UMASS/AMHERST 312066 0317 3277 8 LIBRARY OF THE MASSACHUSETTS AGRICULTURAL COLLEGE NO.__5_!T._l DATE_!1:.L.^?._^_. IM, ^ 6 l^. ^Tj^lM^t j^i^ 'X^^.c^^/y^ ^-^-L N \ tS THE MAGAZINE OF HORTICULTURE, AND ALL USEFUL DISCOVERIES AND IMPROVEMENTS IN RURAL AFFAIRS. *' Je voudrais echaufier tout I'univers de raon gout pour les jardins. II me semble qu'il est impossible qu'un mechant puisse I'avoir. II n'est point de vertus que je ne suppose h. ceiui que aime k parler et k faire des jardins. Peres de famille, inspirez la jardinomanie k vosenfans." — Prince De Ligne. VOL. XI. 1845. (vol. I., NEW SERIES.) Edited BY C. M. HOVEY BOSTON: PUBLISHED BY HOVEY AND CO., MERCHANTS ROW. 1845. /V\ a 7 Y. (I PREFACE. The Eleventh Volume of the Magazine commences the First of a New Series, or Decade, in order to accommodate new subscrib- ers, who do not wish to possess the entire work. A reference to the table of contents will show at a glance the variety of information contained in this volume. The principal papers are those containing the notes and details of our tour in Eu- rope, which we trust have been found as interesting and instructive as any thing we could present to our readers; these will be com- pleted in the Twelfth Volume. Besides the places yet remaining to be noticed around London, are some of the most extensive pri- vate residences, public gardens and nurseries, which we visited in Scotland. The articles on the construction of forcing pits and green-houses, will be found of much value, and with what we shall ourselves have to offer in the next volume, will supply the amateur with all the more recent and approved modes of building and heat- ing garden structures of all kinds. The introduction of the im- proved forms of boilers, and their more economical consumption of fuel, will greatly lessen the expense of heating, — an item of much importance, in our severe climate. A continuation of our article on new fruits enumerates twelve varieties of pears, of which en- gravings have been given. The Reviews of New Books, and the Miscellaneous Intelligence in the Eleventh Volume, will be found highly interesting. The details of our European tour, have prevented us from fulfill- ing some of the promises we made in our last volume; but we now are glad to state that we have the engravings under preparation, and shall present in an early number of the next volume, our first arti- cle on our hardy trees and shrubs. The favorable season for pears has also enabled us to make many acquisitions to our collection of drawings, and we shall figure and describe some new and choice varieties in the Twelfth Volume. Relying upon the aid of our amateur friends, we hope to add in- creased interest to our pages, and render the Magazine a record of every improvement in Horticultural Science. C. M. H. Boston, Dec. 1, 1845. CONTENTS ORIGINAL COMMUNICATIONS. GENERAL SUBJECT. A Retrospective View of the Progress of Horticulture in the United States, dur- ing the year ]844. By the Editor . 1 Notes and Recollections of a Tour through part of England, Scotland and France, in the autumn of 1844. By the Editor — Objects of the Tour; and General Re- marks 15 Places "Visited; Climate of England; Liverpool; St. James' Walk and Public Cemetery; Liverpool Botanic Garden; Chester; Eaton Hall . . . .41 Manchester; Sheffield; Sheffield Bo- tanic Garden ; Baslow ; Chatsworth, Duke of Devonshire . . . .81 Matlock; Derby Arboretum; London; Garden of the London Horticultural Society 121 Chiswick, Mr. Glendenning ; Clap- ham, Mr. Groom; Regent's Park Bo- tanic Garden; The Parks of London; Sawbridgeworth, Nursery of Mr. Riv- ers ..*..... 161 Brighton; Dieppe; Rouen; Rouen to Paris; Paris; Nursery of M. Jamin . 201 Jardin des Plants; Gardens of the Luxembourg; Nursery of V. Verdler; Garden of M. Laffay at Meudon; The Chateau of Meudon . . . .241 Vitry Sur Seine; Nursery of M. Chat- enay; Fromont on the Seine, Villa of M. Soulange Bodiu ; Versailles ; The Gardens of the Tuilleries; The Gardens of the Palais Royal; The Champs Ely- sees; Pere la Chaise .... 281 London; Tooting, Messrs. Rollison . & Son; Clapham, Messrs. Fairburn; Mr. Wilmot's Fruit Garden, Isleworth; Nursery of Messrs. Ronalds; Houns- low. Nursery of Mr. Chapman; Chand- ler's Nursery, Vauxhall; Fruit Garden of Mr. Chapman, South Lambeth . 321 Hackney, Messrs. Loddiges; Ham- mersmith Nursery, Messrs. Lee; Chis- wick Villa, Duke of Devonshire . . 361 Kew Gardens ; Wimbledon House, Mrs. Marryatt 401 Plan and Description of a Cucumber or Melon Pit, heated on the Gutter Sys- tem. By R. Glendenning, F. H. S., &c., and author of various treatises on gnrdening sulijects .... 18 Progress of Horticulture in Indiana. By the Rev. H. W. Beecher, Indianapolis, Indiana ....... 50 Some observations on the Climate and Soil, and the State of Horticulture in Wisconsin Territory. By F. K. Phce nix, Delavan, Walworth Co., VV. T. . 56 Remarks upon Heating Horticultural Buildings. By a Practical Gardener in the neighborhood of London . . 96 Notice of the State of Horticulture in Italy. By S. B. Parsons, of the Com- mercial Garden and Nursery at Flush- ing, L. 1 206 A few Remarks on the Management of Horticultural Exhibitions, with Sugges- tions for their Improvement, &c. By William W. Valk, M. D. and F. H. S., of London 407 HORTICULTURE. On the Cultivation of Lettuce, so as to produce Successive Crops the year through. By J. W. Russell, Newton, Mass 20 Figure and Description of the Jefferson Plum. By A. J. Downing, Newburg, New York 23 On the Production of Hardy Seedling Grapes, by hybridizing the native with the foreign grape. By W. W. V. . 134 Notices of Culinary Vegetables, new or recently introduced, worthy of general cultivation in private gardens or for the market. By the Editor . . .136 Remarks on Re-establishing Grafted Fruit Trees on their own Roots, especially applicable to Apples and Pears. Trans- lated from the Revue Ilorticole, Tom. v.. No. 30. By A. J. Downing, Botan- ic Garden and Nursery, Newburg, N. Y. 133 Pomological Notices; or notices resj)ect- ing new and superior Fruits, worthy of general cultivation: — Descriptions of twelve varieties of Pears, new or recently introduced. By the Editor, — viz.. 1. Beurr6 de Cstpiaumont, Frederic of Wurtemberg, Duchesse de Mars, Golden Beurr6 of Bilhoa, St. Ghislain, Duchesse d'Angoulcme . . . 1*'3 VI CONTENTS. 2. Beurr^ de Beaumont, Gendeeheiin, Hiricart, Verte Longue, Epiue d'Ete, Calebiisse 330 Mode of Obtaining Cherries without Stones. By E. M. R 182 Destruction of llie Red Spider. By a Correspondent 132 Notice of seven Seedling Varieties of Pears, raised by Hon. H. VV, Edwards, of New Haven, Conn. By Mr. Edwards. Communicated by Dr. E. W. Bull, Hartford 251 Description of a new Seedling Straw- berry, called the Boston Pine; with an Engraving of the Fruit. By the Editor 290 Description of the large heart-shaped Bi- garreau Cherry. By VV. R. Prince, Lin- nasan Botanic Garden and Nurseries, Flushing, New York . . . .339 Guano on Beans, — New mode of Glazing. By J E. Teschemacher . . . 415 Results ol Experiments in the Cultivation of the Pear Tree in the Southern States; with some remarks on the diojcious cha- racter of the Strawberry. By Robert Chisholm, Esq., Secretary of the Beau- fort Agricultural Society, Beaufort, S.C. 441 Some Remarks on the most favorable cli- mate for the Apple Culture in America,' aviih observations on some erroneous descriptions of fruits, in "The Fruit and Fruit Trees of America," and a notice of several native apples, originated in Ohio. By T. S. Humrickhouse, Co- shocton, Ohio 444 FLORICULTURE. On the Cultivation of G^snera zebrina. By C. J. Ryan, Gardener to G. C. Thor- burn, Astoria, L. 1 58 On grouping and arranging Plants in the Flower Garden. By R. Carmichael, Newton, Mass 105 Descriptive List of twenty-four varieties ot annuals, suitable for the American Flower Garden. By R. Parnell, Garden- er to D. F Manice, Esq., Oatlauds, Ja- maica. L. 1 295 On the Cultivation of Prairie Roses. By Charles Robinson, Esq., New Haven, Conn 448 Floriciiltural and Botanical Notices of New Plants, figured in foreign periodi- cals ; with Remarks on those recently introduced to, or originated in, Ameri- can gardens, and additional information upon plants already in cultivation 25. 59. 141. 215. 252. 417 REVIEWS. Transactions of the Essex Agricultural Society for 1844. Vol. III., No. V. Published by order of the Society Transactions of the Agricultural Society and Institute of Newcastle County, Delawaie, at the Ninth Annual Meet- ing, held at Wilmington on the Uth .and 12th of Sept. 18'14, with an address delivered by .1. .'^. Skinner, Esq. . Peruvian and Bolivian Guano, its nature and properties, and results, with an ac- count of authentic experiments made with it in Great Britain, France and America, together with instructions lor Us use ....... American Quarterly Journal of Agri- culture and Science. Conducted by Dr. E. Emmons and Dr. S. J. Prime. Vol.1., No. I., January, February and March Cuano, its Origin, Properties, and Uses, showing its imiiortauce to the farmers of the United States, as a cheap and valuable manure ; with directions for (Using it 69 183 186 European Agriculture and Rural Econ- omy, from personal observation. By Henry Colman. Vol. I., Fan 3 . .222 An Address delivered before the Massa^ chusetts Horticultural Society, on the dedication of Horticultural Ball, May 15, 1845. By George Lunt . . .257 Everyman his own Farrier; containing the causes, symptoms, and most approv- ed methods of cure of the Diseases of Horses. By Francis Clater, author of Every Man his Own Cattle Doctor, and his son John Clater. First American, from the twenty-eighth London edition, with Notes and Additions, by J. S. Skinner 261 The American Agriculturist's Almanac for 1846. By A. B. Allen, Editor of the American Agriculturist . . . 262 The Fruits and Fruit Trees of America: or. The Culture, Propagation and Man- agement, in the Garden and Orchard, of Iruit trees generally ; with descrip- tions of all the finest varieties of fruit, native and foreign, cultivated in thU CONTENTS. VU country. Illustrated with numerous engravings. By A. J. Downing . . 297 European Agriculture and Rural Econ- omy, from personal observation. By Henry Colman. Vol. I., Part 4 . .424 Essay on Guano; describing its properties, and the best methods oi its application in Agriculture and Korticulture, Plan of a cucumber or melon pit heated by hot wa- ter circtt/atimg in iron gutters. 20 On the Cultivation of Lettuce. number another of our London correspondents will have more to say relative to these boilers, and the iron Tanks of Messrs. Burbidge & Healy. The following is Mr. Glendenning's description of the pit : a An arch in the back wall, in order to allow of the setting of the boiler. b Boiler. c Smoke flue carried through the back wall into a chimney in a high wall at the end of the pit. d Cast iron gutters for the circulation of hot water in the chamber. e Stop cocks for the puroose of shutting off the water so that one division of the pit can be worked without the other. f Hot water pipes for the purpose of warming the atmosphere of the frame, as shown in the Section at p. 18. g Cast iron gutters for hot water as shown in the plan d. h Hot water pipes as shown in plan/", i Flue from the boiler to the chimney. k Soil in which the plants are grown. / Slate covering the heated chamber in which the soil is placed. m Ground level, the pit being sunk about two feet. Art. IV. On the Cultivation of Lettuce, so as to produce successive crops the year through. By J. W, Russell, Newton, Mass. As lettuce is more or less used in every family, the mode of obtaining it in the greatest perfection, throughout the year, in regular succession, may not be unacceptable to a portion of your readers. Lettuce is grown in considerable quantities for the market, and fine heads may be obtained nearly the winter through ; in the months of December and January, owing to our severe weather, it cannot be grown as large as it can in the climate of England, without too much care and expense ; but later, when hot-beds do not suffer from extreme frost, it may be had in the greatest perfection. Notwithstanding lettuce may be found in the market of such excellence, few individuals, except market gardeners, understand its cultivation during the winter, and on this account many gentlemen are deprived of this desirable vegetable during that season, when it adds so much to the luxury of the table. On the Cultivation of Lettuce. 21 The following remarks are the results of several years cul- tivation of lettuce, both for private use and for the market ; and if the directions are carefully followed others may be equally successful. Selection of Sorts. — There are a few leading points to be strictly adhered to, and which ought not to be overlooked, if lettuce of a superior quality is the object of the cultivator. The Tennisball, Royal Gape, and Green Curled Silesia, are probably the best for spring use ; the Imperial (true) is the most worthy of the cultivator's trouble, in order to have a good supply through the summer ; and the Green Cabbage, or hardy Hannersmith, for the winter crop. It is of the greatest importance to obtain the seed time to the name, and not hybridized ; what makes the careful selection of the seed of so much consequence is, that all the care and labor be- stowed on the culture of the plants, if raised from spurious seed, approaches very nearly to labor lost. It is well known, although not so universally as could be wished, that a great portion of the varieties enumerated in catalogues are not worth growing in this climate ; the Cos lettuce, so much cul- tivated in England, and deservedly so, is rarely ever seen in our markets ; in fact, all the hybrid varieties, raised from the Cos and Cabbage lettuces, being intermixed, will not gener- ally be such as would give satisfaction in this country, and more especially if the variety partakes most of the Cos parent. Observe therefore to procure choice seed of responsible seeds- men. Compost for the Plants. — A light, rich, friable soil, and old hot-bed manure, — or manure that is as near as can be of the same nature, — well blended together, will ensure success ; for framing, the compost should be an equal quantity of ma- nure and earth ; this is the secret of obtaining fine lettuce : for v/herever extra fine lettuce is found, extra culture pro- duced it. For open air culture, the ground, however rich it may be in appearance, if not by the recent application of manure, ought to have a bountiful dressing, which should be dug in about three inches below the surface ; but before this the ground should have been in fine condition, either by deep ploughing or digging; the reason why the manure should not be buried deeper than proposed is, that the roots may take 22 On the Cultivation of Lettuce. hold of it at once, and that the plants may make a rapid and luxuriant growth. SoiDing the Seed. — To have a regular succession through- out the year, several sowings will be necessary. The first, or spring crop, should be planted from the 15th of February to the 1st of March ; the second, or summer crop, during April ; and successive sowings in June and August. For the last, or winter crop, the 15th to the 30th of September is the proper period. The seeds generally appear the fourth or fifth day, and the first transplanting should take place ten or twelve days subsequent to their appearance. Cnltivatioii of the Spring Crop. — Early in February pre- pare a small hot-bed, unless one is already made up for cucumbers, and the seed of the Tennisball, or Royal Cape, may be planted in flower-pots or boxes. It must be borne in mind that only a moderate heat is required for starting the plants from seed. Six inches from the glass is a proper dis- tance for the young plants ; give all the light possible through the day, and air every day that the weather will admit of it; the frame must be well secured from frost, which would de- stroy the plants, and it should be covered every night as long as the cold freezing weather lasts. The plants will require to be twice transplanted — first, from the seed-pots or boxes, about three inches apart, each way, in order to become strong, healthy plants, for their final removal to the beds where they are to remain. This may appear to those persons not already acquainted with the process, to be superfluous ; however, it is the only way to succeed. The final transplanting out into frames should take place as soon as the plants are ready, — if the Tennisball and Royal Cape, or Silesia, about nine inches apart, each way, will be found to be a proper distance. Regular attendance to the watering, giving air every favora- ble opportunity, and covering over the frames every night in season, is all that is necessary to ensure fine early lettuce. Cnltivatioii in the open air. — Early in April seeds of the Tennisball should be again sown, and the plants will be ready by the middle of May to transplant. It will be necessary at this season to allow about fifteen inches between the rows, in order to admit tlie Dutch hoe, or scuffle, to advantage, which should be frequently used. The Imperial should succeed the 3%e Jefferson Plum. 23 crop of Tennisball and Silesia, and the first of May the plants will be in readiness. Continue to plant as before ad- vised, every month or six weeks, from early spring to autumn, and select a cool situation for the late summer crops. Cultivation of the Winter Crop. — This is the sowing re- quiring the most attention, and which is to supply the table from January to March. Select a warm situation in the open ground, and manure the bed well, and dig it deep ; make the surface level and smooth with a fine rake, and it is then ready for the seed. The Hardy Hammersmith is the variety to sow now ; draw the drills three inches apart, and cover the seeds lightly. In a few days they will be up and grow rap- idly— and in October they should be transplanted into beds, where they are to be protected from frost. These should be common hot-bed frames ; and as soon as the nights become cool the sashes should be put on, removing them early every fair day. On the approach of severe cold secure the plants from the efiects of frost in season, for freezing and thawing would nearly destroy the whole. Very little water will be needed, unless there should be a continuance of fine weather, till Christmas, when they will require moderate waterings. Give all the light and air possible, and keep the plants clean and free from damp, by picking off all decayed leaves as soon as perceived. In December the plants will be very strong and stocky, and ready for removal to hot-beds, or pits in the greenhouse, where, with the ordinary treatment, they will soon form fine large heads. From time to time, as a succession is wanted, the plants can be transplanted from frames to heat, until the season arrives for the sowing of the spring crop. Newton^ Dec, 1844. Art. V. Figure and Description of the Jefferson Plum. By A. J. Downing, Newburgh, N. Y. If we were asked which we considered the most desirable of all plums, we should undoubtedly give the name of this new variety. When fully ripe it is nearly, — shall we not 24 The Jefferson Plum. say quite, — equal in flavor to the Green Gage, that unsur- passable standard in this respect. But when we compare with the small and rather insignificant appearance of the Green Gage, the unusual size and beauty of this new plum, we must admit that it takes the very first rank. As large as the Washington, it is more richly and deeply colored, being deep yellow, uniformly and handsomely marked with a rich dark red cheek. It is about ten days or a fortnight later than the Washington, ripening the last of August, and it has the additional merit of hanging long on the tree, gradually improving in flavor. It does not, like many other sorts, ap- pear liable to the attack of wasps, which devours many of the light colored plums as soon as they arrive at maturity. We received the Jeff"erson Plum {fig. 3.) a few years ago from the late Judge Buel, by whom it was raised and named, and the original tree is now, we believe, growing in his garden, near Albany. A plum so large and so unusually handsome, a good and regular bearer, and of such excellent quality, can- not fail to become a general favorite. All who saw the fruit upon the tree here, this season, (and among the number that excellent judge the President of your Horticultural Society,) pronounced it a plum of the first class in all respects. Description. — Branches slightly downy. Fruit, large, oval, slightly narrowed on one side toward the stalk. Skin, golden yellow, with a beautiful purplish red cheek, and covered with a thin white bloom. Stalk, an inch long, pretty stout, very slight- ly inserted. Suture, indis- tinct. Flesh, deep orange, parts freely and almost en- tirely from the stone, which is long and pointed; very rich, juicy, luscious and high flavored. Hangs a fortnight on the tree. Ripens from the ThTj^ersonPium. "diddle to the last of August. Floriciiltural and Botanical Notices. 25 The figure given is an outline from the average size of the fruit produced here the present season : we have seen much larger specimens from the original tree. Highland Gardens, Neioburgh^ Nov. 12. Art. VI. Floricultural