled for the present d^y ; besides, it is thin and wai ting in color. Egyptian King is a good flower when in perfection, but is very uncertain. Scailet Defi- ance never was trood. altiiough it sometimes f)romises well early in the season; later, it becomes quilled, flat, and deeply-serrated on tlic edge of the petal. I noticed, during the year 184?, that every Dahlia, of which the color had any tendency to scarlet, was deeply notched — indf ed to so great an extent, as to give the petal the appearance of a saw ; the inden- tures were, in some instances, more than a quarter of an inch derp. This di 1 not happen to dahlias of any other color than red or scarlet : nor did it ao-ain occur during the season just past, even in the flowers in which it General Notices. 67 was most conspicuous during tint preceding. I apprehend that any solu- tion of t!ii? uniHuil, and to im inexplicxble circtiTistinca, is impo-ssible ; butiiiscieir thit tlie color of lh3 flower, or whitever gives ris3 to it, mil 3 it 3iicc3ptil)le of so.n3 infiusnce from which flowers possessing ofher colo.-j wer3 exs.npt. Es^ex Rivil is a very iincertiin bh)oiiier ; it is never re illy full,anloft8n single or seni-donble. Hyl is isa tiowerof <:ood color, and is firm and clsin in petal; I iiive often regretted lint it slionhi be no betle,- thm it is, for, notwilhstaiiding its defects, it possesses style. JVle- talla was a good diiilii, and is even now sometiiiies seen in good charac- ter; but [ hive seldom known it to be so bad as darmg the present year: the p3tal is, however, generally very crumpled. I have seen Conductor occasion illy very beautiful, but this is very seldom: it is usually flat, muca quilled towards the centre, and too uncertain a bloomer for a small collection. I hive not grown the Bishop of Silisbury. The Inst dahlia seasm was altogether the best in my recollection ; but no doubt, in con- sequ3nce of the very dry weather that occurred during the blooming time, in a smdy soil many would fail that mio-ht have done well enough in th:; same soil in a wet season. This would be especially the case with thin flowers, which would, under such circu'iistanc<'s, be thinner in petals than usual, and soon show the disc; whilst very double flowers would, from ths same cause, more rapidly expand, and lose their scniy centres. Havinor now made free with the characters of "A Subscriber's" flowers, I would venture to recommend to him a dozen of which I think he will report favorably — some of them he no doubt possesses, viz : Turvill's Fs- sex Triumph, Trenfield's Admiral Stopford, Smith's Sir R. Sale, Ed- wards's Mrs. J. Richardson, Thompson's Vivid, Widnall's Queen. Jack- son's Lady (/oopcr, Hudson's Princess Royal, Brasrg's Antagonist, Dodd's Prin:e of Wales, Mitchell's Mrs. Kelly, Keynes' Standard of Perfecli(m. Ess3x Triumph is the flower that was so successfidly exhibited at the meetinsrs of the Floricultural Society of London. It is far from beirg fanl'Jess, but is constant, and one of the most desirable dahlias grown : it is v.?ry globular, and alwavs perfect in the centre; its defects are too great a length of petal, and want of substance in the back ones, which gemrallv become flimsy or die before the bloom is in perfection; another fault is, thit notwithstandins' its fine dark color, there is a silvery wliite hue over the face of the petal, that gives the flower a dull appearance. Adn. Stopford this year was the only rival that could successfully com- pete with Essex Triumph, and the best blooms I have seen were of the form3r; but this will not, I imagine, generally be the case, for it is not con;tint, and in less favorable seasons is not rood in the centre; the petal is broad and bold, and the color, though variable, is very good and glossy. Sir R. Sale is another flower approved by the Floricultural Society, and was proved to he one of the best of the season. Mrs. J. Richardson, a white and purple, was also submitted to the same test, and justified the oninion "-iven of it; it is a very useful flower and one of the best of its clas^. Vivid, thou'/h not by any means a first-rate flower, is an acquisi- tion, and the best scarlet we vet possess. Widnall's Queen is too well known to require comment; it is generally classed as a lilic, but is cer- taiidv n3arer rose color than anv other dahlia at present in ciihivaticm. Lady Cooper and Prince s Roval are very beautiful when w(dl grown, but are generally too hard and scaly in the centre. Antagonist, though un- 68 General Notices. certain, is quite an acquisition; the white is very pure and the petal good; the centre is the point in which it fails. Dodd's Prince of Wales is de- cidedly one of the best yellows, although the color is not very pure, and the centre apt to be sunk ; but the latter fault does not interfere with the globular form and general outline, and therefore does not detract much from its value. Mrs. Shelley was much exhibited last season, and was, with me, the finest flower in the garden ; every bloom came perfect, save a little disposition to quill in the centre, which, increasing towards the end of the season, made the back of the petals too visible Standard of Perfection is a new dahlia ; it is hazardous, therefore, to offer a very de- cided opinion upon it ; it may, however, safely be stated that it possesses style and character of first-rate order, and although not a large floM'erwas the most successful seedling exhibited in the present year, and was the only dahlia of 1842 that was placed in the first class by the Floricultural Society.— (Gorrf. Chron., 1843,/). 877.) Zinz Labels to ivrUe on icith a common pencil. — Slightly rub with pum- ice stone the part of the label upon which you wish to write, then write upon it with a common lead pencil, and when the letters have been ex- posed to tlie air for two or three days they are indelible. If you wish to efface the writing, you must rub the label with the pumice stone, and if the labels become covered over with earth or oxide, rub your finger, slightly wetted, over them, and they will re-appear. Old zinc is pref- erable to new for this purpose. M. Paul Manoury, gardener in the Gar- den of Plants, of Caen, made this discovery several years ago. — [Rev. Hart. translated in Gard. Chron., 1843, p. 911.) Pear Training. — Going over the pear quarter at the Royal Gardens at Versailles, I found from the head gardener, that he considered the tying down the branches a sufficient check to over growth, without the assist- ance of root pruning, except as regards any very free growing varieties. Nothing could, to my mind, exceed the neatness and good bearing of the pear trees ; they were of a conical shape, and all the branches tied down so as to present the appearance of a conical chandelier, and of course much more bearing wood obtained than in the trees which were stunted by root pruning. — ( Gard. Chron. 1843,- p. 841.) Art. II. Foreign JVotices. FRANCE. Cercle Generate de Horticulture de Pai-is. — In our volume for 1843, (IX. p. 66,) we gave an account of \hejirst exhibition of this Society, recently established, and we now offer the report of the second, knowing from the hiffh character of the exliibition, it will interest all amateurs of flowers and fruits. The second exhibition of this Society was given from the 19th to 25th September, at the Orangerie of the Louvre. As this was the only autum- nal show in or within 30 miles of Paris, a good sprinkling of fruit, plants, Foreign Notices. 69 and Cut Flowers was anticipated. Country florists and amateurs who make but one annual visit to the capital, look forward with anxiety to the spring and autumn shows, which are considered as botanical reunions from Ihe most distant parts of France. Alas for the disappointment that aAvaited them ! for a more meagre display has been seldom witarssed, even in Paris ; the room was not above half filled, and the Society is much indebted to Messrs. Gels for sending a very large collection of about 5C0 plants. Past failures have not taught wisdom to the Societies here, and to whatever cause it may be attributable in tliis case, whether to the long continuance of cold and wet in spring and summer, the dry hot weatlier in August and September, or the preposterous regulation of keeping open the show for six days ; certain it is that but few fine specimens of rare or good plants were to be seen, and the necessity of replenishing cut flow- ers, such as Roses and Dahlias, every other day, was quite sufficient to deter very many from exhibiting. These observations are not applicable to the fruit, but even in this department but comparatively few persons showed ; nevertiieless some of it was splendid, especially Pears, Apples, and late Peaches, which were all that could be wished ; the Grapes were far inferior to those of last year ; some of the bunches of Gros ribier de Maroc, Gros Damas Blanc, Chasselas de la Palestine, de Bar sur Aube, Muscat (i'Alexandrie, and Coniichon Blanc, Avere very large, but none of them had that luscious golden appearance Avhich generally characterises the Grapes here. The Melons, of which there v ere only three or four varieties of Cantaloupe, had nothing to recommend them. The Cayenne Pines, both Lis and Epineux, were very fine, and weighed from 10 lbs. to 12 lbs. each. There were also two seedling Pines of great beauty, and very large fruit; one of them of a remarkably waxy sea-green color. As to Vegetables, there were literally none, except Patates and Aubergines ; one of the former, however, weighed 5 lbs. Cut flowers (Dahlias and Roses), were numerous: but the late dry weather has been any thing but favorable, and the blooms Avere generally small. Mr. Laffay exhibited a seedling Perpetual Rose, named La Reine, which appears to be an hy- brid, between Quatre Saisons and He de Bourbon du Luxembourg; the flower is very large, petals well formed and cupped, and of a bright rose, the odour like Quatre Saisons, and of the same habit of growth ; it is not, however, very double, but notwithstanding, it cannot fail to become a fa- vorite, and v.ill be, no doubt, in every good collection, when it is let out, which will be as soon as he gets 200 subscribers at one guinea each. The Society offered silver and bronze medals, which were awarded for the following subjects. For the finest collection of Fruit, Ist prize, M. .T. L. Jamin ; this contained 110 varieties of Bergamot, Beurre, Doyenne, and other Pears, 20 varieties of Apples, besides Plums, Peaches, Grapes, and certainly was a splendid collection. Among the Pears were Berga- motte de Pentecote, Crassane, Libettent, Beurre d'Aremberg, d'Anjou, d'Angleterre, Moire, Incomparable, Capiaumont de Flandres, Doyenne Gris,^Dort', d'Hivor, Louis, Colinar d'Hiver, Blanc d'Aremberg, Bezi Sanspareil, Belle de Berri, Bon Chretien d'Ete, Napoleon, Gros Colmar, Van Mons, Enfant Prodigue, Ferdinand de Meister, Marie Louise, Louise Bonne d'Avranche, Passe Colmar Dore, Prince de Ligne, Van Mons Le- on Leclerc, Williams, Duchesse d'Angouleme, St. Germain d'Hiver, Pa- nache, Reine des Pays Bas, Saint Michel d'Archange, Chaptal, Catillac TO Foreign Notices. Belle Angevine, &lc, &c. Apples, Hawthorndean, Beauty of Kent, Al- exander, Pcanuain, Belle Josephine, Gravenstein Pippin, Quarendon. Piuins : Mirabolle d'Uctobre, Coe's Golden Drop, Waterloo, Innpeiial, Koetche d'ltalie and d'Allemaonc. Peaches: Gaiande, Bourdine, 'i eton de Venus, Violet Necta;ine. Grapes: Pied de perdrix, lilack Hamburg-, &c. ; 2d Prize, M. Boissy, for 40 varieties of Peuis and .ripples. For the finest specimens oi' Fruit : 1st prize, ftl. tSouchet. 'J'his contained IG varielies of Pears and Apples, and '2 of Peaches; not simply one or two, but a basket of each kind, all equally large and in excellent condition, and certainly was a splendid collection ; the varieties were, Ptars : Beur- re d'Ete, Incomparable, D'Aremberg, Saint Germain,Doyenne d'hte, Pelle Angevine. Bon Chretien de Cure, Doyenne d'Hiver, Cratsane, Duchesse d'Angleterre, Grosse de Bruxelles, Catillac. ^^pples : d'Api, de Can- ada, and Cab'ille Blanc. Peaches : Bon Ouvrier and Belle Beausse; 2d Prize, M. Li'pere, for Bon Chretien Colmar, Doyenne dore, Doyenne d'Hiver, Incomparable, Duchesse d'Angoulenie, St. Gerniain. Beurre d'Areinberg. Apples: Calville blanc and de Canada. Peaches: Belle Beausse, Bon Ouvrier, Bourdine, and Teton de Venus ; this collec- tion was also excellent, but the specimens were neither so numerous or large as the former. Grapes: 1st prize, M. Barbot, for Muscat Blanc, Violet de Frontignan. d'Alexandrie, Chasselas blanc Musque, Noir JVIus- que, de la Palestine, Rose, Violet, de Bar sur Aube, Suisse. Petit Gromi- er, Gros Gromier du Cantal, Frankantal, Eourdelais, Gros Maroc Hatif, Gros Ribier de JMaroc, Gros Damas blanc, Ponlsart du Jura, JMadeleine blanc, Noir, Ciota, and Cornichon blanc. Pive-App.'es : Jst prize, M. Bergmmn, for Cayenne Lis, and Epineux. SeeiUins; Pine-App'es : 1st prize, M. Goutier, for two fine plants in fruit for the first time. Hoi and Grecyihouse Plants: 1st prize, Messrs. Cels, for a large collection, contain- ing upwards of 200 specimens of Palms, Orchidaceae, Ferns, «Ivc, &.c., both in and out of bloom ; among them were Areca sapida, Caryota urens, Chamseiops excelsa and humilis, Chanifedorea elatior, elegans, lindeniana, and oblongata, Cocos australis and nova species, Desmoncus polyanthos, Euterpe globosa, Fulchironia senegalensis, Gulielma specio- sa, Latania rubra, Oreodoxa regia, Thrinax argentea and parviflora, Seaforthia elegans. Orrh. Oncidium flexuosum, papilio, and trullife- rum, Acropera Loddigesii, Catasetum cristatnm, Epidendrum cochlealum, and Zygopetahnn maxillare, Alctris fragrans, Archimenes longifiora and pedunculata, ^Echmea fulgens, Centradenia rosea. Begonia ccc' inca, dregii. fischerii, manicata. peltata, and zebrina, Cecropia digitata and dis- color, Cedrcla odorata, Cerbera fructicosa, Crinum amabile, Clusia rosea, Cycas circinalis and revoluta; Doryanthos excelsa, DracEena Draco, ellip- tica, terminalis, for. var., and umbrae ulifera, Echites melaleuca and pani- culata. Gloxinia discolor and rubra, Gesnera zebrina, Ino-a Harrisonii, Justicia cxrnei and cristata. Nepenthes distillatoria, Strelitzia auirusta and regiujE, Stephmotis Thouarsii. Zamia muricata and pungens, &c., Cacti: Jst prize, Messrs. Cels, for a large collection, containing 1?0 varieties of Echinocactus, Echinopsis, Mammillaria, &c., among which were soma verv fine specimens of aulacogonus, cornig-erus, erinaceus. an- cistracmthus, formos'us. tortuosus, scopa,marimi. cirrhifera, elephantidens, caput Medusa, spinnsissima, and senilis; 2d prize. M. Modeste Guerin, for 50 vars. of Echinocactus and MammillariEe. Roses in fots, 1st prize, Foreign Notices. 71 M. Paillet, for CO vars. of Bengales, TWs, Bourbons, and hybrids, imonff wliich were some tolerably guod plants of Clara Silvain, hclle Octavie, Carniin d'Vebles, (ieneral Sayez, Fredric, La Pactole, Barbot, Trioiriphe de la Giiillotiere, Boiifferc, Goinbault, Princesse JMarie, Niplictos, Coiiite de Paris, Arance de Navaro, Trioinphe d'Orleans, Reine Victoria, Manz- cais, TliL'rese, Isabello, Comle d'Eu, Prince Charlets, Doctour Roques, Reine, Coinice de Seine et Marne, Grand Capitaine, Rivers, Prince Al- bert and Clementine. 2d prize, M. Leveqiie, for (iO varieties. Cut Roses, 50 varieties, 1st prize, M. Gauihier, for Prmce Albert, Comte de Paris, Madame Liffay, Bernard, Coquette de Montmorency, Reine des Ama- teurs, Rivers, Josephine, Amene Duval, Gloire de Guerin, Belle Fabert, Reine Victoria, Louis Bonaparte, Isaure, P^ilgorie, Luxembourg-, Aurore, Helene, Bougere, Lamarque, I'aul .losepli, Madame Des|)rez, Bouquet de Floce, Cornice de Seine et Marne, Jaune Desprez, Docleur Roques, Emile Courtier, Aimcie Vibert, &c. 2d prize, M. Margottin, for '■]() varieties. Setillina; Rosr., 1st prize, M. Liffay, for Hybrid perpetual, La Reine. j\'(:rium'}, 1st prize, M. Mabire, for album duplex, atropur])ureum. odora- tissimum, (very fine), nigrum, speciosum, candidissimum, cn])reum, ele- gans, gran liflorum, novum, lacleolum, Mabirii. ochroleucum, purpureum plenum, roscum PTandiflorum, splendens coccineum, macuophyllum, maxi- mum, splendidissimum, striatum plenum, veiuistum and puniceum. Dah- lias in pots, 1st prize, M. Barbier: 2d prize, M. Dufay ; both these col- lections were poor, the varieties being those which are cultivated for the markets. Cut Dahlias, 1st prize, M^ Soul ip, for Poiteau. Miss Chester, Favourite, Reine des Fees, Prince of Wales, Reine d'Or, Patentt'e, Caro- line Walner, Antagonist, Beaute de Paris, Annibal, AkhbarKhan, Orion, Eveque de Nanum, Thiers, North Midland, Beauty of Sussex, Virgil, Sir F. .lohnson. Dame de Beaute. Henri IV., Liberty, Die Wiesse Dame, Vandal Queen, Charivari, Exinua, Baronne Gerard, Heloise, Mary Jane, Surprise, Alba purpurea superba, Boule d'Or, Perfection, Mrs. Shelley, Lady Cooper. Pierre Pugct, Miranda, Dumont d'l'rville, &c. ; 2nd prizes to M. Roblin and M. Uterhart. J\'ew Plants, prizes to M. Thibaut, for Phlox Van Houttei, Cypripedium barbatum, Griffinia purpurascens, Pit- cairnia punicea, Dionasa muscipula. Begonia manicata, and hydrococtyli- folii. Prize to M. Salter, for Archimenes pedunculata, and two seedling Fuchsias, Aurlot and Le Chinois. China Asters, prize to M. Pansnrt, for 2.5 varieties, very poor. Fuchsias, prize to Al. Malingre, for 15 veiy old varieties, every one of which (except Chandlerii) is now cast aside b^v En'i-lish growers as worthless. M. 7'repet Leblanc exhibited several seedling plants of Daubentonia Tripetiana. in bloom, and although the seed was only set in February last, some of them Mere five feet hiL'"h; the briL'"ht oransre scarlet flower ffives this plant a very gay appearance, but its sfrio-1-linT habit of growth deteriorates from its general merits. — Paris, 29i/i September. 1843. Gard. Chron., 1843, p. Wi.) Art. HL Domestic Notices. Destruction of the Public Conservatory by Fire. — We regret to state that the large and fine collection of plants belonging to the I'ublic Garden in 72 Domestic Notices. Boston, was destroyed by fire on the morning of December 6th. The fire took from the wood-work near the smoke-pipe from the furnace, where it runs up through the floor in the centre of the house, and all the timbers under the floor had become half consumed before it was discovered by the gardener, who sleeps in a room below the conservatory. The crack- ling of the fire aroused him from his sleep and he immediately gave the alarm. Horses were despatched for the engines, which soon arrived, and the fire was soon got under. Not a single plant in the house was burnt or scorched, but the great heat, arising from the burning timbers, and the deleterious gases generated, completely baked the plants. In the gallery the wood of tlie passion flowers and other plants was dried to a crisp. In addition to this the night was exceedingly cold (14<^), and the air which rushed in at the places broken in the roof to admit the water (salt water), would alone have nearly ruined the plants, without the assistance of fire. We visited the conservatory the day following the fire, and the fine large camellias and rhododendrons which we had only a short time agfo alluded to when speaking of the new arrangement of the interior (Vol. IX. p. 379), presented a ruinous condition. Early in the autumn Mr. Teschemacher had, with his own hands, top-dressed and repotted all the camellias, and they Avere rapidly recovering, under iiis good management, from a sickly state, just as the fire occurred. On one white camellia we counted hundreds of flowers which were in full beauty the day previous. In this collection was one of the largest plants of the Camelh'a Floyi'i'. All the plants on which Mr. Teschemacher had tried, and was still trying, so many interesting experiments with guano, nitrate of soda, charcoal, &c., were among the rest, entirely lost. — Ed. Purchase of the. Latin School House by the Massachusetts Horticultural Society. — This Society has recently purchased the old Latin School-house in School Street, for the sum of $18,000, possession to be given in June. The Society have already chosen a committee for remodelling or rebuild- ing the same as soon as operations can be commenced. It is the expect- ation of the Society that they will be able to complete the new building so as to hold their annual exhibition in it in September next. The Society is in a flourishing condition, and we are happy to learn that they have se- cured so central and excellent a location. — Ed. Rats fond of the Tigridia pavonia (Tiger flower.) — Would it not be well to state that rats are very fond of the bulbs of the Tigridia (Tiger flower) I I pat a quantity of them in my cellar this fall, and on looking over my roots a few days since, I found that the rats had eaten them up entirely. Yotirs, J. M. E., Worcester, Dec. 1843 Horticultural Society in JVeiv Jersej/. — The amateur horticulturists of New Jersey have lately formed a horticultural society, and organized by the choice of the following officers : — R. S. Field, Esq., Princeton, Pre- sident. Hon. W. Wriofht, Newark, Richard Fetters, Esq., Camden, Chas. Bispham, Esq., Mt. Holly, A. N. Archer, Esq., Burlington, Chas. C. Yard, Esq., Trenton, Roswell Colt, Esq., Patterson, Vice Presidents. Ira B. Un- derbill, Burlington, T^-easurer. William White, Esq. Laurenceville, Cor- respondincr Secretary. W. W. King, Burlington, Recording Secretary. Yours, T. Hancock, Burlington, Dec. 1843. Beurre Spence Pear. — Having seen in your Magazine for October, that the Beurre Spence pear has been exhibited before the Massachusetts Horticultural Society by Mr. Vandine, of Cambridgeport, and it being the Domestic Notices. 73 first time I have heard of its fruiting in this country, and as there has been some doubts of there being such a pear, will you be so good as to give a description of it in your Magazine. — lours, W. Reid, Murray Hill jYur- seru, JVew York, Dec. 1343. [The pear was not the true Beurr6 Spence. — Ed.] Horticulture in the vicinitij of Boston. — We lately gave an extract (p. 33,) froiu one of Mr. Ernst's letters upon the state of gardening in the vicinity of Boston, detailing Messrs. Hyde's mode of destroying the curculio. As our readers may be desirous of knowing what strang- ers, who visit us, say of our gardens, Ave take the following notes from the letters, communicated by Mr. Ernst to tlie Daily Atlas of Cincinnati, in regard to the four principal nursery establishments around Boston. Mr. Kenriclc's. — In my visit to Mr. Kenrick's extensive fruit and ornamental establishment, at Brighton, I regretted to find him absent from home. This deprived me of the pleasure of an interview at his beautiful location. Mr. K.'s collection is very large, to which he is making con- stant and extensive additions, by importations from Europe. There being no one at hand to explain, I took a hasty ramble over his extensive grounds, and departed, in the hope that I should have found time to again visit him. M;:ssr3. Winship's. — In the vicinity of Mr. Kenrick's, there are other public nurseries. The Messrs. Winship is among the oldest and larg- est. TJiey are perhaps the most extensive, in the ornamental line, of any establishment about Boston ; their grounds are beautifully located, seven miles from the city, on the Worcester Rail-road, which runs directly through them, making them, by this easy and pleasant mode of access, a place of great resort. Every thing is tastefully arranged and neatly kept. Ms'isrs. Hyde's. — In my visit to the Messrs. Hyde, of Newton, I was mucii interested. In these gentlemen, I found the true New England cluaracter exemplified, " a place for every thing and every thing in its right place." In connection with their farming and fruit operations, they are doing considerable in the nursery way. One of them with delight, pointed out to me the various interesting objects of the place ; among the rest a great elm, under the shadow of whose boughs, his ancestry, for three or four generations back, were wont to rest their weary limbs, from their toilsome but cheerful labor. In speaking of the fine appearance of their crops and trees, on land which had been so long in use, he observed that they were obliged to manure highly. In answer to an inquiry as to what it had cost them, he said that they had paid as high as iffSOO per annum for manure ; and they found the more they bought and put on the land, the better they could afford to pay for it. I mention this fact for the benefit of such of our farmers as have not yet discovered that there is some value in this article, and that they may be induced to try the experiment. Messrs. Hovey^s. — In my- visit to the new grounds of the Messrs. Hovey at Cambridge, I was much pleased with the enterprising spirit with which they are progressing in their operations. The location is a fine one for a public nursery, and they have made a good beginning. Tliey have erected a handsome and spacious green-house. Their collection of plants is good, especially in that of the rose, which is large and very fine. Their collection of dahlias is also good. They have quite a respectable number of fruit and ornamental trees, to which they are making rapid additions, and will without doubt, rank in a very short time among the best establishments in the country. VOL. X, — NO. II. 10 74 Obituary Notice. Mr Ernst concludes his letters with the following remarks on Horticul- tural taste in the vicinity of Boston : — A few remarks on Horticultural taste that exists about Boston, and I will close for the present. When a Cincinnatian finds himself within its suburbs and the region around, the first thing that will forcibly strike his eye, is the high state of cultivation to which industry and perseverance have brought the face of a rough and rocky country from what he would look on at home as beyond recovery, but which now abounds in blooming and fruitful fields and gardens. The next thing, is the perfect respect which is paid to men's rights ; he will observe, to his surprise, as he passes along the roadside, that it is not necessary to build high fences, with heavy gates and bars, bolts, and locks, to keep out the intruder from appropriating to himself the fruits of his industry ; he will see that their fences and gates are merely ornamental appendages, over which the branches of trees hang with their ample loads of golden fruit, as well as gorgeous flowers, perfectly within reach of the hand ; yet no man or wo- man with the least pretensions to respectability, would presume to dis- turb what is not their own, or enter those premises, witliout being invited by the owner. He will see no hogs, cows, dogs, or other animals roam- ing at large, ready to pounce in, if a gate should by some unlucky chance be left loose, to destroy the labor and expenditure of years. I do not however wish to be understood that there is nothing to find fault witli ; this is not my object. These are some of tlie fruits of Horticultural taste, as bearing on those who raise fruits for their living or comfort. Another great advantage is, it has discriminated between the value of good and common fruits, vegetables, &c., in offering proper rewards to those who produce the best of these articles, and fixing a value on men and their productions in proportion to their wortli. The consequence is, that a repu- tation for correctness, honesty, and intelligence, is looked to as of more consequence in those whose business it is to supply the public wants, in the various departments of Horticulture, than in the low price of the ar- ticles.— *5. H. Ernst. Spring- Garden, Jan. 3d, 1844. Art. IV. Obituary J^otice. Death of J. C. Loudon, Esq. — It is with feelings of the most painful regret, that we announce the death of this distinguished writer and most estimable man, wjiose works are familiar to every lover of horticulture, and whose labors as conductor of tlie Gardener's Magazine for nineteen years, have had such an influence in promoting a taste for gardening, not only in England, but on the Continent and tliroughout our own country. The January number of the Magazine, which was to commence the new volume, has been made the last which will ever be published, and is paged as a continuation of the last volume, so as to close up tlie work to that pe- riod. The loss of Mr. Loudon's Magazine cannot be made good. It was the first which was ever published, and though numbers Jiave sprung up since and many are now in circulation, yet none of them ever approached near his. No writer ever had a more happy facility of popidarizi7uc the subjects on which he wrote, than Mr. Loudon, and his originality of ideas, as well as his independence of their expression, upon everytliing con- nected with gardening and rural improvement, gained for him friends Obituary Notice. 75 wherever his works were read. The following notice of his deatli is copied from his own Magazine, now closed forever: — On the 14th of December, 1843, died at his house at Bayswater, John Claudius Loudon, Esq., who for nearly half a century, has been before tlie public as a writer of numerous useful and popular works on gardening agriculture, and architecture. Mr. Loudon's father was a farmer, residing in the neighborhood of Edin- burgh, where he was highly respected ; but Mr. Loudon was born on April 8, 1783, at Cambuslang, in Lanarkshire, where his mother's only sister resided, herself the motlier of the Rev. Dr. Claudius Buchanan, afterwards celebrated for his philanthropic labors in India. Dr. Buchanan was several years older than Mr. Loudon, but there was a singular coin- cidence in many points of their history. The two sisters Avere, in both cases, left widows at an early age with large families, which were brought up by the exertions of the eldest sons ; and both mothers had the happi- ness of seeing their eldest sons become celebrated. Mr. Loudon was brought up as a landscape gardener, and began to practice in 1803, when he came to England with numerous letters of introduction to some of the first landed proprietors in the kingdom. He afterwards took a large farm in Oxfordshire, where he resided in 1809. In the year 1813-14-15 he made the tour of northern Europe, traversing Sweden, Russia, Poland and Austria ; in 1819 he travelled through Italy ; and in 1828 through France and Germany. Mr. Loudon's career as an author began in 1803, when he was only twenty years old, and it continued with very little interruption during the space of forty years, being only concluded by his death. The first works he published were the following: — Observations on Laying out Public Squares in 1803, and on Plantations, in 1804; a Treatise on Hothouses in 1805, and on Country Residences, in 1806, both 4to ; Hints on the Foiina- tion of Gardens, in 1812 ; and tlaree works on Hothouses, in 1817 and 1818. In 1822 appeared the first edition of the EncyclopfBdia of Gardening; a work remarkable for the immense mass of useful mat- ter which it contained, and for the then unusual circumstance of a great quantity of wood cuts being mingled with the text : this book obtained an extraordinary sale, and fully established his fame as an author. Soon after was published an anonymous work, written either partly or entirely by Mr. Loudon, called tlie Greenhouse Companion ; and shortly afterwards, Observations on Laying out Farms, in folio, with his name. In 1824 a second edition of the Encyclopoidia of Gardening, was published, with very great additions, alterations, and improvements ; and the following year appeared the first edition of the Encyclopcedia of Agriculture. In 1826, the Gardener''s Magazine was commenced, being the first periodical ever devoted exclusively to horticultural subjects. The Magazine of JVatural History, also the first of its kind, was begun in 1828. Mr. Lou- don was now occupied in the preparation of the EncyclopfBdia of Plants, which was published early in 1829, and was speedily followed by the Hortus Britannicus. In 1830, a second and nearly rewritten edition of the Encyclopaedia of Agricidture was published, and this was followed by an entirely rewritten edition of the EncyclopfBdia of Gardening, in 1831 ; and the Enq/clopetdia of Cottage, Farm, and Villa Architecture, the first he piiblished on his own account, in 1832. The last work was one of the most successful, because it was one of the most useful he ever wrote, and T6 Obituary Notice. is likely lontr to continue a standard book on the subjects on which it treats. Mr. Loudon now began to prepare his great and ruijious "vcoik, the Jlrbordum Britannicum, the anxieties attendant on which were, undoubt- edl\', the primary cause of that decay of constitution, which terminated in his death. This work was not, however, completed till 1838, and in the mean time he began tlie Architectural Magazine, the first periodical devoted exclusively to architecture. The labor he underwent at this time was almost incredible. He had four periodicals, viz; the Gardtjur^s, JVatural Histonj, and .Irchitectitral Magazines, and the .Irboretum Britan- nicum, wliich was ])ublished in montlily numbers, going on at the same time ; and, to produce them at the proper times, he literally worked night and day. Immediately on the conclusion of the Arboretum Britannicum, he began the Suburban Gardener, which was also published in lt38, as was the Hortus Lignosus Londoniensis ; and in 1839 appeared his edition of Repton's Landscape Gardening. In 1840 he accepted the editorship of the Gardener'' s Gazette, which he retained till November, 1841 : and in 1842 he republished his Ena/clopo'dia of Trees and Shrubs. In tlie same year he completed liis Suburban Horticidturist ; and finally in 1843, he published his work on Cemeteries, tlie last separate work he ever wrote. In this list, many minor productions of Mr. Loudon's pen have been ne- cessarily omitted ; but it may be mentioned, that he contributed to the Enci/clopttdia Britannica and Brande's Dictionai'y of Science; and that he published numerous supplements from time to time of his various works. No man, perhaps, has ever written so much, under such adverse circum- stances, as Mr. Loudon. Manj' years ago, when he first came to England, (in 1803), he had a severe attack of inflammatory rheumatism, which disabled him for two years, and ended in an ancbylosed knee, and a contracted left arm. In the year 1820, whilst compiling the Encyclopfrdia of Gar- dening, he had another severe attack of rheumatism ; and the following year, being recommended to go to Brighton to get shampooed in Mahom- med's Baths, his right arm was there broken near the shoulder, and it never properly united. Notwithstanding this, he continued to write with his right hand till 1825, when his arm was broken a second time, and he was then obliged to have it amputated : but not before a general breaking up of the frame had commenced, and the thumb and two fingers of the left hand had been rendered useless. He afterwards suffered frequently from ill health, till his constitution was finally undermined bj' the anxiety attendant on that most costly and laborious of all his works, ^e Arbontum Brilannicum, which has unfortunately not yet paid for itself. He died at last of disease of the lungs, after suffering severely for about three months ; and he retained all his clearness and energy of mind to the last. His labors as a Landscape Gardener are too numerous to be de- tailed here, but that which he always considered as the most important, was the laying out of the Arboretum, so nobly presented by Joseph Strutt, Esq., to the town of Derby. Never, perhaps, did any man possess more energy and determination than Mr. Loudon ; whatever he began he pursued with enthusiasm, and carried out, notwithstanding obstacles that would have discouraged any ordinary person. He was a warm friend, and most kind and affectionate in all his relations of son, husband, father and brother ; and he never hesitated to sacrifice pecuniary considerations to what he considered his duty. That he %vas always most anxious to promote the welfare of g^ar- Obitiiary Notice. 17 dening', the volumes of this Magazine bear ample witness ; and he labored not only to improve their professional knowledge, and to increase their temporal comforts, but to raise their moral and intellectual character." Since the above was prepared, Ave have received the following from a friend in New York, and though not written for publication, as we know it will interest our readers, coming from one who has enjoyed Mr. Lou- don's acquaintance and friendship, we are sure our correspondent will excuse us for inserting it. No one can feel deeper sympathy than myself, in relation to the death of that child of nature, Mr. Loudon. I was much grieved, for I had the pleasure or rather privilege of his intimate acquaintance. I spent some time witli him and partook of his hospitality on two occasions ; and will never forget his simple kind heartedness and edifying convers,ition ; and such an admirer of America and its liberal institutions, I only wish he had been spared to pay us a visit: one of his enlarged and benevolent mind would look on every thing in its true light, unswayed by tiiat narrow prejudice so common among the many who have come to these shores on tours of observation. How he would have admired our stately forest trees, — wood-clothed mountains and ocean rivers, — and what a faithful account he would have given, and how he would have clothed it in his nervous style (I mean on these subjects), for Arborcultore was his hobby, as that monument of his diligence and untiring research, Loudon's ./Irbo- retum testifies, and which Avas the great occasion of his pecuniary trials ; indeed he told me that he had his heart set on its completion, and (it is his own words), although his publishers told him it would ruin him, if carried through, he could not yield to their advice, as his whole mind Avas bent on it, and at length it Avas completed, and you knoAv how nobly he executed the task. He told me himself it Avas Avell patronized by the nobility and public, but the capital Avas very heavy and returned compa- ratively slow, — hence his trials ; and Avithal he Avas so upright in the Avhole matter, as to make every order for his Avork be paid over to his bookseller. There is no danger now that he is gone of his family suffering ; the Eng- lish public are too noble minded to alloAv tiiis. Nor Avill his merit go unroAvarded ; the government have settled pensions on Avorth not half as meritorious as his, and I have an idea that they Avill yet bring it before the premier, Avho you know is a man of great liberality. I suppose you noticed Mr. Loudon's rejection in October or November last of a Loudon Testimonial, — he seemed quite offended at the very idea of such a thing, — and on this account I admired him ten times more. Mrs. L. is a very fine lady and so is her sister ; they Avere all most attentive to me. I had scarcely reached my friend's house, — it Avas the very next day that his servant called Avitli a note from him Avelcoming me to London, and inviting me out to their charming residence on Porchester Terrace, — I Avas so en- gaged I could not go as soon as they expected, — but when who should come in one morning but Mr. and Mrs. Loudon themselves to urge me out in person, — it Avas very kind, for I had no claim on tliem whatever. — G. C. T. In allusion to the Jlrboretum, a note in the December number of Lou- don's Macrazine, states that there are 3.50 copies remaining unsold, and if these Avere disposed of. ihc income from all his Avorks Avould go to his family. We mention this, believing that there are many gentlemen in this country who would Avillingly aid Mr. Loudon's family in this manner. 78 Faneuil Hall Market. The work is one which should be in every good library, and particularly in the hands of every lover of trees and shrubs. Mr. L. wrote us some time since that the cost of the work was £10,000, and that the sale waa wholly pledged to his publishers for payment. — Ed. Art. V. Faneuil Hall Market. Roots, Tubers, <^c. Common,... Potatoes, new : ^, i per barrel, Chenangoes, ^j^er bushel ^ per barrel, \ per bushel _, , i per barrel, Eastports,... ||;er bushel Sweet, per bushel, . . Turnips, per bushel : Common, .... Ruta Baga, . . . Onions : Red, per bunch, . . Yellow, per bunch, . Yellow, per bushel, Rareripes, per bunch Beels, per bushel, . . Carrots, per bushel, . Parsnips, per bushel, . Salsafy, per doz. roots, Radishes, per hunch, . Horseradish, per lb. . Cabbages, Salads, tf-c. Cabbages, per doz. : Drumhead, . . Savoy, .... Red Dutch, . . Brocolis, each, . . . Cauliflowers, each, Lettuce, per head, . . Celery, per root, . . Spinach, per peck, Cucumbers, (pickled) pr gal Peppers, (pickled) per gal. Mangoes, per doz . . . Pot and Sxoeet Herbs. Parsley, per half peck, Sage, per pound, . . Marjoram, per bunch. Savory, per bunch, Spearriiiiit, per bunch, From $ cts. 25 50 00 50 00 75 50 50 50 3 3 00 62J 62i 62.i 10 75 75 12i 25 10 8 25 25 37.i 37.i 17 6 6 3 To Sets 1 37.4 50 2 25 80 12 50 20.J 12..^ 12 Squashes and Pumpkins. Autumnal Marrow, per cwt. Winter Crookneck, per cwt. Canada Crookneck, per cwt. Pumpkins, each, . . . jFVuJfe. Apples, dessert and cookin, Baldwins, per barrel, . Greenings, per barrel, Russetts, per barrel, . Blue Pearmain, per barrel, Danvers Winter Sweet, " Common Sweet, per bar. Spitzembergs, per barrel. Common, per barrel, . N, Y. Pippin, per barrel, Wine apple, .... Egg-Top, per barrel, . Gilliflower, per barrel, Lady Apple, per. half pk Dried apples, per lb. . Pears : Beurre Diel, per doz. . Vicar of Winkfield, pr. " St. Germain, per doz. Glout MorceaUj ' ' Beurre d'Aremberg, " Easter Beurre, per doz Chaumontelle, per doz. Common, per half peck, Baking, per bushel. Cranberries, per bushel, Q,uinces, per bushel, . Tomatoes, per doz. . Grapes, per pound : White Malaga, . . Purple Malaga, . . Pine-apples, each, Lemons, per doz. . . Oranges, per doz. Walnuts, per bushel, Chesnuts, per bushel, Cocoanuts, per hund. Butternuts, per bush. Almonds, per lb. . . From] $ cts 3 50 2 50 2 50 10 2 75 3 00 2 50 3 00 2 50 2 00 2 50 00 3 00 3 00 3 00 2 50 87^ 4^ 50 25 50 50 00 25 25 1 50 3 50 20 20 12 17 25 1 50 2 50 3 00 1 00 14 To S cts. 4 00 3 00 3 00 3 00 3 00 3 00 75 . 37^ 75 75 4 00 25 20 50 00 4 00 Hoi^ticultural Memoranda. 79 Remarks. — The month of January up to the date we now write (29tli), has been one of the coldest for some years, and the last five days unu- sually severe. There being but little snow upon the ground, the frost has penetrated very deep. The thermometer on the 25th did not vary but about G° in 36 hours, that is, from 0 to 6 above ; and with a keen cut- ting wind it was one of the coldest days to bear. The continuance of this severe weather has frozen up the harbor of Boston, and even Long Island sound to such an extent, that the Steamboat lines from Stonington and Norwich have been discontinued. Since February, 1836, no such cold weather has been experienced. Vegetables. — Our quotations show quite a change in potatoes this month ; this is in part owing to the weather, which has shut out arrivals, and in part to the loss of large quantities by frost, which Avere stored in cellars. Within a few days prices have advanced and there is now but little doubt they will go higher, in consequence of the causes we have just named. Turnips are in better demand, and prices firmer with a slight advance. Onions are now quite scarce. No radishes have yet been brought in. There is a fair supply of Savoy cabbages, but other sorts are scarce and small. Brocolis and cauliflowers, particularly the latter, are very scarce and prices high. Lettuce now comes in of good size and handsome ap- pearance, and fair prices are obtained. Spinach is not so abundant as usual at the season. Considerable quantities have been lost by the severe cold. Parsley remains the same. The stock of squashes is now greatly reduced, and those of good quality command our highest prices ; good sound marrows of the true kind are very scarce. Fruit. — The fruit market is now rather still, but considerable has been doing. It appears from the freight list of the Western Rail-road that upwards of 10,000 barrels of apples have come to the city through that source ; at least 5000 have come direct from Albany or by the way of New York by water, making a total of 15,000 barrels supplied to the Bos- ton market. From this it may be seen how limited a stock the whole produce of the New England States Avould have been the past year. Val- uing the apples at #2 per barrel, which is low, and ^30,000 worth of apples alone have been received from New York. The announcement of this fact is sufficient to induce our farmers to pay more attention to fruit. Of this supply tlie whole portion has been purchased between Albany and Syracuse, perhaps as far as Rochester. The greatest portion of them have been Greenings, which were very large and handsome ; a few were Russetts, and the others miscellaneous sorts. The Swaar apple, recom- mended by Judge Buel, is a superior fruit and so much sought after, that scarcely any could be obtained for this market: the Wine apple is a superior fruit, but from its great size it does not carry Avell, and conse- quently keeps poorly : a variety, called the Egg-top, from near Syracuse, appears to be a very saleable apple ; it is oval, with a yellowisli skin, nearly covered and striped with a brilliant, glossy red ; and is a tender and excellent fruit. Our fruit growers must not confine themselves too much to the Baldwin, but try other sorts. Pears are now limited to the Easter Beurrt-, Vicar of Winkfield, Beurre d'Aremberg, and one or two otlier sorts ; Baking remain the same. Cranberries are without alteration. Grapes are abundant. Good Havanna oranges are not abundant. Wal- nuts are dull, but in Chesnuts something is doing and prices have ad- vanced.—JU. T. Boston, Jan. 29, 1844. 80 Horticultural Memoranda. HORTICULTURAL MEMORANDA FOR FEBRUARY. FRUIT DEPARTMENT. Grape Vines, except in graperies where it is desirous to force forward the crop, there will be nothing to do this month ; in ordinary greenhouses the bn Hort. Soc. Cat. 3d Ed. William the Fourth, ) Bergamotte d' Avranches, ? Pom. Rep. of the Hort. Soc. of Rouen. Poire de Jersey, \ Y\g. 23. Of the many varieties of pears which are of more recent introduction, probably none take a higher rank than the Louise Bonne of Jersey, {fig. 5, p. 134.) Mr. Thompson has stated that in the climate of England, it more than "rivals the Marie Louise," and is worthy a place in every collec- tion. Its beauty is fully equal to its excellence. It appears that the Louise Bonne of Jersey is quite an old variety, though but so recently introduced to England and this country. According to an account of it in the 134 Pomologinal Notices ; Pomological Report of the Hort. Soc. of Rouen, it was ob- tained at Avranches in 1788, by M. de Longueval, and its original name was the Biierri de Longueval. It was, how- ever, generally distributed under the name of Louise Bonne Louise Bonne of Jersey Pear. d' Avranches, which is undoubtedly its legitimate title ; but the London Horticultural Society have called it the Louise Bonne of Jersey, from its having first been received in their garden from the Island of Jersey — and to distin- guish it from the old Louise Bonne, on old and inferior fruit. In 1820, specimens of fruit were first exhibited be- fore the society, which were received from Jersey, and sub- sequently grafts were received from Major General Le Descriptions of Six varieties of Pears. 135 Contour, for the society's collection. It is a vigorous and hardy tree, and well adapted for a standard. For dwarf trees, considerable care is requisite in the pruning, in order to clothe the stem with branches near the ground, as the tendency of growth is upright. Size, large, about three and a half inches long, and two and a half in diameter : Form, pyramidal, regular, large around the eye, gradually tapering to the stem near which there is a slight contraction : Skin, fair, smooth, yellowish green, paler when mature, very broadly suffused with bright red on the sunny side, which shades off abruptly, and the surface covered with grayish russet points, each point hav- ing the peculiarity of being surrounded with an " aureole " or ray of red : Stem, medium length, about one inch, stout, smooth, pale brown, with a few grayish specks, fleshy, swollen and wrinkled at its junction with the fruit, and forced into an oblique direction by a large projection or lip on one side: Eye, medium size, open, moderately sunk in an open furrowed cavity ; segments of the calyx medium length, stiff, projecting, rounded : Flesh, yellowish white, fine, melting, buttery and exceeding juicy: Flavor, rich, brisk, agreeably perfumed and delicious : Core, medium size : Seeds, medium size, light brown. Ripe in October. 24. Vicar of Winkfield. Hort. Soc. Cat. 3d Ed. Monsieur Le Cur^-. Hort. Soc. Cat., 2d and 3d Edition. Dumas. Hort. Soc. Cat. 3d Edition. Clion. Jim. Orchardist. 3d Edition. De Cure, ^ Monsieur, > Of some French Cultivators in the Department of Indre. De Clion, ) Belle de Berry j) Bon Papa, > Dalbret Traite de la Taille des Arh. Fr. Pater Notte, ) Belle Heloise, of some French Catalogues. Saint Lezin. Bon Jardinier. 1837, p. 327. Burgomaster, of many gardens around Boston, and Manning's Book of Fruits, p. 90. It is somewhat singular that a variety whose qualities have been so long known, in the vicinity of Boston, under the name of Burgomaster, should now, almost for the first time, attract so much attention, and, by many, supposed to be a very iieio pear. For a number of years, at least ten, and we believe longer, this variety has been sold in the 136 Pomological Notices ; Boston market, and has been almost the only pear, in some seasons, to be fomid as late as January, or even February. Yet, notwithstanding this, since the merits of the variety have become better known, there has been a constant in- quiry after this pear. Mr. Manning at one period thought of regrafting all his trees of this kind ; but after further trial, its great pro- ductiveness, and other good qualities, induced him to con- tinue its cultivation. The specimens of fruit are remarka- bly variable, and we have eaten them when they would have been pronounced nearly first rate, and we have also tasted them when they were only fit for culinary purposes. This great difference is to be attributed wholly to soil, sit- uation, &c., and also to the proper mode of ripening this, as well as other winter varieties of pears. Notwithstanding it is a matter of some doubt as to the pro- priety of substituting the name Vicar of Winkfield for Le Cure, still we have done so for reasons heretofore given ; the most important of which are, that the Catalogue of the Lon. Hort. Soc. is acknowledged as the best authority, and it is certainly advisable to have some standard. The Poire de Cure is the oldest name among fruit cultivators, but it has obtained all the synonyms above enumerated. The original tree was found in the woods at Brenne, in France, by a curate, (cure, from whence its original name,) and from its large size and good qualities was extensively mul- tiplied and disseminated. A full account of its history will be found in our Vol. for 1843, (IX. p. 271.) The Vicar of Winkfield is one of the most productive pears in cultivation ; the trees bear every year and are of- ten so overloaded as to break down the limbs. As a dwarf, or en qiienonille^ tree, on the quince, it is a most desirable kind ; the fruit on that stock is often six or eight inches long and is higher colored than when growing on the pear. It will also flourish in a soil unfavorable to many other pears. In regard to quality there is much diflerence of opinion ; but, as we have just stated, this is greatly owing to locality, season, &c. In a description of it in the Gard. Chronicle for 1843, p. 20, Mr. Thompson states that it is "buttery and melting in all seasons, and rich in such as are favorable," The best we have ever tasted, were some specimens we received from Mr. S. Walker, of Rox- bury, last autumn, whose excellent article on the ripening of Descriptions of six varieties of Pears. 137 this and other varieties, will be found in a previous No. (page 22,) and our engraving {fig. 6,) gives a very cor- rect representation of one of the pears. Vicar of Winkjield Pear, Size, large, about five inches long and three inches in diameter: Form, oblong pyramidal, irregular, flattened, obUque at the crown, largest below the middle, contracting VOL. X. NO. IV. 18 138. New Seedling Apples, slightly above, and tapering to the stem where it ends rather obtusely : Skin, fair, smooth, pale yellow when ma- ture, broadly tinged with dull red on the sunny side, and regularly covered with brownish russet points, interspersed with rather large, irregular, blotches or patches of dark russet : Stem, medium length, about one inch, rather slender, curved, wrinkled, greenish brown, thick and tleshy at its junction with the fruit, which is olDlique : Eye, large, open, slightly depressed in a roundish shallow cavity ; segments of the calyx large, broad, long, pointed and much reflexed : Flesh, yellowish white, coarse, tender and juicy : Flavor, pleasant, sweet, and agreeable : Coy^e, large : Seeds, medium size, pale brown. Ripe from November to February. Art. III. An account of tvm new Seedling Apples, with a description of their qualities. In a letter to J. S. Skinner, Esq., Corresponding Member of the Col. Hort. Soc, Wash- ington, D. C. By J. W. Scott, Esq., Toledo, Ohio. Communicated by Mr. Skinner. In conformity with the request of Hon. E. Whittlesey, I send you an account of some seedling apples of uncommon merit. They grow on the alluvial bottom or intervale of the Maumee River, immediately under the high bank on which Fort Meigs was buiU. The orchard was planted some 20 or 30 years ago, I think by Major Spaiford. father of the present owner, Aurora Spafford. The trees are thrifty and handsome shaped. The Spafford Russet is behcved to be a very good bearer. The other, which has been named Darling Russet, from Henry Darling, Esq., late of Perrysburg, who first brought them into notice, is not believed to be a first-rate bearer, but as I have not made enquiries of Judge Spafford himself, I am not sure of that. It bore this year over 12 bushels. It has rather limber twigs on which the apples grow. The apples are of very unequal size, from that of a medium Spitzemburg to a medium Seek-no-further. From the stem end there some- times runs one or more well defined seams towards the blossom end. Some of them are shaped like Spitzemburg, and some like Lady-finger apples. I have been particular with a description of their qualities. 139 in describing this Darling Russet, because I think it equal, taking all its qualities together, to the best winter apple that has fallen under my notice, I prefer it to the Greening, the Boston or Roxbury Russet, or the Newtown pippin. For keeping late, and preserving its freshness and flavor, it will take rank with any rival that I know. I know no apple having so racy a flavor. Spafford Russet. — A medium sized apple. The eye in a small and rather deep cavity; the stem about three-fourths of an inch long. Of a smooth, russety, golden yellow color. Flesh tender, firm, juicy, sub-acid, and possessing a flavor of a summer pear. It ripens from October to December. This apple is a seedling on the farm of Judge Spaflbrd, of Perrysburg. Darling Russet. — A medium sized apple, of somewhat conical form ; the eye and stem in moderate sized cavities ; the stem from three-fourths of an inch to an inch in length. Of a dark russet color, with greenish yellow blotches on one side, and yellowish red on the other, and of a smooth, russety yellow around the stem. The flesh white, tender, firm, and high flavored. It excels the Roxbury Russet in high flavor, but is of a coarser texture. This apple is also a seedling on the farm of .Judge Spaflbrd. In a dark, cool cellar, they would hardly ripen before the middle of April, and would keep good till July. Asa fall and early winter apple, we like the Sp?.tFord Russet as well as any; I might say better than any, except the F'all Pippin and the Belleflower. It is said to be a stronger and better tree than the Darling Russet. Scions of these apples may be had of Hon. Aurora Spaf- ford, Perrysburg, who owns the orchard, and who, I doubt not, will take pleasure in aiding your design to collect the best native apples of the west. My acquaintance with Ohio seedling apples leads me to entertain very favorable antici- pations of your success in obtaining all the new varieties that may be desired, and of a quality not inferior to the best that fill the books of our pomological writers. I had a kind last winter, obtained from an orchard five miles above JVIaumee, on the river bottom, bearing a few feet below the surface, — a shelly lime rock, — that kept well and were excellent, but 1 have lost the description, and could not now find the tree. They were selected by my- self from a large orchard, where I was obtaining my graft- 140 Guano ; its action upon the growth ed fruit for winter use. I picked from all the trees, the apples on which looked as if they might keep well and be good, but I found but this one kind worth propagating. Kext fall I will endeavor to find it out again. If 1 can be of service in the good cause of securing the propagation of the best native fruits, please command me. Very truly yours, J. W. Scott. Toledo, 25th Feb., 1844. Art. TV. Guano ; its action upon the growth of various Plants, Fruits, Sf^c. By J. E. Teschemacher, Corres- ponding Secretary of the Mass. Hort. Soc. I HAVE already stated that I had numerous- experiments in progress which were destroyed by fire : as there is no prospect of my resuming them at present, I will offer a few ideas upon which several of them were based, in order that those who have leisure may pursue them. The ultimate object of vegetable life appears to me to be the production of seed ; — to this purpose, and to accumulate the properties and ingredients for the formation and perfection of this seed, the root, stem, leaf and flower are devoted, each per- forming its destined gradual part, until by their united ef- forts, brought into action by soil, light, heat and moisture, this object is attained ; exterior vegetable action then de- clines until another season. Experiment has shown that plants grown on mere sand, with the assistance of water, will throw out stem, leaf and flower, nay even the forms of seed, but these will be mere integuments, empty vesicles or little bladders — also that by constantly stimulating, with peculiar manure, we can throw plants into such uninter- rupted luxuriance of shoots and foliage, that often the flowers, and more often the seeds, do not appear within the limits of the season. Combining these views with others on the production of double flowers, and with some sug- gested by various experiments on Guano, it seems to me highly probable that certain manures are particularly con- ducive to a luxuriant growth of stem and foliage, while others are peculiarly so to the production of numerous and of various Plants, Fruits, ^c. 141 well filled seeds. As it would be impossible for me, at the present moment, to develop all my ideas and experience on this subject, I will endeavor briefly to elucidate it by a sup- position, which, like those in algebra, may or may not be near the truth. Suppose the nitrogenous {ammoniacal) and alkaline {pot- ash and soda) manures to be those chiefly instrumental in producing stem and foliage, then nitrate of soda will be valuable for this purpose, and if the soil itself contain the ingredients of the seed in a fit state for absorption, the plant thus thrown into a state of luxuriance will be enabled to draw from it sufficient to make plenty of good seed. But if the soil in itself contains them very sparingly, then this excess of stem and foliage, although containing a quantity of nitrogenous and palatable food for cattle, will be defi- cient in rich seed. Now we know that phosphate of lime and of magnesia, with sulphurous compounds, exist in all seeds useful to man and animals — these, however, do not form part of nitrate of soda and potash, hence the latter can only assist the plant in extracting them from the soil. Suppose, secondly, we use a manure combining the nitro- genous principles in the shape of urates, &c. with the alkaline phosphates, sulphates, muriates, &c., then even on the poorest soil, while the ammoniacal portion is performing its office of causing luxuriance in foliage and stem, the in- gredients of the seed are offered in abtmdance to the root. This is exactly the predicament of Guano — most of the salts in which are soluble in water — and those which are not, such as the phosphate and oxalate of lime, become so when combined near the roots with the carbonic acid fur- nished by the humus as well as by other portions of the manure. The use of a solution of Guano in water is therefore good, when the seed is not required ; but where it is, the deprivation of the insoluble phosphate of lime is very inju- rious. Hence, from the proper use of Guano, a luxuriant vege- tation is followed by the production of a large crop of fine seed. As a farther elucidation of my views, I will state that the manure made use of for the purpose of producing double flowers, is the highly nitrogenous stable manure, which is used in such quantity as to prevent the roots from 142 Effects of Guano on Plants, 6^c. coming into contact with that part of the soil containing the ingredients of the seed — this manure being then chiefly favorable to the production of foliage alone, if continued through many generations will by degrees convert the stamens, pistils, and the parts destined by nature to prepare the seed, into leaves or petals, and finally obliterate the seed. These flowers, if grown in a poor soil, scarce in nitrogenous substances, will again, as is well known, revert to their normal single seed bearing state. Several of my experiments with Guano proved to me that it shortened the internodes, or portions of the stem be- tween each leaf; this was particularly evident in seedling orange and lemon trees, and is a sure indication of fruit or seed bearing; indeed the spurs, which are well known as the fruit producing parts of many trees, are but shortened branches where the internodes are reduced to a mere noth- ing, and where, consequently, the axillary action is concen- trated into a small space. I have, therefore, no doubt of the beneficial action of Guano on fruit trees. Many exper- iments are, however, yet desirable. Such as Avhether Guano acts beneficially on the receptacle of the seed, which is the fruit of the strawberry and raspberry ; whether on the ex- terior covering of the seed, which is the apple, peach, plum, &c. ; or on the kernel or nut, or on the pulpy envelop of the seed, as the gooseberry, grape, melon, gourd, &c. I hope that these ideas will give rise to numerous experi- ments this year, and that those who make them wid not hesitate freely to communicate them for the general benefit. I will merely add farther, that I should consider it advis- able, in all experiments on fruits, to try both the Guano itself as well as a weak solution of it in water — it is highly probable that the solution will be efficacious where the re- ceptacle or the exterior of the seed is most valuable, where- as in corn, peas, beans, &c., those phosphates which are in- soluble in water, and are very necessary, would be thus lost to the plant. At another period I may possibly resume this subject, as it seems to me that these ideas open new views on the phy- siology of plants, and certainly show of how much impor- tance it is for those who study this subject to become better acquainted, from personal observation, with the action of the soils on vegetable life. It is from the want of this Observations on the Curculio. 143 knowledge that the greatest errors have been proposed and propagated as truths, by scientific men. Yours, J. E. Teschemacher. Boston, March, 1844. Art. V. Observations on the Curculio, and the modes re- centhj recommended for its destruction ; with some remarks iipon the application of Salt Lye, and its efficacy in extir- pating- the hisect. By John A. Kenrick, Newton, Mass. Having, till quite recently, had all my plums destroyed by the Curculio, my attention has been directed to all com- munications upon the subject in your Magazine, and other publications, which came in my way, with a hope of find- ing some preventive or remedy proposed, which would ena- ble me to secure a crop ; but such various and opposite opinions exist among writers, that I have, on the whole, been rather blinded than enlightened by many of the arti- cles which I have read, and have been almost discouraged from trying many things which seemed to be well recom- mended for this purpose. Some writers contend that the evil, to a great extent, arises in consequence of the punc- tured fruit being left upon the ground, thereby allowing the worms to escape and bury themselves under the trees dur- ing the winter, which, in efiect, is sowing the seed for the crop of the succeeding year. Writers, who are of this opin- ion, recommend the destruction of all punctured fruit, either by gathering it up daily or allowing swine to run at large among the trees; and I have read of great benefits being realized from this course. Fowls also have been recom- mended ; and salt has been relied on by many, sprea^iing it on the surface of the ground under the trees, as far as the branches extend; — the last has been said to be com- pletely effectual. Various other things have been proposed. There are some writers, however, who contend that the insect is able to fly a great distance; and consequently all, or either of the above modes, are no prevention at all ; and destroying all the defective fruit will not diminish their number the 144 Observations on the Curculio. succeeding year ; that nothing but their destruction at the season when they are actually committing their depreda- tions upon the fruit, can avail anything. I read the letter of Dr. Burnett, who seems to be of this opinion ; but not- withstanding it contained much scientific information, it was evident to all others, whose opinion 1 heard expressed, that it was doubtful whether the expense of preserving the fruit in the way recommend by him would not be greater than all the income which could be expected from the sale of it, as it would be necessary to continue the operation twice a day for several weeks ; very near to which conclu- sion your correspondent, Mr. Fahnestock, seems to have arrived ; and the communication from him in your March No. seems to require a notice from some proselyte to salt, as an efficacious preventive of the Curculio, as he looks upon it as so great a " fallacy" to attempt their destruction by either of the above proposed methods. Admitting all his statement of facts to be strictly correct, (and I do not doubt it,) the only hope can be to be able to secure a crop the p?-esent seaso?i ; and 1 think a more efifect- ual and cheaper course can be found, which will effect the object, than that recommended by Dr. Burnett. Had your friend Mr. Ernst diverged a few rods from his course, after leaving the trees he gave an account of, which had been dressed with salt lye, I should have been happy to have shown him a striking example of its effects on a small orchard of plums ; they are growing in a yard used for poultry, which was enclosed under an idea that the injury would be prevented by the fowls : but. although I had some fruit, so large a proportion was destroyed that the experiment proved a failure. Having heard salt recommended I concluded to make a trial of salt lye, having a quantity at command. The yard contains about one eighth of an acre, in which I have about a hundred trees. In the spring I had about two cords of meadow mud, well saturated with lye, evenly spread and spaded in. (The year previous about the same quantity of dock mud was applied in the same way.) About the first of June I put on a load of about five hogsheads in addition, pouring it from a large watering pot, about two common sized pailsfull to each tree, saturating the whole ground in the yard ; and so powerful was the application that there was not a weed to be found the height of two inches during Observations on the Camellia. 145 the season — every tree bore well, and many of them were so completely loaded with fruit that I was obliged to stake them to prevent their breaking down. There were a very few Curcnlios which found their way up the trees, but not a twentieth part enough to thin the fruit as they ought to have been, which prevented their attaining the size they otherwise would have done. If your correspondent will lay aside a part of his present theory, and make a fair trial of strong brine — plant his trees seven or eight feet apart each way — (and he may try the experiment fully this season, planting his trees care- fully, as I had a number of small trees carelessly planted last May, several of which bore 25 to 30 each) — and satu- rate the whole surface of the ground with brine, allowing about two pailsfull to each tree — I think he may be seen next July hunting for a few of those same little insects to aid him in thinning his fruit. Yours, John A. Kenrick. Newton, March, 1844. Art. VI. Observations on the Camellia, loith a descriptive account of all the finest varieties which have been intro- duced, or raised from seed, in this country. By M. P. Wilder, Esq. President of the Mass. Hort. Soc. [Coiitinutdfrom Vol. VII, p. 223.) [After a lapse of two years we have the pleasure of pre- senting a continuation of Mr. Wilder's article, giving accurate descriptions of such new camellias as have flowered in his collection. Owing to the loss of many plants at the time his collection was partially destroyed by fire, he was una- ble to continue his remarks in our last volume. — Ed.] 135. Camel hrt japonica var. Coquettn. Abbe Berlese Monographic. This variety is of recent introduction to our collections. Flower, large, regular and symetrical — the exterior petals deep crimson, those approaching the centre, rose color shaded with violet, handsomely imbricated and diminish- VOL. X. NO. IV. 19 146 Observations on the Camellia. ing very gradually in size from the circumference inward. Sometimes striped and splashed with white. Desirable. 136. Camellia j. var. Duchesse d' Orleans. Abbe Berlese Monog. Flower 3J to 4 inches in diameter, of the most perfect formation ; petals beautifully cupped and imbricated, and standing erect in concentric circles to the very centre ; color, pale blush, nearly white, and exquisitely spotted and striped with rose. First class. 137. Camellia j. var. Bruced?2a. European Catalogues. The color of the tiower is deep orange red, a shade lighter than C. var. Leed^>,a superba which it much resem- bles; the form nearly regular; petals imbricated and well arranged. Size, large. 138. Camellia j. var. eclipsis rubra. European Cat. Preston Eclipse. Abbe Berlese Iconogrwphie. Color, light rose, veined distinctly with darker shade. Form and size of C. var. Press's Eclipse, from a sporting branch ot which it no doubt originated, and has by grafting been perpetuated as a distinct sort. 139. Camellia j. var. Oxriglomana superba. Abbe Ber- lese Iron. Flower 3i to 4 inches in diameter. The large outer pe- tals are broad and round ; those of the interior narrow, elongate, and erect. Form of C. punctata, ground color rosy blush, distinctly marked with spots and lines of car- mine red. 140. Camellia j. var. serratifolia. European Cat. This is a variegated variety ; the beauty of which is wholly dependent on the quantity of white with which it is marked. It is usually much spotted, on a deep rose ground, and in this condition a pretty, desirable, sort. Size, rather less than medium, having 3 or 4 rows of petals, reg- ularly arranged, with some stamens intermixed. Flower resembles C. j. var. Donckelaerii. 141. Camellia j. var. Victoria alba. Abbe Berlese. Flower 3| to 4 inches in diameter; white, slightly spotted with rose and occasionally a petal sufiused with deep blush or pink. Form of C. var. imbricata alba, full, round and double. Received from the Abbe Berlese and undescribed. Observations on the Camellia. 147 142. Camellm j. var. Sacco^ (color di lacca.) Abbe Ber- lese Monog. The color of this flower is a pale rose nearly pink. Pe- tals regularly imbricated, faintly striped through the centre, and touched at the apex with white. Form, good ; size, medium — does not open its flowers freely. 143. Camellia j. var. Skccoi nova. German and French Catalogues. A new desirable Camellia, perfectly regular and sym- metrical in its form. Petals beautifully cupped and imbri- cated ; color, very light delicate rose ; size 3^ to 4 inches. First class. 144. Camellia j. var, Skccoi des Peintres. Abbe Berl^se. Flower medium size ; petals regularly laid over each other in shell form, entire, round ; color deep rose, dis- tinctly spotted with pure white. Handsome. Received from the Abbe Berlese. This and the two preceding varie- ties were raised from seed by the late Dr. Sacco, of Milan. 145. Camellia j. var. Carswellid^a. Abbe Berlese Monog. The form of this camellia is like the old double White, regularly imbricated to the centre. Color a deep cherry red, the petals being frequently striped through the centre and marked at the apex with dingy white. Very shy in producing its flower buds. 146. Camellia j. var. Mile E'ndi. English and German Catalogues. Flower of the loose waratah formation, withi two rows of outer guard petals, those of the centre being long, nar- row and erect; size 4 inches ; clear rose color. Raised by Mr. Thompson of Mile End, near London. 147. Camellia j. var. pictorum coccinea. Abbe Berlese Monog. Form and color of C. var. florida; petals broad, large, handsomely cupped, with sometimes a few of those at the centre not fully developed. 148. Camellia j. var. Collettii. German and French Cat. Flower of the irregular formation, 4 to 4J inches in di- ameter, full and double : exterior petals broad, those of the interior narrow, numerous, forming a thick well flailed cen- tre. The color is a deep crimson, approaching to scarlet, 148 Observations on the Camellia. and the merit of this variety consists mostly in the manner with which it is spotted with white, being sometimes in this condition very beautiful. 149. Camell/rt j. var. alba venusta. French and German Catalogues. Flower of the irregular formation, round, double and full ; white, sometimes slightly spotted and tinged with rose: medium size. 150. Camellm j. var. foliolosa. Herbert's Amaryllidacece. C. j. var. Amalthea. Ger. Cat. An English variety, produced from seed by Rev. Mr. Herbert, Spoflbrth, England. Color of C j. v. concinna ; 4 to 5 inches in diameter ; petals very numerous and well arranged, those at the centre narrow, long and irregular ; devoid of stamens. 151. Camellift j. var. Emelie grandiflora. Abbe Ber- lese Monog. Flower 4 to 4| inches in diameter, full and spherical, with high centre ; color a shade lighter than C. j. var. con- spicua, sometimes freely marked with white ; a bold showy sort. 152. Camellm j. var. innocenza. French Cat. A pure white camellia of large size and nearly regular formation. This variety has not always opened its flowers freely. 153. Camellia j. var. madiolanensis. Abbe Berlese. A flower of very perfect form, and beautifully cupped, which shape it retains until near falling : color, very deli- cate rose, or pink, almost blush : size, medium. This va- riety I received from the Abbe Berlese, and is yet unde- scribed by him. 154. Camellia j. var. Bonardii striata Ridolphi/. Abbe Berlese Icon. A new Camellia of medium size, white, distinctly striped and spotted with rose ; resembling C. j. var. Press's Eclipse in form and appearance, but is more strongly variegated, and of quite diflerent foliage. 155. Camell/a j. var. Marchioness of Exeter. English and German Cat. Clear brilliant rose; very large, 5 to oh inches in diame- Observations on the Camellia. 149 ter ; petals large and broad, not niimerons, but imbricated and well arranged, exhibiting some stamens : a free, easy and bold flower. 156. Camellia j. var. pictorum roseum. European Cat. Rosa 'pictbrum. Abbe Berlese Icon. Flower large, 4 inches or more in diameter, and of a clear brilliant rose color ; form, regular ; petals, not very numerous, well arranged and gracefully imbricated, gen- erally full, but sometimes a few imperfect stamens at the centre. Desirable variety. 157. CamelhV/ j. var. Henri Favre. Abbe Berlese Icoyi. A variety of superior excellence ; flower Sg to 4 inches in diameter; the outer rows of petals deep crimson, those of the interior gradually shaded to a delicate rose color; exquisitely cupped and imbricated, and of the most elegant formation. It is stated in the Tconogi^aphy that Mons. Favre of Nantes produced this Camellia from seed, and sold it to M. Cachet of Angers for the enormous sum of 6000 francs, or more than eleven hundred dollars. In continuation of my "Observations on the Camellia," I propose to give your readers in my next, descriptions of some American varieties, which have of late come to notice. Of these, several will take rank, if not precedence, with those of the highest order of other countries. To have gained from seed a camellia of the regular form- ation, and as perfectly imbricated as the old double White would, a few years since, have been considered a matter of surprise. It is now, however, quite a frequent occurrence, and proves the success that has attended its hybridization in this country. I venture to predict that we shall here- after be exporters, as well as importers, of new varieties and thus, in some measure relieve ourselves of the disap- pointments we have experienced by receiving those, some of which have had, at least, little else than a high sounding name, and glowing description, to recommend them. Of less than twenty seedlings which have bloomed in my collection the present year, five have been of the regu- lar perfect formation, and which it is believed will prove worthy of dedication, and a place in this magnificent tribe of plants. In the collection of Mr. Boll of New York, (formerly Mr. 150 Domestic Notices. Smith's of Philadelphia,) a still larger number have flow- ered this season, and which he considers first rate. Among the successful cultivators who have produced fine varieties may be mentioned Mr. Floy of New York, Mr. Feast of Baltimore, Messrs. Buist, Ritchie & Dick, Sher- wood and others of Philadelphia. And of those already be- fore the public, or soon to appear, may be named — C. j. var. Landrethi/, americana, amabile, Prattii, Martha, Hemp- steadii, Sherwoddw, Feasti/, Binneyu", Gen. Washington, Gen. Lafayette, Caroline Smith, Brooklynia, Wilder/, and others, all of the full, regular, imbricated form. M. P. Wilder. Hawthorn Grove, Dorchester, March, 1844. MISCELLANEOUS INTELLIGENCE. Art. I. Domestic JVotices. Raising Seedlings of Roses. — I noticed the article by Mr. Pierce upon raising seedling roses from the rubifolia, and hope t may be able to get a portion of the seed he promises to send the Horticultural Society. I should, however, need some instruction to enable me to make them vege- tate the first season, and hope he will send you an article, giving you his manner of growing them. How would they do for stocks to inoculate? The Boursault is excellent in some respects, but is condemned by some of the best rose growers in this vicinity, on account of its disposition to throw up suckers, particularly when planted in the opea ground, and it is said to be liable to die down after being cut down the side opposite the bud.— A". JVeivton, March, 1844. [We should be glad to learn what stock can be used for budding that will not throw up suckers when planted in the open ground. The Bour- sault is a most excellent stock. Do those who condemn the Boursault know any thing about it ? and are their opinions based upon experiment ? We consider it as good a stock as we have ever tried, especially for Tea, Noisete, Bengal and Bourbon, roses. The Prairie rose may excel it, but this remains to be seen. It will be recollected that there are several va- rieties of the Boursault, and that the old blush is the best. — Ed.] Artificial Guano. — Dr. Jackson states tliat artificial guano may easily be manufactured at a less price than the imported article can be had : though there are some doubts respecting this, we annex below the list of ingredi- ents which compose his artificial guano. We are assured by one who is well acquainted with the price of the articles, that they are quite too low, on the average, of at least 30 per cent. We, however, give the statement entire. According to the analysis of Voelckl, published in the Bidletin Uni- verselle de Geneve, Nov. 17th, 1841, natural guano consists of— Domestic Notices. 151 Urate of ammonia, Oxalate of ammonia, Oxalate of lime, Phosphate of ammonia, . Phosphate of ammonia and magnesia, Sulphate of potash. Sulphate of soda, . Muriate of ammonia. Phosphate of lime. Clay and sand, Undetemmied organic maWer, ( J of which is soluble in water,) and water with traces of soluble salts of iron, 9. 10.6 7.0 6.0 2.6 5.5 3.8 4.2 14.3 4.7 32.3 100. The following is the composition of my artificial guano, with an esti- mate of the cost of each inccredient, as stated by my friend,jMr. A. A. Hayes, a scientific and manufacturing chemist. The prices are estimat- ed for crude products, as they can be made in large quantities : — Bone-ash, or ground bones. Carbonate of ammonia. Phosphate of soda. Sulphate of magnesia, Muriate of ammonia, Sulphate of soda. Sulphate of potash. Nitrate of soda. Nitrate of potash, *Humate of potash, fApocrenate of ammonia, &c.. Oxide of manganese. Bog-iron ore in powder. Fine silex from peat bog, q. s. Cos per lb. Total. 15 lbs. h cent. 7 cents 10 " 6 a 60 a 10 " 4 11 40 (( 6 " 3 u 18 « 5 " 9 a 45 (( 3 " 1 a 3 (( 5 " 3 a 15 (( 5 " 4 (C 20 « 2 " 6 u 12 (( 20 " 3 (( 60 u 10 " 4 (1 40 (( 5 " 2 u 10 u 2 " 1 li 3 a 100 $S 32 In the cultivation of potatoes, a much larger proportion of sulphate of magnesia may be introduced with advantage. For clover, a very large addition of gypsum maybe made, either by mixing it directly with the guano, or by spreading it on the soil, the latter being preferable, since it will absorb the escaping ammonia. The apocrenate, crcnate, and humate of ammonia made by the addition of carbonate of ammonia to swamp muck or peat, does not (in the large way) require to be dissolved and filtered. It will be sufficient to mix them in the state of moist paste. No ammonia can escape from its com- bination with the peat or muck. The refuse bone-black of sugar refineries may be made into a paste with sulphuric acid in excess, and then treated with a sufficiency of crude potash or soda to take up the phosphoric acid set free by the sul- phuric acid. This mixture may be at once added to the other ingredients of the guano, leaving out the phosphate of soda and sulphate of potash and gypsum, for these are now formed. * Sawdust and potash melted together in an iron pot. tPeat steeped in carbonate of ammonia, strained and evaporated to paste. 152 Massachusetts HoTticiiltural Society. The animal carbon will also be a substitute for the ammoniacal extract of peat, which may be omitted. Urine made into a paste with calcined gypsum, may be substituted for the carbonate and muriate of ammonia. It is indifferent whether we use nitrates of soda or potash. The common crude saltpetre Avill answer perfectly well, where it can be obtained cheaper than nitrate of soda. Common bog manganese answers for the oxide of manganese and bog iron. It will be easy for any one familiar with chemistry, to make many vari- eties of the above combinations within the rules, but those who do not understand the science, will do well to follow the formula strictly, if they wish to test the value of the manure. — fjV. E. Farmer.) Art. II. Massachusetts Horticultural Society. Saturday, Fth. 3d, 1844. An adjourned meeting of the Society was held to-day, — the President in the Chair. Mr. Vose's letter declining lo serve on the building committee was ac- cepted, and Capt. F. W. Macondray chosen in Mr. Vose's place. Dr. A. B. Wheeler was admitted a subscription member. Adjourned three weeks to March 2d. March 2d. An adjourned meeting of the Society was held to-day, — the President in the Chair. A report was read from Professor Russell, upon the seeds received from Prof. Fischer, of the Botanic Garden of St. Petersburg, which weis accepted, and voted to be published in the transactions of the Society. A letter was received from A. H. Ernst, corresponding member, Cin- cinnati, Ohio, describing two varieties of apples. It was voted, that the sum of thirty-eight dollars be appropriated to the Fruit Committee, for the purpose of awarding gratutities for 1843, agreeably to the report of the Fruit Committee. On motion of C. M. Hovey, the following Resolution was adopted : Resolved, That the Society have learned, with feelings of painful re- gret, the death of their late honorary member, John Claudius Loudon, Esq., of London, and that, sensible of the important services he has ren- dered to the science of Horticulture and Rural Improvement generally, in the publication and dissemination of the many valuable and instructive works, of which he was the author, as well as the conductor of the late Gardener'^s Magazine, — they would respectfully tender the sympathies and condolence of its members to the family of Mr. Loudon, in their deep affliction and bereavement. It was also voted, that the Corresponding Secretary be requested to transmit a copy of the above to the family of Mr. Loudon. Adjourned one week to March 9th. Exhibited — Fruit : From A. H. Ernst, fine specimens of an apple, called the Detroit, and also a seedling called the Cannahan; both handsome and crood, the former much resembling the Bellflower, with which it may prove synonymous. We have drawings of both these varieties, and in our next number shall publish Mr. Ernst's communication to the Society, and give an engraving of the Cannahan. From the President of the Society, Princes' St? Germain and Catillac pears, both handsome, and the former in excellent preservation. From Capt. Macondray, pears without name. Massachusetts Horticultural Society. 153 March 9. An adjourned meeting of the Society was held to-day, — the President in the Chair. The seeds received from Prof. Fischer were placed in the hands of the Flower Committee. The Special Committee appointed at the last meeting, to whom was re- ferred the subject of appropriating money for Premiums for 1844, reported that it was expedient to appropriate the sum of four hundred and sixty dollars, to be divided as follows : To the Flower Committee, two hundred dollars ; to the Fruit Committee, two hundred dollars ; and to the Vege- table Committee, sixty dollars; with a special provision that not more than thirty dollars should be a-varded for any one class of flowers, fruits, or vegetables ; and also, that of the above sums, the Flower and Fruit Committees should reserve the amount of twenty-five dollars, to be award- ed as gratuities, should objects be presented worthy of the same. It was voted, that a committee of five be appointed to take into consid- eration the subject of awarding medals or plate instead of money, and also, to report whether it is not expedient to award the medals at the time of declaring the premiums, so far as practicable. Messrs. Newhall, Walk- er, Stickney, C. M. Hovey, and Teschemacher, were appointed the com- mittee. The reports of the Flower, Fruit and Vegetable Committees having been approved by the Executive Committee, it was voted, that they be published as usual. Adjourned one Aveek to March IGih. The following are the reports of the several committees : — REPORT OF THE COMMITTEE ON FLOWERS, AWARDING PREMIUMS FOR 1843. The Committee on Flowers beg leave to submit the following report of their doings. They have awarded the premiums offered by the Society, viz : — Tulips. — For the best specimens of not less than 30 blooms, a premium to S. Walker, of $4 00 For second best specimen of not less than 30 blooms, a pre- mium to S. R. Johnson, of 2 00 Geraniums. — For the best display of cut flowers, a premium to Wm. Meller, of . . 5 00 PjEONiES. — For the best display of flowers, a premium to Wm. E. Carter, of . . . 5 00 For the second best display, a premium to S. Walker, of . 3 00 Pansies. — For the best display, a premium to Joseph S. Cabot, of 2 00 Roses. — In classes, as follows : — Class 1. — Hardy kinds. For the best 20 dissimilar blooms, a premium to Hovey & Co., of . 7 00 For the second best 20 dissimilar blooms, a premium to S. R. Johnson, of 5 00 For the third best 20 dissimilar blooms, a premium to J. Breck & Co., of . . 3 00 Class 2. — Bourhon, Chinese, ^'c. For the best display, a premium to S. R. Johnson, of . 5 00 VOL. X. — NO. IV. 20 154 Massachusetts Horticultural Society. Class 3. — Perpetual and other Roses. For the best display, a premium to Hovey & Co., of . . 3 00 For tlie second best display, a premium to S. R. Johnson, of 2 00 Pinks. — For the best display of flowers, a premium to S. Walk- er, of 4 00 For the second best display of flowers, a premium to Wm. Meller, of 2 00 Carnations, &c. — For the best display, a premium to J. Breck & Co., of 5 00 For the second best display, a premium to S. Walker, of . 3 00 For the best seedling, a premium to J. Breck & Co., of . 2 00 Balsams. — For the best display of cut flowers, a premium to S. R. Johnson, of 2 00 German Asters. — For tlie best display, a premimn to Hovey &L Co., of 3 00 For the second best display, a premium to S. Sweetser, of . 2 00 PHLoxES.--For the best display, a premium to Wm. E. Carter, of 3 00 For the second best display, a premium to S. Walker, of . 2 00 Dahlias. — In the following divisions and classes: — Division A. The Premier Prize. To J. Stickney, . . . . 10 00 Specimen Bloom. To S. A. Walker, . . . . 3 00 Division B. Class I. — For the best 24 dissimilar blooms, a premium to John Robinson, of 7 00 Class II. — For the best 12 dissimilar blooms, a premium to J. L. L. F. Warren, of . . . . • . . . 5 00 Class III. — For the best 6 dissimilar blooms, a premium to S. A. Walker, of 3 00 Division C Class I. — For the best 24 dissimilar blooms, a premium to J. Stickney, of 7 00 Class II. — For the best 12 dissimilar blooms, a premium to H. W. Button, of 5 00 Gratuities. To S. Walker, for fine and continued displays of flowers during the season, 7 00 To Miss Russell, for fine and continued displays of flowers dur- ing the season, 5 00 To John Robinson, for seedling dahlias and rare specimens dur- ing the season, 5 00 To H. K. Oliver, of Salem, for a fine specimen of dahlia, var. Oakley's Surprise, 2 00 To John A. Kenrick, for fine specimens of flowering shrubs. Sic. . . . . . 5 00 To Wm. E. Carter, for a fine specimen of Achimenes longiflora, 5 00 To J. L. L. F. Warren, for fine bouquets during the season . 5 00 To Wm. Wales, for fine specimens of tender roses, . . . 2 00 #150 00 Per order, 5. Walker, Chairman. Massachusetts Horticultural f^ociety. 155 REPORT OF THE COMMITTEE ON FRUITS, AWARDING PREMIUMS FOR 1843. The Committee on Fruits, after mature deliberation, award the follow- ino- premiums, agreeable to the appropriation made for that purpose for the present year : — J^PPLKS,— To Josiah Lovett, 2d, for best summer apples, . . #5 00 J. L. L. F. Warren, best fall apples, 5 00 L. P. Grosvenor, best Avinter apples, 5 00 Pears. — To Samuel Walker, for best summer pears, . . 5 00 Elijah Vose, best fall pears, 5 00 Marshall P. Wilder, best winter pears, . • . . 5 00 Cherries. — To Otis Johnson, for best specimen of cherries, . 4 00 George Walsh, for second best specimen, . . . . 2 00 Peaches, under glass.— To J. F. Allen, for tlie best specimen of peaches, grown under glass, 5 00 Otis Johnson, for the next best specimen, . . . . 3 00 Peaches, out-door culture.— To John Hill, for the best speci- men of peaches, in open culture, 5 00 S. & G. Hyde, for next best, 3 00 Apricots. — To E. E. Bradshaw, for best specimen of Apricots, 5 00 John Wells, for next best specimen, . . . . 3 00 Nectarines.— To David Haggerston, for the best specimen of nectarines, 3 00 Quinces. — To John A. Kenrick, for the best specimen of quinces, 2 00 Plums.— To Josiah Lovett, 2d, for the best specimen of plums, 5 00 E. E. Bradsliaw, next best specimen, . . . . 3 00 Gooseberries. — To O. Johnson, for the best specimen of gooseberries, . . . . . . . • . 5 00 J. F. Allen, for second best specimen, . . . . 3 00 Currants. — To A. D. Williams, for best specimen of currants, 3 00 Josiah Lovett, 2d, for next best, 2 00 Raspberries. — To Josiah Lovett, 2d, for the best specimen of raspberries, 4 00 To Messrs. Hovey, next best, 2 00 Strawberries. — To Messrs. Hovey «Sz. Co , for the best speci- men of strawberries, 5 00 J. F. Allen, next best, 3 00 Mulberries. — To John Hovey, for the best specimen of mul- berries, . . • . 3 00 Water-melons. — To John Gordon, for the best specimen of water-melons, 3 00 Green-fleshed Melons. — To John C. Howard, for the best specimen of green-fleshed melons, 3 00 Grapes.— To John^C. Howard, for the best specimen, grown under glass previous to July 1st, 8 00 J. F. Allen, for the next best specimen, . . • . 5 00 To David Haggerston, for the best specimen grown under glass since July 1st, 6 ^^ 5 00 5 00 5 00 5 00 5 00 5 00 156 Massachusetts Horticvltural Society. Olis Johnson, for the next best specimen, . . . . 4 CO To Kendall Bailey, for the best specimen of foreign grapes, open culture, 5 00 To George Walsh, for the best specimen of native grapes, 3 CO ^^140 00 Your committee recommend the folloAving gratuities be paid, partly from an unexpended balance of ten dollars, and the balance of tuenty- three dollars from a new appropriation. The excellent exhibition of peaches and figs, the new seedling grapes, pears and apples, deserve something more substantial than a passing notice of merited praise. To Wm. Quant, for a fine exhibition of white peaches . . ^3 00 To J. F. Allen, for his monthly Fayal figs, which prove abun- dant bearers, and of fine flavor, 5 00 To Mrs. Diana Crehore, for her Seedling Diana grape, grown from the seeds of the Catawba grape, and is the earliest and best native grape your comnjittee know of, . To Messrs. Wilcomb &- King, for the Lawrence pear, To Daniel Wilbur, Jr., for the Hull pear, . To S. L. Goodale, for the McLaughlin pear, To George Rowland, for the 20 oz. apple. To A. D. Capen, for very large and beautiful apples, $38 00 Your committee consider the introduction of new and valuable varieties of fruits to the Society, with a view to have them diffused among its mem- bers, and finally to the public, as one of the great ends of our associa- tion, and every inducement within our limited means should be made use of to that end. The Hull pear is from the same individual who intro- duced the Early Wilbui-, and Avho has more than once contributed largely for the use of the members of our Society. The McLaughlin pears, from Mr. Goodale, and the Lawrence pears, from Messrs. Wilcomb & King, with the fine specimen and fine flavored 20 oz. Pippins, from Mr. George Howland, are fruits that should be in every good collection ; they are na- tives, and rank with our very best fruits. In regard to the Wells premium, your committee are of opinion there have been no apples presented that can have a preference to our known choice varieties, and consequently no premium can be awarded. Communications in regard to the Curculio have been received, particu- larizing the habits of the insect, made with much labor and nice observa- tion. As there appears nothing new in any of the communications that has not been communicated by the late Professor Peck, or by others since, and in all the remedies that have been suggested for Uiis pest of our choice fruits, no one has been made that your committee could deem thorough and effectual, or if so, tliat the remedy would not be too burden- some to be compensated for by the crop of fruits. On this subject, tliey would suffgest, for the consideration of the Society, whether a gratuity might not be granted, in lieu of the full premium, as the subject appears to be exhausted, and there is no probability, in the opinion of your commit- tee, that for many years to come, there will much more be known of the Curculio than its habits. — Benj. V. French, Chairman. Massachusetts Horticultural Society. 157 REPORT OF THE COMMITTEE ON VEGETABLES, AWARDING PREMIUMS FOR 1843. Tlie Committee on Vegetables for the year 1843, report the premiums awarded by them as follows : — Asparagus. — For earliest and largest four bunches, to John Hill, a premium of $3 00 Rhubarb. — Largest twelve stalks previous to 1st Saturday in July, to Ilovey & Co., a premium of . . . . 3 00 Peas. — No premium awarded. Lettuce. — No premium awarded. Potatoes. — No premium awarded. Cucumbers. — Under glass — best pair exhibited in May, to J. L. L. F. Warren, a premium of . , . . . . 4 00 Open culture — No premium awarded. Beans. — Large Lima, best two quarts, to Josiah Lovett, 2d, a premium of 3 00 Earliest Dwaif — No premium awarded. Cauliflowers. — No premium awarded. Brocoli. — No premium awarded. Celery. — No premium awarded. Egg Plants. — No premium awarded. Tomatoes. — No premium awarded. Squashes. — Best display of largest number of varieties at the annual exhibition, to .Tosiali Lovett, 2d, a premium of . 5 CO For best display of various vegetables at annual exhibition, (not including squashes,) to F. W. Macondray, a premium of . 5 00 To Josiah Lovett, 2d, for a remarkably large cauliflower, a gra- tuity of . . 3 00 #26 00 The committee regret that so little interest is taken in this department. Of many articles for which premiums were offered, no specimens have been exhibited ; and as it was presumed that the intention of the Society, in making the appropriation, was to give rewards only where they were merited, they have withheld premiums whei-e, in their opinion, there was no excellence in the specimens exhibited — and more than half the amount at their disposal will not be called for. — John A. Kenrick, CJmirman. March 16. An adjourned meeting of the Society Avas held to-day, — the President in the Chair. A letter was received from S. L. Goodale of Saco, Maine, accompa- nied with scions, for distribution to the members, of the McLaughlan pear. Cuttings of the Diana grape were also received from Mrs. Crehore, for the same purpose. The thanks of the Society were voted to Mr. Goodale and Mrs. Crehore. A committee was chosen to revise and amend the Constitution and By- laws of the Society, and also to consider the expediency of printing the schedules of premiums to be awarded the present year. TJie committee consists of the President, Messrs. Walker, Newhall, Breck and Dr. Wight. Adjourned one week to March 23d. 158 Faneuil Hall Market. Art. V. Faneuil Hall Market. Roots, Tubers, ^c. Potatoes, new : Chenangoes, Common,.... Eastports,... Nova Scotia, ; per barrel > per bushel i per barrel, { per bushel ) per barrel I per bushel , per barrel, ^ per bushel Sweet, per bushel, . . Turnips, per bushel : Common, . . . Ruta Baga, . . Onions : Red, per bunch, . Yellow, per bunch. Yellow, per bushel Beets, per bushel, . Carrots, per bushel. Parsnips, per bushel, Salsaf}', per doz. roots Radishes, per bunch. Horseradish, per lb. Garlic, per lb. . . Cabbages, Salads, <^c. Cabbages, per doz. : Drumhead, . . Savov, .... Red Dutch, . . Brocolis, each, . Cauliflowers, each, Lettuce, per head, . Celer}', per root, . Spinach, per peck. Dandelion, per peck, . . Water Cresses, per quart. Cucumbers, (pickled) pr gal Peppers, (pickled) per gal. Pot and Siceet Herbs Parsley, per half peck. Sage, per pound, . . Marjorum, per bunch. Savory, per bunch, Spearmint, per bunch, From To $cts. 1 25 SO 1 00 50 2 25 1 GO 1 25 50 2 00 50 50 3 4 1 25 62j 62| 17 10 I2.i 25 6 8 25 25 6 25 37^ 37d 17 6 6 3 tots, I 50 60 1 25 2 50 1 50 60 4 5 75 75 75 20 12 10 00 00 00 20 37^ 8 10 37i 50 20.i 12.i 12 Squashes and Pumpkins. Autumnal Marrow, per cwt. Winter Crookneck, per cwt. Canada Crookneck, per cwt. West India, per cwt. Pumpkins, each, . . . . I^ruits. Apples, dessert and cooking ; Baldwins, per barrel, . . Greenings, per barrel, Russetts, per barrel, . . Blue Pearmain, per barrel. Danvers Winter Sweet, " Common Sweet, per bar. Spitzembergs, per barrel. Common, per barrel, . . N. Y. Pippin, per barrel, Wine apple, Egff-Top, per barrel, . . Gilliflower, per barrel, Lady Apple, per. half pk. Dried apples, per lb. . . Pears : Beurre Diel, per doz. . . Vicar of WiiiKfield,pr. " . St. Germain, per doz. Beurre d'Aremberg, " Easter Beurre, per doz. Chaumonlelle, per doz. Common, per half peck. Baking, per bushel, . Cranberries, per bushel. Tomatoes, per doz. . . Grapes, per pound : White Malaga, . . . Purple Malaga, . . . Pine-apples, each, . . Lemons, per doz. . . . Oranges, per doz : Sicily, .... Havana, Walnuts, per bushel, Chesnuts, per bushel, . Cocoanuts, per hund. Butternuts, per bush. Almonds, per lb. . . . From I To 5 cts. S cts. 6 00 — 3 00 Is 50 4 00 I5 00 2 50 3 00 10 12^ 3 00 3 00 50 00 50 00 50 00 I — 3 00 i — 2 00 '2 50 3 00 3 50 87^ 50 4.^ 5 25 50 1 00 25 1 50 3 50 20 20 12 17 20 37^ 1 50 2 50 3 00 1 00 14 37i 4 00 25 25 25 20 50 25 50 00 4 00 Remarks. — March has been a variable and unpleasant month; cold weather prevailing a larger portion of the time. A few da)-s ago there ap- peared some signs of approaching spring, but cold weather has again set in, and the thermometer has fallen below 20®. Vegetables. — There has been scarcely any variation in the prices of the principal articles. Potatoes remain the same, with a moderate stock. Horticultural Memoranda. 159 Arrivals from Nova Scotia have supplied the market the last month ; Che- nangoes will soon arrive from the East, and furnish a continued supply ; Sweet, from the lateness of the season, have advanced considerably. Tur- nips remain about the same, with a good supply. Onions are quite scarce, and good yellow command our highest prices. Beets remain the same, with an abundant supply. Radishes have just come to hand, and are of fair size and quality : tlie cold weather has been unfavorable to an early and abundant supply. Horseradish is very fine this season, and well supplied. Cabbages continue rather scarce ; within a week or two the stock has been rather larger, owing to the supply of small lots which have been covered during winter. Lettuce is now plentier, and of ex- ceedingly fine quality ; prices have also fallen off"; the demand for let- tuce, particularly at this season, has greatly increased within a year or two. Celery is rather small, and the supply of good quality limited. Spinach is now, since the approach of more open Aveather, more abundant Dandelions have made their appearance within a week, both of the wild and cultivated, the latter commanding the best price. Squashes of all sorts are rather scarce ; marrows are all gone, as are also the true Canada ; the main stock is winter crookneck ; within a week or two, however, there have been some arrivals of West Indias, of fair quality, which com- mand our quotations. Fruit. — Apples remain nearly the same; good Baldwins being readily obtained at our quotations ; Blue Pearmains and Gilliflowers are nearly gone, and the Egg-top and Wine apples are quite out of the market; a few Lady apples yet remain. Pears are scarce ; the Vicar of Winkfield is just gone, and though there are some very small lots offering of the d'Aremberg, St. Germain, &.C., there are scarcely enough to keep up our quotations. Cranberries remain the same, very few of this spring's picking having yet come to hand. Grapes are nearly gone. — Yours, M. T. Boston, Mar. 28, 1844. HORTICULTURAL MEMORANDA FOR APRIL. FRUIT DEPARTMENT. Grape Vines in greenhouses and graperies will soon be out into leaf, and by the latter part of the month will then show their flower-buds well advanced. Continue to increase the temperature a little, and if cold nights occur, make stronger fires ; syringe occasionally, and cut out any eyes which are not wanted or do not start strong: also tie up the side shoots as they advance. In cold houses the vines will soon be breaking their eyes, and air should be properly admitted. Vines in the open ground, owing to the cold weather, have not yet been uncovered ; the first pleas- ant weather this should be attended to. Scions may yet be cut for grafting if not done before. 160 Horticultural Memoranda. Gooseberry, Currant and Raspberry bushes may now be transplanted with entire success. Pruning may now be performed ; and as much should be completed this montli as possible. Strawberry beds may be planted this month with success. We consid- er it the most favorable season. Grafting should soon be commenced and continued throughout the month. Peach, Pear, Plum, and other kinds of trees, may be transplanted this month. Roots grafted in March should be set out in the open ground this month. Pear and Jipplt seed should be sown as soon as the ground can be got ready. FLOWER DEPARTMENT. Dahlias potted last month will now be throwing up strong shoots, which, if many young plants are wanted, should be taken oif and rooted in a hot bed ; or the roots may be separated and potted. They should be shelter- ed in a frame during the entire month of April. Rocket Larkspur seed should be sov.'n as soon as tlie ground is suffi- ciently dry to be dug over. Pelargoniums not yet shifted should not be omitted any longer. Camellias will now be making vigorous shoots, and will require syring- ing at least twice a week. Give guano liquid to the roots once a week. Continue to inarch if duplicate plants are wanted. Such plants as need repotting, if not already begun to grow, should be shifted immediately. Tuberoses, Gladioluses, and similar bulbs may be potted now for early blooming ; turning the bulbs out of pots, into the border in May. German Jisters, Pansies, Balsams, Stocks, ^t., should be sown this month in an exhausted hot bed or a cold frame. Roses will perhaps need repotting ; but this need not be done unless the roots are quite crowded, as the plants had better be turned out into the ground in May. Verbenas should now be repotted, and all straggling shoots cut in. Fuchsias will now need shifting ; as this is now so admired a tribe, we hope to see more care taken in its cultivation. Cactuses will now require more water. Chrysanthemums may be propagated from cuttings the latter part of the month. Jlchimines coccinea, longiftora, and the other species, should now be pot- ted and placed in a slight bottom heat. Hyacintlis will be in bloom this month, and should be shaded. Hardy herbaceous plants of all kinds may be transplanted this month. Pftonies may be removed with safety this month. Tree peeonies may also be separated now to increase them. Hardy roses, of all kinds, should be removed in April. Oxalises, Ixias, &c., now done flowering, should be sparingly watered. Carnations in frames should now be attended to, and carefully watered. Annual Seeds of all hardy kinds may be sown this month, and the ten- der ones in a hot bed or frame. THE MAGAZINE OF HORTICULTURE. MAY, 1844. ORIGINAL COMMUNICATIONS. Art. I. On Transplanting Fruit Trees in the autumn; and some account of a mode of autumn grafting of fruit bea7'i?ig b>anches, ivith a view to obtain fruit the following year. By Capt. Josiah Lovett, 2d, Beverly, Mass. Dear Sir, — In a conversation a short time since, you requested me to put in writing my views on autumn trans- planting of fruit trees, (Sec, together with my mode of per- forming the same. I will now endeavor to do so. Although familiar with farming, and the mode of gardening in the country towns, from my youth, to the age of about 16 years ; yet from that period to within the last ten years, I have ploughed the ocean. It is consequently but a few years since I began to pay particular attention to horticul- ture. In this short experience (I plant and transplant with my own hands), I have found it best in my soil, which is mostly a clay loam, upon a subsoil of stiff clay, to trans- plant strawberries in August, pear, plum, and apple trees, together with currant and raspberry bushes, in the latter part of summer or early autumn. Thus far, T have been most successful in those earliest transplanted ; say from the 20th of August to the last of September, according to the season. The best time is immediately after the usual sum- mer or autumn drought, when the summer growth of wood has ripened. I prepare my ground by taking out two spad- ings of soil, keeping the top spading to mix with the roots ; making the hole at least a foot more in diameter than the extent of the roots of the tree ; I then drive a single stake in the position which I intend the tree to stand, not allowing VOL. X. NO. V. 21 162 Transplanting Fruit Trees in the Autumn. the top of the stake to appear more than four inches above the surface of the ground. If the bottom soil is not rich, on replacing it I mix a good quantity of well rotted compost manure (a few old bones or bone dust will do well here), with it; I fill with this to within four inches of the lower roots ; and then use my top soil, laid aside for that purpose, to the roots. Previous to taking up the tree or bush to be transplanted, I remove every leaf, by cutting them off with a sharp scis- sors ; 1 take up every tree in the morning of a clear day, and place the roots in a tub of soap suds, saved for the pur- pose the last washing day; let them remain here till after- noon, (twenty- four hours will not injure them.) The sun having warmed the ground, I place the tree in its position, with a wisp of straw between it and the stake, and secure well to the stake with good bass or Russia matting both below and above the straw ; you then have a good tap root in the stake to secure against all winds and frost, and nothing to chafe either the body or limbs. Now fill up with top soil or earth, in the usual manner, observing to have it well pulverized, to do which there is no difficulty at this season of the year ; the soil must be pressed well up under the main roots and about the heel of the tree; all the roots should be spread carefully out, in their natural posi- tion, and the earth pressed down over each layer of roots ; covering the top roots not more than four inches deep, treading gently round to press the top soil about them : every broken root should be cut off" with a sharp knife. Late in the autumn, say November, a little more soil may be thrown over to protect the roots in winter, and removed in spring. In several instances, after planting thus early, I have examined the roots in November, and invariably found that they had made new rootlets ; in one instance, having to remove a pear tree on quince stock, in November, after having set it out the first of September, I found it had made new roots nearly a foot in length. Great care should be taken not to set the roots too deep, particularly on moist or adhesive soils. Should the drought effect them on light dry soils, a half peck to a peck, according to the size of the tree, of unleached wood ashes, placed round from the body of the tree, to the distance of four feet, and well watered, will effectually prevent any injury from drought. Ti'ansplanting Fruit Trees in the Aniumn. 1 63 Your remarks in the November number of the Magazine, for 1843, page 423, respecting my mode of procuring the specimens of fruit presented on several occasions at the Horticultural Society's rooms, last autumn, is partly incor- rect ; they were not procured by budding, but by grafting. I have practised budding with fruit buds for some eight years past, and occasionally succeeded in getting good fruit from them. It is now three years since I began grafting with fruit wood in autumn, (and I never heard of any per- son attempting it previous to that time) ; thus far 1 have been eminently successful with the pear and apple (occa- sionally with the plum) ; the grafts thus set have been more certain to mature their fruit, than the trees from which the grafts were cut ; this can only be accounted for by suppos- ing the sap to flow slower in the graft in the spring, in con- sequence of there not having been a perfect union formed with the stock in autumn ; and the grafts not blooming or setting their fruit, quite as early as the tree from which they were cut, escape the injurious effects of our late spring frosts and cold northeast storms, to which, in our climate, we are so subject. I select a healthy shoot for a scion, with fruit buds on it, (I have set them a foot long with one or two side shoots.) Immediately remove the leaves, and cut it on one side in a sloping direction, to a point, the cut from one to two inches long; then with a sharp knife I begin at the point and cut just within the bark, up about half an inch above the com- mencement of the incision on the opposite side ; then select a thrifty upright shoot, on a healthy tree, cutting well back, making a short stump ; cut this stump in the same manner as the scion, reversed ; and carefully but firmly push one within the other; secure with bass or Russia matting, and cover with clay ; or, I prefer to mix equal parts of beeswax and Burgundy pitch (a less quantity of rosin will answer in room of pitch) ; soften to a proper consistency with hogs lard, melt together, and spread on coarse cotton shirting; then cut in strips of one half to three quarters inch wide, and after uniting graft and stock, bind with this, the cotton side next the bark. The composition ought not to come in con- tact with the bark, as the bandages should be left on through the winter. If the grafts are carried any distance before uniting to the stock, it will be very important that the leaves 164 Pruning Fruit Trees. are all cut off under the tree, and the ends, as soon as pos- sible, dipped in wax or something adhesive. Very respectfully your obedient servant, JOSIAH LOVETT, 2d. Beverly, March 5, 1844. N. B. — The mode of grafting above described is very similar to what is called whip-grafting by some, though I take much less wood with the bark than I have seen gen- tlemen do who graft by that mode. — J. L. Art. II. Hints on the system of Pruning Fruit Trees, as jirac'iced in the London Horticultural Society^ s Garden, by R. Thompson. By R. Cakmichael, Newton, Mass. As the raising and cultivation of fruit trees forms one of the principle objects of pursuit, by a great mass of people in this enHghtened country, I should be pleased to offer a few hints (if yon should think them wortli publishing.) on a proper system of pruning, and a few first principles in connection with it, which may prove useful to some of your readers who are not thoroughly acquainted with that important operation ; — important, because on the perform- ance of it, in a great measure, depends the health, vigor and production of fruit. To have a true knowledge of it, it is necessary that the operator should be in some measure acquainted with the laws that govern vegetation and know the functions the diflerent parts have to perform ; for, un- less he does, how can he be sure of the consequences that are to follow ; and it is no ways improbable that that which was intended for a service may turn out an evil ; hence it is obviously necessary that the operator should be ac- quainted with vegetable physiology in order to ensure suc- cess ; quite as necessary as it is for the surgeon to know the functions of the human system in order to perform a successful amputation. I shall now endeavor, and at the same time hope to sat- isfy your readers, by pointing out the principle thing that is necessary to be known, namely, the functions of the leaves ; it is essential also to know that every part of a Pruning Fruit Trees. 165 plant, from the minutest fibre to the ponderous stem, has its own useful office to perform ; but as the development of all those parts entirely depends on the leaves, it is on that ac- count I consider them the principle organs of the vegetable fabric. The roots absorb moisture (containing the food of plants,) by their extremities, and it is transmited from them through the stem by means of channels formed by nature for that purpose, to the leaves, where it undergoes a chem- ical process. The fluid on entering contains many different substances, owing to the particles of matter it meets with in its progress through the vessels of the alburnam ; this fluid does not become the proper food until it is duly ex- posed to the sun's rays, which acts on the cuticle of the leaves, when what fluid that is superfluous passes ofl' by evaporation, and that which is left becomes elaborated and prepared as the proper food, passing into tlie system and depositing a new layer of wood to the outside of exoge- nous, and to the inside of endogenous, structures, passing on to the roots, always leaving something after it that adds to the diameter of each part it passes through, and finally elongates the tips of the roots or forms new ones. The matter that does all this is prepaied by the leaves, by which alone the great importance of them is clearly shown. It is an admitted fact that the greater the quantity of leaves over a given part, the more that part increases in diameter. The secretions for fruit are likewise prepared by the leaves, and deposited in the tissue for the ensuing year's fruit; hence the more leaves the more secretions for fruit will be formed; but this does not hold good in all cases; for in- stance, strong rank leaves that hold or receive no proper juices and leaves not fully exposed to the sun's rays are of no use for the formation of secretions ; therefore, if the leaves are not properly exposed to the sun's rays digestion is pre- vented and they become worse than useless. It is highly essential that the juices are prevented from being lost in the formation of useless wood. The system I am going to describe, which is prac- tised in the London Horticultural Society's garden, and first put into practice in England by Mr. R. Thompson, the acknowledged leading pomologist of Europe, principally depends on summer management ; it is as follows : — Allow the young shoots to grow until the leaves become too crowded ; then cut off" their growing points only ; by ! 66 New Seedling Apple. this means you will stop their elongation and confine the juices to the already formed leaves, where they will become fully elaborated for the ensuing year's fruit, which would not occur so readily, if left to the formation of useless wood ; for be it remembered, it requires the secretions properly prepared, by the action of the sun's rays, in order to pro- duce fruit ; this check will cause the shoots to throw out lateral branches, which must be stopped in the same man- ner, for the confinement of the juices as already described. This system of summer pruning will be found to be of the first importance in the production of fruit, and it requires but little trouble when properly attended to. Winter prun- ing is only a secondary object compared to this system, and I hope it will be clearly seen, when the principles here laid down are properly investigated. All that is necessary in winter pruning is, to remove all useless and superfluous wood. For peaches, nectarines and apricots, plenty of young wood is required, and the operator should be guided by the health and vigor of his trees, the soil and situation in which they grow : all these circumstances must be taken into consideration, to perform the operation aright. The system I have described will be found to answer the sum- mer pruning of vines and all fruit bearing trees. R. Cakmichael. Nonantum Hill, Newton, April, 1844. For the above interesting communication, we are indebted to Mr. Carmichael, recently from the London Horticultural Society's garden, and now gardener with Mr. Kenrick, nur- seryman, Newton. It is well worth attentive perusal ; and we hope often to have the pleasure of inserting communica- tions from Mr. Carmichael. Art. III. An account of a Netv Seedling Apple, icith an engraving of the fruit, its origin, ^*c : and a notice of the variety called the Detroit apple ; in a letter to the Pres- ident of the Massachusetts Horticidtural Society. By A. H. Ernst, corresponding member, Cincinnati, Ohio. I had hoped to have met with a gentleman going to 3'our city, who would be willing to take charge of a very small Neiv Seedling Apple. 167 box of specimens of fruit for your inspection and that of our society; but in this I have been disappointed. 1 have prevailed on Mr. Mussey to take a few specimens, and a few scions ; I may have other opportunities before too late : if so, I shall not fail to avail myself of the pleasure. Detroit. — No. 1, is the apple which is known here as the Detroit apple, specimens of which, with its history, so far as I have been enabled to trace it, I sent you last winter. The present specimens are a fairer sample of what the fruit is. I will thank you for any information with regard to it, if it is known with 5^ou, and the estimation in which it is held. Cannahaii' s Favorite. — No. 2, {fig- 7,) is a specimen of a seedling apple under the name of "Cannahan's Favor- Cannahan's Favorite. its." The original tree of this fruit stands on Mr. Canna- han's farm, thirteen miles north of this city, on the " Ham- ilton Road." The seed from which this tree originated was sown by Mr. Andrew Williams at North Bend, (late the residence of the lamented Harrison,) from whom Mr. Cannahan procured it with a parcel of other trees, and 168 NeiD Seedling Apple. planted them on his farm above referred to, in the spring of 1799. I measured the tree last fall, four feet above the ground, and found it girted seven feet six inches. It is still vigorous and healthy, and forms an immense spreading head. This is the only tree out of a lot of seventy, which produced fruit worth preserving. You will probably think me very minute in my history, but as I have seen the sad effects of a want of being particular, I do not feel at liberty to take too much on trust and promulgate it in the same way. The fruit as you will perceive is very handsome, of good size, fine flavor, and an excellent keeper : these are all desirable qualities which cannot fail to recommend it to favor- able notice, and the only wonder is, that it should so long have existed in comparative obscurity. I will not attempt to describe it ; I leave that for the more competent hand of yourself and the committee on fruits; I shall be glad if my opinion of its merits are sustained, and it is thought worthy of promulgation, that a figure of it, with a descrip- tion, be published in Hovey's Magazine of llorticnltnre. I send a few grafts for yourself and the members of the so- ciety. I also send a few scions of a seedling pear, under the name of Hill's Fall Butter; this pear I think highly worthy of propagation, so far as I am capable of judging, in the absence of some new and esteemed sorts ripening at the same time which have not yet fruited with us. You will oblige me if you will see that Capt. Lovett, Mr. Breck. and Mr. Hovey get a few of each of the above scions. This pear, with its origin, history, and description, with an en- graving, I have published in the November No. of the Far- mer and Gardener printed in this city, a copy of which I had the pleasure of sending you some time since. Yours with much respect, A. H. Ernst. Spring Garden, Cincinnati, Jan. 27, 1844. As the committee on fruits have not made any report on the specimens of the two apples presented by Mr. Ernst, in season to accompany the above communication, we annex our own descriptions of the same ; and as soon as the com- mittee make their report, it will be found under the pro- ceedings of the Mass. Hort. Soc. New Seedling Apples. 169 Canyiahan'' s Favorite. — Size., large, two and a half inches long and three and a half inches in diameter; Form, roundish, sUghtiy flattened, somewhat angular, large at the base and tapering towards the eye ; Skin, bright yellow, thiuly covered with irregular stripes of bright red, thickest and brightest on the sunny side, with a few greenish russet freckles ; Eye, large, open, and deeply sunk in a ribbed and angular cavity; segments of the calyx long; Slem, medium length, about one inch and deeply inserted in a broad, open, regular cavity; Flesh, yellowish white, fine, lender, and juicy; i^/at'o;-, pleasant, agreeable and good; Core, medium size, close ; Seeds, medium size, brown. Ripe, December to February. In regard to the Detroit apple, there is some doubt as re- spects its being a new fruit ; specimens received by the Cincinnati Horticultural Society, from our correspondent the Rev. Mr. Ik^echer, of Indianapolis, as the true Bell- flower, have bien pronounced by the committee on fruits as identical with the Detroit ; leaving the question to be decided fiereafter we add a description of the variety, which may be compared with the descriptions of the Bellflower by Coxe and others. Detoiti?) — Size, large, three and a half inches long and three and a half inches in diameter ; Form, conical, largest above the middle, and rounding ofl" at the eye and stem ; Skin, smooth, bright yellow, with a faint tinge of blush on the sunny side, freckled around the stem with greenish russet; Eye. medium size, closed, and moderately depressed in a contracted cavity ; segments of the calyx short ; Stem, short, about three quarters of an inch, slender, brown, and deeply sunk in a narrow cavity; Flesh, yellowish, fine, tender and very juicy ; Flavor, rich, subacid, brisk and ex- cellent ; Core, very large and open ; Seeds, small, roundish. Ripe, November to March. The apples of the west are so large and fair, that the same variety assumes quite a different appearance in our climate. In deciding synonyms, this must be taken into consideration ; allowance must be made for location, soil and climate, or gross errors will be likely to be committed. We shall have occasion to refer to the Detroit and other western apples at another time. VOL. X. NO. V. 22 170 Origin and miltivation of the Pearl Onion. Art. TV. Origin and C^iltivation of the Pearl Onion, Translated from the Allgemeine Gartenzeiiung of Octo- ber. By K., 1841. Many things in horticulture are in truth old and have been raised and cultivated for many, many years, which, nevertheless, are new to many, and their origin entirely unknown ; such in my apprehension is that of the Pearl onion. This article is an artificial variety of the leek, .4'llium Porrum var. sectivum Hort. and is thus procured. The common leek, every one knows, is a biennial plant, which sown in the spring of one year, produces in the next its seed stalk and then perishes. Hy cutting off this seed stem before it has perfected itself, you compel the plant to throw out from the collet or neck of the bulb, new offsets resembling the parent, but more delicate and smaller. These taken off" and replanted in the ensuing season, produce the so called Pearl onions, but do not run back into the original leek type. They are highly prized as seasoning for ragouts, pickles, &c. Cultivation. — The Pearl onion requires a rich and mellow soil, with a rather low than elevated situation. The land having been prepaied for their reception, is divided into beds which are laid oft' into rows four inches apart, in which the young bulbs are planted about the end of Sep- tember, at a depth of three quarters of an inch. To protect them from the cold, I usually cover my beds at the begin- ning of winter with sawdust or short litter. Generally the bulbs continue growing to the end of the autumn, and are not injured even by the frosts destroying the points of the leaves. The covering is removed in the month of March, the beds kept clean, and when the leaves, having attained a length of Irom six to nine inches, assume a yellow tint, the bulbs are then fit to be taken up. This must be done with peculiar caution, if you do not wish to leave a great part of the produce in the earth, since very numerous bul- bules are formed round every bulb of from one half to one inch in diameter; and these, unless great care is exercised, will become separated and remain in the ground, where they will continue to grow. After being taken up, free them from the soil by washing, Notice of the Native Black Mulberry. 171 dry them and sort them into different sizes by passing them through sieves of various dimensions. The middle size are the best for replanting. K. Art. V. Notice of a large fruited and large leafed variety of the Native Black Mulberry. In a letter to J. S. Skin- ner, Esq. By Hon. E. Whittlesey, Ohio. Commurii- cated by Mr. Skinner. My Dear Sir, — I make you the medium of communicat- ing to the public, in such manner as your judgment shall deem to be best, the impress of a leaf of the native black mulberry, presented by Mr. T. A. Denormandie, of New Lisbon, who received it from Mr. Jacob N. Brown of Brooks county, Virginia, proprietor of the Neesley farm, where the earliest attention was paid to the cultivation of fruit in the wrslcrn country. Mr. Denormandie has an extensive nursery of engrafted apples, consisting in part of a variety of choice native fruit. The fruit of this mulberry is said to be from 2 to 2| inches in length, and of delicious flavor. Mr. Brown in- formed Mr. Denormandie, that it was considered by some of the western silk growers, as superior in fineness to the Italian or mullicaulus for silk, and that the worm was not liable to be diseased, as is often the case when feeding on the mullicaulus. Although the leaf from which the im- pression is made was 13-^ inches in length, and O^ inches in width, Mr. Denormandie says, it was by no means the largest class on the tree. Silk will ere long, be one of the great staples of the United States, and if the representations are correct, and I do not doubt them from the source they are derived, the existence of this tree may be important to those engaged in its growth and manufacture. Most sincerely yours, E. Whittlesey. Canfield, Trumbull Co.., Ohio, April, 1844. An impress of the leaf of this mulberry accompanied the above communication ; but from its great size we are 172 Solving Seeds in Snow. unable to give an engraving of it. It must be a remarka- ble variety not only for the leaf, as food for the silk worm, but for its fruit which is of unusual size, being 2 to 2| inches in length. This alone should recommend it to gen- eral cultivation ; and we trust Mr. Denormandie will cul- tivate it with a view to its dissemination as a fruit bearing tree. It certainly would be far more desirable than the common English mulberry, which is esteemed an excellent variety. — Ed. Art. VL Sowing Seeds in Snow. Translated from the Allgemeine Gardenzeitung of April, 1841. By K. For five years I have practised with considerable suc- cess, sowing the seeds of such Alpine plants as the Gen- tians, Ranunculus, Anemone, &c., usually of difficult vege- tation, in snow. At Erfurt 1 have raised many hundred gentians, ^i'he sowing of auricula seeds in snow is a well known practice among our north German gardeners. This spring the idea occurred to me that this method of sowing might be applied to the sprouting of exotic seeds, a much more valuable purpose ; I therefore sowed a parcel of New Holland seeds, such as Papilionacese and Mimoseae, also £^ricdcca3 and /ihodoracegs, Cacteee, Cucurbitacese, and other families of the most diiferent sorts, by first covering the earth in the flower pots with a layer of snow, then sprinkling the seeds and adding another layer of snow, and placing them finally in the hot-house in a close glass case, in a temperature of from 12 to 15 degrees of Reaumur. I was not deceived, for after two days several sorts of acacia, such as subcsaerulea and Cunningham//, and many of the Mamillaria, such as uncinata had sprung up. All these came up very evenly, and beyond my expectation, speedily; and for the first time I succeeded in forcing the seeds of Crotalaria purpurea into vegetation. In sowing these last 1 did not cover the seeds immediately after the meUing of the snow with fine, sandy earth, as was done in former cases, but postponed doing so until after the seeds had sprouted. Snow for this purpose may be laid up in ice-houses until June, and answers perfectly, (5cc., «SuC., Floricidtural and Botanical Notices, 6f'c. 173 ^^ ^ :^ ^ Further results of my experiments will be hereafter communicated. K. P. S. For the perusal of the above interesting Journal, published in Berlin, I am indebted to the politeness of your correspondent A. J. Downing, Esq., of Newburgh. — K. Art. VII. Floricultwal and Botanical Notices of New Plants, figured in foreign periodicals ; icitlt Remarks on those recently introduced to, or originated iu, Amejican gai'dens, and additional information upon plants already in cultivation. Edwards'' s Botanical Register, or Ornamental Flower Gar- den and Shrubbery. Each number containing from six to eight plates; with additional miscellaneous information, relative to new plants. In monthly numbers; 35, plain, 35, 6^. colored. Paxfon's Magazine of Botany, and Register of Flowering Plants. Each number containing four colored plates. Monthly, 25. 6c/. each. Edited by J. Paxton, gardener to the Duke of Devonshire, The Gardener'' s Chronicle, a stamped newspaper of Rural Economy and General News, Edited by Prof, Lindley, Weekly, Price 6of. each, Floricidtural and Botanical Intelligence. New Seedling Camellias. — Our correspondent Dr. Gunnell of Washington, writes us that he has had several very new seedling camel- lias bloom for the first time the past winter, descriptions of which he will forward to us at a future opportunity. His two seedlings, George Washington and Thomas Jefferson, he has placed in the hands of R. Buist of Philadelphia, for propagation and sale. Mr. Wilder informs us that he has had several seedlings which have bloomed for the first time, and which afford evidence of great promise; no less than five of them having regular formed flowers, similar to the double white. 1'he catalogue of superior American seedlings bids fair to ex- 174 Floricultural and Botanical Notices ceed in number even that of European ones, possessing the same relative beauty. The Tennessee or P}-airie Rose. In our March number, (p. 98,) we gave an article by Mr. Pierce, on the Prairie rose. It has since been copied into the western papers, and in .the Ohio Statesman with some preparatory remarks, which may be interesting to lovers of this beautiful class. The writer states that our correspondent Mr. Pierce, was mistaken in saying that this rose has produced no double variety. " Twenty-two years since, Mrs. Montjoy found a double multiflora rose growing wild, on an island in the Licking River, Ky., a few miles south of Cincinnati. It had all the peculiarities of the single variety, except that ttie petals were as numerous, and were formed similar to the Chinese multiflora, the rose being about three times as large. This rose was brought by Mr. Buchanan to this city fifteen years ago. He obtained the cuttings from the garden of Gen. Taylor, of Newport, Ky. Mr. B. gave some to Mr. Schnetz, who raised many of them, since v/hich it has been widely disseminated. It is known here by the name of the ' Montjoy Rose,' or ' double native multiflora,' and it deserves to be a great favorite. Another variety of our wild multiflora rose was found in the Scioto Valley, near Chillicothe, by Mrs. Gov. Wor- thington ; this was semi-double. Another beautiful variety was found near Urbana, O., by Mr. John H. James. This was single, but with spotted petals. The same writer states they have the promise of an article shortly, accurately describing all the varieties and the peculiarities of the western Prairie rose, which will be interesting and valuable to horticulturists." — {Ohio States- ma??, Api'il 10, 1844.) New varieties of the Gladiolus. — Great attention has been given in Belgium to the cultivation and production of new hybrid varieties of the Gladiolus. From a communication in a Belgian Journal, translated in the Gard. Chrn??icle, we copy the following account of some of these new vari- eties. Many of the new seedlings surpass the finest we have hitherto possessed of this genus, namely, the G. cardinalis and floribundus, introduced from the Cape in 17SS and 1789, and the G. ramosus. The G. natalensis, perroquet of Neio Plants. 175 or Daeleni, was introduced after this period. It was brought from Java in 1828 or 1829, in a Dutch vessel to Rotter- dam, and having been obtained by Dr. Dael of Brussels, it flowered with him for the first time, and was accordingly- named after him by horticulturists. In addition the G'la- dioliis Golvilh'i, pnlcherrimus, ramosissimus, and a great number of other very fine varieties, with which the horti- culturists of Haarlem have enriched their trade, the for- mosissimus deserves particular notice as being the finest flower we have seen in 1842. This variety unites the habit and abundant flowering of the ramosus, with the color of the cardinalis, though scarcely so brilliant. AH these vari- eties have a family resemblance to the ramosus, flori- bundus and cardinaUs. They are not, however, to be com- pared with the brilliant novelties obtained at the Due d' Aremberg's seat at Enghein. Beddinghaus, a young man of good intelligence and education, and in every respect capable of directing such an establislmient as that at Eng- hein, fertilized the G. natalensis with the floribundus, the ramosus and the cardinalis. This crossing was made in the summer of 1837, a season favorable for such operations. Seeds were ripened, and from a sowing of these the G. gandavensis was raised. M. Louis Van Houtte having ob- tained this variety, thus annoimced it in his catalogue for 1841. " I have the stock of this gladiolus with the excep- tion of two bulbs possessed by one of my brothers. At the moment I write all Ghent comes to admire it. In stateli- ness and color it exceeds all we have seen among the Gla- dioli. Its dimensions surpass those of G. ramosus ; its ma- jestic flowers, to the number of 18 or 20 are of the most charming vermilion ; their inferior petals adorned with chrome, amaranth and brown, are again relieved by anthers of an azure hue which descend to the centre of the flower." This description, doubtless, made in a moment of admira- tion and enthusiasm, is however, a little exaggerated, if properly cultivated the plant will produce flowers corres- ponding with the above description. Many other varieties from the same sowing, much surpass even the G. ganda- vensis. Several of these have already appeared in the cat- alogue of M. Jacob Makoy, of Liege, for 1842, others are not yet in the trade. The names of the former are Baron de Pronay, De Cand611ei/,Gretry, Herbert?'/, Low/?', Pfcifer/i, Reine des Beiges, Salm/d«?/5, Schwarzenberg/dnws, splen- 176 Floricultural and Botanical Notices didns and Sternw. With regard to their culture it may be said that they succeed very well in the open air, planted in leaf mould. They are taken up towards the end of Sep- tember, after the stems are completely withered. The otf- setts and bulbs are preserved during winter in a dry place protected from frost. They are replanted in the open ground in April or May. {Revue Hoi'ticole. for Sept. 1843.) New Fiichslas and Verbenas. — The most popular flowers among English cultivators, as would appear from the Gard- dening periodicals, are the fuchsias and verbenas. The number of new varieties which have been produced within a year or two, is truly astonishing, particularly of fuchsias ; were it possible to count them all. we doubt not they would amount to at least two hundred. Messrs. Youell &. Co., extensive cultivators at Yarmouth, raised in the summer of 1842, upwards of three th.onsand, plants, to the flowering of which one house was entirely devoted in 1843 ; and although many of the kinds were truly beautiful, yet in the present improved state of the flower, a selection of only six was preserved as worthy of name These were Queen Victoria, Prince of Wales, Princess Royal, Marchioness of I\ormanby, Lady Alice Peel and Lady Walsingham. They are off"ered for sale at 7s. 6d. per plant. — Fd. Mr. Fortune's progress in China. — Advices have been received from Mr. Fortune, v/ho, it will be recollected, went out from the London Horticultural Society last year, to col- lect seeds and plants, dated Chusan, Nov. 12, 1843. He describes the whole coast of China to the northM^ard as consisting of bare, rugged rock, barren sand, and burnt, gravelly clay, but with beautiful plants here and there. He had met with very bad weather in his passage to Amoy, but had had an opportunity of exploring the islands of Kong-loo-soo and iVmoy. On the voyage thence to Chusan, the vessel encountered heavy gales in the Formosa Channel, and was twice driven back, once to Chinchen and once to Chamoo ; this, however, gave him the opportunity of land- ing at these places, and exploring the country for several miles inland. On no occasion had he met with serious ob- stacles to penetrating the country, but, on the contrary, found the natives particularly civil, much more so than on the coast further south and at Canton. Mr. Fortune had fallen in with hills covered with azaleas, and with several other good things, seeds of which, in very small quantities, of New Plants, 177 were enclosed in his letters. In particular, he had met with a very beautiful Buddlea, with rich purple flowers, arranged in clusters like a lilac ; and a very fine Campanulaceous plant, with flowers as large as those of Lisianthus Russell- iaims. What he had seen of China gave him great hope of fully realizing the anticipations of the Society. He was about to proceed to Shang-Hai and Ning-poo. {Gai^d. Chron., 1844, p. 103.) Nelumbiacese. J^ELIPMBIUM Rox. cAspicum Fisch. Caspian Nelmnbiiim. A stove aquatic ; growinfi 2 feet high; with white flowers ; appearing in August; a native of Asia ; increased by seeds ; grown in sandy loam. Bot. Reg. 1844, t. 14. This is one of the celebrated nelumbiums of the East, which have so rarely been seen in flower in England. The specimen from which the drawing was taken flowered in the nursery of Messrs. Rollisons, of T'ooting, last season. The flowers bear considerable resemblance to our white lily. According to De Candolle, all the Nelumbia found in various parts of Asia are varieties of one species, and this opinion is generally adopted. The present plant is liow- ever considered, by Dr. Lindley, as a distinct species, under the name of N. caspicum. The principal specific difference consists "in the very small number of carpels, which do not appear to exceed nine, while in the great Indian species they are as numerous as thirty or thirty-three." It is a stove aquatic, requiring to be kept dry during the winter. Before putting it into water, which ought to be done in February, it should be potted in sandy loam, mixed with pieces of sand stone, to act on the same principle as drainage, for the water in which it is grown requires to be renewed once or twice a week, and should never be allowed to fall below 80°. It is increased both by seeds and divis- ion of the root. {Bot Reg. Mar.) BerhenddcecB. BERBERrS |iilliila Bcnth. Pale ash-leaved Berberry. A half-hardy shrub ; growing six feet high ; with yellow flowers ; ap[)eariMg in May and June ; a native of Mexico ; increased hy layers ; grown in common soil. Bot. Keg. 1844, t. 16. Another of the pretty berberries, of which several have been previously introduced. The present species, in its native country, forms an evergreen shrub, attaining to the height of 6 feet. It was discovered by Mr. Hartweg, in his VOL. X. NO. V. 23 178 Floricrdtural and Botanical Notices Mexican tour, and plants of it flowered in the garden of the London Hort. Soc. in May, 1843. Being rare, it is, at present, cuhivated in a cold pit; but it will undoubtedly prove as hardy as B. fascicularis. It may be increased by layers, or by grafting on the Mahonia aquifolium. (^Bot. Reg. Mar.) CombretacecB. QUISaUA^LIS sinensis Lindl. Cliinese Quisqualis. A stove climber ; growing 10 feet Iiigli ; with scailet flowers; appearing in summer; a native of Cliina; increased by cuttings; grown in sandy loam and peat. Bot. Iteg. 1844, t. 15. A superior species to the old Q. indica, which has long been an admired plant. Q,. sinensis is a more compact grower than indica, has smoother leaves and branches, and Bowers of a larger size and of a deeper rose color. Its gen- eral management is the same as the indica. The plants should be potted in sandy loam and peat, mixed with a few potsherds ; in summer, water should be freely given at the roots, and the foliage frequently syringed. It is propagated by cuttings, under the ordinary management. {Bot. Reg. Mar.) Rosacea. SPlR^iA Reevesm'^a Lindl. Mr. Reeves's Spiraea. A hardy sub-evergreen shrub ; growing four feet high; with wliite flowers ; appearing in Way and June ; a native of China; increased by cut- tings ; grown in common soil. Bot. Reg. 1844, t. 10. Syn.: S. Rcevesia^iia, Hort. S. corymbosa, Roxb. A very handsome species of the Spirsea, forming a neat spreading shrub, three or four feet high, and abundantly furnished with racemes of white flowers, which appear in May and June. Like the others it is readily cultivated, not being partial to any particular soil. It is increased by cuttings of the small half-ripened twigs during the summer or autumn : they should be put in sand, covered with a bell glass and placed in an exhausted dung frame. It will probably prove as hardy as the S. bella in our climate. {Bot. Reg. Feb.) LeguminoscB. LUPINUS arvensis Bcnth. Fiehi Peruvian Lupin. A half-hardy biennial; gtowing one to two feet high ; with lihic blue and yellowish flowers ; appearing in the autumn ; a native of Mexico; increased by seeds ; grown in any good rich soil. Bot. Reg. t. 1, 1844. " One more addition to the large genus Z,upinus. The flowers are rich bright lilac, enlivened by a yellow spot on of Nmv Plants. 179 the white centre of the vexellum." It is a half-hardy bi- ennial, flowering the first season, and is probably best treated as an annual. The seeds should be sown in March, in a loamy soil, and when of proper size, transplanted into small pots, three in a large pot. These should be turned out into the border when danger of frost is over, and they will flower freely all the summer and autumn. It is a pretty companion to the L. Hartweg?'/, Cruikshankn, &c.. the treatment of which is the same as here noticed. The only objection to the more general introduction of these fine spe- cies is their proneness to run up without flowering until just as frosty nights set in : but if the seeds are planted early, in a frame or hot bed, the plants will throw up fine spikes of flowers in August and September. (^Bot. Reg. Jan.) GENl'STA virgita De Cand. Twisgy Broom. A half-hardy shrub ; growing four feet high ; with yel- low flowers; ap|>eariiig in May anil June; a native of Madeira ; increased by cuttings ; grown in light rich soil. Hot. Reg. 1844, t. 11. "A very handsome, compact shrub," sufllciently hardy to stand the ordinary winters around London, if planted in a dry situation. It attains to the height of four feet, and produces an abundance of spikes of yellow flowers, very showy and ornamental. It is increased by seeds or cut- tings, and grown in any good light soil. Should it prove hardy in our climate it will be a fine acquisition to our lim- ited stock of ornamental shrubs. {^Bot. Reg Feb.) GelastracecB. £UO'NY.MUS japonicus Thnnb. Japan Euonynius. A hardy evergreen shrub; growing six feet high ; with greenish white flowers ; appearing in July and August; a native of Japan ; increased by cuttings; grown in good soil, fiot. Reg. 1844, t. C. An evergreen species of the ^uonymus, which has proved nearly or quite hardy in the Horticultural Society's Gar- den. It is liable to have its branches killed by severe win- ters, but it springs up again and rapidly forms a bush. The flowers possess no beauty, and the value of this spe- cies consists in its evergreen character, having much "the appearance of a small-leaved orange." It is easily increased by cuttings of the half-ripened wood, under a hand glass or a close frame. MalpighidcetE. STIGMAPHYLLON Aug. de St. Hil. jatrophaefolium ./3(Zr. (ie Jiis.?. Jatropha-leaved Stigmaphyllon. A greenhouse pinnt ; grow- ing four or live feet high ; with yellow flowers ; appearing in July ; a native of Brazil; in- creased by cuttings ; grown in sandy loam and peat. Bot. Reg. 1844, t. 7. 180 Ploriciiltiiral and Botanical Notices A " very pretty twiner, well suited for cultivation in pots, attached to a trellis." The foliage is palmate, 5-7 parted, serrate and fringed, and of a clear light green. The flow- ers appear in clusters, and are of a bright yellow, with the edge of the petals delicately cut or fringed. Many of the species are worthy of cultivation, and some are extremely handsome. They are mostly natives of Brazil. The present subject inhabits rocky places on the banks of the Uruguay, where it creeps over the surface of the soil. It may be treated as a greenhouse plant, and potted in sandy loam and peat, in a rough state. In summer, the plants should be partially shaded, as the leaves are liable to be scorched by the sun. It is propagated by cuttings in the usual man- ner. {Hot. Reg. Feb.) M.elidce(B. TURE^>j3 Bennett \ohk\.?L Lindl. Lobed Turrsea. A stove plant ; growing 2 feet high; with white flowers'; apiiearing in July ; a native of Sierra Leone ; increased by cuttings. Bot. Reg. J844, t. 4. A " rare stove plant " collected in Sierra Leone and sent home to the Duke of Devonshire, where it flowered last July. It is a small erect shrub with trilobed, dentate, leaves, and axillary flowers of a pure white, having much "the appearance of those of an orange," but without odor. It is probably increased by cuttings in the usual manner. (^Bot. Beg-., Jan.) Ij7'icdcecc. .ySRCTOSTA'PHYLOS piingen.* De Caiid Pungent Bearherry. An evergreen, half hardy shrub ; growing six to eiglir feet higli ; witli pink flowers; ap[>earing in June :iii(l July; a native of Alexico ; in- creased by seeds ; culliv^ited in peal and loam. Bot. Hog. 18-14, t. 17. A Mexican plant, found by Mr. Hartweg, at an elevation of 7000 to 8000 feet above the sea, where it forms an ever- green bush, with reddish brown branches, and terminal racemes of pretty pink flowers, resembling an arbutus. In the garden of the London Horticultural Society, it has proved a neat, half hardy shrub ; it is however, one of those uncertain plants which sometimes die suddenly dur- ing hot weather, especially after a few hours of rain, if planted in the open border, though it may have been pre- viously in the highest state of health and vigor. It is raised from seed, which should be sown in peat and loam, and placed in a close frame. Pot them oft' when the rough leaves appear, and keep them in a close frame partially shaded, until they are well established. {Bot. Beg., Mar.) IVie Rose Manual. 181 REVIEWS. Art. I. The Rose Manual; containing accurate descrip- tions of all the present varieties of Roses, properly classed in their respective families, their character and mode of cidture, with directions for their propagation, and the de- struction of insects, with engravings. By Robert Buist, Nurseryman and Florist. I Vol. 12mo. pp. 182. Phil- adelphia. 1844. Somewhat after the style of the Rose Amateurs Guide of Mr. Rivers, which has been a favorite book with the rose fanciers of England, we have one here, adapted to the rose cultivators of our own country, by Mr. Buist. The increas- ing taste for this beautiful flower, has demanded a small volume suitable to the wants of amateur fanciers, who need some guide to the more successful growth of many of the numerous varieties which now fill up the catalogues of nur- serymen : varying oftentimes as much in their habit as they do in color; and necessarily requiring different treatment to bloom them in equal perfection. To supply this informa- tion is the purpose of this work, and the object has been very well accomplished by the author. The rose has always been a universal favorite ; but at the present time it is particularly an object of attention : within a few years French cultivators have given great attention to the tribe, and great numbers of brilliant varie- ties have been raised, so far surpassing those of former years, that it has almost changed the character of the fam- ily. Who would recognize in some of the Bengal roses, the old indica and sanguinea, the parents of this class ; and where shall we look for anything like the prototype of the hybrid chinas, so brilliant with their immensely large and double flowers, and glossy foliage, and withal quite hardy: or again, where have we seen in former years roses which would vie with the bold flowers of the Bourbons ; or uniting the delightful perfume of the old damask, with the elegance of the Provence, find anything so beautiful as the hybrid perpetuals, blooming often from June to November : and last, though not least, where is the hardy climbing rose, that great desideratum, which would begin to compare with the incomparable Queen of the Prairies. A few years have 182 The Rose Manual produced astonishing changes ; but they are few only, com- pared to many which four or five years more will bring about. We are but in the infancy of the cultivation of roses, and, as with the camellia, a short period only will elapse before the American varieties will be as numerous as those of the latter flower. Nineteen classes of roses are enumerated, and the princi- pal varieties belonging to each described. There are also ten or twelve sections devoted to the planting, propaga- tion, budding and general management of roses, including their propagation from seed. It would be almost impossi- ble for us to offer anything but a synopsis of the volume ; amateurs of roses should possess it. To give some idea of the manner in which Mr. Buist treats the subject, we ex- tract two chapters, one on growing roses from seed^ and the other on their cultivation in pots lor the greenhouse or par- lor. Grotving Roses from Seed. To the amateur this opens a field of very interesting amusement; it gives an object with which to fill up profitably every leisure moment, in impregnating, saving the seed, sowing and watching every movement of the plant till it develops its beauties of in- florescence, which, if it prove of new character, is an ample compensa- tion for the time spent upon the process ; if not worthy, it is at least a good stock to be used in budding or grafting upon, and even then causes no loss. In the centre of many roses there is a number of thready fila- ments surmounted by what botanists term anthers ; these are small oval forms which, when ripe, contain a quantity of pollen or yellow dust, which can easily be perceived between the finger and the thumb after giving them a gentle pressure. This pollen, though to the naked eye a fine powder, and light enough to be wafted along by the air, is very curi- ously formed, and varies very much in different plants. Under the mi- croscope each grain of it in the rose is a membranous round bag, which remains entire, and can be kept dry and perfect for days and weeks. On its application to the moist tip of the pistil (which in the rose is a stiff protuberance in the very centre of the flower) it bursts with great force. When flowers are designed to be operated upon, the one intended to pro- duce the seed should be deprived of its anthers early in the morning, which can readily be done with a pair of fine scissors ; then during the day, or within two days, take a fine camel hair pencil, and obtain, about noon, the pollen or dust from the plant or plants with which you intend to make the cross, and apply this dust to the pistil of tlie roses from which you have previously extracted the anthers. It will require some practice before proficiency can be attained in the operation, but a little attention will insure some success. The organs are fit for the operation when the pistil has a glutinous appearance on its summit, and the pollen is dry and powdery. The flowers may be one or two days old ; rain is fatal to tlie operation — dry weather, therefore, must be chosen. Patience and assi- The Rose Manual. 183 duity can accomplish wonders in this department of rose culture ; the persevering efforts of the French cultivators have been so very successful witliin the last ten years that we do not at all despair of seeing a yellow Moss, a yellow Provins Hose, or even striped roses, combining every shade from white to black, and there is no reason why there should not be produced a perpetual blooming climbing Moss Rose of any color at present know in the family of the rose. Ten years ago we had no idea of a Noisette Rose of as fine a yellow as Harrisonii, and as large as Noisette Lamarque ; such Chromatella, or the Cloth of Gold, is said to be ; perhaps ere this work is through the press the plants in my posses- sion will be in bloom, to prove or disprove the assertion. The seeds will be ripe about the first of November, and can be retained in the capsule or fruit till the time of sowing, taking the precaution to bury them in sand, where they Avill be safe from the depredations of mice, who are very fond of them. Early in the spring choose a sheltered spot in the garden, free from the shade or drip of trees ; enrich and break up the soil very tine, make tlie surface quite smooth, take the hips from tlieir winter quarters, break up the fruit, and sow the seeds thinly and evenly on the soil ; take tlie back of the spade, or a board, and press tlie seed level with the ground, then cover them with about one-fourth to one- half of an inch of sand ; if sand cannot be obtained take leaf mould, or soil from the woods, finely sifted, for tlie purpose ; in dry weather give occasional waterings. Many of the seeds will come up the first year, and the balance will make their appearance in the second ; the tiiird year they can be transplanted to beds or rows to remain till they bloom, winch will generally be the fourtli or fifth year. It is truly astonishing to see the variety produced — red and white, rose and pink, may all be seen springing from seeds of the same plant, and from single to the most double ; none but such as are of the finest form, very prolific, and pos- sessing a good habit, should be reserved for culture. Our climate is so favorable to the maturing of seed that there is no reason why Ave should not only equal, but surpass, any European country in the cultivation of this "Queen of Flowers." The blooming of seedlings can be readily hastened Avhere time and convenience will admit. As soon as the young plants have made three or four leaves, lift them very carefully from the seed-bed with a trans- planting trowel, and put them in pots of rich light earth; then place them in the shade and give a gentle Avatering and sprinkling over the leaves for a few Aveeks, when they may be planted into the ground to remain. I have in this Avay groAvn plants eisliteen inches high the first season. They Avill, by this method, generally bloom the third year. The seeds are covered with a thick tough shell, which, if alloAved to get perfectly dry, and kept in that state for a considerable period, Avill take tAvo years to germinate, and perliaps not groAv at all ; regular moisture appears to be indispensable for keeping the shell soft and exciting the embryo plant into groAvth. The seeds are on this account providentially furnished with a fleshy pericarp (hip) to prevent their becoming too dry for germination, Avhile nearly all other seeds do not germinate well unless dried before sowing. Cultivation of Roses in pots, for the gi-eenhouse or rooms. A selection, for this purpose, should be made from the Tea, Bengal, and Bourbon families, all on their own roots, or budded very low. Presuming that 184 The Rose Manual these roses are already in pots, or to be procured from the nurserymen in the small* pot they are generally grown in for sale, they should at once be placed into those of six inches in diameter, carefully and freely wa- tered, during July and August, cutting off all the flower buds they show in the latter month. About the middle of September, shorten the over- grown shoots, and thin out the slender ones, turn the plants out of the pots, depriving them of some of the soil, and repot in those of seven inches diameter, using a compost of sand, turfy loam, and manure in equal proportions; they will also grow admirably in the black soil, from the woods, composed principally of decayed leaves ; put several pieces of broken crockery in the bottom of the pot, then a portion of soil ; place the plant so that its surface roots should be under the rim of the pot, and then fill all round with the soil ; put them in a situation partially shaded, — water sparingly, till they begin to grow — tlien expose them fully to the sun and water freely every day. There they may remain till the middle or end of October, and in the south till November, when they should be removed to the greenhouse or rooms, for flowering. Previous to their removal, the pots should be washed, and the plants neatly tied up. Thus treated they will mature all the buds they will then show, and produce a profusion of flowers again in January and February. Where there is the convenience of cliarcoal, it will be found of prime utility in rose pot- culture, broken to the size of nuts and about one fifth mixed with the soil ; the roots will delight to ramble through it, and the foliage will be of a richer and darker green; the surface of the soil must have frequent stirrings. The plants must be carefully examined, and whenever infested by the aphis, or green fly, they should be destroyed, if in the greenhouse, by tobacco smoke. But, if in rooms, that method cannot be well adopted, for the odor would penetrate into every part of the dwelling. They should in that case be brushed off into a pail of water ; or the safest plan will be to make a strong tea of tobacco, fill a pail with it, and while in a tepid state invert the plant therein, holding the hand or a cloth over the surface of the pot to prevent the eartli from tumbling out. Roses in pots are wonderfully benefited by a watering of manure water about once in two weeks. This water is very easily prepared either in town or country. The droppings from the horse or cow stable put into a large tub or barrel, with Avater kept over it for a week or two, occasionally stirred up ; the water then poured or drawn off for use about the color of good tea ; or one quart of poudrette, put into three gallons of water — stir it a few times, — in two days it will be fit for use. A new species of manure from the islands of the Pacific, called Guano, the deposit of sea fowls that has accumulated for centuries, is very valuable for making liquid manure. A quarter of a pound, in three gallons of water, frequently stirred before using, will be found very nourishing ; indeed one pound to sixteen gal- lons, will be strong enough to use by the inexperienced, for if used much stronger than I have stated, it would injure plants in pot culture. When required for the open ground, watering with any of these liquids may be made stronger, or used more frequently. We shall have occasion to refer to this volume again in reference to the synonyms of many kinds of roses. * The plants for winter blooming' should be ordered from the venders of an extra size 5 the very small plants sold at low prices would defeat the object. The Neio American Orchardist. 185 Art. II. The Nero American Orchardist ; or, an account of the most valuable varieties of Fruit of all Climates, adapted to cultivation in the United States, inith their his- tory, modes of cultivation, management, uses, 6)'c., tvith an Appendix on Vegetables, Ornainental Trees, iShrtibs and FloiDers ; the agricidtural resources of America, and on Silk, . 181.) Destruction of the Gooseberry Caterpillar by Salt. — To destroy the green worm, as also the small orange colored aphides, which often injure the bushes and destroy the fruit, we sprinkle tlie plants with salt and water early in the spring, before the leaves are developed ; the mixture may ihen be made so strong as to whiten the branches without affecting the future crop. Should the leaves or buds be in part expanded, the brine should be greatly reduced, say one quart of salt to about eight gallons of soft water, applied over the bushes from the rose of a watering pot. — (A". E. Book of Fruits, p. 127.) O'xalis Deppei'i. — Roots of this species of O'xalis were lately distributed to the members of the London Horticultural Society, accompanied with the following statement in relation to their cultivation : — " I have grown it for several years, and I am convinced that if a little attention is paid to its cultivation, it will be found very useful in the montlis of October, November and December; but it would require a longer season of dry weather than our climate affords to bring its tubers to perfect maturity. The bulbs should be potted as early in spring as circumstances will permit, and as they veg- etate in a low temperature the pots may be placed in a peach house, greenhouse, or even a cold frame ; but they must not be turned out of doors until all danger of frost is over. They thrive best in light sandy soils, in a southern exposure ; the bulbs may be planted from nine to twelve inches apart each way, and should be so arranged that they may be protected from the early frosts of October and November, by a slight covering of straAv mats, or spur lights. As eight or ten good tubers are sufficient for a dish, there may be two or three dishes a week for three or four months, which is no small acquisition to a gardener who has a family at that season to supply with vegetables." Dr. Lindley remarks, that a smaller, and in many respects an inferior kind, is generally cultivated for it, which is no doubt one reason why this root is not more in use for culi- nary purposes. In Belgium it is extensively grown, where not only the tubers but the leaves are also made use of. — [Gard. Chron. 1844, p. 182.) Propagation of Plants by Circumpositio7i.* — The folloM'ing mode is practiced by Mr. Fonlap, at Mont-Brisson. He procures a quantity of small tin cases, of a conical form, like the upper part of a funnel, 2 3-4 inches in length, and 2 1-6 inches wide at top, narrowing towards the lower part till only suflicient room is left for the introduction of the shoot or branch intended to be propagated. These cones are supported on rods, * A term applied by early writers on gardening-, but has latterly fallen into disuse. Circumpositioii is a kind of layering; the diflerence being, that in the latter the shoots are brought down to the ground, while in the former " the earth is lifted up to them," in consequence of their being too tall to bend down with safetj-. Domestic Notices. 231 to which they are secured by wire. Commencing with the central branches, the leaves are taken from the parts which the tin is intended to enclose. The branch is cut two thirds through, as in layering ; and be- ing enclosed by the funnel, the latter is well packed with moss. Moisture necessary for favoring the emission of roots is supplied by means of a bottle, from M'hich the bottom is struck off, and the neck furnished with a cork, perforated so as to admit a small pigeon's feather, a bit of wool to form a syphon, by means of which the moss is kept in a proper state of moisture. The plants on which the operation is made are placed so as to be partially shaded by trees during the first month. Hard-wooded plants are propagated in this way from the middle of May till tlie end of June ; and the branches are sufficiently rooted to be taken off by the first week in September. Soft-wooded plants may be operated upon in March, and the plants taken off in June, or in the end of June and beginning of July, in which case the plants may be taken off, if sufficiently rooted, in the end of September. It is, however, necessary, in all cases, to ascertain whether the branches are sufficiently rooted previously to their being separated. This is easily done by opening up the edges of the tin. When the branches are found to be sufficiently rooted, they are potted off, Avithout removing the moss by which the roots are surrounded. Being moderately watered, they are immediately placed under glass, on a slight hot-bed, and kept shut up for a fortnight. They are then gradually exposed, and afterwards placed in the shade of large trees, so that only half of the rays of the sun shall reach them. In this manner, M. Fonlup obtained from one shoot of Pittosporum sin6nse, fifty-two well-rooted plants, in the short space of two months, by means of thirty tin cones. He also employs the latter for invigorating weak branches, and for increasing the size of fruits. — (Revue Horticole, in Gard. Chron. p. 183.) Art. II. Domestic JVotices. JVew method of destroying the Curculio. — The following remedy for the curculio has been communicated to the President of the Cincinnati Hor- ticultural Society : An old man who lived on the premises of a neighbor of the writer, in Canton, Ohio, in a shop which had a yard with a single plum tree in it, observing that that insect infested the trees very gener- ally, and were in a fair way of destroying the whole crop, and knowing of no preventive, was induced to try the experiment of saturating the bark of the tree for a short distance with spirits of turpentine. He after- wards tied a rag, dipped therein, around it. The experiment succeeded to a charm, for not a plum was afterwards injured, Avhilst other trees in the vicinity cast from one half to two thirds of their fruit from the sting of that pernicious insect. — [Western Farm, and Gard., Vol. IV. p. 225.) [As it is now just the season to institute experiments for the destruction of this insect, we hope cultivators will be induced to try this plan. — Ed.] Saltpetre a Remedy for the Peach Worm. — Lyttleton Physic, M. D., in a letter to our correspondent, J. S. Skinner, Esq., states that he has made use of saltpetre with good effect in destroying the borer. He uses one O-JO Domestic Notices. part of saltpetre to from four to eiofht parts of comuion salt, and applies, in a solid state, about half a pound of tJiis mixture to a beariuir tree. He never disturbs the eartli about tlie tree. For a long' time he applied it three times in tlie course of a year, thouirii he now thmks twice will an- swer. Ho lias heretofore applied it in April. June, and tirst of Septem- ber. Of 500 trees. 300 were treated with salt and nitre, and "200 left without its use. Those around which tlie salt and nitre were put, were, and still continue, entirely exempt from worms : of those lett without the salt and saltpetre, not one escaped tJie ravages of tlie peach worm. — [.ivu Farm. 1843.) Exptriment tcith Guano on Corn. — The great value of fjusiri*-^ i^ j'^^t beg^inuing: to be fully appreciated in Great Britain. According to tlie latest accounts, the price per ton had risen from Jl I to £'2 sterling, and farmers were eag-er to lay in a supply. The discovery of tlie article on the Coast of Africa, on tlie Itciiiboe Island, where it can be obtained without cost, and of nearly or quite e<]ual value to the Peruvian, will tend to increase tlie consumption of it, from the lessened price at whicli it can be bought- Thousands of tons are daily arriving, and every cargo finds ready pur- chasers. It will be. as it has been in England, some time before our farmers be- come wise enough to make trial of this \-aluable manure. It is four or five years since it was introduced to Great Britain in any quantity, and until last season tlie sale of it has dragged heavily : and it was only by the means of accurate experiments, tried under the care of scientitic and influential agriculturalists, and given to the public through Uie medium of Agricultural Journals, that even tlie British tarmers have at last become convinced of its immense value. Small parcels have recently arrived in Boston, and we are glad to learn that many individuals are now trying its effects on various crops. That tliey will be satisfactory we are almost certain. So far as we have tried it in garden culture we are satisfied tliere is nothing like it : our only object is to convince otliers of its utili- ty, that tliey may obtain results equally astonishing. By anotlier year we hope hundreds of tons of guano will be received from Africa, and sold at a price which will induce every tanner to test its value. The following experiment witli guano, in the cultivation of corn, was made by our corresptwdent, Mr. Teschemacher. last season ; it tonus a portion of his excellent address delivered before the American Institute, in October lest, which has not yet been published: Me copy it now. that those who wish may have an opportunity to give their crop a top dressing, and note the results, as compared to that without it: — On the l"2th of May, this year, I sowed several hills of sweet corn on a poor, exhausted, sandy soil, putting a tablespoonful of guano to each hill of five seeds, witliout auy other manure. I feel sure that this quantity in sowing is two-thirds too much ; one teasjx>oniul would sutHce : besides which, it was not sutficiently stirred up with tlie soil, so that when tlie young tender sprouts first genninaled, tliey came at once into contact with Uiis most powertul manure, and were considerably injured, turning yellow, and several dying away. Three or tour, however, in each hill survived, and soon began to grow, of a dark green color. For the first three weeks. I did not observe much difference between these and some adjacent hills in tlie same soil, which I had sown also without manure, for the purpose of comparison. When about one foot high, I stirred into each Domestic Notices. 233 hill about three teaspoonsful more of guano, and watered all freely, as the weather was very dry. On the 11th of July, the tassels appeared, which is about a fonnij^ht earlier than usual. When fit for gathering for the table, I e.Khibiled, at the rooms of the Massachusetts Horticultural Soci- ety, the largest produce of one seed. It had three principal stems, two of which had three heads each, and one two heads, in all eight heads, besides five suckers, each of which showed the silk. The weight of this plant, the roots being cut off, was 8i lbs. At the same time, I exhibited the best produce of one seed out of the hills without guano or manure. One stalk showed one head, no sucker, and weitrhed \\ lb. It is well known by cultivators of this corn, that, under the usual cul- tivation, it seldom averages two heads to a seed. In my address before mentioned, the view I took of the action of this manure, and which I beg leave to state I deduced theoretically, from a consideration of the analysis of its contents, was, that it would be more valuable in agriculture than in horticulture, for tliat it was probable that it would diminish the size of the flower, but that it would certainly increase the produce of seed. I con- sider the above experiment with sweet corn alone as considerably fortify- ing these views, and I will mention but one other of my numerous experi- ments: it is purely a horticultural one, but it further supports the same theory, which is very important to agriculture. In February, 1842, I repotted two plants, an old woody one, and a young cutting of heliotrope, which were in soil entirely exhausted, and in which they had been about twelve months. The exhaustion of the soil was proved by the leaves turning yellow and dropping off as fast as they appean;d, as well as by the attenuated appearence of the shoots. On repotting, I merely added a teaspoonful of guano to the same soil, and replaced the plants in the same pots. In three months they had both shot out most luxuriant branches, with many clusters of flowers ; and on the older and more woody plant, each cluster produced a good crop of seed, which this plant seldom produces, even under good common cultivation. This seed and luxuriance may therefore be fairly attributed to the guano. In order to pursue this subject to its farthest limits, I considered it valu- able to discover whether any of the ingredients, discovered by chemical analysis of this manure, had found their way permanently into the seed of the sweet corn, with a view of ascertaining its importance in cultiva- tion as an improver of the food either for cattle or man. I therefore for- warded a portion of the seed grown with guano and that grown without on tlie same spot, to Mr. A. A. Hayes, of Roxbury, to whose valuable discoveries and researches on this subject, I have before alluded, and likewise to Dr. C. T. Jackson, who has also interested himself much in these matters.* I myself have repeated Mr. Hayes's experiments with this corn, although I have not been able to separate the ingredients in the seed, so as to make a delicate and certain comparison with those of seeds grown without gua- *Dr. Jackson I have not yet heard from, but the result of Mr. Haves's experi- ments on the corn I transmuted to him, is, that tlie phospliates in the guamoed corn, are to those in the corn wiihoul i;uano, as 6 to 4 ; in other words, the guanoed corn contains 50 per cent, more phosphates than the other. Now, according to the most recent physiological discoveries, it is aarreed that without the phosphates, neither flesh nor hlood can he formed, and therefore, that the value of food for cattle and man, is dependant on the quantity of phosphates it contains. VOL. X. NO. VI. 30 234 Retros'perAwe Criticism. no. Yet, according to the judgment of my eye, there is certainly an increase in the phosphates of the seed with guano. If this fact can be fairly once ascertained with one ingredient, it may be fairly supposed to be the case with others ; and Avlien the researches affecting agriculture, now being pursued by numerous able men of science, shall have attained a greater degree of precision and perfection, the importance of a knowl- edge of the ingredients contained in the various foods of cattle and man, will become quite manifest. One other consideration has suggested itself to me as worthy of notice. In cultivation, the choice of fine seeds has always been deemed of first rate consequence. If the seed of this fiist year's sowing with guano has really acquired any more valuable properties than that cultivated without, it is at least probable, from what we already know practically of the laws of vegetation, tiiat these properties may be increased with another year's similar treatment; I have, therefore, preserved some of this guanoed corn as seed for the succeeding year, when it will be again tried with the same manure. I will merely add to these statements, that the quantity of guano I con- sider desirable for each hill of corn of five seeds, is less than one ounce, to be given in two applications. One quarter on sowing must be well mixed with the soil, and three quarters stirred well into the hill when the plant is about a foot high, always endeavoring to effect this latter opera- tion just previous to rain. This would give about 70 lbs. to the acre, supposing it to contain 1100 hills at six feet apart. The price in Eng- land is £10 to £12, or .$50 to #C0 per ton, of 2240 lbs.; hence the quan- tity to the acre would cost somewhat less than two dollars, and no other manure is necessary. In England it has been applied at the rate of 250 to 500 lbs. to the acre, or more than six limes the quantity by the above calculation ; but there it is scattered broadcast as the seed is sown, and of course the quantity used must be much greater, as all the ground is covered. In the method I propose, it is applied as it were simply to each plant. In England, nothing is cultivated in hills ; it is either broadcast or in drills. — (JV. E. Farm.) Art. III. Retrospective Criticism. Errata. — Our correspondent, Mr. Teschemacher, requests us to correct an error, which was overlooked in his communication in our April No. p. 140. The fruit of the raspberry is represented as tlic receptacle ; he intended to invite attention to this fruit as being a specimen of tlie berry, (acinus.)— J. E. T., Boston, May, 1844. The efficacy of Salt for destroying the Curcidio. (In answer to Mr. Long- worth, p. 190.) I noticed a very modest communication in your last num- ber, in Avhich tlie writer represents liimself as being under great excite- ment in consequence of your once having expressed an opinion that his famous "Ohio Grape" was identical with the "Norton's seedling," (al- though, if am not mistaken, there was a retraction made by you in a succeeding number, some months since.) Of this, however, I should not have spoken, had it not appeared to me to be his design to seek out some one on whom he could vent his " spleen ;" and has seen fit, in no very MassacIiiiseUs Horticultural Society. 235 ceremonious manner, to single out a class of people (and a very numerous class, too) who place reliance on one of the two wonderful " discoveries," with which he asserts you are " daily annoyed by people who have be- come fond of writing for magazines, from a desire to benefit the human family ;" (to which class he, of course, does not consider himself as be- longing;) and has seen fit to class this "discovery" with another, which he conceives of a similar character — "hanging a grubbing hoe on a plum tree to secure the plum from the ravages of the curcuiio." Any one who has read the communications of your very learned and scientific corres- pondent would suppose that a person of his superior intellect, whom he intimates has been suspected of originating "an idea," would have per- ceived tlie dissimilarity of the two " discoveries." How simply hanging a "grubbing hoe" on a tree could be supposed to destroy the eggs or in- sects which might be buried beneath the soil, seems rather mysterious; this discovery no person in this vicinity has the honor of making ; but it needs not such acuteness to suppose it possible that 6n"ne, when applied in any considerable quantity, might produce a trijling difference in effect, if applied to the soil where the eggs or insects existed. Now it appears as if your learned correspondent had taken no pains to either "taste, feel, or smell" of the subject, as he does not condescend to give any facts ■whicli would go to disprove statements which have been correctly made, and which could be corroborated and multiplied by the testimony of many scientific, practical men — but as it does not agree with his notions, he pronounces it a nonsensical humbug! One would infer, from his peculiar style of writing, that he belonged to that class of people not unfrequently met with, who consider all humbugs who differ from themselves ; and as it appears to him to be a prevailing propensity in such ignoramuses (as these great discoverers) to inflict their stupid productions on you — (whom he appears to consider too amiable in your disposition to reject their communications) — he conceives it his duty to come out and give them a check. Now if he possesses any information upon the subject, instead of ad- vertising people as dupes, it is certainly his duty, as he has introduced the subject, to bring his light out from under the bushel and give your readers some facts which will set them right; as he says some of the people in his vicinity suppose that " because salt will keep pork, it follows that it will also keep pliimsy Now, sir, the writer has not the most dis- tant idea that your learned correspondent has any other object in view, in writing his communications for your Magazine, than to enlighten the "human family" — no desire for fame, or to bring his grape or his rasp- berry into notice. A gentleman, however, of the writer's acquaintance, who purchased some small vines of his grape at $2, and raspberries at 50 cents each, informs me that he has some little inkling that in this case his "cheese" may prove "chalk." — Yours, J. A. Kenrick, JVewton, May, 1844. Ar'I'. IV. Massachusetts Horticultural Society. Saturday, April 27, i8i4.— Exhibited. Flowers: from W. Meller, a great variety of pelargoniums, embracing many seedlings, viz. : Oliver Twist, Lifeguardsman, Erectum, Decorum, King John, Jewess and Gaines's King; also Meller's Henry Clay, Beauty of Roxbury, Franklin, George 236 Massachusetts Horticultural Society. Washington, Martha Washington, British Queen, Prince Albert, &c., &c. together with bouquets, pansies, &-c. This day having been the time appointed for Premiums for pelargoni- ums, the Committee awarded the pize of $3, for the best ten varieties, to Mr. Meller, there being no competitor. May 4th. — An adjourned meeting of the Society was held to-day — the President in the chair. J. S. Eldredge, of Dorchester, Avas admitted a subscription member. Adjourned two weeks, to May 18th. Exhibited. Flowers : from W. E. Carter, Saxifraga cordata, liibss aureimi and Citysus alpinus ; also hyacinths of ditferent varieties. From J. Brock & Co., pansies, polyanthuses, and hyacinths of several varie- ties. Col. Bigelow exhibited a branch of a new white double flowering peach, which originated in his garden at Medford about ten years ago ; it resembles the common double flowering peach, except in the color of the flowers, which are pure snowy white. Fruits : J. F. Allen exhibited handsome specimens of Black Hamburg and Chasselas Bar Sur Aube grapes, the latter on a vine in a pot contain- ing eight clusters, averaging half a pound each ; also Royal George Clingstone peaches, handsome, large, and well colored; and Early Vir- ginia and monthly strawberries. Vegetables: flne Asparagus, from David Hill, West Cambridge; also good specimens, from G. Walsh, Charlestown. May llth. — Exhibited. Flowers: from Col. Bigelow, specimens of the white double flowering peach, the same as those exhibited the 4th. Bou- quets from S. Walker, Misses Sumner and W. Kenrick. Fruits : from Mrs. Howard, by her gardener, Mr. Nugent, handsome Black Hamburg and Sweetwater grapes. May \8th. — An adjourned meeting of the Society was held to-day — the President in the chair. The President reported that he had received a deed of the land, recent- ly purchased of the city, agreeably to a vote of the Society, and had paid $18,000. A loan of #i'tember ; a native of Mexico ; increased by grafting; cultivated in any good soil. Bot. Reg., 1844, t. 27. An evergreen shrub, not quite hardy in the climate of England, v/ith white flowers, as sweet scented as the haw- thorn. It belongs to a peculiar group of rosaceous plants, remarkable for their capsular fruit and winged seeds, — the latter, a circumstance not hitherto observed in other plants of this order. In our climate it would probably require the protection of the greenhouse, and would do for placing out in summer on the lawn, where its hawthorn scented flow- ers would make it a desirable acquisition. It is increased by grafting on the common thorn. {Bot. Reg.. May.) VortulacecB. CALANDRl'NIA (well known garden ornament of several species.) prociimbens Trailing Calandrinia Fischer. A lax growing and spreading annual, with very small crimson blossoms, and no addition in point of beauty to the species already in culture. Raised from a collection of seeds sent to the Massachusetts Hort. Soc. by Prof Fischer, of the Imperial Botanic Garden, St. Petersburgh : and flowered June, 1844. — J. L. R. Vaccbiidceoe. MACLE^AN/.^ longiRbr a Lindl. Long-flowered Macleania. A greenhouse shrub; growing four or five feet high ; with crimson flowers; appearing in Spring: a native of the Andes; increas- ed by cuttings ; grown in sandy loam or peat. Bot. Rog., 1844, t. 25. This very showy plant belonging to the genus IMaclean/a somewhat recently established by Sir Wm. Hooker, was found by Mr. Hartweg in dry and exposed situations on the of New Plants. 253 Andes, at an elevation of 8000 feet above the sea ; where it forms a " neat compact evergreen shrub, about five feet high." The leaves are sessile oval-oblong, obtuse, and reticulate ; the flowers generally appear in threes, at the axils of the leaves, and are long cylindrical, and of a rich crimson, very showy. It should be grown in the green- house, and potted in sandy loam and peat in equal propor- tions. It produces very fleshy roots, and consequently re- quires a good sized pot or tub : it should be liberally wa- tered in summer and sparingly in winter. Increased by cuttings under a bell glass in bottom peat. — (^Bot. Reg. May.) CompositecB. Bl'DENS (from having its seeds surmounted witli two teeth.) VVilld. Wallicliij Wallich's Bidens. An annual: from seeds received from tlie Botanic Garden, Calcutta, E. Indies, 1842. Quite a showy, tall plant, with dark green and rich fol- iage, and rather large white flowers, of some merit. Flow- ered in the summer of 1843, and grown out of a collection of East Indian seeds. — /. L. R. HydrophylleacecB. EU^TOCA WrangelUi Fischer. Wrangel's Eutoca. A beautiful variegated flowered little plant, from seeds of the same collection as the last. An abundant flowerer, with conspicuous blue and white blossoms in thick clusters, and promises to be a valuable addition to the annual gems of the flower border. Flowered in May, from seeds sown in March.—/. L. R. GraminecB. EhYMVS (Lyme grass.) dasystichys. Thick or short spiked Lyme grass. A strong, vigorous grass, with long curculi or under- ground stems ; and growing about four feet high : probably well calculated for light loose soil. Raised from seed re- ceived from Dr. Fischer of Imperial Garden, St. Peters- burgh, 1843-4.—/. L. R. 254 Notes on Gardens, and Nurseries. Art. IV. Notes on Gardens and Nurseries. Mr. Walker^ s Ranuncidus show. — A few days since we were highly gratified with an exhibition of that exquisite flower, the ranunculus in the garden of our correspondent, Mr. Walker. Few flowers, in England, are more highly prized among the florists than this ; and large and extensive collections are cultivated by some of the amateur fanciers. Next to the tulip, it holds the highest rank, and during the last ten years, many new and truly splendid varieties have been produced, by English cultivators. As long since as 1830, we were ardent admirers of the ranunculus, and so great was our desire for a fine collection, after growing only ordinary kinds, that, in the autumn of 1833, we im- ported, from Messrs. Tyso & Son, who had one of the best collections in England, one hundred roots, at the ex- travagant price of twenty Jive dollars. These we flowered in very fine condition, and continued their cultivation for two or three years, until other objects demanded so much of our time, that we found it necessary to dispose of our roots; resolving, at the same time, that when our leisure would again permit, we would renew our cultiva- tion of a flower, which, we are free to confess, far above all others, was our favorite among the florist's productions. From these remarks it may be at once inferred, that Mr. Walker's bed aflbrded us a rich treat; and not only in its mere beauty, but because we consider it tending to awaken anew, the taste for this flower. In our volume for 1840, (VI. p. 416,) we gave a long article on the cultivation of the ranunculus, with a view to render its cultivation within the reach of admirers of flowers ; and as a still fur- ther aid in the object, we trust the present collection of Mr. Walker will do much to induce its more general cultivation. Mr. Walker, having had an exceedingly fine growth from spring planting, he has offered to give us an article on the subject, which will appear in the course of the summer, before planting time comes on. The bed numbers nearly or quite one thousand roots, and many of them beautiful kinds, but we believe, gener- ally without name. They were planted out in March, and have had the protection of the tulip house, since the warm weather came on, and have made a vigorous growth. Notes on Gardens and Nurseries. 255 and thrown out an abundant bloom. Some of the spotted and tinted varieties were truly superb. Those who have seen the bed, will need no urging from us to cultivate a small collection ; but to those who have not, and are fond of perfect flowers, we would say, try a small bed and see if they will not repay all the care, expense and trouble. Hawthorn Grove, Col Wilder, Jmie 8th — The green- house had been shorn of its beauty, and nearly all the plants removed to their summer quarters. The camellias looked unusually strong and vigorous, with a deep green and healthy foliage ; this, we presume, has been occasion- ed by frequent waterings with guano, which is a valuable manure for this tribe. We have already given Mr. Tesche- macher's experiments on camellias, with charcoal and gu- ano, and we are satisfied from our own practice, that it gives great vigor to the plants. Many new kinds have flowered the past winter, some of which have been de- scribed in Mr. Wilder's communication at p. 145 ; many others which have also blossomed, will be described here- after. In the greenhouse, we found several new fuchsias in flower, viz : — elegans superb, Money pen ni/, formosa ele- gans, hybrida coccinea, conspicua arborea, and several others under numbers : formosa elegans has crimson se- pals, and almost blue petals; elegans superb, has pale red or rosy sepals, and rich purplish violet petals, very beauti- ful ; Moneypennii is a strong and vigorous variety, with large and handsome flowers : Mr. Wilder has nearly twen- ty kinds in his collection. We saw here, a very large and fine petunia, the flower of which, we should judge, would measure three or four inches in diameter ; this class of plants is now attracting great attention among English cul- tivators, and some very unique and handsome varieties have been produced. They are all so desirable for turning out in the summer, that they will always be sought after by amateur cultivators. Of verbenas, Mr. Wilder has a number of English varieties, but they were not yet in bloom ; such as we have seen, however, do not excel our Amer- ican varieties. Mr. "Wilder has several new things underway; among others, a number of seedlings of the Japan lilies, which we have before noticed, and which are now five or six inches high ; he has also the new gladioluses, of which 256 Notes o?i Gardens and Nurseries. we lately gave some account; probably some of them will bloom the present season. In the open garden, the roses were just coming into bloom. A row of standard plants, set out a year ago, were in as fine condition as could be desired, and were throwing up strong shoots, terminated with great clusters of flowers; they stood entirely unprotected, last winter, and scarcely one of them was injured. Some of the most beautiful of those in bloom were Hybrid China President Mole, Brilliant, Coronation, and Charles Louis ; a week later, and the display would be truly magnificent. Col. Wilder has raised several hundred seedling straw- berries, the result of various impregnations, with our Seed- ling for one of the parents ; the vines were now coming in- to bearing, and some of the plants promised well ; but as this is the first year after planting out, another season will aflbrd a better opportunity to test them. It will be difii- cult to find a variety possessing all the merits of our seed- ling ; we have known hundreds of plants raised from it by various cultivators, both with and without hybridization, and all of them have been destroyed as not worth keeping. Ross's Phoenix, and the Swainstone Seedling were show- ing some fruit, but not in sufficient quantities to form a just estimate of their merits. Ross's Phoenix appears to be very much like the parent, Keen's Seedling. The Brit- ish Queen, of which Mr. Wilder had several plants, last fall, were nearly or quite all killed by the winter. The fruit trees, especially the pears, were showing an a- bundance of fruit, and several new kinds are bearing, for the first time here; Knight's Monarch, and Van Mons Leon le Clerc, are among the number; we may therefore anticipate the pleasure of seeing these highly esteemed va- rieties in the approaching autumn. Several new French Pears are also fruiting, but we did not take down the names. The May Bigarreau cherry fruited again this season in great perfection, although, from its exceeding earliness, be- fore any other fruit was ripe, the birds destroyed the best part of the crop ; the tree had been literally loaded with fruit; but it was, even now, [June 8th,] nearly or quite all gone. This variety is, without doubt, the very earliest cherry in cultivation, coming in ten days before any other kind ; ripe fruit was picked June 1st. The Rose Manual 257 REVIEWS. Art. I. The Rose Manual ; containing accurate descrip- tioTis of all the finest varieties of Roses, ^'c, By R. BuisT, Nurseryman and Florist. 1 Vol. 12mo. pp. 182. Philadelphia. 1844. 2. The Rose Amateur's Guide ; containing ample descrip- tions of all the fine leading varieties of roses, regularly classed i?i their respective families, their history and mode ■ of culture. By T. Rivers, Jr. Third edition, corrected and improved. 1 Vol. 12mo. pp. 209. London. 1843. The rose is now attracting great attention. Within a few years great numbers of new varieties have been pro- duced, and though always an admired flower, the splendor of these new ones has greatly enhanced the value of a col- lection. The great depredations of the rose-slug, a few years since, induced many amateurs to give up their cultiva- tion altogether, and that^ too, just at a time when the new classes of hylDrid perpetuals and Bourbons were being brought into notice ; prolonging, as they do, the rose sea- son into the verge of winter, and giving a new feature to the tribe. But with the easy and simple means of destroy- ing that destructive insect, the growth of the rose has again been renewed, and with their growth, a desire to possess all the new and beautiful kinds which have taken the place of the older varieties. To supply the necessary information for the cultivation of the rose, has been the object of the works, at the head of this article. Mr. Rivers is one of the oldest and most celebrated rose cultivators in England, and his volume has been, as it is well named, the "Amateur's Guide" to the growth of this beautiful family. Three editions have been issued, the last of which we have before us. The Manual of Mr. Buist, already reviewed at p. 181, is intended lo give the same information to the American cultivator, that Mr. Rivers's Guide affords to the English rose fanci- er; and is modelled after the latter work : our extracts al- ready given, are a specimen of the style in which he takes up the subject. VOL. X. NO. VII. 33 258 The Rose Mmmal We have now referred to Mr. Buist's volume again, in order to supply some interesting information, to lovers of the rose, which we had not time nor space to do be- fore, and shall also give several extracts from the Guide of Mr Rivers, which will be valuable to all cultivators. When the multiflora rose was first introduced into Phila- delphia, it is said that twenty dollars were frequently paid for a single plant. Laure Davotistisrvoysr Xhe most splendid of this class, but it is too tender to stand our winters, though, in some sheltered and dry situations it does very well. Russelliana is a fine variety of the multiflora, and the author thus speaks of it, and the mode of pruning this family. Russelliana — Scarlet Grevillia, Russell's Cottage Kose, Cottage Rose, and I believe it is sold under some other titles besides, is considerably hy- bridized, but not so as to lose its character as a pillar rose, of which it is one of the best. I have pillars of it twenty feet high, forming, during the month of June, a very attractive object, having a profusion of tlowers of the richest shades of crimson ; many of them being striped with white. From the base to the pinnacle it is one mass of glowing beauty. Perfect- ly hardy in our coldest latitudes, it has large, rich, green foliage, very dis- tinctly and deeply nerved, the shoots are strong and erect, and will grow freely in any soil or situation. The old shoots only should be thinned out ; the young wood ought never to be shortened unless locality demands it. The same style of pruning will apply to all the varieties of the IMultiflo- ra. This operation should be performed early in the spring, before the buds swell, but never when the wood is in a frozen state. In more south- ern climates pruning can be done at any period, from December to Janua- ry ; but in the middle and eastern states it should be undertaken as soon as frost is out of the wood, in February or March, and the plants tied or nailed at once to their respective supports. — Buist's Manual, p. 23. Hints on the General culture of Climbing Roses. — They will grow lux- uriantly on any aspect or situation, provided they are not entirely shaded by trees overliead. The roots of trees and plants, generally, are of a growth proportionate to that of their branches ; from this data, and experi- ence provTss it, we find that roses of strong growth make strong roots, strik- ing deep into the soil, and extending horizontally in quest of food to a sur- prising length ; they require a rich soil, \\hich before planting, should be well pulverized and freely broken ; it should be of a character inclining more to sand than clay ; if the latter predominate it must be well incorpor- ated with sand and old manure until it becomes of a friable nature. With two feet depth of such a soil, they will grow many yeare and bloom pro- fusely. When any decline is observed, it will indicate that they are in want of nourishment, which can easily be supplied by digging in about their roots three or four inches thick of manure or rich compost. For such an operation the month of November to early in spring is the best period of the j^ear. Wherever their situation may be, all the pruning they require is merely to thin out the wood where it is too crowded, and The Rose Manual. 259 to keep it within bounds. I have seen fine plants of many of the roses now described totally ruined for one year by the^ free use of the knife. Where manure cannot be conveniently obtained, fresh soil from the woods or rich grounds will be of great service ; an occasional watering with soap suds is also very beneficial to the rose. In city gardens we have often seen a few inches of very common poor soil thrown over clay, old bricks, lime rubbish, &c., whereon roses were planted, and grew well the first season, but the following they made barely sufficient wood and foliage to keep them green ; the result was unsatisfactory, and the fault laid to the rose ; whereas the whole fault was in the preparation of the ground. " Any thing that is worth doing at all, is worth doing well," is a maxim always to be kept in mind in all gardening operations. — {Id. pp. 29, 30, and 31.) Planting and Management of Pillar Roses. — For a variegated pillar choose plants of the same growth, and plant them in a rectangular form, allowing the pole or pillar to occupy the centre. The first season after plantmg they should be watered twice a week, in dry weather ; if water- ing cannot be attended to, cover the soil with three or four inches of ma- nure. For pillars or trellising, plants on their own roots are the best. The pruning of these require to be performed in a very different manner from that usual for the generality of roses. Those plants that make very long shoots, should have only about a foot or two of the tops cut off", the wood of three or four years old thinned out, and the short shoots or twigs cut in to within two eyes of the preceding year's growth. They require to be tied to a strong post ; if permanency is the object, use red cedar or locust for the purpose ; in the country, where wood is plenty, any sapling can be taken ; if three or six inches of the branches are left on it, the ef- fect will be improved. Although rich soil is strongly recommended for these roses, they will nevertheless do on any soil. I have seen them in the very poorest earth make fine bushes when they can be pruned as common garden roses, only the luxuriant beauty of the foliage, and the large size of the flowers will be lost. It must be admitted that plants, trees, and shrubs, grown and protected by nature, are in their greatest beauty, and bring forth their flowers, fruits, and seeds to perfection ; yet while this is conceded, we say that those plants, brought up and nurtured by art, un- der every exciting cause, to produce the greatest amount of wood, foli- age, flowers, and fruits, also require skilful assistance in depriving them of their superabundance, to keep them within bounds, and lead them to the space they are intended to occupy. The period best adapted for prun- ing is subject to various opinions ; but extensive practice and sound judg- ment give the preference to the months of November and December. Pruning in the spring should be avoided, as the sap is then drawn towards the extremities of the shoots, and when these are shortened the lower buds will be found more dormant, and will require some time to move, whereas by fall pruning the sap in the spring flows instantly to the buds that are left on the plant, which are at once strengthened, and prepared to push out as early as the season will permit. The first season after roses are trans])lanted they should be watered once or twice a week in dry weather, or should have placed all round the plant, moss or manure, to prevent evaporation, or the sun from parching the earth and drying the young rootlets. It is lamentable to see the destruction of plants the first season, from mere carelessness and want of attention ; whereas a few 260 The Rose Manual. judicious waterings would have prevented the loss. — Id. pp. 70, 71, and 72. Planting Roses. — We have advocated November and December as the best period for pruning ; these are also the best months for planting all kinds of roses of the hardy sorts that bloom once a year, or what are term- ed " Hardy Garden Roses," unless the soil be of a wet and retentive na- ture ; in such case the planting should be deferred till spring. The ground must be well prepared by deep digging, and well incorporated with old rotten manure, decayed leaves, or soil brought from the woods. I am aware that some of my southern and western friends will smile at this recommendation ; for their soils are from three to twelve feet deep, and will grow roses, without any artificial means, for the next century; but these suggestions are only offered to those who need them. Before the operation is begun, the mind should be made up on the proper dispo- sition of the plants: avoid crowding, avoid formality, avoid hurry. Crowding plants together is injurious in every respect ; if space is limited choose the fewer sorts, or distribute the inferior sorts to hedge rows or fences, and put only the best that can be had, where they are to form a permanent attraction ; formality of design attracts attention for a time, but the eye soon wearies of it. The most interesting disposition, and one that will offer the greatest variety, is to plant the whites, blushes, pinks, roses, reds, crimsons and purples, each in separate clumps, figures, or patches ; and to carry out a grand arrangement, let each division of the rose have its appropriate locality. This Rosary can be formed on any piece of ground, from a quarter of an acre to any required extent, either on the lawn or any other spot for the purpose. Let the ground be laid down in grass, or if it is there already so much the better ; then cut out on the grass the various figures that may be required, giving every plant from two to four feet of room. With these few hints the reader will see that such an arrangement will form a scene of enchant- ment that language cannot portray. It is not necessary to remove the old soil ; very decayed manure (with an addition of road or river sand to heavy sdIIs) well incorporated with it, twelve to eighteen inches deep, is all that is required. — Id. pp. 72 and 73. Propagation of Garden Roses. — There are three modes, within the reach of all, for the propagation of these roses, namely, by layering, budding, and grafting. Layering, wherever it can be accomplished, is preferable, and will produce the most permanent plants. There are two methods of performing the operation ; the one we prefer is as follows : — In the month of July, or two first weeks of August, look over the plants required to be propagated, and take any of the young shoots that have made eighteen inches or two feet in length, bend them gently to the ground, and make fast by a peg, stone, or block ; they will in a few days take a set in this form ; then under the part that has come in contact with the soil, make a hole four inches deep, and about the same width ; have a portion of prepared sandy rich loam (if your soil is not naturally such) at hand ; bend the shoot in the hole, and look for a bud so situated as to come about three inches under the surface ; then take a very sharp knife and commence by cutting off all the leaves that will be under ground ; in- troduce the blade just below the bud and cut upwards so as to cut about half-way through, and make a slit about two inches long, thereby forming what gardeners call a " tongue ;" this should be done at the side or back The Rose Manual. 261 part of the shoot, and to prevent the tongue from closing introduce a por- tion of the soil, or a chip of any hard substance, which will keep it open, then lay it carefully in the space prepared, and fill up with the fresh com- post, leaving the top of the shoot in as upright a position as possible ; to fin- ish, mak(? it fast to a small rod to prevent the wind from blowing it about. The tongue should not be in the very spot that forms the bow, as thereby the branch would be too much weakened ; the lower eye of the upright portion of tlie shoot is the most successful spot. When the whole is done place the stone or block on the surface, over the layer, which will prevent the sun from drying the earth, and greatly facilitate the growth of the roots. In the month of November the layers that are rooted may be taken off, and either potted as required, or planted out where they are to remain, heading down the shoot to within three or four eyes of the sur- face. Those that are not rooted will have to remain another year ; prune them the same as directed for the parent plant. If the operation by lay- ering is not performed in the summer it can be done in February, March, or April, before the plant has begun to grow, observing the same direc- tions as given above. About Philadelphia we have pots made abour four inches wide and deep, with a cut in the side wherein we place the layer, and either plunge the pot entirely under ground, set it on the surface, or elevate it as required ; if in the two latter positions, we water it freely every evening, and cover it with moss or some other litter, to prevent, as much as possible, the sun from affecting it. We also make boxes for the same purpose wherein to lay shoots from the Standard or Tree Roses. — Id. pp. 78, 79 and 80. Noisette Lamarque. — This is a celebrated variety, now known over the whole country for its magnificent, large, perfectly double, yellowish- white, pendulous flowers, which it produces in clusteis of three to ten in each. In good dry, rich soils it will grow twenty feet in a season, and in South Carolina, one of my correspondents informs me, that their plant now eight years old, covers a veranda fifty feet long and twenty feet high, and is one mass of flowers from May to December. There is also a plant in this city, that occupies twenty feet by eight of a fence that faces north where it is influenced by the morning and evening sun, but the sun, from November to March, never touches the plant, confirming the opinion that in winter the sun does more injury to delicate roses than the cold. This plant does much better on its own roots than when budded or grafted. The plant that I imported of it in 1833 is budded on the French Dog Rose, and makes a very fine standard, but bears no comparison with the magnificent plants that have been grown from it, although cherished and nurtured in my city garden. — Id. p. 96. Growing Tea Roses in Frames. — A selection for this purpose, should be made from the Tea, Bengal, and Bourbon families, all on their own roots or budded very low. Presuming that these roses are already in pots, or to be procured from the Nurserymen in the small * pot they are gener- ally grown in for sale, they should at once be placed into those of six inches in diameter, carefully and freely watered, during July and August, cutting off all the flower buds they show in the latter month. About the * The plants for winter blooming should be ordered from the venders of an extra size ; the very small plants sold at loic prices would defeat the object. 262 The Rose Manual. midddle of September, shorten the overgrown shoots, and thin out the slender ones, turn the plants out of the pots, depriving them of some of the soil, and repot in those of seven inches diameter, using a compost of sand, turfy loam, and manure in equal proportions ; they will also grow admira- bly in the black soil, from the woods, composed principally of decayed leaves ; put several pieces of broken crockery in the bottom of the pot, then a portion of soil ; place the plant so that its surface roots should be under the rim of the pot, and then fill all round with the soil ; put them in a situation partially shaded, — water sparingly, till they begin to grow — then expose them fully to the sun, and water freely every day. There they may remain till the middle or end of October, and in the South till November, when they should be removed to the greenhouse or rooms, for flowering. Previous to their removal, the pots should be washed, and the plants neatly tied up. Thus treated they will mature all the buds they will then show, and produce a profusion of flowers again in January and February. Where there is the convenience of charcoal, it will be found of prime utility in rose pot-culture, broken to the size of nuts and about one fifth mixed with the soil ; the roots will delight to ramble through it, and the foliage will be of a richer and. darker green ; the surface of the soil must have frequent stirrings. The plants must be carefully examin- ed, and whenever infested by the aphis, or green-fly, they should be des- troyed, if in the greenhouse, by tobacco smoke. But, if in rooms, that method cannot well be adopted, for the odor would penetrate into ev- ery part of the dwelling. They should in that case be brushed off" into a pail of water ; or the safest plan will be to make a strong tea of tobacco, fill a pail with it, and while in a tepid state invert the plant therein, holding the hand or a cloth over the surface of the pot, to prevent the earth from tumbling out. Roses in pots are wonderfully benefited by a watering of manure water about once in two weeks. This water is very easily prepared either in town or country. The droppings from the horse or cow stable put into a large tub or barrel, with water kept over it for a week or two, occasionally stirred up ; the water then poured or drawn off for use about the color of good tea; or one quart of Poudrette, put into three gallons of water — stir it a few times, — in two days it will be fit for use. A new species of manure from the Islands of the Pacific, called Guano, the deposit of sea-fowls that has accumulated for centuries, is very valuable for making liquid manure. A quarter of a pound, in three gallons of water, frequently stirred before using, will be found very nourishing ; indeed, one pound to sixteen gallons, will be strong enough to use by the inexperienced, for if used much stronger than I have stated, it would injure plants in pot culture. When required for the open ground, watering with any of these liquids may be made stronger, or used more frequently. — Id. pp. 165, 166, 167 and 168. The introduction of Whitney's Chemical Transparent Composition for making frames of cotton sheeting translu- cent, will be of great assistance in this mode of cultivat- ing tender roses. It will wholly supersede the use of glass; the small expense at which a small pit can be put up for the protection of plants, is a great inducement for amateurs of roses to plant out beds as advised by JMr. Buist. The Rose Manual. 263 Protecting Bourbon Roses. — Tlie Bourbons generally make fine stand- ard plants, either on low or high stems ; as they are nearly all of strong growth, and produce a constant succession of bloom the whole season, they require to be highly nourished, either with rich soils, or copious waterings with liquid manure. If on standards, the tops of them will be benefited if protected as advised for Tea and Bengal roses ; or the whole plant may be removed to a shaded situation, where, after sheltering them, lay them in by the heels, and cover them with boards ; when spring opens prune them close, and plant them where desired, in fresh prepared soil. This removal is even beneficial to them, for it is well known to all grow- ers that the Rose is improved by change of soil, unless it be in those deep alluvial soils that have never been cultivated ; in such, the roots run year- ly in quest of, and obtain, genial nourishment for any length of time. But in the eastern and northern states, it is absolutely necessary to lift the plants that are budded, and place them under protection. Those grown on their own roots may be well surrounded with dry leaves, which will protect them from the sudden changes of our winter seasons in latitudes north of this ; and even if their tops be destroyed, they will push vigor- ously from the roots, and produce their flowers in full perfection. They should not be allowed to go to seed ; remove the flower stems as soon as they are faded ; it increases the reproduction of bloom. — Id. pp. 145 and 146. The Bourbon Rose, according to Mr. Biiist, was intro- duced to this country by Mr Thomas Hibbert of Philadel- phia, in 1828, having been first received in France from the Isle de Bourbon, in IS22. The varieties now number upwards of a hundred. The only fault we have to find with Mr. Buist's Manual is the gross mistakes in the spelling of the names ; a few errors among such a multitude of French names would be pardonable; but they occur too often: should anoth- er edition be issued, we trust this fault will be correct- ed. Mr. Rivers, in the preface to his work, states, that he has given " the result of twenty years' experience, gained by the culture of roses on a much larger scale than anywhere in Europe," ten or twelve acres being entirely devoted to the cultivation of select varieties. In addition to descrip- tions of all the choicest kinds, he has added instructions for budding, grafting, and propagating, and the best mode of cultivating the various classes. Mr. Rivers has raised several Seedling roses, some of which are the best of their class. Geo. IV., Ayrshire Queen, and Princess Royal Moss are three of the finest he has produced. 264 The Rose Amateur^ s Guide. Treatment of Moss Roses — Production of neio hinds. — Moss roses, when grown on their own roots, require a light and rich soil : in such soils, they form fine masses of beauty in beds on lawns. In cold and clayey soils they in general succeed much better worked on the Dog Rose, forming beautiful standards. I have ascertained that they establish themselves much better on short stems, from two to three feet in height, than on taller stems. If short, the stem increases in bulk progressively with the head, and the plants will then live and flourish a great many years. To give a succession of bloom, the plants intended to flower early should be pruned in October, and those for the second series the beginning of May, — shortening their shoots, as recommended for the Provence Roses. Gi^e them also an abundant annual dressing of manure on the surface, in November. To raise Moss Roses from seed is a most interesting employment for the genuine rose amateur ; such a pleasing field is open, and so much may yet be done. The following directions will, I hope, assist those who have leisure, perseverance, and love for this charming flower. A plant of the Luxembourg Moss and one of the Single Crimson Moss should be planted against a south wall, close to each other, so that their branches may be mingled. In bright, calm, sunny mornings in June, about ten o'clock, those flowers that are expanded should be examined by pressing the fin- gers on the anthers ; it will then be found if the pollen is abundant ; if so, the flower of the former should be shaken over the latter ; or, what per- haps is better, its flower-stalk should be fastened to the wall, so that the flower will be kept in an erect position. Then cut a flower of the Lux- embourg Moss, snip oif its petals with a sharp pair of scissors, and place the anthers firmly but gently upon a flower of the Single Crimson, so that the anthers of each are entangled : they will keep it in its position : a stiff breeze will then scarcely remove it. The fertilising will take place with- out further trouble, and a fine hep full of seed will be the result. To obtain seed from the Luxembourg Moss, I need scarcely say that this operation must be reversed. — Rivers's Amateurs Guide, pp. 19 and 20. George IV. Rose, its origin. — Rivers's George the Fourth is still, per- haps, one of the best of this family : it was raised from seed by myself, about twenty years ago, and contributed probably more than anything to make me an enthusiastic rose cultivator. I hope to be pardoned the di- gression, but even now I have not forgotten the pleasure the discovery of this rose gave me. One morning in June I was looking over the first bed of roses I had ever raised from seed, and searching for something new among them with all the ardor of youth, when my attention was attracted to a rose in the centre of the bed, not in bloom, but growing with great vigor, its shoots off'ering a remarkable contrast to the plants by which it was surrounded, in their crimson purple tinge ; upon this plant I set my mark, and the following autumn removed it to a pet situation. It did not bloom in perfection the season after removal, but, when established, it completely eclipsed all the dark roses known, and the plant was so vigor- ous that it made shoots more than ten feet in length in one season. This plant is still living, and nearly as vigorous as ever. It is now much es- teemed in France, where it is comparatively a new variety. — Id. p. 46. Great Westerji Rose. — Those who know the old rose, Celine, may at once form an idea of the habit of this rose, which is even more robust, and T'he Rose Amateur's Guide. 265 has made shoots this season more than six feet in length, and thick as a moderate sized cano ; its leaves are enormous, and measure from the base to the tip 9 inches, leaflets 3.;^ by 2 inches ; its large clusters of (lowers are produced with from ten to fifteen in each, but as these are often too much crowded to expand properly, it is better to thin each cluster, removing about half the buds ; the flowers of this truly gigantic rose, are of a pe- culiar deep rich red, sometimes tinted with purple ; they are variable ac- cording to the season, but their prevailing color is as described. Budded on stoutstocks of the Dog Rose, this variety will form a large umbrageous tree, it will form also a line pillar rose, and as a bush budded on a two- feet stem, so that the whole plant is taken at once by the eye : it will give a magnificent mass of flowers at one view. — Id. pp. 52 and 53. We copy the following account of the new double Yel- low rose. This variety flowered in our collection this spring, and is truly a superb yellow rose. Persian Yellow Rose. — A new yellow rose has been given to us from that land of flowers, Persia. This was introduced to the gardens of the Horticultural Society of London, in 1838, and is now called the Persian Yellow Rose. In habit it is so exactly like the Single Yellow Austrian Briar, as not to be distinguished from it : it seems to grow readily budded on the Dog Rose, as my plants this season have made shoots three feet or more in length : in color it is of a deeper yellow than Rosa Harrisonii ; its flowers are quite double, cupped, and not so liable to become reflexed as that very pretty and brilliant rose. Like the Yellovv' Austrian Briar, it loves a pure air and rich soil, and will probably bloom as freely. It bloomed beautifully in the garden of the Horticultural Society, even on a very small plant in a pot. — Id. pp. 74 and 75. The yellow Harrison is highly esteemed in England, and is considered one of the handsomest of this family : no French or English seedling has yet been produced equal to it. Management of Perpetual Roses. — This tribe of roses is likely, in our climate, to become exceedingly valuable. In the middle Stales, and at the South, where all the Uourbon and a great variety of the Chinese, Tea and Noisette roses stand the winters without injury, hardy perpetual roses are of less value: but in our climate we cannot rely upon a good autumn bloom unless we plant the perpetuals. It is true, the tender kinds will bloom freely till winter, if taken up every fall and planted out every spring; but this is too much trouble in some collections, and the disrooting every year greatly reduces the abundance and size of the flowers; if they could stand out, and take deep root in the soil, as they do in the South, they would be scarcely known as the VOL. X. — NO. vn. 34 266 The Rose Amateur^ s Guide. same plants ; this fact is borne out by the statements of Mr. Buist relative to the Lamarqne, which vv^e have quoted, in a previous page, 261. We cannot, therefore, too highly re(?onnnend tlie perpetuals and liybrid perpetuals to the notice of all lovers of roses, keeping np as they do an abun- dant bloom till the approach of winter. The following hints on the management of these plants will be interest- ing :— As the culture of this class of roses is at present but imperfectly under- stood, I shall give the result of my experience as to their cultivation, with suggestions to be acted upon according to circumstances. One peculiar feature they nearly all possess — a reluctance to root when layered ; con- sequently, Perpetual Roses, on their own roots, will always be scarce ; when it is possible to procure them, they will be found to flourish much better on dry poor soils than when grafted, as at present. Perpetual Roses require a superabundant quantity of food : it is therefore perfectly ridicu- lous to plaut them on dry lawns, to suffer the grass to grow close up to their stems, and not to give them a particle of manure for years. Under these circumstances, the best varieties, even the Rose du Roi, will scarcely ever give a second series of flowers. To remedy the inimical nature of dry soils to this class of roses, an annual application of manure on the sur- face of the soil is quite necessary. The ground must not be dug, but lightly pricked over with a fork in November ; after which, some manure must be laid on, about two or three inches in depth, which ought not to be disturbed, except to clean with the hoe and rake, till the following au- tumn. This, in some situations, in the spring months, will be unsightly : in such cases, cover with some nice green moss, as directed in the culture of Hybrid China Roses. I have said that this treatment is applicable to dry poor soils ; but even in good rose soils it is almost necessary ; for it will give such increased vigor, and such a prolongation of the flowering season, as amply to repay the labor bestowed. If the soil is prepared, as directed, they will twice in the year require pruning ; in November, when the beds are dressed, and again in the beginning of June. In the Novem- ber pruning, cut off from every shoot of the preceding summer's growth about two thirds : if they are crowded, remove some of them entirely. If this autumnal pruning is attended to, there will be, early in June, the following summer, a vast number of luxuriant shoots, each crowned with a cluster of buds. Now, as June roses are always abundant, a little sac- rifice must be made to ensure a fine autumnal bloom ; therefore, leave only half the number of shoots to bring forth their summer flowers, the re- mainder shorten to about half their length. Each shortened branch will soon put forth buds ; and in August and September the plants will again be covered with flowers. In cultivating Perpetual Roses, the faded flow- ers ought immediately to be removed ; for in autumn the petals do not fall oft" readily but lose their color and remain on the plant, to the injury of the forthcoming buds. Though I have recommended Perpetual Roses to be grown on their own roots, in dry soils, yet, on account of the autumnal rains dashing the dirt upon their flowers when close to the ground , wherever it is possible to make grafted roses grow, they ought to be preferred ; for, The Rose Amateur's Guide. 267 on stems from one and a half to two feet in height, the flowers will not be soiled ; they are also brought near to the eye, and the plant forms a neat and pretty object. — Id. pp. 125, 126 and 127. Forcing Perpetual Roses. — The Crimson, and, indeed, nearly all the Perpctuals, force admirably : for this purpose, it is better to graft or bud them on the Dog Rose, as it is so easily excited. It requires, also, but small pot-room ; as, previous to potting, its roots may be pruned to within two inches of the stem, and apparently, with advantage ; for, if placed in gentle heat, an abundance of fibres are immediately put forth, and the whole plant will soon have an appearance of great vigor. Those who wish for the luxury of forced roses, at a trifling cost, may have them by pursuing the following simple method : — Take a common garden frame, large or small, according to the number of roses wanted ; raise it on some posts, so that the bottom edge will be about three feet from the ground at the back of the frame, and two feet in front, sloping to the south. If it is two feet deep, this will give a depth of five feet under the lights, at the back of the frame, which will admit roses on little stems as well as dwarfs. Grafted plants of any of the Perpetual Roses should be potted in October, in a rich compost of equal portions of rotten dung and loam, in pots about eight inches deep, and seven inches over, and plunged in the soil at bot- tom. The air in the frame may be heated by linings of hot dung ; but care must be taken that the dung is turned over two or three times before it is used, otherwise the rank and noxious steam will kill the young and tender shoots ; but the hazard of this may be avoided, by building a wall of turf, three inches thick, from the ground to the bottom edge of the frame. This will admit the heat through it, and exclude the steam. The Per- perpetual Roses, thus made to bloom early, are really beautiful. They may also be forced in any description of forcing-house with success, by plunging the pots in old tan, or any substance that will keep their roots cool. It will at once give an idea how desirable these roses are, when it is stated that, by retarding and forcing, they may be made to bloom for eight months in the year. — Id. pp. 127 and 128. Tea Scented Roses in France and Italy. — In France the Yellow Tea Rose is exceedingly popular, and in the summer and autumn months hun- dreds of plants are sold in the flower markets of Paris, principally worked on little stems or " mi-tiges." They are brought to market in pots, with their heads partially enveloped in colored paper in such an elegant and effective mode, that it is scarcely possibh; to avoid being tempted to give two or three francs for such a pretty object. In the fine climate of Italy Tea-scented Roses bloom in great perfection during the autumn : our late autumnal months are often too moist and stormy for them, but in August they generally flower in England very beautifully. I was much impressed in the autumn of 1835, with the effects of climate on these roses ; for in a small enclosed garden at Versailles I saw, in September, hundreds of plants of Yellow Tea Roses covered with ripe seeds and flowers. The French cultivators say that it very rarely produces a variety worth notice. The culture of Tea-scented Roses is quite in its infancy in this country, but surely no class more deserves care and attention ; in calm weaiher, in early autumn, their large and fragrant flowers are quite unique, and add much to the variety and beauty of the autumnal rose garden. — Id. p. 153. 268 The Rose Amateur^ s Guide. Noisette Jaime Desprez and Lamarqiie. — We notice the latter variety again in order to show the opinions of two cultivators respecting the best mode of cultivating this fine rose : — Jaiine Desprez, or the new French Yellow Noisette, is a well-known and much esteemed Rose : as a pillar or a standard it is equally beautiful ; its fragrance is also very remarkable. This was originated by M. Des- prez about fifteen years since, and is still, and will be for some time to come, a very popular rose. It is, most probably, a hybrid between the Yellow Tea and a Noisette Rose of some kind : it sold for a high price in France, when first sent forth to the rose world, as its name was very tempting, for a Yellow Fragrant Noisette Rose was thought to be worth any price. The name, like many other floral names, was, certainly, quite calculated to make an impression. Its rosy copper-colored flowers are very singular, and so powerfully fragrant that one plant will perfume a large garden in the cool weather of autumn. A pillar of this rose, twelve or twenty feet high, would be a grand object on a well-kept lawn. La- marque is another hybrid Noisette, approaching to the Tea-scented Rose in the size and fragrance of its flowers. This is a most vigorous grower, but not quite so hardy as Jaune Desprez. As a standard it is quite su- perb, for its large pale sulphur-colored or nearly white flowers are pendant from their weight, and have a fine effect. It is rather impatient of cold, and will not bloom unless budded on some strong-growing rose : on its own root it is a weak grower, and scarcely like the same rose when grafted and grown vigorously. — Id. pp. 167 and 168. Mr. Bnist states that it does best on its oivn 7-oots, while Mr. Rivers here tells us that it will not flourish unless bed- ded upon some vigorous stock ; this discrepancy can only be accounted for in the great difference of climate : that of England being too humid and cold. Jaune Desprez and Lamarque are yet two of the best Noisette roses that have been produced. We might follow Mr. Rivers much farther, and give many mere extracts ; but we have already extended our allotted space, and for the present submit the information we have gleaned from these volumes, trusting to renew the subject again in a series of communications in our next volume. Art. II. The Neiv England Fruit Book. Being a de- scriptive Catalogne of the most valuable varieties of Pear, Ap})le, Peachy Plum, and Cherry, for New England Culture. By Robert Manning. To ivhich is added oth- er varieties ; also the Grape, Quince, Gooseberry, Cur- The New England Fruit Book. 269 7'ant, and Straivberry ; with outlines of many of the fin- est J) ears drawn from nature I with directions for Prun- iug, Grafting, Budding, and general tnodes of cidtvre. Second Edition enlarged, by John M.Ives. 1 Vol. 12rao. pp. 133. Salem 1S44. The copiousness of the title fully explains the object of this volume, a review of the first edition of which will be found in our IV. p. 185. It was the intention of Mr. Manning, when he first pub- lished his Book of Fruits, which he called the first series, to issue a new series every autumn, or as speedily as he proved the various fruits in his extensive collection. But owing to his declining health, and other causes, he never carried out his original plan ; all the information which he acquired relative to new varieties of fruit, was afterwards given in our pages, and we nave only to refer to his de- scriptions of pears, apples, and cherries, in our several vol- umes, as proof of this. The reputation of Mr. Manning for correctness of nomenclature, and his collection of fruits, becoming more extended, the demand for his work con- tinued to increase, until, at the time of his decease, scarce- ly a copy could be found. In consequence of this, the compiler, Mr. Ives, has thought it expedient to issue a new edition, and to add thereto what information has been gathered up during several years spent in the cultivation of fruit. He states in the preface, that "his object is to ren- der some service to the cultivator, by collecting and con- densing from various sources, such directions as seemed of most importance in practice." Mr. Manning's descriptions remain as in the original edi- tion, without alteration ; but a few of the varieties of pears " which, from further experience, were found not desira- ble," are omitted ; and, as a further aid to the cultivator in identifying the different kinds, outline engravings of above twenty kinds of pears have been added, embracing such as, in the opinion of the compiler and his friends, "could be safely recommended as among the best." The additional remarks, upon the fruits described, are printed in smaller type. Several pages are added on grafting, pruning, &c., and upon the culture of the grape vine, gar- dening, &c. The volume forms a very good little guide to those who 270 European Agriculture are making selections of trees for a small garden. It is the result of many years' experience by Mr. Manning. The practical information is such as is needed by the new be- ginner ; and we may commend it as a useful and desirable work. Art. III. European Agriculture and Rural Economy, from personal observation. By Henry Colman. Vol. I. Part I. To be completed in ten numbers. Pamphlet 8vo, pp. 80. Boston, 1844. This long expected publication has made its appearance. Owing to various causes, in their nature unavoidable, it has been delayed sometime beyond the period at which it was intended to have been issued. In future we may look for the numbers in regular succession. Mr. Colman left Boston early in the spring of 1843, and had, already, up to January last, traversed through a con- siderable portion of England and Scotland ; and as soon as time allowed, would complete the tour of such parts as had not already been visiled. The present report is neces- sarily of a prefatory and miscellaneous character. The topics are named which will be comprehended in the sur- vey. The subjects are noticed which will come within the province of his tour. Personal and private narration must not be expected to form part of the report, and with a just sense of propriety, he refuses to detail private con- versation. Agriculture — its importance — its social, politi- cal and moral bearings — its connexion with the subsistence of mankind, and with the progress of civilization — will be the one main object ; with incidental notices of Gardens and Gardening, Rural Architecture and Farm Buildings, Rural Life, Manners, Customs, &c. The following extract from the preface will convey the objects of the author : — My first report will be, to a considerable degree, miscellaneous, and not so full of that practical information and detail which I design to give hereafter. More than this was not to have been expected ; but I trust it will not be found deficient in practical value. Many persons may think that I should particularly point out what is to be learnt from European agricul- ture ; but I understand it to be my province to give an honest account of what I see, premising that there is nothing to be seen from which some- thing may not be learnt, and that it is for others, and not for me, to say and Rural Economy. 271 what they will learn from that whch is placed before them. Where we find ourselves inferior to others, it may be desirable to ascertain how we may reach the excellence to which they have attained ; and where the advan- tage is obviously on our side, it may be a subject of honest congratulation. In circumstances, even the m.ost different, a sagacious mind will gather in- struction from contrast as well as from analogy ; and the success of any man, in any trade, pursuit, manufacture, or art, is in itself a powerful stimulus to others to exertion ; and, therefore, an instrument of excel- lence in any and in every other art or pursuit. I know no better way than to record my impressions of what comes imder my notice in the field, which I have undertaken to explore, as faithfully as I can and with as much de- tail as seems expedient ; and to do my best, that every one who conde- scends to read my pages with a just candor, will not close the book with- out finding something agreeable and instructive, something for improve- ment in the important art to which my labors will be particularly devoted, and something to make him wiser, better or happier. These latter are the proper ends of knowledge and of life ; and this honest aim will in it- self sanctify and elevate the humblest efforts. The following is the arrangement of the present part. Preface ; Credentials. I. General Facts and Considerations ; II. Particnlar Objects of Inquiry ; III. Science and Agri- culture ; IV. English Agriculture; V. English Capital; VI. General Appearance of the Country ; VII. Hedges and In- closures ; VIII. Iron and Sunken Fences; IX. English Parks ; X. Ornamental Shrubs and Flowers ; XI. Climate of England; XII. Agricultural Population; 1. Landlords, Rents, and Taxes ; 2. The Farmers ; 3. The Agricultural laborers; XIII. Allotment System. We have only room to give a portion of the chapter on English Parks, which we recommend to the attention of every reader : — The extent of these parks, in many cases, filled me with surprise. They embrace hundreds, in some instances thousands of acres ;* and you enter them by gates, where a porter's lodge is always to be found. Af- ter entering the park gate, I have rode sometimes several miles before reaching the house. They are in general devoted to the pasturage of sheep, cattle, and deer. In the park at Chatsworth the herd of deer ex- ceeded sixteen hundred. These deer are kept at no inconsiderable ex- pense, requiring abundant pasturage in summer, and hay and grain in winter. An English pasture is seldom or never ploughed. Many of them have been in grass beyond the memory of any one living. The turf becomes exceedingly close and hard ; and the feeding of sheep and cattle undoubtedly enriches the land, especially under the careful management of one eminent farmer — and many more, doubtless, are like him — on whose pasture grounds the manure of the cattle was daily collected and evenly spread. " Windsor Great Park contains 3,500 acres, and the Little Park 300 acres. 272 ' European Agriculture In speaking of the parks in the country, I surely ought not to pass in silence the magnificent parks of London, as truly magnificent they must be called, including St. James's Park, Green Park, Kensington Gardens, Hyde Park, and Regent's Park. Kensington Gardens, exclusive of private gardens, within its enclo- sures contains 227 acres ; Hyde Park, 380 acres ; Green Park connected with St. James's Park, 56 acres ; St. James's Park, 87 acres ; Regent's Park, 372 acres ; terraces and canals connected with Regent's Park, 80 acres — making a grand total of 1202 acres. To these should be added the large, elegant, and highly embellished public squares in various parts of London, and even in the most crowded parts of the old city, which, in all, probably exceed 100 acres. These magnificent parks, it must be re- membered, are in the midst of a populous town, including upwards of ttvo millions of inhabitants, and are open to the public for exercise, health, and amusement. They are, at the same time, to a degree stocked with sheep and cows. It is impossible to over-estimate the value to health of these open spaces, and the amount of recreation and rational enjoyment which they afford to this vast population. In each of the large parks — Kensington, Hyde Park, and St. James's — there are extensive bodies of water, arti- ficial lakes, in some places adorned with elegant bridges, and in St. James's Park studded with pretty islands and shrubbery. Here large varieties of aquatic birds are kept, to the great amusement of thousands of children, who coax them to the shore with crumbs of bread and cake, the birds being so tame as almost to feed oat of their hands, and for the instruction of older heads. There is likewise an exceedingly beautiful and tasteful cottage of gotbic architecture, at the end of the lake in St. James's Park, for the residence of the keeper of the birds. There are always to be found in some parts of the parks, or at the keepers' different lodges, some cows kept, where a glass of milk, unadulterated and fresh from the fountain, can be had for those persons, who for health or plea- sure, seek the delicious beverage in its purity. The numbers and tame- ness of the birds in these pleasure grounds is a beautiful circumstance, which it might be well to consider in some other quarters. Their safety and lives are held sacred ; and the birds gratefully and, to the feeling heart, delightfully acknowledge this kindness by the most expressive con- fidence, alighting fearlessly in the path before you, as though they would invite you to cultivate their acquaintance. Man, in general, is a great savage, and a ferocious and insatiate animal of prey. He makes continu- al war upon many of the animals below him, not for subsistence merely, but for pleasure. His conduct towards the brute creation shows, too oft- en, how certain he is to abuse unlimited power, and conveys a strong ar- gument against despotic authority. Indeed, his war upon the birds mere- ly as matter of sport, always makes me look upon him with a degree of shuddering, and feel that ai man who can find his pleasure in the wanton destruction of little birds, the most humble of all animals in their claims, the most delicate, innocent, and pure in all their tastes and habits, and comparatively useless for food, puts himself beyond the pale of humanity, and could scarcely, ^vith safety, be trusted with a child. It were worth considering always, how many of our pleasures are purchased at a most bitter expense of happiness and life to others ! Two or three days' cours- ing, manly and healthful as the exercise on horseback undoubtedly is, and and Rural Economy. 273 strongly exciting as the sport is, did not quite reconcile me to it ; and the wailings and shriekings of the affrighted and dying hares in the jaws of the hounds, sounded in my ears for several days afterwards like the cries of expiring children. 1 shall not be straying from my proper duty if I urge the beneficent ex- ample of London strongly upon my own countrymen. Excepting the Com- mon in Boston — containing about forty-five acres of ground, exceedingly beautiful in its location and improvements — and tw^o other small openings in -Franklin-Place and Louisburg-square, both upon a very limited scale, here is a large and constantly increasing population crowded together in one dense mass, with narrow streets and confined alleys, and basement stories, doomed to a comparative privation of Heaven's freest and great- est blessings — light and air. A Botanical and Pleasure Garden has been laid out, and is maintained by private subscription, accessible to subscrib- ers or upon the payment of a light fee, which it is earnestly to be hoped for the credit of this city, long distinguished by its liberality and public spirit, may receive every encouragement, so that its improvements and ad- vantages may be greatly extended. New York, with a population of three times the extent of Boston, is scarcely more favored, excepting in the width of its streets , for, with the exception of those delighful grounds, the Ba-ttery, at the very extremity of the city, the open space in front of the City Hall, dignified, far excellence, by the name of the Park, and the open grounds attached to St. John's Church, but not accessible to the public, the city has no provision of this kind for public recreation and health. As there is little room in the city proper which can now be ob- tained, she ought at once, at any expense, to secure the charming grounds at Hoboken, to be devoted forever and exclusively to these objects. Hav- ing already, with the most honorable enterprise, achieved one of the most extraordinary enterprises of the age, or indeed of any age, that of bring- ing, by a capacious tunnel of forty miles in lengih, a river of pure water into her city, and dispensing, with an unrestrained munificence to those who cannot purchase it, this most important element, next to vital air, of human existence ; let her go on, and make the other provision, to which I have referred, for the health and comfort of a population already great, and destined to increase with an unexampled rapidity beyond any bounds which the imagination would now even dare to prescribe. Philadelphia has set a better example than most other cities in this re- spect, in having laid out her streets of a capacious width, in having given to most of her houses, yards or gardens of a good size, and in having formed, in dilferent parts of the city, public squares of some extent, which are equally ornamental and useful. But she has done little compared with what she might have done ; and it is to be hoped that she will be promp- ted to add to a city, the most convenient and beautiful in the Union, some public gardens and pleasure grounds, admission to which shall be freely offered to her inhabitants ; and more especially for the benefit of that class of them who can have no such indulgences but as the offerings of public beneficence. Baltimore has nothing that deserves the name of a square or pleasure-ground, unless we are to rank under that designation the beautiful enclosure which she has recently purchased for a cemetery ; a place, indeed, for a melancholy and instructive pleasure, but more proper- ly devoted to silence and seclusion, and not at all of the character to which I refer. Lowell — destined to contain a large and laborious popula- VOL. X. — NO. VII. 35 274 Massachusetts Horticultural Society. tion, and of a character particularly demanding- such places of recreation, with an unlimited extent of land at her disposal costing scarcely anything, and with an investment in her manufacturing establishments of ten or eleven millions of dollars — has not a public square so large as a pocket- handkerchief. This omission has always impressed me with painful sur- prise. Knowing, as I do, the high character of the gentlemen who founded and built this flourishing city, now grown to manhood almost in a day, I can ascribe such an omission only to a want of consideration, and to the fact that the population has already extended far beyond any calcu- lations which they could, with sobriety, have formed at its commencement. It is not too late to supply this omission, which interest as well as philan- thropy most strongly dictates. Cleanliness, fresh air, and pure water, and the opportunity and the means of relaxation and innocent recreation, are almost as essential to mo- rals as to health. No one can doubt, in this respect, their direct and ben- eficial influence. The rich can take care of themselves, and can flee the sources of pestilence, and go after health and recreation where they are to be found. Not so with the poorer and humbler classes in society, to whose labor and service the rich owe all their wealth and many of their pleasures. Whoever goes into the low places in crowded cities, into the subterranean abodes where these wretched beings congregate like rabbits in a warren, or, rather, like swine in their styes, and enters into the melancholy sta- tistics of mortality, in such cases will learn some measure of the suffering which is here endured. In London, and other places of a similar charac- ter, the presence of the police and the ofRcersof the peace, always in such places in strong force, will remind him that there is a connection not to be overlooked between condition and character, between destitution and crime, between outward filth and impurity of mind, neglect of person and neglect of morals. The most crowded parts of London are the most vic- ious parts ; and a new should not neglect the experience of an old country. A city without public squares and public gardens should provide them, and on a most liberal scale. In a pecuniary point of view, as rendering a residence in the city the more desirable, and so increasing the value of es- tates in it, I have no doubt that it would yield ample advantages and pro- fits. But health and morals are not to be measured by any pecuniary standard ; and where wholesome water, and fresh air, and light, and sun- shine, and cleanliness are concerned, no expense and cost are to be consid- ered as exorbitant. To talk about the value of land in such cases, and to place this in competition with health, comfort, and morals, is equally short-sighted and inhuman. MISCELLANEOUS INTELLIGENCE. Art. I. Massachusetts Horticultural Society. Saturday, June 1, 1844. — Exhibited. Flowers: — From Hovey & Co. a variety of fine roses, among which were Tea, Devoniensis, Leonie Char- mante. Calliope, Caroline, Philadelphia, &c. ; Bengal, Marjolin. Tri- umphant, Cramoisie Superieure, Augustin Hersant, Theresa Stravius, Eugene Perolle, General Soyz, &c. : Bourbon, Hermosa and Marshall Massachusetts Horticultural Society. 275 Villers; Noisette, Smith's Yellow, Comtesse de Grillon, &c. ; also bou- quets. From J. Breck & Co., double red, albicans pleno, rosea, and other paeonies, irises, and bouquets. From S. R. Johnson, double Yel- low Harrison and Austrian Copper roses. From J. A. Kenrick, several pretty varieties of azaleas, Scotch laburnum, double white and dou- ble pink thorns, pasonies of several kinds, day lily, fringe tree, &c. &c. From W. Kenrick, pajonies, laburnums, honeysuckles. Purple beech and other flowers arranged in baskets and bouquets. Bouquets from S. Walker and John Hovey. From Mr. Warren, three dahlias. From J. F. Allen, fine large clusters of Noisette Ami6e Vibert rose, cut from a plant set out in the border of a peach house. Fruits : From J. F. Allen, Black Hamburg and Chasselas Bar Sur Aube and Ferral grapes, Grosse Mignonne, Coolidge's Favorite, and early Royal George clingstone peaches, (measuring eleven inches in circumfer- ence), and Fayal figs. Fine cucumbers from Mrs. Howard, Woodland. Cucumbers from Geo. R. Russell, West Roxbury. From Messrs. Ellwanger and Barry, Rocherter N. Y., handsome spec- imens of a new apple, called the Northern Spy, accompanying which, was the following letter to the President of the Society. Sir — We send, accompanying this, a few of the Northern Spy apple, to your address. It is considered a native fruit of western New York, the original tree having produced numbers of suckers, that are now bearing the identical fruit. It is esteemed here, one of our best fruits of this sea- son, and it commands almost any price in our market. They are sold at two to three cents each, now in the streets, at the fruit shops. The tree is one of the most vigorous and handsome growing, and bears abundant- ly. You will please present these specimens to the society in our name. There are several quite superior fruits, considered natives of our region, that we will forward in season for the inspection of your society. We have now growing, over three thousand young trees of the Spy, that will be two years old next fall. Very respectfully , ary to tie them down as much in a horizontal positicn as possible; to this, great attention must be paid, as the guano, in shortening the joints, acts by shortening the cells and vessels, and thus renders the plant much more brittle than when they are long and attenuated. For this purpose I cut sticks in this ivithotit the aid of Hotbeds or the Greenhouse. 369 shape, putting the broad part into the earth close to the rim of tlie pot, witli about five or six inches of the thin part above the surface; the resistance of the broad part against the earth renders it so firm in po- sition that these shoots can be gradually drawn down as desired ; and this is best effected by fastening one end of the string to the stick, passing the other round the shoot; then, with the assistance of the left hand, it may be carefully effected. Pelargoniums are bet- ter for a free circulation of atmosphere; wlienever the weather permitted, therefore, the windows were left open. In the latter end of February, these well ripened shoots were shortened to four or five eyes, the plants again repot- ted, and, after a lapse of ten days, were watered twice a week with guano water. In the spring ihey grew vigor- ously >o the state in which they were exhibited, and, for more tlian a month, were quite a mass of bloom, extending two and a half feet in width and only two feet high, form- ing a magnificent sight. These two plants are now under- going their summer culture; the shoots are full seven inches long, thick and turning red, which is a sign, of ripening. If I have leisure enough to attend to them, I do not the least doubt that they will be, next spring, from four to five feet in diameter, exactly resembling those exhibited at the horticultural shows near London. In all these processes the complete drainage of the pots with potsherds is essential — occasional smoking, with to- bacco, is also necessary to keep the plants free from the green aphis. Whenever the weather permitted, that is. on bright, warm days in early spring, I took them into the yard and syringed thorouglily with water of a temperature of about 45° ; this seemed to refresh them and to vivify the green color of the leaves; but they were always taken into the room to dry, for fear of the cold produced by evaporation. I believe that the use of guano water and charcoal will exceedingly assist the cultivation of all plants in the par- lor— for two of the greatest impediments, the want of green color in the leaves and the spindling up of the branches, are very much counteracted by these two ingredients in the soil. This method of working the pelargonium exhibits the value of a large accumulation of healthy axillary action in vol.. x. — NO. X. 47 STO On the Ctdtivation of Pelargoniums. a small space; it is, in fact, the only means of producing excessive luxuriance of bloom in many tribes of plants, and this healthy axillary action can only be induced by cutting back well ripened shoots. I have tried this thor- oughly. By cutting back shoots before they are fully ripe, notliing but weak and puny growth is obtained ; not all the guano in the world can change this position. There is one great difficulty in growing plants well in greenhouses here — it is, that the anxiety to save room causes the plants to be crowded as close to each other as they can possibly stand; this prevents a proper circulation of air amongst them, and is particularly injurious to the pelargonium. Such plants, therefore, as are intended for exhibition, should be raised much higher than the rest, by placing them on a tall, inverted pot; this would bring them nearer the glass, which is also a great advantage. With the exception of the dahlia, there is perhaps no florist's flower which has so well rewarded the care and ingenuity of the growers of seedlings in Europe, as tlie pe- largonium; the form of the flowers and the brilliancy of their colors have improved beyond all expectation ; it is easy of propagation, retains its beautiful verdure through- out the winter, is easily grown and managed in the parlor, (thanks to guano,) and never fails in rewarding attention by a splendid display of bloom. That this climate possesses many advantages over that of England, for the purpose of raising improved seedlings of florists' flowers, is confirmed by experience with the pelargonium. Several, raised by Mr. Meller, of Roxbury, are eminently beautiful; and it is to be hoped that the patronage of the public will I'emunerate him sufficiently to encourage him in the pursuit; but he must not expect too much at once. Horticulture has alread}'^ made more rapid strides here than its most sanguine followers could have possibly expected ten years ago, and there is no doubt that it will continue to increase its number of votaries every year, until it shall difiuse an immense mass of innocent enjoyment and pleasure throughout the commtuuty, and amply repay the industrious and persevering gardener. J. E. T. Boston, Sept. Utk, 1844. On the Cultivation of the Grape in Pots. 371 Art, III. Remarks on the Cultivation of the Grape in Pots. A page from my Note Book^ for the Magazine of Horticulture, (Sf'c. By R. Buist, Philadelphia. Much has been said and written on the culture of grape vines in pots. Many systems have been adopted and va- rious soils recommended, for the purpose of bringing the fruit to perfection. Some growers have been partially suc- cessful, while others have entirely failed. Grape culture under glass, in the vicinity of Philadel- phia, has within these few years made amazing progress. Many graperies have been erected, and are producing heavy crops of fruit. There are about fifty sorts cultivated, sev- eral proving entirely worthless, while- others are of very superior character. In the hands of some cultivators it is astonishing to see how soon the merits of the grape are proved. A. W. Mitchell, Esq. erected on his country place, about six miles north of this city, a grapery, about eighty or ninety feet long, in the autumn of 1842 and winter of 1843. He planted it with vines of one and two years old, on which he has this season seven hundred fine bunches of fruit, which is certainly doing well in so short a period; but the following, if not in advance of the age, is equal to any record of grape growing. A plant of the Black Prince, growing in a pot from an eye planted in March, 1843, has now on it five bunches of fruit, which will weigh about seven pounds, the plant be- ing only eighteen months old, and in a pot about fourteen inches in diameter. A Black Hamhurgh, of the same age and under the same culture, has the astonishing number of elev^en bunches, that will average one pound each — one bunch is nine inches long and sixteen in circumference. There are many others in pots almost equal to these. A Chasselas, three and a half years old, had seven bunches last year, and was then pronounced by some to be killed with overbearing; but it has eighteen this season, fifteen of them large and handsomely formed. A two-year old vine of the Victoria Hamburgh, in the ground, has nine beautiful bunches of fruit upon it, one of which is ten 372 On the Cultivation of the Grape in Pots. inches long and eighteen in circumference. This variety of the grape is entirely different from the Hamburgh, although some have considered it the same; the bunches are more tapering, the fruit perfectly round, jet black, are set closer, and are better flavored than the Hamburgh — the foliage is also more lobed and can be instantly detected among any Hamburghs. These results are not obtained by any pretended nos- trum, but are the produce of a rich sandy loam, the plants being liberally supplied with liquid manure when in a growing state. Mr. Mitchell and his excellent gardener are both greatly devoted to horticulture. They have done and are doing much in the culinary, fruit and floral depart- ments of our profession, and we hope they may be prevailed upon to fill up a corner of your useful Magazine. Yours, R. BuisT. Philadelphia, Sept. 13th, 1844. The above communication from our correspondent ex- hibits another instance of the success which has attended the cultivation of the grape in pots; a method which is not only highly gratifying to the eye. but will reward the cultiva- tor with an ample supply of the finest fruit for a long period. The cultivation is simple, and may be easily carried into execution by anyone who possesses a vinery or greenhouse. There is not any variety of fruit with which we are ac- quainted, that can be produced in so short a period from the time of commencing; and so much have we been im- pressed with the advantages which this mode of cultiva- tion presents, that we have given in our pages, from time to time, all the information which we could collect on the subject. In our first volume we gave an account of a successful trial we made of growing and fruiting grapes in pots, in which it will be seen, that we produced, on vines only eighteen months from the cuttings, from six to twenty bunches each. We also copied into our last No. an excel- lent article on this subject, from the Gardener's Chronicle, which should be read attentively by those who Avish to cultivate them in this manner. The advantages of this system are many. If a house is devoted exclusively to this purpose, ripe fruit may be pro- General management of Prize Pelargoniums. 373 duced almost throughout the year, by having ready a sufficient number of estabhshed vines, and introducing them into the house in succession. For this purpose it would be necessary to have different sets of vines, so that those which are started at any particular season of the year should be brought in at the same time the next year; which may be readily done by numbering the pots, and keeping an account of those numbers introduced at any particular season. In most vineries there seems to be much waste room on the floor of the house, which might be occu- pied to advantage with vines in pots, at the same time with those on the rafters, by arranging them on low stages, which would produce a beautiful eftect Avhen loaded with their rich clusters of fruit. Any new varieties may be speedily tested in pots, and should any prove of inferior value, the room they occupy can be readily filled by keep- ing a few extra pots of well known good varieties. Par- ticular care must be taken not to overload the vines with fruit by leaving on too many. We found that where over six or eight bunches of the large sorts, such as the Ham- burgh, were permitted to grow on a vine, they were of inferior flavor and badly colored. The Sweetwater, Mus- cadine, and such smaller varieties, may be allowed to ripen ten or twelve bunches. During their growth, liquid manure should be frequently supplied, and, towards the period of ripening, watering should be gradually diminished, until only enough is given to prevent the leaves from drooping. The grapes will then acquire a flavor and sweetness which we have rarely found in fruit grown on vines planted in the borders of graperies. Art, IV. On the pruning and general m.anagement of Prize Pelargoniums the second year from the cuttings. By James W. Russell. Supposing the plant to have received the attention and treatment recommended in my former article, (page 328,) it may be grown the second year to an enormous size. About the second week in June, cut down the plant to three or four eyes, and shift it into a pot two sizes larger 374 General management of Prize Pelargoniums. than the one it flowered in; remember to take away the earth from the roots sufficient to allow of a good drainage, and about two or three inches of fresh earth between the pot and the roots. This done, place the plant under a par- tial shade from the sun, there to remain until it begins to grow, at which time it should be removed to a more ex- posed situation. When the young shoots have grown six inches, stop them by cutting off the top of each ; this will be the means of furnishing the plant with an abundance of wood. Cut out all superfluous growths close to the old wood, being mindful to preserve the strongest, leaving them at regular distances. The lower growths should be trained in a horizontal line from the pot, and all the intermediate ones should follow at proper distances ; the strong and ro- bust growing kinds, of course, will need a greater space be- tween each shoot than those of weaker habits. By follow- ing this method, the plant may be brought into the shape of a perfect cone or sugar loaf. The third year, a similar process may be pursued, and the plant may be grown to any shape or size the cultiva- tor's fancy or taste may wish for. The second year how- ever from the cuttings, they will probably make the best specimen plants ; therefore I leave it altogether to the de- cision of the cultivator, whether he should or should not prolong its duration. The pelargonium is well known by all persons who have any taste for plants; and whoever pays the attention necessary for its cultivation will succeed in a greater or less degree. A good soil, judgment in watering the plant, plenty of drainage, (an important item,) stopping the growth if a large plant is desired, plenty of air to keep the plant from drawing or making a weak growth, destroying the insects at their first appearance on the plant, and, if grown under glass, eighteen inches or two feet would be found to be a suitable distance for the growth and well doing of the plant. This is the minutia, which must not be overlooked if a prize plant is the object in view. Yours, &c. Jas. W. Russell. Brighton, Sept. 25, 1844. Floricultural and Botanical Notices. 375 Art. V. Floricnltvral and Botanical Notices of New Fla7its, figured 171 foreign jteriodicals ; with Remarks on those recently introduced to., or 07'iginated in, American gardens., and additional inform,ation upon plants already in cidtivation. JEduKuxls^s Botanical Register, or Ornamental Flower Gar- den and Shrubbery. Each number containing from six to eight plates ; with additional miscellaneous information, relative to new plants. In monthly numbers ; 35. plain, 3s, &d. colored. Paxton''s Magazine of Botany, and Register of Flowering Plants. Each number containing four colored plates. Monthly, 2s. 6d. each. Edited by J. Paxton, gardener to the Duke of Devonshire. The Gaj'dener'' s Chronicle, a stamped newspaper of Rural Economy and General News. Edited by Prof. Lindley. Weekly. Price ^d. each. Floricultural Notices. — Since our arrival in England, but little opportunity has as yet been afforded us, to inspect many collections of plants; the very opposite direction in which many of the best nurseries and gardens are situated from each other, renders it no easy task to give them each a visit. No time has, however, been lost upon our hands ; we have already seen enough to fill several of our pages; but as our object is now to add only a few notes upon new and interesting plants, we shall have less to say than at a future time, when we have seen all that the metropolis offers worthy of notice. There is, just now, a dearth of novelty in the floricultural world ; excepting the Orchida- ceae, in which there is always soma new species developing itself, very few interesting objects are to be found. The seeds sent home by Mr. Fortune, from China, have proved trashy. In a collection which he forwarded last spring, and which were all planted by Mr. Gordon with much care, and the young seedlings brought forward in frames and the hothouse, the greater part have proved the com- monest annuals; in fact, some of them, with us, mere weeds. Mr. Gordon showed us a whole row of yellow and red 376 Ploricultural mid Botanical Notices. coxcombs, all grown in pots. We presume, however, that Mr. Fortune thought it would be expected he should send home something for distribution, and for want of time to make a collection himself, he trusted to some of the natives who duped him, as they have others, and sent a parcel of little China jars, filled with useless seeds. It is to be hoped, that some valuable acquisitions will be the result of his tour. If he has half of the success which attended Mr. Hartweg's travels in Central America, the society may congratulate itself on the expedition. lAllum lancifbliiim and its varieties. — -Of all the objects which have as yet attracted our attention, none have com- pared with the display of Lilium lancifolium, in the collec- tion of Mr. Groom of Clapham. We have on several occa- sions noticed these lilies, and at least three- of them have been described in our pages, from the journals where they have been figured, and each of these have flowered in the collections in our vicinity; not, however, in any thing like the splendor in which they are to be seen around London at this moment. What an expedition was that of Siebold to Japan ! If the question were to be asked us, what we consider the greatest acquisition, within the last twenty years, we should say, the Japan lilies. Indeed, we would almost say, that nothing but the Camellia, during the last century, has been greater. But the lilies were not all: the camellias, the clematises, ♦S'edum Siebold//, and many other things, will long perpetuate the name of Dr. Siebold, and render it familiar to all lovers of plants. The very sale of the Japan plants, which he brought home, has been a com- merce of itself, and has produced an intercourse with the Belgian and English nurserymen, which, under ordinary circumstances, would not have been effected in manj^ years. There are now fow varieties, called by Mr. Groom as follows: — Z>. lancifolium album, punctatum, roseum, and rubrum; the latter, perhaps, better known as the L. specio- sum. They may be classed, in regard to their beauty, the reverse of the above, viz., rubrum the most, and album the least, splendid: but each of them of surpassing beauty: album and punctatum are the most common, and roseum, the rarest, having been recently received from Ghent. Good strong flowering bulbs of each, command very high prices. Mr. Groom has been highly successful in his culti- vation of this tribe, and has undoubtedly the best stock. Florimdtural and Botanical Notices. Z77 We saw in full bloom upwards of one hundred plants, some of them elglU feet high ; in one pot we counted eight stems, each having ten or twelve expanded blooms or buds, making in all about one hundred flowers on one plant. In the open ground, in front of one of the houses, Mr. Groom has a bed of the album containing three rows of roots, sixty in each row; over these he is now erecting an awning, and the whole will be splendidly in flower in two weeks, when, on our return from the continent, we anticipate such a treat as we have not yet had. They have proved perfectly hardy here. L. lancifolium roseum is intermediate be^ tween rubrum and punctatum, being prettily spotted with deep red. But of the rubrum we can scarcely find words to express its magnificence: if we say the flower has the appearance of a large brilliant, studded with rubies, we do it no more than justice. It is, without exception, the most striking flower we ever saw. Less robust in its habit than the punctatum, it is more desirable on that account. Mr. Groom is now raising seedlings between the Japan lilies and the common hardy species, and anticipates very good results. We have no donbt but that, with impregna- tion with our splendid L. superbum, some noble hybrids would be produced. We shall have more to say in relation to the cultivation of these lilies when we notice Mr. Groom's entire collection. NeiD Petunias. — The new varieties of petunias are really wonderful improvements on the phoenicea and nyctagini- flora. At Mr. Groom's, we saw six very splendid kinds, viz., — rosea alba, a white one, not a very large flower, but with a distinct rose edge : Lady Hope, a pale rosy purple, delicately veined, with a purple eye: formosissima, pur- plish and veined, with a very dark eye: purpurea grandi- flora, a very dark crimson purple flower, of great size: lilacina striata, a pretty lilac one, striped : ornothissima, exceedingly fine, with distinct stripes. Petunia picta, of which so much was said, and which was let out last spring at 75. 6rf. per plant^ is quite inferior to some of the above; it generally flowers purple, and, as the bloom gets older, it shows an irregular kind of stripe, which gives it the ap- pearance of a faded flower. These new kinds would be great acquisitions to our gardens, and we hope to be able to obtain all the best. Phlox Drummondu alba. — This is a new variety of the VOL. X. — NO. X. 48 378 Floricultural and Botanical Notices. beautiful Drummondw', a large bed of which we observed in flower with i\Ir. Groom; it is of a pure white, and does not even show any tinge when the flowers are dying off". It is an accidental variety, which sprnng up in some garden around London, and is perpetuated by seeds. Patches of it, planted out with the crimson and scarlet kinds, would have a fine effect. It is quite invaluable in this respect, as we have but few dwarf annuals, with pure white flowers, suitable for bedding out. Ach'vinenes jActa. — Another pretty species has been ad- ded to the list of Achimenes already introduced : it is called picta, and is now in flower m the Horticultural Society's Garden, where we saw it a day or two ago. In general appearance it resembles pedunculata, but with this differ- ence— the lower half of the corolla is yellow and the upper scarlet, which gives a painted and pretty eflject : the size of the flower is a little larger, the throat more open and the limb broader; add to this that its habit is not so tall, being intermediate between pedunculata and longiflora, and a good idea may be formed of its beauty. It is figured in the Floricultural Cabinet, after the style of that work, but it will soon appear in the Bot. Register. All the species of Achimenes are every Avhere cultivated : we saw plants of longiflora at Eton Hall, the seat of the Marquis of West- minster, and at the Duke of Devonshire's, at Chatsworth, with from one to two hundred flowers expanded at once; the plants growing in pots about ten inches in diameter. A multiflora we have not yet seen. Magnificent specimens of Fiichsirt corymhi flora and fid- gens.- — Our cultivators have no conception of the splendor of these two fuchsias; Ave do not recollect of ever seeing a plant more than two or three feet high, among our collec- tions; we have known some cultivators to throw aside these two sorts altogether, as too coarse to deserve atten- tion. This very fact shows that, in our tagerness to get new things, we often throw aside those which are far su- perior in beauty, merely because we have not bestowed upon them sufficient care and time to bring them to per- fection. The following are the dimensions of two plants, one of each species, which we saw at Chatsworth: corym- biflora, ten feet high, trained to a single stem to the height of four feet; diameter of the head six feet; corymbs of flowers expanded, sixty ; some of these drooped half way Floricultural and Botajiical Notices. 379 to the ground : fiilgens, eight feet high, diameter of the head six feet, and trained to a single stem; number of co- rymbs expanded, thirty. These two plants are as richly worth seeing, as one of our entire annual exhibitions; we only hope that, with some hints on their cultivation which we shall give hereafter, similar specimens may be found in the collections of our own country. These specimens, it will be understood, are only tioo, out of at least fifty^ that we have seen, nearly or quite as large. New Roses. — We had a fine treat, yesterday, inspecting the colleciion of roses of Mr. Rivers, of Sawbridgeworth. They are grown here in large quantities, and whole beds of the hybrid perpetuals were radiant with bloom : Madam Laifay, Louis Bonaparte, Lady Fordwich, the old crimson perpetual, together with many new ones of this class, and the Bourbons, Bengals, Teas and Noisettes, were in full flower. The weather for the last several days has been delightful, and favorable to an abundant bloom : for an entire week there has been a cloudless sky and a bright sun. We shall not now occupy space to enumerate any of the new roses, as we shall, we doubt not, be better able to do so, after we have seen the collections of the Parisian rose-fanciers. Queen of the Prairies has flowered very well in Mr. Rivers's collection, and is considered by him a great acquisition, as it undoubtedly is. It is, however, as yet quite unknown, as only a small number of plants have yet been distributed around London : when the plants have become strong, and show their real beauty, it will have a more extensive sale than any other rose of late years. The Persian yellow rorje has flowered finely this year, and far eclipses all other yellow roses; it has a better habit than the Harrisonii and is equally as free a bloomer, and as double as the cabbage rose. Noisette Cloth of Gold has not yet flowered at Sawbridgeworth, as the rapid propaga- tion prevents ; but Mr. Rivers saw it again this season, in France, and states that it is a most superb variety. But of roses, more in our next paper. Double white and purple Chinese Primroses. — We have noticed at times, in the Gardening periodicals, some account of double Chinese primroses, but no plants have, we be- lieve, ever reached our collections. The first we saw here were at Chatsworth, where large specimens of both the white and purple were in fine bloom. The white is more beautiful than the purple, though both are desirable plants : 380 Floricultural and Botanical Notices. for bouquets in the winter season, the white is well worth possession. Cestnim aurantlacum is the name of a new plant now beautifully in flower in the large conservatory, in the gar- den of the Horticultural Society, planted out in the central bed. It was introduced from Guatemala, by Mr. Skinner, and is a most desirable plant, blooming as it does at this season. It has a shrubby appearance, attains the height of three feet, and is profusely covered with clusters of fine orange-colored, tubular flowers, which spring from the axil of nearly every leaf It will no doubt succeed well in the greenhouse, where its orange-colored flowers, together with the several kinds of Achimenes, will contribute greatly to keep up a good display during the month of August. It will soon be figured in the Bot. Reg. So7ne of the newer plaiits whicJt are now in demand are Centradenia rosea, Habrothamnus cyaneus, Angelonia Gardnerid/?a, ^S'tatice pseudo-armeria, Tetranema mexica- na. Gloxinia tubiflora, Chorizema varium nana, (much more beautiful than the old varium,) Rigidel/a flammea, (a fine bulbous plant,) Pentland/ca miniaia, Corrse^a Cav- endishii, Ceanothus divaricatus, Achimenes picta, Pimelea arenaria, (white,) Fuchsia Chevalierii, Gloxin/a variegata, Brachysema platiptera, Abutilon Bedford/d7«wm, Nuttalia grandiflora. Fuchsia Stanwelliawa, with many others. Many new pelargoniums have also come out this year, but as the season for their blooming is past, we have not given much attention to the varieties. In verbenas, we have as yet seen none that would compare with our American seed" lings. — Ed. London^ Aug. 29th, 1844. AsphodelecB. BULBINE semi barbata. Half bearded Bulbine. Stamens just beneath the anther, furnished with a pencil of elongated club-shaped filaments. A rapid growing, fibrous rooted plant, with profuse, lin- ear, succulent foliage, and spikes of small golden flowers, of not much beauty ; but would make some show if grown together in patches. Raised from seed sent by Prof Fischer to the Mass. Hort. Society. Sown in March and flowered .Tune, 1844. Under the microscope, the stamens are singularly unique and elegant, a condition arising from the beautiful pencil which invests the top of the filament, but which, from the smallness of the blossom, almost es- Floricultural and Botanical Notices. 381 capes observation. Its succulent character renders it sus- ceptible of much vital energy ; some plants, being subjected to pressure, as specimens for an herbarium, were found still growing, after two or three weeks, between the drying sheets. Native country and duration not known to me. — J. L. R. Vlajitaginece. PLANTAGO DuvallJi. A strong, weedy plantain, with long lanceolate leaves, and brown colored, anthered flowers. Raised from a col- lection of seeds, sent to the Mass. Hort. Society by Prof. Fischer, St. Petersburgh. Sown in March, flowered June, 1844. Of no beauty or special recommendation to the flo- rist.— J. L. R. Caryojphy'llecB. DIA'NTHUS cyrs. (From Prof. Fischer, Imperial Botanic Gardens, St. Petersburgli.) A small, dull blossomed pink, growing about a foot high, somewhat in the style of the Sweet William, (D. barbatus.) Interesting rather to the botanist than florist. Annual ? — J. L. R. WalvacecB. iTIBI'SCUS hispidus. Mill. A rather showy flower, which might be mistaken for H. tribnitim, or bladder ketmia of the gardens; but differs in form of foliage, calyx, and more hispid stem. Native of Cape Good Hope, and apparently intermediate between H. tribnium and H. Afrkdjius. Seeds sown in March, flowered in July, and gave abundance of flowers with prospect of a succession — similar to the habits of the other two species mentioned. From Prof. Fischer to Mass. Hort. Society. — /. L. R. Leguminbsm. PHASE'OLUS Hispanicus (?) A fine, showy, running bean, with profuse clusters of flowers, the banner of which is scarlet, and the alge or wings are uf a pale rosy hue. Raised from seed received from Italy, under the specific name above. — South Hing- ham^ Aug. 1844. J. L. R. 382 Domestic Notices. ScrophularinecB. PENTSTEUMON erianthera. JVuttall. Gen. PJ. II. p. 52. Syn. Pentste'mon glabra. Pcytst. Woolly-stemmed Pentstemon. Leaves very smooth, almost glaucous, margin a little undulating; stem about two feet high, bearing, in the axils of the leaves, numerous purplish and showy flowers, and said to be remarkable for its "pubescent anthers, which distinguish it from every other known species." Raised from seed gathered on the Yellow Stone River, Missouri. Sown in May, flowered in August, 1844. A beautiful per- ennial plant. — J. L. R. LeguminbscB. HOSA'CK7.4, Douglas. Pu'r3hw7(a. Torrey S, Gray, N. A. H. I. p. 327. Syn. TrigonefUa America^na, Nutt. Gen. PI. II. p. 120. A small, rather decumbent, branching annual, with mi- nute, whitish flowers, and numerous cylindrical pods, from the dry soils in Missouri. Raised from seed gathered on the banks of the Yellow Stone River, in 1843, and flowered August, 1844.—/. L. R. St'icta aurata, Ach. In examining some "curiosities," brought from New Zealand, I was so fortunate as to dis- cover this fine lichen, gathered fortuitously as a specimen of the bark of a tree. Though without fruit or shields, it was very interesting as extending the knowledge of the geographical distribution of a species well known and al- Avays admired by the lichenist: while its deep red thallus distinguished it, in point of beauty, from the duller tints, whicli it assumes in our northern latitudes. — /. L. R., Sa- lein, Mass., August, 1844. MISCELLANEOUS INTELLIGENCE. Art. I. Domestic JVotices. JVew York State Agricultural Society. — The fourth exhibition of this society took place on the 17th, 18th and 19th September, at Poughkeepsie. We learn from those who were present, that the display in all depart- ments was truly grand, and plainly evinced that a deep interest is felt in favor of these annual shows. The following description of the depart- ment devoted to Horticulture, we extract from the Albany Cultivator: — " The ground selected for the occasion was an elevated plain, command- ing extensive views of the surrounding country, to which tlie mountains Domestic Notices. 383 in the west, and the blue ranges of the distant Highlands, gave a varied outline and interest scarcely to be surpassed. A large field of ten acres was enclosed by a high fence, within which all the objects of the fair were collected. The number of people admitted to the grounds on the two days of the exhibition, is supposed to be not less than from twenty- five to thirty thousand. " A line of large buildings, erected for the purpose, extended for sev- eral hundred feet through the centre of the grounds, and formed a leading feature of attraction. The first, which was 36 feet wide and more than 100 feet long, was inscribed over the entrance, 'Floral Hall,' in rich letters of evergreen on a wiiite ground. The whole interior of the build- ing, as well as the entrances, was richly ornamented overhead with beau- tiful and massive wreaths and festoons of evergreen. In the centre of the building was a splendid outline Temple, 'Dedicated to Agriculture and the Arts,' consisting of a high evergreen arch in the middle, interwoven with ilowers, flanked with square wings, equally tasteful, on the sides. In the centre, and surmounting the whole, was the inscription, 'Agricul- ture,' and the numerous articles arranged within this arch, Avere the appropriate details of the great leading subject, among which were the tall lance-like stalks of corn crossing the middle, the suspended heads of wheat and other grain, the paintings of domestic animals, and a large as- semblage of other articles, beneath the whole of m hich was' a beautifully ornamented miniature plough, the origin and foundation of the whole. Under the chaplet inscribed 'Horticdltcrk,' was a most interesting ex- hibition of rich fruits and brilliant flowers. Numerous tasteful emblems and inscriptions were interspersed through the whole, and with some fine ornamental figures, decorated the base. " A double line of tables extended through the centre of this building, densely loaded Avith a magnificent display of fruits on either side, and a long range of flowers arranged in wreaths, temples and pyramids in the centre. Among some of the best collections of fruits, were handsomely arranged specimens of a hundred fine varieties of apples, eighty of pears, and many of other fine fruits, from A. .J. Downing & Co. of Newburgh, extending compactly for forty feet along one side of the table ; also exten- sive collections of apples from R. L. Pell of Ulster, J. R. Comstock of Dutchess, J. F. Osborn of Cayuga, Alex. Walsh of Lansingburg, from his Hoosick farms, and large and fine collections of pears from James G. King, Highwood, N. J., J. R. Comstock, and Wm* Reid of Murray Hill, N. Y., and also excellent specimens of grapes, from R. Donaldson, J. Merritt, S. Van Rensselaer, and many others. The whole display of fruits, though defective in a few particulars, exceeded in variety and ex- tent that of any previous exhibition of the State Society. " The vegetables, suspended from the sides of the tables and beneath, presented a very fine array ; among which was a superb lot from the gar- den of R. L. Pell, of Pelham, Ulster county, consisting of very large man- gold wurtzels, true blood beets, carrots, parsnips, sugar beets, Patagonian gourds, 5 feet 8 inches long, squashes weighing 152 and 200 lbs., tuonkey bread, very curious, ten varieties of table squashes, cabbages weighing 30 lbs. Mr. P. also presented forty varieties of seedling and twenty-seven of grafted apples, Catawba and Isabella grapes grown under glass, very large gooseberries, three kinds of currants, a floral ornament seventeen feet high, &c. 384 Massachusetts Horticultural Society. "Among' the agricultural and horticultural products, we observed an enormous pumpkin of the seven years variety, weighing 126 pounds — some heads of millet a foot in length — and some Washington peaches ten inches in circumference and weighing eleven ounces, all presented by Mrs. M. Vasser, of Poughkeepsie." Art. II. Massachusetts Horticultural Society. Sept. 7. The Society held an adjourned meeting, the President in the chair. Voted, that the Recording Secretary give notice to the lessor of the hall now occupied by the Society, that they will vacate the same on or before tiie 5th day of December next. A letter was read from the New Haven Horticultural Society, inviting this Society to be present, by delegation, at their annual exhibition on the 25th of September. A. J. Downing, of Newburgh, N. Y., was elected a corresponding member. Edward Allen, of Roxbury, and Josiah Richardson, of Cambridge, were admitted members. Adjourned to Saturday, Sept. 14th. Exhibited. — Flowers : The President of the Society sent a collection, of dahlias, embracing several new and beautiful sorts ; among them was Bragg's Antagonist, the most -perfect white variety we have seen ; also Lady St. Maur, Fleur de Grand, Competitor, Henry Clay, &c. From Joseph Breck & Co., dahlias, verbenas, asters, roses, &lc. From S. A. Walker, a wreath of flowers, a very large bouquet, German asters, coxcombs, and a variety of other cut flowers. From S. Sweetser, dahlias, &c. From Edward Allen, fine specimens of dahlias, including Lady St. Maur. Hero of Stonehenge, (fine,) Ploughboy, Lady Ann Mur- ray, Lady Antrobus, (very fine,) and other sorts; also, a plant of the Hy- drangea in flower, treated with guano. From J. Stickney, a great variety of beautiful German asters and dahlias. From H. W. Dutton, a variety of dahlias, among them some fine specimens of Dodd's Prince of Wales, the best yellow we have yet noticed. John Arnold exhibited a large quantity of Chinese and Tea roses. Messrs. Winships sent a large vari- ety of cut flowers, dahlias, &c. From Wm. Meller, tine bouquets, dah- lias and asters. Messrs. Hovey & Co, exhibited fine specimens of Bour- bon, Bengal, Tea and Noisette roses, fine German asters, &.c. John Hovey and Misses Sumner, fine bouquets. J. L. L. F. Warren, dahlias, a variety of cut flowers, and specimens of 5'piraea Ulmaria and digitata. From William Kenrick, roses, dahlias, bouquets, &c. From the Botanic Garden, Cambridge, by Mr. Carter, Fuchsia corymbosa, Chelone Lyoni, Uniola latifolia, Phlox Lawrenceia, Solidago, dahlias and many cut flowers. Fruits : The President exhibited specimens of pears and apples, re- ceived from Mr. Ernst, of Cincinnati ; the varieties of pears were Roi de Wurteinburg, Duchesse d'Angouleme, Louise bonne de Jersey, Beurre Diel, and Bartlett ; of apples, the Snow, Brabant Bellflower, and one un- Massachusetts Horticultural Society. 385 named variety. Mr. Wiswall, of Cincinnati, also exhibited a beautiful apple, variety unknown in this vicinity. The President also presented fine specimens of pears from his warden, viz : Bartlett, Julienne, Golden Beurrf" of Bilboa, Wilbiir, and Beurre d'Amalis, (tine;) also Gravenstcin apples, and the followinir plums: Corse's Admiral, Lombard, Diamond. From N. Coolidge, Boston, Sweetwater grapes. From VVm. Meller, fine peaches. From W. McFarland, Framingham, very large peaches. From N. Sanderson, Waltham, large seedling peaches. From Cheever Newjiall, plums, Purple Gage ; pears, Surpasse Virgoulouse, Gushing, and Washington ; apples, Hawthornden and Ribston Pippin. A. D. Williams exhibited his seedling pear, called Williams's Seedling; also Chelmsford and Bartlett pears, Coe's Golden Drop and Corse's Admiral plums. From J. W. Sever, Reine Claude Violet, White Magnum Bo- num, and seedling plums. From O. Johnson, Dearborn's seedling pears. From Joseph Balch, fine Bartlett pears, and white Magnum Bonum plums. From Elijah Vose, St. Ghislain, Julienne, and Dearborn's seedling pears ; Lady Haley's and Nonsuch apples, very handsome. From S. Pond, pears, Bartlett, Julienne, Surpasse Virgoulouse, St. Ghislain, Fondante d'Au- tomno; plums. Long Blue, Isabella, Lombard, Diamond, and Bingham. From N. G. Day, Lunenburg, the Red and Green Sweeting apple. From William Kenrick, specimens of the Early Crawford peach. Green Gage plums and Bartlett pears, from Samuel A. Walker. Black Frontignac, Black Prince and Black Hamburgh grapes, from Thomas Mason. John Arnold exhibited excellent Black Hamburgh grapes, finely colored, and with a rich bloom on the berries, which were of extra size. The Green Gage and Imperial Gage plums, by George Walsh, were good. H. Van- dine also exhibited excellent specimens of the following plums, viz: Huling's Superb, Yellow Gage, Coe's Golden Drop, (fine:) Duane's Purple, Smith's Orleans, Lombard, Magnum Bonum, and Imperial Gage; Porter apples, and peaches. From Messrs. Winship, Rushmore's Bon Chretien, Washington and St. Ghislain pears, and Coe's Golden Drop plums. Large and handsome Bartlett pears, from J. N. Sanderson. Very fine Bartlett and Cabot pears, from J. F. Allen. The following pears, from Parker Barnes, viz : Ronville, Bartlett, Harvard and Chelmsford. From J. L. L. F. Warren, the following : Black Hamburgrh grapes, Duane Pur- ple and Magnum Bonum plums, Bartlett and Julienne pears, Porter, Grand Sachem and Blue Pearmain apples, and Lemon Clingstone peach- es. From Samuel Walker, Fondante d'Automne, Flemish Beauty, Fon- dante Van Mons, Gushing, and some other varieties of pears. From E. Wight, Pumpkin Sweet apples, Bartlett pears, and Coe's Golden Drop plums. Extraordinary large peaches were sent by Mr. Merriam of New- ton,— and from the fiirm of Mr. Tudor, of Cambridge, were twelve very fine Baldwin apples, on a small branch about the same number of inches lontr. Victoria plums from D. Roberts. Large and beautiful peaches from F. T. Bigelow. Superior specimens of Bartlett pears from William B. Kingsbury. From the Pomological Garden, Salem, the following fruits, viz: peaches, Watson's Early, Early Rose, and Emperor of Rus- sia ; pears, Bartlett. Hampden, Bergamot, Elizabeth, Stevens's Genesee, Van Assene, Shenks, St. Ghislain, and No. 1103 of Van Mons; plums, Jefferson, Yellow Gage, Rogers, Bruyn Gage, Dominie Dull, and Long Blue. From Mr. Washburn, Plymouth, Greening apples, Flemish Beau- ty and Pitts Maria pears. Ohio Everbearing Raspberries, from L. S. VOL. X. NO. X. 49 *• 386 Massachusetts Horticultural Society. Russell. Very large apples from Prof. Farrar, Cambridge. William Oliver exhibited specimens of the Tyson pear, which has proved to be an excellent pear, and may be classed among the best varieties. Mr. War- ren exhibited a number of varieties of apples, which were received by him from Rhode Island, many of them fine specimens. There was also a great number of peaches and apples exhibited by different individuals, some for a name, and many of them seedlings. Every year brings with it a multitude of seedlings, and fruits unnamed, very ^e'w of which pos- sess sufficient merit to entitle them to a place among named varieties. September lith. — The Society held an adjourned meeting, the President in the chair. Messrs. B. V. French, C. Newhall and S. Walker were chosen delegates to visit the New Haven Horticultural Society's annual exhibition. The Chairman, in behalf of the Building Committee, placed at the disposal of the Society a silver plate, to be placed under the comer stone of the Society's new hall, with certain documents and transactions of the Society. Whereupon it was Resolved, That tlie Society adjourn this meeting to the site of their new building in School Street, and that the President, M. P. Wilder, Esq. be requested to perform the duty of laying the corner stone, depositing the plate, documents, &c. and to offer such remarks as he may deem suitable to the occasion. The plate was of silver, 8 by 6 inches, and bore the following inscrip- tion : [on the obverse.] MASSACHUSETTS HORTICULTURAL SOCIETY. INCORPORATED THE 12TH DAY OF JUNE, A. D. 1S29. Present number of Members, — Four Hundred and Twenty. President — Marshall P. Wilder. Vice Presidents — B. V. French, Jona. Winship, Cheever Newhall, E. M. Richards. Treasurer — Samuel Walker. Corresponding Secretary — J. E. Teschemacher. Recording Secretarif — Dbenezer Wight. Professor of Botany and Fegetahle Physiology — John Lewis Russell, A. M. Professor of Entomology — T. W. Harris, M. D. Professor of Horticultural Chemistry — S. L. Dana, M. D. Committee on Fruits. — Samuel Walker, Chairman : P. B. Hovey, Jr., O. Johnson, S. Pond, J. Loveit, 2d., L. P. Grosvenor, Jona. Winship, D. Haggerston, J. L. L. F. Warren, J. F. Allen, A. D. Williams. Committee on Floivers. — Joseph Breck, Chairman : H. W. Dutton, S. Sweetser, S. R. Johnson, J. Stickney, W. E. Carter, P. Barnes. Cojiimittee on Vegetables. — J. A. Kenrick, Chairman: W. B. Kings- bury, J. H. Billings, S. C. Mann, J. C. Howard, A. Bowditch, John Hill. Committee on the Library. — C. M. Hovey, Chairmaii : C. K. Dillaway, F. G. Shaw, J. E. Teschemacher, E. Wight, R. M. Copeland. Committee on Synonyms of Fruit. — M. P. Wilder, Chairman: S. Dow- ner, W. Kenrick," B. V. French. Erecutive Committee. — M. P. Wilder, Chairman : Enoch Bartlett, A. Aspinwall, F. W. Macondry, J. J. Low. Finance Committee. — E. Vose, Chairman: Cheever Newhall, E. AL Richards. Massachusetts Horticultural Society. 387 [on the reverse.] Tins EDIFICE IS ERECTED BY THE MASSACHUSETTS HORTICULTURAL SOCIETY, For the purpose of encouraging and improving the Science and Practice of Horticulture. This Corner Stone laid on the 14th day of September, 1844. BUILDING COMMITTEE. Marshall P. Wilder, Samuel Walker, J. E. Teschemacher, Josiah Stick- ney, John J. Low, Benj. V. French, E. M. Richards, Samuel R. Johnson, C. M. Hovey, Cheever Newhall, Joseph Breck, Henry W. Button, Fred. W. Macondry. Richard Bond, Architect. BUILDERS. Gardner Greenleaf, Nathaniel Adams, C. W. Gushing, Willard Sears and Jonas Fitch. To this Society the Community are indebted for the foundation and Con- secration of Mount Auburn Cemetery. The documents alluded to were the transactions, addresses, &c. of the Society, various horticultural, agricultural and political papers of the day, (including the August number of this magazine for the present year,) to- gether M'ith a variety of coins of the United States, and a phial contain- ing a great variety of flower, fruit and vegetable seeds, packed in pulver- ized charcoal and hermetically sealed. The Avhole were sealed up in a leaden box, and deposited in the stone at the north west corner of the building, and the large column, designed to stand upon it, lowered to its place. The stone being tirmly secured, the President of the Society, M. P. Wilder, Esq., delivered the following Address : Gentlemen of the Society : — In conformity with your resolve I have de- posited beneath this stone certain documents and memorials. These are for the purpose of transmitting to future generations some knowledge of this Society, as it exists at the present day, and of the science it has sought to promote. The rise and successful progress of the Society, from its infancy — from the day when, literally, but " two or three were gathered together," to its present mature and honorable standing, is matter of great congratulation. Its act of incorporation bears date June 12th, A. I). 1829, and I rejoice to recognise among those present, gentlemen whose names are borne on its charter — who have been its fast and firm friends — have had an impor- tant part in the management of its affairs, and have ever evinced a sin- cere and heartfelt interest in its welfare and prosperity. To you, gentlemen, and to the members of the institution generally, it must be a source of great gratification, that in your day the flourishing condition of the Society admits of erecting an edifice for the promotion and encouragement of a science which stands preeminently among the most popular and refined studies of the age. I may with propriety advert to the approbation and favor so liberally extended to the Society by an enlightened public — to the signal success that has attended its almost every effort — to its influence in creating and disseminating a taste for horticultural pursuits and rural life — to the in- troduction of new and valuable varieties, unprecedented increase and im- 388 Massachusetts Horticultural Society. proved character of Fruits and Flowers, since its organization — to the universal desire diffused by the zeal and labors of its members, for gar- dening- and ornamental cultivation — to the competition and laudable emu- lation excited by its Exhibitions and Premiums — all of which have greatly surpassed the highest expectations of its Avarmest friends. I congratulate you on this central and favored location, memorable in the cause of education for more than a century past, and from whence have gone out to bless the world some of the most distinguished scholars of the age, and brightest ornaments of society — and that to those halls of learning is now to succeed a temple dedicated to a science which has been honored by the great and good from Solomon to Washington, and in our own time by Knight and Van Mons, Buel and Lowell. I cannot conclude my remarks without alluding to an act which should never be forgotten, a meritorious one — and be it ever remembered, that to this Society the community are indebted for the foundation and consecra- tion of Mount Auburn Cemetery — that hallowed resting place for the dead — that " Garden of Graves." Mark the language of the orator* on the occasion : " We are met to consecrate this spot by these solemn ceremonies to such a purpose. The Legislature of this Commonwealth, with a parental foresight, has clothed the Horticultural Society with authority to make a perpetual dedication of it as a Rural Cemetery, or Burying Ground, and to plant and embellish it with shrubbery, and flowers, and trees, and walks, and other rural ornaments. And I stand here by order and in be- half of this Society, to declare that by these services it is to be deemed henceforth and forever so dedicated." Noble act — glorious deed — a measure calculated to reflect honor on any institution, and I doubt not it will redound to the credit of tliis, and will be gratefully remembered Avhile this corner stone endures, and when we and the members of this institution shall be quietly reposing in its " Field of Peace," or sleeping beneath the sods of the valley. Immediately after the ceremonies were performed, the Society ad- journed to their Rooms, and passed the following vote : That the thanks of the Society be presented to the President for the appropriate remarks made by him this day at the laying of the corner stone of the Society's new hall in School Street. Adjourned to Saturday, 20th September. September I8th, 19ih and 20th. — The Sixteenth Annual Exhibition of tlie Society took place on Wednesday, Thursday and Friday, tJie 18th, 19th and 20th of September, at the Society's Room in Boston. The exhibition was one of the most interesting ever made by the So- ciety, and was highly creditable to the contributors, and also to the com- mittee who superintended the arrangement. Although the floral decora- tions were not so extensive, and the plants few in number compared with some former years, the fruits far surpassed in abundance and beauty any previous display ; indeed, so great was the quantity offered for exhibition, that room for all could not be found on the tables. The yearly increase of fine specimens is very large, and the inconvenience of a limited space to display them to advantage will, we are happy to say, be obviated before another annual exhibition takes place. The new Hall, now rapidly pro- * Judre Storv. Massachusetts Horticultural Society. 389 gressincr towards completion, will, Ave trust, furnish ample accommoda- tions for all contributors. Notwithstanding the long continued drought which prevailed previous to the exhibition, and which had the effect greatly to diminish the usual variety of flowers, there was a fine display of dahlias, roses, and German asters. The dahlias, which were the most prominent feature in the fioral department and which are so essential, by their rich and varied colors, to add splendor to an exhibition, were very numerous and unusually fine. Among the different contributions of this flower, we noticed many excel- lent blooms of new varieties, and were particularly struck with the ad- ditional number of white-tipped varieties which have been introduced this season. These, though many of them are not sufficiently perfect in form to entitle them to a place among show-flowers, possess an advantage in the garden over many self-colored sorts by their novel and distinct colors, producing a striking and beautiful eflect. Of this class, we noticed in the collection of the President of the Society, the following varieties : — Flambeau, La Lione, Oakley's Surprise, Madame de Schaunenfield, Miss Watson, Nihil, and Alba purpurea. Among the plants, we would more particularly notice the following: — From the President, Fuchsia, var. Frostu, Exoniensis and Meteor ; Achim- enes longiflora and rosea, very fine. In the collection of plants sent by Mr. William Carter, of the Botanic Garden, were the coffee tree, iaiirus cdmphora, or camphor tree, Chelone speciosa, the Alpinia nutans, Avith its long erect leaves, and elegantly painted drooping flowers — with many other rare plants. Five varieties of the Achimenes, viz., longiflora, grandiflora, peduncu- lata, rosea, and coccinea, from Messrs. Hovey & Co., Avere in fine floAver and very attractive. Two of the largest plants Ave ever noticed of the Lechenaultio formosa, were sent by Mr. Thomas Willot, and Avere cov- ered Avith flowers. Arundo striata, a curious plant, Avith many others, from Messrs. Winship, and a fine plant of Fuchsia exoniensis, from Mr. Parker Barnes. The Society this season offered premiums for the most appropriate and beautiful ornamental devices in floAvers for decorating the Hall, at the annual exhibition ; for Avhich there Avere a number of competitors. Mr. John Kenrick exhibited one of the most beautiful — it Avas the American Eagle, ingeniously Avrought Avith floAversof the German aster. No device could have been more appropriate, and it attracted much attention. Mr. William Kenrick also sent an Eagle displaying his Avide-spread wings, and a beautiful Star, both formed of aster "floAvers ; also, a rustic Vase, wreathed and filled Avith a great variety of floAvers. Some devices, de- signed to represent the Bunker Hill Monument, were very showy. Mam- moth bouquets, composed entirelv of dahlias, were furnished bV Messrs. S. A. Walker, J. Nugent, and J. L. L. F. Warren. Among the cut floAvers, the German asters, from Messrs. Stickney, Johnson, Gordon, and S. A. Walker, were excellent specimens. Messrs. Hovey &. Co. contributed sixty varieties of Bengal, Tea, Noisette, and Bourbon roses, and a beautiful collection of German asters. A large col- lection of dahlias Avas contributed by W. R. Prince, of Flushing, L. L, some of them fine blooms ; also, by the same, a variety of very large and handsome coxcombs and German stocks. The pomological department Avas the great centre of attraction ; the 390 Massachusetts Horticultural Society. collection of various fruits, taken as a whole, was magnificent, and the specimens generally more select than on any former occasion. Our lim- its will not allow us to notice half of the fruits which were worthy of special mention. The President of the Society exhibited one hundred and three varieties of pears, including a specimen of the famous Leon le Clerc pear, which was tasted by the committee and pronounced to be a first rate, although it was a premature fruit; also, very large and beautiful specimens of the Columbia Virgoulouse, Beurre d'Aremberg, Golden Beurre of Bilboa, Beurr6 Diel and Fondante d'Automne, and numerous other remarkably large and fine specimens. This collection received the first premium oftered by the Society for the greatest number and the best grown kinds. The large collection from the Pomological Garden, Salem, contained one hundred and fifty-nine varieties of pears, fifty-three of apples, eleven of peaches, and nine of plums. This collection of pears obtained the second premium for the greatest number of kinds and best grown — many of them were large and handsome, and excelled in quality the collection of the previous year. The largest collection of apples ever placed on the Society's tables was presented by the Vice President of the Society, Hon. B. V. French ; it numbered ninety varieties, and v.'as a superb collection, for wnich the first premium, for the largest number and best, was awarded. A choice collection of apples from Hon. E. Vose, ex-president of the Society, consisted of remarkably fair and beautiful specimens. The pre- mium for the best dish of apples was awarded for a dish of the Hawthorn- den, in this collection, which also received the second premium, for the greatest number and best grown. A splendid basket of fruit was contributed by Mr. Haggerston, from the garden of J. P. Gushing, Esq., containing a great variety of pears, peaches, nectarines, grapes, &c. of tlie richest description, for which the committee awarded Mr. Haggerston the first premium. The fruits from Mr. J. F. Allen, of Salem, were very fine and select, and among them were the largest and finest Bartlett pears exhibited. The grapes were also excellent and received the premium for the greatest number of kinds. Superior specimens of pears were presented by Capt. Jos. Lovett. For his dish of Flemish Beauty, he was awarded the Society's premium. Many fine and remarkably handsome specimens of the Louise bonne de Jersey, Passe Colmar, Duchesse d'Angouleme, Flemish Beauty, Belle et Bonne, &c., were contributed from the gardens of J. S. Cabot and Otis Johnson, Esqrs. The Black Hamburgh grapes of Mr. John Arnold, obtained for him the premium of five dollars, and Mr. S. R. Johnson received the premium for the best grapes grown in the open air. The peaches exhibited by Mr. John Hill were truly splendid, both in size and coloring. Coe's Golden Drop plums, by Mr. Vandine ; Porter, and an apple called the Detroit, by Mr. Owen ; and Monstrous pippins, by Dr. Shurtleff, were all extraordinary fruits. Among the fruits presented by C. Newhall, were many superior pears, Ribston pippins, and Gravenstein apoles — the latter were in many collections, and were uniformly beauti- ful ; it is also one of the best apples of the season in which it ripens. Besides the above mentioned fruits, which particularly attracted our attention, there v/ere many others we would wish to mention more par- Massachusetts Horticultural Society. 391 ticularly had we sufficient space to do so. So large a number of varie- ties, and so fine specimens, Ave do not hesitate to say, has never before been exhibited in our country. Plants. — From the President of the Society, Fuchsias, Exoni^nsis, Meteor, and Frostu; Achimenes longiflora, and rosea. From W. E. Carter, Cineraria lobata, jLaurus cdmphora, Hakea sahgna, Alpinia nu- tans, Coffka arabica, Ardisia crenulata, Brunsvigta multiflora, Magnolm grandiflora, .fihutilon virgata, and a variety of other plants. From Hovey & Co., Acliimenes longiflora, grandiflora, pedunculala, rosea, and cocci- nea, O'xalis, Boweu, and petunias. From J. L. L. F. Warren, a variety of cactuses. S. Sweetser, ericas. Messrs. Winship, three plants Fuch- sia globosa, »4rundo striata. From T. Willott, two plants Leclienaultta formosa. From R. M. Copeland, begonias, colchicums, and Eugenia myrtifolia. Cut Flowers, Bouquets and Dahlias. — From the President, a great variety of dahlias, embracing the following new sorts: Lady St. Maur, white, shaded with lilac, fine form ; Blanche Shelley, Mrs. Shelley ; Beauty of Sussex, pink, edged with cherry, a large and showy flower; Antagonist, [Bragg's,) cupped petals, the best white we have yet noticed ; Hero of Stonehenge, mulberry, very fine form ; Great Western, very large ; Caleb Cope, fine rose ; Lady Antrobus, fine form ; Lady Ann Mur- ray, Washington Irving, and the following white tipped sorts — Flambeau, La Lione, Oakley's Surprise, Madame de Schaunenfield, Miss Watson, and Nihil. Hovey & Co. exhibited sixty varieties of roses, consisting of Teas, Bengals, Noisettes, and Bourbons ; also, twelve varieties of Ger- man asters, and a large quantity of dahlias, containing a large number of the newest varieties. From Josiah Stickney, a great variety of dahlias — among them, fine blooms of Essex Triumph, Dodd's Prince of Wales, Burnham Hero, Pickwick, Miranda, Oakley's Surprise, &c. ; also, a fine collection of German asters. H. W. Button, a large variety of dahlias, embracing fine flowers of Oakley's Surprise, Bridesmaid, Constantia, Widnall's Queen, Princess Royal, tSz.c. From Joseph Breck & Co., a numerous variety of dahlias, embracing Antagonist, Lady St. Maur, Com- petitor, Charles XH., Caleb Cope, Miranda, Widnall's Queen, &c. ; also, a great variety of verbenas, zinnias, centaurias, and asters. From Parker Barnes, a collection of dahlias, including Great Western, Caleb Cope, Henry Clay, Bridesmaid, Lady Washington, Bedford Surprise, Essex Tri- umph, &c. From Samuel Sweetser, cut flowers in variety, and numerous dahlias. John Gordon exhibited German asters and bouquets. J. L. L. F. Warren, pansies, asters, bouquets, and other cut flowers. Edward Allen contributed some very fine dahlias ; the best twelve, which took the first premium, were as follows — Mrs. Shelley, Oakley's Surprise, Victor, Catleugh's Eclipse, Lady Antrobus, Essex Triumph, Lady St. Manr, Eleane de Beauconr, Henry Clay, Antagonist, Catleugh's Tournament, and Ploughboy. From W. E. Carter, bouquets and dahlias. John Hov- ey, dahlias, bouquets and other flowers. Messrs. Winship, bouquets of roses; one of LagerstrasMnia indica and Azalea indica alba, and dahlias; among them. Admiral Stopford, a fine dark variety — Pickwick, Queen of Beauties, Argo, Bridesmaid, and four seedlings. From R. M. Copelnnd, fine dahlias, including good blooms of Widnall's Queen, Pickwick, An- sell's Unique, &c. From Samuel A. Walker, two very large specimens of the Prince's Feather, coxcombs, German asters, and a fine display of 392 Massachusetts Horticultural Society. dahlias and bouquets. From S. R. Johnson, a beautiful show of German asters and roses; also, a variety of other cut flowers. From William Meller, bouquets and dahlias, some of them excellent blooms. Wm. R. Prince, of Flushing, L. I. exhibited a variety of dahlias from his nursery, some of them fine flowers, considering the great distance they were brought ; also, some very large and handsome coxcombs, and a variety of Double German stocks and asters. Fruits. — The following list of fruits, presented at the exhibition, we copy from the Society's records: By M. P. Wilder, President of the Society. Pears : — Van Mons Leon le Clerc, Duciiesse d'Angouleme, Long Green, Franc Real d'Hiver, For- tunee. Ah ! Mon Dieu, Cabot, Green Sugar, Ambrette, Thompson, Al- pha, Belmont, Queen Caroline, Beurre d'Amalis, Comprette, Easter Eer- gamot, Green Catharine, Louise bonne de Jersey, Wilkinson, Marie Louise, Dix, Napoleon, Beurre d'Angleterre, Beurre Ranee, Heathcote, Pope's Quaker, Fondante d'Automne, Vicar of Winkfield, Famenga, ? Belle et Bonne, Buff"um, Urbaniste, Beurre Diel, Ananas of Manning, Ananas of the French, Beurre d'Aremberg, Bon Chretien Fondante, Ful- ton, Golden Beurre of Bilboa, Glout Morceau, Prince's St. Germain, Co- lumbian, Doyenne Blanc, Cumberland, Capiauniont, Uvedale's St. Ger- main, Bezi Vaet, Williams's Bon Chretien, De Tonneau, Beurre Bronze, Doyenne Dore, Hacon's Incomparable, Paquency, Beurre Gris, Brown Beurr6, Chaumontel, Ridelle, Beurre d'Hiver, Compte de Lamy, Bon Chretien d'Espagne, Crassane, Winter Crassane, De Swede. Green Pear of Yair, Ne plus Meuris, Autumn Superb, Beurre Royal, Gilogil, King Edward, Passe Colmar, Jaminette, Poire de Livre, Verte Longue d'Autoume, St. Germain, Fondante du Bois, ? Lewis, Catillac, Gushing, Black Worcester, Duchesse de Mars, Beurre d'Angou, Bergamot, ? Figue, Boa Chretien d'Hiver, Sieulle, Louise bonne de Boulogne, Belle de Bris- sac, '' Colmar Nelis, Angelique de Rome, Belle Angevine, Seckel, Rouse Leiich, Cuvellier, Striped St. Germain, Petit Roussellet, and seven un- named sorts. Plums: — Coe's Golden Drop, Corse's Admiral. St. Catha- rine, Blue Imperatrice, and a variety unknown. Apples: — Minister, Por- ter, Gravenstein, Fall Harvey, and a var. unknown. From Elijah Vose, Dorchester. Apples: — Gravenstein, Hawthornden, Boxford, Old Nonsuch, Lady Haley's Nonsuch, Hubbardston Nonsuch, King of the Pippins, Ortley Pippin, Pickman's Pippin, Ribston Pippin, Bellflower, Marigold, Gilliiiower, Baldwin, St. Lawrence, Rhode Island Greening, Spitzemberg, Roxbury Russet, Autumn Harvey, Old Pearmain, Summer Pearmain, Wales, Spice, W'illiams's Favorite, Howe's Seedling Sweeting, Corlie's Sweeting, Mackay's Sweeting, Pumpkin Sweeting, Danvers Winter Sweeting, Tolman's Sweeting. Pears: — Napoleon, Belle de Flanders, Buffum, Fulton, Pope's Quaker. From B. V. French, Braintree. Apples: — Flushing Seek-no-further, Black Apple (of Coxe,) Wine, Fameuse, Canada Reinette. Baltimore, Fall Sopsavine, Conway, Red Calville, Pearmain, Gloria Mundi, Sweetinsf, Spice, Lyscom, Rock, Ribston Pippin, Pomme d'Api. Long Nonsuch, Eurrassfe, Gilliflower, Yellow Newton Pippin. Seaver Winter Sweet, Garden Striped, Danvers Winter Sweet, Newark King, Porter, Beauty of Kent, Garden Royal, Hawthorndcj:, Sweeting, Hingham Seek- no-further, French's Sweet, Pomme Gris, Mela Carle, Baldwin, Sugar Sweet, Greening, Dutch Codlin, True Nonsuch, Long Russet, Yellow Massachusetts Horticultural Society. 393 Bellflower, and eleven varieties names unknown. The above were on the tables, and about forty sorts not on the tables, for want of room. From Cheever Newhall, Dorchester. Apples : — Spitzemberg, Tolman's Sweet, Hig-litop Sweet, Golden Russet, R. I. Greening, Ribston Pippin, Williams's Early, Gravenstein, Jersey Pippin, Lady, Maryland Pippin, Chataignier, Minister, Snow, Siberian Crab, five var. ; Hawthornden, Fall Pippin, Marigold. Pears : — Roi de Wurtemburg, Harrison's Fall Baking, Urbaniste, Orange, Beurre d'Amalis, Naumkeag, Beurre Blanc, Warden, Belle et Bonne, Beurre Ranee, Angleterre, Heathcote, Chaumontel, D'Aremberg, Catillac, and Cumberland. Grapes : — Isabella, Catawba. From J. P. Gushing, Watertown. Grapes: — Black Hamburgh, Muscat of Alexandria, White Sweetwater, White Frontignac, Syrian, Poonah, Saint Peter's. Peaches : — Noblesse, Bellegarde, Mountain of Snow, New York Mignonne. Pears : — Brown Beurre, Seckel, Flemish Beauty. From J. S. Cabot, Salem. Pears: — Urbaniste, Columbian, Fulton, Capsheaf, Princessof Orange, Alpha, Smltli's Pennsylvania, Surpasse Vir- goulouse, Long Green, Marie Louise novo, Brown Beurre, Surpasse St. Germain, Fortunee, Jalousie, Chaumontel, Henri Quatre, Vicar of Wink- field, Bon Chretien Fondante, Winter Nelis, Capiaumont, Louise bonne de J»rsey, Wilkinson, Seckel, Gendersheim, Wilbur, Green Pear of Yair, Van Assene, St. Ghislain, Flemish Beauty. Washington, Hericart, Hanna's, Brande's St. Germain, Bezi de la Motte, Thompson, Easter Beurre, Fig Extra, (Van Mons,) Williams's Bon Chretien, Golden Beurre of Bilboa, Marie Louise, lielle Lucrative, and Cabot's Seedling. From J. Lovett, 2d, Beverly. Pears: — Flemish Beauty, King Edward, Williams's Bon Chretien, Hessel, Bezi de la Motte, Seckel, Beurn'' Ca- piaumont, Easter Beurre, Bal Armuda, Wurmskale, (new,) Winter Nelis, Washington, Verte Longue, Marie Louise, Harvard, Petre. Plums : — Coe's Golden Drop, Long Blue, Goliah, Reine Claude Violet. Apples: — Gravenstein, Minister, Dutch Codlin. From the Pomological Garden, Salem. Pears: — Bartlett, Beurr6 d'Amalis, Belle et Bonne, Dix, Brown Beurre, Alpha, Hawthorne's Seed- ling, Louise bonne de Jersey, Long Green (of Coxe,) Pope's Russet, Citron of Bohemia, Rousselet de Rheims, Hanna's, Frederic of Wurtem- burg, Cabot, Fulton, Bergamotte Sylvange, Doyenne Mons, Belmont, Louis of Bologne, Figue Extra, Angers, Sovereign du Princein, ? Sous- reine, Excellentissima, ? Beauty of Winter, Beurre Witzcomb, Downton, Las Canas, Hampden's Bergamot, Bergamotte d'Antomne, Jalousie, Easter Beurre, Capiaumont, Turkish Bon Chretien, Pailleau, Mabille, Beurr6 d'Aremberg, Meuris d'Hiver, Surpasse, Marie Louise, Wilkinson, Penn- sylvania, Glout Morceau, Beurre Bronze, Napoleon, Rousselet de Mees- ter, Colrnar Epine, Henry IV., Andrews, Paradise d'Automne, Long Green of Duhamel, Chelmsford, Black Pear of Worcester, Surpasse Mau- rice, Hays, Green Pear of Yair, Whitfield, Stevens's Genesee, Reine des Poires, Doyenne Nouvelle Bossuck, Bezi de Heri, Duchess of Mars, Bouquia, Thompson's, Rouse Lench, Charles of Bologne, Bon Chretien Fondante, Beurre Beaumont, Bezi de la Motte, Duchesse d'Angouleme, Ronville, Huguenot, Marie Louise, Forme de Urbaniste, Gushing, Quil- Ictette, Emerald-, Hericart, Beurre Diel, Bergamotte de Parthenay, French Iron, Bleeker's Meadow, Washington, Belle of Flanders, Tucker's Seed- ling, Horticulture, Phillips, Michaux, Pitford, Styrian, Fortunee, Vicar of Winkfield, Bonne Louise, Jalousie de Fontenay, Vendue, CuvelJier, VOL. X. NO. X. 50 394 Massachusetts Horticultural Society.' Shenk's, Winter Nelis, Croft Castle, Muscadine, Yutte, Prince's St. Ger- main, Duquesne, Passe Colmar, Seckel, Urbaniste, Capsheaf, Pound, Surpasse Virgoulouse, Beurre Bosc, Hacon's Incomparable, King Ed- ward, Caen du France, Sieulle, Chauniontel, Johonnot, Charles of Aus- tria, Beurre Delbecq, Foster's St. Michael, Princess of Orange, Conite de Lamy, Althorp Crassane, Chat Brule, St. Michael's, Clara, Grey Doy- enne, Moccas, Bonne Louise Royal, Beurre Beauchamps, Commodore, Locke, Beurre, Van Mons, Ambrosia, Josephine, Seedling, Dundas, Alex- ander of Russia, Belle Lucrative, Eezi de Montigny, Paternoster, Dumor- tier, Queen of the Low Countries, Catillac, Enfan Prodigee, Harvard, Golden Beurre of Bilboa, St. Ghislain, Heathcote, Summer 'i'horn, Lewis, BuiFum, Nos. 15er doz. . . Pot and Sweet Herbs Parsley, per half peck, Sage, per pound, . . Marjorum, per bunch, Savory, per bunch, Spearmint, per bunch. From To $cts. $cts. 1 00 1 25 45 50 1 00 — 40 — 1 50 — 75 — 2 00 2 50 1 00 I 25 50 37 50 3 4 3 4 62.J — 3 4 50 75 50 75 75 — 8 10 8 10 62 75 50 62 75 — 10 20 10 20 6 8 6 — 10 12 12 17 17 20 6 8 25 — 37^ — 17 20 m _ 17 20 6 12.i 6 12 3 — Squashes and Pumpkins. Autumnal Marrow, per lb. . Canada Crookneck, per lb. Winter Crookneck, per lb. F'ruits. Apples, dessert and cooking Porter's, per barrel, . per bushel, . Pumpkin Sweet, per bush Connect. Sweet, per bar Common, per barrel, . Baldwins, per barrel, . per bushel, Bellflower, per barrel, Gieeniugs, per barrel, Russets, per barrel, . Pears, per half peck: Capiaumont, . . . Seckel, Urbanisle, .... ^ St. Michael, .... ' Brocas Bergamot, . . Common, per bush. . Baking, per bush. . . Quinces, pe# bushel, . . Peaches : Common, per half peck Extra, per doz. . . . Plums, per quart : Green Gage, . . . Damsons, per half peck, Grapes, per lb. : Black Hamburgh, . White Sweetwater, Isabella, .... Catawba, .... Barberries, per bush. Watermelons, each, . Muskmelons, each, . Green fleshed, small. Purple Egg Plant, each Cucumb. (pickling) per hun, Peppers, (pickling) per lb Tomatoes, per half peck, Cranberries, per bushel, Chesnuts, per bushel. From Sets. 1 1 1 2 50 1 25 75 2 00 1 00 1 50 75 1 50 1 00 1 00 75 75 50 50 50 I 00 1 00 1 50 25 50 25 50 To S cts. 3 00 1 50 1 00 11 25 1 25 62^ 62^ 75 1 50 2 GO 37 75 37 50 75 25 37 i 12.-^ — 12.^ — 75 1 00 15 20 10 20 6 8 8 12* 12 15 3 4 12 15 1 50 2 00 3 50 4 OC Remarks. — Tlie weather during- the most of September has been ex- tremely dr_v, but the season being so far advanced, and crops of most de- scriptions near maturity, that no injury, that we are aw^^re of, lias result- ed. On the morning of the 28th there was an unusually severe frost, which cut down all tender plants, and put a stop generally to vegetation. Within the last week there have been copious rains, filling the streams and Horticultural Memoranda. 399 springs, which had become very low, and the weather has become quite cold for tlie season. Vegetables. — Of all descriptions there is an ample supply, and gener- ally of excellent quality. Potatoes have produced abundantly, and are belter this year than usual. In some parts of the country, however, they have been destroyed by a disease, the cause of which has not yet been ascertained. When attacked, the vines immediately die, and on digging the potatoes they are found to be rotten and worthless. In the State of Maine they have not been affected, and the crop is said to be unusually large ; the rumors, in consequence of tlie disease prevailing so exten- sively in some places, has had the effect to advance the price some, and they are now selling quick at our quotations. Sweet potatoes are plenty and of good quality. Turnips are good, but not yet very abundant. Onions are large and very fine, and the crop this year very heavy. Beets and carrots are plenty and large. Cabbages are not so plenty and good as usual at this season, owing to so much dry weather, but the late crops will no doubt come in well ; they have been benefitted by the late rains and have some time yet to fill up. Good brocoli and cauliflowers are not yet very plenty, — the season has been too dry for them. Beans and sweet corn are now scarce, as the season for them has passed. Celery is not yet very large, but enough is brought to supply the market at low prices. The frost has cut off peppers and pickling cucumbers, and they are done for the season. Of squashes the market is overloaded. The season has been so favorable for them that great crops have been pro- duced, and they sell at extremely low prices ; they are generally of ex- cellenL quality this year. Fruit. — Apples are very plenty and sell at low prices; the fall and winter sorts have ripened very early, and are large and fair. Porters are nearly gone. A good supply of the Bellflower is brought from New York. Pears, of the common baking sorts, are abundant, but the fine kinds command good prices. Quinces are plenty and good. The season for peaches and plums is about over; a few yet remain, and sell readily at quotations. Grapes of the forced kinds sell low now, as the market is so well supplied with Isabellas, of which great quantities are now sold at our quotations, for the best. Of cranberries there is a good supply ; prices are somewhat higher than last year at ihis time. Lemons have become very scarce, and sell at high prices. No oranges in the market. A few chesnuts have been brought in, and sell readily at quotations. — Yours, M. T., Boston, Stpt. 30th,\8U. HORTICULTURAL MEMORANDA FOR OCTOBER. FRUIT DEPARTMENT. Crrape Vines, in greenhouses and vineries, where the wood is matured, will need but little attention ; as soon as the leaves drop they m;iy be pruned and thoroughly cleaned. Guard against dampness in houses where the fruit is not yet gathered ; and when it is wished to preserve the fruit to a late period, the bunches should be occasionally looked over 40(T Horticultural Memoranda. and any defective berries removed; bags made of tissue paper, and drawn up over the bunches, is an excellent plan to protect the fruit from dust, insects, &c. Vines in the open ground should be pruned and trained as soon as the leaves drop. Penrs and Apples should now be gathered as fast as they ripen ; choose a dry day for tiie purpose, and handle them carefully. Choice late winter pears will need considerable attention to ripen them perfectly without shrivelling, packing them in wheat bran, and placing them in a warm cellar is recommended, or they may be wrapped in papers separately, and packed in close buckets, which should be kept in a cool place, and when any are wanted for use, put such into a warm room, of the temperature of from (!0 to 70 degrees, a week or t n days, and they will ripen well. Fruit and Ornamtnlal Trees may now be transplanted. By doing this now. much time is saved in the spring, when there is so much other work to be done ; they will also start earlier in the spring than trees planted at that time, and will not be so liable to suffer when dry weather occurs ; to prevent rocking by the wind they may be secured on Capt. Lovett's plan, detailed in the present volume. Sttds of Fruit Trees should be sown this month. Tn all cases the ground must be made very rich, and be well pulverized to be successful. The stones of peaclies and plums had better be placed in a body, and covered with a few inclies of earth, and in tlie spring crack them and sow the kernels. Currants, Gooseberries and Raspberries continue to plant; it is abso- lutely necessary to set them in rich ground if good fruit is the object. Cut out all the shoots of raspberries which bore the present year. Thin out the oldest wood of currants, and shorten the new shoots. Gooseber- ries must be kept thin of wood, and the shoots be well cut in, to guard against mildew. FLOWER DEPARTMENT. Dahlias. — Wherever they have been cut down b}'' frost, which has been the case in many places, they may be immediately taken up, and housed for the winter. Nothing is gained by leaving the roots in the ground long after the tops are destroyed. Greenhouse Plants, now that they are in their winter quarters, should have plenty of air and be watered sparingly. Keep them clean and free from insects, and excite them little as possible at this season. Chrysanthemums must now be brought into tlie parlor or greenhouse, and kept well supplied with water, and once or twice a week with a solu- tion of guano. This will make them grow strong and give them a deep green foliage and fine flowers. Ixia^ and Sparaxis must now be potted in rich light soil. Hyacinths, and other bulbous flower roots required for the parlor during winter, should now be potted or put into glasses. A sandy soil, mode- rately rich, suits them best; water very little until the leaves have grown an inch or two — then supply liberally. The latter part of the monfh, the beds and borders should be prepared for planting such kinds as are wanted to ornament the garden in the spring; when these are required they should be selected in season, that good bulbs may be secured. A few good ones are preferable to a bushel of the trash that is so frequently sold at auction, and bought because they are sold cheap. THE MAGAZINE OF HORTICULTURE. NOVEMBER, 1844. ORIGINAL COMMUNICATIONS. Art. I. The Monthly Alpine or Four-Seasons Strawberry. By the Editor. Nothing has attracted our attention more, during our visit to Paris, than the great quantities of the Alpine or four-seasons strawberry offered for sale in the markets. Passing through the Marchi St. Honori, we noticed hun- dreds of baskets of them; and indeed at all the fruit shops, and in the windows of the principal Cafes and Restaurants, quantities of them were to be seen. The price in the mar- ket, where we occasionally inquired, was fifteen sous (fif- teen cents) or thereabouts, according to their size and freshness, the basket containing a quart or more. Some of them were remarkably large and fine, exceeding in size the best common Wood strawberry. Anxious to learn the best method of cultivating this strawberry, so desirable from its continued productiveness, we made inquiry of M. Jamin and other eminent cultivators, in whose gardens we saw it bearing abundantly, and picked many superior specimens of the fruit. In the last volumes of Loudon's Magazine^ some excel- lent articles appeared on the cultivation of this variety from seed, and extracts from these will be found in our last two volumes. It is easily grown in this manner, and great quantities are thus raised every year, the production of the seed being quite an object to supply the seedsmen. It is however as easily and rapidly increased by the runners, when once there is a stock to commence with. As a reference to the volumes we have named will give the desired information relative to the growth of the plants VOL. X. NO, XI. 51 402 The Monthly Alpine Strawberry. from seed, we shall only now notice their cultivation by runners. September is considered the best month to plant out new beds. As the plants are not of so vigorous a habit as the large varieties, perhaps earlier planting, in our warm climate, might not be attended with favorable results. The ground being prepared, the best and strongest runners are selected and planted out in rows, about six inches apart, the rows about one foot from each other. In our climate we think it would be necessary to select a cool and half shady si tit a tio7i^ where they would undoubtedly do better than if fully exposed; under a north fence or wall would be a good place, or even in the shade of trees, though not immediately under them, would be better than fully exposed. In the garden of M. Jamin, we found them bearing abundantly thus situated, under the partial shade of pear trees trained ew qiietiouille. on the borders of the walks. In the gardens of the Luxembourg we saw nearly quarter of an acre, planted out in rows, three feet apart, and a row of dahlias between every other row, the alternate spaces answering for walks. The dahlias afforded some shade, though it is less needed in the climate of Paris, and the vines were loaded with fruit. The vines commence bearing at the usual season, and continue uninterruptedly in fruit till October. It would be an object to introduce this strawberry into cultivation for the supply of our market in the autumn, and we believe it would afford a good profit to the enter- prising marketman. We trust, at least, that it will prove to be worthy the attention of all who are fond of this whole- some fruit, coming in as it does between the common vari- eties of the garden, and the forced ones of the vinery or hothouse, and thus keeping up a succession of fruit nearly the entire year. It should be recollected that a good rich soil will be certain to produce the best crop; occasional waterings would also be requisite in our climate: using, at times, liquid guano. To the zealous cultivator, the Alpine strawberry offers the chance of great improvement : perhaps, by impregna- tion with the large sorts, greater size may be obtained and its successive bearing retained : the experiment could be tried, even if success should not attend it. A small parcel of seed would produce quite a number of plants. Paris, Sept. 20, 1844. Remarks on the Ribston Pippin. 403 Art. II. Remarks on the Ribston Pippin Apple, location, 6^c. By J. Av". Russell, Newton, Mass. The Ribston pippin apple is one of the best for either eating or baking, and continues in use from October to April. The first tree of this much esteemed fruit was found in a wild state in a deer park, and was cultivated and grown to perfection at Ribston Hall, near Knares- borough, Yorkshire, England. Shape, globular; a little streaked towards the sun, and yellow on the other side, sometimes a little russeted at the crown; flesh, pale, firm and sugary, agreeably acid, with a rich, aromatic flavor. It is said that there are two varieties of this apple in some of the gardens in this vicinity — one of an oblong shape and larger than the one I have described. The apple that sometimes resembles the true Ribston pippin is probably the Blenheim pippin. This choice fruit, which is so highly esteemed in Eng- land for its good qualities, is not much sought after in this country. The Baldwin apple, that is so universally culti- vated, is undoubtedly an inferior fruit to the Ribston pip- pin ; but it may be said that the Baldwin is a great bearer and the other a shy one. I have seen for several years, at the estate of the late John Prince, Esq., Jamaica Plain, Roxbury, trees heavily laden with fruit of this fine variety. The location is worthy of notice, and the fault in the one last mentioned was, that the trees grew on a flat, level plain, and the fruit ripened about three weeks too early — therefore did not keep so well through the winter as those that were not so early matured. Tn fact, the situation that is not unfrequently supposed to be the most eligible one, experience finds to be the reverse. A southern aspect is often preferred, which is decidedly the most unfavorable one that can be selected for this particular apple. I believe we have much to learn in the choice of the most favorable localities, before we shall be successful in the cultivation of some of the most superior varieties of apples not natives of America. A northwest slope I should prefer to any other for reasons thus : the tree would not start to grow so early in the spring ; the roots would not sufter so much with the 404 Remarks on the Ribston Pippin. summer drought; and last, but not least, the fruit would be larger and finer, and would not ripen so early by a fort- night or three weeks. A rich deep soil, rather wet than dry, is best adapted for the apple tree; land half covered with rocks, that cannot be Avell cultivated with the plough, would l3e a desirable locality, especially in a dry season, as the trees would not suffer so much with drought. As almost every farmer professes to be well acquainted with the taking up and transplanting of an apple tree, it appears to be altogether superfluous to say any thing on this part of the business ; nevertheless, I will venture to make a few remarks. It would be very much for the in- terest of the purchaser of trees to have some person to su- perintend the drawing of them from the ground, — for this important operation is often performed as the name imports, that is. drawing the roots out of the ground regardless of consequences, mangling, twisting, bruising and breaking them. From such rash treatment what more can be rea- sonably expected than a weak puny growth after the tree is set out, for it often is set more like a post than a living tree, cramped up with its mutilated roots, and the earth pressed down upon them quite solid ; there the tree remains, for it is firmly set, and if it does not die about midsummer, it may linger along in a feeble state — for to grow, it cannot be for a moment expected, after such unmerciful treatment. In order to be successful in the transplanting of trees, as many of the roots as possible should be taken up with it uninjured ; and if holes are dug out, they ought to be three times as large as the roots will extend at the time of plant- ing. It is a bad practice to dig deep into the subsoil, for it must be remembered that the nearer the roots are to the surface, the better for the future health and well doing of the tree. When the ground is well dug up and broken and all is in readiness for commencing the operation of planting, set the tree in its place, hold it firm in its proper position, and have the earth put on the roots as you arrange them in regular order, leading them out to their full length, and at regular distances, tier above tier, until you come to the surface, pressing the earth down with your hand, as you go on, amongst the roots; there will be no need of stamping the earth down with your feet, but if the trees are large, a gentle pressure with the foot may be necessary. Remarks on the Botany, ^c. of Eastport, Me. 405 Fruit trees, or in fact any other kinds that are transplanted in the spring, would be very much assisted in their growth by mulching them through the summer months. Yours, &c. J. W. Russell, Newton, Oct. 26, 1844. Art. III. Some Remarks on the Botany, ^c. of Eastport^ Me., and its vicinity. By X. A visit of a few weeks to this extreme border of the United States enabled me to investigate the autumnal flora, not only of the- island on which Eastport is situated, but also of the adjoining shores of the main land. An area so contracted could not be expected to offer much for observa- tion; and at a season, when nature was about arraying herself with the garlands of September, the peculiar char- acter of its plants could not be so well perceived. Eastport itself is pleasantly, I may say, delightfully, situated on a bold and picturesque island of comparatively small dimensions, and forms one of the interesting group of islets scattered in that portion of the Bay of Fundy. Its soil is rich and its crops are exuberant, aff"ording to the enterprising farmer not only the comforts but some of the luxuries of life. Beneath its deep blue waters are innu- merable fishes of various species ; and on its rocky shores delight in astonishing luxuriance several species of Fuci {7^ock iveeds) and kelp, which, applied to the eartli in form of compost with peat mud or muck, or spread without any mixture, fertilize to a remarkable extent. The fame of its potatoes, in the White blue nose variety, has extended beyond its boundaries, and commercial speculation has transported it to the palm-waving and spice-breatliing islands of the West Indies, realizing a more solid and sub- stantial gratification to the eastern farmers than some other kinds of speculative transactions. I was sorry to find, that, despite the rich soil and facili- ties for making it yet more productive, there was so little attention being paid to horticulture. Scarcely any fruit v/as to be seen in the gardens, and but few of the finer 406 Remarks on the Botany^ <^c. vegetables, to say nothing of flowers. I was told that it were vain to attempt fruit growing on the island, and that even the apple, which flourishes on the main land only a few miles back from the immediate contiguity of the sea, was so exceedingly difficult of growth as to be nearly val- ueless. This failure was attributed to the fogs, a supposed peculiar feature of the east, but for which, the southern and southwestern winds, blowing thus from our own more auspicious climes, are duly honored with their origin and prevalence. An eastern fog is a serious matter, however. 1 had heard of such a phenomenon, but one must see it to realize its full extent. Yet, for ten days or more, finer or more delicious sunny, clear, mild, salubrious weather never gladdened the hearts of mortals, than rendered attractive this little spot. But as horticultural science and skilful practice have wrought such wonders with us. in overcom- ing obstacles in the way of climate and of atmospheric conditions, I am inclined still to imagine, that a series of well conducted experiments might do much in the way of introducing superior sorts of fruit where none are now known, A very low degree of cold in winter has been proved not to be prejudicial to many sorts of trees — else, instead of the very fair crops of peaches, for instance, in the vicinity of Boston, during the past summer, we should have expected an universal failure, after the unexampled freezings of the last winter, and the continued long range of the depression of the mercury below zero of Fahrenheit's scale. And although the grape is not found growing in- digenous in the vicinity, yet I saw in one garden not only the fox grape (YUis habrusca) of Massachusetts, of vigor- ous growth, but young vines also of the Isabella, a more southern variety, which is sometimes too tender for the neighborhood of Boston. We have seen what care will do in the production of most superior fruit on the rocky, ocean- lashed promontory of Nahant; and every year gives noAV encouragement to try and keep on trying in the way of experiment. The plum, I was told, used to succeed very well ; and judging from a single tree of the Damson variety, laden with fruit, I should have supposed that nothing but a little more trial and enterprise would repay all cost and trouble. This however, after all, may be theorizing, and a few stubborn facts may overthrow all such pretensions. It certainly will not be denied, however, that with such a of Eastport^ Me. and vicinity. 407 market as Eastport affords, there might be some very plau- sible excuse for repeated experiments in raising the better kinds of vegetables and hardier fruits. I believe the soil capable of any thing of the kind. Experiment alone is wanting to ascertain how much more productive a farm or a market garden could become. It is generally conceded by strangers that the annual growth of forest trees and of cultivated shrubs is more lux- uriant and vigorous than we see about us here. Even in the annuals, both indigenous and foreign, I noticed the same fact. Shrubs, such as viburnums and vines, as the Virginian creeper, {Atnpeldpsis hede?-dcea,) clematis, &c., produced most superb sized foliage. The beginning of a considerable taste is observable about the houses of the cit- izens, and the American mountain ash (PyV?^5 atnericchia, D. C.) seems to be a decidedly universal favorite. Cer- tainly they were great ornaments, and at this season their rich scarlet berries contrasted finely with the dark green and spreading foliage. It is rather surprising that so con- spicuous a tree should not be more cultivated about Boston, and that the European co-species, {Pyyns aucupdria,) growing, to be sure, much larger, and forming a longer lived and more regular shaped plant, should be almost ex- clusively cultivated. Beside the mountain ash, in many instances growing on the very streets and embowering the houses, I noticed the elegant cranberry bush, (Yiburnitm oxycoccos,) whose rather acerb berries are not overlooked in culinary operations. Occasionally the striped maple, (AVer striatum,) was to be seen, and some other smaller trees, interspersed with the Balm of Gilead poplar, {Popuhts cdn- dicans,) and the Horse Chestnut, {M'scnliis hippocdstanuni.) This general taste for ornamental shrubbery was also, in many instances, accompanied with some attention to the culture of flowers ; and some very good varieties of dahlias were displaying a most exuberant bloom. The plants are generally set out rather late, and the rich, stiff, clayey soil soon produces stout, large-leaved and dwarf-sized plants, the envy of many an amateur of this king of flowers, who has to contend, as I have the past summer, with drought, the vile spindle worms, and other plagues too well known and too much felt. Besides these, I saw elegant plants of Clarkia pulchella, Chryseis californica, sweet sultans, variegated poppies, candytuft, snapdragons, balsams, lark- 408 Remarks on the Botany, d^c. spurs, asters, &c. The cool temperature of the past sum- mer, with recent rains, was favorable to a late development of such pretty annuals, and though only occasionally seen, gave promise of future success when such pursuits were better known and more estimated. In a neat garden, tended with assiduous care in the few leisure hours of a very industrious merchant of Lubec, I observed most excellent cauliflowers, growing without any extraordinary care or culture. Many pretty annuals and plants were here attended to, and a showy garden made quite attractive the premises of his house. The strawberry and red currant were also raised, but the same insect which strips the latter of its foliage and produces a premature coloring of the fruit with us, nearly discourages every trial to its successful cultivation. The larger kinds of goose- berry thrive well, however, and are free from mildew or blight on the berry ; a circumstance of importance, in growing that sort of fruit. I noticed none of the larger varieties of foreign raspberries, the abundant crops of the native raspberry, {Rubus strigosits,) satisfying every want, in the absence of so much more superior sorts. Every grain field is bordered with wild raspberry bushes, and large tracts of burnt land covered with this growth. These, with some species of blue berry, with a small black berry, {Riibus trividlis ?) with the cranberry, {Oxycoccus macrocdrpus,) the cowberry, {Yacciniiim Yitls IdcB^a,) con- stitute the principal fruits. Other kinds, the steamboats direct from Boston furnish; amply supplying every de- ficiency produced by whatever causes deter their cultiva- tion. A section of country thus humid and cool might be ex- pected to furnish to the botanist many interesting crypto- gamic plants. On the denuded and barren hills may be seen, in the greatest abundance, the Chenille lichen, {Ste- reocaulo?i paschdle ;) while the reindeer lichen, {Cladd?iia vangiferina,) is comparatively scarce. That beautiful va- riety, forming a dense thrysiform spike, (C. galpesfris.) may be seen occasionally on the more shady hill sides — while Evernia vulpina, in close proximity with an Us7iea, occupies the ground, and even grows among the loose stones. Bseomyces roseus, and many interesting species of Lecidea, are abundant; while almost every twig of spruce and fir is covered with Parmelia enterom6rpha(]) or an of Eastport^ Me. and vicinity. 409 allied species, generally barren. I however detected a sin- gle specimen with fruit, by which I was enabled to deter- mine it accurately as having a habitat: and in the dense woods, on decaying trees, I found abundance of Sticta cro- cata among the more common species. The precipitous faces of the beetling cliffs, lining the shores of Eastport, were shaggy with Gyrophora vellea, and rendered in spots black, with a closely adherent foliaceous Lecanora, and with species of a Grimmia, but destitute of capsules. Many of the rocks, just rising above high water mark, were brilliant with Lecanora candelaria; and in the wet crevices of those higher up and under the shade of trees, another species of Grimmi«, (G. inar'itima.^ was just pro- truding its fruit. Beneath the close growth of the spruce, may be seen that beautiful feather moss, {llypaum crista castiensis ;^ while llypiumi molluscum, H. Schreberi, splendens, proliferum, &c.., were abundant. Very large specimens of Polytrichum commune, with a Uicranum, formed dense cushions on the wooded promontories; while that universal and ubiquitous pigmy, with its sensitive peduncle, {Fun aria hygrontc^rica,) was to be seen every where around. Beside the fuci and kelp from the deeper waters, the tide throws up some more delicate forms of sea weeds — such as Enteromorpha intestinalis, on which para- sitically grows E. clathrata; while C/'lva lactuca, Porphyria laciiiiata and Gigantina plicata may also be found. The indications of a cooler region and of a more back- ward flora may be perceived in the lingering blossoms of the strawberry, the dwarf cornel, and that gem of flowers the Li nnoe^a boreal is, with occasionally the irony bell of the checkerberry. The earth, especially in the deep woods on the main land, for instance at Dennysville, Avas rendered resplendent with the scarlet berries of the little cornel, just alluded to, {Cortws canadensis ;) while over decaying logs Gualther/a hispidula, the Linnaea, and the Wolf's claw, {Lycopodiiim,) were trailing their diversified stems. The beauty of the Faccinium vitis idsea is best seen on rugged, rocky slopes, and to a stranger, its crimson acid berries, contrasting with its dark, oval leaves, are peculiarly at- tractive. Tall stems of Trillium pictum, surmounted with their dark red fruit, mingle with Gyronia and the blue berried Dracae^na borealis ; and amid such repasts of wild VOL. X. NO. XI. 52 410 Remarks on the Botany^ 6^c. of Easiport, Me. seeds, the rarer species of birds find ample occupation in pursuit of food. I observed but a few species of aster and solidago. One, {S. lanceolcUa,) has spread within a few years to a troublous extent over the cultivated fields, and seems likely to prove a considerable inconvenience on account of its strong, te- nacious and tough roots. Several smaller flowers were yet lingering, and blossoms, as if unwilling to relinquish their claims on the admiration of the beholder — conspicuous among which, with fearless daring, nodded the harebell over dangerous chffs near the sea, on the horizontal shelves of which was also Arena ria stricta and some species of Arabis. The prickly but beautiful G^aleopsis tetratrit made itself familiar even in gardens as an intruder : and in one instance I found a specimen with white blossoms, in the place of the usual rosy color. In the pastures, in rich spots. I saw Anthemis arvensis. Sagina procumbens, also, was very common. Two species of alder were abundant, neither of which is thus distributed in such abundance in our section of coun- try, ^'liius glutinosa, with glutinous, terminal leaf-buds, grows down to the very water's edge, and is found among rocky ledges on high hills; while the glaucous alder, (A. glauca,) is substituted in wet swampy places for our J'lnus serrulata, found in similar situations. Other interesting shrubs, such as Ledum palustre, Kalmm glauca, Nemo- panthes canadensis, several of the cornus. viburnum, &c., may be found ; while species of birch, maple, fir, spruce, hemlock, cedar, larch, pine, and occasionally oak, afibrd sufficient study and subject of admiration at any season of the year — either when spring waves their catkins in the breeze or expands their cautious buds to the returning sun, or summer develops their glories in dense showy foliage, or autumn tints them with its rich and varied dyes. To him who would seek to pass a few days or weeks in a sec- tion of country where nature has done so much to beautify and render grand; to the seeker, therefore, for the beautiful or the picturesque; to the naturalist or to the idler, scarcely a more charming place can be found than in these extreme limits of Down East. South Hi7igham, Sept. 30, 1844. FloriciiUiiral and Botanical Notices. 41 1 Art. IV. Floricultvral and Botanical Notices of Neia Plants, figured in foreign periodicals ; with Remarks on those recently introduced to, or originated in, American gardens, and additional information upon plants already in cidtivation. Edwards'' s Botanical Register, or Ornamental Flower Gar- den and Shrubbery. Each number containing from six to eight plates ; with additional miscellaneous information, relative to new plants. In monthly numbers ; 3s. plain, 3s, GtZ. colored. Paxton's Magazitie of Botany, and Register of Flowering Plants. Each number containing four colored plates. Monthly, 25. 6d. each. Edited by J. Paxton, gardener to the Duke of Devonshire. The Gardener^ s Chr'onicle, a stamped newspaper of Rural Economy and General News. Edited by Prof Lindley. Weekly. Price ^d. each. Floi'icultural Intelligence. New Roses. — Since our last article under this head, we have had the gratification of visiting some of the extensive rose cultivators of Paris, where we saw many varieties in greater perfection than in England. The climate of France is better adapted to the rose and they flower much more freely, and the foliage retains a better color. Of all the kinds we have seen, none excel M. Laffay's La Reine. Several plants were in bloom in his collection, and their flowers were easily discerned from all others at some distance, owing to their peculiar color, great size, and beautiful cupped form. It is a free and abundant bloomer all the autumn, and certainly must stand at the head of all the roses of this class which have yet been produced. In the collection of M. Vcrdier, who has raised some fine seedlings, we saw more roses in flower than with M. Laffay, who confines himself more to his own seedlings. Tea Soprano we saw here in great beauty ; it is a yellow and buff variety of good size, a free bloomer and a strong habit. Of the perpetuals, we saw Paul Jo- seph, Comte de Paris, Comte d'Eu, Doctor Marx, Lady Alice Peel, Lane, Prince des Galles, Ebene, the darkest of 412 Floricultural and Botanical Notices. the hybrids, and many others. Cloth of Gold has been so cut up for propagation that we did not see it in bloom. It still maintains its reputation and commands a good price. Gesner'm zebrina. — The beautiful tribe of gesnerias is scarcely known among our collections of plants : this arises probably from the fact that nearly or quite all of them are stove plants, and will not do well in the greenhouse. This is an error; their general season of blooming is in the au- tumn, and our summers are quite warm enough to grow them well, while, in the climate of England, they need the aid of the hothouse. Among the many new kinds lately introduced, G. zebrina is particularly beautiful, not only in the flowers but in the foliage, and withal it is much hardier than the others. It has even withstood greenhouse treat- ment the year round ; and as to its great elegance we can say that we have seen it in many collections beautifully in bloom. This species, as well as several others, should be found in all good collections of plants. Veronica specibsa. — The tribe of veronicas is well known from the many species which are hardy herbaceous plants of our gardens. F. speciosa is a half shrubby evergreen species, with thick stems and bright green leaves, throwing up dense spikes of deep purplish flowers at the axils of the leaves, near the ends of the shoots. It is a most desirable greenhouse plant, blooming freely, and forming a compact and pretty object. A description of it has already been given in our current volume, but we have not the copy at hand to quote the page. It is a most valuable addition to greenhouse collections. Passi flora frdgrans. — In the collection of Messrs Rolli- sons, of Tooting, we saw this species in flower; it is a very fragrant and handsome kind. It only requires the temper- ature of the greenhouse, and possesses a strong habit, and a good foliage, covering in a short time a column or pillar, or running up the rafters of the house. For a bouquet it is very desirable, from its delicate order. The genus Echites has received a beautiful addition in the F. carassa, a superb specimen of which was exhibited at the last meeting of the London Hort. Soc. It is fully equal in beauty to the others. The flowers are of a deep rich rose, with a stripe of yellow in the throat. The foliage is neat, and the habit good. E. splendens is still command- ing the high price of two guineas. Floricultural and Botanical Notices. 413 Gloxinias. — Mr. Glenderining, of the Chiswick Nursery, formerly a partner of Messrs. Liicombe & Co., of Exeter, has succeeded in raising some very beautiful gloxinias, between Sinningirt and Gloxinia. Four of them are figured in the Botanical Register for September, and are decidedly fine additions. Gloxinias are not sufficiently appreciated by our amateurs; they are most desirable plants, easy of cultivation, and flower in the months of August and Sep- tember, at the same time of the Achimenes, when plants of such showy character are greatly needed to ornament the greenhouse. G. variegata is also an exquisite kind, with rich, deep blue flowers and neat fohage. Its cultivation cannot be too highly recommended. Corraas. — Strange as it may seem, the beautiful tribe of corraeas are scarcely known in our collections of plants: late improvements have been made in the varieties which have quite altered the character of the group. The rough foliage and stunted habit of the old species have given way to a neater and more elongated growth, and the flowers have also been greatly improved in beauty. C. Goodw, Harrisii and Cavendish/i are three of the most showy and desirable, and should be considered indispensable in the collection of every amateur. A double pansy was shown to us to-day, by Mr, Glen- denning; it was an accidental variety in the collection of a fancier, and has been propagated to some extent, and is now selling to the trade. It is a very singular and pretty plant; perhaps, speaking floriculturally, not so splendid as a single flower, but like all such productions, desirable for its departure from the original state. The color is a deep purplish violet, and the flower has upwards of twenty petals. Mr. Fortune, in China. — Letters lately received from Mr. Fortune state that he had penetrated as far as the Tea country, and had met with some valuable plants, particu- larly azaleas, some of the plants of which have already been received by the Horticultural Society. He has also sent home some new paeonies, &c. The portion of the country which he has now reached promises many rich productions. — London, Oct. 1, 1844. 414 Floricultural and Botanical Notices. Sapi7iddcecB. JVEPHE^LIUM longaras Hooker, "One of the many fruits of China which one often reads of, and ranking with the Litchi among the best fruits of the celestial empire." The flavor is said to be of a sweet sub- acid character, and of a pleasant taste when dried : but delicious when fresh. In the Transactions of the London Horticultural Society., Vol. II. t. 28. is represented a fine cluster, ripened at Lee Castle, Kidderminster, in IS16. It flowered and fruited at the Botanic Garden, Edinburgh, in 1841 ; and also at the Royal Bot. Garden, in May and June, 1841, but dropped its fruit immature. {Curtis^ s Bot. Mag., July 1, 1844.) TropoiblecB. TROP^>OLUM Lobbia'rtM/n Hooker. Mr. Lobb's Indian Cress. A desirable new species of Tropaeolum, ■with handsomo, bright, orange colored flowers. Detected in Columbia by Mr. Lobb, collector of plants to Mr. Veitch, of the Nursery, Exeter. Trained upon vine trellises used in garden pots, it makes a charming appear- ance. (/6. 26.) Orchiddcece. L^'LIA pedunculiris Lindl. Bot. Reg. 1842, Misc. p. 9. A delicate and pretty epiphyte from Guatemala, with rather small rose colored flowers. (76. No. 4099.) EPIDE'NDRUM vitellinum Lindl. A beautiful species with orange colored flowers, on a scape of about a foot long. From Oaxaca, Mexico, and blossoming at Kew, in No- vember, 1843 ; also previously gathered in the same coun- try by Karwinski and Hartweg ; by the latter on the Cum- bre of Tetontepeque, at an elevation of 9000 feet above sea level. {lb. No. 4107.) MIEWSTVLIS histion^ntha Link, &;c. "A very remarkable terrestrial orchideous plant, pur- chased at a sale of Columbian plants in London, in 1842 ;" with brownish green flowers, singularly umbelled, so as to form a concave head. {lb. No. 4103.) Floricultural and Botaiiical Notices. 415 SACCOLA^BIUM (named by Blume, from saccus, a bag, and labium, a lip.) guttitum Lindl. Spotted Saccolabium. A native of the East Indies ; blossoming at the Kew gardens for the first time in Europe in 1840. Flowers delicate white, spotted with pur- ple. " Nothing can excel the dehcacy and texture of the flowers," says Dr. Lindley; and Dr. Roxburgh observes, " that they are not inferior in beauty to any in the whole tribe of Orchideae." {Curtis' s Bot. Mag., No. 4108.) MILTONM Clowcsu' Lindl. (LerL Orchid.) A very beautiful orchidaceous plant, with spreading, lanceolate petals and sepals of an orange color, with broad, red-brown, transverse bands. Detected by Mr. Gardner in the Organ Nitus, and blos- somed at the Kew Gardens, in October, 1843. (lb. No. 4109.) LEPA'NTHES (named by Swartz, from lepis, a scale, and anthos, a flower..') sanguinea Blood-colored Scalcflower. A native of the high mountains of Jamaica, very small, and covering the bark of trees like little scales: a botanical curiosity rather than of floricultural interest. {lb. No. 4112.) BegomkcecH, BEGO N/.4 Meyerii Wr. JMeyer'a Begonia. A handsome, tall growing species, with almost woody stems and rather large white flowers, but of the origin of which, nothing more is known except that it was received from the BerUn garden, and quoted in Slendel's ^^ Nornen- clature'' ed. 2, as of the " Hort. Berol." {lb. New Series, No. 4100.) RM^dce«3. ERI0STE>M0N buxifolium Sijn. Boxleaved Eriost^mon. A handsome shrub with leaves somewhat like those of box, and large, showy flowers, blossoming early in the spring. " Deserves a place in every greenhouse." A native of New Holland and extremely handsome, {lb. No. 4101.) ProteacecB. DRYA'.NDRvJ formosa Splendid Dryandra. A tree about fourteen feet high, raised from seeds; native of Southwest Australia A splendid species, deemed worthy of a figure from the pencil of Mr. Bauer, and published in the Liiuioian Trans- actions, Vol. X. t. 3, {Curtis' s Bot. Mag. Aug. 1844.) The Proteaceaj constitute some of the most striking ornaments of our greenhouses, and this under consideration, judging from the figure, is greatly desirable. 416 Floricultural and Botanical Notices. LobeHkcese. SIPHOCA'MPYLUS lantanifolius Lantana-leaved Siphocampylus. {De Cand. Prod.) A good looking stove plant, flowering in the early spring months, and readily increased by cuttings. A rather weak but erect shrub, with a peculiar inflores- cence constituted of a many-flowered corymbose raceme, and, according to the figure, bearing crimson blossoms. {Curtis' s Bot. Mag., New Series, No. 4105.) A^c/epiadese. ./9SCLE»PI.4S vestita Hooker. Hairy-stemmed Asclepias. An herbaceous perennial, with yellow-green- ish flowers. Reared from seeds received ("we believe") from the Southern States of North America, and flowered by Mr. Veitch, in the greenhouse, in October, 1843. A new and well marked species, distinguished by '-the thick and very hairy stems and peduncles, by the peculiar form of the cuculli or baflets of the stamenal crown, and by the ab- sence of the hornlike processes so common withni the cu- cuUus in other species of the genus." {lb. New Series, No. 4106. BythneriacecB. THOMA'S/.^ (named after Thomas, father and two sons, of Bex ; Swiss Botanists. stipulicea Lindl. A small bushy shrub, raised from New Holland seeds j sent by Mr. Drummond to the Kew gardens. A fine species, with large purple flowers, and rather large petiolated, cordate, rigid, sinuato-dentate leaves. {lb. New Series, No. 4101.) Berbe?i6kcesd. BE'RBERIS umbellita IVall. Umbellate Berberry. A hardy (?) sub-evergreen shrub ; growing three feet high ; with yellow flowers ; appearing in June; increased by seeds or layers ; grown in comnion soil ; a native ol East India. Bot. Reg. t. 44, 1844. A very showy and pretty species of the berberry, with obovate oblong foliage, and short, dense racemes of beauti- ful bright yellow flowers. It is a native of the East Indies, and has been raised from seeds received from the East In- dia Company, under the name B. Wallichm^rt and flori- bimda. In the garden of the London Horticultural Society it has proved hardy, but probably in our climate, it would require the protection of a cold frame. It is easily increased by seeds or layers, and grows freely in any good garden soil. {Bot. Reg., Aug.) Floricultiiral and Botanical Notices. 417 Cinchonaceoi. HI>i\DSA4 Benth. violicea Bcnth. A greenlioiiae plant ; growing three feet high ; with blue flowers ; ap- pearing in April and May ; increasod by cuttings ; a native of South Brazil. Bot. Reg. t. 40, " Hiiids«« violacea is one of the finest things of recent importation. Tlie genns is nearly alHed to Rondeletia, having a similar foHage and habit of flowering. This species forms a small shrub, with large, slightly pubescent foliage, and terminal heads or corymbs of large flowers, unsurpassed in beauty by blue flowering shrubs." Messrs. Veitcli received it from Brazil, and first exhibited the plant at the exhibition of the Horticultural Society in May last, when it was awarded a large silver medal. It is a most desirable greenhouse plant. Mr. Bentham has referred Rondeletia longiflora to the genus Hindsia, and it is now called H. longiflora. {Bot. Beg., Aug.) PE'NTAS (" From pentas, 'a number five,' in allusion to the parts of the flower being in fives instead of fours.") Bentham. c4inea Benth. Flesh colored Pentas. A greenhouse plant; growing two feet high ; with flesh colored flowers ; appearing in September ; increased by cuttings ; a native of Africa. Bot. Reg. 1844, t 32. A rather neat and pretty soft wooded shrub, with strongly furrowed leaves, and terminal cymes of delicate flesh color- ed flowers. Several specimens of it were exhibited by Mr. Glendenning and other nurserymen at the early exhibitions, last spring, of the Horticultural Society, but the drawing was taken from a plant in the possession of Messrs. Rolli- son. The foliage is not very ornamental, but the dense heads of pale, rosy colored flowers render it a good acquisi- tion. It will grow in any good soil, and is readily increased by cuttings. {^Bot. Beg., June.) Cestrdcece. HABROTHA'MiNUS (so named from ^oj/ and sAoot, in allusion to the beauty of the species.) elegans Lindl. Elegant Habrolliamnus. A greenhouse plant; growing two feet high; with crimson fluwers ; appearing in January and February; increased by cuttings ; a native of Mexico. Bot. Keg. t. 43, 1844. "The beauty of Habrothamnus fasciculatus is so strik- ing, that attention is strongly drawn to the discovery of other species m Mexico : and the Belgians have succeeded in adding the present species. The drawing was made from specimens received from Mr. Van Houtte, of Ghent, in January last, in whose collection of new plants it first flowered. It forms a neat shrub, with ovate, lanceolate, accumiaate foliage, the branches terminated by a head or VOL. X. NO. XI. 53 418 Floricultnral cmd Botanical Notices. cyme of tubular corols, of a crimson or bright carmine shade. It is a soft-wooded plant, probably of easy culti- vation, treated in the manner of a pelargonium." {^Bot, Reg., Aug.) Amaryllidi acese . STENOME'SSON Herbert. Hartwe'gii Lindl. Mr. Hartweg's Stenomesson. A greenhouse bulb; growing a foot high ; willi orange colored flowers ; appearing in March and April ; grown in sandy loam and peat ; increased by offsets; a native of South America. Dot. Reg. t. 42, 1844. A pretty little bulbous plant, growing a foot high, with gay, orange colored, nodding flowers; growing in pairs. It flowered in the garden of the Horticultural Society in March last, but as bulbs had been previously distributed it is now found in several collections; though not a large and showy plant, its nodding and rich orange flowers ren- der it desirable in a collection of bulbs. It requires the temperature of the greenhouse, and should be treated like other bulbs, — watered freely while growing in summer, but dried ofl;^ in autumn. Increased by offsets. i^Bot. Reg., Aug.) CactdcecB. CEiREUS crenitns LinI;. Crenated Torch Thistle. A greenhouse plant ; growing two feet high ; with wl)ife flowers ; appealing in May ; increased by cuttings ; a native of Honduras. Bot. Reg. 1844, t. 31. " The finest thing yet known of its class, with white flow- ers, which rival the night blooming cereus, but open in the day time." This very remarkable species belongs to the winged section of torch thistles." The plant grows about two feet high, with large spreading branches, some of which, in their young state, are round and angular, with bristly hairs at the joints, resembling the yoyng shoots of Cereus speciosissimus ; the most usual form, however, is flat and broad, tapering a little to the base where they are round, hard and woody." The flowers are very large and spreading, the sepals tinged with brown, and the petals, consisting of two roT\rs and eighteen in number, white or pale cream color; its habit is beautiful, and the flowers, which rival the night blooming cereus, open in the day time, and continue expanded for nearly a week; they are also deliciously fragrant. This species was forwarded from Honduras in 1S30, by Mr. Skinner, and presented to Sir C. Lemon, Bart., in whose collection it flowered in May, 1843. It is of easy cultiva- Florictdtural and Botanical Notices. 419 tion, growing freely in a rich loamy soil, mixed with bits of charcoal instead of sand : it is increased by cuttings, and requires to be grown in a warm greenhouse well exposed to the light. The C. crenatus must at once appear, to the amateur of this tribe, a most desirable acquisition ; not only on account of its own real beauty, but for its invaluable character as a parent of numerous hybrids. " Let us," says Dr. Lindley, "only imagine a cross between it and C. speciosissimus or Ackermanii" ! It received the highest medal at the May exhibition of the London Horticultural Society, and its in- troduction to our own collections must be looked for with much interest. (^Bot. Reg., June.) Caprifoliacem. LONrCER.4 diversifolia Wall. Various-leaved Fly Honeysuckle. A hardy shrub; growing four feet higti ; will) yi^llow flowers in May ;ind June; a native of Himalaya; increased by cuttings; grown in cominon soil. But. Rn^;. 1844, t. 33. In the climate of Britain, "a hardy, middle sized shrub, much like the common Fly Honeysuckle, thriving in any good garden soil, and blooming freely in May and June." The foliage is ovate, cordate, pubescent; and the flowers, which are orange and yellow, appear in pairs at the axils of the leaves. It was raised from seeds received from Dr. Royle, from the north of India, and flowered in the garden of the London Horticultural Society, where the drawing was made. If hardy in our climate it will prove a desira- ble acquisition. Another Indian species of this genus, " very distinct from any thing hitherto described," has also been raised. It is a slender plant, witli deep purple branches, quite smooth leaves, and very long stalked pale yellow flowers, stained with purple. It is called L. (isica) discolor. (^Bot. Reg.., June.) CrassuldcecB. iEO>NIUM Yo\\n^ia>num Webb. Mr. Young's Houseleek. A greenhouse plant ; growing two feet (?) high ; with yellow flowers ; appearing in June ; a native of the Canaries ; increased by cut- tings. Bot. Reg. 1844, t. 35. Nearly allied to the »S'empervivum arboreum, throwing up a large stem of yellowish flowers. It flowered in the nursery of. Mr. Young, of Goldaming, in June, 1843. — {Bot. Reg., July.) 42U Floricultural and Botanical Notices. Ericdcece. ANDRO'MEDA phyllireasfolia 7/ooi. Phillirea-leaved Andromeda. A greenhouse shrub ; growing two feet higli ; with white flowers ; appearing in May and June ; a native of Florida : growing in peat soil ; increased by layers. Dot. Reg. 1844, t. 30. " A very neat greenhouse shrub," growing about two feet high, with white flowers appearing in dense racemes at the axils of the leaves, near the ends of all the branches ; the foliage is peculiarly dark, forming a striking contrast, and setting oft' the corols to great advantage. " They look like pearls on a negro's back." The late Mr. Drummond dis- covered this species in Apalachicola, Florida, but it was introduced to England by Messrs. Loddiges, in whose col- lection it first flowered, in January last. It is a dwarf ever- green in its habit ; requiring the same treatment as the pretty A. floribunda, and like that species should be propa- gated by layering, which operation should be done in au- tumn, after the plant has finished its growth. Peg down the shoots, and let them remain two years before they are separated from the mother plant. A light sandy peat is the soil best suited to all the andromedas. {Bot. Reg., July.) Kha7?i?idcecB. CEANOTHUS thyrsiflorus Eschscholtz. Thyrse-bearing Ceanothus. A hardy shrub ; growing ten feet high ; with blue flowers ; appearing in May ; a native of California ; grown in commoD soil ; increased by cuttings. Bot. Reg. 1844, t. 38. Syn. C. divaricitus Hort. This new ceanothus is considered one of the most valu- able things that has been introduced of late years. "A perfectly hardy shrub, as this is with evergreen foliage of the most beautiful glossy green, and dense panicles of bright blue flowers, is indeed an acquisition to our gardens." Seeds were sent home by R. B. Hinds, surgeon to the Sul- phur surveying ship, and plants raised in the gardens of the Horticultural Society, where it flowered in May last under a south wall. The stems are erect, the foliage small ovate oblong, and the flowers, which are light blue, appear in dense racemes near the ends of the branches. The species was at first supposed to be the C. divarica- tus of Nuttall, and several plants were distributed under that name; but when it flowered, it proved to be the C. thyrsifolius, and the name was changed. Messrs. Torrey &.Gray, in their Flora, state that this species forms a small tree. Douglas gathered wild specimens in California. The plant grows freely in any good soil, and is readily increased by cuttings of the half ripe wood. {lb. July.) European Agriculture and Rural Economy. 421 REVIEWS. Art. I. Evropean Agriciilhire and Rural Econowy, from personal observation. By Henry Colman. Vol I. Part 11. pp. SI to 188. Boston, 1844. The second number of Mr. Colman's Report has been issued, and contains a variety of information practical as well as general. The first number was noticed in our July number, p. 270, and the third and fourth parts will proba- bly be issued by April or May, though no time is at present promised. The preface to this report explains the cause of the de- lay in the publication of the report. We quote the au- thor's own words : " It seems hardly necessary to give any other reason Avhy my Second Report has not sooner made its appearance, than the absolute impossibil- ity of doing in this case what I could wish. The great difficulty of pro- curing the information which I seek, in an exact and authentic form, the peculiar embarrassment and inconveniences which surround a stranger in a country where the habits and manners are wholly different from those to which he has been accustomed, innumerable engagements connected with the objects of his pursuit, travelling and a necessary and frequent change of residence, the obvious inconveniences of reporting upon a sub- ject before its e.xamination is completed, and various other circumstances combine to prevent the rapid progress of the work, and present the strong- est claims upon the indulgence and candor of my readers. I commit it now to the public with extreme diffidence, a diffidence greatly increased by the kind manner in which my countrymen have received my first num- ber. They may be assured that nothing can separate my affection from the land of my birth; and while my highest ambition will be more than satisfied by their good will, I shall find an ample compensation for my la- bor and a long and painful separation from my friends, in the conscious- ness of having conferred some, though it may be a very humble, benefit upon my country." The contents and their arrangement are: — XIII. Allot- ment system, (continued) : XIV. Quantity of seed : XV. Steeping seeds : XVI. Spade husbandry : XVII. Condition of the laborers: XVIII. Progress of agriculture compared with other pursuits : XIX. Actual improvements in Eng- lish agriculture: XX. Relation of landlord and tenant: XXI. Game and the game laws : XXII. The Royal Agri- cultural Society of Ireland : XXIII. Model Farm and Ag- 422 European Agricidtiire and ricultural School: XXIV. Dublin Botanical Garden. A fine engraving of the first prize short-horned Durham Bull, accompanies this number. The Allotment System is continued in this number. As the subject is perhaps scarcely understood by our own farmers, Mr. Colman proceeds to explain : — " The agricultural laborers, or, as they are here termed, the farm-servants, are seldom or never owners of land. They receive their wages in money or produce, as I have already described ; and some of them, living in compact villages, have not even a small piece of ground for a garden, though, in many parts of the country, the cottages have small gardens attached to them. The unmarried laborers sometimes live in the houses of their employers ; but this is not now a general nor a frequent practice. The married laborers live in cottages on the estate, or in a neighboring village. It is obvious how great advantages a poor family in the country may derive from a small piece of land, and how much produce may be ob- tained from it for their support and comfort by the application of even a small amount of labor, which otherwise, without such opportunity of ap- plying it, Avould be lost, or rather would not be exerted. Many persons, therefore, have leased to their laborers small portions of land, varying in size from a quarter of an acre, or even less, to an acre, and in some cases more than this, to be cultivated in such crops as the laborer may select, or as may be prescribed by the proprietor. One condition is usually made absolute in these cases, — that the land should be cultivated with a spade, and not with a plough. The results, tlierefore, become the more interesting." The author concludes the discussion of the Allotment System, after giving examples of the many instances of domestic economy which have resulted from it, as fol- lows : — " I submit these facts to my American friends as exceedingly curious. With us the land is not locked up by patents, entail, or mortmain. With us land is every where attainable, and at prices which bring it within the reach of every industrious and frugal man. But it will, I tliink, be inter- esting to look at these humble instances of domestic economy ; and tJiey must stimulate the most useful inquiry into the productive capacities of the land, which seem as yet to bo very imperfectly developed. We are, likewise, not without our poor in the United States ; and the vast influx of destitute emigrants is constantly augmenting the number. For idle- ness and profligacy there is no just claim upon public compassion: but I am convinced that a considerable portion of the poor would be glad to earn their own living if they could be put in the way of doing it. What- ever contributes to this object confers a public benefit. It would be wrong for me to quit this topic without adding, that, since my First Report, I have visited portions of die country where, on the es- tates of some very large proprietors, (to one of whom the United States and Great Britain are under the highest obligations for adjusting their Rural Economy. 423 conflictinof claims, and through whose beautiful grounds I rode eight con- tinuous miles,) the cottages of the laborer^ were of the very best descrip- tion ; and their establishments, both within and without doors, indicated the greatest neatness and comfort. Gardens for fruit, vegetables, and flowers, were attached to all of them ; and they were charming pictures of rural taste and embellishHient. Many of these persons had likewise small allotments of land. The wages paid to the men were from JOs. to 12s. per week, and to the women 8d. per day while at work. This, of course, however, with the current expenses of living, did not allow them to accumulate any thing for sickness or old age. During the four weeks of harvest, by working by the piece, the laborer would sometimes earn more than 20s. per week ; and the women and children, by gleaning the scattered heads of wheat after the field is cleared of the crop, or, as it is here called, by leesing, not infrequently collect four or five bushels of grain. I have met with instances where even more has been collected. Such are tlie fruits of the most exact frugality." No question has been more disputed among farmers than the quantity of seed which should be sown to the acre, and the author has devoted a chapter to this subject. The tes- timony of a practical farmer, who has more than seven hundred acres of highly rented land, is given in his own words, and from whicli we qtiote : — " 'The practice throughout England is to sow two and a half and three bushels per acre, and the yield is seldom forty bushels, and more com- monly only twenty bushels; and one tenth, at least, of the crop grown, is consumed in seed. These facts, and the knowledge that a single grain of wlieat, planted where it has room to tiller out, will readily produce four hundred fold, and often very much more, have induced me, in the course of the last eleven years, to make a variety of experiments, the results of which have shown me, that, independent of the waste, a posi- tive and serious injury is done to the crop from so much seed ; and the result is perfectly analogous to attempting to feed four animals upon a pasture sufficient only for one ; and, in consequence, I have gradually reduced my proportion of seed-wheat from three bushels per acre, which was my practice, down to about three pecks, which reduction I have accomplished to the evident improvement of my crops. My practice is to drill every thing, (clover seed alone excepted ;) to care- fully horse-hoe, hand-hoe, and weed, so that the land may be kept perfectly free from weeds, and the soil between the rows may be stirred, and re- ceive the benefit of fine tilth and cultivation, of which gardeners are sen- sible ; but by farmers this is lost sight of, or not sufficiently attended to. My rye and tares for green feeding are sown in rows at nine-incli inter- vals ; all my white corn at twelve inches ; my pulse at twenty-seven inches ; and my root crops, on the ridge, at twenty-seven inches. My proportion of seed per acre are as follows : Of rye, l^ bushel ; Of oats, 8 pecks ; " tares, li do.; " barley, 7 do. ; " mangel-wurzel, G lbs. ; " wheat, 3 do. ; " swedes, 1 quart ; " peas, 8 do. ; " turnips, 1 do. ; " beans, 8 do,' " " cabbages, 1 every three feet ; 424 European Agriculture and This extract we commend to the attention of all our readers who cultivate any portion of farm lands. The subject Df steeping seeds in peculiar solutions, in or- der to dispense with manure, has for two or three 3"ears been before the agricultural public, and has attracted much attention among practical and scientific agriculturists. Mr. Campbell, of Dundee, was the first to try this experiment in Great Britain, and, according to the accounts given, he has been very successful in attaining his object. Mr. Col- man, to whom Mr. Campbell has disclosed an account of the processes which he has used, sums up the experiments he has witnessed as follows: — " I cannot say that I am sanguine as to those extraordinary results to which, from the quotations whicii I have made, some persons look forward, when there will be no longer a necessity for a rotation of crops, and even the application of manure to the soil will be dispensed with. But I can- not help thinking that much remains to be achieved, and that much may be hoped for. We are not to be surprised that failures occur ; but one well-authenticated experiment, conducted in an exact manner, and in which the extraordinary results may be directly traced to the application, is sufficient to outweigh a hundred failures. The exhibition at Dundee, supposing Mr. Campbell's statement to be true, — and I know no reason to doubt, but, from his manly conduct, the best reason to believe them, — sat- isfied me tbat something important had been effected. I rely little upon mere opinion and conjecture, even of parties above suspicion of dishon- esty. The mortification of failure, the desire of success, the ambition of notoriety, and especially any degree of personal or private interest, — all may serve to color tlie vision, to bias the judgment, and present grounds of "hesitation, if not of distrust. With a full share of confidence in the virtue of men, I have been too often disappointed not to require the most ample evidence in all cases of moment. I was not a little amused in vis- iting, with several gentlemen, the farm of an excellent cultivator, the past summer, that, Avhen he showed us in his field of swedes, with an air of the most confident triumph, the surprisingly beneficial effects of a certain application upon some marked rows, every one of the party except him- self was satisfied that the rows in question had no other distinction than that of absolute inferiority to all the rest. It would have been as useless as it would have been uncivil to avow our convictions to him, for men are seldom convinced against their will, and assaults upon an unduly-excited organ of self-esteem, if they do not arouse combativeness, inflict only needless pain. In agriculture, being emimently a practical art, and as yet, I believe, claiming not a single tlieoretical principle as established, excepting as first deduced from long-continued practice, experiments are of the highest moment. The careless and slovenly manner in which they are commonly conducted, the haste with which men jump to their conclu- sions, the variety of circumstances which belong to every case of impor- tance, and the imperfect manner in which these circumstances are ob- served and detailed, are the just opprobrium of tlie agricultural profession. A most intelligent and agreeable friend, in speaking of tlie best modes of Rural Economy. 425 fattening poultry, and in expressing her distrust of some which were rec- ommended, said that lier venerable grandmother always fed and fattened her poultry in a very different way. But upon being asked whether her grandmother's fowls were the best layers, brought up the most chickens, and produced the best poultry for the table of any to be found, she was compelled to answer tiiat on tliis point she had no information. A learned naturalist, who, in many respects, was justly celebrated for his acquire- ments, was once asked why black-wooled sheep consumed more food than white, and proceeded gravely to give half a dozen philosophical reasons for it, witliout having once inquired whether the fact were so. It is strongly hoped, that, under an enlightened system of agricultural education, for which the auspices now are most encouraging, and by the establishment of experimental firms, many important suggestions in rela- tion to agricultural practice, as yet only conjectured, may be determined, and much actual progress made in agricultural science, by the only infal- lible teacher — exact and enlightened experiment." The chapter on the condition of laborers is one of the most interesting in this report, and is deserving of a thor- ough and careful perusal by every individual who appre- ciates the welfare of his fellow beings. We pass over the other subjects, and conclude our notice of this number with the account of the Dublin Botanical Garden, one of the best conducted in Great Britain, under the care of Mr. Niven : — " In the neighborhood of Dublin is a Botanical Garden, comprehending twenty-seven acres, enclosed by a high stone wall, with a beautiful rivu- let running through it, with ample and elegant conservatories and green- houses, and in the highest state of cultivation and embellishment. It is supported partly by private subscription, and partly by donations from the government. It is a beautiful retreat, and open to all persons two days in a week, with intelligent and courteous superintendents to show and ex- plain every thing. To my inquiry of the superintendent whether he suf- fered any injury from the visitors plucking the flowers or breaking the plants, he replied, very little, if any ; none whatever from the highest classes in society, and none whatever from the lowest classes, who visited it in great numbers ; and who, coming out of their damp cellars, and tlieir confined streets, and their dark and offensive holes, and fastnesses, and common sewers, no doubt found in it, with their children, almost a tran- sition from earth to heaven ; and here breathed the perfumes of the divine beneficence, and contemplated, with a felicity which even princes might envy, the exuberant tokens of God's goodness in the flowers and fruits of the earth, radiant with a celestial beauty. There were other persons, whom he chose to denominate the vida;ar rich, who were not so abste- mious, and who required to be watched. It is to be hoped, as education advances, a higher tone of moral sentiment will prevail, and that every thing of taste or art, designed for general gratification, will be secure against injury or defacement, so that the odious notices and cautions, which are now so constantly seen in such places against depredation, may themselves be deemed a public insult, and the very idea of violating an VOL. X. — NO. XI. 54 426 Boston Journal of Natural History. honorable confidence, and abusing the public beneficence, may so trouble a man's conscience, that he shall desire to run away from himself. This garden and grounds, and its conservatories, are designed to fur- nish specimens of all the most valuable and curious native and exotic plants and fruits ; and, in addition to their present erections, the proprie- tors are now about to build a conservatory four himdred feet long and seventy feet wide, with a height proportioned. The grounds are always open to the studious and scientific, and a course of botanical lectures is given, with the illustrations to be found here. Botany may here be studied to great advantage, as portions of the ground are allotted to the perfect arrangement of the plants, according to the classification and orders of Linnseus, and in another part, according to the natural order; and for the benefit of agricultural students and farmers, specimens are cultivated and neatly arranged of all the useful vegetables and grasses, with their botanical and their vulgar names affixed to them, with specimens likewise of the most pernicious weeds, that the farmer may see M'hat to choose and what to avoid. The collection is already extensive, and is constantly becoming enlarged. It is difficult to overrate the value of such establishments, both for use and for pleasure, for their pecuniary, their intellectual, and their moral benefit. While penning this account, I hear, Avith extreme regret, that the Bo- tanical Garden in Boston, a city so eminent for its public spirit and beneficence, is to be strangled in its infancy and abandoned ; and that the ground is likely to be appropriated to buildings, so that the rich prospect of the charming environs of the city is to be shut out, and the fresh and salubrious breezes from the verdant fields and hills of the surrounding country are to be debarred an entrance for the refreshment of the inhab- itants of this busy and crowded mart ; and even the sight of the glorious western sky, which, with its gilded, and glowing, and gorgeous drapery, I have made, at evening, a pilgrimage, many hundreds of times, to con- template and adore, is to be excluded by high walls of brick and stone. Should this be done ? and how can such an injury, if once committed, be repaired ? Surely they will forgive one of their own children, whom no distance of place and no length of absence can estrange from his honored and revered birtliplace, in saying that even one half of the expense thrown away upon public dinners and parade, would secure to them permanent provisions for health, instruction, comfort, and delight, whose value no pecuniary standard can measure, and which can never be duly appreci- ated, but by those who have enjoyed and have been deprived of them." Art. II. Boston Journal of Natural History, containing papers and communications read before the Boston Soci- ety of Natural History, and jyuhlished by their direction. Vol. IV., Part IV., p. 377 to 512. Boston, 1814. The present nnmber of this Journal, concluding the fourth volume of the transactions of the Society^ is filled General Notices. 427 with papers upon Entomology, Conchology, Mineralogy, &c., and does not contain its usual portion of Botanical information. Our correspondent, Dr. Harris, has an inter- esting paper describing an African beetle, with remarks on other insects of the same group. MISCELLANEOUS INTELLIGENCE. Art. I. General JVotices. French Method of Grajling Roses. — We procure early in autumn stocks that are at least two years old, those of one year old being too thinly wooded, and liable to injury from frost; and we plant them and support them by stakes. In the beginning of February, the cuttings for grafting are cut from those sorts which we wish to multiply, and stuck into the ground, numbered, and opposite the north, in order to retard their bud- ding. In March and April we take them up, and graft them on the Dog-Rose briers ; and it is important that this operation should be performed when the sap of the stock brier is in circulation, (which is ascertained by the shooting of the buds.) The operation of grafting, enfcnte (by cleft,) as we term it, is too well known to require explanation. I shall merely re- mark that the stocks which, from the smallness of their diameter, can only bear one graft, should only be split at one side, and that opposite the bud nearest the upper surface of the stock, where it has been cut evenly across. This bud is designed to draw the sap into the upper part where the scion is, and to impart life to it. Two grafts may be placed opposite each other, on stocks of sufficient diameter. Two buds are sufficient to have in any graft, and when this is cut in the proper wedge-form, it should be inserted in such a sloping direction as will bring the lower part of the wedge into contact with the second bark of the stock ; and the lower bud of the graft should evidently be kept on the outside of the slit. Unless the graft be the termination of a branch, its upper part, to which the knife has been applied, Avill require to be protected by a little cement; and, if the Stocks be not sufficiently large to receive the grafts completely and firmly, these ought to be tied and covered at the point of union with cement. Our composition for cement is made of rosin and pitch in equal quantities, with half as much of white wax as of the other ingredients, properly melted and mixed together. Grafts thus placed on strong and healthy plants cannot fail, and will form a superb hoad in autumn, if care is taken to pinch them off to the height of from four to six inches, to make them branch. It is also neces- sary not to leave too many buds at the lower part, but those on the top cannot be too numerous. By tliis kind of grafting, a rose tree in full flower may be obtained in six weeks or two months. Dog roses, if planted as stocks in pots, should be taken into a green- 42S General Notices. house early in the season; and, as vegetation soon begins there, the stocks will be fit to be grafted in a month or six weeks, and flowers will be obtained from them much sooner than from rose trees in the open air. [Gard. Chron., 1844, p. 316.) Hybrid Rhododendrons. — Much remains to be accomplished by the growers of this most exquisite tribe, as, notwithstanding the beauty of numberless hybrids, a fresh race is required, Avhich would unite the glow- ing tints of the Indian species with the hardness and freedom in flowering that characterize both R.. Maximum and Ponticum. At Highclere this has been done; as by crossing the finest varieties of Altaclarense with a variety of Ponticum, known as Lee's Late Purple, a collection of perfectly hardy sorts has been raised, on which no severity of the winter has any efiJect, and which adorn the grounds of that noble seat with flowers of a most beautiful description. These rhododendrons combine every requi- site quality, being abundant bloomers, and productive of immense trusses of large flowers, of every shade of pink and rose, crimson and dazzling scarlet, and purple, in some instances dark as the fruit of the vine ; with the additional recommendation of being in perfection from Uie middle of May to the beginning of June. I believe that these fine varieties are not in the possession of the trade, which is to be regretted ; and the object of this paragraph is to stimulate both nin-serymen and amateurs to embrace the present season, and cross such varieties as may, by an intermixture of habit, color, and size of their flowers, render their progeny equal to those I have been describing. It cannot be doubted that the union of some fine, high-colored hybrid, with such kinds as Lee's Late Purple, Ponticum, Lee's Grandiflorum, (a very large flower,) a rose colored or purple Maxi- mum, would produce such shrubs and flowers as Avould not only be suited to our uncertain climate, but be the admiration of all who saw them. [lb. p. 317.) Grafted Currants. — Standard currants have a pretty appearance, and this is increased if they are grafted with opposite colors, such as black and white, white and red, or red and white. Allow the stock to reach four feet in height, then let it break two shoots, one of which is to be grafted with the desired variety ; when this shoot has grown about six inches let both be stopped, so as to make a bushy compact head. For standards or espaliers, train either horizontally, or by the fan method, about six shoots or more, according to the space you wish to cover, on either side, leaving one for the centre to be grafted. Train the same number of shoots of the worked variety. Each leading shoot, if kept well spurred in, Avill bear abundantly, and the fruit will also be of finer quality and of a sweeter flavor, by being fully exposed to the sun and air, which is better attained by this method than if the plants were grown in the usual way. {lb p. 390.) Straivberries. — My practice in the cultivation of the strawberry is neither novel nor peculiarly valuable, but it certainly has been abundantly suc- cessful and might possibly, as far as it goes, assist in settling the question of the annual renewal of this valuable and highly esteemed fruit. My plan then is as follows : — I peg down the runners as early as possible, taking care to cut off" all the superfluous ones as they appear. By the first week in July, at the latest, I plant them out at eighteen inches be- tween the rows, and only one foot from plant to plant. I prepare my bed by deep trenching, and manure it abundantly witli good frame dung. General Notices. 429 mixed with the rakings of the borders, mowing of the lawns, refuse vege- tables, in short, with litter of all sorts ; and then well saturate the heap with gas water. The result of this practice this year was, and continues still to be, as follows: — My bed was under a southeast wall, and divided equally between Keen's Seedlings and the British Queen ; the length is one hundred feet, the breadth nine feet. I begun to gather most excel- lent fruit on the 23d of May, and on that day picked a quart of Keen's Seedlings, and from that time to this, (June 2G,) I have gathered more than two and a half bushels, the Seedlings being nearly exhausted, but the Queens promising a more lengthy duration. I have to add, that they have, notwithstanding the dryness of the season, been watered but three times, but then they were deluged ; and that every week I regularly took off the runners. The fruit of both sorts was the finest I ever saw, and that not by culled samples, but universally over the beds. These were planted runners last year, and put in, the first week in July. [lb. p. 429.) The Deodar, or Himalayan Cedar, {Cedrits Deoda^ra.) — Its botanical range extends from seven thousand to twelve thousand feet above the level of the sea; and in its most congenial locality attains a great height, and a circumference of above thirty feet. When young it closely re- sembles the real cedar, but never sends forth spreading branches. The cone resembles tliat of the cedar, and is preceded by a catkin of a bright yellow color; so that the tree, when in full blossom, appears covered with a rich mantle of gold. These catkins are loaded with a golden dust, which the wind shakes from the branches in such quantities, that the ground for a considerable distance about the tree, becomes, as it were, sheeted with gold. So durable is its timber, that some used in the build- ing of one of the wooden bridges over the Jailum, Avas found little de- cayed after exposure to the weather for above four hundred years. — [Thornton's Gazetteer of India.) Rose Budding. — I strongly recommend all amateurs who are desirous of avoiding disappointment in budding roses, to leave a small piece of the wood, as a protection to the bud when cut from the branch. By adopting this plan, I have succeeded in propagating all descriptions of roses, even in the driest weather, both late and early in the season. I always use white worsted, instead of bass, for tying up, which I find an- swers much better ; it keeps the parts more closely together, and they unite in a shorter time. A very small portion of the wood is sufficient to preserve the root of the buds. My stock on which I operate is the Ben- galensis, free and rapid in its growth. The common Boursault also makes a good stock and is easily struck. [Gard. Chron. 1844.) The third Jlowering of the Paulownia Imperialis. — The father of all the Paulownias, which have now been distributed in such numbers through the gardens of Europe, has just flowered, for the third time, in the Garden of Plants, at Paris; one hundred and fifty terminal bunches, bearing each twenty to thirty flowers, make the tree appear like a single bouquet of a light blue color, having the most charming effect. The peduncles are from fifteen to sixteen inches long, [licvite Horticole.) JVote upon a way of Grafting so as to accelerate Bearing, by M. Lecoq, Gardener to the Royal Society of Horticidture. — People are surprised that fruit trees are not so frequently raised from seeds as they ought to be. There is no doubt that the scarcity of attempts of this kind is to be attrib- uted to the great lapse of time that is required to judge of the result. 430 General Notices. Indeed, for an amateur or gardener to wait for ten or fifteen years, is enough to discourage them. Nevertheless, I think I have found a way of shortening this long space of time, and I wish to communicate the means that I have employed for the purpose. I received, in the spring of 1833, a branch of a pear tree, without a name, the fruit of which I was assured was excellent, being much like the St. Germain. I was a nurseryman then, and I would not send out a tree without being quite sure of its fruit; so I then made three scions (in the manner of cleft grafting,) with this branch of the pear tree. I chose for the stock three principal branches upon a Quenouille which had been planted about eight years; I shortened these branches to eleven inches from the trunk ; I fixed to each branch a graft provided with two eyes, which pushed very well, and each made two shoots, 23 to 26 inches long. The next year I pruned my Quenouille as usual, except the branches proceeding from my grafts, which I preserved at full length. J bent them by drawing towards the ground, and brought them as close as possible to the trunk of the tree, where I fixed them. They remained in this state all the year. Each bud, instead of growing into a branch, formed a fruit spur. The third year I detached ray branches, straightened them a little, which permitted the sap to circulate more freely, and that same year I gathered from my three grafts 36 pears, which I found to be the Pastorale. At the same time that I tried the above experiment, I inserted four other cleft grafts, upon some young quinces ; T cut them to one bud the following August; they produced me 32 buds, which I worked with a dormant eye ; 29 succeeded, which I sold the year that I was able to judge of the fruit. Cleft grafting, then, can be employed with success to prove a tree raised from seeds, — only there is the disadvantage of sacrificing a good tree, to gain, perhaps, a bad fruit ; but those who have old Quenouilles, can employ this kind of grafting, without making a great sacrifice. Plantations of apple, or pear, or quince stocks, may be prepared in Quenouilles for this purpose. The same branch may be grafted several times. Thus, a branch which has been grafted for the first time, eleven inches from the trunk, can be graft- ed six times, by cutting an inch and a half oflf each time that a new graft is placed on. It is to be observed, however, that the stock on which these experiments are made is not intended for a perfect tree, but merely a stock from which one must draw what advantage he can. {Revue Horticole.) Potter''s Liquid Guano. — About two months ago I communicated some practical and important results, from the use of Potter's Liquid Guano, which, during the spring, I applied to a large variety of flowers, plants, and bulbs, in pots and in glasses. My remarks were quoted by Mr. Pot- ter, in his advertisements, and thereby they have obtained a wide pub- licity. In reference thereto, I have been asked to state further, " What was the effects produced by the guano on the plants after the very beau- tiful flowers they had borne had done blooming ?" Some are of opinion, that the roots were of necessity enervated, and unfit for further bearing. At all events, they imagine that the productive powers of the roots were very considerably impaired. This, as far as my own observation extends, (and I have severely tested the matter by oft repeated experiments,) is to- tally at variance with the fact. The roots and leaves improve wonder- fully, both in substance and health, — so much so, that the fertalizing na- ture of the guano is apparent to every observer. It is not the quantity used that effects this, but the regular and moderate application of it in Retrospective Criticism. 431 "weak solution. My strawberry plants, in particular, confirm what I have now stated, and next season I expect to be fully rewarded for the pains I have taken with tliem, by a ricii harvest of fruit. As for my roses and flowers o-enerally, tlieir colors, fragrance and beauty speak far more elo- quently for the liquid guano tlian any set terms of praise. ( Gard. Chron. p. 430.) Art. IL Domestic JVotices. Ritst on Corn. — The stems and leaves of Indian corn [Zea Mays,) have been observed, this summer, liable to the ravages of the Puccinia Graminis, — a minute fungus, which causes rust in several of the grains and on the stems of grasses. — R. Sphre^ria Robertsn. — I have lately seen some very curious specimens of a fungus, produced from the head of a species of caterpillar found at the roots of trees in New Zealand. It is the SphaeVia Robertsii Hooker Icones PI : Rar : tab. XI. ; also figured in the London Journal of Botany, Vol. III. p. 77, plate 1. This singular vegetable was brought to Salem, Mass. by Capt. John Williams, and presented to the Herbarium of the Essex Count}"- Natural History Society. For many years such produc- tions were deemed almost inestimable, — and their actual existence was -even for a long time doubted. But further research has satisfied even the most incredulous, that several genera and species of fungi vegetate on the living bodies of insects, and in some cases are found in and on the higher animals. From the heads of the caterpillar or larva, a straight tough stem, about seven inches long, rises perpendicularly, and forces it- self out of the earth, beneath which the larva had buried itself to under- go its metamorphosis. This stem is surmounted with a series of closely set black, claviform bodies, extending to a considerable extent downward; and in these minute bodies, which are capsules, the still minuter seeds [sporidcE,] reside. The same gentleman also presented fine specimens of Stida aurata, a lichen widely extended throughout the globe. — J. L. R. Oct. 1844. Art. hi. Retrospective Criticism. Staminate and Pistillate Strawberry Plants. — As there has been a great deal said about staminate and pistillate strawberry plants, I thought I would give you my experience on the subject. I have cultivated straw- berries for the Cincinnati market for nearly eighteen years ; the sorts mostly grown here are the Hudson, and what is hero called the Pine or Neck strawberry, a great bearer, but rather soft for market. The most illiterate of our market gardeners in this vicinity have long been aware of the existence of staminate and pistillate plants, or, as they are called by our market gardeners, male and female plants, and to this knowledge I account for tlio fact that we have the strawberry in greater perfection and abundance, and cheaper than any other city in tlie Union. If I did not pay strict attention to this, my beds would not yield one quar- ter they do now. It is a knowledge and practice on this principle that enables one of our market gardeners to bring one hundred bushels a day to our market. The first that I planted of Hovey's Seedling I put no male plants with 432 Massachusetts Horticultural Society. them. They grew and blossomed very fine, and I thought I should have some mammoth fruit; but there was not a perfect berry on them, and very few imperfect. The next year I put male plants among them, and they bore beyond my expectation, — and I now think Hovey's Seedling is the best market strawberry tliat we have ; it is a free grower, a great bearer, and the berries very large, — but they would not be worth growing here without the male plants among them. Last spring I had about one hundred Hovey's Seedling in a border, without any male plants near them. They flowered as fine as could be wished, but there was only three perfect fruit on them, and tiiose three I impregnated. There are many varieties that are perfect in the same flower, but I never saw one that was worth cultivating for its fruit. I do not think that an acre of ground, planted with Hovey's Seedling, Keen's Seedling, Hud- son, and Elton, without male plants among them, would produce one bushel of fruit. 1 one year picked thirty bushels of the Hudson straw- berry from thirty square rods of ground ; they were about one tenth male plants. I have grown strawberries from the seed, and in all cases they came about one half male plants. Now what are these male plants intended for ? they never change. The male plant that I use for my beds I have had for eighteen years, and I do not see the least alteration in it. — Yours, Respectfully, S. S. Jackson, near Cincinnati, Sept. 24, 1844. Art. IV. Massachusetts HoHicultural Society. September 21. An adjourned meeting was held, the President in the chair. Francis L. Capen, of South Boston, and A. B. Muzzey, of Cambridge, were admitted members. Adjourned to Saturday, Sept. 28th. Sept. 28. The Society held an adjourned meeting. Voted, that a committee of three be chosen, to nominate a list of can- didates for officers of the Society for the ensuing year; and Messrs. E. M. Richards, C. Newhall, and E. Wight, were appointed. Voted, that the thanks of the Society be presented to Mr. M. B. Clark, of Boston, for his liberal donation of the Silver Plate, which was deposited under the corner stone of the Society's new Hall in School street. Voted, that the thanks of the Society be presented to the Chairman and members of the Committee of Arrangements, for the very acceptable man- ner in which they discharged their duty at the late annual exhibition. Meeting dissolved. Exhibited. — Flowers : A variety of fine dahlias, from the garden of the President of the Society — among them. Antagonist, Lady Antrobus, Hero of Stonehenffe, Miranda, Great Western, Beauty of Sussex, and Blanche Shelley, were extra flowers. J. Stickney exhibited, among others, very fine blooms of Essex Tri- umph, Dodd's Prince of Wales, Pickwick, Argo, Miranda, Oakley's Sur- prise, Sir F. .Johnson, and Bridesmaid. From H. W. Button, a great variety — Henry Clay, Burnham Hero, , Princess Royal, Queen, Admiral Stopford and Essex Triumph were very Massachusetts Horticultural Society. 433 perfect flowers ; eight fine blooms of Dodd's Prince of Wales, a fine yel- low variety, cut from one plant, were also exhibited by Mr. Button. Joseph Brcck & Co., fine blooms of Competitor, Bianca, Niliil, Bedford Surprise, Grace Darlin"', and Oakley's Surprise. Edward Allen — fine ilowers of Beauty of Sussex, Grace Darling, Twy- ford Perfection, Queen of Trumps, Col. Baker, and Unique. Messrs. Winship — Widnall's Queen, Unique, and many others, were very fine. Bouquets : Dahlias, phlox and cactus flowers, from J. L. L. F. Warren. Bouquets from Miss Sumner. The display of dahlias to-day was one of the best of the season, and many fine flowers, besides those mentioned, were exhibited. Fruits : Very excellent specimens of Brown Beurre pears, from Hon. E. Vose. Vicar of Winkfield, Chelmsford, and Beurre d'Or pears, from J. W. Sever. Twelve quinces, weighing 8 lbs. 12 oz. and grown in the garden of Mrs. Tappan, of Roxbury, were exhibited by S. Walker. Large quinces, by Albert Hague, of Lincoln. Six varieties of seedling apples were exhibited by Mr. George Harvey, of Hastings, N. Y. Twelve quinces from John Hovey, weighed 7 lbs. 3 oz. Extra large Baldwin ap- ples, from Reuben Farrington, I'righton. J. F. Allen, specimen of a seedling peach, very rich flavor. A. H. Haven, Portsmouth, N. H., Seckel and Gansel's Bergamot pears, excellent; also, Cuisse Madame pears. Seedling peaches, of superior flavor, from Cheever Newhal). Isabella and Catawba grapes, from Josiah Richardson, Cambridge. S. W. Cole exhibited very large seedling apples and peaches. John Owen, green gage plums. Dr. Shurtleff, Monstrous pippin apples. Geo. Walsh, St. Michael pears. H. Vandine, St. Michael, Marie Louise, Vicar of Wink- field and Brown Beurre pears, and Coe's Golden Drop plums. October 5. The annual meeting of the Society for the choice of offi- cers was held to-day. The nominating committee, chosen at the last meeting, reported a printed list of the candidates for the several offices and committees for the year ensuing. A committee was appointed to collect and count the votes for officers, &c., who reported that the follow- ing gentlemen were elected. Their term of office commences on the first Saturday in April, 1845, and terminates on the first Saturday in January, 184G. President — Marshall P. Wilder. Vice Presidents. — B. V. French, Jona. Winship, Cheever Newhall, E. M. Richards. Treasurer. — Samuel Walker. Correspondinx Secretary. — J. E. Teschemacher. Recording Secretary. — Ebenezer Wiffht. Professor of Botany and Vegetable Physiology. — John Lewis Russell, A. M. Professor of Entomology. — T. W. Harris, M. D. Professor of Horticultural Chemistry. — S. L. Dana, M. D. Committee on Fruits. — Samuel Walker, Chairman: P. B. Hovey, Jr., O. Johnson, J. Lovett, 2d., Jona. Winship, D. Haggerston, J. F. Allen, George Newhall, A. D. Williams, F. W. Macondry, William Thomas. Committee on Flowers. — Joseph Breck, Chairman : H. W. Dutton, S. Sweetser, S. R. Johnson, J. Stickney, W. E. Carter, P. Barnes. Commillee on Vegetables. — W. B. Kingsbury, Chairman: J. A. Ken- VOL. X. — NO. XI. 55 434 Massachusetts Horticultural Society. rick, A. Bowditch, John Hill, J. H. Billings, Samuel C. Mann, Josia& Newhall. Committee on the Librarij. — C. M. Hovey, Chairman : C. K. Dillaway, J. E. Tescheniacher, E. Wight, R. M. Copeland, Francis G. Shaw, Committee on Synomjmes of Fruit. — M. P. Wilder, Chairman: B. V.- French, S. Downer, W. Kenrick. Executive Committee. — M. P. Wilder, Chairman : Enoch Barllett, A. Aspinwall, J. J. Low, Joseph Balch. Finance Committee. — Cheever Newhall, Chairman : E. M. Richards, George Hallett. A letter from the New York Institute was read, inviting the Society ta be present, by delegation, at the approaching fair of that institution ; and it was Voted, that the following gentlemen compose the delegation, viz. : the President, M. P. Wilder; Josiah Newhall, Samuel Walker, David Hag- gerston, J. F. Allen, E. Wight. The following persons were admitted members of the Society : Edmund Bartlett, Newbury port; John H. Jenks, Boston; Tho'sBarrofts, Dedham^ Orr N. Towne, Boston. The following premiums were awarded at the annual exhibition of the Society, which were not at that time reported by the several committees. The premiums on Dahlias, as declared by the judges, were as follows : Division A. Open to all cultivators (members.) Premier Prize. best 12 dissimilar Blooms: — A premium of ;$'4 to Edward Allen, Jr. Specimen Bloom. Best Bloom of any color : — A premium of $2 to W. E. Carter, for Ad- miral Stopford. Divisiopf B. Open to all cultivators of more than 200 plants. A premium of $4 to P. Barnes, for the best eighteen dissimilar blooms^ A premium of $2 50 to Joseph Breck, for the best twelve dissimilar blooms. A premium of $1 50 to Edward Allen, for the best six dissimilar blooms. Division C. Open to all cultivators of less than 200 plants. A premium of $1 50 to Wra. Meller, for the best six dissimilar blooms. A premium of $1 to H. W. Dutton, for the second best six dissimilar bloon)S. ' Gratuities. A gratuity of $5 to M. P. Wilder, President of the Society, for a su- perb collection of Dahlias. A gratuity of $3 to Edward Allen, for a collection of Dahlias. Roses. — The following premiums were awarded: — For the best display of Bengal, Tea and Noisette Roses, a premium of $3 to Messrs. Hovey & Co. A gratuity of $3 was also awarded to John Arnold, for a collection of Bengal, Tea and Noisette Roses. Massachusetts Horticultural Society. 435 CrERMAN AsTERS. — The following premiums were awarded: — For the best display of Asters, a premium of $2 to Hovey & Co. For the second best display of Asters, a premium of #1 to S. R. Johnson. Adjourned two weeks. Exhibited. — Flowers : The President sent a fine plant of the Lilium (speciosum, one of the new varieties of tlie splendid Japan lilies, recently introduced. H. W. Button and J. Stickney exhibited a great variety of dahlias. They were tiie only contributors of this flower, most of the plants in the vicinity of the city being cut off by the recent severe frost. Fruits: By A. D. Weld, Brown Beurre, Pope's Russet, Marie Louise, Passe Colmar and Easter Beurre pears. Josiah Lovett, Flemish Beauty, Tery fine ; Belle Angevine, and Duchesse d'Angouleme pears. B. J. Newhall, a variety of apples, including Danvers Winter Sweet, Hubbards- ton Nonsuch, Baldwin, Fall Harvey, Golden Pippin, and Kilham Hill ; Lewis and Bezi Vaet pears, and Spanish filberts. Ralph Crocker, very splendid specimens of the following pears — Fortun6e, Duchesse d'Angou- leme, Easter Beurre, Belle et Bonne, Beurre Diel, Brown Beurre, Napo- leon, Louise Bonne de Jersey ; also, Sweetwater grapes. Wni. Buck- minster, Pound Sweet apples and Orange quinces, grown by W. Puffer, Monson; they were remarkably large specimens. Minot' pears, from Mrs. Russell, Milton Hill. J. S. Sleeper, Dix and Belle et Bonne pears, and Rhode Island Greening apples. Fine quinces from W. G. Lewis. John A. Kenrick exhibited twelve Orange quinces, which weighed 8 lbs. 9 oz. and were beautiful. Charles White, Northbridge, sent nine dishes of seedling apples. John Owen, Green Gage plums. St. Michael pears, from George Walsh. H. Vandine, very large and fine Coe's Golden Drop plums, Marie Louise and St. Michael pears. S. Walker, Flemish Beauty, very handsome, Louise Bonne de Jersey, and St. Michael pears. Pomegranates, from T. Motley. Vegetables: Sweet potatoes, very fine brocoli, cauliflowers and Lizard beans, grown by J. Lovett. Good Lizard beans, by John Kenrick. October 12th. — Exhibited. Flowers : The display to-day was princi- pally made by our city amateurs, whose gardens have not suffered by the recent severe frost, which has cut off the flowers so generally in the vi- cinity. Mr. J. Stickney exhibited upwards of one hundred fine dahlia blooms, — among them were most excellent flowers of Essex Triumph, Oakley's Surprise and Dodd's Prince of Wales. H. W. Dutton made a fine display of about sixty-five blooms. A few bouquets only were to be seen. A good plant of Cactus Jenkinsonia, in flower, was from Mr. War- ren's garden, and some bouquets from W. Kenrick. Fruit: A collection of pears was sent for exhibition by S. G. Perkins, Esq. ; the specimens were large and beautiful ; the following Avere the kinds as marked by Mr. Perkins, viz.: Beurre Magnifique, Roi Guil- laume, Beurre Incomparable, Sieulle, Beurre d'Amalis, Great Unknown, Beurre Diel, Josephine, Roi de Wurtemburg, St. Germain Panachee, Mons. le Cure, St. Germain, Chaumontel, Beurre d'Hiver, Louise Bonne ■of Jersey, Duchesse d'Angouleme, Marie Louise, Van Mons Leon le Clerc, Sylvanche Verte, Easter Beurre, Nouvelle Bossouk, Passe Col- mar, Beurrt'i Bronzii, Dix, St. Michael and Catillac. The specimens were very fine, but there is no doubt that five or six of those shown under dif- ferent names, were the Beurr6 Diel. Mr. John Owen exhibited a box of CJreen Gage plums, being the sixty-seventh box, containing a quart each. 436 Massachusetts Horticiiltvral Society. which has been taken from one tree the present season. H. Vandine, Coe's Golden Drop plums, excellent; Miller Burgundy, Catawba, Isa- bella, and Sweetwater grapes. Wm. Buckminster, extra large Baldwin and Lyscorn apples — one of the former measured thirteen inches in cir- cumference; they were grown in Marlborough, Mass.; also, a very large quince, weighing twenty-three ounces, from Leominster. Rev. A. B. Muzzey, fine Isabella grapes. Henry Plympton, St. Michael pears, un- commonly fine specimens, grown in Boston, where this old favorite va- riety is produced in all its original beauty and perfection. Mrs. Bigelow, St. Michael pears. Jacob Deane, Mansfield, exhibited a variety of ap- ples— among them was Peck's Pleasant, a fine winter fruit, and the Gilli- flower. Wine apple, &c. ; also, a seedling pear. Mrs. J. Russell, Milton, a basket of beautiful Seek-no-Further apples. Rev. J. L. Russell sent specimens of a pear, said to be a seedling, and originated in Hingham, Mass. James Munroe, good specimens of Vicar of Winkfield, Heathcote and St. Michael pears, and two varieties of ap- ples. J. S. Sleeper, Hubbardston Nonsuch apples. Gardiner Brewer, Fondante d'Automne pears. Dr. S. A. Shurtleff exhibited a seedling plum, — size, aopearance and flavor very much like the Green Gage ; also. Blue Imperatrice plums. Dr. S. also presented for exhibition a number of seedling apples, one of them a very excellent sweet apple, called Keen's Sweet; size medium, color a fine golden yellow: — two other va- rieties, Ribston Sweet and Hammond Pearmain, were fine apples and worthy of cultivation. From E. W. Hayward, a beautiful striped apple, of a lively agreeable flavor; no name, probably a seedling. Otis John- son, Blue Imperatrice and Semiana ? plums; these two varieties have been confounded, but there is no doubt the true varieties are distinct fruits. S. R. Johnson, Beurre Diel and Dix pears. T. Parsons, Brown Beurre pears. Mr. Kane, large Catillac pears. John Bullard, Pepperel, two fine sorts of apples, no names given. J. Lovett, very handsome Coe's Golden Drop plums. Dr. Walton, Pepperel, a handsome apple, called the " Ames." From L. Peters, by Mr. Breck, four varieties of apples. George Richardson, a beautiful seedling apple. George Walsh, Isabella, Sweetwater, Red Chasselas and native grapes, and St. Michael pears. D. Haggerston exhibited from the garden of J. P. Gushing, Esq. four va- rieties of pears; also, a splendid specimen of Van Mons Leon le Clerc, very large and of fine shape, J. L. L. F. Warren, Porter, Hubbardston Nonsuch and Blue Pearmain apples, and three varieties pears. G. W. Oliver, Lynn, fine specimens of Oliver's Russet Seedling pears, rather under medium size, but very hand- some, and is an excellent fruit. October I9th. — The Society held an adjourned meeting. M. W. Green, Jamaica Plain, Roxbury, was admitted a member. There being no other business of importance, adjourned one week. Exhibited. — Flowers : Another fine display of dahlias was made to-day from the gardens in the city, which have, as yet, not been visited by frost, and still present a fine show of autumnal flowers. H. W. Dutton exhib- ited one hundred and twenty blooms; Josiah Stickney, one hundred and forty, and R. M. Copeland, forty to fit\y blooms. Most of the flowers in each collection were very fine and perfect specimens. Fruits: From William Oliver, Wilkinson and fine St. Michael pears. Mr. Rodman, New Bedford, Capiaumont, Passe Colmar, Louise Bonne de Massachusetts HorticuUnral Society. 437 Jersey pears, and Rhode Island Greening' apples. C. W, Greene, Ja- maica Piain, Monstrous Pippin apple, weighing twenty-two ounces, and fifteen inches in circumference, from the farm of Franklin Greene, Esq., R. I., the homestead of Gen. Natli'l Greene, of the Revolutionary army. S. Pond, twelve Orange quinces, weighing 11 5 lbs. Josiah Robins, Plymouth, extra large apples, — the largest specimen weighed 22 ounces, name unknown. Fulton, Dix, Capiaumont and Urbaniste pears, from the President. St. Michael pears, and three varieties of grapes, from George Walsh. Good Easter Beurre and St. Michael pears, from E. Bradshaw. Weston apple, from S. W. Cole. Three varieties grapes, from C. S. Hunt. Mr. Oliver, Brookline, Dix pears. From Henry Plympton, Bos- ton, Isabella grapes and St. Michael pears, — the latter extra fair and beautiful. The fine specimen of Van Mons Leon le Clerc pears, exhibited last week by Mr. Haggerston, from Mr. Cushing's garden, was tasted, and was found to sustain the high character which preceded its introduction into this country. October 26th. — The Society held an adjourned meeting. The Presi- dent, with Messrs. French, Newhall and Richards, were chosen a com- mittee, to consider the expediency of having an address delivered at the , opening of the Society's new Hall. ExJiibited. — Flowers : A good show of dahlias was again made to-day, from the gardens in the city. The fine warm weather, the past week, has been very favorable for them, and many fine blooms have been pro- duced. Mr. J. Stickney exhibited one hundred and twenty-five blooms, — among them, beautiful flowers of Oakley's Surprise, Essex Triumph, Grace Darling, Constantia, Widnall's Queen, &c. H. W. Dutton, a large collection of dahlias, including perfect speci- mens of Essex Triumph, Prince of Wales, Oakley's Surprise, Queen, &c. R. M. Copeland, fifty blooms, including a large number of fine speci- mens. From E. Allen, twelve varieties of chrysanthemums. From Parker Barnes, roses, pansies. Scarlet geranium, cactus flowers, &c. Bouquets from Wm. Kenrick. Fruits : A basket of fine specimens of pears was presented by S. G. Perkins, of Brookline ; the Beurre Diel, Duchesse d'Angouleme, and some others, were very large. From J. Lovett, Duchesse d'Angouleme and Capiaumont pears ; also, very fine dried plums or prunes ; they Avere dried as perfectly as any foreign prunes we ever noticed, and were the first ever exhibited at the Society's rooms. From S. Walker, Vicar of Winkfield pears. Jonathan French, Lewis pears, and var. of apples. J. Munroe, Vicar of Winkfield pears, and beautiful Harvey apples. George New- hall, Fulton, Seckel, Cumberland, Beurre Base and Duchesse d'Angou- leme pears, and Isabella grapes. FromG. Merriam, Newton, St. Michael pears, and Portugal quinces. Dr. Warren, Duchesse d'Angouleme pears. From the President, Capiaumont, Belle et Bonne, Pope's Quaker and Ur- baniste pears. Rev. A. B. Muzzey, Catawba grapes, very handsome. F. Tudor, Passe Colmar, Easter Beurr6, St. Michael and Seckel pears, the hitter excellent. From J. F. Allen, Black Hamburgh grapes. H. Vandine, Marie Louise, Passe Colmar and Seckel pears; Coe's Golden Drop plums. Vegetables: From F. Tudor, green peas, beans, tomatoes and lettuce. 43S Faneidl Hall Market. Art. IV. Faneuil Hall Market. Roots, Tubers, (f-c. Potatoes, new ; ^, { per barrel, Chenangoes, J fer bushel ^ it per barrel. Common,.... J fg^ bushel r> ^ ^ ( per barrel, ^^stport, J {jer bushel c, . S per barrel, S^'^^t' J per bushel Turnips, per bushel : Common flat. . . Ruta Baga, . . Onions : Red, per bunch -ir 11 ^ per hunch, Yello^' ? per bushel, White, per bunch, . Beets, per bushel, . . Carrots, per busliel, . Parsnips, per bushel, . Salsify, per doz. roots. Horseradish, per lb. . Garlic, per lb. . . . Cabbages, Salads, cf*c Cabbages, per doz. : Drumhead, . . . Savoy, Red Brocolis, each, . . . Cauliflowers, each, Celery, per root, . . Lettuce, per head, . . Cucumbers, (pickled) pr gal Peppers, (pickled) per gal. Pot and Sweet Herbs Parsley, per half peck, Sage, per pound, . . Marjoram, per bunch, Savory, per bunch, Spearmint, per bunch, Squashes and Pumpkins. Autumnal Marrow, per cwt. Canada Crookneck, per cwt. Winter Crookneck, per cwt. Pumpkins, each, . . . . From To Sets. 1 00 45 1 00 40 1 50 75 2 25 1 00 50 37 3 3 62^ 3 50 50 75 12.i 50 10 10 6 6 25 37i 1 00 I 00 1 00 10 $ cts. 1 25 50 1 75 2 50 I 25 50 4 4 4 75 62^ 25 10 10 62i FVuits. Apples, dessert and cooking Baldwins, per barrel, . Russets, per barrel, . Greenings, per barrel, Common Sweet, per bar Danvers Win. Swt. prbl Common, per barrel, . Bellflower, per barrel, Blue Pearmain, per bbl. Fall Pippins, per barrel, Porter, per bushel, . . Pumpkin Sweet, per bush Fameuse, per bushel, . Dried Apples, per lb. . Pears, per half peck or doz Beurre Diel, per half pk Lewis, per half peck, Marie Louise, per hf. pk Le Cure, per half peck, Messire Jean, per hf. pk Common, per half peck, Duchess d'Angouleme, pr doz St. Germain, per doz. Catillac, per bushel, . Baking, per bush. . . Quinces, per bushel, . . Grapes, per lb. : Black Hamburgh, . . White Sweetwater, Isabella, Malaga, Catawba, Berberries, per bush. Watermelons, each, . . Muskmelons : American Citron, each, . Purple Egg Plant, each. Tomatoes, per half peck, Cranberries, per bushel, Oranges, per doz. . . . Lemons, per doz. . . . Pine Apples, each, • . Cocoanuts, per hundred, Chesnuts, per bushel. Walnuts, per bushel, . . From To $ cts. S cts. 1 50 1 25 1 25 1 50 i 25 2 00 25 00 00 25 50 00 50 50 '1 75 50 25 75 00 3 50 50 50 37^ 37^ 25 50 00 00 00 50 50 25 12^ 20 25 15 10 37i 00 37A 25~ 25 50 00 50 2 00 1 50 1 00 75 62i 50 37i 1 50 3 00 75 37i 20 50 25 50 Remarks. — A continuation of cool and moist weather, since the date of our last, has been of essential benefit to late crops. At that time rains had just set in, after a spell of dry weather, and there have been several heavy showers during the month. Vegetables. — Potatoes, which, at the date of our last, were in good re- quest at advanced rates, have since come in so abundantly that prices Horticultural Memoranda. 439 have receded. Several cargoes of Chenangoes, from the east, have afforded a good supply; Eastports are in good demand, and at a slight advance upon our previous quotations ; sweet are yet well supplied, and of good quality. Turnips are now abundant, owing to the more favorable weather of the month. Onions remain the same, with fair supply. Car- rots have come in more abundantly and prices are lower. Salsafy has been brought in, and of good quality. A good supply of horseradish. Of cabbages the stock is ample: previous to the rains of the early part of the month there was some fear of a limited stock ; Drumheads have headed finely. Brocolis and cauliflowers are now more abundant. Beans have all been gone since the early part of the month. Squashes are very plentiful, as our quotations show ; the best Marrows commanding only $1 per hundred. A dry fall has been favorable to the ripening of the crop, and no doubt they will keep much better this season than the last. Fruit. — There is a continued and abundant supply of apples, particu- larly of Baldwins and Russets, and prices are unusually low; Baldwins, of the very finest quality, command only one dollar and fifty cents the barrel; some Porters yet remain, which sell at quotations ; of other sorts there is a good supply, including some good specimens of the Fameuse or Snow apple. Pears are not so abundant as last month, but there is a fair supply of eight or ten sorts and of fair quality ; the Lewis are excel- lent this season, and the St. Germains are better than usual ; baking are well supplied, including some of the Catillac of very large size. Quinces are scarce and prices have advanced ; last season they were quite a drug; the usual supply from Rhode Island has not been brought in this year. Peaches and plums are all gone. Grapes are yet brought in, but the stock is quite small, with the exception of Malagas. Berberries have be- come scarce. A ^qv^ watermelons yet remain ; and of the American citron there is a good stock. Oranges and lemons are more plentiful. Chest- nuts are lower, with an increasing stock. Walnuts now come to hand of good quality.— Foiir^, M. T., Boston, Oct. 30th, 1844. HORTICULTURAL MEMORANDA FOR NOVEMBER. FRUIT DEPARTMENT. Grape Pines will still need some attention. In the early forced houses the wood will now be quite ripe and ready for pruning. In late or cold houses, the grapes will perhaps not yet have been all cut, or the leaves fallen. Care should therefore be taken that all the decaying leaves be picked up as they fall, and that ventilation be thoroughly efl^ected in all fine weather. Vines in the open air may be pruned now, and the Sweet- water and other foreign kinds protected by being covered witli leaves or litter. Vines in pots, for early forcing nc.\t spring, may be placed in the cellar, or in frames, from whence they can be taken at any time. Beds of Strawberries, planted this fall, should have a very slight cover- ing of old manure, leaves or tan, especially if the situation is wet, and the plants would be likely to be thrown out by the frost. 440 Horticultural Memoranda. Raspberry plantations, especially of the White and Red Antwerp, should be protected from the winter by a slight covering of earth. The Franconia is said to be quite hardy. Fruit Trees may yet be planted if the weather continues favorable, and the situation is not too wet. Much valuable time may be saved by trans- planting in autumn. Seeds of Fruit Trees may yet be sown with good success. Pears and apples in small beds, with the rows about fifteen inches apart, and peaches at a greater distance. FLOWER DEPARTMENT. Bulbs will now be objects of attention, and they should all be planted as soon as possible. Tulips should be got into the ground without delay, selecting a favora- ble time when the soil is rather dry. Hyacinths, JM'arcissus, Crown Imperials, Crocuses, and similar bulbs, should be set out this month. Oxalises, if not yet planted, should be attended to. Ixias, Sparaxis, Gladioluses, &lc. should be potted this month. Liliuni lancifolium and its varieties may be potted this month, and placed in a frame or the greenhouse. Ranunculuses may be planted this month ; or, if not planted, the beds should be put in readiness to plant in March. Gloxinias, Gtsnerias and Achimenes should be put away on a dry shelf, in a warm situation, until the period for potting in the spring. Dahlias, not yet put away for the winter, should be attended to ; see that they are not packed away with too much moist earth about the roots. Callas should now be repotted, if not done before. Rocket Larkspur, Coreopsis, Chryseis, Clarkias, and similar hardy annu- als, may be sown tliis month in beds or in the open border. Larkspurs look neat in small beds, the rows about a foot apart. Mignonette and Siveet Allysum, in pots, should now be sparingly wa- tered. Roses, taken up and potted in September, should now be taken into the greenhouse, and the branches headed in. Stocks, of various kinds, should be protected in frames until they are removed to the greenhouse. Cactuses will now need but little water. Chrysanthemums will now be in full bloom, and should have plenty of water. Azaleas should be carefully watered at this season. Camellias will now need more care ; the plants should be neatly tied up to stakes, and in choice collections all the leaves should be washed with the sponge. Cirierarias may now be repotted, unless already done. Chinese Primroses may be repotted this month. Greenhouse plants, of all kinds, will now need attention ; repot all that need it, and look carefully after insects. Herbaceous plants may be transplanted this montli, protecting them slightly afterwards with leaves or coarse litter. THE MAGAZINE or HORTICULTURE. DECEMBER, 1844. ORIGINAL COMMUNICATIONS. Art. I. The Blight in the Pear Tree; its cause and a remedy for it. By Rev. H. W. Beecher. Read before the Indiana Horticultural Society, and communicated by Mr. Beecher. The year 1844 will long be remembered for the exten- sive ravages of that disease hitherto denominated ^re-6/i^^^. Beginning at the Atlantic coast, we have heard of it in Pennsylvania, Maryland, Virginia, Ohio, Kentucky, Indi- ana, and as far as Tennessee ; and it is probable that it has been felt in every fruit-growing State in the Union where the season of 1843 was the same as that west of the Alleghany range, namely, cold in spring, dry throughout the summer, and a wet and warm fall, with early and sud- den winter. In Indiana and Ohio the blight has prevailed to such an extent as to spread dismay among cultivators; destroying entire collections, — taking half the trees in large orchards, — affecting both young and old trees, whether grafted or seedlings, in soils of every kind. Many have seen the la- bor and fond hope of years cut off, in one season, by an invisible destroyer, against which none could guard; be- cause, in the conflicting opinions, none were certain whether the disease was atmospheric, insect or chemical. I shall now proceed to describe that blight known in the western States, (without pretending to identify it with the blight known in New York and New England,) to examine the theories proposed for its causation, and to present what now seems to me the true cause. VOL. X. — NO. XII. 56 444 The Blight in the Pear Tree ; 4. Others have attribnied the disease to over stimulation by Iiigh manuring, or constant tillage ; and it has been said that covering the roots with stones and rubbish, or lay- ing the orchard down to grass, would prevent the evil. Facts warrant no such conclusions. Pear trees in Gibson county, Indiana, on a clay soil, with blue slaty subsoil, were aifected this year more severely than any of which we have heard. Pears in southern parts of this State, on red clay, where the ground had long been neglected, suf- fered as much as along the rich bottom lands of the Wa- bash about Vincennes. If there was any difi'erence it was in favor of the richest land. About Mooresville, Morgan county, Indiana, pears have been generally afiected, and those in grass lands as iniich as those in open soils. Aside from these facts, it is well known that pear trees do not blight in those seasons when they make the rankest growth more than in others. They will thrive rampantly for years, no evil arising from their luxuriance, and then suddenly die of blight. 5. It has been supposed by a few to be the effect of age^ the disease beginning on old varieties, and propagated upon new varieties by contagion. Were this the true cause, we should expect it to be most frequently developed in those pear regions where old varieties most abound. But this disease seems to be so little known in England, that Lou- don, in his elaborate Encyclopedia of Gardenings does not even mention it. Mr. Manning's statement will be given farther on, to the same purport. 6. Insect theory: The confidence with which eastern cultivators pronounce the cause to be an insect, has in part served to cover up singular discrepancies in the separate statements in respect to the ravages, and even the species of this destroyer. The Genesee Farmer of July, 1843, says, " the cause of the disease was for many years a mat- ter of dispute, and is so still by some persons: but the ma- jority are now fully convinced that it is the work of an in- sect, {Scolt/tus pyri.) T. W. Harris, in his work on insects, speaks of the minuteness and obscure habits of this insect, as " reasons why it has eluded the researches of those per- sons who disbelieve in its existence as the cause of the blasting of the limbs of the pear tree." Dr. Harris evi- dently supposed, mitil so late as 1843, that this insect in- fested only the pear tree ; for he says, " the discovery of Its cause, and a remedy for it. 445 the blight-beetle in the limbs of the apple tree is a new fact in natural history ; but it is easily acconnicd for, be- cause this tree belongs not only to the same natural group, but also to the same genus as the pear tree. It is not, therefore, surprising, that both the pear and the apple tree should occasionally be attacked by the same insect." [See an article in the Massaclnisetts Plough/man, summer of 1843, quoted in Genesee Farmer^ Jnly, 1843.] This insect is said to eat through the alburnum, the hard wood, and even a part of the pith, and to destroy the branch by separation of part from part, as a saw would. On these facts, which there is no room to question, we make two remarks. 1st. That the blight thus produced is limited, and proba- bl}^ sectional or local. No account has met my eye which leads me to suppose that any considerable injury has been done by it. Mr. Manning, of Salem, Mass., in the second edition of his Book of Fruits, states that he has never " had any trees affected by it" — the blight. Yet his garden and nursery has existed for twenty years, and contained immense numbers of trees. 2d. It is very plain that neither Mr. Lowell, originally, nor Dr. Harris, nor any who describe the blight as caused by the blight-beetle, had any notion of that disease which passes by the same name in the middle and western States. The blight of the Scaly ins jjyri is a mere girdling of the branches, — a mechanical separation of parts; and no mention is made of the most striking facts incident to the great blight — the viscid unctuous sap ; the bursting of the bark, through which it issues ; and its poisonous effects on the young shoots upon which it drops. I do not doubt the insect-blight : but I am sure that it is not onr blight. I feel very confident, also, that this blight, which from its devastations may be called the great blight, has been felt in New England, in connection with the in- sect-blight, and confounded with it, and the effects of two different causes happening to appear in conjunction, have been attributed to one, and the least influential, cause. The writer in Fessenden's American Gardener, (Mr. Low- ell'?) says of the blight, "it is sometimes so rapid in its progress, that in a few hours from its first appearance the whole tree will appear to be mortally diseased." This is not insect-blight ; for did the blight -beetle eat so suddenly 446 The Blight in the Pear Tree ; around the whole triinkl Now here is a striking appear- ance of the great bHght, confounded with the minor bhght, as I think will appear in the sequel. This theory has stood in the way of a discovery of the true cause of the great blight ; for every cultivator has gone in search of insects; they have been found in great plenty, and in great variety of species, and their harmless presence accused with all the mischief of the season. A writer in the Farmer s Advocate^ Jamestown, JN. C, dis- cerned the fire-blight, and traced it to " small, red^ pellucid insects, briskly moving from place to place on the branch- es." This is not the ScolytKs jajri of Prof. Peck and Dr. Harris. Dr. Mosher, of Cincinnati, in a letter published in the Farmer and Gardener for .Tune, 1844, describes a third in- sect,— " very minute broimi- colored aphides^ snugly secreted in the axilla of every leaf on several small branches; * ^ most of them \v*re busily engaged with their proboscis in- serted through the tender cuticle of this part of the petiole of the leaf, feasting upon the vital juices of the tree. The leaves being thus deprived of the necessary sap for nour- ishment and elaboration, soon perished, * * while all that part of the branch and trunk below, dependent upon the elaborated sap of the deadened leaves above, shrunk, turned black, and dried up." — p. 261. Lindley, in his work on Horticulture, p. 42-46, has de- tailed experiments illustrating vegetable per^yj/rcf^io;?, from which we ma^^ form an idea of the amount of fluid which these "very minute brown-colored aphides" would have to drink. A sunflower, thrfee and a half feet high, perspired in a very warm day thirty ounces — nearly two pounds; on another day, twenty ounces. Taking the old rule, "a pint a pound," nearly a quart of fluid was exhaled by a sun- flower in twelve hours; and the vessels were still inflated with a fresh supply drawn from the roots. Admitting that ihe leaves of a fruit tree have a less current of sap than a sunflower or a grape vine, yet in the months of May and June, the amount of sap to be exhausted by these very mi- nute brown aphides, would be so great, that if they drank it so suddenly as to cause a tree to die in a day. they would surely augment in bulk enough to be discovered without a lens. If some one had accounted for the low water in the Mississippi, in the summer of 1843, by saying Its cause, and a remedy for it. 447 that buffaloes had drunk up all the upper Missouri, and cut off the supply, we should be at a loss which most to pity, the faith of the narrator, or the probable condition of the buffaloes after their feat of imbibition. But the most curious xesnlis folloio these feats of suction. The limbs and trunk beloiv shrink and turn black, for want of that elaborated sap extracted by the aphides. And yet every year we perform artificially this very operation in ringing or decortication of branches, for the purpose of ac- celerating maturation, or improving the fruit. Every year the saro takes off a third, a half, and sometimes more, of a living tree ; and the effect is to produce new shoots, not death. Is an operation which can be safely performed by mcin, deadlt/ when performed by an insect? Dr. Mosher did not detect the insects without extreme search, and then only in colonies, on healthy branches. Do whole trees wither in a day by the mere suction of such insects 1 Had they been supposed to poison the fluids, the theory would be less exceptionable, since poisons in minute quantities may be very malignant. While we admit a limited mischief of insects, they can never be the cause of the prevalent blight of the middle and western States, — such a blight as prevailed in and around Cincinnati in the summer of 1844, — nor of that blight which prevailed in 1832. The blight-beetle, after most careful search and dissection, has not been found, nor any trace or passage of it. Dr. Mosher's insect may be set aside without further remark. I think that farther observation will confirm the follow- ing conclusions : — 1. Insects are frequently found feeding in various ways upon blighted trees, or on trees which afterwards become so, 2. Trees are fatally blighted on which no insects are dis- cerned feeding, — neither aphides nor Scolytus jjyri. 3. Multitudes of trees have such insects on them as are in other cases supposed to cause the blight, without a sign of blight following. This has been the case in my own garden. III. Cause of the blight. — The Indiana Horticultural So- ciety, early in the summer of 1844, appointed a committee to collect and investigate facts on the Fire-Blight. While serving on this committee, and inquiring in all the pear- growing regions, I learned that Reuben Reagan, of Putnam 448 The Blight in the Pear Tree ; county, Iiid., was in possession of much information, and supposed himself to have discovered the cause of this evil ; and to him I am indebted for a first suggestion of the cause. Mr. Reagan has for more than twelve years past suspected that this disease originated in the fall previous to the sum- mer on which it declares itself During the last winter Mr. Reagan predicted the blight, as will be remembered by some of his acquaintance in Wayne county, and in his pear orchards he marked the trees that would suffer, and pointed to the spot which would be the seat of the disease: and his prognostications were strictly verified. After gath- ering from him all the information which a limited time Avould allow, I obtained from Aaron Alldredge, of this place, a nursery-man of great skill, and possessed of care- ful, cautious habits of observation, much corroborative in- formation ; and particularly a tabular account of the blight for nine years past in liis nursery and orchard. The spring of 1843 opened early, but cold and wet, until the last of May. The summer was both dry and cool, and trees made very little growth of new wood. Toward au- tumn, however, the drought ceased, copious rains saturated the ground, and warm weather started all trees into vigor- ous, though late, growth. At this time, while we hoped for a long fall and a late winter, on the contrary we were surprised by an early and sudden winter, and with unusual severity at the very beginning. In this region, much corn was ruined and more damaged; and hundreds of bushels of apples were caught on the trees and spoiled, — one culti- vator alone losing five hundred bushels. Caught in this early winter, what was the condition of fruit trees ? They were making rapid grov/th, every part in a state of excite- ment, the wood unripe, the passages of ascent and descent impleted with sap. In this condition, the fluids were sud- denly frozen, — the growth instantly checked ; and the whole tree, from a state of great excitability, was, by one shock, rudely forced into a state of rest. Warm suns, for a time, followed severe nights. What would be the eflect of this freezing and sudden thawing upon the fluids and their vessels'? I have been able to find so little written upon vegetable morbid anatomy, (probably from the want of access to books,) that I can give but an imperfect ac- count of the derangement produced upon the circulating fluids by congelation. We cannot state the specific changes Its cause, and a remedy for it. 449 produced by cold upon the ascending sap, or on the cambi- um, nor upon the elaborated descending current. There is reason to suppose that the two latter only suffer, and prob- ably only the last. That freezing and thawing decompo- ses the coloring matter of plants is known ; but what other decomposition, if any, is eifected, I know not. The effect of congelation upon the descending sap of pear and apple trees, is to turn it to a viscid, unctuous state. It assumes a reddish, brown color ; becomes black by exposure to the air ; is poisonous to vegetables even when applied upon the leaf Whether in some measure this follows all degrees of congelation, or only under certain conditions, I have no means of knowing. The effect of freezing and thawing upon the tissues and sap vessels, is better known. Congelation is accompanied with expansion ; the tender vessels are either burst or lace- rated ; the excitability of the parts is impaired or destroyed ; the air is expelled from the eeriferous cavities, and forced into the passages for fluids; and lastly, the tubes for the conveyance of fluids are obstructed by a thickening of their sides. =^ The fruit trees, in the fall of 1S43, were, then, brought into a morbid state, — the sap thickened and dis- eased ; the passages lacerated, obstructed, and probably, in many instances, burst. The sap elaborated, and now pass- ing down in an injured state, would descend slowly, by reason of its inspissation, the torpidity of the parts, and the injured condition of the vessels. The grosser parts, naturally the most sluggish, would tend to lodge and grad- ually collect at the junction of fruit spurs, the forks of branches, or wherever the condition of the sap vessels fa- vored a lodgment. In some cases the passages are wholly obstructed ; in others, only in part. At length the spring approaches. In early pruning, the cultivator will find, in those trees which will ere long de- velop blight, that the knife is followed by an unctuous sap, and that the liber is of a greenish yellow color. These will be the first signs, and the practised eye may detect them long before a leaf is put forth. When the season is advanced sufficiently to excite the tree to action, the sap will, as usual, ascend by the albur- * Lindley's Horticulture, 81, 82. VOL. X. — NO. XII. 57 450 The Blight in the Pear Tree ; niim, which has probabl)'- been bm little injured ; the leaf puts out, and no outward sign of disase appears; nor will it appear until the leaf prepares the downward current. May, June and July are the months when the growth is most rapid, and when the tree requires the most elaborate sap ; and in these months the blight is fully developed. When the descending fluid reaches the point where, m the previous fall, a total obstruction had taken place, it is as effectually stopped as if the branch were girdled. For the sap which had lodged there would, by the winds and sun, be entirely dried. This would not be the case if the sap was good and the vitality of the wood unimpaired ; but were the sap and vessels are both diseased, the sun affects the branch on the tree just as it would if severed and lying on the ground. There will, therefore, be found on the tree, branches with spots Avhere the bark is dead and shrunk away below the level of the surrounding bark ; and at these points the current downward is wholly stopped. Only the outward part, however, is dead, while the albur- num^ or sap wood, is but partially injured. Through the alburnum, then, the sap from the roots passes up, enters the leaf, and men are astonished to see a branch, seemingly dead in the middle, growing thriftily at its extremity. No insect-theory can account for this case : yet it is perfectly plain and simple when we consider that there are two cur- rents of sap, one of which may be destroyed, and the other, for a limited time, go on. The blight, under this aspect, is nothing but ringing or decortication, effected by diseased sap, destroying the parts in which it lodges, and then itself drying up. The branch will grow, fruit will set, and fre- quently become larger and finer flavored than usual. But in a second class of cases, the downward current comes to a point where the diseased sap had affected only a partial lodgment. The vitality of the neighboring parts was preserved, and the diseased fluids have been undried by wind or sun, and remain more or less inspissated. The descending current meets and takes up more or less of this diseased matter, according to the particular condition of the sap. Wherever the elaborated sap passes, after touching this diseased region, it will carry its poison along with it, down the trunk, and. by the lateral vessels, in toward the pith. We may suppose that a violence which would des- troy the health of the outer parts, would, to some degree, lis cause ^ and a remedy f 07^ it. 451 rupture the inner sap -vessels. By this, or by some un- known way, the diseased sap is taken into the inner, up- ward current, and goes into the general circulation. If it bo in a diluted state, or in small quantities, languor and decline will be the result; if in large quantities, and con- centrated, the branch will die suddenly, and the odor of it will be that of frost-bitten vegetation. All the different de- grees of mortality result from the quantity and quality of the diseased sap which is taken into circulation. In con- clusion, then, where, in one class of cases, the feculent matter was, in the fall, so virulent as to destroy the parts where it lodged, and was then dried by exposure to wind and sun, the branch above will live, even through the sum- mer, but perish the next winter : and the spring afterwards, standing bare amid green branches, the cultivator may sup- pose the branch to have blighted that spring, although the cause of death was seated eighteen months before. When, in the other class of cases, the diseased sap is less virulent in the fall, but probably growing worse through the spring, a worse blight ensues, and a more sudden mortality. I will mention some proofs of the truth of this explana- tion. 1. The two great blight years throughout this region, 1832 and 1844, were preceded by a summer and fall such as I have described. In the autumns of both 1831 and 1843, the orchards were overtaken by a sudden freeze while in a fresh-growing state; and in both cases the con- sequence was excessive destruction the ensuing spring and summer. 2. In consequence of this diagnosis, it has been found practicable to predict the blight six months before its devel- opment. The statement of this fact, on paper, may seem a small measure of proof; but it would weigh much with any candid man to be told, by an experienced nurseryman, this is such a fall as will make blight ; to be taken, dur- ing the winter, into the orchard, and told, this tree has been struck at the junction of these branches; that tree is not at all affected; this tree will die entirely the next sea- son; this tree will go first on this side, &c., and to find, afterwards, the prediction verified. 3. This leads me to state separately, the fact, that, after such a fall, blighted trees may be ascertained during the process of late winter or early spring pruning. 452 The Blight o?i the Pear Tree ; In priming before the sap begins to rise freely, no sap should follow the knife in a healthy tree. But in trees which have been affected with blight, a sticky, viscid sap exudes from the wound. 4. Trees which ripen their wood and leaves early, are seldom affected. This ought to elicit careful observation ; for, if found true, it will be an important element in deter- mining the value of varieties of the pear in the middle and western States, where the late and warm autumns render or- chards more liable to winter blight than N. England orchards. An Orange Bergamot, grafted upon an apple stock, had about run out ; it made a small and feeble growth, and cast its leaves in the summer of 1843, long before frost. It escaped the blight entirely ; while young trees, and of the same kind, (I believe,) standing about it, and growing vig- orously till the freeze, perished the next season. I have before me a list of more than fifty varieties, growing in the orchard of Aaron Alldredge, of this place, and their history since 1836 ; and so far as it can be ascertained, late-grow- ing varieties are the ones, in every case, subject to blight ; and of those which have always escaped, the most part are known to ripen leaf and wood early. 5. Wherever artificial causes have either 'produced or prevented a growth so late as to be overtaken by a freeze, blight has, respectively, been felt or avoided. Out of 200 pear trees, only four escaped, in 1832, in the orcliard of Mr. Reagan. These foiu* had, the previous spring, been trans- planted., and had made little or no growth during summer or fall. If, however, they had recovered themselves, dur- ing the summer, so as to grow in the autunni, transplaut- ing would have had just the other effect ; as was the case in a row of pear trees, transplanted by Mr. Alldredge in 1843. They stood still through the summer and made growth in the fall, — were -frozen, — and in 1844 manifested severe blight. Mr. Alldredge's orchard affords another in- structive fact. Having a row of the St. Michael pear (of which any cultivator might have been proud.) standing close by his stable, he was accustomed, in the summer of 1843, to throw out, now and then, manure about them, to force their growth. Under this stimulus they were making excessive growth when winter-struck. Of all his orchard, they suffered, the ensuing summer, the most severely. Of twenty-two trees, twelve were aflected by the blight, and Its cause, and a remedy for it. 453 eight entirely killed. Of seventeen trees of the Bell pear, eleven suffered, but none were killed. All in this region know the vigorous habit of this tree. Of eight Crassane Bergamot, (a late grower,) five were affected and two killed. In an orchard of 325 trees of 79 varieties, one in seven blighted, 25 were totally destroyed. Although a mi- nute observation was not made on each tree, yet, as a gen- eral fact, those which suffered were trees of a full habit and of a late growth. 6. Mr. White, a nurseryman near Mooresville, Morgan county, Indiana, in an orchard of from 150 to 200 trees, had not a single case of the blight in the year 1844, though all around him its ravages were felt. What were (he facts in this case? His orchard is planted on a mound-like piece of ground ; is high, of a sandy, gravelly soil : earlier by a week than nursery soils in this county ; and in the summer of 1843 his trees grew through the summer ; wound up and shed their leaves early in the fall, and during the warm spell made no second growth. The orchard, then, that escaped, was one on sucli a soil as ensured an early growth, so that the winter fell upon ripened wood. 7. It may be objected, that if the blight began in the new and growing wood, it would appear there; whereas the seal of the evil, i. e. the place where the bark is diseased or dead, is lower down and on old wood. Certainly, it should be ; for the returning sap falls some ways down be- fore it effects a lodgment. 8. It might be said that spring-frosts might produce this disease. But in the spring of 1834, in the last of May, after the forest trees were in full leaf, there came frost so severe as to cut every leaf; and to this day the dead tops of the beach attest the power of the frost. But no blight occurred that year in orchard, garden or nursery. 9. It may be asked why forest-trees do not suffer. To some extent they do. But usually the dense shade pre- serves the moisture of the soil, and favors an equal growth during the spring and summer; so that the excitability of the tree is spent before autumn, and it is going to rest when frost strikes it. 10. It may be inquired why fall-growing shrubs are not always blighted, since many kinds are invariably caught by the frost in a growing state. I reply, first, that we are not to say that every tree or 454 The Blight in the Pear Tree ; shrub suffers from cold in the same manner. We assert it of fruit-trees because it has been observed; it must be as- serted of other trees only when ascertained. I reply more particularly, that a mere frost is not sup- posed to do the injury. The conditions under which blight is supposed to originate are, a growing state of the tree, a sudden /reese, and sudden thawing. We would here add, that many things are yet to be as- certained before this theory can be considered as settled ; as, the actual state of the sap after congelation, ascertained by experiment ; the condition of sap-vessels, as ascertained by dissection ; whether the congelation, or the thawing, or both, produce the mischief; whether the character of the season folloi 0171 g the fall-injury may not materially modify the malignancy of the disease ; seasons that are hot, moist and cloudy, propagating the evil ; and others dry, and cool, restraining growth and the disease. It is to be hoped that these points will be carefully investigated, not by conjec- ture, but by scientific processes. 11. We have heard it objected, that trees grafted in the spring blight in the graft during the summer. If the stock had been affected in the fall, blight would arise from it ; if the scion had, in common with the tree from which it was cut, been injured, blight must arise from it. Blight is frequently caused in the nursery ; and the cul- tivator, who has brought trees from a distance, and with much expense, has scarcely planted them before they show blight and die. 12. It is objected, that while only a single branch is at first affected, the evil is imparted to the whole tree; not onlx'" to the wood of the last year, but to the old branches. I re- ply, that if a single branch only should be affected by fall- frost, and be so severely affected as to become a repository of much malignant fluid, it might gradually enter the sys- tem of the whole tree, through the circulation. This fact shows why cutting is a partial remedy ; every diseased branch removed, removes so much poison ; it shows also why cutting from below the seat of the disease (as if to fall below the haunt of a supposed insect,) is beneficial. The farther the cut is made from that point where the sap has clogged the passages, the less of it will remain to enter the circulation. 13. Trees of great vigor of constitution, m whose system lis cause, and a remedy for it. 455 but little poison exists, may succeed after a while in reject- ing the evil, and recover. Where much enters the system, the tree must die ; and with a suddenness proportioned to the amount of poison circulated. 14. A rich and dry soil would be likely to promote early growth, and the tree would finish its work in time ; but a rich and moist soil, by forcing the growth, would prepare the tree for blight ; so that rich soils may prevent or pre- pare for the bhght, and the difference will be the difference of the respective soils in producing an early instead of a late growth. IV. Remedy. — So long as the blight was belived to be of insect-origin, it appeared totally irremediable. If the fore- going reasoning be found correct, it will be plain that the scourge can only be occasional; that it may be in a degree prevented ; and to some extent remedied where it exists. 1. We should begin by selecting for pear orchards a warm, light, rich, dry and early soil. This will sucure an early growth and ripe wood before winter sets in. 2. So soon as observation has determmed what kinds are naturally early growers and early-ripeners of wood, such should be selected ; as they will be least likely to come un- der those conditions in which blight occurs. 3. Wherever orchards are already planted : or where a choice in soils cannot be had, the cultivator may know by the last of August or September, whether a fall-growth is to be expected. To prevent it, I suggest immediate root- pruning. This will benefit the tree at any rate, — and will probably, by immediately restraining growth, prevent blight. 4. Whenever blight has occurred, I know of no remedy but free and early cutting. In some cases it will remove all diseased matter; in some it will alleviate only; but in bad blight, there is neither in this, nor in any thing else that I am aware of, any remedy. There are two additional subjects, with which I shall close this paper. 1. This blight is not to be confounded with vnnter-kill- ing. In the winter of either 1837 or 1838, in March a deep snow fell, (in this region,) and was immediately fol- lowed by brilliant sun. Thousands of nursery trees per- ished in consequence, but without putting out leaves, or lingering. It is a familiar fact to orchardists, that severe 456 Floricultural and Botanical Notices. cold, followed by warm suns, produce a bursting of the baric along the trunk ; but usually at the surface of the ground. 2. I call the attention of cultivators to the disease of the peach tree, called "The Yellows." I have not spoken of it as the same disease as the blight in the pear and the ap- ple, only because I did not wish to embarrass this subject by too many issues. I will only say, that it is the opinion of the most intelligent cultivators among us, that the yel- lows are nothing but the development of the blight accord- ing to the peculiar habits of the peach tree. I mention it, that observation may be directed to the facts. Henry W. Beecher. Oct. 1844. Art. II. Floricultvral and Botanical Notices of New Plants, figured in foreign periodicals ; with Remarks on those recently introduced to, or originated in, American gardens, and additiotial inform,ation upon plants already in cultivation. Edwards'* s Botanical Register, or Ornamental Flower Gar- den and Shrubbery. Each number containing from six to eight plates ; with additional miscellaneous information, relative to new plants. In monthly numbers ; 35. plain, 35, 6c?. colored. Paxton^s Magazine of Botany, and Register of Flowering Plants. Each number containing four colored plates. Monthly, 25. 6d each. Edited by J. Paxton, gardener to the Duke of Devonshire. The Gardener'' s Chronicle, a stamped newspaper of Rural Economy and General News. Edited by Prof Lindley. Weekly. Price 6c?. each. Curtis'' s Botanical Magazine, or Flower Garden Displayed, (fee. (fee. Conducted by Samuel Curtis, F. L. S. The descriptions by Sir Wm. Jackson Hooker, K. H. LL.D. F. R. A. and L. S., (fee. «fcc. Vol. XVII. No. 214. New Series. October 1, 1844. London. Curtis's Botanical Magazbie. — This accurate and beau- tiful work offers in the present number, for October, five Floricultiiral and Botanical Notices. 457 figures, and corresponding descriptions, of rare and splen- did plants; and, as a single number, is unusually attractive in itself, on account of the plates. First, we are presented with a gorgeous Orchidaceous — of which, it is said, " noth- ing can exceed the beauty and delicacy of the blossoms of this plant, as they appeared in the Orchidaceous-house of the Royal Botanic Gardens in the early spring of 1844, continuing too, in great perfection, for several weeks. Per- haps it is the most lovely of its tribe, and deficient only in foliage, which here can scarcely be distinguished from the stem, either in form or color." From its Sanscit name its generic title is derived, viz. : Vanda, while the character of the stem furnishes the specific, — teres; the Quill-leaved Vanda. — {Lindley's Gen. and iSp. Orchid, p. 217. Bot. Reg., t. 1809.) Indeed, judging from the plate, we scarce- ly could conceive of a more singularly attractive blossom- ing production ; and were we not in some little degree ac- quainted with the bizarre character of the epiphytes of the tropics, we might reasonably entertain some doubts regard- ing its described merits. The great size of the flow-ers, and, borne on lateral pedicels five or six of these, "of the most delicate waxy texture," the sepals of which are near- ly white, with a rosy tint : the spreading petals of deep rose color, with pale, almost white, margins ; the lip spread- ing, three-lobed, variegated with yellow and rose color, spotted and streaked with red ; its stem round, terete, and leaves terete and also elongate, obtuse, dark-green, with a depressed line on their upper side, forming a contrast at once apparent, while the tout ensemble is striking. Native of the Burmese empires, and under culture grows well in a moist stove, suspended to a branch or piece of wood. Next, we have a pretty Cactus, known only in the gar- dens and in catalogues as FiChinocictus concinnus, and for the first time published as a distinct species, unless Echinocactus orthocanthus hink and Otto, — Pfiejfei'^s Enumerated Cact. p. 53, be its synonym. It is a small plant, two inches high, and three or three and a half inches diameter, globose, depressed remarkably at the top, side deeply and regularly ribbed ; spines eight or ten, bristle- shaped, spreading in a stellate manner; flowers one or two, generally from the border of the depressed summit, large, handsome ; petals numerous spreading, yellow, with a dark VOL. X. NO. XII. 58 458 Floriculiural and Botanical Notices. red streak down the centre. Cultivated for several years at Kew, where it flowers in March and April. The many species and varieties of the Cactea, increasing every day by importation from foreign habitats and from multiplication from seeds, hybridizing and the like, render the study of them more and more diflicult, and nothing but good figures can assist the student in unravelling the intri- cacies of such a diverse group, and though diverse, yet passing from one into the other by minute characters. A fragrant, rather large white-flowering (turning to rose color on age) herbaceous plant, with pinnatifid leaves, and a stem branched from the root, rather pretty, we should think, is depicted on the 4116 plate as Chabrse^a runcinata, named by De Candolle in compliment to Chabrey of Gene- va, author of " Omniiim Stirpium Sciographia, 1666." Dr. Hooker feels satisfied that it is Leucherz« runcinata of Dr. Gillies, and hardly distinct from that genus, though placed in Chabrae^a by the lamented De Candolle. A native of the Andes, Chili. On the 4117 plate is a fine herbaceous plant, tuberous rooted, native of South Africa, whose reddish-purple flow*- ers remind us of Lophospermum erubescens, though to- tally unlike in habit and character. Its root is large, soli- tary and globose, from the top of which, elevated above the ground, is produced a stem, soon dividing into stout, succu- lent branches, bearing opposite leaves; its showy flowers in the leaf- axils. It is Pterodiscus speciosus Hooker: a stove plant, flowering at Knomsley in May, 1844; and cer- tainly, we should think, very desirable. New species of Brngsmans/a have been known and dis- persed under the names B. parviflora and B. florii)unda, which in fact have nothing to do with that genus, and be- long, indeed, to a showy shrub, so botanical ly rare, that it was known only to Ruiz and Pavon, who called it, in compliment to Don George Juan and Don Antonio Ulloa, (two distinguished Spaniards, sent in Condamine to South America, to measure a degree of the meridian,) JuanuUoa parasitica Flora Peruviana^ 2. p. 47, tab. 185. It is beau- tifully figured on the 4118 plate of this present number. Notwithstanding it is parasitic, or rather an epiphyte, growing naturally upon the trunks of trees, in woods in Peru, it flourishes freely, planted in earth and kept moist as a stove plant, flowering, at least at Kew, in the summer Floricidtural and Botanical Notices. 459 months. Natural order, Solaneae. Compare also Paxton^s 31a^nzme of Botany, Vol. 9, with a figure. Who does not admire the curious thunbergias — lovely twining plants, fitted for the greenhouse, parlor, or for sum- mer, for outdoor culture 7 Of these, we have already T. alata, with pale yellow flowers; its variety aurantiaca, with dark orange blossoms; and that other most delicate variety alba, with pure and soft white flowers ; all bearing a dark spot in the centre, produced by the purple throat of the corolla. [We would also name a fourth variety, T. alata, var. Fryeri, yellow with a white throat, distinct and a most desirable addition. It flowered in our collection the past summer. — Ed.] But how shall we describe the splendor of a new, large flowered, purple-blue species, the throat of whose corol is golden yellow, the edge of which, spreading on the corolla, gives it the specific name of Golden-eyed — then a lighter blue tint deepening into dark purplish blue? What shall we say of this, promising to eclipse all the others, both in splendor and facility of cultivation; "readily increased by cuttings, soon flowering, and bearing a succession of blossoms, to compensate for the short duration of each in- dividual one?" This new species was introduced into England from Sierra Leone; and we are happy to be able to add, that, by the exertions and zeal of Mr. C.,M. Hovey, a living plant, brought by himself from the collections of England, has reached this vicinity in safety. We trust to see this mag- nificent floral gem, in full vigor, beneath the ardent temper- ature of our summer, during the next season. That it will meet with a most cordial reception, we entertain no doubt, especially after seeing the figure of it on plate 4119, where it is delineated as Thunberg/a chrysops Hooker. With these two species, viz., T. alata, and its two varie- ties, aurantiaca and alba, and with the subject of the pres- ent remarks, a most elegant group of climbing plants may be formed, and the merits of all will be better known and appreciated, we are confident, through the splendor of Thunbergia chrysops. — J. L. R. 460 Foreign Notices. — England. MISCELLANEOUS INTELLIGENCE. Art. I, Foreign JVotices. England. English Dahlia Exhibitions for 1844. — Always desirous of giving our amateur friends and lovers of the dahlia all the information in relation to this beautiful flower, we present below a brief account of one of the greatest dahlia exhibitions held in England this year. And we are ena- bled to do this, not from newspapers and periodicals, but from our own notes taken on the spot. It was highly gratifying to us that we were so fortunate as to be in London when this exhibition took place. During the whole of the early part of September, we were absent on the Conti- nent, and when we returned the dahlia season was then nearly over. We arrived just in time to be present at the grand exhibition in Baker street, the last one which took place in the vicinity of London. A few days afterwards many of the plants were destroyed by frost. The season of 1844 in England, as well as our own country', has been unfavorable to the dahlia ; dry weather throughout nearly the whole of August and September prevented the formation of strong buds, and a larger portion of the flowers were small and imperfect ; owing also to the dry season the plants were in many places attacked by the thrips, and severely injured. A less number of dahlia exhibitions have been held the present year than for two or three seasons previous ; this is in a de- gree, no doubt, owing to the breaking up of the Metropolitan Society of Florists, Avho were the first to bring the dahlia to the perfection which it has arrived within a few years. When this interest ceases among the principal growers around the metropolis, less zeal is felt in its cultivation in the provincial towns. The Exhibition took place at the Bazaar in Baker street, Portman square, London. It was got up by the exertions of the principal cultiva- tors, among whom were Messrs. Widnall, Brown, Girling, Atwell & Brown, Keynes, Harrison,' Sorrel, Brag, Stein, Turner, Whale, Sparry, Hansard, Edwards, Low, Mitchell, — each one subscribing a certain sum to be awarded in prizes. The dahlias exhibited were not very numerous, nor, as a whole, of re- markable beauty. The stands occupied three tables about forty feet long each, one being filled principally with seedlings. We did not note down all the entries. The room was to be open at one o'clock ; but owing to the large number of seedlings, the judges were not then enabled to make up their awards ; this occupying so much time the public were admitted, and the awards completed afterwards. After some delay the stands were all duly ticketed Avith the name of the grower, and the names of the flowers added, when, in company with Mr. Brown, we looked over some of the most prominent stands. The 1st, 2d and 3d best stands of 24 blooms, nurserymen's class, were as follows : — Foreign Notices. — England. 461 1st Prize to Mr. Brown, of Slough, for Indispensable, Mrs. Shelley, Springfield Rival, Phenomenon, Orange Superb, Blue Bennett, Admiral Stopford, Duchess of Richmond, Standard of Perfection, Le Grand Bau- dine, Great Mogul, Essex Triumph, Nonpariel, Beauty of the Plain, Sir R. Sale, Metella, Eclipse (Widnall's), Lady Antrobus, Pickwick, Presi- dent of the West, Alexander, Victory of Sussex, Competitor, Phcenix. 2d Prize to Mr. Keynes, of Salisbury, for Prince of Waterloo, Le Grand Baudine, President of the West, Maria, Mrs. Shelley, Antagonist, Essex Triumph, Nonpareil, Phenomenon, Lady Antrobus, Duchess of Rich- mond, Andrew Hofer, Princess Royal (Hudson's), Lady Harland, Compet- itor, Admiral Stopford, Emma Noke, Victory of Sussex, Standard of Per- fection, Perpetual Grand, Eermonsdy Bee, Eclipse (Widnall's), Burnham Hero, Sir J. Richardson. 3d Prize to Mr. Girling, for Mrs. Shelley, Lady Harland, Admiral Stopford, Phenomenon, Jehu, Antagonist, Eermonsdy Bee, Princess Royal (Hudson's), Crimson Perfection, Standard of Perfection, Prince of Wales, Hope, Andrew Hofer, Beauty of the Plain, Nutwich, Rob Roy, Consola- tion, Lady Antrobus, President of the West, Eclipse (Widnall's), Rem- brandt, Queen of Roses, Essex Triumph, Springfield Rival. 4th Prize to Mr. Bragg, but we had not time to complete the list of names. The principal part of these varieties were in the stands of eighteen, twelve and six blooms. Mr. Girling exhibited a stand of twenty-four fancy dahlias, comprising several very showy ones, and a portion of them quite Avorthless ; the best were, Oakley's Surprise, Alba Purpurea Su- perba. Purpurea Alba, Susianna, Belle du Donk, (?) Miss Watson, Mad. Milliez, Butterfly, Madam Chauviere, and Madam de Schaunenfield. After a careful inspection of all the flowers in the prize stands, we •- ' down the following as the best of each color: — White, Antagonist ; yellow, Cleopatra (new) ; rose, Mrs. Shelley ; day - Essex Triumph ; purple, Bermonsdy Bee ; scarlet, Essex Champion ; ma roan, Raphael ; tipped, Bridesmaid ; lilac. Lady Harland ; crimson, Stand- ard of Perfection ; orange, Orange Superb ; ixd, Nonpariel ; dark shaded, Alexander. The stands of seedlings numbered about twenty-five, and contained many very good flowers, with others quite ordinary. Twenty-four blooms were shown of Cleopatra, a fine deep yellow one, of good size and form, well up on the centre. Eighteen blooms of a red dahlia, similar in color to Red Rover, but of good form and petal, without name. Six blooms of Brown's Orlando, of a pale lilac, a desirable color, form good but petal too coarse. Six blooms of Duke of York, a pale yellow, similar to Primrose. Six blooms of Marchioness of Ormond, white with bold top of violet, fine form and petal, well up in the centre. Six blooms of Beeswing, a red one, form good, centre well up. Six blooms Brown's Arethusa, rich violet purple, petals too crowded, but a good flower. Six blooms of a white one by Mr. Heale, petal thin but color pure. Six blooms Dodd's Marc Antony, rich deep yellow, good form. Six blooms of Beauty of Enfield, lilac rose, good. Six blooms of a tipped one by Mr. Girling, similar to Oakley's Surprise, color deeper and richer, form excellent. Many other seedlings were shown ; of some- only one bloom, and of others six ; but they were generally under private marks, and many will require another year's trial. The most desirable ot 462 Exhibitions of Horticultural Societies. these seedlings are Duke of York, Orlando, Marchioness of Ormond, Cleo- patra, Arethusa, Beeswing, Marc Antony, and the tipped seedling of Mr. Girling. Though somewhat disappointed in the exhibition not being as extensive as we expected, and Avitli a less number of fine blooms than we had sup- posed would have been shown, yet we were pleased at being present. The mode of showing dahlias, which we have given in a previous volume, (IV. p. 281,) is different from that adopted by our own Horticultural So- cieties. The flowers are there shown in stands of six, twelve, eighteen, twenty-four or more blooms ; these stands are made of a single board, with holes at proper distances, (about four inches,) through which the stems of the dahlias are inserted into phials of water, and the blooms lie quite flat upon the board. To us this had a set and stiS" appearance, not so pleasing as our plan of showing in bottles in stands ; the back petals of the flower are often flattened, and the hemispheral form of the bloom we thought to be injured; the plan, however, is well adapted to the car- riage of the flowers, as they are often brought one or two hundred miles. At four o'clock the exhibitors, amateurs and judges sat down to a din- ner, at which Mr. Glenny, the editor of the Gardtner's Gazdte, presided. The dahlia and dahlia shows were discussed, and the occasion appeared to be one of much good feeling. Ed. Art. II. Exhibitions of Horticultural Societies, Owing to our absence abroad, we had not the gratification of witnessing^ the very fine exhibitions which have taken place in Boston, Salem and New York. The Report of the Massachusetts Horticultural Society has already been given ; that of the Essex County Natural History Society will be found below ; but that of the American Institute Ave have not yet seen in print. They were, we believe, all remarkably fine, particularly in the specimens of fruit, which probably were never seen in so great quan- tity, or so large and beautiful. The Cincinnati Horticultural Society had a fine exhibition, af which we annex a short account. We congratulate our friends upon the rapid spread of Horticultural Associations, of M-hich these reports are the evidence, especially in the West, where there is such a field for improvement. Essex Codntt Natural History Society's Exhibitions. — Weekly exhibitions of fruits and flowers have been held, on Wednesdays, at the Hall of the Essex County Natural History Society, from May to Septem- ber, inclusive ; they have been well sustained, and manifest an increased taste for tbe cultivation of choice flowers and delicious fruits in our city and immediate vicinity. Annexed is a brief abstract of the principal varieties of flowers and fruits exhibited ; the names of the contributors, and a particular enumera- tion of the varieties are omitted, as the insertion would occupy too much space in the pages of your valuable Magazine. Essex Co. Natural History Society, 463 Of the garden and greenhouse flowers, the rose stands very conspicu- ous. Since the introduction of the Bourbons, Perpetuals and Hybrid Perpetuals into our gardens, the period of exhibiting this fovorite tlower is not confined to one or two weeks in June, but is extended throughout the season, till frost, and the dreary winds of autumn, check all vegeta- tion. Our stands, during the whole season, have been well filled with new and choice varieties of this plant, which ere long will rival the dahlia in our autumnal exhibitions. About 400 varieties have been exhibited, among which were the following new ones, viz. : Alice Leroy, D'Orleans, Helene Mauget, Louise Colet, Unique de Provence, and twenty other va- rieties of the Moss. Also Emerance, New Globe Hip, Charles Duval, Coupe d'Hebe, Great Western, New Village Maid, Rubifolia Superba, Baltimore Belle, Perpetual Pink, Queen of the Prairies, and Noisette, Cloth of Gold, &c. &c. Pfccnies. — Tree or Moutan, viz. : papaveracea, p. Banksire, p. rosea, a seedling very double, large, and nearly white. About 40 varieties of the herbaceous kinds, among which were Pottsii, Reevesii, Richardsom'i, speciosa striata, formosa, lutea alba, Victoire Modeste, &.C., with about 20 seedlings. The flowering trees, shrubs and climbing plants were fully represented in the difierent varieties of honeysuckle, clematis, glycine, bignonia, euonymus, acacia, hibiscus, viburnum, shepardia, liriodendron, catalpa, magnolia, &c.; also the herbaceous plants, as the lupinus, phlox, lychins, digitalis, delphinium, dictamnus, hypericum, &c. Carnations, pinks, picotees, pansies, tulips, lilies, &c., — a great variety and many fine specimens. Dahlias. — Of these, during the latter part of the season, many choice and beautiful varieties were exhibited, — this flower forming a conspicu- ous part of the floral display at the annual exhibition, and nearly all the varieties shoAvn at the weekly exhibitions were there exhibited ; for a particular account we must refer the reader to the report herewith appen- ded. Among the flowers not otherwise enumerated under any of the forego- ing heads, was a fine plant of Z/ilium lancifolium punctatum, containing several beautiful flowers ; two flowers of the Cereus grandiflorus: they bloomed late in the evening preceding, and continued expanding during the next forenoon, until nearly the close of the exhibition. A beautiful spike of Yucca filamentosa, Cereus speciosissimus, Ackermam'i, with sev- eral choice seedlings ; Echinocactus Eyriesii, &c. &c. The native plants, as usual, have held a conspicuous place at all our exhibitions. Among them were the beautiful Polygala paucifolia and the delicate Linnrpa borcalis, from the woods of Essex; Kalmra latifolia and Magnolia glaiica, from Gloucester; Sabbatia chloroides and Z«ilium su- perbum, from Barnstablp County ; also Rhodora canadensis, Aralea vis- cosa. Lobelia cardinalis, O'rchis grandiflora, Arelhusa bulbosa, Calla pa- liistris, Cymbidium pulcht'dlum, &-c. Fruits. — The display of apples, this season, has been uncommonly fine ; tlie specimens were very larjre and fair. The following varieties have been exhibited, viz. : Early Harvest, Early Rivers, Summer Pear- main, Early Bough, Dodge's Early Red, Early Red Margaret, Williams's Summer, Red Astracan, Knowles's Early, Tetofski, Summer Queen, Red Juneating, Sopsavine, Hawthornden, Charlomoski, Irish Peach, Orne's 464 Exhibitions of Horticultural Societies. Early, Sweet Paradise, Newton Pippin, Putnam's Harvey, Early Golden Sweet, Striped June, Duchesse of Oldenburg, Red, Sweet (Wetherell's,) Siberian Crab, Porter, Hillar's Greening, High Top Sweeting, Red and Green Sweeting, Higginson or Jenks's Striped Green Sweeting, Jersey Sweet, Summer Rose, Benoni, Dutch Codlin, Maiden Blush, Woolman's Harvest, Spice Sweet. Pears. — Amre Joannet, Petit Muscat, Madeleine, Muscat Robert, Cath- erine, (?) Jargonelle, Rousselet Hatif, Bergamotte d'Ete, Bloodgood, En- glish Red Cheek, (?) Sugar Top, Dunbarton, Fin or d'Ete, Julienne, (?) Empress of Summer, Fondante d'Ete, Nouvelle Mabille, Skinless, August Muscat, Passans du Portugal, Summer Franc Real, Rostiezer, Prospect Hill, Williams's Bon Chretien, Limon, (Van Mons,) Vallee Franche, Summer Rose, St. Ghislain, Dearborn's Seedling, Lansac, (?) Hooper's Billboa, Washington, Elizabeth, Sugar. Strawberries. — Early Virginia, Aberdeen Seedling, Wood, Methven Castle, (?) Duke of Kent, Roseberry, Royal Scarlet, Mulberry, Hovey's Seedling, Bishop's Orange. Grapes. — Black Hamburg, Early Muscadine, Zinfindal, Sweetwater, White Frontignac, White Chasselas, Black Prolific, Chasselas Bar sur Aube, Black Portugal, Chasselas. jVedarines. — Golden, Elruge. Peaches. — Royal George Clingstone, New Jersey Grosse Mignonne, Crawford's Late, Coolidge's Favorite, Noblesse, Early York, Gilman's Early, Surpasse, Marie Louise, Grosse Mignonne, Early Crawford. Cherries. — English Morello, Belle Magnifique, Mazzards, Richardson's Late Red, Sweet Montmorency, Ox Heart, May Duke, Seedling by Dr. Nichols, Manning's Early Black Heart, Madison Bigarreau, Roberts's Red Heart, Black Heart, Black Tartarean, Seedling by J. M. Ives, Holman's Duke, White Bigarreau, Elton, Downton, White Heart, Napoleon, Honey Heart, Plumstone Morello, Downer's Late Red, Seedling Bigarreau, Man- ning's Fine Red, Hyde's Red Heart, Manning's White Mazzard. Raspberries. — Franconia, Ohio Ever-bearing. Currants. — Champagne, White Scotch, White and Red Dutch. Plums. — Myrobalan, Cheston or Matchless, Rivers's Seedling, Italian Damask, Violet Hatif, Caledonian or Nectarine, Lawrence's Favorite, Morocco, Early Orleans, Pond's Italian Damask, (?) Peters's Golden Yel- low, Green Gage, English Wheat, Mogul, Huling's Superb, Drap d'Or, Goliah, Blue Gage, Prince's Imperial, Sharp's Emperor, Bolmar's Wash- ington, Blue Plum, Orleans, Byfield, Brevoort's Purple, Kirke's, Lucombe's Nonsuch, Bingham, Diamond, Isabella, Magnum Bonum, Lombard, Dana's Yellow, Violet Perdrigon, Cruger's Scarlet, Scarlet Gage of Danvers, Azure Hatif, (?) Red Orleans, P'ond's Seedling, Horse, Elfry, English Or- leans, Royal de Tours, Columbian, Smith's Orleans. The display of plums has been uncommonly fine this season ; a greater variety, and more beau- tiful specimens, have never perhaps been exhibited before in this city. Gooseberries. — Seven varieties. Melons. — Green Citron, Water, &c. ANNUAL EXHIBITION. The Fourth Annual Exhibition of Fruits and Flowers, at the Hall of the Essex County Natural History Society, took place on Wednesday and Essex Co. Natural History Society. 465 Thursday, Sept. lltli and 12th, 1844. On examinino; tlie following re- port, we tind that the whole number of contributors are 117, of which 2 are residents of South Reading, 1 of Marblehead, 2 of Lynn, 6 of Bev- erly, 9 of Danvcrs, and the remaining 97 of our city. The number of varieties of fruit exhibited are 42(1. Of these, 188 pears, 116 apples, 42 plums, 43 peaches, 17 grapes, 12 melons, 2 tigs, 2 nectarines, 2 quinces, 1 nuts, 1 strawberries. The number of the varieties of flowers cannot be so exactly ascertained, but it is estimated to be about 400. Of these, 200 are dahlias, 100 roses, 75 other garden and greenhouse plants, and 25 na- tives of our fields, woods and meadows. Fjlo WERS. — Oliver Thayer, bouquets of asters, stocks, dahlias, larkspurs, &c. Thorp Fislier, dahlias : Oakley's Surprise, Essex Triumph, Mrs. Per- cival, Widnall's Q,ueen, Marshal Soult, Pickwick, Unique, Essex Rival, Ne PlusjUltra, &c. ; also bouquets of asters, larkspurs, &c. W. P. Richard- son, bouquets of dahlias, larkspurs, asters, gladiolus, coreopsis, marigolds, petunias, verbenas, &c. W. Wallis, bouquets of dahlias. B. H. Silsbee, dahlias: Widnall's Queen, Pickwick, Marshal Soult, Charles XII ; also, bouquets of gladiolus, stocks, verbenas, asters, &c. Mrs. J. D. Tread- well, Camellia japonica rubra plena, Hamerocallis alba, dahlias, asters, nasturtium, &c. Joseph Glidden, bouquets of dahlias. Benjamin Crea- mer, dahlias, several varieties, German quilled asters, stocks, marigolds, &LC. J. F. Allen, bouquets of roses, geraniums, dahlias, &c. George Driver, dahlias, about 50 varieties, viz. r'^Widnall's Queen, Ne Plus Ultra, Pickwick, Charles XII, Mrs. Percival, Wheeler's Maria, Middlesex Rival, Primrose, Crichton, &c. ; also bouquets. W. F. Gardner, dahlias : Gaine's Primrose, Pickwick, Lady Bathurst, Charles XII, Premier, Gen. Washington, Rienzi, Mrs. Johnstone, Unique, &c.; also bouquets. Henry K. Oliver, dahlias: Lady St. Maur, Rose Superior, Yellow Victory, Essex Triumph, Catleugh's Eclipse, Girling's Prince of Wales, Miss Percival, &c. ; also balsamines. James Upton, dahlias: Admiral Stooford, Yellow Victory, Madame de Schaunenfield, Dowager Lady Cooper, Mary Ann, Miss Percival, Dodd's Prince of Wales, Beauty of Bedford, Phoenix, &c. John W. Downing, dahlias : Mrs. Shelley, Sir Robert Sale, Ne Plus Ultra, Widnall's Queen, Maid of Bath, Mary Ann, &c. George Masury, of Beverly, dahlias: Oakley's Surprise, Widnall's Queen, T. C. Percival, Primrose, Maid of Bath, Pick- wick, Ne Plus Ultra, &c. ; also bouquets. Daniel Lord, dahlias : Charles XII, Fireball, Striata, Ne Plus Ultra, Widnall's Queen, &lc. James Green, dahlias : Lady Washington, Conqueror of Europe, Princess Victo- ria, Striata, &c. H. F. King, dahlias : Marshal Soult, Mackenzie's Perfection, Ansel's Unique, Princess Victoria, Lady Bathurst, Bridesmaid, Suffolk Hero, Argo, &c. ; also bouquets of verbenas, heliotrope and asters. F. Putnam, dahlias: Lady St. Maur, Brasg's Antagonist, Oakley's Surprise, Admiral Stopford, Sir Robert Sale, Mrs. Shelley, &c. ; roses : about 70 varieties of Noisettes, Bourbons and Perpetuals, viz. : Prince de Galles, Aubernon, Prince Albert, Comte d'Eu, Solfatare, Queen. Enfante d'Ajaccio, Compte de Paris, Baron Prevost, &c. ; Passiflora Loudon?', alata and Kermesina, T. Ropes, Jr., danlius: Lady St. Maur, Bragg's Antagonist, Henry Clay. Caleb Cope, Horace Binney, Mrs. Hibbert's, Mrs. Percival, Ne Plus Ul- tra, Princess Royal, T. C. Percival, Pickwick, &c. John C. Lee, dahlias : Marshal Soult, Rienzi, Striata, Charles XII, &.c. ; roses, several varieties VOL. X. — NO. XII. 59 466 Exhibitions of Horticnliural Societies. of Chinese and Bourbons, viz. : Agrippina, Doubriel, Acidalie, Bouquet de Flore, Phillepart, Marshal de Villars, &c.; also bouquets of petunias, verbenas, asters, &c. J. A. Goldthwaite, dahlias : Dowager Lady Cooper, Widnall's Queen, Pickwick, Argo, Marshal Soult, Primrose, Bridesmaid, Andrew Hofer, Suffolk Hero, &c. J. H. Phippen, dahlias : Mrs. Johnstone, Argo, Beau- ty of the North, Andrew Hofer, Ansel's Unique, Lady Bathurst, and other varieties, G. D. Phippen, dahlias : Gaines's Primrose, Bridesmaid, An- sell's Unique, Rienzi, Hero of Tippecanoe, Premier, &c. Henry Fowle, of Danvers, Passiflora cserulea. E. Bos well, dahlias : Dowager Lady Cooper, Widnall's Queen, Rouge et Noire, Eva, Ne Plus Ultra, Constan- tia, Fair Maid of Clifton, Andrew Hofer, &c. F. Lamson, dahlias : Mar- shal Soult, Mackenzie's Perfection, Premier, Ansel's Unique, &c. ; also roses, phlox, heliotrope, asters, geraniums, &c. Miss E. C. Mack, bou- quets of dahlias, asters, gladiolus, verbenas, heliotrope, geraniums, &c. Mrs. J. S. Leavitt, a fine plant of Acacia sp. C. Lawrence, of Danvers, a large and fine plant in flower of the Agapanthus umbellatiis. J. C. Harvey, dahlias, Mary Ann, Argo, Ne Plus Ultra, Andrew Hofer. Sul- phurea elegans, Rienzi, &c. H. Wheatland, dahlias : Bragg's Antago- nist, Argo, Ansel's Unique, Marshal Soult, Striata, &c. ; also gladiolus, asters, white sultan, stocks, &c. S, C. Phillips, a fine plant of the Bella- donna lily ; also bouqets. Miss Chase, a basket of flowers beautifully ar- ranged, containing verbenas, geraniums, &c. P. Dodge, bouquets of gla- diolus, hemerocallis, asters, dahlias, &c. S. P. Fowler, of Danvers, Eu- ropean Globe Flower, Hemerocallis alba, Passiflora incarnata, &c. Native Plants. — Mrs. J. D. Treadwell, asters, solidago, eupatorium, &c. R. H. Wheatland and S. C. Oliver, several species of asters and solidago. George A. Brown, of Beverly, Lobeh'ffl cardinalis, Chelone glabra, Neottia cernua, «fec. S. P. Fowler, of Danvers. Aster Novas An- glias, under cultivation, Chelone glabra, &c. F. Lamson, Gentia?ja sapo- naria, Centaurea nigra, asters, solidago, &c. Fruit. — Pears : Robert Manning, one hundred and twenty-eight vari- eties, viz. : Seedling, Napolean, Rousselet de Rheims, Bergamotte d'Au- tomne, Bon Chretien Fondante, Summer Thorn, Bergamotte Sylvange, Styrian, Ambrosia, Fulton, Monsieur Le Cure, Washington, Duchesse de Mars, Yutte, Locke, Capiaumont, Emerald, Bonne Louise Royal, Hugue- not, Surpasse Virgouleuse, Glout Morceau, Passe Colmar, Reine des Poiros, Foster's St. Michael's, Ronville, Surpasse Marie Louise, Sieulle, Catillac, Winter Nelis, Beurre Delbecq., St. Michael's, Alpha, Hannas, Horticulture, Chaumontelle, Beurr