LIBRARY OF THE MASSACHUSETTS AGRICULTURAL COLLEGE • TTl'V'S. Levi L'\v\«Lo\-n So u Hc^^^*A^- _ri_ -1 V. 34 This book may be kept out TWO WEEKS only, and is subject to a fine of i WO CENTS a day thereafter. It will be due on the day indicated below. APR 27 ^933 IW^^^^'^ ja.og h£7 PR-? 7 133 J v.'34 ^ / \ \ THE MAGAZINE HORTICULTUKE, BOTANY, A.ND ALL USEFUL DISCOVERIES AND IMPROVEMENTS IN RURAL AFFAIRS. " Je voudrais ^chauffer tout I'univers de mon gout pour les jardins. II me semble qu'il est impossible qu'un mechaiit puisse I'avoir 11 ii'est point de vertus que je ne suppose a celui que aime a parler el a fairedes jardins. Peres de familie, inspirez la jardinomanie a vos enfaiis." — Prince de Ligiie. VOL. XXXIY. 1868. (vol. IV., FIFTH SERIES.) Edited by C. M. HOVEY. AUTHOR OF TUE " FRUITS OF AMERICA." BOSTON: PUBLISHED BY HOVEY & CO., 53 NORTH MARKET ST. 1SG8. M:i7 V. 34 HENRY W. BUTTON & SON, PRINTERS, 90 AND 92 Washington Street. CONTENTS. ORIGINAL COMMUNICATIONS. GENERAL SUBJECT. The Progress of Horticulture By the Editor, 1 Ebglish Nurseries. By H. W. S , . .14 On f ublic Parks. By Jasper Standstill, . 37 Fruit Houses By the Editor, ... 65 Why does not Running Water Freeze ? By Wilson Flagg, 70 American Pomological Society. By the Editor, 129 Acclimatization. By Wilson Flaggy . . 103 Kainy Day Scribblings. By Geo. Jaques, 108 A Leading Item. By F R. Elliott, . . 115 Former Jtxperiments in Hybridizing. By .Wilson Flagg 166 Insects and Fumigation. From the Gar- deners' Chronicle, 208 Hybridization of Plants. By the Editor. 225 Culture and Product of the Vine. By the Editor, 257 Objects to be Sought in Pomologital Sci- ence. By Wilson Flagg, . . .262 The Season and Fruit in England. By T. Rivers, 294 The Spring Garden By the Editor, 321 The Close of the Magazine By the Editor, 353 HORTICULTURE. New Vegetables, 39 The Rippowam Strawberry. By J. W. Faulkner, . . . ; . 74 The Barcelona, or Sicily Nut. By Li Jenney, Jri, 79 Cordon Apple Trees 81 The lona and other Grapes. By B , . . 140 The Fruits of 1867- By the Editor, . . 97 Culture of the Fig in Pots, . . . 117 Former Miscellaneous Experiments In Fruit Culture. By Wilson Flagg, . . .202 The Martha Grnpe By Geb W. Campbell, 236 Grape Growing in the West, . . . 238 Our New Fruits. By the Editor, . . 289 The Cultivation of the Strawberry. By Edmund Faile, 326 Grape Growing at Castle Kennedy. From the Gardeners' Chronicle, . . . 828 Pomological Gossip, 87, 116, 141, 178, 213, 246, 268, 299, 334 ARBORICULTURE. The Coniferous Trees By the Editor, . 193 Evergreens at W«denethe By H. W. Sar- gent, . . . • . . .231 Arbor Vitees. By Glagnevin, . . . 358 FLORICULTURE. Some California Plants, worthy the atten- tion of Florists By J L. R., . . 16 The new Feathered Crimson Ce osia. By the Editor, " 21 Subtropical Gardening, . . 33, 161 Notice of some interesting Herbaceous Plants from California. By J L.Russell, 42 Diantlius Dentosus. By the Editor, . 66 Tricyrtis Hirta. By the Editor, . . 147 Bambu.^a Aurea By the Editor, . . 121 The Florida Air Plant. By the Editor, . 176 Lupinus polyphyllus. By the Editor, . 178 Schizostylis coccinea By the Editor, . 217 The Florida Air Plant By John L. Russell, 249 Lilium Colchicum. By the Editor, . . 251 Random Thoughts on Wild Plants. By A C. R . . 270 Palms as Decorative Plants, . , . 273 Varieties of Ferns. By John L Russell, 296 Notes on Lilies, 302 The Dahlia, 3go On the Occurrence of the Autumnal Col- chicum. By John Lewis Russell, . . 367 / IV CONTENTS. LIST OF ENGRAVINGS. TREES AND PLANTS. Banibusa Aurea, Dianthus Dentosus, . Feathered Crimson Celosia, LiliuDi t'olchicum, Lupinus Polvphvllus, Schizostylis Coccinea, pane. . 122 . 66 . 22 . 251 . 179 . 220 3. 6. Tricyrtis Hirta 147 OPERATIONS. page. Double Cordon Mode of Training Dwarf Apples, . . . . . .83 Single t'ordon Mode of Training Dwarf Apples, 84 FRUITS. STRAWBERRIES. 10. President Wilder, 300 LIST OF PLANTS. In the body of the Magazine, a few errors occur in the spelling of the botanical name?, the capitalizing the generic and specific names, their derivation and accentuation; these are all corrected in the foUowirg list of plants : List of New Azaleas, . 146 List of Hardy Evergreens, 233 Lists of Gladiolus, . 149. 273 List of Lilies, 304 Lists of Hyacinths, . 160; 152 Lists of Subtropical Plants, . 34, 164 36S List of Violets, . . 128 Li.st of Draceenas, 36 Lists of New Hybrid Coleus, . . 180, 217 List of Thujas, 358 .d^bies cephalonica, 15 195,2331 vlsplenium rhee'ticum, 296 Campanula filiformis. 42 Douglas; i, 15, 283 trichoniAnes, 297 Canna A'nnei, 84 excelsa, 196 .Astragalus Gibbsti, 42 Bihorelli, 11 Menzifesn, 15 hypoglottis, 42 gigintea. 35 Nordman/dna, 15 233 Attalea speciosa, 297 nigricans. 35 orientilis, 15, 233, 196 spectibilis, 297 Warscewlczi'i, 35 taxifolia, 14 Azilea La Victorie, 146 zebrina, 35 Abronia Cvux maltse. 4% Bahiopsis lanita. 42 Caryota ilrens. 277 Abxltilon Thomsons, 312 Bambitsa aiirea, 36 121 Celosia pyramidilis versi- Agive americiina, 36 Fortiini, 36 color. K applanita, 36 metike, 36 121 Centaurea gymnocirpaj 165 filifera, 11 Begonia boliviensis, 51 182 ragusina 165 Miller/, 86 Olirkej, 184 Ceristium Bieberstiini, 165 picta, 11 VeitchV/, 188 tomentosum. 166 Schidigera, 24 jBellis aucubrefolia. 151 Ceroxylon nlveum. 277 xylinacAntha, 54 182 Billbergia sphacelita, 25 Cestrum elegans, 182 AUamanda nobilis, 51 Biota cristata. 233 ChamseVops, 36 jl'lliuni aiiceps. 20 japonica, 233 excelsa. 36 angustifolium, 20 orientilis, 199 humilis, 36 unifolium, 20 Blfet/a Scherratt/dna, 25 stauracantha. 275 Alocasia Jennlngsn, 52 Bloomer/a aurea. 18 Clerodeudron serotinum. 54 intermedia, 62 Bocconia cordita. 164 Chlorogalum angustifolium, 19 Alplnio nutans. 166 japonica. 164 pomeridianum. 19 j4mariinthus tricolor, 2h0 Bonapartert Jtincea, 166 divaricitum. 19 Araaryllls Albert/, 63 Bougainvillea spectibilis. 145 ChrysAnthemum Sensa- pardina. 25,53 Brodlse^a terrestris, 17 tion, 155 Ampelopsis Veitch/?', 311 Brugmansia suaveolens, 36 Cineraria marltima, 37 ,165 Aphelandra Roezli'f. 52 Caldcliiim Chas. Verdier, 11 Clematis Standishii, 254 Arilia papyricea, 36 Isidore Leroy, 11 several var , Aritolochia GoUliedna 61 Madame UouUet, 11 Cocos austrilif. 277 Arauc4ri:t imbricita. 11 Raulinii, 11 coronita 36 ,277 Arcca lutescens. 276 regile, 11 flexuosa. 277 rubra, 276 pictum. 35 Colchicum autumnale. 367 sipida, 276 Calochortus Hlaclnus, 17 variegata, 367 .4splcnium filix fo^tuina, 296 Calluna vulgaris, 367 Coleus Bausei, 217 Frizilliae, 297 Camellia Angelo Cocche, 5:-. Berkeley i. 217 mariuum, 296 Campanula ca ■patica, 285 Marshallii, 218 CONTENTS. Coleus Reevesi't, 219 Hibiscus sinensis grandi- Veitchi'/, 64 flora, 36 CoUinsi'a solitiria ScropJ^u- Ilippopbse rhamnoides 386 liiriieese, 43 Uydrangea paniculita, 63 Colocisia esculenta, 35 stellita proHfera, 53 gigintea, 35 Iponise^a Gerrardii, IM Convalliria majilis vari- iresine Herbstri, 281 370 egita. 341 Ms Susiana, 323 Cordyline indivisa, 166 Ixora princpps, 51 Coryplia au'strilis, 36, 275 282 JubjB spectabilis. 276 Croton vfctum, 62 7uniperus couiuiunis, 199 Crocus bil'lorus. 151 oblonga peuduia. 15 Albion, 151 recurva. 16 Cupressus Goven/dna, 14 Latdnia borbonica. 274 macrocarpa, 14 Lithyrus Lanszwertn 44 Lawson /d«a, 15 Lewism alba, 46 lusitduica, 16 rediviva, 45 CyPEs revoluta, 282 Libocedrus decurrens. 14 Cjclobothra cserulea, 16 /-ilium angustifolium. 18 Cjperui alternifolius, 36 auritum, 124. 2 78, 280, C> rtodeira chontalensis, 52 282, 302 371 Dajmouorops melanochetis 277 candidum, 805 Diihlia iniperiilis, 186 CatesbsE^i, 272 DAlen Mutfsii. 64 cdlchicum. 261 Dalechampia Roezlidna, 24 ,51, LeichtUni'f, 184 311 longiflorum. 124 rosea, 313 pardalinum, 18 X)elpbiniura flAmmeum, 43 parvum. 19 DeJtz/a gracilis, 156 I'hiladelpbicum, 271 DiAnthus dentosus, 56 supi rbum 272 Diefl"enbich/a Barraquini, 11 Washington /ci»«»! 19 grandis, 11 Linosyris dentitus. 45 Dipladenia amoe^na, 51 Lupinus calcaritus, 46 Draba violicea, 180 caudatus. 46 Dracaj'na Coc'ipeW, 10 confertus. 46 surculosii maculita, 1^3 polvphyllus. 1V8 Aeitclii/. 11 Stivers.- 46 Echiiio.sijernium nervosum , 43 Marinta majestica, 11 ElaeMs guiiieensis. 277 rosea pictii. 10 Epilobium angustifolium, 271 Mentzel/a cordita, 47 Epiphyllum truncitum, 252 Veitchf'ana, 47 Eritrichiuiii connatifolium 43 Mertens/a stomatechoides 47 Erodium macradenium, 183 Mus(7 Ensete. 93 369 Exochorda grandiflora, 250 Myosotus Empress Eliza- J'lcus dealbita, 63 beth, 11 ,145 elistica. 36 JVfyrtus Chekin, 25 Fritillaria viridis, 17 Nsegelia fiilgida. 51 Fulchironia senegalensis, 276 A'erium splendens. 279 Fiink/a alba, 279 iVyniphEE^a odorita, 271 Galium niultiflorum, 44 Osnilinda regilis, 298 stellitum, 43 Panddnus variegita, 36 GVntidnffl crlnita, 61 11 tills, 36 Gednoma magnifica, 277 Pentstemon canasobarbd- Gladiolus Bo\vien5/s, 156 tria, 47 Glosin/a hypocjrtifolia. 181 cerrosensis, 47 Gomphia theophrasta, 24 rostriflorum. 47 GrifffQfVi Blume/idi'i'a, 53 184 Phoe^nix dactylifera, 276 hyacinthiina. 53 Phormium tenax 36 Hedychium Gardneridnuj?? , 36 Pinus Lambert/dna, 232 Hermiznnia balsamlfera, 44 ponderosa. 14 234 luKuliefolia, 44 Pleroma sarmentAsa, 53 iiesperis hyacinthinum, 18 Podocarpus japonica. 15 Lewisii,, 18 Po emonium variegitum, 165 Ifiblscus Cooper?!, .36 Poljinthus narciesus, 823 Polytichum angulire 298 pluniosum, 298 Poly podium vulgare, 298 Omnil4cerum, 298 Pjrus coroniria, 250 Roe^zl/a regia, 166 Rudgea macrophylla, 181 ISdbat Adansonii, 276 palmetto, 276 umbracaulffera, 276 5ftlvia argentea, 165 gesneritlora, ;i82 • anchezia nobilis, 52 variegata, 312 •Saxffraga Fortunn, 11 Schizdstylis cd-cinea, 220 Seaforthj'a elegans, 277, 313 Sisymbrium AUioni, 48 iSisyrlnchium, 48 iSmilax longifolia fol. var. 55 .-praguea paniculita, 48 umbellita, 48 Stemonacanthus Ptarcei, 26,52 Stokesia cyanea, 369 Streptanthus tortuosus, 48 Tacsonia Buchanan/. 51, 65 Taxodium semperTirens, 14 laxus adpressa, 234 Ciinadensis, 234 TeiiCTiutn glandulosum, 49 Thrinax argentea, 276 elegans, 276 Thuja aurea, 233 Donnmna, 15 freneloides, 233 gigantea, 14, 234 Hoveyj, 2o3 Lobb/i. 15, 234 occidentilis, 200 TTiujopsis boreilis, 234 Tilland^f/a usneoides, 176 utriculita. 249 Torreya taxifolia, 234 Tricyrtis hlrta, 147 nigra, 148 Trfllium califomicum, 49 Triteleia uniflora, 155 Trithrinax mauritiaeformis, 277 Veitchia crystal ina, 18 Veronica variegita, 155 Tiola atirea, 49 chrysantha var neva- densis, 50 corniita, 157 lutea, 23 pedata, 55 sequoienfis, 49 Vries/a gigjntea, 54 VVahlenberg/a califomica. 50 WjgAnd/a caracasina, 36, 166 Yucca aloeifolia, 36 glauca, 36 recurva, 36 Tl CONTENTS. LIST OF FRUITS. APPLE3. Madresfield Court Black, 88 iMaiy, 216 Gravenstein, 102 Main, 7, 141 1 Margaret, 216 Hubbardston, 102 Martha, 189 , 175, 236 1 .Newhall, 101 Moore's Extra, 175 Mary Ann. • 350 Reeder's Seedlihg, 216 Nonsuch, 27 Maxatawny, 139 Sarah, ioi Nonpareil, 27 Montgomery, 346 i Seckel, 69 Warfleld, 87 Mrs Pince's Muscat, 837 ! Seedling, 101 Williams, 102 Muscat Hamburg, 329 1 Sheldon, 68 101, 215 Muscat of Alexandria 832 I Sieulle, 66 BLACKBERRIES. Norton's Virginia, 138 , 239, 849 • Swan's Orange, 101, 215 l)orchester, 100 Onondaga, 248 Tyson, 215 Kittatinny, 100, 132, 286 Hebecca, 350 ; Vicar of Winkfield, 216 Jiawton, 133 Rogers' No. 1, 138 809, 350 Weeping Willow, 101 Wilson, 100, 286 Rogers' No. 3, 1.38 350 Winter Nelis, 68, 215 liist of, 285 Rogers' No. 4, 102 188, 309 Wredow, 66 Rogers' No. 9, 138 List of, 101 , 214, 247 CHERRIES Rogers' No. 15, 102, 809 i List of New, 216 felack Eagle, 99 Rogers' No. 19, 138 List of New Seedling 101 Black Tartarean, 99 Rogers' No. 22, 7,138 Kivers' Late Black Bigatreau, 89 Rogers' No. 34, 139 PLUMS. Rogers' No. 43, 845 Bonne Bouche, 90 CURRANTS Royal Ascot, 88, 116 Berton's Seedling, 100 .Salem, 7, 188, 240, 845 RASPBERRIES. Cherry, 184 Sanborn ton, 142 Clal-k. 100, 131 La A'ersaillaise, 99, 133 Senasqua, 3)6 Doolittle, 132 Seneca Seedling, 345 Mammoth Cluster, 337 FIG8. Trebbiano, 330 Naomi, , 248 Brunswick, 121 Walter. 240, 845 Philadelphia, 100, 131 Orosse Verte, 89, 121 White Nice, List of. 137, 830 173, 348 Knevitt's Giant, 100 GOOSEBERRIES- List of New, 336 STRAAVBERRIES. Downing"s Seedling, 133 List of New Seedling, 103, 2)0, Agriculturist, 7, 74 135, 247 347 Bicton Pine, 74 GRAPES. Boston Pine, 99,246 Adirondae, 6 , 139, 809 NECTARINES Brighton Pine< 246 Allen's Hybrid, 809 Albert Victor, 89 Buflalo, 134,247 Anghwick, 176 Stanwick Elruge, 89 Charles Downing, 301 Black Hawk, 237 De Jonghe's Seedlings , 299 Black Lombardy, 332 PEACHES. Downer's Prolific, 135 Black Marocco, 832 Belle Imperiale, 89 Dr. Hogg, 90 Catawba, 259, 348 Early Beatrice, 89 Faulkner's King, 74 Challenge, 145 Early Rivers. 89 Ferdinand Gloede. 301 Chavoush, 387 Foster's Seedling, 100 Frogmore Late Pine, 247 Clinton, 849 Lady Palmers ton. 89 Green Prolific, 135 Clover Street Black, 103 Rivers' harly Yorkj 89 Hathaway 's Seedlings, 269 Concord, 6, 102, 140 334, 348 Van Buren's Dwarf, 100 Hovfey, 246 Conqueror, 145 Jenny Lind, 247 Crevelling, 138, 349 PEARS. Jucunda, 7 , 99, Vib Cynthiana, 139 Bartlett, 69, 246 La Constante, 99, 247 Daquett, 145 Beurre d'Anjou, 68, 101, 214 Lady Finger, 135 Delaware, 6, 102, 140, 239, 309 Bosc, 216 Mr. Radclyffe, 90 348 Clairgeau, 215 Mrs,Jeason and Fruit in England, Shading of Glass Houses. Society, American Pomological, . American Wine Grower's Associa tion of Ohio, Cambridge Horticultural, Cincinnati Horticultural, Illinois State Horticultural, Massachusetts Horticultural 29, 62, 125, 312 Annual Exhibition, Election of Officers, Treasurer's Report, New York State Grape Grower's, Ohio State Horticultural, Worcester County Horticultural Spring Gardening, Statistics. Value of, . . . Strawberry, (Cultivation of, . The Rippnw.am, . Strawberries in Massachu^ett3, New, Suburban Visits, .... The Close of the Magazine . Thrips, Mealy Bug, &c.. Mode of De stro.ving. 278 108 338 220 27 294 280 129 190 343 189 348 312 29 125 344 288 156 151 60 826 74 246 269 306 353 278 Tobacco Dust for the Destruction of Snails, 153 193 147 39 58 257 93 123 59 279 70 frees, The Coniferous, Tricyrtis Hirta, .... Vegetables, New. .... Vine Borders, Protecting, Vine, Culture and Products of the, Violets, Kussian .... Sweet Wardian Cases, .... Weeds ►Vhy does not Running Water Freeze?. THE MAGAZINE OF HORTICULTURE. THE PROGRESS OF HORTICULTURE. The record of the 3'ear is encouraging in all the departments of horticulture. While there has been no prominent subject of general discussion, there has still been a deep and encour- aging interest manifested throughout the country, particularly in grape culture and fruit growing. These have been more especially discussed by the numerous publications upon the culture of the grape, and the manufacture of wine, audi throughout the "West, wiiere the season has been highly favorable, grape growing is attracting universal attention. In fruit culture generally renewed interest has been awakened by the Eleventh Biennial Meeting of the American Pomologi- cal Society at St. Louis, which was very fully attended by the prominent cultivators of the West, and the exhibition of grapes, as well as other fruits, was fully equal to the expecta- tions of the members. Tlie meeting was a most favorable opportunity for tlie western cultivators to consult together, and make a record of horticultural progress in that fertile region of the country. A great deal has been done in the introduction of fruits, and all the numerous varieties of grape are now in course of culture. Large numbers of these were on exhibition, and an opportunity afforded eastern members to form some estimate of their value. The apple, it was thought, did not receive so much attention as it should have done, but a reference to previous meetings will show, we think, that it was not from any want of appreciation of its merits, but rather to the limited time allowed the meeting. The Great Exposition of Paris, and the reported displays of VOL. XXXIV. — NO. I. 1 ^ki^ 2 THE MAGAZINE OF HORTICULTURE. fine plants have attracted universal attention, and created a great interest in fine foliagcd plants, annuals, coniferous trees and other things whicli made \\p the splendid exhibitions. We see by recent English papers that the successful exhibitors, who were awarded the five " grand prizes," were Messrs. Yilmorin, Veitch, Linden and Chantin, and the Societe de Secours Mutuels de Maraschers de Paris. The eflect of these exhibitions will affect somewhat our own cultivators ; for the great number of Americans present could not well witness such displays without retaining sometliing of their grand effect, and the consequent desire to see them introduced at home. We have, from time to time, given accounts of the various exhibitions, and we trust they have not only been read with much interest, but tliat they have imparted much information in relation to new plants. The progress of the year has therefore not been inconsid- erable, and we hope the industrial resources of our country, now recuperating from the depression caused by the events of the few past years, will be so great that ample means and time will be afforded to those who have the taste, to devote renewed attention to every department of rural art. Our summary of the season is as follows : — January was a cold month, without any very great extremes of temperature. It commenced with the thermometer at 20°, but fell to 8° on the 4th. The 6th it was 30°, and from that period to the 15th it varied from 10° to 15°. The 16th it was zero, succeeded by the great snow storm of tlie 17th, when about two feet fell in a few hours. The 19th it was zero, the 20th 2° below, with another snow storm, which continued to the 21st, with the temperature at 30°. It was then cold again until the 26th, when a light rain fell, and the thermometer was 36°, the highest of the month. On the 30th the temperature fell to 2° below, and on the 31st to 3° below zero. February was milder, and the first thawy day was on the 1st, the thermometer 40°. This continued, with fog and light rain, to the 6th, when it was cooler. The 8tli was warm again, and a heavy rain, with the temperature at 50°, carried off the snow very fast. On the 11th the temperature JANUARY. 3 fell to 2°, but it was rainy and snowy again, and the snow was about gone on the 17th. A week of cooler weather followed, with snow, and the mouth closed with moderate weather for the season. The month of March was cold again. It opened rainy, but the 3d was cold, with six inches of snow on the 4tii. The temperature ranged from 25° to 33° for a week or more, and the 17th brought another six or eight inches of snow, with cool weather on the 18th and 19th. The close of the month was fine and cool, the highest temperature at sunrise was 40°. April opened cool and rainy, the temperature 36°, and it continued cool, with frosts, up to the 20th. A shower on the 20tli, with a temperature of 40°, was the warmest day. The remainder of the month was cool, with frost. There are but few years in which the thermometer did not range higher. The 1st day of May was warmer, but it immediately became cooler, with heavy frost on the 4th and 5th. It was then warmer, with rain, and fair and cloudy, for a week or more. From the 18th to the 25th it was cool again, and the first really warm day was the 26th, when the thermometer readied 75° at noon, which brought trees into bloom. Tlie closing week was warmer, with frequent showers. The month of June commenced warm, and the temperature 75°. The 3d was rainy. The 6th warm, and the 7th warmer, with the thermometer at 89°. It was then quite cool up to the 11th ; then warmer, with the temperature at 80° on the 16th. A week of showery weather succeeded, when it was quite cool for the season. The 20th was warm again, with the temperature at 85°. The first really warm day was on the 4th July, when the temperature reached 92°, tlie warmest day but one of the month. For a week the average was about 70°, with showers, and this continued until the 17th, when the temperature reached 80°. This, however, was but brief, as it was quite cool and rainy, with the temperature as low as 65°, and easterly wind. The 24th the temperature was 95°, the warmest day of the season, and the 25th, 90°. On the 30th only 65°. August was showery and rainy, and not very warm. On 4 THE MAGAZINE OF HORTICULTURE. the 4th the temperature was 80°, and on the 9th, 85°. The 14th and 15th, 85°, with an abundance of rain. The warm- est day was the 18th, with the tliermometer at 86°. It was then cool and showery, to the end of the month. The month of September opened warm, with continued light rains and showers ; but on the 8th it became cool again, and at sunrise, on the 12ih, tlie temperature was at the very 1 nv point of 42°, with frost in some places. The 15th it was the same, but on the 17th it was warm again,' and so con- tinued to the 23d. A sudden change brought the tempera- ture to 32°, with wliite frost on the 24th, and though the 29tli was warm the closing week was quite cool. October commenced milder, and appeared more like Sep- teniber. The 8th, however, was a cool morning, with a very slight frost ; another week of seasonable weather followed, and then a slight fiost on the 15th. After this the gardens, where not too low or exposed, appeared as fresh as in August, and on the 19th the temperature was 80°, and the 20th, 70°. But on the 23d a sharp and cutting frost, with the tempera- ture at 26°, killed every tender plant. The last week was warm, with heavy rains. The montli of November opened with a few warm days, srithout frost, but on the 7th the temperature fell to 20°. A few warm days followed, and another frosty week set in with a light shower on the 17th. After this the month was decidedly winterish, the last three or four days only behig even warm, the highest temperature being 45°. December 1st was a winterish day, with the thermometer at 12°. Continued cool weather succeeded, and on the 9th the mercury indicated 1° below zero. From that up to this period, (the 17th,) the weather has been more severe than usual, and with four or five inches of snow on the 13th, to stop all out-door work. The year closes quite cold. This summary, compared with last year, shows a very great jdifference in the two, and to the cultivator has a lesson of some importance. The winter of 1866 and 1867 was not severe, but the average cold low, and the quantity of snow very grea^;. The lowest temperature, as noted above, was 3° below ;zerQ, The extremes were fjpw, just the opposite of the winter JANUARY. 5 of 1865 and 1866, when the extremes were great, and very little snow. No very warm days can be noted, either for the winter, spring, or summer ; only four or five days indicated a temperature exceeding 90°. This record, if our observations are correct, gives us a cool winter, and cool, rather wet spring ; a cool and wet summer, and a cool but drier autumn. Probably few years have been so uniformly moist, or so uniformly cool. The early cold weather stopped all gardening operations from two to four weeks before the usual time. The results of the fruit crop, as affected by tlie season, may be characterized as follows : — Apples were a much better crop than usual, and less affected by insects. Pears were rather more than an average crop, but owing to the wet weather many sorts cracked badly, and in some instances rotted on the trees. Peaches were abundant, but indifferent in quality. Grapes were almost a total failure in New England, mildewing badly, though they were never better in the West. Straw- berries were more abundant than usual, and other small fruits plentiful and good. With the single exception of grapes, perhaps the whole fruit crop was better than the average of years, and as regards the garden crops generally — with the exception of squashes and melons, and a few things which require heat — they have yielded abundantly, and tlie market has been well supplied, and prices very much less than usual. HORTICULTURE. The failure of the grape crop has naturally instituted inquiries as to the cause, and although it is admitted that it has been from the late spring and cold and wet summer, the question arises if we may not secure a fair crop under such cir- cumstances, which are likely to recur again. Thus the West — which last year suffered as the East has this — have a plentiful supply this year, never better, even the Catawba being quite free from rot. This fact shows conclusively that moisture in excess is fatal to the grape crop, and knowing this, it will be the main oliject of the cultivator to guard against it. We cannot combat with the season, but we can and should pursue such a course of culture, as will not aggravate its effects. 6 THE MAGAZINE OF HORTICULTURE. The lesson taught by this is, that we should avoid every thing in grape culture which has a tendency to maintain an excess of moisture around the roots. Deep trenching and high manuring must be discarded, except in thin and elevated lo- calities, and an abundant drainage supplied, which will carry off as quickly as possible the surplus water. Sites should be selected which have a gentle slope to carry away the surface water, before it can find its way through and saturate the earth ; coarse materials and sandy soil should be used when the ground is flat; and all precautions taken to keep the soil warm and dry. The roots will then have energy and vitality enough to throw off tlie mildew, which attack only weak veg- etation, as we see it attacks the Delaware and weaker growing sorts first. As to vineyards, to be sure of success, they should be on side hills, as they are in the Pleasant Valley region, where the grapes, wherever shown, have carried off the prizes this year. Mr. J. F. C. Hyde, who had a splendid crop of Hartford Prolifics and Concords last year, had a total failure this ; as his soil is sandy and the situation dry, we were greatly sur- prised. Upon discussing the failure with us, he stated that he was an advocate of clean culture and frequent stirring the surface soil; but he feared he had over done the work, as the continued disturbance of the soil, not only prevented the water from the frequent rains running off rapidly, but actu- ally contributed to absorb it and carry it dowii to the roots, keeping them continually moist. We are of his opinion, and except in very dry seasons would keep the cultivator out of the vineyard. Much information has been gained in regard to the new grapes. The lona has failed to ripen in the East, and only in good positions in the West. We fear it is too late, only for favored localities. Israella has done better, but it is not and never will be the early grape claimed by Dr. Grant. Ives's Seedling increases in favor as a wine grape. Adirondac is early and excellent. The Concord still continues to be the grape of "the million," and has done better in all places than any other grape. There seems to be quite a misunderstanding about the JANUARY. 7 "Salem" grape. Many claim that it is the same as Rogers' No. 22, but if we understand Mr. Rogers, he says it is not 22, but an entirely new sort. We copy liis own letter to the Country Gentleman, September 12: — " It was offered for sale the first time last spring. * * I would here state that before sending out the Salem, there was a spurious black sort cultivated by some, and sold for the Salem, under No. 22, as I was informed by parties who fruited it. " This can mean nothing more tlian this, that the Salem is a new sort, and not No. 22. We know nothing of its quality and never saw it, but if it possesses any excellence, those wlio wish to purchase, should not luy " a spurious black sort called No. 22." The Main grape of Concord, N. H., has created quite a sensation among Eastern grape growers ; by some it is said to be the Concord, but on what evidence we do not know. Mr. Main had the grapes' ripe Aug. 27, and on exhibition in Providence, Sept. 3, three weeks before any Concords were ripe even at Boston, and we have seen tlie best of evidence to show that it is not the Concord. We hope it will have a fair trial before cultivators denounce it as identical with a grape two to three weeks later. It is not at all impossible that two sorts of vines may look alike, and be quite differ- ent; this is the case with the Hartford Prolific and Framing- ham, two similar but distinct grapes. The strawberry continues to have additions to the list, but whether valuable or not is yet undecided. At the meet- ing of the American Pomological Society at St. Louis, in September, there was' a sharp debate about strawberries. Mr. Heaver of Cincinnati said the Jucunda was " about as good as a turnip, and he thought it an imposition." Mr. Quinette of Missouri said he had seen the Agriculturist extensively, " and it was everywhere inferior." These com- ments concur with our own observation ; a poorer, more infe- rior looking strawberry than the Agriculturist has never been sent out. It is worthless as a market berry, and tasteless and dirty looking for the table. The Jucunda looks better, but it will be consigned to the rejected list with fifty other foreign 8 THE MAGAZINE OF HOKTICULTUEE. sorts, entirely useless. No new strawberry of decided im- provement has been introduced. The Rippawam is, we think, the Rivers' Eliza ; certainly the two cannot be distinguished if mixed together. We have little to record in regard to tlie pear. No new sorts of high character have been brought forward. Gen. Todleben has improved witii the size of the tree, and bids fair to be a good early winter sort. Of the pears not gen- erally tested, the Beurre Supcrfm has proved a great acquisi- tion. It was remarkably fine this year. Our pomological record will give all that is new about pears. "We ought not to omit here some notice of Nyce's mode of fruit preserving. Having tested it thoroughly this year, we can say that hereafter, winter pears, with one or two exceptions, will be of little value where the autumn sorts can be kept. We are now eating Seckel, Sheldon, Beurre Superfin, Doyenne du Comice, Marie Louise, Louise Bonne and others, just as fresh and fine as in October, and they can •be preserved all the winter. What use then to try to grow the Beurre Langelier, Glout Morceau, and Easter Beurre, the only throe winter kinds that will keep ? Glout Morceau is good enough but hard to get. We fully believe that when it is generally known how finely pears can be kept, we shall dispense with all of the winter varieties, except the Hovey, which can be preserved till June. The Cincinnati Horticult- ural Society did not over-estimate the importance of Nyce's system. It is an indispensalilo addition to every large fruit garden. President Wilder alluded to it in his address, but he had only spoken from what he had heard. He has now had practical evidence of its value, by storing his favorite Beurre d'Anjou in the fruit house, and will have the pleasure of eating them all winter. FLORICULTURE. We can add but little to what has been repeated from month to month. It may be that our taste is improved, or it may be that we are ruled by fashion, but whether the one or the other, and we incline to the former, the indiscriminate bedding system is undergoing a change. Probably our in- JANUARY. 9 creased knowledge of the capacity of plants to withstand our climate has something to do with it, but whatever it may be, we are evidently alive to the fact that the showy foliaged and vigorous growing cannas, caladiums, bananas, S. nmhellata from California is described in the Flower Catalogues as a charm- ing plant, and valuable for rockwork. The S. panicnlata of Dr. Kellogg is another charming species, which grows in a dense ball or cluster, prostrate upoii the ground, its flowers secund scorpoid, the petals oblong, the anthers pink ; the foliage consisting mostly of radical leaves in a rosulate cluster, and flowering in May and June. Found in Nevada Territory, growing at an altitude of about three thousand feet. Proc. Vol. 11. fig. 56. Streptanthus (^Nnllall.} Nat. Ord. Cruciferfe. — Annual or biennial herbaceous plants, with purple and sometimes yellow- ish Or white flowers. A striking and singular plant is given in Figure 46 of the Proceedings, 67, pi. 521. A very beautiful climbing plant, with long, narrow grace- fully formed leaves, recurved towards the end, the three longitudinal veins of which are deep green, and the interme- 56 THE MAGAZINE OF HORTICULTURE. diate spaces pure wliite. "Where tlic green and white unite the edges are jagged and uneven, giving a beautifully mottled aspect to each leaf. It is a rapid growing evergreefi, and will be a rival of the ivy for hothouse decoration. (///. Horl.f June.) DIANTHUS DENTOSUS. BY THE EDITOR. The new varieties of the Dianthus, which have been ob- tained by hybridization, contain several novel and beautiful forms, all admirably adapted by their dwarf compact habit, 2. DIANTHUS DLNTOSUS. hardy character and prolific bloom, to the wants of the culti- vator, and supply an important place in the decoration of the garden. One of these hybrids is the Dianthus dentosus, (FIG. 2.) FEBRUARY. 57 Tlie plant has somewhat of tlie habit of the Chinese pink, but is more compact and dwarf, throwing up numerous branches to the lieight of eight inches, terminated witli an abundance of flowers, double or semi-double, and varying in color from lilac to violet, or a bluish tinge, with a purple crown in the centre. It begins to blossom in June, and con- tinues in flower throughout the summer and autumn. Like the Heddewegii pink it is biennial, but flowers the first year from seed. If sown early, in March or April, and the young plants transplanted into good soil in May, they will begin to flower in July. The second year they become well established, and form dense masses of bloom. As the colors vary considerably, and some are much more double than others, a selection may be made of the best, and 'these may be propagated by cuttings or layers in the same way as pinks or carnations, planting them out in beds of good soil. As an annual or biennial it forms a pretty addition to the flower garden. @titual "B^iuts. The Gladiolus. — We have no decorative flower so generally useful as the gladiolus. It can be had in bloom all the summer months, or we might say, from May to Christmas ; and besides being a great favorite, it can scarcely be used amiss for in-door decoration, either as rainbows for fire- places, or 3-feet spikes in ivy screens, or as specimens in drawing-rooms, when others happen to be scarce. They are clean, bright and cheerful everywhere ; and even if one bloom only is open when gathered, all the others, to the very top of the spikes, will open freely with care. In vases of cut flowers the gladioli are greatly improved by a few good grasses being intermixed with them ; for example we have been cutting to put round the sides the graceful Milium multiflorum and Piptatherum Thomasii, and for the centre Paniceum fimbriatenus. Perhaps the most effective are among the numerous summer varieties, as Agrostis laxifolia, •which when introduced neatly among the gladiolus blooms has all the appearance of long threads of elegant wavy silk, clustering round as a protection to the blooms, and through which they appear to interesting advantage. Our method of planting is the same as the Devonshire farmer plants his 68 THE MAGAZINE OF HORTICULTURE. potatoes. The ground is double-dug in winter, and at planting time a trench is taken out one spade deep. The bulb is then put in, covering a little soil over the top, and upon this is placed a good coating of manure and leaf mould mixed, the manure being fresh and warm, as we find that old rotten cheesy looking manure brings disease, and does not push the young growth so vigorously and quickly as the fresh manure. — [Gard. Chron.) CuLTORK OF Gladioli. — Deep digging and liberal manuring, are the chief elements of success. If the gladioli are employed to succeed liliums, as they sometimes are, and the proper preparation of the ground cannot be made for fear of disturbing the other bulbs, a vigorous growth and long spikes of bloom may still be obtained, by a liberal use of liquid manures or sewage during their growth. Under any circumstances a weekly applica- tion of eitlier of these is useful in dry weather. To have gladioli throw fine spikes, it is important at planting to rub off every small offset at the base of the bulb, and to see that the bulbs are properly divided and planted singly. For effect in lines of color they should also be carefully selected, and only those of uniform size and vigor employed. Care should likewise be taken to insert the bulbs at the same depth. If these points are attended to, the spikes will be ranged with the regularity of the rank of an army, in new and gorgeous uniforms, and few plants can equal them in effect either at a distance or close at hand. All inferior bulbs, and the offsets, ought to be grown by themselves, and under high culture they soon become large enough to occupy the more important positions assigned to the picked bulbs. Many of tiie smaller bulbs Avill also bloom well, and will furnish flowers and foliage enough for cutting for vases, &c. As to time, I have never tried its direct application to these bulbs, and would not recommend the experiment. But they grow well on the great chalk formation, with only a deptli of from eighteen inches to two feet of soil. The drier the bottom the more water they require when growing. They seem to suffer much from the two opposite extremes, an excess or a scarcity of water. On well drained land, of a depth of from two to three feet, enriched with an annual dressing of well rotted dung, and helped with frequent waterings of liquid manure during dry weather in summer, these splendid bulbs will flourish well, and add a new charm and a special enrichment to most of our gardens. — [Gard. Chron.) Protecting Vine Borders. — Most gardeners are anxious at certain times of the year to have their vine borders protected from wet ; therefore many are the ways adopted to attain that object — some with perfect, some with only partial success. Glass is employed in some places, asphalte in other; but the majority have to make shift with any thing that is convenient and inexpensive. Therefore some make use of old lights partly covered with boards, while others cover with straw and thatch it down, a plan which answers pretty well if a good fall can be obtained ; but this is not always the case, as in many instances the border is nearly flat, and the front lights FEBRUARY. 59 of the vinery so near the ground that to carry the prott^ction up at the back is impossible. A gentleman who is an amateur grape grower, has covered one of his vine borders with common house tiles, which have a neat appearance, and perfectly effectual in keeping the border dry, and they cost abont 47 shillings per 1000, that number being sufficient to cover a border 24 feet by six ; they can be easily laid on by any laborer — besides, no hailstorm can break and no amount of wet can rot this covering. It is also easily removed and packed away when not required, and it will last (if we may judge by old houses) until our great-grandchildren find out or afford something cheaper or better. — [Card. Chron.) Wardian Cases. — In January those who possess Wardian cases have a source of pleasure which others may well envy. Their use in growing ferns, and thus affording enjoyment when flowers are scarce, is well known ; but there are other uses to which they might be advantageously applied. It often happens that we have a curious flower, or some choice blooms, given to us, which we wish to keep alive for a long time, in order that as many friends may see them before they fade, or that somebody in particular may be introduced to them. For such purposes a Wardian case is of great use, since it will keep flowers placed in it in a vase or jug for a much longer time than they would la^t in the dry dusty atmosphere of a sitting room. It is quite as useful in preserving foliage as in keeping flowers. A vase full of fern fronds and selaginellas, when flowers are not plentiful, looks remarkably pretty. There is a tall one before us now, with a few fronds of Nephrolepis pectinata and of Lebaginella, and a spray or two of Diosma ericoides (which latter friends may pinch and smell,) the vase standing in a small dish of yew sprigs, relieved with some little pieces of Jasminum nudiflorum in bloom. Near them stands an exotic glass with four spikes of Masdevallia tovarensis, a flower not given away every day in the week. These, in the absence of a Wardian case, will be made to last a very long time by keeping them in the coolest part of the room at those hours of the day when visitors are likely to call, and by putting them into a cool unused room for the remaining portion of each twenty-four hours. There is another way in which Wardian cases may be used, and we wonder il is not more frequently done ; we allude to keeping a collection of cacti and their allies. They are the easiest of all plants for growing in a room, merely wanting protection from the dust. Being out of fashion now, you might look over the collections of plants in twenty nursery gardens without finding twenty different kinds; nevertheless they are to be had. In Covent Garden market, and in some seedsmen's windows in London, the little red flowerpots, " no bigger than my thumb," may be seen, each containing a miniature plant of one of these fleshy-stemmed or thick-leaved curiosities. Perhaps the best collection in Europe is that of Sencke, of Leipsig ; certainly the best near London is that of Pfersdorff, at Kensal New Town, who in 1861 grew and sold 24,000 dozen of these little plants ; and yet, strange to say, one hardly ever sees a collection of them among amateurs. Like pins, it is wonderful what becomes of them! 60 THE MAGAZINE OF HORTICULTURE. Where it is not convenient to pay so much as is usually asked fur Wardian cases, a cheap and elegant substitute may be made in the following way : — Get two circular discs of stout flat glass, each one foot diameter. Buy a tall glass shade, five inches diameter, and get them to cut it into three parts, viz., two rings, each five inches high, and a short glass shade which will be sure to be useful for some little ornament on the mantlepiece. Put one of the circular di.scs upon one of the glass ringS) put the other ring upon that disc, and the other disc upon that ring. Lastly, get a glass shade thirteen inches diameter, and not less than fourteen inches high, which is to cover the whole. The miniature pots with plants in them look very pretty when arranged upon these circular glass shelves, and a case of the size now described will hold forty-three of these little pots, which, if each contain a different plant, will not be a mean collection. — [Gard. Chron.) ^ossij of ilje Pontlj. The Value of Statistics. — The Official Report of the total produc- tions of the gardens, orchards and vineyards of the United States is set down at $7,000,000 for the year 1850, and $19,750,000 for the year 1860. An equal gain in ten years would give about $60,000,000 for the year 1870. We see, however, that Mr. F. R. Elliott of Ohio sets down the value of the grape crop alone, for 1867, at $600,000,000. Is the government or Mr. Elliott correct.' The Barberry. — Mr. Warner of Rochester, N. Y., at a late meeting of the Fruit Growers' Society, said the fruit of the barberry was really valua- ble. It made an excellent tart — nearly or quite equal to the cranberry ! This will be useful information in regard to a fruit which has been used for the above purpose for nearly a century. Do Frogs rain down. — At a late meeting of the Farmers' Club, New York, some one asked this question, " Do frogs, fish or worms rain down, and do horse hairs turn into snakes, under any circumstances ?" Dr. Snodgrass replied that horse hairs, when left in water for some time, become enlarged, and get the motion of snakes, but he did not say they were snakes! Manure for Potatoes. — At the same meeting Dr. Snodgrass stated that " Nothing is more certain than that to manure potatoes has a tendency to produce rot, and to destroy the original flavor, if not the quality !" This is valuable information, and will save our farmers hundreds of thousands of dollars, now thrown away in the purchase of the useless article of manure. FEBRUARY. 61 Odr Pear-trees doomed. — In an Essay, read before the American Pomological Society, the writer says that " he is well assured that though fire blight, cracking and other diseases are the means of destruction to many thousands of bushels of pears annually, debility destroys its tens of THOUSANDS." Wc had thought fire blight, so called, was bad enough in the West, but we have never heard any thing about debility. We hope it will not attack the fine pear orchards in the neighborhood of Boston. Dubriel, the great French authority, does not mention this disease, nor do we find it in Thomas or Barry, and we apprehend it must be peculiar to the locality of the writer ! Gentiana crkmta. — Some writer has recently stated that if the flowers of this beautiful plant are cut, and placed in a vase of water, they will continue to open their " fringed lids" for a long period. He forgot to tell us where to get the flowers. TiLDEN Tomato. — Mr. Peter Henderson, in a notice of this variety, says that it was "represented to be two weeks earlier tlian any other, while all comparison shows it is one of the latest of the late, with hardly a quality that entitles it to cultivation." It is certainly not an early sort, but not quite so bad as Mr. Henderson states. The best trees for Hedges and Screens. — In a discussion at the Fruit Growers' Society of Western New York, a variety of trees were recommended for this purpose. Some advised the Osage orange, others the three thorned acacia, some the barberry, others the beech, some horse- chestnuts, others deciduous and evergreens together. Mr. Ellwanger closed the discussion with the following sensible and valuable advice: " Never plant deciduous trees with evergreens. Plant the Norway spruce and hemlock for screens. The Norway spruce was the best. It should not be pruned or sheared." Books, &c., received : — American Horticcltcral Annual for 18H8, from O. Judd Si Co. A useful little work, giving a resume of what has appeared in the various horticultural periodicals of the year, with numerous engravings, a list of the various nurseries, &c., and calendar of work for each month. American Agricultural Annual, from O. Judd & Co., similar to the above, but devoted to farming utensils, with engravings of new implements, and other useful inventions. M. O'Keefe, Son &, Co.'s Catalogue of Seeds and Guide to the Flower and Vegetable Garden. Rochester, N. Y. Vick's Illustrated Catalogue and Floral Guide, for 1868. Ninety-six pages of interesting information, with many engravings of new and old flowers, and a colored plate. J. Vick, Rochester, N. Y. 62 THE MAGAZINE OP HORTICULTURE. Passiicjjusctts Porticulfairitl Socidj. Sdturday, December 7. — An adjourned meeting was held to-day, — the President in the chtiir. The Executive Committee reported the sum of $3440 as the appropriation for prizes for 1868. The Committee for establishing Prizes submitted their Report. Annie C. Wheeler, D. Clark, and Lawrence Clary were elected members. Adjourned two weeks, to December 21. December 21. — An adjourned meeting was held to-day, — the President in the chair. The Flower Committee, Fruit Committee, and Vegetable Committee Bubinitted their Annual Reports. September 22, 23, 24 and 25 were appointed the days for the Annual Exhibition. Meeting dissolved. January 4, 1868. — The stated quarterly meeting was held to day, — the President in the chair. The President delivered an appropriate and interesting address, for which the thanks of the Society were tendered. The Garden Committee and Library Committee submitted their Reports. The subject of an Amendment to the By-Laws, respecting prizes, was taken up, and, after some discussion, rejected. Adjourned to January 11. January 11. — An adjourned meeting was held to-day, — the President in the chair. No business was transacted, and the meeting adjourned to January 18. Jortiailtural ©pcrafions FOR FEBRUARY. FRDIT DFPARTMENT. January has not been a very severe month. There were seveial light snow storms, but no zero weather, and the earlier part was sunny and very favorable for forcing. Grape Vines, in the earliest houses, will soon begin to color their fruit and more air may be given, particularly in favorable weather, as this facilitates the coloring. Continue to damp the walks, but not so abund FEBRUARY. 63 antly as earlier in the season. Stop the laterals as they continue to break. See that the border is well protected from cold rains and heavy snows, and if the heat is not aniple, replace the old manure with that fresh from the stable. Vines in graperies and greenhouses will begin to grow by the middle of the month. As soon as this takes place commence syringing the vines morning and n'ght, and continue it until all the shoots are beginning to break freely. Strawberries, in pots, protected in frames, may now be brought into the house and placed on a shelf near the glass. Those showing fruit should have occasional waterings with liquid manure. Scions of Fruit Trees may be cut now, keeping them in a cool cellar, in a box of sand or earth. Peach and other Trees, in pots, may be brought into the house and placed in a cool place, where they will start gradually. Pruning may be commenced immediately, and in the Southern and Middle States grafting may be done the last of the month. Root Grafting may be done now by those who like this method of propagation; place the grafted roots in sand, in a very cool cellar, till April. FLOWER DEPARTMENT. There is plenty of work now in this department. The first thing is the preparation of hotbeds, and the planting of various seeds for early flowering plants. The greenhouse will require more care; as many kinds of plants go out of bloom, they should all be headed in so as to form handsome shaped specimens. Propagation should go on at the same time, when much stock is required, and numerous plants require repotting. Attend to every thing as speedily as possible. Pelargoniums will now be more prominent objects; as the season advances they will begin to grow, and this should be checked somewhat by keeping the plants rather dry, cool, and near the glass. Top all vigorous growths, and tie out the shoots so as to form good heads. Repot young stock, intended for another year, and keep the house well fumigated for the destruction of the green fly. Turn the plants round once a week, and allow plenty of room to each. Camellias will still be in flower, but some of the earlier kinds will now begin to grow. These should have more water, and repeated syringing; if they require it they should be headed in at once. Shade from the hot sun, and see that the leaves are not burnt, which greatly mars the beauty of the plants. Azaleas will soon begin to flower more freely, and, as they swell their buds, the plants should be lightly syringed every day. Such as arc intend- ed for later flowering should be kepi cool, and rather dry, though not so much as to check the swellirg of the buds. Repot young stock, and such as are wanted for good specimens next year. Cinerarias and Calceolarias should be shifted into their flowering pots, if not already done. Keep the plants clear of the green fly by frequent fumigation. 64 THE MAGAZINE OF HORTICULTURE. Cyclamens, now in flower, should be kept in a cool, airy place, near the glass. Water cautiously. Palms, Dracjenas, Makantas, and similar plants, should now be repotted. Caladiums, already started, should be potted off, and others potted for a succession. Divide the bulbs carefully, to increase the stock. Ferns will now begin to make a free growth, and such as require it should be repotted ; keep them syringed, but not give too much water. Acacias, now coming into flower, should be well headed in as soon as the bloom is over. Hyacinths and other bulbs in frames, for late flowering, may now be brought into the house, and placed in a sunny situation, and freely watered. Rhododendron and Azalea seeds may yet be planted. Seed of various Annuals, for early blooming, should now be planted in pans cr pots. Fuchsias, growing freely, and intended for large specimens, should be repotted, being careful that the plants do not receive any check. Lantanas will now begin to grow, and the plants should be repotted. Put in cuttings for a fresh stock. Alloysia, Salvias, Pyrethrums, Cobras, and similar plants, for bedding out, should be propagated this month. Gloxinias and Achimenes should be potted in light soil, and brought forward, if possible, in a gentle bottom heat. Tuberoses, for early flowering, may be potted. VEGETABLE DEPARTMENT. As the season advances preparations should be made for bringing forward tomatoes, cucumbers, melons, &c. We scarcely need give directions for work, a knowledge of which should be one of the earliest acquisitions of a good gardener. Where there are ample means of supplying bottom heat in well constructed and convenient houses, there will be but little occasion for hotbeds ; but these are not common, and many amateurs have no other means of raising vegetables, as well as flowering plants. Let all the manure from the stable be thrown into a conical heap, and as soon as there is a good heat, throw the whole well over, shaking it up •well. After lying a few days to get rid of the rank steam, the bed may be made. If above the ground, which should always be the case, unless the situation is sandy and dry, it should be at least 2^ feet high, made firm, and the frame put on, with the glass. Two or three days will draw up the heat, when the soil may be put in, and soon afler the whole will be ready for planting. Give air at night if the heat is too strong. Tomatoes, Lettuce, Cauliflower, and any other vegetable seeds, may be planted in pots, or directly in the soil. Do not force too rapidly, or the plants will be weak. FRUIT HOUSES. In our leading article in the January number we incident- ally alluded to the preservation of pears by the system of Prof. Nyce of Ohio, which has recently been introduced into some of our Eastern cities, and particularly in Boston, where one of the best constructed houses has been erected and iu operation for about a year, affording a favorable opportu- nity for the pear growers of Cambridge to test the plan so far as one year's experience would enable them to do. They have not neglected the opportunity, and we are particularly gratified in giving the results of the experiments and the knowledge obtained. At the quarterly meeting of the Cambridge Horticultural Society in January, the preservation of fruit was briefly alluded to, and a great desire manifested to obtain all the facts in relation to the keeping and condition of the fruit which had been put into the Massachusetts Fruit Preserving Company's house. Reports had been circulated that tlie experiment was a failure, and as most of the members knew this was not true, it was thought the best answer to these reports — for in every case they had been traced to those who had never been inside of the house, or had never seen a fruit which had been taken from the house — would be a full dis- cussion of the subject, with specimens of the pears before the Society for trial. It was immediately voted to take up the subject at the next monthly meeting in February, and the members who still had fine specimens volunteered to furnish them in fine condition. This meeting was held Monday, Feb. 3d, and was fully attended. Mr. J. V. Wellington, who had stored upwards of 200 bushels in the house, brought for exhibition and trial beautiful specimens of Lawrence, Duchess, Beurre Diel, "Winter Nelis aud Beurre Clairgeau. All these had been taken from the Preserving House the first week in January. VOL. XXXIV. — NO. III. 5 QQ THE MAGAZINE OF HORTICULTURE. Mr. Hervey Davis exliibited twenty varieties, viz.,Wredow, Sieulle, Bartlett, Seckel, Lawrence, Winter Nelis, Surpasse Virgoulouse, Columbia, Flemisli Beauty, Glout Morceau, Dana's Hovey, Howell, Beiirre d'Aiijou, Beurre Clairgeau, Swan's Orajige, Duchess and some others. These were taken out of the house January 30th, and only five or six kinds were ripe enough to eat. The others were hard, sound and would require three to five weeks to ripen. We shall not occupy space in any preliminary remarks upon Mr. Nyce's system, though V7e think it is not generally well understood. All who wish to obtain full information can do so by applying to the Massachusetts Company, for one of the pamphlets giving in detail the construction of Fruit Houses, and the basis of the system of preserving fruit. Tiie President, C. M. Hovey, opened the meeting with a brief account of the preservation of fruit, and the experi- ments which had been made at home and abroad to accom- plish the object successfully. French and English cultivators and poraologists had given it much attention, and plans of fruit houses are given in works upon fruits. But it was needless to say that with all the ingenuity and enthusiasm of those who had made the attempt, they had failed to do any thing more than keep the winter sorts a month or so V>eyond the usual period of ripening in an ordinary cellar. A Bartlett, a Seckel, or a Louise Bonne of Jersey, had never before been kept in perfect order until January or February, The erection of the large and extensive fruit house of the Massachusetts Fruit Preserving Company was an enterprise of much magnitude, as they are enabled to store from 15,000 to 20,000 bushels of fruit. It was supposed that an enterprise which had for its object the supplying of our markets with fresh, sound, ripe fruit the year round and at a low price, would be welcomed as a real public benefit. But in this the gentlemen who hazarded their money in the work, many of whom did so simply as a public good, were greatly disappoint- ed. Without waiting for even a trial, they were told that fruit could not be kept — that if it was kept it would not be wauled out of season — in fact it was a quixotic enterprise. MARCH. 67 which those who united in it would sooner or later find out. The market gardeners and fruit dealers, full of prejudice at every innovation, with a vague fear that it would in some way jeopardize their trade, or an apprehension that somebody would be benefited, joined in the cry that " it could'nt be done, and it was of no use if it could." Ripe grapes in March at $5 the pound would sell, but the old crop kept in perfect order at $2 would be worthless ! But some foreseeing and energetic dealers ventured quietly, though we must admit not without misgivings, to make a trial, and they have reaped the reward of success ; but the plodding and old routine class still adhere to their opinions, and we doubt not will awake, Rip Van Winkle like, to find they have lost much very profitable trade, which a little thought and less conceit would have enabled them to retain. The President stated he was happy to know that members of the Society were present, who had put into the house large quantities of pears, from the first of September up to the present time, and whose experience would settle all doubts as to the quality and keeping of the fruit. He would call upon those gentlemen to state that experience. Hon. J. W. Merrill had quite a variety of pears in the house, but as the specimens were generally of inferior quality when put in, owing to his absence from home, he would inquire about their flavor and keeping. Mr. Hervey Davis said he could not give much informa- tion. He only had a few pears last year, and sent to the house only one small basket of various sorts for experiment. These kinds, or most of them, were upon the table for exhibi- bition and trial. He had eaten Surpasse Virgoulouse and Dana's Hovey, as perfect in quality as when fresh from the trees. Urbaniste as fine as ever eaten — saw no difference in the quality — some thought they were not quite so good, but he could not see any difference. He had some bunches of Diana grapes, and found them to be as perfect as when taken from the vine. Mr. J. V. Wellington had put a great many pears in the house. Began to take out his Bartletts in October, and had shipped a great quantity, and never heard any complaint of 68 THE MAGAZINE OF HORTICULTURE. their quality ; a few he thought did not retain their flavor so well as others ; Louise Bonne of Jersey were taken out the last of October ; Duchess, Winter Nelis and others he had in quantities. The Flemish Beauty was hard to mellow. The Duchess he found more difficult to mellow than those which had not been in the house. Winter Nelis and Beurre Diel held their flavor the best, so far as he had observed. Beurre Clairgeau was not yet ripe. Beurre Diel and Winter Nelis as good as if they liad not been in the house. Lawrence appeared to lose some flavor. Beurre d'Anjou retains its flavor and ripens up well. Mr. Davis, from what little experience he had had, thought all fruit should be in perfect order when put in the house. Should be gathered directly from the trees. He put some Sheldons in the house, that had been exhibited in Boston, Cambridge and Concord, and they kept well. Beurre Superfin rotted soon after it was taken from the tree. The President stated that the Beurre Superfin was one of the pears which kept best and retained its flavor, when put into the house. Usually, as Mr. Davis stated, it soon rotted at the core, but specimens gathered October 1, put into the house, and taken out November 25, kept in perfect order, and were delicious January 1. It was one of the very best pears. Mr. Wellington said that after taking the fruit from the house it should be kept rather cool, then put in a warmer place, but not too warm, and all fruit should be kept in the dark if possible. He thought they should not be hurried up in ripening. He had kept them in his cellar covered up five weeks before they were ripe. Mr. Merrill said he had taken a great deal of interest in the preservation of fruit ; he did not have many pears last year, and those rather poor, but he had seen many from other persons. His friend, the late Mr. Brjggs, had sent five barrels to the house ; he saw them opened ; they were Beurre Diel, Glout Morceau, &c., all in perfect order ; no specked ones, and he sent one bushel to Philadelphia ; all retained their excellence. Beurre Superfin, which he had eaten, were delicious and firm all through ; Seckel very fine ; Beurre d'Anjou, received from Mr. Wilder, had been taken out in MARCH. 69 perfect order, kept well and ripened up well. Bartlett he thought did not retain its flavor. He was led to think the acid pears keep the best. If too ripe when put in the house it would not be expected the fruit would keep. The Com- pany should issue directions when to pick and how to put into the house. He put some in in boxes and bored IJ inch holes in them, according to Prof. Nyce's advice, but they did not keep as well as those in tight barrels. Catawba grapes which he had eaten from the house were in fine order, and Dana's Hovey could never be better. Rev. A. BuLLARD said he never ate the Seckel in finer order. Mr. Davis said he had Bartletts gathered 20th September ; kept them in the fruit house till October 1, then exhibited them in Cambridge three days, carried them to Concord and exhibited three days, brought them home, and they were as fine as any he had ever tasted. Mr. F. Houghton stored a bushel of Bartletts in the house the last week of September, and forgot all about them till 20th November, when a note was sent to him saying they should be taken out. He found about 25 per cent, of them little decayed, and he sold the balance for $9 ; the flavor as good as ever ; was satisfied they were too ripe when put in, which was the cause of decay. Mr. Wellington. The Bartlett was one of the good pears of the season, ripens slowly in the house and retains its flavor for a while and after that loses it. Bartlett pears were not wanted after the later pears came in. The President did not think the Bartlett lost much flavor, but that its want of flavor was not apparent until it was eaten with such pears as Urbaniste, Marie Louise and others, which were so much superior, the Bartlett did not appear to be as good as usual. Mr. Wellington said he had 200 bushels of the early kinds in the house which he kept about six weeks, and then sold them ; inferior pears should never be put in. Mr. Bullard said he had a, fine crop of Duchess, many weighed a pound each, but in his cellar they all rotted. Mr. Merrill said the fruit should be put in perfectly clean 70 THE MAGAZINE OP HORTICULTURE. barrels or boxes ; mucli of tlie fruit he saw was sent to the fruit house in dirty boxes and barrels, which gave the fruit a bad flavor. Mr. Wellington said fruit wanted February 1 should be taken out of the house January 1 ; it required twice as long to ripen tliem, and after they were ripe would keep as long again as those that liad never been in the house. Mr. Wheeler said lie had Porter apples in the house, sonae of which he took out a day or two previous, and they were as fresh and good as the day they were put in. Much otlier information was given, but we could only retain the principal points made by each speaker. After the discussion the fruits exhibited were tasted, and all that were fully ripe were quite equal to any of the kind kept in the usual manner. Some were decidedly more melting and better. WHY DOES NOT RUNNmG WATER FREEZE? BY WILSON FLAGG. There is a general notion prevailing in the community that running water does not so readily freeze as still water ; and in confirmation of the opinion is mentioned the fact that while pools and ditches are frozen, the waters of a running brook are liquid and in motion. It is also remarked that while the shallows of a river are frozen, the moving water of the current remains unaffected. If the cold is severe enougli to freeze the river entirely over, the rapids continue for the most part unfrozen. It is supposed tliat motion produces heat or preserves that which is contained in the waters, as exercise evolves heat in the animal body or friction in inanimate substances. Let us see whether this notion will bear the test of a scientific investigation. When we wish to cool a cup of tea, or any other liot liquid, we stir it with a teaspoon, or pour it back and forth from one vessel into another. In this case we employ motion to cool water or a watery fluid, as nature is supposed to employ it for MARCH. 71 the purpose of preserving its heat. Why should hot water be cooled by motion while cold water is made to retain its heat by the same action ? Is there a particular point of temperature at which the laws of the radiation of heat are suddenly reversed? This is very improbable. Indeed the very opposite of this popular notion is the fact. Water will freeze much more rapidly if it be put in motion when exposed to a freezing atmospliere. One very simple fact I have often observed, and suppose it may hav-e been observed by others. On certain winter nights, when the temperature of the pump room is a little below freezing point, I have remarked in the morning that a full pail of water which on my first entrance into the room was entirely unfrozen, became at the very moment it was disturbed suddenly covered with a sheet of icy crystals. While the water in this pail remains perfectly still, and there is no moving current of air passing over its surface, the formation of ice on the surface is retarded : — and this delay may be thus explained. The conditions which I am supposing are that the pailful of water is entirely at rest, and the atmosphere around it perfectly unmoved, as in a still cold night, when no person is moving about the house. The experiment would fail in the day time, because the water would be jarred by motions in the house, and by currents of air formed by the opening of doors. While the water is perfectly at rest in the still atmosphere of the room, the warmest portions of it are constantly rising to the surface, and radiating lieat into the air. This circulation will continue until the whole bulk of the water of the pail is reduced to the freezing point of temperature, or very near it. It would not long remain in this condition, however still the water or the atmosphere surrounding it, before ice would begin to be made on the surface. But if the air of the room is only a few degrees below freezing point, and if we had an instrument sufficiently nice for the experiment, we should discover about an inch of warmer air resting immediately upon the surface of the water, until it becomes sheeted with ice. Now when the water is reduced to the point at which it is just ready to freeze, if this stratum of warm air be suddenly removed, by moving the pail or agitating the air 72 THE MAGAZINE OF HORTICULTURE. that surrounds it, the surface of the water is immediately, as if by magic, coated with crystals of ice. In this case we see the freezing process hastened by a slight degree of motion. For tlie further illustration of this point, the following experiment might be made : — Fill two pails with water nearly to the brim, and place them in separate rooms of a temperature several degrees below freezing point. Let one of them remain entirely undisturbed, by closing the doors of the room so that there shall be no motion of the atmosphere. Let the other pail of water be occasionally stirred, by dipping water from it and pouring it back. If the time when each begins to freeze be accurately noted, the one that has been stirred will be found to exhibit the first crystals of ice, and at a considerable time before they are found upon the other. The cause is plain : the water that was disturbed had a greater amount of its surface, or its bulk, exposed to the action of the cold atmosphere. The explanation of the security of running waters from freezing seems very obvious. It is only those brooks which are supplied from sources tliat lie below the action of frost that are partially exempt from freezing. If a temporary stream of water is produced by rain and flows upon the surface of the ground, the cold of winter will freeze it more rapidly than any still water of equal depth, because its motion causes it to radiate in a given time more of its own caloric into the freezing atmosphere. But those brooks which are perpetual derive their chief supplies of water from sources tiiat lie too deep to be frozen : and no part of the channel contains the same water at the present moment that it contained a few moments previous. The water of the brook is constantly flowing onward, and the channel is constantly resupplied from subterranean fountains that bring with them the warmer temperature of the soil, at different deptlis below the action of the frost. In the latter part of winter, if the winter has been steadily <5old, nearly all the small streams are frozen in their shallow parts, and the running waters are thereby diverted from ' their usual channel. If we follow the stream to its principal sources, we shall see the waters bubbling up from these MARCH. 73 sources, and overflowing the adjoining ground, forming undulating sheets of ice. The motion of the water from these depths does not prevent its freezing when it overflows a field ; but we shall find some pools of still water, filling certain hollows that are not entirely frozen. The truth is that all motion tends to equalize the heat of fluids with that of the atmosphere, when brought into contact with it. If cold water be brought into contact with a warmer atmosphere, it acquires its temperature sooner if it be stirred or put in motion, than if it remains at rest. In like manner warm water is hastened in the cooling or freezing process by motion in a cold or freezing atmosphere. The supposition that the motion of running water generates iieat by mechanical action cannot be correct. It is impossible that water under any ordinary circumstances can be put into such excessive action, as to cause the development of heat. Ice may by mechanical action be thawed in some degree by the heat thus devolved. But though ice thaws more rapidly when trampled and worn by the wheels of wagons and the feet of horses, this thawing is not produced in any appreciable degree by this cause. It is produced by the comminution of the solid ice, exposing a greater surface of it to the action of the sun or of a warmer atmosphere. The reason why untrodden or unblemished snow does not melt so fast as under other circumstances, even though it is hardened by being trodden, is that in its unblemished state , every snow crystal is a reflector, that radiates both light and heat. As soon as it is trodden down and solidified, its crystals become less perfect radiators, and absorb heat the more readily both from the sun and the atmosphere. Hence snow melts faster in paths than in the untrodden parts, unless the drifts are covered with dust brouglit by tlie wind, when the darker color of the surface diminislies its power to resist the action of the sun. With regard to running waters, it may be remarked that the beds of many small streams, in their deepest parts, are not generally frozen during the winter. They are preserved from freezing partly by their depth, but mostly by the constant axessioii of water above the freezing point, coming from 74 THE MAGAZINE OF HORTICULTURE. below. This circumstance is favorable to the growth of certain aquatic plants, as cresses for example, that continue to vegetate all winter at the bottom of tlie stream. In ponds there are some plants tliat would perish, if tlieir roots were not protected bj the deep water from the action of frost. This is supposed to be the case with the white pond-lily which possesses the habits and constitution of a tropical plant. THE RIPPOWAM STRAWBERRY. BY J. W. FAULKNER, STAMFORD, CONN. I was mucli surprised to see a notice in last week's Country Gentleman that you believed my seedling strawberry, the Rippowam, to be Rivers' Seedling Eliza. My brother, who was purser on the steamer Pacific, and lost with it, frequently brought me seeds and plants. I was in want of Bicton Pine ; he brought me it and Triomphe de Gand, I had a number of varieties, and grew them separately, each in twelve-feet square beds, inclosed on all sides by hemlock boards. This was in 1855. (The steamer left Liverpool, January 23, 1856, and never heard from.) I protected the Bicton Pine each winter with salt hay, but they gradually died out. I noticed on the east side of the bed some plants growing close to the board, and supposed they were Bicton Pines, saved by the extra pro- tection. In 1858 I first noticed the fruit. In 1860 the Fair- field County Horticultural Society, this county, was formed. They had learned from the New York Observer and other papers that I was growing fruit and flowers, and invited me to assist them. They awarded me several premiums, and urged me to propagate this new strawberry. It was named Faulkner's King by a party of visitors. I gave away a number of the plants. In 1864 I exhibited it at the Strawberry Show at tlie American Agriculturist Office, and took the second prize, the Agriculturist taking tlie first; and was assured, if flavor had been considered I would have taken the first prize. In 1865, at the same place, I took the first prize for the MARCH. , 75 three heaviest berries, also the prize for any variety equal to eigliteeu named sorts. In 1866 and 1867 it took the first premium at tlie Strawberry Show of the American Institute, and lias been quite extensively distributed over the United States and Canada. I have received several letters from strawberry growers, speaking in- the higliest terms of it, and you are the first person to say it is not what I represented it to 1)6, a seedling. I have abundant proof of what I state. That it may resemble Seedling Ehza I do not say. In 1861 or 1862 I bougiit of John Saul, Rivers' Eliza. It never grew such plants or berries as the Rippowam does on the same ground. It is a waste of time to cite cases to one so thorouglily informed as you are in such matters, that fruits have often been grown and proved to be similar to tliose grown by otiiers hundreds of miles away, wliere there was no possibility of mistake or deceit. I believe mine to be a cross of Bicton Pine, and possibly Triomphe de Gand, growing within twenty feet of it, it so frequently taking the cockscomb form of the Triomphe. " The Rippowam is of cockscomb order like the Agricult- urist, and a person must be possessed of very sharp eyes to detect any specific difference." — Gardeners' Monthly, 1865, p. 256. Dr. Brinckle, Mr. Buist and others, believed the Germantown Seedling a distinct variety, while others believed it to be Hovey's.— Gard. Month., Vol. I., p. 121. " We are compelled to believe there is a Germantown Seedling." — Gard. Month., 1860, p. 19. See letter to you from Mr. Ernst. — Hor- ticulturist, Vol. III., p. 197. In the Garden of P]den two of my tenants, Mr. McEvoy and Mr. Schneike have raised thou- sands of seedlings from the Hovey, Pistillate, Kean and Taylor's Seedling, impregnated by Swainstone Seedling, and all bear strong resemblance to the mother, both in fruit and plant."— N. Longworth, in the Hort., Vol. III., p. 280. At the Albany Horticultural Society, June 11, 1868, Luther Tucker, Esq., exhibited Royal Scarlet strawberries, "a fine variety, of beautiful appearance, much resembling Ross' Phoenix." Mr. Geo. W. Huntsman says, " Profuse Scarlet, raised from seed of Large Early Scarlet, which it closely 76 THE MAGAZINE OF HORTICULTURE. resembles, both in size, color and flavor, &c. ; it possesses decided advantages, es besides the main stem, to form the tree after the third year of maturity. I head them back about one-third of their growtli, each year. They will then throw out laterals which will produce an abundance of nuts. CORDON APPLE TREES. Much discussion has lately taken place in the English gardening journals, regarding tlie merits of cordon training,, especially as applied to the apple. This discussion was prin- cipally between Mr. Rivers, the well known nurseryman, and an intelligent correspondent of the Gardeners' Chronicle. Mr. Rivers had advised the planting of " orchards" extensively on this plan, but the correspondent, while advising the sj^sten* for gardens, very correctly doubts its adaptability to orchards. The system is not new, having been long ago described in the works of Du Brieul and other French writers; but as it is now more immediately brought to notice, after an inspection of the French gardens, where it is extensively introduced, wC' copy the account of it, with the descriptions and engravings, illustrating the same. This cordon plan is admirably adapted' to neat gardens, and should receive the attention of all who' appreciate order, well trained trees and fine fruit. In all small gardens the apple can find no place only in this way, or as dwarf buslies ; of the two the former appears the most ornamental and desirable : — I went the other day to see Mr. Rose Charmeaux, the originator of the method for preserving grapes, of which I sent you an account a week or two ago, and found his grapes stored for the winter as described ; the method was in full working order, and I was much pleased to find it even more simple and effective than could have been supposed. He began by having a stove and couple of chimneys, to keep the VOL. XXXIV. — NO. III. 6 82 THE MAGAZINE OF HORTICULTURE. atmosphere of his large grape-room right ; now he finds the grapes keep very much better without this, and simply devotes to liis winter stock a large room in his house, fitting it up in all parts to accommodate handily the little *bottles before spoken of, and padding the inside of tiic win(3ows so as to exclude light, and obviate, as far as possible, changes of temperatui'e. The grapes are cut in October, and preserved in good condition until May, indeed, they iiave been shown in May frequently ; and Mr. C. states that lie has kept them till August, and could do so yearly were it necessary. But he forces the Chassclas extensively, cuts it atxjut the 1st of April, and does not require them to keep such a very long time as that. The first result of the method to the village of Thomery, which is almost wholly occupied with Chasselas culture, was a gain of from 100,000 to 150,000 francs per annum. A small room in Mr. Charmeaux's house illustrated to a nicety the fact that a similar one in most houses may be made to perfectly answer the purposes of keeping grapes. It had in this case no windows, and scarcely any means of ventilation. The house is heated by hot air, but while there are openings in the floor of the passages and rooms generally to admit this, there arc none in the room devoted to grapes. Thus it is clear that the ordinary temperature of a well constructed house will present suitable conditions for the long preservation of grapes, in a small room that may be devoted to that purpose. The system was attractive enough when it was considered necessary to construct a room specially to carry it out; it is much more so now when it has been proven that not only is it not necessary to take any special means to warm or ventilate the structure, bxit that the grapes keep very much better without such being taken. Next I will attempt to give you a fuller idea of cordon training, and particularly of that form which will yet be found to be suitable for apple growing — the horizontal cordon. I may remark that Mr. Rivers' definition of a cordon is certainly not the French one, however well it may suit his argument; neither is that of the French professor of fruit culture who has chiefly originated the system. In France a man may have several large and distinct forms of trees, each MARCH. 83 well-trained branch precisely like the stems of the oblique cordons against one of his walls, but he will apply the name " cordon" to the trees usually confined to single stems or with slight deviations fi-om that form, never doing so to the larger and ampler forms. One of the chief merits claimed for the system is that you cover the wall mucli quicker by planting a large number of trees and confining their energies to a single stem or so, whereas it is ol)vious this claim does not obtain where you have a lai-ge tree. In fact, the laying in or pinching of the slioots is the same in botli instances, excepting in the as yet undeveloped pinching of M. Grin. The latest development of that is an attempt to do away with nailing or laying in, and by no means as yet successful or likely to suit our climate. "It will not suit ours either," said a French peach-grower, who had often been deputed to visit and report upon the garden of M. Grin — M. E. Jamin. However, there can be no misconception in this case with regard to the little horizontal cordon, as shown in the double form in figure 3. 3. DOUBLE CORDON MODE OF TRAINING DWARF APPLES. Altiiough in France gefterally the single cordon, as shown in figure 4, is the kind used for making an edging to borders and squares, yet this (fig. 3). is equally or more suitable. It is the form which will in the future afford us suclt capital specimens of fine apples, like Calville Blanche, from the bottoms of walls, &c. If the wall be wired as neatly and excellently as neat French fruit growers wire their walls, it may be tied to the lowermost wire ; and if not, it may be nailed in, in the old-fashioned way. There are in thousands of Britisli gardens bare spots on the lower parts of walls, &c., where this little rod on the Paradise may be beautifully- worked in. It is true that if the wall were as well covered as it ought to be, there would be no room for the cordon, but in the majority of gardens there is sufficient space to do it, and they are so very cheaply established that it will be worth 84 THE MAGAZINE OF HORTICULTURE. while to plant them in such places, even for a comparatively short period, until the wall is furnislied. It may also be trained along the front of forcing liouses, pits, y a well-managed orcliard would by no means justify the expense. Even the most sanguine would get accustomed to it as a garden system, and know its value and its cost before "planting orchards" thus. Therefore "T. F. R." who wrote to the Times, and, without a single qualifying word, advised its readers to "plant orchards" of these cordons at from 2000 to 4000 plants per acre, did a very mischievous thing, and the Times correspondent, in writing to gently caution the public against this, and to guard himself from misinterpretation, simply did what was ri»ht and called for. POMOLOGICAL GOSSIP. Three hundred and fifty Varieties of Pears. — We notice an account in our exchange papers of the meeting of the Pomological Congress in France, September last, at which one exhibitor had upon the tables "three hundred and fifty varieties, or raiher dishes, of pears, some fifteen or more of them being pronounced synonyms of the others." This is certainly a large number for one exhibitor, but both Messrs. Hovey & Co. and tiie Hon. Marshall P. Wilder exhibited, a few years ago, at one of the Annual Shows of the Massachusetts Horticultural Society; in September, upwards of THREE hundred AND SEVENTY-FIVE varieties of pears each, without any synonyms. We do not mention this as possessing any other merit than that of showing the enthusiasm and enterprise of these pomologists in the introduction of every new fruit, and their long labors in proving them, and giving the public the results. The Warfield Apple is the name of a new Western Seed- ling, which, it is said, " promises to be one of the best market apples for the West." Fruit medium size, very round, fair, with a light blusli. Flesh pleasant, tender, acid. A late summer apple, introduced by S. Foster, Muscatine, Iowa. It bears on grafts inserted three or four years. 88 THE MAGAZINE OF HORTICULTURE, New Fruits in England. — Tliougli many of the new varie- ties of fruits originated in England have but a limited value here, there are some, particularly among grapes, which are really fine acquisitions : how many of them can only be decided after a fair trial, but in order to keep our cultivators well posted in regard to all that transpires, we copy the following from the Gardeners' Chronicle, as a summary of the past year: — The acquisitions of the past year, if not so numerous as those in the department of flowers, are even more impor- tant. Among grapes — that noble fruit, in tlie cultivation of which our Britisii gardeners so much excel, we have to record a very considerable advance. Until a very few years ago, we had to trust for additions to our stock of grapes to the introduction of varieties from other countries. Now, however, we have tlie hybridizer at work at home, bringing us new varieties without number, with unheard of and un- dreamt of "new and valuable qualities. In this respect our thanks are at present specially due to Mr. Standish and Mr, Cox. To Mr. Standish we are under obligation for the Royal Ascot grape, a variety of much promise, whicli, though itself black, is, singular to say, the result of a cross between two white varieties ; the berries are large and roundish-oval, with a rich Muscat flavor, and the plant is of a remarkably free- growing habit, and a truly wonderful bearer, every lateral shoot even, showing one or more bunches. To Mr. Cox we are indebted for the Madresfield Court Black grape, wliich is also a large-berried oval black variety, with a iiigh Muscat flavor, and, as we believe, one of the finest grapes yet obtain- ed, forming a capital companion to the White Muscat of Alexandria, though, unlike it, it is as easy of cultivation as the Black Hamburg, which is tlie gardener's beau ideal amongst grapes. With tliese two last editions, and Mrs. Pince's Black Muscat and the Muscat Champion, our wants in respect to black grapes with Muscat flavor seem to be well supplied. It is worthy of note that nearly all tiic efforts of .the hybridizer have been made in this one direction — the producing of grapes with a Muscat flavor. We would sug- gest that ti'.ere are other tastes whicii should be studied. MARCH. 89 Some prefer the ppriglitliness of Oldaker's West's St. Peter's, for instance, to the flavor of tlie Muscats, which in the case of invalids is apt to cloy the palate. Amongst peaches and nectarines the acquisitions are equally great, thanks to Mr. Rivers, to whom, indeed, we have generally to look for any thing new, in this class of fruits. For some years back, Mr. Rivers has been working amongst them with much assiduity, and he has succeeded in introduc- ing a new race, with qualities so superior that they seem des- tined to surplant all the old and what we have hitherto con- sidered good varieties that we have in cultivation. Some are remarkable for their extreme earliness, others for their ex- treme lateness, thus prolonging the peach season ; and all of them have a peculiarly rich and tender flesh, and are of hardy vigorous constitution. Among early varieties of peaches- we may mention the Early Rivers and Early Beatrice, ripening fully a fortnight earlier than the Early Annie or Acton Scott. Rivers' Early York is later, but a decided acquisition, as hav- ing glands, it will prove less subject to mildew than its parent, tlie old Early York, which is glandless. It has been before noted, as a remarkable fact, that those sorts of peach trees which are without glands are very subject to this malady. Lady Palmerston is a very late variety. Amongst Nectarines the Stanwick Elruge is a grand acquisition ; the old Stan- wick Nectarine is well kfiovvn for its high flavor and its pro- pensity to crack, it has therefore long been a desideratum to obtain one that would not crack, and in this Mr. Rivers has now succeeded. Albert Victor is another flue new variety. We also hear of a splendid new late variety of peach, of French origin, the Belle Imperiale, raised by M. Chevalier, of Montreuil. Of apples and pears, although many new varieties have been brought forward, none of them, perhaps, partly owing to the unfavorable nature of the season, have been considered superior to already existing sorts. In figs we have an impor- tant addition in the variety named Grosse Yerte, one of the largest and richest of figs, and will erelong become one of the most popular. In cherries we have Mr. Rivers' Late Black Bigarreau, which hangs well on the trees till the end of 90 THE MAGAZINE OF HORTICDLTURE. August — later tlian any of the otlier black cherries. In plums we have Mr. Ingram's Bonne Bouche, an excellent, large, yellowish-green sort, ripening in September, the flavor approaching that of a Greengage. Of melons, altliongh their name is legion, and the flavoring of them so much a matter of judicious cultivation, we may mention Dr. Hogg and Den- bies' Green-fleslied : the last, exhibited in November, was one of the finest melons we ever tasted. Amongst strawberries, which are usually very prolific of novelties, we have, singularly enough, l)ut little to record. Souvenir de Kieff is a large and most excellent variety. Mr. Radclyffe is also very promising. Dr. Hogg worthily holds the place it took up last year as a first-class fruit. The Lady, from which much was expected, lias not proved equal to anticipation. The Perpetual Pine of Mr. Gloede, althougli not first-rate in itself, is a step in the right direction, from which we may be able eventually to raise a grand race of perpetual-bearing strawberries. Mr. Standish and Mrs. Nicholson have both great numbers of seedlings under trial, some of whicli are of superior quality, and of wliich we ex- pect to hear more during the ensuing season. FLO RIC ULTU R AL NOTICES. Double Zonal Pelargoniums. — These new varieties, first introduced to our gardens last year, are rapidly becoming favorites al)road, and we have no doubt will be fully appre- ciated here. The following information regarding their origin and the progress of their improvement, will be highly interesting: — Witliin the last few years our collections have been enrich- ed by several varieties of Pelargonium inquinans, with double flowers, the most remarkable of which is the variety called Gloire de Nancy. M. Lemoine states that this was obtained by crossing Beauts de Suresnes by one of the double-flowered MARCH. 91 varieties previously known. Two seeds were produced, and of tliese one has given flowers of P. inquinans ; the otlier is the Gloire de Nancy, .which has very full double flowers, re- sembling minute Pompon roses, of a beautiful shade of color between that of the mother, which is rose, and the father which is scarlet — a color which has l)een described as Chinese orangy rose. It is one of the most beautiful varieties yet ob- tained among the several double-flowered sorts now in exist- ence. It offers a curious matter for speculation, how all the variations and modifications of plants witnessed year by year, and which come to augment the number of our ornamental plants, are produced. Is it the effect of artificial crossing, or is it simply a natural alteration — an accident, which the art of the gardener succeeds in fixing by means of the cutting or the graft? A great and sublime question this for the pliilosophical gardener. M. Morren holds that the greater jjart of these varieties are not more or less direct results of the influence of man, nor a consequence of such operations as a more or less ai-tificial fertilization, nor a consequence of the power which tlie gardener exercises over the plant ; but that more frequently they are the result of the artificial life which the plant leads under cultivation, which makes it take on different forms and colorings, but which never go beyond the limits traced by Nature for each species. The pelargoni- ums with double flowers are a new example of these accidental variations. " Whence comes," asks the editor of U Hurti- cvUeur Franpais, " the first of these double pelargoniums, and how have the otlier varieties been produced ? " These questions he tlien proceeds to answer in the words of M. Auguste Ferrier, of which we quote the substance: — Six years ago, writes M. Ferrier, I saw in the garden of M. Martial de Champflour, a rich and intelligent amateur, a pelargonium with double flowers, tiiat which later was called Auguste Ferrier ; but nothing could be learned of its origin. A second variety, witli flowers still more double, and said to have been obtained from seeds of this semi-double variety, had the umbels larger and more compact, and the coloring of the flowers different. It was a very double variety, obtain- 92 THE MAGAZINE OF IIOKTICULTURE. ed without fertilization. Tlie duplication evidently proceeded from the ti-ansformation of the stamens; but there remained nearly always one or two of them which contained pollen. The appearance of these two plants was very curious, and M. Emile Chatd discerned in them the foundation of a new race, that of pelargoniums with double flowers. At the death of M. de Champflour these two pelargoniums, with double and semi-double flowers, fell into the hands of M. Emile Chate ; but when they came to be commercially an- nounced to the horticultural world it was found that several persons possessed varieties more or less double, though none were put into commerce that year, and those which appeared a little later differed but slightly from Auguste Ferrier, and from Martial de Champflour — this latter so named because it has been obtained in the garden of M. do Champflour. M. Lemoine, of Nancy, asking for flowers of this variety to de- cide on its merits, received one from M. Chate. It appears that he found in it some fertile stamens, and with them fertil- ized a flower of Beaute de Suresnes; two seeds only sprang up, and it is one of these two, fertilized by Martial de Champ- flour, which has produced the admirable variety, with flowers perfectly double, named Gloire de Nancy. M. Ferriei' then proceeds to relate a curious fact bearing upon tlie question of the production of varieties with double flowers. At M. Chate's, he observes, there exists a plant of Auguste Ferrier, grown from a cutting, on wiiich may be ob- served the two primitive varieties. It is divided, from tlie base, into two branches: one bears the semi-double flowers of the mother-plant — Auguste Ferrier ; the other has tlie full flowers of Martial de Ciiampflour. There is no artificial skill, no grafting, but simply a branch of the variety Martial de Champflour naturally developed on the cutting of a branch of the variety Auguste Ferrier. This plant, propagated from slip to slip, is at least the tenth generation from the mother-plant. This anomaly suggests that Martial de Champflour has prob- bly sprung [as a sport] from Auguste Ferrier. Hence it is coiicUided that the first double pelargoniums were accidental sports, and that they have been consequently fixed ; in sup- port of which yiew reference is made to a plant of Tom MARCH. 93 Thumb shown at a meeting of the Horticultural Society of Paris, on whicli grew both umbels of single flowers and umbels of double flowers. The branches producing these last would in the same way yield a double-flowered Tom Thumb. §tntxnl %Qtxtts. Russian Violets. — These are most useful hardy plants for autumn and winter decoration. A small plantation of ihem has furnished here, more or less, since the second week in October, bouquets every week. Their early blooming makes them doubly valuable. I find it to be necessary to replant every season, either in Apiil or in the beginning of May. I divide the old stools, cutting away the principal portion of the old roots, and planting rather deeply in order to induce fresh roots to push at the base, since sandy loam enriched with leaf mould is a suitable compost for them. Liberal watering is also essential, should the season be dry. They delight in a ■warm corner, or at the foot of a south wall. — ( Gard. Chron.) Mdsa Ensete. — A fine specimen of the grand Musa Ensete, generally known as Brace's Banana, is now flowering in an orangery at Stowe, thp seat of the Duke of Buckingham and Chandos. His grace brought two small plants (only three feet high) of this Musa from Algiers, in the autumn of 1864. Both were planted in tubs, the sides of which were after a fevr months removed, and the plants surrounded by rock-work, filled in with suitable soil. The specimen, now in flower, is thirty feet high, with a stem six feet two inches in circumference just above the soil, and three feet two inches under the leaves. In general appearance and effect this is one of the most beautiful of grand-foliaged plants. Some of the leaves are thirteen feet long and three feet wide — they are sometimes still larger; while the dark reddish rib at the back of the leaf gives a peculiar beauty to the plant, and contrasts most agreeably with the pale green upper surface of the broadly plaited foliage. This Musa has been known for about 100 years. It flowered at Kew in December, 1860, and perfected fruit there; it has flowered at the Crystal Palace. There is not much to admire in the flowers themselves. The pale lemon-colored spathes, at the base of which the flowers are situated, much resemble the petals of Magnolia grandiflora. It may be added that this species of Musa is one of the finest of the noble-foliaged plants which have been of late years so freely introduced to our summer gardens, under the title of subtropical plants. — [Gard. Chron.) New Variegated Kale. — Mr. Bull has sent us examples of a new Variegated Kale, to be called the " Caledonian Hybrid Perennial Borecole." 94 THE MAGAZINE OP HORTICULTURE. It is very beautifully marked, and much varied in the sample before us. Some have a white or purple centre, with green curly margin, some have the ribs picked out with white, or pink, or purple, the margin and inter- mediate parts being green, and some are entirely purple, while between the extreme forms there are innumerable gradations. In the majority the margin is curled after the manner of the ordinary Curly kale of the kitchen garden, but in some the edge is much more finely cut. It is decidedly an improvement on any samples of Variegated kale we have previously seen. — ( Gard. Chron ) Milky Whitk Potato. — I planted Milky White last year by the side of Smith's Early, Flourball, Rivers' Royal, and several other sorts, and I found it freer from disease than any of them. I consider it to be a first-rate potato, and with me it is a capital cropper; I have grown it for three years. We had a sharp frost here late in the spring, which cut up the potatoes, but I found Milky White withstood it better than any of its associates. Smith's Edrly (wliich I think is a good sort) was cut up so badly that I had none for use, scarcely getting enough for seed. I intend trying it for early frame work this spring. — {Gard. Chron.) #bit«arj. Death of Isaac Pullen. — Died, at his residence at Heightstown, N. J., December 13, 1867, Isaac Pullen. Mr. Pullen was well known as a most intelligent and energetic nurseryman, and particularly for the successful culture of the peach, both in the open air and in pots His collection comprised a select list of the best fruits of all kinds, and his accuracy in his profession gave him the well deserved reputation of disseminating through- out the Middle States many of the finest varieties. It will be gratifying to know thit his collection of trees will be kept up, and the nursery continued by his son, Mr. T. J. Pullen. Death of Petf.r Mackenzie. — Died, at his residence in Broad Street, Philadelphia, February 25th, Peter Mackenzie, at the age of 59. Mr. Mackenzie is well known to the elder readers of our Magazine, not only from our frequent notices of his fine collection of camellias and greenhouse plants, but from the contribiit on of several valuable articles on the cultiva- tion of plants. Mr. Mackenzie, while a young gardener at Lemon Hill, was the first to flower the Poiiisettia in superb condition, ard by his kind- ness the result of his practice was communicated in our pages. He was an enthusiastic lover of plants, and a skilful cultivator. His death will be lamented by a large circle of friends. MARCH. 95 loi'ticiiltuvnl ©ptraiions FOR MARCH. FRDIT DFPARTMF,NT. February has been a cold month, and no work could be done in the open air. As milder weather sets in, advantatje should be taken to com- plete every thing which can be finished at this early season. Grape ViN?:s, in the earliest houses, will now have ripened their fruit, and it will be ready for cutting. Keep the house well aired, and as dry aa possible. Vines in the grapery will now be well broken, and should be tied up firmly to the trellis. Continue syringing the vines until the fruit buds are well advanced, and avoid too niuch heat until the flowers begin to open. Vines in cold houses may be uncovered the last of the month, and preparations made to bring them forward. Fruit Trees, in pots, may now be brought into the grapery, or green- house, and started into growth. Scions of fruit trees may be cut this month, keeping them in sand or earth, in a cool cellar. Pruning should be begun this month, and continued until all the work is done. Scrape off rough bark, and wash with whale oil soap. Strawberries, in pots, now ripening their fruit, should be well supplied with water. Prepare Ground for planting, as soon as the weather will admit. Ca.nkerworms should be looked after; tar or protect the trees from the ascent of the grubs which lay the eggs. Manure Trf.es, where it was omitted in the autumn. FLOWER DEPARTMENT. The recent cold month has retarded work, and hotbeds and frames could not be prepared, or if prepared could not be properly managed. As it becomes warmer it will be safe to uncover, and air the plants. Such as are crowding the houses can now be removed where they will not be endangered by frost. In-doors many of the plants will now feel the effects of the advancing season, and will be niaking new growth, while others will have completed their flowering, and require rest. Repot and •encourage the former, and see that the latter do not suffer from neglect. Pelargoniums will now begin to make a fresh start, and by the last of the month the flower buds will appear. Keep them rather warm, with an abundance of air, and water more liberally. Turn the plants round often, and fumigate if there are any green flies. Continue to tie the plants into shape. Azaleas are now coming into flower, unless checked by removing to a very cool house. As the buds begin to swell, syringe the plants every day, and keep them rather warm. Water more liberally, and avoid cold currents of air. See that the plants are free from the thrip or red spider. 96 THE MAGAZINE OP HORTICULTURE. Encourage young stock by a shift into larger pots, and bring them forward in a good teriiperature. Camellias will soon begin to mnke a new growth, and will require a more liberal supply of water, and syringing twice a day. Shade from the noonday sun, and give occasional supplies of manure water. Caladiums should now be started into growth, if not already done. Divide the roots carefully, put in very sandy soil, and plunge in the hotbed. Gloxi.mas and Achimenes should be repotted and brought forward. Palms should have a shift into larger pots, if they require it. Cannas should be potted, so as to get good strong plants for turning out into the ground. Hyacinths, and other spring bulbs, may be brought into the house for a succession of bloom. Lilies, of the various kinds, should have a good place on a shelf, and watered freely as the shoots advance. Tuberoses and Gladiolus, for early flowering, should be potted. Cyclamens, done flowering, should be more sparingly watered. Zonal Pelargoniums will now be making a fine growth, and should be topped to make bushy plants. Repot, if necessary. Fuchsias should be repotted, and a vigorous growth kept up. Never allow the plants to receive any check. Heaths, done flowering, should be removed to a frame, where they can be kept cool, and free from frost. Roses, beginning to grow, may be repotted. Bedding Plants, of all kinds, should be removed to a frame as soon as the weather will admit, so as to harden them preparatory to planting out in the open ground. Chrysanthemums should be propagated from cuttings. Amaryllises should be potted and plunged in bottom heat, if convenient. FLOWER garden AND SHRUBBERY. The present cool weather does not appear very favorable for work in the open garden; but the cold and snow may disappear suddenly, and before April the weather may be such as to admit of an early preparation of the ground. When this comes the first thing will be to clean, rake and roll the •walks, that out-door promenades may be pleasant and inviting. The next ■will be to commence uncovering all early bulbs and herbaceous plants that they may at once receive the genial influence of the sun and air. Crocuses, snowdrops and daffodils will soon show their blossoms, and later the early tulips will appear. Japan and other lilies, not planted in the autumn, should be put out as soon as the ground will permit. The lawn should be well raked and thoroughly rolled as soon as it can be safely done. Ground intended for early planting should be trenched or dug. Frames, containing violets or half hardy plants, should be opened and ■well aired every fine day, protecting them at night, if frost continues. Collect and prepare soils and compost for spring use. THE FRUITS OF 1867. Notwithstanding we have endeavored to give all the information in relation to fruits and their cultivation the past year, as well as to the introduction of new varieties, and the special growth of particular kinds, we have no doubt omitted much which would be interesting and instructive to all. It is fortunate that such omission, if any there be, can be readily supplied from reliable sources, and that our own opinions, as well as those of many valuable correspondents, may be compared with others obtained from the persoiial knowledge and observation of those whose special duty it is to gather up and record the progress of fruit culture in our immediate neighborhood. Through a series of years it has been a source of gratifica- tion to present to our cultivators the accumulated information collected by the Fruit Committee of the Massachusetts Horti- cultural Society, who weekly have the opportunity of wit- nessing and observing the numerous specimens presented for exhibition, or in competition for the many liberal prizes offered by the Society. These embrace, as they ought, the very best specimens of skilful cultivators, and afford the means of judging of their comparative merits, independent of their general mode of growth, productiveness, &c., which can only be ascertained by a thorough knowledge and study of their characteristics, under tlie eye of the cultivator himself. But as regards these, beyond .the reputation of the exhibitor, much must be taken for granted, especially where the varie- ties are new and not generally disseminated. The simple fact that any new fruit comes up to the standard already established is much in its favor, and leads to the promise, other qualities being equal, of an acquisition of more or less Talue. The Eeport of the Fruit Committee of the Massachusetts Horticultural Society is before us. It embraces a short review of the season of 1867, with some preliminary remarks VOL. XXXIV. — NO. IV. 7 98 THE MAGAZINE OP HORTICULTURE. on the importance and value of the grape crop, and a brief notice of fruit houses. The summing up of tlie results of the observations of the Committee upon the specimens from time to time exhibited is interesting and instructive, and we extract from it the following, as showing the Committee's view of the progress of fruit culture in Massachusetts for 1867 :— As has been stated, the appetite is keen for early fruits, for good specimens of which extravagant prices are paid. No variety of fruit is so well adapted for forcing as the grape. It is easy of management, it retains the highest excellence of flavor under glass, it is an attractive and saleable fruit in the market. As a pecuniary enterprise we think that in sheltered positions and in low houses adapted solely to this purpose, grapes may be forced with great success, and at prices much below those now ruling, during the months of April, May, and a part of June. M. H. Simpson was the only exhibitor of early grapes. His Muscat of Alexandria, on the 22d of June, were compact and fine bunches, yet scarcely ripe. C. S. Holbrook has been very successful in growing forced peaches, bringing them in just before the ripening of strawberries, in June, and obtaining from '112 to $18 per dozen for the fruit. The house in which these are grown is 60 feet long, and contains 30 trees, in boxes 3 feet square. The present was the 13th crop, and on one tree 220 fruit were picked. Tliese figures are remarkable, and it must be added are entirely deceptive in estimating the profit of the crop. We may say it is an exLraordii.ary crop of an extraor- dinary tree, at an extraordinary price. Probably the crop of this tree did not attain the size to command anything like the price named. Yet enough is seen and known to warrant the statement that, with skilful and high culture, forced fruits are a source of profit as well as highest enjoyment. It is to be hoped that the number of contributors of forced strawber- ries, peaches and grapes, instead of diminishing may at least increase relatively with our population. On the 15th of June, the Jenny Lind strawberry opened the list of out-door fruits ; a worthy herald of the continuous APRIL. 99 and bountiful supply which fills out the year to its close. Other varieties are alinast equally early, the Boston Pine, for example, being exhibited on the same day with the Jenny Lind. Tlie Wilson has been an unpopular fruit in our mar- kets, on account of its poor quality, but its productiveness is so marked that it is gaining favor. The Jucunda is a fine looking fruit, yet not equal to La Constante in this respect, while it lias disappointed us as to quality and productiveness, upon its first year of trial. But we trust another trial and in various soils may demonstrate its claim to the high praise it has received in other sections. The favorable opinion entertained last year of the Seedling strawberry of Hon. M. P. Wilder, a cross between La Con- stante and Hovey's Seedling, and now designated as No. 60, is confirmed this season. The fruit is of tlie largest size, of good flavor, in appearance a medium between its j>arents, not so polislied or glazed, and with seeds more imbedded tlian in La Constante. An examination of the bed gave indications of vigor and decided productiveness. Mr. Wilder's other Seedling was shown as No. 13, and more nearly resembles Hovey's Seedling. Both varieties are promising, and we trust the former may prove worthy of the name of the distin- guished originator. Other new strawberries were exhibited, but did not appear to be noteworthy. La Constante continues to be the finest exhibition fruit, though not sufficiently pro- ductive to compete with the Hovey, Triomphe de Gand, Agriculturist and Wilson in the market. The exhibition of ciierries is smaller than it should be. It will be remembered that the ciierry was injured to a remark- able degree by the severe winter of 1857. The present short supply is a result of this injury. The remedy is in more extensive planting of young trees. We cannot dispense with this fruit, although it may not hold out strong inducements to plant for profit in the market. The leading varieties on exhibition continue to be Black Tartarean, and Black Eagle. On the 13th of July, Mr. T. S. Pettingill exhibited a red cherry resembling Dovzner's Late, with rather more juice and spirit. Of currants, La Versaillaise is taking the first rank, both 100 THE MAGAZINE OP HORTICULTURE. for exhibition and for the market. Its size is regarded as more than an offset to its slightly inferior quality to the old Ked Dutch. Mr. J. C. Park exhibited the Berton's Seed- ling currant, resembling La Versaillaise, but not quite equal in size. Who will give us a seedling currant as large as the cherry and as good as the Red Dutch ? It is a tempting opportunity. Raspberries are a neglected fruit. Tlie amount in the market is, perhaps, less than it was ten years ago. We must reform in tliis respect. The Knevett's Giant is an advance upon old varieties, and is a noble fruit. The Phila- delphia is perfectly hardy and is remarkably productive, but its size is a great drawback. We have not had the fruit of the Clark upon our tables, but it is regarded with much favor by those who best know its merits. ' The Dorchester blackberry has continued to take the first prize. The Wilson and Kittatinney blackberries have not, as yiet, been exhibited and of these we cannot speak. The great increase in the number of varieties of small fruits will of itself increase the public interest, and the extent of culture, and thus in some measure offset the loss resulting from worthless novelties. The maxim seems to be to try all " and hold fast that which is good." The plum is virtually an abandoned fruit. H. Yandine continues to exhibit several varieties, but we should judge his crop is not large. Mrs. T. W. Ward has exhibited very fine specimens of plums, which have been protected from the curculio by showering the whole tree with lime water, of the donsistency of a thin whitewash, twice a week, from the time the fruit is as large as a pea, until the 24th of June. This is found to be a perfect protection. Peaches have been more abundant than usual, though by no means reminding us of the years gone by. Foster's Seedling resembles Early Craw- ford, and may prove to be superior in appearance and in hardiness. Of this we can only judge when it is cultivated ijti various localities. The Van Buren Dwarf is a fine looking fruit, of high flavor, but the flesh is firm and clings to the stone to an objectionable degree. Pears have been abundant and of fine size, but very de- ficient in quality, owing to the superabundance of rain and APRIL. 101 the lack of sunshine and heat. Beurre GifFard was prominent as tlie best early kind on exhibition, receiving the three prizes. Clapp's Favorite maintained its high reputation, gaining the first, prize for Autumn. Doyenne du Comice wins favor with each season, and ranks among the very best. Beurre d'Anjou, Sheldon, Beurre Superfin, Swan's Orange, Urbaniste, Duchesse, Louise Bonne and Beurre Bosc all sus- tained their high rank as Autumn pears. Mention may also be made of fine dishes of Dix, St. Michael, Glout Morceau and Beurre Diel, not commending them to public favor, but as sliowing that protection and favoring circumstances will, even now, restore these old favorites. It is clearly incorrect to say that these varieties have deteriorated. We may rather say that the conditions of healthy growth have failed. Dr. Shurtleff exhibited specimens of his Seedling pears, a lengthy description of which was given in the report of last year, to- which we can add notliing at present. The following Seed-; lings worthy of note were exhibited by F. &, L. Clapp : Sarah, above medium, obovate, yellowish, with russet patches ; flesh, white, melting, sweet, flavor of the Seckel ; ripe October 12th, promising. Newhall, a Seedling from Marie Louise, which it resembles, promises well, ripe October 20th. Also, a Seedling not named, a russet, above medium, a perfect pyramid, juicy, a spicy, mace-like flavor, good. F. Dana extends his long list of Seedlings, exliibiting one resembling the Marie Louise, and another very like the Dix. The Goodale pear was on the tables at the Annual Exhibi- tion, but as it has been fully described in previous reports we can add nothing. Asahel Foot exhibited a seedling of the Seckel, which is more oblate, but otherwise like its parent. Another Seedling by Mr. Foot is called Weeping Willow, from the remarkably pendulous habit of the tree, but the fruit is of third quality. The only prominent Winter varieties were Lawrence, Winter Nelis and Caen de France. Apples are grown with perfect success in the very heart of infected districts. It may be difficult yet, plainly, it is pos- sible to triumph over cankerworms, curculio, and caterpillars. When the cultivator has but few trees, it is scarcely an object to exercise eternal vigilance, but for a large orchard, the cost 102 THE MAGAZINE OP HORTICULTURE. of continuous tarring for the cankerworm is comparatively trifling. Enterprise is the main requisite. It has been a great mistake to sacrifice healthy young orchards which, with little expense, would probably yield as large profit as any other product. The single orchard of the Messrs. Clapp dis- proves the wliole list of diseased, neglected and stunted or- chards to be seen on every side. Tiie evil is, however, in many cases beyond remedy. Trees which have been stripped of foliage for three or four years, especially if of full age, become so stunted and checked as to be scarcely worth recovering. Hence the greater need of protecting all that are yet vigorous. The Williams was, as usual, the most prominent Summer apple, followed l)y tiie Gravenstein in Autumn, and, with unusual prominence, by the Hubbardston for Winter. Of course it is not safe to follow these indications blindly. Tlie best and most showy fruits may not be productive or adapted to general culture. Yet it is believed that an examination of the prize varieties of the various fruits will, in the main, guide to safe conclusions. The grape has been affected by tlie excessive rains, more than any other fruit. Tiie Concord has suffered severely from mildew of the bunch, while all varieties have been more or less affected by mildew of the foliage. Add to this, that the crop was backward and in many localities was cauglit by early frosts, and it will be seen that the result must be meagre. Still the display has been fair, indicating general interest iii this fruit, ajid giving great encouragement to persevere. In this region the Cojicord requires a dry and comparatively poor soil. Excessive moisture and high feeding causes mil- dew of the bunch, over luxuriance and barrenness. But there have been some instances of full crops of the Concord, of which that of Daniel Clark was quite remarkable, perhaps the best we have ever seen. Mr. Clark's vines are planted at the base and trained over a ledge of rocks, securing condi- tions known to be favorable. The Hartford Prolific has given a larger crop than any other kind. The Delaware has mil- dewed and failed in most instances. Rogers No. 15, has not ripened well. No. 4, has done much better, and for quality^ appearance and good habits combined, is the best of Mr. Rog APRIL. 108 ers' Seedlings as yet noticed by your Committee. Israella appeared to be ten days later than tlie Hartford. lonas did not ripen except in favored spots. A Seedling from 01m Brothers was very like, and probably identical with Catawba ; also, from the same, a Seedling resembling Lenoir. A white grape from Rev. I. P. Langworthy, called Fedora, did not appear to be equal to the Allen. On the 19th of October, Mr. Jacob Moore sent specimens of his Diana Hamburg, and Clover Street Black, both in good condition. The former has the thick skin and a trace of the flavor of Diana, but it ap- pears to have a decided preponderance of foreign blood. The Clover Street has also a thick skin, some pulp, but no foxi- ness. In quality and appearance, these Seedlings stand high. Of their habits we cannot speak. Mr. J. B. Clyne, of Roch- ester, N. Y., sent samples of grapes ripened by him, giving an excellent opportunity of comparing them with fine samples grown by Mr. Hervey Davis, in his protected vineyard at Cambridgeport. As the season at Rochester was quite in contrast with our own, being unusually dry and warm, we should expect superior quality. Rogers No. 15 was better than we had conceived it ever could be, with some aroma and little of the roughness usually noticed. No. 4 was sweeter than Union Village, but not as juicy, quite a good grape, and, considering its noble appearance, its freedom from disease, and its apparent productiveness, it promises to be a valuable addition. This was equally good in this section as from Rochester. ACCLIMATIZATION. BY WILSON FLAGG. It may not be uninteresting to the readers of this Magazine to consider, somewhat in detail, those modern discoveries which have affected the progress of fruit culture, involving some important laws of vegetation. One of the most rernark- able is the principle of acclimatization, which Mr. Knight used as the basis of some of his most successful experiments 104 THE MAGAZINE OF HORTICULTURE. for producing new varieties. All plants have a tendency to become constitutionally adapted to the climate in which art or accident may place them. Thus the peach, a native of the southern temperate zone, has been naturalized in Great Britain. When any individual trees are brought from a warm climate to a colder one, they are less capable of endur- ing the climate, or of ripening their fruit, than naturalized individuals of the same variety on the same stock. " Every plant and animal adapted to man's service," says Mr. Knight, " is made susceptible of endless changes, and as far as relates to his use of endless improvement." But it is important to con- sider that what we call improvement, with regard to its fitness for the use of man, is but degeneracy as it regards the species which is the subject of it. A double rose or a double dahlia is a degenerate variety of the normal or single species ; a golden pippen, a degenerate variety of the wild crab ; and a Suffolk pig but a degenerate offspring, through many genera- tions, of the wild hog. But these degenerate varieties are actual improvements, so far as they relate to the use of man. Yet there is a sort of improvement which implies neither de- generacy nor debility, but the opposite of these. Such is the improvement that consists in acclimatization. If, for example, we should produce by artificial means, a variety of the peach which would be unaffected by the accidents of our climate, such a variety would have taken that sort of improvement that implies superior vigor and hardihood. This principle of acclimatization was one of the earliest subjects that engaged the attention of Mr. Knight. " Tiie improver," he remarks, " who has to adapt his productions to the cold and unsteady climate of Great Britain, has many diflficulties to contend with ; he has to combine hardiness, energy of character and early maturity with the improve- ments of high cultivation. Nature, however, has in some measure pointed out the patii he has to pursue." If two plants, peaches for example, of the same species and of the same stock were removed to widely different climates ; if one, for example, were planted in Montreal and the other in St. Augustine, and each were to remain through successive gen- erations in the open air for the space of twenty-five or thirty APRIL. 105 years, they would, at the end of that time, have acquired very different degrees of hardihood, and susceptibility to the action of cold and heat. Take cuttings from each at the end of the period named, and graft them upon similar stocks in Massa- chusetts— those from the north would be less susceptible of injury from the frost at any season, than those from the south. Any other habits of constitution and growth acquired in either of those places would be preserved in the scions for a number of years. Plants will bring wj,th them when removed from a foreign clime, not only their delicacy or their hardihood, but all their other acclimatized habits : such as their rapid or their slug- gish habit of vegetating, and their habits of late or early maturity. England, for example, possesses a mild winter, suc- ceeded by a growing season of very moderate heat, compared with New England. All the indigenous plants of England, possess, accordingly, a slow habit of growth corresponding with the moderate temperature of its climate. In England all its indigenous plants come forward earlier in the spring and continue vegetating a longer time before they ripen their fruit or drop their leaves, than the New England plants when raised in English soil. We observe the converse of this in our own country. Hence we may at once distinguish an English elm from American elms, by the earlier development and the longer duration in autumn of the foliage of the English elm compared with the American species. The same habits may be observed in fruit trees, under like circumstances. Cherry trees grafted from trees which were raised and have been nat- uralized in Great Britain, put out their leaves earlier in spring and hold them longer in autumn than such as have come up from seed sown in our own soil. All these remarks will also apply to herbaceous plants. Annual plants are more easily acclimatized by art than perennials, by repeatedly sowing the seeds of the earliest ripened individuals, and following the process through several successive generations. The selection of seeds from the prod- ucts of the short and bright summers of a climate like that of Canada or Siberia enables the farmers of New England to obtaiu earlier varieties than they could produce by experi- 103 THE MAGAZINE OF HORTICULTURE. meriting in our own climate. The contrary effect is produced by the cold and tardy climate of Scotland compared with that of the south of England. Mr. Knight remarks, " The barley grown on sandy soils in the warmest parts of England, is always found by the Scotch farmer when introduced into his country, to ripen on his cold hills earlier than his crops of the same kind do, when he uses the seeds of plants which have passed througli several successive generations in his colder climate." On the contrary, in Massachusetts, when the far- mers want a variety of Indian corn thaj; will vegetate quickly, they obtain the seed from the north and not from the south. Indian "corn which has for many years been raised in Canada, ripens its ears in a shorter time in Massachusetts, than seed from sorts that have been naturalized in this State, or in still more southern latitudes. Hence it is evident that we must sometimes go north and sometimes south, for an early ripening variety of grain or fruit ; but there are no exceptions, I be- lieve, to the fact that European, and especially English plants, are more tardy in their ripening than American plants of the same species. The principle involved in these facts may be thus stated : a tree or an annual plant brought from a climate of great intensity, grows more rapidly in any climate, than a variety of the same species brought from a moderate, damp, and equable climate. Such is the climate of Canada compared with that of Massachusetts, and such the climate of Siberia compared with that of England. " The crab," says Mr. Knight, " is a native of both countries, and has adapted alike its habits to both. The Siberian variety, introduced into the climate of England, retains its [Siberian] habits, expands its leaves and blossoms, on the first approach of spring, and vege- tates strongly in the same temperature in which the native crab scarcely shows signs of life ; and its fruit acquires a degree of maturity, even in the early part of our unfavorable season, which our native crab is rarely or never seen to attain." Mr. Knight governed himself l)y these principles in his experiments for obtaining new and early varieties, beginning with the apple. By a peculiar process of hastening the raatu- APRIL. . 107 ritj of the kinds of fruit which lie wished to improve, by training them against a south wall, and by hybridizing with the Siberian crab, he obtained new varieties which matured their fruit earlier than either parent stock. This process it is needless to describe — but the whole series of steps by which he arrived at his results constitute an important study for the pomologist. The experience of American cultivators, embracing so many different climates and soils, is likely to become very valuable, as it respects the law of acclimatization ; and some important facts have already, by this means, been brought to light. It is found, for exaipple, that the e£:rly bearing varieties of the apple, as the Summer Harvest and others, will prosper and become fruitful in the Southern States, — but the late bearing varieties, or winter apples obtained from northern scions, can- not so well sustain the heat of a southern summer, and are liable to drop their fruit while it is forming. Yet by raising these varieties from the seed planted in southern soil, culti- vators have obtained winter apples that will prosper in the Southern States, that do not drop their fruit before it is ripe, and preserve a good flavor. At the South, therefore, the selec- tion of early apples is made from northern scions, and of winter apples from southern scions. Mr. Redmond, one of the edi- tors of the Southern Cultivator, enumerates " nearly one hundred varieties of native southern winter apples, of superior excellence ; " and he thinks that by governing their practice according to the best rules of science and experience, and by proper selections, winter apples may be raised in all parts of the south. The acclimatizing of plants indigenous in tropical climates, and rendering them sufficiently hardy to bear a northern winter, is not possible. The experiraoits of cultivators must be confined to trees and shrubs which are subject to hyberna- tion. Natives of the warm temperate zone may be acclimated in a colder latitude, but a tropical tree or shrub cannot by any process be made sufficiently hardy to bear a northern winter. These remarks do not apply to annual plants, like the tomato, or to any other herbaceous plants which admit of pro- tection in the winter. 108 THE MAGAZINE OF HORTICULTURE. RAINY-DAY SCRIBBLINGS. NO. II. BY GEORGE JAQUES, WORCESTER, MASS. Men born and reared remote from business centres, and afterwards absorbed inextricably into the vortex of city life, are liable to be haunted by day-dreams of the never-to-be-for- gotten scenes of their childhood. Upon this class, if upon no other dwellers in a crowded emporium, there suddenly in- trude moments, happily not often of long duration, when the rumbling tumult and jostly throng of the pavements become a loathing and a disgust. At such intervals of profound sadness every ambitious aspiration of the soul gives way to an irrepressible yearning for the green fields, the warbling birds, the sweet breath of the rustling forest, and whatever else seems hallowed in its association with the old home in the country. Fortunately, in these days of steam and horse railways, a combination of the more important advantages of city and rural life is within reach of many to whom, formerly, such amphibious living was wholly impracticable. Still, even now the luxury of this mode of life is, for the most part, beyond the means of mechanics and clerks, although a few of them, at some pecuniary sacrifice, may manage to indulge in it. The small- est establishment of the kind under consideration would be a tenement, or perhaps a cottage, within easy railway commu- nication with one's place of business. Such a domicile, although without any adjacent land, may be a very desirable home to which to withdraw, after the day's work in the city is ended ; for the very location itself secures this much, that it rescues the nights, mornings, Sundays, and holidays, com- prising more than half the hours of the year, from the annoy- ances against which men seek refuge away from the busy world. If, now, in front of this comparatively humble abode, there is a small grass-plot containing a few trees and flowering shrubs, and to the rear a garden is attached, sufficient for a few flowers and vegetables and a half-dozen dwarf pears, the keeping of all things in fine order, on such a little place, will furnish a great amount of healthful recreation. To these APRIL. 109 accessories a small hen-house with a few fowls will prove a profitable and pleasing addition. Restricted to dimensions no more ambitious than these, a suburban residence, with its appurtenant privilege of enjoying all the fresh breezes, bird songs-, and fine scenery of the neighborhood, may afford a great part of all that is essential to happiness in the diversified grounds of the most extensive rural domain. To extend the boundaries of a country home much further will necessitate the occasional or constant employment of hired labor, and this generally does not give satisfaction without the eye of the master. It will be better, therefore, in most cases, not to go beyond the dwarf pears and the poultry, unless indeed the proprietor can curtail the time which he devotes to his business in the city. Of course, the more he is able to remain at home mentally, as well as bodily, the more he can, within his resotirces, enlarge his rural occupations ; for this country life admits of indefinite expansion in the direction of broad acres of ornamental grounds, gardens, orcliards, greenhouses, horses, cattle, laborers, and so on, to an extent which may absorb the income of a princely fortune. But it is something to be thankful for, that even the humblest rural abode can be made to secure a no inconsiderable share of the blessings for the enjoyment of which so many careworn business men are everywhere sighing. It must be admitted, however, that in- asmuch as the pleasures of human life are all more or less alloyed, so these country residences from which the occupant is absent a good portion of the day, fail, in a measure, to real- ize the ideal picture which tantalizes the permanent denizen of a city. The thorn in the side of this mode of living is the great difficulty of securing the services of skilful and faithful laborers ; and the difficulty increases with every enlargement of the operations carried on. In fact, this sort of vexation, both indoors and outside, has occasioned more than one fine place to be despairingly abandoned to the chances of the auctioneer's hammer. And here, (parenthetically and as something strange,) it deserves remark that very few young Americans seem inclined to undertake the care of an orna- mental country seat. Surely such employment, with its de- lightful exemption from the monotony of the workshop or 110 THE MAGAZINE OP HORTICULTURE. factory, is, as a business, by no means to be sneered at; and, especially, since the versatility of ability distinguishing the Yankee from other breeds of men, would go far toward a guarantee of success. Whoever labors upon one of these rural residences has himself to blame, if he does not share largely in the enjoyment of it; and then, after a few years of promising apprenticeship, the skill acquired in performing the diveri^ified duties of the situation, is sure to command a lib- eral remuneration. In aristocratic England, gardeners have climbed the social scale ; one of them as far as to knighthood ; and, assuredly, the improved rural taste diffused through the British nation by the labors of Sir Joseph Paxton, will keep his name fresh in the memory of posterity, long after some wlio have " swung round the circle " of the highest political stations in this country, shall be rotting in oblivion. Possibly, if the quick-made gentry occupying so many of the fine rural residences in the United States, would occa- sionally recall their own days of "lowly living," and discipline themselves into a less degree of haughtiness toward intelligent young men in their service, the difficulty under consideration would be gradually smoothed away. Even Hanz and Michael would then perhaps improve in their usefulness, stimulated by the sharp competition for an employment which Jonathan would begin to covet. Another class of these country places may be appropriately noticed liere. We will suppose the proprietor, acting as a sort of foreman and passing his whole time on the premises, to exact, as compensation for the lal>or expended thereon, a certain return in crops of hay, fruit, vegetables, &c., inches wide. From this pit, from October 1865 to October I8n7, I cut 120 lbs. 1 oz. weight of pines, and from October 1867 to this date, I have cut 35 lbs. 4 oz. with 22 fruits in different stages of swelling off, and many more will be up in a few weeks. I hope there- fore this year to reach 70 lbs. weight of pines. — [Gard. Chron.) Spring Gardening — I wish to recommend for decorative purposes in the early spring ihe pretty free blooming Crocus biflorus. I got it from Holland under the name of the Scotch crocus. The bulb in a dry state is of a peculiarly hard and smooth substance, and does not readily shed its skin, like many of the varieties of Crocus vernus. The value of its individ- ual flowers is not to be regarded so much as its proliferous character, very small bulbs producing from "eight to ten blooms. Of the improved garden varieties, one of tlie best is a fine striped kind, named Albion ; the flowers are unusually large, and are heavily pencilled with violet, while it is one of the most showy and striking in the flower garden, it is also one of the finest for pot culture. One of the liveliest and most pleasant things in my gar- den just now is that useful golden-tipped Sedum acre. To look down upon it, it resembles a mimic field of the cloth of gold. It can be used for the edges of beds, or to fill small beds entirely, or for covering rockwork, &c. It is scarcely so robust as the old variety, so should not be planted in a too exposed position. The golden-blotched double daisy, Beilis aucubBefolia is very beautiful just now, when massed in patches, or planted thickly as edging. Each succeeding day the golden hue comes out more distinct and striking. Each of these useful plants for spring gardening loses its golden hue during the late summer and autumn, but it comes out again quite fresh and bright just when it is wanted. — [Gurd. Chron.) 152 THE MAGAZINE OF HORTICULTURE. Bronze and Gold Zonal Pelargoniums. — The varieties of these useful plants will, I have no doubt, become the most popular section of zonal pelargoniums. What makes them more useful than the golden zonals is their adaptibility to conservatory decoration both in summer and winter ; they also produce large trusses of finely-formed flowers in great abundance all through the winter months, and when placed in positions where they can have the benefit of light and air their foliage will retain its beauty for a long time, and the flowers will remain in perfection for a considerable pe- riod. Many of the varieties that I have raised are seedlings from the two double varieties, Auguste Ferrier, and Marechal Champflourd, crossed with the pollen of Beauty of Oulton and Mrs. Pollock, and most of them retain their flowers much longer than many of the other varieties bred from single flowers. Many green foliaged seedlings, from the two varieties just named, having single flowers, have for two years refused fertilization, either by their own pollen or that from other flowers. This is a curious, and, to me, unaccountable fact. I was most anxious to raise seedlings from them on account of their foliage being of extraordinary thickness, and each leaf having a very handsome outline, with leafstalks of remarkable stoutness — and many of them had also very deep and well-defined zones. By crossing these with the best of the golden zonals and bronze and gold kijjds, I was in hopes of producing some varieties remarkable for their vigor and beauty, but up to a late period in autumn all my efforts to fertilize them were un- availing. Very late in 1867, however, one of the plants produced a solitary seed pod, but it was, unfortunately, too late in the season for ripening, and it damped oflTwhen it was rather more than half developed. Nevertheless* I am led to hope, from this partial success, that T shall succeed this year in gaining the object I have in view, when the plants become older, and, con- st^quently, better ripened; and by keeping them in small pots without giv- ing them any fresh soil, their vigor will be considerably reduced. One of my latest seedlings — Mrs. Petch, is remarkable for the beauty of its leaf, which is very handsome in outline, and has not a wrinkle in it. Looking at the plant at a distance it appears like a large mass of beautiful picotees, so finely marked is each leaf; the margin outside of the well-defined dark- chocolate zone is of a bright yellow, and as true as the mark was on a well formed picotee. The flowers produced by this variety are also very large, and of fine shape and substance ; in color they are a bright crimson scarlet, with a good white eye, and the truss is large and globular. This variety is a seedling from Her Majesty, crossed with the pollen of Gloire de Nancy. The plant has a vigorous habit, erect, with nice short jointed shoots, and the leaves are borne on stout leafstalks. This I consider to be the finest vari- ety yet raised. — [Gard. Chron.) IIvacinths at the Great International Exhibition at Ghent. — A greenhouse was devoted entirely to hyacinths, tulips, and a few melo- cacti. Of hyacinths there was a fine display. These were all grown in small pots, and were a remarkable collection, among them a large numbar of fine spikes. Some of the Haarlem cultivators exhibited collections of MAT. 153 . 100 to 150 varieties, and all were very creditable. These were all prettily arranofed in banks on each side of the greenhouse and looked well. A col- lection of 128 hyacinths grown in glasses elicited unbounded admiration. They had really been grown in the glasses, and each was a perfect speci- men. The jury evidently thought so by awarding the first prize to those in glasses. Amongst these we noticed as especially fine, Double Reds — Lord Wellington, Milton, Jenny Lind, Noble par Merite and Regina Victoria ; Single Reds — La Dame du Lac, Agnes, Princess Clotilde, Dabatsch Subals- kauksy. Von Schiller, Susanna Maria, Cavaignac, Mrs. Beecher Stowe, Josephine, Amphion and Macauley ; Double Whites — La Tour I'Avergne, Jenny Lind, Prince of Waterloo, Lord Anson and Vigo ; Single Whites — Pucelle d'Orleans, Koenig Von Nederlanden, Hercules, La Candeur, Reine d'Hollande, Mont Blanc, Cleopatra, Alba Maxima, Madame Vanderhoof, Alba Superbissima, Nina, Grandeur a Merveille; Double Blues — General Antinck, Garrick, Blocksburg, Van Speyk, and Laurens Coster; Single Blues — Leopold IL, Argus, Uncle Tom, Charles Dickens, Couronne de Celle, Prince Albert, Nimrod, William L, Grand Lilas and Sir C. Napier. We have named all these, as some may be glad to know what sorts do well in water, but the whole collection was good. — [Gard. Chron.) Tobacco Dost for the Destruction of S>ails. — These pests, which often destroy or mar the beauty of many young plants in greenhouses and frames, may be destroyed, according to an English writer, by tobacco. The following is his plan : — As snails will soon be leaving their winter quarters, I will mention a plan for their destruction which I have success- fully employed for the last three or tour years. The article I use is tobacco dust, or rather short cut tobacco; if this is laid in a circle round a plant no snail or slug will cross it — they do not shun it, but the moment they touch it they appear to be paralyzed and never move afterwards. There is a very large plant of the Pampas grass in my garden, which is a favorite winter resort for snails ; as soon as they began to move last spring I had some tobacco dust on the ground about an inch wide in a circle around it, — the next morning more than sixty snails were upon it unable to move. The tobacco dust will not want repairing for a fortnight, if the weather is dry. ( Gard. Chron.) Old-fashioned Plants. — The tide of popular favor is, steadily but surely, setting in in favor of many of the old fashioned plants, that are now the rejected and despised of our gardens. Old florists and gardeners, as well as many of a more modern date, are pleasantly and confidently anticipating their speedy return to power. The modern system of bed- ding-out is becoming confessedly weak in its capacity to secure variation of design, and consequently stereotyped designs are inevitable, and, naturally enough, wearisome. Not but that skill and resources can yet do much by way of alternating both the subjects employed and the designs executed, but these instances are exceptional and beyond the capacities of the general body of flower-gardeners. In gardening, as well as in many 154 THE MAGAZINE OF HORTICULTURE. other tilings, there is a general tendency to strive to be new-fashioned — and foliage plants, ribbon borders, and glaring masses of color are every- where in the ascendant. These are unquestionably good things — worthy alike of the application of the highest festhetic skill of the artist gardener, as well as of the d-evotion of his utmost resources: in their undue preponderance lies their misapplication. In their constant iteration tiiere is something wearisome to the eye. While the taste is thus glutted, the cry " who will sliow us something new ?" rises, impatient for a response. During the pist simimcr, when looking over one of the '"show places" of the western counties, and after inspecting the terrace garden, with its glaring masses of color just in the meridian of their full glory, certninly relieved here and there to some extent with beds of foliage-plants of soberer hues, the very relief of which was at once neutralized by their immediate proximity to the groups of color, there was pointed out in one part of the garden a large-sized bed, mainly composed of herbnceous plants, mingled here and there with pelargoniums, calceolarias, and verbenas. There were to be seen masses of Anemone japonica intermixed with showy perennial delphiniums, foxgloves, herbaceous phloxes, scabious, colum- bines, dahlias, and others, producing a succession of flowers, and always securing a mass of bloom, relieved by plaiits that had already bloomed or had yet to bloom ; the continuance of the general head of bloom being aided by the few bedding plants distributed about the bed, with the view of obtaining i he best effect, together with a general diffusion of color. While the plants occupying the bed had been arranged with a view to secuie a general symmetry of growth, so that there should be a gradual fall from the centre to the circumference without any approximation to formality ; there was at the same time to be seen a blending of the different hues of color, so harmoniously arranged and so pleasantly, and effectively dis- tributed, that in its general comprehensiveness it would be regarded as a piece of horticultural aesthetics, in point of practical value, far beyond that furnished by the combined whole of the elaborate terrace garden, or any fragment of it. At its lowest value it was eminently suggestive, — not by a return to the old style of the mixed border, unenlightened or elaborated by the application of any aitistic skill or novelty of design, but by a combination of the two as above described. Thore_ is no need for the masses of color to be wholly broken up and dispersed; what is wanted is relief — relief from an impressive glare of color, as well as from the continued recurrence of style, varied only by a somewhat newer arrangement of the materials as the seasons revolve. The faculty of originating is not given to every one ; pure originality is as rare in relation to horticulture as it is to other departments of art. But it is worth striving for in so far as it can be attained and applied. The desire for change in this respect is perhaps the best guarantee that in due time the new ideas now developing, will find adequate expression to the satisfaction of those who wait for their advent. Meanwhile, gardeners of all degrees will derive great advantage from the very numerous suggct^tions MAY. 155 in the excellent work of Mr. David Tliompson, to which we have already called attention. — [Gard. Chron.) Triteleia dniflora. — Do cultivators o-row this beautiful sprincr flower? If not. let them get it. In the autumn of 1806 I obtained a few bulbs of it and planted them in an exposed situation, using a soil composed for the most part of scrapings from a gravel road. Last spring I got one or two flowers from a few of them ; but this spring they gave me bloom after bloom, with an exquisite tint and white ground, as delicate and charming as a spring flower can be well conceived to be. The bulbs should remain in the ground undisturbed, they could therefore be planted in patches, as desired. The Triteleia can also be grown in pots in a cold pit. Strong bulbs of it will bloom freely, and make an effective display. — (Id.) [We have usually grown this in the greenhouse, but with proper protection it may be quite hardy. It is a fine thing. — Ed ] IxiAS. — Cultivation in pots is the only condition under which they can be bloomed at all satisfactory. They should be potted in 5-inch pots, about the end of October; the compost to be a mixture of sandy loam and leaf mould, the latter in good proportion, from ten to twelve bulbs being placed in a pot. From the first they should be kept in a cool house, and on no account must they be placed in heat. They will flower during the spring, according to the earliness or lateness of the variety. — [Id.) Bedding out. — And now, who shall head the lovelj procession, which is to pass in review before us r The tricolor pelargoniums may hereafter win this pride of place, but as yet, with the exception of a few varieties, their merits as bedding-out plants are not proved. Next to these, such of the Golden and Silver-leaved pelargoniums as have effective flowers ; Flower of Spring, for example, Bijou, Variegated Nosegay, Golden Fleece, and others, may claim priority ; but premier as they are in my estimation, my verdict would be dignion detur. I should prefer before all our foliage plants the Polemonium variegatum, charming in all soils and seasons, with its frond-like graceful leaves, green edged with white — beautiful in itself, and the cause of fresh beauty in the flowers around it. In proximity to Amaranthus melancholicus, it was admired, I think, more than any other combination in my garden of 1867. Next to this I should place (as the racing prophets have it) Veronica variegata, as being Donna Secunda in last season's opera. As I saw it in the grand gardens of Grove, Nottinghamshire, in contrast with Iresine ^ Herbstii, it was admirable, and the more it rained, the prettier and fresher it looked. Chrysanthemum Sensation is a golden gain to gardeners. Here it has withstood the winter frosts, and is coming up in abundance. Of pelargoniums with gold and silver leaves, I prefer those I have previously named, as having attractive flowers, together with Golden Chain, Crystal Palace, Gem, Manglesii, Queen of Queens, Alma, &c. 156 THE MAGAZINE OF HORTICULTURE. Most striking among plants, with dark foliage, are Coleus VerschafFeltii, which succeeds the best with me when planted in pots; Amaranthus, and Iresine, both of which delight in a vrry generous diet ; Perilla nankinensis, the Crimson beet, and Oxalis corniculata rubra. With leaves of silvery gray or white we have the Centaureas, Cineraria maritima, Strachys and Gnaphalinm for centres, and the higher places of our parterres ; the Cerastium, Koniga, and Santolina for exterior use. Dactylis glomerata variegata is also a charming border or edging ; and in this depirtment nothing can be prettier than Arabis lucida variegata, or more effective, to my fancy, than Golden Fleece. The Japanese honey- suckle, well done, is also very striking, as an edging, or elsewhere. — [Gard. Chron.) Gladiolus Bowie.nsis. — Permit me to fully endorse the remarks of " Bowiensis," as to the superiority of this variety ; it seems but little known or cultivated, compared with Brenchleyensis, but for general usefulness it is much to be preferred. As " Bowiensis " remarks, you may have it in bloom up to December. We began cutting spikes from this variety — for the purpose of decorating the Loan Exhibition held here this past sum- mer— early in July, at the rate of sixty or eighty spikes per week, besides large quantities for other purposes, and continued to do so up till the middle of November, at which time the spikes were even finer than in the summer, although not quite so bright in color, and this from bulbs, none larger than a good-sized hazel nut, and the greater portion merely " spawn," about the size of peas. This is in fact the chief merit of this variety, viz., its bloom- ing from such small bulbs — a merit which I believe no other variety pos- sesses. A good way of planting this variety in borders, shrubberies, &c., is to plant in clumps of say twenty, from the size of walnuts down to that of peas; all these would bloom in succession from July to November, and so the clump would always look gay, instead of, as in the ca^e of Brench- leyensis, a bloom of a few weeks in duration. I may remark that they like plenty of manure. Our best bed, which produced magnificent spikes, was heavily manured at planting time (in February — plant early) with pig manure, trenched in; this may not suit the more delicate French varieties, but I can confidently assert that it does the variety in question. — [Gard. Chron. ) Deutzta gracilis. — When well flowered it is scarcely possible to conceive a more beautiful object than this valuable shrub — its cultivation, too, is simple in the extreme. Young wood of it strikes freely in heat, and it withstands vicissitudes of heat and cold better than most things; it can be bloomed in GOsized pots, and in that form is valuable for table decora- tion. I endeavor to secure as early and strong a growth as possible, and never use the knife. My largest sized plants are in 24-sized pots, and they are loaded with bloom, from the soil to the very extreme points of last season's wood. — [Id.) MAY. 157 Viola Cornuta. — Beda filled with Cloth of Gold, Mrs. Pollock, or other golden sorts, and surrounded with a row of Viola cornuta, with an edging of Cerastium, have a superb effect. In May, when the beds are filled, the violets should be lifted from a frame, with balls of soil, and they will bloom till October. The soil should be very rich with leaf mould or old manure. — [Id.) iossip of % Pontlj. Books, Catalogues, &c., received: — Transactions of the Naintccket Agricultural Society, for 1867, with Premiums offered for 1868. The Resources of Missouri, by Sylvester Waterhouse, St. Louis. Transactions of the Middlesex Agricultural Society, for 1867, with List of Premiums for 1868. Transactions of the Illinois State Horticultural Society, for 1867, a valuable document of !285 pages, which we shall notice hereafter. The Cornell University. First General Announcement. Ithaca, N. Y. First Annual Report of Noxious Insects of the State of Illinois, by B. D. Walch, Acting State Entomologist. Contains some valuable hints on the destruction of insects. Transactions of the Worcester County Horticultural So- ciety, for 1867. From E. W. Lincoln, Secretary. H. E. Hooker & Bro's Descriptive Catalogue of Fruit and Ornamental Trees, Vines, Roses, &c., Rochester, N. Y. Premium List of the Cincinnati Horticultural Society and American Wine Grower's Association, at the joint Fall Exhibition, Sep- tember 2i, 1868. Bennett ^ Davidson's Catalogue of New Plants, for 1868. Flatbush, Long Island, N. Y. Ellwanger & Barry's Wholesale Catalogue and Trade List, for 1868, of Fruit and Ornamental Trees. Rochester, N. Y. T. C. Maxwell & Bro's Catalogue of Nkw Plants, for 1868. Geneva, N. Y. Hooper, Bro. & Thomas, Wholesale List of Fruit and Orna- mental Trees, for 1868. West Chester, Pa. The Galaxy, for May, 1868. The Young Folks, for May. Whitlock's Advertiser, for April. Demorest's Monthly Magazine of Fashions, for April. Curtis & Cobb's Illustrated Catalogue of Seeds, for 1868. Boston. Hovey & Nichols' Sixth Annual Catalogue, and Floral and Western Cultivator's Guide, for 1868. Chicago, 111. 158 THE MAGAZINE OF HORTICULTURE. Societies, WORCESTER COUNTY HORTICULTURAL. At the Annual Meeting the following officers were elected for 1868 : — President — Francis H. Dewey. Vice Presidents — J. Henry Hill, O. B. Hadwen, and Calvin Taft. Secretary and Librarian — Edward VV. Lincoln. Treasurer — Fred, W. Paine. The Annuiil Autumnil Exhibition will be held on the 15, IG, 17, and 18 of September next. horticultural Operations FRUIT DKPARTMENT. Thk unprecedented cool weather of April, with frost and snow, has re- tarded the season, which is now (April 20th) scarcely more forward than is usual the first week. Work has been delayed, the ground is cold and wet, and but little done. The winter too has been severe, and although the hardy fruits look promising, peaches and grapes where not covered* have suffered badly. Grape Vines in the grapery will now be coming forward more kindly under the influence of better weather, and will soon be out in bloom. Aa soon as this occurs gradually increase the air, and damp down the house morning, noon and night ; attend to the stopping of laterals which are ex- tending too far, and He in the spurs firmly to the trellis, fhe borders, if not already dug, should be done as soon as the weather will admit, giving a good dressing of manure or* flour of bone. Grapes in cold houses have had a rough time; but if they hive been kept from frost they will soon make up for the delay. Keep the house warm by shutting up early, until the weather is favorable, when syringing should be resorted to freely, and more air given. Enrich and dig the borders. • Vines in the open air should be now tied up to the trellis, pruning away any shoots which mar the sym- metry of the vine. Grafting may continue throughout the month. Pruning should be continued if not all done, and trees with rough or mossy bark may be lightly scraped and washed with whale oil soap. Strawberry Beds should have attention. Weed and clean old plan- tations, and top dress with any old compost if the plants are thrown out of the ground by the winter. If the soil is poor, top dress lightly with flour of bone. Prepare ground for new beds. MAY. 159 Raspberrt plantations should be lightly dug, and the canes tied up to neat stakes.. Fruit Trees in pots, now swelling their fruit, should have abundant sup- plies of water and liquid manure. Strawberries, fohced, should be liberally watered and kept near the glass, or removed to frames in a sunny position. FLOWtR DEPARTMENT. As the season advances, and the growth of plants is accelerated by heat and moisture, they will require more room than they have had hitherto. Where there is a crowded house it may be difficult to provide tiiis space, but good handsome specimens cannot be had without it ; it is therefore bet- ter to remove some to frames or a sheltered j lace, so that the others may be allowed room to extend their branches and attain a handsome shape. A few handsome bushy plants are far better than a quantity of tall lanky things. But a too free growth, as is often the case, must be checked by stopping the rank shoots or heading them back to good strong buds, so as to obtain a fresh break and more branches, which multiply the bloom while they give compactness of habit. All young stock intended for planting out will be greatly benefited by removing to frames, protecting them from cold winds or frosty nights. Camellias now making their growth should be syringed morning and night, and shaded from the hot sun ; water with liquid manure once or twice a week. Azaleas will now be displaying their flowers in the greatest perfection, and care should be taken that the plants are properly watered, as a little neglect will often spoil the bloom. Shade from the noon-day sun, and keep the house cool and well aired, \oung plants intended for specimens should be encouraged by a shift, and the new growth topped to induce a fresh growth ; give liquid manure occasionally. Pelargomums will now be coming forward, and will soon make a grand display. Turn the plants round often, and give liquid manure occasionally to sustain the quantity of flowers. Shade in the middle of the day. Heaths and Epacrises, as they finish flowering, should be pruned back so as to obtain a good start before planting out ; remove to cold frames. Caladiums should have another shift as soon as the pots are full of roots. Keep on a shelf near the glass, and only shade from the midday sun. AcHiMENES AND Gloxinias should all be potted without further delay. Palms should now have a shift if they require it, so as to get well estab- lished before removing to the open air. Chinese Primrose seeds may now be sown for early winter blooming. Cyclamens may be removed to cold frames until time for planting out. Hedychiums should be started now in a little bottom heat. Chysanthemums, intended for fine specimens, should be repotted and removed to a frame. Cuttings may be put in for late stock. Stephanotus, Alamandas, and similar tall growing or climbing plants, should now be thinned out, pruned and tied into shape. 160 THE MAGAZINE OF HORTICULTURE. Fuchsias intended for autumn flowering should be repotted and grown on quicklv; any check is sure to injure the growth. Water with liquid manure. Acacias done flowering should be well headed in, and syringed often to obtain a good break of young shoots. Japan Lilies and L. auratum should be shifted into larger pots, and have occasional waterings with liquid manure. Keep them in a cool airy place. Granges as soon as done flowering should be headed in and have good attention. Gardenias removed to a frame with a brisk bottom heat will flower in great perfection. Zonal Geraniums intended for large specimens should be repotted, the shoots stopped, and the branches tied out to obtain broad handsome plants. Cactuses should be watered more freely as the flower buds appear. Agaves, Yuccas and similar plants may now have a shift into larger pots. FLOWER GARDEN AND SHRUBBERY. The cold and uncomfortable weather of April, during which time the ground has been cold and wet, has not only prevented the completion of work, but has so retarded the growth that lawns have hardly yet assumed their tint of green. The opportunity should be improved as soon as the ground is dry enough to roll the lawn thoroughly, and to accomplish the same work we recommended last month. Mow as soon as the grass will admit, and dig all beds or borders and have them ready for planting by the middle or last of the month. Beds of Earlt Bulbs should be cleaned and lightly stirred. Seed of Asters, and all Hardy Annuals, ahould be sown immediately. Subtropical Plants should be planted out just at the close of the month. Gladiolus, Tiger flowers, and Tuberoses should bo planted soon. Bedding Plants may be put out from the middle to the last of the month. Dahlias should be planted. the kitchen garden. With May the work of the kitchen garden increases, and most of the planting will require to be done. Tomatoes will not be safe to put out until the last of the month unless protected on cold nights. Radishes may be sown in the open ground for a succession. Lettuce may be transferred to a rich soil. Egg Plants in frames should be carefully removed with a good ball of earth. Beets, Onions, Parsnips, Carrots, die, should be put in as soon as possible. SUBTROPICAL GARDENING. Since. our article in a late number upon subtropical garden- ing we have had so many inquiries, and a desire for more information, in regard to the plants adapted to this style, that we refer to it again, for the purpose of adding some few things that were omitted in the previous paper. We are glad to learn that this style of gardening is appre- ciated by many amateurs, especially those who had the opportunity of visiting the Parisi-an gardens last summer, where subtropical gardening has been carried out on the most extensive scale. The grand effect of the massive growth of some, and the variegated foliage of other plants, which have been used so liberally, has left impressions upon many of our American visitors which will not readily be forgotten ; and those who have grounds of their own will endeavor to iras- itate them, so far as it is possible to do with the space and', means at command. So much has been gained horticulturally; by the inauguration of the great Exposition. Something has been said in regard to the expense of many of the rare palms, and the newer and more delicate stove plants, but it is not al)solutely necessary that these should form part of all subtropical gardening, though, they are confessedly magnificent additions, where they caii, be intro- duced. On the contrary, — though these choice things are so welcome, — there are plants enough that are^not expensive- to produce beautiful effects, and this is one of our main objects now to offer some hints on the growth of a few of these plants from seed, as they have been, found to flourish even in the climate of England. Those who do not mind expense, and', desire to produce immediate effects, will of course select or purchase fine large specimens of the best plants recommended by us, or which are suited to the style. Those who are willing to wait longer may, at very little cost, secure a fine stock of some of the best by beginning with seed, and thus working up a quantity. VOL. XXXIV. — NO. VI. 11 162 THE MAGAZINE OF HORTICULTURE. of large plants for another year. Besides, the'stock is not yet abundant of many of the best subtropical plants, and some of the plants can only be raised from seed. What our commercial dealers should study is the increase of a taste for these plants, and endeavor to keep a supply of all the kinds that are wanted. Wiien this is done the demand will keep place with the supply, and our gardens will no longer be reduplications of each other, with nothing but patches of verbenas and geraniums, which, though beau- tiful, are not to be planted to the exclusion of more variety, to say nothing of their adaptation to lawns and grounds near the house, and in the vicinity of ornamental trees and shrubs, wliere, if not out of place, they do not harmonize with the surrounding objects. An English writer, who discusses this style of gardening, remarks that " it needs but little consideration to discover the success of these plants in the flower garden. To use them tastefully in it, is to approximate to nature's own plau of arranging vegetable beauty, whereas the ordinary garden one is in violent opposition to it. Among plants in a wild or untrammelled state the brilliant color is usually set in abun- dant green, and even in the case of mountain and meadow plants of one kind, that produce a rude blaze of purple or golden color, at one season, there is intermingled a spray of pointed grass, and other leaves, which tone down the mass, and quite separate it from the rude style of gardening that we deprecate. But if we come to examine the most charm- ing examples of our own indigenous, or any other wild vegetation, we find tliat they are founded on flower and fern, trailer, shrub and tree, sheltering, supporting, relieving and beautifying each other, so that the wliole array has an idefi- nite tone, and the mind is satisfied and delighted with the refreshing mystery of the arrangement. Every where we see nature judicious in the arrangement of her highest effects, setting them in clouds of verdant leafage, so that the eye is never palled and monotony never produced — a state of things it is highly desirable to attain, as far as possible, in the garden." This should be the aim of all true taste. We admire the mass of gay colors, of beds of verbenas, gera- JUNE. 163 niums, and similar showy flowers, but, once seen, they are the same the season through, while tlie continued growth of leafy plants is daily varying, constantly producing new out- lines, and by the succession of bloom of different forms, as well as colors, new combinations are effected, and a succession of beauty produced from spring till autumn. We do not intend to name all the plants which are useful in the subtropical garden ; indeed, every year's experience adds more or less to the number — but our object is to enu- merate a few of the more prominent of those which have so far been found best adapted, and which are readily produced from seed : — The Cannas, which we have already noticed, are a prom- inent group. The Continental growers have made great improvements over the original kinds, and with the same care our own cultivators may add to the beauty of this grand family. They are easily raised from seed, and when sown very early make large plants the first year. Tiie best time to sow is early in March, when they should be planted in pots, in light sandy soil, and plunged in a hotbed with a good bottom lieat. Later tiiey may be planted in the same way, or even in the open ground in June. Wlien sown early, as soon as the plants are large enough, they should be potted off and replaced in the hotbed, supplying them freely with water, and keeping them growing on till the time for turning out into the open ground, in rich soil, in June, when they should receive the same treatment as old sorts. In the autumn, before any hard frosts, take up the plants, cut off the tops, and keep in a warm, dry cellar, or under the stage of a greenhouse. The Tritomas form another group of superb plants. Some writer has said that any one who attempts to make a really interesting garden, witliout the aid of tritomas, will make a great mistake. Pew things are more imposing than the tall and stately spikes of brilliant blossoms, attaining the height of three or four feet. But, to produce a grand effect, the soil should be rich and deep, and the plants large, strong, and well established in pots, when they are turned out into the garden. Constantly taking up and dividing the roots 164 THE MAGAZINE OP HORTICULTURE. weakens them so that thej do not show how really fine they are. These may be raised from seeds sown now, or even later, and if grown along, in good soil, will make fine plants for next year. Sow the seeds in pots or pans, in the frame or greenhouse, and remove to beds in the garden as soon as well established. The Abutilons, which have heretofore been classed only as greenhouse plants, have been tried extensively at the Battersea gardens, and found admirably effective and beau- tiful. They are plants which cannot be very well wintered without the aid of the greenhouse, and hence will not be of such general use as some others : but they may be grown as annuals, and when sown in March, and brought forward in a house, they will produce a good effect the first year. Older plants of course make an immediate show, and turned out into the ground and headed in, soon break afresh, attain a large size, and flower profusely all the latter part of summer. The Bocconias have been increased almost to a group, and all are very fine, especially B. cordata, japonica and frutes- cens. The first is hardy, but the others require a greenhouse in winter. They should be raised in the same way as abuti- lons, and seed may be now planted for a supply for next year. The Solanums are another group, greatly used in England and on the Continent, but not yet fully appreciated here. Then they are, some of them, almost indispensable, on account of the great diversity of foliage, some of the species having small leaves, and others with very large leaves, some set with fierce long spines, like needles, some with purple foliage, others with green. These are all raised from seed, which should be sown early, in a hotbed, and the plants brought forward until time for planting in June. The Amaranthus family is well known by those old rep- resentatives, the Prince's Feather, and Love Lies Bleeding, which, though coarse in small beds, have a good effect in large groups. But the new sorts, such as Melancholicus ruber, are ranked among the very finest plants with colored leaves. They are hardier than the coleus, and when there are uot the means of bringing the latter forward, fill an JUNE. 165 important place. They are easily raised from seed, sown earlier or later, as opportunity will admit. Besides these groups, or families of plants, there are quite a number of plants, no less valuable for producing grand effects. Among these are the silver foliaged plants, of which the Centaureas, ragusina and gymnocarpa, are examples. These are adapted for outer lines or edgings, and by their neat, compact habit, and silvery line, form strong contrasts with the dark leaved objects. These may be raised from seed sown in March or April, and brought forward in a frame till time of planting. Cineraria maritima is well known, though by no means common, for its white foliage, and as an edging, or for groups, is very fine. It is very hardy, and may be wintered in a cold frame. It grows quickly from seeds. Salvia argentea is another similar plant, with huge woolly leaves, covered with a white down, and has a fine effect among other plants. It is a hardy perennial, and seed sown now will make handsome specimens for another year, as it does not show its real character until the plants are a year old. The two Cerastiums, Biebersteini and tomentosum, belong to this class. They are easily raised from seed, and are fine for edgings. The Japan Maize is a recent but fine addition to foliaged plants, having the advantage of rapid growth and the imme- diate effect of some of the more rare and costly plants. Planted at once it grows with the rapidity of common corn, and its broad striped ribbon-like leaves, and graceful habit, place it among the best of variegated foliaged plants. It should have a rich soil. The Coleus, wliicli is now becoming so popular, from the great variety of its elegantly colored leaves, is readily raised from seed, as the recent introduction of so many remarkable kinds has demonstrated. No doubt seed will soon be abun- dantly procured of our seedsmen, and then they will become as generally known and appreciated by the mass as tliey now are by the amateur. They will form a variegated group of themselves, embracing, as they do, all colors, from green to black purple. The Wigandias are a fitting completion to the class of 166 THE MAGAZINE OF HORTICULTURE. subtropical plants easily raised from seed. So far as our experience goes, it must be awarded the higliest place for the size, outline, texture and general aspect of its huge foliage. If the soil is rich these are immense. W. caracasana is a truly noble object, and no subtropical garden can be complete without it. The following are some of the plants of decided effect, which we omiitted to name in our previous paper. They are yet rather difficult to procure, but when to be had should find a place in every collection : — Cordyline indivisa, of a noble habit, with long, narrow, recurved foliage, and free growth. This only requires the protection of a cool greenhouse in winter. Erythrinas, of the several kinds, are really superb objects, with long spikes of large coral colored flowers, appearing in abundance all summer. Alpinia nutans, with very large, thick, deep green foliage, growing five or six feet high, and of somewhat the aspect of the cannas. It requires a warm place in winter, and should be kept growing with plenty of moisture. Bonapartea juncea is another fine object, with small, round, rush-like foliage, but beautifully recurved, and graceful. Roezlia regia is a yucca-like plant, quite new, but really very attractive, from its large, broad, sharp pointed foliage. These are some of the additions which may be made to our former list, sufficiently extensive to test the variety of objects best fitted for "subtropical gardening." FORMER EXPERIMENTS IN HYBRIDIZENG, BY WILSON FLAGG. The theory and practice of hybridizing are at the present day very generally understood by cultivators, and have prob- ably been carried very near perfection. It may not be uninteresting however, or witliout profit, to review some of the theories and experiments connected with this subject, JUNE. 167 which were made public in tlie early part of this century. It is well known that the seeds of all species of plants, when under cultivation, possess a natural tendency to " sport " into varieties: for if it be a law of nature that the offspring shall resemble its parents^ — it is also a law of nature that the offspring shall never exactly resemble its parents: and this tendency to dissimilarity is proportional to the artificial cir- cumstances in which the species is placed. I believe it was Mr. Andrew Knight who denominated these two forces or tendencies in generation, by a figure of speech, the "centri- petal and centrifugal action." It is this combined " centri- petal and centrifugal " actijon of the law of propagation, that places it within the power of 'human ingenuity to improve, within certain midetermined limits, every known species of plant or domesticated animal. There are methods of originating and methods of perpet- uating improved varieties of fruit : the one consisting of propagation by seed, the other of propagation by division of parts, as budding, grafting, layering. The one is a conserv- ative process, and is needful for the preservation and multi- plication of any particular sorts ; the other an hypothetical process, which is needful for the acquisition of new sorts. Mr. Knight's theory of obtaining new and improved varieties was founded on selection and hybridization. He 'obtained thereby many excellent new varieties of fruit, some of which are still retained among valuable sorts. Mr. Lindley remarks " the seed when ripe will not renew the species from which it is derived, with all its individual peculiarities. The seed of a Green Gage plum, for instance, will not, with any certainty, produce a plant having the sweet green fruit of that variety, but it may produce a plum whose fruit is red or acid. All that the seed will do [with certainty] is to produce a new individ- ual of the plum species ; the peculiarities of individuals are perpetuated by other means, and especially by leaf buds." Mr. Knight attributed the multiplication of varieties, to arti- ficial or accidental hybridization ; and contends that if there be no mixture of the farina of another variety with any given kind of fruit, it will produce its like, or a variety very closely resembling* it. Nature has provided each flower of 168 THE MAGAZINE OF HORTICULTURE. the rosaceous tribe of plants, including the most of our garden and orchard fruits, with both male and female char- acters. But by tlie agency of insects the farina of the flower of one variety may be conveyed to the flower of another variety ; and the same operation may be performed by art. By sucli means, as every cultivator knows, new varieties are produced; and by proper selection of varieties for this pur- pose, and mixing or crossing them, new fruits may be bred np to a certain limited ideal standard. Dr. Van Mons maintained that new varieties are the sim- ple etfects of culture, without any hybridization. All this may be admitted without denying that some of the must important varieties have been produced by crossing. By means of insects undoubtedly are produced the most of the crossed varieties, which arc not produced by art, especially of wild plants. Thus the blackberry has been multiplied into countless varieties, so that the different species run into one another by imperceptible gradations. Tiie varieties of cultivated fruits have heen chiefly the results of these and other accidents, though many excellent ones have been pro- duced by artificial means. But it is not philosophical to call these '"sports" endless. There is a round of variations, of which the apple and the pear for example are susceptible ; but the most of the supposed new varieties are but repetitions of old varieties with scarcely perceptible modifications. Like the figures in the kaleidoscope, the varieties of any one species are the repetitions of similar forms and combinations; and the finest already produced cannot be materially improved by another repetition. By hybridization, we introduce a new stone into the glass, slightly changing the ciiaracter of all the figures. The most of our American varieties of fruit, which are well known, have been the accidental productions of nature under various artificial circumstances of climate and soil. They are chiefly seedlings found in old gardens and fields, where they have come up spontaneously, and survived the dangers that beset them. The continuation of varieties by grafting, layering, tfec., is in all cases a propagation by bud ; for it is the bud only that JUNE. 169 continues the variety. This has been termed the conserva- tive mode of propagation, because, except so far as it is modified by the stock upon which it is grafted, by this mode all the characters of the variety are preserved. This mode of propagation is commonly regarded as a continuation of the individual. A bud, however, is really a new individual no less than a seed. The truth is, that while animals can be continued only by the union of the sexes, plants of almost every species may be continued without this union of the sexes. Such is propagation by buds, which are not indeed parts of the individual from which they are separated, but new individuals from the same stock. The bud is an identi- cal seed in that state of advancement which the seed has attained when it has just begun to germinate, — differing from a seed as a viviparous offspring differs from an egg. The bud, however, having only one parent, inherits all the characters and habits of its parent; while the seed proper having two parents, contains a partial combination of the qualities of both parents; and the different conditions in- which they are combined, causes the differences in the offspring. Nature, however, has only in rare instances provided for the spontaneous propagation of the species by buds, if we except the bulbous and tuberous rooted plants, which are propagated by buds contained in the bulb or tuber. In the Tiger lily buds are produced, similar in structure to the buds of a tree, but having the property of becoming sepa- rated from the parent stock, and dropping to the ground when they vegetate like true seeds. When a gardener takes a bud attached to a scion or to a leaf, and sets it in the ground, he causes the variety from which it was taken to be propagated by artificial means, in the same way as the Tiger lily is propagated spontaneously. Grafting the bud or the scion into another tree, is tlie same thing in effect ; and the laws by which this operation, under a multitude of different circumstances, may be successfully performed, are among the most important principles of horticulture. It would be useless to describe these well known operations; but it may not be out of place to allude to certain general principles involved in the science of grafting. 170 THE MAGAZINE OF HORTICULTURE. Grafting I have termed the conservative mode of propaga- tion ; but it has been ascertained that the scion and its fruit may be materially improved or injured in many respects, by tlie nature or quality of tlie stock into which it is inserted. If a scion of a late-bearing variety of the apple be engrafted into the stock of an early bearer, its maturity is somewhat hastened by this union. It is not improbable, therefore, that by grafting successively, from the last grafted scion into the stock of an early bearer, a complete change of the original scion might be effected ; that is, the late-bearer might be converted into an early-bearer, while retaining its other original peculiarities. Similar modifications, in other respects, might in this way be produced by successive grafting, proving that grafting is not entirely a conservative process. Unhealthy stocks will sometimes convey their disease to the graft; and healthy stocks will affect it with some of their constitutional habits, such as their early or late habit of maturing their fruit, and as some cultivators have observed " their disposition to bear annually or biennially." Crab- stocks, or stocks from wildings, "cause tlie apples of the scion to be firmer and to have a sharper flavor." It is remarkable also that while some varieties of the pear are improved, others are injured by grafting on quince stocks. The differ- ent effects of this sort of grafting have been amply elucidated by the editor and correspondents of tliis Magazine. The similar organization of the stock and the scion is important to the healthy union of the two, and to their durability. It is this similarity, or the opposite relation between the two, that may cause the success or the failure of the operation. The exact nature of this affinity cannot prob- ably be discovered, as it plainly depends rather on similarity of constitution, or a similar vitality, than on similarity of fibre. When the two are of the same species they will unite very happily; yet there are favorable and unfavorable unions of two varieties of the same species. Winter fruit cannot always safely be grafted upon a summer stock — "because the sap in the summer stock is liable to decline and diminish, before the winter fruit has become fully ripe." And if it be desirable to preserve the late bearing character of the winter JDNE. 171 fruit, it is important to know that this quality is diminished and its precocity increased by the nature of the early bearing stock. The union of a scion with a stock of different species, whenever it can be effected, confers new properties both upon the scion and the frtiit ; as when certain varieties of the pear are grafted on the quince, or the medlar or the white- thorn. This mode of grafting is in fact a sort of hybridiza- tion ; but there are some facts connected with it wliich cannot be explained. The apple, for example, cannot be grafted successfully on the pear, nor the pear on the apple ; yet tlie pear will succeed on quince stocks, and on stocks of the Mountain ash — a tree that bears much resemblance to the medlar — while both of these species seem to be more widely separated from the pear, than the pear from the apple. Grafting must, however, in all cases, be confined to species of the same family ; and the grafted tree is seldom long-lived, unless the graft and the scion are also of the same species. The nearer their affinity, the more complete and healthy is their union. Another important principle which has been the subject of controversy is, that scions taken from young seedlings, and grafted upon an old tree, or a tree that has arrived at perfect maturity, will bear fruit at an earlier period than if they had remained upon the parent seedling stock. Those who deny this fact should consider that th« converse of it is true : — that a scion taken from a bearing tree, a scion which the second season after would have borne fruit, if it had not been separated from the parent tree, will not bear fruit when grafted upon a young seedling stock, until near the time when the seedling would have commenced bearing. "If any facts," says Mr. Wilder, " seem to oppose this doctrine, they may be regarded either as exceptions to the general law, or as results of locality and cultivation." If we doubt these facts, we should consider that a tree is but an assemblage of a countless number of individuals — each individual or bud having a separate identity, and draw- ing its support from the branch that contains it. This branch is analogous to the ovarium of animals, having the 172 THE MAGAZINE OF HORTICULTURE. property both of constantly evolvijig new individuals, and of sustaining them by its connection with the roots of the tree. The tree and its branches are indeed but a vegetable organ- ized mass, designed for the support and continuance of this assemblage of buds, as the substance of the tuber of a potato is an organized mass of pabulum for the' production and sup- port of the germs existing on its surface. These germs or buds have no connection with one another, except that of deriving their support from a common stock. A tree is, therefore, not an individual in the absolute sense of the term, but an assemblage of individuals having a distinct identity. And as a plant may become precociously developed by being .confined to a pot of earth, or to a dry, barren situation, so the precocity, or the opposite character of the buds, depends on tlie condition of the tree or the branch that bears tiiem. All buds originating at the same time, whether upon an old tree or a young tree, are equally old and equally young ; but whether they be leaf buds or flower buds depends, among other circumstances not ascertained, considerably upon the youth or the age of the tree on which they are grafted. If the tree serving as the stock is old, the graft taken from a young seedling will soon produce a consider- able proportion of fruit buds, like the other branches of the tree not grafted, because the graft acquires the constitu- tional properties of tlie stock. Tlie only old age that ever comes upon a tree affects the wood ; for the buds are all annual or rather biennial plants, that have their birth this year, and the next year produce leaves or fruit, and then invariably perish. Whether they produce leaves or fruit depends greatly on tlie maturity of the wood from which they are annually put fortli. Th^ wood of a scion from an old tree soon acquires the youthful properties of the wood of the young tree into which it is grafted ; and just tlie opposite effect is produced l)y inserting the scion of a young seedling into the stock of an old tree. JUNE. 173 POMOLOGICAL GOSSIP. The Golden Champion Grape. — New grapes continue to attract the attention of English cultivators, and the accessions to the list have been so great, that many of the older sorts are giving way to the newer and better kinds. The acquisi- tions of the last five or six years, of English origin, are the Lady Downes, Golden Hamburg, Buckland Sweetwater, Muscat Hamburg, Champion Muscat, Foster's Seedling, Trentham Black, Mrs. Pince's Muscat, Royal Ascot, Ingram's Prolific Muscat, Duchess of Buccleugh and several others. Some of them are now well known and proved varieties in our gardens, and are planted in preference to some of the old sorts, which, though good grapes, have not the large bunches and large berries of the new ones. In this respect there has been very great improvements. What we require now is some additions to the Muscats, which will grow and ripen as well as the Frontignans, with the size of berry and bunch of the Hamburg ; with such grapes, adapted to the cool vinery, cultivators could have little more to desire, unless more variety to make up a col- lection. One of the latest additions is the Golden Champion, raised at Dalkeith, an account of which is given as follows: — " In the interests of horticulture it is well to notice partic- ularly any novelty of firstrate importance offered in com- merce. In the matter of grapes, especially, there is so general a desire manifested and often expressed to be put in possession of the ' latest intelligence ' as to the condition and promise of any conspicuous seedling that has come within the observation or crossed the palate of the 'knowing' pomologist, that one need scarcely offer an apology for craving space to touch upon the ' present condition and future prospects' of the Golden Champion. "While at Dalkeith the other day the writer had an oppor- tunity of seeing it growing under a variety of circumstances — on its own roots, as well as worked on the Hamburg, Muscat, and Lady Downes. In some instances it was considerably 174 THE MAGAZINE OF HORTICULTURE. advanced, in others it had been pressed forward a stage in the routine of forcing ; while some of the stronger samples were just moving with a minimum amount of fire heat. In every instance — and there is abundant room for comparison in the numerous vineries at Dalkeith — it was the most robust in point of constitution, the freest as a bunch producer, and the most showy in point of size of bunch of any of its com- peers ; and that is no small meed of praise. Two of the more prominent Muscat houses that have recently been remodelled, are extraordinary in point of ' shows,' much more so than has ever been seen at Dalkeith before, and yet witiial several of the Golden Champion grafted in the house are far more conspicuous than they ; this, too, with an unusual length of cane left for fruiting and propagating purposes, which has a considerable depreciating tendency npon the size and ' show' of the bunches. In a comparatively embryo stage of development the bunches were peeping from their leafy envelopes, as large and prominent as the inflores- cence of Timothy grass (Phleum pratense), which compari- son will give a better idea than anything short of a diagram of what may be estimated as to eventual proportions. This was no isolated instance, no mere gathering up for the sake of writing a sensational notice, but met the eye wherever it was grown. " In a grape of the dimensions of the Golden Champion, where even the Canon Hall is to it in relative size what the Black Hamburg is to the Canon Hall, the first question to occur to the practical mind will be, is it a free setter ? Have not the flowers that unfortunate disposition to shy off", render- ing the apparent show abortive in results? No! emphatically no! In a house of forced Hamburgs, where the berries were getting well towards the point of stoning, it was as full and symmetrical as the best of them, and Mr. Thomson, to whom particular inquiries were addressed upon this point, has not the slightest misgiving about it. " In the Lady Downes, or latest house, where there is a particularly exuberant plant ramifying upon the extension principle, the Golden Champion shows its gigantic proportions unmistakably, and one sees its adaptability for late work. JUNE. 175 The house has just been shut up, and tliose who have from time to time seen the fine produce taken from that plantation of vines, can bear testimony to its merits ; but this alien seedling, which Mr. Thomson introduced by the process of grafting, beats them all in fertility, and for the plastic way in which it evidently accommodates itself to the various degrees of forcing compatible with success, which the horticulturist practices. " Not having seen the vine in the earlier stages of its growth, but having tasted its produce more than once, I was induced to visit the establishment from which it emanates, to see if it really was an acquisition all through. The above comments are sufficient evidence of my appreciation of it as a most desirable vine to cultivate ; and, if my palate be any thing of a judicious censor, I ought to say that every berry is a most delicious mouthful, fit not only for the gods, but for the goddess Pomona herself!" Martha. Grape. — Gen. Negley of Pittsburgh gives the following account of the Martha grape, in the Gardeners' Monthly, specimens of which were exhibited in October last before the Pennsylvania Horticultural Society, from Mr. Knox : — Truly a Wiiite Concord, fully equal to its parent, in hardi- hood, fruitfulness and vigorous growth ; foliage deeper green, more enduring, bunch below the Concord in size ; berries nearly equal to it ; color a transparent greenish white, with a golden tint; skin thin, flesh juicy and sweet, with a little of the aroma of the Concord. It is a superb and highly attrac- tive grape, one that promises to bestow credit upon the skill and enterprise of its introducer to public favor. Ives. — The same writer says he is agreeably disappointed in the characteristics of this variety. The fruit is large, earlier than the Concord, juice rich, and to many palatable ; more robust, hardy and productive. Promises to be a valua- ble wine grape. Moore's Extra Apple is the name of a kind described in the Horticulturist as having been received from Jas. Truit of Quincy, Ky. Fruit large, roundish ; conical form ; Hght yellow skin ; splashed in the sun with bright clear red ; 176 THE MAGAZINE OF HORTICULTURE. Flesh yellowish, crisp, tender, rather coarse grained, subacid, aromatic, " and very good." Ripe from December to January. AuGHWiCK Grape. — This is another new variety which has been offered to the public, as a wine grape not equalled in America. It was found growing on an old farm in the Aughwick valley in Pennsylvania. The bunch is about the same size as the Clinton, with larger berries; bunches shoul- dered ; color of juice very dark red, almost black, and strong flavor, making a very dark red wine. Wine and fruit entirely free from rot or mildew. It is a strong grower, and has stood the severest winters, while others have been frozen to the ground. Beurre Superfin Pear, which promised last year to be one of our best varieties, is also classed among the best by Mr. Rivers and some other English cultivators. Its liability to rot at the core, unless picked early, has been an objection to it, but we found it last season to be one of the very best to keep. After having been in Nyce's fruit-house a month our specimens at Christmas were perfectly melting, firm, vinous, brisk and delicious. Its usual season is early in October. THE FLORIDA AIR PLANT. BY THE EDITOR. Last autumn, through the kindness of Messrs. Washburn & Co. of Boston, we were favored with two specimens of the so-called "Florida Air Plant," a species of Tillandsia, proba- bly T. usneoides, or utriculoides, common, we believe, to the tropics, and which, it would appear, is a very pretty thing, and may easily be grown in our climate, in summer, giving it greenhouse protection in winter. The plants are now growing finely, and we shall give them a full trial. As show- ing the interesting character of the plants we annex the follow- ing letter, which accompanied the specimens : — I take the liberty of sending you (accompanying this letter) a fine specimen or so of our greatest curiosity, viz.. JUNE. 177 the '' Florida Air Plant." I think you will agree with me in saying it is quite unique. This plant is considered a great curiosity with us — how much more so it will prove to you. I will try and give you some slight description of it, but cannot give it a name, but think it belongs to natural order " Bromeliaceae," genus Tillandsia, as no work on Southern Botany describes it. This plant grows freely in all situations, adhering to the barks of the live oak, cypress, cedar and maple. It is oQca- sionally found growing on the pine, but very rarely. Its most favored locality seems to be on those large live oaks which overhang our glorious river (the St. Johns). Unlike the mistletoe it does not penetrate the bark and woody fibre, but ramifies its sparse roots into the cracks, crevices and inequalities of the bark, and may be truly said to be an " air plant," as it derives no nourishment from the bark, but wholly and solely from the air and moisture. When you pluck it from the tree, no matter where you throw it it wiH live. You cannot kill it save you bruise it. It seems ta live- alike without, as well as with, moisture, though from their- abundance on the banks of our river, it would seem as tliousfb it were a favored locality. This plant is one of the kindest friends to the hunter and traveller, for no matter where found, whether on the stunted live oak in our burning almost endless sandy barren scrubs, where no water can be found, for ten or even twenty miles — or by the river bank — wherever found, if you pluck it from the tree and invert it over a tin- cup you will obtain from two to three ounces of the finest, purest, coldest water that ever it was the fortune of a thirsty traveller to partake of. Where this water is obtained from I cannot imagine, unless it is from the heavj^ dews we have here at night. You can well imagine the joy and. pleasure evinced by the wearied traveller, or hunter, as he descries in the distance a lonely live oak, after a day of tiresome hunt- ing or travelling in our hot burning sandy country, say, for instance, on a July or August day, for well he knows that from that live oak he will obtain an abundance of fresh pure water, cold as ice water almost, while even the plant is exposed tp the burning sun. , , VOL. XXXIV. — NO. VI. 12 178 THE. MAGAZINE OF HORTICULTURE. This plant produces long spikes of flowers in the spring and summer, and are of different colors. Nothing could possibly be more unique in a parlor in winter as an ornament, or as a constituent of a hanging basket. The only care you need bestow on the plants which I send you, is as follows : Tie the roots to a horizontal limb of an oak tree, as soon as received, by means of a piece of tliread. Souse the whole plant freely with water at least once a day, for a week, until the roots have laid hold of the bark ; after that it needs no further care until fall ; then, before your first frost, remove the plant from the tree and tie its roots to a billet of firewood — watering it freely, and remove it to some room in the house in which fire is kept during winter. Use water freely on it until well established ; by spring it will give you a spike of bloom. This plant, as a general thing, likes shade. It never produces seed that I can find, but propagates itself from the little rootlets. The plants I send you are very small. These plants grow from four to five feet high, and send up spikes six feet in length. LUPINUS POLYPHYLLUS. BT THE EDITOR. The Lupins are old and well known plants, many of them annuals, which have long been cultivated in our gai-dens. They are nearly all natives of America, extending from New England to California. The annuals are showy and pretty plants, easily raised, and with their soft foliage and long spikes of various colored flowers, form pleasing groups in the flower-garden. The perennials, which are mostly from California, are, however, much more showy than the annuals, and some of them are really superb ornaments, growing tliree feet iiigh, and producing tall stems, terminated with long and dense spikes of showy blossoms. Of this group the L. polypliyllus is the representative plant. It is a native of Columbia River, and was discovered by the lamented Douglas, in his visit to JUNE. 179 the North-West Coast, and introduced to England in 1826. It is not, however, so well known as it should be ; and though so long introduced we think it has never been brought prom- inently enough before the public. It is easily raised from seed, and the plants, when well grown, produce a mass of strong stems, terminated with spikes of rich purple flowers, which remain in beauty a long time. Our engraving, though on a reduced scale (fig. 7) gives a good representation of a vigorous plant. LUPINUS POLYPHYLLUS. The seed may be sown now, and when the young plants are large enough they should be removed to a good place in the flower border. Here they will soon attain a strong growth, and by the autumn will have formed good plants. A slight protection, the same as usually given to most peren- nials, will preserve the roots in fine condition, and the next year they will throw up their stout stems, and form a mass of bloom at once attractive and highly ornamental. Few finer plants can be added to the garden. FLORICULTUR AL NOTICES. New Hybrid Coleus. — Since the introduction of Coleus Verschafieltii, with its rich deep colored foliage, it has formed 180 THE MAGAZINE OF HORTICULTURE. a prominent olject for bedding purposes, especially in England, where the style of ribbon borders has extensively prevailed. The introduction of another kind, called C. Veitchii, increased the taste for rich foliaged plants, and by the skill of the hyb- ridizer, a great number of new sorts have been raised between these two, which seem to have attracted unusual attention, amounting almost to a furor for tliese plants. The successful grower of these hybrids \yas M. Bause, of the Chiswick garden, who has raised twelve of these seedlings ; and two weeks ago the plants were sold at auction for the benefit of the Eoyal Horticultural Society. The prices obtained for them were almost fabulous, as follows: — Berkleyi, 40 guineas; Saun- dersii, <£26; Ruckeri, 40 guineas ; Bausei, 59 guineas ; Scottii, 36 guineas ; and Batemanii, 49 guineas, purchased by Mr. Veitch. Dixii, 49 guineas ; Clarkei, 10 guineas ; Wilsoni, 14 guineas, and Reevesii, 5 guineas, by Messrs. Carter. Marshallii, 25 guineas, and Murrayi, 25 guineas, by Mr. Wills. Total, £890 ; about $2000. All these, or a portion of them, will no doubt find their way. into American collections, and we shall give a brief description of them, that our cultivators may know their merits. The plants are offered for sale on the 1st of July, by the dealers who purchased them. 965. Draba violacea D. C. Violet flowered Draba. (Cruciferae.) Quito. A greenhouse plant; with violet coloretl flowvrs; growing a foot high; increased by cuttings or seeds; grown in liaht soil. Hot. Mag., 18JT, pi. StiSO. Most of the Drabas are rather inconspicuous and weedy plants, of no great beauty, but the present species seems to claim a liigher position, and to be well worthy of introduction into our gardens. Sir William Hooker having described it, as " a lovely plant." It comes from a high elevation on the Andes, and would undoubtedly prove a fine summer bloom- ing or bedding plant, having a dence compact habit, with slender stems, terminated with heads of the richest violet colored flowers. It is easily raised from seed or cuttings. {Bot. Mag., July.) JUNE. 181 966. Ipom^a Gerrardii Hook. Gerhard's Ipom^a. (Con- volvulacese.) Natal. A greenhouse clitnlier; with white flowers; appearing in summer; increased by cuttings; grown in rich soil. Bot. Mag., 1S67, pi. 5651. This is a very large and fine Ipomaea, with flowers four inches in diameter, cultivated in the palm stove at Kew, where it flowered in August. It forms a tuberous root, from Avhich the annual slioots spring up, and attain the height of ten to twenty feet. It will undoubtedly prove, as several of tlie tuberous species have, a fine summer flowering species in our climate, and easily wintered, as all the tuberous rooted ones are. Its immense white flowers would form a fine contrast with tlie deep rich blue of the I. Leari. The seeds are covered with a cottony substance, and it was exhibited in 1862 as the wild cotton. {Bot. Mag-., July.) 967. RoDGfEA MACROPHYLLA Benlh. Large leaved Rudge^. (Rubiaceae.) Rio Janeiro. A hothouse plant ; growing si.t feet high; with white flowers; appearing in spring; increased by cutlings; grown in light rich soil. Bot. Mag., lfc(>7, pi. 5653. "A magnificent plant," witli very large, shining, deep green leaves, and large globular dense heads of white flowers, as large as the snowball, which appear on short stems at the axils of the leaves. It comes from Rio Janeiro, and first flowered last year. It is a very beautiful acquisition. (^Bot. Jlag-., July.) 938. Gloxinia hypocyrtifolia Hook. (Gesneriacese.) Andes. A greenhouse plant; growing a foot hiih ; with yellow and scarlet flowers; appearing in summer; increased by cuttings; grown in light rich soil. Bot. Mag., 18J7, pi. 5655. A new and very pretty plant, which is claimed as a Gloxinia, thougli it has the corolla of a Hypocyrta, and the glands of a Gesnera. The leaves are very beautiful, of a velvety texture, very deep green, and the main nerves clear white. In addition to this the flowers are globose, small, yellow and scarlet, somewhat like an Achimenes. It is a native of the forests of the Andes, where it was found by Mr. Rjeve, the collector of Mr. Veitch. It is an acquisition. (^Bot. Mag-., July.) 182 THE MAGAZINE OF HORTICULTURE. 969. Begonia boliviensis D. C. Bolivian Begonia. (Be- goniaceae.) Bolivia. A greenhouse plant; arowin; two feet hish; with scarlet flowers; appearing in spring; increased by cuttings ; grown in light rich soil. But. Mag., 18d7, pi. 3637. One of the most showy of the flowering Begonias, exhibited for the first tinae last May, at the Parisian Exhibition, where it attracted great attention. The foliage is narrow and so deeply cut as to appear almost fringed, and tlie flowers, which are of tlie deepest scarlet, are as large and long as a fuchsia. It is quite rare, distinct and beautiful. {Bot. Mag-.} 970. Oestrum elegans Schlecht. Purple Habrothamnus. (Solanaceae.) Mexico. A greenhouse plant; growing four feet high; with crinifion flowers; appearing in winter; increased by cuttings ; grown in rich soil. Hot. Mag., 1867, pi. 5659. This is a very superb species, not only in its clusters of large, rich, crimson blossoms, but in the clusters of fruit which succeed them, which form dense grape-like clusters of deep purple globular berries, a third of an inch in diameter. It comes from a high elevation, and succeeds well in a temperate house. {Bot. Mag-., Aug.) 971. Agave Xylonacantha Salm Dyck. (Amaryllidaceae.) Woody-thorned Agave. A greenhouse plant; growing ten feet high; with greenish flowers; appearing in summer; increased by suckers; grown in lishl rich soil. Bot. M.ig., 1867, pi. 5660. One of the " noble class of plants that few can afford to cultivate, and which seldom flower in cultivation, but which are of equal interest to the scientific botanist and tlie horti- culturist. Amongst these the aloes and agaves, hold, after the palms, the place of honor, and their value for decorative purposes is yearly becoming more apparent." Such are the remarks of Dr. Hooker, and we commend them to the attention of cultivators. No plants are more attractive in a collection in winter, or more decorative in the garden iii summer; and as they thrive well in our warm climate, an'd are easily wintered in the greenhouse, bearing in mind to keep them rather dry, they should be more rapidly known and introduced. This agave has a stout rigid look, with short stout spines, JUNE. 183 and curious as well as ornamental. When of sufficient size to flower the scape or stem rises ten feet, and is densely covered with hundreds of greenish white flowers. (^Bot. Mag., Aug.) 972. Dracjena surculosa,var. maculata. Spotted Leaved Drachma. (Asparagineae.) Africa. A hoihoiise plant; srowing six feet hUh; with creamy white flowers; appearing in spring: Increased by cut tings; grown in light, rich soil. Bot. Mag., 1667, pi. 5662. A pretty, spotted leaved variety of the Dracaena, the leaves being dotted with round, yellow spots, very ornamental. It also has a rather dense, globular head of yellowish white flowers. It was introduced in 1863, and first flowered in the Glasgow Botanical Garden. (^Bot. Mag., Sept.) 973. Begonia Veitchi Hook. Veitch's Begonia. (Bego- niaceae.) Peru. A greenhouse plant; erowing a foot high; with scarlet flowers; appearing in summer; Increased by division of the roots; grown in light, rich soil. Bot Mag., 1861, pi. 5663. "Of all the species of Begonia known," says Dr. Hooker, " this is, I think, the finest. With the habit of Saxifraga ciliata, immense flowers, of a vivid vermilion cinnabar red, that no colorist can reproduce, it adds the novel feature of being hardy in certain parts of England, at any rate, if not all, having withstood a temperature of 28° with absolute impunity." The flowers are almost round, and nearly two inches in diameter. The plant is stemless, with large radical leaves, and from the roots are thrown up the stout stems, terminated with the superb blossoms. If as hardy as stated it may be kept in a frame or cool house, and planted out in summer, in the same manner as many of our bedding plants, and its fine foliage and rich flowers prove a gay and attractive ornament to our gardens. (^Bot. Mag., Sept.) 974. Erodium macradenium VHerit. Spotted flowering Storksbill. (Geraniacese.) Pyrenees. K. half linrdy perennial; growing a foot high; with spotted flowers; appearing in summer; increased by division; grown in peaty soil. Bot. Mag., 1867, pi. 5665. A charming perennial plant, with finely cut foliage, and producing slender stems, terminated with clusters of gera- nium-like flowers, of a delicate pink, spotted upon the upper 184 THE MAGAZINE OP HORTICULTURE. petals. Ill England it is a hardy p(Mennial, but would proba- bly require the protection of a fnune in our climate. It is one of those beautiful plants which require a little attention in culture, but is abundantly beauiiful to repay the labor of the enthusiastic amateur. (^Bot. Mag-., Sept.) 975. Griffinia Blumenavia Roch Sf- Bouche. Dr. Blume- nave's Griffinia. (Amaryllidaceae.) Brazil. A hotliouse bulb; growing a foot hhh ; with stripeJ (lowers; appearing in spring; increased by offsets; grown in lisht, rich, sandy soil. Bot. Mag., 1jS7, pi 5B6tt. A very pretty bulb, with heads of wliite flowers, beautifully striated from the throat with crimson. It is a native of Bengal, and was introduced into the German collections.- {Bot. Mag-., Oct.) 976. LiLiUM Leichtlinii Hook. Max Leichtlin's Lily. (Liliaceae.) Japan. A hardy bulb; growing three feet high; with yellow spotted flowers; appearing in summer; increased by offsets ; grown in r.ch soil. Bot. Mag., 1867, pi. 5673. This very pretty lily was one among a number received from Japan for L. auratum, but is entirely distinct, and quite new in color. It resembles, in some respect, L. tigrinum, in the form of the flowers, but differs from it, not only in color, but in its graceful habit and scattered leaves, and crested segments of the perianth. The color is a uniform lemon yellow, thickly spotted in the way of the Japan, with brown spots. It grows only three or four feet high, with slender stems and narrow foliage. It will be a valuable acquisition to the hybridizer, to infuse the rich yellow into other new seedlings. (^Bot. Mag-., Nov.) 977. Begonia Clarkei Hook. Major Treve Clarke's Be- gonia. (Begoniacese.) Andes. A greenhouse plant; growing two feet lii:;h ; with rose colored flowers; apiiearing in summer; iricre iseil by cuttings; grown in light, riiii soil. Bot. jMag., I8i7, pi. 5613. This is a splendid kind, allied to B. Veitchii, but has a shrubby habit, attaining the height of two feet, and the flowers, which are very large, are of a deep rose color. It is not so hardy as B. Veitchii, but grows freely in the green- house, and is very showy. (^Bot. Mag., Nov.) JUNE. 185 §t\\txn\ BtJtitfs. Dahlia Imperialis. — We openly confess that we read our friend Roezl's first account of this new dahlia with a somewhat incredulous smile, and perhaps the same may happen to many a reader of the "Gaiten flora" when he casts a first glance at the accompanying phite, which shows him a dahlia of a very extraordinary — I might say undreamed of — and surprisingly new appearance, for a dahlia with bell shaped, white, liliaceous flowers, with a pyramidal, hundred blossomed, candelabra shaped infloresence, appears to belong, judging from what we have hitherto known of dahlias, to fairy world. In truth, Dahlia imperialis appears to be new to the scientific world, for we cultivated several specimens last year in the Botanical Garden at Zurich, and brought them into blossom, and con- vinced ourselves that it did not belong to either of the species described in the "Prodromus," or in " Walper's Repertorium." Roezl's short and con- vincing information read somewhat like the following: — "This new dahlia, which is imposing even as a leaf plant, will make as great a sensation as the first single dahlia did. It blossoms on pyramidal flower stems, with from 150 to 200 large, white, bell-shaped nodding flowers, like a yucca or a giant white lily. I consider it the most beautiful and valuable of my importations. It will, I hope, completely justify its proud name of the Emperor dahlia, even in European gardens; and as we (Messrs. Roezl «Si Besseur) place our entire confidence in it, we try, by representing' it at its first blossoming, to make it known." At the same time as this information, which excited our curiosity and expectation in the highest degree, we received at the end of May of last year, (1862), a large chest with about 200 tubers, pretty much like the ordinary dahlia tubers, but of a longer, more tapering shape. As the season was already pretty well advanced, they were all immediately planted in the open ground, in groups and beds in the garden, and a large number, on account of want of space, in a poor unmanured potato field. All the tubers threw out well, several three or four tubers, which, even to the strongest, were immediately broken off, and took root more quickly and with greater certainty, than tubers of the ordinary dahlia planted at the same time for comparison, which sufficiently convinced us that D. imperialis would support itself and spread rapidly, even if it did not ripen seed. The specimens planted in the gardi?n soon reached the height of 5 to 6 feet, whilst those in the poorer ground were from 3 to 4 feet. The stately growth, the large, elegantly double, almost triple pinnate, gladsome green leaves, make at least as beautiful a leaf- plant as the most beautiful of the Wigandia, Solanums and Nicotianas at present so highly prized. Singly, in the grass, w'ith well manured ground, the D. imperialis will figure in the first rank as a leaf plant, even before its flowering time commences, as it does not lose its flower leaves. As soon, however, as it unfolds its flower panicles, richly covered with 186 THE MAGAZINE OF HORTICULTURE. large white lily-bells, it will far surpass the most beautiful of the orna- mental flowers which are at present so much liked. We ought not to, neither will we keep silent, that last year (for our impatience can be well understood) we had to wait long, but too long, before we discovered the first buds. Not before the middle of October did the longed-for buds show themselves ; but now, as if by enchantment, several specimens, the most luxuriant as well as the poorer, were covered with buds ; the top as well as the side-branches produce whole bunches of buds. There was no longer any doubt that Roezl did not exaggerate when he spoke of 150 to 200 flowers on a panicle, for on our strongest specimen we could show a Btill larger number of buds. These, however, were nipped by the frost, and as to Dahlia imperialis ever taking its place as an out-door plant, continued Mr. Bateman, the idea was absolutely preposterous. It must, therefore, be grown plunged in a tub out of doors in summer and moved into the conservatory in September. He presented the Society with tubers of it, which he had brought from Cannes, and he hoped that under Mr. Eyles' or Mr. Barron's care they would produce flowers before the end of the year. — [Gard. Chron. ] Carpet System of Bedding Our. — The great objections urged against our present system of flower gardening are, that its characteristic features are sameness and want of variety, and that the display is after all but a gaudy glare of color. Sometimes these objections are urged in a sensational tone, prompted, djubtless, by reactioniry feelings and senti- ments, but, nevertheless, there is no doubt that to a certain extent the objections may be sustained. Giy and glittering a flower garden in its highest state of perfection should indeed be, but it need not, it ought not, to degenerate into a niere chromatoscope. Something has been done, and is doing, to remedy the admitted defects of the system, by the introduction of foliage plants of considerable size and of graceful or picturesque form, and in this way the general monotony of the flower garden as a whole may, no doubt, be broken up with advant- age ; but the color masses themselves need to be also remodelled beyond the mere breaking of them up into contrasted lines or sections, and it seems to us that the hint how to do this most effectually, has been, though perhaps unconsciously, already given. The idea which we now wish to present to the consideration, and to pro- pose for the adoption, of the flower-gardenin? fraternity, may be desig- nated as the carpet sys^tem of bedding-out. We have said that the hint has been already given. It has been so, and in the first instance, we believe, by our great artists in spring gardening. Mr. Fleming in the beautiful spring garden at Cliveden, has for years been in the habit of dotting brightly-colored tulips through some of his beds, the ground color of which was of some sober, or at least distinct hue, such as would show them up advantageously ; for example, white catchfly or white forget me- not was dotted with high-colored tulips, or blue forget-me-not was dotted JUNE. 187 with white tulips. Mr. Ingram, at Belvoir, has to a large extent followed the same principle; and we can well believe, as, indeed, we have been assured was the case, that one of his combinations — we merely quote an example — that of white arabis dotted with blue scilla, was charming when in perfection. But it is not only among spring flowers and in spring gardening that the hint to adopt the carpet system has been dropped. It has been worked out, and with marvellously effective results, by Mr. Gib- son, at Battersea, in a case to which we specially invited attention last season, that of a bed of succulents, in which the remarkable forms and tints of plants like the echeveria and the shrubby sempervivums, were brought out to great advantage by surface irregularities, and by a carpeting of a dwarf grayish tinted sedum, which clothed the whole surface between the larger plants, forming a neutral-tinted carpet, with which the more prominent plants finely contrasted. Now, if this method of arranging the materials for flower beds be avail- able and effective, as it is, in spring time for spring flowers, and if it be available and effective, as it is, for quaint-looking foliage plants during summer, why may it not also be applied to our summer flower beds, and be made the means of toning down the excess of color, of which all persons of correct taste now complain ? We think it may be. Our object, indeed, in penning these remarks is to bring the idea of carpet bedding — so we think it may be distinguished — prominently under the notice of gardeners, that they may put it to a practical tost; and we feel confident that in many positions where beds entirely filled with bright-hued flowers are now employed, if not in most or all of them, the proposed change might be adopted with advantage. That we may be clearly understood, we will offer a supposititious illus- tration of what we mean by carpet bedding. A circular bed of considera- able size, forming perhaps part of a formal design, perhaps isolated, has to be filled with summer flowers. In the ordinary course it would be so planted that the flowering plants, when grown up, would cover the whole surface, and that the bed would in due time present an even mass of floral coloring, either of one hue, or of contrasted hur>s, as the taste or fancy of the planter might dictate. Now if the surface of this bed, level, convex, or undulated, as the case may be, were in the first instance clothed with a close carpet of — if on gravel, say, such plants as the bright green Saxifra- ges of the hypnoides group, if on grass, of some grayish or neutral-tinted plant, and then, if the flowering plants, pelargoniums, we may suppose, of the same kinds as would have been used en masse, were planted out or plunged at intervals amorfg the carpet plants, sufficiently far apart to show each one distinctly, with something of the carpet surface also evident, it seems to us, judging by the effects produced in the cases to which we have referred, that a much more chaste combination, and one both of a novel and pleasing character, would be produced. The dotted color-plants might in many, perhaps in most cases, be exactly the same as would have been used for close planting, so that the color effects at a distance would be the same, except in so far as the glare might be toned down by the open mode 188 THE MAGAZINE OP HORTICULTURE. of planting; but when more closely viewed the effects would be entirely dissimilar to those now usually produced, and we cannot but think, that if good materials were used, they would be equally beautiful, and much more satisfying to the eye. We therefore ask for the system of carpet- bedding a fair and honest trial during the ensuing season, and shall be glad to chronicle the results. — (Id.) Chinese Primroses. — The double-flowered varieties of the Ctiinese primrose form a group of considerable extent, as well as one of great beauty and interest. The old double rose colored and double white varie- ties of former days, attractive and useful as they were, are far surpassed by more modern productions. The law of progress has worked out the most cheering results: swiftly and certainly have higher forms come forth from the work-shop of nature to gladden the eyes of the patient worker in this direction. A few flowers, that represent the latest form of the fine varieties produced by Messrs. Windebank &, Kingsbury, of Southampton, were exposed at a recent meeting of the Floral Committee, and were especially remarkable as containing some very fine flaked varieties of considerable beauty. Singular to say, these fine double kinds are all raised from the seed obtained from single flowers. The double blooms do not produce seed as a rule: and even if they did yield seed, and it were to germinate, the plants so raised would simply produce single flowers. This is a curious fact, but Messrs. Windebank &. Kingsbury, as well as others, have abundantly proved that it is so. Semi-double flowers will produce seed, but it is necessary that they should be fertilized with the pollen from the single blooms. They rarely, however, if ever, produce really double flowers when so fertilized, and the number of semi double flowers are always in a minority — the remainder, and consequently the larger part, proving single. To obtain double varieties the raiser fertilizes certain fine and striking single flowers, with the pollen of other equally fine single blooms and the desired result is obtained. This is Messrs. Windebank & Kingsbury's modus operandi, the exact details or mode of accomplishment are a profes- sional secret they keep to themselves. That they have hit upon some method of fertilization by which the production of double flowers is rendered certain is evident; and further than this, they at the same time secure a strong and vigorous constitution for the double kinds. Probably the act of fertilizing, say a fine red flower, with the pollen of another flower of the same hue, equally fine in character, is the most likely cause of the production of double kinds of that same hue of color; and a similar process would be attended with a like result, if this hypothesis be a correct one, in the case of flowers of other hues of color. It is somewhat singular that though Messrs. Windebank & Kingsbury have been engaged for some years past in the production of double primu- las, this is the first year that they have been successful in obtaining double blossoms on plants with the fern-leaved foliage. Others had accomplished this a few years ago, but it has hitherto been denied to Messrs. Windebank JUNE. 189 & Kingsbury. More than that, they are hopeful of now getting striped double flowers from the fern-leaved plants, as they hold the opinion — and it certainly lends something like a sanction to the hypothesis I have advanced — that when a single flower of any character can be obtained and perpetuated, it is not difficult to obtain also double flowers of a similar character. There is another characteristic of the Chinese primrose worthy of notice, namely, that all striped or flaked flowers, whether double or single, are produced on plants the leaf-stalks of which are red. No instance has yet occurred of a white flower, flaked or striped with any siiade of rose or purple, being produced in plants the leafstalks of which are white. Flow- ers of a pure white color, without any marking whatever, have also been produced in plants with red leaf-stalks; but no red or rose-colored flowers have been as yet produced on plants with white leaf-stalks. — [Id.) Earlt Peas. — An English writer states that he sowed Sutton's Ring- leader and Dan O'Rourke, on the 1st of February, in boxes, under glass, and transplanted them out in a south border, about the middle of March. On the 15th of May he had a good dish of Sutton's Ringleader fit for gathering. The pods were small, but well filled, while Dan O'Rourke will be fully a week behind. 0tieties. CINCINNATI HORTICULTCRAL. The following are the officers of this Society, for 1868: — President— Capt. W. P. Anderson. Vice Presidents — Wm. Stoms, Geo Graham, and Robt. Buchannan. Recording Secretary — L. A. Hine. Corresponding Secretary — C. H. Wardlow. Treasurer — Robt. Clarke. Librarian — Jas. Haworth. The Annual Exhibition will take place in September next, commencing on the 2'^d. In connection with it, the American Wine Growers' Associa- tion of Ohio will hold their Annual Meeting, when liberal prizes will be awarded for the best samples of Native Wines. Sixteen prizes are offered. For the largest variety of still wines, not less than two bottles of each kind, $W. Second prize, .$10. The other prizes are mostly for one bottle each of Catawba, Delaware, lona, Ives, Concord, Isabella, Norton, Clinton, &-c. In addition to the numerous prizes for fruits and flowers, offered by the Society, the Longworth Wine House oflTer the following liberal premiums for the encouragement of Grape Growing: — 190 THE MAGAZINE OF HORTICULTURE. To the Wine Growers of the United States, through the American Wine Growers' Association of Ohio : Feeling deeply interested in the improvement of our Native Grapes and wines, we offer the following premiums : A silver pitcher, two goblets and waiter, to cost not less than $350, as the first premium ; a silver cup, to cost not less than f 100, as the second premium ; and a silver cup, to cost not less than $50, as the third premium. The first premium to be given to the best general wine grape of our whole country. The second premium to be given to the best variety of grapes for wine purposes in the State of Ohio, provided it is not awarded to the grape that receives the first premium, in which case it will be given to the second best wine grape in the country. The third premium to be given to the best table grape, for general purposes in the country. Our requirements are that the plants, when generally cultivated, shall be perfectly healthy, hardy, and productive, and the fruit shall produce a wine of good quality, as to flavor, strength, and quantity. The fruit must be shown at the Fall Consolidated Exhibition of the American Wine Growers' Association of Ohio, and Cincinnati Horticultural Society, September, 22, 18(8, in quantities of ten pounds or more, with samples of the wines from the competitors for the first two premiums, if practicable. The committees to be composed of the Hon. Marshall P. Wilder, of Boston ; Solon Robinson, Esq., of New York ; a member to be designated by the Lake Shore Grape Growers' Association ; a member to be appointed by the American Wine Growers' Association of Ohio; and Dr. C. W. Spalding, of Missouri. At the meeting of the committee to award premiums, in case they are not all present, the members present to fill the vacancies. The award of the commitee to be final. AMERICAN WINE GROWERS' ASSOCIATION OF OHIO. Officers for 1868:— President — E. A. Thompson. Vice President — Cassimer Werk. Secretary and Treasurer — Jacob Bogen. iarticultural ©ptralions FOR JUNE. FRDIT DF.FARTHENT. Thb wet and cool weather of May has been very unfavorable to all gardening work. The ground has been saturated with water, and planting JUNE. 191 prevented, except in light, high, and dry soils. The winter was severe upon many trees as well as vines, and the late spring appears now to offer anything but a promising season for grapes. Pears look well, if the rain has not prevented a good fertilization of the blossoms. Grape Vines, from the want of plenty of sun heat, do not look as strong as usual ; but with good care and attention will soon improve. As soon as the berries are well set, and of proper size, thinning may be commenced, observing the usual caution not to thin too much. If cool shut the house early, so as to retain a good body of heat, and if wet weather continues light fires should be made to dry up any extra damp. Top ail straggling growths, and tie in the main laterals. Vines in cold houses have had an unfavorable time, and it they have not suffered any by an early bloom, will soon feel the effects of better weather. Close the house early while in flower and setting, if this is not yet over. Stop laterals, and prune away superfluous shoots. Strawberry Beds should have a final weeding now, and clean straw or short hay placed under the fruit to keep it from being injured by heavy rains. New beds should be kept clean, and free of all weeds. Water freely, if the weather should set in hot and dry. Raspberry Plantations should be kept clean of all superfluous suckers. Grafted Trees should have attention, removing any strong suckers, and loosening the ties, if necessary. Summer Pruning should be commenced as soon as the new growth has made five or six inches, pinching back to two or three eyes. FLOWER DEPARTMENT. Where there are collections of plants of various kinds, there are many things which should now be removed to the open air, and towards the end of the month the greater part of greenhouse plants may be placed out of doors. Such as are intended for winter work will need attention, so as to secure a good growth. Insects will increase, and among stove plants, the mealy bug, as well as the red spider, will become more abundant. Lose no opportunity to destroy both, depending only upon the use of the hands, and a brush or sharp pointed stick to kill the former, looking over each plant infected every few days. Sulphur or whale oil soap will answer for the red spider. Camellias will now be finishing their growth and setting their flower bods. Keep them well watered and syringed, until the flower buds are prominent, when it may be partially discontinued, and the plants removed to the open air in a half shady sheltered place. Azaleas, which have finished their bloom, should have all the seed pods- pteked off, and pruned into shape. They should then be kept in an increased temperature, syringing freely twice a day, and watering occft< sionally. with liquid manure. Early flowering plants, already making vigorous shoots, should have the tops of any strong growths nipped off. 192 THE MAGAZINE OF HORTICULTURE. Chrtsanthemcms, if grown in pots, should have a shift when they require it, and the tops pinched off, to produce a stocky growth, Caladiums, under good treatment, will need a shift often, if large specimens are wanted. Keep in a good place, near the glass, and shade from the noonday sun. Cyclamens may be planted out in a frame, first preparing the ground M'ith good leaf mould, or very old manure. Pelargoniums will now be in full blossom, and should have an abun- dance of air and light, only shading from the sun in the middle of the day. Water freely and fumigate, if the green Hy appears. Fuchsias will need another shift into larger pots, using richer and stronger soil. Stevias, Eopatoriums, and other winter flowering plants, should be shifted into larger pots. Heaths, of the common kind, should be planted out in the open ground; the better sorts may be shifted, and kept in a cool frame. Begonias should have a shift into larger pots. Gloxinias and AchimenilS should be shifted into larger pots. CoLEUs, of the different varieties, intended for specimens, should be shifted into larger pots. Monthly Carnations should be planted out in beds of good rich soil. Tuberoses, started in small pots, should be shifted into larger ones, and plunged in the open ground. FLOWER GARDEN AND SHRUBBERY. The flower garden and lawn will now require much attention, as all the bedding plants, as well as annuals, must be planted out at once. The subtropical garden will also occupy time and care, in planting and arrang- ing, to produce the best effect. The lawn will now need mowing, after the long rainy weather, and afterwards a good rolling, following it up every week, until a good hard surface is obtained. Cut edgings, and clean and roll the walks. Dahlias should be planted out now. Make the soil rich. Gladiolus must be planted, if not already in the ground. Lily Beds should be kept clear of weeds, and the surface soil lightly stirred. Tulips, and other autumn bulbs, should be taken up the last of the month. Neapolitan Violets should be taken up, divided and reset, in good rich soil. Cannas, and similar plants, should be set out in beds, carefully prepared with plenty of leaf mould, or very old manure. Bedding Plants, of all kinds, should be got into their places, as soon as time and weather will permit. THE CONIFEROUS TREES. The coniferous trees, or evergreens, as they are generally called, have attracted the greatest attention among European cultivators and planters of trees, and no efforts or expense have been spared to introduce, from almost every portion of the globe, every species or variety. Collectors have been sent out by societies and associations, as well as by individual enterprise. North and South America, Mexico, China, Japan, Asia, Africa, New Holland, and other countries, have been explored for the single purpose of securing the coniferous trees. Numerous works have been published, some elaborately and expensively illustrated, and specimens of nearly all the acquisitions may be foupd in the private establishments, or commercial collections of Great Britain and France. With a climate highly favorable for the growth of trees from every temperate clime, they have, by their variety of form, their difference of foliage, and other distinctive qualities, added immensely to the picturesque aspect of every plantation, and, aside from their value for timber, or for the simple purpose of shelter, as ornamental objects they occupy deservedly tlie eminent rank that has been accorded them. Unfortunately the climate of the United States, or that portion of it from Washington north and east, is too severe to admit of a fall estimate of the value of the coniferous trees, or a due appreciation of their importance. Besides, we have so many thousands of acres covered with some of these trees — and among them a few of the best — that we do not feel the want of them, and the mass of the people will not plant what their predecessors cut down, as cumberer& of the ground. America is rich in coniferous trees. Great Britain only numbers some thirty-five indigenous species, and her isolated position, surrounded by water, exposed to sweeping winds, requires not only the shelter they furnish, but the timber they supply. This in some degree accounts for the great zeal manifested for their introduction, increased by the cultivated VOL. XXXIV. — NO. VII. 13, 194 THE MAGAZINE OF HORTICULTURE. taste of amateur planters and professional landscape gardeners. As ornamental objects, their evergreen foliage renders them at all seasons, in winter as well as summer, conspicuous features in any landscape or plantation. But notwithstanding the want of that general taste for coniferous trees, which prevails in Europe, and which we cannot but regret, there are many extensive plantations in various parts of the country, and several enthusiastic lovers of them, who have spared no pains or expense to introduce all the known hardy species, and many others of doubtful hardiness. Such are the collections of Mr. Hunnewell, at Wellesley, Mass., Mr. Field, at Princeton, N. J., and Mr. Sargent, at Fishkill, N. Y., besides the lesser but yet good collections of Messrs. Ellwanger and Barry of Rochester, N. Y., Messrs. Parsons of Flushing, L. L, Messrs. Hovey & Co. of Boston, Mass., and Messrs. Hoopes & Brother of West Chester, Pa. , Scattered through the thirty-two volumes of our Magazine, covering a space of thirty-two years, will be found almost everything worth knowing regarding the really hardy conif- erous trees, — all that have come out unharmed after the sad experience of the winter just past. What the milder winters of the Middle and Southern States will admit of being done in those localities, we have only had some partial information from time to time, but fortunately we are now supplied with all that is known up to the present period of the growtli and character of a very large number, including many which could 'only be grown in the greenhouse at the North. This information is given in a handsome and interesting book by Joshua Hoopes of West Chester, Pa.* As we have said, America is rich in evergreen trees, but unfortunately, they are, the larger part of them, natives of the Southern States, or of the North- West Coast, and as experience has now proved, but few of them are to be relied upon in the North and East. A great many of these species, first introduced to Europe, have been imported at great expense, and planted by amateur lovers of the coniferae, and * The Book of Evergreens, a Practical Treatise on the Coniferous or Cone Bearing Plants. By Jos. Hoopes. Illustrated. New York, 1868. Pp.436. JULY. 195 they have done so well that hopes were entertained that they would prove rich acquisitions, and add to the variety as well as beauty of every collection ; but, alas, the winter of 1867 and 1868 has dispelled these hopes, as the blackened, withered branches of numerous species, many of them of very large size, too well attest. Mr. Hunnewell of Wellesley, and Mr. Sargent of Wodenethe, have lost several of their finest trees, Abies pinsapo, 12 feet high, A. cephalonica, 18 feet, Lawson's Cypress, 10 feet, and others, equally large and fine, are, to use Mr. Sargent's own words, "as brown as snufF." Nothing, he says, looks green, "except Retinosporas, wliicli are per- fectly hardy." On our own ground the Lawson's Cypress, 6 feet, Washingtonia, 8 feet, Thujopsis borealis, 6 feet, European Silver Firs, 12 feet, are quite dead, and even the beautiful Nordman's Fir, is slightly browned. Only once in twenty years have these trees been injured so much ; this was in 1857. The time is opportune, just now, to make out a complete list of the hardy coniferous trees, those that under any and all circumstances will stand witliout serious injury ; we say se- rious, for a tree that is badly browned or its terminal branches killed, is unfit for a prominent position on the lawn or in a plantation ; they may do in some positions, as specimens of a complete collection, but as ornamental objects their value is gone. We already have had some valuable information on this point, communicated by the Hon. R. S. Field, in his excellent article in our last volume. He has condemned many of the trees which have been thought hardy, and which he had hoped himself would prove so. Planted in the most favorable locations, reared and tended with every attention, these have been disfigured by the severity of the winters, until nothing remained of their real beauty. We hope to learn from Mr. Field how the winter has affected his many beautiful specimens, particularly tlie Silver Fir, which he thinks one of the four he would select among all the numerous kinds he has experimented with for general purposes. If his trees have sutfered as our own have we think he would leave out the European Silver Fir, as noble a tree as it is ; but New Jersey is milder than New England, 196 THE MAGAZINE OP HORTICULTURE. and perhaps they have come out unharmed. A very beauti- ful tree, fifteen feet high, was killed to the ground, and every specimen has from one-third to two-thirds of the top marred. One of the very best of the Spruces, though but little known, has proved to be among the very hardiest, quite as much so as the Norway ; this is the Abies orientalis, a real gem, as symmetrical as the Norway, less coarse in its branches, much more dense in habit, with leaves not one-third the length, set closer on the shoots, and of the deepest and richest green. We have been surprised that more has not been said about it. Loudon, when he published his Arboretum, in 1838, did not know it, and he quotes the opinion of M. Loiseleur Deslong- champs, that A. orientalis is only a variety of the American A. alba, showing how mistaken even a careful observer may be. The two trees have, apparently, no similarity, certainly not so much as the A. excelsa and orientalis. We have trees ten feet high, and they are the finest of all the positively hardy spruce firs. Mr. Field enumerates it among the species of Abies in his collection, but he does not particularly allude to it, and we infer his specimens are yet small, otherwise one who so fully appreciates the character of each tree, could not well omit it. Enough has now been learned to make out a list of valuable evergreen trees for our Northern climate, and another list of those which succeed for a greater or less period, until such winters as the last occur, when they fail entirely, and a suc- cession of young plants must be ready to take their place. For arboretums, or pinetums, or collections of conifera&, this loss, though great, is not so serious, or of so much importance as when a few trees are planted out in particular positions which they are intended to fill for a lifetime, where their loss cannot be made good. What we need, — what the mass of planters require, — is not what are the peculiar merits of a hundred species and varie- ties, be they ever so g;reat, but will they stand our climate, can they be depended upon ? Gentlemen forming collections of all the coniferous trees will wish to know some tiling about every kind they intend to plant; but, ^ter all, the great question is, to know, what long experience only can establish — JULY. 197 the real hardiness of every tree intended for general planting. As something towards this end we shall endeavor as soon as possible to give a list of all the trees, as far as we can ascer- tain, which have stood the winter without the least injury ; also a list of those which suffered more or less. We hope in this to have the aid of pur amateur planters, and trust that Mr. Sargent and Mr. Hunnewell will supply us with what information they possess. It will serve as a guide to young planters, and enable them to avoid the mistakes of zealous and enthusiastic amateurs ; and it will encourge them to persevere, when great losses would dampen their ardor, and perhaps induce them to give up all attempts in the introduction of evergreens. Loudon's Arboretum, published in 1838, the last and greatest work of this author, completely exhausted the subject of Arboriculture up to that period, and nearly all that has been published since has been in the main a repetition of the information he gathered together. To know all about trees the planter should consult the splendid volumes of Loudon. But as the acquisitions to the coniferous trees have been very extensive since 1838, we are indebted to Carriere, Gordon, and other writers, for the information regarding them. Gor- don's Pinetum, published in 1860, enumerated and described nearly all the additions, and though less important than Lou- don, contained* much that was new, valuable and interesting regarding new coniferous trees. These are all foreign works, and give us the experience of the authors in anotlier and very different climate from our own. Mr. Hoopes, in his book, gives us information adapted to our own country, and bringing to his aid all that is valuable in Loudon and Gordon, gives us a work highly creditable to the arboricultural taste of the country. Indeed, we have been surprised to hear of his success with many of the coniferous trees, which we had supposed too tender for the locality of the author, and congratulate those who enjoy the same advantages of climate, at the rich treat in store for all who wish to add tlie great number of fine species to their plantations. While we at the North must rely upon some dozen or more of the various kinds of Pines, Spruces, Thujas, 198 THE MAGAZINE OF HORTICULTURE. &c., the southern planter can count his two or throe hundred species and varieties of the tribe, natives of every portion of the globe — from the rich valleys of California, the hills of Mexico, the Andes of South America, the Alps of Europe, the Himalayas of Asia, the Peaks of Japan, and the regions of New Holland. , The volume is divided into thirteen chapters, the Chapters from 1 to 9 being devoted to the Growth and Management of the Trees, such as Soil and Planting, Propagation, Pruning and after management, Evergreen Hedges, Diseases and selection of varieties. Chapters 9 to 13 contain a descriptive account of all the species and varieties, comprising the greater portion of the work. It would be gratifying to go over this part of the book, and note the views of the author on some of the kinds he enumerates: but this would occupy more space than we have at command. All planters and amateur cultivators of the conifers will wish to consult the work, and our brief notice is only intended to attract attention to a subject too little considered, but of great importance in the decoration of our public and private gardens, our parks and conservatories. The volume closes with a brief notice of the old Bartram garden, and two or three other places around Philadelphia, and of the collections we have already referred to in the first part of our paper. As a specimen of the author's views on the formation of Evergreen Hedges we copy the following, which will interest all who wish to have a good hedge : — Nothing, in our opinion, is so peculiarly attractive in a well kept place, as an evergreen hedge, neatly and frequently trimmed ; and nothing really injures the appearance of a place more than one that is neglected and allowed to grow at will. Either as an ornamental boundary, or for a protective screen, no class of plants can equal those with persistent or evergreen leaves. Always green and cheerful throughout the whole year, an impassable barrier to winds and storms, easily clipped, and remarkably beautiful when properly cared for, of rapid and dense growth, and comparatively free from disease, they comprise indeed nearly all the requisites needed for a hedge. JULY. ^ 199 True, they cannot be formed into a defensive barrier against the incursions of unruly cattle and the depredations of the fruit stealer ; but in beautifying our homes and endeavoring to create additional attractions in their surroundings, we desire something more than the merely practical ; and we therefore insist that there can be no place, however small, but what may receive an added charm by the introduction of a neat evergreen hedge, such as we have described. Such improvements are invariably associated with good taste and refinement. Evergreen hedges may very properly be divided into two distinct classes, which, in the planting, selection of varieties, and after-management, differ very essentially from each other: first, those intended strictly for shelter or to conceal unsightly objects ; and secondly, the true ornamental hedge. The former requires less care, and is intended mainly for the unfrequented portion of the grounds, and very frequently needs no attention, excepting an occasional clipping of the stronger branches and a heading-in of the taller plants. What is needed more particularly in a screen or barrier to break the force of storms, is a strong growing, hardy species that is not easily affected by the wind, and such we find in the hardier class of pines and spruces ; as the White, Scotch, and Austrian Pines, and Norway Spruce. Although we find the common Red Cedar (J. Virginiana), Cliinese Arbor Vitae (Biota orientalis), and common Juniper (Juniperus communis), occasionally recommended for this purpose, we are compelled to discourage their use owing to their unfortunate habit of dying out near the base, and thus disfiguring the symmetry of the screen as well as opening a passage for the cold winds. This may not be the case throughout the West, and indeed Dr. Warder, in his work on Hedges and Evergreens, maintains the contrary opinion ; but in the Eastern States we have frequently noticed this drawback to their culture. The late William Reid of Eliza- beth, N. J., than whom no more skilful hedge-grower could possibly be found, stated to the writer that these plants would never answer the purpose, and that after several years of patient trial he had entirely given them up. The American 200 T^E MAGAZINE OF HORTICULTURE. Arbor Vitae (Thuja occidentalis) affords an excellent protective screen, in a small place; but on an extensive scale, we prefer the pines and spruces. Tiie true ornamental hedge, to please tlie eye by its sym- metrical proportions, and richness of color, should receive a full amount of care and attention, for the neglect of one season will very frequejitly cause it to become disfigured to such a degree as to require several years to rectify the damage caused by the remissness. After determining the location for the hedge, tlie ground should be ploughed or dug deeply, about four feet (or even more) in width, and the plants set along the centre of the pulverized strip. The proper distance apart for the plants will be determined in a great measure by their size and the species used. We prefer the height from twelve to fifteen inches fur arbor vitge, hemlock, and other plants of medium and slender growth. In large screens, this distance must be modified, and the plants set three, four, and even a greater number of feet apart, according to the required density of the screen. Nothing further is needed during the first season than to trim off the tops of the larger plants, or an occasional side shoot, that projects out further than the main portion of the hedge. Always bear in mind that the ground must be kept scrupulously clear of weeds, and be frequently stirred. Mice very often attack a neglected hedge, but very seldom a clean, well cultivated one. In stirring the soil, the hoe or cultivator should not run so deeply as to destroy the numerous small rootlets with which the coniferae are so abundantly furnished. We usually scatter a slight dressing of well-rotted manure over the surface of the soil during the winter, and thus at the same time protect the roots and furnish nutriment for the ensuing season's growth. The second year the plants ought to make a reasonable, growth, and a clipping during the summer will be required in addition to the regular autumnal shearing. If inclined to grow strongly, a frequent trimming will be beneficial, as it should always be the aim of the cultivator to produce an impenetrable mass of foliage, especially at the base of the JULY. 201 hedge. The requisite shape should also be giren as soon as circumstances will permit. We prefer the curvilinear form for many reasons, the most practical of wliich is its ability to shed a heavy weight of snow that would otherwise adhere, and by pressing out the side branches, mar the beauty of the hedge. Novices must always bear in mind that it is very easy to produce a tall hedge, but to form one with a close, broad bottom, requires frequent trimming, and a proper amount of attention ; for after the hedge is grown, this cannot be accomplished. In after years, when the hedge arrives at its required height, all that will be necessary is the frequent use of the shears, and due attention to keep the weeds and other strong growing plants clear from the row. SEASON FOR PRUNING CONIFERS. Many intelligent cultivators utterly disregard all set times for performing this important operation, under the belief that the best season to trim is when they have the most time to devote to it. There is, no doubt, an advantage to be gained by this course, but there are principles that govern this operation, as well as those of planting, propagating, etc. In SL young- hedg-e, for the first two or three years, we do not desire to trim severely, as the object should be to encourage, not weaken the growth, and consequently our own practice has been to cut them but once in the season, say in October, and when the young shoots have ripened, but not by any means after freezing weather sets in. One main reason for not pruning late in the autumn is, that after the external portion of the hedge is removed, the inner and weaker parts are then exposed, which, being in a very tender state, are liable to become injured by evaporation and sudden changes of temperature. In an older hedge, the object in pruning is to weaken growth, and this is best gained by pruning early in the month of June. At that season the immatured shoots are suddenly checked by being cut back, and the growth weakened very materially in consequence. A second trimming is also given the hedge in October, to bring it into shape. The same principle governs the pruning of specimen ever- greens. When we wish to weaken the growth, trim the 202 THE MAGAZINE OF HORTICULTURE. young shoots early in tlie season ; but on the contrary, if we desire a stronger growth, cut back in the autumn after the shoots are ripened. Operation and practice will soon teach the operator many facts in relation to this subject that cannot be learned in any other way, as much depends upon the object we desire to accomplish. "We again commend Mr. Hoopes's book, and place it among the most interesting of American Arboricultural works, and shall embrace an early opportunity to give the author's expe- rience, and his estimate of some of the most prominent and desirable kinds for general culture. FORMER MISCELLANEOUS EXPERIMENTS IN FRUIT CULTURE. BY WILSON FLAGG. Closely connected with the physiological principle con- sidered in my last Essay is the theory first put forth by Mr. Andrew Knight, that scions partake of the age and infirmities as well as the specific characters of the stalk from which they are taken. If the original tree, for example, from which they were first separated is 300 years old, all the scions taken from that tree, and all ■ taken from trees that have been produced by grafts from that tree directly or indirectly, have the age and infirmities of the original tree, while it remains unaffected by accidents. In the words of Mr. Bucknal, "though these trees may amount to millions, yet on the death of the primogeneous or parent stock, merely from old age, or nihility of youth, each individual shall decline, in whatever country they may be, or however endowed with youth or health. I say they shall gradually begin to decline, and in the course of time, or of centuries, the whole variety will scarcely have a single tree remaining to show what the fruit was. Mr. Knight, who originally propounded this theory, says in JULY. 203 his "Pomona Herefordiensis" — "Those apples which have long been cultivated are on the decay. The Red-streak and the Golden-pippin can no longer be propagated with advan- tage." He concluded from this fact, that the fruit and the trees propagated from the stock of these varieties were affected by the old age of their stock. Certain later experiments with grafting other kinds on the branches of these deteriorated trees, seem to prove that the deterioration affects only the fruit, leaving us to infer that no such decay affects the tree itself. This theory of running out or degeneracy, or old age, however it may be designated, has been the subject of a great deal of controversy, which is still very far from being concluded. The deterioration of some varieties in certain localities is a fact not denied ; but is it from a disease of the tree or the fruit ? Does it proceed from the old age of the stock, or from a peculiar disease incident to it? Then the question arises, is it incident to it in all places or is it exempt in certain localities? A great many positions may be taken in order to explain this circumstance, and in proportion to their number is the difficulty of forming a definite conclusion. The "old age" theory was opposed by Speedily, who called it a visionary notion, and by others who proved that they had trees of these degenerate varieties still in healthy and productive condition. It was still more lately denied by Mr. Lindley, who bears testimony that many varieties supposed to be extinct in Great Britain, are found prospering and bearing good fruit on the Continent of Europe and in the United States. Mr. Lindley, while admitting that certain kinds of fruit may have run out in certain districts, from some disease which they transmit through the scion to the plants raised from it, does not believe in the old age hypothesis. He affirms that no such thing as old age can be applied to trees. "In plants we have annuals, biennials and perennials, to the last of which belong all trees and bushes. Now wild perennial plants, whether woody or herbaceous, whether forming a trunk or a mere permanent root, have never yet been shown' by any trust-worthy evidence, to be subject to decrepitude arising from old age. On the contrary, every new annual growth is an absolute renewal of their vitality, in 201 THE MAGAZINE OP HORTICULTURE. the absence of disturbing causes. Hence the enormous age at which trees arrive." This reasoning is not strictly philosophical. A tree will in the course of time inevitably perish: and though scions from a tree that is about to perish from dilapidation and decay, might produce trees that would live another life as long as that of the parent, the original tree must at last die. The interior part of a tree gradually hardens and becomes dry, and the innermost core may be three thousand years old, while the outer and indeed the only living part is really no older than the youngest bearing tree in a nursery. The only living part of any tree, if it be an exogen^ is what has grown during the two or perhaps three past years. But the trunk and the branches of a tree, not having the power to expand beyond certain limits, and only in certain directions, must finally become dilapidated, by the decay of those parts which have ceased to have vitality, and which constitute its frame work and support. This constitutes what we call the old age of the tree. Each new annual growth being at length but feebly supported, on account of the dilapidation of its frame- work, will finally perish. The new annual growths become less from year to year ; one limb after another perishes : and this condition of the tree may properly be called its old age. Now the question arises, whether a young scion obtained from one of these antediluvian trees, or from any other tree that is perishing with decay, and properly grafted into a vigorous young tree of the same species, is capable of as long and vigorous a life, as a scion from a young seedling, grafted into a similar stock ? According to all well ascertained laws of vegetation, we should answer this question in the affirmative. The scion taken from the old tree is in fact as young as the scion taken from the young seedling ; and it would have perished, if it had remained on the aged parent stock, only from the incapacity of that accumulated mass of wood, any longer to sustain its position in the ground, from its dilapida- tion. The tree is old, but tlie scion is young. Indeed if a scion from a young seedling were grafted into this old tree it would perish, just like the recent shoots of the old tree itself, and from the same cause. JULY. i05 Tills propagation by buds is in fact a perfect system of in-and-in breeding ; and carries with it consequently more of the constitution and habits of the parent, than the true seed, which is the offspring of tioo parents. Nature has provided buds and bulbs, for perpetuating the individual; but she has provided seeds, originating from the union of the sexes, for the perpetuation of the species. Hence it must be admitted, that the doctrine of Mr. Knight, for all practical purposes, is correct. The tree has not perished nor grown old, as he supposed, nor has it become incapable of bearing other kinds of fruit, when grafted into it ; but it is no longer capable of bearing its own original fruit. The St. Michael pear trees bear leaves and branches apparently as healthy as those of any other trees ; and they will, if grafted, bear other kinds of pears ; but they can no longer produce good St. Michael pears. This circumstance cannot certainly be attributed to the old age of the tree. At the same time, it cannot be denied, that in certain localities this variety of fruit has been longrww out. Dr. Munson of New Haven has grafted another kind into the St. Michael pear, after it had ceased to bear good fruit, and obtained excellent crops of good fruit of the new kind ; and he attributes the degeneracy of the St. Michael to a parasite, which he describes, and which affects, in certain districts, all the delicate and thin-skinned pears. There is still another theory which is termed reversion, that remains to be considered. As stated by Lindley " there is strong tendency in plants from seeds of cultivated fruit trees of high quality to revert immediately to the state of wildings ;" and he refers these sudden changes to accidental cross-breeding with the flowers of some wilding stock. "We see frequent instances of this reversion in the culture of annuals. The seeds of a double poppy, for example, if sown in a very dry and sterile soil, will produce single flowers. This reversion to the wilding state was observed in the first European fruit-trees that were raised from seed in North America. Thatcher remarks in his "American Orchardist" (one of the earliest American publications on Fruit Culture) "a hundred seeds of the Golden Pippin, which have a small leaf, will produce large leaved apple trees bearing fruit of 206 THE MAGAZINE OF HORTICULTURE. considerable size: but the tastes and colors of each will be different, and none will be the same in kind with the Pippen. Some will be sweet, some bitter, some sour, some mawkish, some aromatic, some yellow, others green, red or streaked." From these and a number of other similar facts Lindley drew the inference that the climate of North America is unfavorable to the apple and pear, as he doubted the theery of reversion. The number of facts was too small, however, to serve as the basis for any such conclusion. Both the apple and the pear thrive perfectly well in our climate, even as far south as Georgia ; and it is admitted, at the present day, that no country in the world produces finer apples than many parts of the United States. The degeneracy mentioned by Thatcher was undoubtedly caused by the want of higl'i culture which is necessary for all seedlings, to maintain their superior qualities unimpaired. Considering the frequency of this reversion to a wilding state, when the seeds of double annual flowers are planted in a soil too meagre to support their artificial character, it seems reasonable to believe that the same reversion must frequently take place in the product of seeds of improved varieties of fruit, planted under circumstances unfavorable to this high condition. It need not be doubted that if the seeds of a hundred of the best varieties of the apple and the pear were sown in a forest, and were to grow up and mature their fruit, without any culture from first to last, the greater part of the fruit would resemble that of the original wildings. Let the same number of seeds of the same varieties be sown in the most favorable soil and situation, and reared under the most favorable conditions of culture, and the larger number of them would yield fruit as good as that from which the seeds were taken. This opinion is corroborated by the experiments of Dr. Van Mons in the opposite direction ; whose experiments were not long ago the subject of a great deal of controversy. Dr. Van Mons planted the seeds of the wild crab, and sub- jected the seedlings to the highest possible culture. When these bore fruit, he planted the seeds of this fruit ; and proceeded in this manner through several successive gen- JULY. 207 erations, subjecting each offspring to the highest culture. Bj this process, and witliout crossing with anj' improved varieties, he finally obtained new kinds of fruit of the greatest excellence. From such experiments and such results we have the right to infer, that by leaving the offspring from the seed of the most improved varieties of fruit, to a natural soil and natural conditions, they would, after a few generations, revert to the state of wildings. We see this principle illustrated in the case of domestic animals as well as plants, if they are allowed to run wild for several generations in the woods. The theory of Dr. Van Mons is founded on the hypothesis that trees, like animals, have a certain period of youth, maturity, old age and decay, and that all trees which are the offspring of scions from one individual stock, partake of the age of this parent stock, and must perish nearly about the same time when they would have perished had they remained on the parent tree. Upon this supposition Dr. Van Mons reasoned, that seeds from any stock enfeebled by cultivation would also, like scions, partake more or less of the debility of the parent ; and that the true method of regenerating the fruit of our orchards is to resort to the seed t)f the original wild stock. But as the immediate products of a seedling thus obtained would differ but little from the wilding, he subjected each generation of seedlings to this high culture. After the highest development has been thus obtained, all the new varieties will from their seeds reproduce the same or similar high qualities in their offspring, while the same culture is continued. Whatever theory we may employ to account for eitli^r the improvement or the degeneracy of fruits, it is admitted on all sides that all improvements are in some way or other the effects of high culture. 208 THE MAGAZINE OP HORTICULTURE.- INSECTS AND FUMIGATION. FROM THE GARDENERS' CHRONICLE. Nothing is so annoying in the culture of a collection of plants as the depredations of various insects, particularly the thrips and aphis. When everything appears to be flourishing with vigor, and the gardener or proprietor congratulating himself on the freshness and beauty of the plants, a foe is at work unseen, which will, sooner or later, if neglected, despoil and almost ruin every specimen. Tliey begin so gradually that only the observing eye of the enthusiastic man will discover them ; and they increase with such rapidity, that before one is aware of much danger, they have already done great damage. Constant vigilance is therefore necessary to keep a collection freed from insects ; and even the utmost attention will often fail to prevent more or less injury. Fortunately we have remedies for these pests, which arc easily applied, and when done in season will check their ravages, if it does not wholly destroy them. These remedies are whale oil soap, tobacco soap, and the new chryselic com- pounds, the last of which are said to be excellent, though we have not experimented with them. But for the aphis and thrips, the last one of the most destructive pests to many plants, fumigation with tobacco is perhaps the easiest, surest and best. Tobacco is cheap, and fumigation, when well done, is sure to destroy them. But the operation of fumigating plants is generally very imperfectly done, often injuring many delicate plants, if severe enough to destroy the insects on others, and care and attention are required in all cases, especially where there are rare or choice plants. We believe the work is so imperfectly done that we have thought some hints would be useful as a guide to amateurs if not to the professional man, and we know not how we can offer better or more important advice than we find in the annexed article. It covers the whole ground, and if carefully followed we should have much finer and cleaner looking plants than are often seen : — JDLY. 209 There is probably not a single operation in gardening handicraft attended with more difficulty and danger than fumigation. To counteract insect supremacy over plant life some corrective measure is absolutely essential, and the diffi- culty and danger lie in administering a dose or doses potent enough to effect the desired object without infringing upon the vitality, and disfiguring the appearance of the plants. The chief insects which fumigation by tobacco in one state of preparation or another is powerful enough to exterminate, are the aphis and the thrips. Both multiply with great rapidity, and although the former is comparatively harmless as compared with the latter among a collection of plants, both are dangerous enemies. Aphides are ubiquitous in their ravages, both on foliage, flower stems, and Iflowers. Thrips, although it does not confine its operations to any common spot as a rule, shows a disposition to infest the foliage, dealing such an amount of devastation if not instantly dealt with, as those in charge cannot but look upon with the greatest concern. The former discharges quantities of excremental matter of a glutinous description, after the character of honey-dew, or the corresponding excrement of scale, and almost seals up the pores- of not only the foliage which it infests, but all immediately under its influence. The thrips has no such capacity. It confines its influence to the ground upon which it traveb,^but its very breath is poison, and its power of boring and sucking the life-blood from the leaves is wonderfully apparent. At the outset faint zigzag lines are traceable, in a short time the ground has been traversed, longitudinally, diagonally, horizontally, until it would defy the most careful scrutiny to follow the labyrinthine path ; the leaf gets powerless from sheer exhaustion, and in time falls off" quite decayed. This is a sample of the work of the reddish-gray thrips,. the smallest and most destructive of the race. It is found in many East Indian Orchids, and a prompt remedy must be the rule absolute. The white and black thrips are common to azaleas and several other hard-wooded exotics, and are found, often among such soft-wood plants as have been mismanaged, such as pelargoniums, fuchsias, cinerarias,. &c.. They seem to be VOL. XXXIV. — NO. VII. 14 210 THE MAGAZINE OF HORTICULTURE. generated and prevail in high temperatures, for one scarcely can pull through the season a collection of gloxinias or achimenes without their presence. The same remark is applicable to hippeastrums and liliaceous plants requiring artificial heat. Among ferns they are very common. Their system of action is more gregarious than that of the small reddish-gray thrips, and more similar to that of aphides, with which they often keep up the most intimate companionship. Their operations have much the appearance of the "spot'-' malady. Of course the mischief at first is superficial, the green leaves being covered over with white blotches of irreg- ular outline. The insects seem to gnaw away at the epider- mis, like a quadruped selecting its food in a field, first at one patch then at another, as if one portion of the leaf was more delicious to the tiny palate than another, until death, as represented in the case of the cognate species, ensues. Slight black orbicular excrescences may be observed on examination, but they are the larvae of the insect. Looking at and closely watching the operations of the insect in question, and of the aphides upon a common field of pasture, the thrips completely cuts the ground from beneath the feet of the aphis, and but for the plentiful pasturage of a greenhouse full of plants, they would be compelled to die of inanition. The insects migrate but the larvae cannot, and they too, like the leaves, die. My own opinion is that 10 thrips of any of the kinds, will do as much damage to plant life as 100 aphides. The one is lymphatic in its action and stolid in its movements; the other is as nimble as a shrew, making otf at the first appearance of danger, and as wily as a fox in returning to its prey. Powders, and insecticides in the shape of powder, can only be partially effectual. True they do not injure the plants, but the insects which they fail to reach are not the less slow because some of their fellows liave been unfortunate. I would not look at any remedy that did not imply extermina- tion. It is mere child's-play, and an extravagant waste of time peering about in search of insects with a dredging macliiiie, and could only be tolerated out-of-doors where fumigation is impossible. Thrips especially will avoid it, and seek out a hiding-place with the greatest expedition. I should JULY. 211 liave far more faith in attaining the object desired by simply moistening the finger and thumb, and dispatching them in that way, than by any other specific recommended, short of tobacco fumigation. But I have said, and this can be endorsed by every prac- titioner, that tobacco fumigation is dangerous among some orchids, the majority of ferns, pelargoniums, fuchsias, some of the arads, such as caladiums, gloxinias, gesneras, foliage plants of all descriptions, and the grape vine. What is to be done ? Every establishment is visited with the insects, and some remedial measure must be resorted to. If the fumiga- tion were potent enough to rid the houses of these insect pests, then a careful application would be harmless in its effects ; but in the case of thrip it requires at least three consecutive ones to vanquish the living insects, and one more a little while afterwards to subdue the larvge, at least such of them as arrive at maturity and locomotive power. Before any one is in a position to order his houses to be fumigated, he must estimate and provide in some way or anotiier against the following disturbing causes: he must in the first place, if valuable plants are concerned, make an assortment of these that can withstand ordinary fumigation from those that can- not ; he must endeavor to fumigate only when the smoke is likely to remain at a minimum stillness in the house ; he must, if in a tropical atmosphere, arrange that the temperature be reduced to a minimum, before a single puff of smoke is emitted ; he must see that the foliage of the plants is dry — at least in the sense in which it is generally interpreted; he must have discouraged all along a temperature and an atmosphere favorable to elongated and etiolated stems and foliage. After having made due provision against all these likely occurrences, the fumigator must be enjoined, and the dictum must be enforced, to avoid the issue of flame, and to endeavor to send out the smoke as cool as possible. It is premised that a proper article in the shape of tobacco-paper is provided, else all these essential precautions are good for nothing. A bad article will ruin a house of plants, and if there be one thing more necessary than another for sometiiing like discriminative power on the part of the practical gardener, it is in regard to 212 THE MAGAZINE OF HORTICrLTUEE. this particular. The paper ought to he tliin, and well soaked with liquor of the most genuine description, no matter the price. If it be so, very little harm will ensue, all other things equal. Thick paper and rags I look upon with detestation, for as " burnt bairns dread the fire," so have I by experience suffered — allured by the dense wreaths of smoke and the rapidity with which the house was filled. It is scarcely possible to escape injuring tender plants from thick paper or rags, however well they may be soaked with tobacco juice ; and then it is not half so effective an agent of destruction to the insect pests, owing to the quantity of smoke that inter- mingles with the pure tobacco from the fabric. But it is in the taking fire that the danger lies, and when the house is tolerably full, it is not easy for the operator to avoid the contingency. All very tender plants should be fumigated in a lofty house. You may fumigate such things as azaleas at certain periods of the year with a very ordinary quality of tobacco-paper, without injury, in a confined atmosphere; and the same remark applies to many New Holland plants, some of the Orchidae, such as Vandas, Aerides, and even Phalsenopsids and Saccolabiums. All these may with impunity be practised upon in that way, but if some Odontoglots, Oncidiums, Lycastes, Anguloas, especially when they are making young growths, almost any of the ferns, gloxinias, fuchsias, were so treated, not one single individual would escape without some mark of disfiguration. The best way certainly to avoid bad consequences is to convey them to a lofty house, of a cool temperature, and shade them for days from sun influences. Do this and yo\i may fumigate for three successive nights, and incur but a small percentage of damage. Fortunately the vine is not subject to insects, unless it be red spider, else it would be almost an impossibility to carry on fumigation with tobacco, without a sensible amount of injury being produced. Tiiere is more in the study how to engender a proper condition of plant-life than some people imagine. I have seen houses of plants coddled to that degree that I would not upon any consideration have incurred the responsibility of advising their fumigation ; far rather would I in that case have called to aid all the insecticides in the JULY. 213 market, trusting to patience and praying for a lynx-eye in behalf of the guardian who was expected to do the job. One has only to try such a hardy, beautiful primrose as the Primula cortusoides araoena, after having been for some time grown in the greenhouse conservatory, in an atmosphere of smoke, in order to attest the accuracy of the foregoing observations as to coddling. What is really wanted for everybody is first-rate tobacco- paper and a fumigator sufficiently powerful, with a little fanning, to keep up an uninterrupted volume of smoke, without causing the paper to be ignited. With regard to the former, there is too much adulteration in the market, and our nurserymen vendors can scarcely be held responsible for it. If there were such a thing as an emporium to which we could look for a genuine article, there is a fortune to be made in that simple article, the demand being co-extensive with the progress of gardening. Give us that, and we could put up with the tubular sheet-iron pot, content with improvising a very simple receptacle, so long as we had an innate satisfaction that the smoke that was issuing from its mouth, would suffocate the insects, without injuring the plants. POMOLOGICAL GOSSIP. Since our Report of the last Meeting of the American Pomological Society, the Proceedings have been published, and a copy is before us. It forms a handsome volume of two hundred pages, with the Revised Catalogue of sixty pages additional. It is well printed on good type, on clear paper, and will compare favorably with any of the previous Reports. The work has been carefully revised by Mr. Elliott, the Secretary, who has been aided as much as possible by the President, and we think there are fewer errors than in any previous copy. Our report left off with the discussion on grapes, and the observations on European grape culture, by Messrs. Wilder 214 THE MAGAZINE OF HORTICULTURE. and Barry. Pears were then taken up and discussed as follows : — Clapp's Favorite. — Barry had not had it in bearing, but liad watched it closely. Mr. Clapp marketed his fruit August 20. A remarkably fine fruit, full of juice, sound at the core, not of the highest quality, not very vinous ; but the flavor is pleasant, a first class pear. Smith said it was a firstrate bearer ; it is sweet and rich. Elliot fruited it last year. It is a week earlier than Bartlett, and one of the best pears. The President said it was the largest, handsome early pear we have. It is productive, and lacks nothing to make it a first class pear ; the habit of the tree is excellent, and it is handsomer than the Bartlett. Barry had fruited it, was two weeks earlier than the Bartlett. Edmunds. — Barry said it was an excellent fruit, not hand- some in shape, but a large pear, with a long stem and first- rate as to quality. It grows finely on the quince. The Presi- dent thought highly of it. Downing said it was a pear of first quality with him. [We are somewhat doubtful of its being well adapted to the quince : our oldest trees do not keep up with such sorts as Beurre d'Anjou, B. Diel, &c. — Ed.] Julienne. — The President said it was old, and discarded years ago ; yet it is a tolerably good early fruit. Howell. — Good at Rochester ; one of the three best at the West. Good in Ohio, Keokuk, Iowa, Boston, and Southern Illinois, and a fine market fruit. Beurre Superfin. — Barry said it was generally a very fine pear. Sterling. — The President said it was a handsome, early, red cheeked pear, and a good market fruit, of medium quality. It is a good tree. Beurre Diel. — Cracks around Boston, in Illinois and Southern Wisconsin. Does well in St. Louis. Barry asked if it cracked every year? All pears cracked occasionally. The President and Dr. Warder said it cracked every year, and also shed its foliage. Heaver of Cincinnati said it was one of the best with him. Douglas of Waukegan, 111., and Hoag of Lockport, N. Y., said it failed. Beurre d'Anjou. — One of the best at St. Louis, also at Alton, and at Syracuse, N. Y., fine at Geneva ; good at JULY. 215 Waukegan. The President said it was his great favorite out of twenty-five hundred bearing trees, as lie introduced it. His crop was one hundred bushels, which was engaged before- hand. It is a profitable market fruit. It bears abundantly, and succeeds admirably on the pear. It is not very late in bearing, and every pear is a good one. It keeps till December. Sheldon. — One of the best in Western New York. The President said no man can say else of it, he trusted. Manning said it was firstrate. Bkurre Clairgeau. — Barry said it was a handsome, pro- ductive fruit. The President said it is handsome, sometimes very good, and sometimes very indifferent as to quality. But it is beautiful, and sells well. Tyson. — Dr. Warder said it did well in the West ; a good tree; bears early; good fruit; delicious. Husman said it was nearly as good as Seckel, and very productive. The President said it was one of the very latest in coming into bearing. Coleman said it was the same with him. Hoag said it comes in in about ten years, but an excellent fruit. Swan's Orange. — Fine in Ohio ; splendid at Herman, Mo. Good market pear at Cincinnati ; one of the best at Boston. Not to be left out of a collection of twelve anywhere. In North Illinois it ripens in November and December. Easter Beurre. — No. 1 at Alton, 111. Barry said it required thinning and high culture, and is one of the best. The Presi- dent had tried it thirty years, and cannot succeed with it. Hooker said it was irregular at the West, but he feared it would have to be discarded. Dr. Hall said he was root pruning it, and it did well. Lawrence. — Good and fine, generally. Winter Nelis. — Best early winter pear at St. Louis ; a fall pear at Alton ; has been kept till April at Keokuk, Iowa. Mr. Manning said it was equal to the Lawrence. Flemish Beauty. — Cracks in Massachusetts ; rots at the core at Alton ; fine in Iowa and Cincinnati ; one of the best at Syracuse, N.Y. Blights badly in North Illinois. Valuable in North Indiana. Smith of Syracuse said if the trees were mulched early in the season the foliage would not drop. Beurre Hardy. — It is a pear of first quality, and a noble tree. 216 THE MAGAZINE OP HORTICULTURE. Beurre Bosc. — Husman said it was the most valuable pear he had. It was commended generally. Vicar op Winkpield, or Le Cure. — Dr. Claggett said it was worthless ; Husman, that it was poor as a turnip. Heaver, the best winter pear he had. Dr. Warder said it was an excellent baking pear, though not valuable for dessert. Dr. Sylvester said it was good for cooking. The President said it was a productive and valuable pear, of moderate quality. Valual)le for baking. New Native Pears. — Tlie Committee on New Fruits, Mr. C. Downing, Chairman, made a report upon the varieties brought to notice since the previous meeting. Some of them we have already described and figured, but the others are unknown to us, and we enumerate them : — Mary. — Raised in Ohio, from the Seckel. Tree upright and vigorous, an early and abundant bearer. Fruit below medium size, globular, obtuse pyriform, occasionally one-sided. Skin, rich pale yellow, mostly overspread and dotted with bright red, flesh white, finely grained, almost buttery, juicy, sweet. Very good. Ripens before the Madeleine, the middle of July. Margaret. — Another of Mr. Wiegel's seedlings. Fruit medium size, lemon yellow, overspread with deep dull red, and russet dots and patches ; flesh white, fine, juicy, vinous, sweet. Ripe the last of July, and early in August. Reeder's Seedling. — From H. Reeder of Varick, Seneca Co., N. Y. Mr. Reeder says the tree is about twelve years old, and was raised from a seed of the Winter Nelis, which grew near a Seckel, and is believed to be a cross. Tree healthy and vigorous, rather spreading in form, fruit small to medium, obovate. Skin yellow, netted with russet ; flesh fine, juicy, melting, somewhat buttery, very sugary, vinous, perfumed with musk ; quality best. Ripe in November. The Rutter, Ellis and Goodale, have each been fully described in previous volumes. Bronx. — Raised by Jas. R. Swain of Bronx ville, N. Y., about 1850. An early, regular and abundant bearer ; fruit medium size, obovate, pyriform ; skin greenish yellow, par- tially netted with russet; flesh whitisli, juicy, melting, with a JULY. 217 sweet, slightly perfumed flavor. Somewliat musky, quality very good, if not best. Ripe iu November. FLORICULTUR AL NOTICES. New Hybrids of Coleus. — Amongst the subjects which have been successfully brought under the influence of the cross-breeder at the Chiswick Garden, a prominent place must be given to the genus Coleus, on which Mr. Bause has practised with results which are in every way satisfactory. A considerable number of hybrid novelties of tliis family has been raised, and a selection from these was exhibited on Tuesday last, at the meeting of the Flora! Committee at South Kensington, where the plants attracted much attention. The plants operated on in this case were the following: — C. Verschaff^altii was throughout the seed-bearing parent. This was fertilized by C. Veitchii, by C. Gibsoni, and by C. Blumei, and in the offspring there is abundant evidence that true crosses have been effected. The novel forms which have been produced range in two series, the one having flat crenated leaves, as in C. Veitchii, and the other having inciso-dentate frilled leaves, as in C. Verschaffeltii, so that some follow in this respect the mother and some tlie father plant. The best of the forms, so far as yet developed, are the following: — PLANE LEAVED SERIES. 1. C. Berkeleyi (Verschaffeltii X Veitchii) : leaves ovate acute, regularly crenate, the surface, both above and beneath, a rich velvety chocolate-purple, the tips of the crenatures only being green ; stems green, slightly speckled and clotlied with purplish down, the nodes purplish. A beautiful and richly- colored plant, in which nearly the whole surface is of a velvety purple hue, which is well displayed, from the flatness of the foliage. 2. C. Marshallii (Verschaffeltii X Veitchii) : leaves ovate acute, crenate, rich chocolate purple, the base of the midrib and the crenatures green, so as just to form a narrow green 218 THE MAGAZINE OP HORTICULTURE. margin ; stems green, stained witli purple at the nodes. This has a more apparent green edge than C. Berkeleyi, and is the plane-leaved counterpart, as to coloring, of C. Bausei. 3. C. Saundersii (Verschaffeltii X Veitchii) : leaves ovate acute, crenate, deep chocolate-purple in the centre, somewhat mottled and of a pale bronzy tint towards tiie edge, which has a broadish band of green broken through with purplish bronzy reticulations ; under surface blotched with purple in the centre ; stems green, blotched with purple. The broader mottled green and bronze margin brings this near to C. Veitchii, to which it is, however, far supeiior in beauty. It may be considered as a very much improved form of that plant. 4. C. Dixii (Verschaffeltii X Veitchii) : leaves ovate acute, crenate, dark chocolate-purple in the centre, feathering out through the broadish bright green margin, which is nearly an inch wide, the crenatures narrowly purple-edged ; under sur- face similarly colored ; stems green, blotched with purple. A very brightly-colored and effective sort, from the strong contrast between the rich green and purple. It is probably one of the finest of tlie whole series. 5. C. Ruckeri (Verschaffeltii X Gibsoni) : leaves ovate acute, crenate, deep purple throughout on both surfaces ; stems purple. A fine sturdy growing dark-leaved sort, having very much the color of Perilla nankinensis. 6. C. Murray! (Verschaffeltii X Gibsoni) : leaves ovate acute, crenate, green, pinnately marked along the principal veins with bars of dark purple, which sometimes coalesce, the rest of the surface showing through from beneath the purple reticulations, which are evenly and strongly marked on the under surface ; stems purple. This is a more regularly and more fully colored form of C. Gibsoni, and therefore an improvement on it. FRILLED-LEAVED SERIES. 7. C. Bausei (Verschaffeltii X Veitchii) : leaves broadly ovate acute, inciso-dentate, subundulate, of a rich velvety chocolate-purple, green towards the l)ase and at the extreme margin; under surface slightly blotched with purple; stems green ; purplish at the nodes. A fine distinct-looking plant, JULY. 219 richly colored, the dark color nicely relieved by the slight green margin, which lighten up the whole plant. 8. C. Scottii (Verschaffeltii X Gibsoni) : leaves cordate ovate, acute, inciso-dentate, the teeth, as in the other varieties of this series, forming a kind of coarse frill to the leaf, bright green, everywhere traversed by deep purple veins, here and tiiere coalescing into blotches, the under surface similarly marked, but of a brighter color ; stem purple. A very di^tinct and elegant plant, having the markings of a deep tint of purple, but well relieved by the green spaces between the dark-colored reticulations. This and the preceding will probably prove to be the best of the frilled-leaved series. 9. C. Clarkii (Verschaffeltii X Gibsoni) : leaves cordate ovate, acute, inciso-dentate, sub-undulate, green above, with the edge of the teeth purple, and showing through the dark purple variation with which the under surface is almost everywhere marked ; stem purple, mottled with green. One of the darker tinted sorts, having the markings of the reticu- lated character. 10. C. Batemani (Verschaffeltii X Gibsoni) : leaves cordate ovate, acute, inciso-dentate, sub-undulate, deep purple above and beneath, here and there very slightly mottled with green ; stem purple. This variety may be regarded as the incised counterpart of C. Ruckeri, having almost self-colored, deep purple leaves. 11. C. Wilsoni (Verschaffeltii X Veitchii) : leaves ovate acute, inciso-dentate, of a rich velvety chocolate, shaded with purple, the base of the leaf and the teeth slightly tipped with the same color; under surface freely mottled with purple; stem green, mottled with purple. A very elegant mottled- colored, frilled leaved sort, quite distinct from any of the foregoing. 12. C. Reevesii (Verschaffeltii X Blumei) : leaves ovate acuminata, inciso-dentate, frilled with coarse wavy teeth, green, mottled with bronze and purple, sparingly dotted towards the base, and laid on in close reticulations and patches towards the edge, the centre being deeply tinted and entirely of a dark color, and the teeth green, with narrow purple edges ; stem green, blotched with purple. This, as 220 THE MAGAZINE OP HORTICULTURE. the cross would lead one to suppose, is a much less deeply colored plant than the majority of those previously noticed. Now that the colored-leaved plants are applied to so many uses in ornamental gardening, we cannot but regard these new hybrids of Colons as most valuable acquisitions, both for in-door and out-door purposes, and they will doubtless not be long in making their way into the hands of cultivators. We may therefore heartily congratulate M. Bause on the result of his labors in this direction. The plants, as elsewhere mentioned, will be put up for competition among the trade, for distribution throughout the country. SCHIZOSTYLIS COCCINEA. BY THE EDITOR. Among the plants of recent introduction the Schizostylis hold a conspicuous place among the autumn flowering kinds. SCHIZOSTYLIS COCCINEA. Allied to the Cape gladiolus, which it somewhat resembles in its growth as well as the size of the flowers, the great brilliancy JULT. 221 of its scarlet crimson blossoms produces a cheering effect among the chrysanthemums and other autumn flowering greenhouse plants. The Schizostylis (fig. 8) has been called a "rival to the splendid Gladioli." It is a native of South Africa, and was introduced into England by the Messrs. Backhouse of York, in whose fine collection it flowered in great perfection, attain- ing the height of three feet, with long spikes of flowers, each measuring more than two inclies in diameter. In England it is nearly or quite hardy, but with us is a greenhouse plant. Our specimens flowered finely last year, continuing in beauty from September up to Christmas, and even into winter. The plants were young, and of course were less vigorous than old established roots : still, they were very handsome. The plant does not produce a bulb, but a kind of corm, or fleshy root. These are propagated by division, or plants may be raised from seed, which are produced in abundance. Like the smaller Cape Gladioli and Ixias, it likes a light rich soil, composed of leaf mould, loam and sand, and the roots may be planted out in the open ground, and taken up in September and potted. Keep in a frame for a few days, and then remove to the greenhouse, where, on a light shelf, they will bloom abundantly. iossip of % Pont^. Plants injured in Winter bt Evaporation. — Our contemporary, the Gardeners' Monthly, in noticing the destruction of many plants by the last severe winter, says " if anything be wanted to teach people how cold kills plants, the past winter affords the material. It was at one time supposed that frost destroyed plants by rupturing the sap vessels. The cells were believed to expand and burst by frozen sap." " Some years ago," he says, " the writer attempted to show the fallacy of such a theory. In Hovey's Magazine, at that time, some of our best horticulturists argued the point. We endeavored to satisfy our friends, that when evaporation went on faster than the roots could supply moisture the plant had to die. No theory of cell bursting was necessary. Evaporation is excessive in cold weather — 222 THE MAGAZINE OP HORTICULTURE. when there is not enough moisture to fill the cells, — when it goes out faster than it comes in — they die ; not by bursting, but by shrinking away. A recognition of this fact will save many a tender tree; and a review of the past winter's losses must convince one that such is the fact." We need only refer to the articles alluded to to show our views in regard to the action of frost. Additional experience has not materially altered our opinion. We have no doubt that great injury is done to trees by evapora- tion— but we cannot get away from the fact, that this is the cause of but a small portion of the injury. Take, for instance, the grape. In numerous localities old Isabella vines have been killed to the ground. Now if this is merely the effect of evapora- tion, how comes it that large strong old wood is split open in numerous places? Vines in cold graperies, where they have never been injured, have been killed in the same manner — by splitting open. These vines were laid down and protected in the same way they always have been, but notwithstanding this they have been killed. Could excessive evaporation cause the splitting open? We admit, with our contemporary, that shelter from high winds is often a prevention of great injury to trees and plants. A single evergreen, standing alone, where the wind sweeps around it, is sure to suffer more than those in sheltered places; but how much of this injury is due to evaporation, and how much to other causes, we are unable to tell. The past winter was severe on many evergreens, which have been uninjured for several years ; but we find those in sheltered positions, in many instances, injured quite as much as those that were fully exposed. The subject is one of much interest to cultivators, and we should be glad to see experiments fairly made to ascertain the correctness of either theory — that of excessive evaporation — or injury by the destruction of sap-vessels. portitultural ©peralions FOR JULY. FRUIT DF.PARTMENT. Thk season is late, the crop of pears rather meagre, and grapes are so fiir behind that we fear the crop will hardly ripen. A fine dry autumn may (iossibly make up for a late wet spring. Certainly horticulturists have 8uff<;red much by the severity of the winter, and the cold untoward spring. Gkapf, Vines, in graperies, will now be well advanced, and a second thinning may be dune, if the bunches are crowded. Damp down the house morning and night, stop all laterals, and give plenty of air by day, and a little by night, if very warm. Vines in cold graperies will require the JULY. 223 same management we directed for early houses last month. Shut the house early, to forward the crop, but air freely during the day. Water the border if the weather should prove dry. Vines in the open air will be growing rapidly, and all superfluous wood should be taken off, tying in the strong bearing shoots for next year. Strawberries are very late, and the crop will be just in full per- fection. As soon as gathered, clean out the superfluous plants, and make preparations for a strong growth of runners. Keep the beds clear of weeds. Summer Pruni>g should be attended to now, pinching off all laterals to two or three leaves. Fig TREh.s should have a free supply of water. FLOWER DEPARTMENT. Now is the time to remove all the principal plants of the greenhouse to the open air, except such as may be desirable to retain to ornament the house. An English writer says, "stir the soil on the surface of the balls, removing effectually all moss or other parasitical growths, and add a fresh layer of mould, which should be well rammed down, in order the more readily to amalgamate with the old material, and let it afterwards receive a good soaking of water. These remarks apply especially to such plants as lemon and orange trees, myrtles, genistas, acacias, pomegranates, &,c. Give them all, when practicable, a thoroughly good foliage washing, with the syringe, and especially attend to supporting the main branches against storms, whether of wind or rain. Any greenhouse plants, which may now need a shift, should have it, without any further delay. This, in the proper sense of the term, must be thoroughly carried out, as any attempt at adding fresh soil in lieu of that already contained on the ball, which will necessitate breaking it up, will entail the risk of losing the plant itself, so excessive is evaporation at this season. So great is the tax upon the energies of the plant, even when a simple shift alone has been given, that it will be well to remove the plmt for a week or so afterwards into a shady situation." Pelargoniums will soon finish their blooming, and preparations should be made, towards the end of the month, to head them in, and put in the cuttings for fresh stock. Keep them rather dry for a week or so before cutting in. Camellias should all be removed to the open air, when it is convenient to do so, setting them on board or coal ashes, to kiep out the worms. Syringe often. Now is a good time to repot. Azaleas will now be growing freely. Nip off the tips of strong shoots. Water with liquid manure, and syringe often. Any that require it should be repotted. Cinerarias should now be divided, and the young plants placed in a frame, where they can be protected from heavy rains and hot sun. Sow seed for a succession of plants. Heaths should have a situation shaded from the noonday sun, on a 224 THE MAGAZINE OF HORTICULTURE. north aspect. Water freely, but carefully, and head in plants that are straggling and ill shaped. Chinese Primroses should now be propagated from cuttings, and young established plants may be planted out in a cool, shady, protected border. Stevias, Heliotropes, and similar plants, intended for winter blooming, should be put into their flowerit g pots, and be plunged out in an open situation, sheltered from high winds. Gardenias, Myrti.es, and similar plants, may be planted out in a rich border, or frame, where they will make a vigorous growth, and form handsome bushes. Syringe often. Caladiums should have a shift into larger pots. Shade from the hot sun, and water freely. Ferns will now be growing freely, and such as require it should be repotted. Syringe often, but do not over water. Carnations, for winter blooming, should be topped to make strong bushy plants. Water with liquid manure. Chrysanthemums should have a shift into their flowering pots. Plunge out in an open airy place. Begonias may have another shift into larger pots. Be careful not to syringe or wet the foliage. Roses should be plunged out in the open ground, and have a good mulching with old manure. Now is a good time to layer or bud. Marshall Niel does well on the Gloire de Dijon. All bedding stuff remaining on hand may be put out in some reserve ground, where they will furnish plenty of cut flowers. Cyclamens should be planted out in a frame or border of light rich soil. FLOWER GARDEN AND SHRUBBERY. The lawn is green enough this year, and the growth so luxuriant as to require frequent cutting. Roll often. Many things may yet be set out to fill vacant places, as the season is backward. Tulips, and other spring bulbs, should be taken up immediately. Dahlias should be carefully staked, and the side shoots pruned in. Gladiolus, well advanced, should also be staked, to keep the stems upright. Shrubs of all kinds, which have done flowering, should now be pruned into shape; not the round besom looking plants we often see, but into the natural form, cutting entirely out the old shoots, and heading in others. Hedges should be pruned, if not already done. Daisies should be divided and reset, in a well-prepared bed. Neapolitan, and other violets, should be planted out in beds, selecting the young, vigorous, well-rooted runners, and not the old stools. Tuberoses, in pots, should be plunged out in a bed and top-dressed with old manure. Fresh roots may be potted for a succession. HYBRIDIZATION OF PLANTS. The hybridization of plants is a subject to which we have directed attention many times, and have, fi'om the very commencement of our Magazine, presented many articles upon the same, in whicli we have given our own views, acquired after long experience in the production of a great variety of plants. Beginning with the strawberry, as long ago as 1833, no year has passed by, up to the present time, that we have not attempted tlie production of some kinds of plants, by hybridization. Our main experiments among flowers having, however, been made with the camellia, azalea, lily, verbena, pelargonium, and cactus. The results of our hybridization with the strawberry will be found in detail, in our Magazine for 1840. Our experiments with this fruit led us to certain conclusions in regard to the production of hybrids, and after many years we have not only foiind them, in the main, correct, but precisely those arrived at by some of the most intelligent observers abroad.. In taking up the camellia, and other flowers, we pursued the same course as with the strawberry, and the results were equally successful. In fact, we could form a very correct opinion of what would be the probable result of any particular hybridization. The subject is now brought afresh to our memory by the^ notice of a series of experiments by M. Germain de Saint Pierre, recently published in the Bulletin of the Botanical Society of France, and detailed in the Gardeners' Chronicle. They accord so nearly with one of our recent experiments with the lily, that we are struck with the coincidence. In fact it has been more or less the same with many of our first experiments with any two species, as they are established by good botanical authority, whether in reality species, or not. Probably Mr. Darwin would say they are only natural selections, and not actual species; at any rate they are so VOL. XXXIV. — NO. VIII. 15 226 THE MAGAZINE OF HORTICULTURE. distinct or dissimilar that hybridization is effected with great difficulty, and usually only a single seed or two is perfected. The last summer we had two Lilium auratums in flower. One was impregnated with itself, and the other with our new seedling, raised from a cross of the Japan with the auratum, which we have already described as so large and very remark- able. The impregnation was apparently complete with both ; the pods or seed vessels, five or six in number, swelled up rapidly, and promised a good crop. The auratum, fertilized with the hybrid, appeared even more robust and perfect than the other. In due time the pods were gathered, but we were greatly surprised and somewhat disappointed to find that nearly all the seeds were imperfect, being nothing but chaff, and containing no germ. Apparently there was not a good seed in the five or six large pods containing more than a thousand seeds. We did not think them worth planting ; but not willing to give up the experiment we sowed the entire lot, in December last, in two large pans, determined to irive them a chance to grow. At the present time (July 6) about ten seed have germinated, and have four or five leaves. Whether any more will appear, another year, remains to be seen. What is peculiar is, that the seed of the auratum, impregnated with itself, which were large, sound, and plump, have not vegetated at all, and will probably not do so till another year, as is usually the case with the Japan lily. Our experiment, whicli we alluded to above, was made with the Japan lily. At the time the auratum first flowered, six or eight years ago, a fine specimen was exhibited before the Massachusetts Horticultural Society, by Messrs. Spooner and Parkman. Having plenty of Japan lilies in bloom it occurred to us that something new might be obtained by fertilizing them with the auratum. We consequently procured a single anther or two, covered with good pollen ; these were kept a few days till the flowers were in the right condition for impregnation. They were then fertilized in the usual man- ner ; the cross was effected as the pods soon began to swell, and finally ripened what appeared a large quantity of seed ; but, upon examination, not half a dozen seemed to have any germ ; they were, however, planted, and the result was half ' AUGUST. • 227 a dozen plants, one of which proved to be the greatest novelty yet seen among lilies, but the others were no different from the hundreds of seedling Japan lilies. We annex the article detailing the experiments of M. Germain de Saint Pierre: — The subject of Hybridization of Plants is one of such interest, alike to physiologists and practical cultivators, that no apology is needed for bringing the subject again and again under the notice of our readers. Among the gourd family the results of experiments are so striking and so beautiful, that it is no wonder that special attention should be paid to them by French amateurs, though it is strange that their British confreres have not followed suit to a greater extent than they have yet done. With a view of calling attention to the subject, we propose to give now a summary of M. Germain de Saint Pierre's experiments, as recorded in the Bulletin of the Botanical Society of France. The gentleman just named tells us that he sowed seeds of tlie handsome Lagenaria sphaerica, from which in due time plants were raised bearing female flowers only. Desirous, however, of seeing the fruit of this fine gourd arrive at maturity, M. Germain de Saint Pierre fertilized some of the female flowers with the pollen of the Serpent Guurd, Lagenaria vulgaris. The two species are so different, that the experimenter scarcely expected any result ; but after a considerable interval one fruit was produced. Meanwhile some male flowers of the Lagenaria sphaerica were produced, and sufficed to fertilize the female flowers. The observer had thus under view one fruit formed in consequence of a hybrid cross between two species and others produced normally. So like, however, were all the fruits that it was supposed, after all, that there had been no cross, and that the fruit supposed to have had such an origin had really been impregnated by some undetected male flower. In order to put the matter to the test, seeds of the supposed crossed fruit and of the normal plant were sown. In both cases the seed germinated, and now the hybrid nature of one set of seedlings became apparent in the fact that their 228 THE MAGAZINE OF HORTICULTURE. appearance was exactly intermediate between the two parents above mentioned. Space will not permit us to give the details, whicli are not only interesting in a physiological point of view, but also in a cultural aspect, from the elegance and beauty of the fruit of the hybrid plant. Subsequently M. Germain de Saint Pierre continued his observations on these interesting plants. He fertilized the flowers of his hybrid Lagenaria with pollen from L. vulgaris, and L, sphserica (the original parents), and with pollen from L. angolensis. lu this case, then, the hybrid flowers were impregnated with pollen from three different species. Fruit of a similar character was produced in all cases, but the seedlings derived from that fruit were either intermediate in character between the parent plants, or reverted almost entirely to one or other of the parent species. In fine, these are M. Germain de Saint Pierre's conclusions from his experiments : — 1. Fecundation may take place, if not frequently, at least occasionally (accidentellement) , between widely different spe- cies, but belonging, nevertheless, to the same genus or to two very closely allied genera. 2. The fruit produced as a consequence of artificial fertili- zation does not differ, generally speaking, from the normal fruit. 3. The same female flower (at least in these Cucurbitaceae), with several seeds, as in Lagenaria, may be fertilized by pollen derived from several species of the same genus, so that differ- ent seeds originating in the same fruit may produce different plants — plants, that is to say, having either the characters of hybrids, or plants reverting to one or otlier of the parent species. 4. The seeds of the normal female flower, fertilized by the pollen of another species, may all be perfect, and arrive at maturity ; on the other hand, fruit fertilized by the pollen of a hyl)rid plant produces only a small number of perfect seeds, which arises from the fact that in hybrids the ovules are not usually perfectly formed. 5. Very generally the stamens of the hybrid flowers are destitute of pollen, or 'at least of effective pollen; hence the AUGUST. 229 female flowers of hybrids, although they might possess well- formed ovules, would still be sterile if they were not fertilized by pollen from normal species. 6. The female sex is tiien in this case protected and pre- served, while the male is abandoned. * * * 7. A hybrid plant may present, in all its parts, characters perfectly intermediate between those peculiar to the male and to the female parent. * * * The female parent seems only to furnish the teguments of the embryo, and at a later period the material for its nutrition ; tiie male plant seems to supply the first constituent materials for the embryo. The ovule (in M. Germain de Saint Pierre's opinion) is a bud produced on the carpellary leaf, the pollen grain is a modified cell belong- ing to the cellular tissue of the staminal leaf; nevertheless tliese two different organs iraposa, to an equal extent, the character of their species on the offspring resulting from their union. In the case of grafts, however, the scion does not derive any character from the stock (not an absolute rule this). 8. The female flowers of hybrids, fertilized by the pollen of a normal species, may yield fruits and fertile seeds ; these seeds produce a second generation, the individuals of which may either return exactly to one of the normal types, or constitute hybrids of tJie second degree, having partly the characters of the hybrid mother, partly those of the hybrid father plant. 9. These hybrids of the second generation or degree may in their turn be fertilized by pollen from a species, and yield ripe fruits and well-formed seeds, returning or not to either of the normal types. 10. Perennial hybrid plants are preserved as individuals, and may be multiplied by sub-division, cuttings or grafts ; not so with hybrid annual plants : these cannot, as a rule, be fertilized with their own pollen, but require pollen from the species, in order to ripen their fruits, hence the following generation tends to revert to the paternal type, so that after a time the paternal element so preponderates that the hyl)rid ultimately reverts completely to the paternal type. This generally happens in the third generation. 230 THE MAGAZINE OF HORTICULTURE. 11. The maintenance of a hybrid form by generation can, therefore, only be hoped for in those very rare cases wherein tlie liybrid mother plant produces fertile pollen capable of impregnating the female flowers. 12. Crossed fertilization occurs in nature generally from the agency of insects (especially of bees), which carry the pollen from one flower to another. Crossed fertilization or hybridism is rare among species, it is however common between female flowers of crossed plants having imperfect or sterile stamens, fertilized with pollen from typical species. Thus it will be seen, according to M. de Saint Pierre, under his rule 5, that the cause of tlie seed not being perfect is that " hybrid flowers are destitute of pollen, or at least of effective pollen." The conclusions of M. Germain de Saint Pierre are similar to our own, and are worthy the attention of the hybridizer. According to one of the rules laid down (3), it is shown that different plants may be produced from the same fruit, particu- larly in flowers with several seeds like Lagenaria. We have found the same true with regard to the camellia, the pods of which usually contain two or three seeds, and the lily, with a large quantity. We have had occasion to number and keep an accurate record of the product of numerous hybridizations, and have found that the progeny is distinct or reverts to one or the other of the parents. White Japan lilies fertilized with the crimson, usually produce three-quarters or seven- eighths of the progeny of the crimson shade. In an experi- ment with the cacti, we fertilized the crenata, a large pure white flower, with a brilliant scarlet hybrid. The progeny were of various shades ; some rose color, just half way between white and scarlet, some scarlet, and others of various shades of red. No whites were produced like the female parent; showing conclusively that the male flower gives, in a majority of cases, the coloring, while the habit is more like the female. In the Japan lily we have spoken of, however, the habit is unlike the auratura, being similar to tlie Japan, both in the growth and form of flower, while it has the size of flower of the auratum, and the color of the Japan. The AUGUST. 231 variations and combinations are remarkable, and no rule will apply to individual cases. They are productions which are repeated only once in thousands of experiments. The growth of hybrids is highly interesting, aside from the value which such productions attain from their novelty and beauty. Recently the grape has had much attention, at home and abroad ; at home with the native grape, and abroad with the foreign. We have not the time to give the history of them, but it appears that the attempts in England to produce a class of vigorous growing varieties with the musk flavor have been eminently successful. Formerly there were only the Muscat of Alexandria and Cannon Hall, two sorts which require a high temperature to produce them. Now we have the Muscat Hamburg, Champion Muscat and others, as easily produced as the old Hamburg, showing that the constitution and vigor of the female parent is predominant, and the delicious flavor of the Muscats maintained. There is much to be learned through careful experiments. Our native grape is yet to be improved, and the evidence is that with judicious hybridization the hardiness and vigor of the female is perpetuated, and the form, color and flavor of the male transferred. Hence we may look for grapes with all the vigor and resistance to mildew of the Concord, and the delicate juice of Allen's Hybrid. EVERGREENS AT WODENETHE. BY H. W. SARGENT. In reply to your request, to give you my experience this winter on evergreens, I send the annexed list, first premising that most rules as to hardihood and protection have been set at defiance this winter, and, contrary to Mr. Meehan's theory about the necessity of shelter, I find those things protected or slieltered the most have suffered the most. Almost every^ thing planted in a wood, and surrounded by the protection of evergreens, has been destroyed. 232 THE MAGAZINE OF HORTICULTURE. All things planted on tlie west side of a wood have been the next great sufferers ; I think, from the fact that they are in shadow (in any place) up to 10 or 11 o'clock, and then suddenly receive the warm rays of an almost meridian sun, while the sap vessels are in tlie frozen or congealed state of an excessive low temperature of the preceding night; while trees on the east side of a woud receive the early and weak rays of the rising wintry sun, and the congealed sap vessels are thawed gradually, and without much or any harm. As a proof of the correctness of this idea, I have large specimens on the west side of a wood, from ten to eighteen feet high, of Pinus Benthamiana, Abies nobilis, " ponderosa, " Torreya, Abies amabilis, " Lawsoniana, " grandis, " lasciocarpa, " Webbiana, Wellingtonia, " pinsapo, Cedar of Lebanon, " cephulonica. Golden and Common Yews, " chamycyparis, all more or less seriously injured, especially on the south and west sides. In fact, my largest Wellingtonia, a beautiful specimen last year, thirteen feet high, feathered to the ground, has only some six inches of life at top — every branch dead below this to the ground, so that I shall cut it down and replace it — while, on the contrary, another specimen, nearly as largo, standing in a most exposed position, with no protection near, but receiving the early rays of the morning sun, was somewhat injured, but an hour or two, thinning of the brown leaflets, soon got it all right in appearance. It is pushing well all over, and one would hardly, at a little distance, observe it had been damaged. My oldest and best Pinus Lambcrtiana, from the ground up to the top a pyramid of verdure, last year, fifteen feet higlj, has not a green leaf on it. The buds have not yet ))ushed, though green and plump. It seems as if paralyzed. Tiiis is on the west side of a wood. A. similar tree on the nortli of a wood is untouched. The same may be said of almost every evergreen I have. Those protected on the east side, and receiving the sudden AUGUST. 233 rays of the mid-day sun, have either nearly died, or suffered so much as to render them worthless. Those immersed in a wood, protected on all sides, have generally died. Strange to say, complete seclusion has heen injurious to all English yews, while in complete exposure they have escaped with only a little singeing. Possibly a wet, warm autumn did not allow them, in tlie shade, to mature their wood sufficiently, and they were, consequently, not as much ripened as trees well exposed to the sun. I would repeat, that trees on the north side of a wood have hardly suffered at all. Those on the east side of a wood very little. Those on the west side very much, and those iu a wood are generally the greatest sufferers by far, and yet, damaged severely as many of my trees are, there has not been a single death. Many are very badly wounded and disfigured, but would still, I think, linger on and work through, if permitted to remain. To answer your especial question. What are unquestionably hardy beyond peradventure here ? I should say, without any protection, exposed on all sides, except a border planta- tion, some distance off, one could rely upon the following : Abies alba, Abies Hudsoniana, " amabilis, " Kaempferi, " Frazeri, " lasciocarpa, " cephalonica, " nobilis, " Clanbraziliensis, " Nordmanniana, " densa, " orientalis, " Douglasii, " Whittmaniana, " foliis variegata, or " pygmea, finedoniensis, " compacta, " monstrosa, " diffusa, " inverta, " pumilis. Of tliese the finest, as being the most certain, would be Abies monstrosa. Biota japonica, " inverta, " cristata, " orientalis, Thuja Hoveyii, " Nordmanniana, " freneloides, " amabilis, " aurea, 234 THE MAGAZINE OF HORTICULTURE. Thuja pendula, Thuja glauca, " filiformis, " Warreana, " tartarica, " plicata, " Lobbii, " Craigiana, " macrocarpa, Thujopsis dolabrata, " gigantea, " " variegata. " compacta, These have all stood unharmed this winter with me. As a selection I should name Thuja cristata (Buist's), Thuja gigantea, " Hoveyi, " Lobbii, " aurea, " plicata, " filiformis, " variegata. Cephalotaxus Fortnni stands very well, as well as Cryptomeria ; north of a wood I have one 16 feet high. Picea amabilis, Picea nobilis, " grandis, " pectinata, " lasciocarpa, " Nordmanniana. Of these I should plant them all, as they are all quite hardy here, and equally beautiful. Pinus austriaca, Pinus maritima, " Beardsleyi, '' nivea, " Benthamiana, " monticola, " cembra, " pyrenaica, " excelsa, " strobus, " laricio, " sylvestris. Of these, strobus, sylvestris, pyrenaica, laricio, austriaca, ponderosa, nivea, cembra, Beardsleyi, are perhaps the hardiest. Taxus adpressa, Canadensis, erecta, are always hardy. Baccata and aurea generally so. Tliujopsis borealis never clianged a leaf. Torreya taxifolia, generally uninjured ; this year suffered somewhat, but has entirely recovered. All the Retinosporas, pisifera, obtusa and aurea are per- fectly hardy. If I could but plant two trees, they would be Retinospora aurea and Glyptostrobus pendulus. In conclusion I would remark, that I consider last winter an exceptional one. If all winters were like it our list of AUGUST. 235 half-hardies would be soon reduced. Until last winter I considered C. Lawsoniana, Golden jews, Wellingtonia, Pinsa- pos, and many others, now victims, as beyond question, and I still think they will stand any ordinary winter, and do not intend to abandon their cultivation. The Silver fir stands perfectly well, but I think the future distinctive trees of the country will be the Retinosporas and Thuja dolabrata, and d. variegata, uninjured the severest winters. Wodenethe, 15 Mi/, 1868, Lovers of coniferous trees will feel under deep obligations to Mr. Sargent for the very extended list of trees which have stood the last severe winter, without injury, upon his grounds, as well as the list of those which were injured, more or less, and, above all, for the valuable hints, in regard to the kinds which are most reliable, for general purposes of ornament. Not less interesting and important are Mr. Sargent's remarks in regard to the position of trees, and the effect of the cold upon each location. He apparently does not have confidence in the evaporation theory, as he clearly proves that a location where the " congealed sap vessels are thawed gradually, and without much or any harm," is the safest — this being on the east, where the trees get the early morning rays of the sun, but lose the fierce mid-day beams. Mr. Sargent's experience is the evidence of the effect of the winter at Wodenethe on Hudson, but it will be recollected that he has succeeded in growing many conifers to a large size, which could not possibly be raised in the vicinity of Boston, or in New England generally. Abies Douglasii we have tried in every location, for years, without success, and Biota japonica is always more or less injured, as is Thuja filiformis. Mr. Sargent's list will serve for all localities, from the Hudson River to Pennsylvania, and to a relative degree north. A similar list, which we hope to have from Mr. Hunnewell, will put us in possession of all the information needed to give a sure and certain guide to planters throughout the North and East. 236 THE MAGAZINE OF HORTICULTURE. As regards the importance of shelter, which Mr. Meehan has considered so great a necessity, as a means of checking evaporation, the past winter seems to have proved of no vahie. "Most rules, as to hardihood and protection, have been," as Mr. Sargent remarks, "set at defiance," and we must profit from this experience, and ascertain, if possible, how much shelter, and what kind of shelter, trees should have. If too great, tlie wood will not ripen well in the autumn, or will be drawn and weak for want of more sun. If by shelter we mean a plantation of trees at sufficient distance to break the force of the wind, and yet allow abundance of air and sun. tliis may be of great service, while the former, as in Mr, Sargent's case, where they were "immersed in a wood," or surrounded by the protection of evergreens, have been destroyed. To sum up, the facts are as follows : 1. Trees, greatly protected by a dense growth of wood or evergreens, have been destroyed. 2. Trees planted on the west side of a wood have been the next to suffer. 3. Trees planted on the south side come next in injury. 4. Trees, standing in a most exposed condition, with no protection, have been but slightly harmed. 5. Trees planted on the east side of a wood are mostly uninjured. 6. Trees planted on the north side of a wood uninjured. This is the result of the effects of the winter at Wodencthe. If Mr. Hunnewell has suffered in the same way we have arrived at one invariable rule — Never to plant any but the very hardiest tree, on the western or southern side of a wood or plantation. The north or east, or even an open location is better. THE MARTHA GRAPE. BY GEO. W. CAMPBELL, DELAWARE, OHIO. In the June number of the Magazine I observe, in your "Pomological Gossip," General Negley's account of the AUGUST. 237 Martha grape, in which occurs a statement liable, as I think, to mislead, or give uneasiness to those growing this variety. I allude to the statement that the foliage of the Martha is "deeper green" than that of the Concord, for the reverse is true. One of the most distinctive differences — and, indeed, nearly the only one, between the Martha and Concord vine, is that the foliage of the Martha is of a lighter shade of green. In its general habit of growth, form and consistence of foliage, vigor, hardiness, productiveness, exemption from disease, and adaptability to all soils and locations where vines will grow, it seems to be Concord " over again." It is, however, later in blooming, by five or six days, than the Concord; and was, last season, about ten days earlier in ripening. On young vines, the berries and bunches are both smaller than Concords ; but the quality is greatly superior, having less pulp, less foxiness, more sweetness, and a much more refined and delicate flavor. I am aware that quality is a matter of taste ; but in my estimate of the quality of this grape I am not alone ; for Mr. TI)omas Meehan, the accomplished editor of the Gardeners' Monthly, stated at the meeting of the Ohio Pomological Society at Sandusky, last December, that he thouglit the Martha one of the finest grapes he ever tasted. While I would hardly place it as high in the scale of excellence as this, I certainly regarded it as superior to Rebecca, or any white native grape I have ever grown, un- less it may be Allen's White Hybrid. But when the vigorous, healthy. Concord character of the vine, its early ripening and other good qualities are considered, I cannot do otherwise than accord the Martha the highest place among our white native grapes ; and I have no doubt it will prove not only the most popular, but the most valuable, both for the table and for wine, of any white grape yet introduced to the public ; a worthy descendant of its distinguished parent, the Concord, and an honor to its enthusiastic originator, Samuel Miller, now of Bluffton, Mo. The '• Black Hawk," also a seedling from the Concord ; but the fruit of which I have not seen, was also originated by the same gentleman ; and this variety lias " foliage of deeper green'^ than the Concord, which is one of its distinguishing 238 THE MAGAZINE OF HORTICULTURE. features. Some other seedlings of the Concord which I have seen, induce me to think this variety may be destined to be the parent of a race of grapes of the greatest value to the vine-growing community. We are glad to have so good an account of the Martha, from one who can fully estimate its value, and at the same time we are pleased to have the mistake or oversight of Gen. Negley set riglit, that no doubt may exist with those who Ijave the Martha, that they have the true sort. — Ed. GRAPE GROWING IN THE WEST. Though the season of 1867 was a disastrous one for grape culture in New England, in consequence of the cool wet summer, the reverse was true of the crop at the West. There it was never better. In New York state, in the region of Crooked Lake, and in Ohio, in the region of Cleveland and Kelley's Island, the crop was large and fine. At the Exhi- bition held at Elyria, Ohio, in October last, the show of grapes is stated to have been " confessedly the finest as to ripeness and quality ever witnessed in this country." We have but a slight appreciation of grape culture, as carried on at the West. Here, probably the largest plantation does not cover over an acre, and even those of this size are not numerous. But in the places we have named the grapes are cultivated by hundreds of acres, Ohio figuring as high as 12,000 acres. We have before us the Third Annual Report of the Lake Shore Grape Growers' Association for 1867-8. It is a pamphlet of some sixty pages, and contains an account of the summer meeting, and the excursions of the members to the various vineyards in Ohio, with a Report of the Exhibition at Elyria, the award of prizes, and discussions upon the varie- ties presented. The tour extended over a period of five days, passed among the Lake Shore vineyards. AUGUST. 239 The Annual Meeting of the Society was held on the 19th and 20th of February last, at Cleveland. It was largely attended, some two hundred members being present. President Dun- ham delivered an address. Reports on Wines were submitted, the discussion on varieties continued, and the subject of temperature and soils considered. In the discussion of varieties the Catawba received a large share of attention ; some members had produced fine crops ; some thought it still a profitable grape for wine, while others had no confidence in it. Dr. Griswold of Elyria said he would not give a dollar an acre for Catawba vineyards, and Mr. J. E. Mottier of Dover Bay said his did remarkably well — no rot. Locality seems to have been the element of success. Mr. Perry of Brownhelm said he got 1,000 lbs. of Catawbas from three-fourths of an acre. HisDelawares are three years old ; they are rather slow in growing, but all lived. Last spring he manured them with the best decomposed manure he could find on his place. The vines grew finely after this, and from fifty vines he marketed 350 lbs. of grapes. Of Concords he had 150 vines, and last year sold half a ton of grapes. Tlie lona he was not successful with, though the grapes were fine when they were got. The discussion was continued, and we extract the following, among the interesting remarks upon new or old grapes : — Mr. Rehburg, of Put-in-Bay, said the Delaware had done exceedingly well last year ; but this grape requires, unlike the Catawba, a rich soil. The average yield was about ten pounds to the vine ; the vines are about eight feet apart, in rows, and six feet from each other. He thought tliis variety would ultimately become the favorite on the islands. Mr. Richmond, of Sandusky, said Norton's Virginia ripened well last fall, and held its leaves longer than others — an important point in his opinion. Mr. Hopkins, of Brownhelm, said of Delawares that he took 1,000 pounds from 100 vines, which he sold for 8^ cents clear of expense. He got 23 pounds from one vine. He set them 8 feet apart, on sandy soil that would raise a good crop of corn. The vines were set three years ago, and were good 240 THE MAGAZINE OF HORTICULTURE. strong roots. Had no mildew or rot ; the only trouble was from the thrips. His lona vines were doing well ; foliage and wood as good as any he had, but did not ripen as soon as the Delaware by from four to eight days. The Delaware needed manure more than other kinds, but he would not put on fresh barnyard manure. Salem. — It was moved to take up the Salem grape. Mr. Wolcott said perliaps no one here had seen the fruit of the Salem. He had a high opinion of tlie one who recommended it, and lioped it would prove a good grape. There was no one present to speak for the Salem from actual experience. The Walter grape was taken up. Mr. Caywood, of Pough- keepsie, N. Y., said this grape did well; had never seen a rotten grape or mildew on the leaf. It ripens from August IStli to 30th. Last year, for tlie first time, it came as late as September 15, but tliey were drenched witli rain tlie season through. Wiiile other varieties mildewed, the Walter did not. Sulphur was applied to all the varieties except the Walter, and not to that because that grape sets so closely to the stem that the sulpliur could not be got out. It has borne 23 clusters to the vine, estimated to weigh half a pound each. It is a seedling of the Delaware crossed with the Diana. Its vine is an enormous grower. In answer to inquiries, Mr. Caywood stated that besides being an excellent long- keeping variety, the Walter was the best of all American varieties as a raisin grape — the fruit readily drying into raisins instead of decaying. New Seedling Grapes were not discussed in the meeting, owing to lack of time ; but the Secretary has appended the following notes on a few of the most promising of the new seedlings that have been brought to notice during the past year. HiNE. — At the Ohio State Fair last September, a new grape was exhibited without name, by D. C. Richmond, of Sandus- ky, which was awarded tlie first premium as the best new seedling. Mr. R. stated to the committee that he obtained the vine from Mr. Charles Carpenter, of Kelley's Island, but he could not then give its liistory farther, excepting that it was not claimed by Mr. C. as his own production. AUGUST. 241 In the Horticulturist for March, 18G8, is a description and engraving of the same grape, by F. R. Elliott, with a letter from Jason Brown, of Put-in-Bay, who states that he raised the grape from seed seven years ago, and he gave it the name of Hine grape, because he obtained the seed in the garden of his friend Daniel Hine of Summit County, Ohio, where he chanced to see a bunch of Catawba and one of Isabella growing so closely together that it occurred to him the seeds would very likely be hybridized ; and he told Mr, Hine he would test the matter by sowing the seed, and if anything good came of it, the best seedling should bear his name. Of the seedlings produced, this one was found the best, and it is deemed quite promising ; but he did not intend to bring it into public notice until after it had been tested in a number of different localities. He gave Mr. Carpenter some cuttings of it several years ago in exchange for other new sorts, and hence it came into Mr. Richmond's hands. The fruit, as exhibited at the State Fair, would seem to confirm the supposition of its being a cross between the Catawba and Isabella — the bunch and berry being much like Catawba in size and form, while the color is darker — a dark claret brown, with a purple bloom ; flesh tender, sprightly, sweet and rich, with less acidity and aroma than Catawba, and without its toughness of pulp and astringency of skin ; it was also said to ripen earlier than the Catawba, the vine quite hardy and productive. Lorain. — This excellent white grape was christened and introduced to public notice at the first annual exhibition of this Association, 1865, and it is gratifying to find that it has done remarkably well the past season, and gains friends wherever the fruit is shown. If the vine proves as hardy and vigorous as hoped, it bids fair to take the very first rank among native light colored grapes. Another seedling of the same origin and color, is also promising well, though not so delicate in texture. Mr. Barney, of Sandusky, has the charge of their trial and propagation. Canadian Seedlings. — Mr. Saunders, of Washington, has repeatedly expressed tlie belief that the Clinton is the most hopeful parent from which to raise seedlings or hybrids that VOL. XXXIV. — no. viii. 16 242 THE MAGAZINE OF HORTICULTURE. will prove healthful, and suited to the Northern States of the Union. In accordance with this idea, Mr. Charles Arnold, of Canada West, has been for some years experimenting, and has raised a number of promising seedlings from the Clinton, crossed, as he claims, with the Black Hamburg and several other foreign varieties. These have only fruited in Canada as yet, and will need testing in more favorable climates, before their real merits can be known. If they are truly hybrids, as claimed by Mr. Arnold, the fact is highly interesting and important, especially as suggesting what may be produced hereafter, from a similar line of experiments. Janesville. — This is the name of a seedling produced at Janesville, Wisconsin, and said to be of excellent quality, ripening in August, in that northern climate, and the vine quite hardy and productive. No description is publislied, but as the original vine is said to have been sold for $1,000, it will of course be heard from in due time. Mt. Hope Seedlings — Messrs. EUwanger & Barry, the well known Rochester nurserymen, have an experimental vineyard of several hundred vines, among which are quite a number of new seedlings produced by them from seeds of the Delaware, Diana, Rebecca and Concord, saved from fruit grown on the sides of a building where these varieties were ill immediate contact with each other, so thnt the blossoms were liable to be cross-fertilized. Of several hundred seedling vines, about fifty of the most promising were saved for fruiting, and of these about a dozen, after three years' bearing, are found to be of very good quality — several of them, we think, of the highest excellence, and destined to become quite popular. Their number 19 is, perhaps, the best of all — possessing the combined flavor of the Delaware and Diana, and, of course, very spicy and delicious ; flesh tender and juicy ; bunch and berry of good size and form, dark color; vine har- dy, thrifty and productive. Number 4 is a black grape, of the Concord class, bunch and berry of good size and form ; earlier, and bunch better than Hartford Prolific. Number 27 appears like a cross between Delaware and Diana ; fruit resembling Delaware, but vine and leaf stronger, hence an improvement. Number 50 resembles Diana, but the fruit of AUGUST. 243 brighter color, less musky, and skin not so tough ; on these accounts, superior to that variety. Number 31 seems to be a cross between Concord and Diana; dark color, early, smaller and better than Concord; vine hardy, thrifty and productive. These seedlings will not be sent out until very thoroughly tested in a number of different localities. Quite a discussion took place in regard to the grape soils of the Lake Shore, and Dr. Kirtland, by request, addressed the meeting. Potash lie considered a necessary element of success in grape growing, and advised, as a manure for sandy land, a dressing of about two inches of broken shale. The result of his remarks was, that there is but one soil — the clay soil — for grapes. We conclude our notice of the Report with the following hints on PACKING, PRESERVING AND MARKETING GRAPES. Mr. Wolcott, of Elyria, had not much experience in packing grapes. There was a considerable liome market, Lorain county consuming tons of grapes. For Chicago and Mil- waukee markets, he had got 11 to 15 cents per pound for Isabellas and Catawbas. Dr. Dunham said it was utterly impossible to fix on any good market for grapes, beforehand, but the producer could find out the market when ready to ship. He had been obliged to use four pound boxes, because he could not get ten pound boxes; twelve four pound boxes in a crate cost eighty cents; ten ten pound boxes cost eighty cents, and in some markets the grapes in crates sell best. [It was here stated that some specimens of boxes were before the Special Committee, and would be shown when that Committee made its report.] Mr. Caywood said the general opinion was that fruit-growers were the victims of commission men. Producers should send their agents to cities. Mr. Lowry, of Berlin Heights — They had formed an asso- ciation to ship strawberries, and send a man to hunt up an honest man to ship to. Mr. Hoag, of Lockport, New York, said he had kept the lona grape by putting them in a cool room for some weeks, 244 THE MAGAZINE OF HORTICULTURE. and some of the grapes had begun to shrivel before tliej were boxed. He thought if tliey had been boxed before they had shrivelled, they would all have been plump. A member stated that tons of Catawba grapes were kept at Sandusky the past season, until Christmas or later, by Dr. Newton of Catawba Island, tlien shipped successfully to distant markets. They were packed in small boxes, as for shipping, the covers being left off, and stored in a dry, cool cellar, so that air could pass between the boxes. Mr. Saxton, of Collamer, said Cleveland grapes had got a hard name because the first ones planted were on sandy soil, and everybody supposed that was the kind of soil ; while the fact is that none of the grapes grown so had ever ripened. Still, these grapes were the first in market, and had given Cleveland grapes a bad reputation. He had kept his grapes in a cool room — a dry cellar, as cold as could be without freezing. They were as plump now as in October. The grapes must be right first, he had learned, and then they could be kept easily. He thought fruit would keep better in a dark room than in a light one. His grapes would keep two months yet. Several instances were related of keeping grapes in layers, with cotton batting or paper between the layers. One man in Lake county, as related by Mr. Harrison, of Painesville, packed in saleratus boxes, with paper between the layers. Part he put on high slielves in his cellar, and part near the cellar bottom. The former were badly shrivelled, while the latter were plump. Both were well preserved, however. Mr. Wadsworth, of Madison, Lake county, said his grapes were raised on gravelly soil ; last year they ripened well ; were gathered and laid on a packing table till the stems were withered, and then they were packed. They were kept in a cool cellar. Dr. Dunham said that grapes the must of which would weigh 90, would probably stand a temperature of 27 degrees. Another gentleman said that he had tested the temperature in his grape room and found it to be 26 degrees. Still another gentleman confirmed tliis statement in anotiier instance. Mr. Lowry said he used to try to keep grapes in cotton AUGUST. 245 batting, setting them in a cool room. When one grape would rot, the juice would be communicated to others by batting. Cotton cloth remedied this, as it would not carry the juice from a rotten grape to sound ones. Catawbas keep better than Isabellas or Delawares. If grapes are shipped when the weather is pretty hot with frequent showers, they are pretty sure to spoil. Mr. Griffith said tiie whole thing was to keep the grapes dry and cool. They should be kept at least three days after picking, filling the boxes half full, set them in an open room ; then, after setting three days, remove every grape that is loose, and the rest would keep without trouble. He always kept liis grapes in an upper room. They must be ripe, and packed with care. Mr. Caywood said it was not thought to pay to keep grapes. He had the experience of two men who had tried it for years, and had ' become convinced that the cost of buildings, &c., for keeping was more than enough to over- balance the profit. Mr. Swan, of East Cleveland, referred to the keeping of grapes in fruit-houses, both in Cleveland and in New York. The temperature in these fruit-houses was stated to be 34° the year round. Dr. Dunham said that two years ago his grapes were bought to put in the fruit-house in this city. Mr. Nyce had them picked before he (Dr. D.) wanted them to be picked. They were not fully ripe. They did not keep well. Dr. Beckwith said that grapes would keep perfectly in a fruit-house, but after being taken out they soon change. They would, however, taste of the chlorides used to preserve them. Dr. Dake said he had eaten grapes from Nyce's fruit- house, and had never tasted chloride of lime in them. They would not taste of it unless the solution was thrown over them, for the chloride is an absorbent. Rev. Mr. Leonard said he had never discovered the taste of chloride in grapes from the fruit-house in this city. He thought the fruit-house was a great benefit to cities, and the inventor deserved praise. 246 THE MAGAZINE OF HORTICULTURE. Dr. Dake said it was chloride of calcium that was used in the fruit-house. It was not perceptible to the smell in the fruit-house. [Specimens were afterwards distributed in the meeting by Mrs. Nyce, and none present complained of any chloride or other bad taste.] POMOLOGICAL GOSSIP. Estimate of Pears. — An English writer, who appears quite fastidious in his taste, thus speaks of two of our best known and most popvilar pears : — Louise Bonne is very good, as again and again I admit; but never yet was it quite firstrate to a very critical palate, nor will it ever be so. The texture of Louise Bonne (grow it where you will) is not close and velvety. Without this perfection pears may be refreshing, delicious, and all that, but they cannot be the cream of cream. As for Williams' Bon Chretien (Bartlett) ever being a most exquisite pear, I must dare to suggest that "Observer's" palate is gratified with a coarse aroma, if he finds it even tolerable. The texture is often decent^ though with grit towards the centre, and the juice is pretty copious, (if you gather the fruit unripe,) yet it is a penalty to eat more than a slice. The pear has a "yellar" taste. I cannot express my meaning more clearly. Z)e g-ustibus, &c. Winter Nelis is sometimes good, but never quite firstrate. Josephine de Malines always beats it in size, appearance and quality. Never yet have I tasted Beurre Ranee above the rank of a second class pear. Strawberries in Massachusetts. — The State Committee of the American Pomological Society for Massachusetts make the following Report upon Strawberries : — In strawberry culture we make Hovey's Seedling the standard variety by which we test other varieties. Brighton Pine fully sustains its previous good reputation. Boston Pine, as good as ever. Hovey's Seedling, as fine as formerly, and the standard sort. AUGUST. 247 Jenny Lind, not extensively raised, but when grown is as satisfactory as formerly. La Constante, the most beautiful in form and color ; the finest foreign variety ever introduced. Scott's Seedling is undoubtedly a fine variety, but is not extensively cultivated. Triomphe de Gand, large and handsome, but not of first quality. Wilson's Albany, poor quality, poor color, very acid, and good bearer. Buifalo is identical with McAvoy's Superior, which was discarded by us years ago. Frograore Late Pine is a new variety, that promises well ; large size, and quite late. Russell's Prolific is a fair bearer, but of poor quality. The berry is wrinkled and ill shapen ; not worthy of culti- vation. The Agriculturist is a strong grower, a good bearer, tolerable flavor when nearly ripe, and of a scarlet color, and when fully ripe of a dark dirty color, and of decidedly poor flavor. French's Seedling is a scarlet soft berry, of poor flavor, lacking nearly all the qualities that go to make up a good strawberry. Lennig's White, Monitor, Brooklyn Scarlet, Green Prolific, Deptford White, Progress, Lucinda perfecta, and Exposition de Chalons are all poor varieties. The Report is signed by J. P. C. Hyde, President of the Massachusetts Horticultural Society, Eben Wight, and W. C. Strong. Pears for General Cultivation. — The President of the American Pomological Society .presented to the meeting the following List of Pears, recommended for general cultivation by the Massachusetts Agricultural Club, in the order of their ripening: — standards. First Series : Bartlett, Merriam, Seckel, Sheldon, Urbaniste, Beurre d'Anjou. 248 THE MAGAZINE OF HORTICULTURE. Second Series: Brandywine, Swan's Orange, Doyenne Boussock, Howell, Beurre Bosc, Lawrence. Tliird Series : Belle Lucrative, Marie Louise, Paradise of Autumn, Bcurr^ Clairgeau, Beurre Superfin, Vicar of Winkfield. The Onondaga Grape is the name of a new variety, described as follows, liy W. B. Smith of Syracuse, N. Y. : It is a seedling, grown in Fayetteville in this county, a cross between Diana and Delaware. It appears to be entirely hardy, quite as much so as the Delaware, and the fruit ripens at the same time with it. It is of amber color, good size, nearly as large as the Diana. We think it combines, in some degree, the flavor of both these varieties, Diana and Delaware. It has a thick skin, and is a good keeper. The amount of wood it makes is not large, but what there is, is strong, similar to tlie Delaware. The Naomi Raspberry is tlie name of a new variety which originated in California, in the garden of Mrs. Gov. Wood of San Fi^ancisco. Mr. F. R. Elliot thus describes it: It is to the public a comparatively new variety, but observation of it for about twelve years, during which it has been grown without any but good common care in cultivation, and entirely without winter protection — it has each year produced large and profitable crops of very superior fruit — induces me to place it in the department report, because of the great interest felt at this time in the cultivation of small fruits. Size large, to very large, form roundish, sliglitly conical or obtuse conical ; hairs long; grains large; color bright rich red; flesh firm and sprightly, ricli and delicious ; cones strong with numerous lateral branches, when fruiting, brown, smooth, occasional inconspicuous spines, leaves broad, lanceolate, very productive and hardy. The Wilder Strawberry. — We have already given some account of Col. Wilder's new seedling strawberry, which he has exhibited the last year or two as No. 13, and which has given promise of possessing superior qualities. The present AUGUST. 249 year the beds were in excellent condition, and we were invited to examine the plants and fruit. Unfortunately a previous engagement prevented us from accepting Col. Wilder's invita- tion. But from gentlemen who were present we learn that the fruit was unusually fine, showing the good qualities of productiveness, with the valuable properties which have already been noticed in the fruit itself. It has been proposed by the Committee of the Massachusetts Horticultural Society, who were especially invited to examine the strawberry, to call it the Wilder, and we are pleased to learn that the originator is gratified at the recognition of its merits, and accepts the decision of the Committee. On the 11th July, Col. Wilder exhibited the fruit. It is, as we believe we have stated, a seedling from the Hovey, fertilized with La Constante, and possesses the good qualities of both. Its form is regular, and its size large, like La Constante ; its flesh and its flavor are like the Hovey, and it approaches it in the brightness of color. We think it the only new variety of value introduced for a long period, and we congratulate Col. Wilder, after upwards of twenty years' labor in the growth of seedlings, that he has at last been successful in adding to our limited stock of superior strawberries. THE FLORIDA AIR PLANT. BY JOHN L. RUSSELL, SALEM, MASS. Is not the plant mentioned by you, Mr. Editor, in your pleasant article of the June number, p. 176, the Tillandsia ulriculata of Leconte, of wliich Dr. Chapman, in his Flora of the Southern United States, says " the dilated and imbri- cated bases of the leaves form a kind of cup which commonly contains a considerable quantity of water." It was this specific name wiiich was in your mind probably when you wrote utriculoides; and you had overlooked the fact that T. vsneoides is the Spanish moss which hangs like mournful drapery from the live oaks, and reminds the northerner of the pendent and grayish lichen, the Usnea plicata and other 250 THE MAGAZINE OF HORTICDLTURE. co-species which he sees in the forests and woods of his native mountain regions. If 1 mistook not I saw some fine vigorous plants of the Tillandsia in question in the greenhouses of Madame Pratt, when a few days ago I revisited that neighborhood, once renowned for the genius and labors of Haggerston in Cushing's garden, opposite. The specimens, exhibited in the Library Rooms of the Massachusetts Horticultural Society by our excellent superintendent, Mr. Buswell, were of the same kind I think. Let me tell you how deliglited I was with the display of azaleas in the finely grown specimens of Messrs. Hovey & Co. this spring, with the Beauty of America, Illustris nova, Madame Michel, Eulalie, Crispiflora, Gem, Caryophylloides, &c., (fee, and with many novelties in the numerous houses in other parts of the extensive grounds. A fine seedling Cactus tallied "K," some secret, perhaps caballistic sign, from whose wizard spell it sprung into new and rare beauty ! ! the Saxifraga Fortuni and the Zonal geraniums, such as Gem, Salamander, Crystal Palace Gem, Orange Nosegay, Golden Tom Thumb, Italia Unita and Picturata with the fanciful foliage, Titian, catcm. — When well grown, this plant is one of the most showy of the decorative stove plants which flower in the dreary months of November and December. I had a collection of different varieties in flower here, and most beautiful objects they were, mixed with other plants in a warm greenhouse. They range about three feet in height, and, with the exception of about six inches at the top, they are a complete mass of flowers to the bottom of the pot. The young plants were procured from the Miss Lee, who, I believe, obtained some of the varieties from the Continent. I am not aware what stock or stocks they have been grafted or inarched on, but they seeui to grow vigorously. The following varieties are the best and most distinct in colors that have flowered here, namely : — Elegans magnificum, Russellianum Superbum, truncatum violaceum, and Ruckesianum. My collection has been managed so as to keep the plants rather dry after they have done flowering, and not to excite them to grow before June or July. At that period they are repotted, the old balls being well reduced. The soil used is richer than what is generally given to succulent plants — namely, some well rotted deer dung, mixed with broken lime rubbish and light sandy loam. They are then kept in a warm moist stove to make their young growths, and generally flower about the middle of November. — [Florist and Pomologist.) AUGUST. 253 The Fii.i.iiNG the Flower Garden. — By all means, let us have the whole matter of bedding out thoroughly discussed. What I chiefly com- plain of is that our present, upon the whole, admirable system, is often flippantly condemned without a hearing, in favor cf something else, no one hardly seems to know what, not half so good. I especially like the idea about asters being used as summer tulips, to be stuck as pins into a cushion of a different ground color. In my humble opinion this suggestion is of greater worth than all the leaf gardening we have imported from the Continent. A " pushing man" will be glad to hear that my views are wide enough to include within the folds of my own practice specimens of almost every style of filling the flower-garden. For instance, I have an example of his circles thus: — A groundwork of Gnaphalium lanatum, dotted all over with dwarf ageratum, and circles picked out through the centre, and planted as follows: — Centre circle, Boule de Feu pelargonium, '2d on each side, Mrs. Pollock do., 3d do., Coleus marmoratus, 4th, yellow calceolaria, 5th, Lord Palmerston pelargonium. The front and back of this picked out space is a ribbon border, bounded next the mixture on one side by perilla and on the other by the above dark colors. I will give a few more illustrations of pretty beds from actual practice, in the hope that others may be induced to do the same, or to suggest improvements in those given, as my only object in these letters is that we may be enabled to fill the flower garden, in the best possible manner for eflTect. No. 1 is a raised circular bed ; the centre isCmeraria maritima. It is then divided into four segments of circles, with lines of Centaurea. Inside these next the white Cineraria, is furnished with the red Iresine, outside with Mrs. Pollock. This bed is edged with Viola cornuta, with a supplementary line to droop over the sides of the dwarf Blue Convolvulus. No. 2 is Mangle's variegated dotted all over with the blue Convolvulus, and edged with Viola cornuta. No. 3, pelargonium White Lady [or Mad. MacherJ dotted with the Convolvulus, and edged with Scarlet Verbena. No. 4, Ageratum maximum, edged with Calliopsis Drummondii. No. 5, common pink monthly rose, closely pegged down, and filled up between with Cerise Unique pelargonium, and edged with a band, eighteen inches wide, of Cerastium tomentosum. No. 6, and here I must stop for the present, is filled with a central mass of Mad. Vaucher pelargonium, with a band of Coleus Verschaffeltii, and edged vvith blue Lobelia and the Centaurea intermixed. — [Gard. Chron.) Setting Grapes. — Much has been written upon the setting of Muscat and other grapes. To set the Muscat of Alexandria like the Black Ham- burg (says a cotemporary) keep the temperature at 75° by fire heat, and 85° by sun heat. Keep the night temperature at 70°. Damp the paths at 7.30 A. M., and 4 P. M. Keep the whole of the atmosphere of the house in perpetual motion, night and day. When the blossoms are fully expanded give each bunch a slight shake once a day. This is all that is necessary to insure well formed bunches. My experience, from having set and fruited our new grape, Mrs. Pince's Black Muscat, on many occasions in pots, in conjunction with smaller canes, when the atmosphere as a rule must be 254 THE MAGAZINE OF HORTICULTURE. kept moist, led me to believe in, and to adopt the above plan to the very letter. In the whole of the vineries here the vines have set better this year than ever I saw them ; the little house in which Mrs. Pince's Black Muscat is growing is truly a sight worth seeing; the bunches really touch each other, and as I should have to take off more than half I take the liberty of sending you part of a bunch, in order that you may see that every berry has set. — {Id.) Clematis Stakdishii. — The spring flowering clematises are now at their best, whether on poles or on trellis work. Having some few years back tried C. Jackmanni for bedding purposes with complete success, I thought I would try a bed of C. Standishii. This was done about eighteen months ago, by planting them in rows eighteen inches apart. They are now in full bloom, and all who have seen them within the last ten days have been much delighted with the effect which they produce. I have today counted in the space of a square yard 1 18 expanded flowers, besides several unopened buds. When it is taken into consideration that these spring varieties commence and finish flowering before ordinary bedding plants begin, I think it would be a great acquisition in a gentleman's flower garden if certain beds were judiciously selected and planted, each with one sort. For example take the four cardinal points: — North bed, C. Standishii, beautiful violet blue; south, C. ccerulea grandiflora, an azure purple; east, C. Fortune! fl.-pl, large double white ; west, C. Helene, white with straw centre. Besides, there are several other varieties from which selections might be made ; this would enliven the garden some six or eioht weeks before ordinary bedding plants would come into flower, and would accustom the eye to the "gay and glittering flower garden when in its highest state of perfection." At first thought several would say. What! have four blank beds throughout the summer? By no means. The spring clematises having finished blooming by the middle of June, all that should be done is to cut oflT the flower-stalks (leaving the bed covered with foliage), to prune back the young wood, and use the beds on the " carpet system," by plunging potted pelargoniums, &c., between the rows of clematis.— (M) lorticufhtnl ©ptrnJions FOR AUGUST. FRUIT DEPARTMENT. The month of July was one of the hottest and driest we have had for many years, the temperature varying from 95° to 100°, for nearly a week, and without rain up to the time we write (24th). Trees of all kinds have made a good growth, and grapes look well, though rather late. The pear crop is very small. AUGUST. 255 Grape Vines will now be ripening their fruit, and the early sorts will be nearly ready for cutting. As they color, more air should be given, night as well as day, and damping the walks should be dispensed with. See that the laterals are kept stopped at reasonable distance, so as to allow the light and air to ripen the wood. 'In cold houses the grapes will soon begin to color, and will require more attention. Guard against cold draughts, and give no side air till the berries ere fully colored. Damp the house morning and night, and close early on cool nights. Stop the laterals as they require it. Strawberry Plantations will now require attention. Old beds may be renovated, and kept in very good condition by spading in one half ot" the vines, leaving the others to extend the runners over the ground. Enrich the ground with well rotted manure. New beds may be made this month. Manure and dig the ground, level and rake, and set out the plants in rows, two to three feet apart. Water occasionally, if the weather should be dry. Raspberry Plantations should have attention. Cut away the old canes as soon as the fruit is gathered. Thinning fruit should be attended to where the crop is too large. Take off the poorest fruit, and go over a second time, and gather all but what the tree can perfect of good size. Summer Pruning should be continued, heading in all laterals to two or three eyes, and cutting out superfluous shoots. Pear, Plum and Cherry Trees should be budded this month. Strawberry Plants, for forcing, should be prepared now, by layering the runners in small pots, which will be rooted in two weeks, when they should be removed and repotted in larger pots. FLOWER department. A dry month has retarded the growth of all bedding plants, especially those late planted, and rains are needed to give vigor and beauty to the garden. When convenient, watering should be resorted to, and frequent stirring of the soil will assist in maintaining a good growth. Now is the time to secure a stock of soils and manures for winter use, stacking them in heaps. Camellias will now be swelling their buds, and should be freely syringed and well watered, using liquid manure occasionally. Now is a good time to repot or top-dress all plants which require it. Grafting may be done now. Azaleas should all be removed to the open air, in a sheltered situation. Such as are intended for specimens should be tied into shape, and those that require it repotted or top-dressed. See that the thrips and red spider are all destroyed, by using whale oil soap, or tobacco soap. Give liquid manure occasionally. Pelargoniums will require attention this month. Cut down the old plants to within two or three eyes of the old wood. Keep them dry for a few days, till the wounds heal, and they begin to push afresh. Then turn 256 THE MAGAZINE OF HORTICULTURE. out of the pots, shake off the old soil, trim the roots, and repot into smaller pots. Use hght soil, leaf mould loam, and sand, and place in a frame, where they can be sheltered from heavy rains. Put in the cuttings for fresh stock. Chrysanthkmums, in pots, should be thoroughly watered, using liquid manure occasionally. Discontinue slopping the shoots after the middle of the month. Tricolor a>'d Zonal Geraniums, intended for fine specimens, should have a shift into larger pots, in good rich soil. Pinch off all blossoms, as they appear, and stop the strong growing shoots. Pansy Seeds may be sown this month, for early spring blooming. Cineraria and Calceolaria Seeds may be sown this month. BouvARDiAS should be topped, in order to make strong bushy plants. Ferns should be shifted into larger pots. Caladidms may now have a final shift into large pots, and be shaded from the noonday sun. Tuberoses, for late blooming, should be shifted into larger pots. Japan Lilies, in pots, out of flower, should be sparingly watered. Heliotropes, Stevias, and similar plants, for winter bloom, should have the strong shoots stopped, in order to maintain a dwarf, compact growth. Oxalis Bowiei may be potted this month. Chinese Primroses should be shifted into larger pots, and kept in a frame, protected from the hot sun. Mignonette should now be planted in pots. flower garden and shrubbery. The dry weather has been very severe upon lawns, and very little cutting has been required. With rainy weather they should be well rolled. Cut grass or box edgings, and clean, rake and roll the walks. Dahlias will soon begin to bloom, and they should be kept pruned of superfluous laterals, and tied to strong stakes. Gladiolus, coming into bloom, should be tied to neat stakes. Roses may now be layered. Neapolitan and other Violets should be kept clear of weeds, and watered if the weather continues dry. Carnations and Picotees should be layered for a new stock. Daisies may be divided and reset. Perennial Plants, raised from seeds, in the spring, should now be planted out into the border. White Lilies may be dug up and transplanted, if more stock is wanted. Subtropical Plants flourish in the warm weather we have had, but they need plenty of water, especially Cannas, and other large leaved plants. CULTURE AND PRODUCTS OF THE VINE. At the meeting of the Pomological Society in St. Louis, tlie President, Hon. Marshall P. Wilder, was called upon to give the res\ilts of his observations in Europe as to the relative merits of American and European wines. In accordance with this request Mr. Wilder gave an interesting statement of his observations. On his arrival in Paris he was appointed one of the American Commissioners, with Mr. P. Barry of Rochester, and was charged with the duty of looking after the interests of vine growers. It appears that the American wines had already been examined before the arrival of Mr. Wilder, but in such a casual and unfair way that he appealed to the imperial commissioners for a reexamination of the American wines, but did not obtain it. He then asked that a special committee be appointed. This was acceded to, and they had carie-hlanche to open and test all the wines. In this examination the most eminent judges of wine were invited to be present. The samples had been kept in an unfavorable place, and some of them were soured. Still they were tested with some of the best wines from the Rhine. The European judges admitted, after the trial, and they said to Messrs. Wilder and Barry, "If you can make such wines in America you will never want our wines." " You are on the right track." The opinion prevailed among the gentlemen of the Committee, that our wines compared favorably with the wines of the Rhine. Messrs. Wilder and Barry visited the cellars of the celebrated Johanncsberg wines, and tested samples. They never tasted such wines before ; yet Mr. Wilder stated that he had tasted Delaware, Diana, and Herbemont wines, which, when well made, compare favorably with the majority of the Johanncs- berg and Steinberg wines. After other interesting statements by Messrs. Wilder and Barry, a vote was passed requesting these gentlemen to write out an account of their observations, but the Secretary, in a note, states that having already submitted a Report to the VOL. XXXIV. — NO. IX. 17 258 THK MAGAZINE OP HORTICULTURE. United States Government, tliey could not comply with the request. The Report alluded to appeared in the Monthly Report of the Department of Agriculture for March, and occupies several pages. It is particularly valuable to vineyardists, and man- ufacturers of native wines, and interesting to cultivators generally. The Report commences with a general statement regarding the quality of the French wines usually furnished the American traveller at hotels or cafes. Few of them are pure, but are manufactured from tiie cheapest wines, purchased at thirty to forty cents per gallon, and put up and labelled with all the high-sounding names of "Medoc," and sold at enormous profits. There are about 4,000,000 acres of vines in cultiva- tion in France, yielding an average of 1,200,000,000 gallons of wine. Tlie Committee remark, that as America is destined to become a great wine-producing country, her people ought to be better acquainted than they are witii the higher grades of foreign wines ; so far the standard of excellence is compara- tively low. Our aim should be to elevate the standard of taste, and with it the greater will be our success. We must of course rely upon improved varieties of our native grape, except in California, and our reliance, the Committee state,^ must be in developing the character of these varieties. As showing the effect of soil and experience, very important in the cultivation of the grape, either for the table or wine, the Committee describe the soil of Medoc: — The soil of Medoc, where stand " Chateau Margeaiix," "Chateau La Fitte," and "Chateau La Tour," is a bed of coarse gravel, among whose pebbles the eye can barely detect soil enough to support the lowest form of vegetable life. Li the vicinity of Beziers, on the other hand, the land is rich and strong enough to yield any kind of a crop; yet Medoc grows wine that often sells for ten dollars per gallon, while that of Beziers sometimes sells for the half of ten cents per gallon. Li Burgundy tliere is a long hill, on whose dai'k red ferruginous limestone sides a wretched tliin covering of earth A SEPTEMBER. 259 lies, like the coat of a beggar, revealing, not hiding, the nakedness beneath. Here stand little starveling vines, very slender and very low ; yet here is the celebrated " Clos Vaugeot," and this is the hill, and these are the vines that yield a wine rivalling in excellence and value that of Medoc, and to the fortunate proprietor the Cote (Vor is what it signifies, "a hillside of gold." At its base spreads out a wide and very fertile plain, covered, with luxuriant vines, whose juice sells from ten to twenty cents per gallon. On the preparation of the ground and planting, the Com- mittee speak as follows : — This is probably as well understood iu America as in France. We usually break up to the depth of two feet and drain thoroughly. In many parts of France they trench to the same depth, but in many other parts this is impracticable, unnecessary, or injurious. Here, the distance between the vines is from eighteen inches to two feet, according to their size. We, however, are compelled, by the greater vigor of our vines, to place them five and six feet apart. In Burgundy, Champagne, and some other districts it is the practice to renew the vigor of the vines, by laying down the cane and rooting tlie plant in a new place, which quite breaks up the original lines, so the plough c£lnnot be used. This is doubtless a good way to renew the strength of tli© plant, bat it is objected to by high authority, on the assump- tion that the older the stalk is the better the wine will be; on the otiier hand. Champagne wine dressers have attributed to this practice in a great measure their almost total exemption from the vine disease. But then again, others attribute that exemption to the general and long established custom of spreading over the vineyards a bituminous shale containing sulphur, a well-known antidote ; and here we would recommend most strongly to our countrymen a renewed and sustained effort to combat mildew with sulphur. The experience of France and other countries is entirely in its favor, and its use is still felt to be necessary, and is still kept up. 260 THE MAGAZINE OF HORTICULTURE. "We think Americans have not been thorough enough, and patient enough. Let them try again, and this .time let them begin early, and be sure to follow carefully these rules on the subject, which have been hitherto much better promul- gated than observed. On rich and level land, a common plan in some districts is to set out double rows of vines at wide intervals, in fields chiefly devoted to otlier crops. The free exposure to sun and air thus secured seems largely to augment the yield, and this will be understood by any one who has noticed the superior productiveness of such of his vines as grow bordering on a wide alley or other open space. This is very different from planting vegetables, &c., among the vines, which is a bad practice. Formerly the vines were mostly trained to stakes, but more recently the wire trellis has been adopted, and the following account is given of the mode of construction : — These are becoming quite popular here, as we think they are in America also, notwithstanding tlie cheapness of wood. The size of wire preferred is number 16, and but two wirer are used. Our large vines would need three wires. They are stretched to strong posts set 20 feet apart, passing intermediately through holes of smaller posts or stakes. On th« lower line," about 18 inches from the ground, the fruit- bearing wood is trained, while the upper line, about 18 inches above the other, supports the new wood. Many prefer to allow the fruit-bearing cane to do service two years, instead of one only, as is the practice in America. There is no doubt that with wire trellises the pruning, tying, pinching off, &c., can be much more cheaply done than where the training is to stakes, and from the way the clusters depend from the horizontal cane, it is easy to see that there must be also a superior access of sun and air, and a greater ease in gathering tlie vintage. . It has been supposed that vines are not protected in the vineyards; and in the warm parts of France they are not, but in Germany and Hungary they are covered as we cover our SEPTEMBER. 261 own vines in New England. Severe frosts not only destroy many vines, but greatly enfeeble the wood that is not killed. It is a common practice to go through the vines with a plough every fall, and throw up a good ridge of earth against the stalks. The Hungarians have a more effectual way of guaranteeing against the cold of their vigorous winters, which is to lay the vines on the ground, cover them with straw, and on the straw throw the earth ; without this it is said they could produce no wine at all. Our native grapes are generally hardy, and will live wherever their fruit will ripen, but occasionally there is a severe season which seems to touch the very heart of the wood, and so enfeeble it that it falls an easy prey to disease. It was noticed that the mildew set in with great destructiveness after the two hard winters of 1854 and 1856. The thorough covering employed in Hungary would secure it against such occasional risks, and also might render it possible to grow European vines in our country. By its means, too, we could, perhaps, make the "Scupper" live in our northern States, and obtain from it a sparkling wine, of foam and flavor unsurpassed. From these considerations and others, we recommend to the wine-growers of our more northern States to lay down and thoroughly cover their vines regularly every fall ; and to those in milder regions, to bank up the earth against the stalks as is done in France. These extracts embrace the principal points in regard to culture, but a great deal of general information is scattered througliout the Report in relation to white and red wines, the Reissling and other grapes, the management of the Johannesberg vineyards, &c. ; — Your committee would say, in conclusion, that from what comparison we have been able to make between the better samples of American wines now on exhibition at the "Paris Exposition," with foreign wines of similar character, as well as from the experience of many European wine-tasters, we have formed a higher estimate of our own ability to produce 262 THE MAGAZINE OF HORTICULTURE. good wines than we had heretofore ; and from our investiga- tions in vine culture we are now more confident than ever thfit America can and will be a great wine-growing country. All that is necessary for us to rival the choicest products of other parts of the world, will erelong come with practice and experience. We have already several excellent varieties of the grape borne on American soil, and suited to it a soil extensive and varied enough for every range of quantity and quality. Who would discover a patch of ground capable of yielding a " Johannesberger," a "Tokay," or a "Margeaux,'* need only make diligent and careful search, and, somewhere between the lakes and the gulf and the two oceans that circumscribe our vineyard territory, will be sure to find it. The Report is signed by M. P. Wilder, A. Thompson, W. J. Flagg, and P. Barry. OBJECTS TO BE SOUGHT IN POMOLOGICAL SCIENCE. BY WILSON FLAGG. The science of pomology, though it may be regarded by some persons as a matter that concerns those only who are seeking a new luxury, for their own gratification, has a very important bearing as a question of political economy. Fruit, considered as a staple article of human subsistence, is second in importance only to the cereal grains, whether it be raised for home consumption alone, or likewise for exportation. The apple crop is a source of considerable revenue, to thousands of farmers in the northern States, and a general failure of this crop is felt as a serious calamity. It was an important suggestion of Mr. C. M. Hovey, at one of the early meetings of the Pomological Society, that the fruit culture should be encouraged by the Society and its branches, as a source of national wealth, and that their attention was liable to be devoted too much to the multiplication of new varieties. SEPTEMBER. 263 A consideration of profit will cause any people to raise those crops and to manufacture those goods, which will find a good market, so far as their climate and circumstances will admit. The people soon determine these matters, after a little experience ; birt it is not always in the power of the producing classes to determine these matters for a future year. It is more easy to decide upon the profitableness of a grj^in crop, than of a fruit crop. If a farmer is about to plant an apple orchard, which will not be productive under fifteen or twenty years, he must calculate the probabilities of the value of his orchard at the end of that period ; while if he is preparing to plant corn, he needs only make his calculations for the next year. In planting an orchard, he must sink a certain amount of capital for as many years as it would require to become productive. He is sure of quicker and greater returns hf investing his capital in almost any manu- facturing stock. It is on account of these unfavorable circumstances, that our legislatures and societies should encourage by all practicable means the expensive work of planting orchards. Our pomological societies have, therefore, accomplished much good, by directing the attention of the different states to the most profitable kind of fruit culture for their respective regions. Tlieir primary object ought not to be to encourage the production of new and delicate varieties of fruit, to gratify the fastidious taste of epicures; but rather to gather the views and experience of practical cultivators, discuss them at their meetings and to publish tlie results for the benefit of the public. There are certain qualities of fruit that should take pre- cedence of mere delicacy of flavor. But there is a tendency among wealthy amateurs to recommend tliose varieties of fruit tiiat please the taste, though they may be unprofitable to the cultivators. Gentlemen who raise fruits only as they raise flowers, as matters of fancy and curiosity, must not mistake their own motives for such as should guide a pomological society, which ought to recommend to tlie pul)lic such fruits only as are both productive and marketable ; for the continued salableness of any article, in which fashion 264 THE MAGAZINE OF HORTICULTURE. does not interfere, is proof in all eases of its goodness ; or at least of its possession of desirable qualities. There seems to be a general disposition to seek after the philosopher'' s stone in fruit culture. The public needs to be* informed that the limits of improvement are not endless. There are limits, both with respect to quality and productive- ness, and these have probably been attained already ; and it is only necessary that the public should be correctly informed in regard to those varieties which may be considered the ne'plus ultra of improvement. It is generally admitted that the most delicate and melting sorts of fi'uit are not tlie most prolific. Delicacy of flavor and superior productiveness, if not incompatible qualities, are not often found combined in one variety. How much soever we may theorize concerning this principle, the general fact will not be denied. The same law extends to root crops. The finest varieties of the potato are commonly the least productive ; and the most liable, like the finest fruits, to be affected by disease. A second rate sort, therefore, that is productive, is to be preferred to a first-rate sort, unless the difference in their productiveness be small. It is better for the public, as a matter of political economy, that a given number of fruit growers should make a thousand dollars a piece by the rale of as many barrels of good fruit, than that they should make the same amoiints by tlie sale of as many pecks of a rare and unproductive sort. The American Pomological Society has given deserved attention to the geographical capacity of different parts of the Nortli American Continent, for fruit culture. Not only is the Nortli or the South favorable or unfavorable for the raising of certain kinds; but there are localities in every state which are warmer and others whicli are colder tiian the general climate of that region. The coast of Massachusetts has a somewhat different climate, from that of the extreme western counties, and the region among the mountuins, of North and South Carolina, differs still more widely in its climate from the coast. But there are modifications of climate within very narrow limits, caused not only by differ- ence of elevation, but also by the relative position of mountains and valleys. There is no end to the circumstances that serve SEPTEMBER. 265 to modify the climate of particular locations, for better or worse. Hence we may account for the origin of certain local prejudices, in regard to the raising of certain crops. Facts might be collected from the experience of cultivators, in these exceptional districts, that might lead to the discovery of some valuable principles in the art of acclimatizing fruit. The importation of foreign varieties is good for the chance of obtaining a profitable sort; for it is remarkable that, in some rare cases, a foreign variety succeeds better than a native variety. It is well known also that some kinds that originated in Massachusetts succeed better in a Western State than here. The contrary of this fact is also true. But these are exceptional cases. In general native varieties of fruit succeed better than imported varieties. It has been stated by Mr. Wilder that "out o^ fifty varieties of American peaches grown in the, garden of Chiswick, England, only Uvo were adapted to the climate." Similar results would attend the cultivation of English varieties in this country. For this reason the American Pomolo^ical Society wisely refrains from recommending a foreign kind until it has proved its capacity for acclimatization here. Another point of inquiry is, if this or that kind of fruit ought to be i-aised in any particular sections of tlie country as a staple commodity. Considering the raising of fruit merely as an amusement for amateur pomologists, this point is of little importance; but to the mechanic, the farmer, the professional man, and to all indeed, who wish to make the most profitable u^e of their land and their labor, it is important to know what kinds of fruit can be raised with the greatest chance of profit in their own soil and climate. This involves the question of the commercial value of certain crops. It cannot be generally profitable to raise any fruit as an article of exportation, unless the district in which it is raised enjoys either superior facilities for sending it to a market, or a climate and soil peculiarly favorable to it. It is profitable for the New Jersey people to raise peaches for the New England market, on account of its proximity, and its incapacity to raise this fruit abundantly on its own ground. But if New Jersey could raise apples as well as peaches, it 2G6 THE MAGAZINE OP HORTICULTURE. would find New York and other states powerful competitors in the apple market, while it enjoys almost a monopoly of the sale of peaches. These geographical problems in fruit culture ai'e very far from being solved. It is still questionable wluit part of the United States is best adapted to extensive pear culture. Probably the apple region would be found to embrace most of the country that lies north of the 40th degree of latitude; and the peach locality would embrace nearly all the country south of it. But it is not to be understood that apples may not be abundant in tiie region of the peach or peaches in ihe apple region. It is only asserted that the north is more favorable to the apple and the pear and the south to the peach and the grape; so that as competitors in great markets, we could easily decide which region would be most successful. The pear seems to be less affected by latitude than either the peach or the apple. As the winter a})ples of the Northern States are the better for keeping, and therefore, for exportation, the states in higli latitudes, must eventually be distinguished for this crop as an article of commerce ; and winter pears will be raised in the same states with nearly equal advantage. Of the small fruits, cherries, gooseberries, currants, strawber- ries and raspberries are most prosperous in tiie apple region. Blackberries and whortleberries are abundant in the Southern Atlantic States; but the other small fruits are better adapted to a northern region. At the present time New York exports more apples than any otlier state, supplying the large markets of New England, where from various causes, some yet unexplained, the apple has not prospered for several years past. New England, with its granite soil, is prol)ably a better apple country than the limestone region of New York. But New York is more exclusively devoted to agriculture, while New England devotes a large proportion of labor to manufactures. Wherever the lands afford good natural pasturage throughout the summer, the apple finds a congenial climate ; but a limestone soil is not so favorable to tliis fruit, as one formed of the debris of slate and feldspar. New Jersey is the most distinguished of all the states for SFPTEMBER. 267 the goodness and abundance of its peaclies ; for though not better adapted to the peach than some other states in the same latitude and south of it, this state occupies the most favorable position for exporting peaches to a northern market. Peaches do not prosper in Maryland, on account of the severity of its spring frosts, and the frequency of winter thaws. A few warm days will occur in winter, starting the sap of tlie trees and swelling the buds, followed by cold north winds, bringing with them severe frosts which are often fatal to the crops. There is the same liability to frost during the blossom which happens very early. The climate of this region is admirably adapted to the ripening of any fruit, that escapes the vicissitudes of the winter and spring. New Jersey and Delaware are rendered less liable to these accidents by their proximity to the sea, which retards vegetation in the spring, and ameliorates the severity of the cold changes. In the District of Culumbfa complaints are more frequently made of nipping spring frosts, than in the high Northern States ; and this liability to sudden changes, after the blossom is out, will probably, for many years to come, greatly injure the prosperity of the Middle States as fruit growing regions. No single state is more highly favored than Michigan for the production of all kinds of northern fruits. The extremes of its temperature, and that intensity wiiich would follow from its inland position, are modified by lakes Huron and Michigan, which almost com{)letely surround it. Climates of great intensity are apt to be proportionally unfavoral)le to fruit. Our own continent is somewhat unfortunate in iliis respect, the climate of the interior being both intense and extremely variable. The winters of Illinois, for example, often kill the pear tree, while the winters of the State of Maine are seldom injurious to it. It is their freedom from intensity and variability of temperature, compared with the interior States, that must render the Eastern States and Michigan eventually the most successful producers of fruits for winter use. In the Southern States, the summers are so long and so hot, that only the early varieties of the apple have hitherto prospered there. Their winter-apples drop from the tree 268 THE MAGAZINE OF HORTICULTURE. before they ripen. But tliese kinds were obtained from the north. Lately, according to Mr. Redwood, experiments have been made witli native winter apples which have succeeded well even as far south as Georgia. Tliese varieties were obtained chiefly from the mountainous districts; and their success seems to indicate that the Southern States may be able to raise winter apples nearly sufficient for home consumption. In conclusion, it appears that nearly all parts of the United States may profitably raise the most of the northern fruits to supply their home markets; and the skill and science of cultivators may finally overcome many of the difficulties wiiich have attended the acclimatization of northern fruits in the warm latitudes. Although no region in the world is better adapted to the culture of the apple than the New England States, the farmers of this section have given less attention to this fruit than a full kifovvledge of their interest would dictate. Within the past ten years they have been discouraged by the general failure of the apple crop and the ravages of the cankerworm ; but such failures have occurred at irregular periods in all countries and with all crops. There is no reason to suppose that the prosperity of the apple crop will not revive again, and perliaps in a very few years become as great as at any former period. POMOLOGICAL GOSSIP. The Golden Champion Grape, which we have before noticed, as exhibited before the Royal Horticultural Society, July 6th, and unanimously awarded a first-class certificate, is figured in the Gardeners' Chronicle. It is quite as large as the Cannon Hall, a little more tapering in the berry, and the bunches are large, measuring fully ten inches broad and fifteen inches long; they are also heavily shouldered. Color, clear pale amber, or golden, inclining, when fully ripe, to a deep amber, on the exposed side. The flesh is firm, rich, SEPTEMBER. 269 yet remarkably juicy and tender; the flavor rich, somewhat of the character of the best ripened Black Hamburgs, but exceedingly luscious and agreeable. It was raised by Mr. Thomson of Dalkeith, five years ago, between a seedling of the Champion Hamburg and the Bowood Muscat. The plant is remarkably fine and robust in growth, and very prolific, requiring exactly the same sort of treatment as the Hamburg. The leaves most nearly resemble those of the Muscat; they are slightly lobed, and very deeply and sharply serrated, and the leaf stalks have a reddish tinge. It is a noble grape, and one which will take the highest rank among white varieties. It supplies a desideratum which has long been felt, viz., the promise of a white grape of easy culture like the Black Hamburg, which is, par excellence^ the very best constitutioned grape in cultivation ; the gardeners' sure and trusty friend. It will be offered for sale the coming autumn. New Strawberries. — At the Meeting of the Western New York Horticultural Society, at Rochester, June 21th, there was a very good exhibition of strawberries, and among them some new seedlings. Jacob Morse exhibited several varieties ; J. Keech, Waterloo, several seedlings, one called Trumpet, large, brisk, pleasant flavor. H. Russell, Seneca Falls, two new seedlings, large and promising. T. R. Peck, Waterloo, 33 seedlings, many of them very large and showy. NiCANOR, Messrs. Ellwanger & Barry's new seedling, is highly spoken of as a market fruit, likely to surpass the Wilson. The color of the fruit is bright scarlet, and it has the flavor of the Triomphe de Gand, from which it was raised. The vines are very vigorous, hardy and productive. Hathaway's Seedling Strawberries. — Mr. B. Hathaway of Little Prairie Ronde, Mich., gave a long account of his seedling strawberries in the Western Rural. Out of a large number he has four, designated as Nos. 1, 6, 9, 3, which he tliinks very valuable,* and, as for product, however much it may seem like exaggeration, " it was no unusual thing to pick a heaping quart from a hill at one picking, from either of these numbers, except 6." No. 1, for field cultivation, will take the lead; the berry is 270 THE MAGAZINE OF HORTICULTURE. light scarlet in color, about the size of the Wilson, with fewer small ones, hang on the vines well, and as for friiitfulness it is a marvel to behold. One hill, no ways remarkable from the others, produced one and one-third of a quart, or at the rate of four quarts to three hills. To say that my No. 1, alone, as a succession to the Wilson, is worth more than all the sorts disseminated since the introduction of that variety, is but to give expression to the opinion of every fiuit grower that has seen it in fruit in my grounds. It is a staminate sort. The other Nos. are pistillate. Romeyn's Seedling is the iiame of a new variety raised by M. Romeyn of Kingston, N. Y., specimens of which were exhibited at the Farmers' Club of the American Institute, and reported upon by a committee, who state it is a very vigorous plant and large bearer, — in color and size equal to any berry that has any merit for flavor. It yields as well as the Wilson, and in flavor and appearance resembles the Triomphe de Gaud. Twelve berries, selected from Mr. Romeyn's vines, weighed twelve ounces. Ilhe l)est hylirid in the garden is six years old. Mr. C. Downing states that "having examined this variety the present season, in garden and field culture. I think it a promising variety; if it succeeds as well in other localities it will prove an acquisition. The fruit is large, fine color, very firm, excellent flavor, and productive, and the plant seems hardy and vigorous. Continues late in bearing." RANDOM THOUGHTS ON WILD PLANTS. BY A. "C. R. A ride in the cars to Gloucester, and then by stage to Annisquam, this tenth day of August, revealed much wild and picturesque scenery, snug houses, thrifty' orchards, amid huge bowlders and almost sterile hill pastures; but the gorgeous exhibition of the Fire weed on each side the railroad, amid the burnt stumps of trees, along the rocky slopes and covering the wide area as far as the eye could reach or the SEPTEMBER. 271 Opening of the woods would allow, naturally suggested wliy this heautiful plant should not receive the attention of florists and be subjected to cultivation. The Epilubium ang-vstifo/ivvi, says Dr. Bigelow, in his Plants of Boston, is a tall plant, bearing a profusion of blue (?) flowers, or perhaps rose colored flowers would be a better expression ; and Dr. Darlington, in the Flora Cestrica, describes them of a purplish lilac-color; the plant, though unfortunate in being named by Linnaeus as the narrow leaved Willow herl), seeing its leaves are ranch wider than those of kindred species, " is, in fact, quite pretty — rwith large racemes of showy flowers ;" and Torrey and Gray, in their excellent Flora of North America, tell us that it is a plant with large flowers, in a virgate raceme, of a purplish lilac color, and " sometimes white," on the authority of Pursh, he finding it in "wet springy ground, in the mountains of New Hampshire, New York and Pennsylvania, also in Canada, with beautiful purple flowers." The united testimony of botanists thus bespeaking its merits, and loud in its praise, it were not unlikely that fine and marked varieties could be originated, beside the native "white" one; for instance, deeper lilac, richer "purple," striped red and white, mottled, spotted, speckled, vying with the phlox, which within so few years has so vastly improved from the original, as it still lingers in its questionable beauty in old gardens or beside some door in the village. That its winged seeds might scatter it far and wide, and make it an obtrusive weed is no valid objection, for many are tlie choice flowers of the garden which lie under the same grave charge. The rapidity of motion did not allow the smell of the glaucous magnolia which grew concealed in many a bog and swamp of the woods, even supposing that a few lingering buds were yet expanding, but instead the eye feasted itself on the myriad pure white pond WWes, {N//mph(ea odorata) which covered the sluggish streams or enamelled the stagnant pools. And occasionally the glimpse of a yellow Canada lily, or of the rich orange and elegantly constructed upright lily, (L. Phifadefphicum) delighted the observer, as they gleamed amid the grass. How strange the taste which imports at great expense the rarities of Japan, in varieties 272 THE MAGAZINE OF HORTICULTURE. « of Lilium aurantiacum and iigrinum, and does not try to cultivate the native L. Catesbai, the superbum and the above-mentioned, and improve (?) them by art. On the opening of one of the flowers of one of these oriental dainties, after long and patient waiting, " it is good for nothing," said a zealous amateur, " not a quarter as pretty as the red lily of our whortleberry pastures," and the by-stander thought he was at least half right. But far fetched, dear bought, will long be an argument for admiration and adoption, and the more costly the more prized. FLO RIC ULTU R AL NOTICES. The Lilies. — A very fine show of lilies has been made at the exhibitions of the Massachusetts Horticultural Society. These have embraced very fine specimens of the native L. superbum, canadensis and philadelphicum, showing that they equal if they do not excel any of the foreign lilies, unless the Japan. The colors are not so delicate and cheerful as many of the foreign sorts, nor the flowers as large, but for stateliness of growth, and profusion of bloom, they rival them in effective- ness and general display. Among the newer kinds were some varieties of the L. umbellatum, L. Buschianum, L. tigrina Fortuni, and others. These lilies were shown by Messrs. Parkman, Rand, and Hovey. Messrs. Hovey again exhibited their seedling lily, which had expanded ten or twelve of its large and superb blossoms on three stems, maintaining its rank as the most remarkable of lilies. Exhibition of Californian Cones. — Not exactly floricult- ural, but highly interesting arboriculturally, an exhibition of California cones was made by J. Q. A. Warren, at the Mas- sachusetts Horticultural Society, comprising a collection of the cones of Pinus Lambertiana, Sabiniana, Coulteri, insignis, and ponderosa, Picea nobilis and grandis, &c. Some of these cones were of immense size, and of rare beauty, showing how SEPTEMBER. 273 magnificent these California trees are, where the climate is favorable for their growth. Few things could be more orna- mental than a splendid tree covered with these cones, some of them a foot or more long. It is the first collection ever exhibited in Boston, and is an evidence of the ornamental character of our American coniferous trees. Mr. Warren was awarded a silver medal for the collection. We .un- derstand that a set of these cones, numbering thirty or forty species, was secured for the Boston Society of Natural History ; and that other collections have been ordered by amateur cultivators of evergreens. Fine Gladiolus. — The new Gladiolus are great improve- ments upon the older varieties. W. C. Harding, Esq., exhibited a dozen specimens on the 14th of August, wiiich were remarkable for their beauty and distinct character.. The names of some of these were Mozart, Eugene Scribe^ (very fine), Thunberg, Ad. Broigniart, Urania, La Fiancee, Princess Alice, and Stella. These are much in advance of anything we have seen, either of the foreign or American varieties. Our cultivators must be on the alert to compete with the French growers of this splendid tribe. Eugene Scribe is a most superb flower, of a light rose and carmine, and Ad. Broigniart, a very rich light scarlet. Stella, yellow and rose, extra. PALMS AS DECORATIVE PLANTS. We have, in a previous volume, and at various times, recommended the growth and introduction into our gardens of many of the easier cultivated sorts, for the purpose of decorating the lawn in summer, and the conservatory or parlor in winter ; and we have been surprised at the slight interest which has been manifested by gentlemen of wealth and taste in this noble tribe. The extent to which they are grown in Europe is almost incredible. It is no uncommon thing for some of the German nurserymen, who make a VOL. XXXIV. — NO. IX. 18 274 THE MAGAZINE OF HORTICULTURE. specialty of tlieir culture, to raise tliem by tlie thousand", and to find a demand for the whole stock. Of course, with the great wealth and advancement of liorticulture in Europe, it is not to be expected that they should be appreciated with us in the same way tiiat they are there ; tliis may come in time. Yet, with the well known love of amateurs for ornamental plants, it is surprising that palms should be so much overlooked. On the Continent their introduction is not confined to gardens or special collections, but they are employed every- where for the decoration of halls, large rooms, corridors, indoors, &c., and upon all festive occasions, their stately forms, and rich foliage, being much more effective and grand than simply flowering plants, which soon lose their beauty, and fade and wither under the high or close atmosphere and gas of crowded rooms. For the lawn in summer, or around the house, upon the veranda, or balcony, they give an ornamental aspect, at all times highly attractive. Tlie very hardy kinds may be kept in a light warm cellar in winter, but to have them in tlieir greatest beauty a cool house is better. Those that require a higher temperature are less desirable, except where there are appropriate and roomy houses to winter them. Where they can have such a place they grow rapidly, and soon form superb objects. M. Burel, a French cultivator, in an article in the " Horti- culteur Francais," has given a list of same of the best palms adapted to the general purposes of decoration, both in the open air, and for rooms and conservatories. Many of them are yet rather rare, and difficult to obtain ; but with a good demand there would soon be a supply of handsome plants. Some of the best for ordinary houses, and for the lawn, requiring but little care, are the following : — Chamaerops excelsa, C. humilis, Corypha australis, Latania borbonica, Thrinax elegans, Seaforthia elegans, Cocos australis, coronata and flexuosa, and Phoenix dactylifera. The following is the list recommended by M, Burel : — The employment of palms for the decoration of large SEPTEMBER. 275 rooms, corridors, halls, windows, &c., is not by any means as general as it ought to be in this country, considering how easy is the culture of many of the species. Size need not form an obstacle, as there are many of comparatively small proportions, nor is a high temperature necessary in all cases. With a view of calling attention to their use as ornamental plants for the localities indicated, we extract, from an article of M. Burel in the " Horticulteur Fran^ais," the following list of suitable species: — 1. Leaves fan-shaped. Chamaerops excelsa. — The habit is somewhat stiff in youth. It is very hardy, bears cold without inconvenience, and may be grown for a long time in rooms without injury. Chamaerops humilis. — This species does not bear the cold so well as the preceding, but it does well in ordinary temper- atures, and its habit is graceful, especially when grown as a stove plant. Chamserops Martiana. — Not so common as, and more tender than, the preceding. Chamaerops stauracantha. — This species demands a constant high temperature and free exposure to light. It is impatient of cold. Rhapis flabelliformis. — Very well adapted for culture in rooms if kept away from chimneys and hot draughts, and placed close to the light. Rhapis humilis. — Rather scarce ; the same remarks apply as to the foregoing. Corypha australis. — A fine palm when once it has got into growth ; it does well in rooms at the ordinary temperature if kept away from cold draught. Corypha rotundifolia, Jenkinsii, mauritana. — These rather rare species require, in order to grow them well, a warmer temperature than does C. australis, and also free exposure to light. Latania borbonica. — A magnificent palm, generally grown, but which requires considerable heat. Its leaves should be frequently syringed and washed, and the plant should get as much light as possible. Latania rubra. — A beautiful species, but one that requires 276 THE MAGAZINE OF HORTICULTURE. a situation where the temperature is kept high. It is not much employed. Sabal umbraculifera. — Less elegant tlian the Latanias, but hardier. Sabal Palmetto. — An excellent species, which does well in apartments. Sabal Adansonii. — Will do well for a considerable time at the ordinary temperature of apartments. Thrinax argentea.— A very elegant palm, which does well for culture in rooms, but it is rare. Thrinax elegans. — A charming plant, with elegant andx graceful habit. It is much employed to decorate vases in saloons by reason of its small size. It prefers a sustained high temperature. All the species of Thrinax are excellent palms, which may be grown for a long time with care and with the necessary heat, but they are not common in the trade. 2. Leaves pinnate. Phoenix dactylifera, sylvestris, reclinata. — These palms with elegant foliage are very hardy, they may be grown for a long time in saloons at the ordinary temperature ; they are not very sensitive to cold, but are difficult to keep clean. Fulehironia senegalensis. — An excellent plant, especially for large and tall or raised vases, by reason of its spreading loaves. This palm has also tlie bad quality of retaining the dust on its leaflets, but on the other hand it is very liardy, but little sensitive to cold, and does well if freely supplied with water. Areca sapida. — A fine plant, dear and scarce ; it does not require much heat, but demands plenty of light. Areca rubra requires a continuous high temperature, and is impatient of cold draughts and excess of moisture. Areca lutescens requires the same temperature as the preceding, but is less tender. All the Arecas require warm localities, free from draughts of cold air. They must not, therefore, be placed on balconies with the view of exposing them to the fresh air, when the external temperature is not higher than 8—10° Cent. Jubae spectabilis. — A very strong growing (^solide) palm, but scarce. SEPTEMBER. 277 Cliamoedorea Eriiesti-Augusti, elatior. — Tliese palms do well in a room with ordinary heat. Tiiey can, however, only be employed in the young state, as they soon lose their lower leaves. Seaforthia elegans. — Large and beautiful plant, which does well in well-lighted rooms with sufficient heat. The same remarks apply to S. Dicksoni and S. robusta, which are rare in cultivation. Cocos australis, comosa, coronata, flexuosa, &c. — Large palms, with elegant and slender foliage, very useful -for grouping in masses against walls or by the sides of mirrors. Ordinary temperature suffices for them. Attalea spectabilis, speciosa. — Very handsome palms, but scarce. They require a high temperature. Caryota urens, Cumingii, &c. — These palms are fit for the decoration of halls, but to preserve them a continuous high temperature is required. They have not the majestic appear- ance of some other palms. Their leaves appear as if gnawn by insects. They would only be useful in decorations on a large scale, and by way of contrast. Ceroxylon niveum, andicola. — Bold foliage, but not very elegant. Plants of moderate duration requiring considerable heat; rare and dear. Geonoma magnifica, Verschaffeltii, Ghiesbreghtii, Porteana, &c. — The Geoiioijias, though hardy enough in the ordinary temperature of saloons, are not in much request, by reason of their entire and not very elegant foliage. Calamas. — Pretty palms, but rare and high priced. They require a continuous high temperature. Daemonorops melanochetes. — A charming little palm, re- quiring considerable heat; dear and scarce. Elaeis guineensis. — This palm, very suitable for vases, requires a warm temperature, and exemption from cold draughts. Trithrinax mauritiaefurmis. — This little palm is suitable for vases in saloons, but requires a continuous heat.- 278 THE MAGAZINE OF HORTICULTURE. §tntxixl B^ticn. The Rat Tail Radish (Rappanus Cacdatus). — Few amongst us know the real value and use of this singular vegetable. When the plant "was first introduced, few really practical men would take the trouble to give it a fair trial. I am, however, rather partial to the delicate flavor of the young pods, when eaten like common radishes, as a relish, with bread and butter, for breakfast. Nevertheless, I have never seen or heard of its being in regular use until the other day, when I had the pleasure of visiting the fine gardens at Sandringham, the princely seat of H. R. H. the Prince of Wales. There I saw a goodly patch of this radish growing in the open border, and one of the men picking a handful of the pods, to be included in the ordinary basket of salads for the day. Mr. Carmichael, the gardener, told me that he always kept a regular supply of it, and that it was much used and relished at the royal table, a fact surely worth knowing. It is a plant of easy cultivation; it will grow in heat, in pots ; and it may be had even in the open borders ; and in a season like the present, when common radishes are not obtainable, and when nearly all sorts of salading are at a premium, the Rat-tail radish will be found extremely useful. The pods must be used while they are quite young and tender, when by being slightly bent they will snap in two, — ^just about the same age and condition in which we now use our common kidney beans. — (Gard. Chron.) LiLiCM AURATUM. — There is, as you have justly stated, nothing extraor- dinnry in the quantity of blooms produced by this lily at the Edgebaston Nursery. I have a plant of it here in a 16-inch pot, which has already produced seven stems, on which is an aggregate of 52 flowers, and on one spike yet inexpanded, are 49 healthy well swelled flo\<%r buds. I grow my plants in gpod peat, and I do not shake out the bulbs when the plants are dormant : on the contrary, 1 allow them to start again in the same pot, and shift onwards in the same compost. Much of the failure that sometimes takes place in the cultivation of this beautiful lily must be attributed to the division and shaking out of the bulbs, operations which not only bruise, but actually sometimes break away the outside ripe scales, each of which forms in itself a reservoir of nutriment for future growth and support. — [Id.) Mode of Destroying Thrips, Mealy Bug, &c. — In conclusion I must mention a plan of treating scale, thrips, mealy bug, &c., followed by Mr. Cole, which he thinks original. If so, it certainly deserves to be well known as most simple, efficacious, and cheap. He merely makes a solution of mud, by mixing strong loam with water, and then dips the plant in it, or syringes it with the mud water. The latter sticks to the leaves and stems, and smothers the vermin, coating the eggs so that the larva cannot grow. In a week or ten days he syringes the plant with clear water, and generally finds it clean. He has lately treated soms beds of verbenas infested with SEPTEMBER. 279 the black bug in this way, with complete success. The verbenas^ which were badly attacked, were poggred to the earth, and then syringed with the mud water. The latter impinging against the soil is forced up on the under side of the leaves and incrusts the vermin in an earthy tomb. The appearance of the bed was spoiled for a week, but already a new and healthy vegetation is growing up. — {Id.) Weeds. — But it is not flower beds only that are encumbered with weeds. Lawns and gravel walks are quite as much troubled in that way and require quite as much care and attention to keep them nice. Upon lawns, perhaps the most troublesome weed is dandelion, because its roots run down so far that it is difficult to get it out, and if you merely cut it off near or just below the 'surface of the ground, the plant is alniost sure to grow again. The peculiar mode of its growth renders it a particularly undesirable tenant upon a lawn. Its leaves grow horizontally and vertical- ly, and cover as a thick whorl upon the crown of the root, so thick that no other plant can grow under ihem; and consequently when you cut off one or more plants, a bare space on the lawn indicates too plainly what you have done, until grass has had time to grow and cover it. If the soil will permit, the best instrument for dividing the root deep down,_is an asparagus knife ; but a stronger instrument is usually required, and there is probably nothing to beat a spade for the purpose. In gravel walks the commonest weed is grass, for the eradication of which the finger and thumb is the best machine yet invented. In dry weather the grass is very hard to pull up; but after sho. vers it comes up very readily, though it is rather back-aching work. Clover is of very common occurrence in garden walks, and from the extent over which its roots ramify it is difficult to pull up, except when the ground is damp. FuNKiN ALBA. — Can any one give me information as to the proper treatment of the charming Funkin alba, so as to cause it to flower as abundantly as it does on the Continent. Last August there were on each side of the door of a hotel at Fontainebleau two large tubs filled with plants of it, with flowers as abundant as the leaves, and diffusing a fragrance similar to that of Lily of the Valley. — [Id.) Nerium spLE^DENs. — This Oleander, as grown and exhibited by Mr- Lees, Tynninghame, deserves special notice. It is usually so ill-grown and leggy, with a few flowers surmounting its foliage, that it seems almost a wonder how a specimen plant, four feet across, in capital foliation, with hundreds of gay blossoms as thickly set as a well flowered rhododendron, can be produced. Such, indeed, was Mr. Lees' plant, as shown at Edin- burgh, and it was one of the most striking objects in the hall, particularly striking to the initiated culturist. Mr. Lees' plan of cultivation is to grow on the plant freely in an intermediate house for a couple of years, keeping it " near home" by pinching. When it arrives at something like specimen size it is gradually hardened off; the pot is. matted with roots, and the wood 280 THE MAGAZINE OF HORTICULTURE. ripened in a cool greenhouse during the autumn and winter of the year previous to that in which it is intended to crop it with bloom. Nothing seems to be more easily managed, only it must be treated to copious supplies of water, and the foliage syringed to maintain a viridescent appearance. Really this is a subject worthy of the most advanced practitioner experimenting upon. — (W.) Shading for Glass-houses. — On reading your answer to "Ignoramus," respecting blinds, I have thought it might be worth while to record a different method of shading which we have had in operation here for several years, and which answers well, I would not say better than the plan you recommended, but as a roller involves extra cost it is sometimes important to know the cheapest method of accomplishing an object. Our plan is as follows: — We purchase "tiffany," or "Brown's floral shading," and tack the material inside the hous.es. The operation is very quickly performed, and much time is saved; besides, the material lasts longer by being kept inside, the heat is greatly economized, and accidents, which so frequently happen through neglect, are prevented. I have tried this plan in our conservatory or show-house, without sustaining any damage in any way. I might say the same of our orchard houses, which are glazed with thick dark glass ; notwithstanding this, we grow good solid, stiff, and healthy plants, with the shading fixed as has just been mentioned during several summer months. If some contrivance could be found for rolling up this inside shading, when not required, I am satisfied that the plan would be generally adopted. I might also say that we adopt a method of covering our ventilators, &c., with Hay thorn's hexagonal netting, and that by this meiins we keep our houses comparatively free from wasps, bees, and flies.— (M) Amaranthus tricolor as a Bedding Plant. — Has any of your readers tried this beautiful plant for this purpose.' I find that it is on an equality with regard to hardiness with the Amaranthus melancholicus rub^r, Coleus Verschaffeltii, Iresine, &,c. ; but it far surpasses them all in brilliancy of color. It is liable to be attacked by red spider when grown under glass, but in the open air it grows freely, and the color is truly splendid. — [Id.) LiLiCM AORATUM. — On a recent visit to Mr. Andrew Turnbull, gardener to the Earl of Home, Bothwell Castle, I saw there an example of this ororgeous lily in great perfection. The plant was growing in a 13-inch pot, yielding one stem about eight feet long, with no less than liO leaves. Tlie number of leaves and the height of the stem clearly attest how closely they must have been arranged in tiers; and how necessary it is toward a successful infl- rescence, to induce and maintain a corresponding breathing power, is, or ought to be, well known to every horticulturist. There were seventeen flowers on the stem, by no means an unprecedented number, for others have come within cognizance considerably exceeding this; but then SEPTEMBER. 281 the flowers! each flower measured 12 inches across, and had the additional charm of great breadth of perianth, the segments overlapping one another, and the whole presenting a full and appreciable outline. To complete the description it must be added that the spike was as perfect as a hyacinth, the lower tier of flowers looking as if geometrically operated upon, tier after tier in an alternate manner keeping, in military phrase, in proper "dressed" position. The spike was thirty inches long and twenty-four inches across its base — a very picture of symmetry, both as regards foliage and inflorescence. From the above notice it will be seen that it is not so much a question of " Have you got Lilium auratum?" as it is, "What is your variety?" Many of the sorts under cultivation can never ape Mr. TurnbuU's superb variety. But notwithstanding this remark there are thousands in the country equally as good, so that with a proper regard for cultivation gardeners can not only produce a striking object, taking size and free blooming properties into consideration, but a perfect mammoth, so artistically arranged as to individual flowers, and so perfect withal, that the florist dare not refuse it admittance within his prescribed domains. It is, too, one of the much needed plants in a cool conservatory during summer and autumn, standing out in bold relief to pelargoniums, fuchsias, and such other things as perpetually meet the eye and almost weary it by their constant repetition. Great size is always attractive, and when to that we have such beautiful spotting on a pure wiiite surface, relieved with the bright golden bands that, as it were, form the thew and sinew of its existence, we have additional sources provided for commanding and eliciting our admiration. — [Id.) New Dwarf AaBORviTiE. — Mr. A. G. Burgess of East New York recently favored us with the sight of a specimen of his new Dwarf Arbor- vitae, which he has named Commodore Nutt. It is very dwarf, growing only four to six inches, and is very bushy, branching out close to and even below the ground, rooting at the base of the stems like box. It is perfectly hardy, and so dwarf and compact, that it will undoubtedly become one of the most valuable plants for edging, taking the place of box, which is always more or less injured in our climate. Mr. Burgess is now offering it for sale, and we have no doubt it will prove to be a plant greatly wanted. It has only the long linear leaves of the Dwarf Arbor Vitses, more like the Retinospora, which gives it the appearance of some species of heath. Iresine Herbstci (Achyranthes.) — Last summer, with plenty of water, it did well, and looked handsome. Our garden is situated on a hill with very light gravelly soil ; in fact it consists of nothing but gravel, for twenty feet down, and the beds where I have Iresines have not been watered all the season, and yet I never saw it do better. True it was planted out early, and in good condition. I have taken hundreds of cuttings off it and more. Some of the plants measure eighteen inches, though my experience with it is that it does not want much water when once it is established. And in winter the drier it is kept (in reason) the better, for if 282 THE MAGAZINE OF HORTICULTURE. watered too much it will soon shed its leaves. Than this I know of no plant more easy to propagate. LiMDM ACRATUM — Some nurserymen recommend this to be planted in peat, but I have found it to do a great deal better in good stiff loam, with plenty of manure and sand, and if watered occasionally with strong guano water the plants thrive better still. — [Gard. Chron.) The Lime as a Street Tree. — Allow me to suggest the propriety of using the lime as a street tree for the purpose of a promenade. Of rapid growth, graceful habit, hardy constitution, and the most exquisite sweetness, rivalling the grape vine itself in the rich aroma of its blossoms, it is an arboral treasure of the dearest, sweetest kind, and I trust it may be raised. Nothing can exceed it in sweetness. A row along the Thames embank- ment would go a long way towards perfuming all London, and in every other respect it is worthy of such a place of dignity and honor as the Thames embankment. I trust, therefore, that Limes may be planted. — [Id.) Palms for Parlors. — An amateur, writing from Italy, where some of the palms are, thus alludes to them for house decoration : — Several of the palms which I raised last November, Corypha australis and Cycas revoluta, f planted in Jardinieres, and kept in a south drawing room, in a day temperature of from 62° to GG°, and night temperature of 56° to 60°. They remained perfectly healthy all winter, and in repotting them in the spring I found their roots quite fresh and sound. Palms are much used in this way in Paris, in summer for room decoration. They are very ornamental in rooms, and very hardy, bearing the dryness of the atmosphere of inhabited houses, with apparent immunity. Indeed it is sufficient to visit the palm houses on the Continent, in spring, to be convinced of their hardihood. Salvia gesnerifolia. — This choice salvia is specially a winter bloomer. We have endeavored to flower it out of doors, but only succeeded in growing robust specimens which bear lifting and potting in October very nicely. The slight shock of removal (quickly recovered) induces a most liberal development of flower buds, which expand in succession, commencing early in December, and at this time of writing (January 31) it is a complete mass of the most brilliant pale scarlet or cherry red blossoms. One plant is exceedingly conspicuous in a back row. It is nearly three feet high, with half a dozen much branched leading stems; every one of the laterals having a panicle of expanded bloom or buds in process of development. For gorgeous effect, or duration of bloom it cannot be surpassed. Plants grown throughout the summer in pots, started at the same time as those set out in the open ground, care for them as you may, bear no comparison either in vigor of growth or profusion of flowers. This salvia can be raised from seeds or cuttings. The latter put in now root quickly, if in a very porous medium. -We greatly prefer a mixture of finely sifted SEPTEMBER. 283 charcoal dust and very gritty sand, half and half, which seems to agree ■with almost anything at this season of the year. Later we add a little fresh 3-year old leaf mould. In potting the salvia (after removal from the border) the compost should be rich and porous. — {Card. Monthly.) The Cyclamen is tuberous rooted, and can only be raised from seeds, as it produces no offsets. An ample supply can be obtained by sowing in February. Use shallow boxes; fill up two-thirds with a guano compost (as the seedlings are not to be shifted for some time) and the balance with a less rich mixture and rather more sand. As the seedlings progress, remove any developments of furze beginning to grow around the young tubers, which presently show on the surface, and carefully stir the soil, but not so as to disturb them. Later, carefully remove some of the surface soil, and replace with a richer compost. Decayed cow manure is by far the best, with a little yellow loam and sand. In September lift carefully so as not to damage the roots, and repot the small tubers (then about the size of peas) round the sides of flower pots, just below the surface, and no more, so that when watered they may partly reappear. The young stock must be kept growing without intermission. In the following fall select the tubers according to size, and plant two or three in a pot, or singly in rather small sized pots, just as you want them in particular positions. Full grown tubers are larger than the biggest bulbs of gladiolus. The cycla- men must never be allowed to dry up, even during its period of rest, at which time, however, bestow water sparingly. It does not cease to grow all the year round. — ( Gard, Monthly.) The Dahlia, a Decorative Plant. — How true is your remark that the dahlia is not made the most of, and h3w apparent must this fact be to all, who are in the habit of seeing the dahlia grown, or rather allowed to exist, as it generally is in both private and public gardens. If we take the trouble to observe, we find old roots planted year after year without the least regard to color, habit of growth, or height ; and as the buff or brickwork colored sorts are generally the most hardy, these predominate. These are allowed to grow, without proper ties or stakes, until the wind breaks away what ought to be the most ornamental portion ; immediately after which some huge stakes are applied, to which the remaining lanky stems are tied, and the unsightly support is at once crowned with an inverted flower-pot. All I think will agree with me, that this picture is not in the least overdrawn. Now, as I have been a successful grower of this fine autumnal flower during the greater portion of my life, I intend to state how it should be grown in order to ensure a continuous and gorgeous display of bloom during summer and autumn. I also wish to give, here- after, a list of varieties most suited to the purpose, with the colors, habits of growth, &c., belonging to them, arranged according to their various heights. In the first place, no divided roots ought to be planted, as these invariably produce such strong shoots, that they rarely come into bloom until late in 284 THE MAGAZINE OF HORTICULTURE. the season, added to which the hfeight of the plant is considerably increased, the lower branches, if any, are too much elongated, and the flowers have not the same smoothness and beauty as those furnished by plants which are struck in the spring. There is no difficulty in procuring plants of this description, as all cultivators for show purposes propagate dahlias from cuttings, consequently they may be obtained from all nurserymen. These plants should be planted at least 3 feet from each other, about the last week of May or first week of June ; the latter I prefer, as on more than one occasion my entire collection has been severely damaged during the latter days of May. The soil should only be moderately good, but made as retentive of moisture as possible — anything short of clay will suit them. At the time of planting, neat, straight sticks, about 3 feet long, should be inserted in the ground, and to these the young plants should be carefully tied. They should be occasionally watered, until they have grown suffi- ciently to shade the ground, when watering may be dispensed with, unless the weather be so hot and dry as to cause the plants to suffer. In about a month or six weeks side shoots or laterals will be emitted from the main stem ; these should be carefully tied out to neat stout sticks, about 2 feet high. Not a lateral should be removed, as these produce the best flowers, and prevent the plants from having the usual leggy appearance which they often have. About five short sticks to each plant will be necessary; if properly placed, they will cause the plant when tied out to be as circular as a well grown greenhouse plant. Nothing more will now be required but to look the plantation over occasionally, and tie any branches to the stakes that may have grown out of bounds. No flower pots need be placed on the stakes, which ought to be all hidden from view by foliage by the time they are well in bloom. The sticks should be made of^nut, ash, or any wood that will retain the bark, as such are always less obtrusive than white or painted ones. They will also last for years if taken care of. 1 must again repeat the necessity for the lower branches being all left on the plants, as by that means they not only become well furnished with blooms from the bottom to the top, but are considerably decreased in height, and therefore much handsomer in appearance; the blooms are also not so liable to be damaged by wind. The habit of the dahlia of late years has been considerably improved, and instead of having plants 8 or 10 feet higli, as used to be the case among the collections grown for show, the majority are not over 4 feet; and the graceful habit of some when laden with blooms from the base to the summit is most pleasing. It has often been a matter of astonishment to me that all the capabilities of this plant for decorative purposes, and the great demand that exists for flowers, both in and out of doors, during the autumn months, that more has not been made of it, seeing that the care required in its cultivation is far less than is bestowed upon many less effective plants. I am answered that a mistaken idea, with regard to the necessary care required, together with many errors usually committed in its cultivation, are the main causes of its non-popularity. — [Gard. Chron.) SEPTEMBER. 285 Beddijsg-out at Chiswick. — In your last issue Mr. W. Robinson alludes to a beautifully-arranged circular flower-bed, opposite Mr. Barron's house, in the Royal Horticultural Society's Garden at Chiswick, This bed is really worthy of notice, the simplicity of its arrangement enhances rather than detracts from its effective appearance. It is even more beautiful than Mr. Robinson describes it, the primary color — yellow — of the Lonicera aurea reticulata being seen to more advantage by reason of its being in juxtaposition with the secondary and compensating color, purple. The latter color is afforded by a broad ring of purple King verbena (a fact which seems to have been overlooked); next to the verbena comes scarlet pelargoniums ; the central position is accorded to a plant of Ferdinanda eminens, its large velvety green foliage affording a cool grateful contrast to the brilliant scarlet below. The edging of Lonicera is the most perfect I have seen. I think the value of this plant for edging flower beds is scarcely as much appreciated as it ought to be. — {Id.) Campanula carpatica. — As a summer bedding plant, the old blue Campanula carpatica is worthy of a much wider recognition. A hardy perennial, it will do well in almost any situation, but it should not occupy a damp and low position during the winter. It commences to bloom by the beginning of June, and will continue to flower through the summer. The seed pods should be gathered, as they have an unsightly appearance, and their removal tends to induce the production of fresh flowers. The tufts should be lifted in early spring, divided if necessary, and replanted, using some good soil about the roots. It is invaluable for ribbon borders, and when once tried will not be readily abandoned. There is a so-called variety to be met with in some places, under the name of Bowoodiana, said to be much darker in color and more branching in the habit than the old variety, and said to have been selected at Lord Lansdowno's seat, at Bowood, Chippenham. — {Id.) How TO RAISE BOUNTIFUL CROPS OF BLACKBERRIES. — To inSUre good crops requires close attention ; the canes should be kept thin and well headed back ; and on poor land, an occasional dressing of manure, muck, or fertilizers of some kind, adds to the quantity and quality of the fruit. There is no likelihood of the market being overstocked with the fruit, as it pays well to make it into wine. Three quarts of blackberries and three pounds of sugar, with the addition of a little water, will make a gallon of wine, highly recommended for its medicinal properties, worth i$2 per gallon, while new; and its value increases with age. All the poorer berries, those that are too ripe to ship to market, may be properly converted into wine at home ; and only the finest and most perfect fruit sent to market, which will always command a fair price. List of Varieties. — Beiilg extensively engaged in the cultivation of blackberries myself — having grown thousands of bushels of them within the last few years, and tested many varieties, such as the New- Rochelle, Dorchester, Cutleaf, Newman's Thornless, Cape May, Cumber- land, Sinclair, Mason's Mountain, Missouri Mammoth, Idaho Climbing 286 THE MAGAZINE OF HORTICULTURE. Parker's Early, Felton, Brandenburg, Holcomb, Needham's White, Col. Wilder and Dr. Warder, also the Dewberries sent out by Dr. Miner, of Honeyeo Falls, N. Y., and have growing now ten acres of the" Kittatinny and thirty of the Wilson Early blackberry, I consider the latter the most profitable for market, and therefore have planted more largely of it than of any other variety. The fruit is large, luscious and sweet, as soon as black, holds its bright color and bears carriage well. The plants are hardy and productive. The Wilson will become a general favorite when its merits become more widely known. The berries sold readily in New York and Philadelphia markets last year, and this also, at 50 cents a quart, wholesale, when no other variety, that I am aware of, brought as much. Origin of the most valuable varieties. — It is somewhat remark- able that all the valuable varieties in cultivation have been found growing wild, and were selected and saved on account of their supposed merit over others, and from the thousands of seedlings raised, none have yet proved.superior to their parents. May it not be attributed to the fact that sufficient care has not been taken to mix the pollen of different varieties? Having grown seedlings for many years without favorable results, I have now adopted the plan of planting some of the best varieties near each other, so as to insure the admixture of the pollen of many flowers, thereby combining qualities in their seedlings which could in no other way be found"in the same fruit. If as much care and attention were bestowed in selecting and propagating new seedling blackberries as have been with the strawberry and grape, we might yet obtain varieties even superior to those that are now cultivated. — [JV. Parry, in fVhitlock's Recorder.) Soneties. OHIO STATE HORTICULTURAL. The Annual Report of this Society has been published, and, as usual, is a very interesting record of the progress of horticulture in the West. It forms a thick pamphlet of 84 pages, giving an account of all the meetings during the last year, with notes on fruits by some of the members. The grape and strawberry are very fully discussed, and all the nutnerous varieties briefly described or noticed. At the December meeting the name of the Society was changed from the old and familiar one of the " Ohio Pomological Society," to its present title, viz., Ohio State Horticultural Society. The officers are as follows : — Dr. J. A, Warder, President. G. W. Campbell, Vice President. M. B. Bateham, Secretary and Treasurer. The Exhibition of Fruit for 18(i8 will be held at Tolodo, September 21 — 25, in connection with the Ohio State Fair. Very liberal premiums are offered for fruits and other horticultural products. SEPTEMBER. 287 CINCINNAXr HORTICULTORAL. This Society, in connection with the Wine Growers' Association of Cincinnati, will hold a Fruit Exhibition, September 22 to 25. iorticultural Operations FOR SEPTEMBER. FRUIT DEPARTMENT. The refreshing rains of August and the cooler weather have given a fresh growth to all vegetation ; fruits of all kinds have greatly improved ; the crop of pears is light, and they are not so large and fair as usual, but they promise much better than in July. Grape Vines, in the greenhouse and grapery, will now be ripe and ready for cutting. Keep the house dry, with an abundance of air night and day. Keep the laterals pruned in where there are plants which need the light ; but in graperies they may be allowed to ramble more freely. In cold houses the grapes will begin to color, and will need considerable attention, as danger of mildew is not wholly over. Continue to damp the house, though not so liberally as hrretofore, and air liberally, but closing up the house early in cool nights, and when there are cool winds. Hardy vines may be pruned of superfluous laterals, but not so as to expose the grapes to the sun. Strawberry Plantations may now be made, first preparing the ground by deep spading and good manuring. Beds already made should be kept clear of all weeds, and the runners laid in at equal distances. Plants for forcing should be repotted into 6-inch pots, and placed where they can have the shelter of a frame during heavy rains. flower department. With September begins the preparation and housing of plants for the winter. Many of the more tender things should be put in in the early part of the month, while the more hardy sorts may remain out until the last of the month. Frames should be got in readiness for all the smaller things, as they keep much better than to be coddled in the house. See that the flues and heating apparatus are in good order, and collect soils for Avinter use. Azaleas should be removed to the house before cold rains occur, which are apt to injure the plants. See that they are free from the thrips and red spider. Keep in a* cool situation. Pelargonioms, not yet repotted, should be attended to at once. Shake out of the old soil, and repot into smaller pots, giving the plants the 288 THE MAGAZINE OF HORTICULTURE. protection of a frame. Cuttings, already rooted, should be potted off, and placed in a frame, or on an airy shelf in the house. Camellias should be more sparingly watered, as the weather is cooler. Remove to the house before frost. Chrysanthemdms may now be removed to their blooming pots. Water with liquid manure, and remove to frames before frost. CiNERARrAS AND CALCEOLARIAS should be kept in a frame until the weather is quite cool. Verbenas for winter flowering should be repotted. Caladiums should be more sparingly watered, as they attain their full growth. Monthly Carnations should be potted and removed to a frame, or the house. Chinese Primroses should be kept in a cool house, near the glass. Cyclamens may be repotted this month; keep in a frame as late as possible. Cuttings of Verbenas, Petunias, Geraniums, and other bedding plants, should now be put in for a spring stock. Callas should now be shaken out of the old soil, and repotted in fresh earth. Heaths should be taken up and potted, and removed to a cool frame. Tuberoses, for late flowering, should be removed to the house. Water with liquid manure. BouvARDiAS should be taken up and potted in good rich soil. Roses should be potted this month, and removed, to a cool frame. Bulbs, for early flowering, may now be planted. FLOWER garden AND SHRUBBERY. The lawn has assumed a new and fresh appearance since the refreshing showers, and will require frequent cutting. Continue rolling, when the ground is in the right condition. Clean, rake and roll the walks. Dahlias will now be flowering freely, and will require occasional pruning of the lateral branches, and tying up firmly. Carnations and Pinks, layered last month, may be removed to frames for the winter. Neapolitan Violets may now be removed to frames, where they are to bloom. Plants may also be potted for flowering in the house. Peonies may be transplanted this month. Pansy Seeds may now be sown in frames, for a spring supply of plants. Perennial Plants, of many sorts, may be taken up, divided, and reset. White Lilies should be replanted now, before they begin to grow. Japan Lilies, in full flower, will hold their beauty a long time, if shaded from the hot sun. Gladiolus, in full bloom, should be tied to neat stakes. Subtropical Plants, of many kinds, should be taken up and potted before the first light frosts, as they are likely to be much injured. OUR NEW FRUITS. How shall we encourage and stimulate the production of new varieties of Fruits or Plants ? and in what manner secure a proper reward to the producer ? These are ques- tions which are just now prominent and have received the attention of cultivators. The production of new and of course superior varieties is of the greatest importance in Horticulture or Floriculture. It is hardly possible to adequately appreciate this, only by a com- parison of the prominent fruits and flowers of to-day with those of a quarter of a century ago. A few years or a shorter period does not show, except in rare instances, these great im- provements, for they must necessarily be gradual and slight,, though in the aggregate of several years they are wonderfuL That this is so we need only instance a few of the most important. Among fruits, the strawberry and grape give,, perhaps, the greatest results. Not many years ago, the Early Virginia or Early Scarlet and the Old Wood strawberry were the only kinds extensively grown for market. Our Seedling, was the first popular American variety ; but during the thirty years since its production how largely have the varieties in- creased, and how improved their character ! Thousands of varieties have been raised and hundreds introduced as pos- sessing superior qualities ; and though but a partion of these have actually been of any value, the few that have stood the popular test have added immensely to the importance of the strawberry and given it a market value which it did not before possess. The Hovey, the Boston Pine, the Wilson, La Constante and several others have added to- the luxury of every table, while they have enriched thousands of cultivators- throughout the country. So with the grape. The day is within the remembrance , of almost every cultivator when the Isabella and Catawba were the only two hardy varieties worthy of attention. For a long period they seemed to supply the popular demand ; but VOL. XXXIV. — NO. X. 19 290 THE MAGAZINE OP HORTICULTURE. with the introduction of the Concord and Delaware, the Piana and Hartford Prolific, a new era commenced, and for the first time we had grapes which everybody could grow with the certainty of ripening, and possessing qualities equal, if not superior to the old varieties, which were uncertain at all times except in more Southern 'latitudes, and unprofitable as market fruits. How much have these improved varieties added to the resources of every cultivator, while the people have been abundantly supplied with ripe fruits at reasonable prices ! Flowers have been no less objects of the greatest attention. From the dingy red and yellow gladiolus, introduced not many years ago, have been originated the thousands of mag- nificent seedlings which now enrich our gardens with their flowers of almost every shade of color. From the semi-double irregular-flowered asters, of the same period, have been pro- duced the varied and magnificent paeony, imbricated and other varieties, now such prominent additions to the autumnal garden. The camellia, azalea, pelargonium and numerous others might be named which have undergone the same transformation, and last, but not least, the geranium, whose rainbow foliage has given it such a high rank as a decorative plant. How great indeed have been these changes ! Among vegetables the results have been the same. Wit- ness the large, perfectly formed, solid and smooth tomatoes of the present day ; the superior quality of our squashes ; the rich and sugary peas with their neat dwarf habit, and the valuable quality of the new potatoes. These are all im- provements which affect the whole mass of the people, adding new sources of profit to the industrious and energetic cul- tivators. In fact the history of horticulture from the time of Kniglit abounds with achievements of the highest importance, gained at the sacrifice of years of patient labor and investigation, by the zeal and enthusiasm of those who have made it a life-long study and essayed to advance the usefulness of the science and extend its benefits to all classes of the community. Nor has this been done in many cases with the hope of reward ; but rather from a pure love of the art and a desire to increase OCTOBER. 291 and extend the objects which contribute so much to our com- fort and health, or the gratification of our taste for beautiful things. But as wealth has increased and the taste of the people become more educated, and novelties more appreciated, a growing demand has stimulated cultivators to renewed exer- tions in the origination of new varieties, and the certainty of a rich reward has now become the prominent inducement and incentive to their production. A new grape which shall fill a place demanded by the public, a new rose which shall add to the variety already existing, or a new tomato which shall surpass our present kinds, is now looked for with as much interest as we look to the return of the season, and the lucky originator of either is sure of being rewarded for his labor. But the mass of the people, in all this expectatation for what they desire, know nothing of the time and labor which have been spent in the endeavor to accomplish the object of their wishes. The successes are heralded to the world ; but the failures are never known. How the skilful man has sown and reaped, year in and year out, before anything valu' able was obtained; how much time he has spent in trying and proving that which was thought superior, only to be dis- appointed in the end, can only be appreciated by those who are somewhat familiar with the production of new varieties. Could they be made apparent we should have less complaint of the extravagant prices of novelties, and a more general wish that the originators should in some way meet with a greater reward. The question now is, in what way shall the producer of new varieties be protected, so as to secure a just compensation for his services. Mr. A. S. Fuller, in some remarks upon this subject, proposes that the inventor or originator should be protected by a patent, and a writer in the Horticulturist seconds his proposal. The government, the latter says, " pro- tects the inventor of a clothes pin or a goose yoke by a patent, running seventeen years. He may fill warehouses with his improved goose yokes, refuse to sell them to an impatient public, and no one dares manufacture them except at his 292 THE MAGAZINE OF HORTICULTURE. peril. When he does sell, no one but himself can produce them unless by license. His monopoly for goose yokes is absolute, and cannot be broken up except by some more in- genious mind, inventing a different and better one. The most trifling mechanical contrivances have thus become step- ping stones to fortune. How little ingenuity it required to invent the goose yoke or tlie clothes pin ! Yet the govern- ment protected that little, and the protection secured rich rewards. Not so with the originators of new fruits or flowers. They labor in this vocation year after year, concentrating upon their efforts the experience and skill of a life-time, and not succeeding oftener than once in five hundred trials. Even when signally successful, their reward is too often be- low their merits." This is all too true, and it would be undoubtedly of the greatest advantage if some method could be devised for the better protection of originators of new varieties. Whether the process of patenting would accomplish this needs careful consideration. The same writer thinks there may be difficulties in the way, but .they may be overcome. His mode is as follows : — "As the law now stands, no one can manufacture a patented article without a license from the patentee. Let the inventor of a new plant receive his patent for it. When he sells the plants, let him also require payment for the right to manu- facture and sell other plants in a specified territory. If it be valuable, the purchaser of the right to that territory may dispose of rights to others, and thus refund himself lor what he paid the patentee. Should the plant be offered for sale beyond the limits of the territory sold, the patentee will become aware of it, and can prosecute for infringement pre- cisely as in the case of a machine or process. There ought to be no difficulty in having Mr. Fuller's excellent suggestion adopted." We must admit that this appears to be a very good mode of protecting the originators of new plants, and securing to them tiie profits of their sale, if it can be carried out. But there are many objections to it which the writer has not stated, and we fear that infringements would be so general OCTOBER. 293 t!iat little good would be effected after the first sale to local agents. After all, it is a question whether horticulture would secure any permanent benefit to be hedged about witli pa- tents, and subject to the injunctions and litigations which would be sure to follow ; it would, we fear, lose much of its character as a science and art, and lessen its hold upon those who view it not as a commercial speculation but as a source of pure enjoyment and delightful recreation. The benefits which might be secured to the inventors of plants, would in the end hardly compensate for the injuries which would result from any attempt to render art subservient to the " almighty dollar." It is not to be disguised, that of all the new fruits, or new plants, or new vegetables which are yearly originated and brought to notice, not one in fifty is worthy of notice, and the few which are really meritorious scarcely ever fail to bring a reasonable reward to the producer, not by any means often- times in proportion to their value, but sufficient to stimulate and encourage to continued exertions. -As we have said be- fore, in most cases the improvements are slight. Occasionally there is- a great advance at a single experiment, and when this is the fact, and the variety is properly brought before the public, tliey are generally appreciated and encouraged, and the originator rewarded for his labors. The mistake is in admitting that horticulture Jias no higher aim than dollars and cents, A patent which would have secured to Mr. Knight ten thousand pounds sterling for the various fruits which he originated, valueless as they mostly are now, would have been of far less value than the gratitude of millions for his life-long labors in the hybridization and pro- duction of new varieties ; and the same may be said of those who have succeeded him in similar works. The inventor of the clothes pin or the goose yoke will be forgotten, if indeed he be known at all, when the originator of a really valuable fruit or flower will be known to millions. We would do all in our power to encourage and reward the producer of new varieties. But first educate the public taste to the appreciation of those only of superior excellence. 294 THE MAGAZINE OP HORTICULTURE. and to ignore those which do not come up to the standard. This having been accomplished, the really meritorious will never lack appreciation or the originator fail to receive his due reward. THE SEASON AND FRUIT IN ENGLAND. BY T. RIVERS. It is with great pleasure that we present our readers with a letter from that veteran pomologist, Mr. T. Rivers, written to the Hon. Marshall P. Wilder, through whose kindness we have been favored with this communication. We annex the letter from Mr. Wilder, accompanying that of Mr. Rivers : — Mr. Editor, — I have just received the following interesting letter from Mr. Rivers, the great pomologist of England, from which you are at liberty to extract. In regard to the hybrid- ization of peaches and nectarines, I witnessed his results last year, they are indeed wonderful. Respectfully yours, Mar- shall P. Wilder. My Dear Old Friend, — How I wish you were here as last year to have a good long spell of talk. I fear I have not much to say, and that I am almost too idle to write ; for only think of our tropical weather, 90° to 92° in the shad ;, and so dry, for we have had no rain here for more than two months, so that our lawns are of the same color as our roads, and even shrubs are beginning to feel a little unhappy. As to such tilings as green peas and other succulent vegetables, of which we always have an abundance, they have, I suppose, gone to comfort our antipodes. We have, however, in this heavy land district grand crops of wheat and barley. I was at an auction sale the other day in this parish, in which the wheat was reported, at from 7 to 9 and 10 quarters per acre. It was in fact so exuberant as to seem as if the earth had given her utmost produce : it was indeed a glorious sight, the golden harvest, for not a speck could -be seen on the straw. There is something in harvest that takes one away from earthly thoughts, and one thinks of the promise that has never failed, OCTOBER. 295 and then cue looks at the bright straw, and humbly hopes to be as clear and bright, and to be crowned with golden ears, as full of life-giving grain. Our pastures are very brown, and we have no turnips as yet, or mangels, but if summer fehowers come there will be plenty. With regard to fruit we had a most abundant crop of pears set, which swelled to the size of the point of one's finger, and then nearly all dropped oflf, although when dissected, or rather bisected, no injury could be found in the core. This has taken place all over the country. Apples are a fair crop, but very " buggy," owing to the dry weather. Plums dropped off much as the pears did, but on many trees the crop is most abundant. My seedling early peaches turn out well ; a grower from New Jersey came over in spring, and took trees of all. They will make his fortune, only because they are so very early, and ripened as follows, all the trees in pots, and standing near together in the same room : Early Beatrice, July 4 ; Early Louise, July 8 (these are both of a deep crimson, and fine for market) ; Early Rivers, July 13 (this is white and ex- quisite, but too melting for market) ; Hale's Early, July 20. Early York, still hard, will ripen on or about the 30th. The fortnight's ditference between Early Beatrice and Hale's Early will be of great value in your country. Apricots, in our orchard-houses, have been most abundant ever since the first instant, and cherries, in the cherry house, ever since May 25 ; the late Black Bigarreaus are still in fine perfection. I have noted your new tariff. It seems unjust to allow you to import trees duty free, and make nurserymen pay it. Your rulers do very odd things. I had the pleasure, some weeks since, of lunching with Mr. Darwin, and was much delighted with him and all about him. You must get his books, " Animals and Plants under domestication." The weather is so hot that my hand trembles while I write. I am thy humble friend, ever truly yours, Thos. Rivers, July 22, 1868. Thermometer, yesterday, at 2 P. M., in the shade, 94'', to-day, 92^ In the sun, 120°. 296 THE MAGAZINE OF HORTICULTURE. VARIETIES OP FERNS. BY JOHN L. RUSSELL, SALEM, MASS. A little book, entitled a "Fern Book for Everybody, by M. A. Cooke," was published in London last year, and is a nice manual, in a cheap form, for amateurs and novices in the fern culture. In our shaded and rich woods grows the Asplenium filix fwmina, a beautiful species, greatly varying in size and culture, but according to our author varying much more in cultivation. We have waded through acres of tliis beautiful fern in luxu- riant profusion covering rocky places at the foot of cliffs and wet spots in thick woods. In the autumn, the fronds turn to a golden color and pale away to nearly white. Collected and dried between sheets of paper, they lielp essentially in the grouping of colored leaves for winter bouquets, and in the garden a tuft of the filix fcBmina makes a pretty show. We learn that in England it is called the Lady fern, " a somewhat doubtful term to designate the genus (subgenus) of AthyriumJ'^ With us it is considered Asplenium, the differ- ence in the form of the indusium not being thought essential. It is the fern immortalized by Scott, " Where the copsewood is the greenest, Where the fountain glistens sheenest, Where the morning dew lies longest, There the lady fern grows strongest." But think you, of " 60 or 70 recognized varieties of this fern which are in cultivation :" sixty or seventy varieties of lady fern, why the gentler sex could scarcely furnish so many varieties in its own personal attractions ! What a fernery they alone would make, and who has attempted the collection ! Or what botanist has arranged sixty or seventy varieties in his herbarium and placed them side by side, so as to trace the gradation from the type to its farthest aberrant form ! " The most typical and attractive are, the Marinum, found near the sea at Aberdeen, the fronds rather small, broad at the centre and tapering gradually upwards and downwards ; the Rhwticum, which grows in boggy places, the OCTOBER. 297 fronds smaller, narrower, the leaflets shorter and in habit it is more erect ; the broad-leaved latifoHum is a more desirable variety for cultivation ; it attains a good size, and the large, broad leaflets give it a most distinct and noble appearance ; the tasselled variety (inullipiduni) is one of the greatest favorites in cultivation ; the fronds are of the usual size and form, except that the apex is furnished with a branched tuft resembling a tassel, with a similar one terminating all the side branches ; the same character prevails in the depaupera- tum, and has the same starved and poverty stricken appear- ance, which characterizes the variety depaiiperatum of other species, as the name denotes ; the variety crispvm is very small and has whilst growing a pretty parsley like appearance, from the complex branching of tlie fronds. Certainly the most singular of all forms is that known by the name of Frizellice m which the fronds are not an inch in width, with kidneyshaped leaflets divided into two parts which overlap each other and are toothed at the edge ; these are attached to each side of the leaf-stalk, and more resemble a large Spleen wort of the Trichomanes kind than a variety of the Lady Fern." Who has FrizeUicB, multifidum, latifoHum, and who of our gardeners can exhibit any of the 60 or 70 varieties of the Lady Fern ? With us a narrow form is Asplenium angustum of Willdenow. With our British friends there are 60 or 70 varieties! "Near the margin of Bala lake in North Wales, it is a truly magnificent fern, for we have measured fronds of five feet in length, and counted from thirty to forty such fronds on a single tuft." What a pretty thing is Asplenium Trichomanes, with its shining, black, leaf stalks an*d simple pinnate frond, growing in tufts from crevices near the ground of shady rocks, almost everywhere ! And abroad too it "is not an uncommon species, being widely distributed over the British Isles. Its varieties are nine or ten (I), of which the incisum with deeply cut leaflets, each of which is like a fan of spreading long lobes : the branched (ramosuTn) the upper third of its fronds, divided and subdivided; the crested (^cr is latum'), with the upper portions of the fronds crisped ; the depauperate, curious but 298 THE MAGAZINE OF HORTICULTURE. not attractive," may be cited. The Hart's Tongue {Scolo- pendrium} a rare indigenous fern, but everywhere met with abroad, " a list of eighty five named varieties lies before us "!! Only think of 85 named sorts of Hart's tongue ; a perfect Polyglot such a tongue must be, and how eloquent in the silent language of Nature, " Sermons in " leaves ! The Soft Shield Fern {Polystichnm Angulare^ an European species not unlike our own fine. Mountain Aspidium aculeatum of the Northern States, is very " sportive with no fewer than 60 varieties, the handsomest of all is undoubtedly the plumo- sum in which the fronds will reach 9 inches in width and nearly 3 feet in length ; it has a spreading, plumelike habit, but is unfortunately a gem which is rai-e as well as rich." Ours is an aberrant form of the typical species, and though Swartz considered it identical, Koch has pointed out the distinction and called it variety Brauuii, in honor of the Berlin botanist well known to fame. The common polypody (^PoJypodium vufg-are} sometimes gives us deeply incised lobes to its fronds, such as I have found near Hubbardston, and in the vicinity of Wachusett; but abroad, see you, "about twenty varieties are recognized of this common fern," and one of these " called Omnilacerum has the margin of all the lobes of the frond cut into long tapering teeth," how beautiful it must be. In one of the choicest old gardens in the vicinity of Boston, I saw this summer in the border, a vigorous plant of the elegant Osmunda reg-alis or Royal fern ; it is European and North American alike ; it is the Water fern, delighting in wet places near brooks ; it is the Flowering fern, why, does not appear ; it is the "French Bracken, and a crested variety Qcristata) was described in the Gardeners' Chronicle for 1863, wliich does not attain so great a height, and is sought after by culti- vators;" a curious accidental form, in which the tips of the main divisions of the barren frond were fertile, occurred to my notice, gathered unperceived by one of a botanical class near Taunton in this state ; but the exact locality was lost. Some enterprising cultivator may, ere this, have raised other varieties from the spores of the British Cristata; at all events let us hope. OCTOBER. 299 I have said euougli to attract attention to the novelties to be found in the ferns: to gardeners, who have come to us from the fine collections in Great Britain and tlie Continent of Europe they are familiar, and may it not be anticipated, as it is desired, that by their efforts, taste and skill, similar lists of the New England and North American ferns will by and by be found in the Magazine of Botany, in the Gardeners' Monthly, in the Horticulturist, in the American Journal of Horticulture, and in the well got up Plant Catalogues of the United States. POMOLOGICAL GOSSIP. President Wilder Strawberry. — We have already noticed this variety, and we now present our readers with an engrav- ing (FIG. 10) of the fruit. The whole stock of plants has been purchased by Messrs. Tilton, and before long an opportunity will no doubt be offered to give this new variety a trial on other soils and localities. De Jonghe's New Strawberries. — M. de Jonghe, the orig- inator of La Constante, has raised three new seedlings, and has given a description of them in the Gardeners' Chronicle. He states that in a lot of seedlings of La Constante, a few years ago, he noticed characteristics in advance of this fine variety. To one of these seedlings he gave the name of President Wilder, to another, Charles Downing, and to a third Ferdinand Gloede. If they surpass La Constante, one of the finest strawberries yet introduced, we shall possess a list of superior varieties. The descriptions are as follows : — Of the first of these three in 1867 I wrote as follows : — " In the stalks of the leaves and of the fruits the growth and development of this variety offer greater consistency than in La Constante ; its constitution is hardy in all seasons. The hairs on its surface are rather inconspicuous, and all directed 300 THE MAGAZINE OF HORTICULTURE. JO. PRESIDENT WILDER STRAWBERUT. OCTOBER. 301 upwards (^direction ascensionelle'), a point which must not be overlooked." The fruit is nearly conical, but when full sized it becomes more oval. The seeds are abundant and rather large, arranged in symmetrical order on the surface. The skin is of a deep cherry color, very shining, like that of a chestnut. The flesh is firm, juicy, and of a brisk and relevee flavor. The name was given in honor of Marshall P. Wilder of Boston, known for half a century as a promoter of horti- culture in the United States, and for eighteen years President of a Pomological Committee. The fruit in question is a fine type of strawberry, and, so far as habit of plant and beauty of berries are concerned, eclipses La Constante. A plate of the fruit produces a splendid effect, either on the dessert-table or at an exhibition. The second of our select varieties is dedicated to Mr. Charles Downing, whose name is generally known from his having published the work of his brother, A. J. Downing, revised, corrected, and completed, under the title, "Fruits and Fruit- trees cultivated in America." Here are the remarks relating to this strawberry : — " There is considerable firmness in the leaf-stalk and flower-stalks ; the runners (^filets des otolons) are likewise short and firm. The plant has a vigorous but compact habit. Its constitution is hardy in all seasons. The divisions of the leaves are broad, flat, deeply serrated, of a deep somewhat dull green color, like those of the parent plant. The hairs are not numerous, and spread horizontally. The fruit is abundant, larger, and of a regular rounded conical form. In color it is usually of a pale cherry tint, not very shiny. The seeds, of a deep yellow color, are on the surface (not imbedded). The flesh is white, a little flesh- colored, very juicy, sugary, vinous, and with a very delicate arriere gout. In this last particular this variety will perhaps be the best of the series." The third variety is dedicated to M. Gloede, now of Beauvais, well-known for his success in the cultivation of strawberries, and for the efforts he has made to distribute the best varieties in cultivation. The variety is in every respect an improvement upon its parent. It has more vigor, with as much firmness in the leaf and fruit stalks. The leaf, of a deep green color and 302 THE MAGAZINE OF HORTICULTURE. shining surface, is large, its lobes rounded with broad and deep serratures. The hairs are very abundant, and spread horizontally. The floral scape, very firm, about five to six centimetres long, is developed upon a yearling plant, and bears seven to nine flowers, which set well as soon as the corolla opens. The fruits at first conical, become round, and subsequently elongated. As soon as the berries have attained half their dimensions they assume a reddish-brown color. When ripe the color is of a deep shiny red. The seeds are abundant, and placed in pits, so as to be almost flush with the surface of the fruit, and are of a clear coffee color. The fruit which is generally large, has tlie flesh com- pact, white, filled with sugary vinous juice, with a brisk arriere gout. It may be asked, which is the best and the most desirable of these strawberries ? This is a difficult question to answer at the moment. I simply limit myself to the enumeration of the most prominent characters observed during several years' cultivation, and I submit these remarks to the impartial judg- ment of competent strawberry growers in all countries. NOTES ON LILIES. The season is now at hand for planting the lily, and we had in view the preparation for an article upon the different varieties, now sought after and planted much more exten- sively than heretofore. The Lilium auratum, and the Japan lilies have added new charms to a tribe already endeared by associations connected with this beautiful flower, and cultivators have begun to appreciate them, and introduce them into their gardens. All the lilies are worth growing ; but the varieties of the Japan (L. lancifolium) L. auratum, Brownii, longifolium, umbella- tum, superbura, excelsum, chalcedonicum and aurantiacum are the most showy and desirable, when but a few sorts can be planted. In larger collections many others may be added. OCTOBER. 303 The following from an English journal will be read with interest, though incomplete. What is said about frequent removals is strictly true of many varieties. Lilium longifolium is perfectly hardy with us, and always flowers abundantly. Lilium giganteum is not quite hardy, it can be wintered in the open ground by a good covering, but it is unsatisfactory and slow. In the greenhouse, where it can have attention and space, it is fine. All our native lilies, canadense, superbum and philadelphicum are hardy and beautiful, and siiould be more extensively planted. Thompsonianum and Wallichianum are not hardy. The German catalogues enumerate nearly one hundred species and varieties ; but many of them are varieties, differing but slightly and not to be commended only to the amateur, who is desirous of a complete collection : — Very desirable is it that some botanist would do for lilies what the late Mr. Haworth did for the narcissi. The genus, indeed, is a good one, and ought not be broken up, but some of the species are either bad or insufRciently discriminated. This work of revision would be best performed by a botanist- cultivator, as the French call him — a collector resident near the metropolis, and having free access to books, and especially to living plants. Of course, such a student would consult herbaria, and standard books as Redout's " Liliaceae;" but the decisive appeal must be made to living specimens. Some authors, for example, confound the common Orange lily and the bulb-bearing Orange lily ; but they cannot have compared the plants in a growing state, and certainly have never examined the bulbs. If the reform alluded to does not come soon, the labors of hybridizers will render it extremely difficult, if not impossible, a result which florists probably would not much regret. The following notes are in the florist interest: L. pomponium and its variety L. pyrenaicum, are now sel- dom seen in flower gardens. They do not possess much beauty, their flowers emit an unpleasant odor, and they are mostly relegated to the shrubbery. L. martagon may be allowed to go along with them ; being very robust it is well adapted to the wild or semi-wild parts of pleasure grounds. I have seen it growing luxuriantly in the wooded gorge of a 304 THE MAGAZINE OF HORTICULTURE. deep valley, by the side of a considerable stream, where it propagated itself and sported into a diversity of tints. Th.ere is a white variety in cultivation. The scarlet Turk's-cap (L. chalcedonicum) is more of a garden plant, and thrives well in any dry sunny nook if left undisturbed, but is impa- tient of frequent removals. There is a tall, robust variety with a cymose fastigiate inflorescence. To this group may be added L. monadelphum stiperbum. I give the name which, with the plant, has emanated in Scotland, from the Botanic Garden in Edinburgh. It is certainly monadelphous, as the broad-winged filaments of the stamens cohere at the edges. It may be loosely described as a gigantic L. pyrenaicum, only the tops of the petals are less reflected. In the deep moist soil of my garden it multiplies freely, and throws up numer- ous stems 4 or 5 feet in height, crowned with loose corymbs of from 10 to 16 brilliant canary-colored flowers. Towards the end of June it is an extremely showy plant. L. tigrinum is well known, and is valuable as one of the latest of the lilies. The Poet Laureate speaks of it as a sign of the departing year, asking in winter, " Where is now the Tiger lily ?" The variety introduced by Mr. Fortune being one-half taller, and about ten days later in flowering, is a most desirable plant. The American species L. superbum, canadense and pendu- liflorum are very beautiful, but are difficult to keep in a sat- isfactory state, at least in the northern districts of the country. It is usually said tliat they should be grown in a deep peaty border. To this advice I would add, that they should be planted in the full sunshine, and in the warmest nook of the flowej;- garden. What they want in this country is the bright glowing summer of Upper Canada and the Northern States of America. L. philadephicum, I believe, belongs to tliis section, but I have not seen it. L, colchicum is a very beau- tiful species, rare in gardens, and requiring much the same treatment as the preceding. Relays of them all should be kept in pots, and it should be remembered that they some- times continue dormant for a year. This year I was obliged to bring on my potted superbum by a little bottom heat. Tiie Orange lily group is a brilliant one. It is composed OCTOBER. 805 of L. aurantiacura, bulbiferiim, umbellatum, kamtschatense, pennsylvanicum, and, perhaps, some others. The varieties are numerous, and some of tliem are as intense in color as the finest Glient azaleas. They are for the most part very hardy. L. pennsylvanicum is an elegant miniature form of the common orange lily but specifically different. It thrives well in light peaty earth. L. candidura has been loved as the lily, par excellence, by many generations. It has long been associated with pictures of the Virgin, " The Lily of Eden's fragrant shade." For simple statuesque beauty it is, perhaps, unrivalled in the empire of Flora. Only the single variety ought to be culti- vated. It thrives perfectly in light and moderately dry soils. To show the capricious eflfects of situation I may mention that, to my great regret, I cannot keep this favorite lily. Being a semi-herbaceous plant, or rather having green leaves above ground, it is regularly killed by damps and frosts in winter. Its congeners, L. longiflorum and japonicum, with their numerous varieties, which are daily increasing, are surpassingly beautiful plants, but they are rather tender for the general climate of Great Britain. They afford admirable decoration for greenhouses and conservatories ; and where there is room a store of them should be kept in cold frames or pits. For several summers I have plunged out L. longi- florum, and repotted it the autumn. It is needful to replace it in the pots before the leaves have withered, for previous to that stage the young shoots for next year start from the bulbs, and then the fibrous roots are injured by the lifting. My success in this matter has not been great. Probably the plan would succeed better in the south. L. excelsum, or what I got for it from an eminent London nurseryman, has thriven well with me. It isijuite liardy. It throws up a stem four feet high, which hitherto has been crowned by a single shallow bell of considerable size. .The color is pure white, but the interior of the petals is often soiled ill wet weather by the abundant brown pollen, which, I suppose, accounts for the nursery synonymes L. testaceum, isabellinum, &c. It is an attractive plant, but not equal to VOL. XXXIV. — NO. X. 20 303 THE MAGAZINE OF HORTICULTURE. its great Himalayan compatriot, L. giganteura. The latter has repeatedly stood the winter and flowered in the open air in the nursery of Messrs. Dickson & Co., Edinburgh, who have also raised many plants from seeds saved in this country. It is a great seed-bearer, and it is to be hoped tliat in the hands of hybridizers it will yet yield magnificent results. I say nothing of tiie gorgeous and well-known L. auratum ; and the scarcely inferior L. speciosum, or lancifolium as it is often called. Who v/ill tell us something of L. carolinianum, concolor, croceum, pumilum, monadelphum (of the " Botan- ical Magazine"), tenuifolium, pseudo-tigrinum, cordifohum, Buschianum, Thompsonianum, Wallichianum, &c.? Are they extant in this country ? Or must some of them be sought again in their native habitats ? It will be observed that I have spoken only of the more common hardy species, and probably \ have said nothing but what is well known to many. My most important remark, which I put as young ladies do in the postscript, is this, that most lilies, even those of the hardiest sorts, are weakened by frequent transplantation. L. chalcedonicum takes two, some- times three years to recover the effects of a removal. I suppose the fibrous roots under the scaly bulbs are not merely annual rootlets, as in most other bulbous plants. From this remark a skilful gardener will readily draw his own practical conclusions. It will be perceived that it can be little better than death to lilies for their scaly bulbs to lie withering on the counters of seed warehouses, where tulips, crocuses, &c., may continue for a long time with impunity. SUBURBAN VISITS. Residence op Dr. Lodge, Swampscott. — A few days since, at the invitation of the Garden Committee of the Massachusetts Horticultural Society, and in company with them, we visited the sea-side residence of Dr. Lodge at Swampscott. This beautiful place, comprising some thirty-three acres, is most OCTOBER. 307 admirably located, and commands a magnificent view of the harbor and its numerous islands. A long covered drive tlirough an avenue of evergreen and deciduous trees, judi- ciously planted, leads to the house, which stands on a broad open plateau, near the rocky boundary of the ocean. It is about fifteen years since Dr. Lodge purchased his grounds, which were then in the wildest state, but abounding in natural beauties of rock and dale. Since then he has cleared up all the available portions, retaining, the original features of the place. Immense rocks diversify the surface, and the dells and low places have been raised and drained, and are now devoted to the culture of farm crops. The sheltered nooks and favorably located spots are devoted to fruits. In all this Dr. Lodge has succeeded wonderfully, showing good taste in the arrangement of the grounds, and preserva- tion of so much of their natural beauty. In a slightly sloping valley sheltered by the rocks on the north and east he located his apple orchard of two or three acres, filled with trees, which are trained upon a system of his own, resembling the "wine-glass" pattern of Capt. Austin, which we described in a former notice of the grounds, in our volume for 18tJ5. The trees had then just begun to bear; this year many of them had an abundant crop, distributed evenly along the branches, from the base to the top, and presenting a very ornamental appearance; every tree being erect, from the strength of each branch, acquired from repeated cutting in of the laterals. Sucii as were not in bearing were full of young shoots, which burst out from the shortening in, the only objection to the system, whicli requires a great amount of labor to keep the trees in order. As specimens of skilful pruning, and as olyocts of ornament, nothing could be more attractive, l)ut we fear only such wealthy amateurs as Dr. Lodge could afford to adopt it. The pear orchard, located on higher ground, was in very good condition, thougli the crop of fruit is small and inferior this year. The trees are trained in the pyramid form, and some of them handsome specimens. Evidently, however, the pear does not thrive so well near the sea. Winds, fogs^ 308 THE MAGAZINE OF HORTICULTURE. moisture or something prevent the trees from attaining that verdure vehich they have more inland. However, Dr. Lodge, from an admirable location, sheltered by high projecting rocks on the sea-side, has succeeded very well. As some evidence of the coolness of the sea-side, the Concord grapes were as green as they usually are in July. They are too late for such locations. A bed of La Constante strawberry, grown in hills, was in fine condition, the plants covering a foot or more of ground each : the Doctor says that it is the best of all the strawberries. An hour or more was pleasantly passed, in looking over the farm crops and vegetables, embracing quantities of carrots, mangolds, and ruta-bagas. A ramble along the ocean bank, admiring the natural beauties of the grounds, and enjoying the grand view of the ocean, completed an afternoon visit to the sea-side, impressed with the wisii that all similar places might be made as interesting and delightful as Dr. Lodge's. Residence of S. G. Damon, Arlington. — As a specimen of a suburban home, without any claims to landscape ait or even floral decoration, the Committee was invited to visit Mr. Damon's grounds at Arlington, to witness what can be done, witii proper attention, by almost every man who possesses a garden ; tiiat is, how much comfort can be enjoyed by a well arranged and neatly kept fruit and vegetable garden at little expense. Mr. Damon's premises occupy about three acres, of a rectangular shape, two hundred feet wide perhaps on the street, and extending far to the rear. About six years since Mr. Damon began the improvements on his place, by planting fruits, chiefly pears and grapes ; the latter occupying two rows the whole length of the grounds on one side, and the end at the rear. One row is planted agtiinst the fence, and trained to wires running lengthwise, about a foot apart; the other row is trained to a similar wire trellis, supported by cedar posts, eight feet apart, and distant from the fence about six feet. These vines were planted four years ago, and are mostly Delaware, Concord and lona, with a few of the Adirondac, Diana, Framingluim, Allen's Hybrid, Israella, &c., and ten or a dozen of Rogers' Hybrids. All of tliese OCTOBER. 309 were in fruit, and looked well, mostly free from mildew, and with two weeks of good weather the fruit will nearly all attain maturity. The Delawares were remarkably fine, some of the clusters unusually large, in fact the best we had ever seen, and so ripe (September 18) as to be quite sweet. The lona was nearly or quite as ripe as the Delaware, and the specimens gave us great encouragement that this fine variety will succeed in good locations in the vicinity of Boston. Adirondac, though wanting in the vigor of the vine, had its fruit nearly ripe; tlie earliest of all the kinds cultivated here. Concords were handrome, with no rot ; but still unripe, though well colored. Of the Rogers', No. 4 was the only one which showed any sign of ripeness ; No. 1 will never ripen ; No. 15, too late. Allen's Hybrid had mildewed slightly. Israella, well colored, and about with the Concord. Framingham, nearly or quite ripe ; a vine of this grape trained to a post was truly a sight. The bunches were very large and handsome, quite black, but not perfectly sweet. It has been stated that this grape is nothing but the Hartford Prolific, and all must admit that it does appear much like it ; but we believe it to be distinct, as the foliage appears to be different. It has more substance, has a whiter down on the young leaves, and the leaves are quite reflexed on the footstalks, while the Hartford are erect. We hope to see this question fully settled. Practically it is of little importance, but pomologically it is very interesting to know if two seedlings could be so much alike. The history of this variety would hardly render it possible to be the Hartford. Mr. Damon stated that his grapes had not had any manure since they were planted four years ago. He then trenched the ground two feet deep, and added a little manure, and two years ago he covered the whole surface with an inch or two of gravel, which has since been dug in ; yet the vines were remarkably vigorous, with leaves on the Concord fifteen inches broad, and the lona and Delaware very large. Tlie vines were well filled with fruit, and the clusters larger tlian any we had ever seen. Mr. Damon's grape growing has been a decided success, no doubt attributable in some degree to a light warm soil, a dry location and shelter, by which he has 310 THE MAGAZINE OF HORTICULTURE. escaped that pest, thS mildew. Field culture of many of the same kinds we are sure would be a failure. The vines are planted about six feet apart, and are trained in a kind of fan shape, without any particular system, laying in the strong wood, and cutting away the superfluous laterals. The only mistake we noticed was in planting the second row too near the first, by which the lower part of the trellis was shaded a portion of the day. Had the distance been eight or ten feet it would have allowed the sun's rays to fall upon the whole vine, and also upon the ground at the root. Tiie spaces between the two rows of grapes on one side of the boundary line and a walk on the other, is planted with dwarf pears in long lines^ say ten feet apart, and six feet from each other in the rows, tlie spaces being devoted to the growth of vegetables. A row of strawberries occupies the outer edge next the grapes. This portion of tlie ground comprises more than two-thirds of the space, and separated from the remaining part by a single cross walk. The pear trees were in good order, well pruned, and healthy, but tlie crop, as usual this year, ligiit and inferior. Currants and gooseberries are grown between some of the trees. Around the house, which stands near the street, and nearly in the centre. of the lot, the space on one side is laid out with walks and planted witli pears, and a few varieties of flowers. On the other with pears, screened from the street with a few evergreens. Furtlier on, before we reach the fruit garden, already described, the space is devoted to raspl)crrics, strawberries, rluibarb, an asparagus bed and miscellaneous vegetables. It was Mr. Damon's object to show the Committee, that extensive grounds, great expense, and unceasing care, were not necessary requirements to make a pleasant and desirable suburban home. That from such a spot of ground as his own, with only an hour at morning and evening, to be spared 'from active business in the city, with the labor of one man, a family could be bountifully supplied with fruits and vegeta- bles tlie year round, with a quantity to give away and much to sell as Mr. Damon had done. We think his crop of straw- berries was 300 boxes, — plenty of raspberries, gooseberries OCTOBER. 311 and currants, — pears in quantity, — grapes by the hundreds of pounds, — peaclies and apples, — the latter mostly dwarf, with the exception of six or eight old standards, — and of vegetables large quantities. Everything was in fine order — no weeds to be seen — reflecting great credit upon the industry of his gardener. The Committee fully appreciated Mr. Damon's good judg- ment, the simplicity of arrangement and the skill shown in the management of the grapes and fruits, and they were unanimously of the opinion that as an example of suburban gardening it was one of the best they had ever witnessed, and one which they commend for imitation. When expense is no object, of course more lavish adornment may be carried out, but no one could view Mr. Damon's grounds and say, that suburban life is too expensive for only those of abundant wealth. FLO RICULTU R AL NOTICES. New Virginia Creeper, (Ampelopsis Yeitchii.) — This is a miniature foliage variety of our Virginia creeper, which clings to any building with the tenacity of the strongest ivy, and producing in great profusion its dense foliage, of a g4ossy green shaded with purple, cannot fail to command great attention. It is of exceedingly rapid growth, requires no nailing, and from earliest spring it produces its beautiful purple tinted leaves so thickly as to form the most perfect coating wherever it is planted, the young shoot being quite purple. The leaves are sometimes divided into three parts, and are somotimes entire, turning red in autumn, similar to the old kind. It was introduced by Messrs. Veitch, and long received first class certificates and prizes at the great shows in London. Delechampia Roezliana. — A specimen of this pretty plant was shown at the Annual Exhibition of the Massachusetts Horticultural Society last month. It was a foot or more high, well grown, and eacli shoot was terminated with a 312 THE MAGAZINE OF HORTICULTURE. cluster of flowers surrounded by its two floral bracts, of a delicate pink or rose color, and producing a fine effect. As it appears to be a free grower, and an abundant bloomer, it will become a favorite in any collection. It was exbibited by W. C. Harding, Esq. Sanchezia Nobilis Variegata is tlie name of another new and fine foliaged plant, with long ovate leaves of a pale green, barred transversely and conspicuously with clear white. It has a stiff upright habit, and its superb variegated leaves make it one of the best of this class of plants. Mr. Harding was the exhibitor. Abutilon Thompsoni is the name of a new Abutilon, with very beautiful variegated foliage, which has been brilliant in color the present season in Messrs. Veitch's nurseries, where it was introduced. For the subtropical garden it is pronounced to be a great acquisition. Seedling Gladiolus. — Many very fine seedlings of this showy flower have been exhibited recently at the meetings of the Massachusetts Horticultural Society by Mr. Geo. Craft and J. S. Richards. Some of the liglit colored and buff and yellow sorts are quite equal to the French, and among the lot a few have some very distinct markings, which will make them great favorites. As a lot, it would be difficult to get a finer strain of colors. lUassacljusctts porlitultural Socictj. The Fortieth Annual Exhibition was held on tho 22d. 23d, 24th and 25th of SeplemSer, and greatly exceeded in attractiveness the antici- pations of the members. The seison has been unfavorable; fruits have not done as well as usual, and cold autumn rains and early frost injured or marred the beauty of many flowers. Yet, notwithstanding this the dis- play was really excellent, and in some deparlu)ents superior to the exhi- bitions of previous years. The plants were very fine, and contained more novelties than usual, and specimens of a higher degree of culture, but flowers were not so good as heretofore. The apples were large and hand- OCTOBER. 313 some, but the pears were not so good. The vearetables were of great excellence, particularly potatoes, which appeared to be a leading feature of this department. We give our report as full as space will permit. Plants in Pots. — There was a very grand display of these, and nearly or quite all of them rare and select things, including several varieties exhibited for the first time. .The specimens too, were large, and filled the centre table, addmg greatly to the general effect of the arrangement. H. H.Hunnewell contributed twenty plants, among them Dracaena Australis and indivisa (6 feet), D. stricta, similar to terminalis, but more erect in its growth. The variegated aloe leaved Yucca, Coleus Veitchii, Agave filifera, Musa vittata, a noble plant, with beautifully variegated foliage ; the new and handsome palm, Stephensonia sechellarium, the stems thickly set with black spines ; Dracaena Draco, a fine Croton pictum, Eurya latifolia, Theophrasta imperialis. Hibiscus Cooperii, Pavetta borbonica, Rhopala corcovadense, Calocasia machorriza var. &c., also Maranta fasciata, splen- dida, Vandenheckii, Eximia, lineata, ajbo lineata, pardina, the fine Dief- fenbachia Barraquiniana, with ivory white stems, and green spotted leaves; 12 ferns, including Alsophila australis (6 feet), A. excelsa, Dicksonia antarctica, D. squamosa, Thamnopteris nidus, Asplenium bifidum, Onychium lucidum, Asplenium Billangeri and others. From VV. C. Harding came several new and fine plants. Among the 20 were Cyanophyllum magnificurn, Dracaena Cooperi, very fine, Alocasia zebrina. Arundo Donax variegata, the Chinese paper plant, Alsophila australis, a large Maranta zebrina, Anthurum regale, with superb foliage> Maranta capitata and Porteana. Calocasias, &-c. ; also the rare Sanchezia nobilis, with large clear green leaves, every nerve pure white, and the equally rare Delechampia rosea, each shoot terminated with two rosy bracts, and the whole plant extremely beautiful. Mr. Harding also had 12 of the newest Caladiums of M. Bleu, which were very fine and well grown; the names are as follows: Adolph Adam, Auber, August Riviere, Dr. Boisbunel (extra fine), Harley, Dr. Lindley, Boildeau, E. G. Harderson, A. Bleu and Reine Victoria ; some of these are very distinct and beautiful additions to this showy group. Hovey &- Co. sent 20 plants, among them several large and beautiful Palms. The collection included Seaforthia elegans (10 feet), Latania borbonica, Chamaerops e>:celsa, very large, Cocos coronata, Pandanus utilis, the rare Agave filifera, Cyperus alternifolius, Cycas circinalis, Dracaena Veitchii, D. indivisa, D. terminalis, D. brasiliensis, and D. Draco, Hibiscus Cooperi, Calocasia machorriza albo var., Theophrasta imperialis, Anthurium niagnificum, Beschorneria yuccoides, a superb specimen of the rare Panda- nus eleganlissimus, Philodendron pertusum, &c. ; also fine specimens of Dracaena umbraculifera, Pandanus variegatus, Alocasia Veitchii, and 10 variegated plants, viz.. Yucca quudricolor. Cissus discolor, Dieflfenbachia maculata. Yucca aloifolia van, Dracaena Cooperi, Cyperus alternifolius var., &c. ; six ferns, among them a very large Blechnum Corcovadense ; six Lycopods, grown in large pans ; six plants in bloom ; six very large Cala- diums, and eight seedlings of M. Bleu, viz., Edmund Moreaux, Mad. 314 THE MAGAZINE OF HORTICULTURE. HouHet, Keeteleer, Isidora Leroy, Raulinii, Mad. Andreau, and Chas. V»*rdier; six Marantas, among thetn small specimens of the rare M. Lindimiana, mawnificum and splendidum. From Jona. French, some fine Caladiiims, particularly C. Belleymei, a superb variejjated pineapple, Croton pictum, Dracsena terminalis, Bejionias, &c. Ferns and some other plants were furjiished by Wm. Cairns and others. Bouquets, Cut Flowers and Baskets. — There was a very g^ood show of these, notwi hstanding the early frost. Hovey & Co. and J. Brnck &. Co. had very fine collections, as also E. Wason. A. McLarin, F. Parkman and others. The Seedlinir Gladioli of Mr. Richards and Mr. Craft were very splendid, and added g^reatly to the display. Curtis &- Cobb sent a collection of some 30 foreign varieties, which were truly superb ; the newest were the same sons we have previously noticed. The baskets of flowers were numerous, and some of them arranged wiih great taste. Bouquets were hardly as fine as usu.il, but a few very superior. A col- lection cf Zinnias from Hovey & Co were remaikably double, and regu'arly formed. A veiy handsome show of Japan Lilies came from Col. Wilder, and grand specimens of AUumanda Schottii from Mrs. T. VV. Ward. Dahlias were few in number, owing to frost. B. D. Hill, 01m Brothers, Springfield, J. Nugent, Hovey & Co., and E. E. Whitman, were the principal exhibitors. PREMIUMS FOR PLANTS, FLOWERS, &.C. Greenhouse Plants. — For the best twenty, to Hovey & Co., $30. For the next best, to VV. C Harding, S'25. For the next best, to H. H. Hunnewell, $'20. Vakikgated Leaved Plants. — For the best ten, to Hovey & Co., $10. Variegated Leaved Plant. — Kor the best single specimen, to Jona. French, for Ananassa sativa var., .f .5. Caladiums. — For the best teh, to W C. Harding, $10. For the best six. to Hovey & Co.. $5. Ferns. — For the best ten varieties, to H. H. Hunnewell, $8. For the best six, to Hovey & Co., $5. Lycopods. — For the best six, to Hovey & Co., $^. Marantas. — For the best six, to H. H. Himnewell, $6. For the next best, to Hovey & Co., $4. Plants in Flower. — For the best six, to Hovey &. Co., $6. For the next best, to Wen. Cairns, $4. Specimen Plant. — For the best, for Dracaeni umbracaulifera, to Flovey & Co., $5. Cut Flowers. — For the best and best kept, to Hovey & Co., $16. For the next best, to J. Breck, $14. For the next best, to A. McLarin, $12. For the next best, to E. Wason, $10. OCTOBER. 315 Gladiolus. — For the best, to J. S. Richards, $G. For the next best, to Geo. Craft. ,$5. For the next best, to Curtis &. Cobb, #4. Hand BonquETs. — For the best, to J. McTear, $>6. Parlor Bouquets. — For the best, to J. McTear, .$R FRUITS. Apples. — For the best twenty, to F. & L. Clapp, the Lyman Plate, $20. For the next best, to A. D. Williams, $15. For the next best, to C. B. Brighnni, #12. For the best fifteen varieties, to J. W. Foster, $12. For the next best, to S. Hartwell, $10. For the next best, to J. Eustis, $8. For the best ten varieties, to F. Skinner, $8. For the next best, to C. N. Brackett, $G. For the next best, to B. Harrington, $5. For the best five varieties, to Geo. Pierce, $6. For the next best, to W. A. Crafts, $5. P'or the next best, to W. H. Barnes. $4. For the best dish, to F. & L. Clapp, for Gravenstein, $5. For the next best, to E. Farmer, for the same, $4. For the next best, to C. M. Atkinson, for Northern Spy, $3. For the next best, to W. P. Hale, for Alexander, $2. Pears. — For the best twenty, to J. C. Chase, $25. For the next best, to A. Dickinson, $20. For the next best, to H. Vandine, $16. For the best fifteen, to M. P. Wilder, $15. For the next best, to Davis & Bates, $12. For the next best, to Jos. Stickney, $10. For the best ten, to J. Nudd, $10. For the next best, to G. H. Fenno, $8. For the next best, to F. Skinner, $ti. For the best five, to J. Eaton $6. For the next best, to John Mahoney, $5. For the next best, to F. Dana, $4. For the best twelve Bartlett, to J. Nudd, $5. For the best twelve Doyenne Boussock, to G. Train. $5. For the best twelve Beurr^ Bosc, to S. C. Perkins, $5. For the best twelve Seckel, to F. & L. Clapp, $5. For the best twelve Swan's Orange, to A. McDermott, $5. For the best twelve Louise Bonne, to H. P. Kendrick, $5. For the best twelve Urbaniste, to C. Blanchard, $5. For the best twelve Duchesse, to J. Mahoney, $5. For the best twelve Beurr^ Diel, to Davis &, B:ites, $5. For the best twelve Beiirre ?uperfin, to Wm. Maloon, $5. For the best twelve Sheldon, to Hovey & Co., $5. For the best tv\elve Flemish Beauty, to J. C. Park, $5. For the best twelve Marie Louise, to J. Stickney, $5. OCTOBER. 317 For the best twelve Belle Lucrative, to Wm. Maloon, $5. For the best twelve Merriam, to A. J. Dean, $5. For the best twelve Beurre Hardy, to H. Vandine, $'5. For the best twelve Mount Vernon, to Walker & Co., $5. Peaches. — For the best four varieties, to F. Nichols, ^5. For the best single variety, to A. Dickinson, $4. For the next best single variety, to H. Vandine, $3. For the next best single variety, to J. E. M. Gillcy, $2. Plums. — For the best collection, to H. Vandine, $5. Grapes, (Foreign.) — For the best three bunches of Black Hamburg, to E. Gage, $5. For the best three bunches of Barbarossa, to R. S. Rogers, $5. For the best three bunches of Muscats, to W. C. Harding, ■$5. For the best three bunches of Royal Muscadine, to J. Falconer, $5. For the best six varieties, to Geo. B. Durfee. Grapes, (Native.) — For the best collection, four bunches of each, to Davis &. Bates, $20. For the next best, to J. B. Moore, $15. For the best six bunches of Allen's Hybrid, to Davis & Bales, $i. For the best Israeila, to Davis & Bates, $4. For the best Adirondac, to Davis & Bates, $4, For the best Rebecca, to Geo. B. Cutter, $4. For the best Hartford Prolific, to B. B. Davis, $4. For the best Diana, to B. B. Davis, f4. For the best Delaware, to •^4. For the best Concord, to D. Clark, $4. For the best lona, to J. Capen, $4. For the best Isabella, to J. V. Wellington, $i. Numerous gratuities were also awarded. Ferris &- Caywood, Silver Medal for Walter Grape. S. Underbill, Jr., Silver Medal for Seedlin<^s. Vegetables. — The display of these was unusually fine. Potatoes were an especial feature, and the Early Rose came from more than a dozen exhibitors : some of them large and handsome, but unfortunately some showing a little rot. The Goodrich, Sebec, Harrison, Shaker Fancy, and others were also shown, and of good size, and J. Comley sent 23 kinds. Mr. Bresee, the originator of the Early Rose, exhibited four seedlings, one of which, No. 4, he claims to be as early, or earlier than the Rose. It is a roundish potato, very large, and of fine quality. It promises to be valuable, if as early as is stated. Among the ten or twelve kmds of tomatoes shown, one, called General Grant, is a very smooth and handsome sort, of medium and uniform size, good color, an I solid. Large and well grown Pekin Egg Plants were shown by Josiah Crosby. Extra fine Celery from Geo, Hill, which obtained the silver cup. S. A. Merrill, J. J. H. Gregory, and S. VV. Hathaway had very fine collections. Extra Cauliflowers from F. Skinner. Numerous prizes and gratuities were awarded, but our space will not admit of the list in detail. 318 THE MAGAZINE OF HORTICULTURE. @0sstp of % lHontlj. Books and Pamphlets received: — The .American Entomologist, No. I., for Spptember. A new Monthly Journal, under the editorial char