Hi i ':':'": LIBRARY OF THE MASSACHUSETTS AGRICULTURAL COLLEGE NO._S_3.L_. __DATE__T-Jj>j3_§[ sourceTH^ts. Levi u/mco\T\ gCpex <^*^w ? tfi *- VSx&> V- X « \ s, ^ \ \ ^ Vv ■ * >. v> « \ \ THE MAGAZINE HORTICULTURE, BOTANY, AND ALL USEFUL DISCOVERIES AND IMPROVEMENTS IN RURAL AFFAIRS " Je voudrais rchaufler lout l'univers de mon gout pour les jardins. II me semMe qu'il est impossible qu'un mediant puisse l'avoir. II n'est point de vertus que je ne suppose a celui que aime a parler et a faire des jardins. Peres de famille, inspirez la jardinomanie a vos enfans." — Prince, de Ligne. VOL. XXXI. 1 8 6 5 . (VOL. I., FIFTH SERIES.) Edited by C. M. H O V E Y. AUTHOR OF THE " FRUITS OF AMERICA." BOSTON: PUBLISHED BY HOVEY & CO., 53 NORTH MARKET ST. 1S65. T^ HENRY W. DUTTON & SON, PRINTERS, 90 and 92 Washington Street. CONTENTS. ORIGINAL COMMUNICATIONS. GENERAL SUBJECT. The Progress of Horticulture. By the Editor, 1 laola Bella and Isola Madre. By II II. Hunnewell 37 Forcing Plants by Sun Heat. By Dr. Jas. Weed, 48 The Gardens of Rome. By II. H. Hunne- well, 93 Insects. By the Editor, . . . .193 Observations on Rural Taste. By D. W. Lathrop, 197 Rainy Day Scribblings. By Geo Jaques, . 267 Impressions of English Scenery. By H. W. Sargent, Esq , . . . . 325 Concerning Country Residences. By the Rev. A D Gridley, ■ . . . .357 Garden Gossip, 245, 369 HORTICULTURE. Confusion in the Nursery. By D. W. La- throp 12 The Colors of Pears. By Dr J S.Houghton, 17 Specimen of Ionaism. By D., . . 19 Hooribrenk's Mode of Training the Grape From the French, 22 Bush Apple Trees. By the Editor, . . 33 Fungus on Pears. By Dr. J. S. Houghton, 40 Pear Trees on the Wine Glass Pattern. By W. R. Austin 61 Scale Insects on Pear Trees. By Dr. J. S. Houghton, 71 Grape Culture in Massachusetts. By the Editor, .65 Description of Select varieties of Pears. By the Editor, . . .77, 145, 366 Marie Louise d'Uccle, Abbe Edouard, Paul Ambre, ...... 77 Paul Theliens, Souvenir d'Esperin, . 145 Gansel's Late Bergamot, Alexandrine Douillard, 366 American Pomological Society. By the Editor, 97, 129 Pear Trees in Pots. By T. Rivers, . . 137 Cultivation of A'iueyards. By the Editor, 161 Summer and Autumn Pears By T. Rivers, 167 Collections of Pears. By Judge Geo. Hoad- lev, 173 Orange Culture. By T. Rivers, . . .201 Our Culinary Vegetables By the Editor, 225 Fruits and Fruit Culture in the West. By the Editor 257 Preserving Fruit By the Editor. . . 289 L'Herault's Mode of Cultivating Aspara- gus. From the Gardeners' Chronicle, . 298 Review of the Grape Crop By the Editor, 363 Four good Winter Pears. By D. W. La- throp 360 Hybrid Grapes By Jacob Moore, . . 363 Pomological Gossip, 42, 117, 142, 207, 232, 271, 295, 330 ARBORICULTURE. Evergreens. By George Jacjues, . . 108 Ornamental Foliaged Trees. By the Editor, 321 Arboricultural Notices, .... 116 FLORICULTURE. Culture of Marantas. From L'lllustra- tione Horticole, 81 The Wigandia. By the Editor, . . 122 The discovery of Victoria Regia. By Sir Robert II Schomburgk, .... 148 New Variety of Agrostemma. By the Edi- tor, 178 Bouganvillea speciosa. By the Editor, . 209 The Allamandas. From the Uard- Chron 235 The Hardy Ornamental Plants. From the Gardener's Chronicle, .... 239 The Summer Flower Garden. From the Gardeners' Chronicle, .... 274 Daphne cneorum. By the Editor, . . 278 The Spring Flower Garden. From the • Gardeners* Chronicle, .... 333 Floricultural Notices, 59, 84, 151, 179, 212, 242, 279, 307 , 339 IV CONTENTS. LIST OF ENGRAVINGS. TREES AND PLANTS. 11. Allamanda Neriifolia, . . 12. Daphne Cneorum, 9. The Dwarf Fringed Agrostenima, 6. The Wigandia, . OPERATIONS. Ilooribrenk's Method of Training the (irape, Wi tie-Glass Method of Training Pear Trees, . 236 . 278 . 178 . 123 DIAGRAMS. fig- Pag'- 13. Diagram of an Asparagus Plantation, 299 10. Section Plan of Conservatory. . . 211 FRUITS. 4. Abbe Edouard, . . . . 79 3 Marie Louise d*Dccle . . . .78 5. Paul Arabre ...... 81 7. Paul Theliens, 146 8. Souvenir d'Esperin, .... 147 13 Gansel's Late Bergamot, . . . 366 11. Alexandrine Douillard, . , . 368 LIST OF PLANTS. 1 n the body of the Magazine, a few errors occur in the spelling of the botanical names, the capitalizing the generic and specific names, their derivation and accentuation ; these are all corrected in the following list of plants : List of New Caladiums, Lists of Caladiums, Lists of Coniferous Trees, . List of Herbaceous Pseonies, List of Indian Azaleas, . List of Nosegay Pelargoniums, 85 319, 345 39, 247 . 221 . 220 . 339 List of Oranges, 202 Lists of Fine Plants, . .76,111,314,345 Lists of Hardy Ornamental Plants, 240, 334 List of Variegated Pelargoniums, . 153 Lists of Fine New Roses, . . 242, 279 AMiies Smith/ana, Abutilon vexillarium, Acacia lougifolia, Acanthus montinus, /Peer pseudo platanus var. ery throcarpum Leopoldu, tartiricum, Achyranthes Verschaf- ffeltM, 86. .-Idiantum cuncatum, 240, Adonis vernalis, Aglaunema marantaefoli- uin, var. foliis maculata, Agrostemma rosea, Agrtistis. nebulosa, Airopsis pulchella, Allamanda Aubl&tti, granditlora, neriifolia, Sc.hott//, violacea, Aloeasia Lowi't var. picta, Alsopliila australls, Alstrienicr/a dcn.-iHora, Alternanthera s path u lata, Anannssa sativa, Ad cuba japonica, Androsice carnea. Chamjcjasme, lanuginosa, villosa, Anemone angulosa, palmata, vernalis, Antennaria dioica rosea, Aquilegia alpina, Arauearia braziliensis, imbricata, 39, Aris«vma papillosum, Wlghtii, Artemis/a annua, Axrum Palsestinum, Asclepias syriaca, ^spleuium Billanderi, Astelia Solandrt, Azalea indica, var. Grand Duchesse de Dade, Begdn/ii Rex, liilllrrglr/ nlcllS. Boccon(« cord.Ua, Bonap.irtea jiincea, 285, Bougainvfllea speciosa, Bryonopsis laciniosa, var erythrocarpa, Biiddlea globosa, Bulbocodium vernum,183 Calddium Belleyniei, Chantim'i, fulgens, Due. de Moray, hastatuni, Lamartine, Mad. Andrieu, plctum, Calluna vulgaris, Calocasia esculenta, Camellia japonica, var. Archduchesse Etienne, Giardino Schmitz, planipetala, Cinna gigintea, Oattleya quadricolor, Cephalotixus Fortuuii, Cereus dodecaden, grandiflorus, MacdonaldifZ, nyctacaulis, Cheiranthus alplnus, Marshall/, oehrolehca, Clssus discolor, Clematis lanuginosa Can- dida, £36 314 314 85 85 314 85 85 314 309 248 284 153 215 248 243 39 77 281 280 281 836 336 386 314 69 Clematis nivea, 59 C.Mous Vi-rsehalTelti'i, 249, 314 Cornus sanguinea, 250 Crocus Aurlien, 334 Sir Walter Scott, 334 La Majesteuse, 334 Susianus, 183 ▼emus, 334 Cryptomeria japoniea, 39, 24H Cunningham/a sinensis, 3 9 Cupressus excelsa, 3'.l funebris, 39 gracilis, 39 glaica, 39. 76 Lawsonidna, 39,183.246 torrulosa, 39 Oypripedium concolor, 3u7 Daphne cneorum, Davalla elegans, Dendrdbium hedyosrnum, senile, Deiltz Tokay des Jardins, 144 West's St. Peters, 14<> White Muscat of Alexand- XT- ria' White Nice, *** New SeedUng, iA' List of New Seedling Grapes, 69, 330 New Muscat, 2<3 Fine Grapes, 29° Grapes, 67,102, 143, 2|4, CHERRIES. Dwarf Rocky Mountain, 122 ! FIGS. Castle Kennedy, GOOSEBERRIES. Nebraska Prolific, GRAPES. Ahbee 144 Adirondac, 42, 67, 102 273,333 Allen's Hybrid, 19. 6i, 106 Black Hamburg, 143, 234 Black Prince, 14d, 2o4 Black Monukka, I4rf Blussard Blanc, 144 Burchardt's Prince, 1« , Cannon Hall Muscat, 144 | Catalensia Vera, 143 | Chasselas Rose de Falloux, 144 Chasselas Vibert, 121 | Chavoush, ^ Clinton, 1"» Clover Street Black, 331 Concord, 1OT, U9 Crevelling, 67, 102, 332 Cuyahoga, 1°< Dana, £8 Delaware, ^ Diana. .„ Z Biana Hamburg, 105, •«! Dutch Hamburg, Esperione, 1™ Framingham, ott Frankenthal, "J Hartford Prolific. 10, Iona, 20, 67, 104, Mi ORANGES. Maltese Blood, 206 St Michael's, M> Tangierine, PEACHES. Bergen's Yellow, «- Crawford's Late, 44 Early Crawford, 4- Hale's Early. 1«>> 2il Yellow Rareripe, *2 New Peaches, o^1 PEARS. Andrews, Bergen, Beurre d'Amanlis, d'Anjou, Clairgeau, de Caen, Diel, 56, Giffard, Goubault, Hardy, Langelier, Montgeron, Rouge, Saplier, Superfin, Bon Chretien, Bonne d'Ezee, Colmar d'Ete, Columbia, Crassane. Dana's Hovey, Dc Tongres, Dix, 132 133 132. 169 15 15, 131 170 172. 344 168 169 133. 170 56, 131 133 170 134 170 169 131 171 132 170 117 130 66 Doyenne d'Alencon, lo- Koussock, I'1' du Cornice, 129 d'Ete, lb» Duchesse d'Angouleme, U, 56, 334 de Berri d'Ete, 168 d'Orleans, 14>1(! Edmonds, ' Flemish Beanty, Ma Frederica Bremer, lo* Fondante d'Automne, in Gansel's Bergamot, «« General Todleben, H* Glout Morceau, '-|2V Gratioli of Jersey, \ < J Howell, , Jalousie de Fontenay, 171 Jaminette, lj» Jargonelle, l™ Keele Hall Beurre, « Kingsessing, |°» Kirtland, la* L'Abbe Edouard, i» Le Cure, -^ Louise Bonne de Jersey, 17, 41 Madame Tryve, lo» Marecbal de la Cour, 172 Manning's Elizabeth, 134 Marie Guisse, 11" Louise, lo*. J« d'Occle, 7<,1<2 Monseigneur de Hons, 169 Muskingum, 134 Napoleon, l'*> Oswego Beurre, 1 <* Paul Ambre, °« Paul Theliens, 14a Pitmaston Duchesse d'An- gouleme, 44 Queen of August, 132 Rokeby, ^ Seekel, ** Sheldon, _ ^ Souvenir d'Espenn, i«> St Michael, £> Stevens's Genesee, i<« Tyson, Van Mons, *<* Vicar, *** Wilmington. £™ List of Pears, 129,1(6,295 PLUMS. Nebraska Seedling, 1« Thompsju's Golden Gem, 124 RASPBERRIES Elsdale. jfV Philadelphia, {«> Red, 1J& STRAWBERRIES. Admiral Dundas, 233 Agriculturist, 136, 208 Baltimore Scarlet, «» Bartlett, ' Bijou, .„_ Boston Pine. «•• British Queen, *» CONTENTS. VI L Buffalo, 121, 136 207, 297 Hooker. 217 Nimrod. 185 Burr's New Pine, 135, 218 Hovey. 6,233 Russell's Prolific, 7, 136, 207, 233. -J97 Crimson Favor, 217 .Jenny Lind, 135, 217 Fillmore, 134, 218 Jucunda, 137 Triomphe de Gand, 6 136, 217 French's Seedling, 136, 208 La I'onstante, 6, 208, 233 Trollope's Victoria, 135 Gen. Grant, 208 Leanitr's White, 7 Lists of Strawberries, 135, Golden Seedling, 135 Lucas, 6 207, 232 LIST OF VEGETABLES. CABBAGES. ] Turban, Drumhead, 31S Yokahama, SQUASHES. Canada Crook Neck, 318 Hubbard, 318 318 318 TOMATOES. Cook's Choice, 156, 318 Tilden's Seedling, 156, 318 Chinese, YAM. 28 LIST OF CORRESPONDENTS. Austin, Capt. Wm. R., . . . .51 Barnes, A. U , 46 », 19 Earle, Hon. J. M. 367 Editor, 1. 33. 42, 59, 65, 77. 84, 97, 116, 117, 122. 125 130, 142, 145, 151, 156, 157, 161, 178, 179, 193, 207, 212, 222. 225, 232, 235, 242, 245, 251, 257. 271, 278, 279. 289, 295, 307, 309, 321, 330, 339, 303, 366 Elliott, F. R 47 Gridley, Rev. A. D., 367 Hoadly, Judge George, Houghton, J. S , Hunnewell, H H., Jaques, George, . Lothrop, D. W., . Moore, Jacob, Rivers, T., . Sargent, H. W., . Schomburgk, Sir Robert H Weed, Dr. James, Wheeler, G. H., . 17, 40, 71 . 37, 73 108. 189, 267 12, 197, 360 . 363 137, 167 . 325 . 148 . 48 . 43 GENERAL INDEX. Agrostemtaa, New Variety of, . . 178 Allamandas, The 235 Apple Trees, Kush, .... 33 Arboricultural Notices, .... 116 Asparagus, L'Heraulfs Mode of Cultivat'g, 298 Country Residences, concerning, . . 357 Daphne cneorum, ..... 278 Dielytra, New White, . . . . 179 English Scenery, Impressions of, . . 325 Evergreens, 108 Transplanting, .... 284 Floricultural Notices, 59, 84. 151, 179, 212. 242, 279, 307, 339 Flower Garden, The Summer, The Spring, .... Frost, Joseph, Death of, Fruit House, Prof. Nyce's, . Fruit, Preserving, .... Fruits and Fruit Culture in the West, Fruits, Nebraska, .... Garden Gossip, .... Gardens of Rome, The, 274 3)3 374 271 'M> 257 122 245, 369 73 General Notices, Gossip of the Month, 181. 284, 309, 371 157, 189 Grape Crop, Review of, . . . . 353 Grape Culture in Massachusetts, . . 65 in the Far West, .... 45 Grape, Hooribrenk's Mode of Training, 22 Grapes in Ohio, .... 46 in the London Hort. Society's Garden, 142 Grapes, Isabella, in Massachusetts, . 157 Hybrid 363 New Muscat, . 273 Splendid 233,296 Heath, A Native of Massachusetts, . 309 Herbarium, A National, . . . 156 II. H. Hunnewell, Esq., Residence of . 245 Holmes, Dr. Ezekiel, Death of, . . 94 Hollyhocks, 29 Hooker, Sir William J., Death of, . . 374 Horticulture, Progress of, 1 Horticultural Operations : — January, 31 February, 63 March, 95 April, 126 May, 158 June, 190 Vlll CONTENTS. Horticultural Operations : — July, . August, September, October, November, December, How to get a Farm, aud where to Insects, .... lonaiam, Specimen of, . Isola Bella and Isola Madre, Kelly, Dr. E. G., Residence of, Lodge, Dr. G H., Kesidence of, Marantas. Culture of, Nursery, Confusion in the, . Obituary, . . . . 94; Orange Culture, Our Youug Folks, . Pansy, and its Culture. Paxton, Sir Joseph, Death of. Peaches, American, in England, Pear Trees in Pots, on the Wine-glass Pattern, Scale Insects on, Pears, Collections of, Descriptions of Select, Fine, .... Four good Autumn, Fungus on, Summer and Autumn, . Select Varieties of, . The Colors of, . Pelargoniums, Double-Flowered, Winter A'ariegated, Pine Apples, Handsome, Planters, Hints to Ornamental, Plants, Forcing by Sun Heat, Hardy Ornamental, New Foliaged . Old Fashioned, Tollen. Preservation of, Pomologieal Gossip, . 42, 117, 222 254 287 319 350 375 find one, 125 193 19 37 245 369 81 12 222, 251, 374 201 125 185 222, 251 42 137, 187 51 71 173 366 295 360 40 167 77, 145 17 60 152 298 372 48 239 59 372 185 14?. 207, 232, 271, 295, 330 Pomologieal Work, New, ... 47 Potatoes from Seed, .... 154 Sweet, How to grow them, . . 158 Primula sinensis fimbriata, . . . 157 Primroses, Chinese, .... 151 Rainy Day Scribblings, .... 267 Red Spider, Destroying the, . . . 155 Reviews, 125 Rose Show of the Royal Hort. Society, 279 Roses, New and Fine, .... 242 Rural Taste, Observations on, . . 197 Society, American Institute, . . 286 American Pomologieal. . . 97, 129 Belmont Farmers' Club, . . 218 Cambridge Horticultural, . . 344 Fruit Growers of Western New York, 217 Massachusetts Horticultural, 29, 87, 189, 220. 286, 310, 346 Address of the President, . 87 Annual Exhibition, . . . 313 Thirty-Seventh Anniversary . 347 Dedication of New Hall, . . 311 Opening of the Hall, . . 220 Report of Finance Committee, 93 New England Agricultural, . . 286 Pennsylvania Horticultural, . 86, 345 Worcester County Horticultural, . 285 Spring Flowers and Spring Gardening, 181 Strawberry Show in New York, . . 232 Strawberries, 207 Todd. William, Death of, 222 Tomatoes, New, . . . . 156 Trees, Ornamental Foliaged, . . . 321 Vegetables, Our < ulinary, • • • 225 Verbenas, Striped, 212 Victoria Regia, Discovery of, . . . 148 Vineries. Cheap, 188 Vineyards, Cultivation of, . . 161 Walnut Grafting, 187 Wigandia, The 122 Woodward's Country Houses, . . 125 Yam, Chinese, 28 Young Gardener's Assistant, . . . 125 THE MAGAZINE OF HORTICULTURE. THE PROGRESS OF HORTICULTURE. The Thirtieth Year of our labors in the cause of Horticult- ural science has passed away, and though we have briefly re- viewed the results of this long period, it remains for us to notice quite as briefly the accumulated facts and information of the year, regarding everything connected with the favorite pursuits to which our pages are devoted. To witness the exhibitions of our Horticultural and Agricul- tural Societies, with their immense gatherings of cultivators and their products ; and to look abroad over the northern section of our country, teeming with luxuriant crops, and busy with every industrial art, it is difficult to believe that a terrible war is devastating any portion of the land, or that mighty battles are almost weekly waged against a rebellious foe. The realization is not felt, away from the scene of ac- tion ; and with the energy of our people, called forth in this great trial of our nation, we calmly and quietly pursue our avocations, knowing that upon its agricultural and commer- cial prosperity, rests its principal basis, and the means to prosecute, under the blessings of Providence, the conflict to a final and successful issue. With this prosperity, — whether it be permanent, or to be sooner or later reversed, and the greater development of the wonderful resources of our country, agricultural, manufact- uring, and mineral, rendering us yearly more independent of foreign aid, — wealth has been distributed, and the means acquired for building houses and embellishing them, and planting trees and their cultivation, and the neighborhood of our large cities as well as remote towns have felt the influ- ences of this prosperity. Horticulture has, consequently, re- vol. xxxi. — no. i. 1 2 THE MAGAZINE OF HORTICULTURE. ceived greater attention, and become a more attractive and interesting study, drawing within its circle great numbers who have heretofore thought it worthy of little consideration. We append our summary of the character of the season : — January was a rather mild and open month. It com- menced with a high wind, almost amounting to a gale, with the thermometer at 4° on the 2d, and on the 5th there was a cold snow storm of about 2 inches. The 7th the temperature fell to zero ; the cold continued until the 13th, when it began to moderate, and the 15th some more snow fell ; it was then milder, with a warm rain on the 19th. The remainder of the month was mild, with but little snow. February was commenced remarkably mild ; usually our coldest weather occurs from the 1st to the 20th ; the first week was mostly cloudy, with some rain and snow. The 10th it was cool again; but it soon moderated, with another light snow and some rain, on the 16th. A fresh and high wind then cooled the temperature, and the morning of the 18th was the coldest of the year, with the thermometer at 5° below zero. A light rain succeeded on the 22d, and the last week was mild and pleasant. Winter seemed about gone, and March opened with a tem- perature of 30°, which continued with but slight variation the whole month ; indeed it is rare that so few changes take place during this month. For twenty-four days out of thirty-one, the temperature did not vary but a few degrees, 28° being the lowest, and 40° the highest ; and on fourteen days the thermometer was just 32° at sunrise ; the other seven days were cooler, but the lowest was 13°, at sunrise. It was most- ly fair or fine throughout the month. April commenced with an easterly rain storm ; after which it was cool and frosty, scarcely warmer than March, until the 21st. The 10th and lltli were snowy and rainy, and on the 12th we had four inches of snow. The 21st the temperature was 4l)°, and the 24th, at 60°, the first spring-like day. The remainder of the month was cloudy, rainy and cool. May opened more genial, with light rains and warm showers, and on the 9th the temperature was 82°, when vegetation began to start, and on the 9th peaches were in JANUARY. 8 bloom. It was then cloudy and cool, with frequent showers up to the 17th, when it became warm again, with a thunder- shower on the 21st; this was succeeded by a week of cooler weather, and the last two days were quite warm, with the temperature at 92°. The month of June was cool again, with showers up to the 15th, the highest temperature being 85°, and down as low as 40° on the 11th. On the 15th the mercury stood at 92°, and continued warm, with the exception of one day, to the close of the month. ThD 24th it was 92°, and the 25th 100°. Not any rain, or even a light shower fell after the 12th, and the drought, though not yet generally severe, greatly injured the strawberry crop. The first day of July was cloudy with indications of rain, but except a very light shower on the 2d, none fell. The 6th the temperature was 92° again, and very dry ; the week suc- ceeding was warm. On the 11th, a light shower refreshed the surface of the ground, but passed off and set in warm again, with the temperature from 80° to 90° up to the 25th. On this day there was a genial rain, the first that had fallen for nearly six weeks. The closing week was fine and very warm. With August refreshing rains were expected, but the month continued very dry and hot, with the temperature at 100° again, the second time it has reached this high altitude. On the 3d it was quite cool, and an easterly storm cooled and refreshed the dry and parching earth. The 5th it was warm again, and it continued very warm without rain up to the 17th. The thermometer ranging from 8G° to 96°. It was then showery and cooler, but set in warm again, without rain to the end of the month. After more than two months of drought, the change came : September was cooler with a very fine rain on the 5th, and the temperature ranging from 45° to 75°, with showers and some rain up to the 14th. A warm week succeeded, and the month closed rather cool, with light rains and showers. On the 25th a high wind did considerable damage to fruit trees. October commenced with a cool easterly storm, succeeded by a week of warmer weather than the average. It was then 4 THE MAGAZINE OF HORTICULTURE. cool, and on the 10th the temperature fell to 28°, with a sharp white frost; up to the 17th it was cool, showery or rainy, with one or two light frosts, and then warm again. It was then warmer, with some cool mornings, accompanied with frost. The month of November continued cool, with heavy frosts on the 1st, 2d and 3d. It was then cool and stormy for a day or two, and warmer up to the 11th. These rainy days were succeeded by a light snow on the 15th, with the temperature at 23°, and a heavy frost on the 17th, with the mercury at 18°. The remainder of the month was variable, cloudy, fine and warm. December opened unusually fine and warm, with light rains daring the first week; but on the 8th the wind set in fresh from the north, and the temperature fell to 15°. The 10th it began to snow, continuing during the day, and 5 to 6 inches fell. The 12th it was colder, and the 13th the tem- perature was just zero. Up to the time we write it has been cool and wintery, 3 or 4 inches of snow now covering the ground. Compared with other years it will be seen that the winter of 1863-4 was milder than the average, with but one day when the temperature fell below zero ; there were no ex- tremes of either heat or cold, the highest temperature being only 45°, and this only one day. The uniformity of the win- ter has rarely been equalled, the temperature varying but lit- tle from 32°, for weeks together, yet we believe the average cold was low ; but it is this uniformity which is favorable to trees of all kinds, the extremes being the severer test ; but few inches of snow fell during the winter, yet, in consequence of the evenness of temperature, a light snow covered the ground for more than two months, protecting the earth, and the roots of trees and plants. A comparison of the year with previous years, as regards fruit, would be interesting, but this we must leave to another time. The characteristics of the year may be summed up as a mild winter, a wet and cool spring, a dry and hot summer, and a cool, cloudy autumn, almost the reverse of 1863. Crops have generally been fair, though not over-abundant. The JANUARY. 0 p^ar crop was about up to the average, larger than last year ; the apple crop, in New England, small. Peaches, where there are healthy trees, bore abundantly. Grapes were never bet- ter, or more abundant ; in fact, the year has been unusually favorable ; no mildew, and not the least frost up to the period of ripening of almost every grape, even the Isabella. Straw- berries would have been remarkably good ; the vines wintered well, and showed well, but the drought cut the crop down nearly or quite one-half. Other summer fruits were plentiful. After the hot and dry summer, which has thoroughly ripened the somewhat short and stocky growth of fruit trees, there is every appearance — provided the present weather does no in- jury— that the coming year will more nearly approach to the abundant year of 1862, than either that of 1863, or the season just closed. HORTICULTURE. We should be thought by some remiss of our duty if we did not allude to, — as the most prominent feature of the year, — the deep interest manifested in grape culture throughout the whole extent of our country. It has been increasing, but the extraordinary year, and the large crops have greatly aug- mented the desire to plant, until it has become almost a mania. This deep interest in grape growing has not been simply because we have new and superior varieties, but because there has been more information diffused upon every branch of fruit culture, and the mass of the people have ascertained that they can have all these luxuries, with a little care and attention. The vineyard culture of the grape is destined to be a very great interest, and is one of the developments of our industry. With high duties, and excessive rates of ex- change, the importation of foreign wines must be exceedingly small, and to supply the demand why should not our varied and fine climate supply even all that is wanted? Why then should not grape culture attract universal attention ? We must admit, notwithstanding the assertions of some, that we cannot make a really valuable wine, that it has been too long neglected, and that there are some localities, if all will not do it, that must enable us to make a wine good enough for all. 6 THE MAGAZINE OF HORTICULTURE. Wo have labored, and shall continue to labor, in the accom- plishment of this great and important object. Our present volume will make the grape a speciality, and, we trust, with- out damaging our interests, to do for this fruit what we have already done for the pear. Strawberry culture has received a new impetus, from the introduction of new varieties, said to possess remarkable merits ; these great expectations are somewhat in advance of any decisive information, but many of our cultivators are so credulous that they eagerly purchase every new sort, with a glowing description, expecting to find it to surpass all others ; old kinds are consequently neglected, and then the pampered new ones are contrasted with the former, to show their supe- riority ; give the old sorts the same care and the decision would be reversed. We certainly believe in progress, and think there might be more valuable varieties produced than we now possess ; but the standard is high, and the probabili- ties small, yet when the excellence of any new kind is fully proved, we would make every effort to disseminate such acquisitions. The Agriculturist is now the prominent berry, and if equal to its reputed merit, will be a very valuable variety. It certainly is a very vigorous plant, and we hope will fulfil the expectations of cultivators. Whether it is pistillate or stamiuate is not certainly known. Mr. Carpen- ter of New York informs us that it is staminate, but some writer, who has forced it in the greenhouse, states that he could not obtain any fruit ; but upon examination with a magnifying-glass, he detected minute, undeveloped stamens. From this we doubt not it is pistillate. Hovey's Seedling has " minute, undeveloped stamens," if examined with a magni- fying-glass, or even the naked eye. No cultivator ever saw the Triomphe de Gand, but what it exhibited prominent stamens, even if it did not set its fruit freely, which we do not know that it ever failed to do ; certainly not with us. Among foreign strawberries, many of which have been recently introduced, no variety has come up to La Constante, either for size, beauty, quality, or productiveness. Every year adds to the high reputation it has already obtained as one of the finest of all strawberries. Bijou, Lucas, and some JANUARY. Y others of De Jonghe's seedlings, are said to be very fine, but we have not fruited them. Of American sorts, Russell's Prolific has attracted considerable attention from the glowing i es riptions of its immense berries ; but as one cultivator has said of La Constants, that it " went up like a rocket and came down like a stick:" we think the illustration very original and happy, but unfortunately applied to the wrong variety ; had it been Russell's, the sagacity of the writer would have been shown. With us the Russell was large, and produced well, but the berries were soft, dark, and rather dingy in color, and but slightly less acid than the Wilson. Lenning's White has proved a very excellent strawberry, new in color, a good grower, fair size, an abundant bearer, and rich in quality. Bartletfc proves to be our old and well-known Bos- ton Pine ; it is pleasant to see such high praise accorded to an old sort, under a new name. After what we have said in our previous volumes, it is unnecessary for us to refer to the various modes of culture, as there is nothing new to detail. Orchard-houses are gradually becoming indispensable ad- juncts to every complete garden, especially where the peach is considered a desirable fruit ; for under this treatment it can always be had in abundance, and in perfection. Success has everywhere attended the efforts of those who have taken hold of the subject in earnest. The plum and the cherry, now difficult to raise, from the depredations of the birds and insects, may also be easily grown, and excellent crops obtained. Of other fruits, beyond the interest which a full collection always affords, the results are less important ; still a fine stock of handsomely shaped trees, in full fruit, whether peaches, plums, cherries, pears or apples, will always be a source of the highest gratification. Believing this, we have from time to time given all the information on this interest- ing subject. Pear cultivation has continued to be a subject of great interest, and attention has again been directed to the produc- tion of seedlings, of which some varieties of promise have been brought to notice; a few of these we have figured and described in our last volume, and others will be noticed in the course of the year. The Edmonds, which was brought 8 THE MAGAZINE OP HORTICULTURE. to the notice of pomologists, by Mr. Barry, in 1863, has again fruited, and has proved quite equal to its high reputation. As we shall notice the report of the last session of the Amer- ican Pomological Society, as soon as published, we defer any general remarks, in relation to the newer pears, until that time. The crop of the year has been fair, and the quality excellent. We have been pleased to learn that our notice of " One Hundred Fine Pears" has given very general satisfac- tion, and afforded much valuable information to amateurs. We are inclined to believe that the information obtained by longer experience will induce cultivators to change their opinions in regard to the best six, or twelve varieties, and that the place of some must be filled by others which have maintained their superiority. FLORICULTURE. Prominent among the flowers of the year must be named the gladiolus, the pronunciation of which name has been a source of much discussion. A reference to our index of plants, in any volume", will show what the true accentuation is, viz. : Glad-i-olus ; yet so general has become the custom of calling it Gladi-6-lus, that we fear it will be difficult to alter it ; "a rose by any other name will smell as sweet," and whether Glad-i-olus or Gladi-6-lus, the flowers will lose none of their beauty. No better evidence can be afforded of the capability of our cultivators to render us almost independent of all foreign productions, than this flower ; for in the short space of four years, we have surpassed all that has been done for this flower in Europe. Seedlings have been raised, which far excelled any of the newest French or English seedlings, and thousands upon thousands have been produced. The same zeal bestowed upon the rose, the pa?ony, the pelargo- nium, or any other flower, would undoubtedly give similar results; why not make the trial? The two former are hardy, and can be grown by everybody ; the latter, and all tender flowers, would need the aid of the greenhouse. Will not our enthusiastic cultivators set to work in earnest? Japan appears to be, par excellence, the " flowery -land," though the name is applied to the Celestial Empire. But the JANUARY. y researches of Yon Sijbold, Fortune, Yeitch, and Hogg, have given us novelties, which the most extravagant fancies of the most enthusiastic plant-lover did not dream. Dr. Hall, to whom we are all so deeply indebted for his disinterested labors in making our country participants with that of Great Britain in the acquisition of the great golden lily, and other choice things, has given us, personally, such glowing descriptions of what he saw, that we are almost afraid to report them, for fear we should be pronounced another Munchausen ; only think of a Wistaria with clusters of flowers 3 feet long ! We have endeavored to prevail on Dr. Hall to give our readers some notice of what he saw, and he has partly promised to do so. Recently, we had the pleasure of looking over several of Mr. T. Hogg's acquisitions, which were sent to his brother in New York, and among which were some rare plants ; now that importation is almost or quite prohibited, by the rates of exchange, and duties, &c., it will be cheering to know that we can obtain the same plants which Messrs. Fortune and Yeitch introduced to Europe, without the expense and danger of importation. The culture of the rose is yearly becoming more extensive, and this most beautiful of flowers is attracting the atten- tion it truly deserves. Many reasons have combined to cause its neglect ; one of the most common, being the use of budded plants. They are yearly produced and sold, and in the place of the magnificent varieties, introduced with glowing descrip- tions, there is nothing but a single blossom, which, on close examination, proves to have come from the stock, either a Manetti or Briar. We do not mean by this to wholly deny the value of budded roses, which in the hands of intelligent and skilful cultivators may serve a good purpose, but under the treatment of the mass of cultivators the stock kills out the scion, and the result is as we have stated. Then again, many, — at least two-thirds of the Hybrid Perpetuals, — are weak growers, and half-tender, and liable to be killed off by our severe winters, resulting in disappointment, and leading to the ignoring of the whole tribe. Yet there are some as vigorous and hardy as the commonest hardy rose, and which bloom freely and abundantly all the autumn ; when these are 10 THE MAGAZINE OF HORTICULTURE. selected, they will not fail to give entire satisfaction to any rose amateur. Our advice is : — avoid budded roses ; leave their selection to a respectable dealer ; manure highly ; prune hard, and no fear need be apprehended of the result. The importation of new plants, or new and choice varieties of popular flowers, has been exceedingly limited, and our collections have been but slightly augmented from this source. A few of the cheaper plants, such as verbenas, chrysanthe- mums, &c, have been added ; but of really new plants, the acquisitions have been few. Our Floricultural Notices have revealed the many riches in store, when our commercial rela- tions are restored to their former basis, or something near it ; till then, our amateurs must be content with what they possess, with limited exceptions, and then only at extravagant prices. A reference to our last volume will show what 'has been the progress of floriculture abroad. ARBORICULTURE. If the utilitarian views of our cultivators has led them of late years to plant fruit, rather than ornamental trees, we can only indulge the hope that, successful in their efforts, they have not wholly forgotten the ornamental. We think we can discern a more appreciating taste for beautiful trees and shrubs, and landscape effect, generally. These are the natural accompaniments of wealth, and the more prosperous condition of our country, the erection of suburban villas and country houses, has awakened a better taste for rural art. We have already alluded to the liberality of Mr. Hunne- well, in enabling the Massachusetts Horticultural Society to move in the important work of arousing our planters to the necessity of a better display of taste, in the ornamentation of their grounds. We have no doubt Mr. Hunnewell's aid has come just at the right time, and that the Society will take such measures as will accomplish the views of the donor. Already has the example of Mr. Hunnewell, in his own grounds, been of especial service in two ways, viz., in showing how much can be done by some preconceived plan of oper- ations, and what trees may be depended upon to give additional variety, and picturesque effect. The latter is a JANUARY. 11 slow and somewhat expensive work ; for time is required to test the real hardiness of a tree, and new kinds are costly, and require care in the task of acclimating them. But much has heen done, and planters are deeply indebted to such gentlemen, for their disinterested efforts in the right direc- tion. Japan trees are now the interesting objects, and while some have already proved entirely hardy, it is hoped many others will be added to the list. One of these beautiful acquisitions is the Double Deutzia, (D. crenata fl. pi.) sufficient in itself to repay the introduction of a dozen less hardy plants. The hardy species and varieties of pines, spiraeas, junipers, &c, are now numerous enough to break up that monotony which has so long existed, from the exclusive use of half a dozen kinds. And lastly we come to the rhododendron and azalea, now, after more than twenty years of repeated notice, just begin- ning to be truly appreciated. Henceforth they will become the prominent objects in every beautiful plantation, whether of limited or greater extent. The American grounds, so denominated in England, where these shrubs have so long held universal sway, are to be no less an important feature of our own plantations, where there is space for their introduction. Here, revelling in their appropriate place, the rhododendron, azalea, kalmia, magnolia, ledum, andromeda, and other similar and equally elegant shrubs, will form a peculiar source of interest and beauty. HORTICULTURAL LITERATURE. The best evidence of an appreciative interest in horti- culture, is the increase of publications devoted to the dissem- ination of information upon the art of cultivation. These have been more numerous than usual. Mr. Fuller's Gr^pe Culturist has come just at the right time, and fills a place left vacant ; it is a most valuable addition to our stock of information on grape growing. The Orchard-House, a republication of Mr. Brehaut's treatise, which appeared in a previous volume, has been published, with a supplement by the editor supplying information valuable to cultivators, omit- ted by Mr. Brehaut. Two works, not strictly horticultural, 12 THE MAGAZINE OF HORTICULTURE. but jet admirable aids to the dissemination of valuable infor- mation upon rural art, have appeared ; they are " Ten Acres Enough," and " How to get a Farm." We can commend them to the attention of all. A new edition of Burr's Vege- tables of America is in preparation, but it is not yet quite ready. The magazines devoted to horticulture have continued to maintain their usual excellence, and the Horticulturist, now under the editorial supervision of Messrs. Woodward, is about to appear with increased attractions. CONFUSION IN THE NURSERY. BY D. W. LOTHROP, WEST MEDFORD. When an amateur plants a garden, and shows that interest in his trees which he must to make them a pleasure of peculiar charm, his disappointment is intense if he finds a large portion of them prove false to their labels. These trees he has watched from year to year, by sunlight and perhaps by moonlight; he has dug around them, and endeavored to make their bed soft and comfortable ; has tried to make them grow regular by proper training and direction, as he would his children ; has gazed with great delight upon their early vigor- ous shoots, and has particularly sought out their first appear- ance of fruit buds. But perhaps his Duchesse proves a Vicar, his Sheldon a Jargonelle, his Superfin a Napoleon, and his d'Anjou something of unknown worthlessness. Not so bad as they might be, some may say. No ; sometimes something better than was ordered is got ; but even with the few excep- tions, it does not much mitigate the vexation. It amounts to about this — instead of having a choice selection of pears, or other fruits, he has only an ordinary mixture. He now begins to cut away and insert grafts of his choice. And here, unless he is very cautious in procuring his scions, he will be again brought to grief. This evil may be unavoidable to an extent; but if we would seek a reform in the nursery, we must complain of its delinquencies. Honest men will be more careful; rogues JANUARY. 13 less daring. The poet Butler wrote the following well-known couplet : — " Doubtless the pleasure is as great Of being cheated as to cheat." But this is more appliablo to legerdemain than to labelling fruit trees. Mistakes or frauds in the nursery are so common that the victims may smile even at a simple allusion to them ; and I fear myself I shall not be able to write a serious arti- cle ? " Why," says one, " you must'expect one third of your trees false. Nurserymen have no means of telling one varie- ty from another, except in rare cases, by leaf or peculiar growth ; and even then it's nothing but reasonable conjecture. They are as frequently deceived as any one, and innocently propagate the deception." Perhaps this is generally true ; new varieties particularly are subject to mistakes, as they are not readily recognized. But then if occasionally a man should get into the business whose ethics in trade are not " first rate," or are falling into decay — degenerating, as we say of some old fruits — and who thinks that rapid and hand- some-growing trees, even of very poor sorts, are more readily brought into the market and sell better than those of a con- trary character (some of our best varieties growing slowly), he might have the weakness to yield to the temptation, and furnish such trees for all varieties ordered ? To the honor of nurserymen, however, I must say that I have never encoun- tered but one in my limited dealings with them, who arrested such suspicion. "With him I now think it was a fault rather than a misfortune. His establishment was within thirty miles of Boston, and as he has passed hence, to avoid offence, I will give him the posthumous synonym of " Crisp," should I again have occasion to allude to him. Pardon the retaliation. About twelve years ago, having some pear stocks to work, I went into a neighbor's ground — who had lately set some choice pear trees from a popular nurseryman — and finding a tree marked " Seckel," I took a scion therefrom, and also one from a tree labeled " Glout Morceau." The stock into which I inserted the Seckel soon commenced to grow rapidly, and continued most of the season to do so, surpassing every- thing else. It was very stocky and bushy. I began to suspect 14 TIIE MAGAZINE OP HORTICULTURE. it was not the Seckel, and from a few specimens which it horo three years ago, I judged it might be the Buffum — not being acquainted with the habit of that tree. In 1833 it again bore a few small fruit, which plainly showed that it was neither Seckel nor Buifam, but a little pear so shocking and bitter as to nauseate one. How came it in the nursery ? After waiting, however, ten years for disappointment, I felt partly recompensed by the splendid stock it gave me ; being six inches through at the butt. It has anew a vigorous head of Swan's Orange, from scions which I knew grew on a Swan's Orange tree. The bitter specimens alluded to above I showed to the gentleman from whose nursery my neighbor's trees were purchased, and he quietly observed that it was some poor sort which had "crept in." In a year or two I can laugh with him about it. Tbo scions marked Glout Morceau also grew rapidly, and threw up very long shoots. They had the ash-colored wood of that variety. Getting a few specimens, I inquired of the same gentleman what it was, and he said it was the Glout Morceau. It certainly looked like it then. The following year it ripened up yellow in early autumn, with a fine blush, cracked and rotted badly on the tree. I then showed another specimen (a greenish one) to the gentleman, when he pro- nounced it the Catillac. Whatever it was it grew like a rocket. The stock is now doing good service. Meeting Crisp one spring in Boston, about ten years ago, I bought of him some scions of the Duchesse d'Orleans — a variety which stood high in my mind — and they were inserted in a vigorous stock. They grew into a beautifully-shaped tree, and presented a clean, thick, very glossy, dark-green leaf like the Camellia. I imagined I recognized the leaf in Hovey's Fruits of America, where it is described. Whenever I saw the fruit or heard it praised, I exultingly exclaimed to myself, "Well, I've got that!" I watched it with interest, and in time it bore one fruit, which looked rather hard, dark and irony all summer ; and when frost came it was placed in the cellar, where it remained till February. At this time it had changed its color (I had changed color about it before) seeming to be about ripe, and on being tasted proved rather JANUARY. 15 sweet, but coarse and ugly. The Winter Nelis soon took the place of such an " Orleans." At the same time I bought of Crisp some grafts of the famous Beurre d'Anjou. Inserting one in a good stock, it grew about five feet the first season, and was an inch in diameter at its base ! The next year it threw out graceful and vigor- ous laterals, and from season to season continued to grow very rapidly, forming one of the most beautiful pyramids I have ever seen, without a touch of the knife. The shoots were a dark brown and the leaves dark green ; but as I did not then know that the color of the wood of the d'Anjou was much lighter and ashy in general appearance, the error was not jcted. But alas, a few years brought a cluster of small, worthless, dark-brown pears, which suddenly rotted on the tree, and showed conclusively that a tree is known by its fruit, not by its label. Could so handsome and rapid a grow- er as this have been retained in the nursery for the mere pur- pose of raising splendid trees ? Wishing to procure some buds of the Beurre Clairgeau, licli stood at the top of the list of European pears, I called on a respectable nurseryman and found him in his nursery. [ told him my errand, when he proceeded to a certain tree . nursery row which he said had borne a little, and clipped me a twig. The same afternoon they were inserted in the nches of a vigorous Jargonelle, in hopes of sooner seeing fruit. The next spring they started well, and I felt as if ad grown several inches myself, as I now had the " crack" ! I used no other buds that day, nor in fact during the season. In a few years several pears appeared. It was a solace. But about midsummer I fancied the fruit was rather too round for the Clairgeau, and knew it a month after — as they began to turn yellow ! Still they were hard, and were suffered to remain a little longer, till they assumed a blush, but were soon found all rotten at the core, with a rather firm shell. I showed one to the author of the buds at the Horti- cultural Rooms, and asked him to give its name. He said he did not know it, neither did he grow it! But, said I, you gave me the scions for the Clairgeau. He was astonished. Finally, he thought he might have it at a given place in his 16 THE MAGAZINE OP HORTICULTURE. garden. A singular confession this, which compelled me to re-work two good stocks that now delight in the Bosc. Job had his trials, no doubt ; but stocking a garden with choice fruit trees was not one of them ! Falling in with Crisp every spring for the first few years of my gardening experience, I bought a couple of dwarf pear trees for special locations — one the Beurre Diel, the other the Flemish Beauty. In about five years the latter bore ; but the fruit, though small, was brown and had some resemblance to that variety. I was deceived for a year or two, but it grew better, when I ascertained it to be the Henry IV., a very excel- lent pear. The Diel grew very rapidly, even under disad- vantages ; and after about eight years bore one small button pear, succeeded by another the following year ! As I inserted in its stock the d'Anjou, I could not help thinking that Crisp was not much unlike the pear described in the last paragraph. This gentleman also gave me some scions of the Fulton, which proved to be the Lawrence ; and some Lawrence which proved to be the Belle Lucrative. Also some of the Golden Beurre, which grew rapidly, but turned out a large worthless fruit, like the one noticed as the Glout Morceau above. Wishing to grow the famous Tompkins County King apple, the ubiquitous Crisp was ready, and said I might have some cuttings from some young trees then on their way from New York State. When they arrived I paid him for them, and worked them on two vigorous stocks. In a few years one of them bore a few specimens. They were handsome and smooth, but seemed in August to be rather light-colored for the King and a little too flat. A month more confirmed my suspicions, and still another told plainly that they were the Salmon Sweet ! For this mishap I reserve half of my indig- nation, as one of the trees I shall let grow — in memory of the transaction and the man. It must not be inferred that I was equally unfortunate in all my trees, or with most other nurserymen ; for in several instances all, or nearly all, were true to label — even bundles of trees from Western New York, bought at auction, have proved so. But in regard to Crisp, truth compels me to say, that I do not recollect of ever having a tree or a scion from JANUARY. 17 him that proved to be the variety for which it was purchased ! Were he now among us, how much soever of the agreeable he might exhibit, I am impressed — in remembrance of the record he has left in my behalf — that I could not reciprocate it. I did not intend to write anything like a sermon, but if, from the facts presented, a moral can be drawn, it will be gratifying. The reputation of nurserymen should be made known, whether good or bad ; and purchasers of trees should be careful to whom they give orders, and in procuring scions endeavor to know from what trees they were taken. A great deal of delay and vexation may thus be avoided. THE COLORS OF PEARS. BY J. S. HOUGHTON, PHILADELPHIA. It is an interesting question, how far the colors of pears may be influenced by climate, soil, special manuring, mulch- ing or other treatment. It is quite certain that some cultiva- tors produce fruit much more delicate in complexion, and more highly colored than others. The Duchesse d'Angouleme, which is generally of a pale green, changing to a dull yellow, is fre- quently seen with a bright glossy skin and a brilliant scarlet blush on one side, adding much to its beauty. The red color on the Louise Bonne de Jersey is frequently very intense, while other specimens are of a dull brown. Dr. Boynton, of Syracuse, New York, once exhibited some pears at a meeting of the National Pomological Society, covered with a skin like glass, and tinted with the most brilliant hues, crimson, scar- let, and gold. We have never seen any fruit since, equal in finish and color to those specimens. Dr. Boynton attempted to explain the cause of this perfection and color, by some geological theory and special manuring ; but either penolo- gists could not understand him, or he did not understand him- self; nothing ever came of it. How far is it possible to discover and control the causes of color ? Many cultivators of fruit have no doubt observed that vol. xxxi. — no. i. 2 18 THE MAGAZINE OF HORTICULTURE. sickly trees, or those in a stunted and unhealthy condition, will generally produce fruit more highly colored than healthy and thrifty trees. The fruit will probably be smaller than on more vigorous trees, but will take on a much richer color. This may perhaps be attributed to the fact, that growing slow- ly, the juice of the fruit and the fabric of the skin may be more perfectly elaborated early in the season, and hence may be more thoroughly acted upon by the rays of the sun. It has been remarked by Prof. Balfour, a distinguished English botanist, that " the colors of flowers appear to depend upon the oxidation of their juices." The colors produced on the leaves of trees, in autumn, we are constantly told by vegeta- ble physiologists, is due to the action of oxygen upon the juices and the texture of the foliage. We are also told, by the same authorities, that the sap of trees carries up with it com- mon air, carbonic acid and oxygen, as gases, in addition to the mineral elements which may be in solution in that fluid. Now from these facts it would appear that a stunted or checked growth, and free oxidation of the juice of the fruit would tend to increase the brilliancy of the color. But to obtain a good ambrotype, you must have a plate properly prepared for the action of the sun's rays ; and to get highly colored fruit you must undoubtedly have a texture of skin fitted to take on the desired tints. What shall be the constituents of this skin ? and how shall these constituents be collected and organized ? The first evident constituent or element of a proper skin is a somewhat dense fibre ; next, a certain amount of silica, as in the cornstalk and bamboo; then perhaps, (for all this is something like guess work) some iron and other minerals, in free supply; after these, what acids? or what phosphates ? Who can tell ? One of the substances employed in manure, which has been supposed to have a great influence on the colors of flowers, is charcoal. Whether there are any facts in existence to show what the effect of charcoal is upon fruit, in respect to color, we do not know. We have used many hundred cords of fine charcoal, about fruit trees, as a top-dressing, and as a mulch- ing agent, without discovering that it produced any effect on JANUARY. 19 the color of the fruit. That charcoal attracts oxygen with considerable avidity, and yields carbonic acid gas pretty free- ly, we presume there is little doubt. Further experiments in its use, in respect to its effect on color, are to be desired. Of the mineral substances which enter into the composition of manure, the alkalies, oxide of iron, and sulphate of iron, have been supposed by some writers to have an influence upon the color of fruit. We must confess that although we have tried some experi- ments with a view to produce color in pears, by special treat- ment, we have not yet arrived at any thing like certainty in this respect. But we are still experimenting, with the hope of greater success. Of one thing we feel convinced, and that is, that the art of manipulating the soil and managing the trees, (special ma- nuring and training) is still in its infancy, and much improve- ment may yet be made in these departments of gardening. We should be gratified to see this subject further discussed by the Editor of this Magazine, and other pomologists who have succeeded in growing highly colored pears. Has any body ever so looked into " the womb of time," as to discover the process by which their most beautiful pets were pro- duced ? SPECIMEN OF IONAISM. BY D. I send you the following bagatelle, as a complimentary review of one of those modest little emanations from the delectable island of Iona — one of those " refreshing indica- tions," and oft-appearing " landmarks," which are so helpful to benighted inquirers after the true way, and the true things ! On the first page we have the following morceau : " Allen's Hybrid has all of the excellence of the famous Golden Chas- selas," and more too, for it is "more spirited." Now this is all very good, as it stands. But note how skilfully the fact is clinched by the remark immediately following. " It is with- 20 THE MAGAZINE OP HORTICULTURE. oat any of the offensiveness that has detracted so largely from our natives, as represented by the Isabella and Catawba, or, by the still lower and more objectionable Concord and Hart- ford Prolific." ( ! ) "The Iona, (page 2), is in perfection three weeks before the Catawba and Isabella, and two weeks earlier than the Concord." " Its time of ripening is very early, and about the same as that of the Delaware, beginning to be good to eat, (p. 4), before the Concord had colored in the slightest degree." News ! — so far at least as the Delaware is concerned, — and good news too, isn't it? And true ; for (p. 4), " the Dela- ware is not behind the earliest in ripening, among hardy vines," and (p. 11), "is in marketable condition as early as the Hartford Prolific." ( ! ) Ergo, the Iona ripens with the Hartford Prolific. The following has a " refreshing flavor," (p. 7) : " If it had not been for the most sedulous and untiring efforts at the Iona establishment," " this country would have been still slum- bering over the Isabella and Catawba, for Concord and Hart- ford Prolific have not in themselves enough of goodness to sustain life." Good joke, that ! How pitiable is the condi- tion of those " who (p. 4), have only had their perceptions of the flavor and refreshing enjoyment which the vine can fur- nish, sparingly exercised upon the fruit of the very imperfect Israellas, or of the more gross and foxy Concord, and Hart- ford Prolific." Bad, indeed ! The Israella (p. 2), is " intensely black and fully ripe for market, August twentieth, and it exceeds the Iona in earliness of ripening, by more than one week." Now, if the Delaware is " not behind the earliest in ripening," and the time of ripening of the Iona is " about the same as that of the Dela- ware," and the Israella is ripe " more than one week" before the Iona, it must follow that the Israella is " beginning to be good to eat " about the time that the Concord is going out of blossom ! Quite early and desirable, isn't it ? And then it is so " intensely black," (p. 2), and " the color is a dark purple," (p. 13). You see there is no mistaking the color, and that is quite an item in identifying the fruit ! JANUARY. 21 One important fact must not be overlooked, particularly with regard to the Israella, and that is, that it is " not offered to the public for trial" but only after "extensive trial." Has it not always "shown the same uniform results in other hands," in Boston ; in fact, all over Massachusetts, and Maine, and Connecticut ? " Answer me that." And has it not "passed through a long and severe trial," (p. 5), and have not its merits been " confirmed by the uniform voice of the vast number of good judges who have critically examined it from year to year? The impartial author of the tract before us very prudently makes no positive promise as to the quantity of wine and raisins which his two new pets will supply to " this country," but the quality is more than hinted at when he says, (p. 1): " The Delaware, as a wine grape, has no superior in any country, and no equal in this." " Iona (p. -5), is probably equal to Delaware in value for wine." " Tbe Israella may be expected to make a rich wine, very distinct, &c." What " delightful refreshment" in prospect for us all ! And those raisins: " The Iona dries readily to the best and most spirited of raisins." " It is scarcely inferior to the best of Malagas, for making the best of raisins." "Possessing with the Muscat of Alexandria, this quality, upon which the production of the best raisins depends." Good ! No " keg raisins" there ! Now let us all join with the disinterested author in " the manifestation of the proper feeling toward those " ignorant and interested " individuals who have " zealously advocated " " the Concord, and other inferior kinds," and strive earnestly for the power to appreciate that "goodness of quality" in grapes, wines, and raisins" " which will constantly increase in importance, as perceptive ability becomes more culti- vated, which it is destined to be with greatly accelerated rapidity." ! ! ! 22 THE MAGAZINE OF HORTICULTURE. HOOIBRENK'S MODE OF TRAINING THE GRAPE. A year ago, a notice appeared in the English gardening journals, of some remarkable results obtained by a new mode of training the vine, practised by M. Daniel Hooibrenk* upon M. Jacquesson's estate at Epernay. These results were so decided as to attract the attention of the Emperor of the French, who made an unexpected visit to see the experi- ments of M. Hooibrenk. But beyond some general remarks, in regard to the training of all trees and vines at an angle of 12° below the horizontal, and its results upon their productive qualities, no information was given. We have, however, in a recent number of the Gardeners' Chronicle, obtained a tolerably full account of M. Hooibrenk's system, and though like all new modes of culture it has its advocates and depredators, yet, it seems to us, to be founded on sound principles, and entitled to a full and thorough trial ; and though, as it will be seen, the experiments were made under glass, (in a grapery or cold-house), it appears to us that the system has few advantages over the ordinary modes of practice in that position. It is more especially adapted to our hardy grapes in the open air, being neither the short system as advocated by some, nor the long system as advo- cated by others, but a medium between the two, and particu- larly valuable on account of the ease with which the vines may be laid down and protected in winter. We have but little space at this time for extended remarks. The account, with the engraving, explains itself. We ought to say, however, that we have omitted an engraving, showing the bilateral system, — that is, a vine with branches extend- ing each way from the main stem, as first practised by M. Hooibrenk, because he has abandoned it himself, and because it is this in the main, which gives it so great a claim to the attention of American grape growers. By the unilat- eral system, the shoots can be all laid down in one direction, while with the other or old plan, it would be difficult to bend the branches in an opposite direction to their growth, without endangering their being broken. JANUARY. 23 The simplicity and neatness of M. Hooibrenk's mode arc apparent ; but he attributes his great success to the inclina- tion of the branches below the horizontal line, (10° or 12°). There can be no doubt that it is favorable to a complete development of the buds, from all our knowledge of the vine, and the tendency of the sap towards the terminal shoots; thus, while in the breaking of the buds the inclination assists in their stronger development, so later in the season, when the new shoots have made their growth, judicious stopping will still guard against an undue supply of sap towards these shoots, and direct it towards the growth of the fruit. We commend M. Hooibrenk's system to our amateurs and intel- ligent grape growers : — The system of vine culture propounded by M. D. Hooi- brenk, of Heitzing, near Vienna, has attracted so much attention and discussion on the Continent, and is still regarded there with so much interest by those holding favorable or unfavorable views respecting it, that some further explana- tory particulars will no doubt be acceptable to many of our readers. We commence with a remarkable report which has been presented to the Scciete Centrale et Impiriale d * Horticulture de Paris by a commission charged to examine this method of cultivating the vine, as practised in the garden of Madame Furtado, at Rocquencourt, and in that of Gen. Jacqueminot, at Meudon. The following is a resume, of tl e more import- ant passages of this report: — At Rocquencourt M. Fournier first conducted the Commis- sion towards a pit or glass-case (bache~) which had been set up against a wall 8 feet high, and of considerable length ; and explained that the results obtained proceeded from old vines, which had not yielded any produce for several years, as much by reason of age, as by the evil influence of masses of shrubs growing in front of them. These shrubs had been removed, and large trendies opened at the foot of the wall, the trenches being filled with good soil and manure, and the old vine stems laid down therein, the terminal branches being either fixed against the wall, or trained as espaliers. The 24 THE MAGAZINE OP HORTICULTURE. vines throughout the whole extent of the wall had become furnished with vigorous shoots, rising vertically to various heights, and then turned off to one side and lowered a little below the horizontal line, in order to form long fruit-branches. The inclination of the fruit-branches was from 12° to 15°. All these long inclined branches had the most of their buds developed, almost all of the buds bearing one or oftener two moderately fine bunches, not, however, attaining the con- dition of perfection. In all those cases where the stem had only one long branch, the first eye had produced a shoot, which being trained vertically and not stopped, became fit to replace the fruit-branch in the following year. But wherever on the same stem there were two, three, or four fruit- branches, only one or two of them yielded shoots fit for the replacement. The inclination of 12° to 15° below the hori- zontal line being regarded as a distinctive and essential character of the Hooibrenk method, the equal bursting and fertility of all the buds of the fruit-branch, whatever might be its length, being attributed to it, the Commission was induced to examine closely all the eyes along the whole length of the fruit-branches, and though here and there the equality was nearly realized, yet, in many cases it was not manifested, either in the breaking or vigor of the buds, or in the number and quality of the bunches. The greatest vigor showed itself at the extremities, while the centre was gen- erally inferior, and sometimes altogether naked. The inclination of the fruit-branch, indicated by M. Hooi- brenk, was held by M. Guyot to be no new thing, since it had been practised from time immemorial in Prance, as at JuranQon, at Madiran, and in other places. M. Guyot main- tained that the depression of the branches was neither neces- sary nor advantageous, and that the horizontal line was better adapted than any other to secure the equal development of buds, and of the fruit crop. This equality, so well obtained in the French vineyards, would disappear, he argued, if the cordons, instead of being horizontal, were inclined down- wards. M. Forest expressed the opinion, shared by MM. Malot and Guyot, that equal growth and fructification throughout the length of a fruit-branch depended much more JANUARY. 25 upon the pinching or stopping being done at an opportune time, than upon the mere inclination of the branch some few inches more or less below the horizontal line. These having been examined and discussed, M. Fournier conducted the Commission to another pit or glass-case (bache) containing some old vines in horizontal cordons, furnished with their grapes, and other vines laid down distant from the wall, bearing one, two, three, or sometimes four long branches, the greater part inclined downwards, but some horizontal. All these long branches were furnished with grapes. The stems, which had three or four long branches, produced only one or two shoots for replacement, so that the same mode of pruning could not be repeated the next year. These vines bore abundantly, but the grapes were of third or fourth-rate quality, and inferior in flavor to the fruit of vines trained in horizontal cordons, which latter, moreover, were found to yield with perfect uniformity both shoots and fructification, each branch bearing as many clusters as shoots. It was therefore concluded that the abundance of fruit and the vigorous growth observed were the natural consequence of successfully laying down (recouch&e) the stems of the old vines ; and that the appearance, consistency, and flavor of the fruit were the result of a temporary fertility induced by the superabundant vigor thus thrown into the plants, and not durable qualities as in the case of the cordon and courson vines. It was also found that when the vines had but one long fruit-branch, they produced at the angle a bud of sufficient strength to yield a shoot for replacement ; but that when they were furnished with two, three, or four such branches, they did not produce the new shoots necessary in the following year. While therefore acknowledging the ability and practical success with which M. Fournier had established and conducted his experiments, the Commission found in their results nothing to constitute a new invention or a new system. Count Lelieur, in his Pomone frangaise (1842), remarks that in certain countries they leave on one of the short branches (coursons), one shoot without pruning it. This shoot is called pique, ployon, or marcotte, according as it is 26 THE MAGAZINE OF HORTICULTURE. kept strait, or bent, or is thrust into the ground to make it take root. The vine yields sometimes as much on this alone, as on all the rest of the short branches ; but it is necessary in order to load a vine with these long brandies thai it should be vigorous, planted in good soil, and of at least four years growth. The vine-dressers of the environs of Paris multiply them too much, thus exhausting the plant 1. hooibrenk's mode of training the grape. and lowering the quality of the produce. The fruit of the short branches always ripens before that of the long ones ; there is also a marked difference in the latter between the ripening of the clusters at the top and those at the base of the branch. The celebrated French pomologist therefore only accords exceptional praise to this mode of pruning. But even from this point of view, the system may JANUARY. 27 deserve to be known, although with us as a general rule it can only be applied to vines cultivated under glass. M. Hooibrenk's description of his system was translated from the German and published by M. Ladrey in La Bour- gogne for March 15., 1860, and is there accompanied by figures. Subsequently M. Gnyot stated in the Journal d? Agriculture pratique (April 5) that the system of M. Hooibrenk was only a plagairism of the French system of vine culture, of which a summary with engravings had been published in 1857 in the same journal. M. Hooibrenk, it is said, has since aban- doned the curvature of the branch above the old stem, as well as the bilateral system, in order to employ the unilateral system, and the simple lowering of the fruit branch. He however still proposes, as in (fig. 1,) some dispositions which are held to be impracticable. The fruit-branches («) are from 5 to 6 feet in length ; from the base of each of these is to be trained a young shoot (6) of from 7 to 10 feet long for renewal. All experience in tree culture establishes the axioms that an abundance of fruit prevents the production of wood, and reciprocally that a superabundance of wood is opposed to a large production of fruit. It is therefore argued that if there are eight, six, or four branches of 7 feet long laden with fruit, this will not permit of eight, six, or four young shoots of similar length being produced on the same stock at the same time — an opinion corroborated by the vines seen at Rocquencourt, where they bore several of the long branches. It is observed that M. Hooibrenk in his figures everywhere shows the branches as being opposite instead of alternate, a circumstance likely to embarrass those who allow themselves to be guided by his figures. M. Pynaert, to whose account we are indebted for the fore- going extracts, suggests that the system might perhaps be applied to vines treated as espaliers, particularly under glass, with good results. In forcing, especially where it is some- times necessary to allow the trees to rest for a season, he thinks one might, by the aid of these long branches, load the vines at pleasure. 28 THE MAGAZINE OF HORTICULTURE. On the same subject M. Riviere has recently stated at one of the meetings of the Sociele Impiriale d'Horticullvre, that Philippar, in his course of culture, published in 1840, gives precise indications as to the inclination of the cordons of vines and branches of fruit trees. One of the plates of this work represents the trees with bent branches, after the method practised by Cadet, of Vaux, and others in which they have the inclination recommended by M. Hooibrenk. He also finds in the translation, published in 1763 by Dupuy d'Emportes, of the Vegetable Staticks of Hales, a figure representing vines, with branches inclined according to the same system. The method of M. Hooibrenk has thus, it will be seen, both its advocates and its depreciators. No doubt the present season will produce further evidence of its results in France and Germany. In the meantime our own cultivators may do well to take notice of it, as some modification of it may after all be found useful if we should ever come to grow grapes on the orchard-house plan. (Snurd l^Qtxtis. Chinese Yam. — In the year 1862 my plantation of yams consisted of two rows, about 3 feet apart, occupying a space of 42 feet in length by nearly 6 feet in breadth. The ground had been trenched to a depth of about 2 feet 6 inches, and manured as for a crop of potatoes. Soon after the middle of March the sets were planted 12 inches apart, and about 3 inches below the surface of the ground, on the top of ridges 1 foot high. When the plants began to grow they were roughly staked with ends of oak branches, that could not have been used for staking peas. The crop was taken up about the end of November, and after having been kept in a dry place till the beginning of January, it was well cleaned, and its weight ascertained to be 70 lbs , and a fraction, English weight. I calculate the produce to have been at the rate of 1 lb. for every 3d square feet of ground. This year (1863,) I planted three rows in a space exactly 48 feet long by 8 wide. The culture was the same as last year, and the crop, well dried and cleaned, weighed about 113 lbs. This gives a weight of 1 lb. to 3.4 square feet— a result very similar to that of the preceding year. We, in our household, value the Chinese Yam so highly for the table, where it is JANUARY. 29 especially useful at the season when the best-keeping potatoes begin to deteriorate in quality, that I intend to extend my culture of it considerably. If I have not done so more rapidly in the course of the last two years it was because, instead of subdividing my sets, so as to increase their num- bers, I have generally planted them of full length, (from 9 to 12 inches long — longer perhaps than is necessary,) with a view to obtain tubers of a good size, and well suited for the table. — (Gard. Chron.) Hollyhocks. — At the last meeting of the Royal Horticultural Society, Mr. Tillery, of Welbeck, invited attention to a property in the Hollyhock which if known to the initiated, does not appear to be commonly known or practised among cultivators generally. It is, that seedlings may be had to bloom satisfactorily the same year in which they are sown. Mr. Tillery's communication was accompanied by some remarkably fine-grown flowers, admirable subjecis for garden decoration, in illustration of the treatment which he recommends to those who have not conveniences for wintering a supply of plants. These flowers were in fact sent to show that the seeds of Holyhocks sown in February will yield vigorous flowering plants the following September. — a great desideratum in filling up shrubbery with masses of these gorgeous autumnal flowers, for which purpose of course seedlings of a good strain, as the florists say. are exceedingly well adapted. It was explained that in the case in question, the seeds were sown in a peach-house in the beginning of February. The seedlings were planted siugly in small pots and kept growing in heat till the beginning of April, when they were planted out, some in well prepared garden soil, others in masses in the shrubberies. All have flowered or are coming into flower. It is well known, Mr. Tillery observes, that severe or wet winters cause the Holyhocks to rot, when not protected by frames, but by raising them from seeds every year, a supply can be kept up with little trouble. It is also well known that certain kinds of Holyhocks may be reproduced almost true to color and properties when raised from seeds, and such are of course very desirable parents to adopt when this method of treatment is carried out. — [Gard. Chron.) Iltassaejmsctts horticultural j&rcieig. Saturday, Nov. 5, 1864. An adjourned meeting of the Society was held to-day — the President in the chair. Capt. Austin announced that he had received the sum of $100 from Wm. Thomas, Esq., as a donation to the Society. The thanks were voted for Mr. Thomas's liberal gift. The thanks of the Society were voted to Wm. T. Andrews, Esq., for the offer of Andrews Hall for the opening exhibition in May last. The following members were elected at the last meeting in October, and 30 THE MAGAZINE OF HORTICULTURE. the present: P. A. Ames, Boston; F.J.Lake, Grantville; Samuel Ather- ton, Dorchester ; G. W. Holmes, Boston; Henry N. Gardner, R. M. Crush- ing, J. G. Cushing, Belmont; Francis Skinner. Boston; S. N. Gaut, John Sowle, Somerville ; Joseph H. Bell, Maiden ; George Dorr, Dorchester ; Reuben VV. Reed, Oliver M. Winship, Lexington; Edward Spaulding, Jamaica Plain ; George Lincoln, Jr., Hingham ; Jonathan Preston, Boston > William E. Bright, Waltham ; Win. Everett, Roxbury ; Peter C. Brooks, Boston. Adjourned one month to Dec. 3. Dec. 3. — An adjourned meeting of the Society was held to-day — the President in the chair. A letter was received from C. J. Sprague, Esq., accompanied with an herbarium collected by the late Dennis Murray, stating that Mr. Murray's daughters wished the Society to accept of the same. The thanks of the Society were voted to the Misses Murray for their acceptable present, and P. Parkman, J. C. Hovey and Dr. Wight appointed a committee to make such disposition of the herbarium as they deemed ex- pedient. The President appointed the Treasurer, Jos. Stickney, and C. O. Whit- more a Committee to settle with Mount Auburn Cemetery. The President, from the Executive Committee, reported the following appropriation for premiums for the ensuing year : — Garden Committee, 300 00 Flower Committee, 1200 00 Fruit. Committee, 1100 00 Vegetable Committee, .... 400 00 $3000 00 Josiah Stickney announced to the Society that Dr. W. J. Walker had presented the Society with 97 shares of the Connecticut and Passumpsic Rivers Railroad. The thanks of the Society were unanimously voted to Dr. Walker for his liberal donation, and the President was authorized to ac- knowledge the same. The following members were elected : — William Adams, Winchester ; Charles Stearns, Brookline ; George Russell. M. D., Boston; J. W. Hub- bard, Boston ; Edward Lawrence, Charlestown ; G. B. Loring, Salem ; Ho- ratio N. Glover, Dorchester; Abraham Jackson, Boston; Gardner Prouty, Littleton ; William Thomas, Boston ; B. P. Cheney, Boston ; John S. Far- low, Newton ; William Parsons, Boston; Charles Barnard, 2d, West New- ton; George Springall, Maiden; Charles Scott, Boston; J. B. Fenno, Bos- ton; Henry Nichols, South Boston; Henry M. Wellington, West Roxbury. Adjourned two weeks to Dec. 17. Dec. 17. — An adjourned meeting of the Society was held to-day — the President in the chair. On motion of C. O. Whitmore, it was voted to make such alterations in the front facade of the new Hall as would conform to the revised plan of the architect, provided the cost did not exceed $2500. Adjourned two weeks to Dec. 31. Dec. 31. — An adjourned meeting of the Society was held to day — the President in the chair. JANUARY. 31 J. F. C. Hyde, from the Fruit Committee, made their annual report, which was accepted. Capt. W. R. Austin, from the Garden Committee, made their report, which was accepted. • E. A. Storey presented the report of the Flower Committee, which was accepted. A. Pierce presented the report of the Vegetable Committee, which was accepted. Further time was given to prepare the report of the Library Committee. The meeting then dissolved. ioriicnltantl operations FOR JANUARY. FRUIT DEPARTMENT. The month of December has been cold, cloudy, and stormy, with an unusual quantity of snow, and one or two severe cold days, the temperature filling to 5° below zero. Such weather has been trying to early forced houses, and has required much care and labor to maintain an even tempera- ture. With the present month the days will be getting longer, and the sun higher, and though the weather may be colder, the increased sunlight will more than make up for the severity of frost. Grape Vines, in the early houses, will now be swelling their fruit, and as the season advances will grow rapidly, and by the last of the month the berries will require thinning. If the laterals grow rapidly, keep them top- ped in to one or two eyes beyond the fruit. In warm, sunny days keep the house well damped, but in cloudy weather be cautious of too much moist- ure. Renew the covering on the border, if the heat is exhausted. If the vines in the grapery or greenhouse have not been pruned, attend to them immediately, and clean and wash the vines at once. Peach Trees, Fig Trees, and Grape Vines, in pots, may be brought into the grapery or greenhouse, and started into growth. Orchard-Houses should have attention; ventilate freely in warm, sunny weather, but close up on the occurrence of severe frost. Strawberries intended for forcing, and kept in frames, may now be brought into the house, and placed on a warm shelf, near the glass. Cucumbers, for early forcing, may now be planted in pots, in a hot-bed, or in the house, where there is a bottom heat of 85° or 90°. flower department. The last month has been unfavorable to the growth of plants on account of the cloudy and stormy weather, and as soon as the weather is fine again, the opportunity should be taken to air abundantly, that the plants may acquire more vigor and strength. With the new year the duties of the 32 THE MAGAZINE OF HORTICULTURE. gardener increase, and the coming month will be a busy one, where many bedding plants are wanted for garden decoration. Clean and rearrange all the plants in the houses. Wash the pots, top-dress where needed, and preserve a neat and gay appearance. Prepare for potting the various plants which require to be started next month. Azaleas will now be coming into bloom, unless the plants have been kept in a very cool house. Water more abundantly as the flowers expand. Plants intended for blooming in May, should now be tied into shape, and kept in the coolest part of the house, and rather dry, though they should not suffer for water. Young stock, intended for good specimens another year, may be removed to a warm house and started into growth at once. Pelargoniums will now require the most attention ; specimens should be shifted into the blooming pots this month, and young plants re-potted. Keep rather dry for a few days, and water sparingly for a week or two ; give an abundance of air at all times, that the growth may be short and stocky ; pinch off" any strong shoots, and thin out small and weak ones ; tie out and regulate the plants so as to form beautiful specimens. Camellias will now be in full bloom, and should be carefully watered; syringe occasionally in pleasant weather. Cinerarias, potted early, will now be coming into flower ; those intended for late blooming, should now have a shift into the flowering pots. Calceo- larias require the same treatment. Keep on a cool shelf, near the glass. Gloxinias and Achimenes may be re-potted, and placed in the warmest part of the house, where they will soon begin to grow. Japan Lilies well advanced, may have a shift into larger pots; remove to a cool shelf in a light place. Seeds of various kinds may be planted this month, viz., Stocks, Pansies, Double Zinnia, Mignonette, &c, &c. Sow in pans or boxes, and keep on a shelf near the glass. Fuchias. Old plants should be pruned into good shape, re-potted, and started into growth ; cuttings may also be put in for a new stock. Cuttings of all kinds of bedding plants may be put in as soon as they can be obtained. Rhododendron and Azalea seeds may now be planted. Caladiums should be shaken out of the old soil, re-potted, and placed in the warmest part of the house, where the temperature is not less than 65°. Water very sparingly until the young growth makes its appearance. Neapolitan Violets in frames, should be well aired in all fine weather, guarding against frost by covering with mats and shutters. Cannas, intended for large showy specimens, in the open ground in summer, may now be started by dividing and potting the roots. Erythrinas may be re-potted, and started into growth for early blooming. Marantas, of various kinds, may now be divided and potted, keeping them warm, and rather dry, till they begin to grow. Heaths should be kept as cool as possible, without frost. BUSH APPLE TREES. TVe have, in our previous volumes, directed the attention of our readers to the importance of the introduction of Dwarf Apple Trees into our gardens, and strongly urged their more extensive culture, both in large and small collections of fruit. But either from the fact, that apples are usually abundant and cheap in our market, or that dwarf apples are considered unprofitable objects, they have not yet obtained that promi- nent place which they fnlly deserve in the fruit garden. Dwarf pears have plenty . of advocates, but the apple seems to have been almost entirely overlooked. Many years ago Mr. Rivers, the well-known cultivator, pub- lished an article on the growth of dwarf apples, which he designated the "Miniature Fruit Garden," and from that pe- riod up to the present time, nearly forty years, he has not only continued to cultivate the trees, but has published a small volume entitled the "Miniature Fruit Garden," the 12th edition of which has recently appeared, containing addi- tional experience acquired in the culture of these trees, which he now calls " Bush Apple Trees," from the facility with which they are made to assume the bush form, and at the same time yield abundant and profitable crops of fruit. The culture of these dwarf trees is yet very limited in our country, and it is only within a few years that they have at- tracted any attention; but as they become better known, and their real value appreciated, they will, we are sure, be con- sidered almost as indispensable as the pear. They are less particular as to soil than the pear, grow quite as readily, oc- cupy but little more space than a currant bush, and bear three to six dozen of large and beautiful fruit each. Besides this, they are so completely within the control of the cultiva- tor, that if the canker worm attacks the trees, they can easily be destroyed by the application of whale oil soap. Now that this pest is so destructive to orchard trees, the bush apples will supply their place, and the same ground, covered with a vol. xxxi. — no. n. 3 3-4 THE MAGAZINE OF HORTICULTURE. dozen or two trees, will produce nearly the same quantity as a standard, and much larger and more beautiful fruit. We have a large and fine collection of dwarf trees, and it is our intention to devote considerable space to the dissemi- nation of information which will lead to their more extensive culture ; but as we are not quite prepared to give the result of our experience, we avail ourselves just now of a short ex- tract from Mr. Rivers's last edition, showing how easily these bush trees may be grown, and the probable supply of fruit they will afford : — " I have reason to think," observes Mr. Rivers, " that a great change may be brought about in suburban fruit culture by these bush trees. I have shown how bush pears on quince stocks may be cultivated. Pears are, however, a luxury ; ap- ples and plums are necessaries to the families of countless thousands who live in the vicinity of our large populous towns and cities ; and a new chapter of the Miniature Fruit Garden is therefore devoted to an explanatfon of the manner in which apples may be grown on bushes on the paradise stock. There is this, too, in addition to the question of profit- ableness, which may be urged in favor of bush-formed trees, that some good sorts which are not exactly tractable when the pyramid form is imposed upon them, are yet manageable enough under the less formal character of bushes, and such are exceedingly well adapted for small gardens. The treatment of these bush trees is very simple, and the return, if they are judiciously managed, certain. First of all it is to be remembered that the trees are to be worked on the paradise stock, and like other fruit trees, are all the better for going through a preparatory course of treatment in the nur- sery quarters. Trees of two or three years old are those recommended to be used, and such, if the preparation has been judicious, may be expected to commence bearing the first season after planting. The space originally allotted to. them should be three feet from row to row, and three feet in the row, for ordinary sorts ; but for large growers, such as Bedfordshire Foundling, a space of four feet should be al- lowed. When the trees have grown so as nearly to touch FEBRUARY. 35 each other, every alternate one should be removed — these be- ing available for another plantation — so that they may stand four and a half feet apart in quincunx order, the formula for accomplishing which is to take away all the trees represented by odd numbers in the first and third rows, and those repre- sented by even numbers in the second and fourth, and so on alternately, or vice versa. The larger growers are to be thinned out upon the same plan. After the lapse of 16 or 20 years the trees of every alternate row must be taken away, and planted elsewhere. Then as to the summer treatment of these trees, the princi- pal feature is the assiduous carrying out of the mode of pruning denominated ' summer pinching,' which consists in regularly, from the beginning of June to the end of August, pinching or nipping off the end of every shoot ' as soon as it has made five or six leaves, leaving from three to four full- sized ones ;' or if the leaves are very thickly placed, as they are on some varieties, the rule may be to leave the shoots at from 3i to 4 inches in length. If it should happen that from the favorable condition or fertility of the soil, the trees are inclined to grow too vigor- ously, the cure is to remove them biennially, or rather to cut their roots, the plan Mr. Rivers recommends being to dig a circular trench 1 foot from tbe stem of the tree, and intro- ducing the spade under its roots to heave it up so as to de- tach them all from the soil ; then to fill in the earth dug from the trench, and tread it gently on to the roots. If the ' pinching in ' suffices to moderate the vigor of the trees, and a state of healthful fertility is induced by this treatment alone, then the transplanting or root-cutting may be deferred for a longer period. A plantation of bush apple trees ought to be remunerative, and Mr. Rivers instances his own plot of 100 trees of Cox's Orange Pippin, planted in the spring of 1862, which bore a fine crop of most beautiful fruit in 1863, and an almost over- abundant one in the present year. These trees, which are on the paradise stock, 'will this season, the third of their growth in their present quarters, and the fourth of their age, give an average of a quarter of a peck from each tree, so 36 THE MAGAZINE OF HORTICULTURE. that we might have from 4840 trees, growing on one acre of ground, 302 bushels of fine apples, which even this abundant season would be (if Cox's Orange) worth 5s. per bushel, or 75/. In 1866, the trees, then averaging half a peck each, would double this sum, and make an acre of apple trees a very agreeable and eligible investment.' And that his readers may feel satisfied he is not theorising, but deducing facts from a sound basis, Mr. Rivers points out that besides his plantation of Cox's Orange Pippin, he has another, con- sisting of 400 bush trees, which has biecn in existence for up- wards of 10 years, so that he may be accredited with ample experience of the subject. Some further illustrations of this mode of cultivating ap- ples in its bearing on the future may be briefly referred to. Let us suppose, with our mentor, ' a rood of ground planted as described, with 1210 bush apple trees. In the course of eight or ten years half of these, or 605, may be removed to a fresh plantation, in which they may be planted six feet apart; they will at once occupy half an acre of ground. At the end of 16 or 18 years, every alternate row of trees in the first plantation, the rood, will require to be removed, which will give 302 to be planted six feet apart, leaving 303 on the original rood. The 1210 trees will by this time occupy one acre of ground at six feet apart. With proper summer prun- ing or pinching they will not require any further change, but continue to grow and bear fruit as long as they are properly cultivated. The great advantage reaped by the 'planter is the constant productiveness of his trees ; from the second year after planting they will be always " paying their way." The unprejudiced fruit cultivator will quickly find out the great advantage of my mode of apple and pear cultivation.' These pictures are tempting enough, we imagine, to set us all planting bush apple trees. That it is a very interesting as well as a profitable mode of culture seems unquestionable, that it is especially suited for the small gardens of amateurs is certain, and that it offers a very ready means of obtaining good samples of the choicer sorts of this most useful of fruits, and of securing a crop, too, from the ready manner in which protection might, if necessary, be afforded, is equally beyond doubt." FEBRUARY. 87 I S O L A BELLA AND I S O L A MADRE. BY H. H. IIUNNEWELL, ESQ. We left Turin on a beautiful morning for Arona, on Lake Maggiore, where we arrived after some four hours' ride by the railroad, having had the Alps, covered with snow, in full view all the time. There we took a small steamboat, and after a short hour's sail were landed on the Isola Bella, one of the celebrated Borromean Islands, which it would seem was, some two hundred years ago, very much like Egg Rock, at Nahant; the ancestor of the present Count Borromeo having commenced his improvements in 1670, transforming the barren rock into one of the most elaborate and curious, if not interesting, examples of the artificial style of Italian gardens. The southerly side, which we saw first, presents a most striking and theatrical effect, being composed of ten stone terraces, raised one above the other to the height of ninety-two feet above the level of the lake, their sides show- ing one mass of foliage, being covered with orange and lemon trees, trained en espalier, and the parapets decorated with towers, fountains and statuary, in great profusion. From the upper terrace, which is very large, you look down upon the gay parterres below, the groves of orange trees, Magnolia grandifloras, and rare trees and plants of every de- scription, with the beautiful lake, surrounded by mountains, including the Simplon, offering altogether one of the most enchanting views imaginable. The palace, at the opposite end of the island, has no architectural attractions whatever, but is very large, and the apartments are very lofty, in almost regal style, and are decorated with some valuable paintings. We were shown a chamber occupied by Napoleon I., who passed a night there just previous to the battle of Marengo, and a large laurel tree in the gardens, in the back of which he cut the word " Battaglia." The labor and expense in cutting out the terraces in the solid rock, the construction of rockeries, grottoes, innumerable steps, porticos, walls, &c, are almost incredible with modern notions, to say nothing of the transportation of materials and the great quantity of 38 THE MAGAZINE OF HORTICULTURE. soil required, every shovelful of which was carried there. But there is another island, still more interesting, belonging to the same family, which went through pretty much the same process, called the Isola Madre, about one mile off, to which we were rowed in a small boat, and which, being larger, some eight or ten acres, I should think, is treated more after the English style of landscape gardening, and is much more pleasing. Imagine my astonishment on approaching it, to see the shore, which, on one side, is bold and rocky, cov- ered with any quantity of aloes as large again as ours, yuccas, enormous cactus, palms, and numerous other exotic plants, growing wild, as it were, among the rocks, and, what I had never seen, one of the aloes had blossomed this summer, and though the flower had faded, the stalk remained some ten or twelve feet high ! After going up some twenty or thirty steps cut in the rock, we reached a terrace, where the first thing that caught my eye was a little hedge of the pretty cotoneaster, with its small, bright, shining leaves and scarlet berries. A few minutes more and I was standing before a Cedar of Lebanon half as large again as that in the " Jar din des Plantes" in Paris. I turned around and was inclined to drop on my knees before a lovely weeping juniper, some fif- teen feet high. Then I recognized one of my favorite rhodo- dendrons, as large as a small load of hay, and as I approached nearer to it, almost out of breath with wonder and admira- tion, what should start out of its branches but half a dozen pheasants, (the island is full of pheasants and partridges,) which about finished me for a moment. On examination I found the trunk was some twelve inches in circumference ; to have counted the buds on it would have required the whole winter ! To enumerate all the rare trees and shrubs which incited my attention would require many pages ; a great many I never saw before ; some, twenty or thirty feet high, I recognized as having seen in our greenhouses in six- inch pots. The Ligustrum japonica, which I supposed a shrub, I found was here a medium-sized tree, and a beautiful one it was ; and so camellias, oleanders, pomegranates, arbu- tus, myrtle, hollies, laurels, and the mespilus, the latter in full blossom, were good-sized trees'; fuchias, heliotropes, FEBRUARY. 39 &c, large shrubs. Evergreen trees and shrubs were so nu- merous, and the grass so green, with roses and many plants still in blossom, that one could hardly believe it was not the middle of the summer, instead of near December! A Ju- niperus sabina, trailing on the lawn, was a beauty in form and luxuriance, requiring some forty paces to go around it. Another on the slope of a hill, covered many hundred feet of surface. There were Deodar cedars of all sizes, up to thirty feet or more ; enormous Taxodiums sempervirens ; large Piceas pichtas, Pinsapos, very handsome, and taxi- folias ; Araucarias, imbricata and braziliensis, also the ex- celsa, which, from having made its growth in the open air, was more stocky and much handsomer than any I ever saw before. This requires the protection of glass in winter. Then there were Cunninghamias sinensis, twenty-five feet high ; Cryptomeria japonica and Thuja nepalensis, twenty feet; Abies Smithiana, fifteen feet; Cephalotaxus Fortunii, same ; and lots of Cupressus, which were lovely beyond de- scription, such as Cupressus funebris, torrulosa, excelsa, glauca, gracilis, and a Himalayan pine ten to thirty feet, with the horizontalis and pyramidalis, which you see in every di- rection, the latter pointed sharp as a needle, and as straight and compact as if grown in a mould, and to a great height ; Pinus palustris, patula and excelsa, fifteen feet high, with small specimens of Pinus macrophylla, Montezuma, filifolia, Cupressus Lawsoniana, Thujopsis borealis, Washingtonia, &c. With only five or six degrees of frost, which the gardener told me was as cold as they ever have it here in this favored spot, very few things require any protection. Over the orange trees, which are under the terraces, temporary sheds are erected, and straw caps, supported by stakes, are placed over some of the most tender plants. I was amused to see one over a Mahonia japonica, a sturdy fellow who does not flinch with the thermometer 20° below zero at Wellesley. With all the beautiful and rare trees I have mentioned, some as single specimens on the lawn, some in groups, with walks winding about in every direction, occasionally leading to a beautiful view on the lake, with the sun setting on the tops of the mountains, covered with snow, you can form some 40 THE MAGAZINE OF HORTICULTURE. idea of what a fairy land this little island must be, and what a delightful afternoon I passed, and evening, I might add, for it was after dark before we took our seats in the boat to re- turn to the Isola Bella, where there has been a hotel built, (a great blemish it is to the place,) where we passed the night, leaving next morning before daylight, fortunately to catch the boat, for it would have been no easy matter for me to go off with such attractions before my eyes, even with Lakes Lu- gano and Como for my destination ! And so ends our visit to the Borromcan Islands. FUNGUS ON PEARS. BY J. S. HOUGHTOX, PHILADELPHIA. It is now pretty generally conceded, we believe, that the unsightly black spots which are so frequently seen on the surface of pears and apples are caused by a parasitic fungus. The celebrated writer on this subject, Rev. M. J. Berkley of England, calls it the Cladosporivm dentriticum, though, so far as most of us are concerned, he might christen it with any other formidable scientific title, and leave us just as wise as we are at present, with the above mysterious cognomen. Mr. Berkley says, however, that the spots have in the first instance undoubtedly originated in the growth beneath the real cuticle, and thus destroyed the vitality of the subjacent tissue. After a time, the cuticle bursts, to allow the fertile threads to break out into the air, and bear fruit. There is no reason to suppose, he continues, that this fungus is a new visitant, as some kinds of apples have always been sub- ject to this spotting. But he thinks it is far more prevalent than it was 30 years ago, and the discovery of an effectual remedy would be a great benefit to horticulturists. One idea suggests itself, as a means of defence against this pest, and that is to gather and destroy the affected fruit before the fungus arrives at maturity, and its " fertile threads," or spawn, arc capable of reproducing the injurious disease. FEBRUARY. 41 Or, is the fungus produced spontaneously by an imperfect organization of tree and fruit, or by the action of soils and manures, by excess of moisture, or by drouth ? Almost all the theories that can be set up are controverted by abundant facts. If you say that the fungus is due to an arid soil, I will show you pear trees growing in a very moist, protected spot, in a famous garden ill Gcrmantown, near Philadelphia, with an entire crop of fruit, annually blackened and spotted with fungi so as to be entirely worthless. If you say that it is excess of moisture at the roots, I will show you the fungus on high, sweet soil, sub-soiled and under-drained. If you say it is excessive heat of climate which produces the fungus, I may reply that it prevails in the moist, cool climate of England, — while the fairest fruit ever seen in America is produced, free from fungus, in the comparatively hot, arid climate of Delaware and Maryland. Not all varieties of pears are affected alike with us, or in one orchard or garden. The Louise Bonne de Jersey, which almost everywhere is grown fair, and free from fungus, is with me, especially, the subject of this pest. I fancied that this was in some degree caused by excess of crop, and want of moisture at the roots, and I moved about thirty large dwarf trees from high and somewhat dry ground, and planted them alongside of a surface drain, on a cool western expos- ure, together with some White Doyenne, similarly affected. The first season after removal, these trees were permitted to bear a little, but no marked improvement, as to the presence of fungus, was exhibited by the fruit. In city gardens, it is believed, that pears are less frequently affected by fungus than in the open fields, in the country. Protection against dry currents of air, has been thought to be of service in the production of fruit free from fungus. But, is it so ? If you assert that the best hope of immunity from this pest is to be found in healthy, vigorous trees, either in cultivated soil, or in grass, I will show you the dreaded spots on trees with trunks shining like polished rosewood, making new shoots 42 THE MAGAZINE OF HORTICULTURE. three feet long every season, and standing in either cultivated gardens, or in grass, just as you prefer to see them. Now, how shall we escape from this fungus ? It is a serious and important question, and it is one that ought to be discussed in our horticultural journals, in order to ascertain if anybody can obtain fruit free from fungus, and the condi- tions of soil, climate, manuring, mulching or no mulching, protection or no protection, under which it is found to be produced. POMOLOGICAL GOSSIP. American Peaches in England. — Our correspondent Mr. Rivers, the well-known active and intelligent nurseryman of Sawbridgeworth, England, gives a very interesting account of the several French and American peaches which he has fruit- ed in his large collection of orchard-house trees. We only regret that he has marred his otherwise excellent paper by alluding to the States of North America as " a country which will one day have as many ' principalities and powers ' as for- merly had India !" We say we regret this, for we have a great esteem for Mr. Rivers, and believed him one of those who sympathized with the late lamented Loudon, in our re- publican principles and great progress as a nation. Among the American peaches he has had, he considers the Early Crawford and Yellow Rareripe as two of the best yel- low-fleshed sorts, fine in orchard-houses, but comparatively worthless in the cold, damp, open-air climate of England. Crawford's Late was good, Bergen's Yellow large and good. Mr. Rivers considers all our yellow peaches varieties of the " Admirable Jaime." The Adirondac as a Wine Grape. — Much has been said of the merits of various new grapes for wine. Some have been pronounced unfit for the purpose, and others eulogized as superior to all the rest. The Concord and Delaware both have a high reputation for their wine-making properties, and now we have the evidence of a thorough wine manufacturer that the Adirondac is superior to all. The following letter FEBRUARY. 43 will tell its own story. It is addressed to Mr. J. W. Bailey, of Plattsburg, N. Y. :— Dear Sir: — Your favor of the 7th was received through due process of mail, but the answer was deferred in order to give an opportunity of examining the sample of wine made from your Adirondac grapes. It had not passed through the first fermentation at the time. Our foreman racked it off to- day and placed it in bottles. There were four and a half (4|) bottles, and we have this day shipped by express to you two (2) bottles. The grapes came to us in very bad order, and the sample being small, we do not regard the experiment a fair one, but Mr. J. F. Weber (our foreman) thinks the sam- ple fully 25 per cent, better than the best Diana, which is thought to be superior to any other kind we have tried. I am of the opinion that the Adirondac promises to be a supe- rior wine grape, having all the requisite qualities necessary to make one of the finest flavored wines ever made in America. I think it would pay you well to raise enough of them to make a cask of wine, so that the public may have an oppor- tunity of seeing wine made from the Adirondac, and under reasonably favorable circumstances. It is impossible to make a fine wine in small quantities. You will please accept the best wishes of the P. V. Wine Co., and also the especial regards of your friend G. H. Wheeler, Hammondsport, N. Y., Nov. 29, 1864. Keele Hall Buerre Pear. — A pear said to be new, has been described under this name by Mr. R. Thompson, in the Gardeners' Chronicle. The specimens were raised by Mr. W. Hill, of Keele Hall, who gives the following account of it: — " I send you specimens of the (with us) excellent pear called the Styrian, from a south wall. The fruit is smaller this year than usual, owing, no doubt, to the dry season. We find it very useful, as it comes in just before Marie Louise, Louise Bonne de Jersey, &c. I am surprised to find this variety so little known. I never met with a gardener who knew it, nor can our principal nurserymen supply it. In the Gardeners' and Foresters' Record, (Vol. 1 for 1842,) may be found a very poor figure of it, with the following description : — ' This 44 THE MAGAZINE OP HORTICULTURE. is a new and very scarce kind. The tree is a most excellent bearer, and will be found to answer as a standard in warm situations, but better as a wall tree. The fruit is juicy, sweet and melting. It is a fine variety, in use from October to December.' I find its season with us is all through October, not later. By grafting on Citron des Carnes, I have it ripe in September, at least a fortnight to three weeks sooner than on the pear stock. We also find it one of the very few standards that succeed in this climate — anything but favorable to standard pears generally." To this Mr. Thompson adds: " The fruit received from Mr. Hill was large, pyramidal, and broad at the top; stalk about 1| inch long, thick and fleshy at its junction with the fruit ; skin smooth, yellow, bright red next the sun ; flesh yellowish- white, melting, buttery, sugary, and very good. The same pear as that grown by Mr. Hill was undoubtedly figured un- der the name of Styrian, in the Gardeners' and Foresters' Record for 1833. It is not, however, the Styrian which was first received in this country by the Horticultural Society, from M. Bosc, of Paris, before 1824. The latter had a long, tapering form, and a beautiful bright red color next the sun, and indeed nearly all over the fruit ; the flesh is, moreover, not so melting as it is in this sort- Hence, as the pear now figured, which was found at Keele Hall by Mr. Hill on enter- ing his situation fifteen years ago, and deserves to be more extensively grown, has not hitherto been identified with any known variety, the name of Keele Hall Buerre may, we think, be appropriately adopted." "We give the above account entire, because we believe the variety to be the old Styrian pear of American collections, which we have fruited for twenty years, Mr. Hill's description and the figure exactly corresponding. It is a very variable sort, sometimes pyriform, and again quite obtuse ; some- times most excellent, and again only of medium quality. A full description and figure of it will be found in a former volume (xvi., p. 342). We had a bushel or more of the pears last year, and they were handsome and good. Pitmaston Duchesse d'Angouleme Pear. — This is the unfortunate name given to a new pear raised by the late FEBRUARY. 45 John Williams, Esq., of Pitmaston, who has produced several varieties of fruits, mostly called by the names of their parents, and thus leading to confusion. He raised the Pitmaston White Sweetwater grape, the Pitmaston Orange nectarine, and the GanselVs Seckel pear, and now we have the Pit- maston Duchess pear. Mr. Thompson thus describes it in the Gardeners' Chronicle : Fruit very large, 4£ inches long and S.j in diameter ; ob- long-obovate ; stalk short, obliquely attached, projecting more on one side than the other ; eye in a moderate-sized depres- sion, with the segments of the calyx erect and projecting to the level of the fruit; skin soft, smooth, yellow, witli thin light russet near the stalk ; flesh yellowish white, exceedingly melting, buttery, very juicy and rich. Mr. Stevens, gardener to F. E. Williams, Esq., of Malvern Hill, Solihall, by whom the fruit of this pear has been sent, informs us that it is a seedling of the late John Williams, Esq., of Pitmaston, in 1841, and is a cross between the Duchess and Glout Morceau. Mr. Stevens writes : — " It is a vigorous grower, and free bearer, and I think will attain great size in more favored parts of the country. My employer has directed me to offer grafts of this variety to the Royal Horticultural Society, if it is considered worth distributing." This is a very handsome and most excellent pear. Ripe in the end of October, or in ordinary seasons it may probably keep till the middle of November. Few of the new pears can compare with it as regards size, appearance and quality. It partakes more of the nature of the Marie Louise than of the Glout Morceau. We regard it quite an acquisition. The engraving represents a large, handsome pear in shape, more resembling the Buerre d'Anjou than any other variety we now recollect. It may prove a valuable pear, its origin having been from two varieties, both excellent. Grape Culture in the Far West.' — A correspondent in Kansas writes as follows in regard to grapes and grape infor- mation : — " There is no branch of industry that has increased in importance, so far as the mass is concerned, nor is there any branch of Horticulture, Pomology, > guard against the liability to extreme changes and cold nights. If so, it would seem wise to provide against these exigencies of cold by mechanical means, rather than by a surplus of heat, which may exert very pernicious influ- ences if not under the complete control and watchfulness of the gardener. Upon this conjecture we instituted an experiment, last spring, which, though not very striking in its results, served to strengthen our confidence in the practicability of forward- ing materially many plants with the employment of but little or no artificial heat. Shutters of inch boards, twenty feet long, were made en- tire, the joints not being cemented, as should have been done, and so balanced as to be closed on and opened off of a com- mon hotbed frame with the greatest facility and ease. The frame, placed on the ground surface, was covered with sash, but without any means of artificial heat. Radishes sown on the 2d of March were up on the 12th. and a few of the plants were killed by frost on the 20th, but those remaining grew well, though very slowly, as the sun shone but very little during their whole growth. Our record of temperature and clouds commenced on the 8th of March, and that of the temperature inside the frame was discontinued on the 10th of April, as it was mostly open from that period during the day. FEBRUARY. 49 •i i.mtki; \'I I III.. OUTSIDE INSIDE. CLOUDS. 1864. OUTSIDE INSIDE. CLOUDS. 1864. •— c c s5 S > ^ 6 ': - - B •— s - o z z > = c f - 0 C fck > c c S B C O hi > 5 s c 0 0 March 8 26 13 4230 12 34 1 10 10 April 4 394:3 40 12 40 46 10 10 2 g 38 11 1436 52 52 1(1 10 10 53453 39 10 60 60 0 8 0 10 18 3832,38 50 18 10 10 10 63950 18 15 50 50 9 10 10 ii 32 38 3142 Hi 11 10 10 1 7 43 07 57 50 -2 80 9 6 2 12 32 40 3340 11 11 (i 10 10 8 4949 48 56 80 80 10 10 10 13 30 38 3632 11 34 10 E 10 9 13 19 13 56 68 00 10 9 0 ii 22 ■> 2032 62 60 5 8 1 10 43 56 39 . . . 0 6 1 15 !•; 26 28 li 68 60 2 10 10 11 3148 38 - _ m 1 0 1 16 -.'ii 34 29 - - - 10 o - 12 354338 . . . 3 10 9 17 29 11 39 - . - 5 8 4 1333 Ml' - _ . 1 10 5 18 13 20 11 10 65 00 5 3 0 14 34 1639 . . _ 1 9 9 19 9 18 1036 51 58 o !) 0 15 3039,35 . . . 1 9 !t 20 2 [2 I0'30 11 58 1 2 0 16 34 19 38 . _ . 1 5 5 21 4 20 1634 50 58 1 3 4 1740152 10 - . _ 10 SI 10 22 17 30 22 40 5 1 50 10 10 0 183754 45 . . _ 2 5 1 2:} 25 12 25 3 1 10 48 o 0 0 193656 36 . . . 0 4 0 24 31 ."I 1134 10 iw 0 0 u 20B860 49 _ . . 2 6 5 25 34 51 38 H 15 50 6 1 8 21 15 00 50 . . . 2 9 10 26 29 .->.' K ; 10 15 50 10 6 4 22 1360 52 . . . 10 0 10 27 18 17 57 40 60 58 9 5 10 234951 5- . _ . 10 9 7 28 18 45 26 10 60 50 10 8 10 24 4 1 42 )'.' . . . 10 10 10 29 33 ■> 3338 50 54 10 10 10 25 42 45 47 . . . 10 10 0 .30 M in 37 38 51 50 10 10 10 26 10 70 5! . _ _ 0 3 0 31 :i ".< 4130 50 50 10 10 10 27 42 50 I! . . . 9 10 10 April 1 :- 1- 41 40 50 50 10 10 10 284058 53 . . . 9 8 10 2 36 46 41 M 58 60 10 2 1 2! U2 10 17 . . _ 10 10 10 3 10 52 13 1 1 5r 60 10 1010 30 42 50 15 - - - 10 6 2 They were of fine size for the table, and of most excellent quality, the 1st of May — two weeks in advance of those in the open ground. Had the joints been closed with coal tar, and the shutters thatched six or eight inches thick with straw, the result would have been much better — especially if the sky had been ordinarily clear, instead of being almost constantly cloudy. Tomato and other plants grown in the same frame, though smaller, were, by an intelligent neighboring gardener, pro- nounced superior to those in an ordinary hotbed, as "they would better bear removal to open culture." For the early production of the radish, lettuce, and aspar agus, this mode of culture is especially adapted, and for for warding plants for removal to open grounds, it commends itself. vol. xxxi. — no. ir. 4 2. WINE-GLASS METHOD OF TRAINING PEAR TREES. FEBRUARY. 51 PEAR TREES ON THE WINE-GLASS PATTERN. BY CAPT. WM. R. AUSTIN, DORCHESTER, MASS. Haying written an article once before upon pruning, .v in drills, lettuce, radishes, cauliflowers, tomatoes, &c. Sow cucuinliL'is in pots; give air in due season, and by the last of the month, such a require it, may be removed to new beds, previously made ready. GRAPE CULTURE IN MASSACHUSETTS. Grape culture is everywhere attracting much attention. What was at one period confined mostly to the Middle and Western States, — from the unsuitableness of our climate to the varieties then cultivated, — has now become a wide-spread interest throughout the whole of New England, and our own State in particular. With the introduction of new sorts adapted to our locality, ripening without any difficulty in all ordinary seasons, the grape has become one of our most im- portant fruits, and appears destined to rank next to the pear, if not next to the apple, among the most profitable products of the garden and the orchard. Formerly the grape was a pet thing, planted in warm, cozy corners, and trained up the sunny side of the house, against some out-building, or upon a high fence or screen, to coax it into maturity and render it a palatable fruit. Few had the favorite spots to plant them, and fewer still the time to train them up and lay them down, and often lose a whole crop by mildew or rot. Hence, their cultivation was limited, their quality indifferent (in our climate), and the foreign grape extensively grown in cold houses to supply the place which our native vines ought to fill. This, after a time, awakened the energies of our industrious cultivators, and they sought to remedy this great need, — the solving of which was easy enough, viz., new varieties adapted to our climate. With faith in the belief that the Creator had not planted the vine by every hedge-row and road-side throughout New England, — wreathing every tree within its reach with its leafy branches and purple or rosy berries for no other purpose than to ripen and drop its fruit, — the attempt was made to tame its wildness, and bring out from its hard, pulpy and austere juice the lus- cious qualities of the foreign grape. Scarcely a dozen years have passed away, and if this has not been realized in the Adirondac, Allen's Hybrid, Iona, and other sorts, another equal period of equal success will most assuredly bring about that millenium of the grape grower. vol. xxxi. — NO. III. 5 66 THE MAGAZINE OF HORTICULTURE. For thirty years we have counselled our cultivators to this result. One of the first articles in our first volume gave an account of a new seedling grape. Dr. Camak, of Georgia, a year or two later, advised the production of seedlings, and our subsequent volumes were the first to record and describe some of our now prominent varieties. Year by year we have chronicled all that has been accomplished, and though made familiar with this annual progress, the present condition of grape culture is astonishing when compared with the past. This brings us to a summary of the progress of grape cul- ture in Massachusetts the past year, which we find in the annual report for 1864, of the Committee on Fruits, of the Massachusetts Horticultural Society, made by their excellent Chairman, Mr. J. F. C. Hyde. As it comes from one who has had a good opportunity to examine various specimens, the information will be all the more acceptable, and it will convey the combined views of gentlemen who are fully capable of forming a reliable opinion on what has come before them. " We now come to a subject which is of great interest to the public, that of Grapes. No fruit is attracting more atten- tion than this, at the present time, throughout the country. New varieties are being introduced every year, as the result of the great efforts that are being made to improve this fruit. The past season has been a favorable one for grapes, except in very dry soils. Little or no mildew was seen. The season was long, so that even the Isabella and other late varieties ripened off finely. If we could be sure of one season in three equal to the past, grapes would be a profitable crop. It is true the fruit was not so large as in some seasons, but it all ripened. The show at the Annual Exhibition was especially fine in this department. W. C. Strong presented many varie- ties, twenty-five or more, making a very interesting and in- structive exhibition. Prominent among these was the Allen's Hybrid, to which he has paid groat attention ; also, Delaware, Concord, and others. The several numbers of Roger's Hy- brids in his collection were not generally ripe at this time. E. A. Brackctt showed some very fine specimens of the Crev- MARCH. 67 elling, Iona, Delaware, and others. The first named was the finest we have seen, and seems to justify all that has been said of it. J. W. Bailey sent some specimens of the new grape Adirondac, which were fully ripe, and seemed to have been so for some days ; thus showing that they ripened this year by the middle of September. This new grape is one of de- cidedly high flavor, of fine appearance, being black, and of good size, both in berry and bunch. If it shall prove to be, as it is claimed, as early or earlier than the Hartford Prolific, — the earliest grape of respectable character that we now have, — with its superior quality, it will take a high place in the vineyards of those who grow grapes for market, as well as for home use. In wood and foliage it very closely resembles the Isabella. The Iona, shown by Mr. Brackett, is one of Dr. Grant's new seedlings, and has been in the market but one or two years. It is the color of the Delaware, oval shape, slightly mottled and striped, rather loose bunch, berries medium size, excellent quality, superior to the Catawba. Though its color may not be in its favor, yet there can be no doubt of its being a valuable grape for a portion of the coun- try, if not for Massachusetts. It has been raised in perfection by Mr. Brackett, at Winchester, for the two past years. Those who like a good grape will at least try this new candi- date for public favor. Dr. Grant, by his agent, also exhibited the Iona and the Israella. The latter was a black grape, of medium size, both in berry and bunch, but as the specimens were removed contrary to the rules, before the close of the Exhibition, your Committee had no opportunity to test them. Of Allen's Hybrid we can speak more confidently than we have been able to heretofore. It ripened fully in open situa- tions, and was sweet and good. This variety is a great favor- ite with those who have tested it, especially with those who admire a very sweet grape. It is of the best quality, high flavored, and scarcely second to any grown in-doors or out. If there is any question concerning this grape that remains unsolved, it is its hardiness, or ability to endure the winters unprotected. We propose to leave a vine fully exposed this winter for the purpose of testing it in this respect. 68 THE MAGAZINE OP HORTICULTURE. Several of Rogers's Hybrids have been seen on our tables, such as Nos. 1, 4, 15, 19, 43, and others, but your Committee do not feel disposed to give a decided opinion on the merits of any of these. It has already been said, that some of these varieties did not ripen early enough to be valuable ; and it may be added, that as tested by us, they were found to have a hard pulp, and to be of inferior quality, except No. 4, a black grape, of fair quality, which ripened well: but as the specimens we have tried have been mostly produced on young vines, it is unfair to fully decide upon their merits. It would, be strange indeed, if, among so many, there were not some good ones. We would, however, advise the public to plant rather sparingly of all the numbers until they have been more fully proved. We regret that they should have been launched on the market with numbers instead of names, which will have the effect to produce great confusion in regard to them. The Framingham was on exhibition, but your Committee have little to add in regard to it. It is a fair grape, but, like the Hartford Prolific, drops off, which is a very serious objec- tion to any grape. Francis Dana, who is the most successful of all men in producing new and valuable varieties of fruit, placed on our tables again this year, a seedling grape, which he has named the Dana, which attracted considerable atten- tion. The best pomologist of our Society, after having care- fully examined and tested it, said it was the Rose Chasselas, — high praise certainly. The bunch was of medium size, shouldered, rather compact, with a peculiar red stem, the berries of rather large size, nearly round, red, with a rich, heavy bloom, so that when fully ripe they appear almost black ; as free from pulp as the Delaware ; not so sweet, but more spirited and vinous, and yet not an acid grape. Ripe the 20th to the 25th of September, and that not under the most favorable circumstances. This fruit was shown again December 24th, in a fine state of preservation, retaining its flavor to a good degree, thus seeming to possess the long- keeping qualities of the Diana. We consider it a promising variety. The same gentleman also exhibited another new seedling which he calls the Nonantum. This is a black grape, bunch rather small size, as it appeared this year, shouldered, MARCH. 09 berries of good size, oval, similar in shape and appearance to the Isabella ; entirely free from pulp, being quite remarkable in this respect; good flavor, promising; some preferred it to the former sort. Time of ripening about the same as the other. Some of your Committee had the pleasure of visiting Mr. Dana, and seeing these vines bearing their fruit, and we do not hesitate to say, that the specimens shown this year were grown under unfavorable circumstances, so far as relates to the situation of the vines ; they growing thickly among other vines and trees, which leads us to believe that under more favorable circumstances even better results would be attained ; yet the past season having been so favorable to the ripening of the grape, it is hardly wise to give a more decided opinion based upon the product of this single year. Other seedlings were shown by the same gentleman, but none of them seem to be worthy of particular notice. There were some ten or eleven seedling grapes sent us from Troy, N. Y., by H. W. Green, said to be seedlings raised by a Mr. Thompson. Though they were not all in the best con- dition, yet it seems to us that none of them can be of great value. No. 1 seemed to be the Sweetwater reproduced, and no improvement on that foreign sort, which cannot be success- fully cultivated out of doors. No. 2, had the texture of an unripe Black Hamburg, with some mildew upon it, not of pleasing appearance, and from the specimens sent cannot say much in its favor. It seems to be a seedling from some for- eign sort. No. 3, was like the Catawba in color, size and shape ; rather late. No. 4, seemed to be the Isabella repro- duced, with no improvement, even if equalling the parent. Nos. 6, 7, 8, 9, 10 and 11, were all similar to No. 4 ; so that no person could distinguish them by the fruit. These grapes reached us on the 29th of October, and most of them were fully ripe, but we cannot believe them to be of much value to the public. Parker Barnes exhibited a seedling grape for the first time, which was grown under unfavorable circumstances ; bunch rather small, berry medium size, color black, early, and sweet ; superior in quality to the Hartford, worthy a further trial on account of its earliness ; ripe early in September. 70 THE MAGAZINE OF HORTICULTURE. There have been other seedling grapes shown, none of which seemed to be of much value. The older sorts, such as Catawba, Isabella, Diana, Concord, Delaware, Union Village, and Rebecca, were shown in great perfection by B. B. Davis, C. E. Grant, M. P. Kennard, F. Dana, K. Bailey, S. Weld, A. J. Dean, J. W. Manning, and J. F. C. Hyde. No one con- tributor has done so much as W. C. Strong, to whom our thanks are due for his efforts in introducing new grapes, and for the successful growing of the older varieties. No subject is attracting more attention among Horticultur- ists than that of the grape. And it is believed by many, that the time will come, if it has not already arrived, when grapes may be grown as successfully as pears, or any other fruit. It is certainly one of the most valuable, for it can be preserved with care for months, tending to promote health, and greatly adding to our enjoyment. Grape culture is rapidly extending throughout the country, and the time is not far distant when all the wines that we need will be produced in our own coun- try, and when grapes will be within the reach of all. How cheaply they can be produced in this State and pay the producer, is a question yet ^undetermined, but it is in a fair way of being solved. Thus far, sheltered side hills with a southern exposure have been selected, and such a location, without doubt, is the best that can be found, provided it can 5, pi. 5490. A very handsome species of the Swainsonia, introduced by Mr. Thompson of Ipswich, in whose collection it flowered in the summer of 1864. It is from Western Australia, where it grows abundantly in sterile places in Nichol Bay. The flow- ers are of a deep rich purple, and are borne in very long spikes. (Bot. Mag., Jan.) 813. Manettia micans Pcepp. Showy Manettia. (Rubia- ceae.) Peru. A stove plant ; with orange scarlet flowtrs ; appearing in winter; increased bv cuttings ; grown in leaf mould, loam and sand. Bot. Mag., Ib65, pi. 5495. A fine species of the Manettia, with bright green foliage, and numerous axillary clusters of orange scarlet flowers, more showy and beautiful than any of the species now cultivated in our gardens. It requires the warmth of the stove, and flowers in mid winter. (Bot. Mag., Feb.) 814. Aris;Exma papillosum Schclt. Papillose Arisema. (Aroideae.) ^ greenhouse plant; growing one foot high; with green tlowers ; appearing in spring ; increased byoflsets; grown in peaty soil. Bot. Mag., 18J5, pi. 5496. This is one of the Aroids, having a tall sort of palmate leaf, and greenish flowers, striped with white, similar to some of the Arums. The foliage is very pretty, and the blooms, though not beautiful, are interesting from their form and color. (Bot. Mag., Feb.) JUNE. 181 dctuml latins. Spring Flowers and Spring Gardening. — I had once thought of inflicting a list upon the reader, hut lists of spring flowers have heen given a thousand times in garden literature ; and it is perhaps not so much a knowledge of choice and beautiful spring flowers that is required in the first instance to be spread among our gardeners, as a scheme which will encourage them to grow plenty of the more easily obtained and popular spring flowers, and then the taste for adding an odd " good thing" will soon develope itself. The system of filling the beds which contain the bedding plants in summer with spring plants in autumn, and pulling these out again in spring, is a bad and unsatisfactory one, because, as a rule, the very best of our spring flowers show very little of their beauty when treated in this manner. For instance, how vast the difference between established plants of Alyssum saxatile, the perennial Iberises, &c, and those that we fre- quently see where this twice-a-year mutilation system is carried out, and where they look in fact but the ghosts of what they ought to be, and in consequence bring spring gardening into disrepute. Now I would have thousands of spring flowers in every garden in the country; but this plan of making a great annual effort to fill up all spaces occupied by summer flowers is to be deprecated, for " Oh ! Spring, child of the year, thou art like many another youth, a premature failure, an elaborate mistake !" and all this labor and expense may be thrown away by a merci- less March — like the late memorable one. A great many summer flower gardens too, are so flat and exposed that they are the best possible places for those not-to-be-forgotten breezes that blow from north to east to cut the very life out of our evergreen spring-flowering plants. On the contrary, the shelter afforded by shrubberies, mounds, hollows, &c, which of course are to some extent present in most British gardens, offers just the conditions for nine out of ten of our spring plants, and around, on, and in these they should be planted in quantity — being for the most part able to take perennial care of themselves afterwards. " I like spring flowers," said a gardener, "but they interfere so much with my summer ones." Around him were shrubberies and clumps of which the summer aspect would have been immensely improved by their being gradually mingled with the turf by means of masses of the excellent evergreen and everhardy species of Iberis, by Megaseas and the finer Saxifrages, by Alyssums and Aubrietias , which if mingled with the lovely Crocuses — now so varied and so cheap, with Orobus vernus and other plants which Mr. McNab grows in lines in the Edinburgh garden, with primroses and squills, and the dozens of other fine hardy things which would grow on and on if only planted and spared from being cut off when green, or tied into barbarous bundles when in full leaf, as is so commonly done with the crocus, would in spring make the place a very paradise, without ever interfering with an inch of the ground devoted to " bedding" plants. A garden is, or ought to be, a concentration and combination of the 182 THE MAGAZINE OF HORTICULTURE. beauty which plants exhibit in their native homes; but it will be admitted that the charms often Bpread forth in the shape of primroses, squills, and many other wild tlowers in our wild woods are often totally absent from the capital situations that are to be had for them about most gardens and pleasure grounds. But when it is considered that in addition to our own much admired Bpring flowers, the British gardener has it in his power to add to them many still more beautiful and equally hardy free-growing foreign plants, then it will be seen what a mistake we make by not taking advantage of all these, and producing thereby a beauty and interest in the morning of the year when flowers are most grateful, that could not fail to add greatly to the pleasure of employers, and the fame of gardens and gardeners. All this could be done at a comparatively trifling expense, without interfering in any way with summer decoration — of which I should be very sorry to see our gardens deprived — and without anything like the annuil labor which is imperative in the case of bedding-out Half sheltered among shrubs, &c, many of our finest herbs and strong alpines do very much better than when exposed in open beds, or in the monotonous arrangement of a botanic garden. Hardy bulbs also much enjoy the Bhelter which enables them to thoroughly develope their leaves, 90 essential to a '"good bloom." This mode of growing both, while the best for the growth of the plants, is moreover that by which they may be seen to the greatest advantage, relieved and backed by evergreens and shrubs. The many fine varieties of polyanthus, with the primrose, bluebell, and other shade-loving plants, are the very easiest things to grow along the subs of walks through shady shrubberies, &c. — which when once established should not be dug over annually as is too often the case, though for no verv apparent reason except to prevent a chance of any pretty native plant becoming established. There has recently arisen a very hopeful taste for spring flowers ; and it may be well to tell those who have not proved it for themselves, that it is impossible to see our best spring and early summer hardy plants in all their beauty, if treated on the autumn-plantand-spring-root.up principle. Indeed, as we sometimes see this performed, it is enough to make people for ever ffive up Bpring gardening: the continuance of which proves that the love of spring tlowers is deep and ineradicable — soon I hope to be fully gratified. Then again many first-class hardy plants bloom just about the time the ■' flower garden proper" must be cleared for bedding out, and consequently, to be grown at all in private gardens, they must be grown as suggested — by taking advantage of and beautifying spaces which in most places at this day of the year, and perhaps every other day. are utterly destitute of floral charms or interest. The plants selected for this work should be few comparatively, but first rate— nothing of the delicate alpine or ragged herbaceous type. I propose to follow up this paper by a short list, in which none but Suitable plants shall be mentioned. But in addition to growing the free and shrubby in this way, it will be necessary to have a special spring garden in all places where spring B JUNE. 183 are taken to in earnest. The garden should be a little one in some thoroughly sheltered part of the grounds with a warm aspect. The beds should be small, and filled with a very light sandy earth — deep too. It should be so surrounded that at no season should a look of nakedness prevail, and in summer neat and delicate annuals, such as the beautiful Rhodanthes and Clintonia pulchella, as lovely as the spring subjects they succeed, should be sown or dibbled in out of pots where the spring bulbs, &c, have gone to rest- Some of the most exquisite of the grasses, too, might grace it in summer and autumn — Agrostis nebulosa and Airopsis pulchella for example. What a case of humming birds is to one of pheasants, doves, &c, so can this little garden — I would be satisfied with 12 beds — be made as compared with any other species of outdoor garden commonly seen in this country. I will follow with a short and select list for this bijou garden, but append one example of the planting of a bed to show that I am not talking of impossibilities. The centre of a 6-foot bed a mixture of the fine Crimean Galanthus plicatus and the little bulbous Iris reticulata, which presents, especially when the flower is opening, the most lovely contrast of rich purple and gold ever seen in a flower; with a sprinkling of Bulbodicum vernum, which would push up its handsome large buds as early or earlier than Crocus susianus. The inner edging of the bed blue Hepatica, to be surrounded again by the bright Draba Azoides which, when well done is one of the prettiest and most telling little plants that pass muster in the one-inch high corps of vegetation. This garden, I repeat, should not displace a single bedding plant, nor should it be near the bedding garden, if possible. It would be too refined for such an association. — ( Gard. Chron.) CcpressC* Lawsontava. — Among hardy Conifers there are few which can vie in beauty with the charming Cupressus Lawsoniana, which in its native country, California, is said to reach 100 feet in height. In such trees the branches are stated to bend upwards towards the ends like those of a spruce, and to hang down at the tip like an ostrich feather. The top shoot droops like that of a Deodar. The spray is most graceful, resembling more that of a fern than a conifer. In the south of England, at least, this handsome Cupressus is n jw in fall flower, and our object in referring to it is to point out how much its beauty is enhanced by the thousands of male blossoms with which its branches are studded, looking like so many garnets set in a field of green. Into how many beautiful combinations might not these light and feathery branches, laden with their sparkling treasures, be woven by the skilful artificial decorator ? For ornaments for bonnets, or even in a natural state for intermixing with bouquets, nothing could well be more suitable; while for placing on dishes under fruit, their appearance would be equally effective. The female flowers are paler and therefore less striking. It may be added, that this fine Cupressus has singularly small cones, which succeed the flowers in great abundance, and from which seedling plants may be raised in any quantity. For cutting from, therefore, an operation to which it readily submits, abundance of plants might easily be obtained. — [Gard. Chron. 184 THE MAGAZINE OF HORTICULTURE. Poinsettia Pulcherrima. — Ornamental flowering plants are much needed through the winter months ; and on account of its glowing scarlet bracts, resembling a crown of scarlet leaves, the Poinsettia may be con- sidered one of the best. It is a plant that can be flowered of any height or size, from 6 inches to 6 feet ; but plants from 12 to 36 inches high prove very useful for decorative purposes. July is about the time the old plants should be started into growth. This will be done by placing them in strong heat, air, and light, and by giving them sufficient water, and syring- ing them once or twice a day. When they have made shoots three or four inches long, take these off as cuttings, removing them with a little heel, as in the case of a Dahlia cutting, and having some dry sand at hand in which to place them immediately, so as to stop their bleeding. These cuttings are to be potted into small pots, singly, in sandy peat, each having a little silver sand in the centre to receive the cutting. Then they should be plunged in strong bottom heat, under large bell glasses, or in a glass frame. Shading will be required to keep them from shrivelling. When they are rooted they should be taken out and placed in a frame where a little air is admitted, and they must be syringed over head two or three times a day, to keep them from flagging. In three or four days they will be sufficiently rooted and hardened to be placed in the stove, with a little shade; and in about a week or ten days they should be re potted, in 4 or 5-inch pots. They must have little water at first — only just sufficient to prevent the soil from getting dry. They should now be placed at the coldest end of the stove, where they can receive plenty of light and air, and sufficient shade only to prevent them from burning. As they attain say from 5 to G inches in height, they should be removed to a warm greenhouse or frame, giving them plenty of top air every warm day, and at the same time allowing suf- ficient distance from plant to plant to prevent them from drawing. As soon as they require re-potting, give them their final shift into 6, 8, or 9-inch pots, these being useful sizes for the purposes of decoration. If a large specimen is required for any particular object, select as many of the strongest plants as will fill a large pot without overcrowding; and after potting them keep each plant tied out so that it may have plenty of space for its development.. A specimen grown in this way will generally pro- duce larger bracts than an old plant cut back and grown on a second time. When the plants become well rooted give them manure-water occasion- ally. They should never be allowed to get soddened, nor on the other hand must they be permitted to get dry. About the beginning of October they will have formed their flower-buds, when they should be removed back to the stove, for after the flower-buds are formed, they will grow but very little in height ; at the same time they require plenty of heat and moisture to bring out their bracts to perfection. As the plants pass out of flower let them go dry, and in this state they may be stored away beneath the stage. The best soil for them is fibrous sandy loam and vegetable mould. The pots should be well drained. There is a variety with whitish bracts, P. pulcherrima alba, not so showy as the scarlet, but useful as a contrast to mix with the other, and there- fore worth growing. — {Gard. Chron.) JUNE. 185 Preservation of Pollen. — M. E. Faivre calls attention, in the Bul- letin of the Horticultural Society of the Rhone, to a new case of the pre- servation of the property of fecundation in dried pollen. It is clearly a matter of considerable interest that we should have the power of impreg- nating plants with strange pollen conveyed from a considerable distance. Pollen of Gesnera cinnabarina was gathered at Lyons on the 5th of Janu- ary, 18(52, and was kept in paper for a year, free from moisture and not ex- posed to the light. In January, 1868, some grains were employed for the impregnation of G. cinnabarina of the same variety as that from which the pollen was derived, and succeeded perfectly. The remaining pollen was then sent in a letter to Paris, and being submitted to an attentive ex- amination, we doubted for a moment of its fitness for the purpose, as the grains were wrinkled and dry. They swelled with difficulty when placed in water, and the substance which came from them in consequence of their rupture, did not. exhibit the strange molecular movement which takes place in normal pollen. On the 2d of April, however, notwithstanding our appre- hension, some of the pollen was used in the Jardin des Plantes by the head gardener, M. Ouley, and the operation was perfectly successful. On the 17th of April many ovaries had set, and their development proceeded regu- larly. It was intended to try the pollen a third time last year, but it does not appear with what result. — [La Belgique Horlicole.) The Panst and its Culture. — As so many persons fail in cultivating this plant successfully, and as this is a good time for planting them, a few hints on their culture will perhaps be useful to many readers. In the south of England, where the heat is greater frequently than in the north, it is best to select a shady situation where there is a free circulation of air. If such cannot be found, then place them elsewhere, but always where there is a free admission of air. Any garden soil will suit them, but if poor, a moderate supply of very rotten manure should be dug in, and the Pansy revels in leaf-soil when mixed wi,h the ordinary soil and a liitle manure. Plant out early in April at the latest. Many persons do not think of buying and planting until May, which is a very great mistake, for the plants should be established before they have to endure so much hot, dry weather. These remarks are intended for those who have not planted, but autumn planting is frequently practised in the south, and is best, simply securing the plants from injury from wind by pegging them down, and surfacing the bed with a mixture from underneath the potting bench, run through a coarse sieve, or just making up a mixture of common soil and leaf-soil for the occasion. In the south it is most easy to winter them out-of-doors in this way, if slugs are looked after; but the real work of preserving them comes on with the hot June and July weather, when, as Pansy growers know to their sorrow, the plants seem to melt under old Sol's influence, and plants which were in full health in the morning are prostrated before night. I find the best safeguard against such mishaps, is to frequently give the plants a rose-pot watering in the evening, and then stir the surface early in the morning, and give a slight top-dressing of the soil I have before alluded to. This keeps 186 THE MAGAZINE OP HORTICULTURE. the roots moist and cool ; and by keeping the shoots well pegged down, this occasional surfacing induces the side shoots and young centre shoots to root freely, not only prolonging the bloom, but in the autumn yielding a large supply of healthy young plants, without the trouble of putting in cut- tings. Just take up the plants, pull them to pieces, and plant the young rooted short pieces. If the weather is very scorching, a few branches of evergreens stuck into the soil amongst the plants will help to keep them cool. In the north here we have great advantages in the cooler weather of summer, but we have terrible disadvantages in some districts in the severe winds we get, especially the cold east and west winds of February and March. I dare not trust my plants, of which I annually grow thou- sands, out-of-doors, but take them all up in October or November. After treating them in the manner I have recommended, viz., by top-dressings and pegging out, we take all up, pull them to pieces, throw away all old growth, and plant in cold frames all the young rooted pieces. These frames are filled with brick or other rubbish to within fifteen inches of the glass, and with about six inches of good soil ; the plants are near to the glass, and are kept as dry as possible in wet weather, and as hardy as free ventilation can make them. Pansies will stand any amount of frost, if dry, but not frost with damp so well. In fact more, far more, Pansies are lost from damp and neglect than by frost. With such frame treatment here they do well, making stocky plants for spring planting. We keep them well aired and very hardy, never covering the glass with mats or other covering, no matter how severe the weather, but, as I said before, keeping them as dry as possible and looking well after the removal of damping foliage. Cuttings can be put in at various times through the summer under hand-glasses, or in cold frames under a north wall, keeping them close for a fortnight or so, but looking after damp. What a supply of flowers can be kept up from seed! A batch of seed sown in a cold frame in August or September, or even later, the seedlings planted out as soon as they are ready, will in tiie south and many districts in the north and midland counties, give a grand display in April, May, and June; and another batch of seedlings from seed sown in April or May will yield another display from August till December. The Pansy is most easily cultivated by seed, makes very strong plants, and blooms profusely. I often feel surprised it is not universally used for making flower gardens brilliant from March till bedding-out time, when a few shillings worth of seed will do it with so little trouble. I believe many think there is so much trouble with the Pansy they fear to use it; but such fears are groundless. The fincy Pansies are very beautiful, and beds of seedlings of these and the English kinds mixed give an endless variety of colors, and require to be seen to be fully appreciated. Here we fill beds with these seedlings in spring, for I dare not plant out such small things until all fear of the frost throwing them out of the ground has passed away, and the beds give dense masses of flowers through the summer and autumn. It will be as well to state that in very hot, dry weather the Pansy suffers sometimes from attack JUNE. 187 of the Black Aphis. The moment this appears they should be washed with tobacco water, and the plants must be kept freely syringed and grow- ing freely. — [Gard. Chron.) Walnut Grafting. — The multiplication of walnuts by grafting is attended by some difficulty, a circumstance the more to be regretted, as there are some superior varieties, which it is desirable to propagate on a large scale, and which will not be reproduced with any certainty from seed. M. Leroy of Angers has attended much to the subject, and finds that he succeeds best with the wood of two or three years, when the tree is in full sap, and the bud beginning to push. One year's wood is too soft for the woody part to offer sufficient surface for free junction, while in the older branches, the peth occupying only a comparatively small space, the graft is more readily applied to the stock. He found, also, that grafts made on a level with the soil, or sunk in it, were most successful. The mode of grafting which answers best is what is called Greffe Jlnglaise, which appears to be what is known in England as shoulder grafting, a method which requires dexterous manipulation. — (La Belgique Horlicole.) Pear Trees in Pots. — I certainly agree with "T. R." when he rec- ommends all lovers of pears to grow them in pots, at least during the first eight or ten years of their existence, as pyramids, even if there are no "glass-roofed sheds or orchard-houses" for the protection of their blos- soms. I would, however, plunge them in the open ground. With such trees there is no more risk from spring frosts than there is in the case of trees planted in the ground as standards and on trellises, the certainty of a crop of fruit is much greater. Trees in pots are quite under command ; they can be easily kept in form ; artificial food can either be supplied to them or withheld. They can be conveniently moved from one place to another at any season, whether they are at rest or in blossom, without risk of injury. Nice compact pyramidal trees, eighteen inches or two feet in diameter and four or five feet high bearing a couple of dozen of fruit (and many here last season bore three and four dozens, and are again stud- ded with blossom buds), are very ornamental, and would not disgrace even conspicuous places in arboretums or shrubberies contiguous to a gentle- man's mansion. About one hundred are grown in 13-inch pots here ; this is the sixth season they have been cultivated in that way, and they are now fine healthy well-furnished pyramids. About 50 were planted in the ground when the others were potted — the former are trained along with plums, cherries, and apples, against wooden walls, four feet high. This last mode of growing pears has not proved satisfactory here — fifty in pots have fur- nished as much fruit in the year as fifty in the ground have yielded in five. It is only fair, however, to state that some of those in pots are grown under glass, but those out-of-doors, in pots, have never failed to yield a crop. The treatment they receive is similar to that recommended by " T. R." They get no surface dressing, but they are regularly watered twice a week with liquid manure from the farm-yard tank, from the time the fruit is set till it has done swelling, and the trees are syringed every afternoon, Sun- 188 THE MAGAZINE OP HORTICULTURE. days excepted, at about five o'clock, from March till September. Peaches, nectarines, apricots, cherries, and plums, are all treated in the same way. Apricots are the only kinds of fruit that have failed here under pot-culture. They, however, promise well this season. Fruit tr^es in pots, when plunged, in the borders of an orchard-house, or in the open ground, speedily root through the bottom of the pots. These roots require cutting off once at least every season. — (Gard. Chron.) Cheap Vineries. — I am sure Mr. Rivers will not object to my attempt to convert his " Curate's Vinery," into a 4i Cottage Vinery," by further sim- plifying the construction, already, as he says, so simple. I want to show a cottager that he may easily make one himself, and that he may obtain the materials for about G shillings, for each 7 feet frame. If he has not a car- penter's plough he may nail to the edge of the upper bar two thin strips of half-inch deal, leaving the groove for the glass between, rubbing in a little white paint to keep out the wet. The side and bottom bars may be left square, as they are better without any groove. I make my frame the right width to receive the glass, and slipping the pane into the groove in the top bar under each pane (nearly as large as the pane itself) into which I press two zinc slating nails, upon which the pane will rest, and keep so firmly in its place as not to be moveable, without withdrawing the nails. By this plan there is no putty required and there is no lodgement of wet. I have just had four 7 feet frames made and will tell my poor neighbors how to proceed. Buy from a timber yard a 19 feet yellow deal, 9 inches by 3 inches, have a cut put into the middle of it; it will then form two 1£ inch boards. [We presume our common 1^ inch boards will do. — Ed.] Cut each of them into four strips of 2£ inches wide ; each strip will then make half a frame 7 feet 4£ inches long and 2 feet £ inch deep, with a slight foot to rest on. Then screw the two sides firmly together at top and brace the ends together near the bottom, with a piece of tiling lath. My carpenter charged me As. each frame for making, painting, and glazing it, I finding all the materials ; but when he had got his hand in, he offered to make, paint, and glaze me a dozen more at 3s. 6d. each. The cost stands thus : 12 feet yellow deal at Ad. per foot, 1 cut in do., -.-._---- 100 feet of common orchard-house glass, size of the (JO squares it contained, 20 by 12 inches, Carriage of do., ....---- 10 oz. zinc slating nails, \\ inch long, - - - - - 20 small screws to each frame, and four large, - 2£ lbs. white paint, 1. 10., knotting, 2., - £1. 4s. 2d. Or 6s. Ohd. per frame without making. Why should not a cottager treat his family to a few bunches of grapes when their culture may be managed at so trifling a cost. — [Gard. Chron.) [As lumber and glass are about the same price here, why should not every man who has a few feet of spare ground raise his own grapes. — Ed.] - ► 0. 6. 4. 0. 0. Ah 0. 11. 6. 0. 2. 0. 0. 0. 5. 0. 1. 6. 0. 2. Oh JUNE. 189 feij! of % SJontjr. The Season in Worcester Co. — There is a fine promise for onr staple fruits in this vicinity; but, unless our farmers bestir themselves, our apple-trees in Worcester Co., will be all eaten up by caterpillars, which are more abundant than I have ever before seen them. We are not with- out apprehension, also, that our exemption from the cankerworm hereabouts is likely to be terminated ; for the eggs of this scourge are thought to have been found last winter by some of our people. But time will soon decide the question. In the meantime we hope for the best. Yours truly, G. Jaques. 5S Saturday, January, 1865. At this meeting, the report of which appeared in our March No. the following gentlemen were elected members : — F. W. G. May, George O. Smith, George Livermore, Mrs. Howard Bowker, J. P. Soule, Aaron Barrett, S. P. Taylor, W. C. West, John F. Dodge, F. H. Odiorne, Charles W. Kennard, D. C. Chamberlin, Jr., Thomas Hollis. Feb. 4. An adjourned meeting of the Society was held to-day, — the President in the chair. Resolutions were offered by the President, expressing the sense of the Society at the loss of their eminent honorary member, the Hon. Edward Everett. They were unanimously adopted. Messrs. J. T. Sargent, H. H. Hunnewell, C. O. Whitmore, and B. P. Cheney were chosen a Committee to solicit subscriptions for the erection of three statues upon the Society's new building in Tremont street. S. H. Gibbens offered a motion in relation to the admission of honorary members, which was adopted. The following members were elected : — O. E. Sheldon, Gardner Prouty, Turner Sargent, Nathaniel Thayer, William Gillard, Francis F. Denny, Isaac Ayling, Jacob W. Pierce, F. L. Harris, James M. Parker, James Bartlett, Elijah Williams. Adjourned one month, to March 4. March 4. An adjourned meeting of the Society was held to-day, — the President in the chair. There was no business of importance transacted. The following mem- bers were elected : — C. H. Allen, E. F. Washburn, Joseph Fox, Charles E. Parker, F. B. Rinn, George Eaton, David Watson, Frederick D. Allen, Francis K. Fisher, Edward A. White, Edwin F. Waters, John L. Shorey, Samuel Hammond, S. Harnden, Benjamin B. Williams, Edwin Fewkes. Adjourned one month, to April 5. 190 THE MAGAZINE OF HORTICULTURE. April 5. An adjourned meeting of the Society was held to-day, — the President in the chair. On motion of C. O. Whitmore the Library Committee was authorized with full power to fit up the Library room in the new building in such style as they may deem expedient. The following members were elected : — Levi L. Willcutt, T. Henry Perkins, Edward Avery, Bela Whiton, Amos Bates, John A. Bird, John Todd, J. Loring Fairbanks, John Pearce, Rufus Conant, Charles H. Parker, William B. Stimpson, Benjamin D. Osgood, John F. Rogers, John N. Merriam, E. W. Keyes, John B. Bolton, Dudley Williams, Edward W. Glover, Chandler Seaver. Adjourned one month, to May 6. May 6. An adjourned meeting of the Society was held to-day. — the President in the chair. The Fruit Committee were authorized to consider the expediency of inviting the Belmont Farmers' Club to hold their Annual Exhibition of Strawberries, in connection with that of the Society in June. Dr. Wight offered resolutions expressive of the feelings of the Society at the death of the late member, and former Vice-President, E. M. Richards of Dedham. They were unanimously adopted. The following members were elected : — John M. Merrick, Jr., William B. Whitcomb, William Lincoln, N. G. Chapin, Samuel J. Tuttle, Henry J. Chase, Thomas Leavitt, Henry Winthrop Sargent, Luther Dana, Henry H. Chandler, Washington Warren. Benjamin F. Nourse, Oliver J. Rand, Lewis Slack, W. G. Weld, John G. Horr. Adjourned one month, to June 3. porticultnral d&perafions FOR JUNE. FROIT DEPARTMENT. The weather during May has been uniformly warm and favorable, with large quantities of rain, but neither cold nor windy, and fruits have set well and promise finely. Strawberries will be ripe much earlier than usual, and the crop looks well. Grape Vines, in the early houses, will now be at rest, and the house may be thrown open as much as possible to the air and light, to thoroughly ripen the wood. Vines in greenhouses and graperies will now be swelling their fruit, and the process of thinning will require attention immediately. Air well in good weather, but keep a genial atmosphere by the use of plenty of water upon the walks. Tie in the laterals, and cut away all superfluous shoots not wanted to fill the trellis for another year's wood. If dry weather JUNE. 191 occurs, give the border a good watering. Young vines, newly planted, should be syringed every day. Cold houses will not be so forward, and will require about the same care as we recommended for earlier houses last month. The only thing to be cautious about is in giving air; being care- ful not to admit any sudden cold draughts, which is sure to be followed by mildew. Always keep a mild, humid atmosphere, and shut up early in dry, windy weather. Hardy vines will need some disbudding if good strong wood is wanted for another year. Strawberry Beds, will now be in such a forward state that the fruit will be ripe by the JOth or 12th. If not already done, apply straw around the plants to keep the fruit clean and sweet. New beds will soon begin to make runners, and if to be grown in beds, they should be laid in at regular distances, and if in rows, they should be cut off. New beds may still be made, if a dull day is taken for setting out the plants. Peach Trees, in pots, either in the orchard-house or greenhouse, may be removed to the open air, in a sheltered place, half plunging the pots and top-dressing with old rotten manure. Newly planted trees should be prop- erly pruned so as to make compact heads. Graftfd Trees should have all superfluous shoots rubbed off, and the scions tied to light sticks, to prevent their being broken by the wind. Summer Pruning should be commenced this month, by cutting or nip- ping off all the laterals at the 2d or 3d leaf from the base. Older trees may now be safely pruned of superfluous wood. The wounds heal quick at this season. flower department. The planting being now principally done, attention should be directed to the in-door plants where there is a good collection. See that all the young stock of winter blooming stuff is ready, and proceed at once to put into good order the whole stock of old plants. Azaleas, now just completed their bloom, should be encouraged to make a vigorous and healthy growth ; get the seed pods all picked off at once, and keep the plants in a rather close, warm house. Syringe often, and shade from the hot sun. Such as need it, should be shifted into larger pots, and weak shoots cut back. Young stock which it is desirable to increase in size, should be kept near the glass, in a warm, moist house ; stop strong shoots to encourage the weaker ones. Look out for the thrips, and apply tobacco smoke or whale oil soap if they make their appearance. Camellias wjll now be completing their growth, and setting their buds. Keep the plants well syringed every day till their buds appear, after which water more sparingly, and keep the house cooler. Remove to the open air the last of the month. Cinerarias should now be top-dressed with light soil, composed of leaf mould and sand, so as to secure good young plants for potting off next month. Pelargoniums will still be in perfection ; water more liberally, and keep as cool as possible, shading from the hot sun. 192 THE MAGAZINE OF HORTICULTURE. Fuchsias, intended for large specimens, should be encouraged by a shift into larger pots. Poinsettias should be headed in, and re-potted as advised in a previous page. Chrtsanthemums should have a shift into larger pots. Achimenes, started in pots, should be potted off, using a light peaty soil. Cyclamens may be planted out in a cool border or bed, in a light, rich soil. Caladitjms, growing vigorously, will need a shift into larger pots. Shade from the hot 6un. Eupatoriums, and similar plants, for next winter's blooming, should be headed well in, and re-potted. Callas, done flowering, may be laid away, turning the pots on their sides till August. Begonias, Coleus, and other rapid growing hot-house plants, should have a shift into larger pots. Gloxinias, for late blooming, should now be shaken out of the old soil, and re-potted. Heaths should have a cool situation, where they can be shaded an hour or two in the middle of the day. Neapolitan Violets should be divided and re-set. FLOWER GARDEN AND SHRUBBERY. The continued showery and rainy weather of May has given the lawn an unusual verdure, and it will now require cutting at once. Roll often, and cut early, while the dew is on. Cut and dress the edgings, if not already done, and keep the walks in perfect order. Fill up vacancies in the shrubbery with tall growing plants, unless near the border. Gladiolus should be planted, if not already in the ground. Hyacinths, Tulips, and other spring bulbs, should be taken up the last of the month. German Asters should be set out in well prepared beds immediately. Roses must be looked after. Syringe with whale oil soap immediately the slug makes its appearance. 2 lbs. of soap to 14 gallons water is the rule. Syringe when the slugs are on the top of the leaves. Dahlias should be planted, making the soil rich. Peonies, and other tall growing plants, should be tied up to neat stakes. Tlberoses may be shifted into larger pots, and plunged in the open ground. Nkapolitan Violets should be taken up, divided, and re-set in a good rich bed or border. Hedges should be clipped immediately. Spik* as, and many other shrubs, should be well headed in when they have done blooming. Cannas should be planted in a rich, light soil. INSECTS. The recent appearance of a new and beautiful work on the insect enemies of fruit and fruit trees, by Dr. Trimble,* at a time when their ravages have so sadly marred the apple orchards of many portions of our state, induces us to make the subject one of especial notice, that more vigorous measures may be taken to prevent a similar destruction another year. There is no doubt about the fact, that insects are rapidly increasing, and are becoming formidable by their numbers, in- juring, as with the canker worm, thousands of trees, and quite destroying the entire crop of fruit. The plum has almost gone out of cultivation, from the increase of the black knot and the curculio. The currants and gooseberries are annu- ally stripped of their leaves, and the peach becomes the prey of the borer. An apple orchard, instead of being a source of profit, as it should be, is an item of expense. The leaves are eaten up, or, if these escape, the fruit is infested with a vile worm. Still, with all this yearly before us, with our fruit and many of our finest ornamental trees shorn of their foliage for half the summer, few or no active efforts are made to exterminate these pests of the garden, the orchard and the avenue. It is gratifying, therefore, to find one who has long been cognizant of their depredations, watched them with a careful eye, and studied the sources from whence the mischief came, to add his experience to the knowledge we already have, that we may be enabled to battle more successfully with these foes of the fruit trees. Dr. Trimble is an enthusiast on this sub- ject, and has long directed his attention to our insect ene- mies, and gives such a full account of them, and the various changes they undergo, that we can know at what stage we * A Treatise on the Insect Enemies of Fruit and Fruit Trees, with numerous illustrations, drawn from nature, by Holstein, under the immediate supervision of the author. By Isaac P. Trimble, M. D., Entomologist of the Agricultural Society of New Jersey, &c. The Curculio and Apple Moth. Pp. 150. New York, W. Wood & Co.; and A. Williams & Co., Boston, 1865. VOL. XXXI. — NO. VII. 13 194 THE MAGAZINE OF HORTICULTURE. are likely to attack them best ; for it is well known that in some of their various forms it is almost impossible to arrest their progress} while in others a very little labor will bring them under our control and render them comparatively harm- less. Vigilance certainly is necessary, but the actual work, which some look upon as worth more than the crop, is slight, if only done at the right time. The canker worm and tent caterpillar are familiar instances of this. The former insect can only get up the tree by crawling, for the female has no wings, notwithstanding many wise men have stated to the contrary in the newspapers of the day. Consequently she lias only to be arrested in her ascent to prevent a single egg from being laid upon the branches, and this can be done by many modes, some of which are more certain than others. But of all these modes the patent ones are the most worthless. If the trees are tarred constantly, every day in November, and March or April, the work is done. Yet simple as this is how few think of it after the fruit is gathered ; the trees are then left to themselves, and often not touched till the return of the harvest, if there is one. So with the tent caterpillar ; one day's labor is sufficient to clear an orchard of an acre, if taken in time ; but once allowed to get headway, and the trees partly devoured, it would take a week to destroy them, and then very imperfectly. Constant attention the cultivator must give to his trees ; but really the labor is light and cheap compared with the value of the crop. There is scarcely a plant, tree or fruit that we cultivate but what has its enemy, some of them few, like the pear, but others like the apple numerous enough. The larvae of the May bug often destroy whole plantations of strawberries, and the borer burrows through the soft stems of the marrow squash. The slug devours the leaves of the rose in the open air, and the red spider does the same work in the house. With all these evidences of destruction why should not the cultivator be prepared at all times to contend with these pests, which despoil his beautiful plants, or destroy all hopes of an abundant crop, The tar pot, sulphur, potash, tobacco, and whale oil soap, should always be at hand, and if used in JULY. 195 time, will amply repay all the labor necessary to render their application effectual. At the last meeting of the Pomological Society at Rochester Judge Trimble was present, with his beautiful collection of drawings of various insects, and one evening was devoted to a kind of conversational meeting, called at the request of numerous members, when Dr. Trimble gave a brief statement of his labors for several years, with an explanation of the plates, and some account of the work he was about to publish, the first volume of which we have now under notice. He alluded in strong language to the great neglect of cultivators in not destroying the various insects which prey upon vege- tation, and attributed, very truly, the deficiency in our crops to this one cause, rather than the common belief of the decay of trees, change of climate, and all the variety of causes which yearly go the rounds of agricultural newspapers, till they are believed to be real facts, but which are mostly the crude notions of those who know little or nothing of the science of cultivation. Many of the gentlemen present put various questions to the Doctor relative to the habits of various insects, which were answered, fully showing that he had been a close observer of their habits and transformations. Dr. Trimble contemplates the issue of other volumes, and the present one is wholly devoted to the " Curculio and Apple Moth," two of our most destructive insects. "We have not room for the whole of the preface, but we copy the concluding portion : — This work is without plan as a scientific book. Although treating of insects, it does not arrange them into orders, classes, or families, but only discusses a few species, chiefly in the order of their importance as enemies of fruit and fruit trees. The object of the Author has been to make a book to meet the wants of the practical man, who has but little time for the study of any subject except his business, and least of all, a science involving, as Entomology does, hundreds 01 thousands of species. To make such a work intelligible illustrations addressed to the eye are a necessity. The 196 THE MAGAZINE OF HORTICULTURE. fruit-grower should be enabled to identify his insect enemy positively when he sees it — there should be no guessing. The curculio and lady-bug, for instance, are both beetles ; both are found upon the same trees ; they will often fall down together when those trees are jarred. The one is our worst enemy, and the other one of our best friends. I have known people kill the friend and overlook the enemy. I have been studying these enemies for many years. At first it was an investigation made necessary for the protection of my own crops ; and that experience painfully taught me knowledge that I had not been able to find either in books or cabinets. The interest thus excited has been increased by the reading of such valuable works as those of Kirby and Spence, Huber, Latreille, Say, Harris, Fitch, and many others. From this reading and personal experience, I am satisfied that the interests of fruit-growers would be promoted if all the practical knowledge on this subject could be gathered into a separate work, and I have felt that it was a duty to make a beginning by contributing my portion towards a better understanding of this difficult subject. When I assert that any individual can subdue his fruit enemies if he chooses, I speak from my own positive knowl- edge ; and although I do not wish to be understood to say that the instructions contained in this book are the best, I do wish to be understood to say, that some general plan of treatment should be adopted. An individual who resolutely determines to do it can save his fruits ; but if all his neighbors for miles round shall act with him in carrying out the same instructions, the work of each will be less even the first year, and all subsequent seasons will be comparatively nothing. How such instructions are to be generally disseminated or such associations to be formed, it is not for an author to determine. The next portion of this work, both the text and plates of which are in an advanced stage of preparation, will treat of the various caterpillars injurious to fruit trees and grape vines. But the publication of an illustrated work like this is attended with so much expense that it is deemed advisable to await the verdict of the fruit-growing public before com- JULY. 197 pleting another part. If the public show by the reception of the present volume that more is wanted, both author and publisher will be encouraged to bring it out at an early period. The volume is in quarto form, and is illustrated by eleven plates, well executed and beautifully colored, giving the natural size, and all the various transformations of the insects, sufficient to enable the novice to detect them in every stage. "With these are given all the various modes for their destruction, collected from all sources, with Dr. Trimble's views as to their efficacy, after numerous experiments made especially and carefully to test them. In addition we have a Diary of thirty or more pages, kept in 1864, and detailing a fund of information in regard to the value of birds, as an important aid in the destruction of these and other insects injurious to vegetation. This has not been guess work, but careful study, and an analysis of the stomachs of the several kinds of birds which are known to be the cultivators' best friends, and which he should do all in his power to encourage and introduce upon his grounds. We hope to have space to refer to the work again. In the meantime we would advise every cultivator, who appreciates the importance of ridding our orchards and gardens of these pests, and seeing healthy trees with abun- dant foliage, without which they cannot thrive or produce perfect fruit, to read the volume, which, besides its elegant colored plates, will certainly lead to a better knowledge of the insect tribe, and prepare the way for a more vigorous attack upon them. OBSERVATIONS ON RURAL TASTE. BY D. W. LOTHROP, WEST MEDFORD. The general lack of taste and neatness around country dwellings — mostly by those whose residence and vocation are there present — must strike every one whose mind is alive to 198 THE MAGAZINE OP HORTICULTURE. the beauties of nature and the resources of harmonizing art, as remarkable. And it would seem generally, that the practi- cal farmers are the least capable of understanding or appreci- ating the refining influence of that good taste in rural affairs for which others show such aptitude and even enthusiasm. In viewing a beautiful landscape, cither purely natural, or of the most composite and hidden blending of nature and art, their indifference is absolutely provoking. We are reminded of the sarcastic phrase of Covvper, " a candle in a skull." But then,, there is a partial excuse, to say the least, for this. Tilling the soil is the farmer's vocation — the means by which he is too often obliged to struggle to live in a rough and homely way. Art is not his study, and often he thinks he cannot allow it a thought. If he has a few ornamental trees, they are usually set at hap-hazard. His great aim is to make the land profitable, and not to look well to the critic's eye. Hence a thrifty field of corn, or two or three tons of grass to the acre, excites in him more lively sensations than the most exquisite drapery of the landscape gardener. He has learned to calculate closely; his ideality is depressed; and he has none of the wild fancy or conception of the loose and bewitching law of disorder which enters landscape art. Like the multiplication table his mind is square and mathematical. Rural embellishment is not profitable to him, and he there- fore considers it wise to wait till he is able before he attempts to cultivate it. If such is the case, it is quite certain that the country would show but few traces of the hand of art if it depended upon the practical farmer. And the resident mechanic or artisan, perpetually living in the sparse rural districts, does but little if any better, and pretty much for the same reasons. The truth is, there is much discontent both with farmers and mechanics in the country. Rural life is monotonous and dull, and they long to get into a city or large village, to see more of men and less of trees. It is in vain to tell them that country life is the most health- ful and the happiest. They can't see it. And so the resident mechanics cannot be depended upon to embellish their homes any more than the practical farmers. JULY. 199 Taste and art are the result of a high state of cultivation and intelligence ; and these latter arc mainly dependent upon frequent intercourse with more advanced minds. Hence persons from the city will usually exhibit more taste, not only in their gardens, but in everything else, when located in the country. Absence from the country and confinement to the solid brick and stone of large cities, will give a keener relish for the beauties of nature when they are beheld, even with persons of but little refinement or taste. Upon these must dependence be generally placed for sustaining and advancing picturesque art, and perhaps of horticulture. With good taste many have wealth, and where they locate their example and influence are felt. The rough places in the country, within a radius of twenty miles of Boston, have within the last thirty years been most successfully invaded by the magic power of art. Rocks have suddenly sprung into tasty dwellings, disagreeable objects have been displaced, groves have been remodeled, and trees and shrubs of different climes have been introduced, to awaken new interest, and to add beauty to the landscape. In this respect the progress has been wonderful ; but it has been mostly confined to retired and affluent gentlemen, or to persons doing business in the city, who return from the rattling pavement daily with renewed freshness for nature's loveliness. Landscape art is the poetry of horticulture. It is not measured, exact and stiff, but flowing and graceful, with easy transitions from hue to hue and from object to object. To the reverent lover of nature, "No tree in all the grove but has its charms." Even the gray rocks are objects of interest, in their associa- tion with flowers and shrubbery, and to the contemplative and poetic mind tell their history. "Nature is preacher, preaches to mankind, And bids dead matter aid us in our creed." The picturesque art cannot be distinctly and practically defined, so that detailed rules may take the place of good judgment ; for it cannot be said that there is only one way to give beauty to a landscape. There are various ways, in fact, differing more or less in excellence. Beauty is more 200 THE MAGAZINE OF HORTICULTURE. readily recognized then created. If we were to give a loose general definition of the "modern art we should venture to say it was the harmony of discords, the law of disorder ! Respectably obscure and undeniably paradoxical ! General hints, however, in landscaping may be given with propriety. Every distinct piece of ground should, of course, have its own specific embellishments, suited to its size, surface and locality as to environs. Its art should be insidious, not glaring, but natural. It should not appear as if the gardener adorned it, much less as if it attempted to be by the carpen- ter. The more trees and grass, and the less lumber the bet- ter. Ornamental ground should appear as much as possible as if nature had wrought up the scenery from her own ample materials. Hence hedges are better then fences ; and when the latter are used, obviously they should not be the most conspicuous things in the garden. They should be sheltered with evergreens or shrubbery, to give a more subdued tone to the general appearance. Correspondences of trees and shrubs are now generally discarded as being two prim and formal, and not in harmony with land laid out into irregular shapes, as is now practised by the best modern gardeners. Stiffness and formality had become so fashionable in English landscaping and gardening — together with other incongrui- ties— at the time of Pope, that the little gardener and poet of Twickenham thus satirized it. His pen is most always a pruning-knife. "His gardens next your admiration call, On every side you look, behold the wall! No pleasing intricacies intervene, No artful wildness to perplex the scene ; Grove nods at grove, each alley has a brother, And half the platform just reflects the other ; The suffering eye inverted nature sees, Trees cut to statues, statues thick as trees ; With here a fountain never to be played, And there a summer-house that knows no shade." Color of Houses. — The notion is far from being eradi- cated, that a white house with green blinds is par excellence. But we may venture the assertion that it is not the opinion of those of cultivated taste. White has been very popular, yet it must vield to some other less glaring in the summer, JULY. 201 and one that will not make a man shiver in the winter. Besides, in the summer the contrast is rather too strong with the green blinds and the surrounding luie of nature. In the winter, white is of one piece with the snow-drift, and at all times has a cheap, whitewash appearance. A color more subdued is preferable. Brown, buff, salmon, drab, or some neutral tint, is far richer, less dazzling, and in the snowy- months suggestive of warmth and comfort. Taste in the planting of trees and shrubs is usually designed for effect in the summer season. This is all very well ; but by a liberal supply of the numerous hardy evergreens now well known, properly arranged, with a warm tint in the color of the dwel- ling, a more beautiful and richer scene may perhaps be pre- sented in the depths of winter than in the summer — especi- ally when the pines, spruces and hemlocks are drooping witli a burden of snow. But a white house without ever- greens makes a sorry appearance. For every tree a man plants, and for every embellishment he makes in his rural precinct, he cannot expect therefor pecuniary profit ; but if he gratifies an aspiration not entirely demoralized by the love of gain, he has his reward. ORANGE CULTURE. We have been surprised that the orange tree, with its superb foliage, its deliciously fragrant blossoms and its rich fruit, should have been so long neglected. To one who has seen the hundreds or thousands of magnificent trees at Ver- sailles, some of them nearly 300 years old, it appears strange that no more attention is given to this fruit, if only for the beauty of the trees, as summer ornaments of the avenue, the terrace, the lawn, or even the flower garden. No Italian or French garden would be complete without its' orange trees, and although we have not the climate of the former, where they can be grown in the open air, yet the protection which they require in our severe climate is so slight that they can be wintered with perfect safety, and very little cost. In 202 THE MAGAZINE OF HORTICULTURE. France the orange trees are generally kept in houses roofed over, with only light in front, where they remain in a dormant state till spring, when they are removed to their summer station to bloom and fruit, and again be returned to their winter quarters. Mr. R. Thompson, who gave an account of his visit to Versailles in 1847, states that many of the orange trees were thirty feet high, with stems thirty-nine inches in circumference. One tree had the inscription, "Seme in 1421." These are all wintered beneath the terrace of the palace, where of course there is only light in front. Certainly a perfectly ripe orange will compare favorably with the peach, and if so much pains is taken to ripen the peacli, which grows well in the open air, why should not the orange demand all the attention given to the former. With a little extra expense at first, the table could be supplied with delicious fruit up to the new year. No climate can be more favorable than ours in summer, and with good winter quarters the fruit could be produced much better than under the cooler skies of Great Britain. In summer, as well as winter, the trees need heat. Mr. Rivers, who has done so much to extend orchard-house culture, now tells us how to have an abundance of oranges, and, as we know from long experience, what he says is perfectly correct, we copy his valuable advice, with the hope that gentlemen of wealth, who are lovers of delicious fruit, will introduce the culture of the orange with other fruits: — On Christmas Day, 1864, I had the pleasure of adding to my dessert, Saint Michael's Tangierine, and Maltese Blood oranges, all from my orange-house, and also some fine fruit of the first and second from Covent Garden ; the third sort I could not procure, as they had not arrived. Now came that most interesting period in after-dinner chit-chat — comparison. The Saint Michael's from "the Garden" were very fine fruit, but their flavor was flat, and not at all first-rate. The Tan- gierines, called in Covent Garden Mandarins, were juicy and good but not rich. The home-grown Saint Michael's were plump, crisp, and bursting with juice, their flavor much more aromatic than the foreign ones. The Tangierines from the JULY. 203 same house were rather over-ripe but very rich. The Maltese Blood, from trees growing alongside the two varieties above- mentioned, were scarcely ripe, but their flesh was of that deep red which has given them their disagreeable name, and pe- culiarly crisp, juicy, and aromatic. After due deliberation the family jury gravely decided that oranges of finer quality can be grown in England than any imported; their superi- ority consisting in that crispness and high aroma which im- ported oranges have not, probably from their being always gathered before they are fully ripe. Home-grown oranges are no novelty, for Evelyn (I quote from memory) tells us in his Diary, that in February, 1(360, he "ate as good China oranges as ever he ate in his life;" these were from his neighbor's orangery, and since then good home-grown oranges have been eaten by many persons. Still, oddly enough, no one has ever attempted to systematize their culture, owing probably to the cheapness and fine quality of those imported — a fact not to be disputed, for imported or- anges in spring for two months are of great excellence. Still, this ought not to deter cultivators, for are not finer peaches often offered for sale in Covent Garden than are grown in private gardens? and the same with other kinds of fruit, yet they are not eaten with the zest that one feels for fruit from one's own garden, for have we not watched them and taken pleasure in their growth ? So is it with orange culture, and as far as I have seen, there is no fruit culture calculated to give equal pleasure. One great source of satisfaction is the agreeable semi-tropical climate required to cultivate success- fully oranges as fruit bearing trees. There is no doubt but that the orange is a tropical tree, if judged by the perfection its fruit attains in the West Indian Islands and in South America, but it may be grown in Eng- land in great perfection in a climate we may for convenience sake call semi-tropical, i. e., a temperature averaging from 45° to 50° in winter, and with sun heat from 80° to 90° in sum- mer. One great necessity is constant warmth to the roots of the tree. Before I describe the method of culture which is so suc- cessful here, I may as well state that dessert oranges may be 204 THE MAGAZINE OF HORTICULTURE. grown in a cooler temperature, but they are then more slow in ripening, and are not rich and full flavored. Tangierine, Mandarin, and St. Michael's oranges, if grown in a conserva- tory or green-house will blossom some time in May or June, and their fruit will in most cases ripen the following sum- mer. In a heated orange-house the trees blossom in Febru- ary and ripen their fruit the following autumn, up to Christ- mas, the delicious little Tangierine leading the van, and generally ripening in October, just as the last peaches are finished. As far as my experience has gone, this sort is often confounded with the Mandarin, apparently of the same race, but with larger and more flattened fruit ; and if I may judge from the sorts I have received from Malta and China under that name, the tree has larger and thicker foliage, not so pointed as the Tangierine; the latter is more juicy than it and has a richer flavor. The method of cultivating dessert oranges here, is to a certain extent original, for I find none of the gardener's books mention it — in fact no horticul- tural writer seems to have thought it feasible except Mcintosh, who recommends orange trees if cultivated for their fruit, to be trained on a trellis under glass after the manner of peach trees. Thompson, in his Gardeners' Assistant, seems not to have thought of dessert orange culture ; and so, as with orchard-house culture years ago, one has to advance without the experience of the past. The orange-house here, in which many of the trees were lately in full bloom, and some of the St. Michael's with ripe fruit on them, is a span-roofed structure 60 feet by 12, heated by eight 4-inch hot-water pipes. A path is in the centre, and on each side is a raised border of slates, on which are placed the trees in pots. The slates form the roof of a shallow heated air-chamber, formed by placing iron bars across from a 4-inch brick wall along the side of the path to another wall running along the side of the house. The slates should have a lap of 1-inch, and be bedded down either with mortar or clay. Two 4-inch hot-water pipes are laid horizontally along the centre of each border close to the ground, and the slates placed on the iron bars so as to be about 3 inches from the pipes ; the warm air is thus regularly diffused over the whole JULY. 205 under surface of the slates, making a warm floor of a tempera- ture from 70° to 80° the year throng!) . The width of this heated floor must depend upon the width of the house : if it be 12 feet wide the central path should be 3 feet wide, and each border 4| feet wide ; if 14 feet wide, each border should be 5 J feet wide. For houses of these widths two 4-inch pipes to heat the floor in each chamber, and two on each side next to the outer wall to heat the surface air of the house, will be sufficient. Span-roofed houses of the above widths are of sufficient dimensions for moderate-sized gardens, but for large establishments houses of 20 and 24 feet wide would form orange gardens of great beauty. In such large houses, if a broad central walk is made, and wide heated chambers for the trees on each side, sixteen 4-inch pipes would be required, four for each chamber and four on each side to heat the air of the house. In such large houses the trees may be planted out with excellent effect, but the borders must be heated with the same number of pipes, for root-heat is one of the nec- essaries of dessert orange culture — the sine qua non. I have thus far thought it requisite to point out what may be done in this interesting department of fruit culture. I will now in a few words state what is and what has been done here. Finding last summer that the roots of my trees be- came too dry on the bare warm slates, each pot was placed on a layer of cocoa-nut fibre, about three inches thick — old tan or light mould would do equally well — and in these lit- tle mounds the trees all the past season have continued to flourish.* It is indeed quite refreshing to visit the house, so vivid is the green of their young leaves, so fragrant their flow- ers. The root-heat has never been discontinued, but about the end of May the water was turned off the pipes that heat the air of the house, as the weather was hot, and not turned on again till the end of July, when extra heat was required to ripen the fruit. Much, however, must depend on the nature of the summer : if cloudy and wet, root-heat and sur- face-heat will both be required all the year; if warm, surface- heat may be discontinued for some weeks, but root-heat * This has been found preferable to covering the heated floor entirely, as the bare slates radiate much heat in severe weather. 206 THE MAGAZINE OF HORTICULTURE. never. The great charm of this orange-ripening climate is its refreshing airy warmth, for in sunny weather abundance of air is given from low ventilators on each side of the house. As usual when much pleasure is derived from any peculiar mode of culture, much care is required. The leaves are apt to be affected with a black powdery substance, probably some species of fungus; this must be washed off with a sponge and. warm water. Again, that most intolerable pest, scale, is always on the qui vive, and so rapid in propagation, that as a young German who is here said the other day, " they are daughters and grandmothers all in one day." There are many efficacious nostrums to kill this persevering enemy, but after trying all, we have come to the conclusion that syring- ing the trees once a day in the winter — avoiding the blos- soms— and twice a day in the summer is a preventive ; and carefully watching the trees and picking off every scale as soon as it can be seen is a sure cure. A sharp-eyed boy soon becomes very sharp in finding scale, and if kept under they give but little trouble ; the constant syringing seems to make them feeble and unhappy. With regard to the varieties of oranges to be cultivated, we have yet much to learn. There are in the Azores some 50 or 60 sorts cultivated, many of them said to be very distinct in flavor, and of great excellence. It seems to me a very interesting feature, that of placing on our tables oranges of our own growth, varying in color, size, and flavor. At pres- ent the three sorts of which we have no doubt are the Tangie- rine, the St. Michael's, and the Maltese Blood, which when gathered dead-ripe is found to be full of its delicious juice. This kind requires the warmest part of the orange-house, as it is slow in ripening ; but if the summer be warm and sunny, it will ripen about Christmas. A well-arranged orange- house will give ripe fruit from early in October till June, commencing with the Tangierine, and ending with the Mal- tese, reminding one of the length of time grapes may be gathered from one vinery. Although 1 have confined myself to describing how dessert oranges should be cultivated in a house devoted to them, I JULY. 207 must not omit saying that in a heated vinery or pinery they may be grown successfully. What I wish to convey is the beauty and interest attached to .an orange-house, where the trees are kept in fine health. It is indeed such a source of pleasure, that I feel I can give but a faint idea of it ; it is perpetual summer, a realization of the gardens of the Hesperides. The trees are evergreen, almost ever-blooming, and are most certainly an ever-giving source of delight to a mind alive to the beauties of nature. POMOLOGICAL GOSSIP. Strawberries. — This fruit, just now, as we write, is in full perfection, at least ten days earlier than last year, and we think earlier than any year for a long period. We began gathering the Jenny Lind and the Boston Pine on the 7th of June, and now, the 17th, the Hovey and La Constante are in abundance, though the latter is not so generally ripe. The show at the Massachusetts Horticultural Society, on the 17th of the month, was the best by far ever made by the Society, as regards the quantity of specimens and number of exhibitors, and some of the sorts were quite up to any former year. The varieties comprised Hovey's Seedling, Brighton Pine, Jenny Lind, Wilson (one exhibitor only), Triumph de Gand, Oscar, Marguerite, Cremont, Napoleon III., La Constante, Lenning's White, Prince Frederick William, Empress Eugenie, Emma, Green Prolific, and the new sorts, Buffalo Seedling, French's Seedling, and Russell's Prolific. The latter from three or four exhibitors. Notwithstanding what has been said in regard to the Russell's Prolific, as being large, remarkably fine, &c, culti- vators were greatly disappointed. It is certainly a very good bearer, but as regards color it is as dark as the Wilson, nearly or quite as sour, and remarkably coarse in appearance, with high ridges formed by the depression of the seeds. It is also soft, does not hull easily, and will not bear carriage. The Buffalo Seedling is identical in appearance with the 208 THE MAGAZINE OF HORTICULTURE. Russell, and we are not at all surprised that the western pomologists have pronounced them the same. No two berries could be more alike, but it is stated the foliage is quite distinct, and that they are not the same. Our own plants, just planted out, do not enable us to form a decided opinion on this question, but they seem identical. As regards quality and appearance it cannot be ranked any higher than the Russell. French's Seedling is a fair-sized berry, but so pale in color, and soft in texture, as to render it decidedly objectionable as a market fruit. It is not so early as Jenny Lind by several days. The Agriculturist has only fruited in pots, and it would be unfair to judge of its merits now. As regards flavor, how- ever, our own specimens did not give us a high opinion of its excellence. La Constante still takes the lead of all the newer berries, native or foreign, which have been added to our collections the last few years. A report of the prizes awarded will be found in another page. Gen. Grant Strawberry. — A new variety, under this name, was exhibited in New York at the Agriculturist office, and also at the Farmers' Club, Queens County, Long Island, Straw- berry Show. The Committee of the Club report " specimens of a new seedling (Gen. Grant) raised by Wm. A. Burgess, Glen Cove, were exhibited, that had been picked 76 hours, rode 30 miles in a wagon, and when shown were firm and in good order. Some of the Committee who have seen them in bearing, report them a very prolific bearer." Mr. Halleck, who exhibited the berries, thinks these qualities certainly desirable for a market berry. The Gen. Grant is a vigorous grower, prolific bearer, fine flavor, and very firm flesh. Western Fruit. — The Fruit Growers' Society, Western New York, held its summer session at Rochester, on the 21st, and was well attended. The exhibition of fruits was confined to strawberries and cherries, the former affording fine speci- mens, in consequence of the warm and moist season. A report of the meeting will be found on another page. JULY. 209 BOUGAINVILLEA SPECIOSA. This new and elegant running plant is yet but little known to our cultivators, and it lias not, to our knowledge, flowered in but one collection in the country. A year ago Mrs. T. W. Ward of Canton, Mass., sent us some cut specimens of the blooms, and, although we had seen a colored plate of it, and read glowing accounts of its great beauty, we hardly expected to find it so attractive. Many years ago a very pretty figure of it appeared in a French work, describing the rare plants in the collection of the Jardin des Plants of Paris ; but we never heard anything of it, and supposed it had been lost, until the English periodi- cals gave an account of its blooming at Swyncombe, as noticed in a previous volume. Doubting not it will soon be generally introduced into every conservatory, we copy the following notice of its treatment, as it has been said to require particular care to bloom it well. It appears, however, that there is no secret about it, only that common to all fine plants, viz., to know what it requires, and to supply these requirements. It ap- pears only necessary to grow it strong in the summer season, and ripen off the wood well to secure plenty of flowers. Just the same treatment given to the magnificent Bignonia venusta will enable the cultivator to have an abundance of its rich mauve-colored bracts or blossoms, throughout the latter part of winter. Mr. Clark, Mrs. Ward's excellent gardener, informs us he found no trouble in blooming it, and that it is as free to grow, and easy to flower, as any plant. As a conservatory climber it is, undoubtedly, for effect, one of the finest yet introduced. The successful manner in which Bougainvillea speciosa was grown at Swyncombe, under circumstances which seemed to indicate that strong heat, and especially strong bottom- heat, was essential to induce it to produce its inflorescence, has no doubt led to the conclusion, on the part of many cultivators, that some such application of heat is necessary to' vol. xxxi. — NO. VII. 14 210 THE MAGAZINE OF HORTICULTURE. secure those glorious masses of floral bracts which place this plant in the front rank amongst ornamental creepers. We were agreeably surprised a few days ago to find this same Bougainvillea blossoming at Cliveden, under circumstances which prove, at least, that a command of heat is not, as was supposed, the clue to its successful treatment. Mr. Fleming's plant was indeed growing in a greenhouse conservatory, without any bottom-heat whatever, and yet its branches were most charmingly draped in mauve color, as those who saw the specimen shown by him at the last Regent's Park Show can bear witness. How Mr. Fleming's plant has been treated he shall himself tell, as he has been so obliging as to send us the particulars. " A few years ago the readers of the Gardeners' Chronicle were startled by a glowing leader on the beauties of Bou- gainvillea speciosa. Many I believe up to the present day consider the picture there given to be overdrawn, but those who have been fortunate enough to see the plant under favorable circumstances, will agree with me that not only is that account far exceeded by the real beauties of the plant, but that we ought to be grateful to Dr. Lindley for bringing its merits so prominently before the public. The treatment that had been given to the plant there noticed, and the great heat, both top and bottom, that had been afforded it, have, there is no doubt, deterred many from attempting to cultivate the plant, because they were not possessed of a stove with the command of heat there indicated. It is to encourage such persons to give it a trial that these remarks are made. I have found the Bougainvillea to grow and bloom mag- nificently in a temperate house, where little more than the frost is kept out in winter, and where no fire is used in summer, and also without the slightest degree of bottom-heat, the only difference being that it blooms much better. It will, I am convinced, prove to be one of our best warm conservatory plants, for when it once gets old and strong in the stem it will carry a great length of its gorgeous mauve- colored branches. Even in high-roofed conservatories, where the cold sometimes gets in at the top, I should not fear to grow it, as we have found it uninjured by 3° of frost. It JULY. 211 should not, however, be overlooked that when making its growth the house should be kept as close as the health of its other occupants will permit. It will be, perhaps, most easy to explain the treatment given by adding a section plan of the house, (fig. 9.) The small spaces (A) are one foot wide and two feet long- on each side of the pathway, at intervals of two feet. The house is a span-roof, and the plant is trained over the path alone, this not interfering with the growth of other plants on the stages. The plan I recommend is adding great interest to a span-roofed house. Some of our climbers are much more beautiful than many people imagine, but they rarely have the charm of fully developing their beauties, under the confining system so frequently applied. \ . I ' — ' PASSAGE | I |L^| ) > i SECTION PLAN OK THE HOUSE. The soil in the space was prepared, but below the brick- case the roots were allowed to run all over the bed beneath the stage, which is composed of brick rubbish and the soil that accidentally got mixed with this in the alterations. This has no doubt a great deal to do with the success, because it provides a hard surface in the portions of brick for the roots to adhere to, and carries off quickly the repeated doses of weak manure water, besides facilitating the ripening and drying it well off in the cold winter months. Many persons encourage the growth of gross suckers, which the plant will invariably throw up when making its growth ; but I find these to interfere with a good display of color. While the growth is kept to the old stem all the vigor is thrown into the 212 THE MAGAZINE OF HORTICULTURE. top — by far the best treatment for nearly all climbers. Upon referring to the section of the house it will be seen that a great portion of the plant is always likely to face the glass on the top, and that is where the main portion of the color is ; but to avoid that we are planting several by the columns of a high conservatory, to allow the branches to fall down, which they will do, and form wreaths ten feet long. The Bougainvillea is a native of the high grounds of South Mexico, but it is almost naturalized in Sicily and around Naples, where it grows in great abundance against walls and cottages, though it rarely shows its colors so finely as it does in our houses, the sun frequently turning the mauve bracts to a dirty white, which also happens with us if not carefully shaded. I may add that it is a most useful plant to cut from for in-door decoration, standing a long time in the rooms, and retaining its bright color there. It also travels well if carefully packed ; and will continue fully two months in bloom in a temperate house. PLORICULTURAL NOTICES. Lathyrus tuberosus. — This is a very pretty perennial va- riety of the pea, with slender twining stems, and clusters of rosy tinted blossoms, which appear in great profusion all over the plant. The roots are tuberous, like the Apios tuberosa. It is a very fine acquisition. The Striped Verbenas. — The Italian striped verbenas, so called, are very pretty additions to our collections. The trusses of bloom are not so large as many others, nor the flowers so large, round and good shape, but in the variety of their pencilling they are different from any of the French or European sorts, and make up in their tints, what they lose in size and form. 815. Aloca'sia Loxwii var. picta. Mr. Low's Variegated Alocasia. (Aroideae.) Borneo. A stove plant ; growing two feet high ; with variegated foliage ; grown in light peaty soil ; in- creased by division of the roots. Bot. Mag., 1865, pi. 5497. A very high colored variety of the fine A. Lowii, having the JULY. 213 same habit, but with the variegation more distinct, and the brown purple of the under side of the leaves brighter. It was imported from Borneo by Messrs. Low & Co., and is well worthy a place in every collection of rare plants. {Bot. Mag., March.) 816. L.evlia pr^estans Recchen. Admirable L^elia. (Or- chidece.) Brazil. An or:'hideous plant ; growing best on a block of wood, near the glass. Bot. Mag., 1865, pi. 549*. A rare and most beautiful species, with the richest mauve colored flowers, the tip almost blood purple, showing a grand contrast. It is from Brazil, and is yet rare in English collec- tions. {Bot. Mag-., March.) 817. Ire'sine Herbstii Hook. Mr. Herbst's Iresine. (Amarantaceae.) Brazil. A hothouse plant ; growing eighteen inches high ; with crimson foliage ; grown in light rich soil ; increased by cuttings. Bot. Mas., lSiio, pi. 5499. This is the same plant we described in our last volume, as Achryanthus, under which name it was figured in the Belgian journals. It seems, however, that the plant was found thirty years ago, and dried specimens sent to Dr. Hooker, though it has been quite overlooked by cultivators ; but it was at last introduced by Mr. Herbst, near London, from the River Plate, South Brazil. In general aspect it resembles the beautiful Coleus Ver- schaffeltii, but it is richer and deeper in color, finer in habit, and as free a grower as that plant. As it will be likely to prove a first rate bedding plant, and be sought for by all who like rich, deep colored foliage, we copy the following account of it by Mr. Herbst, from the Floral Magazine : — "It attains a height of from twelve to eighteen inches, and is without any trouble grown into a perfect specimen of the most globular form, as it produces a branch from the axil of every leaf. In a house too warm and close it no doubt grows taller, but even the stopping of the terminal shoot would make it branch very easily. The stem and branches are of a "most beautiful, almost transparent carmine, while the leaf itself, strongly bilobed, is of a purplish crimson underneath, 214 THE MAGAZINE OF HORTICULTURE. dark maroon on its upper side, with its many broad ribs of a very prominent carmine. There is not a green spot on the whole plant, and whether placed in the shade or in the most brilliant sunshine, it produces a most admirable contrast with plants of a lighter color. It has neither the gloomy appear- ance of the Perilla nor the woolly leaf of the Coleus, and is by no means so susceptible of cold and dampness combined as this latter plant. Another advantage it has is, that it does not flower either out-of-doors or in a warm greenhouse, where I have introduced several strong plants, on purpose to induce it to flower, but without success." 818. Aglaone^ma marant^efolium, var. folds maculatis. Variegated maranta-leaved Aglaonema. (Aroidese.) Malay Islands. A greenhouse plant; growing eighteen inches high; with whitish flovvprs; appearing in winter; grown in loam and leaf mould; increased by division of the roots. Bot. Mag., 1865, pi. 550U. A calla-like plant, with narrower and more tapering leaves, mottled with white and dark green. The flowers are small, and resemble a calla before the blossoms are much expanded. As it is undoubtably of easy culture it will be a pretty addi- tion to collections, especially for summer decoration. {Bot. Mag-., June.) 819. Dipladenia nobilis Ch. Morren. Noble Dipladenia. (Apocynacese.) Brazil. A hothouse plant; growing four feet higli ; with fles.Ii colored flowers; appearing in winter; grown in light rich soil; increased by cuttings. Illus. Horticole, lstij, pi. 4^j. This is an old but charming plant, introduced many years ago, but lost to collections ; it has now been reintroduced by M. Verschaffelt of Gand, in whose collection it flowered in June last. It is a slender climber, with the stems loaded witli large trumpet-shaped flowers of the most exquisite blush or pink tinge. The roots are tuberous, and grow naturally in a deep rich soil. It has always been considered hard to cultivate ; but there is no difficulty in this, if the plants are kept growing well, and after blooming allowed to dry off, in imitation of their native clime. The roots should be dried off like any tuber or bulb. When the time for growing begins, they require plenty of water, grow rapidly, and bloom freely. (111. HorL, Jan.) JULY. 215 820. Camellia planipetala. Garden Hybrid. A greenhouse plant ; with white flowers. 111. Hort., 1S65, pi. 426. A beautiful variety, with ample flowers, perfect petals, clear white, with a slight sulphur tint. It flowers abun- dantly and freely, has a beautiful foliage and elegant habit, and is undoubtedly one of the best of its class. (111. Hort., Jan.) 821. Robinia Pseudacacia, var. Decaisneana. Decaisne's Robinia. (Fabacese.) Garden Hybrid. A hardy tree; growing twenty feet high ; with pink flowers ; appearing in spring; increased by grafting. 111. llort., 1865. pi. 427. This is the beautiful variety we noticed in a recent number. It was found in a bed of seedlings in the nurseries of M. Yielville, Jr., at Manosque, France. In growth and habit it is similar to the parent, the common Robinia, but the clusters of flowers are of the most delicate pink. It will be a beautiful addition to our gardens. (7//. Hort., Feb.) 822. Azalea indica, var. Grand Duchesse de Bade Versch. Garden Hybrid. A greenhouse plant; with deep red flowers. 111. Hort., 1855, pi. 428. A very showy variety. The flowers are semi-double, of the largest size, measuring three inches in diameter, very bright red, and spotted with crimson. The exterior lobes are largely developed, and the stamens are transformed into petals. It is a seedling of M. Verschaffelt's, and will make a brilliant and showy plant. (111. Hort., Feb.) 823. Cypripedium Veitchianum Herb. Mr. Veitch's Cyp- ripedium. (Orchidese.) Java. A hothouse plant; growing a foot high; with spotted flowers; increased by division of the root ; cultivated in sandy peat and leaf mould. 111. Hort., 18G5, pi. 429. A very beautiful species of this handsome genus, introduced from Java by Messrs. Veitch. The foliage is finely spotted, and the flowers, which are large, are elegantly colored, the sepals being spotted and striped, and the lip of a rich brown purple. It is still rare. (111. Hort., Feb.) 216 THE MAGAZINE OF HORTICULTURE. 824. Verschaffeltia splendida Herm. Wendl. Splendid Verschaffeltia. (Palmaceas.) Africa. A stove plant; growing ten feet high. 111. Hort., 1SS5, pi. 430. A magnificent new palm, introduced by M. Verschaffelt, and named in honor of him. The leaves are nearly three feet long, and more than two feet wide, entire, of the deepest green, with orange colored midribs, quite unique, and distinct from all other palms. It requires the heat of the stove, and is a grand acquisition. (i7/. Hort., March.) 825. Bryonopsis laicniosa, var. Erythrocarpa. Red Fruited Lasciniate Bryonopsis. (Cucurbitaceae.) Him- alaya. An annual plant; growing six feet high ; with scarlet fruit ; increased by seeds; grown in good garden soil. 111. Hort., 1S65, pi. 431. A very pretty cucurbitaceous plant, with small, palmate foliage, and conspicuous scarlet fruit, which clothe the slen- der stems at the axil of every leaf. M. Naudin of Paris, who has given an account of it, states that the seeds were received in 1862, at the Museum d'Historie Naturelle. It proves to be an annual, flowering early and fruiting abun- dantly. Two plants, cultivated in pots, against a wall, pro- duced hundreds of fruits. These fruits are round, of the size of a cherry, often seven or eight together, deep green, mottled with white, changing to bright red when fully ripe. It has the habit of a Tropaeolum, and the effect of the berries is charming. It is easily raised from seeds. (III. Hort., March.) 826. Abutilon Vexillarium Ed. Moor en. Standard Abu- tilon. (Malvaceae.) Central America. A greenhouse plant ; growing 2 feet high ; with red and yellow flowers ; appearing in winter ; increased by cuttings ; grown in light rich soil. 111. Hort., 1865, pi. 432. A new and very distinct species, with flowers smaller than A. striatum, the calyx scarlet, the corolla yellow, and the stigma brown. It flowers freely, and is quite unique in its shape. It is believed to have, been raised from seeds re- ceived from Central America. Flowers solitary at the axils of the leaf, hanging gracefully amid the rather small foliage. It will be a very pretty addition to collections. (III. Hort., March.) JULY. 217 Buthtiti. FRUIT GROWERS' OF WESTERN NEW YORK. This society held its annual meeting at Rochester on the 21st. The meeting was well attended, and Mr. C. Downing and Dr. Trimble were present. The discussions are stated to have been interesting and ani- mated. We copy the following report of the minutes of the discussion on strawberries, showing the progress of the Rochester cultivators in the growth of this fruit: — Best Straivberries for Family Use. The morning session was occupied with the consideration of the best varieties of the strawberry for family use. Dr. Trimble said that in the vicinity of New York the Wilson was more widely cultivated than any other sort, although largely intended for marketing. The Triomphe de Gand had not succeeded well, and its culture was nearly discontinued. The new " Agriculturist " had not been sufficiently tried to establish its character, but it gave high promise, being fine in quality and a strong grow- er. He objected to the name " Agriculturist," as applied to it, as it was originated by careful cross fertilization by Seth Boyden, whose name he thought it should bear — but who had now some new sorts that he consid- ered superior — some one of which would probably receive his name. H. E. Hooker of Rochester, thought we should have to fall back on some of the old varieties. Among the earlier varieties he regarded none better than Jenny Lind ; the Hooker had rather improved, and was esteemed the best for its flavor. In the Russell he was somewhat disappointed — being too tender in flesh to carry to market, and very nearly resembling Mc- Avoy's Superior, both of which needed fertilization to form perfect berries. The Buffalo Seedling had been pronounced indentical with the McAvoy's Superior. T. C. Maxwell said that the three best sorts for family use were Tri- omphe de Gand, Russell and Wilson's Albany, provided the latter were fully ripe. The Russell is a pistillate, and bears well when fertilized with Wilson. Chas. Downing thought the Triomphe de Gand best of all for family use. It is not so productive as some others, but he preferred one quart of good berries to three quarts of bad ones. He liked the Jenny Lind better than the Early Scarlet. He stated that the Crimson Favor, a new variety, he thought would prove very large, very early, and of fine flavor, but was not productive. H. T. Brooks of Wyoming county regards quality as the main point for home consumption — that it was cheaper to raise good strawberries than to buy sugar. If his object was merely to " fill up," he would raise pumpkins for this purpose — but as he preferred fine quality— he would raise only the best— be the same more or less. 218 THE MAGAZINE OF HORTICULTURE. J. Crane of Lockport preferred Burr's New Pine, but Chas. Downing objected on account of its inferior size, as we do not wish to spend a great deal of time in picking. President Barry said a very prominent point should be earliness. So important was this regarded, that the difference of a few days would more than double the price. He therefore particularly esteemed the Jenny Lind and Early Scarlet — the former is the sweeter, but less productive than the Scarlet. Bronson of Geneva, like some others, had been somewhat disappointed in the Russell, it proves to be a prodigious bearer, but is soft and liable to rot. This may, however, be owing, to the presei.t season, to the warm and wet weather. He found it better in quality than McAvoy's Superior, but not sufficiently firm to handle well, and it always requires fertilizing by such good fertilizers as Wilson's or Austin's Seedling. He had just exper- imented imperfectly with the il Agriculturist," and although not prepared to speak confidently of its merits, thought that it promised to prove valu- able. Chas. Downing also thought highly of the Agriculturist. C. L. Hoag said the Filmore had not succeeded well with him, and that he had discontinued its cultivation and ploughed up his plantation of it. Chas. Downing said that in comparing the Russell with the McAvoy's Superior, it should be borne in mind that there were two varieties dissemi- nated as McAvoy's Superior — the spurious being light red — the genuine dark red. He said the genuine was the same as the Buffalo Seedling. A ballot was taken for the best 6 varieties for family use, and resulted in the following vote — those receiving the highest number would, of course, be understood as being the more general favorites in Western New York — 33 votes being given in all : Triomphe de Gand, 30 votes. Early Scarlet, 26 votes. Russell and Wilson, each 23 votes. Hooker, 22 votes. Burr's New Pine, 12 votes. Hovey's Seedling, 8 votes. Victoria and Brighton Pine, each 5 votes. Jenny Lind, 4 votes. Crimson Cone, for Canning, 3 votes. Agriculturist, 3 votes. Buffalo, Austin, and Longworth, each 2 votes. Red Alpine, White Alpine, Cutter's Seedling, Jenny's Seedling, Gene- see, and La Constante, each 1 vote. BELMONT FARMERS CLUB. This flourishing association held its seventh annual Strawberry Show on the 20th of June. The season has been favorable and the exhibition was large and very good. The day was a little late for some of the best specimens of several kinds, still the show was every way worthy the skill of the Belmont cultivators. JULY. 219 In addition to strawberries, liberal prizes were offered for bouquets and pot plants, and there was a fine display of the former, which served to set off the show of fruit, arranged as they were along the centre of the two long tables, either side being filled with several hundred or so baskets of strawberries, containing from two to four quarts each. The main kinds were Hovey's Seedling and Brighton Pine as usual, but there were more of the Triomphe de Gand and La Constante than last year, with a few of the Austin. The following is the award of prizes: — For the best basket of strawberries, containing not less than 4 quarts of any one variety, to VV. H. Locke, for La Constante, a Silver Cup valued at $25. For the next best basket of strawberries, containing not less than 4 quarts of any one variety, to J. O. Wellington, for Triomphe de Gand, a piece of Silver, valued at $15 For the best basket of Hovey's Seedling, not less than 3 quarts, to A. Simpson, $10. For the next best, to J. O. Wellington, $5. For the next best, to M. Patterson, $3. For the best basket of Brighton Pines, not less than 3 quarts, to J. S. Cros- by, $10. For the next best, to D Chenery, $5. For the best basket of Triomphe de Gand, not less than 3 quarts, to J. O. Wellington, $10 For the next best, to D. Chenery, $5. For the best two quarts of any other variety than those above named, to C. W. Winn, $4. For the next best, to C. W. Winn, $3. For the next best, to W. J. Underwood, $2. For the best collection of five varieties, one quart each, to J. O. Welling- ton, $10. For the next best, to Hovey & Co,. $6. The competition was very close between Hovey's Seedling and La Constante. Mr. J. Crosby, who took the prize for the Hovey, had a mag- nificent basket, as did Mr. Wellington, who carried off four prizes, sustain- ing his reputation as a strawberry grower. The day was fine, and the attendance of visitors large. Music was furnished by the Germania band, and the occasion will be recollected with pleasure by all who were fortunate to be present. 220 THE MAGAZINE OF HORTICULTURE. Utitssacjntseits horticultural Sorietj. Opening of the Hall. — Tlie opening exhibition of the season took place on Saturday, May 27. The show was very good, though the number of exhibitors was limited. Cut flowers were very fine. From Jona. French, a variety of plants, with small but well-grown speci- mens. From Hovey & Co., a collection of plants, including the fine Pandanus variegatus, Yucca aloeifolia variegata, Tetratheca verticillata, &c, also six fine heaths, and the following azaleas: A. Mad. Miellez, Model, Gledstanesii, Brilliant, Osborni, and crispiflora; six large flowered, and six Fancy pelargoniums. From H. H. Hunnewell, six fine pelargo- niums and six fuchsias. Cut flowers came from F. Parkman, Hovey & Co., J. Nugent, J. E. Westgate, J. McTear, and others. James Barrett sent 60 species of native plants. AWARD OF PREMIUMS. Plants. — For the best collection, to Jonathan French, $15. For the next best, to Hovey &. Co., $12. Azaleas. — For the best six, to Hovey & Co., $10. Pelargoniums. — For the best 6 large flowered, to H. H. Hunnewell, $8. For the next best, to Hovey & Co., $6. For the best Fancy do., to Hovey & Co., $8. Specimen. — For the best, to Hovey & Co., $4. Cut Flowers. — For the best, to F. Parkman, $6. For the next best, to J. Nugent, $5. For the next best, to J. E. Westgate, $4. For the next best, to J. McTear, $3. Gratuities. — To H. H. Hunnewell, for rhododendrons, $5. To H. H. Hunnewell, for fuchsias, $5. To James Barrett, for native plants, $5. Premiums and gratuities were also awarded for baskets of flowers and various contributions. June 3. An adjourned meeting of the Society was held to-day, — the President in the chair. Numerous members were proposed, and seventeen elected. Exhibited. Flowers : From H. H. Hunnewell, Hovey &. Co., and R. Oldreive, fine collections of rhododendrons and azaleas. Among Mr. Hunnewell's were several deep colored varieties. Cut flowers, in variety, were shown by various exhibitors, and some superb fuchsias, by J. W. Brooks, Esq., the best, we think, ever shown in the Hall, and gained, most deservedly, a gratuity of $10. AWARD OF PRIZES. Rhododendrons. — For the best, to H. H. Hunnewell, $8. For the next best, to Hovey & Co , $6. JULY. ±21 Azaleas. — For the best, to R. Oldreive. $8. For the next best, to H. H. Hunnewell, $6. Gratuities. — For six fuchsias, to J. W. Brooks, $10. For ranunculus, to B. K. Bliss, $3. Other gratuities for flowers were also awarded. June 10. — Exhibited. Flowers: From J. Sanderson, fine specimens of the handsome Virgilia lutea ; splendid pseonies, from Hovey &. Co., com- prising the following sorts : Festiva, Festiva maxima, Sinensis Delachi, Fulgida, Arsene Murat, L'Eblouissant, Ne Plus Ultra, Hericartiana, Francis Ortegat, and Bossuet. Cut flowers from various exhibitors. Fruit: From C. S. Holbrook, magnificent Early Crawford peaches. From J. Todd, Hingham, beautiful Hovey peaches. June 17. Rose and Strawberry Show. The show of roses was large and fine, and the specimens better than usual. Sweet Williams were exceedingly fine, and the several stands made an effective show. The cut flowers, pinks, baskets, and bouquets, were all superior. award of prizes. June Roses. — Class I. For the best 20 varieties, to Hovey & Co., $4. Class II. For the best 10 varieties, to J. Nugent, $3. For the next best, to J. Breck, $2. Hardy Perpetual. — Class I. For the best 20 varieties, to H. H. Hun- newell, $6. For the next best, to J. C. ChafBn, $4. For the next best, to Hovey & Co., $3. Class II. For the best 10 varieties, to J. McTear, #3. For the next best, to J. Nugent, $2. Tender Roses. — For the best display, 10 var., to J. Nugent, $4. For the next best, to J. McTear, $3. General Display of Roses. — For the best, to J. C. Chaffin, $5. For the next best, to J. Nugent, #4. Sweet Williams. — For the best 30 trusses, in 10 varieties, to Hovey & Co., $3. For the next best, to J. McTear, $2. Pinks. — For the best display of 30 flowers, to Jona. French, $4. For the next best, to Hovey & Co., §3. For the next best, to J. McTear, #2. Prizes and gratuities were also awarded for cut flowers, bouquets and baskets. Fruit : The strawberries were altogether the most effective show the Society ever made of this fruit. Besides the well-known kinds, Buffalo, French's Seedling, and Russell's Prolific were exhibited. From Hovey &. Co. eleven varieties, as follows, La Constante, Emma, Hovey's Seedling, Empress Eugenie, Napoleon III., Admiral Dundas, Marguerite, Green Prolific, Lenning's White, Russell's Prolific, Triomphe de Gand, and Prince Frederick William. From Wm. Gray, Jr., Oscar, La Constante, Hovey's Seedling, and Triomphe de Gand. W. C. Strong, A. W. Spencer, J. W. Foster and others, sent good fruits. 222 THE MAGAZINE OF HORTICULTURE. AWARD OF PRIZES. For the best four varieties, for Hovey's Seedling, La Constante, Admiral Dundas and Marguerite, two quarts each, to Hovey & Co., $20. For the next best, to J. W. Foster, $15. For the next best, to Wm. Gray, Jr., $10. iiuarg. Death of Sir Joseph Paxton. — It is with deep regret that we an- nounce the death of Sir Joseph Paxton, which took place at Sydenham, June 8th, after a protracted illness, at the age of 63. The lateness of the month precludes an extended notice of his life and labors, which will appear in our next. His death will be lamented by a large circle of acquaintance, and the horticultural world has lost one of its most enthu- siastic and ardent friends. Death of William Todd. — Died at Roxbury, Mass., June 7, Mr. William Todd, gardener, in the 52d year of his age. Mr. Todd was well known as one of the most skilful gardeners. At the time of his death he was gardener to W. C. Harding, Esq., of Roxbury, where he had been for upwards of two years, and was just beginning to show the results of his labors, in the management of the grounds. As a grape grower few excelled him. Mr. Todd was for several years in the employ of Messrs. Hovey & Co., and subsequently removed to California. On his return from the latter state he visited his native land. Mr. Todd was a native of Richmond, Yorkshire, England. Gentlemanly and cour- teous in his manners, ready to impart information to all who sought, his death will be lamented by those who knew him. (Nova Scotia papers will please copy.) iortimltral Operations FOR jcly. FRUIT DEPARTMENT. June has been a warm and beautiful month, with just enough rain to keep vegetation in fine condition, and a temperature sufficiently high without being excessive at any time. Vines in the early houses will still be at rest, and require very little care; the only thing necessary being to secure thoroughly ripe wood. JULY. l>2o Vines in later houses and greenhouses will now be swelling their fruit rapidly, and during the month will begin to color. Look over the bunches, and, if not properly thinned, cut away any superfluous berries, being careful not to thin so as to leave a loose straggling cluster. Many cultivators thin too much, and we think it best to err on the right side, and to our mind a bunch thinned improperly is worse than one not thinned at all. When the bunches are very large, as with the Syrian, Trebbiana, White Nice, &c, the bunches should be shouldered ; that is, the shoulders Bhould be tied up to the trellis so as not to press upon the bunch until the berries are swollen. Look over and regulate the laterals, stopping those a second time which have started into growth. Damp down the house, morning, noon and night. Vines in cold houses require similar attention, always being careful not to admit cold drafts on the sides of the house. Give all borders a good watering, if dry. Summer-prune hardy vines, and lay in the strong wood for next year. Strawberry Beds will now require attention. Proceed at once to clear away all the old plants between the rows, where they have been allowed to run, and manure well and spade the ground deep, then rake and level, and as soon as the fresh runners begin to grow lay in the plants carefully at regular distances, and the beds will be nearly as good as those newly made. When the plants are cultivated in hills, or single rows, the soil should also be well manured, and dug in the same way. Keep spring planted beds clear of all weeds, and lay the runners as they grow. Pear and Plum Trees may be budded the last of the month. Summer Pruning should be continued at all times, cutting away the laterals and cross branches, to give air and light to the fruit. Thinning Fruit should be commenced immediately, before the crop has grown so as to exhaust the energies of the tree. Peach and other Fruit Trees, in pots, should be well watered, until the fruit is well colored, when the quantity should be lessened. Use liquid manure freely. FLOWER DEPARTMENT. The fine weather of June, with the advanced season, has made the garden as beautiful as it ordinarily is a month later in the year. Timely rains have given a vigor to all bedding plants, and they already present a gay appearance. July is the month when all the preparations should be completed for winter stock, repotting, pruning and putting in order every- thing before it is so late that they do not have time to recover from these operations. Take all leisure opportunity to collect soils and prepare them for winter. Azaleas will now be completing their growth, and by the end of the month should be in readiness to place in the open air to ripen their wood. Syringe and encourage their growth, and repot immediately all that require it. Stop pinching the shoots, except on young stock. Look out for thrips and red spider, and destroy in time. 224 THE MAGAZINE OF HORTICULTURE. Camellias should now be removed to their summer quarters, if not already done. Syringe, morning and night, and take this month to repot all that require it. Cinerarias should be potted off, taking the young and fresh suckers; place in a frame, and keep close for a few days, till well rooted. Pelargoniums will soon be out of bloom, and water should be sparingly given to ripen the wood previous to heading in, which should be done the last of the month, or early in August. Achimenes, growing vigorously, may have another shift into larger pots. Cactuses, now making their growth, should have a good situation in the open air, and have more liberal supplies of water. Repot all such as require it, and top-dress with very little guano. Oxalis Bowiei and Hirta may be potted this month, and placed in a cold frame. Eupatoriums, Stevias, and similar plants, should be plunged out in an open sunny bed, and have an occasional watering with liquid manure. Caladiums and Begonias may have another shift. Shade from the noonday sun, and water rather freely. Bouvardias should be plunged out in a warm place, or, if grown in the house, have a shift into larger pots. Ferns, of every kind, will require a shift into larger pots. Amaryllises should be grown well, and have a warm place on a shelf near the glass. Without good foliage the plants will not bloom. ,. A. Belladonna should be potted now. Chinese Primroses should be kept in a cool frame. Heliotropes, and other flowers, intended for winter blooming, should be headed in. Fuchsias should have their final shift into large pots. FLOWER GARDEN AND SHRUBBERY. Give every attention to the lawn, and roll and cut as often as possibl Hoe and rake the beds, and clean and roll the walks. Gladiolus, now coming into bloom, should be neatly tied to handsomfl1 stakes. Dahlias should have attention. Water often, if dry, and tie up to a stout stake. Cut away all small superfluous shoots. I, Pjeonies should have the seed pods all cut off, as it will greatly. strengthen the roots. ' Rhododendrons and Azaleas should be cleaned of their seed pods. ,". Hedges should be clipped immediately. Shrubs, all done flowering, should now be well pruned and headed in, to secure a young and vigorous growth of fresh shoots. Seeds of various perennial flowering plants may now be sown. Daisies should be replanted, selecting a moist half shady place. Roses should be layered this month. • OUR CULINARY VEGETABLES. In no department of gardening has there been less real progress than in the culture of our vegetables. Not that there has been no improvement, but not at all in proportion to the improvement in the growth of fruits, plants, or flowers. There is certainly a rather better quality offered in our mar- kets, through the intelligence and industry of some of our skilful and foreseeing market gardeners ; but with amateurs, and the people generally, this has been less prominent, and in fact, except within the range of large cities, and where emu- lation has been created by the exhibitions of horticultural and agricultural societies, and the offer of liberal premiums, twenty years have shown but slight advance. Individuals who cultivate their small or large vegetable garden, as well as practical men, seem to ignore the idea of improvement in vegetable culture. Xor does this neglect lie at our own doors. In Great Britain the same complaint is made, and the attention of the prominent gardening journals has been directed to the sub- ject, with the hope of arousing cultivators to the importance of good vegetable growing. The Gardeners' Chronicle of last year took up the subject, and in an article which struck us as peculiarly applicable to our country, urged practical men to devote more time to vegetable culture, believing it to be the foundation of all good gardening, and without a good knowledge of which they must fail to attain the high standard of their profession. We made " a note on't" at the time, and are glad now to have an opportunity to present a portion of it to our readers. There has been no lack of energy or enthusiasm on the part of our prominent and responsible seedsmen, to introduce all the new vegetables from abroad, or to bring out any that may have been produced at home ; but for the want of some system, and the lack of that class of seed-growers who are so numerous in England, and who take especial pains to give vol. xxxi. — NO. VIII. 15 226 THE MAGAZINE OF HORTICULTURE. the newer sorts a trial, — not always, to be sure, wholly im- partial,— for a long time we could only find them in Cata- logues, or through the pages of our Magazine, and of course generally with but little knowledge of their real merits. This was the case a few years ago, but, thanks to the exertions and continued labors of one who knew the needs of the seedman and seedgrower, as well as all lovers of good vegeta- bles, such a want does not now exist, and we have only to consult the work, which has been the result of long and care- ful observation, to learn everything that can be well known in regard to all the vegetables at present considered of much value. The second edition of Mr. Burr's volume,* delightfully got up, in clear type, beautiful paper, elegant engravings, and rich binding, is now before us, and it is truly refreshing to hit down to something original, and at the same time interest- ing and really valuable ; for the mass of American works of this class are mere compilations from various English and French authors, without one word of acknowledgment, and that too when page after page, and engravings entire, are palmed off as the production and taste of the authors. Not so is Mr. Burr's book ; nearly every variety enumerated has been under trial by the author or his friends, who have assisted him, and to whom he gratefully offers his acknowl- edgment. The engravings are from original drawings, from specimens furnished by Mr. Burr, and are not only the most truthful representations of the kind, but are executed with a fidelity and finish most remarkable. The illustrations are from the pencil of Mr. Spurge, who is not excelled in this department of art. After two years, and the exhaustion of the first edition, Mr. Burr brings forward his volume in a much more complete and perfect form. When we talk of eleven hundred " species and varieties," the number seems fabulous, compared with the scanty supply usually found in our markets. But, as Mr. Burr truly * The Field and Garden Vegetables of America, containing full descriptions of nearly eleven hundred Species and Varieties, with Directions for Propaga- tion, Culture, and Use, illustrated. By Fearing Burr, Jr. Pp. 667. Boston, ] 865. AUGUST. 227 remarks in his preface, " though some vegetables have proved of little value, either for the table or for agricultural purposes, still it is believed such descriptions will be found by no means unimportant; as a timely knowledge of that which is inferior or absolutely worthless, is often as advantageous as a knowl- edge of that which is of positive superiority." And now to return to the subject we have already referred to — the neglect of superior culture, both at home and abroad. "We quote from the remarks of our English contemporary, which are applicable in just the same degree here : — A northern contemporary has recently, not without reason perhaps, directed attention to the comparative neglect of the vegetable department, both by the correspondents of the gardening periodicals, arid by the rising generation of gardeners. Vines and peaches, orchard-houses and bedding plants, florists' flowers and exhibition plants, it is said, come in for their share and more than their share of discussion, but neither writers nor young gardeners appear to give the thought and attention it deserves to plain kitchen gardening, notwithstanding that it is the very foundation of the garden- er's success in the battle of life. That this is true to a certain extent there can be no doubt ; and perhaps, so far as the horticultural press is concerned, for the very reason which the writer of the remarks we refer to has suggested, namely, that what are— rightly or wrongly — termed the highest branches of the profession are the safest and most pleasant to roost upon. There may indeed be more of novelty in those matters which readers and writers appear alike to prefer, but at least we may assert that the hobbies which are thus in some cases so hardly ridden, are not of more importance to the gardening profession than is a thorough knowledge of the management of a kitchen garden, which, as is truly remarked by the writer referred to, " takes in a far wider range of society than any other department." " Most gardeners," he adds, " find the kitchen the most tick- lish latitude, from which demands fall upon them with the most exacting promptitude ; and he who can satisfy those artistes who prowl in white linen about the hottest regions of 228 THE MAGAZINE OP HORTICULTURE. the hall, has reason to congratulate himself on being up to the mark in a department through which as much annoyance is likely to arise, as in any other with which he has to do." This, we think, no one will question. It may not be urged as a reason for this apparent neglect of the vegetable department, that, taking a view of gardens in general, this department is uniformly managed with complete success. In how many of the thousands of gardens scattered through the land, would really good crops and good succes- sions of crops of esculents be found, if a simultaneous exam- ination could be made at any time between Candlemas and Christmas ? A sprinkling of our best practical gardeners would of course be found up to the mark in this particular, amongst them doubtless some of whom fame knows but little ; but in too many cases it would be seen that the crop of one kind of vegetable was out of all proportion to the rest, either through deficiency or superabundance, while the very important — indeed the most important — question of succession was either ignored or misunderstood. There are of course difficulties to be encountered in respect to seasons and weather, uncon- genial soils, and limited means, all which may be beyond a gardener's control ; but the aim should be (and this we hold to be the very perfection of kitchen gardening), to have an abundant supply to meet every reasonable demand, this sup- ply being so regulated that there shall be no glut at one period and scarcity at another, but that every crop shall tell in the total as it comes to maturity, and yield its quota towards an uninterrupted succession — young, fresh, and crisp — of such vegetables as are preferred in each particular establishment. It is moreover, by no means to be assumed that the ultima thule of kitchen garden cropping has yet been reached. Though the cultivation of all or most of our esculents, sev- erally, in the hands of individual gardeners may have been, (we do not assert that it has been), carried very nearly to the highest degree of perfection, yet it is to be remembered that this is a very different thing from perfection of culture hav- ing been reached with the generality of vegetable crops, by all or even the majority of gardeners. There are yet re- maining many dark recesses in our kitchen gardens — here in AUGUST. 229 one position, there in another — which each require that a bright ray of light should penetrate their obscurity, so as to bring out in strong relief some real defect of treatment that is lurking there. We recommend the subject of enlighten- ment on obscure points of practice, to the notice of skilful gardeners of a thoughtful turn of mind, as one which if well worked up would earn for them an honorable eminence in the ranks of their profession. We should perhaps have been less ready to open this sub- ject in our columns, were it not that we heartily concur in what our Scottish friend writes in reference to its bearing on the interests of the rising generation of gardeners. This is the class of men to which we must look in the coming time, to maintain the proud position which British horticulture has attained. And in this connection we cannot refrain from an expression of regret that our great English Horticultural Society should have deliberately chosen the path of fashion rather than of fame. Surely there is no way in which it could better carry out the important charge committed to its care — namely, the fostering and encouragement of horticult- ure, in this our happy and fruitful isle, than by an earnest solicitude for the instruction of young gardeners, and by doing its part towards training and disseminating through the land such young men, well-informed in all the branches of horticulture, so that they might act as leaven on the general practice of gardening: permeating and elevating the whole mass. And if this be so, it follows that to utterly neglect if not to repudiate such a duty, and to confine its efforts and its aspirations almost entirely to catering for the world of fash- ion, putting horticulture as much as possible in the back ground, is, to say the least, a dereliction of trust on the part of a body established for no other purpose than that of ad- vancing horticulture. That the subject of the preparation of young gardeners requires attention is patent to the experi- ence of all who care to observe. The writer to whom we have already referred remarks from personal knowledge : — " I do not know whether my experience corresponds with that of other gardeners who have passed a good many young men through their hands, but I find the majority quite as 230 THE MAGAZINE OP HORTICULTURE. deficient, or even more so, in this department than in any- other. There are plenty of worthy young men who, were they called upon to grow a few genera of plants in pots, or to get up a good mairy thousand bedding plants, would do so with credit to themselves. But call upon them to subdivide a few acres of kitchen garden into allotments for the propor- tions of the different vegetables, and crop them with a proper selection of vegetables, and in a manner and at times which would ensure a proper supply for the season, and they would find themselves in a fix. There cannot be a more gross mis- take on the part of young men, who, as soon as their two or three years of what is called an apprenticeship are over, indulge a ceaseless hankering to get into houses where forc- ing and plant-growing are carried on, before they have made themselves conversant with the details of a well-managed kitchen garden." The evil at which we have just been glancing is somewhat characteristic of the age, and hence there is all the more need of its being honestly pointed out to those whom it most concerns. Young men are for getting on as they think, with- out duly remembering the old proverb, " the more haste the least speed." They either have too much pride to begin fairly at the beginning, or having begun there, they have too much impatience to wait long enough to enable them to practise thoroughly and exhaustively the elementary parts of their training; and in this eagerness to advance (which in itself would be laudable enough and only becomes otherwise when unduly indulged), they forget or are not sufficiently im- pressed by two things, which they get to know afterwards, sometimes even by bitter experience — first, that there is no success before them as general gardeners without a thorough knowledge of kitchen-garden practice as a basis, and secondly, that such knowledge is the most certain, as it is also the most accessible stepping-stone in the attainment of the information they need to enable them to undertake the management of other departments. Too many of them are afraid of rough ■ work, and chafe at their necessary probation as journeymen, or they take to amusements and eschew study, yet at the very first opportunity they hasten to set up on their own account, AUGUST. 231 it may be in some single-handed, or other inferior place, where in the case of the average of men comparatively little is to be learned by experience, a few only of the brighter intellects being capable from such stand-points of moving for- wards. What wonder, therefore, that so few comparatively of the thousands of young men who turn to the pursuit of gardening, really distinguish themselves in after life ? This in a great degree refers to gardeners, and the necessity of a better knowledge of vegetable growing — and is only too true. The question with us is, are not our amateurs quite as much to blame as the poor gardeners, who often have so much thrown upon them here that without more help they could not give attention to the kitchen garden, if inclined to do so. Do the mass of cultivators, not gardeners, in the meaning of the world, but those who possess a quarter or half or whole acre, and make cultivation a pastime, consider at all the necessity of thought in the supply and culture of superior vegetables ? Are they familiar with the best varieties, and the superiority of some kinds over others ? We fear not, and the evil exists because the idea exists that anybody can cultivate a vegetable garden. Until this idea is reversed improvement must be necessarily slow. "How is it," we often hear asked, " that they raise such fine celery as we see in the market?" or, "how can I get radishes, long, clean, and free from worms?" If there was no skill in these things, these questions would not be asked, for all would have an abundance of the best. But there is a real difference in vegetables, apparent to the most ignorant, and hence there must be skill somewhere. We may therefore consider that question at rest, — that to grow superior vegetables, supply them in abundance, in succession, in season and out of season, and at the least outlay of labor and manure, is in reality an accomplishment not easy, and one requiring forethought, industry, energy, and practical skill. Believing it will be admitted we are greatly deficient in the cultivation of vegetables, we return to Mr. Burr's work, which is devoted more to a description of varieties than their culture, we may once more repeat that the best are 232 THE MAGAZINE OF HORTICULTURE. yet too little known. A brief examination of the volume will reveal a list of varieties which possess superior qualities, but which are scarcely cultivated. It is true, as the author states, that all that are described are not valuable ; but there are many much more so than is generally admitted. Occasionally a new sort wins its way into popular favor, yet far too many remain almost unknown. Every new pear has a fair trial, and why should not the new vegetables receive some attention ; this arises, as we have shown, from the neglect of this important department of gardening. The Massachusetts Horticultural Society, by the offer of liberal premiums, has done a great good in inducing culti- vators to exhibit the best ; and those who have been blind- ed by old notions, and cling to every old thing without a trial of the new, have been distanced by those who believe in progress, have had the sagacity to try all, and the good judgment to reject the worthless, and cultivate only the valuable. It is by such aid that improvement is made prom- inent, our markets supplied with vegetables of better quality, and the whole community benefited. Let the motto of such men be onward. POMOLOGICAL GOSSIP. Strawberry Show in New York. — The Show of Strawber- ries at the Agriculturist office in New York, for premium, was held on the 8th and loth of June. The fruit was shown in larger quantity and better quality on the 8th, but the exhibition on the 15th included varieties not shown the previous week. Quite a large number of kinds were exhibited. Mr. Thos. Cavanaugh of Brooklyn, N. Y., showed 41 sorts, and F. Brill of Newark, N. J., 17 varieties. Mr. S. Boyden exhibited a new seedling. W. A. Burgess of Glen Cove the Gen. Grant. Seedlings were also shown by Geo. Perry and Son, George- town, Conn. ; William Teft, Fordham, N. Y. ; and H. W. Tebbets, White Plain, N. Y. W. H. Romeyn, Kingston, N. Y., exhibited eight seedlings. There were, in all, twenty- AUGUST. 233 two exhibitors. The principal prizes were awarded as fol- lows : — For the best strawberry,- new or old, to S. Boyden, for the Agriculturist, $5. Best 12 varieties, to P. Brill, Newark, N. Y., 85. Largest and best collection, to Thos. Cavanaugh, $5. Best market variety, 2 quarts of the Agriculturist, to 0. Judd, Flushing, $3. Heaviest three berries, of any one variety, to S. Boyden, for the Agriculturist, (weighing 2£ ounces,) $2. Best new seedling, to S. Boyden, $5. Other prizes were awarded for the second best, and for various varieties. Undoubtedly the exhibition was very fine, but we are much surprised at the weight of the Agriculturist ; three berries weighing only 2| ounces. A few years ago we ex- hibited eighteen Admiral Dundas strawberries, which weighed just one pound ; and Mr. Pell of New York produced berries of the Hovey, weighing two ounces each. La Constante weighs more than the Agriculturist. We had the impression that the latter, when well grown, would weigh two ounces each, as it has been called the largest strawberry in the United States. Russell's Prolific. — We have seen it somewhere stated that this strawberry was the same as the old McAvoy's Supe- rior. Whether this is so or not we cannot say, as it is so long since we cultivated the latter we have forgotten its exact character. This and the Russell are precisely alike in fruit, and if Mr. Elliot says the Buffalo is identical with McAvoy, — and he ought to know — it will be another of the same getting up as the Bartlett, so highly praised by the same cultivators who discarded Boston Pine, and yet they are one and the same! When will the Philadelphia pomologists decide whether the Union or Mammoth are the same as Trollope's Victoria ? Cultivators would like to know. Splendid Grapes. — We have, of late, kept our grape grow- ers informed of the progress of the culture of this fruit in Great Britain, and given some account of the splendid speci- mens exhibited from time to time at the London Exhibitions. 234 THE MAGAZINE OF HORTICULTURE. We now have to record another great achievement by Mr. Meredith, who appears to be the king of grape growers, in the production of a bunch of Black Hamburg, weighing nine pounds, eight ounces. We copy from the notice of the Exhibition : — Grapes ; the glory of these was a bunch of Blach Hamburg, shown by Mr. Meredith of Garston, near Liverpool, weighing no less than 9 lb. 8 oz. It was shown stalk downwards, and had six shoulders, each equal to an ordinary bunch, the whole forming quite a pyramid of jet black berries, covered with a beautiful bloom. To Mr. Meredith, therefore, belongs the credit of having shown the heaviest bunch of Black Hamburg grapes yet recorded, and the judges marked their sense of his marvellous success by awarding him the highest medal at their command. The same exhibitor had the best Trentham Black ever yet seen, and wonderfully fine Buck- land Sweetwater, but the last did not appear to be quite ripe, Mr. Hill, gardener to R. Sneyd, Esq., had splendid bunches of Black Prince, Black Hamburg, and Meredith's variety of Black Alicante. From Mr. Osborne of Pinchley came Black Hamburg, Buckland Sweetwater, and Snow's Muscat Ham- burg, the last large and finely colored. Mr. Allport of Doddington, Cheshire, contributed very fine Black Frontig- nans and Ingram's Prolific Muscat, the latter bearing a striking resemblance, both in size, berry and color, to the former. Muscats were still green, the ripest of them were only just beginning to change color ; but of Buckland Sweet- water we noticed several bunches with that bright rich golden tinge which it is highly desirable to find in Muscats ; but which, on this occasion, was wholly wanting. Messrs. Lane, who of late years have exhibited excellent grapes, had fine samples of Chavoush, a new and promising white variety. Mr. Pottle, gardener to B. D. Colsia, had extremely well grown specimens of Black Prince, three bunches of which weighed 9 lb. 5 oz.; they were not, however, quite in perfec- tion as regards ripeness. Three very fine bunches of this grape were also shown by Mr. Hill. Fine Grapes. — As an index of the increasing interest in the production of superior grapes, we may record the exhibi- AUGUST. 235 tion of this fruit by the Massachusetts Horticultural Society, on the 14th of June. Mr. C. S. Holbrook had very fine bunches of Golden Hamburg, Black Prince, Black Hamburg, Wilmot's Hamburg, and others. H. H. Hunnewell had extra fine Muscat Hamburg, Golden Hamburg, Black Hamburg, and others, and Mrs. Durfee very superb Cannon Hall, and fine Black Prince, and other sorts. These specimens were very much superior to those exhibited the previous year, at the same season. THE ALLAMANDAS. Few greenhouse or stove-plants excel, in showy and effective aspect, the Allamandas. Vigorous in habit, free growers, and abundant and continued bloomers, they are always to be relied upon for show or exhibition purposes, and one or more of the different species always make up the dozen or twenty plants which carry off the main prize at the great London Exhibitions. Nor are they alone beautiful and valuable as exhibition objects. As ornaments of the greenhouse and conservatory few excel them in their profusion of bloom, and the long period they continue to display their large clusters of showy yellow trumpet shaped flowers. But with all their attractions they are not often seen in our collections of plants, or, if they are, they are such ordinary specimens as to attract no particular attention, or give but a faint idea of the real merit of these plants. Cramped in small pots, kept in a cool part of the house, and watered abundant- ly, when they should be kept dry, they frequently die or damp off, and are pronounced too difficult of cultivation, or adapted only to the hothouse. Usually they are considered stove or hothouse plants, but in our sunny climate, where the green- house is equal to an English stove, a greater portion of the year, they grow freely, and, rightly managed, flower in great perfection, though this is enhanced where a higher tempera- ture can be given earlier in the season. One species, the A. Schottii, will not certainly do for ordinary purposes, but the 236 THE MAGAZINE OF HORTICULTURE. A. neriifolia may be grown in any ordinary greenhouse, where we have plants at the present moment, without much care, covered with blossoms. A. Schottii is the finest of the family, and trained up the columns or rafters of the hothouse, is one of the most magnificent objects. Its golden blossoms, three or more inches in diameter, displayed in large clusters, find few equals in any collection. ALLAMANDA NERIIFOLIA. As we have said, the ill treatment of the plants has caused their neglect ; and we only wish all lovers of plants to see a good specimen to know their worth ; to obtain them is easy enough, if the due attention is given to their culture at the proper season ; the plants grow freely from cuttings, and with proper care and high culture large specimens may be speedily reared. A. neriifolia (fig. 10) will give some idea of the flowers, which are bright yellow, trumpet shaped, two inches long, and about two in diameter ; these appear in clusters of six or eight, at the ends of the young growth. A. Schottii AUGUST. 237 and grandiflora are larger. The following article from the Gardeners' Chronicle, by one who has been a successful grower, will show to what perfection the Allamandas may be grown ; a plant with 500 blooms would surely be as effective an object as could be exhibited. In fact our plant growers cannot well make a grand display without such things as the Allamanda, the Stephanotus and similar plants, and our spring exhibitions must be meagre until these receive more attention from our amateurs and enthusiastic plant growers. With increasing demands to fill our new Horticultural Hall with grand specimens of grand objects, these must not be overlooked. Preparation now will give good specimens for another year : — Having been very successful in the pot culture of Alla- mandas, I beg to offer a few remarks on that subject. In this family are some beautiful species, which, when well grown, are very effective, especially for purposes of exhibi- tions— Schottii, grandiflora, and Aubletii I consider to be the best. When sent out, violacea was expected to prove an ac- quisition, but, unfortunately it has turned out comparatively worthless. It is like the Scotchman's horse, bad to catch, and when caught of no value. Let us therefore return to Schottii. Like the rest of the family this species requires high cultivation ; that is, it should be grown quickly until it shows flower ; then it should be encouraged to ripen its wood perfectly, after which it must be well rested and prop- erly pruned. Allamandas are all easily propagated by means of cuttings, which strike readily in a brisk bottom heat. Let us, how- ever, suppose that the cultivator has a nice established plant, say in February, with three or four shoots on it. , In that case I would start it immediately by plunging it in a brisk bottom heat in a plant stove or hot-bed, and as soon as growth had fairly commenced, I would prune each shoot back to the last two joints. When fairly broken, I would give a liberal shift, using the following compost for the purpose, viz., two parts rotten turf from a good pasture, and one part rough peat well broken and mixed with the turf, the fine mould be- 238 THE MAGAZINE OF HORTICULTURE. ing sifted out of it. I would then add silver sand, and see that the drainage was perfect. I would now re-plunge into a brisk bottom heat where the atmosphere was moist, and there was a considerable amount of light. Thus placed, the plants would make rapid progress, and would soon require stopping, which may be done when the young shoots are two feet long, shortening the strongest to two or three joints, and the weak- ly ones to one or the lowest joint. Suppose the young plant had four shoots on it when first pruned, it ought to have broken from two to four eyes on each shoot; there would therefore be at least twelve shoots to stop back. And the roots being in active progress, each of these would push from four to six eyes, when the plant would require another liber- al shift, and as before, should be re-plunged in a brisk bottom heat syringing overhead every evening, and watering fre- quently with liquid manure in a clear state — weak and often being the rule. The plant should now be kept as near the glass as may be convenient, and it will require stopping again for the last time. The exact period to perform this operation will depend on the time at which the plant is wanted to be in full flower. In ordinary seasons Schottii requires twelve weeks from the last stopping until it is in full blossom. Aubletii and cathartica take about ten weeks, and the treat- ment just recorded is applicable to these also. At this last stopping each shoot ought to produce from four to six or more laterals, the whole thus amounting to 300 young flowering shoots. During the latter period of their growth, and while in flower Allamandas will require a very liberal supply of water, which should be for the most part weak liquid manure. When flowering is over, water should be gradually withheld to a certain extent, in order to aid the ripening of the wood, previous to wintering the plants in a lower temperature and a drier atmosphere. Early in the following February the plants may be pruned and started in bottom-heat as in the previous season. Prune back to from four to six joints from the commencement of last year's growth and as soon as the plants have fairly broken they should be turned out of their pots, the balls reduced, and repotted into a smaller sized pot AUGUST. 239 than that which they had previously occupied, and be treated as recommended for last season, This will be the third sea- son, after which the plants may be destroyed. At Darlington Flower Show, last year, I exhibited Aubletii, three years old, with upwards of 500 flowers open on it at one time ; Schottii, with upwards of 300 ; and grandiflora, 18 months old, with upwards of 200 blooms. The last- named species requires to be treated somewhat differently from the others. The compost for it should consist of two parts rough turfy peat, of a fibrous nature, and one part turfy loam, with the fine material sifted out of it, together with silver sand and charcoal, to keep all open and porous. This plant being of a more delicate habit than any of the others, is also very likely to be infected with thrips, which immedi- ately stops its growth. It therefore requires watching in order to be ready to fumigate it when necessary. Owing to its slender habit it will likewise not be prudent to stop it more than twice during the season, watering copiously with weak liquid manure, and mulching with sheep or deer dung, and using the precaution of fumigating with tobacco previous to the plant coming into flower. Grandiflora requires, more- over, to be pruned harder in than the three former varieties ; it also requires longer to make a specimen plant, but as it is one of the best of the genus, it is well worthy of every attention. HARDY ORNAMENTAL PLANTS.— No. 1. FROM TnE GARDENERS' CHRONICLE. It is, I believe, generally admitted that some modification of the monotony of our flower gardens by the introduction to them of a few graceful plants, is, to say the least, desira- ble ; and that it is worth our while to introduce a little more verdure and "beauty of form, and thereby heighten the charms of the flowering plants which must always be the important feature of a flower garden. One or two of your correspond- ents have discussed this important question incidentally, and 240 THE MAGAZINE OP HORTICULTURE. it must be said obscurely. They beg the question by drawing comparisons between the " old mixed border and the parterre," and of course award the palm to the latter. Now, as the worst bedding arrangement conceivable is bet- ter than the old mixed border, as generally managed, and as nobody has for some years at all events, advocated the claims of the old mixed border against those of the popular system, this mode of reasoning on the subject is very like building up a house of cardboard for the satisfaction of quickly knocking it down again. The question, if fairly put, is a very simple one: Is it, or is it not desirable to add more beauty of form to our flower gardens by introducing to them a few good plants of elegant habit, flowering or otherwise, so as to allow of a little more freedom and beauty of leaf to " set off" our brilliant pelargo- niums, calceolarias, &c, with greenness and grace — either intimately associated with them in the beds, or otherwise? I believe the general answer to this would be " yes, if it can be done well." Then who shall say we have not the plants to do it well ? Mr. Gibson has clearly shown at Battersea what are the ca- pabilities of our house plants in this direction. When discuss- ing his arrangement last summer, I said that many hardy plants might be used with the best effect, and that in fact it would be possible to have some very charming effects without the expense or trouble of wintering and protecting. Some of the "sub-tropical" plants, such as Aralia papyrifera and the castor oil, it should be borne in mind, are to be raised in quantity almost as easily as bedding plants themselves. The suitable hardy plants are of various types of character. I shall begin with a few of fern-like leaf and aspect. If Adiantum cuneatum could be grown in " the open " as freely as Stachys lanata, what a beautiful help it would be to the flower gardener ! We could scarcely call him clever or ingenious who failed to use it with taste and effect. It is not given to me to propound a nostrum for so growing this beautiful and popular fern, but we have a plant which bears it as strong a resemblance as it is possible for any not a fern to do (indeed I am not sure that there is another fern so AUGUST. 241 like it at first sight), a plant moreover which is as hardy as a paving stone, and will bear any amount of wind, sun, or exposure — Thalictrum minus. It forms compact, roundish bushes, from a foot to eighteen inches high, very symmetri- cal, and of a slightly glaucous hue. It is a British plant and may be grown in any soil. It requires one little attention — to pinch off the slender flower stems that appear in May and June, and that is all. Not alone in its aspect as a little bushy tuft does it resemble the " Maidenhair fern," as A. cunea- tum is often called ; but the leaves are almost pretty enough to be passed off on the uninitiated, when mingled with flow- ers, for those of the fern ; thev are stiffer and more lasting. and well suited for mingling with vases of flowers, etc. There are probably several " forms" or vars. of this plant, some of them, it may be, not answering this description, but I have the plants from which it was taken, and they may be propagated to any extent. Within the past few days they have been shown to Mr. Williams, of Holloway, and other good plantsmen, who fully agree with me as to the merits of T. minus. Quite distinct in habit, and far more beautiful in leaf, is Tan- acetum crispum, with gracefully bent leaves, cut as fine and looking as beautiful t.s those of Todea superba ; and green as an emerald. It is as free growing and hardy a subject as any in our gardens ; it does best fully exposed, and probably the only way in which it can be benefited after planting — in deep and rather moist soil it is best, but will grow " anywhere " — is by thinning out the shoots in spring, so that each remaining one shall have free room to suspend its exquisite leaves ; thinned thus, it looks much better than when the stems are crowded, and of course, if it is done in time, they attain more individ- ual strength and dignity. Artemisia annua is a plant which has lately come out with a high character from the seedsmen for its gracefulness, and it is an elegant plant as far as I can judge, but quite inferior for distinction or beauty to either of the foregoing, which have the additional advantage of being perennial. Meum athamanticum is one of the most elegant and grace- fully cut plants in an order second to none other for these vol. xxxi. — NO. VIII. 16 242 THE MAGAZINE OF HORTICULTURE. qualities. The leaves are divided so finely as to appear as if they were made of vegetable hair, and the plant is dwarf and neat in habit, from 6 to 12 inches or thereabouts ; easy of growth in ordinary soils, and perfectly hardy and perennial. It is probable that in dry seasons it might "go off" too soon for association with autumnal flowering plants, but for rock- work or mixed arrangements of any sort it is invaluable as a front line, or edge plant. Dielytra eximia is a dwarf and neatly-habited plant, with a dense and very graceful leafage, far more so than any other plant of the order in cultivation, and valuable as a flowering plant too, as the brightly colored flowers remain on for a long time in spring and early summer. It generally grows from 12 to 1G inches high. To go a step higher, few plants are more graceful than the best Ferulas — glauca, Ferulago, and tingitana ; they are very noble objects in any position, but most suitable for such an arrangement as that at Battersea or the margins of shrubbe- ries, &c, for though very beautiful in summer they would probably go off much too soon for the continuous growers of the flower garden. But no doubt the leaves of these and of other umbelliferous plants might be improved and much retarded by pinching off all flower stems as soon as they appeared. FLORICULTURAL NOTICES. New and Fine Roses. — Mr. Radcliffe, the prominent rose grower, describes some of the new roses as follows : — As regards these, Lord Macaulay's native color is rich, glossy crimson ; it, however, sometimes becomes very dark. It is a highly improved Jacqueminot, being better in sub- stance, fuller in the centre, and of erect habit. The growth and foliage are good. It will stand sun well for two or three days, showing the value of substance. Lord Clyde is exactly like it in growth and foliage, and is also of great substance. It is glowing scarlet and crimson, and does not alter its color. AUGUST. 243 Lord Herbert is blooming here, and, though not so good for substance, is full, well folded, and beautifully formed ; its growth and habit are good. These are three worthy roses. The following are also first rate, and good in every respect, viz., Madame Victor Verdier, Pierre Notting, and Rushton Rad- clyffe, of which I have six plants in full and beautiful flower. These are fine, and well worthy of adoption, as are likewise La Duchesse de Morny, and the two crimson purple roses, Eugene Verdier and Baron F. de Kinkelein. The varieties just named are, up to this time, the best of 1864 and 1865. It will, however, take half a century to beat Chas. Lefebre, the best rose in any family. ( Gard. Chron.~) 827. BlLBERGIA OLEUS Hook. P.UTRID SMELLING BlLBERGIA. (Bromeliaceas.) Tropical America. A stove plant ; growing two feet high ; witli scarlet bracts ; appearing in spring ; increased by offsets ; grown in light rich soil. Bol. Mag., 1835, pi. 56\)i. A quite new and fine species, producing rich purple flow- ers, and brilliantly colored floral leaves. It was received at Kew, from the Imperial Botanic Garden of St. Petersburg, and is supposed to be a native of tropical America. It is a very showy species. {Bot. Mag-., May.) 828. Astelia Solandri A. Cunn. Dr. Solander's Astelia. (Liliacese.) New Zealand. A greenhouse plant ; growing two feet high ; with greenish white flowers ; appearing in sprin»- increased by division of the roots ; grown in light soil. Bot. Mag., 18i5, pi. 5503. A densely tufted plant, with long lily like leaves, and spikes of flowers, which appear in tufts or panicles on the stout scape. Not very showy, but a pretty plant, which grows and blooms freely in the greenhouse. {Bot. Mag., May.) 829. Cattleya quadricolor Lindl. Four-colored Cattleya. (Orchideae.) New Grenada. An orchideous plant. Bot. Mag., 1865, pi. 5504. A splendid species of the superb Cattleya family, with pure white flowers, the lip tinged with four colors, rich and superb. Introduced some years ago, but appears to be a distinct spe- cies, though collectors in the same region have failed to find it. {Bot. Mag-., May.) 244 THE MAGAZINE OF HORTICULTURE. 830.- MONOCH^ETUM DlCRANTHERUM Nautd. DlCRANTHEROUS Monochjetum. (Melastornacese.) South America. A greenhouse plant ; growing one foot high ; with rose colored flowers ; appearing in autumn ; increased by cuttings ; grown in rich light soil. Bot. Mag., 1S65, pi. 5506. " An excessively pretty plant, deserving a place in every warm greenhouse. It was raised from seeds received from the lofty Andes of South America, and bloomed at Kew in Octo- ber, 1864. It grows a foot high, has the foliage somewhat of the Pleroma, and terminal spikes of rose colored flowers, not unlike Heterocentron roseum. As it flowers in autumn it would probably, in our climate, prove a good bedding-out plant. It is a very handsome species. (Bot. Mag., May.) 831. Arisjsma Wightii Schott. Dr. Wight's Aris^ema. (Aroidece.) Ceylon. A hothouse plant ; growing a foot high ; with greenish flowers ; appearing in spring ; increased by offsets ; grown in peaty soil. Bot. Mag., 18i55, pi. 55U7. One of the curious Arads, with small flowers, similar to the Arums, of a greenish white, with the appendage to the pistil, about six inches long, gradually tapering to an obtuse point, and erect. An interesting, but not very showy plant. (Bot. Mag., May.) 832. Cypripe^dium l^evigatum Bateman. Glossy-leaved Lady's-Slipper. (Orchidese.) Philippine Islands. A hothouse plant ; growing one foot high ; with yellowish striped flowers ; increased by division ; grown in moss and turfy peat. Bot. Mag., 1865, pi. 5508, This is a superb species of the Cypripedium, with tall stems, bearing three or more of the singular but beautiful blossoms of this tribe. The flowers are of a greenish yellow, the sepals elegantly striped, and the petals six or more inches long, very narrow and wavy. It is nearly related to C. Stoneii. The foliage is glossy and fine. Introduced by Mr. J. G. Veitch. (Bot. Mag., May.) 833. Arum Pal^estinum Boiss. Jerusalem Arum. (Aroi- dese.) Jerusalem. A greenhouse plant; growing one foot high •, with blackish flowers; appearing in spring ; increased by oflsets ; grown in light rich soil. Bot. Mag., 18o5, pi. 5509. A singular, though not showy plant, introduced by M. Veitch, from Jerusalem. It has large leaves, and singular black flowers. (Bot. Mag., May.) AUGUST. 245 834. Hypcestes sanguinOlenta Van Hovtte. Blood Veined Hypcestes. (Acanthaceae.) Madagascar. A greenhouse plant ; growing one foot high ; with purple flowers and variegated leaves ; increased by cuttings ; grown in light ri?h soil. Bot. Mag., 1S65, pi. 5011. A pretty addition to our variegated plants, with leaves about three inches long, of a deep green, with all the veins marked with pale purple bands. The flowers are small, and of no great beauty, though serving to render it more attrac- tive. It is stated to be a native of Madagascar. {Bot. Mag-., May.) 835. Pho:nicophorium Sechellarum H. Wendl. (Palma- ceae.) Isle of Sechelles. A hothouse palm ; with spotted leaves ; increased by offsets ; grown in rich light soil. Illustra- tion Horticole, 18U5, pi 433. This is another magnificent palm, which comes from the same country as the Verschaffeltia noticed in our last. A rich country indeed has the little Isle of Sechelles proved to M. Yerschaffelt's collector. It appears singular that after the almost scouring of the globe for variegated plants, the noble palm should at last be found sporting into fancy colors. The present plant is magnificent in aspect as well as rich in coloring. The leaves are nearly entire, and measure about four feet- in diameter. They are light and dark green in alternate bands, running obliquely from the midrib to the edge, and these bands are more or less covered with small round bright red s^pots, and as the fronds grow older they change to a yellowish orange, which color they retain for a long period. The frondal stems are also thickly studded with long stout black spines, which contrast conspicuously with the orange colored stems from which they project at a slight depression below a horizontal line. It is truly a magnificent object. {111. Ilort., April.) GARDEN GOSSIP TTellesley, the Residence op H. H. Hunnewell, Esq. — This beautiful place is now in fine order, and Mr. Hunnewell 246 THE MAGAZINE OF HORTICULTURE. must be highly gratified on his return home, to find his absence lias in no way diminished the ardor or enthusiasm of his gardener, Mr. Harris, in maintaining the high character of the place. The beautiful lawn is greatly improved, and what we at one time thought almost impossible to secure — on the light sandy soil of "Wellesley — a fine green sward, Mr. Harris has accomplished. This has been done by constant mowing and rolling, by the aid of a one-horse lawn mower. This was only wanting to complete the otherwise beautiful grounds which rank "Wellesley as one of the finest residences in the neighborhood of Boston. Since our last visit, the trees and shrubs, notwithstanding the dry year of 1864, have made a fine growth ; the rhodo- dendrons, particularly, have a richness of foliage much supe- rior to any previous year. The bloom, Mr. Harris informed us, was exceedingly fine, and the numerous seed pods con- firmed his statement. Mr. Harris pointed out to us a fine lot of plants sent home by Mr. Hunnewell last spring, com- prising some forty or fifty varieties ; these, if hardy, will make the collection one of the most varied and complete in the country: the plants were nearly all making a good growth. A new feature in the grounds is an avenue of standard rho- dodendrons, planted out last spring. These were procured by selecting the strongest growing plants, and pruning off the side shoots. They are now making good heads, and in a year or two will be large compact specimens, full of bloom. Standards are extensively planted in English gardens, and at the time we were at Messrs. Waterer's, twenty years ago, they had acres of standards, varying from six to ten feet high, and worth from 25 to 50 guineas a plant. No more magnificent objects could be introduced into ornamental plantations. The conifers all look exceedingly healthy and strong, and appear to be perfectly acclimated, even those which in some previous winters have been injured. The light covering of snow last winter was highly favorable, and the fact is fully verified, that, as the plants acquire strength and firm hard wood, they feel less and less the effects of severe cold. Cryptomeria japonica looked as bright and fresh as the hardiest tree. Cupressus Lawsoniana, certainly the finest AUGUST. 247 acquisition we have had, of which there are quite a number of specimens planted about the grounds, was making very rapid growth ; the largest being fully eight feet high. Thujopsis borealis, also hardy and beautiful. In a small bed Mr. Harris showed us several pretty specimens of the rare T. dolabrata and T. dolabrata variegata, both of which proved entirely har- dy last year without the least protection, thus establishing its entire hardiness ; the certainty of which should at once give this elegant tree the first choice of the lover of coniferae. Retinospora obtusa and pisifera, and p. aurea, all beautiful. are also hardy. We had but little doubt these would be- quite as tough as the handsome R. ericoides, but that fact is now established. From these experiments we doubt not many more of the introductions of Messrs. Fortune and Veitch will prove hardy. ' The numerous specimens of the rare Picea Nordmanniana, and P. nobilis, are growing rapidly, and now making, — under a little careful management by Mr. Harris, — strong leaders. Mr. H. pointed out the differ- ence between some grafted specimens and those raised from seeds, of P. nobilis. The grafted ones have the rich silver and blue tints which belong to some of the early introduced plants, which others do not have in so marked a degree. P. Cephalonica, pitehta, pinsapo, and others, have now be- come good sized trees, and the first is one of the most desira- ble and beautiful. It should be added to every choice collec- tion. There are now quite a number of hardy Thujas, among which T. macrocarpa, gigantea, a new .seedling from Japan, and T. Hoveyi, are conspicuous. Three or four very small specimens of the parasol tree, Sciadopitys verticillata, are growing slowly, but it appeal's to be quite hardy. This is con- sidered the greatest acquisition made to English collections. It grows 60 or 70 feet high ; and the leaves are thrown off in whorls, and are divided like the arms of a parasol. Among the variegated leaved deciduous trees, of which there are several, the Negundo fraxinifolium variegatum is by far the most distinct, constant and beautiful, with the airy habit of the parent, and a deep edge of pure white on each delicate green leaf. Magnolia Lenne is growing well among the other specimens and one plant produced one of its large and 248 THE MAGAZINE OF HORTICULTURE. splendid flowers. The variegated Japan honeysuckle grows vigorously, retains its golden netted appearance, and is per- fectly hardy, and may be planted anywhere. Stuartia penta- gynia is among the finest shrubs. Its large white flowers are just now in perfection. Passing through the grounds we noticed many things which we have not tilne to enumerate, but we must not omit the new rock work, which has been extended, and now includes an arched entrance from one of the leading walks to the shrubbery. The work was executed last winter, and of course the planting was not done till late in the season. Here, every open space, provided in the construction, capable of holding a bushel or two of soil, Mr. Harris has filled, and in the older part, where those introduced from the house were planted with others growing a year or two, were some grand specimens of Begonia Rex, Calocasia esculenta, Carina gigantea, Pteris argyrea, Caladiums, Yuccas, and other things, with large and broad, or slender and variegated leaves, cropping out from among the rocks, covered with vinca, ivy, dwarf ferns, &c, the effect being very beautiful. In a year or two this effect will be greatly enhanced, by the introduc- tion, in the corners of the arching and other spaces, of ferns and mosses. "We now entered the Italian garden, descending the long flights of steps, and reaching the margin of the lake, where, seated on one of the terraces we enjoyed the splendid view. The trees, were all neatly cut, in all the fancy forms, and among them the standard Golden Yews were conspicuous. The shearing process is no light work now that some of the trees have attained the height of 15 or 20 feet. The white pines submit to the process, and form handsome objects, whatever the shape. Along the parapet, the golden varie- gated agaves and yuccas, in handsome vases, reminded us of Italian views, and the spiry yews in pots, ranged alongside of the entrance, were no less conspicuous and attractive. Re- turning along the lawn to take a look at the vineries and orchard-houses, we noticed one splendid bed near Mr. Hun- newell's house, arranged somewhat in the ribbon style, as follows : — Large strong plants of Tritoma through the centre AUGUST. 249 of the bed, Coleus Verscliaffeltii on one side, and Perilla on the other ; the two side beds, forming part of the whole, were planted with Cannas in the centre, and Coleus and Aniaran- thus melancholicus on each side. The bed has a most effec- tive appearance, and this will be increased in August and September, when the Cannas and Tritomas will be in bloom. A large bed, near by, filled with Tom Thumb geranium was one mass of glowing scarlet. The Araucarias have been put into new boxes, and stood like sentinels, with their sparse rugged brandies, along the walk near the margin of the lawn. Two huge variegated Agaves, with other plants, gave a tropical aspect to the grounds. The vineries and peach-houses never looked better ; the early crop of grapes was partly cut, but there were specimens enough left to show their excellence. The Muscat Hamburg, Golden Hamburg, Trentham Black, and Bowood Muscat, among the new grapes, were all very large bunches and large berries. Black Prince, Grizzly Frontignan and Hamburg, all fine, and the succession house looked equally well. The peaches and nectarines in pots were in full bearing, and the Early York, just about ripe. Figs were loaded with fruit ; these are grown in a deep pit, adjoining the orchard-house. In the open ground the Diana grapes were rotting badly, but other sorts looked well, particularly the Rebecca. A small trellis of pears, on the cordon plan, as given in our Magazine, was looking well. The pear trees have suffered, and still continue to suffer, from the blight, and we missed several handsome trees, which had to be wholly removed, after losing many of their main branches. The roses along the entrance walk, planted two years ago, were very vigorous, and we noticed fine blooms of Gen. Jacqueminot and others. The hedges were all trimmed with great neatness, and we must give Mr. Harris great credit for his thoroughness in every department. The Evergreens, the Residence of Dr. E. G. Kelly. — In the early part of June, in company with the Garden Commit- tee of the Massachusetts Horticultural Society, we visited Dr. Kelly's residence in the city of Newburyport, formerly known as the estate of Lord Timothy Dexter, who for a time occupied 250 THE MAGAZINE OF HORTICULTURE. the houso. It is situated on one of the main avenues of the city, with a few hundred feet front, but extending far to the rear, and containing some ten or more acres. A portion of this is of recent addition to the place, but it has all undergone improvement, and is now more or less planted with fruit trees. The house is situated very near the main street, and one principal feature of the place is the skilful manner in which the entrance has been arranged, so as to give seclusion, and at the same time admit of easy access. This has been done by an irregular drive-way, planted on each side by low hedges of hemlock, purple berberry and Mahonia aquifolium, with ornamental trees just sufficient to conceal the house, without the appearance of formality. The hemlock submits readily to the shears, and makes a pretty hedge, but we were greatly pleased with the specimen of the purple berberry, with its dark rich foliage, contrasting with the deep green of the hemlock. From this drive-way to the right of the house a covered walk leads through spruces and evergreens, to a neat bit of lawn, and around this to the fruit garden, each being concealed from the other by evergreens, principally hemlock and Nor- way spruce, neatly clipped to keep them from occupying the concealed space. This is a difficult work, as all know who have had experience. But Dr. Kelly has succeeded admira- bly in this, and has preserved the branches in most instances entire to the ground ; thus preventing that ragged aspect which evergreens often have as they acquire age. Here, standing in a conspicuous place, was the variegated hemlock, which we have already noticed in a previous volume. Without showing that distinct stripe which some might ex- pect, it still has a light and silvery tint, each leaf being slightly margined with a paler tint of green. We were much pleased with it, and consider it a decided acquisition. The pear trees, dwarf apple trees and grape vines, all planted out in neat quarters, hedged with hemlock, or Norway spruce, were in fine order, and generally having good crops. Dividing the old garden from the newer one, was a hedge of the Cornus sanguinea, which, in the winter season, has a pleasing appearance, with its dark red leafless shoots. One new feature was the introduction of the dry pine leaves from AUGUST. 251 the woods, with which the walks were covered, thus giving a soft and noiseless tread, and being at all times dry, clean and comfortable. This of course would be out of place in some gardens, but where the surrounding growth is evergreens, and the walks nearly covered in by their branches, they are in keeping. The constant drip from trees always makes the gravel walk damp and cold, but the pine leaves are always dry and warm. Many new shrubs and trees are interspersed through the grounds, and the Weigelia has been introduced into a hedge with the privet, where, clipped at the proper time, it blooms profusely, as we saw it during our visit. The main features of the place are the abundance of ever- greens and their management, the great variety gathered into so limited a space, with the .preservation of individual speci- mens, and the economy of management, the whole being under the care of the Dr. during his leisure time, with the aid of one man. ©Hlorjj. Sir Joseph Paxton. — In our last we announced the death of Mr. Paxton, and we now present the following account of his life and profes- sion, from the Gardeners' Chronicle : — In the death of Sir Joseph Paxton, which occured at Rockhill, Syden- ham, on the 8th inst, and was briefly noticed in our columns of last week, the country, and the lovers of horticulture and landscape gardening more especially, have lost one who had justly earned for himself an European reputation. He was, indeed, the " Prince of Gardeners " of the present century, and filled the high and honorable position to which he had at- tained with the greatest courtesy — being alike distinguished for his urban- ity and ability, and for the marked success which attended all the works he undertook to perform. We feel confident there is not an individual, high or low, who knew his kind and generous disposition, but heaved a sigh, or let fall a tear of sorrow, on learning that he had been removed by the hand of death from amongst us. It is now 42 years since the writer of these remarks had the pleasure of making his acquaintance, and while memory retains its place, the happy days he spent in the society of his now deceased friend can never be effaced. 252 THE MAGAZINE OF HORTICULTURE. As several erroneous accounts have appeared respecting the early part of Sir Joseph's professional career, we avail ourselves of the present oppor- tunity to correct them by a brief statement of facts within our own knowl- edge. He sprang from a good Saxon root at Milton Bryant, Bradfordshire, where his father was a farmer, and where he was born in the year 1801. Having to gain his livelihood by the sweat of his brow, he selected garden- ing as his profession, and from the age of fifteen was for two years em- ployed in the garden of Sir Gregory Osborne Page Turner, Bart., at Bat- tlesdire Park, near Milton Bryant. From thence he went to Woodhall Park, near Walton, Herts, the beautiful residence of Samuel Smith, Esq., in whose gardens (then under the charge of Mr William Griffin — one of the most successful fruit and pine growers of his day) he continued for three years, and acquired during that time a thorough practical knowledge of the most important branches of horticulture. On leaving Woodhall he returned to Battlesden, and for two years was g-ardener there. In the au- tumn of 1823, being then 22 years of age, he came to London, and found employment in the garden of the Duke of Somerset at Wimbledon. About this time the Horticultural Society obtained a lease of some ground from the Duke of Devonshire, and commenced the formation of the experimental garden at Chiswick, and the erection of the various stoves, greenhouses, and pits that were considered to be necessary for carrying out the objects which the Society had in view. Here an excellent field presented itself for study and improvement to those young men who, like Paxton had a desire to obtain a thorough knowledge of all the requirements of their pro- fession. Of this Paxton did not fail to take advantage, and, on the recom- mendation of Joseph Sabine, Esq., who (up to 1830) was the Honorary Secretary of the Horticultural Society, he was admitted on the 13th November, 1S23, for improvement in the new garden, and was promoted in 1394 to be foreman of the Arboretum. Here it was that he had the good fortune to become known to his patron and friend, the late Duke of Devon- shire, who took great interest in this department of the garden, and fre- quently applied to Paxton for information respecting such trees and shrubs as seemed new to him, or with which he was unacquainted, The trim and neat appearance by which Paxton was invariably distinguished, combined with his great intelligence, and that genuine manliness of deportment which lies at the root of all good breeding, made a favorable impression upon his Grace, who in 1826 engaged him to superintend his extensive and princely gardens at Chatsworth. Mr. Paxton had now ample scope afforded him for exhibiting his knowl- edge and skill as a practical gardener, as well as his natural genius and good taste in landscape gardening and garden architecture. Under his masterly hand, as a contemporary truly observes, "the wild Derbyshire region in which Chatsworth stands became the wonderful place which drew visitors from far and near, and set the example of that princely develop- ment of grounds and plaisances which now marks the country seats of our great English families. Its fountains and Italian terraces ; its rich woods- AUGUST. 253 laid out and managed with such marvellous care; its hot houses, where the Victoria regia was first compelled to blossom; and the great conservatory, which was the precursor of the Crystal Palaces in Hyde Park and at Sydenham — all are now become familiar objects of admiration. But while Chatsworth attracted the loftiest personages as visitors, its grounds were still left freely open to dense manufacturing populations close at hand, and Paxton used always to dwell proudly upon this trait in the character of ' my Duke,' as he called him, who was willing to share with the humblest of his countrymen his own passion for flowers." With the glories of Chatsworth the name of Paxton will long be honor- ably associated. He had an innate taste for the beautiful in a-rt and nature, but it was one of his great merits that he knew where to stop and let Nature have her own way. Of the truth of this remark abundant evidence will be found in the many beautiful scenes which have been created from his designs, or executed under his superintendence. But it was not alone in his capacity of a gardener that Paxton gained the favor and esteem of his munificei.t patron. He had an opportunity of dis- playing his skill and superior abilities in regard to some financial arrange- ments which he suggested, and which were attended with so much success, as to induce the Duke to intrust him with the superintendence of his large estates in Derbyshire. With a generous and noble appreciation of his worth the Duke was never weary of speaking in his praise, and hence Paxton's reputation was as great among the aristocracy as amongst those of his own class, who were the best practical judges of his works. In 1850, when the scheme of the first Great Exhibition was projected, the name of Paxton became a household word. At that time he happened to be erecting a house of peculiar construction, which he had designed for the growth of that most remarkable plant the Victoria regia ; and finding that none of the 240 designs that were sent in to the Building Committee accorded with their views of the kind of structure required for the purposes of the Exhibition, it occurred to him to submit a design that would obviate all objections. The result is a matter of history. The fairy structure was erected in Hyde Park, and was the wonder and admiration of all who had the good fortune to witness it, and view the vast amount of valuable articles which it contained. One of the most striking features in the Palace of 1851 was the crystal fountain, and the beautiful transept which covered the two large elm trees that now remain to mark the spot. It has been reported that the circular roof of the transept was designed by Mr. Barry, and not by Mr. Paxton, but such is not the fact. It is perfectly true that the roof in the original design is flat; but at one of the meetings with the Building Committee it was suggested by them that the transept should include the great trees. Mr. Paxton went direct with Mr. Fox to his office ; and while the latter arranged the ground plan so as to bring the trees into the centre of the building, the former was contriving how they were to be covered. At length he hit upon the plan of covering the tran- sept with a circular roof similar to that on the great Conservatory at Chats- 254 THE MAGAZINE OF HORTICULTURE. worth, and made a sketch of it, which was copied that night by one of the draughtsmen, and shown to Mr. Brunei, whom he had agreed to meet on the ground the next day. We have been thus explicit in order that our departed friend should not be deprived of the merit to which he is justly entitled. For the great services he rendered to the Exhibition her majesty was graciously pleased to confer the honor of knighthood upon him. In the autumn of 1834, during our visit abroad, we had the pleasure of spending two days at Chatsworth, in company with Sir Joseph, and although we have already given our impression of this visit (Vol. XL, p. 84,) we cannot allow the present opportunity to pass without alluding to the courtesy, kindness and cordiality with which Mr. Paxton received us, and the many attentions he bestowed upon us during our visit. We arrived at Barslow late in the evening, stopping at the inn for the night. Early in the morning we started for Chatsworth, and called upon Sir Joseph. Unfortunately, he was absent, and would not return till night. We passed the time in looking through the palace and gardens, and awaited for the second day to see Mr. Paxton. We were not disappointed. Mr. Paxton had already, though early, been around the grounds with some distinguished visitors, and, as they were just leaving, he tcok us into his carriage, and drove us around every part of Chatsworth, the lawn, park, &c, and afterwards visited the great conservatory, kitchen garden, graperies, peacheries, &c, &c, pointing out to us all the alterations and improvements which had been made since he had been gardener at Chats- worth. We dined at the Duke's house, and passed the evening at his own residence, in company with Mrs. Paxton, discussing the progress of horti- culture, both in England and the United States. We were at once impressed with Mr. Paxton's professional knowledge, and many of the improvements, such as the construction of the great conservatory and rockwork, showed his good taste, executive ability and practical skill. He was free from the egotism which characterized many of the gardeners we met with, and spoke in the kindest manner of the Americans he had seen at Chatsworth. In taking leave he expressed himself highly gratified at our meeting, and wished every success to our country and institutions. Our visit to Chatsworth, and the hours passed with Mr. Paxton, will ever be remembered as the happiest of our life. lorikulfuntl (©pcrdnms FOR AUGUST. FRUIT DEPARTMENT. The month of July has been warm, with the exception of a few rather cool nights in the early part ; with occasional showers, and no heavy rains ; AUGUST. 255 on the whole remarkably favorable to the growth of trees and plants. The highest temperature has been 92°, and the lowest 45°. Grape Vines in the early houses will now be at rest, and will need little or no attention until next month, when preparations -should be made for pruning. Vines in graperies and greenhouses will now be ripening their fruit, and will be making their wood for another year. As the grapes mature abundance of air should be given during the heat of the day, and a small quantity at night. Discontinue damping the house so much as last month, look after the laterals which will be making a growth, and should be stopped in due season. See that the red spider and mealy bug do not get hold of the vines. Vines in cold houses will soon begin to color ; continue the same operations as last month, damping down the house in dry warm weather, giving top air, and guarding against cold drafts, which will soon bring on mildew. Stop the laterals, from time to time, as they become crowded, or obstruct too much light and air. Hardy vines will need to have all superfluous wood cut away, but do not expose the fruit to the full sun. Orchard-House Trees will now be ripening their fruit, and will require less water. Pear Trees should be summer pruned, taking off all laterals and second growths to either one or two buds of the main branch. Thin out all inferior specimens of fruit, and water liberally, if dry weather. Young stocks should be budded now. Strawberry Beds may be made this month. Prepare the ground at once, if not already done, and by the 15th or 20th, as soon as the weather is cooler, set out the plants, giving one good watering, if the ground is dry. Spring planted beds should be kept free of weeds, and the runners all laid in or cut off, according to the mode of growth. Raspberry Plantations should have all the old bearing shoots cut away. Apple, Plum and Quince Stocks should be budded now. flower department. The season has been one of the most favorable for all kinds of plants. Plenty of heat and moisture have given them unusual vigor, and they are already as full of hloom as in ordinary seasons a month later. Now will be the time to look after the winter stock, and preparations should be made to secure cuttings of bedding stock for spring work. Collect and store up soils ready for use. Azaleas should now be removed to a half-hardy place in the open air, where they can ripen their wood. See that they are free from thrip and red spider, which are not so easily killed as in the house. Continue to water liberally, and syringe every day, until the buds are well swollen and firm. Discontinue all pinching, except on young stock, where it is desirable to secure short stocky plants. Camellias should be syringed morning and night, and not too liberally 256 THE MAGAZINE OF HORTICULTURE. watered. Repotting should be done this month. Grafting and inarching may be done now. Cinerarias should now be propagated, if not already done, by potting the young suckers. Keep in a cool frame. Pelargoniums should be cut down at once, and the cuttings be put in. Keep the plants rather dry for a few days, when they may be watered more freely, and as soon as the shoots are well broken the plants should be shaken out of the old soil, and potted in smaller pots, placing them in a frame until well established. Caladiums and Begonias should have their last shift for the season. Ferns, growing vigorously, should have larger pots. Bouvardias, in pots, should have their final shift. Verbenas should be layered into small pots, for a winter stock. Chinese Primroses should be kept in a cool frame, and, as soon as well established, shifted into larger pots. Calceolaria Seeds may be planted now. Mignonette and Sweet Alyssum Seeds should be sown this month. Cactuses should be more freely watered now. Roses, in pots, should have a shift, taking off as much of the old soil as possible, and put into clean pots. Heliotropes should be repotted in good rich soil. Cuttings of all kinds of bedding stock should be put in the last of the month. Japan Lilies, in pots, done blooming, should be sparingly watered. Winter Blooming Plants, of all kinds, which require it, should now be repotted and pruned. Poinsettias may have a final shift this month. Chrysanthemums should be freely watered, giving liquid manure occasionally. Achimenes may have a final shift this month. flower garden and shrubbery. Continue to roll the lawn, taking advantage of the time immediately after a rain. Cut once a fortnight. Clean, rake, and roll the walks. Dahlias should be regularly tied up, and superfluous shoots cut away. Gladiolus should be tied up to neat stakes. Rhododendrons and Azaleas may be transplanted the last of the month. Roses may still be layered and budded. Herbaceous Plants, raised from seeds, should be set out in well prepared beds. . Carnations and Picotees should be layered this month. Stake and tie up all tall growing plants. Verbenas, now pegged down, will grow better, and fill the bed more evenly and regularly than when allowed to run at random. FRUITS AND FRUIT CULTURE IN THE WEST. The cultivation of fruits is rapidly extending throughout the great West ; it is even progressing with greater rapidity than with us in the older States ; perhaps because we have advanced so far that improvement is not so perceptible ; but we are inclined to think that there is more enthusiasm and energy among the western fruit growers and cultivators, and more cooperation among them to elicit information and facts, bear- ing upon the whole subject of fruit growing, than in the Eastern States. We have now before us two good sized pamphlets, of nearly a hundred pages each, recording the doings of the Indiana State Horticultural Society, at its Fourth Annual Meeting, and the Twelfth Report of the Ohio Pomological Society for 1865, both full of varied, useful, and valuable information upon fruits and fruit growing, much of it local, but a great deal applicable to all parts of the country. Our western friends seem to be up and at work, and though in their rapidly extending population, which doubles in a few years, there is more need of such information than with us, still, we think the same zeal, and the same labor, freely given by State or local associations, would more rapidly diffuse a taste for superior fruits, and lead to the extensive planting of trees in all parts of the country. The fears that our mar- kets would be glutted with apples, or pears, or grapes, have not yet been realized, and we are inclined to believe that it will be many years before the poorer classes of our people will have the opportunity of tasting the best varieties of these fruits. Apples, the past winter, ranged from $5 to $10 per barrel, and with Bartlett pears, and rather ordinary peaches, at $5 per bushel, is there not abundant room for a much larger supply at remunerative prices ? The principal business of these societies, and the substance of the reports already alluded to, was the discussion of the various fruits, and information — experience — relative to their adaptability to the climate and soil, their profitable culture, vol. xxxi. — no. ix. 17 -00 THE MAGAZINE OF HORTICULTURE. &c. These are given in detail, but there is little new that we have not given in our report of the last meeting of the American Pomological Society. The more interesting matters to our readers are the addresses and reports 'made to each association. In them we find much that is interesting — more, indeed, than we have space to notice — but we select from eacli such portions as will add to the information of every reader. The Address of the President of the Indiana State Horticultural Society, 1. D. G. Nelson, is very interest- ing, and, with much information, both local and general, contains the following upon pomological progress, and the duties of our horticultural societies : — It will not be denied that progress has been made in pomo- logical knowledge, and horticultural information generally, within the past few years ; neither will it be denied that there is an abundance of room for much more improvement in the same direction — for ignorance and error in regard to fruit and fruit culture still prevails to a discouraging extent. One of our chief objects here is to correct and improve the public mind on this subject, and if we fail in doing it, our mission has been fruitless. I think societies of this kind treat error too tenderly. It should be dealt with fearlessly and boldly, yet frankly and fairly, and as " confession is good for the soul," I freely confess that, although pomological and horticultural knowledge of the highest order prevails in the United States, and is not perhaps excelled in the old world, yet it is confined to the comparatively few and chiefly within the limited circles of amateur and professional horticulturists. It is not diffused among the masses. They are still groping their way in almost midnight darkness, apparently refusing to receive the light that is so freely and earnestly offered them through the medium of agricultural and horticultural jour- nals and periodicals, horticultural and agricultural societies, as well as the various other channels through which flow light and knowledge. Mr. Nelson thus alludes to "past errors," with "hints for the future" : — SEPTEMBER. 259 The apple being the great staple fruit crop for market, as well as for family use for the million, I pass over the other delicious fruits for the present, and -will drop a few sugges- tions on this branch of the subject. Having been a fruit- grower to some considerable extent for the past twenty-five years, and having paid dearly and bitterly for much of the ' little horticultural learning I have, I propose giving a few brief practical hints that may be of some use to others. My great and leading error, like most other beginners, was, in the great number of varieties and the want of selec- tion of suitable sorts adapted to the soil and climate — a most fatal error, which, added to the frequent blunders or imposi- tions of nurserymen, who, I am sorry to say, are not always more honest than other men, has given me endless trouble for the past twenty years, and attended with not a little expense. I have been grafting and re-grafting ever since my first orchard began to bear, until I have converted nearly five hundred trees from probably half as many sorts into six or eight varieties, and am still engaged in grafting from twenty- five to fifty trees a year, and expect to continue the business, if I live, for years to come, and until the varieties in the main, are few in number, and those only of the most choice and profitable sorts. For the benefit of others who have blundered into similar difficulty, and their numbers are legion, I will state, that my practice is to visit my orchards during the fruiting season, every day if possible, certainly twice a week, provided with a pencil, memorandum book, labels, and small strips of white muslin in my pocket. I take notes from time to time and from year to year in regard to the growth, healthfulness and productiveness of the trees, quality of fruit, kind of soil, treatment, and any and all other particulars that it may be important to know, before determining what disposition to make of any variety. When I become convinced that a cer- tain variety for any cause is not worthy or profitable, no mat- ter how good a reputation it may have established elsewhere, I tie a strip of muslin on a limb conspicuously, and attach a label with the name of the variety with which I wish it grafted written upon it, and when the grafters are at work, they see the signal and the work is soon done. 260 THE MAGAZINE OF HORTICULTURE. The following valuable information upon grafting old trees confirms Mr. Nelson's remark, that he has been a fruit-grower twenty-five years. Such knowledge can only be gained by long and " dearly" bought experience: — Judging from the many inquiries I have received, and from the numerous grafted orchards I have seen, I am apt to think that the subject of after management of a grafted orchard is not well understood, and as the practice of graft- ing orchards is becoming more general, where the fruit from any cause becomes unsatisfactory, I will go on to say, that my custom is not to wait till the trees get large, but as soon as I get fruit from a variety for a sufficient length of time to become satisfied, I commence the work at once, and graft all of that variety, except a specimen tree or two — putting in two scions in each stock grafted. On or before the first of July I visit my grafted trees, and if both scions are grow- ing, which will generally be the case if the work is well done, I pull out the weakest one, or the one least needed in shaping the top of the tree, rub off all sprouts, (and there will bo plenty,) and enough of the limbs to give plenty of room, light and air, so that the grafts may make a good healthy growth. This I continue through the season as time and opportunity offers, sometimes pinching the ends of the graft if growing too rapidly. The following year cut one half or more of all the old wood remaining — cut back the grafts if the growth is too great, which is rarely the case, and see that the tree is well balanced, especially not too heavy on the east side. If there have been any failures and more grafts are needed, put them in. If too many, cut them out and see that plenty of room, air and light is given again, through the growing season. The third year cut out all the balance of the old wood, and the job is finished except keeping the sprouts rubbed off, and sometimes stopping the grafts by pinching as before, to make them stocky. Trees thus man- aged make as fine an orchard as root grafted trees, and fre- quently much finer. I will not name the few varieties that I am almost exclu- sively setting, as it would be of little practical utility, but SEPTEMBER. 261 refer that branch of the subject for information^ to the dis- cussions of our society and to the lists recommended for different localities. "We wish we had room for more extracts, but as other subjects deserve notice we must omit them for the present. The first of these is the pear blight, which has made such havoc with the pear-trees in the West. As this has appeared in some few localities in our neighborhood, any information in regard to it may be valuable to our cultivators. Our respected correspondent, Dr. Kirtland of Cleveland, Ohio, sent a communication to the society, giving his experience with the disease, if such it can be called. After alluding to its appearance in New England, fifty years ago, and the theo- ries which have been advanced to account for the blight, as well as its supposed cryptogamous origin, he concludes as follows : — If these discoveries and analogies establish, with any de- gree of certainty, the hypothesis of the cryptogamous origin of the pear tree blight, we have made important progress in laying down true indications for its cure or prevention. Among the means suggested for effecting that end certain combinations of iron have already been named. The author- ity for such practice is founded on the following facts: 1. It is a popular belief that iron exerts a favorable influ- ence over the health of fruit trees. Hence arises the practice of driving nails into the body of such trees and loading their limbs with scraps of iron. Both the belief and the practice may be visionary, yet in such instances of popular belief investigation usually discovers them to be founded on some shadow of truth. 2. An intelligent and observing gentlemen of Cleveland informs me that he prevents the curl of the peach leaf by depositing in the earth, about the bodies of the trees, frag- ments of rusty stove pipe and worthless pieces of iron. 3. Twenty-four years since I called the attention of the public to the isolated fact without reference to any theory, that a large pear tree in Columbiana county, 0., with its body 262 THE MAGAZINE OP HORTICULTURE. surrounded with many wagon loads of boulders, scoria, scales of iron and "accumulations from a blacksmith shop, retained its health, vigor and fruitfulness, while all other pear trees in that region of country, had either died or were suffering from blight. (Vide New England Farmer, Dec. 3d, 1840, page 153.) At this late day this tree still continues healthy. 4. I recollect reading in that reliable journal, Hovey's Mag- azine of Horticulture, some years since, a statement that the finest prize pears seen in the Parisian market, were produced by investing the growing fruits with folds of cotton or linen cloth, and daily, or oftener, moistening them with a solution of sulphate of iron. This treatment was said to result in developing the size, beauty and quality of the fruits to a high degree, and especially to free them from parasitic blotches. 5. Four years since Mrs. Weller Dean, of Rockport, Ohio, informed me that blight might not only be prevented in healthy pear trees, but might be successfully arrested, in many trees after it had made considerable progress, by means of repeatedly washing the bodies of the trees with a satu- rated solution of sulphate of iron (copperas) at a time when the sap is in active circulation. This was a confidential communication, with the conditions* annexed that I should thoroughly test the plan, and if it should prove successful I was to publish it, and furthermore, if any merit or more substantial reward should be deemed due to any one by the public, she was to be the recipient. The plan has yet been only imperfectly tried. Age and infirmities will probably prevent its completion by me. I will therefore report that I have tested it on a number of my partially blighted pear trees, while a greater number has been left to die unmedicated. Of the former not one as yet perished, while of the latter very few survive. It has ap- peared, in every instance, to arrest the progress of the dis- ease, and to impart a healthy condition to the bark wherever applied. The apparent results may have been coincidences, and not the effect of the remedy. There is much false expe- rience in horticulture and agriculture, as well as in medicine. These views suggest the expediency of extensively apply- ing a solution of the sulphate of iron by means of a green- SEPTEMBER. 263 house syringe or garden engine, to the tops and foliage of trees laboring under an}- of the diseases suspected of a cryp- togamous origin. It also becomes a query whether the same agent may not be successfully employed at some period to counteract the potato disease, either by watering with it the growing plant or washing the tubers in it in autumn after they are dug. No injury has ever arisen to pear trees by the free use of a saturated solution of copperas. In conclusion, I would observe that the discovery of the cryptogamous origin of many disorders of the human system is effecting important changes in their treatment. May we not hope that an extension of these discoveries to the vegeta- ble kingdom may result equally favorable in shaping the prac- tice in diseases of fruits and fruit trees. Much other information we have to defer, to notice the Report of the Ohio Pomological Society, containing more extended reports on various subjects, and less discussional matter, but including a Fruit Catalogue for Ohio, and the excellent address of the President, Dr. Warder. As the most interesting information to a large class of tmr readers, we copy the following account of " the Cincinnati Method of Training and Trimming" grapes: — In response to queries, Dr. Warder stated that the common plan of training in the southern portions of the State, wa3 that known as the spur and bow method, with a stake to support the vine. This system requires a very different mode of trimming from that pursued when training on the trellis, though the principle of removing the bearing wood annually is the object in both instances. At the time of the winter trimming, the best new cane, coming out from the stalk as low down as possible, is selected to form the bow for next year's fruitage ; this is shortened according to its strength, to a length of from two to four feet; and a low shoot is also selected, which is cut down to two eyes, forming the spur from which two canes are to be grown next season. All the rest of the wood is removed from the vine at the winter trimming. The vineyard thus pruned presents a very 284 THE MAGAZINE OF HORTICULTURE. bare appearance, and the novice will think it ruined, and that there can be no crop the next season, but experience shows us that there is always danger of over-fruiting the vine. The well being of a vineyard that is trained in this way will depend upon the manner in which the summer pruning has been conducted, and this will be recurred to under the appropriate head. The period at which the trimming should be done is at any time when the plant is dormant — after the falling of the leaf and before the first starting of the buds in the spring. No plant should be cut when it is frozen, and it has been a very common custom to trim during mild weather in February, or early in March ; but recently fall trimming is being more and more practised. November is a good period, as the vines have then become completely dormant, though in a warm time the cut ends may bleed a little. After trimming, the vines being loosened from the stakes, are in a condition to be laid down for the winter protection, if this is considered desirable, and the experience of the last severe winter has induced many to think it important to endeavor to protect the vines in future ; though few vineyards in that section of the State have ever received any care during the winter. Training. — This consists of two quite different operations, the spring and the summer training. The former will first be considered. In the stake method the vigneron waits until the buds have begun to swell, and the sap has filled the vine and rendered it more pliable. Taking the end of the branch in his right hand lie gives it a slight twist, supporting the middle of the cane in his left hand, he bends the shoot so as to form a bow, bringing the point down to the stake, where it is secured by a willow band. The middle of the bow is then tied to the stake at such a point as to make an even regular sweep of the cane, from the place where it leaves the stalk to where the point is secured to the stake. This may be a circle, or the segment of a circle, greater or less, according to the length to which the cane has been cut ; the diameter of the bow is generally about a foot, and the plane of the bow should be placed in the direction of the row of vines. Summer training and summer pruning, or trimming, are SEPTEMBER. 265 conducted simultaneously, and need to be considered and discussed in the same paragraph. The former consists in tying up the two young canes that spring from the spur, and which are grown for the formation of the next year's hows. The bearing branches need very little training, but should receive great attention in the trimming, otherwise some of them will outgrow the canes, which will be so dwarfed as to render them unfit for making bows. Here lies the great importance of proper attention being paid to summer pruning, which has the double purpose of thinning and reducing redundant growth, and at the same time regulating the foliage and of directing the flow of sap into the canes or renewal shoots. The first summer pruning should be commenced as soon as the buds have grown out a few inches in length, when the leaves are half expanded, and the blossom buds can be seen distinctly. Wherever two shoots have come from one bud, the weaker should be rubbed off; all "water shoots" or suckers must be broken out at the same time. Pinching- may now be done, removing the tip of the shoot a couple of leaves beyond the bunch of grapes. This is done with the finger nail with great ease. The object in pinching the tips thus early in the season is two-fold — first, to direct the growth of wood to the canes from the spur, which are tied up to the stake as fast as they grow to secure the same end ; and, secondly, to check the too rampant growth of those bearing branches, and thus to render them more fruitful. This is secured by another result of the early pinching, which has the effect of making the leaves expand to a greater size. The new buds in their axils are rapidly developed, and very soon push out laterals, thus providing a new crop of foliage, which, in its turn, must again be pinched later in the season, to control the excess of growth and to cause the greater expansion of the leaves. By this mode of proceeding a healthy growth of vigorous foliage is secured, to assist the development and ripening of the fruit later in the season, when the older leaves may have become dry or injured. The summer training of the canes requires repeated attention, to lead them up the stakes until 266 THE MAGAZINE OP HORTICULTURE. they reach the top ; and all laterals are to be pinched off to this point. When the canes continue to grow beyond the tops of the stakes they are trained horizontally or allowed to hang down, and the laterals are left to grow as they will. The old system of shortening these canes at or near the top of the stakes is believed to be very prejudicial to the vines. The excessive thriftiness must have an outlet, and when the canes are cut or broken, the result is the bursting of the buds that are intended for the next year's crop, and strong laterals are thrown out. It is found that if allowed to grow at will, after reaching the tops of the stakes, there is no difficulty about the development of the lower buds which are to produce the next crop of fruit ; and this very development is the object aimed at, as in the practice of shortening-in, of our fruit trees, or summer pruning. It will be observed that the stake method of grape training is essentially the renewal system, as much so as where the vines are trained upon a trellis ; but it should also be observed that its simplicity is its greatest recommendation, and that it is readily comprehended by the common laborer, whereas it is notorious that the trellis training is seldom found to be completely a renewal system, but that it is often impossible to produce strong, alternate canes to take the place of the bearing wood of the past year, and hence it becomes necessary to retain these and to adopt the spur system with them, on portions of the trellis. Another advantage, beside the simplicity of the stake and bow method of applying the renewal system, is that, if the vines be planted sufficiently wide, a better circulation of air will be secured than where continuous trellis walls of foliage cross the vineyard. This is believed to be a matter of great moment, and worthy of consideration by the vine planter, and thus we find that the spaces between the stakes has been greatly extended since the introduction of vine culture into our country. To repeat: Trim when the vines are dormant, but not frozen ; remove all redundant wood, leaving only so much for fruit as the strength of the vine will enable it to ripen, but avoid such severity of pruning as will force an excessive wood growth. SEPTEMBER. 267 So soon as the young shoots have attained the length of a few inches, remove all redundant growths and all the ground suckers. Before blossoming, pinch the ends of all very strong fruit branches that spring from the bow, to control them, to make better foliage, and new leaves on the laterals that are thus forced out, and to encourage the vigorous growth of the canes that spring from the spurs, and which should be tied up from time to time, and relieved of their laterals till they reach the top of the stake, after which they may be allowed to grow at random, or may be trained horizontally from stake to stake. In attempting to give directions to those whom we would encourage to embark in the cultivation of this delicious fruit, we should endeavor to avoid making too much of the difficulties that are incident to the work in hand. In the preparation of the soil, planting and training, there should be no mystery. Every thing connected with grape-growing is perfectly simple and plain, and there need be no difficulty in the matter ; but some teachers have been so minute in their directions as to discourage many who might otherwise sit in comfort and with great satisfaction under their own vine, and gather the rich clusters that will be sure to reward them for their care. In another number we shall give some account of Prof. Nyce's Fruit-House, upon which a report was made to the Ohio Pomological Society. RAINY -DAY SCRIBBLINGS. BY GEORGK JAQUES, WORCESTER. Were the readers of horticultural publications divided into two classes, the more intelligent portion would doubtless be somewhat surprised at the ignorance of the rest. It is to this latter class that the following hints are chiefly addressed, and — whatever they may be worth — they will prove none the less serviceable if communicated without further preface. 268 THE MAGAZINE OP HORTICULTURE. Abuses, 8fc. — Of the evidences of misapplied labor and expense visible about almost every country place one of the most common is where evergreen trees have been " trimmed up" in order to improve their appearance. This mischievous practice ought to be severely condemned ; for the beauty of the trees under consideration consists in having their feathery spray so dense th'at no part of their trunks shall be visible, from the ground upwards. Wherever it is absolutely neces- sary to curtail the dimensions of an evergreen, the branches may be judiciously " shortened-in" ; but to cut them off close to the trunk is sheer vandalism, and yet specimens of this abusive pruning can be found about many of the homes and in almost all the cemeteries of the United States. Again, wherever groups or belts of ornamental trees have been attempted, too close planting has been a very bad and almost universal mistake. Set out with a view to immediate effect and without forethought in regard to future growth, trees and shrubbery gradually transform themselves, after a few years, into a sort of tangled thicket of which the interior is a confused mass of dead limbs and naked trunks, while the exterior presents a meaningless expression without any beauty. The best procedure, in such cases, seems to be to thin out with a bold hand by digging up all the sickly and unsightly trees, and then to cover up whatever is bare and offensive by plant- ing anew. The same remedy applies where incongruous plantations — as a mixture of firs and willows, for example — have been made. Great improvements, in this way, may be produced at trifling expense. The outside of the plainest buildings, also, may be changed for the better, often by slight architectural alterations, and always by the application of a tasteful and appropriate color. The painter who spreads a warm neutral tint over chalk-white clapboards and flashy green blinds deserves the thanks of every traveller who passes in sight of them. Even common white-wash can be improved in color, at a most trifling expense, and its applica- tion costing scarcely nothing except a little labor, will greatly improve the appearance of outbuildings and fences. Dwarf Trees. — An important consideration, before plant- ing a dwarf, is whether we desire it to retain permanently SEPTEMBER. 269 its miniature habit of growth." If so, the tree ought to be worked so low that it can be set out with the graft-joint just below the surface of the ground. Dwarf apples and pears thus planted, must be examined from time to time to destroy the borer, if found in them, and also to preserve their dwarfishness by preventing any rooting from above the stock. Dwarf trees, where the stock is buried three or four inches below the surface of the ground, often emit roots above the graft-joint, and thus assuming the character of plants raised from cuttings gradually attain nearly to the standard size. Such trees, of course, cannot by any severity of pruning be kept within the limited space which suffices for a permanent dwarf. The practice of setting dwarfs with any portion of the stock above the surface of the ground cannot be recommended. Dwarf trees ought to be kept well " headed-in," and otherwise carefully pruned, if the best results are expected from them. For orchard cultivation, dwarf pears may be advantageously set in rows (running north and south) eight feet apart, the trees in each row being about six feet apart. Wounds. — Trees properly cared-for from the nursery to old age, would never require any pruning that a penknife could not perform ; but the fashion in this country is to neglect pruning for years, and then to saw and hack without mercy. The treatment of wounds, caused in this way or by accident, becomes, therefore, an interesting subject of inquiry. That the edges of a wound made by a saw or otherwise should be smoothly pared with a sharp knife is obvious ; but what next? AVhere anything is attempted, the common practice is to apply a coating of grafting wax, shellac dissolved in alcohol, grafting-clay, &c, &c. Having experimented with almost everything, my decided preference is for common paint, which, especially if dusted over, while yet fresh, with sand or dry loam, makes a most excellent coating, rendering the same service in preventing decay on the exposed wood of a tree that it does on wood in any other exposed -situation, while it does not in the least impede the gradual process of healing over. Nothing is more easily applied, and if the coating is retouched every year the protection will be all the more complete. A little mixture of lampblack makes the 270 .THE MAGAZINE OF HORTICULTURE. paint so nearly of the color of the bark as almost entirely to hide the wounds. There need be no very great care exercised in the application, for a little paint upon the bark seems to occasion no injury. I once, in removing a limb from an elm, made a wound about fourteen inches long by seven wide. During some ten years tbat this was healing over I kept the wound well covered with paint, and, until I was no longer able to examine it with a penknife, no trace of decay was to be found, — and why not ? If paint preserves the sides of a building or the bottom of a ship, why will it not have the same effect on a bare spot on a tree ? Smaller cuts on other parts of my elm tree made at the same time and left unpro- tected, decayed to the depth of two or three inches. This experiment alone, not to cite others, seems so conclusive that I cannot agree with all that is said in an article on this subject, commencing on the 81st page of the volume of this Magazine for the year 1862. Pruning. — Good cultivators are very generally agreed that it is the best practice to prune all fruit trees, every year, at the season of their " summer rest," say during the middle fortnight of June, continuing the use of the knife after that time, as occasion may require, until vegetation ceases in the autumn. There is also the best authority for performing heavy pruning — the pruning required for trees which have been long neglected — during their " winter rest," or from the fall of the leaves until the motion of the sap, towards spring, is sufficient to cause bleeding. Of this long period Cole preferred the earliest part ; while Downing, Barry and others recommend February. The experience of some of the best cultivators in this vicinity favors the six weeks preceding the middle of December. But the season for performing the work is of far less importance than the manner of operating. In the first place, whatever implements — saws, shears, knives, or chisels — are used, should be in the best order for cutting. Not a movement should be made until after a careful inspec- tion of the subject to be operated upon. Next, cut off such limbs as seem clearly necessary to be removed, carefully watching the effect of each amputation. Wherever you hesitate to remove a limb, let it remain. Never " trim tip" SEPTEMBER. 271 any tree, fruit or ornamental, unless you feel that you can satisfy a horticultural court of inquiry that the operation is justifiable. The great end in view should be to form a well balanced head, of good proportions, having every branch so situated as to receive a due amount of light and air. To prune too close endangers the healing of the wound ; to leave any projecting stump encourages the growth of troublesome suckers. When shortening-in soft or pithy plants, like the currant or grape, cut at least an inch above a bud. In fine, exercise reason and judgment, and carefully watch the results of your operations, in order to learn by experience. Wounds made in pruning or otherwise, if not over half an inch in diameter, will take care of themselves ; larger than that they may be covered as above advised, allowing them to dry a day or two so that the paint will' better adhere. Where grafting- wax is used, cover it with a leaf, or with paper, or dust it over well with dirt or sand, thereby rendering it less liable to crack off. The shellac composition recommended by Downing is so apt to come off that it cannot be relied upon. Hedges, fyc. — On a former occasion, it was recommended to trim hedges, box-borders, &c, oftener than is the usual practice. Two annual clippings seem indispensable, the first just after growth commences in the spring, the other, just before growth ceases in the autumn. This will secure a tidy appearance for nine or ten months in the year, and one or more intermediate clippings — not always necessary — will suffice for the rest. It does not .answer to omit pruning hedges, 22 t the first half-shelving bed. This half- ■§ shelving bed, of a conical shape, and | 8 inches in height, is to be made with •° a spade, hoe, or other convenient | implement. Reckoning from the in- = terior base of this half-shelving bed, | a distance of 24 inches is to be meas- ^ ured for the first " ground" or trench. "; The earth taken from it will serve to form the shelving bed. Care ought to be taken properly to equalize and level the ground. The second shelving bed, which will be a complete one, is to measure 28 inches in width at its base, and 14 inches in height. Next comes the second trench, then the third entire K5! 300 THE MAGAZINE OF HORTICULTURE. shelving bed, and so on, until the whole piece of ground has been occupied. Thus, the first half-shelving bed will measure in width 14 inches, and in height 8 inches ; the first "ground" or trench in width 24 inches, the second entire shelving bed in width 28 inches, and in height 14 inches, &c. (See the annexed diagram, fig. 12.) The earth of the shelving beds being intended to cover over the plants, these beds will gradually diminish in height, and the whole piece of ground will become nearly level at the end of five years, when the asparagus plantation will be in full productiveness. First Year. — The first plantation is to take place during the month of March or April, and should be performed in the following manner : — In each trench, through its entire length, small holes must be formed about 36 inches distant from each other. These small holes are to be made of a diameter of 8 inches, and about 4 inches deep. In the centre of each of them a small hillock of earth about 2 inches high is to be raised, upon which the asparagus plant is to be laid down, care being taken to divide the roots flatwise in every direction ; the roots are to be covered over with half an inch of earth ; then one or two handfuls of very good manure are to be added, and covered over with about an inch and a half of earth, at the same time forming a small hollow of about an inch deep over each plant, to indicate its position. In order properly to know the posi- tion of the plants, and to shelter them and their shoots from accidents, a small prop is to be set to each, inclining it at an angle of 45°, in order not to injure the roots. After the planting has been performed over the whole piece of ground, frequent dressings will be required, in order to destroy the weeds, which are very injurious to the vegetation and growth of the plants. These dressings are to be performed with caution, so as not to cut and injure the small stalks of the young plants since the least injury might lead to their ruin. Every year towards the months of April and May, slugs and snails are carefully to be looked for, while the morning dew remains, and destroyed. Beetles are also much to be OCTOBER. 301 feared in the asparagus plantations. Twice every day during a fortnight it will be well to pursue these insects with rods, so as to hinder them from depositing their eggs on the stalks of the asparagus ; these eggs appear at the end of three weeks in the shape of black maggots or worms, which prey upon the asparagus stems and dry them up. Yet these insects are not the only ones which are to be dreaded. The white worms (or maggots of tree beetles) are very dangerous, and it will be well constantly to put in use the most proper means to get rid of them, for they eat the roots and destroy the asparagus plants. It will be useful also to lay mole traps, for while tracing their underground roads the moles cut the asparagus roots in order to get through. Common vegetables, such as beetroot, late potatoes, cabbage, 5 varieties, to Hovey & Co., $40. For the second best, to Marshall P. Wilder, $30. For the best twenty varieties, to Hovey &, Co., $25. For the second best, to Davis & Bates, Canibridgeport, $"20. For the third best, to M. P. Wilder, #16. For the best fifteen varieties, to J. C. Chase, Cambridgeport, $15. For the second best, to William Crafts, Roxbury, $12. For the third best, to J. Stickney, Watertown, $10. For the best ten varieties, to J. Nudd, Cambridgeport, $10. For the second best, to J. B. Kendall, Somerville, $8. For the third best, to A. Dickinson, Cambridgeport, #6. For the best five varieties, to J. B. Loomis, Chelsea, $G. For the second best, to E. Wason, $5. For the best twelve Bartlett, to J. Eaton, Cambridgeport, $5. For the best twelve Beurre Bosc, to J. Nudd, $5. ■ For the best twelve Seckel, to J. C. Chase, $5. For the best twelve Swan's Orange, to E. Wason, $5. For the best twelve Louise Bonne, to Davis & Bates, $5. For the best twelve Urbaniste, to A. Dickinson, $5. For the best twelve Duchesse, to J. C. Chase, $5. For the best twelve Beurre Diel, to A. Dickinson, $5. For the best twelve Beurre d'Anjou, to J. C. Poor, Somerville, $5. For the best twelve Sheldon, to Dr. R. T. P. Fiske, Hingham, $5. For the best twelve Beurre Superfin, to F. Clapp, Dorchester, $5. For the best twelve Doyenne du Cornice, to Hovey & Co., $5. For the best twelve Glout Morceau, to A. Dickinson, $5. For the best twelve Belle Lucrative, to William Gray, Jr., $5. Apples. — For the largest and best collection, to F. Clapp, $25. For the best five varieties, to W. A. Crafts, $6. For the second best, to J. B. Moore, $5. For the third best, to James Eustis, $4. For the best twelve specimens, to J. B. Moore, $5. For the second best, to F. Clapp, $4. For the third best, to George Pierce, $3. Peaches. — For the best collection, to Asa Clement, $5. For the third best, to Francis Dana, $2. 318 THE MAGAZINE OF HORTICULTURE. Grapes, (Foreign.) — For the best three bunches Black Hamburgh, to R. W. Turner, $5. For the second best, to Mrs. T. G. Ward, $4. For the best 3 bunches of any other black sort, to Mrs. T. G. Ward, #5. For the second best, to R. S. Rogers, $4. For the best two varieties, two bunches each, to Richard S. Rogers, $5. For the second best, to E. H. Luke, $4. For the third best, to C. E. Grant, $3. For the fourth best, to John S. Pierce, $2. For the best collection, six varieties, to Mrs. Durfee, $10. For the second best, to R. W. Turner, $8. For the third best, to H. H. Hunnewell, $6. Grapes, (Native.) — For the largest and best collection, to Davis & Bates, 015. For the next best, to W. C. Strong, $10. For the best six bunches of Delaware, to Stephen M. Weld, $4. For the best six bunches of Isabella, to C. E. Grant, $4. For the best six bunches of Concord, to J. B. Moore, $4. For the best six bunches of Rebecca, to Geo. B. Cutter, $4. For the best six bunches of any other, to E. A. Brackett for Iona, $4. Gratcities for Pears. — For large collection, to Henry Vandine, $15. To Seth W. Fowle, $9. To A. Beal, C. N. Brackett, G. W. Ireland, J. H. Smith, Samuel Sweetser, $5 each. To Henry L. Chase, Horace Partridge, Warren Heustis, $4 each. To John C. Park, John Savage, Jr., J. H. Fenno, John D. Dodges, Mrs. E. P. Bancroft, J. S. Sleeper, $3 each. To Geo. B. Cordwell, J. P. Rand, G. A. Godbold, E. V. Monroe, E. Wason, G. W. Wason, W. E. Coffin, Wm. T. Hall, Josiah Crosby, J. A. Kenrick, Charles H. Gallup, $2 each. Several other gratuities were awarded of $1 each. Gratuity for Apples. — For collection, to Asa Clement. Gratuities for Grapes. — For collection, to G. W. Harding, $4. To Anson Dexter, $2. To Francis Dana, R. T. P. Fiske, C. F. Gerry, Dr. A. Torrey, Oliver Bennett, Stephen M. Weld, $3 each. To Mrs. S. R. Johnson, B. C. Vose, J. H. Sanborn, $2 each. Vegetables. — The display of vegetables was remarkably good, and the excellent opportunity for arrangement in the lower Hall, added greatly to the attraction and interest in this department. The contributions were numerous, and the specimens of cabbages, squashes, sweet corn, and tomatoes, large and superior. The Hubbard Marrow, Turban, Yokahama, and Canada Crook Neck, from 12 exhibitors, were all fine, and true to name. Three Marblehead Drumhead cabbages weighed, respectively, 27, 24, and 23 pounds. Sweet corn had 16 rows on many of the ears. Two Mammoth squashes weighed, each, 132 and 105 pounds. Cook's Favorite, Tilden, and Valencia tomatoes, were fine specimens of these new and excellent sorts. We cannot attempt an enumeration of the various contri- butions, and must refer to the report, when ready, for the details, as well as the list of premiums. OCTOBER. 819 fjortitultuntl ©perations FOR OCTOBER. FRUIT DEPARTMENT. The continued dry weather is unprecedented, and trees and plants of all kinds are suffering severely for the want of moisture. Where this has not been at command, fruits of all kinds are small, and the trees have already, in many places shed their leaves. There is one compensation, the early growth, what there was has been thoroughly ripened, and a severe winter, should it occur, will not be likely to injure them. Vines, in the early houses, will now begin to break, and will require much attention. Syringe morning ai d evening, until the buds are all well started, and maintain an even but not high temperature, which can easily be done at this season with only slight fires at night. Before the weather gets frosty cover the border with three or four inches of strawy manure. As the shoots advance keep them tied in, and allow an abundance of air in all favorable weather. Vines in the greenhouse and grapery, now at rest, will require but little attention. To secure thoroughly ripened wood is the great object. Vines in cold houses will now have their crop fully mature, or partially cut, and, as there are no means of heating, the house should be closed early in cold evenings to retain the sun heat, and preserve the fruit as long as possible. Hardy grapes may now be partially or wholly pruned, and got in readiness to lay down for the winter, next month. Strawberry Beds should continue to receive attention. Owing to the dry weather in this neighborhood new beds have done poorly. Now is a good time to fill gaps where they have died. Keep all weeds down, as this month, if there is rain, a vigorous growth will be made. Prepare ground for spring planting. Orchard-house Trees should be very sparingly watered, in order to ripen the wood, and they must be protected from such frosts as will harden the soil. Keep them in a sunny spot, and cover the pots with leaves. Pear trees may be transplanted as soon as the leaves fall. Currants and Raspberries may be transplanted this month. FLOWER DEPARTMENT. No frosts of any severity have yet occurred, but no time should be lost in protecting all plants. Frames are best for keeping young stock until the weather is too severe. Take up and pot all kinds of plants wanted for winter blooming. Attend to the storing of soils for winter use. Use as little fire heat as possible, until it is actually required, as plants do better than when coddled in the early part of the winter. A temperature of 40° to 45° at night will do, unless plenty of flowers are wanted. Camellias should have an occasional syringing, and moderate waterings at this season. 820 THE MAGAZINE OF HORTICULTURE. Azalfas, unless wanted for early blooming', should be put into the coldest part of the house. Attend now to staking and tying the plants into shape. Water sparingly. Chrysanthemums should be liberallv watered, using liquid manure, or guano, freely. Keep in a rather dry, airy place. Pelargoniums, repotted last month, should now have a place near the glass, and be kept cool, and rather dry. Roses, taken up from the open ground, should be placed in a frame for a few weeks, shading from the hot sun, till established. Poinsettias, and other plants, requiring heat, should have a good place in the warmest part of the house. Sweet Alvssum, and other annuals, for winter flowering, should be potted and kept in a cool frame. Hyacinths, and other bulbs, may be potted for early blooming in the house. Callas should have plenty of water, and a good sunny place. Ixias and Sparaxis should be potted. Oxalis should be potted, if not already done. Lilacs, of various kinds, may be potted for early blooming. Pansy Seeds may he planted now, for blooming in the spring. Heaths should be kept in a cool, aiiy part of the house. Cactlses should be more sparingly watered, except the Epiphyllum truncatum. Caladiums should now be allowed to dry off, and the tubers wintered, dry and warm. Ferns should be more sparingly watered, and have a warm place, free from draughts' of air. Dracaenas, and similar plants, will now have made their growth, and unless there is plenty of heat, should be kept rather dry. Monthly Carnations should be potted, and placed in a cool house, near the glass. flower garden and shrubbery. Continue to keep the lawn and walks in good order, sweeping, raking and rolling often. Nothing adds more to the comfort of the garden than nice, clean, hard walks. Hyacinth and other spring bulbs, may be planted now. Japan and other lilies may be taken up and reset. PiEONiES may be transplanted. Herbaceous Plants, of all kinds, may be taken up, divided, and reset. Gladiolus should be taken up before severe frosts. Dahlias should be dug up and removed to the cellar, out of the reach of frost. Carnations should be taken up and reset, or potted and kept in a frame. Half-Hardy Plants, suchas Tritomas, Agapanthes, &c, should be taken up and removed to the greenhouse, or a cool cellar. ORNAMENTAL FOLIAGED TREES. "With the introduction of the beautiful ornamental foliaged plants, and particularly the superb maples, which have recently been received from Japan, the taste for trees with ornamental leaves has greatly increased, and the demand for such trees for grouping and planting in pleasure grounds and plantations has rapidly augmented. In our climate, with our numerous American species of oaks, maples, &c.,no ornamental foliaged trees can compare with the autumnal tints of our landscape scenery ; so that at this season, we scarcely need the aid of such trees. But this period is so exceedingly short, that we can only enjoy their rich and varied hues for a few weeks, when their leafless branches are all that remain of so much variety and splendor. But it is gratifying to know that beauty of this kind is not, after all, so evanescent ; that we have now, not perhaps in all the variety that nature so pro- fusely spreads out before us, but an approximation to her rich colors, in the accession of ornamental foliaged trees like the purple beech, the purple maple, the purple elm, the purple hazel, the purple berberry, and others of a similar character, and if the Japan maples prove hardy, and easy to multiply, we have a rich acquisition of similar, but more varied colored foliage, which will give to our summer scenery much of the gorgeous aspect of early autumn. Like other departments of gardening the demand, is only required, when the supply soon becomes abundant. Not many years ago we had but few variegated leaved trees, but the close observation of enthusiastic cultivators has reclaimed from young nurseries many accidental seedlings of singular elegance, which, but for the increasing desire to possess these varied objects of natural beauty might have been grubbed up and thrown aside as use- less rubbish. The Japanese, it is stated, have one or more variegated varieties of almost every plant cultivated in their gardens, and we may well believe it, after the numerous additions of this kind which have been made by Mr. Fortune, vol. xxxi. — NO. xi. 21 322 THE MAGAZINE OF HORTICULTURE. Dr. Hall, and Messrs. Yeitcli and Hogg. Our own catalogues are becoming enriched by similar acquisitions by cultivators at home and abroad, and we doubt not a few years will add many more to the number we already possess. Already the evergreen or coniferous trees are yielding to the process of pro- duction by fertilization, or accidental origin, and the arbor vitse, the cypress, the yew, the spruce, and even the Washingtonia, afford beautiful variegated leaved varieties. These are all admirable aids in the formation of ornamental grounds, and add much to the character of every plantation. All who have seen the elegant Golden Yews of Mr. Hunnewell at Wellesley, will admit that variegated leaved trees not only produce beautiful effects wherever introduced, among other trees, but are individually objects of the most pleasing and ornamental character. The Gardeners' Chronicle has recently had much to say regarding ornamental leaved trees, and a correspondent, who we doubt not to be Mr. Fortune himself, has some very judicious and instructive remarks on the importance of this class of trees. Mr. Bateman, a gentleman of much taste, and deeply interested in trees and plants, also, took occasion, while delivering a lecture before the Royal Horticultural Society, to allude to them, and spoke particularly of some of the most conspicuous, among which was the variegated Acer Negundo, and some others. Following up this subject, and the general taste for fine foliage, Mr. Fortune makes the following remarks, which we copy, and commend to the notice of all interested in fine foliaged trees : In drawing the attention of our readers to the rage which sometimes exists amongst us for certain tribes of plants, we endeavored to show that, on the whole, this enthusiasm is not without its good results. It may be true that this marked preference for certain families of plants, or for what we suppose to be an improved race of florists' flowers, may sometimes overshoot the mark, yet upon the whole we have no reason to regret the general results, which arc certainly of the most satisfactory kind. Our gardens are rendered more gay and enjoyable, and our parks and pleasure-grounds NOVEMBER. 323 have added to them quite a new feature by the introduction of foreign trees and shrubs. Moreover, the results are also apparent in our forests and on our hill sides, and a goodly number of exotic trees, which have made themselves at home with us, are likely to become of considerable importance, not only on account of the effect they produce upon our land- scapes, but also in a commercial point of view, owing to the value of their timber. For these results, therefore, we would give every encouragement to horticultural or arboricultural enthusiasm, thankful for the good it leaves with us, and excusing any little prejudices or imperfections which may be perhaps inseparably connected with it. Our main object in alluding to this subject was to direct the attention of our arboriculturists and landscape gardeners into a somewhat different channel. We acknowledge, with gratitude, the effects which have been produced upon our garden and park scenery by the introduction of many trees and shrubs of foreign origin. Need we name as examples the Indian Deodar, the Araucaria of South America, the Pines of California and Southern Europe, the Glycine of China, and a thousand other things which are now naturalized in England. There is however, one class of trees which have been hitherto much neglected, but which we are glad to see are now attracting the attention of landscape gardeners and planters — we allude to those which have deeply-colored foliage. Upon this class of trees a little of the enthusiasm to which we have alluded would be well spent. To all who have grown weary of such things as pines or ferns or orchids, as well as to those who are proving constant to their first love, we say, "here is a subject for your enthusiasm; it will amply repay any exertions bestowed upon it, by enabling you to leave a beautiful and permanent mark upon our landscapes." The rage for trees and shrubs with variegated foliage has supplied, and left with us, a number of very remarkable and effective objects of that class. "We have amongst others our variegated hollies, ivies and honeysuckles, and the splendid GoldenYew with which Mr. Barron produces such grand effects at Elvaston Castle. It is not, however, to this class of plants that we are now alluding. The love for such beautiful objects 324 THE MAGAZINE OF HORTICULTURE. is rampant enough, and needs no fresh spur from us. "We plead for the extensive cultivation and use of trees and shrubs which have leaves not strikingly variegated but richly colored. Already we have several of these things common in our parks and gardens, such, for example, as the purple beech, the pur- ple hazel, and some others alluded to by Mr. Bateman, in his address to the Royal Horticultural Society on the 27th of June. We need scarcely remark that we cordially agree with Mr. Bateman as to the effects produced upon our land- scape by these trees. "With materials such as these," he remarks, " not tender, requiring glass protection, but hardy, beautiful sylvan scenery might be created which even persons with comparatively limited means might afford to provide." Were the taste for such objects more fully developed amongst us, there is no lack of subjects to supply it. Many of them, as we have shown, are already amongst us, and many more would be soon forthcoming. Perhaps no class of trees would be more valuable for the object we have in view than the maples of Japan. They are very remarkable for the rich and beautiful color of their foliage. Some of them have leaves of the deepest purple, or red, or yellow, and others have their foliage most curiously marked. Nearly all take on the most beautiful autumnal tints, and produce a marked and pleasing effect at all times on the landscape. We have frequently thought that it must have been one of these maples that Padre Hue met with when travelling in Chinese Tartary, and about which he tells such wonderful stories. Those species which are found in the central or more northern part of the Japanese Islands would probably prove quite hardy in our climate. Many of them are now in England, although at present extremely rare. At Mr. Standish's sale last year his collection, which was very rich in maples, was entirely dis- persed. We advise the possessors of these plants to take great care of them, and to propagate them extensively, for if our taste takes a turn in the way we have indicated, they will be much sought after, and will prove of great value. We come now to another question, — Would it be in accordance with the rules of good taste to plant these trees extensively in order to produce an effect upon our landscapes ? NOVEMBER. 325 We say "yes" without the slightest hesitation. It has been our lot to travel much in foreign countries where many of these trees to which we have just alluded are at home, where they have been planted and reared by the hand of Nature on the hill sides, and we can bear testimony to the fact that the eye is never weary of resting on those masses of brilliant coloring of many different hues which they present, and more particularly in autumn, when the leaves are ripening before they fall. Our own experience has been principally in Orien- tal countries, as in India, China, and Japan, but American friends have given us glowing pictures of the effects which these trees produce on the other side of the Atlantic, and we readily believe the pictures which they have drawn. If nature, then, shows us such an example, we can scarcely do wrong in following her, and we need not question the taste which leads to so much enjoyment. With materials at hand of the kind we have indicated, we would advise all lovers of hardy trees to direct their attention to the subject, for it is one which will amply repay them. Let us have the same amount of enthusiasm displayed for these trees with richly colored foliage as we have had for pines, ferns, and variegated plants, and the most striking effect will soon be produced in our landscapes. We com- mend this matter to our landscape gardeners, and to all who are engaged in planting trees. IMPRESSIONS OF ENGLISH SCENERY. BY H. W. SARGENT, ESQ. HOOLE HOUSE. In the August number of the English Gardeners' Magazine, 1838, there is a very elaborate account, by Mr. Loudon, of a visit he paid to Hoole House, near Chester, then belonging to Lady Broughton, descriptive of a most extraordinary rock garden. Being in Chester the other day, on leaving the gardens at Eaton Hall, I asked the gardener, who had been some forty 826 THE MAGAZINE OP HORTICULTURE. years there, whether Hoole Elouse and its rock garden still existed. He replied, he had never heard of it. I had no better luck with one or two other gardeners, or with the landlord at the hotel. Finally, an old cabman recollected there was, or had been, a Lady Broughton, who had died thirty years ago, and he thought he had heard of Hoole House, on the Liverpool road. I ordered him to drive in the direction he thought it was, and finally, after much trouble, we found it, now owned and occupied by a Mrs. Hamilton, an old lady of 80, living by herself. The pike-keeper, living immediately adjoining her gate, had never heard of any rock garden, nor could he tell whether the place was shown to strangers — but I could walk up the avenue he supposed, and enquire. This I accordingly did, a short but exceedingly well kept avenue, the verges and sides beautifully- cut, and densely planted with large masses of rhododendrons, laurel, yews, deodars, araucarias, all, except the araucarias, being closely clipped. This formal treatment of the trees augured favorably for the rock garden, but I saw no evidence of it, and yet I saw, or thought I saw, the whole place ; for it did not seem to be over five or six acres. There was, to be sure, a walled garden, which I supposed was the vegetable garden. I ventured to push open a little postern door in the wall, and found an old-fashioned vegetable garden, with indifferent and mossy fruit-trees against the wall, and one or two small glass houses, near which, in a potting shed, was an old gardener striking some geraniums. I told him that quarter of a century ago I remembered having been astonished in America with reading an account of the rock garden at Hoole House. Did Hoole House yet exist? and if so, Where was it, and did the rock garden still exist, also ? He replied, This was Hoole House ; the rock garden still existed, and was kept up just as Lady Broughton had left it, thirty years ago, when he had helped build and unbuild it, (as a young man,) as Lady Broughton was continually alter- ing it. " His present Missus was a very old Lady. No one ever came to the place, and probably no one knew the garden existed." He would go and ask permission for me to see it. "While he was absent I tried to make out where it possibly NOVEMBER. 327 could be. Presently the gardener returned, and taking me round to the front of the house, opened a little door in a wall covered with yew trained against it, and immediately adjoin- ing the entrance front. A perfect scene of enchantment suddenly broke upon me. Imagine a little semicircular lawn, of about half an acre, of most exquisite turf, filled with twen- ty-eight baskets, about six feet in diameter, of the most daz- zling and gorgeous flowers. Each basket a complete bouquet in itself, of three different colors, in circles ; for instance, the lower circle would be Coleus, the 2d, yellow Calceolaria, the 3d, or upper, White Leaved Geranium. On the top, as a sort of pinnacle, a group of Scarlet Gladiolus. The colors of the next basket would be different, viz. : the lower circle would be deep blue (Lobelia), the 2d circle, White (Centaurea Candidissima), the 3d, or upper, Scarlet Gera- nium. Another basket began with Gazania; the 2d circle would be Cerastum tormentosum ; the upper, Lobelia L. These 28 baskets seemed a succession of circular ter- races, each color was so vivid, so gay, and so continuous. This bright parterre, set upon this emerald lawn, was sur- rounded by this famous rockery, from 15 to 30 feet high, built up against the stables and offices, as support, and brought down irregularly to the lawn in front, filled with every variety of fern and rock plant that would stand the summer climate of England ; most of the more delicate being removed in winter to green and even orchidaceous houses. I thought nothing could have been gayer than the 28 circular beds, until I looked up and saw a much more gorgeous scene in this semicircle of rock, 30 feet high, crammed to overflow- ing, with every sort of Palm, Cactus, Cereus, Yucca, Gladioli, Geranium, &c. &c, in full flower, interspersed with Deodars, clippe:l into pyramids, Irish Yews, Golden Yews, Abies ce- phalonica, Pinsapo, Normandiana, 5, pi. 436. This is a new and splendid palm, found on the borders of the Amazon, and growing in its native habitat to a colossal size, (100 feet.) But it forms a fine tree in the hothouse, and beautiful specimens have been produced from seed in the Belgian collections. It is one among many others which ought to grace the choice collections of our wealhy amateurs. (111. Hort., May.) NOVEMBER. 343 857. Smilax ornata? Nob. Variegated-leaved Smilax. (Smilaccse.) Mexico. A hothouse climber, with variegated leaves. Ill Hort., 1865, pi. 439. . A new and beautiful climbing plant, introduced from Mexico, by M. Versehaffelt, and the name of which is yet uncertain in consequence of the absence of the flowers. It forms, however, a most beautiful addition to our variegated foliaged plants, each leaf being about 9 inches long and 4 in diameter, cordate at the base, tapering to an acute point, and three nerved, deep shiny green, the spaces between the nerves elegantly spotted and marked with white. As a plant for large vases, trailing over its sides, for pyramids, or for training up columns it is admirably adapted, and fills the place for which so few are suited. Whether known as a Smilax, or by any other name, it will become a popular and greatly admired plant, (i//. HorL, May.) 858. Teleianthera ficoidea var. versicolor Moq. Tand. Various-colored Teleianthera. (Amaranthaceae.) Bra- zil. A greenhouse plant •, growing one font high ; with variegated leaves ; increased by cuttings; grown in rich soil. 111. Hort., 18J5, pi. 440. A greenhouse and bedding plant, introduced by M. Ver- schaffelt from Brazil. It grows about a foot high, much branched, and forming a dense suffruticose plant ; the leaves are small, opposite, roundish ovate, of a coppery red hue, changing to light rose, with divers green and coppery stripes in the spaces between the nerves. In general aspect it resem- bles the Coleus in miniature, and, on account of its very dwarf habit, it is admirably suited for small borders and edgings, where taller growing plants would be out of place. It promises to be a valuable acquisition. (///. Hort., June.) 859. Rose, E.mperor op Mexico. Garden Hybrid. A hybrid perpetual. 111. flort., 1S65, pi. 441. This is a very dark, almost maroon colored rose, raised from Gen. Jacqueminot, by M. Verschaffelt of Gand. It is vigorous, flowers freely, and is one of the darkest and richest roses obtained for some time. (i//. Hort., June.) 344 THE MAGAZINE OF HORTICULTURE. 860. Alternanthera spathulata Nob. Spathulate-leaved Alternanthera. (Amaranthaceae.) A greenhouse plant ; growing a foot hi^h ; with variegated foliage ; increased by cuttings; grown in rich soil. 111. Hon., 1S65, pi. 446. Another new bedding and greenhouse plant, admirably adapted to the open ground in summer, where it grows free- ly, and forms dwarf tuited bushes, in habit and aspect similar to the Teleiantliera before noticed, and grouped with which, m the open border, it produces a charming effect, by the density as well as beauty of its varied colored foliage, which is deep red or brown, changing to rose, and tinted with green. The flower garden will have a new feature added to it by the use of these plants for summer decoration, and the greenhouse new interest in the winter season. {III. Hort., July.) Satieties. CAMBRIDGE HORTICULTURAL. The Fourth Annual Exhibition of this Society was held at the City Hall in Cambridgeport, on Tuesday, Wednesday, and Thursday, September 26, 27, and 28, 1865. Quite unexpected to the members, who at one time thought the season was so dry there would be but few fruits to show, the Exhibition ivas the best the Society has ever made. Not only were pears produced in greater quantity, but of superior quality, surpassing any previous display of this fruit. The grapes were also excellent, and some specimens of peaches remarkably fine. Flowers were not so abundant, though there were many choice bouquets. The plants were mainly from the large collection of Messrs. Hovey & Co., and embraced many beautiful foliaged plants, as well as several palms, yuccas, &c. The show of vegetables was large and excellent, and f mned an interesting part of the Exhibition. The pears, however, were the great feature of the Exhibition : following so closely on the Annual Show of the Massachusetts Horticultural Society, to which most of the members contributed liberally of their choicest speci- men.-!, it was believed they could not be excelled; but this Exhibition proved to the contrary, for not only were the pears fully equalled, but in some varieties surpassed them, both in size and beauty. Some of the varieties were truly remarkable. Beurre Diel from Mr. Pettengill weighed 23 ounces; and Messrs. Dickinson, Nudd, Chase, and Stiles, had specimens nearly as large. Numerous lots of Duchesse contained specimens weighing NOVEMBER. 845 from 16 to 24 ounces each. The De Tongres and Beurre Bosc were no less noted. Messrs. Hovey & Co. had superb Sheldons, and Doyenne du C>mice. There were upwards of 50 entries of fruit, Messrs. Hovey and Vandine showing a large number of varieties, completely filling every available space in the large and commodious hall. The native grapes were also fine; Messrs. Davis & Bates had 10 varie- ties, among them fine Rebecca, Adirondac, Delaware, Allen's Hybrid, and others. Splendid Union Village from J. Haley, and fine Concords and Dela wares from various contributors. Numerous premiums and gratuities were awarded for fruits, flowers, and vegetables, but we have not space to enumerate them. The Exhibition proved that the cultivators of Cambridge maintain their reputation as the most successful cultivators of fruit. PENNSYLVANIA HORTICULTURAL. The Annual Show of this flourishing Society was held in Philadelphia on Wednesday, Thursday, and Friday, the 27, 28, and 29th of September. The Exhibition was held in Yale's large tent, procured from Boston, and afforded ample space for the accommodation of the plants and fruits. A G-feet table completely encircling the tent, equal to 500 in length, was nearly filled with choice plants, about 100 feet being devoted to vegetables. Besides this there were other tables for plants, and two for fruits in the centre. Towards one end an artificial island was formed by a circular space of 40 or 50 feet, surrounded with a small stream of water, in which callas and other plants were growing. A rustic bridge was thrown across the stream to admit of access to the island. The island was a mass of tropical vegetation, superb palms, gigantic yuccas, pampas grass, huge begonias and other plants being tastefully arranged to form a picturesque and natural growth. When lighted up in the evening it formed an enciianting scene. The main features of the show were the magnificent foliaged plants and palms, which are so extensively cultivated in the collections of the wealthy amateurs of Philadelphia, who contributed liberally to the Exhibition. We have not space to enumerate many of the beautiful things, but cannot omit some of the more important; these were as follows: — Cyanophyllum magnificum, from M. W. Baldwin and M. Baird ; Dicksonia antarctica ; Dracaenas of several kinds, numerous Lycopods and Ferns, and superb Caladiums, from Fairman Rogers. Twelve Caladiums, from General Patterson's garden, were the most remarkable specimens of these magnifi- cent plants. They were from three to six feet high, and contained from twenty to thirty immense leaves on each: the most showy and distinct were Belleymei, Chantini, picturata, argyrites, and bicolor splendens. The President, D. Rodney King, Esq., had many fine plants, particularly Papyrus variegata, Alocasia metallica, and grand Caladiums. Superb Cissus discolor, and C. porphyrophyllas, from M. W. Baldwin. The ma- jestic Doryanthes excelsa from J. Sherwood, just coming into bloom. 346 THE MAGAZINE OP HORTICULTURE. Crotons, Marantas, Ananassa variegata, and other plants, from R. Buist. Messrs. Meehan and Mackenzie also sent several specimens of various plants. The arrangment of the plants was excellent, and the display truly grand. Of the fruits we cannot speak so highly ; the foreign grapes, contributed by Johns Hopkins of Baltimore, Mr. Mitchell, the late President, and other cultivators were excellent ; among them we noticed the Gros Colman, black, with very large berries, and Black Damascus, very large berries. Pears were indifferent, and not in large quantity. Native grapes were not so good a3 we expected to see; but we noticed some fine Maxatawny, Delaware, and a few others. The vegetables, with the exception of potatoes, were not so numerous or so good as we expected to see. The potatoes exhibited by A. W. Harrison, Recording Secretary, were remarkably fine, comprising half a bushel each, of some twenty or more kinds, among them the Cusco, Garnet Chili, Early Goodrich, &c, all large and well grown, the average product per acre of each kind given, all planted at the same time, on the same ground, with the same fertilizing material which Mr. H. uses, discarding, as he does, all manure, as tending to cause rot. The Exhibition was a decided success ; the attendance was very large, the immense tent being crowded with visitors every evening. The Society may not only congratulate itself upon the superiority of the display, but upon its financial results. We have not yet seen any report of the award of premiums. HJassitfjuisciis Horticultural Society July 1. — At this meeting the following members were elected : — F. L. Ames, Easton ; Peter Smith, Andover; William Pratt, Winchester ; William H. Boardman, Boston; Frederick Beck, Brookline ; Edward G. Tileston, Brookline ; Moses Jones, Brookline ; W. II. Allen, Dedham ; John II. Dane, Brookline ; Richard L. Saville, Brookline ; John W. Sawyer, Grantville; Isaac Cooke, Charlestown ; Abijili Farrer, Boston; Samuel A. Carlton, Somerville ; Wingate P. Sargent, Melrose; Henry L. Dalton, Boston; Joseph Howard, South Boston; John Q. A. Griffin, Medford; Charles Furnaux, Melrose; Russell P. Eaton, Dorchester; Theodore If. Bell, Roxbury. August 5.— At this meeting the following members were elected :— Edward S. Philbrick, Brookline; Francis A. White, Brookline; Mrs. E. M. Gill, Medford ; William Maloon, Salem; Charles F. Wilder, Grantville ; William Miller, East Boston ; William D. Bickford, Brighton ; A. W. Spencer, Dorchester ; Frank F. B. Kern, Cambridge ; Comfort Weatherbee, Dedham; Benjamin P. Wear, Marblehead; E. W. Clap, Walpole; Oliver Holden, West Newton; S. B. Ball, Port Norfolk; M. W. Chadbourne, NOVEMBER. 347 Wafrrtown; Thomas Hooper, Bridgewater ; Benjamin D. Hill, South Danvers; Isaac P. Kendall, Somerville; George Fenniman, Milton; Horace Partridge, Somerville ; George H. Preston, Boston ; Alfred Loring, South Hingham; Matthew Bolles, West Roxbury; Edward Atkinson, Brookline; John Fillebrown, West Cambridge; Charles A. Crain, West Cambridge; Joseph Richardson, Boston; Adams Ayer, Roxbury. Sept. 2. — An adjourned meeting of the Society was held to-day, — the President in the chair. The following members were elected: — C. D. Head, Boston; Caleb Bates, Kingston ; Curtis Davis, Cambridgeport ; Ezra C. Hutchins, Newton ; Charles Rice, Newton Lower Falls; Thornton K. Lothrop, Boston; John Lowell, Newton; William Edson, Boston; John Botome, Stoneham ; John •Hill, S oneham ; William Rawson, West Cambridge; John G. Barker) West Cambridge. At the close of the 37th Annual Exhibition, on Saturday, September 23, the Committee of Arrangements, as customary, with several invited guests, Bat down to a dinner at the Parker House, at 3 o'clock. Among the guests were Col. M. P. Wilder, Prof. Russell, Jos. Stickney, Esq., and Hon. Jos. Breck. The President, C. M. Hovey, Esq., presided. After satisfying the appetite with the good things of the table, the President rose and congrat- ulated the Committee upon the success of the Exhibition, and the prospects of the Society with the ample accommodations afforded by the new building, and closed with the following sentiment : The Thirty -Seventh Anniversary. — The consummation of our long- cherished hopes, bringing with it fond recollections of the past, and bril- liant anticipations of the future. The President then stated that we had with us several invited guests, and among them our esteemed and respected friend, and former President, the Hon. M. P. Wilder, whose presence, for the second time in two years, we hold as the precursor of the day when his health and usefulness should be fully restored. Though absent he had not been ignorant or indifferent to our progress, but his wishes and hopes were for our success, and the advancement of horticultural science throughout the land. He concluded by proposing the health of the Hon. Mr. Wilder. Mr. Wilder rose and addressed the meeting nearly as follows: — Mr. President, and Fellow Associates : I am overwhelmed by this kind reception, and beg to assure you that it affects me most deeply. For much of the time, during the last two years, I have had one foot in the grave, and with but little hope of the perfect recovery of my health. This reunion with old and familiar acquaintances, is therefore most gratifying to my feelings, and I desire to bless the Lord, that he has so far restored me, that I am able to be here today, to partici- pate in the privileges, and pleasures, of this interesting occasion. Mr President, it was a matter of great gratification that I was able to be present at the dedication of the new Horticultural Hall, and to listen to your eloquent, classical, and appropriate address. I rejoiced that onr Society, now in the zenith of its prosperity, had one so capable, both in 348 THE MAGAZINE OF HORTICULTURE. practical and scientific qualifications, of discharging the official duties of the chair. I may be permitted to express this opinion in jour presence, for we have been long acquainted with each other. You and I, Sir, have been pursuing the same path of investigation and observation, for more than thirty years. We have been travelling on together, side by side; I beg your par- don, for while you have taken good care to keep a little ahead of me, I have, with characteristic circumspection, contented myself to follow a lit- tle in the rear. [Laughter.] Mr. President, you have requested me to give some information, in regard to the old Horticultural Hall, and the early history of our society. Tn regard to the former, time will only permit me to remark, that with its erection a new impulse was created, and it was soon found that the increasing wants of the Society demanded a hall of larger dimensions.- This fortunately has at last been obtained, and I rejoice with you Sir, in the fact that we have erected one of the most beautiful buildings in the city, and in every respect suited to our wants. In regard to the early history of the Society, there are few left to tell this story. You and I Sir, were present at its first celebration, and the scene is fresh in my memory. Genl. Dearborn, ever to be honored and remembered, presided and gave as a toast, " Intelligence and Industry. The only conservators of the Republic." Easily do I recall the sentiments offered by Gov. Winthrop, Harrison Gray Otis, John Lowell, Daniel Webster, and others at the din- ner table. Prophetic words, those of Lt. Gov. Winthrop, and Mr. Lowell. The former gave, " The Massachusetts Horticultural Society. The intelligence and zeal manifested in its infancy are sure presages of its future usefulness and prosperity." To which may be added the one offered by Mr. Lowell : " I give it welcome, as the proper means, the best means, the only means of concen- trating the individual skill of our excellent and practical cultivators. May its success equal my hopes, it cannot exceed them." Mr. Wilder then alluded to the celebrations of late years, in Faneuil Hall and elsewhere, where the festive board was graced by the presence of Madam, the widow of Alexander Hamilton, at his side, Messrs. Web- ster, Everett, Downing, Winthrop, Skinner, Quincy and others, quoting from the speeches of these gentlemen, and at some length from Mr. Everett's inimitable speech, on the very day of his return, after an absence of four years as minister at the Court of St. James. Mr. President, I recall the thought expressed in Genl. Dearborn's senti- ment at our first festival. Yes, Gentlemen, it is intelligence and industry, that makes men great. It is the intelligence, industry, and perseverance of. our people, that has made Massachusetts and New England great in the his- tory of our country, and it is to these cardinal principles we must ever look for the prosperity and advancement of our Society. Massachusetts was first in the field, for the development of the independei.ee of our NOVEMBER. 349 country, and first in the field for the suppression of the late rebellion. Massachusetts has been a leader in the great benevolent enterprises of our day, and it was fitting and proper that the Massachusetts Horticultural Society should have been the great pioneer in the advancement of horti- culture and kindred arts. To the influence exercised by this Society may be traced the great improvement in our gardens and orchards, and in the rural embellishment, not only of New England, but other parts of our country. From the Massachusetts Horticultural Society emanated the establishment of nu- merous kindred associations. And may I not say, with becoming diffi- dence, that fiom this Society, also, originated the idea of our National Pomological Society, now exerting a most happy influence throughout our land. But I must close. Go on my friends with increasing zeal and industry, let our past history and success excite you to renewed efforts for still greater excellence, ever remembering that for the highest attainment we must depend on the culture of the mind, as well as the culture of the 6oil : — "Survey the globe through every zone, From Lima lo Japan, In lineaments of light 't is shown Tnat Culture makes the man. All that man has, had, hopes, can have, Past, promised, or possessed, Are fruits which Culture gives, or gave, At industry's behest." Mr. President, I am admonished that I have already occupied too much time, and will conclude by offering as my sentiment: The President of the Massachusetts Horticultural Society. — It was his mission to lead in the beautiful art of cultivation. Worthily and well has he fulfilled it. At the conclusion three cheers were given for Mr. Wilder. The President then gave the following : Botany, — that pleasant study which makes us familiar with every plant wherever we go, clothing every field with companions and friends. Professor Russell responded to this sentiment, and we only regret our inability to find room for his remarks. He gave the following sentiment: The Massachusetts Horticultural Society's last Seedling, just about to be '•'•let out" to the public. It has proved true, under the culture of the '• Author of the Fruits of America," to what it promised, when many years since it was so clearly Dear-born. Other toasts were given and numerous speeches made, by Messrs. J. F. C. Hyde, W. C. Strong, S. H. Gibbens, and other gentlemen present, and the meeting broke up at a seasonable hour, all delighted with the preva- lence of so much harmony and enthusiasm. Oct. 4. — The stated Quarterly Meeting of the Society was held to-day, — the President in the chair. 350 THE MAGAZINE OF HORTICULTURE. The election of officers for the ensuing year took place to day, and the following gentlemen were unanimously elected : — President — Charles M. Hovey. Vice-Presidents— J. F. C. Hyde, C. O. Whitmore, W. C. Strong, H. Hollis Hunnewell. Treasurer — Williim R. Austin. Corresponding Secretary — Samuel H. Gibbens. Recording Secretory — F. P. Denny. Proftssor of Botany and Vegetable Physiology — John L. Russell. Professor of Zoology — J. W. P. Jenks. Professor of Horticultural Chemistry — A. A. Hayes. Executive Committee — The President, Chairman; The Treasurer, Mar- shall P. Wilder, J. S. Cnbot, Joseph Breck. Committee for Establishing Premiums — Chairman of Committee on Fruits, Chairman ; Chairmen of Committees on Flowers, Vegetables and Gardens, and Parker Barnes. Committee on Finance — Josiah Stickney, Chairman ; Marshall P. Wilder, C. O. Whitmore. Committee on the Library — Francis Parkman, Chairman ; W. H. Spooner, Jr., G. W. Pratt, R McCleary Copeland, L. Wetherell. Committee on Ornamental Gardening — H. H. Hunnewell, Chairman ; W. C. Strong, H. Weld Fuller, Parker Barnes, Chairmen of Committees on Fruits, Flowers, and Vegetables. Committee on Fruits — J. F. C. Hyde, Chairman ; J. S. Cabot, W. C. Strong, P. B. Hovey, E. A. Brackett, Fearing Burr, Jr., D. T. Curtis. Committee on Floivers — E. W. Buswell, Chairman ; J. C. Hovey, James McTear, C. H. B. Breck, Geo. Craft, F. Parkman, S. H. Gibbens. Committee on Vegetables — Abner Peirce, Chairman ; James Nugent, George Hill, B. Harrington, Joseph T. Walker, R. M. Copeland, C. N. Brackett. Committee on Synonyms of Fruit — Josiah Stickney, Chairman ; Benj. P. Cheney, C. M. Hovey, J. S. Cabot, Chairman of the Committee on Fruits. Committee on Publication — Corresponding Secretary, Chairman; Record- ing Secretary, E. A. Brackett, Chairmen of Committees on Flowers, Fruits, Vegetables, and Gardens. f arfkulfral (©pentfions FOR .NOVEMBER. FRUIT DEPARTMENT. The month of October has continued rather dry, only one rain in any remarkable quantity having fallen. The temperature, without being cold, has yet been rather low, with the first frost on the 3d, rather light, but heavier on the Gth ; since then the lowest has been 26°. The dry weather NOVEMBER. 351 has allowed a fine opportunity to get ground ready for planting1, and as more rains may be expected trees will have the advantage of the moisture after being set out. Improve the opportunity to do everything possible to forward such work as can be done in the autumn. Vines, in early forcing houses, will now begin to show their blossoms, and a higher temperature should be kept up, with less moisture, and air in moderate quantity in good weather. See that the border is well covered with manure, and, as the frosts become more severe, well covered with old litter, leaves, or anything that will retain the warmth in the soil. Upon this much of the success depends. Vines in graperies will now be at rest, and will require no care until the time for pruning. Vines in cold houses should be neatly pruned, and, as soon as the cold is severe, laid down and covered with leaves, or what is perhaps better, with the soil of the border, as this does not harbor mice, which often do much damage to the vines. Hardy grapes may be pruned this month, and laid down before the ground freezes hard. Orchard-Houses should have an abundance of air, night and day, closing up only in wet or very severe frosty weather. Protect the earth by covering the pots to the depth of three or four inches with dry leaves. Trees, intended for the orchard-house, nay, if convenient, be wintered in a warm shed, or cool, light cellar. Strawberry Beds should be cleared of any weeds, the walks hoed, and all will be ready for covering next month. Pear, and other fruit trees, may be transplanted this month. Currants, Raspberries, &c, may be transplanted. Insects should be looked after. The canker worm grub will soon begin to run up the trees, and they should be well protected with tar. Trench and prepare ground intended for planting next spring, draining, if necessary. FLOWER DEPARTMENT. As the weather becomes cooler, with sharp frosts, all the plants, which are likely to suffer, should be placed in frames, and protected with sashes, boards, or a covering of leaves. Many greenhouse plants do better in a frame, until the middle of November, if well protected from frost. Camellias will now begin to swell their buds, particularly when the house is kept rather warm. They should have an occasional syringing in good weather, and carefully watered at the root. Wash and clean the foliage, if the plants require it. Azaleas will be at rest at this season, unless placed in a warm house. This is the season to tie them into shape, when fine specimens are wanted. Water carefully, keeping the plants properly moistened, but not wet. Syringe occasionally. Pelargoniums, potted off last month, and removed to a frame, or the house, should now have a place near the glass, and have the top 6hoot pinched off, so as to make bushy specimens. Keep the plants abundantly aired, and rather dry. 352 THE MAGAZINE OF HORTICULTURE. Chrysanthemums should be freely watered, using liquid manure occa- sionally. Hyacinths, Narcissus, Crocus, and other bulbs, for early blooming, may now be potted and placed in frames, where they can remain till December, and then brought into the house to bloom. Achimenes and Gloxinias may be placed away on a dry shelf, beneath the stage. Chinese Primroses may have a shift now, into larger pots, and a good airy situation, near the glass. Heaths should be kept in a frame as long as the weather will admit, as nothing is more injurious than strong fire heat. Begonias, where there is not sufficient heat to keep them growing well, may be put away on a shelf, and kept rather dry, till the time for shifting, in February or March. Bedding Geraniums, taken up and potted for spring planting, should be kept cool and dry until such time as it is intended to start them into active growth. Verbenas, Petunias, and other bedding stock, may yet be propagated, if not already done. Allamandas, Drac^nas, and similar plants, may be kept in a warm part of the greenhouse, and very sparingly watered. Monthly" Carnations, coining into bloom, should have a good place, near the light, and young stock, just potted off, may be kept on a cool, dry' shelf. Cyclamens, recently potted, will do best for a time in a frame, where they can be protected from rains and frosts. Pansies, for winter blooming, should be potted immediately, and have the protection of a frame till well established. Roses, taken up from the border and potted, should be placed in a warm frame until new roots are formed, when they may be hardened off, and kept cool and dry for the winter, or brought into the house to bloom. Deutzias, Spir^as, Weigelias, and similar plants, for forcing in winter, should be taken up and potted, and placed away in a cool part of the house. Cinerarias and Calceolarias may now have a shift into larger pots, and a good place on a shelf, near the glass. Fumigate, if the green fly appears. Ferns will now have partially stopped growing, and where the room is limited they may be allowed to remain dormant for a while, by keeping rather dry. If fine specimens are wanted, repot, and keep in a warm house. Orchids should now be kept rather dry, and moderately cool, a temper- ature of 60° being ample for all, except the India sorts. Look over and repot all plants which require it. Prune and tie in such things as Kennedias, Sollyas, and other running plants. Give plenty of room to blooming specimens. Air liberally, and fumigate for the green fly or thiips. REVIEW OF THE GRAPE CROP. Experience is the surest guide to the culture of our best fruits, and usually every year adds something to our fund of information, by which we form a better estimate of their real merits. With the grape, however, it can scarcely be said we know but little if any more than we did a year ago. The season has not been favorable. Though dry, almost beyond precedent, still the mildew and rot have pre- vailed to a great extent, and the latter has, in some localities, destroyed nearly the whole crop. It has heretofore been stated, by various cultivators, that the great cause of mildew and rot has been owing to our wet summers ; yet, with one unusually dry, these maladies have prevailed to even a greater extent than in the wettest season. To what cause, then, must the mildew be attributed ? For, if we are to alleviate its injurious effects, we ought to know when to apply the remedies. Certainly the present year fully proves that a dry summer is quite as fatal to the grape as a wet one, and that there are some causes, besides moisture and dryness, which bring on mildew and rot. Moisture or dryness alone cannot, therefore, be considered as the cause of mildew ; and if not these, then we must look to temperature, as being the probable source of mischief, and here we have some data, ascertained by close observation, to show that it is owing much more to changes of temperature than to moisture or drought. We have never so closely noticed the growth of the grape, in the open air, as during the past summer. Having a very large quantity of young vines under cultivation we watched them more closely than usual, on account of the weather, fearing they would suffer from the long-continued drought. They were planted out in the early part of June, and with careful watering, and other good treatment, began to grow vigorously towards the last of the month. We now considered them as well established, and that moderately dry weather was more favorable than vol. xxxi. — NO. XII. 23 354 THE MAGAZINE OF HORTICULTURE. too much rain, and that they would need no further atten- tion. About the second week in July the weather was very warm during the day, but quite cool at night, and the waterings were discontinued, as we thought we detected some mildew. On the 14th and 15th of the month the thermometer fell as low as 41°, and many of the kinds received a sudden check, with more mildew. Subsequently, however, with frequent gentle syringings, and other care, they recovered their growth, and made strong and vigorous vines. It was just at this time that our attention was attracted to the Concord grape, an old vine of which was growing against a house, facing the north-west, with the sun upon it less than half the day, and bearing annually a bushel or two of fruit. AVe found the berries in a sad condition, more than two-thirds of them almost black with rot, which soon after began to fall off, and at the usual period of ripening not one perfect bunch remained upon the vine, and the whole crop was not worth gathering. Other varieties we did not have in bearing, except a Delaware, on the opposite side of the house facing south-east. This did not suffer in the least, and the vine produced the usual small crop of very excellent fruit. It might be asked why the Delaware did not rot like the Concord ; but this we cannot answer. All we can do is to offer our theory of the cause, which may pass for what it is worth. In the first place the Concord, always a vigorous grower, had been accelerated in its vigor by the warm and showery weather of the early part of June, and this rank growth, in its half-sunny aspect, was overtaken by the almost frosty nights of July, directly exposed to the cold winds from the north-west, which, acting upon the tender skin of the berry, suddenly checked the growth, and the rot was the result. Not so with the Delaware ; this not over vigorous vine at any time, with its spare branches and small foliage, exposed to the full sun nearly all day, had its wood more mature, and was less susceptible of injury. It was entirely sheltered from the cold winds by the high building, and the warmth gathered by day was undoubtedly a material aid to ihe vine, moderating the cold damp of the night. Whether, DECEMBER. oOO however, this is a satisfactory solution of the trouble our readers must decide. Unfortunately the rot has prevailed extensively throughout the country, in many localities where there has been but little if any mildew. On all the vines which we have examined in several collections, we have invariably found the best fruit upon those facing the east or south. We do not, of course, consider a north-west aspect a favorable one ; not so good, certainly, as an open trellis. Yet we have never known the rot to attack the Concord in our grounds, in the same locality, before. "We have seen it somewhere stated that the rot could not be attributed to the cool nights and hot days, for we always have them during the summer. But this we do not admit. Having kept a record of the. weather for upwards of thirty years, we find it very rare, indeed, to have so low a tempera- ture as 42° in July. Any one who has ever grown the foreign grape in a grape-house well knows that a few nights, with the temperature at 42°, when the grapes are rapidly swelling, with a sharp wind, will mildew any grape ; and if it is so in the house, we do not know why it should not be so in the open air. We, however, give our views, perhaps untenable, but worthy of some consideration. With a warm and dry summer the grape crop has been much poorer than in the wet one of 1863. Some kinds, in some localities, have done remarkably well, and larger bunches, or better ripened berries, we never saw. Union Village and Rogers's No. 4 and 15, which did not ripen in 1863 or 1864, matured well this year. But as a conclusion of this brief record we add the following notes upon such kinds as we have particularly noticed : Adirondac. — We know of only one bearing vine in our neighborhood. This was set out in the spring of 1864, grew six or eight feet, and notwithstanding ten or twelve good layers were taken from the vines this year, it produced six bunches of beautiful grapes, not large, but fully ripe, as early, or earlier than the Hartford Prolific. It was affected scarcely any with the mildew or rot. Exposure south-east upon a trellis against a high fence. The year's experience entitles it to the first place among our hardy grapes. 356 THE MAGAZINE OF HORTICULTURE. Rebecca. — This has been apparently a favorable year for this fine grape. No mildew to speak of, and it has matured quite as early as the Delaware, attaining that rich amber tint which it has not done in some previous years. It plainly shows that it prefers a warm summer to bring out its high character. Allen's Hybrid. — Not so good this year as last ; bunches smaller; and color greener. It certainly suffered at the same time and probably from the same cause as the Concord. There was no rot, but some mildew. It is, however, a superb grape. Crevelling. — This grape is increasing in popularity. While it is scarcely any earlier than the Concord, and not so large in the bunch, it has a brisk and more spirited juice than that variety. It is a less rampant grower, and did not suffer from rot, though there was some slight mildew of the foliage, but not of the fruit. Delaware. — Not so good as last year, though occasional specimens have been exhibited of great excellence. They have ripened a week or more later than usual, and have not had that clear, rich, deep wine color, so characteristic of this sort. The rot has not affected it, but the leaves have mil- dewed slightly. It has, however, stood well among the various sorts, and, though not so good, has been a pretty sure crop. Hartford Prolific. — Generally very good, though inferior to 1864. Very little rot, and but slight mildew, but from some cause, perhaps dry weather, the bunches and berries were smaller than usual. Union Village. — This has been very fine, indeed, we have never seen bunches larger, and as handsome — as it has been said — as the Hamburg. Though rather late it is a hand- some and sure crop, even if not fully mature. Rogers's No. 4. — This, judging from one favorable locality, when grown on a trellis against a high fence facing the south, has proved better than we have ever seen it; in fact, we never have before tasted it fully mature. This year it was o, and the berries large, as black as sloes, and very good. In warm summers it may do well, and prove valuable. DECEMBER. 357 Rogers's Nos. of various kinds we tasted in bearing at Col. Wilder' s in September. We did not make any note of several kinds that we tasted, all nearly or quite mature, but Nos. o and 19 appeared well, and are worthy of further trial. With- out being of high character, their size, vigor and productive- ness, may make them valuable in many collections. Framing ham. — Three or four clusters, on vines set out as late as June, ripened earlier than Hartford Prolific, quite as good, and with larger bunches. It is a most vigorous grower, equalling the Concord, and when well established will show its good qualities better. Iona, Israella, and some other sorts we have not fruited. A few specimens of the Iona have been exhibited as early as September 19th, and they were quite ripe, and fully sustain the high character of this very superior grape. Both are vigorous, though not rampant growers. Diana. — This, often subject to rot, has been much more affected this year than usual. Very few good specimens have been exhibited. It is to be regretted that a grape of such great excellence should have a single fault. It evidently wants a more sheltered location (such was the original one where it grew from seed) where it will not feel the alternations of heat and cold, and it will repay any extra attention. Some other sorts might be enumerated, but these are such as we have fruited ourselves, or seen with grape cultivators around Boston, and we give these results from the limited locality under our observation. They will serve to show what are the results of an unexampled year. CONCERNING COUNTRY RESIDENCES. BY REV. A. D. GRIDLEY, CLINTON, N. Y. We do not propose to speak, just now, of the house and home of the ordinary farmer, who conducts all his operations for the simple object of gaining a livelihood ; nor the dwell- ing of the villager, who owns a neatly painted " box " on the thickly settled street. But rather, the residence of a gentle- 358 THE MAGAZINE OF HORTICULTURE. man outside of city or village, be he farmer, or tradesman, or retired citizen, who lives in the country from choice, who makes country life attractive, who is drawn to it by his sin- cere love of rural beauty, and the refined pleasures of country life. The tendency with the majority is in another direction. They cannot bear the quietude of the country ; they want the excitement which comes from the conscious presence of a multitude, and from the stir and din of crowded thorough- fares. They love the show and brilliancy of the city, " the sweet security of streets," the smooth and clean side-walks, the gas-lights, and other comforts and luxuries which belong to town life. And even the villager, whose house and shop or store are hard by the post-office, church, hotel or rail-way station, affects a degree of pity for those who live a half mile or more " out in the country." Yet it is not so with all. Not a few, and they persons of real refinement and education, feel a sort of healthy disgust for the effeminate life of the city ; they do not like to breath its tainted air, to hear its perpetual racket, to be the victims of its frequent excitements, to be subject to its many re- straints of law and custom. They love independence, and freedom and ease. They have an inherent instinctive fond- ness for rural life ; for the various operations of farming and gardening, for trees and flowers and fruits ; for fine horses, and oxen and sheep, poultry and dogs. They like to come in contact with the simple, unaffected inhabitants of the country, and to be the means, also, of stimulating and help- ing them in every good word and work. For one who looks only at personal or family dignity and true gentility, it is in country life that he will best find it. The man who lives in the city is swallowed up in the crowd. He is only Mr. Smith, or Mr. Jones, living on such or such a street, at such a number, only one of twenty or a hundred thousand others around him. Whereas, if he lived on a country-place, with some amplitude of means, he would be known through all the region around, a£ the proprietor of the fine residence overlooking the town or village, and respected by all its inhabitants. Yet, to be truly happy in the country, one must really love it for its own sake. DECEMBER. 359 The English understand this matter very well. Their best people of all classes live in the country. Men whose busi- ness or professions confine them to the city for a time, no sooner acquire a competence, than they hie to the country, and surround themselves with the comforts and attractions of a rural residence. In the time of James I. some of the gentry took up their abode in the city, that they might enjoy more, of the luxuries attending court-life. Their king was wont to dissuade them from this practice, advising them to go back to their country-seats. " Gentlemen," he would say, " at London, you are like ships at sea, which show like noth- ing ; but in your country villages, you are like ships in a river, which look like great things." The gentry need no such royal advice now-a-days. Our own country has now, and always has had, those who prefer rural to city life. Among eminent men, the mind at once reverts to Washington, on his country-seat at Mt. Ver- non ; to Jefferson, at Monticello; to Adams, at Quincy ; to Webster, at Marshfield ; and Clay, at Ashland ; Irving, at Sunnyside, and many others. And among others in the walks of private life, there are multitudes in every part of the land who love the comparative simplicity, independence, and freedom of the country, above anything that the city can give them. The Hudson river is lined with their residences ; the region around Boston is full of them. The shores of many of our inland lakes and rivers, and the outskirts of many of our cities and large towns, are fringed with them. Such facts go to show that the love of country life is a natural growth among us, and is not dying out. May it thrive and prosper, more and more ! Let us see families, more and more, every year, removing from our cities to the country, attracted to it by an unconquerable love, willing to give up a few luxuries and soft refinements of the town, that they may enjoy the simpler and purer joys of the country, and may train up their children in circumstances more favorable to their health, happiness and morals. 360 THE MAGAZINE OF HORTICULTURE. FOUR GOOD AUTUMN PEARS. BY D. W. LOTHROP, WEST MEDFORD. If the question were publicly asked, which is the best pear, all things considered, there can be but little doubt that, among fruit-growers and fruit consumers, it would be pro- nounced the Bartlett. It has never been over-praised. But if the question were to be put, which were the best two, the answer would be more varied ; and as we increased the number, the response would pass into greater diversity. Hence it is impossible to decide absolutely what are the best three, six, or dozen pears now under cultivation. We have different experiences and different estimates not only of fruits, but of men, cattle, horses, and in fact of every thing else ; and this opinion is more or less changeable. But on the question what are good pears, and worthy of cultiva- tion, we should meet with much more unanimity. Of course, in the multiplicity of new varieties of high excel- lence, as is now the case^ many older ones will lose their comparative value, and be set aside. So great is the num- ber of the former, that the time is beginning to approach when none but those of the greatest merit will be cultivated, and these will stand in flavor, if not in beauty and vigor, at the most possible advance in pear culture. Perhaps no fruit has so great a variety of flavor, or so extended a compass of quality as the pear — nauseating and bitter as the waters of Tamah in some cases, and approach- ing nectar in others. Van Mons found this diversity in his seedlings. We taste sugar in the Lawrence, and molasses in the Belle Lucrative ! Others, like Swan's Orange and Beurre Superfin, have a commingling of delicate vinegar. Still others have a different quality of acidity mixed with their sweetness, and are said to be brisk, spirited or vinous. Many possess a fine spicy aroma. In that excellent pear the Andrews, may be noticed the delicate perfume of newly-cut hay, which in September carries one agreeably back to the freshly mown fields of June. At present, only four varieties will be noticed, all of which are considered worthy of general cultivation, while the quali- DECEMBER. 3G1 ty of two, at least, is usually pronounced best. These pears are commended, not to those who have them and know them, but to those who have them not. Critical descriptions are not intended. Beurre d'Anjou. — This variety has been growing in pub- lic favor for the past ten years or more, without disappoint- ing any one, and in its season is hard to be rivalled. So rapid a grower is it that scions of two years' growth, set on vigorous stocks of one or one and a half inch diameter, will form a large top and bear quite full. In this respect, I have had no pear that equals it. For orchard culture it is well regarded, as it is not over fastidious as to treatment. Unlike most pears, it generally fruits on last year's termi- nals, which causes the tree to spread and weep — a habit that, coupled with its showy fruit, makes the tree very attractive, and tends to give larger specimens. The size of fruit is large to very large, and its quality rather sweet, moderately sprightly, with an exceedingly buttery or fatty pulp, without the least astringency. But before eating, the fruit should be quite mellow, and then they are usually of a pale green hue, (sometimes of light straw) with a little reddish-brown color- ing on the sunny side. Very much of their goodness is lost unless well ripened, and there is no danger of their passing into mealiness, as they show plainly the progress of their decay. They ripen gradually, and are in eating during October and November. But much depends upon the sea- son, position of tree, and culture. The past season many were fully ripe on September 20th. Some place it in Decem- ber. The d'Anjou, in short, is a noble fruit, a great acquisi- tion— and seems to have only one fault as a market fruit, and that is a lack of high color. It is said to do equally well on either the quince or pear root. Swan's Orange. — This large American variety has hereto- fore had its share of praise, but of later years it has not attracted a great deal of attention. It will not, however, be lost in obscurity. The tree is a strong, healthy grower on its own roots, and bears sufficiently well for so large a pear. When ripe, its color is a deep yellow, and its slight acidity is not disagreeable to most palates. On a warm soil, as with 362 THE MAGAZINE OF HORTICULTURE. the writer, it also develops sufficient sugar to make it excel- lent. Mr. Rivers says that in England it is " always sour." This we should expect from her humid climate. With us we can hardly conceive of its being second rate, except in damp seasons or on cold soils. It should be planted in a warm posi- tion. Generally it does' not seem to be a tardy bearer, but this is somewhat dependant upon treatment. It is tender, juicy, and spirited ; keeps well, and never cracks. Must take a place beside the Duchesse and d'Anjou; while on some ac- counts it is preferable to that well-known autumn pear, the Beurre Diel. Though lacking the exquisite delicacy of some varieties, its many good points will commend it not only to the amateur, but to the market grower. The Lawrence. — This variety is one of the most delicate we possess — its color, in its best specimens, being a beautiful clear straw (a rare sight in early winter), and its quality juicy, sweet and honeyed, without any astringency, though rather firm in flesh. This season they are ripe now, the first of November — the result of a dry summer, which must have been capable of bringing up the most tardy. The Law- rence, however, will usually keep till January. They easily ripen in barrels, in the cellar, covered or kept from the light. In this way they color well, but do not seem ever to get very mellow. But this we forget in eating. The growth of this variety is so steady and vigorous, with but ordinary care, the tree so handsome in appearance, and the fruit so beauti- ful and valuable for the market, that it would be remarkable if it were not a favorite wherever introduced. It is not known, I think, to possess a single bad habit. Doyenne' Boussock. — This is a foreign pear of rather recent introduction, and was fortunate enough to be one of the twelve commended by a party of the most eminent fruit- culturists in the vicinity of Boston, members of the Mass. Horticultural Society. Nevertheless, it is sometimes dispar- agingly spoken of. Some of the smaller and poorer specimens may lack flavor, but the largest and best are very tender, exceedingly juicy, and sweet and refreshing like a watermel- on. The fruit sets and starts with great vigor in the spring, and grows as large as the Flemish Beauty, coloring up at DECEMBER. 363 times to a light straw. It then presents a rich appearance. The tree is vigorous and stocky in growth, and a heavy bearer. Ripe about the last of September, sells well in market, and is a good orchard pear. HYBRID GRAPES BY JACOB MOORE, ROCHESTER, N. T. The hybridization of the native with the foreign species of grape is now attracting considerable attention. Having raised a number of good varieties in this way, I herewith furnish a description of them, for the perusal of all those in- terested in the subject. These were in every case produced from seed of the native kinds mentioned, and, it is necessary to add, are the same varieties exhibited at various pomological societies as from Moore Brothers, Rochester. Clover St. Black. — From the Diana, by Black Ham- burg. Clusters large, about the size of Concord, compact, regularly shouldered ; berries large, roundish, black, over- spread with dark violet bloom ; flesh tender, sweet and excellent, somewhat similar in flavor to the Hamburg, but livelier and wholly devoid of the offensive musky taste of the Diana. The vine is a moderately vigorous grower with broad leaves, as thick or thicker than the Delaware, smooth underneath ; hardy and productive, and the fruit ripens with the Concord or earlier. Bore this season for the first time, and was fully ripe by the middle of September. Very promising. Clover St. Red. — Same origin as preceding. Clusters larger than the Diana, loose, and occasionally with a similar long branch (or shoulder) appended to the top of the bunch. Berries large, roundish oval, crimson when fully ripe, with a lilac bloom ; flesh sweet to the centre, tender, juicy, with a slight Diana flavor, but richer and more sprightly. The vine is a rapid grower, shoots large and leaves thick, hardy and productive. The fruit ripens same time as the Diana, rather 364 THE MAGAZINE OF HORTICULTURE. too late for this section usually, unless in very favorable locations. Diana Hamburg. — Same origin as preceding. This is generally considered the best grape of the collection. Clus- ters very large, six to eight inches in length, usually longer in proportion to breadth than the Hamburg, regularly shouldered, compact ; berries roundish, larger than the Con- cord, dark crimson, with a rich purple bloom, mingled with a fiery lustre in the sunlight; flesh perfectly tender, breaking to the centre and letting out the seeds like a foreign grape, of sugary sweetness, in flavor remarkably like the Hamburg, but more aromatic and lively, fully equalling that excellent variety. The viue is a slow grower, making firm, short jointed shoots, with large buds and deeply lobed leaves of medium thickness, peculiarly crimped and often rolled inward. Hardy and very productive. Fruit ripens just after the Concord, and at least a week or ten days earlier than the Diana. Moore's Hybrid. — Also of 'the same origin. Clusters broad, regularly shouldered, similar in shape to the Ham- burg, compact; berries roundish, the size of the Concord, dark purple, with a violet bloom; flesh tender, very sweet and delicious, nearly equalling the Diana Hamburg in flavor. Vine a rapid grower, the shoots large, firm, and leaves thick ; hardy and productive. Fruit ripens same time as Diana Hamburg or earlier, and the clusters are probably equally large ; but this cannot be decided upon with certainty, as this is the vine's first season of bearing. Very promising. White Musk. — From the Isabella, by Royal Muscadine. Clusters and berries of the same shape, and nearly as large as the Isabella, but of a yellow color ; berries filled with juice, the flesh being of the slightest possible consistence, semi-transparent, showing the seeds, very sweet and delicious, with a slight muscat flavor. Vine a rapid grower; shoots light colored ; leaves thin and deeply lobed ; hardy and very productive. This variety requires a shaded situation on ac- count of the liability of the leaves to sunburn. Last year the White Musk was of delicious flavor; but this year it was quite insipid, on account of the foliage being so badly sun-burned. It requires farther trial in order DECEMBER. 365 to decide fully upon its merits. I have soma other hybrids, but none that equal those described, and shall therefore not disseminate them. Most people are greatly in error, with regard to hybrids, naturally supposing them not hardy, but facts prove the contrary. Rogers's Hybrids are hardier than Isabella and Catawba; Allen's Hybrid is hardier than its native parent, the Isabella ; Norton's Virginia is as hardy a grape as any known ; also, my own hybrids are as hardy, and some of them more hardy than the native varieties which produced them. The fact is, hybridization has the effect of hardening the wood of seedlings so produced, rendering them capable of withstanding severities which neither of the parent varieties could endure. This is not so with every hybrid seedling, of course, but it is my experience that four or five, out of as many as twenty-five, are perfectly hardy. I find that, with hybrids, some seedlings most resemble the foreign parent, such being generally worthless for out-door culture ; others are more similar to the native parent, and others a medium between the two. I speak now of the vine itself, not of the fruit. The best seedlings are among the mediums, or those most resembling the native parent. Such is my experience. In conclusion, it is my belief that, through hybridization alone are we ever to obtain varieties equalling the foreign grape in quality, yet adapted to our climate. We are pleased to publish this account of Mr. Moore's experience in the production of hybrid grapes, and hope his success will encourage others to make similar attempts at the production of new varieties, for we quite agree with Mr. Moore, that it is through " hybridization " that we shall prob- ably achieve much greater results, than from accidental, or chance seedlings, or from even the selection of the best va- rieties. Having already giving a brief account of some of Mr. Moore's grapes, we need only state that his experi- ments are of great value, showing as they do that hybrids between our native and foreign grape are easily produced by due attention to fertilization. 366 THE MAGAZINE OF HORTICULTURE. DESCRIPTIONS OF SELECT PEARS. BY THE EDITOR. We have quite a number of drawings of new pears, several of them seedlings of considerable merit, which we shall figure and describe in our next volume. We now add those which have fruited in such condition as to enable us to judge more fully of their merits. 237. Gansel's late Bergamot. This pear (fig. 13) is one of the numerous seedlings of Mr. Williams of Pitmaston, England, some of whose pears we 13. gansel's late bergamot. have already noticed, (p. 44). It has now been in our collec- tion some years, and first bore with us a year or more ago, but the specimens were few, and did not ripen up well, so that we did not form a very high opinion of its merits. It is DECEMBER. 867 slow in coming into bearing, our trees being very large. For- tunately it has fruited in some other collections, so that its qualities are now ascertained. We have before us a letter from the Hon. J. M. Earle of Worcester, which came with a very fine specimen of the pear, from which our drawing and description are made ; it is as follows : Worcester, October 31, 1865. Charles M. Hovey, Esq. Dear Sir : — Prostration on my bed from a severe illness induces me to confide to you, what I had intended to do myself, the description and drawing of " Gansel's Late Bergamot," for your excellent Magazine. It is a pear which ought to be universally known, coming fully up to the European recommendation of its character ; and is, in my estimation, one of the best fruits we have acquired for the last twenty years, ranking as the full peer of the Beurre d'Anjou, the Sheldon, and the Doyenne du Cornice. In quality it is vinous, high-flavored and fine, with the characteristics of its parent, the Gansel's Bergamot ; but is a larger, finer growing, better bearing, and more surely ripening kind. The tree is healthy and vigorous, somewhat spreading in its habit, with foliage resembling that of the Gansel's Berga- mot, in its waved outline, and somewhat hoary appearance ; though larger and more abundant ; and is persistent to the last ; remaining entire upon the tree this 31st of October. This is understood to be a December fruit ; but like all other winter fruits of this remarkable season, some specimens, when kept warm, have already ripened ; of which the accom- panying is one. This fruit was raised at Pitmaston, Eng., by Mr. Williams, a celebrated fruit-grower, and not by Mr. Gansel, as errone- ously stated in Downing's work. Yours truly, J. M. Earle, By S. F. Earle, Amanuensis. We are much indebted to Mr. Earle for his kindness, which we doubt not will be appreciated by all pear cultivators. We add our own description. Size, medium, about two and a half inches deep, and three 3G8 THE MAGAZINE OF HORTICULTURE. inches in diameter: Form, roundish oblate, depressed at the base and crown : Skin, fair, dull yellowish green at ma- turity, with a faint shading of blush on the sunny side, and thickly dotted with greenish specks : Stem, medium length, about half an inch long, moderately stout, fleshy at the base, and obliquely inserted in a small shallow cavity: Eye, open, and moderately sunk in a large, open basin ; segments of the calyx, large, broad, long, tapering, reflexed : Flesh, yellowish white, coarse, melting, juicy, with much of the flavor of Gan- sel's Bergamot : Core, large, little gritty : Seeds, medium size, broad, and shortly pointed, brown. Ripe in November. 14. ALFXANDRIHE DOUILLARD. 238. Alexandrine Douillard. The only notice we find of this pear is an account of it in the report of the Pomological Congress of Lyons for DECEMBER. SCO 1859, given in our Magazine (Vol. XXVII., p. 219) when it was admitted as deserving the recommendation of the Con- gress. Our own trees have not fruited, but through the kind- ness of Epes Sargent, Esq., we have been favored with some fine specimens, which wrere large and well grown, and ripened up in perfection. Of the habits of the tree we can add but little ; it is a good grower, and we believe does well upon the quince. We doubt not Mr. Sargent will favor us with some account of the pear, which is of good size, resembling in shape the Bartlett, and colors up of a fine yellow. Size, large, about three and a half inches long, and two and three quarters in diameter: Form, pyramidal, or Bon Chretien shaped, largest about the middle, slightly contracted above, obtuse at the stem, with an uneven and slightly knobby surface: Skin, fair, smooth, deep yellow when mature, with delicate traces of russet around the stem, and covered with very small brownish red specks: Stem, medium length, about three-quarters of an inch long, rather slender, and inserted with scarcely any cavity: Eye, rather large, closed, and mod- erately sunk in a small furrowed, and not very deep basin ; segments of the calyx, long, twisted: Flesh, yellowish white, little coarse, melting, buttery, juicy, sugary, and rich, with a pleasant aroma : Core, medium size : Seeds, rather large, broad, chestnut brown. Ripe in October. GARDEN GOSSIP Residence of Dr. G. H. Lodge, Swampscot. — Nothing is more delightful than to get away from the heat and dust of the crowded city, and enjoy the fresh and invigorating breeze of the sea-side ; and this pleasure is greatly enhanced, when, in addition to all the comforts of such a place, we have, also, all the enjoyments of an inland home. Such we found to be the residence of Dr. Lodge, situated at Swampscot, immediately upon the bay, the rocky boundaries of which, for many hun- dred yards, are washed by the ocean billows, and the broad vol. xxxi. — NO. XII. 24 370 THE MAGAZINE OF HORTICULTURE. expanse of water, whitened with a thousand sail, and dotted with the islands of the harbor. Here, in a domain of some fort}7 acres, where the Doctor passes the summer, he has spared no pains to obtain all the elegance of a country villa, by the sea-side. By a judicious selection of favorable spots for cultivation, and by the liberal plantation of trees for shelter, where there was originally none, he has been enabled to render a great portion of what was once a wild, rocky, and rough sea-shore, a fertile and beautiful garden. The house, which stands almost upon the ocean bank, is reached by a long and beautiful winding avenue until it opens upon the lawn, near the house. Tins avenue was originally a kind of natural pathway, and was laid out by the Doctor, and widened at much expense, cours- ing, as it does, among rocks which at times form almost abrupt sides ; with such a foundation soil had to be brought to make the borders in which the trees were planted ; but this was done so thoroughly that they have made a vigorous growth, and now completely shut out the grounds on either side. Hemlock and Norway Spruce are intermixed with all the well-known forest trees, forming a picturesque and elegant drive to the sea-side. On the north of this avenue, in a hollow, sheltered on the east by a rocky cliff, is the Doctor's apple-orchard, which we found in the most beautiful condition, the trees all pruned by himself, are on precisely the same plan as Capt. Austin's pear-trees — the wine-glass pattern — and, what is remarkable, though of large size, still the system was kept up, each tree having 6 to 10 cordons, or main branches, and all the side shoots cut in. Upon our inquiring whether it was not a difficult task to keep down the summer shoots, the Doctor answered that it was, but so far he had mastered it. The trees were bearing but little fruit this year, and what there was was badly bitten by the curculio. The canker worm finds no place in the Doctor's grounds. We never saw such rich-foliaged and vigorous apple-trees. On the other side of the avenue, in a similar situation, nearer the sea-side, but sheltered by a similar elevation of jocks and trees, we found the Doctor's pear-orchard, the DECEMBER. S71 trees trained as pyramids, and looking very well, some of them full of fruit, but not so handsome as the apple-trees. Evidently the apple did better than the pear, though the latter was giving much the larger quantity of fruit. The sorts composed all the popular kinds, and some of the newer sorts. Passing on, we came to a plantation of Concord grapes, which were trained to a fence facing the east, and growing on a kind of rocky ledge. These, however, looked well, and were bearing fruit. Various spots were devoted to vegetable culture, and by the aid of liberal manuring, in which fish forms a component part, the land has been brought to a degree of fertility almost beyond belief. A field of carrots, of an acre or more, was unusually fine. The Doctor pointed out to us his mode of using up the fish. After two or three hours in rambling over the natural but picturesque portion of the grounds, and admiring some of the old trees found on the premises, such as the American Hornbeam (Tupelo), Swamp Oak, Maples, &c, which have been carefully preserved, and now surrounded with a ver- dant turf, we returned to the house to discuss fruits and fruit-growing, and enjoy the hospitalities which Dr. Lodge knows so well how to dispense. We left Swampscot, wishing that more of our sea-side residences contained so much that was interesting, instructive and enjoyable in so high a degree. dtiural Botitcs. Liltum adratom. — Since the publication of my note on the Lilium auratum, which flowered so finely here three weeks ago, I have had many inquiries respecting its treatment ; and as they are far too numerous for me to answer separately, you will oblige me by publishing the following: — I believe the secret of my success to have been paying great attention to the plant as regards water, and giving a moderate greenhouse temperature after flowering, thereby securing a very gradual decay of the leaves and stem, which is of much natural advantage to the bulbs. As soon as all 6igns of life had departed from the stem I kept the bulb in the coolest part of the greenhouse, being careful at the same time not to allow the soil 372 THE MAGAZINE OP HORTICULTURE. to become too dry, which may be guarded against by standing the pot on a damp bottom, so as to keep the roots slightly in action. It is one of the greatest mistakes possible to allow these bulbs to be entirely dried off during the winter. As regards soil, 1 use good fibry loam and peat in oqnal parts, with a good proportion of sand and leaf mould, after which I add cow or sheep dung dried and beaten up small, in proportion of one ounce to every two lbs. of the whole of the other soil. I never give manure water until the pot is filled with roots and the buds formed, and this is gradually withheld as the flowers expand. — [Gard. Chron.) Hint to Ornamental Planters. — Your remarks on the utility of ornamental trees and shrubs of foreign origin call to my mind a very fine collection of Japanese plants, which was exhibited by John Knowles, Esq., Traffbrd Bank, at the late Exhibition of the Manchester Botanical Society. Many of these were four feet high and three feet through, showing their use and beauty to much greater advantage than in a small state. Amongst them were Cryptomeria Veitchii, fully four feet high, and very bushy, with beautiful glaucous foliage. This cannot fail to form a fine feature in winter and spring, provided it proves hardy. Retinospora obtusa, as shown, had a fine pyramidal habit, which, however, does not seem common to this plant. Juniperus rigida, with fine pendulous branches, promises to make a good companion for the Deodora, while Thuja falcata, with close upright habit, seems specially adapted for forming bold divisional lines in a garden. Besides these there were also several others possessing great variety both of form and color, which must in a few years greatly revolutionize our present sytem of out-door decoration. — [Gard. Chron.) Old-fashioned Plants. — Some of your correspondents are moving in a right direction in making inquiry for certain of our old and missing plants. I have for years been advising nurserymen to get at work at them. Where are many of our old shrubs to be found ? How many good things have been lost, or partially so, i. e., lost to the trade — put aside by new things. I am at present noting some of the old, old-fashioned trees and plants, and where they are to be found ; and trust some one in the trade will take the matter up, for a landscape gardener has not the plants which our forefathers had to form his picture with ; and although hundreds of new things have been introduced, the old have been neglected until one can only find about a score kinds of trees and shrubs in the majority of provincial nurseries. I will again revert to this subject. — [Gard. Chron.) Achtranthus Verschaffeltii (Iresine Herbsth.) — In spring I predicted that this would prove a valuable plant for flower-garden ornamen- tation, and all that I said in its favor has been fully realized. About 700 plants of it bedded out here have a more beautiful and effective appearance than pen can describe. During the hot dry weather Amaranthus melan- cholicus ruber bore off the palm. I have several thousands of the last- named plants that have been very effective this summer — hot dry weather DECEMBER. 373 suits it ; while the Achyranthus succeeds best in cooler weather, and in a more moist situation — indeed — it will thrive where the Amaranthus will not live. I have had it out in 10 degrees of spring frost, without its being injured in the least. We may therefore expect to see it in full beauty long after the Amaranthus has passed away, for should the weather con- tinue wet we shall soon find that the Amaranthus will lose its beauty and die. Nothing can excel the fine appearance of this Achyranthus as now seen here. — ( Gard. Chron.) Spir-jea. Thunbergii. — I saw a specimen of this beautiful spring flower- ing shrub in full bloom a few days ago at Messrs. F. & A. Dickson & Sons, Upton Nurseries, Chester. It was about 2£ feet in height, and about 3 feet in diameter, and was literally covered with wreaths of snow-white blossoms. This is apparently still a scarce Spiraea, inasmuch as it is seldom to be found in trade catalogues ; and yet for purposes of spring decoration it is unsurpassed by any other of the genus. If gently forced, its long snowy wreaths of flowers would be invaluable in the conservatory, where, flowering very early, it would form a good companion to Deutzia gracilis. It is perfectly hardy, having withstood without injury the rigors of the past winter. The well-known double-flowered Spiraea prunifolia flore-pleno is also highly effective at present at the nursery just named; the flowers are pure white, with a slight tint of green in the centre, and are formed in wreaths of from two to three feet in length. These are both Spiraeas which deserve to be more common than they appear to be. — (Gard. Chron.) |ttnss;ul)nsctts Sortitultand Socicto. Saturday, Oct.7. — At this meeting the following business was transacted : A Committee was appointed to prepare a petition to the Legislature, to prevent the ravages of the canker worm, caterpillar, and other injurious insects. William C. Strong, J. F. C. Hyde, P. Barnes, E. Wight, E. A. Brackett, and H. W. Fuller were chosen, and, on motion, the President was added to the Committee. On motion of Mr. Strong a Committee was appointed to inquire into the habits and food of the robin, in order to ascertain if any means can be taken to prevent the destruction of fruit. The President, Dr. J. R. Brewer, Prof. J. L. Russell, W. C. Strong, Prof. Jenks, E. A. Brackett, F. Parkman, and H. W. Fuller were chosen. C. O. Whitmore presented a motion to appoint a special Committee, with the President as chairman, to revise the By-Laws. The motion was adopted, and the President, C. O. Whitmore, F. Parkman, E. W. Buswell, and P. Barnes, appointed the Committee. 374 THE MAGAZINE OP HORTICULTURE. On motion of Mr. Buswell, the thanks of the Society were voted the Pres- ident for his Address at the Dedication of the new Hall, and a Committee of three chosen to request a copy for publication. Col. Theodore Lyman was unanimously elected an honorary member. Adjourned one month, to November 4.' Horn. Death of Joseph Frost. We are pained to announce the loss of Joseph Frost, of the firm of Frost &, Co., Genesee Valley Nurseries, Rochester, N. Y., who died very suddenly, of apoplexy, at St. Louis, Mo., on the 26th of September, in the 35th year of his age. The Rural New Yorker, in making the announcement, truly remarks, that his decease seemed to cast a gloom over the entire city, for all who knew him loved or esteemed him for his modest worth and manly virtues. Kind, affable, and generous — unobtrusive and retiring in his manners — genial in his nature, sincere in his friendship, and affable and polite in his daily intercourse with others, all who knew him will learn of his death with sincere grief and regret. Mr. Frost was well known as being connected with one of the most extensive nurseries in the country. He was at one time Horticultural Editor of the Genesee Farmer, and also a member of the Fruit Growers' Society of Western New York. Called suddenly away from the fond circle to which his attachpient was ardent and unchanging, his bereaved family will have the sympathy and condolence of many loving friends. Death of Sir Wm. J. Hooker. This eminent botanist died at Kew, on the 12th of August, in his 81st year. Sir William Jackson Hooker was born in Norwich on the 6th of July, 1785. His father had a collection of rare and curious plants, which was well known amongst amateurs. He received his education at the High School of Norwich, and having inherited an ample competence he deter- mined to devote himself to travelling, and to scientific pursuits. In 1809 he visited Ireland, which he extensively explored. In 1814 he made a botanizing expedition to Switzerland. His first botanical work was that on the English Jungermannse, which was completed in 1816. In 1820 he accepted the Regius Professorship of Botany in the University of Glasgow, where he resided for twenty years, during which period he published several valuable botanical works, and added annually to his extensive Herbarium. He was twice offered knighthood, but did not accept it till 1836; this honor was then bestowed on him by William IV., for the great services he had rendered to botany. In 1841 he was appointed to the Direc- torship of the Royal Gardens at Kew, where he remained till his death. DECEMBER. 575 The Gardeners' Chronicle, from which we gather (his information, gives a long account of the labors and improvements effected by Sir William while Director of the Gardens ; but our space is too limited to copy. He was the editor of the London Journal of Botany, which embraced 17 volumes, and editor of Curtis's Botanic Magazine for the last fifteen or twenty years. His latest labors were devoted to the Ferns, in 3 volumes. He was an LL.D. of Glasgow, D. C. L. of Oxford, a Fellow of the Royal Societies of London, Edinburgh, the Linnaean, Antiquarian, Geo- graphical, and other societies; a Knight of Hanover, Companion of the Legion of Honor, a Correspondent of the Academy of France, and a mem- ber of almost every other learned academy in Europe and America. He leaves a widow, two married daughters, and one son, Dr. Joseph Hooker, who, since his death, has been appointed Director of the Kew Gardens. iorticulfural (Derations FOR DECEMBER. FRUIT DEPARTMENT. Novemrf.r has been a rather mild and favorable month, with but one severe storm of rain, and without snow. The thermometer fell to 18° on the 11th, but since then it has been much warmer, with very little frost. There has been scarcely a day but what gardening operations of the season could be most successfully carried on, and fruit trees could not have been planted in a more favorable condition of the soil. Vines in the early houses will now be setting their fruit, and with the short days, little sunlight, and cold nights, will require considerable atten- tion. Keep up a good day temperature, with sufficient air, but not too hot at night. Keep the border well protected from frost, snow and cold rains. Vines in the grapery and greenhouse may now be pruned and cleaned, in readiness for growing. Cover the border with four inches of manure, if not already done. Vines in cold houses should be laid down and protected, if not already done. Vines in the open air should be laid down and covered with earth. Orchard-Hooses should be well aired in all good weather, only closing them on very severe nights. See that the pots are well covered with leaves, or hay. Trees, intended to be brought into the house, may be wintered in the cellar, if desired. Strawberry Beds should be covered with an inch or two of leaves, straw, or coarse manure. Raspberry Bushes should be laid down and covered with soil. Pear Trees should be well manured, making a conical heap around the trees. Trench and prepare ground for spring. 376 THE MAGAZINE OF HORTICULTURE. FLOWER DEPARTMENT. A few cold nights, in the early part of the month, came suddenly, and gave a slight touch of winter to the garden. It was rather severe on unprotected plants: but the milder weather which followed, gave ample time to prepare for December. Frames, yet containing plants, should be well covered with mats or shutters. Camellias will now be in flower, and will require careful watering, keeping them neither too dry nor too wet. They should also be syringed in fine weather. Wash and clean the leaves, if not already done. Azaleas will soon begin to flower, if kept in a warm part of the house and freely syringed. Such as are wanted later must be kept cool, and rather dry, though they should not suffer for moisture. Take every leisure time to make specimens by tying the plants into good shape. Look out for the black thrip. Pelargoniums will now be growing very slowly, and should have plenty of air to secure stocky plants. Keep cool, (not over 45° at night) and near the glass. Turn the plants round once a week. Begin to repot, both young and old stock, the last of the month, using the soil a little stronger than at the first potting. Chrysanthemums, as soon as they are out of flower, may be removed to a frame. Cinerarias should h ive a cool, airy place, near the glass. Repot, as soon as they require it, and lojk out for the green fly. Ferns should be carefully watered at this season. Monthly Carnations, that are growing vigorously, may have a shift into larger pots, though they do best rather under than overpotted. Gloxinias, for early flowering, may be started into growth next month. Caladiums, for early bloom, may be repotted next month. In the mean time keep them warm and dry. Begonias may be divided and repotted the last of the month. Ixias and Sparaxis, in pots, should have a good situation, near the glass. Hyacinths, and other bulbs, planted last month, and put into frames, may be brought into the house to bloom. Neapolitan Violets, in pots, and protected in frames, may be brought into the house to bloom. Alyssum and Mignonette should be placed on a shelf, close to the glass. Fuchsias should be pruned and repotted, in readiness for growing next month. Cyclamens should be kept cool, and not too wet. They dislike heat. Amaryllises should be kept dry until the bulbs show signs of growing. Heaths should be kept in the coldest and most airy part of the house. Orange Trees should be carefully watered at this season. Improve all leisure time to keep the house neat, the plants tied up, pots washed, and every thing in good order. w