Title: Meehan's Monthly, v. 11 Place of Publication: Phila. PA Copyright Date: 1901 Master Negative Storage Number: MNS# PSt SNPaAgllO.5 FILMED WHOLE OR IN PART FROM A COPY BORROWED FROM: CORNELL UNIVERSITY MEEHANS' MONTHLY. « A Magazine of Horticulture, Botany and kindred subjects. CONDUCTED BY THOMAS MEEHAN, FORMKRI.Y EDITOR OF THE 'i GARDENERS' MONTHI^Y," AND AUTHOR OF THE "NATIVE FI^OWERS AND FERNS OF THE UNITED STATES." VICE-PRESIDENT OF THE ACADEMY OF NATURAI, SCIENCES OF PHII,ADEI*PHIA, BOTANIST TO THE PENNSYI^VANIA STATE BOARD OF AGRICUI^TURE, ETC. ASSISTED BY I THOMAS B. MEEHAN, J. FRANKLIN MB:EHAN, S. MENDELSON MEEHAN. VOIvUME XI, I9OI. ILLUSTRATED WITH COLORED LITHOGRAPHS. BY l^. PRANG & CO., AND WITH NUMEROUS COPPER ENGRAVINGS. COPYRIGHTED. TTHOMAS MKKHAN & SONS, GERMANTOWN, PHILA., PA. M'' INDEX TO VOLUME XI. COLORED PLATES. PAGE Apios tuberosa 8i Asarum Canadense 49 Aster tanacetifolius i Callicarpa Americana 129 Clarkia elegans 65 Cystopteris bulbifera 177 PAGE Equisetum arvense 33 Hamamelis Virginiana 145 Helianthus lenticularis 17 Phlox tnaculata , 97 Prinos verticillatus 161 Vitis incisa 113 ILLUSTRATIONS. PAGE African scrub-plant 39 Ampelopsis Virginica 105 Apple-worm 158 Aralia spinosa in flower : 73 Ash, English Golden 138 Aspidistra lurida 10 Beech, Weeping 153, 181 Belvedere scenes 6r, 62* 63 Berberis repens 88 Birch, Upright 74 Botanic Garden, British Guiana 22 Calluna vulgaris 118 Campanula persicifolia 107 Cedar of Lebanon 155 Chicory, Cabbage-headed 185 Cork tree 23, 24 Daphne Cneorum 170 Dracaena Goldieana 26 Driveway entrance, Nugent Home 119 Edelweiss, the 150 Elderberry 136 " Elfin Dale," scene in !....*!.!!.*! 38 Erica vagjans 106 Fungus growth around branches 148 Garden of late Jas. W. Elwell 90 Geum coccineuni fl. pi 92 Goeihe. scenes from ihe life of. 13, 14, 15 Grape, Black Scuppernong 142 PAGE Grapes in pots 11 Halesia tetraptera 86, 87 Harding, William T 176 Hedge of Californian Privet 85 Indian basket 76 Iris " Madame Chereau " 75 Landscape gardening 71 Lemon, a mammoth 59 Linden, English 134 Magnolia tripetala 104 Mushroom, a proliferous.. 52 Opuntias 57 Orange-tree arbor 173 Pinus Mandshurica 184 Pinus Mugho 167 Plan, sectional 8 Plum, Abundance 122 Rock garden 172 Rose, Crimson Rambler 42 Rose, "Ruby Queen" 41 Sambucus Canadensis 136 Sansevieria Zeylanica 44 Sarracenia flava ii6 Viola pedata 100 Weimar Park, scenes in 188, 190, 191 Witloof 185 Wood, section of. 68 POEMS. PAGE After the Storm 131 Alone in the Woods 77 A Moonlight Scene 19 April and October 147 Carnations in Winter 7 Dandelions 83 Death and the Heliotrope 175 Defying Misfortune 13 Fairv Flowers 109 Garden Flowers 70 Gardening in Old Age j66 In a Beautiful Garden 103 Lovely Moon 179 My Garden 173 Nature Never Fails 163 Prinleval Man 124 Sermons in the Wood 67 Spring is Coming 3^ PAGE Spring's Call 54 The Appointed Task 46 The Cedars of Lebanon 159 The Death of May 85 The Evening Primrose 99 The Garden Queen 37 The Good Name 30 The Hopeful Lesson 60 The Husbandman 180 The Intelligent Gardener..... 21 The Journey of Life 94 The Morning Stroll 51 The Mountains of Scotland 3 The Pear and the Peach 143 The Protecting Forest 115 The Sweet Pea 117 The Track of the Warrior '. 151 GENERAL TOPICS. (» PAGE PAGE Agdestis clematidea 9 Alcohol from Lichens .• 79 Amaranths 120 . Amaryllis Hallii 42, 92, 126, 171 Anemone, Double Rue 5i» 83 Apios tuberosa 81, 83 Apple, Ben Davis 186 Apple, Newtown Pippin 186 Apples, notes on 12, 31, 54, 80, 158 Apple, the Lady 7^ Apple, York Imperial 186 Apricots, notes on 16, 93 Aquilegia Canadensis ii5 Aralia spinosa 72 Arboriculture and sylviculture no Artemisias 1^9 Asarum Canadensis 49 Ash, English Golden i37 Asparagus, notes on 29, 43, 57, 92 Aspidistra lurida 9> 39 Aster tanacetifolius ^ Autumn leaves 3^ Bacteria 35 Bag-worm, destroying the 21 Beofh, Weeping I53» ^81 Bees, notes on 123 Beggar weed ^52 Begonias, notes on 25, 86 Bell-flower, peach-leaved 107 Belvedere Park 60 Bel voir 38 Berberis Thunbergii 24 Bernhardi, John Jacob 192 Birch disease ^^4 Birch, Upright 74 Birds, notes on 5» 84> ^35 Blackberries 5^ Blueberries, notes on 123 Bonapartea, flowering of the 25 Branches, divergence of. 53 British Guiana 22 Broom-rape ^54 Burdock M^ Cabbage, notes on i4'> ^72 Cacti, notes on 9» 57 Calceolaria ^^ California, botany of. 78 Callicarpa Americana 129 Caltha palustris 84 Carnation, notes on 77 Cascara sagrada ^^o Cassareep ^"7 Catalpa bignonioides 168 Caterpillar, destroying the 21 Cedar of Lebanon ^55 Cemetery planting, notes on 8, 21 Chaptalia tomentosa 3^ Cherokee Indians, the 127 Cherries, eating 172 Cherries, pie M2 Chestnuts, improved ^58 Chicory 185 Chrysanthemums, notes on 48, 184 Citizens' privileges in Germany 175 Cladrastis tinctoria • ^7^ Clarkia elegans '. ^5' ^25 Clintonia borealis ^3^ Coffee grove, a ^^ Colors of leaves •••• ^°9 Columbine • ^J5 Conservatory plants 181 Cooperia Drummondi ^o Cork 23 Cork-fir, the 9^ Corn, improved 93 Cotton plant 79 Country Life • 87 Cut flowers, notes on 128 Cypripedium insigne Ernestii 72 Cystopteris bulbifera 177 Daphne Cneorum 170 Date-palms, notes on 4^. 7i> io7» 118 Decorations, table ^82 Denmark, notes on 88, 119 Dictionary of Gardening 3^ Dracaena Goldieana 26 Edelweiss 15° Elderberry bush 13° Electric currents in plants 9^ EUwanger, George I5 Elm bark-louse 7° Equisetum arvense 33» 35 English gardens, large 117 English trees, famous 109 Erica vagans ^^S. Eucalyptus, the /...••. 102 Evergreens, notes on 86 Fairy rings 3 Farmers' Guide 47 Ferns, evergreen ^79 Ferns, notes on 19. 125, 137, 179 Figs, notes on n. 29, 107 Flags, old fashioned 156 Florida wild flowers 36, 69 Flower gardens, country 140 Flowers and ferns of the U. S 191 Flowers, notes on n, 54. I47. 148, 165, 169 Forcing, notes on no Forest fires • ^92 Forestry, notes on 85, 154, 176, 192 Free library, founding a 46 Frost, protection from I73 Fruits, notes on 45. 7° 75. 80, 93, 157. i^o. 173. 174. 175 Fungus, notes' on 96. 117, 126, 147, 169 Gardening, notes on 40. 9^ Gardens, notes on 28, 38, 109, 125, 157, 159 Gentian, cultivation of fringed 120 Gettysburg battlefield 32 Geum, double scarlet 92 Ginseng 7, i54 Goeihe as a botanist 13. 47. 60, 94 Grafting, heterogeneous •• 135 Grapes, notes on n, 3^. 58, 7°. 160 Grape, the Scuppernong 142 Grass, lawn 24 Gray, Asa 3 Grounds, beautiful 133 Halesia tetraptera 86 Hamamelis Virginiana ^45 Harding, William T I75 Hay Rosary 46 Heather, the "8 Hedges, ornamental 166 Helianthus lenticularis 17 Helianthus rigidus— •' Miss Mellish " 171 Hemp, bow-string 9* 4o, 71 Her >aceous plants 26, 137, 139 Hollyhock 120 Horse-chestnut flowers I04 Horticultural writing M4 Horticulture in Natal 80 PAGE Hough's American Woods 46 House plants * jgo Huckleberries 112 Hyacinth, water .....!....... 95 Hybrids, sterility of. 132 Hygienic fads ...!...!........! 48 Indian basket 76 Inheritance of accidental characters 6 Insects, notes on ^2 47 iq6 Iris-"Mme. Chereau*' .'.'.*.*.*.'.'. ..'.....' '74 Iris Missouriensis 120 Iris tectorum 156 Ivies, tree or bush jcc Ivy, English ',.'^^^^^^.Z 2s Ivy, Tree .'.V; -^ Ixia Chinensis i^n James, Mrs. Thomas P ....!!...!!!!!!!!!!.!!!!! 159 Jasmine, forcing Carolina ,,..., 7 Juneberry wood 64 Katydid, appearance of the ,.. 99 Kentucky woods and fields 47 Kew gardens, curator of 160 Kindergarten, what is a '* 109 Labeling, systematic 55 Landscape gardening 7, 7i,'i*o3, 119 Laurel, mountain 170 Leaves, malformed 34 Lemon, a mammoth en PAOB Liatris scariosa. 184 Life-plant of Guadeloupe 134 Lilac bushes ....!.!!! 137 Lily, notes on the ..'.'.'.'.'..'.'.'. 78 Limbs, removing large 2% Linden, English 133 Lithographs, making 11 1 Live-for-evers ^i Lobelias, Tree 177 Lopping city trees .............!!....... 183 Machoeranthera tanacetifolius 6 Magnolia tri petala 10 ^ Mahonia repens ....!.!!..!!! 88 Mammoth tree of California.....................i52, 168 Manure for the garden ' 75 Maple seeds, silver .......!!.... loi Maples, varieties in ..!!!!! 147 Maplewood Lodge, Hartford ...!!!]..!.....!!!!!! 32 Marsh-marigold *** g^ Medicinal plants ....V......... 1^6 Meehan, Thomas 187 Mice, protection from 37 Micro-organisms, food of. c Mistletoe, etc \ Mohr, Dr. Charles !.....!.....!!...,*.!*.!*..*. 141 Morganton (N. C.) State Hosp .....!!!!.!.!!'. 21 Moth traps 122 i«:i Mushroom, a proliferous ........................' 52 Names, uncommon 1 02 Nature , preservati on of 60 Nature, self-sacrifice in x^y Nitrate of Soda .*.".'.*.'.*!!!.*.*.7.!;;; 94 Notes and queries 160 Nurserymen's names no Oaks, species in .''........•.. 6 Ok lahoma, flora of. 6 Oleander, rooting .. 18^ Ontario, botanical notes !!.!!!!.!!!!!........ 100 Orchard work, winter 18- Orris-root ................... 80 Oxalis, bulbs i8^ Palms, seal eon » 82 Palms, species of ", 5. Pardanthus Chinensis ,^q parkgifts :.::::::;:::::;::: Al Parsnip and Radish 132 Peaches, notes on 27, 28, 43, 123, 184 Pear, Dwarf Seckel 173 Pear, Lawrence 45 Pears, notes on 27, 29, 174 Pecan nut. 32 Perrine, Dr 60 Petals changing to stamens 116 Philadelphia, the story of 30 Phlox maculata 97^ 99 Phlox paniculata 156 Phylloxera 123 Picea concolor i^g Pine, Dwarf Mountain 167 Pinus Mandshurica 183, 171 Pinus palustris 135 Plants, notes on 6, 37, 124, 128, 132, 164, 180 Platycodon, varying colors in 163 Plum culture 95 Plums, the Japanese 122 Plum Wevil 140 Poppy, the Californian 84 Porter, Thomas Conrad 94 Potatoes, notes on 12, 43, 86, 127, 151 President's favorite flower 8 Prinos verticillatus 161 Privet, Californian 85 Prunes j^q Pruning i^^i*^ 173 Pyrus Japonica jelly 122 Quince jelly, Japanese 90 Rain flower, the i© Ramie 96 Raspberries in Massachusetts 59 Raspberry, Columbian 141 Rea Brothers 78 Red Spider : ^4 Renanthera coccinea 128 Rhubarb culture, the new no Rhus cotinus jqc Rhus Osbeckii 171 Robin, habits of the 67, 99, 116 Rose, Dawson jcc Rose, New American Beauty 10 Rose, Ruby Queen 40 Rose, Soleil d'Or 184 Roses, notes on...42, 48, 55, 56, 64, 91, 106, 155, 176 Rot in trees : j^^ Rock-gardens J72 Rocks, water-worn c Royal digestion 9T Rye, notes on C3 Salad, Purslane 93 Salix alba 5 Sambucus, scarlet-berried 152 Sand, attractions in i^e Sanitary science 144 San Jose scale 186 Sirgent, Dr. C. S 143 Sarracenia flava •. u^ Scale insects 1C4 Seduni ^q Seeds, note, on '**4V*6.*25y48. 51 Sensitive plants 9 Shamrock jca Shaw's garden 32 Shrubs, fall-flowering 166, 167 Single and double flowers* ' 106 Sisyrinchium 73 Skunk-cabbage 54 Snow-worm, the 102 vSpanish Moss 47 Sparrow, the English 4 PAGE Spraying, notes on 152 Spring flowers 10, 69 Squirrels 19, 115 Strawberry culture 28, 121 Strawberry, Louis Gauthier 184 Street trees, city 9, 168 Sunflower, the prairie 19 Sweet Pea 73 Taxes, city 127 Tea, notes on 15, 64 Timber, ship 94 Tobacco in California 144 Tomatoes, pruning 93 Town gardens, beautifying 109 Trees, American 55, 78 Trees, notes on 7, 30, 150 Truffles 51, 140 Tulip stem, bulblet on 127 Tulip tree scale 144 Tussock Moth, destroying the 21 Utility in gardening 16 Variations, producing 163 Varnish tree, Japanese 124 Vegetables, notes on 28, 29, 39, 58, 77, 128, 143 Vetch, hairy — 32 PAGE Viburnum opulus 23 Vines, hardy 24 Viola cucullata " Pink Gem" 105 Violet, Bird's-foot 99 Violet, White Bird's-foot 99 Violets, a book on i59 Virginia Creeper 104 Vitisincisa 56, 113, 131 Walking-stick, the 67, 165 Walnut variation 52 Wandering Jew I49 Water, drinking I44 Water-lilies, notes on 91, 120 Weather sayings 96 Weeds in pasture fields 54 Weimar, Park of. 187 Whistling tree, a 16 Wild flowers 74. 106 Witch-Hazel 149. 164 Wood, fire-proof. 16, 47, 64, 128 Wood, notes on 67, 79 no Wounds, painting tree 117, 151 Year book 125 Yellow wood 170 Yew trees in England 143 ^&m^ SITUATIONS WANTED. Advertisements under this head, not exceeding 50 words, nil be inserted once for 50 cents, or three times for $1 .25. DO YOU NEED A GARDENER? ifyou do, let us know, stating what qualifications you most desire. We will then send you the names of several eligible men, together with such useful mformation that you could not get else- where. We keep records of good men with all kmds of experience and suited to places large or small. No charge for our services. Thomas Mkehan & Sons. QARDENERS desiring positions should write ^^ us m full and have their names entered on our register. We make a special feature of our gardeners' department. No charge. Thomas Mbbhan & Sons. SITUATION WANTED.-Experienced Nur- ^^ seryman desires a position where ability will secure advancement. Thoroughly drilled in all departmentsof the business, and withan experience \" landscape work. Full particulars freely given. Address, L,. J. W., care Meehans' Monthi^y. *'Forthe Land's 8ake,"tYr«*»^'^^r»''«^ ,,. 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N Y Superior tank AND ALL OTMER KINDS OF For.Conservatories, Dwellings, etc. HIRES TURNER GLASS CO. 626 Arch street PHILADELPHIA 'Tie llative Flowers aijil Feriis of inii )> |NDER this title a work was issued which is unique— nothing similar has ever been published or is ever likely to be. Four magnificent volumes, each containing 48 finely executed, true- to -nature, colored reproductions of some native flower or fern, and each of these colored plates accom- panied by four pages of interesting descriptive matter; is what com- prises this work. Each colored plate is a master- piece—you can see a sample in every issue of Meehans* Monthly. The descriptive matter is entertaining and instructive. It is written in a readable way in a style which only was possessed by the late Thomas Meehan. The printing is excellent. It is on heavy paper and wide margins are used, giving an appearance of elegance to the books. The binding is attractive, substantial and pleasing. 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T HE TOWN BEAUTIFUL Practical suggestions for Improving STREETS, PARKS, SCHOOLS and STATION GROUNDS, CEMETERIES, HOME GROUNDS, etc., are firiven In PARK and CEHETERY and LANDSCAPE GARDENING Published flonthly.— Subscription, One Year, $1.00; Single Copy, 10c. The only publication of its kind. R. J. HAIGHT, Publisher, 324 DEARBORN STREET, CHICAGO WHEN WRITING TO ADVERTISERS, TELL THEM YOU SAW THEIR AD. IN MEEHANS' MONTHLY WHEN WRITING TO ADVERTISERS, TELL THEM YOU SAW THEIR AD. IN MEEHANS' MONTHLY VOL.XI. Plate 1 4 A.STi;i^ TAN/V-!VnF'-)Lli:.^ ASTER TANACETIFOLIUS. DAGGER ASTER. NATURAL ORDER, COMPOSlTiE. flora orthe Northern United States. Canada and the British Possessions, us Machc^ranthera tanacet^/o^a. The species of plant now illustrated has a wide geographical range, being found in vari- ous places from Northern Colorado and Neb- raska to Mexico, from the latter of which localities it was first made known to us, under the name of Aster tanacetifolius, by Kunth, in the great work Nova Plantariim Genera et Species, of Humboldt, Bonpland and Kunth, published in seven quarto volumes, in Paris, between the years 1815 and 1825. As it is found in many species having so wide a distri- bution, there are geographical forms in separ- ate localities, often so distinct as to be sugges- tive of specific rank. In describing the species, therefore, it is profitable to note where the specimens employed in illustration were gath- ered, and the descriptions made accordingly. In this case the originals of the drawing first made the acquaintance of the author on the plains of Eastern Colorado, on the borders of Nebraska, and the description adopted is from Coulter's *' Flora" of that portion of our terri- tory and which matches so well the pretty pic- ture here presented. Though many years ago since, the incidents of the few days on which this Aster was connected are still vividly memorable. After some weeks of wagoning through the mountains, " Camp Meehan," at the base of Pike's Peak, was started some- what late at night. Our first surprise, in the morning, was to find our soft bed consisted of poison vines, and our bed-fellows horned toads {Phry Sonoma cor nut a), - both, however, wholly innocent of any injurious consequences to us. In the distance seemed to us a cemetery studded with huge and curious monuments, but which proved to be the odd phenomena now so widely known as the Garden of the Gods. A tract, once sand from the mountain washings, turned to stone by volcanic heat, had been washed out by subsequent mountain torrents, leaving here and there portions stand- ing of many fantastic shapes,— sometimes as grave-yard monuments, at others as ruins of old abbeys or castles. Sometimes these seemed so natural in the resemblances as to remind one of Old World experiences. One set has been named for the Abbey of Kenilworth. •' The reverend pile, by wild and waste Profaned, dishonored, and defaced, Through storied lattices no more The softest light the sunbeams pour, Gilding the Gothic Sculpture rich Of shrine and monument, and niche. The Civil fury of the time Made sport of sacrilegious crime." Sir Walter Scott could as well have drawn the picture from a scene like this, as from the real ruins he had before his mind. Along the base of these huge mountains, over driven sand that had thus been novated and renovated several times through the ages, the floral in- habitants would naturally be emigrants and thoroughly individualized and mixed. And this was what we found during oiir three days' tramp to Denver. In very few cases would a large number of individuals of one species be found in fraternal relations with each other, but they would be as variously mixed together as in the nosegay of a florist. The first plant found, of our Aster, had, for a close companion, the pretty, yellow-flowered Evening Primrose (though day-flowering), CEnothera serrulata. Yucca angustifolia, and the prickly Opuntia, (I) UlKt^- "*»»>»••• >fc"1l-W»r% I ;^i."^» ' •> iiKt: Voi.X! t I • ASTER TANACETIFOLIUS. DAGGER ASTER. NATURAL ORDER, COMPOSITE. A^TKK TANAC.TiFOLius Tlumboldt, Bonpland. and Kunth.-Pubescent or viscid, very leafy, a foot or two h^gh ; lowest LTs'wo^to^hree-P parted ; uppermost simply pinnatifid or entire ; heads half-inch high ; bracts of the n- oTucreTarrow y linear, with slender, mostly linear-snbulate. spreading, foliaceous tips or the outermost wholly foliaceous rays numerous, half inch long or more, bright violet ; akenes rather broad, villous. Coulter s ^-nu-lof tckTZunZn Flora. See .^so Gvay's SvnopUca I Flora of North Anurica, and Britton and Browns Illustrated Flora oftk LtLr^ Umted States. Canada and tke British Possessions, us Mach.ranthera tanacettfoHa. The species of plant now illustrated has a wide geographical range, being found in vari- ous places from Northern Colorado and Neb- raska to Mexico, from the latter of which localities it was first made known to us, under the name of Aster tanacet if alius, by Kunth, in the great work Nova Plantariivi Genera et Species, of Humboldt, Bonpland and Kunth, published in seven quarto volumes, in Paris, between the years 1815 and 1S25. As it is found in many species having so wide a distri- bution, there are geographical forms in separ- ate localities, often so distinct as to be sugges- tive of specific rank. In describing the species, therefore, it is profitable to note where the specimens employed in illustration were gath- ered, and the descriptions made accordingly. In this case the originals of the drawing first made the acquaintance of the author on the plains of Ivastern Colorado, on the borders of Nebraska, and the description adopted is from Coulter's '* PTora" of that portion of our terri- tory and which matches so well the pretty pic- ture here presented. Though many years ago since, the incidents of the few days on which this Aster was connected are still vividly memorable. After some weeks of wagoning through the mountains, " Camp Meehan," at the base of Pike's Peak, was started some- what late at night. Our first surprise, in the morning, was to find our soft bed consisted of poison vines, and our bed-fellows horned toads {Phrysonovia corfiuta), - both, however, wholly innocent of any injurious consequences to us. In the distance seemed to us a cemetery studded with huge and curious monuments, but which proved to be the odd phenomena now so widely known as the Garden of the Gods. A tract, once sand from the mountain washings, turned to stone by volcanic heat, had been washed out by subsequent mountain torrents, leaving here and there portions stand- ing of many fantastic shapes,— sometimes as grave-yard monuments, at others as ruins of old abbeys or castles. vSometimes these seemed so natural in the resemblances as to remind one of Old World experiences. One set has been named for the Abbey of Kenilworth. ' ' The reverend pile, by wild and waste Profaned, dishonored, and defaced. Through storied lattices no more The softest light the sunbeams pour, (Ulding the Gothic vSculpture rich Of shrine and monument, and niche. The Civil fury of the time ^lade sport of sacrilegious crime." vSir Walter vScott could as well have dra\\n the picture from a scene like this, as from the real ruins he had before his mind. Along the base of these huge mountains, over driven sand that had thus been novated and renovated several times through the ages, the floral in- habitants would naturally be emigrants and thoroughly individualized and mixed. And this was what we found during our three days' tramp to Denver. In very few cases would a large number of individuals of one species be found in fraternal relations with each other, but they would be as variously mixed together as in the nosegay of a florist. The first plant found, of our Aster, had, for a close companion, the pretty, yellow-flowered Evening Primrose (though day-flowering), Uinothera serrulata. Yucca angustifolia , and the prickly Opuntia, (I) i coedr:pes_„ INTFNTTONAT SFrONrn PYPHQTTPP MEEHANS' MONTHLY— ASTER TANACETIFOLIUS. [Jan. But the pretty, light blue of the Aster, with its ferny foliage, gave the chief memorial stamp to the events of the day. Later, on the jour- ney towards Nebraska, it was found in some abundance along the line of the Platte River. In its general appearance it would not be taken for an Aster, especially in connection with the fact that it is an annual and dies after flowering. It is one of those cases in which nature seems to teach man in botany what he fails to observe for himself. In the case of many genera near to Aster, botanists can scarcely note divisional distinctions, but have to go by their general appearance. This is notably the case with the golden-rod, Soli- dago ; it is very difficult to describe the dis- tinction between it and an Aster, and yet the indifferent observer seldom mistakes a golden- rod for an Aster. When our plant first came under the obser- vation of the describer, it was as a plant culti- vated for ornament in a Mexican garden. It reminded him of a tansy, bearing the flowers of an Aster, and though he describes it as Aster tanacetifolius, from the tansy-like appear- ance, he remarks that it should properly stand as a representative of a new genus. This was in 1820. In 1824, Willdenow refers to it as Aster chrysanthetnoides, — and it might be noted as a matter of propriety that the foliage certainly is more suggestive of the Golden Chrysanthemum of the ancient Greeks, C. coronarium, than it is of the tansy. Thus it continued till Christian Gottfried Nees, Professor of Natural History at Bonn, and who was recognized as an expert in the knowledge of the Aster family and of compositae in gen- eral, took the hint from nature and founded the new genus Machceranthera. In this he not only took the natural appearance into consid- eration, but that the form of the anthers dif- fered. They were shaped like the short heavy sword known to Spanish-Cubans as a Machete, which is again a derivative of the classical Machaira, and thus Nees gave us in this plant Machceranthera. This was subsequently gener- ally adopted by botanists ; but scarcely had the herbarium labels been changed, before the same experts sent us back to Aster. At the present time, Britton and Brown, and other eminent botanists, have again returned to Machceranthera, and, though the author's views coincide with this, it has been described under the name that seems most prevalent at the present time. So recently, however, as 1852, appears a figure and description under the name of Machceranthera tanacetifolia in the Botanical Magazine, and, for all the geographical differ- ences already noted, is so much like the one we have employed for our illustration that they might have been taken from the same plant. This was from seed gathered in New Mexico by Charles Wright, and which flowered at Kew. In our herbarium, Nuttall has a specimen from -the Plains of the Platte," which he has ticketed, - Dideria coronopt- foliar a fac-simile also of our plant. But other specimens differ so much that even Nut- tall was deceived into ticketing one as a Chry- sopsis, " C. coronopi folia, from Wyeth's expedi- tion, on the sources of the Missouri. " This has remarkably small flowers, and very slen- der pedicels. Specimens from St. Luis Val- ley, Colorado, gathered on the Wheeler expe- dition, are very dwarf, and the flowers coryni- bosely paniculate. Utah specimens, collected by Ward on the Powell expedition, have re- markably long, slender flower stems. Prin- gle, from Mexico, has specimens stout and straight, some three feet high with leaves heavy like our common Ambrosia or ragweed, —while Montana specimens, by Dall, are of very low^ and compact growth. Hemsley, in his biology of Central America, finds it widely diffused. He names California, Texas, North Mexico, Saledo, Chihuahua, and Antonio de las Alanzanes, as districts in which it abounds. In our country Dr. Gray, in his «♦ Synoptical Flora," locates it on ''moist ground, Nebraska to Texas, Arizona, and bor- ders of California." In our enlarged drawing, Fig. 2, the great difference between the ray-floret and the disk- floret is well contrasted. When the akenes are referred to in botanical descriptions, those of the ray are meant. Though the disk-florets appear hermaphrodite, certainly having appar- ently a strong pistil, it is believed perfect seeds are furnished by the female ray florets only. The lobes of the style, as taken by our artist, appear twisted, unlike cases generally where the disk florets are fertile. i 9 f ^ WILD FLOWERS AND NATURE. THE MOUNTAINS OF SCOTLAND. *'Yet, Caledonia, beloved are thy mountains, 'Round their white summits though ele- ments war ; Though cataracts form 'stead of smooth- flowing fountains, I sigh for the valley of dark Lochnagar. ' ' Byron. Mistletoe and Other Parasites.— Mrs. Loudon's " Gardening for Ladies " states that the Mistletoe sends roots into the cambium. Monotropa has these roots. Are not all haus- toria more or less modified roots ? C. W. G. Explanation of the Plate.-i. Specimens of flowering branches from western Nebraska. 2. Florets enlarged. Gray and the Asters. — Your paragraph on the widely divergent forms oi Aster concolor recalls the vexation which the entire group gave to Asa Gray, who, after making them almost a life study, still found many puzzling individuals. His experience may prove an in- centive to young botanists to perseverance. We find among his letters one, written to Engelmann, April 17th, 1880, in which he says : — "I am half dead with Aster. I got on very fairly until I got into the thick of the genus, among what I called dumosi and salici- folia. Here I work and work, but make no headway at all. I can't tell what are species, and how to define any of them, nor what the nomenclature is, i.e. , what are original names. ' * A few days later he wrote to Redfield : — "If you hear of my breaking down utterly, and being sent to an asylum, you may lay it to Aster, which is a slow and fatal poison. Ap- parently, it will take a year or more for me to finish it, with the greater chance that it fin- ishes me before that time. ' ' A year later, after studying them at Kew and the best European herbariums, he again addresses Engelmann thus: — "I am deeply mortified to tell you that, with some little ex- ception, all my botanical work for autumn and winter has been given to Aster (after five or six months at home), and they are not done yet ! Never was there so rascally a genus ! I know at length what the types of the old spe- cies are. But how to settle limits of species, I think I never shall know. There are no characters to go by in the group of vulgar Asters : the other groups go very well. . . . The specimens you have collected for me last summer, when I get them, may help me ; or may reduce me to blank despair !" Bessie L. Putnam. [Sometimes it is a misfortune to be a great man. A friend of ours, an eminent lawyer, expostulated with some painters employed by a contractor to work on his house. They could have finished the job in ten or twenty minutes ; but were there, ready for work, the next morning. ' ' Why not have finished yes- terday?" he asked. "We only work eight hours," was the reply. "I suppose if you had paint on the brush enough to finish, and the clock struck the eighth hour, you would quit ?" " Yes, sir ; we should quit. " " Eight hours," he commented, "why I work ten, fif- teen hours, and often into the late hours of the night!" The chief spokesman replied, proudly, * ' There, Mr. K. , was the mistake of your life. You should have learned the paint- ing business. ' ' It is something this way with our great bot- anists. They should have been nurserymen, or florists, engaged in raising seedlings on a large scale. They learn how great is the vari- ation among individuals of a species, — and they would easily group a number of forms under one species, that botanists now worry over in order to bring them within narrow, specific limits. With experience of this kind, a possible half of the so-called species of Aster ^ as they stand to-day, could be abolished ; and instead of Aster Jonesii, or Aster Smithii, the florist would send them out to his customers as Aster Morning Glory, or Aster Evening Starry Fairy Rings. — A Chicago correspondent notes rings formed in the grass on his lawn that seem somewhat different from those usu- ally described as Fairy Rings in the books. But (3) MEEHANS' MONTHLY— WILD FLOWERS AND NATURE. [Jan. these vary somewhat in character, according to the kind of agaric, or to the conditions. In a general way they are formed in the following manner : When the spore of a mushroom starts to grow, the mycelium or spawn pushes out threads precisely as the spokes run out from the hub of a wheel. At the end of each thread the flower— that is to say, the " mushroom "— appears. Many species of the mushroom family are root parasites. They love— that is, the spawn loves— to be attached to the roots of grasses. Sometimes some species kill the grass outright, at other times the grass suffers only so much as to take on a brownish tint of green. The mushrooms at the end of the -spokes of the wheel ' ' are highly charged with nitrogen when they decay. This is a good manure. The grass at the rim of the circle gets an advan- tage, and frequently this border of grass is more vigorous and of a deeper color than the rest. When spores are numerous, one circle will frequently encroach on another, just as ripples, from stones thrown in a pond of water, will do. The common mushroom does not destroy grass, but the change of tint in the green of the grass can be easily noted at the circumfer- ence of the circle. The phenomena refer wholly to growth from spores. Growth from spawn proceeds irregu- larly in any direction ; so that in a few years one circle so invades another, all traces of cir- cular outlines disappear. other agency. These speculations were fully tested here, and found to be utterly untenable. After the most careful examination, it was de- cided that there could be no way by which these plants could originate but from seeds that had been lying in the buried-up gardens of half a century before. Jersey City. N. J. P. OUWERKERK. [The writer can only add, to what Mr. Ouwerkerk has said, that for many years it did not seem that the evidence, on which the indefinite longevity of seeds is accepted, was by any means invulnerable. But observations, similar to those quoted by our correspondent, seem to put the fact beyond all question.] Vitality of Seeds.— Mr. H. Witte, an in- telligent horticulturist of Leyden. noting the discussions on the supposed vitality of seeds, when caught under conditions unfavorable to germination, reports that, in 1807, a ship with a cargo of gunpowder exploded, causing the destruction of a whole square of buildings, with the loss of some 150 lives, in the city of Leyden. Known as the Ruined Plain, this square has since been covered with gravel, and used as a military drilling ground. A few years ago, a new building was erected on the spot, and the earth from the deeply-dug cellar dumped in heaps around. Many kinds of plants, usually found in gardens, grew at once from these heaps of earth. The usual explan- ation, in these cases, is that the seeds are blown there by winds, by birds, or some The English Sparrow.— Mrs. Seliger says, in Hartford Times: ''We say the 'English sparrow,' meaning the depraved little street bird of our cities, but in fact he is of Teutonic origin and went across the Channel with the Anglo-Saxons of the same race. His destiny was to cross also the Atlantic, not to leave one part of the three nations which naturally belong together, without his chirruping presence. A grain eater, if he can get it, daring to fly be- tween the meshes of the wire netting of the chicken- coop to steal it, he is so cunning that no ordinary device of a trap will catch him. And even if caught, we have sympathy with that little puckering heart in our hands, and had rather let him fly again than kill him. Yet it is on the increase constantly, having now, since January, the third brood under way. We have yet to find the means to subdue them, not by destroying their nests, but by encourag- ing them to build where we can at all times easily reach them and to be able to destroy their eggs. In the vine districts of the Rhine, in Germany, sparrow towers, long, narrow boxes, are put up on poles, provided with small com- partments for nests. In these he is enticed by hanging out a few straws and feathers, and once settled down to housekeeping, he is kept under surveillance, and cannot do so much harm as otherwise he would if left undis- turbed." [The English Sparrow was first introduced into America by John W. Bardsley, a painter, of German town, who was paid $100 by the city of Philadelphia to bring some over, on the return from a visit to England, his native land. It was supposed they would clear the city trees 1901] MEEHANS' monthly — WILD FLOWERS AND NATURE. % a of the measuring-worm, which they have ef- fectively done, — and, indeed, have ridden the city of many insects destructive to street trees. Even the Elm-leaf Beetle, which has a habit of falling to the ground for safety when dis- turbed, is so far in check that elms are already being again planted freely. It does not attack the hairy caterpillar that is given us by the Cotton Moth, — but it works on the moth to a considerable extent, though this being a night- flying insect, the sparrow has not a fair chance at it. It is a scavenger, and helps considerably in clearing the streets of noxious matter. The sparrow is a good friend in a city ; a mixture of good and evil in the suburbs ; and a terrible aggravation to the farmer when his grain crops are ripe.] Water-worn Rocks. — It has been repeated to me, many times since childhood, that the continual dropping of water wears away the rock, and I, in time, began to believe it ; but since I have been moving around and climbing over these rocky hills, I have concluded that it is a fallacy, that there is not a particle of truth in it. The most of the rock in this sec- tion is a sand-stone, two hundred or more feet in thickness. It is one solid rock for miles and thousands of miles. This whole country, and probably the whole of Central and South- east Missouri, is underlaid with this mass of rock, all in one solid chunk. Across the Mis- sissippi River, the east bank, after passing the American bottom, is composed of this same rock. Water cannot of its own action wear away rock. It may fall for centuries, — yes, thousands of centuries, — and it will not make any impression on the solid rock. But when it has as an agent sand or other rocks, it wears it away fast. Sand, continually grinding by the force of water against the rock, wears it away. In the rainy weather, gullies, small holes, are often met with in the face of the rock, circular in outline, like pockets, gener- ally filled partly with sand and small pieces of rock. These are the tools used by the water which whirls them around against its sides, constantly and slowly enlarging them by at- trition. In my walks on the creeks and river shores, I see the rocks partly submerged, cov- ered with algse, — slimy, soft. The water passes smoothly by them, the sand and pebbles strike, but make no impression. But when the rock is bare, then the sand and pebbles cut into it, scratch it as they pass. Ice is the greatest agent of all in the wearing away of rocks. F. K. STEELE. Festus, Mo. [That the continual dropping of water on the same spot may, in time, wear a hole in the rock, may be sound in principle, for all the illustrations of our wide-awake correspondent. In the cases cited it is not the water alone that wears the rock away. But a drop continually in the same spot, especially if it fall from a height, must surely have force, though but the force of a Liliputian, against which even a Brobdignagian must eventually give way.] Food of Micro-organisms. — It has long been known to mushroom growers that the fine spores of the mushroom will only germin- ate on damp glass under very nice conditions of heat and moisture. Another remarkable fact is, that though these spores may sprout under the combined conditions, so as to show the form and character of the little plant, — the little cell, — they soon die if the water used is very clear. In fact, it has come to be an axiom applied to all these lower orders, including bacterial organisms, that without the special food they require, the most injurious in a gen- eral way is harmless in fact. The spores of the blue mould that we find in bread are omni- present. We are taking them into our system with every breath. They fall on our fruits and vegetables, and are alwayf about us. But they sprout and die, unless the bread, or bruised fruit, or whatever nice dish their delicate pal- ates may desire, be at hand. Then they de- velop rapidly, and cover the article with the little plant we know as blue mould. Destruction of Birds. — Mrs. Seliger says : "In passing up our main street, yesterday, I was horrified to see the exhibition of new mil- linery styles in our largest wholesale house show windows. But what has that subject to do with Meehans' Monthly ? you will natur- ally question. Only listen, please, — the win- dow was full of stuffed sea-gulls ; ah ! ever so pretty and innocent-looking bird corpses, de- signed to ornament women's headgear ! This savagery to force on thoughtless feminines, who do not know the difference between a crow and a sparrow, and to whose depraved MEEHANS' MONTHLY— WII^D FLOWERS AND NATURE. [Jan. taste of display people have to circumvent the growing sentiment against wearing song- birds, resorted to the destruction of the pretty sea-birds as less useful for the horticultural and agricultural world. How cunningly de- vised ! To slaughter cruelly the winged com- panions of the air who delight every navigator or traveler with their animated presence ! Let us all do our part to help extinguish this grue- some trade by trying to find out the sources ; how caught and where prepared for display all birds come from that are sold. Have you space for the above ?' ' [Meehans' Monthly is devoted to wild na- ture and gardening. Birds are an essential element in this field. Anything is welcome that an intelligent person , in love with these pleasures, would be interested in knowing of. As to feathers in dress, the writer of this noted, when among the wild Indians, years ago, that it was the men and not the women who were the greatest sinners in regard to this. The Indian men would have bird feath- ers in every crevice that their scanty dress would permit, while it was rare to see a woman with one.] Mach^ranthera tanacetifolius.— Aside from the "daisy-like flowers" referred to in the main chapter {Aster tanacetifolius), which seem to have especially attracted the notice of the earlier botanists, the readers of Meehans' Monthly will take pleasure in the study of beauty which the whole plant suggests. Grace- fulness in many things is rudely fractured by the intrusion of some heavy object, wholly out of place in a conception of perfect beauty. Here it would be difficult to note any inhar- monious element, — and yet the great variety of pleasant features, so skilfully combined in one plant, is not often found in nature. Besides the lesson in true art furnished, our picture presents good lessons for botanical students. A good lens is essential to a fair knowledge of composite plants. Inheritance of Accidental Characters. —Mr. W. C. Steele, of Switzerland, Florida, relates that he cross-fertilized a number of flowers of the white and crimson Cypress Vine. To effectually pollenize the flowers, the corollas had to be slit on one side. The seedling plants not only had an intermediate mixture of tints between white and pink, but also had the cor- ollas slit as they had been slit by manipulation in the case of the parents. Mr. Steele is one of the most intelligent horticultural botanists, and can scarcely be mistaken. But the result is of such bearing on weighty questions, that it would be desirable to have many experi- ments of the same character. Vitality of Seeds and Plants.— Sir Sey- mour Haden reports, from experiments carried on for twelve years in the burial of animals, that bodies buried 4 feet deep required more than four years for their complete dissolution ; 3 feet deep, three years ; 2 feet deep, two years ; I foot deep, one year ; while bodies, not buried but simply covered with a foot of earth, disap- peared, all save their bones, in less than a year ; but in all cases without injuring the purity of earth or air. [And this is equally true of seeds and plants. In a low temperature and free from atmos- pheric influences, life is prolonged indefinitely. The writer of this paragraph has shown that vegetation under glaciers retains life until again exposed to the air.] Characters of Species in the Oak. — Pro- fessor Rowlee notes, in the Botanical Gazette, that in addition to the cups, acorns and leaves, very good distinguishing characters can be ob- served in the male flowers of the oaks. Flora of Oklahoma. - That part of our country, formerly known as the Indian Terri- tory, has a rich flora. Not including the woody plants, but confining himself to the herbaceous class. Prof. E. E. Bogue, of the Oklahoma College, finds there are about seven hundred species. Salix alba.— Very true to nature seems this willow tree, growing as the wind blows, this way or that way, at its own sweet will. " By the rivers of Babylon ' ' there was weeping. I have seen, in Vermont, by the water brooks, a fence made of willow trees, and they were a refreshing, rustic sight, grand in their place, like all of Nature's own glorious works, but uncouth enough out of place. Once, I also saw, when we lost our way in New Hampshire, a fence made of the roots of huge pine trees, each side of the road leading to an isolated farm house, and there's a charm about its memory still. E. E. Orcutt. 9 GENERAL GARDENING. CARNATIONS IN WINTER. 'Tis a bower of Arcadian sweets. Where Flora is still in her prime, A fortress to which she retreats From the cruel assaults of the clime : While earth wears a mantle of snow. These Pinks are as fresh and as gay As the fairest and sweetest that blow. On the beautiful bosom of May. COWPER. Forcing the Carolina Jasmine. — The famous Southern Yellow Jasmine is a very in- teresting plant to experiment with in the North. Its roots are hardy as far north as Philadelphia, and, if the tops be protected, flowers may be had out of doors. Or plants may be potted and brought inside over winter, where they will bloqm and add attractively to the usual assortment of forced flowers. Our readers will recognize this plant as the one used in the design on the front cover of each issue. Ginseng Culture and Misstatements of its Value. — So many exaggerated reports are heard of the fabulous sums to be made from the culture of American Ginseng, Mr. Harlan P. Kelsey, of Boston, an experienced cultiva- tor of this article, has undertaken to enlighten the public concerning the true facts, and freely offers any information at his command. While pointing out the exaggerations, he is enthusiastic enough to say that it is an in- dustry really promising most unusual returns for the labor and expense necessary to culti- vate it successfully. •' It depends," says Mr. Kelsey, "on the in- dividual grower, as in any other crop. * ' •'The right conditions for its culture must be supplied, either naturally or artificially, and intelligent cultivation given. There will prob- ably always be a good demand for the root at high prices, and it is an article commanding cash at all times. The conditions for growing are readily found in nearly all the States of the Union or can be produced at reasonable cost of labor and material. They may be stated in a few words: — "A rich, deep, well-drained, and moist soil, containing abundant decayed vegetable matter and not too heavy or clayey. Humus or veg- etable mold, obtained by using decayed forest leaves, is extremely beneficial, as is also thor- oughly rotted compost. Shade sufficient to keep off" the direct rays of the sun is almost necessary, particularly in sections where the heat is excessive. Add to this careful culti- vation and you have the secret, if there really be an3% of growing Ginseng successfully. Lath covers are perhaps the best artificial shade ; and apple trees have been found good to keep the ground protected from the sun. At maturity the roots must be carefully and prop- erly prepared for market, and the extra care taken to produce a fine article, clean, well graded and perfectly dry is more than repaid by the much higher price such roots will bring." Pruning Trees. — Recently, the attention of the writer was called to a tree that had a num- ber of the lower limbs cut away, in order to give more advantage tor grass and flowers desirable on the lawn beneath. The object was a good one. But all the branches had been cut to stumps projecting about six inches from the trunk of the tree. It would puzzle any one to give a rational explanation as to why these stumps were constructed ? What purpose did they serve ? The good gardener would have cut the undesired branches close to the trunk. New wood and new bark would then grow over the scars. But the stumps will rot, and the rotten wood cause sound wood to follow suit. The tree will become hollow and worth- less in a few years. Landscape Gardening. — There are under- lying principles in all arts ; and especially in the art of landscape gardening. But the prac- tice of landscape gardening is usually in ad- vance of the theory. What is or is not beauti- (7) 8 MEEHANS* MONTHLY— GENERAL GARDENING. [Jan. I901] MiiEHANS' MONTHLY — GENERAL GARDENING. ful is a matter of instinct. It is only after the impression is derived, that the reason thereof is sought for. It is on this account that plans of successful work are profitable studies. They cannot be copied. Local conditions in each case must decide the arrangements. But they afford sug- gestions that are generally valuable. For this purpose a plan is presented here of what is regarded a successful piece of work. The plan shows a section of the property of Mrs. W. G. Warden, an old estate in German- town, near Philadelphia, which was specially treated in connection with the re-arrangement of the carriage road. Situated almost in the heart of the built-up portion, where the area objects. The lines on the drawing indicate where some such views are provided for. Near the residence, between it and the drive, is a handsome bank of rhododendrons, which are found very appropriate for such positions. The stable, and road leading to same, is par- tially hidden by masses of evergreens. The President's Favorite Flower.— The pink-tinted carnation is said to be President McKinley's favorite flower. At a recent re- ception given to him, in Philadelphia, by the Union League, each guest bore one on the lappel of his coat, and numerous designs of pink carnations were among the profuse floral decorations of the banquet hall. »<*»€ «'•«••» MK**' J * ' 4 * 4 u rlf"!ii ■— r. T:i lO. MEEHANS' MONTHLY— GENERAL GARDENING. [Jan, but cannot be absolutely certain at one div- ision without hurting the flower. It looks as though it belonged to the plant, but I never heard of the Aspidistra flowering. What is it ? I do not like to disturb the plant by investiga- ting the roots, unless there is good reason for doing so." [Most flower-lovers know this plant, as it is one of the most useful for room ornamentation and in floral work, where bright green hand- some foliage is desirable. Few, as our cor- respondent remarks, have ever seen the flower. This is probably more from being over-looked, as it generally appears hardly above the soil, and has a somewhat earthy tint. As it is, how- ever, held by bot- anists to be some- what of a floral wonder, the rough sketch sent has been engraved. No botanist knows ex- actly where to place it in the sys- tem,—though it is generally referred to some section of LiliacecBy the lily family. The stig- ma seems a cap, as in a mushroom, — but the most re- markable feature is The Rain Flower— Cooperia Drummondi. —The bulb, Cooperia Drummondi, is so named, in the far south, from the fact of the flower springing up like mushrooms after a heavy shower of rain. The flower starts to grow and is fully expanded a few days afterwards. New American Beauty Rose, Queen of Kdgeley.— Oneof the latest novelties in roses that bids fair to be popular to some extent is called the -Pink Beauty," or Queen of Edge- ley. Large growers of the famous true Amer- ican Beauty are not very sanguine of its pros- pects in general favor, however, as they con- sider the color is too much like the old variety faded. It was ex- hibited at the an- nual fall show of the Pennsylvania Horticultural Soci- ety in Philadel- phia, and it natur- ally attracted con- siderable notice. """'"TTijnninrninm. miiiiniiniiMiMwir n^rnnrntrjrrf'^' TLOWEK ASPIDISTRA LURIDA. in the quarternary arrangement of the parts. Endogens are formed by nature on the type of three : Three sepals, three petals, three styles— or at least a three- lobed stigma, and a three-celled capsule, three or multiples of three. When there are less, abortion or consolidation with other organs can be traced. But to start on the type of four, more than the typical number, has not been accounted for,— and the plant, there- fore, furnishes material for a story that has not yet been told. Another interesting point is that its native country has not been definitely ascertained. It is common in the gardens of China and Japan, and when now found wild is regarded as an escape from culture. Its home is undoubtedly somewhere in Asia. Has any one tested it for outdoor culture in America ? ] PLAN or FLOWER Hunting Spring Flowers. — Child- ren enjoy hunting for spring flowers. It is one of the greatest pleasures of their young lives. Indeed, the enjoyment is not confined to children of a tender age. Those who have large tracts could add largely to these pleasures, by planting extensively of cheap bulbs in wild lands, for mem- bers of their own families, — or even for out- siders, if the circumstances favor. The writer has a piece of some acres in which the Blue- bottle of the Old World has been making for it- self a home during the past one hundred years. Thousands now contest the ground with other wild things. The frost is barely out of the ground before the sweet little blossoms are open,— and among the bright spots of life is the witnessing of little tots, eager in their hunt for the floral treasures. In the Old World, it is a common practice to plant open woods with spring-flowering bulbs of various kinds. 1901] MEEHANS' MONTHLY — GENERAL GARDENING. I I • 9 M ^ Hardy Flowers for Cutting. — While there is an abundance of flowering perennials for general purposes, it frequently occurs that for something particular, the availah le plants are not numerous nor easily thought of. In this connection, an inquiry reveals the fact that early summer pink or white flowers suitable for cutting do not make a large list. The following desirable hardy plants are mentioned for the purpose, and our readers may doubtless recall a few additional which may be suggested for the benefit of others : — Achillea Millefolium rubra. Achillea Ptarmica plena. "The Pearl " Armeria maritima. Armeria plantaginea. Dicentra spcctabilis. Gypsophila paniculata. Hesperis matronalis. Heuchera sanguinea alba. Iris Florentina. Iris laevigata. Liatris spicata. Lilium candidum. Lilium speciosum album. Lilium var. roseum. Paeonies. v Pentsteraon Digitalis. Perennial Phlox. Physostegia denticulata. Physostegia Virginica. Pyrethrum roseum. Spiraea filipendulafl. pi. Spiraea Ulmaria alba plena. Spiraea venusta. ANb Greenhouse Grapes. — Much of the pleas- ures of life depends on sentiment. A Black Hamburg Grape, in a high class feast, should be as eatable from a dish on the table as if cut from the vine on the dinner table. But all will tell that the latter is more enjoy- able, and the custom is growing to have grapes in pots, laden with their juicy burdens, trained in arches and other forms over the viands below, and cut fresh from their stems for the delectation of guests. Strange to say, the grape vine, in the hands of a vine dresser whom it loves, seems to have a special pleasure in doing its best under pot-culture. Annexed is an illustra- tion, from Gardening Illustrated, of how they are pot-grown under glass in England. Caprification of the Fig. — The man- ner in which the fig wasp acts in perfecting the fig, does not yet seem clear. Tourne- fort, in his book of travels, noted that, in portions of the Levant, the young figs fell off* unless a small insect punctured the fruit. The fig growers have to hang the branches of the male trees, in which the insects are hatched, over the branches of the fruit-bearing trees. Every morning. during June and July, the fig-grower is at work supplying these insect-hatching fig branches, over the branches of the bearing trees. For two whole months, the Greeks per- form this daily task. In this way, two or three hundred pounds of figs could be had from a tree, that, without this care, would have most of the young figs drop, so as to yield perhaps not over twenty-five pounds. This is the substance of Tournefort's observations made two hundred years ago. Now it is well known that, under cultivation, no such trouble is taken, and yet the figs do not drop. No insect aids the garden fig-grower, — and yet he gets abundant crops. He takes it for granted that the seeds inside the fig are imperfect, and that the fruit might be larger if the fig- insect had introduced pollen ; and yet, in view of the statements of Tournefort and others about the dropping of unfertilized figs in Syria, one cannot understand why the figs do not drop in his case. The writer has never had the opportunity of examining figs known beyond all question to be caprified, until those received from Mr. Roeding of Fresno, California, recently noted. Large as these were, they seemed no finer than GRAPES IN POTS. 12 MEEHANS' MONTHLY— GENKRAIv GARDENING. [Jan. the uncaprified figs raised under good garden culture,— and, strangest of all to say, not one seed could be found with a cotyledon. All tested were as hollow as a bag of wind ! Clearly poUinization had nothing to do with the full growth of these figs. We must con- clude that, if it be true that the figs of Syria fall in an early stage unless visited by the fig- insect, the manner in which they aid is as yet wholly unknown. Storage of Apples in Winter. — It is very stale but oft repeated advice, to spread out winter apples and pears on shelves in the cellar, and the decayed ones to be removed from time to time. We must wholly disagree with such a course, for when exposed, the apple rapidly loses its moisture and becomes shrivelled, which also causes deterioration of quality. On this account apples and pears in cool storage should be kept tightly closed, and they will open up plump and fresh. The great secret for keeping apples and pears is a cool temperature, and 35° to 40° F. will be found most satisfactory. Usually apples are left to hang too long on the trees and become too much ripened ; then they lie in piles or are stored in barrels in hot places, per- haps right out in the sunshine for weeks until the hot weather is over ; then they are shut up in a warm, close, house cellar, with a tem- perature about 50°, and then the farmer won- ders why his apples do not keep. Let him try gathering them as soon as mature, pack them away at once in a cool place where the temperature does not rise above 40° and §ee whether the results are not much more -satis factory . — Ca nadia n Horticu Itu rist . A Coffee Grove. — Nothing can be more beautiful and interesting than studies of the annual blooming, budding, growth, and ripen- ing of coffee in the West Indies, and its gather- ing and preparation for the market. The leaves, which are ovate in form, are about four inches long. They are produced opposite in pairs, and are dark green in color. Similar in texture to the Mammee leaf, they have the waxen surface of the Indian Laurel. The foli- age is perennial. Shooting out from the bases of these pairs of leaves, after the manner of our cherry blooms, are seen the coffee blossoms, almost precisely like a diminutive tuberose, in clusters of three to six, snow white, and with an indescribable delicate, subtle, and delicious odor. For two months in spring-time, a coffee plantation is simply one vast plain of white, a region of intoxicating odor, with the blue sky half shut from sight by myriads of honey-seek- ing butterflies, humming birds, and brilliant- winged songsters, fluttering and circling in an apparent ecstacy of revelry and delight. For nearly six months new blossoms come as the old ones disappear. Blossom and ripening ber- ries are continuous. As the breezes snow the dying blossoms upon the ground, tiny green buttons take their place. These are the grow- ing fruit. They change to a pale pink, then to a bright cherry, finally to a reddish purple. Then it is ripe and ready to gSLther.—Lo7idon Journal of Horticulture. [The coffee plant makes an interesting indi- vidual for conservatory culture, and can be grown with comparative ease. A plant 3 feet in height is capable of producing a few berries.] Growth of an Old Potato.— In a recent issue of the Monthly, a correspondent refers to a potato that had grown the second year. He probably intended to convey the idea that a potato had remained in the ground a whole year without sprouting, and then grew the second season. This would accord with ex- perience. If below the reach of atmospheiic air, or the temperature too low, it might lie several years without sprouting — any live veg- etation will remain dormant for an indefinite number of years under ice, or probably in any cold-storage vault, as the late Robert Douglas and others have proved by actual facts. It would be a new and very remarkable fact if a potato, once sprouting, and giving up all its stores of food to the new growth, should be able to perform the same office another season. Q. Potato Sprouts. — In Southwest Florida, some of the most advanced vegetable growers use sprouts largely for producing early pota- toes, instead of sets as is customary further north. The " seed" potatoes are put in starch or similar boxes,— and, when the sprouts have appeared in abundance, are taken off, and set out, just as further north they do with sweet potatoes. to BIOGRAPHY AND LITERATURE. DEFYING MISFORTUNE. As some tall cliff" that lifts its awful form. Swells from the vale, and midway leaves the storm. Though round its breast the rolling clouds are spread. Eternal sunshine settles on its head. Oliver Goldsmith. Goethe. — To die for one's country may be safely regarded as the greatest of human sacri- fices. No one can complain ot the honors bestowed on naval and military heroes. There is, however, danger that other national bene- factors be overlooked in the blaze of martial glory. Those who build up and develop des- erve as well of their country as those who pre- serve it. For all the brilliancy of a Nelson or a Wellington, England would be shorn of much of her fame, had not she a Shakespeare ; also Scotland but for her Burns ; or Ireland her Moore ; — and Germany understands the value of Goethe equally with that of her emperors styled the Great. It is pleasant to note the national enthusiasm on the great poet's 150th birthday. It is a lesson other nations may profit by. We, as Americans, owe Goethe much for the great impulse he gave to that rational study of plants that gives it a living pleasure to-day. We give some account of the poet and statesman in connection with botany, kindly translated from Natur und Haus, for Meehans' Monthly, by Mr. H. Cramer. Joha?i?i Wolfgang von Goethe as Botanist. "During the festivities in remembrance of the poet's one hundred and fiftieth birthday — shortly before the end of the century in whose developments Goethe's genius manifested its- self thousand fold — his poetic productions, — his functions as statesman and his writings as scientist were recalled and admired. The vari- ous disciplines — inclusive the botanists — claim him, with pride, as one of their own. It is not our object to enlarge on his high at- tainments as poet, statesman and his general scientific prominence, but view him as bot- anist. His interest for the plant-world and activity as practical and theoretical botanist dates from 1775, the year of his entrance into the cultivated society and noble court circles of Grand Duke Karl August of Weimar. Not contented with the narrow confines of the city, he turned his attention to the surrounding country, its gardening, agriculture, and espe- cially the important culture of forests. GOETHE'S BIRTHPLACE. Close contact with men of practical experience stimulated him to use his influence towards various improvements in farming, never over- looking even trifles in promoting the progres- sion and welfare of the tiller of the soil. Dur- ing his rambles among the country people he learned, by them, to know herbs and roots used for healing purposes. Gentian root, no small source of income for the gatherers, Goethe mentions as the first plant family arousing his desire to become acquainted with the rest of them. His love of (13) 14 MEEHANS' MONTHLY— BIOGRAPHY AND LITERATURE. [Jan. nature received especial impulse during his travel with Karl August, in May, 1878. when he visited the grand parks of the Prince of Dessan at Woerlitz. The impression of these parks, standing at the time in glorious spring-beauty, was felt so deeply, that he re- solved the creating something similar in the vicinity of Weimar, in that valley, which he loved more than the rest of the world. After his return, work was commenced at once, so that, by July 1778, the so- called cloister could be inaugu- rated. The crea- tion of this park, causing large expendi- ture, made that s de of Weimar a temple and elysium, as poet Wieland ex- pressed it. Here stands the gar- den house, pre- sented to Goethe by Karl August. (Illustration.) In it he loved to dwell so ard- ently. Stimulated by the help and advice of Dr. Buchholz , a prominent a d - mirer of nature, Goethe resolved the creation of a botanical gar- den for the cul- anda, he says, * ever accompanied me during my rambles, and now, in my advanced years, I delight remembering those fresh, happy days, in which a new world disclosed itself to me. Linne's Philosophy of Botany was my daily study, advancing me further and further in knowledge and understanding.' Yes, Goethe confesses that, after Shakespeare and Spinola, the greatest impressions upon him came from Linne and his works. Especial as- sistance or ad- vantage in his botanical stud- ies was afforded by the nearby academy at Zena, with her learned profes- sors and the cul- tivation of med- icinal plants. The mere find- ing of names, and classifica- tion of plants into the Linne classes, did not satisfy Goethe. H e endeavored t o establish a more relative grouping of plants he d e - sired insight in, what is to-day called the natu- ral plant sys- tem. In this en- deavor he found assistance in QOETHE'8 GARDEN-HOUSE. ture of exotic, rare and interesting and also of officinal plants. The Duke granted ex- tensive land, offering tracts exposed to sun- shine, shaded and moist nooks, etc., suiting the requirements of extensive varieties of plants. Under these conditions, Goethe was induced to seek more and more knowledge of botany. Linne's terminology and found- ations of his system, Johann Gessner's dis- sertations and explanations of the Linne elements— all these compiled in short memor- young August Karl Batsch, later Professor at Zena, and Hofrash Buettner of Goettingin ; and besides these through writings on Botany by Jean Jaques Rousseau. During spring, 1785, ^^ began microscopic investigations of the lowest organisms, near the lower boundary of the vegetable kingdom. He could truthfully say of himself :—' The vegetable kingdom has taken possession of my jnind— I cannot rid myself of it for a moment, and I delight in my fine progress. Everything 1^ 1901] MEEHANS* MONTHLY — BIOGRAPHY AND LITERATURE. 15 seems to meet me, and the enormous empire simplifies itself in my soul to such degree, that soon I will be able to read the most difficult problem. How much it would please me, could I convey my pleasure of this to others, but it is impossible ! ' GOETHE'S MOSQUE. During September, 1 786, crossing the Swiss Alps, on his tour to Italy, new forms of plant- life, depending on climatic influences, met his eye. At the most, though, he recognized var- iations and abundance of foreign vegetation in the Botanical Gardens at Padua. Above all there was a high and broad wall, covered densely with a Bignonia radicans and its mul- titude of fire-red, bell-shaped flowers. Next a Fan Palm {Chamcerops humilis) attracted his attention. This very palm is to the present day known as the Goethe-Palm, and especially cared for during the warm season in the open air, housed in a glass enclosure during the winter months." George Ellw anger. — The Buffalo Express, of recent date, publishes a letter from a Roches- ter correspondent of July 28th, paying a well- deserved compliment to the founder of the great nursery firm of EHwanger & Barry. Mr. Geo. Ellwanger, who, in his 80th year, is still hale and hearty, and in his advancing years, takes as much pleasure in contemplating the grand work his firm has done in spreading the knowledge of trees, fruits, and flowers over the world, and especially in America, as in the substantial rewards good business ability has brought with it. Geo. Ellwanger was born at Wurtemberg, in Germany, and settled in the Genesee Country in 1835. He had previously studied gardening at Stuttgart, and, in 1838, bought out the small nursery in which he had been employed, and purchased eight acres more— the foundation of the great * * Mount Hope" nurseries. Two years later he took in- to partnership Patrick Barry, and this con- tinued in harmonious relationship until Mr. Barry's death, in 1890. Fruits and roses al- ways received close attention from this firm, and the horticultural world owes much to them for persevering and intelligent efforts in the dissemination of most desirable kinds. History of Tea. — The first knowledge Eu- ropeans had of the use of tea by the Chinese seems to have been derived from the Embassy to the Emperor of China, from an East Indian company, an account of which was published in 1669, and translated into English by "J. Ogibbt, Esquire," of London. The plant seemed very abundant in the Province of Nan- kin. It was only found under cultivation. Nowhere was it seen wild. The plants grew as high as rose-bushes, and were planted on hills, three feet apart. The leaves are gathered in five sizes,— the larger leaves are the lowest on the bushes. The uppermost are the small- est, and furnish the highest price tea. The white flowers were about the size of a Sweet Briar Rose. The seeds sown in the ground produce plants that are very productive of leaves the third year from sowing. It is hardy enough to stand a little frost and snow. It takes the place of beer, in other countries, as a drink, and it is believed that the entire ab- sence of gout, stone, and other diseases of the East, among the Chinese, is due to their use of tea instead of intoxicating drinks. The author says the Chinese found it good for ♦' overcharged stomachs," and gives sleep to the restless ; but in excess * ' increases the gall." Though three hundred years have passed since this was written, we have not had much better accounts of the plant since. MEEHANS' MONTHLY— BIOGRAPHY AND LITERATURE. ir I 1^. \i u nature received especial impulse during his travel with Karl August, in May, 1878, when he visited the grand parks of the Prince of Dessan at Woerlitz. The impression of these parks, standing at the time in glorious spring-beauty, was felt so deeply, that he re- solved the creating something similar in the vicinity of Weimar, in that valley, which he loved more than the rest of the world. After his return, work was commenced at once, so that, by July 1778, the so- called cloister could be inaugu- rated. The crea- tion of this park, causing large expendi- ture, made that s de of Weimar a temple and elysium, as poet W i e 1 a n d ex- pressed it. Here stands the gar- den house, pre- sented to Goethe by Karl August. (Illustration.) In it he loved to dwell so ard- ently. Stimulated by the help and advice of Dr. Buchholz , a prominent a d - mirer of nature, Goethe resolved the creation of a botanical gar- .« ^. ^ GOETHE'S GA den for the cul- ture of exotic, rare and interesting and also of officinal plants. The Duke granted ex- tensive land, offering tracts exposed to sun- shine, shaded and moist nooks, etc., suiting the requirements of extensive varieties of plants. Under these conditions, Goethe was induced to seek more and more knowledge of botany. Unne's terminology and found- ations of his system, Johann Gessner's dis- sertations and explanations of the Linne elements— all these compiled in short memor- [Jan. anda, he says, ' ever accompanied me during my rambles, and now, in my advanced years, I delight remembering those fresh, happy days, in which a new world disclosed itself to me. Linne' s Philosophy of Botany was my daily study, advancing me further and further in knowledge and understanding.' Yes, Goethe confesses that, after Shakespeare and Spinola, the greatest impressions upon him came from Linne and his works. Especial a s - sistance or ad- vantage in his botanical stud- ies was afforded by the nearby academy at Zena, with her learned profes- sors and the cul- tivation of med- icinal plants. The mere lind- i n g of names, and classifica- tion of plants into the Linne classes, did not satisfy Goethe. H e endeavored t o establish a more relative grouping of plants he de- sired insight in, what is to-day called the natu- ral plant sys- tem. In this en- deavor he found RDEN-HOusE. assistaucc in young August Karl Batsch, later Professor at Zena, and Ilofrash Buettner of Goettingin ; and besides these through writings on Botany by Jean Jaques Rousseau. During spring, 1785, he began microscopic investigations of the lowest organisms, near the lower boundary of the vegetable kingdom. He could truthfully say of himself :—' The vegetable kingdom has taken possession of my mind— I cannot rid myself of it for a moment, and I delight in my fine progress. Everything 1901] MEEHANS' MONTHLY — BIOGRAPHY AND LITERATURE. IS ^ t ? t I I %u$ seems to meet me, and the enormous empire simplifies itself in my soul to such degree, that soon I will be able to read the most difficult problem. How much it would please me, could I convey my pleasure of this to others, but it is impossible ! ' GOETHE'S MOSQUE. During vSeptember, 1786, crossing the Swiss Alps, on his tour to Italy, new forms of plant- life, depending on climatic influences, met his eye. At the most, though, he recognized var- iations and abundance of foreign vegetation in the Botanical Gardens at Padua. Above all there was a high and broad wall, covered densely with a Bignofiia radicans and its mul- titude of fire-red, bell-shaped flowers. Next a Fan Palm {Chamcrrops humilis) attracted his attention. This very palm is to the present da}^ known as the Goethe-Palm, and especially cared for during the warm season in the open air, housed in a glass enclosure during the winter months." i Geor(;e Ellwanger.— The Buffalo Express, of recent date, publishes a letter from a Roches- ter correspondent of July 28th, paying a well- deserved compliment to the founder of the great nursery firm of Ellwanger & Barry. Mr. Geo. Ellwanger, who, in his 8oth 3'ear, is still hale and hearty, and in his advancing years, takes as much pleasure in contemplating the grand work his firm has done in spreading the knowledge of trees, fruits, and flowers over the world, and especially in America, as in the substantial rewards good business ability has brought with it. Geo. Ellwanger was born at Wurtemberg, in Germany, and settled in the Genesee Country in 1835. He had previously studied gardening at Stuttgart, and, in 1838, bought out the small nursery in which he had been employed, and purchased eight acres more— the foundation of the great ' ' Mount Hope" nurseries. Two years later he took in- to partnership Patrick Barry, and this con- tinued in harmonious relationship until Mr. Barry's death, in 1890. Fruits and roses al- ways received close attention from this firm, and the horticultural world owes much to them for persevering and intelligent efforts in the dissemination of most desirable kinds. History of Tea. — The first knowledge Eu- ropeans had of the use of tea by the Chinese seems to have been derived from the Embassy to the Emperor of China, from an East Indian company, an account of which was published in 1669, and translated into English by "J. Ogibbt, I^squire," of London. The plant seemed very abundant in the Province of Nan- kin. It was only found under cultivation. Nowhere was it seen wild. The plants grew as high as rose-bushes, and were planted on hills, three feet apart. The leaves are gathered in five sizes, — the larger leaves are the lowest on the bushes. The uppermost are the small- est, and furnish the highest price tea. The w^hite flowers w^ere about the size of a Sweet Briar Rose. The seeds sown in the ground produce plants that are very productive of leaves the third year from sowing. It is hardy enough to stand a little frost and snow. It takes the place of beer, in other countries, as a drink, and it is believed that the entire ab- sence of gout, stone, and other diseases of the East, among the Chinese, is due to their use of tea instead of intoxicating drinks. The author says the Chinese found it good for ♦' overcharged stomachs," and gives sleep to the restless ; but in excess * ' increases the gall." Though three hundred years have passed since this was written, we have not had much better accounts of the plant since. ^ilSl^llLlJj COND EX GENERAL NOTES. A Whistwng Tree.— Theatrical managers are certain of this fact. They will not use the Whistling Tree, that is the Tsofar, for carpen- tering. In the Pharmaceutical Journal we are told that a gum is obtained from it, known under the name oi gidaref or Sennaar Gum. It is a very interesting tree. According to Dr. Schweinfurth, as the vand blows across its branches, it produces a sound analogous to a flute. This musical property, wonderful in a tree, especially a gummy one, is due to the fact that the base of the prickles of the hirsute branches is perforated by a certain insect, which sucks the gum out and transforms all the thorns into little flutes. Happily we only see things of this kind in the south of Nubia. — Translated from La Semaine Horticole, by Sarah D. Lanning. that it has no utility in the economy of human life, should be classed with that department of literature known as " fudge." Utility in Gardening. — A point is some- times attempted to be made that while farm- ing is useful, gardening is a mere sentiment, and the lines between beauty and utility are somewhat tightly drawn. But even those who use this argument do not show by their lives that they have full faith in it. One man may look on a magnificent specimen ot forest-tree growth with admiration of the beauty in every leaf and branch, while the next man be calcu- lating the dollars he may make out of the lumber in the trunk. But after the bank ac- count is swollen with the cash, pure utility will not permit him to clothe himself in a coffee sack nor his wife and family in garments of fig leaves, because he has no use for beauty. He does not travel on a dead level, dreary plain because there is greater expense and labor in getting to a mountain top, but ad- mires the grand mountain scenery as deeply as the mere lover of nature. Indeed, a lover of any kind is more inspired by beauty than by ugliness, and a bank note would be less accept- able to any one if passed as a dirty piece of square paper, than with a neat picture of De Soto or some handsome face. To our mind, the objection sometimes made to gardening, (i6) Commercial Value of Apricot Stones. — The value of apricot pits is being commercially demonstrated this season. Time was, and not long ago, when the humble pit was a waste product, a valueless something that was spurned as being ever in the way. Later, it was dignified with a value ; it commanded $5 a ton to be used as fuel under the boilers where steam power was generated. It burned well and made a desirable fuel. Now, the uses to which the erstwhile despised pit are put are many. The demand is running ahead of ihe supply and its value is continually increasing. It is made to yield up its content, of market- able poison — prussic acid ; it gives a very de- sirable quality of ' ' almond oil ; " it enters largely into the manufacture of candy — in places, Germany for instance ; it is even said to be useful in the fabrication of baking pow- der. These are some of the pits' possibilities. There are others. — California Frtdt Grower. Incombustible Wood. — In most cities, the losses from fire are so heavy that restraining laws against wooden buildings are continually being enacted. Perhaps the time may come when incombustible wood may occupy a place in building operations. There are many plants among the myrtaceous and cactaceous orders that have wood that will not burn. The wood is, however, too hard to work up conveniently ; but surely it could be used by mortice and pins in situations the most dangerous. Calceolaria — * * Fisherman's-basket. ' ' — A very appropriate popular name for the Cal- ceolaria is mentioned by a writer in Lippin- coWs, namely, *' Fisherman's-basket." The peculiarly-formed flower resembles such a basket as closely as nature could make it. For oddity as well as beauty, it should be seen in conservatories more frequently. V()L.X] Pl/vpe 2 4 HELIANTHUS LENTICULARIS. PRAIRIE SUNFLOWER. NATURAL ORDER, COMPOSIT.^. HELIANTHUS LENTICULARIS, Douglas.— Stalk crcct, hispid ; leaves alternate, petiolate, ovate, attenuate, towards the apex acuminate, three-nerved, serrate ; heads large, slightly drooping ; peduncles terete ; involucral scales spreading, oval, acuminate, on the back scabrous; palea trifid ; achenia two-awned. Dc CaudoUc's Prodromus ; see, also, Watson's Botany of Clarence King*s Expedition. Within the past quarter of a century, botan- ists have come to regard this plant as the parent of the common Sunflower, which Lin- naeus named Helianthus annuus. They regard it as a development, or, as we should say of garden vegetables, that the Sunflower is an improvement, by garden art, from the species we are describing. Under this belief, the name Jenticularts has been dropped, and Helianthus a?muus, the name given by Linnaeus to the ■cultivated form, adopted for the species. Our plant has, therefore, to be looked for, in modern botanical works, as Helianthus annuus. In botany, when two supposed species are proved to be identical, the earliest name should pre- vail. It is under this rule that the name lenti- xularis, given by Douglas, and published in the "Botanical Register," for 1825, plate 1265 (not 1225, as quoted one after another by vari- ous authors), has been dropped. In this case, however, the rule is scarcely applicable. If the common Sunflower is not a real wild flower of Peru, as supposed by Linnaeus when he named it Helianthus annuus, but a form im- proved by those skilful gardeners, the ancient Peruvians, as they improved corn, potatoes, tomatoes, and other things for us, the species from which it was derived should be recognized and bear the name, though of more recent date than the garden variety bore. Helia?ithus an- nuus should be simply a garden variety of Helianthus lenticularis, —2ir\6 not Helianthus lenticularis a variety of Helianthus annuus. It is, however, the province of this work to illustrate the labors of contemporaneous bo- tanical works, and to refer to them for full botanical details of the illustrations. Heli- anthus lenticularis would not have been re- tained for the plant, merely on account of the unfortunate misnomer referred to, but for the reason that it is not clear that the common Sunflower was derived from it, and it may yet come to be regarded as distinct. There seems to be characters in the disk-florets that are never apparent in the garden form, — and the characters of the leaves and the stems, though often similar, never coincide. The author has seen innumerable plants of either, in the most vigorous or most depauperate conditions, with- out experiencing difficulty in deciding which was which. In no case has he seen any tend- ency in Helianthus lenticularis to present us with Helianthus annuus. In brief, it is as probable that the common Sunflower originated from a species not yet met with in Peru, or perhaps extinct, as that it was derived from the species illustrated. At any rate, it will do no harm to present our wild plant under the name by which it has been known for half a century. In order that students may make comparisons with the Sun- flower for themselves, details of the flower to a greater extent than usual have been pre- sented, as Figs. I and 2 show. It will be noted that, though the floret has characters by which it can be readily distinguished from the com- mon Sunflower, it varies in its form according to the stage of growth. There are three rhythmic motions during the growth of the floret. The first growth ceases as soon as the tubular corolla has reached its length. After a short rest, growth is resumed and the sta- mens advance far beyond the corolla, when another resting stage occurs. This is repre- sented by Fig. I. Again resting, the next following advance forces the cloven pistil through the united anthers, carrying the pollen with it and ensuring self- fertilization. (17) 1 1,;, , ^v-.'irf^ j i-\i'!('n,\i:iS I V()L.X1 Plate rnr:. 9 HELIANTHUS LENTICULARIS. PRAIRIE SUNFLOWER. NATURAL ORDER, COMPOSITiE. HELIANTHUS LBNTiCDLARis, Douglas.— Stalk crcct, hispid ; leaves alternate, pctiolate, ovate, attenuate, towards the apex acuminate, three-nerved, serrate ; heads large, slightly drooping ; peduncles terete ; involucral scales spreading, oval, acuminate, on the back scabrous; palea trifid; achenia two-avvrned. Dc CandoWe's Pt^odromus ; see, also, Watson's Botany of Clarence King's Expedition. Within the past quarter of a century, botan- ists have come to regard this plant as the parent of the common Sunflower, which Lin- naeus named Helianthus annuus. They regard it as a development, or, as we should say of garden vegetables, that the Sunflower is an improvement, by garden art, from the species we are describing. Under this belief, the name lejiticularis has been dropped, and Helianthus annuus, the name given by Linnaeus to the •cultivated form, adopted for the species. Our plant has, therefore, to be looked for, in modern botanical works, as Heliayithus annuus. In botany, when two supposed species are proved to be identical, the earliest name should pre- vail. It is under this rule that the name lenti- lulariSy given by Douglas, and published in the "Botanical Register," for 1825, plate 1265 (not 1225, as quoted one after another by vari- ous authors), has been dropped. In this case, however, the rule is scarcely applicable. If the common Sunflower is not a real wild flower of Peru, as supposed by Linnaeus when he named it Helianthus animus, but a form im- proved by those skilful gardeners, the ancient Peruvians, as they improved corn, potatoes, tomatoes, and other things for us, the species from which it was derived should be recognized and bear the name, though of more recent date than the garden variety bore. Helianthus an- nuus should be simply a garden variety of Helianthus lenticular is, —^.n^ not Helianthus lenticularis a variety of Helianthus annuus. It is, however, the province of this work to illustrate the labors of contemporaneous bo- tanical works, and to refer to them for full botanical details of the illustrations. Heli- anthus lenticularis would not have been re- tained for the plant, merely on account of the unfortunate misnomer referred to, but for the reason that it is not clear that the common Sunflower was derived from it, and it may yet come to be regarded as distinct. There seems to be characters in the disk-florets that are never apparent in the garden form, — and the characters of the leaves and the stems, though often similar, never coincide. The author has seen innumerable plants of either, in the most vigorous or most depauperate conditions, with- out experiencing difficulty in deciding which was which. In no case has he seen any tend- ency in Helianthus lenticularis to present us with Helianthus annuus. In brief, it is as probable that the common Sunflower originated from a species not yet met with in Peru, or perhaps extinct, as that it was derived from the species illustrated. At any rate, it will do no harm to present our wild plant under the name by which it has been known for half a century. In order that students may make comparisons with the Sun- flower for themselves, details of the flower to a greater extent than usual have been pre- sented, as Figs. I and 2 show. It will be noted that, though the floret has characters by which it can be readily distinguished from the com- mon Sunflower, it varies in its form according to the stage of growth. There are three rhythmic motions during the growth of the floret. The first growth ceases as soon as the tubular corolla has reached its length. After a short rest, growth is resumed and the sta- mens advance far beyond the corolla, when another resting stage occurs. This is repre- sented by Fig. I. Again resting, the next following advance forces the cloven pistil through the united anthers, carrying the pollen with it and ensuring self- fertilization. (17) 7 INTENTIONAL SECOND EXPOSURE COLOR PLATE f^- ^' ^ yfl H ''^- %^^-: ^ •/!{ 4 HELIANTHUS LENTICULARIS. PRAIRIE SUNFLOWER. NATURAL ORDER, COMPOSITE. Kklianthus lenticdlaris, Douglas.— stalk erect, hispid ; leaves alternate, petiolate, ovate, attenuate, towards the apex acuminate, three-nerved, serrate ; heads large, slig^htly drooping ; peduncles terete ; involucral scales spreading, oval, acuminate, on the back scabrous; palea trifid ; achenia two-awned. De Candolle's Pa orf;(^»/«i ; see, also, Watson's Botany of Clarence King's Expedition. Within the past quarter of a century, botan- ists have come to regard this plant as the parent of the common Sunflower, which Lin- nreus named Helianthus annuus. They regard it as a development, or, as we should say of garden vegetables, that the vSunflower is an improvement, by garden art, from the species we are describing. Under this belief, the name leuticularis has been dropped, and Helianthus auuiius, the name given by Linnaeus to the cultivated form, adopted for the species. Our plant has, therefore, to be looked for, in modern botanical works, as IIcliaHthus annuus. In botany, when two supposed species are proved to be identical, the earliest name should pre- vail. It is under this rule that the name Icnti- xularis, given by Douglas, and published in the ''Botanical Register," for 1825, plate 1265 (not 1225, as quoted one after another by vari- ous authors), has been dropped. In this case, however, the rule is scarcely ap])licable. If the common Sunflower is not a real wild flower of Peru, as supposed by Linniuus when he named it Helianthus annuus, but a form im- proved by those skilful gardeners, the ancient Peruvians, as they imi)roved corn, i)otatoes, tomatoes, and other things for us, the species from which it was derived should be recognized and bear the name, though of more recent date than the garden variety bore. Helianthus an- nuus should be simply a garden variety of Helianthus lentieular is, —and not Helianthus lentieularis a variety of Helianthus annmis. It is, however, the province of this work to illustrate the labors of contemporaneous bo- tanical works, and to refer to them for full botanical details of the illustrations. Heli- anthus lentieularis would not have been re- tained fur the plant, merely on account of the unfortunate misnomer referred to, but for the reason that it is not clear that the common vSunflower was derived from it, and it may yet come to be regarded as distinct. There seems to be characters in the disk-florets that are never apparent in the garden form, — and the characters of the leaves and the stems, though often similar, never coincide. The author has seen innumerable plants of either, in the most vigorous or most depauperate conditions, with- out experiencing difficulty in deciding which was which. In no case has he seen any tend- ency in Helianthus lentieularis to present us with Helianthus annuus. In brief, it is as ])robable that the common Sunflower originated from a species not yet met with in Peru, or perhaps extinct, as that it was derived from the species illustrated. At any rate, it will do no harm to present our wild plant under the name by which it has been known for half a century. In order that students may make comparisons with the Sun- flower for themselves, details of the flower to a greater extent than usual have been pre- sented, as Figs. I and 2 show. It will be noted that, though the floret has characters by which it can be readil}' distinguished from the com- mon Sunflower, it varies in its form according to the stage of growth. There are three rhythmic motions during the growth of the floret. The first growth ceases as vSoon as the tubular corolla has reached its length. After a short rest, growth is resumed and the sta- mens advance far beyond the corolla, when another resting stage occurs. This is repre- sented by Fig. I. Again resting, the next following advance forces the cloven pistil through the united anthers, carrying the pollen with it and ensuring self-fertilizalion. (17) COLOR PLATE i8 MEEHANS' MONTHLY-HEUANTHUS LENTICULARIS. [Feb This stage is represented by Fig. 2. The sta- mens are then gradually drawn down to their original position at the mouth of the corolla tube But another interesting change occurs at this stage. The corolla tube becomes en- larged at the apex, and is contracted beloW, so that what was cylindrical, in the early stage, becomes funnel-form. The lesson is that, in making comparisons with other species, the organs must be contrasted at a similar period of growth. In regard to its general history, it may be well to give the original account of Dr. Lind- ley, when first describing it in the - Botanical Register," plate 1265. He says that it is nearly related to Mr. Nuttall's species, Heli- anthus tubcEformis; "but the leaves are not cordate at the base, nor are the peduncles fistu- lar and gradually thickened upwards to the base of the receptacle. ' ' It was introduced , by Douglas, in 1827. It is variable in character, and abounds over the greater part of the tem- perate countries situate in the interior and on the western coast of North America. ''In sandy or parched ground it is a diminutive annual, scarcely a foot high ; in moist or rich ground. 6 or 8 feet high. The native tribes, in the interior of North California, apply the grain to the same purpose as that for which, we are informed by Mr. Nuttall, the Indians of the Missouri apply H, tubceformis. They collect them in the autumn, and dry them on heated stones, or in wooden troughs with small embers, stirring them with a stick to prevent their burning. When dried, they are pounded and made into a sort of bread, which is not unpleasant." The author of this paper was among the eariiest to cross the Plains after the completion of the Union Pacific Railroad, and an interest- ing observation was that, although no signs of the plant's existence could be found on the prairies proper, the land disturbed by the operations of track laying abounded with the plant in many stages of luxuriance. Until that time, it was difficult to believe that seed would remain in the earth for an indefinite time, awaiting special conditions for germin- ating. But this was an argument for proba- bility only. Since that time, more direct ob- servations on other plants has satisfied the author that this popular impression in regard to the long vitality of seeds under these con- ditions is sound. He has had seeds, usually considered of low vital power, remain sound eighteen inches below the surface certainly for ten years, growing when brought to the sur- face Though rather a coarse plant, the bril- liant golden glow afforded by many acres of them in Nebraska and Colorado, in those eariy days of the settlement of those territories, gave rise to pleasurable sensations that will never be forgotten. If we are to take this plant into the family of the genuine Sunflower, there would be much to say of it in connection with polite literature. In the -Botanical Register," already cited. Dr. Lindley says of its family name -^-Heli- anthus is derived from helios. the sun, and anthos^ flower, in allusion to the singular phe- nomenon of the flowers turning to the sun in the morning, and following him through his course in the day. " It is now understood that the heliotrope of Grecian mythology has been confused with helianthus. The ancient one came in bloom with the sun in his summer solstice only to find her God fleeing from her as autumn approached. Helianthus is, liter- ally, Sunflower, from the striking resemblance of the flowers to conventional pictures of the sun. It does not follow the sun as intimated. And yet it probably has motion. The author has not made close observation on the Sun- flower, but he has on several other species of the genus. In these, there is an upwardly curved— not laterally, and following the sun- kind of motion. In some cases, the flower lifts itself over from north-east to south-west ; but in other cases from west to east, or from south northwardly. It occurs at night as well as by day. The cause of this motion, or its service in the economy of plant life, has not been satisfactorily determined ; but it is cer- tain it has no relation to the influence of the sun, nor has it any connection with the points of the compass. The Sunflower of the Greeks appears to have been the common yellow Chrysanthemum of Greece,— and this had a place in the gariands of Persian sun-wor- shippers. EXPLANATION OF THE PLATE -I. Florct io carly stage, magnified 2. Florets one day later. 3. Longitudinal sec tion of receptacle and portion of flower stem. 4. Akene. 5 Three cleft bract from the base of the floret. 6 Shows the back portion of the involucral scales. 7. ^^PP**" Vori^on of the flower stem. 8. Leaf from the lower portion of the stem. The plantfr om Kansas. # « WILD FLOWERS AND NATURE. A MOONLIGHT SCENE. one low light betwixt them burned, Blurred by the creeping mist, for all abroad, Beneath a moon unseen albeit at full. The white mist, like a face-cloth to the face Clung to the dead earth, and the land was still. Tknnyson. Squirrel's Food. — In the November issue of the Monthly attention is called to the various foods of squirrels. During the latter part of the summer and autumn, I had fre- quently noticed half-matured heads of sun- flowers scattered near the path in the rear of the house, but thought little of it, supposing it the work of children. One day I noticed a squirrel mounting to the roof of an adjoining and little-used building, and descending the chimney with one in its mouth ; and on going to the attic, there was fully a half-bushel of heads gathered into a pile for future use. To- day (Nov. 26th), I find the pile very much reduced, with plenty of fragments strewn over the floor. The fully-grown clusters were evi- dently too heavy, — at least a preference was shown for those not fully matured. Bessie L. Putnam. The Prairie Sunflower. — Beyond its showy flowers, the Peruvian Sunflower cannot boast of many points of beauty. In this respect, our Prairie Sunflower outranks it. Robert Browning, in fact, derides it : — **A flower I knew, That changes ever at the sun's approach, And in the vain endeavour To live his life, has parted, one by one. With all a flower's true graces, for the grace Of being but a foolish mimic sun ; With rag-like florets 'round a disc-like face, Men call the flower 'the Sunflower' sportingly. " But it is useful if not beautiful. The seeds furnish food for man and beast,— and on dry plains, where more pretentious bushes fail to grow, the dried sunflower stalks alone feed the traveler's fire. Fern Variation. — In Great Britain, the forty odd indigenous species of ferns have sported, under purely natural conditions, into- such an immense variety of abnormal types- that it would be certainly well worth while for American fern-lovers to keep their eyes well open in the States for similar phenomena. The occurrence of these sports is so peculiarly sporadic, that it is impossible to form any the- ory as to their genesis. Insular conditions of climate and environment generally may be a factor, and considering that no less than 1,100 distinct forms were catalogued and described by Mr. E. I. Lowe, in 1891, since when a num- ber of new finds have turned up in a wild state,, there is a good prima facie argument to this effect ; but on the other hand, it must not be forgotten that Great Britain is the only place where variety-hunting has been the hobby of many assiduous and persevering men for nearly half a century, and that one and all of these are and have been amateurs, and not scientific or professional botanists, whose quest is new species and genera, and who, until recently,, have ignored abnormalities as beneath their notice. In the writer's opinion, wherever ferns • are abundant, varieties may be found if spe- cially hunted for — that is, if the masses of normal plants be individually examined. True, now and again it happens that a "find," especially in districts virgin to the fern- hunter, may be a huge and conspicuous plant, as in one of my own discoveries, when a shoulder-high bush of Lastrea montana oris- lata gracile, with thirty-three crowns, met my gaze, by a streamside in Dartmoor, and re- quired two men plus a horse and cart for its removal. On the other hand, however, the majority are more or less hidden by their often robuster companions, and only betray their existence by the tip of a frond. The writer's first find was of this class — a remarkable form of Blechnum Spicant {B. s. concur r ens, Druery). This has the fronds evenly narrowed to about one-third of an inch, the side divisions being like small scallop shells. In this case, only a (X9) ||HilMWikl& *f«W.J^O?.-*V 20 MEEHANS' MONTHLY-WILD FLOWERS AND NATURE. [Feb. ii frond tip peeped out of a mass of small, nor- mal plants in a stone-dyke ; but following this up six were found, all radiating from same centre, a completely true plant which gives perfectly true progeny when sown. I fully appreciate the argument which has been expressed in the Fern Bulletin that, in the States, the vast area and manifold condi- tions of climate render it possible to find ab- solutely new species which, in a well-hunted country like this, is scarcely conceivable ; but on the other hand, there are hosts of people Avho may be fern lovers, but whose hunting area is small, and yet furnished abundantly with well-known species. For such, the hunt- ing for varieties is always open, and the dis- covery of a thoroughbred find, i. e.. a beauti- fully symmetrical, distinct type is, as I can personally testify, a splendid reward for the time and trouble involved. So far. despite the fact that many of our species are common to both countries, the «' finds " in the States are extremely few ; yet crested forms of Athyrium filix-foemina, and even of Cystopteris fragilis, are reported. Finds of the first were sent to me and were thorough- bred ; while the latter has only afforded one crested type on this side, despite its abund- ance A crested form of Deunstaedtum (?) is also reported to me by Mr. W. S. Moscow, and a truncate-thorned form of Phegopteris hexagon- optera. Some years ago, a curious sport of • Strut hiopter is was introduced from the States with, as I recollect, almost simple, and curled pinn^ ; but this. I fear, has become extinct, on this side, being more curious than beautiful. These discoveries, sparse as they are, serve to establish the fact that American ferns do vary on similar lines to ours ; and that, therefore, assiduous search may be repaid. Our common Polypody {P. vulgare) is, I understand, abund- ant in some places. Here this has afforded, under absolutely wild conditions, some marvel- lously distinct types far and away more beau- tiful than the normal. I, myself, possess about thirty-six varieties, chief of which are six distinct plumose forms in which the frond is transformed into almost a tripinnate one of very papery foliose character and extremely handsome. We have heavily-tasselled forms of this species, found wild about a dozen times, yet no two are alike. Then what would an American fern-hunter think of a form like P V ^/^^^«//55^>/^«;//, with three kinds of fronds, viz.! quite normal, tripinnate in a charmingly slender fashion, and finally the tripinnation enhanced by nearly inch-long lingual exten- sions from more of the tips ; and to crown the edifice, young plants, as bulbils, fringing the fronds in association with the same ; yet this but meagrely describes my own specimen of this This was found in Cornwall ; but a sec- ond" find is recorded in Coermarthen which from the fronds I have seen is identical, though I am not sure of its possessing the same pecu- liar multiformity of type. Our Lastreas, Athy- rium Polystichum, Blechmim, Asplenium, Sco- lopendrium and Polypodium vulgare have given us hundreds of wild abnormalities, as stated above, and few of the native species but have vouchsafed some departures. My own collection embraces about five hundred of the best, including, of course, a number of types which have been obtained by selected culture, a separate branch of the hobby which has yielded glorious fruits. The Shield Ferns of Jones & Fox, and my own strain of plumose Athyria, have no parallels as regards delicacy of cutting, redundance of frondage and beauty of general effect ; yet these, the finest of them, have developed in three or four generations, only from the wild find of ab- normal extra division, which formed the start- ing-point in each case. Jones & Fox's incom- parable Shield Ferns, P. afigulare plumosum densum, and its companions, sprang from the first sowing of a merely decomposite wild find. I am, however, travelling perhaps too far in this direction, the primary object of my paper being the encouragement of the search for the original material among the ferns which your readers may come across. It must not for a moment be imagined that it is only necessary to go carefully through the nearest clump or habitat of ferns to find something good. The finds are rare things, numerically, even here, and great perseverance is a sure gain now. Given this, however, I believe results will follow ; and once a good thing has been found, and faith thus instilled into the finder, he or she will require no further encouragement. The fern fever will have been caught, and will inevitably run its course, transforming him or her into an enthusiastic hunter for evermore. Chas. T. Druerv, F. L. vS., V. M. H. Londou, Knglaud. • GENERAL GARDENING THE INTEIvIJGKNT GARDENER. Who drew, with careful hand and curious eye, Truth from a flower, and wisdom from a fly, — Who opened gates to Nature's secret store, And Science thron'd where error reign'd before. Destroying the Tussock Moth Cater- pillar AND Bag-worm. — If persons would only realize the advantages and ease with which many obnoxious insects may be pre- vented from spreading, the troubles in summer would be greatly reduced. The Bag-worm — so-called because it lives in its "bag," or cocoon, even during its ravages of a tree — dies in the autumn ; but the female first deposits a large number of eggs right in her cocoon, which is afterward her grave. These bags are easily detected in winter, hanging mostly from the upper branches 01 evergreen trees (the Arbor-vitse seems a favorite), and may be picked or cut off" and burned. When one knows the immense number of eggs which would thus be destroyed, the value of doing it is readily seen. The Tussock Moth acts in preciselj' the same manner as regards the de- posit of eggs in her white cocoon, and the work of destruction would be the same. These silky, white cocoons may be found flat against the trunks of trees, under old boards, and around rubbish of all kinds. They are most easily found in early winter. Cemetery Planting. — In the line of thought recently suggested by Meehans' Monthly, the Weekly Florists' Review of re- cent date contains an answer to a correspond- ent on the subject of cemetery planting. In brief the writer says : — " In the beautiful cemetery in which I do a great deal of work, the graves are rounded up in the old conventional style, and covered with sod. It would please the authorities of our Forest Lawn [Buffalo, N. Y.] very much if the graves were all level, to conform to the surface of the .surrounding grass. It would save a great deal of work and the grass could be kept much fresher and greener, as the mounds dry out far more than the surround- ings. I notice in the Greenwood Cemetery, in Brooklyn, that many of the graves are cov- ered with English Ivy. I would say there is nothing better than this beautiful plant for the purpose, but it would not be hardy in Buffalo. It would suffer during the bitter snows of March while it was severely frozen. There are quite a few graves lately covered with Vincd minor, the common periwinkle. In situations where the graves are beneath the shade of trees, and grass is difficult to grow, the Vinca comes in excellent. It is perfectly hardy, forms a close material and looks green the whole year. It needs shearing every spring. Perhaps after a time, people will be satisfied to have the graves leveled, and then it will be much easier to grow the Vinca or the ivy on them, and I believe that the manage- ment of alj cemeteries would be glad to have it so. "In Forest Lawn no one is allowed to da any sodding or plant anything on the lot that would disturb the sod, but they have given permission of late to cover the graves with Vinca where desired. All the florist is allowed to do is to put iron or wooden vases on the lot, filled with flowers. Neither are there any fences. If suiting the general effect of the lawn, a tree may be on your lot, but if it is not a suitable place there is none allowed. This may seem to some a little arbitrary, but there is no doubt it is the ideal way to conduct a cemetery. I do not know of any material except the English Ivy, where hardy, and the Vifica minor, with us so good for the purpose of covering graves." Morganton (N. C.) State Hospital. — Ta the visitors and residenters of western North Carolina no place seems to attract so much at- tention as the "State Hospital " at Morganton. The site chosen for this magnificent work of "humanity" is a gently rolling plat, situated (2I> [t 22 MEEHANS' MONTHLY— GENERAL GARDENING. [Feb. between the Blue Ridge and South Mountains, and commanding a perfect view of the sur- rounding country. Here it is that patients suffering with diseases of the mind are care- fully watched and nursed back to the pleasure of real life, under the guidance and skill of Dr. P. L. Murphy and his able corps of as- sistants. The extent of the hospital grounds proper is in the neighborhood of 700 acres, and nearly all under cultivation. The orchard work re- ceives a good share of attention, about 150 acres being devoted to it. The lawns at this institution are unsurpassed in North Carolina. All around the building is a double terrace, with steps at convenient distances, to enable events of this district, and is open to all in the afternoon; while at night the patients have their inning. The blooms are all cut and distributed among the patients before they leave the hall. The flower-beds take up con- siderable time in arranging and planting out, requiring in the neighborhood of 250,000 plants and bulbs. Time nor space will per- mit us to go into detail, but we cannot close without mentioning Mr. F. M. Seroggo, the efficient steward of the institution, on whom the greater part of this work devolves. Nor yet should the head-gardener be ne- glected in receiving due share of credit, for, after all, what would even a good hospital be without attractive surroundings, to cheer the A SCENE IN A BOTANIC GARDEN. BRITISH GUIANA. visitors and others to reach the plateau on which the hospital is built. The lawns are in extent about 50 acres, and are all seeded with the Kentucky Blue Grass (Poa pratensis). This is found to be admirably adapted to this sec- tion (price included). A few years ago, Dr. Murphy had constructed three greenhouses on the combination plan, by Hitchings, of New York, and since their erection they have been a never-ending source of enjoyment to the pa- tients. Cut flowers are supplied to them every week for their amusement, while quite a num- ber get plants and take them to their rooms, and look after them. Generally, about the first week in November, a Chrysanthemum exhibit is held in the hall of the hospital. This is looked forward to as one of the social hearts of the afflicted ones ? We may well be- lieve that a contented heart and mind will work hand in hand with medicine in giving speedy relief from most all ills ; and surely flowers, fruit, and a pretty landscape are appre- ciated by every one, and give one of the strong- est touches of home-life that is possible. To manage successfully extensive gardening oper- ations of a varied nature, is no small matter, and the surroundings of this institution give evidence of a good guiding hand in that respect. A Garden Scene in British Guiana.— British Guiana is familiar to our readers by the large number of the beautiful orchids with which our conservatories are adorned. They, indeed, furnish the chief floral ornaments of 1901] MEEHANS' MONTHLY — GENERAL GARDENING. 23 these regions. The forests are made up of trees that have unattractive flowers, and palms that have graceful foliage, but nothing to boast of in the way of bloom. But Nature seems to have regretted her parsimony in this regard, and made up for it by having trumpet vines, with gaudy flowers, climb over them, — and epiphytal orchids, with their sweet and lovely blossoms, cling to their branches. The palms, however, always charm by their foliage, and are an essential part of garden scenery. Accompanying this is a view taken from one of these gardens, from a photo kindly sent by our attentive correspondent, Mr. Joseph C. Roop, of E. Stroudsburg, Pa. Removing Large Limbs of Trees in March. — I am always interested in your state- ments relating to trees, apd generally fully agree with them, but your statement that " it is practicable to remove the large lower limbs from trees at any season of the year," I think, conveys an erroneous idea. Of course, it is practicable ; but is it the best practice ? My observation led me to believe that the removal of large limbs from apple trees in New Hamp- shire in the month of March caused their knots to rot and weaken the trees, instead of becom- ing dry and remaining sound. Such was the fact in several instances, and I supposed such would generally be the result. Am I not cor- rect? J. C. Lyman. Exeter, N. H. [The article mentioned may have caused erroneous ideas in the minds of some, though the facts are correct. March may be a hard month on the knots of the trees pruned ; yet, if the advice in the whole paragraph be care- fully followed, it should make no difference in the results. To quote from it : — "In any event, it is desirable to paint the wounds with thick ordinary paint, or something that will keep out the air and moisture." If this be done, renewing it "until the new growth of wood covers the wound," there can be no decay nor weakness while the coating remains to keep off the air and moisture. •'Is it the best practice?" That depends entirely upon circumstances. In horticultural practices it is best to do whatever is needed at once, if possible, or during a period when there is but little other work to be done. Therefore, if the removal of the limbs in March is par- ticularly desired for some cause, or it fits in better with other work, that is the best time to do it, provided always that the coating of the wounds be made and kept perfect. Possibly something, as the oozing of sap, will prevent the protection of the wounds ; but this is likely to occur in much earlier months than March. The pruner must then keep watch of his tree, and paint the wounds as the conditions permit.] Fall and Winter Beauty of Viburnum OPULUS. — No brighter effect in massing shrubs or in mixed groups can be formed than by the use of the High-bush Cranberry, so-called from its cranberry-like fruit, a large-growing native shrub, botanically called Viburnum opulus. While its foliage and flowers are to an extent ornamental, the numerous bunches of fruit of a clear, bright red color in the fall and winter, make a gorgeous display, rivalling all other or- namental berry-bearing plants. It is perfectly hardy, even where winters are most severe. Cork. — Many of us are surprised when brought face to face with the fact that what we have easily to hand we know the least about. BRANCHES FROM THE CORK TREE. Cork is a familiar illustration. Few know that it is part of the bark of a tree,— and still fewer that it is formed by a species of oak, the Quercus Suber of Linnaeus,— ^w^^r being the 24 MEEHANS' MONTHLY— GENERAL GARDENING. [Feb. classical Latin for cork. A very interesting little pamphlet before us, entitled -From Forest to Pharmacy," issued by the Armstrong Cork Company, of Pittsburg, Pa., apparently for gratuitous distribution to its patrons, tells the whole story from the tree, as it sprouts from the acorn, until the cork finds itself in the druggist's bottle. The accompanying illustrations have been taken from this source. One shows a branch with the acorns among the holly-like leaves ; the other the mature tree, and how it looks when denuded of its valuable coating. It is only the outer layer that is decorticated, the inner bark continuing the vital processes necessary to the further growth of the tree. Berberis Thunbergi.— One of the most useful ornamental shrubs in cultivation is the Japanese Barberry, Berberis Thunbergi. For the purpose of a dwarf hedge, it is the best known plant in use. It makes a pretty speci- men singly on a lawn appropriately located, or in masses bordering shrubbery plantings. The foliage is small, neat, and colors richly in autumn, when the plant is further ornamented by scarlet berries. Further, it is very hardy, and stands almost any position. It is un- doubtedly an all-round plant. Hardy Vines.— Two of the most hardy vines are Celastrus scandens, commonly called Bitter- A CORK TREE PARTLY STRIPPED. sweet or Staff-vine, and the Chinese Matrimony Vine, Lycium Chinense, Both bear scarlet fruit, ' which is very ornamental in fall. They are unusually handsome and distinct from other vines in foliage, and could be used oftener to- advantage than is done. The Lycium makes a twiggier growth, and is not more than of a half-climbing nature ; while the Celastrus, by pruning, can be similarly grown. The latter has a habit of twining its own stems around each other, making at times a stout stem or rope, which doubtless accounts for the name of Staff-vine. A prominent feature of each i& the deep green color of the foliage. Behavior of Lawn Grass in Sunny and Shady Places.— What seems a contradiction of customary results in connection with the behavior of lawn. grass, came recently before the conductors. It is a general cry that grass will not thrive beneath large trees in its shade, and most efforts to improve lawns are in that direction. But in the present case, the grass is thriving beneath the trees, and outside in the sun the sod is poor and largely occupied by fall grass. To solve the mystery and account for this apparent contradiction, we must understand why grass does not usually grow well beneath large trees. This is explained in the fact that the roots of a tree naturally use up the fertility of the soil— the moisture and mineral foods — and the longer the tree has been established, the less substance re- mains in the soil, and this will be used up with greater propor- tionate rapidity than before. Mere shade has but little deteriorating effect on the grass, pro- vided there is food and air. In the case before us, the lawn had been ren- ovated, replenished with food and seed fresh sown. There was no reason why it should not do well beneath the trees while the good conditions lasted ; and • I 1901] MEEHANS' MONTHLY— GENERAL GARDENING. 25 the shade was a benefit to the new grass with such little root. Apart from the trees, exposed to the sun, the grass did well till towards mid- summer, when the heat and drought proved too much for the tender grass plants, and many succumbed to be supplanted by the fall grass. It was proposed to plant rapid-growing trees, like poplars, that the grass might receive shade ; but this would be but a temporary measure so long as the roots were allowed to feed as they choose without the soil being well replenished. The same end would be gained by sowing oats with the grass. Being strong- growing, they would shade the grass till it ob- tained a good roothold, and by keeping it cut occasionally with a scythe, it would not grow too large, and prove detrimental. If the sod beneath trees could only be kept loose or light, and abundantly supplied with fertilizer and some little moisture, if it showed need for it, the problem of grass-growing be- neath trees would be generally solved. Irregular Growth of Seeds. — It is a common experience to have seeds come up irregularly. Some come up in a few days after sowing, — others not for weeks ; and, in nur- sery culture, many will not come up till the following year. Many unsatisfactory reasons have been given for this. Mr. W. C. Steele, of Switzerland, Florida, has been making tests by soaking seeds in water. Bony seeds have been three months in water, and some will swell and germinate at various periods before this time has been reached. As the seeds were from the same tree, gathered at the same time, it must be evident that the peculiarity is in the seeds themselves, and has little reference to the treatment by the cultivator. English Ivy for Shady Places. — The need for a vine that will thrive in shady places is often felt, and perhaps no other meets the want better than the English Ivy, Hedera Helix. In fact, as between full sunlight and moderate shade, it will prove more satisfactory in the latter position ; during the winter the sun is injurious to the evergreen foliage. Under greenhouse benches in rather dark places, through open cellar windows into a house and beneath trees, this ivy has been seen luxuriantly growing. For covering bare spaces beneath trees it is most excellent. New Lorraine Begonias. — The Begonia,! •'Light Pink Lorraine," is supposed to be a sport from the original ' • Gloire de Lorraine. ' ' There is some doubt as to its true origin. It came among a lot of the original Lorraines which I received from a gentleman in exchange for other plants. When written to for inform- ation as to what it was, he could not tell. It is not only distinct in the color of the flower — being a very delicate shade of pink — but the flower is also larger, and the habit of the plant is more compact in its manner of growth ; yet it is more robust, and from testimonial evidence ^ received it stands the change or adverse con- ditions, which plant-life is frequently subjected to, better than does the original variety. Wyndmoor, Pa. EdWIN LONSDALE. [A beautiful exhibit of this new Begonia was made by Mr. Lonsdale at a recent meeting of the Chestnut Hill Horticultural Society, where it was seen side by side with the ordinary Gloire de Lorraine. The compact, robust growth, mentioned by Mr. Lonsdale, was quite noticeable ; the peduncles were stouter, hold- ing the flowers more erect, making a finer dis- play. The value of its robust character is testified by its more lasting qualities. The Ivorraine Begonias, whether the original or its sports, may be considered among the most treasured plants for decorative purposes. Too much cannot be said in their praise. A well-grown plant is simply a dense crown of blossom to the pretty, green foliage beneath. Growers say that the most successful method of growing them is to confine them to small pots. Plants from cuttings can be brought ta a beautiful blooming stage within a very few months, and these will continue to bloom for six months. A pretty combination is made by planting Maiden-hair Fern around the Begonia in a six-inch pan. Another new Lorraine is a white sport named Caledonia. Some fear its whiteness may not prove permanent. In any event, it will never be as popular as the pink varieties, yet very- valuable to combine with them. Flowering of the Bonapartea. — ''Bona- partea juncea alluded to is in flower now and open in the lower portion of spike. I may add that the plant that was in bloom when I was I"v 24 MEKHANS' MONTHLY— Pictet attributes it to the Semites and Aryans, and as these peoples mi- grated, they made known the process in the countries where they settled down, notably in Egypt, India and Europe. Thus the vine and wine possess very ancient title-deeds.— G«r^- eners" Chronicle, LiVE-FOR-EVERS.— A correspondent sends the following from, he says, "a high class religious serial," that uses it as an illustration of the resurrection,— and desires the name of the bulb, if known. Among the pyramids of Egypt, Professor Lindsay, the great English traveler, once found a mummy that had lain there for two thousand years. In one hand tightly clenched was what appeared to be the bulb of a flower. The scientist took it, planted and watered it, and watched it with intense interest. Soon a tiny green shoot appeared. Under watchful care it grew and grew and finally one day a strange and beautiful blossom opened its petals to the light of day. ' ' It is now well understood that sleight-of- hand tricks are not confined to our people. The Arabs are adepts in the art. In helping to unfold the article, they know what the observer would like to see. " Professor Lind- say" could just as well have found a coin of Queen Victoria in the mummy's hand clenched as a bulb if there had been an equitable consid- eration. Apple Sayings. — " Apple sayings," says a correspondent of the Canadian Horticulturist^ are frequent, both in our country and in Eng- land, all of which testify in favor of the fruit. " An apple a day Sends the doctor away. Apple in the morning. Doctor's warning. Roast apple at night. Starved the doctor outright. Eat an apple going to bed, Knock the doctor on the head. ' A little less aggressive is one of the Mid- lands : ' Three each day, seven days a week. Ruddy apple, ruddy cheek.' More interesting than these is an old orchard verse, which used to be recited on certain ancient farms on the plucking of the first ripe apples of the crop. Misfortune was supposed to follow its omission, and its utterance was quite a little ceremony, the first apple, over which it was spoken, being presented to a young girl, who halved and bit it before any further fruit was gathered, or at least tasted. Thus it ran : ' The fruit of Eve receive and cleave, And taste the flesh therein ; A wholesome food, for man 'tis good That once for man was sin. And since 'tis sweet, why pluck and eat, The Lord will have it so ; For that which Eve did grieve, believe Hath wrought its all of woe — Eat the apple ! * " li t GENERAL NOTES. I i LONGEVITY OF THE PECAN-NUT TrEE. — A correspondent of the Texas Farm and Ra7ich, says that a tree, in the southern part of the State, was six feet in diameter. It was killed by a stroke of lightning and found, by its annual rings, to be about 600 years old. The tree would thus be thirty-six inches from cen- tre to circumference,— and the growths form- ing the annual circle must have been very fine and closely set, or the diameter should have been greater. There is a probability of error in counting the rings, and the tree is not as old as believed to be. Improving Gettysburg Battlefield.— A correspondent of the Country Gentleman notes that the famous battle-ground of Gettysburg is being ''improved" by planting. The original forest, in which a part of the fierce struggle occurred, was cut away to afford a panorama of the monuments. It is now thought better to have some portions wooded as it was on those great days. Strange to say, foreign trees are being used. Japanese Gingkos and English Oak are among them. The Silver Maple and Cottonwood, of which Gettysburg was never found guilty of supporting, is also an element in this reforestation. State For- ester Rothrock could certainly have had no hand in this wretched business. Insects as Human Food. — Prof. Riley showed that our Prairie Locust made a deli- cious dish when fried,— and he always con- tended that there were numerous insects that were just as wholesome as oysters. In New Zealand, a large grut, or, as Americans say, a •' worm," found in dead timber, the larva is of Prionopolis reticularis, and is as eagerly sought for as we seek for mushrooms. They call the worm Huhu. been donated, by its generous owner, Dr. Rus- sell to one of that city's public institutions for the care of the sick. Flowers for hospitals have proved among the most grateful restora- tives. Health requires mental administration as well as corporal. One may well say, if a few flowers are so beneficial to the sick, what a noble benefaction this generous gift of a whole garden must be. Shaw's Garden at St. Louis.— Professor Trelease says :— " It may possibly interest you to know, for the benefit of your readers, that plant agents have been operating in Indiana, —at least, as representing a firm located at Shaw's Garden, St. Louis, Mo. One such party is said to have given the name of G. A. Sawley & Company. If you care to protect your readers who may be subject to similar misrepresentations, kindly announce that 'Shaw's Garden,' as the Missouri Botanical Garden is popularly called, is not a commer- cial establishment, does not sell plants or have agents on the road, and knows nothing of persons making representations similar to those that are here referred to." [Well established nurseries, as well as our friend's institution, are continually used in this way ; but it has been found impossible to pre- vent it, as long as persons can be found to buy of strangers, and depend', on what strangers say. Iti mayjibe regarded as certain that no reader of Meehans' Monthly would buy of a stranger representing himself as a represen- tative of Shaw's Garden. It is only the ignor- ant, who seldom read anything, that are im- posed on.] Maplewood Lodge, Hartford.— The beau- tiful residence and grounds, known as Maple- wood Lodge, near Hartford, Connecticut, have (32) Hairy Vetch.— Circular No. 6, Division of Agrostology. U. S. Department of Agriculture, says that the Hairy Vetch, or Sand Vetch. Vicia villosa, is much superior to the ordinary Vetch, Vicia saliva, for comparatively dry soils or dry seasons. It has been in use for agricultural purposes about fifty years in the North of Europe. It is a native of Western Asia. m Plate 3, !1 !i I I I MliKHM'^hnnN \Wiillil^ bv I, IV^n^ftt EQUISETUM ARVENSE. CORN HORSETAIL. NATURAL ORDER, EQUISETACE^. Kquisetum arvense, r.iunaeus.— sterile stems with simple, ascending, three or four-angled branches; sheaths of the fer- tile stems remote. Fertile stems appearing first, six to nine inches high, with an ovoid-oblong, brownish spike, abovt two inches in length ; sheaths large, loose, with long, acute teeth, dark purplish brown, whitish at base. Sterile stem« nine to fifteen inches high, with a verticil of slender, articulated branches from the base of the sheaths ; branches four to eight inches long, scabrous, green, each branch with its own sheath at base, and sheathed in each articulation. Darlington's Flora Cestrica. See also Gray's Manual of the Botany of the Northern United States. Chapman's Flora of the Southern United States, Wood's Class-Book of Botany, and Britton and Brown's Flora of the Northern States and Canada. The pretty picture of the Corn Horsetail represents a plant that may fairly be termed a citizen of the world. At least, it is credited to three of the four quarters of the globe, and will probably be recorded yet from Northern Africa. Indeed, it may be looked for where- ever the average yearly temperature is not high. On the American continent, it occurs under melting ice in the Arctics, and from the Atlantic to the Pacific as far south as Virginia and Central California. It has a great history in the past as well as in the present, — forms being found in a fossil state, that, if not the same, can be distinguished only with diffi- culty. The whole family can pride itself on its antiquity. The fossil genus, Calamites, which enters largely into some coal formations, is so nearly allied to Equisetum that some botanists are loath to admit any valid distinc- tion. In human history, it also finds a place, being referred to by ancient Greek and Roman writers. The name Equisetum is, indeed, the ancient one, under which it has been con- tinued down to the present time. Pliny, the well-known author of a work on Natural His- tory, a great work for the time, refers to it as the Equisetis, or Horse-hair Plant ; and Sib- thorp, in his Flora Grceca, identifies with some little doubt this and the allied species, Equi- setum sylvaticum, as the Hippuris of Dioscor- ides the Greek author, — a term of similar sig- nification,—making it, however, horse-tail in- stead of horse-hair as Pliny gives it. In connection with this subject of ancient names, it may here be noted, that in the past ages plants were in a great measure classified by their general resemblances. What we should now regard as very different species were brought together in those da3^s. In this case, what we now know as Mares' tail, Hip- puris vulgaris, was brought in with Equisetum. In the days of the ancients, where there were several species supposed to be allied, the stronger species would be termed the male, and the more delicate the female. Our Hip- puris, being finer in habit than the rest of the supposed family, was known as the "female horse-tail." It remained under this stjie, when Wm. Hudson, in his Flora Anglica^ issued in 1762, reading it as female-horse tail, thought to render it more elegantly as • 'Mare's tail ; " and, when Hippuris qslxw^ to be divided from Equisetum, the equivocal name has been continued as the common name for that genus. History is injured by these changes in names. Even the common name of Equisetum arvense has been altered, by modern authors, without reason. It has been known, through many generations of English-speaking people, as the •• Corn Horsetail." But Dr. Gray calls it •* Common Horsetail," — Darlington, Britton and Brown, and some others *' Field Horse- tail," translating the specific name— a fashion of giving an uncommon name as the common one not one to be wisely followed. In the literature of the Old World, the term corn stands for wheat,— and the plant has a fond- ness for growing in wheat fields, hence the common name. Equisetum arvense does not seem to have at- tracted special attention in our country, though it seems to have been one of Fremont's (33) COLOR PLATE Plate 3, I i $ >l-.-l,„n- .•.ti,i,l|i,l,v I IVi..-.»i,. HQUISETUM ARVENSF. CORN HORSETAIL. NATURAL ORDER, EQUISETACE.^. Kyt'iSKTUM ARVENSK, Litinieus.— Stciilc stems with simple, ascending, three or foiir-angled branches; sheaths of the fer- tile stems remote. Fertile stems appearing first, six to nine inches high, with an ovoid-oblong, brownish spike, abovt two inches in length ; sheaths large, loose, with long, acute teeth, dark purplish brown, whitish at base. Sterile sterna nine to fifteen inches high, with a verticil of slender, articulated branches from the base of the sheaths ; branches four to eight inches long, scabrous, green, each branch with its own sheath at base, and sheathed in each articulation, Darlington's Flora Cfstrica. See also (Iray's Manual of the Botany of the Northern United States. Chapman's Flora of the Southef n I'nited States, Wood's Class-Book of Botany, and Britton and Brown's Flora of the Northet n States and Canada. The pretty picture of the Corn Horsetail represents a plant that may fairly be termed a citizen of the world. At least, it is credited to three of the four (piarters of the globe, and will probably be recorded yet from Northern Africa. Indeed, it may be looked for where- ever the average yearly temperature is not high. On the American continent, it occurs under melting ice in the Arctics, and from the Atlantic to the Pacific as far south as Virginia and Central California. It has a great history in the past as well as in the present, — forms being found in a fossil state, that, if not the vSame, can be distinguished onl3' with diffi- culty. The whole family can pride itself on its antiquity. The fossil genus, Calamites, which enters largely into some coal formations, is so nearly allied to Equisetiun that some botanists are loath to admit any valid distinc- tion. In human history, it also finds a place, being referred to by ancient Cireek and Roman writers. The name Equisetiivi is, indeed, the ancient one, under which it has been con- tinued down to the present time. Pliny, the well-known author of a work on Natural His- tory, a great work for the time, refers to it as the Eqttisetis, or Horse-hair Plant ; and vSib- thorp, in his I^lora ihceca, identifies with some little doubt this and the allied species, Equi- settim syhaticum, as the Ilippuris of Dioscor- ides the Oreek author,— a term of similar sig- nification,—making it, however, horse-tail in- stead of horse-hair as Pliny gives it. In connection with this subject of ancient names, it may here be noted, that in the past ages plants were in a great measure classified by their general resemblances. What we should now regard as ver}- different species were brought together in those da^'s. In this case, what we now know as Mares' tail, Hip- pitris z'ul^an's, was brought in with Equisttum. In the days of the ancients, where there were several species supposed to be allied, the stronger species would be termed the male, and the more delicate the female. Our IHp- puris, being finer in habit than the rest of the supposed family, was known as the "female horse-tail." It remained under this style, when Wni. Hudson, in his Elora .Uigiica, issued in 1762, reading it as female-horse tail, thought to render it more elegantly as "Mare's tail ; ** and, when //ippt/r is came to be divided from Equisetnm, the ecpii vocal name has been continued as the common name for that genus. History is injured by these changes in names. Iwen the common name of Equisetum ariense has been altered, by modern authors, without reason. It has been known, through many generations of Ivnglish-speaking people, as the " Corn Horsetail." But Dr. (;ray calls it •* Common Horsetail," — Darlington, Britton and Brown, and some others "Field Horse- tail," translating the specific name— a fashion of giving an uncommon name as the common one not one to be wisely followed. In the literature of the Old World, the term corn stands for wheat, — and the plant has a fond- ness for growing in wheat fields, hence the common name. Equisetum arvensc does not seem to have at- tracted special attention in our countrv^, though it seems to have been one of Fremont's (33) COLOR PLATE 34 MEEHANS' MONTHLY— EQUISETUM ARVENSE. [March ¥\ i t aids in his great trip across the continent. In one place, he says, '' the road in the afternoon was over the upper prairies, several miles from the river, and we encamped at sunset on one of its small tributaries, where an abundance of pre/e {Equiseturn) afforded fine forage for our horses.*' This was on June 22nd, on the Otoe- fork of the Little Blue River. Again, on July 15th, then on the Platte in view of Pike's Peak, he remarks, " We halted at noon under the shade of some fine Cottonwoods, our animals luxuriating on rUvShes {Eguisetiwi hyemale) which, along this river, were remark- ably abundant." The former was probably our plant. Emory, in his report, notes that the Scouring Rush was a powerful diuretic on their horses, — this was referring to the species growing on the bottom lands of the Arkansas, and could scarcel}' be intended for the present species. This one is, however, reputed to give cows diarrhoea in the Old World, and it is said thej' avoid eating it except when hun- gry. On the whole, it is perhaps more orna- mental than useful. In this respect, Pursh, in the diary of his travels to the Great Lakes, speaks of its beauty, as seen by him on June the 2nd, on the sandy banks around the Dela- ware W'ater Gap. As in flowering plants, so in these lower orders, there is a tendency to vary, and some of the special forms have had varietal names. Some have even gone so far as to believe that our present forms are mere wanderings from those of the fossil age. Mr. Douglas H. Camp- bell notes, in the "Botanical Gazette" for 1 89 1, '' Equisctce are degenerate forms which have lingered after their larger and better organized kindred have disappeared, and it is diflicult to judge what are primitive and what are secondary characters." But if the present forms were about contemporaneous with the larger ones, the degeneracy must have become a fixed habit ages ago. Another variation is to produce tubers on the rhizomes. Mr. Theo- dore Holm says, in the Botanical Gazette for 1893, '* tubers of Equisetiun are short runners reduced to a single internode, situated on the rhizome, and make plants like bulblets — are found in E. limosum and E. laltnateja. Tubers of E. sylvaticum are ovoid and arranged so as to form a rosary." Conditions favoring these variations must be rare. The author of this jjaper has never found one on a rhizome or seen one. There were none to be found among the mass of plants dug to procure the specimen illustrated. Most authors describe the species as having the laterals rarely branching. All the members of the lower verticil are com- pound, as were all but very weak ones in the same mass. The most striking variation, however, will be noted b}^ comparing the pic- ture with the cut in Britton and Brown's "Illustrated Flora." The rhizome is there depicted as smooth as Couch-grass ; in ours it is seen to be covered by coarse, scaly hair. At times, fructification will be borne on the bar- ren branches, — but this is a condition common to most of the vascular cryptogams. A singu- lar variation is noted, by Lucien M. Under- wood, in the "Botanical C^azette" for 1895. The stem of a fertile branch was flattened, and twisted like a cork-screw. In regard to the production of the female and barren stems, it will be noted, from our picture, that it is a matter of precedence. The terminal bud advances first, — later, a lower bud advances, which is also fertile. The bar- ren shoot appears still later from another bud lower down. Ivquisetums have long been of interest to microscoi)ists, — and critical papers on their structure and behavior are still popular. The morphological relationship to other families of plants has not yet been made clear. There is little to bring them into alliance with ferns, — and attempts to place them near CoTiifercp have proved wide of the mark. In such close company with Cycads during the fossil eras, they ma}' be found nearer them than to some others that have been proposed. The behavior of the spores is very interesting. The spores are shaken from the catkin on moistened glass, and the thread-like elaters, which surround the spores, spread out suddenly, and almost simulate filaments with anthers at the apex. Mr. F. C. Newcomb, in the " Botanical Gazette" for 1888, suggests that the function of these elaters is to push the spores out of the spore cases, so as to aid in the distribution of the spores. Explanation of the Platc.— 1. Khi/ome from a plant taken from a railroad embankment in EavSteru Pennsyl- vania ; showing the earliest spring fertile spike. 2. A later form of a lower bud, and 3 a much later one producing a barren frond. 4 and 5. The peltate scale, magnified, show- ing the spore cases beneath. 6 and 7. Magnified spores, showing the spreading elaters in front and sideviews. WILD FLOWERS AND NATURE. vSPRING IS COMINO. Winter is a weary time ! Not the ripple of a rhyme Stirs the icy shores along, Quickening quietude with song. Similes are choked with snow. Not a metaphor will flow ; Envious frost doth hold in fee Every lip in Castaly. But let spring the bonds unbind With the soft touch of its wind. What a rapture ! What a weep ! What a swift ecstatic leap ! Mortal words but half express All the rapture, all the stress ! Sweeter are the strains that come If the lip awhile be dumb. Clinton Scollard. Equisetum ARVENSE. — In addition to what is said of Equisetum arvense in the main chapter, it may be noted that of tales con- nected with our plant, there are but few. The Rev'd. Hilderic Friend relates that an old grave-digger decided when bodies had thor- oughly decayed by the appearance of this plant in the earth above it. They never ap- peared, he said, in other cases, and were a sure sign of final decay. This was usually about six years after interment, — and Mr. Friend suggests that it may be the Mdly of Homer, which has never been identified, but around which similar fancies hang. In our days, all the genus are known as "horsetails." The French word prele, used by Fremont in the extracts quoted, means simply "horsetail," as applied to all of the family. But many species do not branch, but grow up as a simple, reed-like stem, sometimes reaching ten or fifteen feet high and an inch thick. In early times the plants of this section were known as "Shave Grasses." Old Ger- arde, writing in 1636, says of these naked forms that they were known as "Shave Grasses, wherewith Fletchers and Combe- makers do rub and polish their worke, riseth out of the ground like the first shoots of Asparagus, jointed or kneed by certain dis- tances like the precedent, (the true horsetails), but altogether without such bristly leaves, yet exceeding rough and cutting." The species that may be termed the type of the * ' Shave- Grasses," is the one known as Equisetum hye- male. Green, a popular author of the early part of the past century, sums up the account of it in this manner: — "This is the best species for polishing wood and metal, being the hardest and roughest, originating the name of Shave-Grass. It is much used by the whitesmiths and cabinetmakers, under the name of Dutch Rushes. The Northumberland milkmaids scour their pails with it." This roughness arises from the abundant formation of silex crystals, which make these stems feel like sand paper. Of Equisetum arvense, the same author says: — "It is a troublesome weed, and difficult to extirpate, is reputed noxious to cattle, especially cows, which it afflicts with a diarrhoea ; but they are not very ready to meddle with it. The country people call it horse-pipe and s?uike-pipe. It is supposed to indicate subterranean flowing water or springs. ' ' In regard to the movement of the spores, Mr. Willard N. Clute observes, in the Fern Bulletin for 1899, "It does not seem to be generally known that the curious antics may be observed with the naked eye, but if one will shake upon the back of his hand a quanti- ty of the spores from the cone-like spikes, just at the right time in their growth, he will suddenly see the sage-green mass appear to boil, becoming at the same time fluffy and lighter in color, due to the opening elaters." Bacteria.— In many Boards of Health in our cities there seems a strange misconception as to the nature of bacteria. There are bac- teriologists employed, — men who are able to detect these minute organisms, and perhaps to name a few or many of them, -but they have no knowledge of the relations these little plants bear to the public health. Recently, one of these large cities provided for public (35) } ; •« t 36 MEEHAXS' MONTHLY— WILD FLOWERS AND NATURE. [March filters, with the proviso that the filtered water should show less than 95 per cent, of bacterial colonies. The fact is that there are two classes of these organisms, 95 per cent, probably being benefi- cial and 5 per cent, injurious. The atmosphere we breathe, and the soil in which plants grow, contain millions in a very small space. It has been estimated that in the earth enough to fill a hen's egg full will have 70 or 80 millions of them. River water is pretty safe. No malig- nant species has been known to live more than five days in river water. The good bacteria have such an overwhelming force, that they eat the others up. A bad bacterium will live several weeks when isolated from its enemies. A curious circumstance is, that the bad fellows shun oxygen, — while our friends rejoice in it. It is this fact that renders river water safest, — that it is pretty well supplied with this life- giving gas, during its downward flow to the sea. If it were possible to remove all bacteria, good and bad, from water, it would be abso- lutely pure, — but that is impossible. We take in numbers from the atmosphere, and with every mouthful we drink. All that cities could be expected to do would be to remove from the water all organic substances on which bacteria feed. If the citizens get water as clear as it comes from the springs, municipal- ities fulfil their whole duty, — and a corps of bacteriologists is a costh^ extravagance. Chaptalia tomentosa and Florida Wild Flowers. — I think some of the many readers and admirers of Meehans' Monthly, now sojourning in Florida, may be interested in a dainty little white, Fleabane-like flower now in bloom in this delightful country, although the weather is still too cool for the appearance pf any of the three early Pinguiculas, so common here later, or even for the wee, energetic, white Bartonia. This early blossom, that is new to me, though I have botanized around here for several winters, is for many reasons most interesting, and well repays a careful search and study. It is called Chapta- lia tomentosa, and it is the only species of the only North American genus of the " Suborder Labiatiflonc'^ of the Composite , as given in Chapman's •* Flora," in Cray's old '♦ System- atic Botany," and in a dear old worm-eaten botanical book, in this St. Augustine Public Library, written by Stephen Klliott. This last writer, however, adds that there are many '* other Genera of that order in South America." This attractive little herb is ex- ceedingly odd when examined under a micro- scope, with its "bilabiate disk-flowers," its '' caudate anthers," and its " invohicral scales clothed with ferruginous tomentum ; " and is also pretty growing out on the low pine bar- rens all around St. Augustine, its clusters of leaves pressed close to the ground, each leaf " bright green above and with white dense cot- tony tomentum underneath," and " retrorsely denticulate." Each little flower stands up erect on its wooly scape in the sunlight, but at night shuts its petals and droops its head tight against the scape, as if nodding in its sleep! The ray florets are from 16 to 20 in number, "white on the interior surface and purple outside," and the queer yellow disk- flowers with their cleft lips are sterile. I hope some one reading this may enjoy discovering it as much as I did. Would any of your readers inform me where I can probably purchase— either new or second- hand—a copy of the above-mentioned '\Sketch of the Botany of South Carolina and (Georgia," by vStephen Klliott, and published in 1S21 at Charleston, S. C by J. R. vSchenck ? The book is in two large volumes, and though planned upon the (juaint and obsolete Linn^ean system, imparts a vast amount of information, in connection with Chapman, about this pecu- liarly Southern flora, that our splendid Britton and Brown's "Flora " does not pretend to give. St. Augustine, Fla. MaRV WoRTH ChAI'IN. The Autumn Leaves ok New En(;land. — In California, we miss the gorgeous color of the autumn leaves of New England, especially those of the vSugar Maple and the River Maple, with their blended crimsonand gold, and the elm trees' yellow leaves, to which Longfellow^ doubtless alludes, in lines quoted in Meehans* Monthly for December. Two words only, " yellow leaves," turn back many a page in the volume of memory, to the days when their brilliant display was not associated with death and decay. Emphatic yet beautiful are the words " the golden bowl is broken, the silver cord is loosed," yet do we not know the syl- van water still continues to onward flow ? San Diego, California. MrS. E. F). OrCITT. >'W \ GENERAL GARDENING. THE GARDEN QUEEN. Would Jove appoint some flower to reign In matchless beauty o'er the plain, The Rose (mankind will all agree). The Rose the queen of flowers vshould be; The pride of plants, the grace of bowers. The blush of meads, the eye of flowers ; Its beauties charm the gods above ; Its fragrance is the breath of love. Translation from Sappho. Protectioni FROM MiCE. — "K.," Hartford, Conn., says: — "This fall, in November, we transplanted, from a pasture, about 8,000 large Kalmia lati folia, and as we feared that they might be injured by the winter weather if left unprotected, we covered them up with leaves, out of sight. Is it probable that mice will get in among the leaves and do harm ? If so, what means can be adopted to prevent their destructiveness ? Kalmia latifolia is described in a list of poisonous plants issued by the Department of Agriculture, and I also understand, on good authority, that no rodents are likely to injure it. However, I have seen other ericaceous plants, which were protected by leaves in the winter, gnawed off" at the ground and chewed up into small bits, especially Callunas and Ericas. Poisoned grain distributed among the plants and leaves has been suggested, but such a course has some very objectionable features, so I do not like to resort to it." [In cases like these, all one can do is to adapt some of the many contrivances for catching mice to the peculiar conditions. A gardener, once troubled with mice in his veg- etable garden, reported that he caught them easily by inverting a flower pot on a piece of slate, and burying it nearly level with the ground at the place where the mice were troublesome. The mice went through the hole for a piece of toasted cheese, but could not get out again, and were then carried in the trap to water and drowned. A vessel of glass would be still better, as onecouldseeat once whether the creature had been captured. As to the poisonous character of the Kalmia, Rhododendron, and allied plants, the writer has never met with any fact that corroborated it. The Rhododendron that Xerxes wrote about, as being so poisonous, was the Oleander, which we know is poisonous, — but half-edu- cated writers confound the ancient Rhododen- dron with the Rhododendron of to-day and its allies. It is simply an illustration of call a bad dog a mad dog and you may hang him. It is said, and believed in by even those who write of the Kahnia as being poisonous, that the flesh of birds that feed on the leaves of the plant has poisoned those who have eaten the flesh, without noting the inconsistency, that the birds were not poisoned '>v their winter's food. But an error, that has stood its ground for two thousand years, cannot be abolished by a paragraph in Meehans' Monthly.] Vitality of Plants. — An exchange says : — "A seedless apple should be superior to its seedy progenitor. It is well known that it takes a large amount of vitality to mature fruit seeds, and seedless varieties should be less ex- hausting on the trees and more productive, while at the same time being of better quality." It so happens that it is a lack of vital power that often induces sterility,— and a tree already too weak to mature perfect seeds, will not change its constitutional character to any great extent by their absence. The fallacy of our contemporary's state- ment may be easily proven by the following means : Take a few apples and examine their outline carefully, holding each directly before the eye and in position as it hung on the tree. It will be found that some are deficient of flesh on one side, taking the core as an axis. If such an apple be " halved" and quartered, the de- ficient portion will be found seedless or con- taining simply black specks like the unde- veloped banana seeds ; and if this same portion be eaten and compared with the portions con- (37) : li^ r V " ! ,'«„ X'ii^^f-T-i . -A -MM ^ Ttfti ■!■»• jmUw !i W 1 •! 38 MEEHANS' MONTHLY— GENERAL GARDENING, [March taining perfect seeds, a difference in quality, favoring the latter, may usually be detected. It would seem by this that an apple entirely seedless would in all probability have all the flesh imperfectly developed and of inferior quality as in the case of the portions des- cribed. Wild Scenery in the Garden.— The an- nexed illustration represents a piece of natural scenery on the extensive grounds of one of our subscribers, Mrs. Alice O'Day, of "Elfin Dale," near Springfield, Mo. A winding brook thai Estate. Meeting the gardener near one of the entrance gates, I asked permission to look through the place, which was very courteously granted by his showing me through, himself. Starting for the greenhouses, of which the first was the Chrysanthemum house, I must say it was a show of plants and flowers I have not seen anything to equal for a long time. Among the varieties most noticeable were Col. D. Appleton and Modesto in splendid form, lora and Vivian Morel, Mrs. Constable and Mad. Carnot in white, and a great many other varieties too numerous to mention. I SCENE IN "ELFIN DALE," NEAR SPRINGFIELD. MO. courses through the meadows, now round a clump of trees, now a slightly elevated mound with its meadow-loving flowers, all setting well oft the gardenesque portions of the grounds. Contrasts of this kind add much to the success of garden art. Belvoir. — Having occasion to be on North Broadway, Yonkers, a few weeks ago, and having an hour or so to spare, I thought I could not spend the time any better than taking a run through that fine old place by the name of Belvoir, better known as the Lillian- counted upwards of fifty different varieties, and, for flower and foliage, it would be very hard to beat them. I have seen larger flowers, but seldom with the same body and finish to them. One thing I took particular notice of was, that there were three and four and some- times five flowers to the one stem. Both plants and flowers bespoke the best of credit for the masterly way in which they had been handled. The next house was the Palm House, filled almost to overflowing with a very nice collection of palms, ferns, crotons and other foliage plants, all in fine condition. > I 1901] meehans' monthly — general gardening. 39 The next was filled with roses, and a very nice, healthy stock they were. Violets and carna- tions were in the pink of condition. Leaving the greenhouses, we walked through the grounds, which I must say are well kept, indeed ; but the most striking feature is the view from the house. Ivooking up the Hudson River, you can see miles upon miles, — almost as far as the eye can reach, — of Hud- son River Valley. That view far surpasses anything I have ever seen. There is also a farm, but not being posted on farming or stock, I shall omit going into detail on that subject, and conclude this with one more re- mark, which is that the gardener and superin- tendent, John Gillespie, certainly deserves great praise for the way he keeps the place in shape, as well as everything in connection with it. M. J. A Vegetable M.\rtyr. — Annexed is an illustration of what the Lyo?i Horticole calls one of the Japanese Martyrs in the vegetable kingdom. Japanese dwarf trees are trained to THE AFRICAN SCRUB PLANT DWARFED. be what they are by so many cruel processes, that our contemporary feels justified by dig- nifying them in this way. The plant itself is a palm from Northern Africa, Chamcerops hutnilis, —2ir\d closely related to the Scrub- Palmetto of the vSouthern United vStates, Cham- cerops semdata. It has been subjected to Japanese treatment. It was simply grown in a small pot for many years, until the mass of coiled roots was formed and set on the surface. The plant has struggled on, in a contented sort of way, as the dwarfest specimen of a naturally dwarf species. Aspidistra lurida. — I was interested in your last edition of Meehans' Monthly, in the little article on the old-fashioned plant Aspidistra lurida. I have, in my charge, a collection of plants owned by Mr. Geo. Brown, of Newark. About fifteen are the green- leaved Aspidistra ^ lurida and six are the variegated variety. Out of that number, I have only one plant in flower, bearing nine flowers. This is a poor, pot-bound plant in a five-inch pot. It is a singular little flower, not very handsome and rather of a curiosity. I think it is somewhat of a free-flowering plant, but the flower is apt to be overlooked, as you say. The flower appears just above the sur- face of the soil, and is of an earthy tint. South Orange, N. J. JOHN ArMSBY. I have a half dozen pots of this plant, which I have grown for eight or ten years, and have frequently observed the flower of late years, but not on the plants when they were younger. They are not very vigorous grow- ers, and I have thought that perhaps they blossomed more often for this reason. They are, however, perfectly healthy. Buffalo, N. y. Mrs. J. G. Munro. Professor Austin C. Apgar, of New Jersey State Normal School, at Trenton, also adds : — •' It is asked, 'has anyone tested it for outdoor culture in America ? ' I left a plant in the ground, on the south side of my house, in a rather sheltered position, a few years ago. It remained green through the winter and was in a healthy condition in the spring. I do not remember how severe the winter was. ' ' [Some kind friend sends a box of some half dozen flowers of the Aspidistra, very welcome for the purposes of analysis, but with no name on the package by which the sender could be identified, or proper acknowledgment made.] Tree Ivy. — All good cultivators know that a branch that has changed somewhat from the normal form retains its character, when cut ofl* and made to produce roots of its own. / 38 MEKHANS' MONTHLY — GENERAL GARDENING. [March taining perfect seeds, a difference in quality, favoring the latter, may usually be detected. It would seem by this that an apple entirely seedless would in all probability have all the flesh imperfectly developed and of inferior quality as in the case of the portions des- cribed. Wild Scenery in the Garden.— The an- nexed illustration reprCvSents a piece of natural scenery on the extensive grounds of one of our subscribers, Mrs. Alice O'Day, of "Elfin Dale, ' ' near Springfield, Mo. A winding brook thai Estate. Meeting the gardener near one of the entrance gates, I asked permission to look through the place, which was very courteously granted by his showing me through, himself. Starting for the greenhouses, of which the first was the Chrysanthemum house, 1 must say it was a show of plants and flowers I have not seen anything to equal for a long time. Among the varieties most noticeable were Col. D. Appleton and Modesto in splendid form, Tora and Vivian Morel, Mrs. Constable and Mad. Carnot in white, and a great many other varieties too numerous to mention. I SCENE IN "ELFIN DALE." NEAR SPRINGFIELD. MO. courses through the meadows, now round a clump of trees, now a vSlightly elevated mound with its meadow-loving flowers, all setting well oft the gardenesque portions of the grounds. Contrasts of this kind add much to the success of garden art. Belvoir. — Having occasion to be on North Broadway, Yonkers, a few weeks ago, and having an hour or so to spare, I thought I could not spend the time any better than taking a run through that fine old ])lace by the name of Belvoir, better known as the Lillian - counted u])wards of fifty difierent varieties, and, for flower and foliage, it would be very hard to beat them. I have seen larger flowers, but seldom with the same bod\' and finish to them. One thing I took particular notice of was, that there were three and four and some- times five flowers to the one stem. Both plants and flowers bespoke the best of credit for the masterly wa}^ in which they had been handled. The next house was tlie l*alm HoiivSe, filled almOvSt to overflowing with a very nice collection of palms, ferns, c rotons and other foliage plants, all in fine condition. l» ► I 1901] MEEHANS' MONTHLY — GENERAL GARDENING. 39 The next was filled with roses, and a very nice, healthy stock they were. Violets and carna- tions were in the pink of condition. Leaving the greenhouses, we walked through the grounds, which I must say are well kept, indeed ; but the most striking feature is the view from the house. Eooking up the Hudson River, you can see miles upon miles, — almost as far as the eye can reach, — of Hud- son River Valley. That view far surpasses anything I have ever seen. There is also a farm, but not being posted on farming or stock, I shall omit going into detail on that subject, and conclude this with one more re- mark, which is that the gardener and superin- tendent, John Gillespie, certainly deserves great praise for the way he keeps the place in shape, as well as ev^erything in connection with it. M. J. A Vegetahlk Martyr. — Annexed is an illustration of what the Lyo^i Horticole calls one of the Japanese Martj'rs in the vegetable kingdom. Japanese dwarf trees are trained to THE AFRICAN SCRUB PLANT DWARFED. be what they are ])y so man\' cruel ])rocesses, that our contemporarx' feels justified by dig- nifying them in this way. The plant itself is a palm from Northern Africa, OiamcFrops hu?nilis,^SiX\(\ closely related to the vScrub- Balmetto of the vSouthern United States, Cham- (Props serrulata. It has been subjected to Japanese treatment. It was simply grown in a small pot for many years, until the mass of coiled roots was formed and set on the surface. The plant has struggled on, in a contented sort of way, as the dwarfest specimen of a naturally dwarf species. Aspidistra lurida. — I was interested in your last edition of Meehans' Monthly, in the little article on the old-fashioned plant Aspidistra lurida. I have, in my charge, a collection of plants owned by Mr. Geo. Brown, of Newark. About fifteen are the green- leaved Aspidistra lurida and six are the variegated variety. Out of that number, I have only one plant in flower, bearing nine flowers. This is a poor, pot-bound plant in a five-inch pot. It is a singular little flow^er, not very handsome and rather of a curiosity. I think it is somewhat of a free-flowering plant, but the flower is apt to be overlooked, as you say. The flower appears just above the sur- face of the soil, and is of an earthy tint. south Orange, N. J. JOHN ArMSHY. I have a half dozen pots of this plant, which I have grown for eight or ten years, and have frequently observed the flower of late years, but not on the plants when they were younger. They are not very vigorous grow- ers, and I have thought that perhaps they blossomed more often for this reason. They are, how^ever, perfectly healthy. Huflaio. N. y. Mrs. J. Ct. Munro. Professor Austin C. Apgar, of New Jersey vState Normal School, at Trenton, also adds : — •* It is asked, 'has anyone tested it for outdoor culture in America ? ' I left a plant in the ground, on the south side of my hou.se, in a rather vsheltered position, a few years ago. It remained green through the winter and was in a healthy condition in the spring. I do not remember how severe the winter was." [Some kind friend sends a box of some half dozen flowers of the Aspidistra, very welcome for the purposes of analysis, but with no name on the package by which the sender could be identified, or proper acknowledgment made.] Tree Ivy. — All good cultivators know that a branch that has changed somewhat from the normal form retains its character, when cut off and made to produce roots of its own. rti INTENTIONAL SECOND EXPOSURE ^ i| 40 MEEHANS' MONTHLY — GENERAL GARDENING. [March Many new roses have been raised in this way, by propagating from a sportive branch, — and, indeed, fruit growers know that a bearing branch, grafted on a 3'oung tree, continues to be fruitful, though the branches of the original may retain its useful luxuriance. In nurseries, it often happens that the fruiting or flowering branches of plants have a marked difference, in their foliage and habit, from younger forms. Many varieties of Euoiiymus, especially of the Japanese Burning Bush species, propagated in this way, are distinct enough to be regarded as separate species. The English Ivy is another illustration. The leaves of the flowering con- dition are entire, and in many ways different from those in the climbing state, and they show no disposition to send out rootlets and climb, as the 3'ounger branches do. When these flowering branches are cut off, and made to throw out roots of their own, they carry this shrubb}' or " tree" character with them. In this condition they make pretty room or conservatorv ornaments and deserve to be more popular. Empirical Gardening. — A correspondent of the Country Gentleman notes that, in some parts of the country-, garden quacks do a good business by boring holes into trees and placing insect powders, sulphur, and so on, into the trunks as " certain death to bugs and cater- pillars. ' ' At fifty cents a tree, profitable returns are made. The wide-spread ignorance of mat- ters appertaining to gardening is lamentable. The only comfort is that readers of papers like the Country Gentleman, Meehans' Monthly, and others that might be named, are not the sufferers b\* this costly ignorance. Date Palms FROM Cuttings.— What ai)pears to be an official paragraph is going the rounds of the newspaper press, that the government has introduced a carload of Date Palms from Northern Africa, to the Ivxperiment grounds at Tucson, Arizona, — and that Prof. R. H. Forbes has the matter of their care in charge. It con- cludes with the vStartling announcement that "in about three years cuttings from these plants will be available for distribution through- out Arizona and the Pacific Coast." Date Palms from cuttings will surel}^ be the wonder of the world. EW ©^ l/^iE FLij^NTS, Rose, Ruhv Queen (see illustration on opposite page). — There is a grand field yet uncultivated for good climbing roses. The Noisette class, which is the parent of most of the best climbing roses of the Old World, is too tender for such a generous parentage, in most parts of the New World. The three Prairie Roses, Queen, Volunteer, and Balti- more Belle, seem as far as improvers have been able to go in that direction. The Red Boursoult and Belmont are verj^ good as re- gards hardiness ; but the flowering season being so very short, the}' have not become freely in use. The pollen in these two is bar- ren. It has often been a thought that if im- provers would take these in hand, with pollen from some other kind, a grand race of climb- ing roses might be introduced. The tide seems to be turning in the direc- tion of the Wichuraiana type. Amongst others the trial grounds of the Rural New Yorker have entered the field in this direction. With this is an illustration of the *' Ruby Queen," one of the seedlings, the parent having been pollenized with a Bourbon rose, "Queen's Scarlet." It has not, however, the everblooming char- acter of the Bourbon class, but produces during early June a great profusion of clusters of bright, clear crimson flowers, quite double, about three inches across, and opening out flat and perfect. The red is rich and velvety, without a tinge of purple in any stage of de- velopment. The center is clear white, produc- ing a pleasing contrast. The Bovv-String Hemi». — The Bow-string Hemp, Sansevieria Zeylanica, though a native of India, has found itself so thoroughly at home, in Florida, that large quantities are grown and sold to Northern florists. It has been found an admirable house plant, and desirable in many ways for conservatories and general decorations. Its somewhat artificial look harmonizes well with many peculiar situ- ations. The green leaves fleeced with white shadings always attract attention. Although flowering profusely in Florida, it is rarely seen in flow^er in conservatories. At a recent meeting of the Chestnut Hill (Phila., Pa.) Horticultural Society, Mr. Frank ) I % 1901] meehans' monthly — general gardening. ' 41 Gould, gardener for John T. Morris, Esq., ex- this is the first flowering specimen exhibited hibited a fine specimen in bloom which is in this localit}', and it created a great deal of 1 ' M RUBY QUcCN ROS£ • -SCC f>AGC 40. illustrated on page 44 to give an idea of its gen- interest in conseciuence. The flowers on the eral character. So far as recollection serves, spike are white and small. a i\ w s 42 MEEHANS* MONTHLY — GENERAL GARDENING. [March The Orchis Fox-glove.— -This is the com- mon name under which the Digitalis lanata is known in European gardens. The flower is formed so as to much resemble some orchids. Instead of the somewhat regular margin of the flowers as seen in the ordinary fox-glove, the lower portion is prolonged into a peculiar lip-like appendage. TIHE mii^RI^T FLOWEl ^/^Itl^rSN, Tree Roses. — The Tree Roses, or, as they are technically called in the Old World, Stand- ard Roses, are not found to do well in our cli- mate. In the Old World, old, strong - growing stems of the Dog Rose, Rosa cayiina, are gath- ered from the woods and sold to nurserymen at so much per hundred. These are cut back to about 4 or 5 feet high, and, when the young side shoots push out the next summer, two or three of the branch- lets are budded with the kinds desired. In our country, the grafted heads are not able to draw up sap to supply the evaporation, and the Dog Rose stocks soon become hide bound, and the whole plant dwind- les away in a short time. It seems that, with a little care, some of our hardy roses might be developed so as to bear good heads on their own stems. Annexed is a Crimson Rambler of two years' growth that seems self- supporting, branches trimmed, the head would become heavier. It might need a stake as a help for a year or two, — but would ])r()bably become a tree or standard, self-supporting plant in a short time. CRIMSON RAMBLER ROSE, STANDARD. With the lower Amaryllis Hallii.— The article on Amaryl- lis Hallii, by your correspondent A. P., of Rahway, N. J., in the December number of your magazine, was of much interest to me, for, having been in possession of that Amaryl- lis for seven years past, and never having dis- covered the slightest allusion to it, in any gardening magazine, it seemed as if my garden, and possibly that of the Manning Nursery, (from whence it came), might be having a rather selfish enjoyment of a very beautiful thing. And it is an actual fact, that here, — within forty miles of Chicago,— a much colder place than Rahway, New Jersey, the Amaryllis Hallii has lived and bloomed out of doors for seven years— nor is it planted in the most shel- tered part of the garden, either. In the spring of '93, the bulb was set out in ordinary soil, in the long perennial bed, mixed in with hardy plants that have spread so rapidly that the bulb really struggles for posi- tion. A spreading white Spiraea is on the west side of it ; a very low fence is south ; the windmill derrick, covered with vines, is on the east side ; but none of these give any especial protection. The bulb must be at least eight inches in the ground, and we heap a bushel of leaves on it each fall and cover with an empty box. The first season the Hallii did not bloom, presumably because of the spring planting ; but, every seasQU since, it comes up in the orthodox way, dies down in August, and then surprises us with two or three stalks of the exquisite pink lilies, faintly clouded with pale blue, growing almost as did Jack's bean- stalk. With us, the winter of '98-'99 was very vSevere, the mercury, at one time, going to 26° below zero — and it was not above zero for a week. The May of '99 did not bring up the vigorous green blades of our Hallii — nor did it appear at all that season, and we gave it up for lost, and omitted the usual covering of leaves, having use for every leaf that could be found on the place ; — most undeserved was our reward. The May of 1900 brought up such a bunch of green that I thought it a stray group of Leucojum rernum, and gave my at- tention to a garden almost oppres.sively crowd- ed with bloom of all kinds. About the loth of August, it was suggested to me that I go > i \ ill 1901] MEEHANS' MONTHLY — GENERAL GARDENING. 43- down to the derrick, and there were seven Hallii stalks, of various heights, with six lilies to each stalk. It was the most delight- ful episode of my gardening life. Three stalks were cut at once, and they brightened the library table for three weeks, each bud coming out in good color ; and the other stalks did their duty, likewise, in the garden. The next question will be, why haven't we more HalliVsf I have the catalogues of the leading nursery- men—and it is only offered by one. In send- ing an order to Rea Brothers, in the fall of '99, it was included, at a venture, and a small bulb was received and planted in the be^ especially prepared and reserved for our choicest bulbs. It made a weak growth this past summer, and it seems the Amaryllis Hallii requires time to become established. It is certainly a most charming subject for any garden to hold and any patient gardener to handle, and seems to have no especial cultural requirements. Crownpoint, Ind. MrS. F. N. B. PRIHITS ^5 VC^CT^^LES. Prune Peach Trees at Transplanting. — There is a very strong tendency prevalent among inexperienced planters to do very little pnining. Especially is this wrong in the case of the peach. The side branches should always be shortened in pretty close to the leader, the weak ones removed entirely and the stronger ones pruned at least two-thirds. Where this is not done, many branches and possibly a por- tion of the top will likely winter-kill in the fall ; or in spring planting the summer growth will be weak and more or less unsatisfactory. From a pruned tree, the new growth will be clean, strong and vigorous. The leader seldom needs pruning. Canned Asparagus. — "The rapid develop- ment of the asparagus canning industry in this State," says the California Friiit-Groiver "is one of the features of the trade. Boul- din Island asparagus, packed by the Hickmott Asparagus Canning Company, Inc., has be- come a staple article of commerce throughout the world, owing to its great tenderness and exquisite taste. No other asparagus, so far, has been found that equals it in the delicacy of its flavor. The output is increasing each year, owing to the enormous demand for the pro- duct. Canned asparagus is shipped from this State across the continent in train loads and to Europe by the thousands of cases. It is no exaggeration to say that asparagus thrives better and reaches a higher degree of perfection on Bouldin Island, Cal., and its immediate neighborhood, than in any other place in the world, and the canned article stands pre-emin- ently alone in its class. The new can introduced this year by the company mentioned has met with a great suc- cess, it being entirely a solderless can, thus the use of acids in. the manufacture of the pro- duct is avoided." Desirable Garden Peaches. — Those who only require a few fruit trees for a small garden are frequently confused by the long list of nur- sery varieties and their descriptions and are at a loss to know w^hat will suit them. In many cases, where the known integrity of the nur- seryifian admits of confidence, it is as well simply to state that you want the best possible peach, — early, medium or late — white or yel- low flesh or free-stone, as may be desired, — and leave the selection to him. Never-the- less, if the following be investigated they will be found first-class, standard, free-stone var- ieties : early. Troth's Early (White). Hale's Early (White). MEDIUM. Mountain Rose (White). Crawford's Early Yellow. Elberta (Yellow). Oldmixon Free (White). LATE. Morris White. Crawford's Late (Yellow). vStump the World (White). Smock (Yellow). Sal way (Yellow). Hollow Potatoes. — H. F. S., Lancaster, Pa., says : — *' One of our largest potatoes is the Purple Victor ; but so many of the large tubers have a rotten core-like cavity, that it is a great drawback in the sale. We suppose it is caused by a fungus. Has it been studied by the fungus people, and any remedy found for it ? It would be too bad to have such a fine cropper stricken from our list of profitable potatoes. ' ' 11 ¥ '% \ 44 IM EKHANS' MONTHLY— GENERAL GARDENING. []Marcli 1 ?\ I90I] MKEHANS MONTHLY — GENERAL GARDENING. 45 Injury and disease, through fungus agency, are far more common than practical men are disposed to admit,— at the same time, the modern tendency to attribute almost all dis- ordered conditions to microscopic fungi, is the other extreme. There seems to be no record of any special study of hollow potatoes, — but the appearance does not indicate that these minute organisms have anything to do with the phenomena. A thin cuticle, similar to that which covers the exterior of the tuber, also lines the internal cavity. This would be produced by the normal action of the cells in either case. If minute fungi had a hand in the work, the normal cellular structure would be disorganized. If the condition of hollow- tubers has not yet been taken up, as seems to be the case, it is worthy of investigation. Thinning the Fruit on Trees. — The reason usually advanced for thinning the fruit on trees where it is abundant is that the re- maining fruit may be benefited, the size and quality of it increased by the added vigor or reduced drain on the vitality of the tree. But there is another and stronger reason, namely : that the tree may not be weakened by the heavy fruit-bearing, which is invariably a drain, and may make healthy, vigorous growth for the production of a good crop the following year. The fact of devitalization of the tree in producing a great quantity of fruit can be bet- ter understood by comparing two trees of the same kind, one producing fruit and the other not, — the writer has seen Silver Maples that were excellent illustrations, — they must, of course, be under similar, favorable conditions, and the one not fruiting will be found to be making stronger growth, and larger, healthier foliage in great luxuriance. It vsimply illus- trates that the one is weakened by the seed- bearing effort ; and in the case of such trees as the peach and plum, the more fruit is allowed to remain on the trees the greater degree of weakness, and the trees will be less fitted for a good crop the next year. The thinning of peach and plum fruit takes place in the early stages before the pit or "stone" is hard. A given distance between each fruit is decided upon, and this may be anywhere from five to ten inches on each branch, according to the general location of the fruit. Of course, those with blemishes are always removed, the whole being done by hand. Modern methods of fruit-growing encourage a low, spreading growth, enabling fruit-pick- ing to be done or any needed attention given from the ground or bv aid of a small ladder. The Lawrence Pexr. — A friend placed on the table of the conductors, as a Thanksgiving offering, a fine specimen of a Lawrence Pear from his little garden. He remarked that he regarded it as one of the finest and best of the winter pears. The specimen did full justice to his good opinion. Fruit and Ve(.etahle Growin(;. — As the Latin races of the more southern part of our continent are being brought closer to our doors in many peculiar ways, many of our capitalists will have to change their investments in order to meet the altered condition of things. The fruit and vegetable interests of Florida and California will especially have to change, and the capital have to be turned into lines that will not be so strongly in competition with more southern localities. For a while these long established, industries may be sustained by legislative measures, but it seems scarcely possible that this can be continued indefinitely, and the more cautious capitalist will be look- ing ahead. Thin VINO Leaves of Fruit- bearing Plants. — Those with little experience in gard- en culture believe that it is the sun that ripens fruit, and to aid in this, thin out the leaves to let in the sunlight. This is frequently seen in the management of the tomato and in the grape. Sunlight does usually add to the sweet- ness and general good character of the fruit ; but ripening is a vital process, in which an abundance of good, healthy foliage is the prominent agent in the work. In short, a bunch of grapes, ripening in comparative dark- ness, would be far preferable to one grown in the full light with most of the vine leaves taken off. But the leaves themselves must be vigorous and healthy. They are not healthy when crowded. For this reason, the good gardener thins out the weak branches in the early stage, so as to have plenty of room for the development of larger ones later on. i » 1 iiii 'I BIOGRAPHY AND LITERATURE. THE APPOINTED TASK. No man is born into the world, whose work Is not born with him,— there is always work, And tools to work withal, for those who will,— And blest are the horny hands of toil ! The busy world shoves angrily aside The man who stands with arms akimbo set, Until occasion tells him what to do, — And he who waits to have his task marked out Shall die and leave his errand unfulfilled. Lowell. Founding a Frke Lihrary.— Mrs. E. B. Crane tells the Minnesota State Horticultural Society how the Austin Free Library was founded : ♦' When the city was in its infancy, with less than forty families, one of our minister's wives conceived the idea of beautifying the town and educating its few ladies in the pleasure of floriculture. She sent for a quan- tity of potted plants and distributed them among the ladies, to be cared for until the autumn ; then they gathered together, and a floricultural fair and sale was held. This fair was one of several held by the ladies, the re- sult of which is now our Austin circulating library. Not alone was the library the fruit of this beautiful work. It instituted in the hearts and lives of those ladies the love of flowers. It lightened the lonely lives of the pioneers and helped to make their privations more endurable, and to-day you can scarcely find a home where these influences reached but the inmates refer with pleasure to those early times, and the many blessings resulting from the refining influence of this earh' lesson in floriculture." The wood is cut into thin plates like delicate visiting cards, — indeed, to make visiting cards of wood is one of the branches of this industry. Ivongitudinal, transverse, and other sections are prepared, showing the character of the grain from every point of view. They are in light frames like photographs, and can be easily ex- amined. Some of these sections make beauti- ful pictures. Sometimes they seem to exhibit mountain scenery,— at others one may imagine they are examining a prairie with sky over- head,— or the broad ocean fringed by a beauti- ful shore. A great depth of pleasant fancy follows the cursory examination. But the great practical value is the knowledge the worker in wood can gain from a study of the various species. Very handsome results can be had in wood-working not now thought of, as the result of Dr. Hough's labors. Where- ever a knowledge of our wood as wood is im- portant, to say nothing of value in botanical science, " Hough's American Woods" should have a place. During the American Centennial, Japan ex- hibited something of the same kind, and com- mon was the remark that such fine work could not be brought out elsewhere than in that country. But Dr. Hough undertook the task, and has far exceeded the Japanese in the fine- ness and beauty of the work. The present issue covers the woods of the Pacific Coast. Hough's American Woods. — Part VIII, issued by Dr. Hough, Lowville, New York. Popular and useful as this work of Dr. Hough is, it has not the national appreciation that it deserves. Had it originated in some other country, a ''cross." a " garter," or some " in- signia" of a "chevalier," would have been the recognition bestowed on the originator. (46) Catalogue of the Hav Rosary, on the Seine, near Paris, France. — The Hay Rosary is possibly the most remarkable col- lection of any kind of flower in the world ; and is a grand tribute to the queen of flowers. The botanical department contains all the species and varieties obtainable from all parts of the world, — according to the classification of M. Crepin, the Belgian botanist ; while every known variety that has figured in tht florists' catalogues is also under cultivation. They are grown, not for commercial purposes, but for floral pleasure and botanical instruc- I It I90I] MEEHANS' MONTHLY — GENERAL NOTES. 47 tion. Meehans' Monthly is indebted to Mons. Jules Graveroux, 4 Avenue de Villars, Paris, for the copy of this beautifully illustrated and instructive work of 11 2 pages. A Year Book of Kentucky Woods and Fields, by Ingram Crockett ; published by Charles Wells, Moulton, Buffalo. The •' Year Book" is a collection of twelve essays, form- ing a volume of 112 pages, illustrated by views of Kentucky's natural scenery. The various incidents of nature as they occur in each month are dwelt on with poetic fervor. Plants, birds, living creatures of all kinds, as well as the rocks and hills of old Kentucky, some as texts and metaphors as they appear of the kaleido- scope, the author arranges for the observer. Those who see tongues in brooks, sermons in stones, and good in everything, will enjoy the work. " Farmers' Guide. " As its title indicates, this is a gujde to farmers in the cultivation and fertilization of all crops typical to America. This book is profusely illustrated, and ever^' farmer will appreciate a copy in his possession. It can be had without charge from the German Kali Works of No. 93 Nassau Street, New York City, N. Y. Handbook of Injurious Insects and Plant Diseases. — A pamphlet issued by the Bowker Chemical Company, Boston, Mass., intended to describe their goods, incidentally proves valuable to all persons interested in the care and cultivation of trees and plants, whether for shade, ornament or fruiting, and of veg- etables. Its instructiveness cov^ers the proper manner of spraying, descriptions and illustra- tions of infections with remedies, and a graded spraying calendar all in condensed, comprehen- sive form. Goethe as a Botanist.— The article in our January issue under this caption, requires the following corrections : — Page 14 first column, second line from top, 1878 should read 1778. Page 14 first column, fourth line from top, Dessan should read Dessau. Page 14 second column, eighteenth line from top, Zena should read Jena. Page 14 second column, tenth line below, again Zena should read Jena. I';N.S1-; MrctiniiK Monthly by I IVti'*' ' SiL COLOR PLATE ASARUM CANADENSE. WILD GINGER. NATURAL ORDER, ARISTOLOCHIACE^. ASARUM CANADENSE— Stem assurgcnt, one to two inches long; leaves two to four inches long, and three to five inches wide ; petiole four to six or eight inches in length. Flower large, often concealed under dead leaves, nodding in the fork of the petioles, on a peduncle one to one anda half inches in length ; calyx lobes lanceolate, acuminate, dark brownish purple inside, often reflexed. Darlington's /^^^ra Cestrica. See also Gray's Manual of the Botany of the Northern United States. Chapman's F/^ra of the Southern United States, Woods Class-Book of Botany, and Britton and Brown's Illustrated Flora of the Northern States and Canada. I The picture presents one of the prettiest of our illustrations, and yet few who look for beautiful wild flowers are acquainted with its loveliness. This is possibly on account of its early blooming, for, in the northern part of our territory, it is in flower in April, at a time when few are alert for wuld-flower collecting, and at such a time as goes before the leaf, When all the wood stands in a mist of green, And nothing perfect seems, as Tennyson would say,— or from the fact that it loves to grow under the cover of trees and bushes, and is often almost buried beneath the dry leaves. It is possibly this warm clothing, again protected by a layer of snow, that advances its flowering in the North, where it is generally in bloom early, otherwise it would seem strange to find it further south in May. In English gardens, where there is little win- ter, snow or other covering, it does not flower till summer, according to Mr. Robinson's ** Hardy Flowers." Possibly it is overlooked, being one of that modest class requiring its prettiness to be searched for, — as this author says, "not worthy of a place except in botan- ical collections" — a verdict the reader, with the pretty picture before him, is not likely to agree with. Its history is unusually interesting in con- nection with a near relative, Asarum Euro- pcEum, from which some botanists, indeed, are slow to concede the propriety of separating. The name Asarum is Greek. No one is sure now of its original derivation, and most authors cautiously tell us '♦ the derivation is obscure." Dr. Darlington, however, who was an acute Greek scholar, adopts an ancient suggestion that it is ''from a, privative, — and seira, a cord, being anciently rejected from garlands." But the pronunciation of the word— As-arum, and not A-sarum, is against the conjecture. The learned John Gerarde says that the ancient phil- osophers called the plant ."Blood of Mars." The Latins seem to have, by Baccharis, under- stood our plant ; so, between Greece and Rome, the earlier herbalists compromised the matter by combining both names into one, as Asara- bacca, under which it is recognized by Euro- paean pharmacists. Linnaeus, however, fol- lowed his predecessors in continuing the name Asarum, by which the plant is still known to the common people of Greece, and transferring Baccharis to a genus of compositae. Our own species takes an early place in American botanical history, having been figured and described, by Jacob Cornutus, in his in- teresting work Canadensis plafitarum, pub- lished in Paris, in 1635. Linnaeus adopted his name, Asarum Caiiadensis , by which it is now designated. For a long time, Canada was con- sidered its home, and Michaux notes in his " Flora," as something remarkable, his having seen it on the Santee River. The acute Clay- ton had, however, sent plants to Gronovius long before Michaux's time, and it appears in Gronovius' work, under Clayton's label, as Asarum aquaticum, foliis rotundahis serratis non maculatis, calyce mag?ie hirsuto. This, of course, was before the method, adopted by Linnaeus, of having but a single adjective with a noun, in a system of nomenclature. Its common name, in America, is Wild Ginger, so called from the ginger-like flavor and general character of the roots. In this (49) PlatI' 4. \wl...\i P ASARUM CANADENSE. WILD GINGER. NATURAL ORDER, ARISTOLOCHIACE^. ASARCM CANADENSE— Stem assurgcnt, one to two inches long; leaves two to four inches long, and three to five inches wide : petiole four to six or eight inches in length. Flower large, often concealed under dead leaves, nodding in the fork of the petioles, on a peduncle one to one and a half inches in length ; calyx lobes lanceolate, acuminate, dark brownish purple inside, often reflexed. Darlington's /7ora Cestrica. See also Gray's Manual of the Botany of the Northern United States. Chapman's /-/ora of the Southern United States, Woods Class-Book of Botany, and Britton and Brown's Illustrated Flora of the Northern States and Canada. The picture presents one of the prettiest of our illustrations, and yet few who look for beautiful wild flowers are acquainted with its loveliness. This is possibl}' on account of its early blooming, for, in the northern part of our territory, it is in flower in April, at a time when few are alert for wild -flower collecting, and at such a time as goes before the leaf, When all the wood stands in a mist of green, And nothing perfect seems, as Tennyson would say,— or from the fact that it loves to grow under the cover of trees and bushes, and is often almost buried beneath the dry leaves. It is possibly this warm clothing, again protected by a layer of snow, that advances its flowering in the North, where it is generally in bkxjin early, otherwise it would seem strange to find it further south in May. In ICnglish gardens, where there is little win- ter, snow or other covering, it does not flower till summer, according to Mr. Robinson's •' Hardy IHowers." Possibly it is overlooked, being one of that modest class requiring its prettiness to be searched for,— as this author says, " not worthy of a place except in botan- ical collections" — a verdict the reader, with the pretty picture before him, is not likely to agree with. Its history is unusually interesting in con- nection with a near relative, Asaritm Kitro- picum, from which some botanists, indeed, are slow to concede the j)ropriety of separating. The name Asarum is Crreek. No one is sure now of its original derivation, and most authors cautiously tell us •• the derivation is obscure." Dr. Darlington, however, who was an acute Greek scholar, adopts an ancient suggestion that it is "from a, privative, — and seira, a cord, being anciently rejected from garlands." But the pronunciation of the word— As-arum, and not A-sarum, is against the conjecture. The learned John (ierarde says that the ancient phil- osophers called the plant "Blood of Mars." The Latins seem to have, by Baccharis, under- stood our i)lant ; so, between Greece and Rome, the earlier herbalists compromised the matter by combining both names into one, as Asara- bacca, under which it is recognized by Kuro- p.'can i)harmacists. Linnaeus, however, fol- lowed his predecessors in continuing the name Asantm, by which the plant is still known to the common people of (Greece, and transferring Baccharis to a genus of conipositoung and tender shoots can live and grow in the dark, cold ice-house. True, the atmospheric air reaches these as the door is opened and through the ventilator. The seed in sprout- ing does not seek to bend around solid ice, but directly up. Geo. W. Hess. Morristown, N. J. [The interesting facts, noted by our corres- pondent, are in accord with the experience of many observers. It has long been a matter of record that we may place hyacinth or tulip bulbs in the ground, several inches deep, and they may be encased in frost the next da3% re- maining till spring. The leafy crown will be at the surface ready for the first fine day. The bulb-growth has thawed its way through the solidly-frozen ground. The evaporation from trees and shrubs during winter is very great. All this waste could not be supplied, but by the power of the rootlets to thaw and take in moisture from the frozen earth. The writer of this paragriaph has found the Sarcodes san- guinea, or "snow plant," pushing up and blooming under snow, in the Sierra Nevadas, — and Kerner has recorded the same thing of gentians in the Swiss Alps. On the other hand, it is just as true that, without the combination of a certain amount of heat, air, and moisture, certain plants and seeds will not sprout. The late Robert Doug- las recorded that bundles of seedling trees of various species that had accidentlj^ remained in an ice-house a number of years, continued dormant all that long period, and grew just as well as if they had been but a few months in their cold quarters. The writer of this para- graph has placed on record the fact that, under the receding ice oF the glaciers in Alaska, plants were springing up that must have been many years under the ice, — and his son, Wil- liam E. Meehan, one of the Peary Relief Expe- dition, has recorded the same fact in regard to some species of willow in Greenland.] Divergence of Branches. — One of the un- solved problems of plant-life is the law regu- lating the divergence of branches. In the White Pine and others, the lateral branches are horizontal ; in the Norway Spruce they are at an acute angle. But the law, in each species, is not uniform, for we have erect varieties, as in the Lombardy Poplar, and weeping or pen- dulous among those that are normally spread- ing— no one has explained it. ■ Hi! Mil GENERAL GARDENING. SPRING'S CALL. Come hasten ye hither ; our garden bowers Are green with the promise of budding flowers- The crocus, the spring's first messenger, The faiiy snowdrop, are blooming here ; Th^ taper-leaved tulip is sprouting up, The hyacinth speaks of its purple cup. The jonquil boasteth, 'Ere few weeks run, My golden sunlet I'll shew the sun ' ; Primroses, an Iris-hued multitude. By kissing the winds are wooing and wooed. Delta. the manner of a glue pot. The lamp keeps the water in the kettle hot, and the sulphur mix- ture at 170°, so as to give off mild fumes or vapor— call it sulphurous acid if you like. The quantity suffices for about 2,000 cubic feet of Red Spider. — The Londoji Journal of Horti- culture has the following instructive para- graphs : — " If W. D. and Mr. Wm. Taylor will try the following they will probabl}' find it effectual in destroying Red Spider— the mite {Tetrany- chus telarius). Bisulphide of calcium made as follows : — Slake one pound of freshly burned lime, add half-pound flowers of sulphur and enough water to form a paste, then add one gallon of water, and boil fifteen minutes. It should be kept constantly stirred while it is boiling, then allowed to settle, and when cool have the clear liquid poured into a stone bot- tle, and kept well corked in a dark place. When required for use place a half pint of the liquor in each of the vaporisers employed — one to each 2,000 cubic feet — and fill up with water. Close the house, and place the lamps under the vaporisers. Repeat in the course of three or four days, and again at a similar in- terval. The worst of the sulphides is that of their discoloring paint, and of vSo acting on the skins of grapes as to harden them and prevent further swelling. For those reasons sulphur in any form is injurious to grapes when vaporised at over 170°. One of the best ways of killing Red Spider by means of sulphur fumes is vaporising Mr. J. Simpson's mixture. of sulphur — that is, flowers of sulphur formed into a cream with skim milk, placing a teaspoonful in a half pint of water at boiling, then in a small vaporing cup, and this in a larger filled with boiling water, after (54) air » » Weeds in Pasture Fields.— Some weeds, especially the Scotch Thistle, are planted in gardens for the dear association of the father- land. Its language is "Nemo me impune lacesset." "None shall safely provoke me." Canada Thistles are both pretty and fragrant. They were common in New England, but I've never seen one in California, nor a dandelion, a common wayside flower in the East, "smiling upon all," except as cultivated in the garden of some lover of home, the unforgotten home of long ago. E. E. Orcutt. San Diego, California [It is remarkable that the dandelion has not yet found a home as a wild flower in California. It will doubtless reach there before long. In 1883, the writer saw it in some abundance around Ogden, in Utah. It is further remarkable that, though the dandelion is so common everywhere in the I^ast, no one ever heard it characterized as a vile weed, though weed it must be when it grows where the cultivator does not plant it. It may be that because it is freely eaten by cattle, it saves itself from the execration the farmer heaps on the oxeye daisy and buttercup, which, though taking full possession of the ground, cattle will not touch.] Apple Trees for Beauty of Flowers. — Few flowers are greater favorites than those of the apple, and they often figure in decorations. Blossoms of the Red Astrachan and Transcend- ent Crab are particularly large and showy. Developing Odor in Flowers. — Accounts from St. Louis inform us that an enthusiastic lover of flowers has succeeded in breeding an odoriferous race of tulips, and that he is now 1| 1901] MEEHANS' monthly — GENERAL GARDENING. 55 engaged in experiments with the chrysanthe- mum, to which he expects eventually to im- part the fragrance of the rose. We can only say, in reply to an inquiry, that nothing has come to hand throwing any light on these re- lated successes and experiments. From a theo- retical point of view, it seems impossible. Odor comes from the excretion of minute particles of oil. To change the odor, the char- acter of the oil would have to be altered. When this can be done by the cultivator, we may ex- pect turpentine from the sugar cane, and get the fragrance of the violet from Ailantus flowers. American Forestry. — As a people we have been criminally wasteful of the vast and splendid forests which Providence gave us. But we are waking up. National and State forestry associations are arousing the people. Those States having natural timber are pre- serving it, and the prairie States are agitating the matter of creating parks and forests. But it is so hard to "move" on national matters that a score of years may intervene before anything is done. Every nation in Europe has its own forests under its own supervision. Austria has over two and a half million acres ; the little Duchy of Baden, about a quarter of a million ; Bavaria, two millions. Denmark has a large area, France has over two and a half million acres, Sweden, Norway and Prussia also come in. These governments plant and care for forests and make money at it. Petitions are now in circulation for the U. S. Government to retain all the forest lands they have, and allow them to be cut only under their own supervision. At the same time these reserves can be used for parks. The proposition is for the government to own all this property in the respective States. Though to keep the matter out of politics, the work should be done for the government by the park and forest association of each State. Presenting a bill like this will arouse the people as nothing else w411. The States will vie with each other in having plantations of their own. Towns and villages and indi- viduals will be interested and the whole land will feel the thrill of the forward movement. Let the National and State forestry associa- tions appoint a meeting at the Pan-American Exposition and settle on some plan of action. Then let a bill be drawn up and two or three picked men push it through Congress. Let the horticulturists and foresters of the different States interest their congressmen. C. S. Harrison. Pres. Neb. Park and Forest Association. [The senior conductor of Meehans' Month- ly has been a member of a legislative body for eighteen years, and believes that forestry in America cannot be successfully pursued under the lead of any public body, — City, State, or National. The membership of these bodies is continually changing, and what is done at one session is often completely upturned the next. In Pennsylvania, for instance, by rare chance, the right man in the right place as a Forestry Commissioner came about in the person of Prof. J. T. Rothrock. But the most strenuous efforts had once to be made to prev- ent his displacement, — the new rulers know- ing little of his special fitness for the place. America succeeds best when it makes it the interest of private parties to undertake great works. Other nations can do their own ship- building. America does better by private enter- prise under contract. It would not be difficult to get private com- panies to take hold of these great forest reser- vations,— and to undertake the establishing of new forests under favorable provisions for pro- fitable returns.] Trained Roses in France. — French rose- growers have a characteristic method of growl- ing some of the climbing kinds. The plants are planted in the beds, and a frame-work of bamboo canes set behind them, so that the shoots are spread outward, almost fan-shaped. When the work is carefully done, very little of the frame is visible. To those who have space, this system of growing some of the lovely climbing kinds, especially the yellow and cop- per colored sorts, may be recommended. Value of Systematic Labelling.— A trip to Miss Helen Gould's country home at Irving- ton, N. Y., is well worth the while of every one interested in horticulture in its broadest sense, and the visit is made doubly enjoyable if it be under the guidance of the very able head-gardener and estate superintendent, Fer- dinand Mangold. Here one finds business ! 't 56 MEEHANS' MONTHI.Y — GENERAL GARDENING. [April system applied to everyday affairs, in such a way, that one unconsciously admires the ex- ecutive ability of the man who manages all. What most impressed the writer was the care with which all the stock on the place is labelled. The rare plants, of which Mr. Man- gold has under his charge perhaps the finest private collection in this country, are properly and scientifically labelled ; and even the fruit, the shrubs and the garden plants are correctly and legibly named. It looks like a well-conducted botanical garden. The advantage of all this is so appar- ent that it is easy to imagine the benefits to be derived from such a system. The under- gard- eners have a far better chance to acquire knowl- edge. As an example, when showing his visitor through the magnificent range of glass, Mr. Mangold at random asked the different men in regard to the location of certain plants, giving only their full botanical names, and though the specimens inquired for were un- common, the person called upon invariably showed the precise plant without a falter. It was with very pleasant recollections, and a hope that the example set by this establish- ment will be followed by many others, that the writer left Mr. Mangold. C. W. K. EW ©I li^lE FL/^MTS. ViTis INCISA. — Of this beautiful herbaceous member of the Vitis or Cissus family. Prof Austin C. Apgar, Trenton, New Jersey, says : "Probably I ought to report my experience with Cissus mcisa, Desv., of which L. H. Bailey writes in ♦ Cyclopaedia of American Horticulture,* that it is found in Florida, Arkansas and Texas, and often planted in the extreme south. Sometimes called Marine Ivy ? I received a plant from Texas and planted it on the south side of my house about eight years ago. The next year, when it came up, I di- vided it and placed one on the north side. This one died ; but the one on the south side grew well, and the next year I again divided it and placed one on the north, which died during the winter. The plants in the sheltered position have stood all the late hard winters without trouble." To this may be added that a plant brought from the Indian Territory, many years ago, by the senior conductor of Meehans* Monthly, has been quite at home on his grounds ever since. It is, however, growing in close contact with the stems of a mass of viburnum and other shrubs, that serve as friendly supports for its tendrils. The thick, shining leaves re- mind one of the well-known wax plant, Hoya carnosa, in texture. A plate is being prepared for some early issue of the magazine. TME M/^Kl^T fLOWEl CACANTHA MAJOR. variety tninor, Opuntia arenaria, O. arbor es- cens, O. Camanchica, O. frag His, O. mesacantha (two or three varieties) O. phceacantha major and O. polyacantha (two or three varieties.) A few more, equally hardy, are known to botanists, but do not seem to be offered by dealers. All the kinds mentioned above, ex- cept O. arboresceyis, are natives of Central Colorado, north of the 40th degree of latitude. The latitude of this region is upward of 5,000 feet above sea level and the winter tempera- ture frequently reaches a minimum of twenty degrees below zero. Some of the sorts occur in the mountains at an altitude of 8,000 to 9,000 feet. Although the rainfall of this region is much less than that of the Eastern States, this dif- be used in groups, in association with the Opuntias, adding much to the variety of effect. Other plants that may be used with the Hardy Cacti in imitating their natural sur- roundings are the Yucca angusiifolia, Artemisia frigida, called Mountain Sage, a very hand- some perennial with grayish, fine-cut foliage, Artemisia gnaphaloides or Silver Sage, Rhus trilobata, a handsome drought-resisting shrub, Bigelovia, Calochortus, etc. D. M. Andrews. Boulder, Colorado. AND Cutting Asparagus. — With those familiar with certain facts relating to the life of plants, the question of the propriety of cutting all or !|i r I i "n*^mnffrM 4 ii 58 MEEHANS' MONTHLY — GENERAL GARDENING. [April certain asparagus shoots as rapidly as they appear, and for a continued time, often arises, for it is well known that the continued cut- ting away of all a plant's growth has a weaken- ing tendency, at least. As recently stated in Meehans' Monthly, most gardeners cut all growth during the first half of the season . But a correspondent of the London Gardening Illustrated recommends leaving all the very light growth, that it may strengthen the plants for the following season, and only cutting that which is strong. He further suggests what would appear quite desirable, that from a batch of seedlings, it is best to select male plants, which uniformly are more vigorous. The female, or seed-bearing plants, are the weaker for producing seed. Conover's Colossal is recommended very highly, for although not producing as large and heavy stalks as some, they are more numerous. Grapes for Northern Localities. — In the far northern sections of the United States and in Canada, where the summer seasons are short, many grapes do not mature fruit before cold weather sets in, therefore the earliest varieties only are satisfactory. Prof. Macoun, in the Ca7tadian Horticulturist, names the following, among others, as suitable for such localities : Moore's Early, Merrimac, Wilder, Delaware, Brighton, Moore's Diamond, Worden and Lindley. Champion is the earli- est of all, but of inferior quality. A New Vegetable. — An Australian paper speaks highly of a new vegetable that is be- coming popular in the colony, but gives no name or clue by which one may get at its identity. It says of it : — •' A new^ vegetable, and one that promises to be a great acqui- sition, is the asjferagus pea, introduced into Victoria by Lord Hopetoun. It is extremely prolific, and most people would pronounce it a delicious vegetable when properly prepared, combining, as it does, the pronounced flavor of asparagus with the delicate suggestion of the table pea. The method of culture is that of the ordinary pea. The plant is of a prostrate nature, branch- ing much like a rock melon, and spreading nearly two feet. Stem prostrate, leaves tri- foliate, leaflets spatulate-ovate, an inch in length, two stipules ovate, flower axillary, and of a scarlet red and purple, giving the appear- ance of a field of red clover. Pod square, with fringe on each side, two inches to four inches long, containing six to ten small peas. The pod is cooked and eaten from the fingers, after the manner of asparagus. ' ' Water for Vegetables.— It is a good thing to remember that the major portion of most fruits, and many of what we term vege- tables, is water, and that to have them properly develop, there must be no lack of this element. But it is not always wise to supply this artifi- cially, as all soils are not fitted for it, and there is danger of soil-baking or an over-supply. The best course to pursue to keep up the supply of moisture is first to save what nature supplies naturally, — conserve it, as we say technically. This is done by constant culti- vation and, at times, largely by mulching. Soil that is constantly stirred on the surface by hoeing, harrowing or coarse raking, keeps cool, is quick to receive any moisture in the atmosphere, such as evening dews, and does not part with it so readily. Mulching of straw shades the soil from the direct rays of the sun, prevents rapid evaporation of the mois- ture and keeps the soil from baking. Cultiva- tion also has a good efTect by aeration of the soil, which is essential to plant life. In some cases, it will be possible and desir- able to applj' water by means of a hose. The evening is the better time for this as it has opportunity to soak well into the soil before the sun's heat of the following day can take the most of it. If this be used in connection with a mulch, the danger of baking the surface of the soil and the necessity for frequent ap- plication will be greatly reduced. The writer saw a small patch of turnips, near the roadside, last fall, which v/ere of re- markably large size and solid. One that was weighed (not the largest) proved to be ^% pounds. This patch was so situated it re- ceived the rain washings from the road and was abundantly but not excessively supplied with moisture. The large specimen referred to was cooked and served to six persons at one meal, and proved more than enough, making a large dish in itself. The writer has frequently observed that radishes are very fond of water and quickly take what is supplied them. Further observation would doubtless show that 1901] meehans' monthly — GENERAL GARDENING. 59 all vegetables of this nature have a similar desire for water. Where water is artificially supplied to veg- etables that should make strong top growth, the addition of manure will be beneficial. Raspberries in Massachusetts. — Some varieties of raspberry do not stand severe win- ters perfectly', even in comparatively moderate climates. In Massachusetts, according to a correspondent of the Rural Neiv Yorker, the Pitt's Island, a place of about five acres, at the head of Lake Worth. Mr. Pitt keeps a small boarding-house, and grows various fruits that are mostly calculated to interest his visitors. Just as the writer was about to leave, he espied a basket full of some very large citrus fruit, which he took to be some variety of pomelo ; but inquiry developed the fact that they were simply lemons of unusually large size. The tree that produced this fruit did so uniforml3% and the specimen herewith illus- A MAMMOTH LEMON Cuthbert occavsionally winter- kills badly, though at other times it is very satisfactory in all particulars. The Loudon seems perfectly hardy, but has a fault of overbearing, which appears to affect the fruit-producing wood of the same season, rendering the next year's crop poor. The remedy suggested is to pre- vent overbearing b}' closer pruning, which will encourage new wood growth. A Mammoth Lemon. — While travelling through Florida, recently, along the southeast coast, the writer paid an interesting visit to trated can hardly be called abnormal. Of course the subject is much reduced in the illus- tration ; but comparison with the lemon on the left, — which is really unusually large, — will give a fair idea of its size. It weighed just four pounds ; the smaller one was less than one. The specimen obtained has since been cut, and found to have quite a thin "skin," contrary to expectations. The larger of the other fruits in the picture is a lime ; the smaller a kumquat, a member of the citrus family of which the skin is eaten as well as the pulp. 58 MEKHANS' MONTHLY— GENERAL GARDENING. [April certain asparagus shoots as rapidly as they appear, and for a continued time, often arises, for it is well known that the continued cut- ting away of all a plant's growth has a weaken- ing tendency, at least. As recently stated in Mekhans' Monthly, most gardeners cut all growth during the first half of the season. But a correspondent of the London Gardening Illustrated recommends leaving all the very light growth, that it may strengthen the plants for the following season, and only cutting that which is strong. He further suggests what wovild appear quite desirable, that from a batch of seedlings, it is best to select male plants, which uniformly are more vigorous. The female, or seed-bearing plants, are the weaker for producing seed. Conover's Colossal is recommended very highly, for although not producing as large and heav}' stalks as some, they are more numerous. CjRApEvS eor Northern Localities. — 111 the far northern sections of the United States and in Canada, where the summer seasons are short, man}' grapes do not mature fruit before cold weather vSets in, therefore the earliest varieties onl}' are satisfactory. Prof ^lacoun, in the Canadian Horticulturist, names the following, among others, as suitable for such localities : Moore's Karl}-, Merrimac, Wilder, Delaware, Brighton, Moore's Diamond, Worden and Lindle}'. Champion is the earli- est of all, but of inferior quality. A New Vegetable. — An Australian paper speaks highly of a new vegetable that is be- coming popular in the colony, but gives no name or clue b}' which one ma\' get at its identity. It says of it : — ** A new vegetable, and one that promises to be a great accpii- sition, is the asparagus pea, introduced into \'ictoria by Lord Hopetoun. It is extremely prolific, and most people would pronounce it a delicious vegetable when properly prepared, combining, as it does, the pronounced flavor of asparagus with the delicate suggestion of the table pea. The method of culture is that of the ordinary pea. The plant is of a prostrate nature, branch- ing much like a lock melon, and spreading nearly two feet. vSteni prostrate, leaves tri- foliate, leaflets spatulate-ovate, an inch in length, two stipules ovate, flower axillary, and of a scarlet red and purple, giving the appear- ance of a field of red clover. Pod square, with fringe on each side, two inches to four inches long, containing six to ten small peas. The pod is cooked and eaten from the fingers, after the manner of asparagus. ' ' Water for Vegetables. — It is a good thing to remember that the major portion of most fruits, and many of what we term vege- tables, is water, and that to have them properly develop, there must be no lack of this element. But it is not always wise to supply this artifi- cially, as all soils are not fitted for it, and there is danger of soil-baking or an over-supply. The best course to pursue to keep up the supply of moisture is first to save what nature supplies naturally,- conserve it, as we say technically. This is done by constant culti- vation and, at times, largely by mulching. Soil that is constantly stirred on the surface by hoeing, harrowing or coarse raking, keeps cool, is (piick to receive any moisture in the atmosphere, such as evening dews, and does not part with it so readily. Mulching of straw vshades the soil from the direct rays of the sun, prevents rapid evaporation of the mois- ture and keeps the soil from baking. Cultiva- tion also has a good effect by aeration of the soil, which is essential to plant life. In some cases, it will be possible and desir- able to api)ly water by means of a hOvSe. The evening is the better time for this as it has opportunity to soak well into the soil before the sun's heat of the following day can take the most of it. If this be used in connection with a mulch, the danger of baking the surface of the vSoil and the necessity for frecjuent ap- plication will be greatly reduced. The writer saw a small ])atch of turnips, near the roadside, last fall, which v;ere of re- markabh' large size and solid. One that was weighed (not the largest) j^roved to be \% pounds. This patch was so situated it re- ceived the rain washings from the road and was a])undantly but not excessively supplied with moisture. The large specimen referred to was cooked and served to six persons at one meal, and prov^ed more than enough, making a large dish in itself The writer has frequently observed that radishes are ver}- fond of water and cpiickly take what is supi)lied them. Further observation would doubtless show that 1901] MEEHANS' MONTHLY — GENERAL G.\RDENING. 59 I all vegetables of this nature have a similar desire for water. Where water is artificially supplied to veg- etables that should make strong top growth, the addition of manure will be beneficial. Raspberries ln Massachisetts. — vSome varieties of raspberry do not stand vSevere win- ters perfectly, even in comparatively moderate climates. In Massachusetts, according to a correspondent of the Rural AWr Yorker, the Pitt's Island, a place of about five acres, at the head of Lake Worth. Mr. Pitt keeps a small boarding-house, and grows various fruits that are mostly calculated to interest his visitors. Just as the writer was about to leave, he espied a basket full of some ver}^ large citrus fruit, which he took to be some variety of pomelo ; but inquiry developed the fact that they were simpl}- lemons of unusually large size. The tree that produced this fruit did so uniformly, and the specimen herewith illus- A MAMMOTH LEMON Cuthbert occasionally winter-kills ])adly, though at other times it is very satisfactory in all particulars. The Loudon seems perfectly hardy, but has a fault of overbearing, which appears to affect the fruit-])roducing wood of the same season, rendering the next year's crop poor. The remedy suggested is to pre- vent overbearing by closer ])runing, which will encourage new wood growth. A Mam.moth TvEmon. — While travelling through Morida, recently, along the southeast coast, the writer paid an interesting visit to trated can hardly be called abnormal. Of course the subject is much reduced in the illus- tration ; but comparison with the lemon on the left, — which is really unusually large, — will give a fair idea of its size. It weighed just four pounds ; the smaller one was less than one. The specimen obtained has since been cut, and found to have quite a thin "skin," contrary to expectations. The larger of the other fruits in the picture is a lime ; the smaller a kumquat, a member of the citrus family of which the skin is eaten as well as the pulp. INTENTIONAL SHCON D EXPOS U R 1 ^ BIOGRAPHY AND LITERATURE. THE HOPEFUL LESSON. The hope, in dreams, of a happier hour, That alights on misery's brow, Springs out of the silvery almond flower That blooms on a leafless bough. Thomas Moore. Dr. Perrine. — The Jacksonville Times Union says that the " ' Perrine Grant,' on the East coast of Florida, was given to the Perrire family in recognition of the services of ' the famous botanist and experimentalist,'" w^ho was the first to introduce tropical, commercial plants into the State, in the early thirties. He was killed by Seminole Indians in 1838. The Park of Belvedere, near Weimar, AND ITS Connection with Goethe's Botani- cal Studies. — Whoever reads and studies the works of the world's great poets, no matter if ancient or modern, will soon notice the fact that all, with hardly any exceptions, are ardent lovers of free nature. The primeval forests, the rustling reed-grasses of the swamps, the virginal meadow, trespassed by the gentle flow of meandering rivulets, and the waving grainfields have inspired the bards of all nations. Longfellow, Bryant and Holmes are often charmed by the beauty of our landscape ; and Tennyson's muse bears the stamp of quiet Lincolnshire, with its lanes through stretches of lawn and cultivated gardens and its lovely dells. But whoever loves free nature loves also flowers. Burns' *• Lines to a Mountain Daisy" are a charming and touching expres- sion of this love. Schiller, Heine and Lenau, are fascinated by the fragrance and gorgeous hues of the roses and lilies ; and above all stand the Orientals, who, in the most pictur- esque way, give vent of their homage to their glorious native flora. While this unbounded admiration for the flowers is universal in poetry, and in its exertion has been of a vast educating influence, it is rather strange to find, among the world's great poets, so very few with any real strong and productive in- (60) clination to closer study of plant-life. We know of Rosseau reading botanical essays to a selected circle of enthusiasts in France, a cen- tury ago ; and, just at the same time, Ger- many's greatest poet, Goethe, began his stud- ies of botany. Meehans' Monthly, on pages 13 and 14, current volume, describes to us Johann Wolfgang von Goethe as botanist ; and, in addition to this highly interesting article, I beg permission to give a brief descrip- tion of the field of Goethe's study of plants. As before mentioned, it was after the perusal of Linne's works that he became captive of, as he styled it, '*the loveliest of all sciences." Being one heart and one soul with his noble friend and protector. Grand-duke Carl August of Saxe Weimar Eisenach, both started to make Belvedere, the lovely summer residence of the Court of Weimar, their sphere of activity. This place then boasted already of one of the largest "orangeries" of the European conti- nent. The records in the State's archives, in Weimar, mention over 600 large citrus trees, mostly brought over the Alps from far-away Italy. As events had turned, now extensive green -house -building was commenced, and soon, from everywhere, collections of new plants poured in, partly purchased by Carl August, partly presented to Belvedere by be- friended courts, while Goethe and the Grand- duke, by their frequent travels, heaped treas- ures upon treasures. The gardens and green- houses were at their best then, and the grounds devoted to the culture of herbs, hardy peren- nials and annuals contained over 2,000 species. As fruit of Goethe's labors appeared, in 1790, his then famous work : *' Metamorphosis of the Plant," which, although it has outlived it- self now, will nevertheless be of lasting his- torical value ; and, we may justly class it a markstone on the onward road of botanical science. Carl August died in 1828 ; and, four years later, the sublime Goethe, with his last faint exclamation : *• More light!" on his lips, bade farewell to this world. It was im- possible for the house of Weimar to maintain 1901] meehans* monthly — biography and literature. 61 i I Belvedere at a scale as it had been under Carl August's reign, especially as the place lays distant from the great highways of travel, and its extensive botanical collections had been kept merely for private study. Besides, the political horizon of Germany became darker every day ; and while, under Carl August, the Grand-duchy of Weimar, with its univer- sity at Jena, had been a fortress of free thought, a peaceful oasis amid a broiling mass of op- pressed people, and a thorn in the eyes of nar- row-minded potentates, then the struggle began in earnest, and all Germany arose and broke for- ever the fetters of absolutism, and Weimar was alike stormswept. The dawn of the new era "Belvedere AUee," a broad avenue, lined on both sides with old venerable linden and horse-chestnut trees. The beauty of the trees, planted in 1757, and the picturesque Ilm-valley absorb our thoughts ; we hardly notice when the avenue turns into the park of Belvedere, and suddenly, coming out of the woods, we stand in front of the castle. After a swift glance over the main structure and the several additional buildings, all erected in the Italian renaissance, our eyes are captivated by the magnificent view down into the Ilm-valley and at the far-aw^ay Ettersberg mountain-ridges. Involuntarily, our sight becomes riveted to the Cit3' of Weimar ; its castle, peeping out of an BELVEDERE CASTLE. NEAR WEIMAR. found Belvedere stripped of a considerable por- tion of its former splendor. At those trying times. Grand-duchess Maria Paulowna was the guardian of Belvedere, for which she always cherished a fond predilection. From 1853 till last January, Grand-duke Carl Alexander, a true friend and protector of art and science, was ruler in Weimar, and to him the Germany of to-day owes the faithful preservation of those consecrated places, where her greatest heroes of thought and intellect lived and labored. But now, kind reader, let us pay our visit to Goethe's laboratory as botanist and see how it has been handed down to us. We walk up immense mass of trees, appears like a gem amid a sea of green. Turning to the opposite front of Belvedere, we behold a picture of re- pose and quietude. It shows a spacious, open lawn, dotted by a few splendid, solitary trees ; and, in the distance, confined by the irregular lines of shrubbery and trees and as a special ornament, there is a handsome flower par- terre. (See illustration above.) Our next visit is to the so-called "Russian Garden." In 1804, when the young heir to the crown, Carl Friederich, returned from St. Petersburg, with his beautiful consort Grand-duchess Maria Paulowna, the young princess missed the grounds of Peterhof, where Le Blond had copied -J 62 MEEHANS' MONTHLY—BIOGRAPHY AND LITERATURE. [Aprir 1 Versailles, and where she had spent her youth. The chivalrous Carl August and his friend Goethe at once decided to have a small section of the park of Belvedere laid out in French style, similar to Peterhof, and thus originated the "Russian Garden." It was to be "a dwelling in green and made out of green," a bright, cheerful abode of most unique and thoughtful design. To maintain its strictly private character, thick hedges of Ulmus cam- pestre enclosed the place ; while irregular lines of tall shrubs further aided in keeping the eyes of strangers out. As the old parkguard opens the gate, we enter a spacious sexangular ground, ornamented by a number of carpet beds walk terminates in an arched bower of lattice- work in which the marl?le statue of Thalia is placed. From here, a few steps lead down into the parquet of the ♦* Natur-Theater." One realizes it is classic ground here, and, as we walk down in the centre, we are in full view of the verdant stage, where once, during hours given up entirely to frolic and merriment, both the nobilities of intellect and of birth were actors. Whatever the modern landscape architect may say about the absurdities of some creations of the rococco age, one fact is certain, the sanctum of Maria Paulowna at Belvedere, aside from its historical interest, is full of fascinating charms. 1901] MEEHANS' MONTHLY — BIOGRAPHY AND LITERATURE. 63 NATUR-TMt.AT£R" AT BClVEDERC. and two marble statues of Cupid. This is the reception-room, wherein Maria Paulowna re- ceived the '* merry ones of Weimar," on bright summer days, at her garden festivals, so are we told. Walking up the main aisle, we pass a second gate, ascend a few steps, and have, on both sides, shady arbors running in rectan- gular lines all around the centrepart, which is divided by a walk in two equally large sections. The one to our right,— shady and devoted to play and outdoor sport, — "the Drawing room" ; while at the left, "the Stateroom" contains a number of regular groups planted with roses and other fragrant flowers. The partition walls are also of Ulmus campestre. The middle After a brief inspection of the nearby "laby- rinth," we stroll through the southeastern part of the park. This section, originally a wooded hill, sloping down towards the " Pos- sen-dell," was converted into a free, open landscape during the sixth and seventh decade of the last century, and, the names of the dif- ferent Sckells, members of an old family ot gardeners, are closely connected with it. At present, Armin Sckell is superintendent of the park ; while Julius Sckell is in charge of the extensive greenhouses and the plant depart- ment. To the follower of landscape garden- ing, a walk through the park of Belvedere is highly instructive, and the rich collections of lit trees and shrubs offer also a rare opportunity for dendrological studies. The greenhouses are mostly old-fashioned buildings, except the tropical section, a modern iron -structure, containing the usual collections of palms, ferns, orchids and general stove plants, — among the latter, several rare and stately Encephalartos . Next to the tropi- cal division stands the " Wintergarten," a conservatory of considerable dimensions. The arrangement of the interior is genial and im- posing. During my connection with this place, I very often heard the visitors exclaim : "Oh, a fairy land!" Indeed, among our modern conservatories there is hardly any- amid Araucarias, cozy nooks and banks over- clad with green, live moss, from where we may peep down over a rustic bower and w^atch the main walk. There is no doubt this con- servatory was designed in which to linger and enjoy, amid green and blossoms, happy hours when the outside world is bound in rigid fet- ters of ice and snow. It would bring us far beyond the limits of a single article would we dwell on details when passing through the semi-circular storage houses and adjoining doms, wherein the citrus, and tall Cupressus and Araucarias are overwin- tered. But one place we cannot omit to see — the herb and flower garden, where once the MAIN-AVCNUe ON ORANGE SQUARE AT BELVED£RE. thing that could rival the lovely scenery in the "Wintergarten" at Belvedere. As we walk along the meandering aisle, lined by a miniature lawn of Selaginella, we notice many acquaint- ances of long ago. There are Acacia armata, A. brachybotrya, A. cult ri/or mis and A. verti- cillata ; then all the many species of the order Myrtacecr ~r\o\. to forget the Clethra arborea and the old Viburnum Tinus. During February and March when, interposed by stately palms and Dracaenas, all are in full blossom, the gen- eral effect is grand. Another prominent fea- ture is the great rockery decorated by conifers and ferns. Ascending a narrow, winding stair of primitive rocks, we discover on top, portly figure of Goethe bent down to study the secrets of plant-life, and thus became ours. Following a drive, we reach, in a short dis- tance, the square for the orange trees (Oran- gen-Platz). Here nearly 200 old relics of the last two centuries are lined up in three avenues. Our illustration shows the main-avenue. Who- ever may be so fortunate as to spend some years at Belvedere, will never forget those quiet summer evenings, when nature rests and the full-moon sends down the radiant silvery light, when the atmosphere is pregnant with the fragrant odor of orange-blossoms and the supreme peace only interrupted by the murmur- ing old fountain, or the rustling of the bright III 62 MKEHAXS' MONTHLY— HIOORAPHV AND LiTKRATrRlC. [April Versailles, and where she had spent her youth. The chivalrous Carl August and his friend Goethe at once decided to have a small section of the park of Belvedere laid out in French style, similar to Peterhof, and thus originated the "Russian Garden." It was to be "a dwelling in green and made out of green," a bright, cheerful abode of most unique and thoughtful design. To maintain its strictly private character, thick hedges of Ulmus cam- pest re enclosed the place ; while irregular lines of tall shrubs further aided in keeping the eyes of strangers out. As the old parkguard opens the gate, we enter a spacious sexangular ground, ornamented by a number of carpet beds walk terminates in an arched bowser of lattice- work in which the marble statue of Thalia is placed. From here, a few steps lead down into the parquet of the •' Natur-Theater." One realizes it is classic ground here, and, as we walk down in the centre, we are in full view of the verdant vStage, where once, during hours given up entirely to frolic and merriment, both the nobilities of intellect and of birth were actors. Whatever the modern landscape architect may say about the absurdities of some creations of the rococco age, one fact is certain, the sanctum of Maria Paulowna at Belvedere, aside from its historical interest, is full of fascinating charms. • NATUR-TmlATCR " AT BtLVtOERC. and two marble statues of Cupid. This is the reception-room, wherein Maria Paulowna re- ceived the " merry ones of Weimar," on bright summer days, at her garden festivals, so are we told. Walking up the main aisle, we pass a second gate, ascend a few steps, and have, on both sides, shady arbors running in rectan- gular lines all around the centrepart, which is divided by a walk in two equally large sections. The one to our right, — shady and devoted to play and outdoor sport, — "the Drawing room" ; wdiile at the left, "the Stateroom" contains a number of regular groups planted with roses and other fragrant flowers. The partition walls are also of dm us campestre. The middle After a brief inspection of the nearby " laby- rinth," we stroll through the southeastern part of the park. This section, originally a wooded hill, sloping down towards the " Pos- sen-dell," was conv^erted into a free, open landscape during the sixth and seventh decade of the last century, and, the names of the dif- ferent vSckells, members of an old family ol gardeners, are closely connected with it. At present, Armin Sckell is superintendent of the park ; while Julius vSckell is in charge of the extensive greenhouses and the plant depart- ment. To the follower of landscape garden- ing, a walk through the park of Belvedere is highly instructive, and the rich collections of 1901] MEEHANS' MONTHLY — BIOGRAPHY AND LITERATURE. 63 I I trees and shrubs offer also a rare opportunity for dendrological studies. The greenhouses are mostly old-fashioned buildings, except the tropical section, a modern iron -structure, containing the usual collections of palms, ferns, orchids and general stove plants, — among the latter, several rare and stately Encephalartos. Next to the tropi- cal division stands the " Wintergarten," a conservatory of considerable dimensions. The arrangement of the interior is genial and im- posing. During my connection with this place, I very often heard the visitors exclaim : "Oh, a fairy land!" Indeed, among our modern conservatories there is hardlv anv- amid Araucarias, cozy nooks and banks over- clad with green, live moss, from where we may peep down over a rustic bower and watch the main walk. There is no doubt this con- servatory was designed in which to linger and enjoy, amid green and blossoms, happ3' hours when the outside world is bound in rigid fet- ters of ice and snow. It would bring us far beyond the limits of a single article would we dwell on details when passing through the semi-circular storage houses and adjoining doms, wherein the citrus, and tall Cupressus and Araucarias are overwin- tered. But one place we cannot omit to see — the herb and flower garden, where once the MAIN-AVENUE ON ORANGE SQUARE AT BELVEOLRE. thing that could rival the lovely scenery in the ** Wintergarten " at Belvedere. As we walk along the meandering aisle, lined by a miniature lawn of Selaginella, we notice man}- acquaint- ances of long ago. There are Acacia armata, A. hyachylwtrya, A. cult r if or mis and A. verti- cillata : then all the many species of the order Myrtacecr -r\ot to forget the Clethra arborea and the old / Iburmun Iluus. During February and March when, interposed by stately palms and DracjL-nas, all are in full blossom, the gen- eral effect is grand. Another prominent fea- ture is the great rockery decorated by conifers and ferns. Ascending a narrow, winding stair of primitive rocks, we discover on top, portly figure of Goethe bent down to study the secrets of plant-life, and thus became ours. Following a drive, we reach, in a short dis- tance, the square for the orange trees (Oran- gen-Platz). Here nearly 200 old relics of the lavSt two centuries are lined up in three avenues. ( )ur illustration shows the main-avenue. Who- ever may be so fortunate as to spend some years at Belvedere, will never forget those quiet summer evenings, when nature rests and the full-moon sends down the radiant silvery light, when the atmosphere is pregnant with the fragrant odor of orange-blossoms and the supreme peace only interrupted by the murmur- ing old fountain, or the rustling of the bright CpJvJD EXFOS U R 64 MEEHANS' MONTHI.Y— GENERAL NOTES. [April i } .4li leaves occasionally moved by a gentle breeze. The nightingale in the nearby shrubs begins the soft sweet song of love,— the rustling in the crowns of the trees becomes whisper ; and the talkative fountain chats of old times, and long past-away nights, when "the merry ones of Weimar" passed up and down these aven- ues ;— when the air was ringing with merry laughter of bright-eyed women, attired in the becoming gowns of the early part of the nine- teenth century ; and the genial wit of those highly-cultured set held full sway. And at last it tells us of him— the sublime star among Germany's poets,— the giant among thinkers, —our landscape gardener and botanist, Wolf- gang von Goethe. Richard Rothe. Laverock, Pa. ^lEIMEK/^L MOTES, The Tea Plant in Australia. — The Chinese tea plant thrives well in Australia. Trees planted by Baron Mueller, in the botani- cal garden, seed freely, and young plants are easily raised from them. The Australian papers say that the difficulty in making it prof- itable commercially is the cost of labor in col- lecting the leaves, but the native tribes might be taught to do useful work in this direction. The difficulty has been gotten over well in the United States, and tea growing has become profitable here. Non-Combustible Wood.— In the line of information presented in recent issues of Meehans' Monthly, it is stated in Forest Leaves that the bark on some of the Sequoia trees, in California, often two feet thick, is almost non-combustible. Profitable Fruit-Gro wing.— After long experience in cultivating various fruits for market purposes, the fruitgrowers of Western New York believe that the apple orchard is the most permanently profitable of all. This naturally has to be taken in a general sense,— for there are conditions under which other classes of fruits will certainly out-do the apple in profitable returns. Profit, in any depart- ment of market gardening, depends more on the business ability that can take advantage of special conditions as they arise. Strength and Value of June Berry Wood.— Prof. J. T. Rothrock, Commissioner of ForCvStry to the State of Pennsylvania, says that Amelanchier Ca7iadensis, June Berry or Shad Bush, must be ranked among the strong- est of our native woods. The heart wood is a reddish-brown, the sap wood being whiter, heavy, strong, and because of its close grain polishes well. It is hard w^hen dry, but liable to split while seasoning. The wood is service- able for a number of things, and has been sug- gested as a substitute for boxwood in the hands of the engraver. The Aged Rose Tree of Hildesheim.— The London Chronicle says :—" Disquieting news has come to hand as to the health of a venerable botanical marvel — the rose tree which grows over the apsidal crypt of the dome at Hildesheim. Tradition asserts that it was planted by Ludwig the Pious, who founded the church about the middle of the ninth century. According to this legend it must be over a thousand years old. Latterly a growth of unw^holesome white patches has spread over its limbs, and signs of decay are apparent. Herr Waldheim, however, the curator of the royal gardens at Hanover has been called in, and hopes to save its life. ' ' If Herr Waldheim should fail, the church wardens might send to America for some nurseryman's boy, who, wnth a whitewash brush and Kerosene Emulsion, would soon clear the patches of white scale from the rose stems, at half the price Herr Waldheim' s ex- pert services cost. Skunk-Cabbage for Swine. — When I was a boy, nearly fifty years ago, our Irish neigh- bors used to collect the leaves of the Skunk- Cabbage in great quantities for a spring feed for pigs. It is well known that the root of this plant is actively medicinal. C. W. G. [When the senior conductor of Meehans' Monthly was in Alaska, nearly twenty j^ears ago, some young deer captured were fed on the Skunk-Cabbage of that region, Lysichitum Camtschatcense. The sailors attributed their death to this food.] Species of Palms. — The number of species known, in 1797, was 16 ; to-day they number 1,200 ! La Semaine Horticole, s^ 1 !l I! VbtXl Plate 5 fti i ii "► \ ('l.\ui \ \ ! l..lli.(..rM.-.-l MfcMhIv 1'. I r*,, /» '.« CLARKIA ELEGANS. ELEGANT CLARKIA. NATURAL ORDER, ONAGRACE^. CLARKIA ELEGANS. DouOLAS — GUbrous or pvib«8ccnt, one-half to six feet high, simple or branched ; leaves broadly ovate to linear, repandly toothed ; petals entire, rhomboidal, the long, slender claw without teeth ; anthers all perfect ; fila- ments with a densely hairy scale at each side of the broader base ; stigma lobes equal ; capsule nearly sessile, six to nine lines long, obtusely four angled, rather stout and often curved, somewhat villous. Brewer and Watson's Botany of California. This chapter, with its illustration in this issue, is devoted to a beautiful denizen of the Pacific coast, that is confined to limits narrow as compared with other species of the family, and yet growing along the valleys and hill- sides in California from Mendocino County to Los Angeles and the foot-hills of the Sierra Nevada. Only one reference to it can, there- fore, be given from any widely circulated botanical work. This is unlike the first dis- covered species, Clarkia ptllchella, which was collected on the famous expedition across the continent under Captains I^ewis and Clark ; and, though not found actually in California, abounds in Washington Territory, Oregon, Idaho, and the northern portions of Colorado. Though familiar to the settlers, it has received no common name among the people. It is also among the commonest of the valued ornaments of the flower garden, where many of our popu- lar common names have their birth. But even there it is simply known as Clarkia. In the absence of any other name in use, the name, with its adjective, has been translated,— but with little expectation that it will come into general adoption. It is as well that this condition exists as aid- ing in the commemoration of one of the two great actors of a famous event in American history, — the first crossing of the continent by Captains Lewis and Clark, the latter of whom is the person honored in the name of this beau- tiful annual. This intrepid voyage has been characterized as one of the most remarkable of any age, or among any people. These two comparatively young leaders started out, in May 1804, to penetrate a vast wilderness, peopled only by what were supposed to be hos- tile savages, and over-run by wild beasts of unknown character. They had to make their peace with these wild people as they vfent along, and live on w^hat the unknown land might afford. From 1804 to September 1806, they were as completely out of civilization as though frozen in at the North Pole. But they returned with the loss of one man only, at peace with all the Indian tribes, and with stores of knowledge that showed the nation the way to make the great western country its own. The expedition was planned by members of the American Philosophical Society of Philadel- phia, in response to a suggestion by President Jefferson, who was also the many-year presi- dent of that institution. This was made in a letter in February, 1804, and the party started in May following, under the co-equal charge of Ivcwis and Clark, the former of whom was also a member of the Philosophical Society. Lewis had been an ensign under the then Lieut. Clark, and he agreed to, go on the expedition only that Clark would consent to go with him. The first winter they passed among the Man- dan Indians. On the 15th of November, 1805, they reached the mouth of the Columbia River, on the Pacific Ocean ; then, returning, they arrived at the Mississippi in September, 1806. Captain Wni. Clark was born in Caroline Co., Virginia, August ist, 1770. When 14 years old, his parents removed to Louisville, Kentucky, residing on Mulberry Hill. He resigned as Lieut, in the army, in 1796, because of ill-health ; but he rejoined in 1803, and, in 1804, was made Captain of Engineers. In 1813, President Madison appointed him Oovernor of the Missouri Territory. He died, in St. Louis, September i, 1838. The funeral was the most impressive ever known in that city up to that time, — even the Sac Indians joining in mani- (65) COLOR PLAT MM \01.X F 'latf, 5 (I ( ! \iMN' ^ l-'l !•■( *\'- i..i,i(." M .-iiMi. ^ll.Ml.l• ■.!•'. ^''.« CLARKIA ELEGANS. ELEGANT CLARKIA. NATURAL ORDER, ONAGRACE^. Ci ARKiA ELEGANS. DouGLAS-Glabious or pubcsccnt. oue-half to six feet high, simple or branched ; leaves broadly ovate to linear, repandly toothed ; petals entire, rhomboidal, the long, slender claw without teeth ; anthers all perfect ; fila- ments with a densely hairy scale at each side of the broader base ; stigma lobes equal ; capsule nearly sessile, six to nine lines long, obtusely four-angled, rather stout and often curved, somewhat villous. Brewer and Watson's Botany of California. This chapter, with its illustration in this issue, is devoted to a beautiful denizen of the Pacific coast, that is confined to limits narrow as compared with other species of the family, and yet growing along the valleys and hill- sides in California from Mendocino County to Los Angeles and the foot-hills of the Sierra Nevada. Only one reference to it can, there- fore, be given from any widely circulated botanical work. This is unlike the first dis- covered species, Clarkia pnUhdla, which was collected on the famous expedition across the continent under Captains Lewis and Clark ; and, though not found actually in California, abounds in Washington Territory, Oregon, Idaho, and the northern portions of Colorado. Though familiar to the settlers, it has received no common name among the people. It is also among the commonest of the valued ornaments of the flower garden, where many of our popu- lar common names have their birth. But even there it is simply known as Clarkia. In the absence of any other name in use, the name, with its adjective, has been translated,— but with little expectation that it will come into general adoption. It is as well that this condition exists as aid- ing in the commemoration of one of the two great actors of a famous event in American history, — the first crossing of the continent by Captains Lewis and Clark, the latter of whom is the person honored in the name of this beau- tiful annual. This intrepid voyage has been characterized as one of the most remarkable of any age, or among any people. These two comparatively young leaders started out, in IMay 1804, to penetrate a vast wilderness, peopled only by what were supposed to be hos- tile savages, and over-run by wild beasts of unknown character. They had to make their peace with these wild people as they w*ent alone, and live on what the unknown land might afford. From 1S04 to September 1806, they were as completely out of civilization as though frozen in at the North Pole. But they returned with the loss of one man only, at peace with all the Indian tribes, and with stores of knowledge that showed the nation the way to make the great western country its own. The expedition was planned by members of the American Philosoi)hical Society of Philadel- ])hia, in response to a suggestion by President Jefferson, who w^as also the many-year presi- dent of that institution. This was made in a letter in February, 1804, and the party started in May following, under the co-equal charge of Lewis and Clark, the former of whom was also a member of the Philosophical Society. Lewis had been an ensign under the then Lieut. Clark, and he agreed to, go on the expedition only that Clark would consent to go with him. The first winter they paSvSed among the Man- dan Indians. On the 15th of November, 1805, they reached the mouth of the Columbia River, on the Pacific Ocean ; then, returning, they arrived at the Mississippi in September, 1806. Captain Wni. Clark was born in Caroline Co., Virginia, August 1st, 1770. When 14 years old, his parents removed to Louisville, Kentucky, residing on Mulberry Hill. He resigned as Lieut, in the army, in 1796, because of ill-health ; but he rejoined in 1803, and, in 1804, was made Captain of Engineers. In 1813, President ]Madison appointed him Oovernorof the Missouri Territory. He died, in vSt. Louis, September 1, 1838. The funeral w^as the most impressive ever known in that city up to that time, — even the vSac Indians joining in mani- (65) COLOR PLATE II I'll I sri j; 1 66 MEEHANS' MONTHLY— CLARKIA ELEGANS. [May festations of sorrow, and expressions of regret for "Brother Red-Head," as he was affection- ately known to them. This is a brief sketch of the man whom Frederick Pursh has honored in the genus Clarkia. The plants collected on the journey to the Pacific were lost. On their return, the plants collected by Lewis were turned over to the Philosophical Society and handed to Dr. Barton for examination. He was the patron. of Pursh, paying for the ex- penses of his journeyings and of his general botanical work. The collection is owned, in part, by the Philosophical Society and, in part, by the Philadelphia Academy, the latter hav- ing been secured at a sale of Ivambert's effects in* London, -—Lambert having aided Pursh in examining the collection. The specimen, from which Pursh established the genus in the i ith vol. of the Transactions of the Linnaean Society of London, he states was found on Clark's River. This was Clarkia pulchella, already noted as since found over a wide expanse of territory. He gives a colored plate of this in his ' ' Flora of North America. ' ' Our species, Clarkia elegans, was discovered by David Douglas, who was sent out by the Royal Horticultural Society of London, chiefly to collect seeds of such rare plants and trees as would prove useful or ornamental in English gardens. In a letter to his English friends, dated November 23, 1831, he refers to his first meeting with it. The letter was w^ritten from Monterey. He says :— ** I have discovered, among other things, a pretty species of Clarkia, though hardly equal (in beauty) to Clarkia pulchella. It grows from four to six feet high, and has entire petals." Lindley described and figured it, in the " Botanical Register" for 1833, under the name of Clarkia elegans, as suggested by Douglas. He further observes *'The name of Clarkia, like the name rose, carries a charm with it that beautifies even a ^eed, — for it is impossible not to associate with it the idea of that sweet North American flower, that in a few short years has changed from an obscure botanical rarity to the orna- ment of every flower market from London and Paris to Moscow and Stockholm." He is re- ferring to Clarkia pulchella, which was a botanical rarity from the time of its naming, by Pursh, in 1813, from herbarium specimens, till its introduction, by seeds, in 1826. Outside of the comparison with its predeces- sor, Clarkia elegans is a very showy plant. Its favorite places of growth are along water courses or streams. When these dry, as they sometimes do in summer, the plants soon mature and die away. But, while they are at their best, it is doubtful whether its highly esteemed elder sister has more attractive charms. In a letter, Douglas noted that, at Santa Barbara, in July, •' I found a blossom of Clarkia elegans with double petals and stamens and one pistil. Another one, in seed, had a double capsule,— anthers not noted." There is, in cultivation, a double form, that repro- duces itself from seed, — but whether or not this was from the original find ol Douglas has not been recorded. It is not often in collections made in Cali- fornia. The author of this paper gathered it, in July, in the San Joaquin Valley, but not in very good condition. Mr. F. V. Coville, in his account of the Death Valley Expedition, records gathering it in most of the lower alti- tudes of the Sierra Nevadas,— and notes especi- ally of its being seen on June 24, 1891, near Caliente, Kane Co., — and, on June 29th, near Fort Tejon. The student in structural botany, especially with a view to classification, will be interested to note how little difference appears, on close inspection, between the genus CEnothera — the Evening Primrose family — and the Clarkia. But the general character and appearance are so unlike the members of that family, that it seems a case where nature itself has made a genus without any aid from man. The deeply- lobed and clawed petals, and the fact that four of the eight anthers common to the plants of the order were barren, comprised the points chiefly relied on to establish the distinction. Our species has not the deeply-lobed petals that characterized the original species, — but the long-clawed character still carries the genus safely on. The plant is usually of a much branching character. The picture represents a lateral only ; but good diagrams of parts of the flowers have been given instead of a more copious reproduction of parts of the plant. Explanation of the Plate.— i. Branchlet from a plant grown in the Bussey Institute, by Mr. Jackson Dawson. 2. Enlarged anther, showing the manner in which the cells open to expose the pollen. 3. A flower showing the four per- fect anthers in the earlier stage of the expansion of the flower. WILD FLOWERS AND NATURE. JL ( .( < SERMONS IN THE WOOD. Under my tent of this green w^ood-beech, To the simple S34van people I preach, And long my sermons have said or sung In the mystic tones of an antique tongue The woodman, only, can read or speak, — A language older than Hebrew or Greek. Mysterious voices I hear from the green And moss-grown boughs of ancient treen, Where for the vanished a dryad moans ; And I find a theme in the runic stones, And sweeter hymns in the greenwood brooks Than any found in the printed books." Howard Worcester Gilbert. Forests Injured by the "Walking- Stick." — A very harmless-appearing insect, known as the "Walking-Stick," seems to be an enemy of the tree-culturist. Mr. D. S. Hartline describes at length, in Forest Leaves, great destruction effected by these insects in the defoliation of the forest trees on the mountains and hilltops near Mill- ville, Peiina. They were found in great num- bers on all kinds of trees and shrubs except hemlock, pine and dogwood. Witch Hazel, oaks, chestnuts and maples seemed to be special objects of attack. Serious ravages by this insect are evidently rare and may not occur again in many years. Many of our readers would doubtless recog- nize the Walking-Stick by sight if not by name. It is as slender as can be, generally about an inch long, and is dull brown in color, and altogether like a small piece of grass hay. Habits of the Robin. — Your interest in all matters pertaining to the doings of the deniz- ens of the woods leads me to send you the fol- lowing account of the queer actions of a female robin. Every morning, about daylight, and at irregular hours during the day, but more par- ticularly in the morning, this female robin flies to the window sill, tips back her head, looks straight up, and then makes a flying leap up some three or four feet and pecks at the window glass, generally gives three knocks while poised in mid-air. This it continues for an hour or more, sometimes going out to the lawn for a worm and then returning to its queer actions. When driven away, it will re- turn within three minutes. Where the inside shades are drawn down, if of light color, she does not bother that window ; but if the shades are dark green, she will peck at the glass. Only windows under a porch-cover are at- tacked. Even when all these are shaded with light shades, she does not bother other win- dows not shaded that have no porch covering over them. When all the windows under a porch were covered with light inside shades, leaving one small transom window un-shaded, vShe at- tacked that, but left windows, within five feet unshaded and not covered by porch, alone. She is not attacking her reflection, because the reflection would be near the window sill. Sometimes her mate sits on the porch railing, some ten feet away, watching her. If the window is left open, she leaves it and goes to another. Is she daft ? There are burglar alarms for robbers, but I know of no automatic safeguards against the attack of robins. W. C. Egan. Another correspondent says : ' * Regarding the supposed return of birds to their old loca- tions, the paragraph in the Monthly would seem to indicate that the same pair returned. When birds choose their partners, does this marriage continue for life ? Are there divorce courts in the bird kingdom, as well as in the kingdom of human beings ? Are the sexes ex- actly equal, — and if not, how do the ' surplus females ' or the confirmed ' old bachelor ' birds get along ? It seems the observation you made opens up many new chapters in the history of bird-life. ' ' Abnormal Growth of Wood. — In my early life, I had a fond desire for nature and natural scenery. Whether in field or forest, I was a (67) # :i I 68 MEEHANS' MONTHLY— WILD FLOWERS AND NATURE. [IMay close observer of whatever lie in the field of my vision. The study of plant-growth, and especially of the maple, has occupied much of my attention. I have experimented with the maple, in all its parts, with reference to sap, sugar, malate of lime, etc. The study of pressure, suction and zero con- ditions of the tree is extremely fascinating. In studying the tree so much, and so minute- ly, I can scarcely pick up a stick of wood without giving it a glance. The rings, or signs of yearly growths, and the medullary rays especially, have received much attention, as I wished to learn the office of the rays. SECTION OF WOOD SHOWING THE HEART TO ONE SIDE. PHOTOGRAPH BY COOLCY, WATCRBURY. VT. In examining stumps, logs and blocks of wood, occasionally I found the pith (heart or center) on one side, and knowing there must be a cause for it, I undertook to ascertain it. I have, this fall, been wonderfully favored in this line of study. Near my home, on a well-travelled, level road, for the distance of thirty rods, the land (a cultivated field) on one side of the road is quite steep, so that every time it is plowed the soil is turned down, forming a bank which is held back by a loose wall of stone and rocks. In this wall, and on the lower side, trees of several kinds have grown to various sizes from four inches to fifteen inches. Necessarily, most of the roots are on one and the upper side. Fifty-two of these trees have been cut down, this fall, giving a fine oppor- tunity for study and observation. Where all the roots are on one side, the heart will be found on the opposite side. Over the large and main roots will be found correspond- ing limbs, necessitating more rapid growth on that side of the tree,— the rings there being much thicker than on the other side. Thick rings, or large yearly growths, con- tain the most sap. Here is a point for maple sugar-makers to observe ; tap under the largest limbs, the furthest from the heart, where the sap is more plentiful and the sweetest. My observations lead me to the conclusion that points of the compass have nothing to do in settling the question as to the cause of this one- sided growth. Where a tree stands on level ground, and is equally fed all around, the heart will be found in the center. If any one has a shade or ornamental tree grow- ing in good soil, having the limbs mainly on one side, rendering the tree ill-shaped, it can be re- stored to its normal shape by spreading a thick coat of manure on the opposite side. I once had a fine and well-proportioned apple tree, standing on level land, so loaded with apples that all the limbs on one side broke down, I fixed up the w^ounds as well as I could, then I spread a good coat of manure on that side, and now it is a well-proportioned tree. I send you a block of wood with the heart on one side, also a photograph of the same, made by Cooley, of Waterbury, Conn. On page 22 of your February number, 1899, you say, •' It is very interesting to see a piece of wood with the pith near the circumference instead of in the center of the stem. ' ' For this reason I send you this specimen. Moscow, vt. Timothy Whkeler. • III 1901] MEEHANS' MONTHLY — WILD FLOWERS AND NATURE. 69 [These excellent notes, from our wide-awake correspondent, are in accord with the observa- tions of intelligent gardeners. Every annual layer of wood has its start in the spring,— or, rather, about mid-summer, — in the last-formed cells of the previous year. What is, in botany, called the alburnum, is simply the mucous food-matter prepared for the nourishment of the young cells, budding forth from the mother - cells of last year. The size and number of these cells is, in a measure, governed by the amount of this food at command. The thicker portions of the annual ring indicate where food was abundant. This is beautifully illustrated by the cut an- nexed. By some accident, when the tree was about twenty years old, the trunk was rifted, some of the wood killed outright, and the vital power of the remaining lowered. The blow to vitality was greater on the off than on the near side. The supply of food was interfered with, if, indeed, the weakened vital power could make use of it. though the supply were full. The cells have simply grown more freely on the side remote from injury.] Florida Wild Flowers. — Florida is re- garded as the land of flowers. This fact gave origin to the name of the State. But there is nothing so handsome but can be made more beautiful. A correspondent, under the date of April 15th, writes that the pretty wild flower of Texas, the Drummond Phlox, has become abundantly naturalized in the State, and that the many shades of color we find in gardens, follow them as they extend their territor>^ The effect of this as an early spring wild flower is described as charming. The Preservation of Nature. — One beautiful morning, last June, when all nature seemed again awakened to the joy of living, driving along a country highway, quite unex- pectedly before us appeared a fine piece of woodland, — beech and maple, with an occa- sional chestnut. As we approached nearer, where we could enjoy the full beauty of the woods in early summer, and perchance gather our bunch of wild flowers, we looked up enchanted. Amid the shimmering leaves still glistening with dew in the morning sunlight, were great branches of the large - flowering dogwood. With the air full of the murinurings of insect life, and the birds singing their songs of praise, for a while, ' ' whether in the body or out of the body we could not tell," we felt we were in the midst of a grand hallelujah. As we looked and listened, drinking our fill of the over-flowing cup of cheer held out before us, we heard a note, soft and clear. It came as a solo in the midst of the chorus of song ! Holy, — oh ! holy— holy. We waited with bated breath, again, and again, came the sweet gentle tones and we rejoiced that once more had been given us the exquisite pleasure of listening to the Hermit Thrush. But time was hastening us on, and reluct- antly we came down from the heights, and with our hands full of the Corniis blooms, we went our way. Since that red-letter day, we have often longed for influence in the direction of forest preservation, and in the planting of trees for the increased area. We plead that those in charge give space for flowering shrubs and trees that do not appeal to those who plant for utility only. Set out now and then a mountain honey- suckle, an aralia, the laburnums, thorns and elders, and the sweet-brier, the latter growing freely at the edges of quite dense forests. Among those that grow to large trees, that are desirable in our section, are the Cornus, sumac, tulip, and linden. Although the latter is used extensively, commercially, we need it in abundance, as the flowers secrete such quantities of nectar for the bees, those busy little creatures, so useful to us, that of late have had such a struggle for existence, owing to the spraying of fruit trees in blossoming time. Plant for beauty as well as use, making •' nature's temples" worthy the name. That the promised glory may come to us, and our children. The fir tree, the pine tree, and the box tree together, to ' * beautify the place of this sanctuary. Sarah Ballantine Bowerman. Ridge Road, Rochester, N. Y. Philadelphia's Earliest Spring Flower. Covering the ground like a snow-storm, Ero- phila vulgaris (Draba verna) opens before the frost goes, with a few warm, sunny days. Though so minute, species-makers find a rich treat. Sixty-three species have been namepli- cation of one pound of whale-oil soap to two gallons of water was also successful. L. O. Howard. U. S. D. of A., Washington, I). C. I9OI] Fastigiate Trees in Landscape Garden- ji^G.—Fastigiate trees, of which class the Lom- bardy Poplar is a striking example, are valu- able in the hands of the landscape gardener in giving greater effect to special conditions in garden art. In the annexed illustration, the Lombardy Poplar comes in charmingly to add to the beauty of an elevated piece of ground, and it performs its part admirably. The pretty scene is located on the grounds of David W. Pepper, Esq., at Chestnut Hill, near Phila- delphia. Unfortunately for still better illus- tration of this excellent effect, the residence, which is quite near and to the left of the pic- ture, is not showm ; and the steep terrace, the MEEHANS' monthly — GENERAL GARDENING. 71 Up a spike of flowers three feet high. The plant will make immense growth if potted in rich loam and kept in a warm moist house. We find your Monthly cannot be excelled for the valuable information it contains. All garden lovers should read it as they will find it a great help, as only the brightest ideas are sug- gested in it. Wm. Frederick, Gardener. Zoological Gardens, Philadelphia. Propagating the Date Palm by Cuttings. —In an item headed ♦' Date Palms from Cut- tings," in the March number of your Monthly, you display an evident ignorance of the method of progagating Date Palms. The only FASTIGIATE TREES IN LANDSCAPE GARDENING. wall of which can barely be seen, also makes the reasonableness of the planting more pro- nounced. The Bow-String Hemp. — Upon receiving your Monthly edition in March, I noticed that the flowering of the plant Sansevieria Zeylanica commanded great interest at the Horticultural Society, Chestnut Hill. I wish to state, in re- gard to that plant, that I have no difficulty in flowering it. I have several fine plants, — one in a twelve-inch pot, — and they have flowered profusely for the last three years. Last vSep- tember, a small shoot was broken from a plant, was potted and in less than two months it sent error, in the ••official paragraph" you men- tion, is in regard to the place the Date Palm cuttings (suckers) from Africa were set. The carload, that was secured from Northern Africa through Professor Walter T. Swingle, and of which Director R. H. Forbes of the Arizona Ivxperiment Station, took charge upon its arri- val here, was set in the valley in which Phcenix is located. Part of them were set out about two miles from the city, and the remainder about twelve miles distant, all on land under the control of the Station. As stated in the paragraph you criticize, in three or four years, cuttings (or suckers as they are commonly called) will be available for distribution from the . I m\ 'I 72 MEEHANS' MONTHLY — GENERAL GARDENING. [May above plants, which are themselves growing from cuttings from African Palms. This is the only method by which commercial dates are produced. A. J. McClatchie. Phoenix, Arizona. [The experiment Station, at Phoenix, Arizo- na, is doing such good work in regard to the introduction of the Date Palm to regions admir- ably adapted to its culture, that it may seem ungracious to criticize the manner of its work. But the criticism was rather in the light of investigation than complaint. We still have to display evident ignorance of the manner of propagating the Date Palm, and we— and, no doubt, our readers, would feel indebted to Pro- fessor McClatchie for enlightenment. In the countries dependent largely on the Date Palm for their prosperity, they have numerous named varieties, as we have of our garden fruits. These improved varieties must be individually propagated. In horticulture, a "cutting," is well understood to be a branch to be rooted. As palms have no branches they cannot be propagated in this way. Mr. McC. now says that he uses a "cutting" as synonymous with a "sucker." We must again display our ignorance of any one person who regards the terms identical. In the "Bulletin 26," which he kindly sends us, he does not use the word "cutting" once, but "sucker" is employed throughout. However, no one can understand how a palm that does not branch can have its varieties prop- agated except in some waj' as by root suckers, but as no one outside of the Orient ever saw the Date Palm sucker, we have to ask how the Orientals produce the suckers ? If we are going into date culture in America, it would be worth knowing.] Notes on Sisvrinchium. — Seeing a note re- garding Sisyrinchium grandiJion(?n, recently, I would like to add, that it is a good plant for winter blooming. Here it is one of our most common wild flowers, known commonly as Grass Flower. It blooms early in the spring, and, when our dry season begins, it dries up, so that a plant shows few signs of life at this season. The roots are brittle, — the plant is very small. When autumn rains begin, it soon starts new growth, and, by the time winter sets in, it is ready for spring flowering. If brought into a warm room in winter, the plants start to growing at once, and, in a few days, are in bloom. In experimenting with the plants, I potted them after the first rains in autumn, kept them growing out of doors until after freezing weather came on, when I put the plants in a cold place where they would remain frozen. A few at a time were brought into the house ; they were soon in bloom and, by keeping the plants rather cool after they were in bloom, the flowers lasted quite well. The color is a pretty shade of pink, with pure white and rosy crimson for extremes of variation. We have another species of Sisyrinchium that blooms later. The foliage is prettier but flowers much smaller. It may be the same as your correspondent described. My specimen is labelled Sisyrinchium mucronatum. Cheney, Washington. SuSAN TuCKER. Aralia spinosa. — Of the large ornamental shrubs, there are few more ungainly in their winter aspect than Hercules' Club, Aralia spinosa. They look like curious walking canes prepared for giants, and driven into the ground without order or system. But when in leaf and flower, they are delightful, and especially in flowering time. The huge masses of white flowers have a slightly rosy tint, and attract the attention of even the most callous to the charms of nature. The group illustrated on opposite page is from a scene in Fairmount Park, Philadelphia, from a photograph taken by Miss Marie Thackara. NEW OR RilRE FLINTS. A New Orchid, Cvpripedium insigne Ernesth. — Considerable interest was awaken- ed at a recent exhibition of the Chestnut Hill Horticultural Society where a new orchid was exhibited by Mr. Edwin Lonsdale, a florist near Chestnut Hill, who is noted for his great love for flowers and for Cypripediums and Begonias in particular. The flower of this orchid, Cypripedium insigne Ernestii, is of a pale green color, and while few persons would consider it more beautiful than the type, it is a valuable acquisition at least for its distinct- iveness. The history of this plant is not unin- teresting as told by Mr. Lonsdale, and will I 1901] MEEHANS' monthly — GENERAL GARDENING. 73 show the great value of it considered commer- cially. ♦'The plant of Cypripedium insigne Ernestii, which was exhibited at the last meeting of the Chestnut Hill Horticultural Society, was a part of a plant, the original of which first flowered at Wyndmoor a few years ago, and w^iich came among a lot of wild unflowered Cypripedium insigne that had been bought in New York. Two flowers were produced the first time it flowered, one of which was mailed to an expert orchidist residing in America, asking advice as to its possible value ; the other was forvvard- the plant had been divided, and because so long a time had elapsed since the offer was made with no acceptance, that three of the plants would be sold for $50.00 and the fourth would be retained. The last offer made was accepted and plants forwarded, and eventually flowered in their European home, when a com- plaint came that it did not come up to expec- tations Immediately word went to Europe to return the whole stock and strike off the $50.00 credit allowed. But, no, the firm with some adroitness preferred to keep the plants, which was done. ARALIA SPINOSA IN FLOWER. (StCPACCTI.) -ed to a representative of one of the English orohid specialists at that time traveling in America. From the first mentioned not a word was heard at all, but the latter inquired by mail as to its value in dollars and cents. Word was sent that $50.00 would buy it. Weeks passed, months passed, still no word. All hope of effecting a sale was gone. The plant was divided. Four nice little plants resulted therefrom, when after a few more weeks had passed, the expert from Europe telegraphed that he w^ould set sail for home on the following Saturday and to send on the plant. Word was sent to the eff*ect that Eventually the plant remaining here flower- ed and was submitted for examination to ex- perts, and favorable comments were freely given, and with the encouragement received, it was offered for sale to an orchid connoisseur. Price asked was $250,00 ; after a little chat a sale was effected for $200,00, and when large enough to divide, a small plant was to be re- turned to the original ow^ner, and that was the plant on exhibition at Chestnut Hill on Tues- day evening last." The Sweet Pea.— Progress in variation has been remarkable with the Sweet Pea. The « -'--r 72 MEKHANS' MONTHIvY — GENERAL GARDENING. [May above plants, which are themselves growing from cuttings from African Palms. This is the only method by which commercial dates are produced. A. J. McClatchie. Phoenix, Arizona. [The experiment Station, at Phc^nix, Arizo- na, is doing such good work in regard to the introduction of the Date Palm to regions admir- ably adapted to its culture, that it may seem ungracious to criticize the manner of its work. But the criticism was rather in the light of investigation than complaint. We still have to display evident ignorance of the manner of propagating the Date Palm, and we— and, no doubt, our readers, would feel indebted to Pro- fessor McClatchie for enlightenment. In the countries dependent largely on the Date Palm for their prosperity, they have numerous n'amed varieties, as we have of our garden fruits. These improved varieties must be individually propagated. In horticulture, a "cutting," is well understood to be a branch to be rooted. As palms have no branches tliej' cannot be propagated in this wa}-. Mr. McC. now says that he uses a "cutting" as synonymous with a "sucker." We must again display our ignorance of any one person who regards the terms identical. In the "Bulletin 26," which he kindl}' sends us, he does not use the word "cutting" once, but "sucker" is employed throughout. However, no one can understand how a palm that does not branch can have its varieties pro])- agated except in some way as by root suckers, but as no one outside of the Orient ever saw the Date Palm sucker, we have to ask how the Orientals produce the suckers ? If we are going into date culture in America, it would be worth knowing.] Notes ox vSisvrinchium. — Seeing a note re- garding Shyrinchium ^rayidijiorum , recently, I would like to add, that it is a good plant for winter blooming. Here it is one of our most common wild flowers, known commonly as Grass Flower. It blooms early in the spring, and, when our dry season begins, it dries up, so that a |)lant shows few signs of life at this season. The roots are brittle, — the plant is very small. When autumn rains begin, it soon starts new growth, and, by the time winter sets in, it is ready for spring flowering. If brought into a warm room in winter, the plants start to growing at once, and, in a few days, are in bloom. In experimenting wdth the plants, I potted them after the first rains in autumn, kept them growing out of doors until after freezing weather came on, when I put the plants in a cold place where they would remain frozen. A few at a time were brought into the house ; they were soon in bloom and, by keeping the plants rather cool after they were in bloom, the flowers lasted quite well. The color is a prett}^ shade of pink, with pure white and rosy crimson for extremes of variation. We have another species of Sisyrinchium that blooms later. The foliage is prettier but flowers much smaller. It may be the same as your correspondent described. My specimen is labelled Sisyrinchium mucrouatum. Cheney, Washington. SuSAN TuCKER. Araija spinosa. — Of the large ornamental shrubs, there are few more ungainly in their winter aspect than Hercules* Club, Aralia spinosa. They look like curious walking canes prepared for giants, and driven into the ground without order or system. But when in leaf and flower, they are delightful, and especiall}- in flowering time. The huge masses of white flowers have a slightly rosy tint, and attract the attention of even the most callous to the charms of nature. The group illustrated on opposite page is from a scene in Fairmount Park, Philadelphia, from a photograph taken by Miss Marie Thackara. HEW ©R R^Wt, FL^MTS. A New Orchid, Cvpripedium insigne KrnEvSTii. — Considerable interest was awaken- ed at a recent exhibition of the Chestnut Hill Horticultural vSociety where a new orchid was exhibited by Mr. Kdwin Lonsdale, a florist near Chestnut Hill, who is noted for his great love for flowers and for Cypripediums and Begonias in particular. The flower of this orchid, Cypripedium insigiie Ernestii, is of a pale green color, and while few persons w^ould consider it more beautiful than the type, it is a valuable acquisition at least for its distinct- ivenevSS. The history of this plant is not unin- teresting as told by Mr. Lonsdale, and will 1901] MEEHANS' MONTHLY — GENERAL GARDENING. 73 I (t show the great value of it considered commer- cially. "The plant of Cypripedium i?isigne Ernestii, which was exhibited at the last meeting of the Chestnut Hill Horticultural Society, was a part of a plant, the original of which first flowered at Wyndmoor a few years ago, and which came among a lot of wild unflowered Cypripedium i)isio)ie that had been bought in New York. Two flowers were produced the first time it flowered, one of which was mailed to an expert orchidist residing in America, asking advice as to its possible value ; the other was forward- the plant had been divided, and because so long a time had elapsed since the offer was made with no acceptance, that three of the plants would be sold for $50.00 and the fourth would be retained. The last offer made w^as accepted and plants forwarded, and eventually flowered in their European home, when a com- plaint came that it did not come up to expec- tations Immediately word went to Europe to return the whole stock and strike off" the $50.00 credit allowed. But, no, the firm with some adroitness preferred to keep the plants, which was done. ARALIA SPINOSA IN FLOWER. (SttPAGCTI . ) ed to a representative of one of the ICnglivSh ordiid specialists at that time traveling in America. P>om the first mentioned not a word was heard at all, but the latter inquired by mail as to its value in dollars and cents. Word was sent that $50.00 would buy it. Weeks passed, months passed, still no word. All hope of effecting a sale was gone. The plant was divided. Four nice little plants resulted therefrom, when after a few more weeks had passed, the expert from Europe telegraphed that he would set sail for home on the following Saturday and to send on the plant. Word was sent to the effect that Eventually the plant remaining here flower- ed and was submitted for examination to ex- perts, and favorable comments were freely given, and with the encouragement received, it was offered for sale to an orchid connoisseur. Price asked was $250,00 ; after a little chat a sale was effected for $200,00, and when large enough to divide, a small plant was to be re- turned to the original owner, and that was the plant on exhibition at Chestnut Hill on Tues- day evening last." The Sweet Pea.— Progress in variation has been remarkable with the Sweet Pea. The INTENTIONAL SECOND EXPOSURE 74 MEEHAXS' MONTHLY — GENERAL GARDENING. [May Pan-American Exposition is taking a hand in helping it along. A special exhibit, under various classes, is to be held on the opening day, July 23rd. Entries must be made not later than July 20th, and specimens be in place not later than noon on the opening day. Wild Flowers for Cilti. VATiNG. — As an early bloom- er for use in the greenhouse, for button-hole bouquets, mixed in with sweet-scented violets, none are handsomer or better than the colored violet — the wild Pansy or Johnny-Jump-Up. They are of all colors of purple and blue, lead-colored and splashed, dashed and dotted. I placed a few bunches in my violet pit for give-away flowers, and they would have sold exceed- ingly well if there had been a market here for them or if I had been in the environs of a great city. Other flowers which could be made use of, for forcing or otherwise, would be Coreopsis lanceolata, Dodc- catheon Meadia, yellow violets and Viola hastata. This latter is small, but in great variety and quite attractive thereby. Upright Birch. — Landscape gardeners make a study of the forms of trees when work- ing out artistic plans in garden art. Upright trees, of the character of the Lombardy Pop- lar, are often found invalua- ble in securing special effects. Among these are special char- acters. The Birch, in general, is characterized by a gentle gracefulness, — and in the up- right form this goes with it. The one illustrated is a varie- ty of the English, Betula alba, which is, possibl3% the most graceful of all the species. The Wild Crab-Apple, P. coronaria, is desir- able for both blossom and fruit, the fruit measuring two inches in diameter, very acid, a good keeper and desirable for preserving. I have three small trees and they make, when they are cultivated, shapely little trees. Be- longing to the same family is the CraUegiis crus-galli, Hawthorn, a first-class hedge plant, with handsome white flowers and large, showy, red berries which hang on late into the winter and have, when broken open, the taste and smell of apples. The Rosa hum His, dwarf wild rose, with its large blossoms and red fruit, and the Rosa setigcra. Climbing Rose or Prairie Rose, are desirable. Eryugium yucca folium. Button Snake- root or Rattlesnake-master is a Cactus-like plant and, for va- riety's sake, is worth a place in the garden. Panax quin- quefolium. Ginseng, is very scarce here. I know of but one place in this section where it can be found, and but little of it. Symphori- carpos vulgaris, or Coral berry, is known in this sec- tion as Buckberrj\ In the fall it is filled with long strings of purplish-red ber- ries. Cephalanthus occidental- is. Button -bush, grows here in the water courses, as it does in the State of Mary- land, also. Hibiscus militaris, Halbert- leaved Rose-mallow, grows near the streams, but is a white flower with a purple eye, four to five inches in diameter. F. K. Steele. Festus, Mo. UPRIGHT BIRCH, Iris, ''Mme. Chereau." — One of the most distinct sec- tions of the many varieties of hybrid Iris is recognized by having the petals of the corolla delicately fringed or edged with shades of purple, the ground being white. The 1901] MEEHANS' MONTHLY — GENERAL GARDENING. 75 accompanying illustration, from La Semaine Horticole, is an able representation in all except color, and shows the manner of shading. There are several varieties similar in markings and differing only in depth of shading and height of flower-stem ; one is known as Louis Van Houtte, and has the tall stalks referred IRI8 "ma DA MC CHEREAU." to. As will be inferred from the illustration, the petals are not below the average German variety in size, making very handsome flowers, ^lany persons, as a rule, prefer deep, solid colors ; but this is an exception and liked by all. The tall -stemmed ones are valuable for the centre of an Iris bed. FRUITS ffiB VE^ET^KLES. History ok Fruits in Canada and Phila- delphia.— Regarding pear and apple culture in Canada, I find that, as early as 1*635, pears, apples, plums and cherries were brought from France, and flourish up to this day. Pear cul- ture has fallen into disuse, as " The Pacific Coast" crop can be sold cheaper and comes in earlier— pears are still grown. The celebrated Fameuse Apple is also going out ; and the juicy Ponime Oris, also, more's the pity—Nova Scotia, New Brunswick and Ontario, now have the apple and peach crop. I send, by this mail, a little book, dated 1828. I found this while sorting out of my library, and thought you might like to have it— even though it is not botanical. If you have no use for it, give it to one of your public libraries that might like to have it--the large map has alpha guide to places this is as old a copy of that style of reference I can remember to have ever seen. John Hugh Ross. Montreal, Canada. [The directory-map, so kindly sent, is especi- ally interesting as throwing additional light on the history of grape culture in America, in which Philadelphia claims an early chapter. It is understood that one of the reasons that actuated Penn, in founding Philadelphia, was the adaptation to the growth ot the European grape for wine culture. For many years, the European grape flourished. Vineyards were numerous,— wholly planted with this class of vines. It was not till past the first quarter of the last century that trouble began ; and not till nearly half a century after that, through the labors of Riley and Lichtenstein, that the discovery was made, that the loss of vital power was due to the attack of a root gall caused by an Aphis, now well known as the Phylloxera. On this map, we find that, in 1828, a very large tract, known as the Francisville Vine- yard, comprising a block of grapes occupying nearlyjfifty acres, was under cultivation, just north-east of the present county prison. This was just beyond the city line, Francis Street— subsequently changed to Coates, and later to Fairmount Avenue,— for Philadelphia is one of the biggest enemies to city history, in changing street names, on this continent. A Powell street, through this property, again connects with grape culture this family name that is already familiar in grape history through the Powell, or Bland Grape. At the same date, 1828, the nursery catalogue of the Bartram Gardens has a list of one hundred and thirty- three varieties, all of foreign introduction, and all grown for out-door culture,— thirty-nine being especially listed for v/ine culture. The value of our native grapes was not then dis- covered, though the Isabella, Catawba, Elsin- burg, Isabella, Scuppernong, and Alexander ii., 1^ --J Ji«i«iiL iaj»« 76 MEEHANS' MONTHLY— GENERAL GARDENING. [May occupy a modest place in the list, with the note that the latter had been found a good wine grape. It would seem that the trouble with the Phylloxera had not been serious, if, indeed, it had made any attack on the foreign grape at this date,— and the fact may be important in trac- ing the history of this great enemy to the grape grower.] , ]\IANURES For the Garden. — In making up your plans for the garden for the coming season — and they should be very broad and liberal — do not forget nor neglect the import- ant question of suitable manure. Whether it be a rod square, an acre or a large market garden, apply to the several plots every ounce of available manure best suited to the needs of the crop to be grown thereon. Thoroughly- well-rotted, horse, stable manure is the garden- er's best fertilizer. Wasting a ton of such manure means an actual loss of not less than a five dollar bill to the vegetable grower. When it becomes necessary to use artificial manures to supplement the natural article, it is advisable to select the quick-acting carriers of the three principal elements, those soluble and immediately available as plant foods ; this applies especially to the early crops. For the earlj^ vegetables, the phosphoric acid supply should be obtained from dissolved bone or bone black ; for potash, use sulphate of potash, high grade ; and, for nitrogen, use sodium nitrate, or nitrate of soda. This last can be used to advantage throughout the grow- ing season in applications of from 50 to 250 pounds per acre, at intervals of i\ovci one to two weeks, to stimulate healthy growth, hasten maturity and increase the 34eld. Commercial manures may often be used ad- vantageously in conjunction with natural manures. Being generally more soluble or available, they give the plant a much earlier start in the spring, before the natural process of nitrification begins. K.-, Mix together thoroughly the following : 100 pounds nitrate of soda, 200 pounds dissolved bone and 150 pounds sulphate of potash, and apply as much before planting time as possible, in order to allow the ingredients to become well incorporated with the soil. After plants are well established, make frequent applica- tions of small amounts of nitrate of soda to maintain a steady, unchecked growth until maturity. Prevent the stunting of any plant during the early stages of growth, at all events. R. M. W. Indian Baskets and Lady Apples. — The material used by the Indians in making their ornamental baskets is generally understood to be the roots of trees. The enclosed, from our esteemed correspondent, Mrs. Ross Lewers, of Franktown, Nevada, is the first information that seems to be recorded as to the exact species of roots employed. The diamond figure represents the brown ; the other the black. The Lady Apples were about the brightest and best of that Variety that could INDIAN BASKET WITH LADY APPLES be raised, — and have been allowed to remain in the basket in the picture to the credit of the State of Nevada. The picture is one-fourth of the actual size. •♦ I send you by mail, to-day, (December 29th,) a small Indian basket. The black design is made with the outer coating of the roots of the common Brake Fern that grows here ; the brown design, from the outer cover- ing of a willow, comes from the western slope of the Sierra Nevadas. I found some Indians washing the roots of fern, last summer, in a creek ; some roots were about six feet long. The White Willow grows here. I put in a bunch of Lady Apples to pack." C. Lewers. BIOGRAPHY AND LITERATURE. ALONE IN THE WOODS. The east wind fans a gentle breeze, The streams and trees glory in the brightness of the spring. The bright sun illuminates the green shrubs. And the falling flowers are scattered and fly away. The solitary cloud retreats to the hollow hill, The birds return to their leafy haunts. Every being has a refuge whither he may turn, I alone have nothing to which to cling. So, seated opposite the moon shining o'er the cliff", I drink and sing to the fragrant blossoms. Translated from the Chinese of Le Tai-pih. Cabbage, Cauliflower and Allied Veg- etables, FROM Seed to Harvest.— By C. L. Allen. Illustrated, i2mo. pp. 100, cloth. Orange, Judd Co., New York. It is interesting to note that nearly all the great progress that has been made in the im- provement of garden vegetables has been made by those who were wholly ignorant of the causes thereof. They see, from experiences, that certain things occur in the direction of certain lines— and these lines they follow till the pathway ends. The little book now under consideration is one of great practical value. Whether one is growing members of the cab- bage family for market gardening or for ama- teur gardening, he will find Mr. Allen's prac- tical experience, as detailed here, of great value. The reasons given for the successful practice may not always be sound, — but this is of secondary consequence. A Lesson from the Carnation. — The sen- ior conductor of Meehans' Monthly is averse to intruding personal matters on the reader. He has been, however, requested to explain for the readers of the magazine, the nature of the carnation lesson referred to in the following extract from recent Philadelphia daily papers. The best reply will be the response itself, premising that the school is for little girls, ranging from six to ten years, and numbers about 450 pupils. The bunch of carnations contained seventy-five flowers corresponding to the age of the recipient : — * • A handsome silver loving cup was present- ed by the teachers of the Central Combined Girls' Primary School to Councilman Meehan, on his seventy-fifth birthday, last Thursday. At the same time, also, the pupils of the school presented him with a beautiful boquet of car- . nations. The acknowledgment of the chil- dren's pretty little gift was especially charac- teristic of the venerable old Councilman, as, after expressing his appreciation, he wrote them out a simple history of the carnation as a nature lesson. Mr. Meehan retires from the School Board of this Section, this month, after twenty-three years service, during nearly the whole of which time he has been Chairman of the Committee on the Central Combined School." " My young friends : — The beautiful flowers you gave on March 2ist, my 75th birthday, were very grateful to me. I could not have had a more agreeable testimonial of your kind feelings. Flowers have been, in all ages, the happiest manner of showing our regard for friends, and the carnation that you chose for me has had a high place in the language of flowers. The citizens of the ancient City of Rome, two thousand years ago, made wreaths of carna- tions to crown those whom they publicly hon- ored, and for this reason its name among them was * Flower of the Gods.' I shall always remember the carnation in connection with your goodness, and return you my best thanks for the honor, and for the kind spirit that made you think of me.'* As a personal paragraph has managed to creep in, it may not be out of place to add, that though he was not re-elected for another term of three years in the School Directory, — he has been retained for another term of two years as a member of Philadelphia Common Council, — to which he has been continuously elected since 1883. (77) ^ N li P! i !J sn S 78 MEEHAXS' MONTHLY— BIOGRAPHY AND LITERATURE. [May Rea Brothers.— The well-known firm of Rea Brothers, proprietors of the Norwood Nur- series, in Massachusetts, has been dissolved by mutual consent and Frederick J. Rea becomes sole proprietor. Botany of California.— Charles Russell Orcutt, of San Diego, California, has issued a check-list of the flowering plants, ferns, marine algae, etc., known to occur in San Diego, Riverside, San Bernardino, Orange and Los Angeles counties, California, and North Baja, California, with notes, and descriptions of many species. Names of American Trees. — Modern bot- anical authors find that the law of priority has not always been strictly obeyed by the earlier writers, and that some fifty American trees, for well on to a hundred years, botanists have been calling by wrong names. For instance, the Silver Maple which, since 1789, we have been calling Acer dasycarpum should have been, during this long time, Acer sacchar- infifn.—thsit which we have, since 1787, called Acer saccharinum, should have been Acer sac- char 71m, — and so on. We can all admit that it was very, very, naughty in some of these early botanists to ignore prior names, though they themselves mostly felt they had good reasons for so doing. But the wisdom of trying to get the whole world to change names, which have become a part of universal literature, is doubt- ful. The discussion about it reminds one of some debates in boys' lyceums. One in the writer's recollection was something like this : Some hundred years ago, a man, who certainly deserved to be hung, escaped through a plea which was afterwards found to be erroneous ; and the question was, Have his descendants any right to live ? It was decided that theoretically they had not, — but that it would not be good policy now to put them to death ! Th*e earlier botanists did wrong, but died before their wrong could be righted, — but should we go through this serious revolution to make up their slips ? The IvILY and its Symbols. — In the pres- ence of the Easter-time, when the lily pervades the real and artistic atmosphere, I am impelled to wear a shade over my realistic eye that it be not offended at some of the delineations in publications whose editors are less careful in reading proof for their illustrations than for other ' • copy. ' ' I have before me some ornate frontispieces portraying the lily with five and six petals (all petals) indiscriminately, and one where the number is reduced to four ; an unjustifiable in- trusion of LiliacecB into CrucifercB, even if in- tended to be symbolic. Conventionalized forms that are evolved from the artistic " inner consciousness" may be pardoned, if recognizable ; but a portrait of the lily with four or five petals is an inexcus- able artistic untruth. I have ventured to call the lyric muse to aid in hope that some * ' artist' ' may be impressed with the persistent truth that the calyx and corolla of the lily join to make a six-membered perianth. Any other formation is as great an artistic and realistic offense as a three-legged horse or a one-eyed Peri. Yours sincerely for truth in art as well as in nature. Robert W. Vasey. Chicago, 111. For you I've plucked the daisy, For you the violet blue, And, when the rose was blooming, I bore it swdft to you. I bring you now a lily, A many flowered spray ; — Come read, dear-heart, the message It bears to you this day. These six- fold seeming petals Are two hearts joined in one ; A king and queen of beauty United in their throne. From out the circling perianth Springs, lordly, o'er the whole. The pistil, like a sceptre ; Emblem of joint control. Swayed by the perfumed breezes, The nodding anthers shower The tribute of their pollen, lyike incense, on the flower. Here, where the statel}' blossoms Join their united stems, An emerald whorl enfolds them ; Fit setting for such gems. Symbol of hearts united. Can you, dear-heart, not see That, with this spray of beauty, Is borne a wish from me ? The message of the lily, — Ah, yes, your eyes have seen ; — Is " I would be a king, love, If you will be my queen." — R. W. V. GENERAL NOTES. Alcohol from Lichens. — Why could not Cladonia rangiferi7ia and other starchy lichens, such as grow in the far North, be utilized for the production of alcohol ? They are said to be so employed in Scandinavia. C. W. G. The Cotton Plant. — Herodotus speaks of the trees of India, about 450 b. c, and the natives manufacturing cloth from them. From India, cotton was introduced to Greece and Rome. Caesar had his tents covered with cot- ton cloth. Calico was first printed in Calicut, India, hence its name calico. But Calicut was nearly a ruin before coming into possession of the British. Some cotton flowers are yellow ; sometimes they are striped with purple. They are of the hollyhock family ; the genus is Gos- sypium, natural order Malvacece, and a native of the tropical parts of Asia, Africa and America. It was a tedious process to prepare a pound of cotton before Whitney's invention of the cotton gin. A pound was a day's work, and even Whitney at first thought fifty pounds a good day's work with the use of his inven- tion of 1793-4. Eli Whitney was born in Mas- sachusetts, 1765, and, when a young man, went to Georgia, and it happened that he travelled with the widow of Gen. Greene, who became a helpful friend to him. His invention was so useful and simple that the Georgians stole it and used his machines without compensation. But his invention changed the destiny of cotton, and made it at once comparatively cheap and useful, though it was not at once intro- duced to New England ; and being expensive, it was thought a very fine thing with farmers' wives, who raised flax on their own acres, to buy a little cotton to mix with their linen for towels, tablecloths, etc. Later, however, their descendants thought much more of the purely home-made all-linen than '• that cheap stuff — half-cotton." So fashions change ; dear- bought is the precious article ; the common and useful hardly thought of more than chips the woodman makes in a vast forest. Also, wool has been mixed with cotton and made cheaper products than all wool, and perhaps as useful for many purposes. I have been told, by merchants, that cotton was so carded with wool and so thoroughly commingled that it could not be identified except from the softer feeling of the fabric, even by experts. Almost, perhaps one had better say, every plant that grows has its own place of utility, if, like the orchid, beauty is its only gift ; and, as some botanist has said, that the orchid is the last created flower and consequently the most beautiful if the last flower discovered, who knows that it was the last thought of, for, as another has said, ' • every flower is a thought of God." Many years ago, in Vermont, Mr. H. C. Orcutt sent to Georgia for cotton seed, and we raised some plants in the house. The flowers were cream color, and, just as the snow-white cotton was bursting from the bolls, my father, Dr. Gray, came in, and I called his attention to the plants. It was like opening a door through which he looked back upon the far distant past. He said, '• when I was a boy, I saw my mother and her maids picking the seeds from just such bolls." The cotton, when prepared, was carded and spun and woven in the house, all done by the hand of the diligent. Since coming to California, I have seen cot- ton stalks so large as to be almost called trees, as in India, of old, — at least like shrubs, — and the flowers were large and deeply striped with dull red and purple, not nearly as delicate, naturally, as those raised under shelter. It might have been a different species, however. San Diego. California. MrS. E. E. OrCUTT. Interesting Varieties of Wood. — In- digenous trees are easily recognized by the observing inhabitants of any locality as belong- ing to certain general classifications. Pine, oak, elm, maple, chestnut, and some others, are so common in most temperate cli- mates that they are familiar to everyone. That these distinct divisions have been sub-divided (79) ^MM^^rt^ i^MUb^Mlk. 8o MEEHANS' MONTHLY— GENERAL NOTES. [May into hundreds of minor classifications is not so well known. It will be in the province of the exhibit at the Pan-American Exposition to demonstrate in this connection some exceedingly interesting peculiarities, or seeming mistakes in nature. The large forest tree, commonly known as Basswood {Tilia Americana), offers an easy illustration of this phenomenon. The Bass- wood tree of commerce, at its best, produces lumber as white as bleached linen, possessing a soft, free grain, the boards of which are pleas- ant to " work" and do not readily shrink nor warp. In the same ••bush" are found trees of this family that may produce lumber of any shade of yellow or green. The grain also varies from ••free" to what lumbermen have aptly termed ''lock stitch," a variety which may be as easily split diagonally as length- wise. Names, such as white-wood, which produces green-colored lumber, tulip, linden, pepperidge, cucumber, etc., designating these different grades, are very confusing as they only possess local significance. White Pine {Pinus strobus), that aristocrat of the pine family eighty years ago, stood in every forest throughout the Northern States and Canada. It easily held its lofty top proudly above all other virgin trees, until the white man came. As fast as the settler could accom- plish the necessary labor, these lordly trees were felled and burned along with their lesser neighbors, in the usual process of clearing the land. Settlers were materially assisted in this work of destruction by the sawmill men and the log rafter. So thorough and persistent were these early pioneers that, within the allotted span of one life-time, this noble tree disappeared. As though nature designed that retribution should follow such wanton destruction, she has persistently declined to reproduce this valu- able forest tree. Hybrid pines, which some- what resembled White Pine, have later stood on the same land, but that peculiar free, velvety grain is lacking. These hybrids are called by woodsmen Yellow Pine. This should not be confounded with the Southern Yellow, or Georgia Pine, {Piniis palustris). It is but a lumberman's name for what he considers a degenerate White Pine. Many men learned in the mysteries of woodcraft have claimed this variety to be the illegitimate progeny of the once famous White Pine. If this be true, the Scrub Pine, so common in old slashings, must be the third generation. Scrub, or Buckwheat Pine, as it is contemptuously called by woods- men, is a small variety, so full of pitch and knots as to be almost worthless for lumber, although some of the best trees are cut into scantlings. Visitors to the Exposition will find the Fores- try exhibit different from anything of the kind so far undertaken. The varied facilities and vast resources to draw from, embracing, as they do, every American country from the North Pole to Cape Horn, present possibilities that have never been equalled. Herbert Shearer. Orris-Root. — Orris-root, the rhizomes of Iris florentina, has been singularly overlooked by wide-awake Americans who are ever on the lookout for something on which "a good snap" might be made. As it has long been grown as an ornamental garden plant, there is no question about its successful adaptation to culture here. It is one of the staple bases on which many popular perfumes are constructed, and would always find a ready market. luiro- pean papers tell us that the demand there for it is so lively, that prices have risen consider- ably, and, indeed, it is believed that the stock in hand is behind the probable demand. Australian Apples.— Parts of Australia are becoming lively rivals to Canada and the Ignited States in the European apple trade. Tasmania, especially, has been found a first- class apple-raising country. There are 8,373 acres in apple orchards there — and the product, in 1899, was 363,915 bushels. Horticulture in Natal.— Gardening in Natal is akin to gardening in Florida, in the United States. The fruits and vegetables popular there are just like those raised by Florida growers. — Oranges, lemons, pine- apples, and bananas, are the staple fruits. Extensive Fruit Culture.— Fruit culture is often conducted on a large scale in little England, as well as in great America. A man- ufacturer of jam and jelly has a thousand acres at Histon. near Cambridge, employing, at times, eight hundred hands. The factory is in the centre of the fruit farm. m Plate 8 V .i 1 APIOS TUBEROSA. HOPNISS. GROUND NUT. NATURAL ORDER, LEGUMINOSiE. Apios TUBEROSA, MocDch.— Calyx somewhat two lipped, the two lateral teeth beiug nearly obsolete, the upper very short, the lower longer. Standard very broad, reflexed ; the long scythe-shaped keel strongly incurved, at length coiled Stamens diadelphous. Pod straight or slightly curved, linear, elongated, thickish. many seeded. A perennial herb (with some milky juice !) bearing edible tubers on underground shoots, twining and climbing over bushes. Leaflets five to seven, ovate-lanceolate, obscurely stipellate. Flowers in dense and short- often branching— racemes. Flowers brown, purple, or chocolate-color, violet scented. Gray's Manual of the Botany of the Northern United States ; see also Wood's Class book of Botany, Chapman's Flora of the Southetn United States, and Britton & Brown's Illustrated Flora of the Northern States. In Apios tuber osa, we have one of the most entertaining and instructive of our native flowers. It is one of the few that have entered into prominence in polite literature. In one of Whittier's masterpieces, " The Bare-footed Boy," it is given as one of the pleasant objects that gave happiness to the boy's countr>' life. " O for boyhood's painless play, Sleep that wakes in laughing day, Health that mocks the doctor's rules, Knowledge never learned of schools, Of the wild bee's morning chase, Of the wild flower's time and place, Flight of fowls and habitude Of the tenants of the wood ; How the tortoise bears his shell, How the wood-chuck digs his cell, And the ground-mole sinks his well ; How the robin feeds her young, How the oriole's nest is hung, Where the whitest lilies blow, Where the freshest berries grow, Where the ground-nut trails its vine, Where the wood-grape's clusters shine ; Of the black wasp's cunning wa}^ Mason of his walls of clay, And the architectural plans. Of gray hornet artisans ! — For, eschewing books and tasks, Nature answers all he asks ; Hand in hand with her he walks, Face to face with her he talks, Part and parcel of her joy, — Blessings on the barefoot boy ! ' ' It is, indeed, to the "barefoot boy," or ob- servers of that class, that we are indebted for the clearing up of many of the mysteries around the life-history of the '* ground-nut vine." The frequently noted paucity of fruit on the plants has often attracted remark in the higher circles of botanical knowledge, and many curious explanations have been given from the learned point of view. For instance, in the "Entomologist and Botanist," a short- lived but valuable publication, by Walsh and .Riley, it is noted by another good botanist, Elihu Hall, " I have only once met with it in fruit in the State of Kansas. Its flowers are very fragrant, thus attracting insects that may destroy the fertile organs by undue irritation, thus producing premature dissemination of the pollen." This, in vol. II., page 191. He then refers to the roots and says ' ' the habit of re- producing itself by tubers is the supposed cause of its infertility." At this suggestion, one might wonder how the tuberous rooted, seed- shunning plant ever made its way over the world, for it is one of the most widely dissem- inated of our native flowers. It was noted as growing in Canada, by one of our earliest his- torians, Jacob Cornutus, who published, in Paris, in 1635, a history of the plants of Canada. It extends over most of the northern portion of the Continent east of the Rocky Mountains. Aside from the fact of the wide distribution of the plant, other tuberous-rooted plants seed freely. Then we have the judi- cious and usually strict, fact-loving Dr. Asa Gray speculating on the same subject. At a meeting of the Connecticut Valley Botanical Society, on Oct. 6, 1875, he is reported, in the 8th vol. of the Bulletin of the Torrey Botani- cal Club, page 64, to have said, " The style is never coiled in an unvisited blossom, though coiled one turn after being rifled by bees,— the tip at first being lodged in a little sac at the (81) l.ti)i.»mM<'. ^ ■ '■■ r . I higher circles of botanical knowledge, and many curious explanations have been given from the learned point of view. For instance, in the "Entomologist and Botanist," a short- lived but valuable publication, by Walsh and Riley, it is noted by another good botanist, Elihu Hall, " I have only once met with it in fruit in the State of Kansas. Its flowers are very fragrant, thus attracting insects that may destroy the fertile organs by undue irritation, thus producing premature dissemination of the pollen." This, in vol. II., page 191. He then refers to the roots and says • ' the habit of re- producing itself by tubers is the supposed cause of its infertility." At this suggestion, one might wonder how the tuberous rooted, seed- shunning plant ever made its way over the world, for it is one of the most widely dissem- inated of our native flowers. It was noted as growing in Canada, by one of our earliest his- torians, Jacob Cornutus, who published, in Paris, in 1635, a history of the plants of Canada. It extends over most of the northern portion of the Continent east of the Rocky Mountains. Aside from the fact of the wide distribution of the plant, other tuberous-rooted plants seed freely. Then we have the judi- cious and usually strict, fact-loving Dr. Asa Gray speculating on the same subject. At a meeting of the Connecticut Valley Botanical Society, on Oct. 6, 1875, he is reported, in the 8th vol. of the Bulletin of the Torrey Botani- cal Club, page 64, to have said, " The style is never coiled in an un visited blossom, though coiled one turn after being rifled by bees, — the tip at first being lodged in a little sac at the (81) COLOR PLATE \tm^ 82 MEEHANS' MONTHLY— APIOS TUBEROSA. [June I il It im apex of the standard." The '* barefooted boy" would, however, note that, as usually seen in fruit, there would be but one or two seed vessels on a branch that had borne scores of flowers, all of which were presum- ably ''visited by bees," and, on Dr. Gray's speculation, should have borne seed as well as the few noted. In our picture, it may be seen that there are only three loments following the numerous blossoms that usually form a bunch. Th s will be found the usual condition when the plant is flowering in its climbing stage. This is true of many other woody leguminous plants, — the common Wistaria, of China, a re- lative of our ground-nut, being a well-known illustration. It is simply a matter of nutrition. The plant cannot sustain vigorous growth and abundant seed-bearing at the same time. When vegetative luxuriance has terminated, these plants produce seed abundantly. This has been shown, some years ago, by the author, in a paper published in the "Proceedings of the Linnsean Society of London." In the case of our ground-nut, our picture was made from a branch still striving to reach the apex of a willow branch. When it accomplished this aim, it would seed abundantly. It must have been seen, in this condition, by Peter Kalm, who was sent, by Linnaeus, to examine the plants of our country. In his journal of March 1749. dated from Raccoon Creek, New Jersey, he observes *' Hopniss or Hapniss was the Indian name of a wild plant which they ate at that time. The Swedes call it by that name, and it grows in the meadows, in good soil. The roots resemble potatoes, and are boiled by the Indians, who eat them instead of bread. Some of the Swedes, at that time, likewise ate this root for want of bread. Some of the English still eat them instead of potatoes ; but like- wise take the peas that lie in the pods of this plant and prepare them like common peas. Dr. Linnaeus calls the plant Glycine Apios^ It is evident that, the seeds being not much larger than hemp seed, considerable quantities could easily be obtained, to enable them to be gathered and used to any advantage as boiled peas. The tubers are not large, those in the illustration being the usual size ; but they are produced in some quantity on each plant. At times, a plant will produce larger ones than its neighbors do; and, by selection, a race valuable in agriculture might be produced. In the sixth volume of the Proceedings of the Nova Scotia Institute of Natural Science, page 282, a correspondent notes a plant on the grounds of a school-teacher of Halifax. Miss N. Stairs, that produced tubers three ounces in weight, and were 6)^ inches in diameter at the smaller end, and 8 inches at the larger. To the student of morphology and of the behavior of plants, few matters present more points of interest than the one now under con- sideration. The limited space of this chapter affords the opportunity only of submitting this directing hint. It will be discovered, by the close observer, that there is no need for an insect to enter before the stigma is disengaged from the pocket. It is not disengaged till after some time, as correctly stated i)y Dr. Gray ;— but they all escape, whether an insect enters or not. A singular error also seems to prevail in regard to the length of time pollen remains potent. Because the pollen matures a day or a few days before the stigma is func- tional, it does not follow that it is inoperative. It preserves its vitality for an indefinite time. In Apios, the stigma receives its own pollen at once on emerging from the pocket in the vexil- lum. It is strictly a self- fertilizer. Observa- tions on the Wistaria, by Dr. J. Gibbons Hunt, made at the author's request, show that the pollen tubes penetrate to the ovula in all the flowers examined, -and the failure to mature is simply a failure of nutrition. On the author's grounds, where flowers are abund- ant, the Apios flowers are apparently not worth the trouble of a visit from insects. No one of any kind has been noted as paying at- tention to it, for all the delicate wall-flower odor. The student of historical botany will find the plant rich in material. Apios is a Greek term denoting a species of the pea-family now described as Lathyrus tuberosus, and which has roots Hke small pears, similar to those which our plant produces, and which the name Apios indicates. Explanation of the Platk. Portions of the whole plant in various sections, from Woodstown, New Jersey.— 1. stolon with tubers. 2. Upper portion of a branch twining around a willow stem. 3. Rachis from which most of the flowers have fallen by an articulation, and bearing three im- mature seed pods. 4. Front view of flower, showing the curiously-curvcu keel and sexual organs. 5. Outline ^ketch showing back of the vexillum with pocket in which tht siig- ma is held. WILD FLOWERS AND NATURE. DANDELIONS. When the first dandelions took On their broad disks the light and dew, My heart ran truant like the brook And had its solace where they grew. 'Twas good again to see them bare The lavish glitter of their shields, Not one can perish but somewhere A light is blotted from the fields. They shed the sunshine as I pass, The sunshine lent them from above, Their glow as ample as the grass, But not more ample than my love. Ah ! ever-blended green and gold. That mantle all the summer land, I learn how much the heart can hold How little fills the hand. Richard Edwin Day. Apios tuberosa. —Though Apios tuber osa was marked as a distinct genus by Moench, in 1799. Unnaeus founded the genus Glyci7ie on it, —and it may well be a question, under the laws of priority, why the genus Glyeine should stand, when the species on which it was founded should be regarded as wholly distinct from it ! The Double Rue Anemone.— In the nth volume- 1856 -of the Flore des Serres et des Jardins de V Europe, by Louis Van Houtte of Ghent, there is a colored plate of the Double Rue Anemone. It is described as a North American wild flower, introduced by Bartram into English gardens during " the second half of the last century," and from thence into gardens upon the Continent. Whether it is still cultivated abroad would be interesting to know. ^ As a wild flower, I have twice seen it Once It was shown to me in Lexington, Massachu- setts, and once I found it on Ocean Terrace Hill, in Staten I>land, (Richmond Borough ) New York. Those I saw were very pure white and the outer calyx-leaves much larger than the transformed stamens. So, too. Van Houtte describes his garden variety. Colonel T. W. Higginson, in the chapter "April Days" of his book " The Procession of The Flowers," gives the following account of his acquaintance with this blossom. Its finder was the husband of Celia Thaxter, also a flow- er-lover, as all her books, especially "An Island Garden." will show. ** Thaxter had always a gift for wild-flowers, and used to bring to Cambridge the largest White Anemones that were ever seen, from a certain special hill in Watertown ; they were not only magnificent in size and whiteness, but had that exquisite blue on the outside of the petals, as if the sky had bent down in ecstasy at last over its darlings, and left visi- ble kisses there. But even this success was not enough, and one day he came with some- thing yet choicer. It was a Rue-leaved Ane- mone {A, thalidroides) / and each one of the three white flowers was double, not merely with that multiplicity of petals in the disk which is common with this species, but tech- nically and horticulturally double, like the double-flowering almond or cherry,— with the most exquisitely delicate little petals, like fairy lace- work. "The next winter Thaxter went to New York for a year, and wrote to me, as spring drew near, with solemn charge to visit his favorite haunt and find another specimen. Armed with this letter of introduction, I sought the spot, and tramped through and through its leafy corridors. Beautiful Wood- Anemones I found, to be sure, tremblin- on their fragile stems, and deserving all their pretty names, .... Rue-leaved Anemones I found, also, rising taller and straighter and firmer in stem, with the whod of leaves a little higher up on the stalk than one fancies it ought to be, as if there were a supposed danger that the flowers would lose their balance, and as if the leaves must be all ready to catch them. These I found ; but the special wonder was not there for me. Then I wrote to him that he must evidently come himself and search ; or that, perhaps, as Sir Thomas Brown avers (83) iiiui MEEHANS' MONTHLY-WILD FLOWERS AND NATURE. ; i 84 that 'smoke doth follow the fairest,' so his little treasures had followed him to New York. Judge of my surprise, when, on opening his next letter, out dropped, from those folds of metropolitan paper, a veritable double Ane- mone. He had just been out to Hoboken, or some such place, to spend an afternoon, and of course his pets were there to meet him. ..." As Levi Thaxter had friends on Staten Island, I like to fancy that he may have found the Anemone on the same picturesque spot where I did. Elisabeth Winthrop Johnson. [June Birds Returning to their Old Nesting Places.— I wrote you previously about the strange conduct of a female robin in persist- ingly flying up against windows and pecking them. That was last spring. It seemed to be confined to one robin, for this spring, the same glass-pecker robin is here again. This would indicate that this bird at least returned north to the same summer haunts. I have never heard of such doings among the bird family. Peeping Toms are numerous enough, but not glass-pecking robins. W. C. Egan. Caltha palustris, L.,— Marsh-marigold. This showy little plant, growing in swamps and wet meadows, having long petioled, ser- rate, reniform leaves, and bearing bright yel- low flowers in spring, is worthy of cultiva- tion by persons having ponds or creeks near their homes. I remember once bringing a number of plants from a neighboring swamp, and planting them around a pond in a meadow near the house. When visiting the place the next spring, I was much pleased to find that they had not only grown but were sending up a number of flowers to ornament the place. An English writer informs us that the un- opened buds are sometimes used as a substi- tute for capers. I have two other species of this plant in my collection. When I was a school girl, I noticed, growing in a swamp, near the school house, a variety having longer- petioled, coarser-serrate leaves, with a more open sinus, and bearing smaller, yellow flow- ers. It was not as handsome a plant as Caltha palustris. In 1888. and again in 1891, I col- lected it at the same place. In 1889 I was in- formed that the same variety grew at the Paoono Mountain, and was named Caltha fla- bellifolia, Pursh. In 1895, a specimen of the plant, collected at Pott's Swamp, Berks Coun- ty, Penna., was named and sent to Dr. N. L. Britton, of Columbia University, New York, who informed me that it was correctly named. In 1897, a smaller variety, Caltha nutans, Pall, was sent me from Colorado ; it was collected, by Mr. Eby, on a wet part of the mountains near Telluride, where he found it growing at an elevation of some fourteen thousand feet al)ove sea level. Amelia F. Eby. Laucaster, Pa. The Californian Poppy.— The miles,— the acres,— of wild flowers in bloom in February and March, in Southern California, almost sur- pass belief. The Golden Eschscholtzias, or Californian Poppies, make not one but many a field of cloth of gold. We have the large one, with its four petals of one unvaried gold ; another, the center of which is of the same sunlit hue, while the borders of the petals are lemon color ; yet another with petals almost white, the color of a child's flaxen hair. They last some time, wrapping their drapery about them in the late afternoon, sleeping sweetly till they may greet the morning sun ; and if a cloud obscures his face, they keep on until he comes in brilliant array. But the loveliest thing about these devoted admirers of the sun is, when their bloom is over we see them no more. We never have the pain of seeing so much beauty fade, wither and go to decay. The wind takes their ripe petals away, while in the glory of apparent youth and vigor,— they are simply seen no more ; but a pretty seed- vessel appears in their place, the pod elongates, seeds ripen and scatter to develop another harvest of sunbeams. Mrs. E. E. Orcutt. San Diego, California Malformed Leaves.— Mr. Timothy Wheel- er sends leaves of a crook-necked squash which are folded like a funnel. One would hold a gill of water and the other is beautifully fringed, or rather ruffled, along the edge of the cup. Small cups of this character sometimes occur on cabbage leaves. The morphological conception of the manner in which these cups are brought about is by no means clear. • I I GENERAL GARDENING. THE DEATH OF MAY. In the deep grass the buttercups are fain To hide their little faces from the rain ; In the chill lanes beneath a sky that lowers, The broken hearted May buds fall in showers, And from the garden where the border shone The light, the life, the hope of spring are gone. —Pall Mall Gazette. Summer School of Forestry.— A practi- cal course of study in forestry will be conduct- ed by Yale University, at Milford, Pa., com- mencing July 8th, 1901, and lasting for eight weeks. The faculty consists of Professors Henry S. Graves and James W. Tou- rney. The course is cal- culated to interest not college- stu- dents alone, but owners of wood- land, farmers, lum- bermen, forest rangers, and any one evincing an in- terest in the subject —women included. Through the courtesy of Mr. James W. Pinchot, a wooded estate of about 60 acres has been given over for the school's use, and this is supplemented by large forests in the immediate neigborhood. One of the Pennsylvania State Forest Reservations IS but a short distance away. The location is said to be very healthful ; and in the estab- lishment of camps for use by those preferring them to boarding-house life, full opportunity will be afforded for two months of bracing out-door life. Five regular courses in forestry are offered : "Forest Botany" will embrace laboratory work, field work and lectures. ''Silviculture" will be of a more practical nature, and covers a training in the methods of establishing and HEDGE OF CALIFORNIAN A. H. MASON, treating woodlands. ' ' Forest Measurements' ' will be an instruction in methods of determin- ing the contents of felled and standing trees and of whole forests— the age and growth of individual trees and of whole stands. '* Intro- duction to Forestry" is to make clear what forestry is, its true scope and function in the United States, and will be presented entirely by illustrated lectures. ''Forest Protection" will be in relation to fires, tresspass, damage from wind, insects, grazing, torrents and drift- ing sand. California Privet. — The gar- dening world has found that it is about as easy to stop the great world on which we live from going round as to stop the travels of a plant name after it has started on its journey over the earth. The Cali- fornia Privet is a good specimen of this. It is a native of Japan, but got the start in popu- larity under the name of California Privet, and no nurseryman would think for a mo- ment of changing this name now. It would be a case of confusion worse confounded. It has been found one of the most useful things for ornamental hedges ever introduced to American gardens. It has two especially great merits,— one, that it will hold its own in beauty under very severe treatment from ignorant bush shearing, the other, that it will thrive under a great variety of soils and situations. Few plants will endure summer droughts as this will. The illustration represents a low boundary line on the top of a steep bank on the grounds of A. H. Mason, Esq., of German- (85) PRIVET ON GROUNDS OF GERMANTOWN 86 MEEHANS' MONTHLY — GENERAL GARDENING. [June 1 H town , where it has been in healthy condition though kept less than two feet high, for sev- eral years past, to the admiration of the public using the high road alongside. Pruning Broad-Leaved Evergreens at Transplanting. — It is recognized among planters that more risk attends the transplant- ing of evergreens than deciduous trees. This applies with more force to those of a broad- leaved character, such as the holly, Evergreen Magnolia iand Mahonia are examples of. Why this should be is a surprise to many, yet the cause is not far to seek. When deciduous trees are planted, it is either spring or autumn, when they are bereft of foliage. At such times the calls on the roots are not as important as they are when foliage is to be supplied. The evergreen is never without foliage ; and it is because of this so much more care is required in transplanting it. There is no reason why so much care should be taken to preserve the leaves, when, by reducing their number, the safety of the tree would be j-o much advanced. Southern nurserymen understand this ; and one and all notify their customers that leaves will be taken off of such evergreens as Magno- lia grandiflora before being shipped. North- ern nurserymen do the same in the case of the holly ; and if the rule was to treat all ever- greens this way, excepting, of course, those with balls of earth, such as Rhododendrons usually carry, it would result most favorably. This defoliation could be practised to advan- tage to some degree on coniferous evergreens, the foliage of which could be partially removed when they were transplanted. Joseph Meehan. Growth of an Old Potato, by '• O.," on page 12, current volume. — I was sorry that it did not occur to you to add, in a note, what I once wrote you. While digging a crop of wild potatoes, once, I found one old potato, that had just raised one crop, perfectly sound, so I carefully housed it for the winter, planting it the next spring by itself, so as to know the re- sult, and, strange to tell, it raised 125 potatoes, a much larger crop than the first. Moscow, vt. T. Wheeler. than the several varieties of the Vernon Bego- nia. They grow thriftily and compact, mak- ing a dense bed of bright green leaves amongst which flowers are borne abundantly and con- tinuously. Sweet Alyssum makes a very pretty edging to a bed of this Begonia. Halesia tetraptera.— The Halesia tetrap- tera has been aptly called the Snowdrop Tree, for the individual flowers greatly resemble the welcome Snowdrop of early spring. When they mature, they fall in showers, and the earth beneath seems to have passed through a snow storm. The seeds have four wings, from A Good Bedding Begonia. — Few bedding plants are more satisfactory, in most respects, HALESIA TETRAPTERA. White flowers about one-third natural size. which fact the specific name tetraptera is de- rived. The tree itself grows to about the size of a mature apple tree, and is a pretty orna- ment for the garden. It is a native of our country south of the Potomac, but is perfectly hardy for over a considerable territory north- ward 1901] MiiEHANS' MOxVTHLY— general GARDENING. ^1 % I • • Country Life, — Moral Influence of Horticulture —In an article recently pub- lished in a Parisian political journal. The Rappel, M. Francisque Sarcey expresses a re- gret that the working people, who form so important a part of the population in indus- trial quarters, in the center of Paris, cannot have, in the environs, a corner for a garden in which to cultivate flowers in the place of saloons. •'I do not understand," writes M. vSarcey, agreeable to cultivate his flowers and to inhale their perfume than to poison himself with the adulterated alcohol with his companions. In London, when evening comes, the whole population mounts the train and returns ' home. ' Is it impossible to do here what is so easily done there ? " We should know, too, how to approve the vow formulated by our excellent colleague and do wish that he might apply other authorized representations of the Parisian press, conceal- HALESIA. A FULL GROWN SPECIMEN. "why the prime minister does not urge the rail- road companies to run a succession of trains composed of small cars in order to establish a continual going to and fro between the city and suburban communities. It should be well understood that the fares would be small. I do not say that the social question would be immediately solved. It would lose much of its sharpness, for the workman who has a comfortable home returns to it with pleasure each evening, never dreaming to spend his earnings at the tavern. He finds it more ing nothing that would relieve above all the domain of Utopia. In fact, it is difficult to pass an ordinance of this kind, considering how the Municipal Councils of Paris, and consequently the General Council of the Seine, where the premier con- stitutes a large majority and use every means to keep the population enclosed, to retard the construction of the famous metropolitan rail- road, or more or less trammel the junction of lines leading out of the city ; railroad com- panies never seemed disposed to favor the exo- fl'i ;«l N I 88 MEEHANS' MONTHLY — GENERAL GARDENING. [June dus of Parisians to the suburbs, and, in the environs of the capital, it takes an hour to traverse fifteen kilometres ; dwelling houses with gardens are also more expensive near the suburbs than in the outskirts of Paris,— besides, the workmen who would wish to live in the country would be obliged to leave home about five or six o'clock in the morning and return at night, leaving little time to cultivate flowers or even to look at them ! However, we are convinced that the pro- gress desired by M. Sarcey would have an immense moral- istic consequence, and that the con- ception is not at all exaggerated. Not only the work- ingman would be better for it, and stronger by breath- ing a purer air, but he would have a better use for his leisure, and be in better trim to pass a public house than when he is shut up in the city. When he has a garden at home, flower seeds sown and cared for by himself, his tastes lead him not only towards na- ture, but to his fireside, — to his "home," and these are affections of a high and civilized berberis repens-the creeping barberry degree. Alcoholism would lose much power, and hygiene, also morals, gain still more ; health and morals have between them a straight road. Perhaps it will all be realized. What is possible to a certain extent in London, is pos- sible in Brussels ; but in Paris, alas ! it is only a dream, and a long one at that. Nevertheless, we must do as much as we can, and, by every means, push it to realism. Translated from La Semaiue Horticole, by S\RAH D. Lanning. Mahonia repens.— When the Oregon Grape was discovered, the general aspect was so dif- ferent from the ordinary forms of the well- known berberry, that Nuttall made a new genus thereof, dedicating it to Bernard McMahon, an enthusiastic botanist and nur- seryman, as Mahonia aquifolia, Thunberg named another species Mahonia Japonica, and George Don named the Rocky Mountain spe- cies Mahonia repens. Modern botanists, how- ever, take pleasure in splitting up genera and species on very fine points, w^hile abolishing the niceties their forefathers made. Thus it has come about that, in bot- anical works, there are Mahonias no more. They are all swept back to the barberries again, and our Mahonia repens has to be sought for as Ber- beris repens, and go under the common name of Creeping Barberry. It sel- dom achieves a greater height than a foot — but is re- markably attract- ive in early spring by its yellow flow- ers, — and in the autumn by its large purple grape-like fruit. It is an ex- cellent plant for finishing up a belt of shrubbery. The illustration is from a photo kindly furnished by Mr. D. M. Andrews, of Boulder, Colorado. Two Plants of Denmark. — Denmark is a comparatively small country, and so situated between North and Central Europe that it is not to be expected she should have any plants — or, indeed, any of nature's gifts — solely her own. Still, when I have decided to tell about ** Two Plants of Denmark," I have done so partly for the reason that these two plants are in some way characteristic of that little coun- < • • i n I901] MEEHANS* MONTHLY— GENERAL GARDENING. try, — or, rather, lend character to two very diflferent Danish landscapes. Also, my knowl- edge of these plants from their natural habitat might possibly be of some value to those who desire to make use of them in American land- scape gardening. The plants I have in mind are the European Beech, Fagjis sylvatica, and the Common Heather, Calluna vulgaris, two plants belong- ing to widely different families and suited to very different natural conditions. The former growing over great stretches of comparatively fertile land as a big forest tree, -the latter, a small shrub, covering miles upon miles of country which might by right be termed deserts. Once upon a time,— thousands of years ago, —the forests, of what is now Denmark, con- sisted mainly of conifers, the remains of which are still to be found as big trunks and roots in the peat bogs In bogs of newer origin, great oaks lie buried, and their descendants- mostly Quercus pedunculata, but also Q. sessiliflora— still make up parts, but only small parts of the natural forests, these, nowadays, consisting almost entirely of beech, juniper, and yew, {laxus baccata,) the last two now being the only conifers to be found in a wild state. The beech forests occupy large stretches of rolling country in the islands, and in the eastern part of the Province of Jutland. This tree seems to prefer the hill tops and the slopes, but it should be remembered that the altitude is nowhere more than about 600 feet over sea level. In the low places, where the ground tends to be swampy or sour, it will give up the field to such trees as elm, ash and alder, and a variety of shrubs. The soil is mostly a gravelly clay, but it is evident that the forests extend farther into sandy regions than into stiff, clayey grounds ; and, on closer examination of the soil, or merely by noticing the deposits, where springs issue, it will be found that lime is present in the ground in a good percentage. The beech is a pretty quick grower,— decidedly so if compared to the oak, and that IS the chief reason why the latter always loses in the struggle for existence between those two. Another reason is that the beech is in full leaf while every bud of the oak is still sealed up, and in that manner deprives the oak of the sunlight that it loves so well. The 89 average date of the leafing out of the beech is, in Denmark, the loth of May. When the young beech plants are protected against strong winds, and more so if they are growing close together, thay will shoot up quickly and grow straight and slim ; while, if they are exposed to the weather, they will become crooked and twisted, as they can be found on the outskirts— especially the western —of any Danish forests. Such crippled trees— and also the young plants, probably to the age of about ten years— will keep their dead foliage through the winter and often far into the next season ; but this is not the case with mature, well grown trees. To every lover of nature I wish the joy of a stroll through a Danish beech forest in the latter part of May. The lofty trees, with their yet bright green and half transparent foliage above, and on the ground below a carpet of white and yellow Anemones, purple Hepaticas, blue violets and yellow primroses, with the thrush and other songbirds of the wood, and the sky-lark hovering over the field outside, to supply the music, make it such a feast, that you feel all the more privileged if you had to endure the hardships of a northern winter to gain it. The heather occupies ground of a description almost the opposite of that on which the beech forests grow. The central part of the Province of Jutland, and all the way west to " Klit- terne, ' ' (the sand hills or dunes along the North Sea,) consists almost entirely of low plains of barren sand, with a layer of " Ahl" (hard pan) a few inches below the surface. Here and there are large peat bogs, and, in a few places, the plain is broken by hills or bordered by such ; but whether it be the plain, the hills or the bogs, the heather clothes it all. On the hills and in the bogs it is not altogether without competitors. On the hills, it is interspersed with Arctostaphylos, Vaccinium, Genista, and even such trees as Oak {Q. sessiliflora) and Aspen ; but these trees never get to be any- thing more than stunted dwarfs, looking as if they had been repeatedly sheared on the west side. The wind from the North Sea is the shearer. In the bogs, the heather has to fight for the ground with such plants as Vaccinium, (V. uliginosum, V. Vitis Idaa, and V. oxycoccos). Erica tetralix, Andromeda poli/olia, Empetrum, Myrica, and a few others ; but on the sand I ' III i I i 90 MEEHANS' MONTHLY— GENERAL GARDENING. [June plains it reigns supreme, nothing else tries to make a living there, except it be a few very frugal herbs, and such plants as Cladonia rangiferina, and other lichens and mosses, — plants that do tjot expect to draw any nutri- ment from the soil. It is evident, though, that in the bogs and on the hills the heather finds the conditions the better, even if it has to fight for them, as in such places it will often grow to a height of three feet or more, while on the plain it seldom reaches one foot ; and it is safe to say that the cause of this difference is, more than anything else, a deeper soil. The soil of the plain, as already mentioned, is a few inches of barren sand ; that of the lime, apparently a necessity for the well-being of the beech, is a poison to the heather. Hinsdale, 111. J- P- PEDERSON. Suburban Gardening. — Unlike gardening far in the country, gardening in the suburbs of large cities is to be enjoyed without any thought of the pleasure our gardens will give to those who come after us. By varying Long- fellow slightly we might say : " To-day, and not to-morrow. Should guide suburban garden life ! ' ' Herewith is a picture of a scene in the garden of the late James W. El well, of Brooklyn, formulated by his excellent gardener, James ^^- ^.:-".; '.. '.'* * >jr5» \ < :^ ^^x. 'V|!«l«^*WV .. .- • ir< , ■...■■ , . t*J* •i^'f "'*''*' -ki^V- '«-■•'* -''.-i SCENE IN THE GARDEN OF THE LATE JAMES W. ELWELL. BROOKLYN. NY. hills may be a little more gravelly, and the hard pan does not there come as close to the surface ; but there is one thing they have in common with the peat of the bogs, they con- tain no lime, and lime, if present in the soil to any extent, is sure death to the heather. The conclusion to be drawn from the fore- going would mainly be this : The beech pre- fers a gravelly soil, with good drainage and a position sheltered from vStrong winds, while the heather will manage to live in almost any kind of soil, be it ever so poor or ever so shal- low. It is not particular, neither, as to mois- ture, growing, as it does, on dry hilltops as well as in wet bogs ; the bleakest winds and the coldest winters have no terrors for it ; but Boyle, taken in 1896. The garden gave pleas ure to thousands of citizens as well as to its liberal garden-lover, then in his 75th year. Who would believe that not only has he passed away, but that brick and mortar is now the boast of the plot on which so much natural beauty once proudly dwelt? But such is the fate of suburban gardening ! Japanese Quince Jelly. — Sometime ago, I saw an article entitled, " Is the Osage Orange edible ? " in Meehans' Monthly, and I thought thee might be interested to know that the Japanese Quince, Pyrus Jap07iica, makes a deli- cious jelly, tasting not unlike guava jelly. I made it much the same as I do ordinary • • • 1901] MEEHANS' MONTHLY — GENERAL GARDENING. 91 quinces, and the only trouble was there was not enough of it. A friend, on my recom- mendation, made some which was not good ; but she must have left too much of the core in, I think. Woodl)ury, N. J. lyYDIA GrISCOM. MEW ®1 1/^tE FLi^NTS. The Cork-Fir.— Much interest has recent- ly attached to accounts of the large amount of cork that may be obtained from the bark of Abies Arizonica. Dr. Masters says that it is merely a variety of the well-known Abies lasiocarpa, and that Abies bifolia and Abies sub-alpitia are synonyms. But he adds the caution that, what is generally grown in gardens as Abies lasiocarpa, is wrongly so called, it being really a form of Abies co7icolor. Uncommon Water-Lilies.— Probably a few notes on some of the novelties and recent in- troductions in Water- Lilies might interest the readers of Meehans' Monthly. I will briefly mention those which I have tried and found worthy, of recommendation : Nelu77ibium Shiroman, the new double white lotus, is very desirable. Nelujubium rosetim plenu7n, double red, is also good. Of the newer French hybrid Nymph^as, I regard A^. gloriosa as very fine. N. Ignca and N, flammea are also fine, but propagate slowly. There are several nice, new, hardy American Nymphaeas. I will mention four : N. candidis- sima rosea {N. alba caitdidissima, N. odorata rosea) is very choice. For free and continuous bloom, it has no superior. Flowers are the size of the ca?tdidissima and of a showy, deep pink color. N. electa {N. odorata alba, N. alba ca?i. didissima) is a pure white variety with erect habit, the flower often standing a foot above the water. It is distinct and an unusually free bloomer. N, constajis {N. odorata rosea, N. superba) I have cultivated three years! It may be classed with the odoratas, is much larger than O. rosea, color a shade lighter than O. Luciana—2i soft flesh pink. It will produce three times as many blooms as N. o. rosea. N. superba rosea is a pink sport from N. superba. The variety N. supeiba is often confused with N. odorata varieties. The true superba is a hybrid of N. tuber osa and N. alba candidissima and has no odorata blood in it, but is a distinct type and the largest hardy Nymphcea grown. N. siiperba rosea promises to be a rampant grower and free blooming as its parent, while it is the largest hardy pink Nymphcpa I have ever seen. Of the tropical Nymphaeas, I will mention, *• Best Red " (probably N. rubra, N. Devon- iensis) raised by Mr. James Gurney, Supt. Tower Grove Park, St. Louis. I have had it two years, and it has proved one of the most abundant bloomers in my collection. The habits and size are intermediate between its parents. I am reliably informed that Fra7ik Trelease, a crimson Devo7iie7isis , originating with Mr. Gurney, is also very fine. A^. Arnold- ia7ia is another desirable tropical NyTuphcsa. It is a reverse cross of A^. O' Marana and is 01 good size. It is the best tropical lily for winter blooming I have seen to date. Smiths' Grove, Ky. GEO. B. MoULDER. TME II1I4R1D)T fLOWEl ^^^I^lD^EM. Roses in Washington State. —I have had but little experience with roses, and have more failures than I care to remember in transplant- ing. But last year I set out six tea roses and one '♦ La France," and every one grew. " Henry M. Stanley" grew very strong and bloomed freely, and was the best bloomer of the lot. I wintered it in the house. It is now strong and healthy ; but four other roses, re- ceiving the same care, have died. I covered "Papa Gontier" and ''La France" with six inches of loose earth, first removing all the leaves. Both plants are alive, and " Papa Gontier" has only a few tips winter- killed. Susan Tucker. Cheney, Washington. Water Lilies in Small Tubs.— No one need feel debarred from the enjoyment of culti- vating a few of those exquisite flowers which we term "Water Lilies" simply because they have no pond or stream. One plant will give the pleasure and may occupy nothing greater than a nail-keg, if it be sufficiently water tight or so placed that it may catch water from a spigot and remain well supplied. The writer grew a few dozen of the pretty Nyinphcea Za7tziba7'e7isis and cwrulea in such manner, but in a half- barrel, and they were a source of 90 MEEHANS' MONTHLY— GENERAL GARDENING. [June plains it reigns supreme, nothing else tries to make a living there, except it be a few very frugal herbs, and such plants as CladoJiia rajigiferhia, and other lichens and mosses, — plants that do not expect to draw any nutri- ment from the soil. It is evident, though, that in the bogs and on the hills the heather finds the conditions the better, even if it has to fight for them, as in such places it will often grow to a height of three feet or more, while on the plain it seldom reaches one foot ; and it is safe to say that the cause of this difference is, more than anything else, a deeper soil. The soil of the plain, as already mentioned, is a few^ inches of barren sand ; that of the lime, apparently a necessity for the well-being of the beech, is a poison to the heather. Hinsdale, 111. J- P. PEDERSON. Suburban Gardening. — Unlike gardening far in the country, gardening in the suburbs of large cities is to be enjoyed without any thought of the pleasure our gardens will give to those who come after us. By varying Long- fellow slightly we might say : *' To-day, and not to-morrow, Should guide suburban garden life ! ' ' Herewith is a picture of a scene in the garden of the late James W. El well, of Brooklyn, formulated by his excellent gardener, James SCENE IN THE GARDEN OF THE LATE JAMES W. ELWELL, BROOKLYN. NY. hills may be a little more gravelly, and the hard pan does not there come as close to the surface ; but there is one thing they have in common with the peat of the bogs, they con- tain no lime, and lime, if present in the vSoil to any extent, is sure death to the heather. The conclusion to be drawn from the fore- going would mainly be this : The l^eecli pre- fers a gravelly soil, with good drainage and a position sheltered from strong winds, while the heather will manage to live in almost any kind of soil, be it ever so i)oor or ever so shal- low. It is not particular, neither, as to mois- ture, growing, as it does, on dry hilltops as well as in wet bogs ; the bleakest winds and the coldest winters have no terrors for it ; but Boyle, taken in 1896. The garden gave pleas ure to thousands of citizens as well as to its liberal garden-lover, then in his 75th year. Who would believe that not only has he passed awav, but that brick and mortar is now the boast of the plot on which so much natural beauty once proudly dwelt? But such is the fate of suburban gardening ! Japanese Quince Jelly. — vSometime ago, I saw an article entitled, " Is the O.sage Orange edible ? " in Meehans' Monthly, and I thought thee might be interested to know that the Japanese Ouince, l^nis Japonica, makes a deli- cious jelly, tasting not unlike guava jelly. I made it much the same as I do ordinary • t (• 1901] MEEHANS' MOxNTHLY— general GARDENING. 91 quinces, and the only trouble was there was not enough of it. A friend, on my recom- mendation, made some which was not good ; but she must have left too much of the core in, I think. Woodbury, N. J. IvYDIA GrISCOM. EW ®1 I/^IE FL^IMTS, The Cork-Fir. — Much interest has recent- ly attached to accounts of the large amount of cork tliat may be obtained from the bark of Abies Arizo7iica. Dr. Masters says that it is merely a variety of the well-known Abies lasiocarpa, and that Abies bifolia and Abies siib-alpifta are synonyms. But he adds the caution that, what is generally grown in gardens as Abies lasiocarpa, is wrongly so called, it being really a form of Abies coucolor. Uncommon Water-Lilies.— Probably a few notes on some of the novelties and recent in- troductions in Water-I.ilies might interest the readers of Meehans' Monthly. I will briefly mention those which I have tried and found worthy of recommendation : Xelumbiiim Sliiromau, the new double white lotus, is very desirable. Nelumbiiim rosetim plenum, double red, is also good. Of the newer French hybrid Nymph.eas, I regard X. gloriosa as very fine. X. lonca and a; Jlammea are also fine, but propagate slowly. There are several nice, new, hardy American Nymplueas. I will mention four : X. caudidis- sima rosea {X. alba candidissima, X. odorata rosea) is very choice. Vox free and continuous bloom, it has no superior. Flowers are the size of the candidissima and of a sliowy, deep pink color. A', etecla {X. odorata alba, X. alba can- didissima) is a pure white variety with erect habit, the flower often standing a foot above the water. It is distinct and an unusually free bloomer. A: constans {X. odorata rosea, X. superba) I have cultivated three years. It may be classed with the odoratas, is much larger than O. rosea, color a shade lighter than i). Luciana—T^ soft flesh pink. It will produce three times as many blooms as X. o. rosea. X. superba rosea is a pink sport from X. superba. The variety A^ supeiba is often confused with X. odorata varieties. The true superba is a hybrid of X. tuberosa and X. alba candidissi7na and has no odorata blood in it, but is a distinct type and the largest hardy Xy^nphcea grown. A^. superba rosea promises to be a rampant grower and free blooming as its parent, while it is the largest hardy pink Xymphcea I have ever seen. Of the tropical Nymphaeas, I will mention, " Best Red " (probably A^. rubra, X. Devon- iensis) raised by Mr. James Gurney, Supt. Tower Grove Park, St. Louis. I have had it two years, and it has proved one of the most abundant bloomers in my collection. The habits and size are intermediate between its parents. I am reliably informed that Fra?ik Trelease, a crimson Devonieyisis, originating with Mr. Gurney, is also very fine. A^. Arnold- iana is another desirable tropical Xymphcpa. It is a reverse cross of A^. O' Marana and is 01 good size. It is the best tropical lily for winter blooming I have seen to date. Smiths' Grove, Ky. GEO. B. MoULDER. TME M/^l^l^T FLOWEl ^/^ll^fEf^. Roses in Washington State. — I have had but little experience with roses, and have more failures than I care to remember in transplant- ing. But last year I set out six tea roses and one " La France," and every one grew. " Henry M. Stanley" grew very strong and bloomed freely, and was the best bloomer of the lot. I wintered it in the house. It is now strong and healthy ; but four other roses, re- ceiving the same care, have died. I covered "Papa Gontier" and "La France" with six inches of loose earth, first removing all the leaves. Both plants are alive, and " Papa Gontier" has only a few tips winter- ^i^^^f^- Susan Tl'cker. Cheney, Wasliiugton. Water Lilies in Small Tuus.— No one need feel del)arred from the enjoyment of culti- vating a few of those ex(iuisite flowers which we term "Water Lilies" simply because they have no pond or stream. One plant will give the pleasure and may occupy nothing greater than a nail-keg, if it be sufliciently watertight or so placed that it may catch water from a s])igot and remain well supplied. The writer grew a few dozen of the pretty Xymphcea Zanzibarensis and cirrulea in such manner, but in a half-barrel, and they were a source of liIMM MlieiHS -mmmmmmm mmmtrm m i !>! H' 92 MEEHANS' MONTHLY — GENERAL GARDENING. [June great interest and pleasure. They were in pots and plunged three or four inches below the surface of the water. To make the appearance the more natural, the whole thing may be set to the upper rim of the barrel in the ground. A Water Hyacinth may be added, a " Parrot's Feather" and a few other water plants, to render the whole more interesting. The Papyrus, or Umbrella Plant, does well in such a place and breaks the flatness. Double Scarlet Geum. — Among the freaks that nature loves to indulge in, it is remark- able that she has never tried to present us with a double- flowered strawberry, so far as the records of flower gardening show. But, in the Geums, which form a family closely related to the straw^berry, — having drj'-awned fruit, instead of pulpy ones,— we have a fine, double ^r/>\-i CEUM COCCINEUM. Fl. PL. variety in the scarlet-flowered Gcum coccinea. The London Jour?ial of Horticulture describes it as one of the gayest ornaments of the flower border, and that it produces a succession of bloom from spring to fall. It has been intro- duced to American gardens and promises to become popular. Amaryllis Hallii. — Your correspondent, Mrs. F. N. B., on page 43, remarks that she has found not the slightest allusion to the above plant in any periodical she has had access to. This is not so much to be wondered at when the facts of the case are told. The prin- cipal reason for this seeming neglect of so hardy and beautiful a plant, is, that its proper name is Lycoris squamigera, and under this name it is common in commerce, and fairly well known in gardens. My first acquaintance with the plant was as a fine clump grown in the Manning Nursery, and called Amaryllis Hallii. Mr. M. told me he got it from New Bedford, from the garden of some sea-faring man who had had it for years and proved it hardy. We were not content before adding it to our collec- tion, where it flowers annually in early autumn and is a very pretty, as well as an uncommon sight. Lycoris squamigera will be found figured in "Garden and Forest" for 1890, page 176; and, if Mrs. F. N. B. has access to this volume, she will find that there is a figure of the plant and a cultural note that accords with her ex- perience. It is equally as beautiful a flowering bulb as the lovely Amaryllis Belladonna, which is not at all hardy, and does not bloom with any regularity when grown in the green- house, and it seems a pity that the name should have to be changed from Amaryllis to one not half as euphonious or well known. So. Lancaster, Mass. E. O. OrPKT. [To the above instructive note may be added that this is not a change of name for which botanists are answerable, as they are in so many cases. The plant was never known to them under any other than Lycoris squamigera. How the title of Amaryllis Hallii originated, is not on record.] Asparagus Culture.— It has but recently been suggested that it might be profitable to select the sexes in order to have the best re- sults from asparagus culture. Meehans' Monthly was under the impression that the suggestion was too recent to have been actu- ally tested in America. It was noted, with some surprise, on reading a professedly prac- tical work on vegetable growing in the vicinity of New York, that this was recommended as « • « 1901] MEEHANS' MONTHLY— GENERAL GARDENING. 93 an ascertained and unquestioned fact. It was recommended not to plant the permanent bed till there had been an opportunity to select the male plants, — or to weed out the female plants from permanent beds of seed-sown plants. When, however, the reason for this was given, that the female plants exhausted the roots by reason of bearing berries, it warranted a sus- picion that the advice was based on this specu- lation rather than as the result of a practical experiment. Nothing has been better proved in the whole round of modern discovery in plant life, than that plants are wholly male merely because they have not as high a vital power as the female. The female asparagus, under this law, should bear berries because the plant has a greater life-power than that of the other sex,— and this should hold good with the berry-bearing capacity thrown in. After all, there may not be so much difterence as to make attention to it a matter of profit to the market grower. But careful experiment is desirable Pruning Tomatoes.— Southern growers of tomatoes for northern markets practice a pecu- liar system of pruning. All the lateral bran- ches are pinched out as soon as they appear, thus making a vine of a single, upright stem. When three or four clusters of fruit have set, the top of the vine is also pinched out, thus stopping growth entirely. It is claimed for this rather drastic treatment, that it makes larger and earlier fruit, and that it tends to make the crop mature all at once. ^Coimtry Gentleman. Purslane Salad. — Our common Purslane, ''Pusley," as it is termed in the vulgate, is such a persistent weed in our country, that no thought is given to it as of any use in the service of man. In the Old World, where there is trouble in raising it, the list of valu- able garden vegetables is hardly regarded per- fect without it. Gardening Illustrated has this to say : — ••The seed of Purslane is black and shiny and about the size of Rapeseed, which plant is now so much used for salading in the market in place of hot and dearer Mustard. When from three inches to four inches in height the little plants are cut close down, and in that way washed and cooked as Spinach is. The water is then poured off" and the yolks of a couple of eggs are mixed and beaten up with the Purslane, and thus served to table in a semi-liquid form. Those in search of a variety in vegetables may well try Purslane cooked in this way. The young plants are also quite a pleasant addition to salads, especially to mixed salads, toning down, because so mild, the hot- ness of Mustard and Cress. Purslane may also be sown in drills outdoors, the plants being cut over very much as summer Spinach now is. They make, then, a second growth." Handling Fruit for Markets. — One of the difiiculties in fruit growing for market is the difficulty of getting the extra number of hands required in the fruit picking and fruit handling season. For this reason, more money is usually made by those who grow on the dearer lands near large cities than on cheaper tracts in less populous places. California is experiencing this trouble as well as the East. Last season it is said that only by the tempor- ary employment of Chinese and Japanese could the crops have been harvested. The papers assert that even kid-fingered dudes were induced, in some instances, to turn in and help,— and one of them humorously hits off" the situation thus : — •• He's banished his standing collar And laid by his evening suit. And all through the summer season He's going to gather fruit." Improved Corn.— If the man who makes two blades of grass grow where only one grew before is, as the political economists tells us, a benefactor of mankind, the one who intro- duces a variety of corn on a stalk that has three ears as good, where formerly only two grew, should be equally honored. The •• Three- eared Corn," introduced by the John A. Sal- zer Seed Company, of La Crosse, Wisconsin, is the variety in question. The Garden City Apricot.— The Garden City Apricot is a new variety, which has re- cently originated at St. Catharine's, Canada, and is very promising, both by reason of its beauty of appearance, excellent quality and fine size. It seems to be also hardy and productive. —Canadian Horticulturist. *fiE llii 'I I I BIOGRAPHY AND LITERATURE THE JOURNEY OF LIFE. We lie along in gay luxurious ease The full vine mantles o'er us, and our pillow Of mingled moss and flowers ; the hum of bees Sucking the dew of roses, and the willow Now hung in downy bloom, and clothed in yellow, Comes like a drowsy zephyr on the ear, And the clear-flowing fountain murmurs mel- low, And airy birds in mazy circles veer, And all seems fair and bright as some celestial sphere. Percival. Goethe and Belvedere. — Mr. C Forkert, Ocean Springs, Miss., writes :—" Meehans' Monthly, is always welcome, but the April issue, with the article and illustrations of Goethe's connection with the Gardens of Bel- vedere, is charming, and brings before the memory of the writer delightful pictures im- pressed long ago. The pictures are truthful presentations of the scenes. It is regarded as essential to the education of the best class of German gardeners that they spend some time in garden establishments such as this. In most of the establishments of the nobility in the Old World, are extensive glass houses where large specimens of oranges, Acacias, myrtles, Melaleucas, Eugenias, Azaleas, Cam- ellias, and such like are housed in tubs to form winter-gardens and to add to the pleasure ground an ornament in summer. Figs, coffee trees, and other plants of commerce afford in- struction with pleasure, and the one described by friend Rothe is one of the most renowned of these famous establishments in Fatherland. I desire to shake hands with Mr. Rothe, say 'adieu and please come again.' " Thomas Conrad Porter. — The death is announced of Dr. Thomas C. Porter, the well- known botanist and Professor in Lafayette College, Easton, Pennsylvania. He was born at Alexandria, Pennsylvania, January 22, 1822, and died on the 27th of April. He ranked as a high authority in the botanical field, as well as a broad student in most branches of natural (94) science. His great ambition was to publish a Flora of Pennsylvania, for which he devoted years in gathering material ; but though the State was ready to respond, no arrangement satisfactory to Dr. Porter could ever be made. He was the author of the first *' Flora of Color- ado," and of many other high class botanical papers. Dr. Torrey endeavored to honor him by naming a pretty genus of Lobeliacecp, For- terella, for him, — and botanists in many ways indicated their respect and regard. Aside from his scientific acquirements, he was a man of high culture, and had, to a great degree, the gift of poesy. In this line, his friends have often regretted that he did not give the muses freer rein. Dr. Porter may be classed among the great men of the past century, and his loss will be severely felt and not readily replaced. Notes on the Use of Nitrate of Soda. — This is a pamphlet, prepared by R. M. Winans, and published by John A. Myers, of 12 John Street, New York, apparently for free distribution. The value of nitrate of soda in pushing forward garden crops is well under- stood by practical men. This treatise gives valuable information in detail for the various kinds of vegetables, and will be a valuable guide to the cultivator. Ship Timber of the Ancients. — An Eng- lish paper says: — "Noah's Ark is generally supposed to be the earliest ship of which we have record ; but, says Engineering , there exist paintings of Egyptian vessels immensely older than the date, 2840 b. c, usually assigned to the Ark, being, indeed, probably between 70 and 80 centuries old. Moreover, there are now in existence, in Egypt, boats which were built about the period the Ark was constructed. These are, however, small craft, about thirty- three feet long, seven feet or eight feet wide, and two-and-a-half feet to three feet deep, rhey were discovered six years ago by the eminent French Egyptologist, M. J. de Morgan, in brick vaults near Cairo, and were probably • t. • 1901] MEEHANS' monthly-— GENERAL NOTES. 95 funeral boats. They are constructed of three- inch Acacia and Sycamore planks, dovetailed together and fastened with trenails. They have floors, but no ribs, and though nearly 5,000 years old, they held rigidly together after their supports had been removed. These boats may be considered side by side with the better-known, but much more modern. Viking ship, which is now to be seen in a shed at Christiania. This craft was discovered in 1880 in a funeral mound, so that we owe both these existing examples of extremely ancient ships to the funeral customs of countries so dissim- ilar as Egypt and Norway. ' ' The Sycamore, referred to, is probably a fig, Ficus Sycamorns—diXid. the Acacia is the Lebbek recently illustrated in Meehans' Monthly. As to the boats being older than Noah's Ark, that may be a question. The world is recorded at that time to have been densely populated as well as hugely wicked,— and must have had boats, certainly,— but when these millions of people met a watery grave, and were carried away so completely by the flood, that not one single skeleton has ever been found, it is hardly likely that any boats could have sur- vived even in a funeral vault or mound. Plums and Plum Culture. — By F. A. Waugh. Published by Orange Judd Co., New York. This work is devoted to plum culture east of the Rocky Mountains. The botanical classifications of the supposed spe- cies, and the groups under which they are arranged for cultural purposes, are fully ex- plained. Then we have the history and descriptions of the popular varieties, with illus- trations to enable the plum-culturist to iden- tify them. A chapter is devoted to the methods by which the plum is propagated,— and the comparative value of the various methods are discussed. Orchard planting and general culture are fully treated. The subject of pollination, not discussed in older pomolog- ical works, is also given a full chapter ; and the diseases of the plum receive special treat- ment, as well those following attacks as those which coming from fungus action— not " fun- gous," as Prof Waugh expresses it. These subjects are, in a measure, in their infancy, and one must pardon points made as positive facts that might possibly be questioned. When, for instance, we are told that the Curculio "punctures the skin of the plum with her snout, and, in the puncture, she lays her eggs," one might be tempted to ask, why she should take so much trouble when she could make one job of it by using her ovipositor in- stead of her snout. The book will be of much value to all taking a special interest in plum culture. Die Schoensten Tanden fur die Schmitt- BLUMEN,— UND Gartenflora.— Published by Gustav Schmidt, Berlin, Germany. Lovers of hardy garden flowers, who can read German, will appreciate this handsome work. It gives beautiful colored plates of hardy garden flowers and varieties, with a full page description of them. A novel feature is that the plates and description are on separate pages, and un- bound, though in paper covers, with four sub- jects to each part. As the work proceeds, the plates and text can be all arranged alphabeti- cally, as in a card catalogue. The Water Hyacinth in Florida.— It is thought that an effective method has been dis- covered for destroying the " Water Hyacinth" that grows so abundantly in the St. Johns River (Fla.) and its tributaries, and is such a great hindrance to navigation. The method employs a chemical preparation of secret com- position prepared in New Orleans. It is used by means of a spraying apparatus, and not only kills the plant, but disintegrates it, the residual material falling to the bottom. Winter Park, Fla. ThOMAS R. BaKER. [It is to be presumed that the discoverer of this preparation has satisfactorily proven that it will not harm the fish, which forms one of the principal foods in Florida. Cows— and even the provincial " razor-back hogs"— appear to have a method of destruc- tion all their own, as they wade along the edges of the stream, ravishly feeding on the Hyacinth and other water greens ; but they simply munch the tender, fleshy tops, while the roots remain, a black, fibrous mat. A few dried clumps of these roots, left on the shore by receding water and sun dried, recently attracted the writer's attention and a thought occurred that the green plants properly stacked and composted with sand and allowed to decay 96 MEEHANS' MONTHLY — GENERAL NOTES. [June \m I i 1 for a period would make an admirable fertilizer for cultivating the many plants which delight in a light but rich soil of a peaty nature. The plants could be collected by means of an adapted dredge, and the expensive work per- haps turned to profit. To an observer unaccustomed to the sight, the enormous quantities of the Water Hya- cinth floating and banking up along the rivers and in water nooks is very interesting in many ways ; while it proves such a dangerous nuis- ance and unwelcome sight to navigators in those waters. In groups, they cover areas of from less than a foot in diameter to acres in extent ; but the small groups frequently hold the greatest danger for the small boats. Logs or snags become concealed in the dense foliage and roots, and the wary pilot keeps clear of every stationary piece w^hich in running or tide water would indicate a dangerous obstruc- tion. A very light frost kills the tops of the Hyacinth but apparently without harming the roots.] plant does not yield potatoes, which are a result of the Ftisarium, This agrees with the observation of Clusius, who, long before Par- mentier introduced the potato into Europe, found it did not yield tubers at first. The soil, it seems, had not been invaded by the Fusariumy One might suppose that, when Raleigh brought the tubers from Virginia to England, the potato Fusarium came with them ; and, further, as they have species of this genus of fungus already abundantly in English earth, they did not soon find out they were as good at the w^ork as the fungus from Virginia. Weather Sayings.— A common saying, in the Eastern States, is that, if the Woodchuck or ground-hog, as the creature is indifferently called, comes out of its hole on the 2nd of February— Candlemas or Purification Day — and finds the sun shining, it would understand that it had started out six weeks too soon, and retire for that period. How these notions start, is always an interesting question. It w^as brought to our country from Germany, only the little badger, Ursus meleSy was the weather prophet. The coincidences between sun or shadow on the " ground-hog day," and the subsequent weather for six weeks, are often so curious as to make some people regard the matter seriously. Fungus as a Maker of Potatoes. — Many wonderful tales are told about the work of the lower orders of fungi, known as bacteria. We cannot live without them ; nor can we live long wi h them. It is becoming a hard case. According to a London newspaper : — " It was known that the roots are attacked by a fungus, the Fusarium, and when M. Bernard sowed potato seed in soil sterilized by this fungus he discovered that the roots had no potato tubers on them. It seems that the normal potato Ramie. — Australian papers say that the Ramie plant, Boehmeria niveau thrives so well in that part of the world, that cultivators are about to try it for fibre for lace-making pur- poses. That it will grow and produce delight- ful fibre, from w^hich articles as fine as cam- bric can be produced, is well-known in Amer- ica,— but no machinery for cleaning the fibre cheaply has been invented. Electric Currents in VhA:sTs.— Phytolacca electrica is the botanical name of a plant which is capable of giving electric shocks. When its stem is broken the hand receives a severe shock like that given by an induction coil. The true electric nature of this plant is proved by the influence it has upon the mag- netic needle, which is sensibly affected by it at a distance of six yards. Birds and insects alike avoid settling on it. The energy of its action is, says India?t Gardening, greater during the day than at night, and it increases to a marked degree in storms. It appears from the investigations of Wartmann that most plants show traces of electricity ; the currents are feeble in flowers, but in some fruits and grain they are very marked. Royal Digestion. — The truths of history are often taught in a funny way. King Henry VIII of England is said to have died from eating too many strawberries,— and the Em- peror Frederick of Germany, from eating too many cantaloupes. Numbers of small boys around our melon patches would laugh at these kingly stories if the owners would give them a free gorge over their tract. \ \^)i..Xi. Plate 7 I ! ) 111 l.iih Ini M^. 1 ,.ii« Mo.iit.ly I? I.'"™"!?*' • rilLoX M/VriATA PHLOX MACULATA. SPOTTED PHLOX. NATURAL ORDER, POLEMONIACEiE. PHLOX MACULATA Linn^us.-Flowcrs in a thyrsoid or oblong corymbose panicle. Stem roughish spotted with dark Du^D^e uDpt leaves ovate-lanceolate, acuminate ; lower ones linear-lanceolate. Darlington's Flora Cesi. tea Sec To'^GrayT^alr"//;^. Bo^a.v of ike NortHern United.Staies ; Chapman's Flora of ike Southern States ; Wood's Class Book of Botany, and Britton & Brown's Flora of the Northern United States and Canada. The Greek name for flame is phlox. Pliny, the old Roman writer on natural history, refers to a plant called Phlox ; but no one has been able to even guess at what plant was intended under this name. It was probably a garden plant, introduced from Greece ; but the old Greek herbalist, Dioscorides, makes no men- tion of it, nor is there any plant by this name known to the modern Greeks. With the exception of one species found just beyond our northwestern boundary, Phlox Sibirica, the genus is confined to the American continent, and, of course, could not have been known to the ancients. Indeed, the Phloxes, as we commonly know them, may be regarded as purely North American, for the Siberian species is but a minute, tufted, moss-like plant of about three or four inches height, and requires the eye of the botanist, rather than the popu- lar eye, to discover its family relationship. Though there are some thirty species recog- nized at the present time, there were only nine known when Linnaeus undertook the recon- struction of systematic botany. These were what we now know as Phlox paniculata, maculata, glaberrima, ovata, divaricata, subu- lata, setacea, and Sibirica before referred to— and, indeed, it seems to have been the first four— probably the first named— which are the parents of our modern garden Phloxes, that suggested to him the flame-like designation. Though the Plinian name was doubtless in his mind, it was the flower itself that suggested the application. Up to the time of the great father of modern botany, the species were classed with what we now regard as Gary- ophyllacecB, and related to Lychnis. Indeed, they were known as Lychnoides or LychnidecE'-' and, according to Don, the common name, in England, for the whole family up to this time, was Lychnidea. In fact, Linnaeus found Arenarias and Phloxes all mixed together, when he introduced his reforms. Dr. Dillen- ius, who, in 1732, published the Hortus Elthamensis, first shortened the name to Z^^/i- nidea—2:si^ one of our species. Phlox glaber- ritna, was sent by our early collector, Clayton, to Gronovius, as the Lychfiidea /lore rubente, foliis Melampyri. The subject of this chapter. Phlox maculata, appears to have been first made known to Linnaeus through his pupil, Peter Kalm, who collected it in 1749, and the specimens were probably made from localities from whence the material for our drawing was gathered. It is fc5r the same reason that Dr. Darlington's work has been selected for the main descrip- tion. Amidst so much that has to be gener- ally allowed for geographical variations, our picture may be regarded as representing the original type. It usually grows along the banks of water courses, where, in August, it plays an important part in beautifying the line. It is, however, often found in wet meadows. Florence Earle Coates describes a scene as "One spot of green, watered by hidden streams, Makes summer in the desert where it grows, ' ' —lines bringing forcibly to mind the spot where our specimen was gathered. The hay grass had been cut for hay on the higher levels, and the surface had been burned and browned by the July suns. A small tract, too wet by " hidden springs " for the mowers' task, had been left, and, in this " spot of green," Phlox maculata held high carnival. Pretty as it (97) % ■ . ♦ COLOR PLATE \0L.Xi Pl.ATK 7. Hi > [ PHLOX MACULATA. SPOTTED PHLOX. NATURAL ORDER, POLEMONIACE^. PHLOX MACULATA Linna^us-FIowcrs in a thyrsoid or oblong corymbose panicle. Stem roughish spotted with dark purple uppe; leaves ovate-lanceolate. acummate ; lower ones linear-lanceolate. ^-;»;«'-'^f ^^f '^^^ J" also Gray'sVawua/ of the Botany of the Northern United States ; Chapman's Flora of the Southern States ; Wood s Class Book of Botany, and Britton & Brown's Flora of the Northern United States and Canada. The Greek name for flame is phlox. Pliny, the old Roman writer on natural history, refers to a plant called Phlox ; but no one has been able to even guess at what plant was intended under this name. It was probably a garden plant, introduced from Greece ; but the old Greek herbalist, Dioscorides, makes no men- tion of it, nor is there any plant by this name known to the modern Greeks. With the exception of one species found just beyond our northwestern boundary, Phlox Sibirka, the ^enus is confined to the American continent, and, of course, could not have been known to the ancients. Indeed, the Phloxes, as we commonly know them, may be regarded as purely North American, for the Siberian species is but a minute, tufted, moss-like plant of about three or four inches height, and requires the eye of the botanist, rather than the popu- lar eye, to discover its family relationship. Though there are some thirty species recog- nized at the present time, there were only nine known when Linnaeus undertook the recon- struction of systematic botany. These were what we now know as Phlox paniaUata, maailata, glaberrima, ovata, divarkata, subu- lata, setacea, and Sibirka before referred to— and, indeed, it seems to have been the first four— probably the first named— which are the parents of our modern garden Phloxes, that suggested to him the flame-like designation. Though the Plinian name was doubtless in his mind, it was the flower itself that suggested the application. Up to the time of the great father of modern botany, the species were classed with what we now regard as Gary- ophyllacecB, and related to Lychnis. Indeed, they were known as Lychnoides or LychnidccB— and, according to Don, the common name, in p:ngland, for the whole family up to this time, was Lychnidca. In fact, Linnaeus found Arenarias and Phloxes all mixed together, when he introduced his reforms. Dr. Dillen- ius, who, in 1732, published the Hortus FJthamcnsis, first shortened the name to Zjr//- ;//^t'rtr— and one of our species, Phlox glabcr- rima, was sent by our early collector, Clayton, to Gronovius, as the Lychnidca Jiore riibente, foliis Mclampyri. The subject of this chapter, Phlox macnlata, appears to have been first made known to Linnaeus through his pupil, Peter Kalm, who collected it in 1749, and the specimens were probably made from localities from whence the material for our drawing was gathered. It is f(3r the same reason that Dr. Darlington's work has been selected for the main descrip- tion. Amidst so much that has to be gener- ally allowed for geographical variations, our picture may be regarded as representing the original type. It usually grows along the banks of water courses, where, in August, it plays an important part in beautifying the line. It is, however, often found in wet meadows. Florence Earle Coates describes a scene as ♦'One spot of green, watered by hidden streams, Makes summer in the desert where it grows, ' * —lines bringing forcibly to mind the spot where our specimen was gathered. The hay grass had been cut for hay on the higher levels, and the surface had been burned and browned by the July suns. A small tract, too wet by " hidden springs " for the mowers' task, had been left, and, in this " spot of green," LVilox viaculata held high carnival. Pretty as it (97) lLu\ MA( I L.\'!/\ I .1)1 |.>. M.-. I n-, .\t...ll|.lV ':» I.IVni.!>»' I COLOR PLATE \()i..Xl Pl.ATK '/. i I t f II.OX M;\( I I.. \l.'\ I. ,1*1 1... M.-. I .11-. .\(..,iililv';» l.1'i«iii;»' PHLOX MACULATA. SPOTTED PHLOX. NATURAL ORDER, POLEMONIACE^. PHLOX MACULATA I.inn^us -Flowcrs in a thyrsoid or oblong corymbose panicle. Stem rough ish spotted with dark nnrn1euDDt;eaveT ovate-lanceolate, acuminate ; lower ones linear-lanceolate. Darlington's Flora Cest.tca. See ro'GrayT^al::r.;;/r^^^^^ o/tHeNortHem UmUd States ; C^.^ru.n^s Flora of tne SontHern States ; Wood's Class Book of Botany, and Britton & Brown's Flora of the Northern United States and Canada. The Greek name for flame is phlox. Pliny, the old Roman writer on natural history, refers to a plant called Phlox ; but no one has been able to even guess at what plant was intended under this name. It was probably a garden plant, introduced from Greece ; but the old Greek herbalist, Dioscorides, makes no men- tion of it, nor is there any plant by this name known to the modern Greeks. With the exception of one species found just beyond our northwestern boundary, Phlox Sibirka, the o-enus is confined to the American continent, and, of course, could not have been known to the ancients. Indeed, the Phloxes, as we commonly know them, may be regarded as purely North American, for the Siberian species is but a minute, tufted, moss-like plant of about three or four inches height, and requires the eye of the botanist, rather than the popu- lar eye, to discover its family relationship. Though there are some thirty species recog- nized at the present time, there were only nine known when Linnaeus undertook the recon- struction of systematic botany. These were what we now know as Phlox panicidata, mamlata, glabcrrima, ovata. divaricata, sjibu- lata, setacea, and Sibirka before referred to— and, indeed, it seems to have been the first four— probably the first named— which are the parents of our modern garden Phloxes, that suggested to him the flame-like designation. Though the Plinian name was doubtless in his mind, it was the flower itself that suggested the application. Up to the time of the great father of modern botany, the species were classed with what we now regard as Cary- ophyllacecB, and related to Lychnis. Indeed, they were known as Lychnoidesox LychnidccB— and, according to Don, the common name, in England, for the whole family up to this time, was Lychiiidca. In fact, Linnaeus found Arenarias and Phloxes all mixed together, when he introduced his reforms. Dr. Dillen- ius, who, in 1732, published the Hortus Elthamcnsis, first shortened the name to Lych- nidca—7m^ one of our species, Phlox glaber- rima, was sent by our early collector, Clayton, to Gronovius, as the Lychnidca Jlore riibcnte, foliis Mclampyri. The subject of this chapter, Phlox maailata, appears to have been first made known to Linnaeus through his pupil, Peter Kalm, who collected it in 1749, and the specimens were probably made from localities from whence the material for our drawing was gathered. It is fdr the same reason that Dr. Darlington's work has been selected for the main descrip- tion. Amidst so much that has to be gener- ally allowed for geographical variations, our picture may be regarded as representing the original type. It usually grows along the banks of water courses, where, in August, it plays an important part in beautifying the line. It is, however, often found in wet meadows. Florence Earle Coates describes a scene as "One spot of green, watered by hidden streams, Makes summer in the desert where it grows, ' * —lines bringing forcibly to mind the spot where our specimen was gathered. The hay grass had been cut for hay on the higher levels, and the surface had been burned and browned by the July suns. A small tract, too wet by " hidden springs " for the mowers' task, had been left, and, in this " spot of green," Phlox maculata held high carnival. Pretty as it (97) • 1 . »■• COLOR PLATE TMTPKTTinxr A T QBrnMn P VPOST TR F. li til! Ji ill II ji 98 MEEHANS' MONTHLY— PHLOX MACULATA. [July appears in the picture, it gives tio idea of its V.)eauty in the meadow as presented on that bright summer day. Though closely related to Phlox paniculata, Phlox maculata has done nothing towards giving variety to the flower garden as its sister species has ; but there is considerable variation among individuals of the species, especially when growing in different geographical local- ities. Species have been suggested for some of them, and P. pyrajnidalis, P. reflexa and P. penduliflora appear among its synonyms. Indeed, the Phlox suaveolens of Aiton has commonly been regarded as not essentially different, and was reduced, by Michaux, to a marked variety under the name of Phlox maculata var. Candida, which reference seems to have been accepted by modern botanists. Michaux could onl\^ see that it did not grow so tall as the t3'pical species, had spotless stems, and bore white flowers. Nuttall, indeed, hardly considered it worthy of varietal importance. He says, in his Genera, ''Phlox suaveolejis is nowhere to be found wild, and appears to be nothing more than a white- flowered variety of Phlox maculata, probably raised from seed, as the spotted stem of P. macnlata is b}- no means invariable." It appears, however, that the original plant of the white form was sent by Bart ram to Peter Collinson, and undoubtedly sent as one of America's genuine wild flowers. Subsequent- Iv, Don notes, that Phlox suaveolens is " native from Canada to Virginia in meadows." The flowers, as the name implies, are somewhat sweet- scented ; but this property is found in the white- flowered forms of other species. Jacquin, who gives a verj' good picture of our plant in his Hortns Botanicns Viudebonensis (Vienna Botanic Garden), and describes the flowers as having a reddish-purple limb with .a violet tube, notes that they are also sweet- .scented. These points are referred to here, as the •study of variations has a new interest to botan- ists since theories of evolution have been pre- sented to us. Herbarium specimens show wide differences among specimens, and it is not at all impossible that permanent differences may yet be observed, elevating some of the forms to specific rank. That intermediate forms are found, may be said of many things conceded to be distinct. The distinctive character of the Phlox has always been striking to the European student of American wild flowers. Peter Collinson, over a century and a half ago. explaining to Bart- ram that Solander, who did much of the work on Aiton 's Hortns Kewensis, had neglected to report on some of Bartram's plants sent to him, says : "Dr. Solander is a strange, idle man. I cannot get thy spring specimens from him is the reason thou hearest nothing from me about them. It is wonderful to see the fertility of thy country in Phlox and Vibur- nums." The Phlox suaveolens was probably in this lot, as the date of its introducton to English gardens is fixed at about this time. It has been noted that, though the Plinian name Phlox is evidently of Grecian origin, the great writer on Grecian plants, Dioscorides, makes no mention of such a plant in his work. But though what Linnaeus has denoted as Phlox is a distinctively American family, had it been Grecian, Dioscorides would probably have overlooked it. He described plants from a medical standpoint. In special points of beauty Phlox maculata has many features of interest. The purple and green spotted stem, pretty as it appears within the unaided vision, is still more pleas- ing when examined under a pocket lens. The regularly-changing form of the leaves, from the root leaves to the floral bracts, is a good illustration of the law of harmony that the principles of beauty call for. The lower series are long and narrow, and taper gradually to a point. The successive series shorten and become gradually wider at the base. This tendency is more strongly emphasized from series to series, until the final result is an almost orbicular structure with an apiculate apex. The slender tubes of the corolla follow in the vSame line of development. I^ong and narrow at first, the broad and almost orbicular lobes of the limb are finally reached. As a specimen of variety and yet harmony in the productions of nature, few better illustrations could be afforded than in Phlox maculata. Dr. Asa Gray gives as its general locality and geographical range " rich woodlands and along streams " from north Pennsylvania to Iowa and Florida. Explanation of the Plate— 1. Lower portion of the stem of a plaut from Montgomery County, Pennsylvania. 2. Upper portion of the same flower stem. i \ \m WILD FLOWERS AND NATURE. ( t THE EVENING PRIMROSE. A tuft of evening primroses, O'er which the mind may hover till it dozes ; O'er which it well might take a pleasant sleep, But that 'tis ever startled by the leap Of buds into ripe flowers." Keats. Phlox maculata. — While considering the subject of Phloxes, particularly in connection with P. maculata, it is interesting to note that not one seems to have had any place either among the Indiail races or our own in the list of medical remedies. The family can claim credit for beauty onl}', and in no waj^ to the material wants of man. After all it may well be a question whether beaut}' in itself maj' not be classed among physical wants and medical remedies, and the Phlox ma}' have its useful office here. Educa- tion is more successful when conducted amid pretty surroundings than in uninviting build- ings - and flowers for the sick in the hospitals have been ranked among the best remedial measures. Appearance of the Katydid. — Mr. W. C. Egan, of Egandale, near Chicago, has kept a record of the hrst appearance of the Katydid on his grounds, for several years past, that may be useful for comparison elsewhere, and is otherwise interesting in showing the dates to be very similar each year : 1894- 1896 1897. 189^;- 1899- First heard, August ist. ■ " " July 29th. July 29th. August 3rd. July 28th. July 27th. t < ( t i ( < i White Bird'sfoot Violet.— A corre- spondent from Yadkin Valley, South Carolina, says : " Have you ever seen a pure white Viola pedata f I found several plants, a few days ago, growing in a group of the usual variety with a few parti-colored ones also." Habits of the Robin. — In the May number of Meehans' Monthly, the " Habits of the Robin " was of special interest to me, having witnessed the same thing described, a few weeks ago, with a few exceptions. The shades are all light yellow, and, while the robin pecked at the several windows under porch cover, she usually confined herself to one ; and, even when the windows were left open, she flew to the upper panes. When chased, she disappeared for a short time, only to re- turn and resume her peckings. Much to our surprise, after a few days' absence, she returned and has built her nest on the vines overhang- ing the front steps of the porch. Her mate has never been seen, and, undisturbed by the glare of the electric porch-light at night and the frequent passing of persons during the .lay, she remains quietly in her nest. She must know we love the birds. D. Germantown, Philadelphia. [In addition to what the lady records above, the writer of this was interested in watching a robin pecking at and tearing green maple leaves near its nest. Subsequently, it was seen on the ground, acting the same with immature green maple seeds — and then hopping around and tearing the fronds of maiden-hair ferns, and the leaves of other plants in pots. No use seemed to be made of this green -leaf- tear- ing piece of work ; and no explanation seems ready at hand.] The Bird's-foot Violet.— In Viola pedata, the Bird's-foot Violet, we have one of the hand- somest of the violet family. It is widely spread over the Atlantic coast territory of the United States — its bright blue flowers being among the earliest to welcome the advent df spring. The annexed engraving is from a photo kindly furnished by Mr. C. E. Pleas, of Chipley, Florida. It is so remarkably vigor- ous in that part of our country that Mr. P. styles it "variety ATagnifica.'' The name pedata gives the origin of the popular name of (99) r lOO MEEHANS' MONTHLY— WILD FLOWERS AND NATURE. [July 1901] MEEHANS' MONTHLY— WILD FLOWERS AND NATURE. lOI I i i » f 1 i ( ' ( Bird's-foot. Very common in Virginia is a form called, in the botanical books, Viola pedata var. bicolor ; that has the two upper petals of a velvety plum color as if it were a kind of pansy. Indeed, it is often known as the Pansy Violet. The peduncles are shorter than the leaves, and it is quite as well worthy of specific distinction as many other forms of violets. But it so happens that it was this particular variety that Linnaeus seems to have had in mind when he established the species, and, according to modern notions of strict conformity to the priority of names, regardless of consequences, it would be this blue form now illustrated that would have to get the new name. ^ Botanical Notes FROM Ontario. — A number of years ago, a very remarkable growth of a common weed plant was dug up near here from among the grass growing near a rail fence enclosing a cultivated field — i.e., an abnormal speci- men of Cynoglossum officinale. The in- stance alluded to, instead of the or- dinary numerous stalks or branches, had one enlarged stem from which the numerous flowers grew ; each flower, instead of being on a raceme, was attached to the main, column -like stem by a short peduncle. Just below the attachment, grew a small leaf (lance-ovate) where the bracts or stipules are usually situated. There was also a mass of immature flowers at the summit of the tall, gradually tapering (hollow) stem, which w^as about twenty-two inches high. To an observer, the suggestion was made that the major part of the leaf-substance had been converted into stem material from some accidental or inexplicable cause. The whole contour of the plant at once sug- gested a resemblance to the engravings one has seen in books of the celebrated Porcelain Tower of Nankin (China). If the cause of the abnormality w^as a bruise or wound, as from erosion of mice or insects, or from a stone bruise (as a heap of gathered boulders existed near to the spot where the plant grew), in some such way might "lesions" have been formed, as in the ordinary pro- cess of grafting and budding. (?) The essential bot- anical characters of the flowers were un- changed. It would seem that the chloro- phyll of the ordinary large leaves of the species had taken the form of stem substance o r fibre material. A portion of the stem of this "curio" is believed to be still among the books and papers of the writer of this. Occasional devia- tions of forms of plant growth, i n wild nature, termed "coalition" or "cen- tripetence," have been met with, by the present scribe, in dandelions and in* pasture thistles, that may be suggestive from a morphological or biological standpoint ; also peculiar growths of the common dandelion, whereby two or three scapes with their capitate heads of flowers have coalesced or been, as it were, " soldered together. " These instances are mostly met with on or at the edge of paths used by cattle or horses, etc., to a water sup- ply or on much frequented walks near to dwel- lings. An instance was lately found near here and a photograph taken of a coalescence in heads of Cirsium lanceolatiim ; and another BLUE BIRD'S-FOOT VIOLCT, VIOLA PCDATA. instance of unsymmetricality was seen in a group of the large garden Sunflower, //elian- thus atmuus, in which a number of ray or strap-shaped flowers grew in three lines (among the disc florets) radiating from the centre to the circumference of the large floral head ! There is much room for contemplation and commentary as to the cause and permanency of the peculiarly green striped and green " blotched" corollas of the white flowered Tril- lium. About three per cent, of the blossoms of this species are annually thus distinguished in this locality (71 erythrocarpum). Some instances are met with in which the flower is almost entirely green, the only white part being a thread-like line on the edge of the petals. It is believed that Mr. James Goldie, Sen., of Guelph, Ont., Canada, has a number of these Trilliums transplanted into his exten- sive arboretum at Guelph. A number of years ago, the writer of these lines met with a speci- men of (as it w^as believed) Trillium sessile that had the unusual peculiarity of the growth of a second edition of its flower from the centre of its first blossom — a prolongation of the floral axis from the pistil to the upbuilding of a second developed Trillium, stem and green leaf, as if for a second-story house ! This specimen was preserved during a number of years, but on account of few people around here taking interest in such objects, was ultimately' lost. In some of the books written by the evolu- tionist author. Grant Allen, it was surmised that the green-flowered Trilliums evinced a reverting to the ancestral tj'pe. Botanists of some local fame have occcasion- ally visited this district. Brant, Norfolk, and Oxford counties, Ont., Canada, and have asserted the region to be rich in its botanical wild garniture. The following rather rare plants have been gathered by some of the collectors referred to : Viola pedata, Castilleia (Painted Cup), Col- linsia verna, Gillefiia trifoliata (Bowman's root), Sabbatia concinfia, Cheirolirium luteuni, LithosperfHum canescens, and L. hirtiim, three species Gerardia, Asclepias tuber osa, Menis- permum Canadense, Linncea borealis, Gentiana crinita, and G. Andrewsii, Comptonia aspleni- folia (Sweet Fern Shrub), Potentilla fruticosa, ' Cercis Canadensis (now rare). Cypripediums and orchids in variety. Three or four species of Lobelia, Nyssa, Diervilla. Dodder (one species). Many interesting species of wild flowers and shrubs are disappearing because of the defores- tation, swamp draining, cattle roaming, til- lage, and bush fires. Many curious instances of albinism in flowers and foliage have been noted in the course of years, — and one species of Lobelia, i. e. spicata, has been occasionally found twining around taller herbs, as the Solidago. Hatchley, Ontario. Wm. YATES. [The writer of this has shown that, laying aside the conception of phytons or rudimen- tary plants in vegetable structures, every individual cell is capable of becoming a fully organized plant. In the trunks of many trees, young branches are often formed, originating directly from germinating cells fed by the material in the alburnum. A tree is a republic or organization of cells in which a portion of the individual power is sacrificed for the sake of union. A fasciated stem is, therefore, but a case where the power of union has been w^eakened, and a number of cells start off* on an effort to make individual establishments for themselves. The whole of our correspond- ent's notes afford excellent points for consider- ation by those interested in vegetable morphol- ogy, which, indeed, is one of the most attrac- tive departments of botany, — and of peculiar value in garden culture.] Defective Silver Maple Seeds. — It 'lias long been known to nurserymen and others accustomed to tree seeds, that the samara of the Sugar Maple rarely has but the one perfect carpel. The seeds are in pairs, and, if one of each pair is perfect, it is thought a good sample. Occasionally both are good, but this is quite exceptional. The Silver and the Red Maple behave differently, a defective carpel being a rare occurrence. This season, however, the Silver Maple in this section has behaved in an unwonted manner. Instead of two perfect seeds, one is entirely barren, in a large num- ber of instances — in fact, has not formed beyond the merest embryo. Just why this is and why the one carpel of the Sugar Maple should be usually barren, though formed, I am unable to say. The winter past was an exceed- ingly trying one on trees and shrubs, and may it be that the trees are less vigorous in conse- MMMb 102 MEEHANS' MONTHLY — WILD FLOWERS AND NATURE. [July ! .1 Mtoib9| ^ i t'^^ ■ --^- ^ • -m m .4 .m: mmif- ,._.i^±y--^-' , MAGNOLIA TRIPCTALA. diseased and twenty-four completely dead trees were noted on June loth, within an area of about one-and-a-half acres. A few were at- tacked in the Forest in the summer of 1899, but it was not till this year that the disease appeared in such a destructive form. On Chislehurst Common, Hayes Common, and Keston Common no signs of the disease were evident in the earl}' summer, but now dead or diseased trees may be found in great numbers. Trees attacked in a similar manner occur at Walton-on-Thames, by the canal between Wey- bridge and Woking, at Lewisham, and at West- erham. The disease is probabl}' due to a micro fungus, Mela?ico?iis stil- bostoma, TuL, for it ap- pears on the branches of both living and dead trees. The diagnosis of the disease is almost pre- cisely that of [ ^alsa oxy- stoma, described as the destroyer of Alntis viri- dis, in some parts of the Tyrol. It would be in- teresting, says Mr. R. Paulson in Nature, to know if any readers have observed the disease in the Midlands or in the North of England." > - v ' "T-fK ^ '^'''"DIliiiiM •»,*.«>v its varieties dying from some cause not as yet clearly known. Trees of half a century or more old, and apparently in perfect health hitherto, may die in a single season. It appears to have come to us from the Old World. The London Jourfial of Horticulture says : '•In Epping Forest, and in other districts around London, birch trees have been attacked during the late summer bv a disease which causes them to die very rapidly. In a portion of the Forest known as Lord's Bushes, thirteen Relative Beauty of Horse-chestnut Flow- ers. — Individually, all the horse-chestnut spe- cies and varieties under cultivation have attract- ive flowers ; yet some do not seem to show as well as others, and are rather inferior. Meehans' Monthly would be glad to record the observations of its readers in this connection. The Virginian Creeper. — The Virginian Creeper, Ampelopsis qiiinquefolia, has, in some measure, been overshadowed by its relative from ]dipdin— Ampelopsis I 'eitchii. The latter clings so forcibly to walls, and has such a well-shaven appearance, that nothing better could be de- sired for that special purpose. The native spe- 1901] meehans' monthly — GENERAL GARDENING. i<^5 1 1 cies has a weight to bear in its heavy foliage and dense blossom branches, and is liable to be torn from its support in violent storms. On the other hand, the American species can occupy important places in landscape garden- ing that the Asiatic species could not fill, and its merits in this respect should not be over- looked. In the grounds of the Luxembourg, near Paris, the Empress Josephine, who had a fine taste for the beautiful in garden affairs, arranged a number of them to be sus- pended from tree to tree as festoons, with a very fine effect. These were admired by the writer many years ago, and are probably in existence yet. The past season, one was met with that had been em- ployed to form the roof and drapery of an arbor. The annexed illustra- tion represents it. It not only served the purpose of a cool and otherwise grateful shade, but was so lo- cated as to form a pretty connecting link b e- tween nature and art in the landscape, which the garden artist is ever on the alert to es- tablish. Intheautumn, when dressed in its highest colors, the effect must have been beautiful to the highest degree. yard, across the street from where I live. It is over twelve feet tall and, in its widest spread of limbs, ten feet in diameter. When in bloom, it is rather disappointing, for its mist}^ appearance is rather mythical and takes a very imaginative person to build up the mist or smoke which seems to exhale from its ter- minal branches. However, it is a nice, clean shrub, free from all insect pests. I believe it could be improved by having its misty bloom enlarged, still retaining its purple fringe. It does seem that a great big shrub like this ought to have a larger load to carry— some- thing weightier than froth. F. K. STEELE. AMPCLOPSiS VIRGINICA ON SUMMER HOUSE. Rhus Cotinus. — The Rfuis Cotinus has many synonyms. It seems that the more names some plants have, the more popular they become, as, take for example, some of the European grapes — Roj^al Muscadine, White Muscat of Alexandria, etc. By the way, the Royal Muscadine or Chasselas grows and thrives w^ell in ^laryland ; I grew it there for a number of years, and it did better with me than the Catawba. Returning to my Rhus, it is known under the names of Smoke-tree, INIist- tree. Purple-fringe and Mountain Ash. I do not believe there is one man in a thousand who knows it under its proper name of sumach. One of these shrubs grows in a neighbor's MEW ©1 li^lE FLi^lMTS. Viola cucullata, "Pink Gem."— The Pink Violet is a decided novelty, varying from all others in having fine pink flowers. It grows about the same height as the other violets and blooms profusely. It is a variety of V. cucullata. This plant w^as discovered by Mr. Jos. Meehan, along the banks of the Wissahickon, and is, as yet, little known, Erica vagans.— When it was first thought desirable to test the hardiness of members of the heath family in America, the first thought INTENTIONAL SECOND EXPOSURE ro6 MEEHANS' MONTHLY — GENERAL GARDENING/ [My 111 ii ! r I \\\ h was for the heather of Great Britain, Callujia vulgaris, as the species naturally the most northern of all. Several others were intro- duced, but with little hope of success. Side by side, for many years past, Erica vagans has grown and flourished, on the grounds of the conductors, with no difference in their hardi- ness. The past winter was remarkable for the destruction of evergreens in the vicinity. ERICA VAGANS. Not within the memory of the oldest inhabi- tant has there been such a wide range of injury. Strange to say that while the northern heather has been browned as have been some of the hardiest of our natives, Erica vagans, though its native locality is said to be confined to the Mediterranean region, has been wholly unin- jured. It has a much more delicate and really heath-like character than the ordinary heather, as the annexed illustration indicates. It came originally to America as E. vagans capita ta, — the head of flowers being slightly more dense or capitate than the normal form. TME M^I^ID^Y fLOWEl % with its additional new machinery equipments of every description necessary, is a great success, and is crushing up the cassava roots to beat the band. It chews up thirty tons per day, and there is food enough for it up to April. The factory is a perfect success. It is turning out as fine starch as was ever manufactured, or such is the opinion of many persons who are good judges. A full solid car of this starch was sent off* last week to market, and another will be sent oft this week. It takes about three days to get the finished article after the roots go into the grinder. The Seminole Manufacturing Com- pany, owners of this magnificent plant, have put $70,000 in this business, and every citizen of DeLand is indeed pleased that the company is succeeding so well and is, so far, satisfied with the investment. The company pays $6.00 per ton for the cassava root, and the money is yours as soon as the root is delivered. An acre of land will produce in cassava roots from five to ten tons, according to its strength and the fertilizer used. The sand lands about De Land are admirablj' adapted to its success- ' ful cultivation, and without fertilizer will grow from four to six tons per acre, and it can be grown with less labor than growing a crop of corn. One man can plant, care and gather from a twenty-acre field, and can very easily clear $500 per year from it with no fertilizer. When this can be done there is no occasion for hard times. The company had five hundred acres in the past year, and will plant a larger acre- age this year. ' * Cassava is, botanically, Jatropha Manihot, a plant of the Euphorbiaceous or Milkwort family. BIOGRAPHY AND LITERATURE. FAIRY FLOWERS. Next morning, while he passed the dim-lit woods. Himself beheld three spirits mad with joy. Come dashing down on a tall wayside flower. That shook beneath them, as the thistle shakes When* three gray linnets wrangle for the seed. Tennyson. What is a Kindergarten ? — By Geo. Hansen, Berkeley, California. The literal meaning of kindergarten is a child's garden. Mr. Hansen's little book is quite original in the literary world. It is a book of but seventy- two pages, and is devoted to plans and details for working out gardens for children ; and the information is so condensed, that an ordinary book-maker could have spread it out over several hundred pages. Any one would will- ingly pay a dollar and a half for what they get here for half the price. We should like to see the little book in everybody's hands where children have to receive instructive pleasure. Famous English Trees.— An English paper says : * 'Admirers of Sir Walter Scott will be in- terested to know that the famous trysting oak in Harthill-walk, in this country, mentioned in *Ivanhoe,' and beneath the boughs of which so many stirring scenes were enacted, has at last come to the ground. Scott himself refers to the tree as ' venerable ; * and, as we may suppose that this epithet was appropriate in the days of Coeur de Lion, it would be difficult to find in England a more antiquated trunk than that which now lies near the scene of its youthful glory. The Duke of Leeds is the owner of the land about Harthill, and we {Liverpool Post) are informed that it is the intention of his agent, Mr. W. Mosey, to pre- serve the relic, have it suitably inscribed, and, with.no little ceremony, plant a young tree on the spot. It is very probable that the Duchess of Leeds, who, as the authoress of ' Capric- cios,' has become known in the literary world, will interest herself in the matter. The old tree, by the way, was the headquarters of Wamba, the Jester, the son of Witless ; Gurth, the thrall of Cedric the Saxon ; Locksley, the wonderful archer, and other characters in the immortal romance. From it the letter of defiance was indited to Front de Boeuf, ' signed by us upon the eve of St. Withold's Day under the great trysting oak in Harthill-walk. The above, written by a holy man. Clerk to God, Our Lady, and St. Dunstan, in the Chapel of Copmanhurst.' According to Scott, the tree was but three arrow-flights from Torquilstone '" Castle, a place which figures largely in * Ivan- hoe,' but of w.hich no traces now exist." Observations on the Colors of Leaves. — Supplement to a former paper on the colors of flowers, by E. Williams Hervey, New Bed- ford, Mass. Some time since, an abstract of Mr. Hervey 's views appeared in Meehans* Monthly on the origin of color in flowers, especially in regard to what are fancifully termed honey guides. Mr. H.'s facts were valuable. As to the interpretation of these facts, admirers of the ••environment" theory quarrel, like doctors, among themselves. In this supplement, Mr. Hervey defends himself against the attacks of his fellow laborers, adding some facts in connection with the color- ing .of leaves as well as flowers. Beautifying Town Gardens. — Under the National League of Improvement Associations, much good work has been done in inaugu- rating parks, beautifying public gardens, and even in the improvement of private grounds. What has recently been successfully accom- plished is well told in a prettily illustrated booklet prepared by Jessie M. Good. Copies may be had for 15 cents by addressing the lady at the office of the ••Home Florist," Springfield, Ohio. The Garden Book. — Published by the Farmer Company, Market Street, Philadelphia. This can scarcely be called a booklet, though (109) t no MEEHANS' MONTHLY — BIOGRAPHY AND LITERATURE. [July ill but in paper cover, as it comprises 190 pages and is profusely illustrated. It relates mainly to vegetable culture and the insects and diseases that infest them. With some practi- cal knowledge to start with and a handbook like this the title might well be * * Gardening Made Easy. ' ' SiLiciFiED Wood. — The subscriber lately fell in with a young man who says that he dug up, near the east bank of the Delaware, opposite Kensington, a pine tree twenty-five feet long from under a clay bank sixty feet deep. The tree was in part cut up into hones (a kind of fine whetstone). C. W. G. Mcrchantville, N. J. Arboriculture and Sylviculture.— It is of great importance that, in talking with each other, both parties should have the same mean- ing to the words in use. The words Arboriculture and S^'lviculture are variousl}' understood. Dr. John Giffbrd, in an address before the New Jersey Horticultural Society, says: "Arboriculture treats of the growing of trees for any purpose whatever. Sylviculture treats only of trees in the form of forests." This should be a good definition, but it is questionable whether Michaux, Nut- tall, Sargent, and others who are eminent in the literature of trees used the word Silva in the limited sense of a forest. And, indeed, both terms are often employed without an}* re- lation to culture at all. This confusion is apparent in many lines, and Dr. GifFord has done good service by this illustration of confusion in language. Nurserymen's Names. — An English author laments that the nurserymen of his country still doggedly continue to use the botanical names employed by Don, Loudon and others, though it has been clearly shown that there are other names which, under the *' rules of prior- ity," ought to have been adopted by these well known writers. But surely the English nurserymen ma}' plead for mercy as against justice in a case like this. The nurseryman should not suffer because a good man went wrong. The names of Don and Loudon have entered into the commerce of the world, and to change his catalogue names annually, how- ever justly it may be proved he should do under botanical rules, would drive the nur- seryman's business to endless confusion. There would be as much difficulty in filling orders as he now finds under the numerous common names. Now he is under continual reproof. " You have sent me the dog flower instead of the cat plant I ordered," writes one, and another declares, "Instead of the 'Blue as Blazes,' I received the ' Devil in the Bush.'" He finds botanical names his onl}' safety. We can all admire the heroism of the man who can stand still and have his head knocked off " because it was so nominated in the bond." Even Shylock had to admit that his pound of flesh must go. So all of us grant that the "law of priority" ought to prevail in plant names ; but in view of the inevitable confu- sion that must arise from its enforcement, we can only hope that some botanical Portia will turn up in time, so that the poor nurseryman may not lose his " blood" as well as his "flesh" by the changes. The New Rhubarb Culture. — By J. E. INIorse, New York. Published by the Orange Judd Company. Few have an idea of the ex- tent and importance of rhubarb culture in our country. By judicious methods of forcing, it can be had through most of the winter season, and, in this line, it has become one of the profitable industries. This little book of 130 pages gives the methods of forcing in full detail, as well as the out-door culture and the various economic uses to which rhubarb may be put. There is one remarkable omis- sion. In the earlier pages we are told that new forms were first introduced by hybridiz- ing various species, but in the chapter on Seed and Seed-raising there is not one word as to the process. For our part, we never heard of any one attempting to raise hybrids. Influence of Forcing on the Color of Flowers. — Mr. Edwin Lonsdale, Wyndmoor, Pa., calls attention to an interesting fact relat- ing to the color of forced lilac flowers. Chas. X. is the name of a light purple lilac used very extensively for forcing for decorations about Easter-tide ; but in such a state it is pfire white. To see the same variety blooming naturally out of doors, it is difficult to realize the transformation. The question arises, What causes the great change? GENERAL NOTES Making Lithographs. — A correspondent suggests that it would* interest man 3- readers of Meehans' Monthly to know how the beautiful Prang pictures given regularly in the magazine are made. In the first place, a water-color drawing from the plant has to be made. There are many artists who are not botanists, and bota- nists who are not artists. The painter employed by Messrs. Prang & Co., Mr. Alois Lunzer, is skilled in both, and the products are representations of flowers not excelled in any part of the world. In making a reproduction, the lithographic artist to whom it is intrusted begins by tracing an outline of the painting in all its details on a transparent sheet of gelatine ; this outline is transferred to a stone from which impressions may be taken. The next step for the artist is to analyze the picture in its various tints and shades, and to determine exactly the colors he will have to use for a perfect facsimile. Having done this he knows how many plates are needed for his work, as each other requires a separate plate ; and now he transfers on these plates the outline of which we have spoken, in red or blue chalk, for the purpose of guiding him in drawing the colors exactly wherever the picture requires them The colors in the various plates are mostly superimposed, and by educated skill and judgment all the hun- dreds of fine gradations of tints and shades which can be observed in the finished pictures are thus obtained by comparatively few color- plates. The stone which serves best for this purpose is called Lithographic Stone, and is so far quarried to perfection only at Solenhofen, in Bavaria, where (at Munich) the art of Lithography was invented by a German, Alois Senefelder, in the year 1796. The crayon used is called Lithographic Crayon, the composition of which is mainly a fatty soap colored with lampblack. The ink used is called Litho- graphic Ink, in composition very similar to the cra\'on, and rendered fluid by dissolving it in water. After the artist has finished one plate in all its gradations, it undergoes a process of fixing by an acidulated solution of gum arabic, which causes a chemical combination of the soap in the crayon with the stone, makes it insoluble in water, and at the same time covers all the blank spaces of the plate with a skin of gum arabic impermeable io oil. The advantage of this will be readily understood when we know that the printing-ink, be it black or colored, consists mainly of boiled linseed oil as a vehicle for the color, and that this ink is spread with a roller over the perfectly flat sur- face of the plate to be printed. During the process of printing, this perfectly flat printing- plate is kept damp with a wet sponge or roller, the water of which is retained by the blank spaces of the plate only, while the ink, in rolling up, is repelled by the wet parts of the stone, but attracted by the parts that are drawn with the fatty crayon. In this way we can charge a plate with colored ink exactly in all the parts where it is wanted by the artist, and m the degree of strength as drawn. If the blank parts of the plate had not been covered with a skin of gum arabic, the oil of the ink would, in spite of dampness, soon find its way into the grain of the stone, and inevitably spoil the printing-plate for further use. The first color-plate being thus prepared, goes into the proof-press, and artist's proofs are taken in the color desired. This serves the artist as a guide for his judgment in drawing the succeeding plate, which, when finished, is again proved, first on a white sheet of paper, next on the sheet already covered with the preceding color, and so on, from plate to plate until the work is complete. Of course we cannot attempt here a full description of all the technical details of the lithographic art it would be even undesirable to do so, as the reader who does not care to become a practi- (rii) i III ii n t 112 MEEHANS' MONTHI.Y — GENERAL NOTES. [July tioner would only get confused by such details. The general principles of the process and the main lines of proceeding are given, sufficient- ly, we hope, to make it understood. After the proof has been finished to the artist's satisfac- tion, the edition is started on the Steam Litho- graphic Press. The question is usually asked, how the nice-' fitting register of plate after plate is brought about, so as to avoid even a blur of expression when, as in faces and e>es of children's heads, quite a number of colors are superimposed. This is in reality a very simple mechanical process, and at the same time the most per- plexing to the printer. There are various ways by which this reg- ister maybe secured, but the simplest, and the one we employ, consists in trimming the edges of the sheet to be printed perfectly square, and in feeding it to the printing press with the lower and the right-hand edge against a permanent gauge, thus enabling the printer to get it every time exactly on the same spot on the press, no matter how often he may have to repeat that operation. The printing-plate for each color has to be adjusted in the press so as to meet the sheet exactly where desired ; and if this plate is thoroughly fixed, and the press in good order so as to prevent all unsteady motion, and the feeder sure of hand, the work will proceed to satisfaction. But there is one element of trouble which we can- not control, and which is the source of mad- dening trials to the printer, alas, too often. Paper is very hygrometric, i. e. , susceptible • of being influenced by the humidity in the atmosphere. Even the best paper will stretch in passing from a dry to a moist air, and vice versa y and with the rapidly changing condi- tions in our atmosphere, the sheets become too often so lively during the process of printing, that not only the temper of the printers is sorely tried, but a whole edition may have to be given up as a sacrifice to the elements. Much might be said about the perfect grind- ing and mixing of the printi*ng-inks, the exact matching of tone and strength of color, the keeping of the required tone throughout an entire edition, where a slight variation in this respect in the course of many different impressions would spoil the whole, but these ' are matters not relating to the elucidation of the process. We will only say in closing, that the deeper, stronger and richer the original to be repro- duced is painted, the more color-plates will be required to obtain a perfect facsimile. The colored plate in the March number of the Monthly required thirteen color-plates. Huckleberries. — The huckleberry crop is a godsend to the families of coal miners in the vicinity of Hazleton, Pa , returning to them between $40,000 and $50,000 every year during the months that the season lasts. In what is known as the Diamond addition of Hazleton, one of the handsomest blocks of buildings is the property of a miner's widow, who was left penniless with three small children, all girls,, ten years ago. The block was built and paid for entirely by the proceeds from the sale of huckleberries picked by the widow and her three children. The huckleberry pickers of that region are chiefly the wives and children of the Hun- garian miners and Italian laborers. An Italian woman can pick easily forty quarts a day, which, averaging the season through, is equiva- lent to $2. 00 earned. Between the hours of 10 and 11 o*clock in the forenoon the berry pickers begin to come in from the hills, every vessel overflowing with the wild fruit. Dealers, to expedite the business, meet the pickers with wagons at convenient points, where the berries are pur- chased and paid for in cash on the spot. The average price is five cents a quart. Huckleberry picking in that region has an accompaniment not familiar to other districts, it is said. Little dogs that form part of the huckleberrying outfits go to the mountains with the pickers by the score. These dogs have an important duty to perform and they do not hesitate in the performance of it. In- deed, they seem to thoroughly enjoy it. Their duty is to hunt out and kill the rattlesnakes and copperhead snakes that are numerous on the huckleberry barrens, and warn the pickers of the proximity of the venomous reptiles. The earnings of the Hungarian and Italian families at picking huckleberries in this part of the coal region will range from $100 to $200 each, according to the number and skill of the pickers. Nearly a million quarts, it is believed, were picked and disposed of in the Hazleton market alone this year.— Gz///. Fruit Groiver. \()i..Xl. Plate 8 I ( t_ ITl.s IXCl.s;. I "li !"■ M. -I » M..UII.IV •> I I'r.ii. ;.•»<•. VITIS INCISA. WAX-LEAVED GRAPE. NATURAL ORDER. VITACEi^. ViTis INCISA, Nuttall.— Leaves trifoliate, thick and somewhat fleshy ; leaflets i^cisely toothed or lobed, cuneate at the base; flowers tetrandrous and tetrapctalous ; berry globose-obovate, one-celled', one seeded. Torrey and Gray's Flora of North America. See also Chapman's Flora of the Southern United States ; Young's Flora of Texas. One of the pleasures the lover of wild flowers enjoys is the recollections connected with the first meeting with some rare plant in its native home. The beautiful and interesting plant now presented is a good illustration of this. It was the privilege of the author of this chapter to make botanical collections in the Indian Territory over a quarter of a century ago, and his first meeting with this plant was on the banks of the Arkanas River, near Fort Gibson, where it was climbing over low bushes. Its thick, shiny, waxen leaves gave the whole mass a very unique effect. It was a pleasant trip, bringing the collector into con- tact for the first time with the comparatively civilized Indian tribes of Creeks, Cherokees, and Choctaws. The roots were found to be tuberous, and a small one of the size of that represented in the plate was brought home for the WTiter's garden, where it has remained to this day, continually bringing to mind pleasant incidents in the collecting trip. It is from that plant that the drawing was made. It was first seen, by the celebrated Thomas Nuttall, in the early part of the century, and, probably, in the same vicinity where the plant now illus- trated was collected. What became of his specimen is not known. But he intended to describe it under the name here given, and the name with the specimen was adopted by Torrey and Gray in the work quoted at the head of the chapter, w^ith due credit to " Nuttall's manuscript." To Nuttall, as well as to the writer, the trip to this region must have been a very enjoyable one. The cost of the journey was borne by Collins, Haines and a few other members of the newly-founded Academy of Natural Sciences of Philadelphia, and amount- ed to but a few hundred dollars, — not more than enough to carry one on a trip of a few weeks to the same region and back from New York or Philadelphia in these days, — yet, after a year of exploration, he writes back to his patrons that his money is not nearly exhausted, and asks leave to stay with it over another year. As a matter of fact, little is yet known of it outside of the territory in which Nuttall first discovered it. It was subsequently found in Texas, by Lindheimer, Leavenworth, Wright, and Hall,— and is noticed by Engelmann in Dr. Wizlizenus' report, — and Schott collected it at Santa Magdalena, Sonora, as noted in the Report of the Mexican Boundary Commission. Though the author of this chapter has had occasion to examine the collections of travel- lers, he has met with no specimen from either within or without these boundaries. It would seem to be somewhat of a rare plant, even within its own native locality. Botanists differ in opinion as to whether Vitis, Cissus, and Atnpelopsis, should be re- garded as distinct genera, or only subsections, employing Vitis to cover the whole. In Vitis, the petals are somewhat united, and are dis- charged from service in the form of a little cap, covering, for a while, the growing berry. In Cissiis, the petals are distinct, as shown in our picture, that should be a Cissiis. With the difference of opinion, however, that has been already referred to, the plant has been repre- sented under the name by which it was origi- nally introduced, though the general appear- ance would suggest some distinction from the usual forms of the members of the grape vine or Vitis family. Those w^ho love to study the behavior of plants, and how nature proceeds in the pro- cess of a plant's manufacture, from the sprout- (113)' ^\ OR PLAT (I Ilij l.ll, \(iL.; !■ I.ATP' 8 ^' <^' SARRACE.IMIA FLAVA. shows the appearance of this curious pitcher plant, in its native home in Florida. The family is believed to have been evolved from some other form of plant after insects appeared on the terrestrial scene and, with a liking for animal food, proceeded to adapt itself to trap and eat them. Certainly, if we take one species by itself, the arrangements appear to be clearly the result of adaptation. But this leaves the various forms of pitcher plants still to be accounted for. How much better adapted, for instance, is this long, weak-stemmed species to insect - catching or insect -eating than the. short, sturdy huntsman's cup of the Northern States ? Habits of the Robin. — Mr. W. C. Egan says, on page 67, that his female robin pecks on the window three times when the shades are green. One of the habits of all robins on the ground, when hunting for worms in the early spring, on a green lawn, is to peck on the ground several times, when, lo and behold! an earthworm puts its head out of the ground, as if to see who is knocking at the door, when Mr. or Mrs. Robin gobbles it up. This I have known for a long time. After pecking on the ground, the robin waits a while, and if the w^orm is not at home, it moves onward to another worm-cast and repeats the operation. Another correspondent remarks upon the ' ' supposed return of birds to their old loca- tions." With the Black Martin, there is no supposios about it. This is settled for all time, in the writer's practical experience. A Black Martin male with a white feather in its wing comes back every spring to the box I have in my yard. The sexes are not ex- actly equal. Many of the male Martins have several wives, and it is often the case with the English Sparrow. Where there is a pre- ponderance of females, polygamy is practiced. This is the case with the Bob White or Par- tridge and Quails. There are no "old bachelor" birds. They are alwa5's in demand. F. K. S. Petals Changing to Stamens.— A speci- men of Tartarian Honeysuckle, sent by Miss Bessie Putnam, of Harmonsburg, Pa., has the lobes of the corolla in some of the flowers transformed into anthers. It was by noting transformations like these in plants generally that gave rise to the science of morphology. The fact has now been demonstrated that in an early stage of the individual the various organs of a plant have not been definitely determined. The conception is that leaves, flowers, and fruits are essentially leaf-blades. I GENERAL GARDENING. THE SWEET PEA. Here are Sweet Peas, on tiptoe for a fight. With wings of gentle blush o'er delicate w^hite; And taper fingers catching at all things To bind them all about with tiny rings. Gardeners' Chronicle. Value of Fungicides. — The value of fun- gicides in preserving the foliage and fruit ot trees is now so well understood, that, in very man}' gardens, their use is looked on as an essential part of the work connected with them. Not only are they of value in the fruit garden, ensuring a crop of fruit by the preser- vation of the foliage, but, in the case of orna- mental trees, the leaves of which are liable to be disfigured or destroyed by blights, spraying is highly beneficial. Roses, planes, lilacs and horse-chestnuts come to mind as subjects generally preyed on by fungi of various kinds. One or two sprayings of a seavSon would suffice. What should be remembered in connection with this is, that a good spraying or two this season will lessen the necessity of doing it the next. The foliage which falls to the ground from trees not sprayed is full of live spores, which start afresh on their work of destruction as soon as new leaves bud forth in spring. But sprayed foliage does not contain breeding beds, and thus a tree sprayed a year or two in suc- cession, will hardly need attention for some years following, — indeed, cases are known where trees which were annually defoliated by blights and were afterwards well sprayed for two or three years became so free from attack, that no spraying whatever was needed for several years thereafter. J. M. Germantown, Phila. Large English Gardens.— In the Old World, a gardener is often a person of great responsibility, and requires a breadth of intel- ligence more varied than in, probably, many professions. Welbeck Abbey, for instance, the seat of the Duke of Portland, has a garden that is ten miles in circumference. The vegetable garden alone occupies 32 acres. There is a sunken garden, ten feet below the normal level of the ground, that occupies two acres, and re- quires an immense number of bedding plants to fill them. The glass houses on the place for the growth of flowers, fruits, and vege- tables strike a casual observer as constitut- ing a village rather than as adjuncts to a private gentleman's mansion. The whole 32 acres is enclosed by walls on which fruit trees are trained. One structure for stove and green- house plants is 300 feet long, and of consider- able breadth. A house in which figs, peaches and strawberries are forced for winter and early spring forcing is 270 feet long. There are a large lumber of houses especially devoted to 0:e grape vine— one wholly to the plant under pot culture. A glass front to a wall on which peaches and nectarines are trained is a quarter of a mile long. Another wall-house devoted to apricots and plums is also a quarter of a mile. There are houses for forcing tomatoes, others for cucumbers, and others especially for carnations, roses, and similar florists' flowers for cutting. In the out-door fruit garden is an arch-trellis on which fruit trees are trained 720 feet in length. For all the varied attainments required to oversee such an immense establishment, it is said that the incumbents usually manage things like clock-work. The London Gardeners' Chrofiicle, from which these facts are gathered, gives great praise to the present gardener, Mr. J. Roberts. Painting Tree Wounds.— Months ago, I suggested that, where large limbs were removed from trees in March, the knots were very liable to rot and thereby weaken the trees. My observations which led me to this conclusion were mostly on apple trees. Recently return- ing home, after an absence of a few months, I find a copy of Meehans' Monthly in which it is contended that the knots of large limbs re- moved in March will not rot if the wounds (T17) 1 1 !!! I \\ wt. ii8 MEEHANS' MONTHLY — GENERAL GARDENING. [Aug. are well painted. This is contrary to my idea, v which is that the decay is caused by internal moisture. I concluded that the sap or mois- ture came into the knots for the use of the limbs, and these, having been removed, the moisture remained in the knots and caused the decay. Will not peeled green logs, well paint- ed, decay quicker than when not painted ? How rapidly birches and various other trees rot if felled in early spring ! In my woods, a White Birch was felled, leaving a stump some four feet high, and the amount of sap which for weeks dropped from that stump was very great. I do not think any ordinary painting would have stopped the flow or prevented the stump from rapid decay. My idea is to remove large limbs only in cases of necessity, and when the trees are somewhat dry, and give the knots some opportunity to dry and sere before the great flow of sap in spring. After getting rid of all the internal moisture you can in the knots, carefully paint the wounds to keep out the external moisture. Is not this correct ? Exeter, N. H. , J. D. LymAN. [Mr. Lyman is right in some respects— in- deed there seems little difference between the views in both articles. The moisture stored up in winter for the tree's use when leafing-time comes is drawn out by these growing leaves. It is these leaves that make the trunk dry. The little that escapes through a wound is very small in com- parison with that w^hich has to be drained out by the foliage. The tree would dry though the wound should be solidly sealed. The object of painting is to keep out water. It does not interfere with the natural drying out of the tree. Painting in early spring, when the wound may be a little damp, may not be as effective as if the surface of the wound were as dry as it is in summer, — but it is effective to a great extent,— and if the painting were gone over again in summer, as Mr. Lyman suggests, the two coats would certainly be all the better for the tree. The great idea to be kept in mind is to prevent water from enter- ing the wound and aid in rotting it. Even the best painting will seldom perfectly insure this — anu, as a correspondent of Meehans' MoN'THLY has well suggested, a coating of shellac is still better than paint in accomplish- ing it ] The Heather.— Recently appeared a sketch of the Mediterranean Heath, Erica vagans, which had been found to resist the unusually severe winter without the loss of a single leaf. Its companion in adaptation to American cli- mate, the famous heather of the mother coun- try, Calluna vulgaris, is now given a place in our illustrations. It seems so much at home in our country as to have taken possession of CALLUNA VULGARIS. some of the cranberry plantations in the Eastern States. As will be noted by compari- son with the cut of the Mediterranean Heath, the branches of the British species have a tor- tuous tendency, and the leaves are so short that the differences may be readily seen. A colored plate and history appears in our issue of May, 1899 (Vol. IX., No. 5). Propagating the Date Palm.— No word having been received from Prof. MacClatchie as to how the "suckers or cuttings " of the Date Palm are produced, and as the matter has become one of general interest, we sent to the Old World to see what could be learned in the matter. It was clear that if large or otherwise improved varieties can be perpetu- ated as we would perpetuate a good variety of apple or pear, there must be some way of doing this, though no one ever saw a Date Palm under cultivation with any tendency to sucker. Our friend was fortunate in the acquaintance of Dr. Bonavia, who has made the Date Palm in India a special study, and we have been » 1901] MEEHANS' MONTHLY — GENERAL GARDENING. 119 kindly permitted to make use of the private letter in which Dr. B. discusses the question. He says there are innumerable kinds of named varieties. A comparatively small proportion give first-class fruit ; the others are grown for special purposes — cattle-feeding, for instance. All date trees do not produce offsets ; but some do, and they are then propagated by these. The offsets come out from the base of the stem, and must be three or four years old before they are chopped off". If taken younger, the offsets will rot. He has seen ninety per cent, root after being chopped from the parent tree. If the States or United States are to experiment with date growing, it would be far better to import an experienced date grower, as well as the date tirees. The French in Algeria root the offsets more success- fully than the natives. They plant them in pots 15 or 18 inches in diam- eter, plunge these pots in well-manured soil, in nursery rows, and well tend them by intelli- gent care. The natives usually set them in the open ground and lose a large proportion. He adds, ' 'There is no royal road for making Date Palms produce off*sets ; they do it spontaneously and seemingly only when they have a mind to." height of about 25 feet. Of the yew, only a few hundred specimens are to be found in forests of southeastern Jutland, and it would be wrong to give either of the two plants almost equal rank with the beech." Forms of Trees in Landscape Garden- ing.— Occasion has been taken, several times, to show the value of peculiar trees in the gen- eral effect of landscape gardening designs, the Lombardy Poplar being a prominent case. These trees have little beauty in themselves, but come in well as a part of a component whole. In this annexed illustration, we see again how well the Lombardy Poplar helps the general effect. Few matters are more DRIVEWAY ENTRANCE, NUGENT HOME. QERMANTOWN The Forests of Denmark.— In relation to the article in the June number on the Forests of Denmark, Mr. P. J. Pedersen says : " You make me say that the natural forests of Den- mark consist almost entirely of beech, juniper and yew, while I meant to say that they consist almost entirely of beech, and only mentioned the two latter plants to state the fact that they now are the only conifers to be found in a wild state. I believe I put it thus : • . . . consist- ing almost entirely of beech— j^^ip^^ ^nd yew (T. b.) now being the only conifers, etc' The juniper is, certainly, quite prevalent in some localities, but is little more than a shrub, although it will, in some instances, reach a important in garden art than the gateway and carriage road. In the illustration the entrance would be comparatively tame without the addition of the poplar trees. As it is, the effect is imposing. It is the entrance to the Nugent Home in Germantowii. Artemisias. — In nearly every old-fashioned garden in the North of Europe, a plant of wormwood is regarded as essential. The leaves dried, reduced to powder, mixed with bread into a pill, is an infallible remedy as a vermifuge. It is also called "old man"— but why is not on record. Singularly, on the Pacific, Artemisia Californica is also called 11 I20 MEEHANS' MONTHLY — GENERAL GARDENING. [Aug. •'old man." The Indians believe they can foretell the weather. If before the rainy season comes, the roots are not more than six inches long, there will be plenty of rain— if over a foot, there will be a dry season. It is supposed that the plant knows beforehand that there will be little rain, and so sends its roots deep, in order to prepare for the drought at the surface. Amaranths.— Among the best ornamentals grown are the flowers belonging to the natural order of Amarantaceae. Sometimes the indi- vidual flowers are not showy ; but thej^ are so brilliantly colored that, in the aggregate, they are very attractive. The Prince's Feather is an illustration. Another kind, known as the Bachelor's'Button or Globe Amaranth, has its small flowers collected in round heads, and gives varieties of white, orange, and purple colors. In many cases the leaves are colored, and make as much show as would the gaudiest of flowers. But the greatest recommendation of the flowers of this family is that they seem to thrive all the better for hot and dry weather. Certainly they are among the best of plants, to submit to these extreme conditions. THE ffl/^^l^T fLOWEl ^/^I1ID)EIM. The Hollyhock.— The Hollyhock has no thorns, and it lingers late into the autumn, in New England, when almost all other flowers have yielded to the north wind and gone with the fall of the leaf Hence they have a charm for children and are their favorites above, per- chance, even the much-admired and beloved rose. The buds, enveloped in their woolly coats, are long protected from all the early frosts, and often expand somewhat at the tip- top of the tall, tree-like hollyhock stems, and so conspicuous are these buds, they are often much admired by children of a larger growth as well, manifesting, as they do, a care and provision beyond our own. The mucilaginous petals of the hollyhock are also often much liked by children, and they are harmless. Yet it ought to be taught, to those who partake of them, that there is a difference, as all bright petals are not equally harmless— the monkshood, especially, being so poisonous they should be guarded. San Diego, California. E. E. OrCUTT. Iris Missouriensis. — I am interested in Irises and, desiring to make a collection, have been taking notice of everything I see regard- ing them. So far I have not noticed anything about our pretty native Iris, /. Missouriensis, nor is it mentioned in the revised edition of ''Gray's Field and Forest Botany." Am I, therefore, to conclude that it is not common in cultivation ? It grows about eighteen inches or less in height — leaves are narrow, stems stiff", bearing usually two flowers ; color of outer seg- ments white veined with purple, inner seg- ments, and petaloid stigmas purple. There is some variation in color, and I have found a few flowers white with yellow markings, but these are very rare. In the garden, it forms a compact clump— does not crowd itself out, as some plants do. It is in every way a desirable plant for the perennial flower border. Cheney, Washington. SUSAN TuCKER. [This beautiful and distinct Iris was figured in the first volume of the first series of " The Native Flowers and Ferns of the United States, ' ' from a Colorado specimen. It takes to garden culture in the East very well.] The Cultivation of Water Lilies ; a Neglected Feature of Gardening.— The presence of small streams or brooks in the grounds of suburban residences is not uncom- mon, yet attempts to make good use of them by cultivating a few aquatic plants — particu- larly those deliciously-fragrant water lilies so insistently sought in their native haunts— are extremely few. These hardy flowers are easily grown and of less care than most garden flowers; while the pleasing results are in greater proportion. NymphcEa odorata is the fragrant white-flowered one above referred to. N. lutea is a desirable yellow species of similar type. Both are easily obtained and grown. Cultivation of the Fringed Gentian. Gentiana crinita is frequently sought for among naray perennials ; but the fact of its annual nature is overlooked. It is perhaps the handsomest of the genus and it is to be regret- ted that it cannot be brought into cultivation. But, comparing it with other annuals, it is more desirable than many of the most popular of that class, and it would be a paying opera- tion to someone who would undertake to raise it for sale year by year. 1901] MEEHANS' MONTHLY — GENERAL GARDENING. 121 AMb ¥E^ET/^1PLES. Strawberry Culture in Minnesota. — The annual report of the Superintendent Cen- tral Trial Station of the Minn. State Experi- ment Station includes the following valuable information concerning strawberry culture in that State, much of which will apply else- where : "Our strawberries produced a fairl}' good crop last year, and are in a fair condition for another season. In cultivating strawberries, w^e follow the plan of setting the fruit two feet apart in rows four feet apart, and allow all runners to grow ; but in the case of strong growing varieties, like the Bederwood and Crescent, we remove a part of the runners, so that they will not be too thick on the land. We keep the bed well cultivated during the growing season. On the approach of cold weather, generally the latter part of October, or early in November, we put on a covering of straw. We prefer to do this before severe freezing weather, as we like to have the leaves bright and green when they are uncovered in the spring, and very severe freezing without protection will sometimes kill the foliage in autumn. We uncover rather late in the spring, removing most of the straw from over the plants, but leaving as much as possible between them. We do not cultivate in the spring of the year. In covering strawberries we have found rather heavy covering desirable, especially in winters when there is no snow on the ground, since after some winters when we have not had snow the plants have been so weakened by severe freezing that, while they would start into growth, yet they did not have sufficient strength to mature their fruit prop- erly, and as a result a large number of nub- bins were formed. We have always found that such plants are not easily moved ; at least not until late in the spring, after they have made a good growth of new roots. If very heavy covering (8 inches s^lid straw) is to be resorted to, the best plan is to put the rows six feet apart, which allows plenty of room for storing mulch between the rows in the spring. In this place, between the rows, it can be kept until all the danger from frost in the spring has passed, and it is then in convenient place for covering the plants on very frosty nights w^hen they are in flower. There can be no question about the practicability of this latter way of protecting the flowers of strawberry plants from being destroyed by frost, and it should be more generally practiced, since with- out it the work of growing the plants for nearly two j-ears may be entirely lost. It is our custom to fruit the beds at least two years in succession, and the beds are renewed by mowing off* the plants and weeds close to the ground as s on as may be after the crop is gathered. This growth of weeds and plants is then burned on the bed if it is very dry. If the weather is moist so that it is impracti- cable to get a quick burn on the bed, then the material is either raked into the rows between the beds before burning, or else it is carried off" of the bed and burned. I think that much the best way is to burn it on the bed ; but this is not safe except when the material is very dry so that it will burn quickly. If it is at all moist, and lies over the plants and slow- ly burns, it is apt to kill them out. As soon as the burning is over, we put on a riding corn cultivator and go over the rows several times, leaving a strip of plants about 16 inches wide for each row. The space between the rows is kept well cultivated until the plants which have been left have started, when the rows are gone over and the beds thinned by taking out the old and weak plants so that they will stand about six inches apart each way. With this treatment of the bed we have generally got as good results from the second crop as from the first. We have grown 56 varieties of strawberries this year. Bederwood seems to be the best all- round perfect flowering variety, either for home use or for general marketing. Its special value for recommending to beginners lies in the fact of its being so very vigorous and produc- tive, and that it is bi-sexual, not requiring any other plant near it for fertilization. The fruit is rather soft, but does very well for home use and the near market. The Haverland is a fine, light-colored berry that is very productive. The Warfield has not been as productive with us for the last few years as previously, but holds on well with many growers in this vicin- ity. I am inclined to think that our plants have degenerated and that we should renew our stock of plants of it. William Belt pro- duces large fruit, but is not sufficiently pro- ductive. Marshall is of about the same value ! ■ ? W :' f \ I >li i \. •' 122 MEEHANS' MONTHLY— GENERAL GARDENING. [Aug. as William Belt. Nick Ohmer is a light red, short-bodied berry of good quality that has been fairly productive. Hunn is a variety sent out by the New York Experiment Station at Geneva. It is a late pistillate sort, and it is recommended that Gandy be used to produce pollen for it. We received 50 plants two years ago. They made a good growth the first year, but the second were so badly rusted that the crop was ruined. Bissel had done fairly well. Mary is a very desirable pistillate sort of light Moth Traps.— Many of the insect pests of the orchard proceed from the work of the night-flying insects. The Codling Moth, the progenitor of the " worm " that is so destruc- tive of the apple crop, is one of the worst of these. Mr. S. A. Hazeltine, of Springfield, Mo., has invented a trap by which the moths can be caught in large numbers, before they have had much time to deposit their eggs in the young fruit. There seems no reason why such an invention should not be of value to the successful orchardist. ABUNDANCE PLUM. red color, and very productive. Ridgeway is a good late, light red berry of firm flesh. (Men Mary is a light red, conical berry, that is fairly productive. Lovett has been very productive in years past, but this year did not do so well as usual. Crescent seems to be as reliable as ever, and while the fruit is small and of rather inferior quality, yet it is so very vigorous and productive that I am inclined to think that it is one of the most profitable sorts for planting in severe locations." The Japan Plums. — What are known a s Japan Plums are im- provements from a species of Prunus na- tive to Japan . It seems intermediate between the common wild plum of our country, Prunus Americana, and the common garden plum, Prunus domestica. It is a better plum than our wild species gives us, though not equal to our garden plum. It is, however, free from many of the troubles that make plum raising here so difficult, and on that account has at- tained to great popular- ity. The cut annexed represents the variety known as "Abun- dance,'* which, after a four years' test in com- parison, Prof. John Craig of Cornell Uni- versity, regards as desirable. He says, ♦•When the Abundance is well thinned, it is certainly an excellent plum, and one which most persons delight to eat." By his kind ness we have been permitted to reproduce the illustration here. Pyrus Japonica Jelly.— Peel the Japan Pears as thin as possible, throwing the fruit into a basin of cold water to keep it from dis- coloring. Allow for each pound of fruit three 1901] MEEHANS' MONTHLY — GENERAL GARDENING. 123 pints of cold water, put the fruits into a pre- serving-pan, bring them quickly to the boil, and let them boil for one hour until quite soft. Strain the water from the fruit, pressing out the juice only. Weigh the water, and allow a pound of the best cane-sugar to each pound of water. Put the sugar and water into a clean preserving-pan, and boil quickly, stirring con- stantly after the sugar is melted. When a little dropped on a plate jellies pour at once into hot jelly-moulds or gallipots. Cover while hot with white pasted paper, and store in the usual way. A nice jam can be made as well of the Pears— for this they must be cored — allowing a pint of water to each pound of fruit, the water and fruit being weighed together. Allow as for the jelly a pound of each— the fruit and sugar. Put on together in the preserving-pan, and boil till a little jellies quickly on a ^X^Xj^.— Gardening Illustrated. Serving Blueberries. — Blueberries would be good eating at any season of the year, but coming as they do between the last picking of strawberries and the first peaches and other larger fruits, they are doubly welcome. Then, too, they are such a firm, meaty little berry that there is almost no limit to the wholesome dishes that may be concocted with them. To serve blueberries in perfection uncooked, make a plain or lemon-flavored syrup with gran- ulated sugar ; when cold, pour over the berries, let stand half an hour, and serve very cold. Country Gentlema?i. Bees Injured by Spraying Fruit Blos- soms.—On page 69, Mrs. Bowerman says that '*the bees have such a struggle for existence on account of the spraying of fruit trees in blossoming time." This must certainly be a slip of the pen or a typographical error. No- body sprays trees in blossom. Paris Green kills the blossoms, and all writers write against any such doings as that. After the blossom- ing time, when the fruit is as large as peas, the spraying takes place. But there are exceptions to every rule. Thinking over this spraying business, my feet brought me to a gooseberry bush, all in full bloom. Looking over the bush, I noticed that the Currant worm was busy devouring its leaves. There are several ways of treating these worms — one is to jar the limbs vrith a stick, when the worms fall to the ground and they may be trampled to death. Another way, with less exertion, is to use Hellebore, slug shot and Paris Green. Either of the latter will slay them. The gooseberry blossoms furnish much honey to the bees. Each blossom hangs with its opening downwards. It is hardly possible to force Paris Green into the tube of the blos- soms, unless one strives to do so. But we who spray do not try to do anything of the kind, and I feel confident that not an infini- tesimal drop ever penetrates to the bottom of the tube where the honey is secreted. In another place, Mrs. Bowerman says, " Among those that grow to large trees are the Cornus, Sumach," etc. These trees are very small in this country — ten or twelve feet mostly. Festus, Mo. F. K. Steele. Stone-Splitting in Peaches.— Most people are familiar with the fact that, in opening peaches, the two halves of the stone will some- times be found separated. Examined by a good pocket lens, the mycelium of a fungus will be found connected with this condition. There seem to have been no carefully-conducted observations on this stone-splitting state, but from analogy one might infer that the fungus had to do mainly with the result. If there had been any exposure to the air, this inference would not be warranted, as a spore might float on the diseased portion, but in this sealed-up state, it can only be supposed that a spore made its entrance into the fruit in its early condition, and grew with the fruit's growth. The Phylloxera in California. — Mr. Geo. Husmann, whose scientific and practical knowledge of grape-growing and wine-making is so widely known, is in accord with the con- ductors of Meehans' Monthly, in the belief that State laws and ordinances are utterly in- effective in preventing the incursion of insect pests. In spite of the most rigid watchfulness, Europe could not prevent the introduction of the Grape Phylloxera, nor has Canada been able to exclude the San Jose Scale. Mr. Husmann now states that, for all the State laws, the Phylloxera has obtained a foothold in California, and, instead of shouting for more law, the grape-growers had better follow the lead of France, and graft on resistant vines. ^ , t ! I90I] MKEHANS' MONTHLY— BIOGRAPHY AND LITERATURE. 125 BIOGRAPHY AND LITERATURE. PRIMEVAL MAN. With brutes alone he armed himself for war ; Free to the winds his long locks dancing flew, And at his prowling enemy afar He shot his death-shaft from the nervy yew ; In morning's mist his shrill-voiced bugle blew, And with the rising sun on tall rocks strode. And bounding through the gemmed and spark- ling dew, The rose of health, that in his full cheek glowed, Told of the pure, fresh stream that there enkindling flowed. Percival. A Practical Text Book of Plant Physi- ology.— By Daniel Trembly McDougal, Ph. D., New York : published by Longman, Green & Co. In every-day language, the term * ' prac- tical * ' is employed to indicate that which rests on the observation of the common people, aside from any learned or scientific deduction. But this work is addressed to those already well advanced in what is known as the "higher education." Only those who are well versed in Greek and Latin will comprehend the posi- tion of the author — so numerous are the technical terms employed. Most botanical authors give a glossary, explaining these terms, but this is not given here. Indeed, the author seems to take it for granted that his readers are versed in German and French also — the references to works in these languages are numerous. Dr. McDougal appears in this work to have been a devoted student of German biologists, who are certainly doing good work in micro- scopic botany. A similar study of American progress in the knowledge of plant life would not have injured the value of Dr. McDougal' s book. As an illustration he quotes from the "Botanisches Zeitung" for 1891, and from it copies an illustration of a pine branch that had curved though the wood was made five years ago. If Dr. McD. had been as familiar with American observations as with German, he would have credited this discovery to Professor Bessey, of Lincoln University, many years ago. Again, had he been a reader of the pro- ceedings of the Academy of Natural Sciences of Philadelphia, he would not have printed all the nonsense about Lachica Scariola (not L. scariola as printed) that he dwells upon so much. In view of the fact that the Prickly Lettuce is not a compass plant, the explana- tion that it is a compass plant by reason of the " phytolytic movements of chloroplasts in ex- posed cells, paraphototropic reactions, and photeotic, or nyctitropic movements of leaves" seems amusing. It reminds one of the learned explanations given for the fact (.'*) that we may pile any quantity of living fish in a vesselful of water without the water flowing over the sides ! The weaknesses evident in this book, seem, however, common to all of the class. Very few of them are up to the times, and the newer works seem only apologies for what has been done, while preparing material for further apologizing hereafter. One may fairly say that the book is a good one, and will be welcome to the class for whom it is written. Japanese Varnish. — The English name for Ailanthus gla?idulosa — ^Japanese Varnish— is a most inappropriate one ; it is neither Japan- ese nor a varnish tree. C. W. G. The Japanese Varnish Tree — that is, the tree from which the Japanese get the lacquer varnish— is Rhus Veryiix. Koelreuteria pa7ii- culata has also been called Varnish Tree. It is hard to keep up with these mixtures of com- mon names. Botanists get confused with their Latin ones at times. Even our scholarly cor- respondent does not seem to have noticed the grammatical error in the specific name. The name intended by the original author was Ailantus, which is feminine — when glandu- losa would be all right. But Ailanthus, as incorrectly used, being masculine, would re- quire glayidulosus . (124) Year Book of the United States Depart- ment OF Agriculture for 1900.— This issue has for a frontispiece a portrait of the late William Saunders, for many years head of the experiment ground. This, with an ac- count of his life-work, is one of the best tributes to the memory of this deserving man that we have seen. 'The full and complete history of the introduction of the Date Palm to our country is especially interesting by reason of recent inquiries in regard to its propaga- tion. In this issue Meehans' Monthly is able to add to the information given in the year book in regard to this. The fig chapter is particularly instructive in view of what has been written in regard to the necessity for fertilization. It now appears, what few if any of us knew before, that the fine Smyrna Fig, that withers if not pollenized by the Fig Wasp, is wholly pistillate, and we are to infer that the figs of our garden that fruit freely without the fig insect have some few male flowers in them. It will now be in order to examine the fruits of the figs to see if the seed is really perfect or not. A few minutes with an exact fact is worth pages of specula- tion. On the whole this volume of the Government year book is one of the most valuable of the series. Our Ferns in their Haunts.— By Prof. Willard Nelson Clute, New York: Frederick Stokes Co. Some writer has said that it should be a penitentiary offense to issue a new book on an old subject, unless it tells us something new, or presents old subjects in a new light. Con- sidering how many popular works have been issued regarding ferns, the writer indicated might be prepared to indict the author of this. But he would be agreeably disappointed, for it seems as fresh to the reader as if a popular work on ferns had never been issued before. All our native ferns are figured, and all about them told in a taking, pleasant style. Un- doubtedly the book will have a wide and ready sale among fern-lovers everywhere. Henderson's Picturesque Gardens and Ornamental Gardening.— Illustrated by Charles Henderson : published by Peter Hen derson & Co., New York. To say this is one of the most useful and beautiful works of the times on practical landscape gardening is no more than due to Mr. Henderson. There are several hundred illustrations of beauty spots in large and small gardens that afford admir- able hints for those who would make beauty where plainness only ruled^before. Suggested by Clarkia.— The lateness of the season in the garden, on account of the cold and wet weather we have had all during spring, must also be responsible that I too was late in reading the May number of your valuable magazine. I beg to be excused when I also so late off*er my congratulation on the seventy- fifth birthday of Mr. Meehan, Senior, with the wish that his useful life may for a long while be spared to enjoy the beauties of this world, which are so abundantly around us if we have an eye for them, which is truth realized by you. The main picture in your Monthly is the Clarkia, and as I saw it, memories of my first garden bed I had as a child returned as fresh to my mind as if I had it only a little while ago. I must tell you of it ; perhaps it will stir the hearts of some of your readers to provide some places for the children to dig in the ground and plant something, however simple a seed or plant it may be. I have often been asked how it came that I knew so many flowers and all about the garden. It is as natural to me as the air we breathe, and all I know has come in the way of no special effort or training — only to be active and industrious from earliest youth — such was my bringing up. One spring it was decided I should have a flower bed of my own , and my father circled off" a round place under the big pear tree, where nothing else would grow — so was said. But I made it bloom the first season, and many a small bouquet from it was carried to my teacher at the school. I could not keep all the beauty to myself which grew there, and to it belonged the Clarkia — Schone Clarkia, as the young student at our high school, who gave me the plants over the hedge from his mother's garden adjoining ours, told me the name it had (*' Schone" is beautiful), and Schone Clarkia only it has been with me in German ever since. It must be now nearly fifty-five years ago, and not long after they were brought as a beautiful variety I 1 ! i 1 .1 i i p i J 26 MEEHANS' MONTHLY — BIOGRAPHY AND LITERATURE. I [Aug. 1901] MEEHANS' MONTHLY — GENERAL NOTES. 127 from this country to my native Germany. Oi botany, I did at that time know very little, except what we learned at school in natural history lessons, which included all nature, of animals, insects, fishes, plants, the earth and all it was made of and contained, and conse- quently was limited in the single branches, as could not well be otherwise, only giving a general idea of the most necessary things worth knowing. But I assure you, my Clarkia I raised was far prettier and larger in flower than your picture in the Monthly. Am I partial ? A little, perhaps, but the single blossoms of mine were as large as a half silver dollar, at least, and of a color the clearest resemblance to those shades of the Rhexia Virginica, or Meadow Beauty ; the stems a shade darker and the whole an airy, beautiful blossom. And while I have some space yet left here, though it is personal, shall I tell you what became of the youth who loved the flowers so well ? He being the oldest son of a minister's widow, with a large family and a small income, set out, after his graduation from the high school, as one of the pioneers to settle in our American Great West, and the most interesting news of him which came afterwards was when he wrote to his mother, "We have built us a log <:abin (a block house) and, as a great luxury, I have brought home, from a hundred miles' journey, for my wife, a bureau with drawers and two real chairs for us to sit on." Trulj^ the rulings in this universe are wonderful to <:ontemplate. The migration of nations, which started in Asia Minor four hundred years after Christ, and rested for centuries in North- ern Germany, was set in motion again to people this continent, and the hard-working tillers of the soil have a great share in its rapid and most rich and fair development. Let us all not forget this. I beg you to excuse my long letter, but the memory of the ' ' Schbne Clarkia'' is responsible for it. Hartford, Conn. MrS. WlLHELMINE SELIGER. [The larger-flowered Clarkia referred to by our correspondent is probably C. pulchella.'\ "Fungous" and "Fungoid" Diseases. — It is surprising that scientific people, of all <:lasses, should so loosely employ misleading terms. For a long time they were persistent- ly telling us about "fungoid " diseases, — that is to say, a disease that is like a fungus, — but the persistent showing up of the absurdity of the phrase by the conductors of Meehans' Monthly has caused the general dropping ot the "fungoid" expression. But they have substituted for it one no less meaningless. They are now * ' fungous ' ' diseases — that is to say, a disease of the character or consistence of a fungus ! After a while they will come to see that fungus disease, that is to say a disease in relation to or in connection with a fungus, is a much better expression. In connection with this, it may be noted that the Bulletin of the Connecticut Experi- ment Station has an exhaustive bibliography of * * fungous ' ' diseases. Over one thousand refer- ences are given to works where some " fun- gous ' ' disease has been described. The name of the disease the plant affected, and the botani- cal name of the "fungous" is given. It will be perfectly bewildering to the practical man, though of great value to abstract botanical science. Nearly every plant is given a special name for its "disease," and almost all a special " fungous " acting on it. When it is known that copper solutions are effective against any and all of these " fungouses," it is hardl}^ worth the while of the cultivator to burden his memory with over a thousand new names — many of which even the botanists themselves can scarcely remember without reference when they desire to discuss " fun- gous" subjects. Amaryllis Hallii. — The volume of "Gar- den and Forest," cited on page 92 of Meehans' Monthly, gives a full record of the origin of the name Amaryllis Hallii, by the lamented botanist Sereno Watson, to whom we are apparently indebted for the identification of this plant with Lycoris squamigera. Watson states that Amaryllis Hallii was brought originally from China by Dr. George R. Hall, of Bristol, R. I. It was distributed by Messrs. Hovey, the Boston seedsmen. Dr. Hall had it in his garden before i860, and he states that it is often planted by the Chinese in their ceme- teries. The name Amaryllis Hallii was per- haps never formally described as such in regu- lar botanical sources, but it must be regarded as fully accounted for in the proper way by a competent botanist. Wilhelm Miller. Ithaca, New York. \ The Cherokee Indians. — A visit I made to the Cherokee reservation interested me greatly. There little sharp-roofed log cabins were the first thing that attracted my atten- tion. Inside, they have beds, chairs, tables, tableware and cooking utensils. I was very much surprised when the lady of the house poured me out a nice cup of coffee at the dinner of bread, beans and bacon. " Yes," she said, " we Injuns drink coffee." The women folk love bright colors in dress and gaudy jewelry. The men have about given up the chase ; they fish a good deal yet. They work at odd jobs once in a while— at least until enough is earned to buy another cheap suit of clothes, and then the}' take up their lives of loafing again. To the women is left most of the work in the patches of corn, beans and potatoes. We met an old Indian on our way. " O see ! " said our driver, tr^^ng to show off his knowl- edge of the Indian tongue, "Good-evening, Mr. C," replied the old fellow in the most dignified way. We lost a small piece of our harness and could go no further, so we all dismounted to search for it. A small Indian boy followed slowly along behind us searching every inch of ground, and in a few minutes he picked it up and held it out. He seemed very proud of the money he received for his help. They have a good school at Yellow Hill, supported by the Church of Friends. There were three nice buildings when I was there, a boys' dormitory, a schoolhouse and the main building, which contained a chapel, girls' dormitory, parlor, dining-room for all, kitchen and apartments for the teachers. There were forty-two boys and girls at the school, learning, besides the common English course, housekeeping, cooking, sewing, farm- ing and mechanics. There were some very bright pupils — some very dull, as in all schools. The children said, when they went home on visits their parents wished them to speak " Inglus," so the younger ones could learn it. There are some very quaint sayings on record. A little girl cried out with pain and when asked what was the matter said the bed had step- ped on her foot. Another, when she saw the tea-kettle boil over, said the water was run- ning away. Another was being taught the catechism. "How many persons in the God- head .'* " replied, " three, the Father, the Son and the Moon." M. M. Y. Potato Buttons. — We have real ivory and vegetable ivory, and not many years since, the threatened ivory famine produced that remarkable imitation we know as celluloid, which has been successfully employed for everj' possible use, from billiard balls to piano keys To-day the imitation has itself been imitated, and that, too, by a cuiious prepara- tion of potato pulp ! The inventor is a Dutch- man named Knipers. He treats the waste pulp, itself a residue from the manufacture of the artificial potato flour, with a solution of acid and glycerine. The resulting compound takes the form of a species of stickfast, which is dried and ground to powder. This powder is moulded into blocks, with the aid of water, ver3^ much as one uses plaster of Paris. There is, however, this important difference. The new compound can be cut and turned and bored and used for every purpose, from buttons upwards, in which it was formerly customary to use bone and ivor3\ — London Jo7ir7ial of Horticulture. City Taxes. — It is said there are towns in German}^ which are free from taxation by reason of forest profits — forests owned by the city corporations. American cities daren't own anj^thing. When the writer opened a campaign for small parks in Philadelphia, the plan was to take a large tract, make a small park of a portion, and then sell the adjacent properties at improved figures to buy more plots with. But the law department decided that the city could not enter into real estate operations. Indeed, it is doubtful whether an}^ city in America can do anything long but raise taxes on real estate. Small towns can do better than larger ones. When they grow to a size that "nobody knows who's who," except as designing persons tell them, ignorance, or even corruption, rules. Imagine any of our large cities running a forest for revenue ! BuLBLET on Tulip Stem. — Prof. Waugh, Vermont Agricultural College, sends a tulip stem with a bulblet— we might say a fine bulb — growing from the axis of a stem-leaf. II I \ I tl ir I 128 MEEHANS' MONTHLY — GENERAL NOTES. [Aug. Renanthera coccinea. — One of the grand- est of the orchid family in bloom in the green- houses of Miss Helen Gould, at Irvington-on- Hudson, N. Y., in the early part of July, was the Chinese Renanthera coccinea. To say that there were many hundreds of its large, red, butterfly-like flowers on the one plant is no exaggeration. Mr. Ferdinand Mangold is the able gardener in charge of these plants. Plant Names. — The objection is often made that the names given by botanists are hard to learn, and therefore common names, as they are called, are excusable. But reflection will show that this cannot be the real reason, for many, like Rhododendron, Chrysanthemum, Dahlia, and others that might be named, have become common, though hard enough for any one to learn. The real reason is the fear of being thought affected— it seems like using Latin sentences in the every-day affairs of life. There is some good ground for this feeling ; but unfortunately it has been nursed to such a foolish extent that utter ignorance of all solid knowledge has come to be the chief recom- mendation in polite society. This is well illustrated in a report of a select library in Philadelphia, established by ladies of what is known as the better class, mainly for persons in their own sphere in life. Of the 2S31 books taken out in 1900, 426 represented magazines, poetry and essays, juveniles 45, French 5, history and biography 202, science and art 8, fiction 2109, Fiction undoubtedly has a legitimate place among the pleasures of life, but it requires more courage than human nature is credited with for eight ladies to use the language of science or art among 2109 novel readers. Shade and Sunlight in Vegetable Grow- ing.— In the long past, the writer had an interest in a legal trial. The attorney for one side proposed to his client that he would raise a certain point in the argument. When asked if it was not absurd, the reply was that he believed the judge and jury, the other side in- cluded, would know no better— and the lawyer did win his case. All this penalty of ignorance is continually being paid. In a Pennsylvania case, recently, the question turned on the value of ground taken for street purposes. The owner used the ground for market gardening purposes. The special road jury awarded him $3000. The street had to be elevated above the normal level of the ground. The owner of the ground appealed to a higher court for $6000 additional, on the ground that he not only lost this much ground, but that the embankment, probably fifteen or twenty feet high, shaded the rest of his ground to a dam- age to the crops — and the jury awarded him the additional sum ! Small Park Gifts. — The gifts of valuable tracts of land in the vicinity of crowded towns and cities for small parks and recreation grounds have become frequent, of late, both in America and the Old World. The London papers recently announced that a Mr. Horni- man, whose property was within the corporate limits of that great city, had deeded his man- sion, house and grounds to the city for a public museum and small park. The grounds covered nine and a half acres, and are estimated as worth between a quarter and half a million dollars. Cut flowers in America. — A paragraph going the rounds says: "The Agricultural Department gives some interesting statistics showing the surprising growth of the cut-flower business in recent years. The retail value of cut flowers sold annually is now $12,500,000. Of this no less than $6,000,000 is paid for roses, $4,000,000 for violets and $500,000 for chrysanthemums.'* Roses and violets are popular ; but it seems incredible that ten million out of twelve should go for these two items alone. Can it be possible that twice as much money is spent for violets alone, as for Orchids, Carnations, Lilies, Daffodils, and all other flowers, roses not counted ? Fire-proof Wood. — Reference to the growth of knowledge in regard to making wood in- combustible has occasionally been made in the columns of Meehans' Monthly. The United States Government, looking to the interest of the navy, finds that wood can be rendered fire-proof in various ways, but that the wood is reduced to such a brittle condition as to be rendered useless for all purposes where a fire-proof character would be most desirable. ib r>^V M \'()L.XI Pj^te 9. I UI..I»r.MrWl»iIl^ Moiifhlv bv I IV-iii;;»f.. C:\\.\M':\\U\\ AMi-IMCANA CALLICARPA AMERICANA. FRENCH MULBERRY. NATURAL ORDER, VERBENACEiE. CALLICARPA Americana, Liuuaeus. — A skrub, two to five feet high, the twigs and young leaves stellate-scurfy, the mature leaves glabrous or nearly so, and glandular-dotted. Twigs terete; leaves thin, ovate, pinnately-veined, slender- petioled, acute or acuminate at the apex, crenate-dentate nearly to the entire baj>e. three to six inches long, one and a half to three inches wide ; cymes many flowered, short- ped uncled ; pedicels very short ; calyx teeth much shorter than the tube ; corolla pale blue, about one and a half lines long ; fruit violet-blue, globose, about a line and a half in diameter, very conspicuous in autumn. Britton and Brown's ///«5/ra/rvaiues, or, as we say, I'erbcnacccc, comprises vSome seventy-five genera, and are widely scattered over the four (quarters of the globe ; but, as genera, the family has not a large representation among the native flowers of the Tnited vStates, / ?r- houi, fJppia, and our present subject, Calli- carpa, covering most of the ground. Indeed, the last named has but the one species to rep- resent it, and this, Callicarpa Americana, has but a slender title to a position in the I'nited States Mora, ])eing confined to the comi)aratively small territory between Texas and Arkansas, and from \'irginia to Florida. It is not recorded to have been found north of the Potomac. The species, however, become more numerous as we go southwardly, a large num- ber having been described from Mexico, Brazil, and contigiu)US regions. Strange to say, a si)ecies, native of Ivistern Asia, is so closely related to ours that the two were once believed to be identical. It is remarkable that so many comparatively local plants, on the eastern seaboard of our country, should be found in this part of Asia, with so many thousand miles between, wherein no close rela- tives are found. Our plant has reached a popular i)osition among the native flowers of the United States by reason of the beautiful violet-blue berries which it produces in the autumn, and which continue attractive till far into the w^inter season. Indeed, in the far south, where severe frosts are rare, they give a cheerful char- acter to the floral scenery until spring returns again. The flowers, as seen in our picture, are borne on cymes in the axils of the leaves, but, as the berries enlarge, they occupy so much space that they appear as if in verticils around the stems. In addition to the part the berries take in adding beauty to the autumn scener}', the leaves also add largely to the effect by the lively tints they assume at that season. The brilliant fruit has attracted the botanist as well as the popular lover of flowers, which is attested b}' its name, Callicarpa, as given to the genus by Linnaeus. This is derived from two (rreek words, kallos, beauty, and carpos, fruit, — the application in this case being apparent. The common names also have relation to the same characteristics. Willdenow, the leading follower of Linnjeus in the reorganization of botany, translates for his (ierman readers the Linnjean name, and applies the term " Shonbeere" to the whole genus. Nuttall says in the South the com- mon name, in his time, was Bermudian Mul- berry ; Barton notes it as Barbadoes Mulberry; Rafinesque says it is '* Somerbush," — but all modern authors term it French Mulberry. It may be here noted that, w^hile botanical authors are particular in searching out and adopting the prior scientific names of plants, they seldom give the same attention to popular names. It has come to be a belief that a botanist, in scientifically describing anything, must at the same time present a common one. In many cases one is invented for the occasion, though,, with a little diligence, names really common might be found to have been already given in abundance. It is the great number of com- mon names for a particular plant that renders (129) W3€t T\TTr:xT'T»Ti^x T A X r>. mmmmm : I 130 MEEHANS' MONTHLY — CALLICARPA AMERICANA. [Sept. identification difficult. Outside of this they are often desirable, and serve in many cases to indicate the popular impression of some pecu- liar characteristic of the plant. In the present case, we may assume that the term mulberry has relation to some similarity between a clus- ter of berries and that fruit, — but why a French Mulberry or a Bermudian Mulberry, is a thought worth investigating. In like man- ner, the name "Somerbush," as quoted b}^ Rafinesque, may have a deeper meaning than would appear on the surface. In connection with the name of Somerbush, which Rafinesque gives as the common name, he states, in his "Medical Flora,*' that the " purple berries dye wool purple with alum. They are edible, sweetish, and astringent. Leaves useful in decoctions for dropsies. " In relation to this. Dr. Francis Peyre Porcher says, in his *' Resources of the Southern Fields and Forests : " " This is said to be useful in dropsical complaints. It bears very pretty red berries, growing in whorls around the stem, which are slightly sweetish to the taste. I could not extract much coloring matter from their skins with vinegar or alum " Dr. Royle says that a closely related species is employed in medicine by the East Indian natives ; and Dr. Lindley remarks, on the same species noted by Dr. Royle, Callicarpa lanata, that the bark has a peculiar subaromatic and slightly bitter taste, and is chewed by the Cingalese when they cannot obtain Betel leaves. He further adds that the Malays reckon the plant diuretic. There may be more medical virtue in our plant than has been heretofore discovered. The reader will have noted how varied are the views of different authors as to the color of the berries. Mr. J. W. Chickering, Jr., describing, in the "Botanical Gazette" for 1879, a beautiful piece of scenery near Fortress Monroe, in Virginia, and noting the plants that entered into the pretty picture, says that the Callicarpa was prominent, " with its showy axillary clusters of purple fruit," — and this probably will characterize the tint as represented in our illustration. In regard to the general history, it was prob- ably among the earliest to attract attention. Its brilliant fruit would be readily noted. As early as 1700, Dr. Leonard Plukenet figured it in his " Phytologia," a branch from either specimens or drawings, in all probability, sent from Virginia, in 1680, by the Reverend John Banister. It appears in Plukenet 's work as Anonymos baccifera verticitlata . Mark Catesby, who published a history of Virginia and Caro- lina, in 1743, figures it and describes it as a ver- ticillate, berry-bearing shrub, — the purple ber- ries densely congested. Gronovius, a couple of years later, describes it from specimens received from John Clayton, — the berries this time described as "crimson-purple, smooth, splendid, and particularly showy in the autumn season." It was Linnaeus, in 1741, who gave the genus the name it now bears. Living plants, through Catesby, were introduced to England in 1724. The young botanist w^ho may be studying the nature and structure of the organs and members of plants, especially in connection with classification, will find, in Callicarpa, excellent material. Much has been told of it, but more probably remains to be discovered. The natural order of VerbeyiacecB is separated from other orders by \txy slender lines. They have very much in common with Borage- worts and Labiates. From the latter thej^ differ in having the carpels so united as to have them appear as one concrete berry, as in the case of our plant, for instance. We may say that a slightly different degree in the power of union makes all the difference. From Borage- worts they differ in having but four instead of five fertile stamens, although the ovary has four segments only, as in VerbenacecB. It is simply a case of suppression of an organ that might have been present. The carpels in the Boragewort are wholly separated from each other and admit of a depression in the style, while the Callicarpa and other verbenas have the four concrete. All these points have been noted by other botanists. But there is still another natural order that has not been brought into comparison, namely MonimiacecB , closely related to the nutmegs. In most sys- tems of classification, these would be placed far away from Verbenas, because of their numerous stamens and tendency to have flowers of separate sexes. This is an uncer- tain character. Explanation of the Plate.— 1. Brauch from a sum- mer growth, furnished by Mr. Jackson Dawson, of the Bussey Institute. 2. Fruiting fall specimens from Virginia. 3. Flower enlarged, showing the general characters of the various parts. 4. Section of the berry, showing the four- seeded structure of the concrete ovarium. I WILD FLOWERS AND NATURE, AFTER THE STORM. How calm., how beautiful comes on The stilly hour, when storms are gone ; When warrior winds have died away And clouds beneath the glancing ray Melt off, and leave the land and sea Sleeping in bright tranquillity, — Fresh, as if Day again were born. Again upon the lap of Morn ! When the light blossoms, rudely torn And scatter'd at the whirlwind's will. Hang floating in the pure air still. Filling it all with precious balm, In gratitude for this sweet calm ; — And every drop the thunder showers Have left upon the grass and flowers Sparkles, as 'twere that lightning-gem Whose liquid flame is born of them ! Thomas Moore. ViTis INCISA. — As I have collected Vitis i?icisa in Texas, I would like to mention a few places where I have found it there. First, I saw it June 23, 1899, in the garden of the old explorer of Texas flora, Mr. Reverchon. He planted it in Southern Texas and in his garden. On the sixth of April, 1900, I found it myself on the banks of the Guadalupe River, near Victoria, Southern Texas. On the sixth of September, 1900, I found it, near St. Antonio, in fruit. From the tenth to thirteenth of Septem- ber, I found it quite often on the banks of the Rio Grande and Devil's River. E. St Louis, Mo. Henry Eggert. Self-sacrifice in Nature. — To the mind of the writer of this paragraph, one of the w^eak- nesses of the hypotheses of Darwin, Spencer and others, in regard to the •• struggle for life ' ' and the * * survival of the fittest ' ' as factors in evolution, involves a law of intense selfishness which is not supported by the evi- dence furnished by a broad view of nature. It has been his privilege to show, in papers read in the past before the American Association for the Advancement of Science, that selfish- ness in natute is subordinate to self-sacrifice. In a recent review, in \^i^ Journal of Microscopy , of a* German work by Dr. Miihlmann, on human physiology, the reviewer. Prof. Ray- mond Pearl, of Ann Arbor, Michigan, it is re- marked that the author is strongly opposed to a teleological consideration of life-pheno- mena, and, in order to escape some of the diffi- culties along this line which his theory in- volves, he advances some astonishing physiolo- gical principles. An example will indicate the nature of these. It is stated that ** Saliva is a product of the regressive metamorphosis of the poorly-nourished cells of the salivary gland, and is useless to the organism." But surely the saliva is of no service to the cells of the salivary glands that produce it, except in a very small and indirect way. It aids in preparing food, by which it is itself supported, — but the far greater portion of its work is to support other cells in which it has no direct interest. There seems no getting aw^ay from the common-sense proposition that, if there be arrangements for eating, something must have been designed to be eaten, — that, in fact, death as wxll as life is a wise provision of nature. Clintonia borealis. — In the early part ot May, I walked out to the woods to collect a few Dodecalheon Meadia, or Shooting Stars, to plant in my wild-flower garden. In taking them up, I cut out a clump of earth with the roots and brought them home in that shape, so that they would not receive much of a check to their growth and blooming qualities. They were already showing their blossom buds. Some time afterwards, I noticed a small plant of two narrow leaves, with a greenish yellow perianth (outside of the perianth) ; inside, it was a bright golden yellow. It had the marks of the lily family. I hunted through Dr. Gray's Manual for its name, and C. borealis answered nearer to its looks than any other plant. Clinlonia borealis was found growing on one of these clumps of earth, beneath a Dodeca- f T32 MEEHANS' MONTHLY — WILD FLOWERS AND NATURE. [Sept. theon Meadia. There were several differences from Dr. Gray's description. It is notciliate- leaved, but they are long, — about ten inches, — narrow, a little wider than Blue-grass leaves and smooth. There were two scapes on this plant, three and four inches long ; one pro- duced two flowers, the other formed none, — maybe was injured or was hurt in the removal. This plant, with the D. Meadia and the Viola pedata, variety hicolor^ grows on the northern slopes of the hills, in this mountainous coun- try. It is a plant which I have never met with heretofore, and would not have seen it this time if I had not unintentionally brought it home. Dr. Gray says its habitat is "cold, moist woods in Massachusetts and Wisconsin and northward and southward along the AUe- ghenies." • Festus, Mo. F. K. Steele. Sterility of Hybrids. — Scientific men are fond of throwing it up to practical people that they are behind the times ; but devotees of science are often among the crowd that live in glass houses and yet throw stones. Horti- culturists have long ago learned that hybrids are as fertile as their parents ; and orchids, gesneriaceous plants, and many other classes furnish abundant evidence. But that hybrids are sterile, or generally sterile, is still a doc- trine on which many pretty * * theories ' * are founded b}^ leaders in science. Growing Plants Represented by Photog- raphy.— We are doubtless the first to tell of the curious application which may be used, by the sinematograph and chronophotograph in general, to synthetize, in some instances, dif- ferent successive growths of a plant or flower. The U. S. Dept. of Agriculture is making ready to put, to practical use, this original idea. A chronophotographic apparatus has been placed in one of the division beds of vegetable pathology, the mission of which is to take successive numbers of photographs of quite a small oak. It is needless to say that the func- tionary is automatic. It takes one photograph every hour, even at night, at which time it is supplied by elec- tric light. It can continue taking pictures this way to the end, and has the power of throwing on a screen the development of a small shrub from the time it appears above the ground until it is a real bouquet of leaves ; it has been proposed to apply the apparatus and methods to observing plant sicknesses, of all kinds, which destroy vegetables, in order to make instructive projections in schools and stations where agriculture is taught. — Nature. Wild Parsnip and Radish Poisoning. — We read, occasionally, in the newspapers, about wild parsnip poisoning. It is well known that the Water Parsnips, Sium lineare, S. a?igiis- tifolium, etc., are poisonous when eaten. The Cow Parsnip, Heracleuni lanatum, is said not to be poisonous ; but I, for one, would not care to eat it. The Meadow Parsnips, Thaspium, of various species, are considered harmless. Some people call the Water Hemlocks (Cicuta sp.) by the name Cow Parsnips. They are virulent- ly poisonous. But I do not think it is very well known that the common Garden Parsnip, Pastinaca sativa, when it runs wild, becomes a skin-poison, somewhat after the manner of Rhus Toxicodeyidron, It is espeoiallj' poison- ous w^hen the dew^ is on^ ; but when dr>' is said to be entirely safe. Upon children's hands and feet, this wild parsnip will set up quite a smart rash ; but a wash of salt water is said to be a speedy cure. It is perhaps not very w^ell known that, in some circumstances, radishes, and especially the black radish, are said to be poisonous. The European Wild'Radish, Raphanus Rapha- nistriim, is considered to be somewhat poison- ous. In our country, it has become a great pest in the oat fields, but I never heard of its poisoning anybody. In Japan, radishes are largely eaten by all classes, and there, if any- where, radish poisoning ought to be looked for. Merchantville. N J. C. W. GrEENE. [Remembering how much error exists in determining the plants in poisoning cases, specimens were procured from the doctor, in attendance on a fatal poisoning case by ' ' pars- nips," at Danville, Pa., a few years ago. There could be no doubt of the specimens of the roots being identical With those which did the poisoning, as one of them had the teeth-marks of the children. These were planted, and grew to be. the real garden parsnips. Just why they should be more injurious, in a wild condition than in a cultivated one, has not been explained.] general gardening. MY GARDEN. I love my garden ! dearly love That little spot of ground ! There's not, niethinks (though I may err In partial pride), a pleasanter In all the country round. Mrs. Southey. Sharing the Pleasures of Beautiful Grounds.— Though a very rare occurrence, there are a few unselfish men willing to run the chances of vandalism and throw open their grounds to the public that they may appreci- ate and enjoy the beauties of flower and land- scape. Doubtless there are many who would not refuse entrance, and it is the number who invite that is small. To the latter, great credit is due for the refining influence that results from touch with the beautiful in nature. They are the same results that have taught the advantages of public parks and playgrounds. A Sussex naturalist, writing to the London Gardeners' Chronicle, says that, '* Through the courtesy of W. James, Esq., the lovely grounds of West Dean are open to the public on Tues- days and Thursdays during the month of June, when the arboretum is in its pride and glor3\ As the house and church have many interesting associations, the visitor whose taste runs in the direction of archaeology and local history, as well * as natural scenery, botany and floriculture, will find much to please him. The situation is delightful, nest- ling, as it does, in a charming valley or den (whence the name of the village), with splendid forest trees, and a rich profusion of wild plants on every hand. The privilege of visiting these lovely grounds is greatly appreciated by the people of Chichester." In our own country, the summer residence grounds of Hon. Jos. H. Berry, Grosse Pointe Farms, Mich, (suburbs of Detroit), we under- stand are similarly open to visitors, but at all times. Though quite different from the Eng- lish place described, both in size and character. the pleasure to the visitor is none the less, for Mr. Berry has a great abundance of flowers and fine young specimen trees. The conserva- tories contain a wealth of ferns and foliage plants tastily and uniquely arranged at the hands of Mr. Fruck, the gardener. Some famous grounds in the vicinity of New York, made public for many years, have been closed recently because of vandalism. It is to be deplored that, by the acts of a few people unsusceptible to the better influences of nature, the general public is cut off" from so much healthy enjoyment. It is to be hoped that many other owners of beautiful places may, at least, experiment with the sharing of the pleasures which their grounds afford. The English Linden.— Some forty years ago Mr. Thomas Meehan published a paper, in the Proceedings of the Academy of Natural Sciences of Philadelphia, that attracted some attention at the time, showing that closely related species of the trees of America and Europe differed from each other in one uni- form line. Mr. Darwin, in his work on " Plants and Animals under Domestication," frankly admits that the facts are not intelligible under his speculations regarding the origin of species, —nor have they been explained to this day. For instance, the practised eye can tell the European Linden from the American by its close, formal habit,— and oaks, ashes, beeches, and all other classes of trees can be distin- guished in like manner. The accompanying illustration of an English Linden, growing at the suburban residence of Dr. Van Horn, in German town, shows how close and formal it grows. The American, in a similar fifteen or twenty year old specimen, would be so *'spraw- ly ' ' that one could almost see through it. This neat, refined habit of growth gives the English Linden a high character iii some styles of gardening, especially when in com- pany with buildings and formal grounds. In many respects it is a justly favorite tree with (133) 14 I tfcl 134 MEEHANS' MONTHLY — GENERAI; GARDENING. [Sept. planters. At Newport, R. I., it has proved itself one of the most satisfactory ornamental trees for that locality, where considerable diffi- culty is experienced in establishing trees in proximity to the seacoast. % • •»'•'" . *i •'/ -M \ ■jm-. > . -...J -y^ THE ENGLISH LINDEN. The Life-plant of Guadeloupe.- Under this heading, recently appeared a paragraph in all the leading daily papers of the United States, sent out, by the State Department at Washington, as a document of national importance : — "Consul Ayme, of Guadeloupe, has sent, with a report to the State Department, dated December 24, 1898. some leaves of a plant growing wild on the island, which he calls the ' life-plant,' on account of its peculiar proper- ties. Mr. Ayme says : * If any leaf be broken from the plant and pinned by the stem to the wall of a warm room, each of the angles between the undulation of the leaf margin soon throws out a number of very white, threadlike roots. Next, a tiny plant be- gins to sprout, which, in the course of two or three weeks, attains a height of two or more inches. When the original leaf begins to shrivel, which may take from six weeks to three months, the small plants may be cut out with scissors, and planted, or the whole leaf buried, when the young plants will rap- idly attain full size. When cultivated, the plant attains a height of four feet, and pro- duces graceful red and yellow flowers. * I believe that this plant could be success- fully grown as a house plant, and certainly in any ordinary green- house. I find that old and new leaves sprout with about the same readiness.' " Of course, every in- telligent lover of gard- en in g recognizes at once our old friend, Bryophylhun calycinuniy which, for a hundred years or more, has been one of the commonest plants in our gardens, and has become naturalized in all Subtropical parts of the globe. Even in our own country, they can be gathered by the cart-load in Florida. It is not surprising that there is such a lack ot intelligence exhibited in so many of our public parks and gardens, when the Government at Washington, with a mighty force of botanists about them, sends out a document like this. I I90I] MEEHANS' MONTHLY — GENERAL GARDENING. 135 Heterogeneous Grafting. — Horticultural journals are giving currency to a statement that M. Bonnier showed that plants of entirely different families had recently been grafted with success— -for example, the maple upon the lilac, the kidney bean upon the castor oil bean, and the cabbage upon the tomato. This was at the Paris Academy of Sciences. Statements such as these, wholly opposed to the experience of practical men, should not be trundled around without a w^ord of caution. Years ago, a correspondent of the writer, a gentleman of character and caution, wrote that he had succeeded, in Florida, in grafting the Japanese Persimmon on the oak. He was asked for specimens, and kindly sent some. Truly, the scions had budded forth to young branch- lets, — but a close examination showed that there was no actual union. The scions fitted tightly in the cleft made in the oak plant, and had managed to suck in enough moisture to permit the pushing out of the growth. They sprouted just as they would have done had they been in a vessel of water. They were dead before the season was over. One may not say Professor Bonnier is wrong, — but may say that unlikely things should be closely tested before being given out as facts. Birds and Insects. — Pinus palustris. — In reference to the English Sparrow, am forced to say, with regret, he is a rough— maybe not intentionally, in the mischief he does, but it is a fact. I have found him out to be one of the principal agents in the distribution of the dreaded San Jose Scale insect, and he is mainly responsible for the wide localities infested hereabout. All my peach trees are greatly infested, and the branches, which I can reach, and which had such fine fruit, and plenty of it, last season, and also set buds for next summer's crop, are all dead now, killed by the scale. I am cer- tain of that. As I have no nursery-grown trees of any fruit variety on our place, but have raised all my trees, apples and pears, cherries and plums, from seed planted by me, which are all in bearing, set out twenty years ago, I cannot otherwise account for the scale, but that it has been brought to our locality by nursery stock in the Keney Park, or other places further away, and then the sparrows have carried it all about, while swarms of them fly from one place to the other and, in their boldness, eat with the chickens, and alight constantly in the nearby trees. It is too bad. I hear that entire orchards are spoiled by the insect. We have, at present (Jan. 15th), the effects of an ice storm on our trees, lasting already three days, with sunshine but no wind, and so the ice, an inch in thickness, clings to all objects, making a most brilliant sight of dazzling beauty, and I hope will check the scale also, though all fruit prospects seem also in danger. I have published my observations, in our Hartford Times, about the sparrow and the San Jose Scale, and since, it is very evident that some means have been found by the fruit growers to exterminate him, and is at this winter season recommended to be continued before the song birds return in the spring. For a week or two I have hardly seen any sparrows at all, where only a short time ago were flocks of them. Please allow me the question concerning the Pinus palustris, or Georgia Yellow Pine. Doe^ it grow, or have any efforts been made to raise^ it, as far north as Philadelphia ? I saw, in Prof. Sargeant's " Silva of North America," that, in 1830, Michaux caused some seedlings to be transplanted in France, but without much success. Your authority and valuable experience in this line would be very instructive and interesting. Hartford, Conn. MrS. W. SELIGER. [The Pinus palustris, Long-leaved or Georgia Yellow Pine, has been planted several times in the Meehans' Nurseries, but without per- manent success. One small specimen from North Carolina passed through two winters and then died. Like some other southern plants, possibly it only needs strength through protection for five or six years, when it would stand the winters perfectly. It was long ago noted, in Meehans* Monthly, when the Canadian authorities established the embargo against American nurseries, that birds would defy the Custom House authorities, and the San Jose Scale would laugh at them. This has been found true. In spite of the drastic " Stamping out," as these methods are vulgarly called, there is as much San Jose Scale in Canada as in many other places on the American side of the line. The English Sparrow is no worse an offender ir 136 MEEHANS' MONTHLY— GENERAL GARDENING. [Sept. than many other birds, — not so bad, in fact, as some, as he does not travel so far. It may be repeated here, what Meehans' Monthly has often expressed, that the San Jose Scale is no worse an enem}^ to the fruit grower than numerous other species of scale, except in the one point, that it seems capable of more rapid increase than some others. Its destruction is as easy as destruction is in any kind of scale. The intelligent cultivator does not expect to succeed without a continual fight against insects, weeds, small boys, and pests of various descriptions. He is rather glad that there are enemies to fight, as they weed out the inert cultivators, and bring greater rewards three seasons of this persistent thievery by traveling diggers. Blood-root has entirely disappeared, from this vicinity, within the remembrance of many ; and Goldenseal is extremely rare ; also Goldthread. All but the first of these plants were probably secured by local hunters. Bessie L. Putnam. Elderberry Bush. — Continuing the obser- vations made in these columns from time to time, that much more might be made in land- scape gardening than is made, by studying the special characteristics of trees with a view to harmonizing them wuth special conditions, the common Elderberry Bush, Sambucus Cana- ELDERBERRY--SAMBUCU8 CANADENSIS. to the products of his intelligence and indus- try. The wagoner who cries to the Jupiter of the law to help him, gets his team out of the mud sooner by having his own shoulder to the wheel.] EXTE^RMINATION OF MEDICINAL PLANTS. — The curse of professional root-diggers, who systematically traverse the country, devouring with the avidity of seventeen-year locusts, threatens seriously the annihilation of some of our medicinal plants. For the past few years, the demand has been especially for Ginseng, resulting in its almost complete dis- appearance from former haunts, after two or densis, deserves notice as a plant especially adapted to beautifying the lines of streams or water courses. They seem to love to grow in these situations. One of the pleasures of a small stream through one's grounds, is the air of coolness it suggests during the warm season. It is, of course, cool in the vicinity of a run- ning stream, — but for all, it seems cooler than it really is. The Elderberry, with its huge umbels of white flowers, adds to this pleasant illusion. The accompany ihg sketch of an Elderberry-lined pond represents a scene in the Arnold Arboretum, near Boston, and was originally prepared by Mr. A. Rheder for Moller's Deutsche Gartner Zeitu7ig, ► 1901] meehans' MONTHLY — GENERAL GARDENING. 137 Insect PEvSTs. — Every country has its thorns, thistles, insects, and fungus pests, that make it difficult for the cultivator to get his bread without the sweat of his brow. Accord- ing to the Australasian, of Melbourne, Austra- lia, one of the chief insect pests of that region is one of the leaf-hoppers— or thrips, as it is more common to call them. Roses and other plants in the flower garden can scarcely be cul- tivated with great success without continual spraying with insecticides ; and among the small fruits, the raspberry growers frequently lose 30 per cent, of the fruit through their attacks. It infests the blossoms, and causes such a malformation in the fruit as to render it useless. NEW ©R 1/^lE FLi^NTS. The English Golden Ash.— Golden-leaved varieties of ordinary green-leaved plants are peculiar in this, that, while some give an idea of sickliness, others impress us as being models of healthful beauty, and are valued accordingly. The Golden-leaved English Ash is one of these desirable varieties. Probably it is because the shoots of this species of ash are always thick and seemingly vigorous, that the tint of gold in the variety has such a seem- ing appropriateness. The tree itself has a strikingly healthy and vigorous form. A good idea of this feature may be gathered from the illustration on page 138, which is from a tree about twelve feet high, and is on the grounds of John T. Morris, Esq., Chestnut Hill, Phila- delphia. Tree Lobelias.— Every one is familiar with the pretty, blue, annual species of our gardens, and many know the L. cardinalis, and L. syphilitica of our meadows, — but Lobelias, as trees, seem a remarkable condition in the history of these plants. The Gardeners' Chronicle notes that, in Abyssinia, they grow up with stems fifteen or twenty feet high, and look, at a distance, like palm trees. TWE Mifll^feT TLOWEl at home. Let me mention the Trailing Arbutus. Epigcea repens, as an illustration. It is the common belief that this lovely flower cannot be transplanted, and •fli I i 138 MEEHANS' MONTHLY — GENERAL GARDENING. [Sept. I9OI] MEEHANS' MONTHLY — GENERAL GARDENING. 139 more than once I have corrected writers who have asserted this in public print. I have transplanted it successfully, — so have many others. Six summers ago, when in England, I saw a nice patch of it in the Bagshot Nur- series ; and many other large nursery firms there offer it for sale. It is not a native there, so that it follows that at some time or other the plants were safely transported from here, seedlings of it being rare. This plant likes shade and moisture and to be undisturbed. It would not thrive in the open garden, but if small, bushy plants with a good ball of earth THE ENGLISH GOLDEN ASH. be taken and set in a woodland where the required conditions exist, they will live and flourish. With native plants, a little care should be taken to provide for them situations as alike as possible to those they have been accustomed to. There are shade-loving plants and those that have grown in • open places. It often happens that a partly shady border is at com- mand, where those that demand it can be placed. It does not always follow that a wild plant is found growing in the best possible place for it. Take, for example, the Scarlet Columbine, found on damp rocks along the Wissahickon (Philadelphia). I have seen better specimens of it in open places in gardens than ever I have seen wild, no doubt because the garden afforded better food than its native rocks did. To those who have not tried it, it would be a great surprise to find how much better plants grow when the ground about them is well mulched. It makes the plants feel more nearly at home than anything else that could be done, save the giving of shade to some of them. Plants in the woods have shade above them and decaying leaves about them, and those in fields have grass or other plants about them, so that in both places the roots are cool. This is what mulching of the garden plants does, this and the preservation of moisture. An- other thing rarely thought of is this. The wild plants in the woods are so covered with forest leaves that frost does not get to their roots. I am sure that all plants, hardy or not, are the better for this ; and I would mulch afresh in the fall, that the roots may have a winter covering. As herbaceous plants will repay good food given them, I would mulch with manure in the fall. Let it be long manure, the better to pro- tect the plants ; the strawy por- tion can be raked off in the spring ; the remainder can be left undisturbed. It will be loose, and often it will be suffi- cient mulching for the summer. Next to mulching, there is nothing like a constant stirring of the soil. Let me say here that I have found many workmen in gardens totally unacquainted with the principles of hoeing. The hoe is drawn over a surface already hard, cutting off the weeds close to the ground. Then the weeds are raked off, leaving the ground in really worse condition than before, for the weeds shaded the surface though they did rob the ground. Hoeing should be fully as much to loosen the sdil as to destroy weeds. Every stroke of the hoe should loosen up an inch or more of soil, and this loose soil should not be raked down too fine, or the first I heavy rain will beat it down very hard. One would hardly believe what a help constant cultivation of this kind is to herbaceous and all other plants. And when rains come, the water is all taken up where it falls. Good mulching preserves the looseness of the soil in the same way. I am sure that very many more of our lovely native flowers could be success- fully grown than there are, if mulching or hoe- ing could be made a feature of cultivation. Instead of saying more about these plants, I will diverge a little and speak of ferns. I believe that all of us that possess a garden, be it ever so small, have place for a few ferns. What they require above all else is shade. It may be the eastern or northern side of a dwel- ling or a wall or any other situation where the afternoon sun does not reach them, and it will do. Under trees is not suitable, as a rule. The roots of trees exhaust the soil of moisture, and the branches shed big streams on the fronds, both to the injury of the plants. My own collection of native sorts are planted on the eastern side of a neighbor's house, which forms a division line. The sun shines on them until noon but not later. They flourish in the best possible way. Among the twenty-five sorts collectible about our city, some half dozen of them are evergreen, and these should certainly be planted. The time to collect ferns is toward late summer. All the kinds can be seen then, and their fronds being fully matured, the height to which they attain is shown, and the proper place for them in the garden can be determined. Take a good ball of earth with them if possible, though, as it is easy to get all their roots, they are not difficult to transplant without this. During the trip to England already referred to, it was my privilege to visit many large private grounds, and, though the climate of that country is thought particularly favorable to the cultivation of herbaceous plants, I can- not say that I saw any evidence of more inter- est in them there than is displayed here. But let any one who wishes to see them in perfec- tion visit the Royal Gardens, Kew. The department for these plants is supposed to con- tain everything hardy, and to have every plant correctly named. And as far as possible to every plant has been given a position it pre- fers. There are swamps, bogs, dry rocks and damp rocks, shady nooks and open places, all filled with flourishing plants. With note- book in hand, after two visits, I did not nearly make record of all I would have wished to have done. In the woods and fields visited, I did not find nearly as many wild plants as similar situations here, afford. No doubt it is there as it is here near large cities, those who see pretty flowers are apt to dig or pull them up, and so they disappear. On reaching these shores again, after my travels abroad, I could but feel a pride in the beautiful scene presented on each side of the track as the cars sped on from New York to Philadelphia. It was the month of August and, while full of recollec- tion of the never-to-be-forgotten kindnesses shown to me by the good friends I had parted with in England, it seemed to me the picture before me could not be presented on any other shore. Crossing the Delaware at Trenton and entering once more Pennsylvania, my feel- ings can be expressed by quoting these lines from Byron : *'Yet are thy skies as blue, thy crags as wild : Sweet are thv groves and verdant are thy fields," —for look wherever I would, cultivated fields, the trees of the forests, and the wild flowers of the roadside seemed to me never to have looked so beautiful. Joseph Meehan. Gcrmantown, Philadelphia. Duration of Herbaceous Plant Borders. —It is a common belief that a border of hardy plants, native or otherwise, once planted is a fixture and will keep on increasing in beauty. To a certain extent this is true when com- pared with summer bedding and half-hardy plants in general ; but, if half the attention and expense were devoted to the herbaceous borders that is given to the former, the results would be far more satisfactory. To obtain the best results from the hardy border, attention should be given as to how often the different kinds require transplanting. Such kinds as hollyhocks, foxgloves. Sweet Williams and Canterbury Bells, give the best results if treated as biennials, unless planted in places peculiarly adapted for them. Then follows the section that arrive at their best the second and third year from the time of planting. These can readily be recognized by their mode of growth,— they spread and increase by an underground stem and are ill 140 MEEHANS' MONTHI.Y — -GENERAL, GARDENING. [Sept. I mostly fall-blooming, including all the peren- nial Sunflowers, Asters, Golden-rods, Heleni- ums, etc. These should be dug up and re- planted about every third year, and, if possi- ble, their location on the border changed, as each kind of plant exhausts the soil of food peculiar to itself. Among the kind that may be left undis- turbed for a longer period are Paeonies, Iris, Dictatnnus, Hemerocallis, Fufikia, etc. These have thick, fleshy rootstocks and will be satisfied with a top-dressing of manure dug under in the spring. E. Hemming. AND ¥E