%tr~^aWf* ^^nT^^""^^. •// ■'.'/»' ^-^/^' *> .« ^%^^ ■ '/J'^ST/ ' ih}i .ifj O^' ..„ ."»; rvf ^^v^ '">/• « o « yt . \^ <»■• ^'■^%»«>» 4" -V -r MICROFILMED 1998 Penn State University Libraries University Park, PA 16802-1805 USAIN STATE AND LOCAL LITERATURE PRESERVATION PROJECT: PENNSYLVANIA Pattee Library Funded by the NATIONAL ENDOWMENT FOR THE HUMANITIES Reproductions may not be made without permission from The Pennsylvania State University Libraries ;V^'.y=v.;;.s»^*' COPYRIGHT STATEMENT The copyright law of the United States - Title 17, United States Code - concerns the making of photocopies or other reproductions of copyrighted material. Under certain conditions specified in the law, libraries and archives are authorized to furnish a photocopy or other reproduction. One of these specified conditions is that the photocopy or other reproduction is not to be "used for any purpose other than private study, scholarship, or research." If a user makes a request for, or later uses, a photocopy or reproduction for purposes in excess of "fair use," that user may be liable for copyright infringement. This institution reserves the right to refuse to accept a copy order if, in its judgement, fulfillment of the order would involve violation of the copyright law. Master Negative Storage Number PStSNPaAg142 CONTENTS OF REEL 142 1 ) The Philadelphia florist and horticultural journal, v. 1 , 1 852-1 853 MNS#PStSNPaAg142.1 2) The Florist and horticultural journal, v. 2, 1853 MNS#PStSNPaAg142.2 3) The Florist and horticultural journal, v. 3, 1854 MNS#PStSNPaAg142.3 4) The Florist and horticultural journal, v. 4, 1855 MNS#PStSNPaAg142.4 Title: The Philadelphia florist and horticultural journal, V.1 Place of Publication: Philadelphia, Pa. Copyright Date: 1852-1853 Master Negative Storage Number: MNS# PSt SNPaAg142.1 <2110729>*Form:serial2 lnput:HHS Edit:FMD 008 ENT: 980717 TYP: d DT1: 1852 DT2: 1853 FRE: m LAN: eng 037 PSt SNPaAg142.1 $bPreservation Office, The Pennsylvania State University. Pattee Library. University Park. PA 16802-1805 090 20 Microfilm D344 reel 142.1 $cmc-»-(service copy, print master, archival master) $s+U1V1X1852-U1V12X1853 245 04 The Philadelphia florist and horticultural joumal $ba magazine of horticulture, botany, agriculture, and the kindred sciences 260 Philadelphia, [Pa. $bs.n.] $c1 852-1 853 300 1 v.. $c25 cm. 310 Monthly 362 0 Vol. 1, no. 1 (May 1852)- 362 1 Ceased with vol. 1, no. 12 in 1853 500 Title from caption 515 Issue dates overlap from Jan. 1853-Apr. 1853 (some undated) with later title: The Florist and horticultural joumal. Issue numbers are different. 533 Microfilm $mv.1,no.1(1852)-v.1.no.12(1853) $bUnrversity Park, Pa. : $cPennsylvania State University $d1998 $e1 microfilm reel ; 35 mm. $f(USAIN state and local literature preservation project. Pennsylvania) $f(Pennsylvania agricultural literature on microfilm) 590 Archival master stored at National Agricultural Library, Beltsville, MD : print master stored at remote facility 590 This item temporarily out of the library during the filming process. If you wish to be notified when it returns, please fill out a Personal Reserve slip. The slips are available in the Rare Books Room, in the Microforms Room, and at the Circulation Desk 650 0 Horticulture $xPeriodicals 650 0 Gardening $xPeriodicals 650 0 Botany $xPeriodicals 830 0 USAIN state and local literature preservation project $pPennsylvania 830 0 Pennsylvania agricultural literature on microfilm FILMED WHOLE OR IN PART FROM A COPY BORROWED FROM: CORNELL UNIVERSITY Microfilmed By: Challenge Industries 402 E.State St P.O. Box 599 Ithaca NY 14851-0599 phone (607)272-8990 fax (607)277-7865 www.lightlink.com/chaIlind/micro1 .htm IMAGE EVALUATION TEST TARGET (QA-3) 1.0 ^iii ■2.2 t LA •- . nm 1 Q I.I 1.25 1.4 1.6 « ^ Ijunini o /

„^j sometimes the first efi'ect is to produce an accumulation of sap in a certain branch, which is forced into the remaining buds and there stored up against a future year. In ordinary cases it occurs that by this means, short or bearing branches, or sjpurs are obtained in great abundance. The cultivators of the Filbert (Corylus JJvellana,) procure by this practice a greater abundance of bearing wood, than nature unassisted would furnish. For as the hazel nut or Filbert is always borne on the wood of the previous year, it is desirable that every bush should have as much as could be obtained of that wood (to this consideration all others are sacrificed ;) and such is readily obtained by observing a continued system of shortening the young branches of two-thirds, the effect of which is to force all the lower buds into growth the successive year and thus each shoot of bearing wood produce many others. The effect produced upon one part by the abstraction of another thus shown, is the development of buds, which would otherwise have been dormant. This may be shown in many other ways ; thus if all the fruit of a plant is taken off one year after its formation, the fruit will be finer and more abundant the year following, which naturally occurs when late frosts destroy our crops , if of many flowers only one is left, that one fed by the nourishment intended for all the others becomes so much the finer. And also of two unequal branches, the stronger is shortened and stopped in its growth, the other becomes stronger ; and this is one of the most useful effects connected with pruning; because it enables a skilful cultivator to equalize the growth of all parts of a tree and as has already been stated is one of the most important consequences of the operation ; for example, we may say that a seedling tree has a hundred buds to support, and consequently the stem grows slowly and the plant is stunted ; but being cut down so as to leave only two or three buds, these push with great vigor and it becomes luxuriant. Nothing is more strictly to be guarded against than the disposition that some plants have to bleed, such as the vine and some climbers that are very milky, &c. when pruned, to such an extent as to threaten them with total exhaustion. It is also not unfrequent in fruit trees with gum- my mucili ginous secretions, such as the plum, the peach and other stoned-fruits. This property arises from the large size of the ves- sels, which vessels are unable, when cut through, to unite suffici- ently to close their apertures, and so long as the roots continue to ^ absorb their fluid contents from the soil so long will this emission Stake place ; and if it is allowed to go on, the system of the plant i^^V^. om actual o!)servation of such as have been under my charge. 1 think you can rely on the descriptions at all events as Philadelphiun. J- ^' .^pril lOM, 18r)'2. 1^' 0. 1 , Black )1 0 r 0 C C O — young wood reddish, smooth, foliage rather large, dark green with lobes, these deeply serrated ; footstalks long crinison colored. launch, large, rather loose. Berries large, ova!, of a dark red or purple color, thick skin, sweet pleasant llavor, large and hangs a long time on the vine — second rate. No. 2— Black II am bur? — This well known grape scarcely needs description, as it is the one commonly grown for a general crop under glass, (in this country) being one of very best (if not the best) either as regards a certainty of crop or llavor ; young wood of a light green color, smooth. Foliage light green, broad, and smooth ''on the upper side. Bunch, above medium si/.e, with short shoulders. Berries good size, roundish, oval and deep purple when ^V ripened, but when the vine is burthened with too much fruit it never ^0 assumes that fine dark color so much admired, but has a reddish hue, O Vand then become what is commonly known as the Red Hamburg. C»^^ d^CVO"-, ^^ ^-^ ; The Philu(l<^ll»l»i« Florist a- llorl: .lounuil. Ji^'^ P l\ . 'ft // f^b color plate intentional second exposure 1852.] THE PHILADELPHIA FLORIST. 1 I. i ^^'''C 9 /C^ There nre doubtless a great many seedlings from this grape or sports w 'from vines in peculiarj soils and situations. These have had names '^^ y bestowed on them to please the fancy, and sometimes the vanity of embryo cultivators or enthusiastic amateurs, but so near the present that they do not merit the distinction. Such are the Red Hamburg, HamptoxN Court Victoria, Frankenthal, or Frankendale, &c., &c. Jl, Black Fcrrar — Young wood dark green, smooth, foliage, lio-ht o-reen lobes not deep, irregular serrated ; foot stalks short and rouo-h. Bunch loose, berries large, oval, black, thick skin, sweet flavor, very similar to Black Morocco, No. 1. 1^0. 4 — Bishop — Young wood reddish, foliage dark green with fine deep lobes, (botanically quinquefid or pentifid) deeply serrated ; pubescent, (dark crimson) foot stalks. A very strong grower, (which 1 consider not worth cultivating,) bunch large loose ; berries reddish, purple, large, oval, thick skinned, flesh fine, sweet, differs little from Black Morocco, No. 1. James Powell. Philadelphia, April lOM, 1852. The importance to amateurs and even practical gardeners of a useful descriptive list of Foreign Grapes is so generally conceded, that we cordially write observations upon Mr. Powell's list as it appears. It will be continued in future numbers. — Ed. The Patriarchs of Horticulture and Botany, The tomb of Old Flanders' family of the Tradescants is dilapidated, and the admirers of ancient Botanical spirit and enterprise intend re- storing it. Who does not know Tradescantia, or spider plant, discolor and T. Zebrina ( Why the latter is all about. I saw a plant of it luxuriating in a window in Poplar street a few days ago, in the north- east portion of the city. But more, the Tradescants introduced many North American novelties to Britain before Bartram's day; even one of the Hacamatai or Tacamahae, (Popuhts ulha,) and the Fox Grape and Marvel of Peru, (4 o'clock.) Will not gardeners perpetuate even in Britain, the glory of their order. Subscriptions will be re- ceived by Sir W. Hooker, at Kew, for fhe above purpose. Alas, gar- deners are poor men. Of John Bartram's memory we shall speak again. \P^ The Botanical name, Hactshish, about which there is some- thing in the papers, is not properly spelled ; 'tis Cannabis Indica, not Cannabris. The common Hemp of commerce is Cannabis sativa, a . I plant of the natural ord. Urticacea of Linde, and of course partaking / ^'j of the strong diuretic properties of the common nettle, Urtica dioica. d^ <.1 I so much used as a vegetable in Ireland, and very medicinal. ^^) 3' 9-^1^ 2 THE PHILADELPHIA FLORIST. [May vJV ^<^<^^ NATURAL SCiENCK ''^ « Mothodum intdliso nature convenicntem , p W^ solicit communications from the farmers around us, statistical and Vo-eneral, with plans of croppin-, and feeding, nature of soils m the 1 V.J \ different districts of this state ; quality of the breed of cattle, 6cc., &c., in order to ^ive some idea of the actual state of Agriculture in this'rountry. We shall be ready to answer any inquiry on the sub- ject of Acrriculture to the best of our ability. In our next number we shall furnish a few extracts from the report of the x\gricultural Inspector, Ireland, for the years '50-51. »■»■ INDICATIONS OF THE CREATOR IN THE VEGE- TABLE KINGDOM. In the great procession of the events of the moral universe, and the sil-nt but'^not less beautiful sequence in th.' natu.al world, we are de- termined by the constitutions of our minds to view all in the order of cause and effect ; or at least of antecedent and consequi«nt, for some deny the reality of cause altogether, admitting only the notion of tune or succession in the relation of any two events. Whether there .s any power in the antecedent to produce the consequent, is a metaphy- sical question which is foreign to my present object. The notion of cause is all but universal. In the simple curiosity of the child, and the more enlightened reflections of the man; in the rude Indian, who hears the voice of the Great Spirit in the deep-toned thunder, and the phi- losopher who asks what power originated and sustains this great thea- tre of our existence \ Whence comes this idea of causation \ Is it a primary idea— the product of the universal reason, rising spontaneous- ly in the mind of every child ! Or is it the result of intimations from without, associated with the notions of time \ On the first hypothe- sis the idea of a first cause is direct, intuitive, an indestructible fact, or state of human nature. On the second, it is the result of reflections upon the phenomena outside of the soul. It is the last analysis, the cause of which all other causes are effects. If we do not accept the first theory, our argument for a first cause must consist entirely of the inference of cause from effect. If we do admit this theory that the idea of a first cause is innate or primary, the argument from effect to cause is by no means unnecessary, for it supports the other in a very satisfactory manner. In the arrangement of the external world, we observe the most per- feet adaptation of means to ends. In this we see contrivance, and we know nothing of contrivance but as the result of intelligence. Thus comes the idea of a great intelligence, which may account for all known phenomena. Now let us look at plants to see what indica- ' tions they afford of the great first cause. The position of the vegeta- , f^ble kingdom— its relations to the other departments of nature, affords^) :#- .° -^tRfS#> (^ very powerful evidence of a great, intelligent, designing Mind , y' see the force of this point, we should endeavor to obtain enlarged, ^ / comprehensive views of the universe. It is only by surveying the ^ parts separately, then by a higher effort of mind seeking to grasp the whole, that we can arrive at those subtile, beautiful, e.ndless relations which bind all things into one great whole, and forever stamp them as the productions of one Great Mind. The chemical constitutions of plants is tlie same as that of animals ; and indeed, all their elements are found in inorganic nature. Then the form of the ultimate par- ticles, of which plants and all matter is composed, is probably the same. Now just conceive of the material universe reduced to these homogeneous particles, all chaotic, motionless, clear. What but an Infinite intelligence could lodge the rocks in their silent dwelling place, build the mountains on their everlasting foundations — clothe their naked limbs with garments of beauty j or send the ox to browse at their feet, and the eagle to perch on their heads. The vegetable kino-dom hcdds an intermediate position. There is inorganic matter on the one hand, and the highest form of organization, the animal, on the other. Now the inorganic is evidently to be regarded as a means to something ulterior. Its office is to form a theatre and a sub- stance, which by combination with the principle of life, curious and beautiful orders of being are to be formed. But animals can- not be formed directly from and sustained by matter in the inorganic state. Their food must be organized. There then comes in the agency of plants ; they stand in direct contact with inert matter, and transform it into a state which animals can assimilate. Now it seems unnecessary to point out the marks of design in this great arrange- ment. They are sufficiently obvious. The globe was evidently in- tended to sustain animal life, but this would be impossible without the mediation of plants. In the order of creation, plants preceded an- imals ; what but Infinite intelligence could see so far — determine and arrange with such admirable precision. But leaving the boundaries of the kingdom, we find numberless instances of the most consummate skill within its own borders. For instance, in the structure of plants, what can be more striking than the simplicity of the elements, and the untold variety in the complicated results. A few little germs, differ- ing but little in size and shape, constitute the elementary organs of all plants. But their combinations how various and beautiful ! The root that penetrates the earth, the stem that extends into the atmosphere — the leaf that fans the element that surrounds it — the flower of every imaginable color, the delicate stamens and pistils — and the seed, the { consummation of all. An architect can build houses of various forms, < ; with the same bricks ; but how few are his variations in comparison ^ ('• with the wonderful variety in the domain of Flora. How inferior his tf^ J o,' ^rm 1\ Hi 14 THE PHILADELPHIA FLOPtlST. [May fefittin-s and joinings to the exact adaptations in the humblest plant- g^ ^ how slilfand inele-ant the outlines of his works, compared with the ^ perfect symmetry in every plant. The position assumed by the plants >^^ of the embryo in germination, is one of the most convincing proofs of skilful contrivance to be found in nature. Why does the radicle al- ways seek the soil, and the plumula as invariably asc^^nd into the at- mosphere'? Does gravity explain the phenomenal If it will account for the downward direction of the root, how can it account for the stem ascending into the atmosphere '? Shall we with some, place it among the vitiil phen.mena of vegetation! What is that but saying that the plant is so created, that its parts observe these respective di- rections ; and what could so arrange this but Infinite wisdom and pow- er] This fully accounts for the pht-nomena, and we know of nothing else that can. Again look at the functions of the leaves, observe their perfect pneumatic structure, how nicely adapted to the various degrees of heat, light and moisture, to winch they are exposed— when the sit- uation is unfavorable to respiration, the leaves are fitted with this epidermis, and large active stomates, but when the situation naturally favors it, to too high a degrc^e, it is counteracted by a thick leathery skin, and small sfomates. In the case of leaves growing under water, the stomates are entirely absent. Why ] siu.ply because they could be of no use there. In the clothing of buds we find evidence of sti iking adaptations. In trees natives of cold climates, the buds are formed during the sum- mer, but they are not to be developed till the following spring. These buds are of the highest importance for they contain the rudi- ments of branches, leaves, flowers, fruit and seeds ; they are very tender, now how are they to be preserved during the severities of winter 1 In this way nature has provided for them,— they are cover- ed with scales adapted in number and thickness to the exposure of different species. The arrangement and packing of these scales is so perfect that art cannot imitate it. And this is not all, in some, as the horse-chestnut the whole is covered with a coat of gum, which forms a very powerful protection. The whole process of reproduc- tion, offers many illustrations of the existence and care of the Creator. Look at the end— the perfV-ction of the seed, observe it is indicated in every part of the process. The stamens and pistils are placed near each other, that the fertilising inHuence of the pollen may not be thwarted, and they are both matured at the same time for the same purpose. There is beautiful contrivance in the relative position of these organs, they are long or short, erect or drooping, and all for the one purpose of conveying the pollen to the ovules. ^ 6 The constitution of the seed is one of the finest examples. The U^ 1852.] THE PHILADELPHIA FLORIST. 15 ^> V. .'>■' — — sr seed is composed of the germ, and of provision both for its preserva-*^j tion and support in the first stages of growth. The embryo is one ofo^^ the most brittle and tender substances, "jet it is folded up in the most \ perfect security within the integuments and the albumen of the seed. So great is the conservative power, that seeds have been known to germ.inate, when more than a thousand years old. The preservative power prevents both decay, and untimely germinations. Before the germ can assume the active state, the preserving power must be over- come, and when it is no longer needed for that y)urpose, it subserves another not less important. Namely, the support of the young plant, before it can live by its own proper functions. All this is effected in the seed itself, which is a perfect laboratory. I cannot close these remarks without noticing the large develop- ment of beauty in plants, that ethereal presence which lends such a charm to all material objects. Plants supply us with food, and this indicates the goodness of God. But they minister to higher wants, delighting the soul with their elegant forms, and their lovely colors. Now this beauty which is so profusely lavished on the daughters of Flora is far more than a rigid utilitarianism demands, and if we could suppose mere mechanisms to be the result of chance, we must look higher for the exquisite, artistic finish, which characterises all the members of the vegetable kingdom. It is needless to specify cases — the most important thing rs to view the subject from the right point. Then is every fact we acquire, and every law we discover a testimo- ny to the great doctrine we have been considering. Habit has so familiarized us with these beautiful objects, that many of us forget to bestow a thought upon them. We eat our bread, wear our linen, and sail the ocean in our majestic ships — without a recollection of the oTowth of the corn, the flax or the oak. Let us be more mindful in the summer that is opening upon us. May we draw from the study the consoling inference, that "If God so clothe the grass," He will not forget us, his rational creatures. Thus shall we rise Irom nature up to nature's God. J* M. The Pennsylvania Horticultural Society. There is "something" going on in the pages of the Horticulturist about our society, and societies in general. Several dangerous look- ing shells have exploded, but as yet no body seems to be much hurt. The war has already lasted three months, and to all appearance, "the end is not yet." Now, with every respect for the gentlemen engaged in this controversy, I do not see that there is much to found a differ- ence upon. One gentlemen, " a working gardener of Philadelphia," ^'does not consider the society absolutely perfect, believes it might | MQ^ .0 'Ch- 'V< o'Oik m^' 'o^ 'tK^il i i 16 THE PIllT.A][)ELrHIA_FLORIST. ^^ [May (Virve the cause of hortlciiUure far more than it does, and that someh) ; uh.as of his own would be advantageously adopted. In th>s opm.on , , " he probably does not stand alone, nor from his censnre could any \ society be Exempted. No society is perfect-there is always room for improvements, and each individual member of such soc.et.es would be worth Barnum's attention, had he not some LtUe ulea of the superiority of his own ideas. But a society is not an md.vulual, and .ome members must concede somHlnng in all deta.l matters. So far I do not see that our society is such a vny scandalous affa.r. Me considers that gardeners have no direct influence in the management of the society. This must be a misconception If so, I do not see that the society is to blame. No good gardener has, to my know- led^e ever been refused admission to membership m the society ; eveW detail, no matter how small, is laid before the members as- semlded at each monthly meeting, the majority of whom are gardeners generally, and by them adopted or rejected. If any mem- ber, let him be a gardener or an amateur, or neither, have any su-estions to make they are always attended to. Now .t seems to meTthat if the arrangements of the schedule of premiums, are so yery defective, and if such important improvements could be made in it, the society would have been proud to receive them when the schedule was proposed for adoption. It is neither fa.r jus , nor generous to .it quietly by in a meeting, a'ssent (tac.tly to all that ™sses, and then come out with such a "did you ever!" before the world. Is it fair to condemn the usefulness of the society because plants " grown by the yard" are brought there X Does the society Low the plants! Does the society colour the grapes 1. 1 rather Luess " the society is better pleased with good specimens tnan with ba'd ones. Let the " working gardener " bring his Chiswick grown specimens there-it will be time enough then for the society to turn out tlielean ones. Sam Slick tells us never to "«/3/ we can go ahead but go." A clever fellow that same Sam-should like to see a few'more of 'em. There are many things in the management of a society which those who are not in its actual machinery deem ob- iectionable, but yet would wear a very different aspect under other circumstances. Now with regard to gardeners not being on the committee-our friend considers this a great g^i'^""'^'^--'^'s « ^ matter of opinion. I, as a gardener, would rather be off them; I have never felt more ill at ease than when I have been on committees under which the inspection of my own things have fallen. So with reorard to the designs-I have no doubt but that the majority of the V members consider them most untasteful object. But a society mu. ^ be ptcuniarily as well zs scientifcally successful.and if the committee ^^ of management err in deeming the designs important to these ends. ^O 1852.] THE PHILADELPHIA FLORIST. 17 f^^they would no doubt be glad to act on a better when pointed out to Cithern. Some novelty or some show with the mass of the public / seems to be necessary. Had not Mr. Cope's liberal contribution of the Victoria, been a good substitute for the absence of the designs usually there, I fear many of the citizens would have deemed the exhibition a failure last year. Thomas Meehan. While our talented friend has changed the Venue in this cause, let us hope that he has not drawn an old house about our ears while yet in a state of helpless infancy, and still more anxiously let us hope for an impartial verdict on the merits. — Ed. P. Fl. A few species of native plants are in bloom. Of these we may noie^^nemone thalictr hides, (Meadow rue like Anemone.) The English name used for Anemone is wind flower ; a pleonasm which weV no means admire or encourage. We shall do our best for those simple speaking persons, who eschew pedagogism, as a French friend of ours terms it. But we must preserve intact the fundamental rules of technical science, which so much facilitate the study of na- ture, and are so much valued by scientific minds. The technical language of chemistry is justly esteemed one of the greatest achieve- ments of the human mind. Our small friends are waiting for their turn in the list— these nre Droba verna, early whitlow grass, so common everywhere in cultivated ground, with its minute size abundance of white and delicate flowers, and curious siliquea or pouch. Linnseus's system merges in the classification of the tribe, to which this plant belongs, into the natural system, for he takes into account the structure of the seed-vessel, and arrangement of the seeds. We shall explain this in the dissertation promised on the several systems of Botany. We have yet Epigea repens, a beautiful American plant, which will not be naturalized m Britain— at least it is with difficulty kept alive there from its peculiar habits, and the nature of its roots ; it luxuriates only on its native soil, as nature intended it should. C alt ha palmtris has flowered al- ready in the Jersey marshes ; this is the May-flower of Britain, which the pent up citizens of their manufacturing towns collect when a day of respite is allowed him at the approach of spring. All love flowers if they knew it. We have yet Saxifraga rupestns in abun- dance ; every one who walks into the country sees it ; and Claytoma Virginica, and Symplo carpus faetidus or skunk cabbage-the roaches | [ know this plant, I am told, by colored inhabitants of our vicinity, / cl^who sell it for the discomfiture of this pest of housekeepers. Next^ (^^month we shall give more natives. ^) ^^ o^ .^fOSi? o^ I ■^\ IS THE PHILADELPHIA FLOPJST. TRANSACTIONS OF SCIENTIFIC SOCIETIES. [May r *i f < LiNN^AN, British, March 2d, Robert Brown, Esq., in the Chair. 1 A collection of specimens from the Herbarium of the kite Dr. feibth- orp illustrative of his tour in Greece, and collected by him, were presented by Dr. Daubenv. Mr. A. White exhibited specimens oi the Eurostus vnlidus of Dallas, captured by I'ortune in ^oitliern China Attention was directed to the fact, that although the insect when dry was brown, when immersed in s| irits of wme, it presented a beautiful green color. The importance of ascertaining the color before death was enforced, as many im|)ortant characters are thusob- tained which do not exist in the preserved specimens. A series o drawino-s from the Misses Har-iet and Helena Scott were exhibited to illustrate the Entomology of Australia, a work by their brother ; a paper by Mr. Swainson accompanied these accurate and beautijul drawing confined chielly to butterflies and mollis— many rare species are found in Australia. A fruit of Araucaria Bidw.Uii, was present- ed : this tree a congener of A. imbricata, the Chili Pine, attaining a heicrht of 80 or 90 feet in its native locality, with huit as large as a (common) man's head, and quite as hard no doubt. Dr. ihs. ihomp- son elected a Ft'Wovf.— .I '>rn/gcd from London jjaper. Entomological British, JVIarch, in our next. British Hort. London, March 2nd, Sir C. Lemon Bart. M. P. in the Chair.— Fellows elected. Lady D. Nevil and M. Sneyd, Esq. A cuv\om Cynoches (Orchid,) was sent from Messrs. Kol isons ne^ to crardeus, purchased at a sale; also from J. H. Schrceder s garden a col- Section of orchids, Ca-logvne cristata, covered with bloom-, ^nsei ha, ^fricana, Dendrobium Heyneanum (white) best ever exhibited, £;n. dendrum odoratissimum and Lycastc, high colored lar. Skmnern. A Kniffhtian medal awarded. Messrs. Jackson, Nurserymen for J^fr/r^«. ta sansuinea, (one of the arrow root family,) a Banksian Medal. This is a South American plant, flowered for first time m England. Hayes of Edmonton, sent two single fringed seedling Pnm^ula smensis Chi- nese primrose; from Messrs. Veitch, a branch of Acacia dealbata cut from a standard tree 20 feet high, at present in bloom at their Nur- gerv— perfectly hardy tree S.E. of London. Messrs. Standish & No- ble sent a new seedling. Rhododendron, in flower, named R. aha- turn, and really pretty, only 0 inches high, forced, hardy »/ g'-o^vn o"^ doo^s— a Banksian Medal awarded. A Cyclamen from Mrs Atkins, Painswick, Gloucestershire, a cross between Perdiam and Coum-a certificate awarded. (There is such a var. in our vicinity. Ed.H.) A certificate awarded ; a Kipley Queen Pine Apple weigh 3 b 3oz. by Mr. Jones, gardener to Sir J. Guest, Bart. Bunches of black Ham- birgh Grapes just ripened, from Mr. Mitchell Brighton; a certificate- (outdoor temp, at this time about an average of 40- Fah Ed. Fl.— New "yellow crowned" Seakale, from Mr. Prestoe gardener to E. W. Blunt, Esq., Kempshall Park, The Nepal Berberry was by far the most Remarkable plant furnished ; ashleaved BerberisJ\epaJen- *i*, from London Hort. Society Garden, Chiswick, described from Oatacamund in the Neilgherries found by Fortune. Cuttings of fruit ^ ^ trees were distributed to Fellows of the Society ; some plants were ^ S furnished from the Society's garden.— /6. ^ i^9^> ^^' 1852.] THE PniLADET.PHIA FLORIST. ■'^-^^t^^; littrari] lepnrtmtnt. Without a little enthusiasm, the woild would be at a stand still. — w. h. ». Gardeners can read and write sometimes, and many know something of the literature of the day. A few are good Botanists, Musicians, Artists, i'oets. Entomologist?, and all are critics more or less. We propose then to indulge in the taste for literature at the expense of the mere practical gardener. Poetry and Flowers are closely connected. Without flowers we should have had little tasteful poetry; without po- etry who could paint the flowersi How many have deified the Rose in verse — how many roses have the poets paintedl The Gorse, or as the Highlander has it, the whin, or furze we are told, was almost wor- shipped by Linnseus ; that is, he found in it another incentive to ador- ation of the God of Nature. Oui fair readers, gentle and rosy-finger- ed, I hope, will grace this department with their chaste effusions; if not, we must appeal to the hard-handed mechanic, who in our need has already aided us with the following : fFf>r thp Phihulolphia Florist.] The Lily, Rose, and Violet. Who rjof's not love iho^p hoauti^ons flowers? HwiH't ornium'Uls of NiiLuru'a bowers; What eye so stoicn' i-an viow Their dazzliny; white, ami rod, and blue, And not think on tin* kindly powwra Which gave to earth these heavenly flowers ? I love all nature — from the trcBS Which si>;h and moan with eveninjr's breexo, To where the oak, wth mi-^hty crash. Falls thaundi'rinn 'neatli tlic lijfhtnin^'s flash! 1 love the floods, and r>ck8, and rills — The gloomy t^lens and sun-lit hills — The sun, and gales, anv -^^^^^ 1852.] THE PHILADELPHIA FLORIST. 21 D^' t ^kM nnit ISortiniltnral SoiirnaL d Philadelphia, May, 1852. OUR APOLOGY. For what 1 Not for being what we are : a number of plain Philadelphia Gardeners, unaided by any friendly clique or influence of notable patrons. Not for tr\ ing to be what we are not ; Authors instead of Workingraen. Not for venturing upon our undertaking without previously enlisted support, and trusting to the appreciation of the community in which we live for our patronage and support. — This would be to apologize for Philadelphia. Shall our apology then be for Philadelphia 1 Philadelphia as wanting in interest in Horticulture 1 Old Philadelphia, that boasted the first Green Houses on the American Continent, whose Bartrams, more than one, were among the first collectors of the world, and that was foremost, almost without competition in the great work of introducing the floral natives of the new to the old world, and naturalizing those of the old world the new. Or is it the Philadelphia of the Horticultural Socety, still substantially the only Horticultural Society of the Union that now founded twenty-six years, goes on with every year increasing in means and usefulness 1 Or Modern Philadelphia is it, the Philadelphia that sends its bouquetstothe reigning belles of the whole Union ; that sup- ports they say its 1500 Gardeners and 5000 Garden laborers,— of whose florists one has over 20,000 square feet under glass; the city that imports so many varieties of exotics every year, and that is known to possess collections of rare and beautiful plants in value ex- ceeding $200,000 % Or are we to mean the Philadelphia of the past year, itself, that has seen the Victoria Regia blossom in glory— the past year in which we discover that two of our fanciers alone have paid the sum of $280 and $4-00 each, for exotics imported by them from Europe and introduced to the United States for the first time 1 Or the Philadelphia of the month in which we write, the Philadelphia of April 15th; when, at an entertainment given by a lady, one of the brightest ornaments of elegant and refined society, her drawing-room conservatory presented the most admirable specta- cle of at least eight thousand dollars worth of flowers in full and perfect bloom. The foreigners who were there, admitted how few Palaces in Europe could array that charming sight. No ! no, I'hila- delphia may be slow in publishing and proclaiming her own merits ; but she never has been deficient in zeal for Horticulture ! Still why should we not be content to keep our mouth-pieces at the '^ North, where they say they are getting to do all the talking and writing "U ■vi^^M 22 THE PHILADELPHIA FLORIST. \ <>( -.ivS'' --<-•. [Mat 0\ 1852.] THE PHILADELPHIA FLORIST. 23 i5 oHhe rest of the Union. Why not continue to depend upon them ; why '^^ ^2 not specially patroni.e some such excellent periodical as Dowmng s c/ y HortLlturfst, or Hovey's Magazine X Because the -•f-''". ^ I Sects of the kingdom of Flora, persist in acknowledgmg geographical differences and sectional distinctions. They require an o^S''" str.ct- ly local, the exponent of their wants, that depend upon latdude and longitude, and the peculiarities of climate and season. "Ihe Ho.ti- culturist," is an excellent organ for the North Eiver Country-good for the Gennessee Country, not far out of the way perhaps for Upper Canada, even; but the season at Albany, where it is P»bl.shed 's earlier and later by just one lunar month, than the season at Phila- delphia, its indigenous Flora differs from our own: and the same exotics either cannot be raised in the two places, or reqmres a totally different climate treatment. And there is no Journal of .ts k.nd pub- lished South of the Horticulturist ! Our Florist will be hterally alone between Albany and New Orleans. Surely if the gentlemen Flonsis of Northern cities can sustain their several Journals, those of Phila- delphia can maintain one ! , , . , i„„i. But we don't count merely upon the favor of the r.ch-we look and hope for our chief patrons among those of like degree w.th our- selves. Philadelphia has been called by two good names! Ihe City of Mechanics, and ,he City of Flower Gardens. The first manu- facturing city of the Union, her mechanics are mainly of the class who are moral and intelligent, and who cherish the refinements as part of the comforts of their homes. The City of Deep Lots-.t is by reason of the many gardens attached to her long rows of even houses, that our town plot spreads over an area of ground more than one fourth.greater than the Metropolitan City of New \ork. And who Bmon«r us does not know how many floral gems of beauty bloom in Philadelphia South-side windows-how many choice fru.ts are ripen- ed in humble Philadelphia back yards 1. The Yards and Gardens, have no Organ. It does t/iem no earthly sood to have at second-hand, the statistics of English noblemen's con- servatories, or how Pines can be raised at less th.n a Guinea a pound ! We shall try to write for the yards and windows. We mv.te com- munications of all kinds from the yards and windows We shall never need to apologise for the short comings of the rich, so long as we can insure a sufficient number of Yard and Window Patrons. No, indeed, our apology is offered for nothing of the kind Our apology is for the present number of the Florist, and the circumstances of haste under which it is produced. The late unusually inclement season has given rise to a general call from ) the Yards and Windows, for a Calendar of Operations for Amateurs^ at the commencement of the Spring Season. A particular desire was ^ U:m^ -^''* ~-<^<« (^manifested too to have freely published the April Report of the Penn.J^j Nj Horticultural Society, kindly placed at our disposal by Thomas P. c> / James, Esq., for whose kindness we have to acknowledge our especial \ oblip-ations. ^ An issue like our own has been long talked of; There seemed to be a doubt among its best friends whether it would have any better than a conversational existence. It was time to hazard something — And so, Gentlemen, Ladies, Editors, Amateurs, Gardeners, and Mem- bers of the Pennsylvania Horticultural Society and Gardeners Union, the Philadelphia Florist makes you its bow, promises to do its best hereafter, and asks you kindly to acknowledge its first appearance. We have a few words to say in answer to the members of the gar- dening craft. They have asked many questions with regard to our motives and plan of proceeding — who was to conduct this Journal — who would support it 1 Talked of other failures of swindling pro- jects practised upon them. These questions we had every reason to suppose would be proposed ; we shall best reply to them by acts. We thank them for their careful solicitude for our personal safety and their own. To those who proposed no difficult and chilling en- quiries, but went with us cordially, we tender our thanks, and respect those close and calculating men no less, who form the ribwork of civil society, by binding in certain form the swaying intellects of the san- guine and enthusiastic. " Without a little enthusiasm," said a learn- ed divine in our hearing, " the world would stand still ;" yet we ad- mire those most whose enthusiasm in such an undertaking as the pre- sent is manifested in something beyond mere words ; or do not the very enthusiasts talk away their enthusiasm 1 We hope not. We shall see. Our reasons for commencing a new speculation amongst so many older and abler speculators are simply these. We do speculate upon procuring circulation for another Journal devoted to the sublime and beautiful, even in Philadelphia, a mercantile city, where money and stocks rule the roast— where gardening, gardeners and gardens are but called into requisition to trifle away a leisure hour, and Horticul- ture and Botany terms not well understood— where it is supposed the Philadelphia Florist and Horticultural Journal will prove an ephemera or a nonentity, and its ardent originators and kind pro- moters but idle dreamers. We speculate however on far different re- sults—upon the discrimination of a scientific public ; upon the intel- lectuality of Americans as representatives of true republican institu- tions ; upon the good morals of the gardeners of this vicinity ; on the refinement and skill of our citizens ; on their love of the beautiful in .^ nature, for nature swells with beauty ; and on the passion for novelty, (t) not least in the list of items which we have just run over. fev ^^PQ^^ X 24 THE PHILADELPHIA FLORIST. • .4 1 [May THE PHILADELPHIA FLORIST. ? Philadelphia is not a mere mercantile city, where the race for ri» wealth is run by citizen and foreigner, which overturns or tramples ^ upon the divine and beautiful, moral and intellectual principles ^ of nature ; it is a city where these principles are cherished and appre- ciated where Ihe artizan of enterprise appeals not in vain to the millionaire, nor the gardener to the territorial proprietor, nor the clerk to the merchant for aid and succor. And in these conclusions we state facts as we find them in the Quaker City, as other immigrant foreigners have found them. Our Monthly Tour of Inspection. Gardeners are generally much addicted to perambulation ; they learn much in this way, more than being closely confined in their own conservatory or truck patch or parterre. We wander much about. We derive pleasure from the knowledge we gain in the small plant houses of enterprising amateurs more than in the immense collections of old cultivators. General Patterson's houses contain at present some valuable speci- mens of plants such as Illicium fioridanum, Polygala oppositifolia, Tropoeolum canariense, Franciscea latifolia. Fine specimens of orange trees bending with ripe and perfect fruit, and a variety of large and showy specimens of more generally distributed phnts— Gardener^ Isaac Collins, Locust and Thirteenth streets. James Dundas, Esq.— The plant houses of this distinguished ama- teur of horticulture, always open to the lovers of the science, are worthy a visit at this season. The eye fatigued with snow, and frost, and rain, and mud, rests here on luxuriant vegetation in a state approaching nature. The orchids hang in pendant spikes from de- cayed vegetable matter, in the shape of rustic wood work, nine feet in length, a spike of oncidium altissimum— or (tallest oncidium) wan- ders amongst the frond of the Latania or Palm. The curious pitcher plant with its well adapted operculum hangs from its block in humid luxuriance, JV. Rafflesianum is the new species and may be s>een here, and the little pitcher plants all around indicate the old gardener's success in impregnation and cultivation. Mr. Bisset is your friend if you are a friend to horticulture. He has also Fuchsia Chalmerii, Snow- drop, Gay Lad, Chateaubriand and many others in full bloom. Also Maxdlaria Grahamii, Oncidum CehoUetii, O.Jlexuosum, 0. Carthagi- niensis and others in fine order. But our list would swell, and the Magnolia out doors tells that all are not in the houses which are worth notice. We shall call again before November. We have not had time to stop at other places in the vicinity but shall do so at our "i) first opportunity. 3iQ9b- -cPC^M ~"^C. 25 1852.] ^^^ ROYAL BOTANICAL GARDEN, GLASNEVIN, DUBLIN. -0 By the Curator's Report of this Garden, we learn that steps have V been taken to cultivate the Victoria Regia there. A brick and cement | tank, fifteen feet square, has been built at the end of one of the houses. The sugar beet, so interesting as an economical crop to the Irish proprietor, has been experimented upon in twelve different ways ; prepared manures were applied, as well as turf mould — the former experiments were intended as a test for the analysis of the roots, the result will be reported Flowers and plants have been furnished from the Garden to the Dublin School of Design. An economical museum is wanted, as there is at Kew. * \r^ Now Spring is upon you, gardeners, farmers, truckers, and all others interested in the soil and weather. As a friend, we would ad- vise you to be active, energetic, decided, and yet careful; those not familiar with our climate must just gain experience as others have done— by paying for it. Take heed, as Poor Richard says, that you do not pay dearly for it. Our spring is i-hort, very short ; to-day, our plants languish for sun and light and air— to-morrow, they wilt and become parched by rapid and unusual evaporation. Watch plants in pots, accustom them gradually to these sudden transitions of heat, litrht, drought; and cold, shade and over moisture— the delicate leaves cooked by the artificial heat, must be gradually restored to vigor and health. Vegetables must be got in at once ; all small seeds, flowers and others, must be sown as soon as possible. By our next appear- ance we shall, I hope, have to congratulate the craft, on their release from a spring, late and ungenial, to a pleasant summer— sursum corda. We have received many encouraging letters from friends, exiciting us to carry oul our project, which we are determined to do at all haz- ards, without however involving any risk. We have relinquished the spade for the pen, but are well disposed to resume the former at any time; indeed we shall always fraternize with our old friend. "I never murmur at the lot which dooms me as the rich man's slave." Our especial thanks are due to those contributors who went to work for this number, and although a few were late, they will be early next time. Communications received from W. Sanders, Baltimore, John Mur- ray Meadville, Pa.; F. Norton, New York ; F. W. Connor, Glasnevm, Dublin; A. Campbell, do; Thos. Kirkpatrick, Esq. M. D., Dublm. We shall give a few extracts in our next from these communications. \p- A testimonial is preparing for C. Mcintosh, author of the Prac- / .al Gardener and Book of the Garden, gardener to the Duke o(d tical Buccleuch, Dalkeith Palace, Edinburgh, Scotland. G ^) I i 26 THE PHILADELPHIA FLORIST. [May U^ m?*" We have to return thanks to Messrs. Scattergood & Howell, oj for their attention in getting up the cut for our cover so hurriedly, and '(3 yet so tastefully. We knew Philadelphia was hard to beat. Our friends can judge how much we erred in our calculations in this de- partment. Mr. HofTy's lithograph is also creditable, and with the finish put on by Messrs. Duval, and the coloring from the School of Design, we congratulate our readers on the production of a really ori- ginal affair. \j[j^ The Pennsylvania Horticultural Society has a few words to say as to its claim to public support, and the value of such a society cannot be overrated in a"community like ours; with a spacious Botan- ic Garden, which Philadelphia must one day own, we should be toa^ aufait in Horticulture. in?* All communications for publication with names of writers ap- pended, to be addressed to the Editor, at 48 S. Third St., above Girard Bank, up stairs — all plants for examination, or specimens for determination, must be sent free of expense — all plants with leaves flower, or fruit, will be named if possible, or any enquiry as to garden- ing, botanical or agricultural matters replied to. Several communi- cations too late for insertion, will appear next month. \^y^ Of the Association of free and Independent Gardeners, we could learn nothing officially, we waited anxiously, and still anxiously watch for some indication of preparations for their Spring exhibition, this is much wanted, and would, no doubt, be a successful project. IJ7* We advise all our gardening friends to look out ! They may see by a resolution passed unanimously at the last stated meeting of the Pennsylvania Horticultural Society, that a Committee of Inspec- tion is to visit all garden establishments within the influence of the Society ; that is to say, if we comprehend aright, all members' estab- lishments. Many amateurs love seclusion, science loves seclusion, plants prefer, one would suppose, "to blush unseen, and w^aste their sweetness on the desert air," however many amateurs wish to be re- cognized as such ; and we trust the committee will meet with no un- necessary obstacle, if their tour of inspection is to be productive of in- formation or benefit, either to Horticulture or Gardening. \j[/^ We claim to be excused for the report of the Penn. Hort. So- ciety. We made it up from our memory more than from the official report which has already appeared in the " Evening Bulletin." [t7* For description of plate, see page 32. \j[j^ The Botanical description, we must omit till our next. ms)^ 1852.] THE PHILADELPHIA FLORIST. Reported for the Philadelphia Florist. Pennsylvania Horticultural Society. 27 The stated meeting of this Society was held at their Hall, Lower Saloon, Chinese Museum, on Tuesday evening, April 20th, 1852 — W. D. Brip^ckle, M. D., V. P., in the Chair. The display of flowers, plants, and vegetables was considerable, taking into account the extreme severity of the past season, which is not the least repentant of its severity ; the rain having continued with- out any intermission duriiig the day. The turn out of zealous ama- teurs proved the taste for horticulture evinced in our city and county. Amongst the objects observed on the table, were a fine collection of plants from the nursery of R. Buist, Rosedale, foreman, Wm. Mc- intosh, consisting of Arbutus nepalensis — (Nepal, strawberry tree,) a new plant with beautiful light colored flowers, edged with rosy pink — much like the old Arhutus Andrachne^ but with lanceolate leaves. A fine specimen plant of the new Campanula nobilis var. alba — (stately white Bell flower), first time before the society. Also Epacris hyacinthiflora, for the first time exhibited here. An Au- ricula, whose appearance was quite refreshing to the florists of the "old school," also attracted notice — it is named '''■Morning Star,''^ a special premium of four dollars was recommended. Some fine and distinct varieties of cinerarias, with a few neat Ericas^ or heaths from the Cape of Good Hope — Erica brunioideSy E.pubescens major ^ and E. pubescens minor made up this select lot. From the garden of C. Cope, Esq.; gardener, Thomas Meehan, we observed Passijlora racemosa (racemed Passion vine), Manettia bicolor (two colored Manettia), a large trained specimen of the scarlet Defiance Verbena. Justicia Carnea (a large and showy specimen though an old and well distributed plant, desirable for borders in summer, to be taken up and housed in fall), seedling Cinerarias of merit, and specimens of the double white, red, and fimbriated Primula sinensis (Chinese primrose), Cuphea platycentra (broad crowned Cuphea). From the same con- tributor were fine specimens of the showy Orchids (Nat. Ord. Or- CHiDACE of Lindl.), Gongora maculata, G. picta^ Oncidium lancea- numj 0. luridum^ J\Iaxillaria striata and other plants. The most rare and interesting plant exhibited in this collection was Henfreya scandens, a beautiful plant of the N. Ord : Schrophulariaceae or Fig wort tribe, with dark green foliage and pure white trusses of ringent or gaping tubular flowers, in habit so strikingly peculiar as to consti- tute a most desirable plant for the recherche amateur ; but we must soon close our admiratory observations or we shall get beyond all rea- sonable limits. A seedling Rhododendron, a hybrid with the Chinese ^ Azalea, (Azalea sinensis) was produced by John Sherwood, greenM 28 THE PHILADELPHIA FLORIST. :l (^ ^ D" 1852.] THE PHILADELPHIA FLORIST. T^ house, Sch. Seventh and Market streets, which attracted the notice ^ (P of the curious in Hybridisation. ^ A well grown specimen of the desirable Pimclea spectahilis was an object of special attention from R. Buist's houses. A fine collection of Faissies, Heartsease, Johnny jumps — (et hoc gemis omne of native terms) were shewn by James Powell, nursery gardener, Francisviiie, Ridge Road — the first premium was awarded him. A good selection was also furnished by R. Buist's foreman — to which the second prize was adjudged. A group of Roses in pots, of everblooming varieties was furnished from the house of C. Sheetz, to which the first prize ivas awarded. For a collection from Thos. Meghran a second premium. Bouquets, for design of cut flowers — for the best Thos. Meehan. Suitable for hand, premium to A. Burnett, gardener to Joseph Ripka. Basket of cut flowers best to Thomas xVleehan. In fruits there was no competition reported for the regular premi- um set forth in the schedule : we observed however a basket of well ripened strawberries deposited by Thomas Meehan, also a dish of grapes from vines which had borne a crop last fall ; a dish of Bald- win apples from C. Horton, Esq. Maine ; to each of these articles a premium of $1 was recommended. Another bloom of the Victoria was exhibited by C. Cope, Esq. Vegetables for the best display which consisted of Lettuces in six sorts, Radishes, French Beans, Early frame Peas, Asparagus, Parsley, Cucumbers, &c., prize to Thomas Meghran, Gardener to R. Corneliua, Esq. $2 was awarded for a dish of Peas, and a basket of Beans ; also $1 for a plate of Mushrooms. The Meeting having beer organized, the minutes of last meetings read, and reports of the difl^erent Committees for the evening reported and adopted. The Committee on the Portrait of the President was called to report progress, which they did by stating that one of their members being unable to attend, they requested indulgeace till a future meeting, but stated that the Painting had been executed and suspended in the Hall this evening — (which was regarded with no small satisfaction by the many admirers of its original ; it seemed to be suspended unfavorably as regards light ; we are not critics in these matters however. A resolution was brought up again which had been discussed at a previous meeting, respecting a Committee of Inspection of the Gar- dens around Philadelphia. The resolution being read is as follows: Res^lved^ That a Committee of five be appointed to inspect all the j Gardens, private and commercial in the neighborhood of this city. — / ^h That|the proprietors of surh gardens be requested to furnish said Com- e (^' mittee with a true and cunect statement of tht'ir respective Establish- ^J I 29 ( ?j ments, enumerating extent of ground, quantity of glass, &c. &c., and J^J ^ any other desirable information. C/^ Resolved^ That said Committee be authorized to employ Amanuen- \ sis if required, and tnke such other measures as to present to this Society on or before the Monthly Meeting in INovernber next, a full report of all the Establishments aiound the City. Passed nem. con. CALENDAR OF OrEllATIONS, Written by Practical Gardeners, for the Philadelphia Florist, APRIL AND MAY. Oh, such a Spring after so severe a Winter! and preceded by sdch a hot and parched and dry Summer ! Yet this is only as it should be. The renovating frosts destroy the germs of disease and impurity, cleanse and invigorate Nature after summer's drowsy heat. The snow adds in its mysterious way to the fertility of the soil, pro- bably as the special absorbent and conductor of ammonia, preserves the herbage from cutting winds, and wraps the face of Nature in still- ness while she sleeps. And now the heavy rains are falling to re- plenish the springs, and streams and rivers, and irrigate the plains so that, against the solstice next approaching, ''by the scent of water all green things shall bud and blossom throughout the land." With this effusion our contributor begins a little abruptly the CALENDAR. Shrubs, ornamental and ugly^ nust be trimmed and relieved of all dead and unsightly branches and shoots. The extreme frost of the last rude season, has left none too much to cut. Roses, must now be finished ; all pruning must be got through with, and the mind of the Gardener relieved of it for good. Vegetable seeds are sown to some extent, such as Peas, Spinach, Parsnip, Carrot, &c. Onions have been planted— go on sowing Peas at regular inter- vals of two weeks ; a few rows at a time, to keep up a succession ol this most desirable leguma. Beans also, as soon as is safe or advisable, which must be left to the judgment of the weather-wise gardener ; sow however, in regular succession when once commenced ; the honest seedsman will tell vou the best sorts according to peculiar circum- stances ; Cauliflowers or Chou-fleurs, are now being cut, and forming heads in frames ; salading is in good order, where carefully tended during the past winter. Cabbages, are beginning to stir out of close quarters, as well as many other prisoners who do not fraternise with Master Frost. But, why do i write 1 all Cabbage gardeners know these things. (Our correspondent writes for Amateurs,) Well, what they know does them as little harm as what thev don't know— Strawberry plantations are no doubt completed; we' shall watch this nice fruit, and learn all i about it, and then try to teach what has been learnt— there are \ many strange systems in our day ! . , . . . 9^ Potatoes, have got a cold wet bed to start in, this spring, we hope pthey may not rot, especially those which cost four dollars per bushel. tl t» THE PIIILAUELPHIA FLORIST. [Mat 1852.] ift Five kinds have been lately introduced, Kemps, Prince Regents, Fort}' fold, Early frame, and American natives. V) loiu, iLariy irame, anu rviueiican natives. 7 Beets, if not already sown, should be sown as soon as the state of the soil will permit, at present it is charged with water and will be unfit for operating upon for some time. Rhubarti, is now tit for use at least those plants kept covered un- der barrels and otherwise, will afford some stalks for early use. Tomato. — This prince of the Vegetable Market is in the back ground from the nature of the season, its time is coming ; small plants are hardening ready to plant out when Spring shall say " I have come!" Have your plants strong and hardy, and plant a few out as soon as possible — keeping a number to follow in succession; for extensive crops, they may be sown in the open border after May, should the soil become sufficiently friable. Egg plants demand similar treatment. Celery — Should be up in frames and coming forwnrd to plant out, they should be pricked out, as we term it, as the latter part of July is quite time enough to plant out for a general crop. The summer drought is too great for this peculiar and succulent vegetable. Good Celery is one of the most valuable crops the Gardener can have ; good stalks sell for eight cents each when scarce. Many plans are had re- course to for keeping the plants shady and moist. We shall give some of them in our next. Salsafy, or Vegetable Oyster, should be sown as soon as possible in deep free-soil as it strikes its roots deep — take pains in thinning early. All seeds, almost, should be sown on the approach of dry weather. PLANT HOUSES— Green Houses— .^zt/Zeas.— Repot all those t/iut require ?V, which should, in fact, be done at once with all plants in ])ots, those which have been forced w'ill require hardenin9V-- ■d^^i THE PHILADELPHIA FLORIST. [May (9 [Plate 1.] DICENTRA (DIELYTKA) SPECTABILIS. JAPAN DICE NTRA. JsCaturalOrd — Fumariacrce Juss ; Class Diadel/jhin Linn ; Ord. Hexandria. Synonymes. — Uielytra spectabilis Bork. Hook from J)is Jwo ehjtron a spur. Dielytra De Ci'ind, Prod — Vol. l^i". 12G. Fumaiia spectabilis — Linn: Cysticapnos spectabilis —Corydalis spectabilis — Pers. POP. DESCRIPTION. Herbaceous Perennial, from China and Japan, flowered first time in the vicinity of Philadolphia, during the past Winter, imported by a Nurseryman of the citv, from London, where it flowered inthe winter of 1848 at Messrs. Knight and Perry's, Kinor's Road, Chelsea; introduced previously to the Garden of the London Horticultural Society's Gar- den at, Chiswick, by Mr. Fortune, who observed it in the Fairy Gar- dens of the Mandarins, about Chusan, where it is much cared for and called by them, the Red and White Moutan Flower, in their vernacu- lar Hong-pak-moutan-wba— closely allied to the pfeonia — the plant, now past bloom, having been forced, may be seen at the Con- servatory of Jas. Dundas, Esq. Cultivation. — ^For forcing requires a 4 or 6 inch pot with rich soil loam and leaf mould, with a little sand — moderate heat in December and January— will flower in February and March— in open ground in May. Not yet proved to be hardy in Britain, but must prove so inthe vicinity of Philadelphia ; as is, its companion Wei^dia rosea, in- troduced from the same locality by the same collector, and which, with Forsythia viridisnima^ has proved a desirable object, for the Con- servatory in early Spring, and even throughout the Winter when judiciously managed. We shall have its capability of enduring frosts tested at the first opportunity. It proves a most desirable plant for rooms, and may be easily taken care of by allowing the roots to dry off", after flowering as we do some of the Pceonias, so well known. The roots will continue dormant until at a proper season they may be again ex- cited by heat,fresh soil and water-a Russian Botanist first introduced it to the notice of the Great Linnaeus, probably by forwarding a dried spe- cimen. Loudon's Tomb at Kensal Green. — P. MacKenzie, in the London G. Chronicle, complains that Loudon's Tomb is concealed in Kensal Green Cemetery, or at least not prominent. Why should we com- plain that the mortal remains of the illustrious are hidden — 'tis well that they are. If they have been illustrious as human benefactors, their memory lives in the recollection of the good and wise. What good man cares to have his tomb gazed upon by idle cockneys, Lun- chers, as they term them at Kew— seekers after the showy and glar- I ing things of this vain world. However, every one to his taste. mi^p^^. .^tfCiS^ ■^Gcsm THE 1 wmLmmmik wmEm AND HOETICULTIIEIL JOllRlil, A MAGAZINE OF Horticulture, Botany, Agriculture, and the Kindred Sciences. Conducted by a Committee of Practical Gardeners. R . R OBINSON SCOTT, Editor, No. 48 S. Third Street, above the Girard Bank, up stairs. Vol. I.] Philadelphia, June, 1852. [No. 2. ACCLIMATISATION OF PLANTS. BY THE EDITOR. Having emerged from a winter unusually rigorous, we look around for the favorites to which we bade adieu last fall, in the hope of meet- ing them again, re-invigorated by spring's genial showers and sunny beams. Alas ! how many have been arrested in the path by scourg- ino- frosts and decomposing rains 1 And what are those which have so perished — are they not the pampered offspring of tropical fields, the nurslings of the conservatory, from whose hospitable roof they were excluded for want of space, and left to herd with the more hardy deni- zens of our colder climate 1 They are. T^ey are the natives of soils warmed by the same sun, but in different latitude and longitude— the indigenous plants of countries possessing a different thermomelrical range from our own ; perhaps luxuriating at a greater or less eleva- tion, fed by warmer or colder rains in the summer, and cheered by stronger or weaker beams from the sun in winter; sheltered, perchance, in winter by deeper and more constant snow, and dried in summer by periodical winds, peculiar in their character and effect. How can we marvel that such things are—'' Can such things be, and overcome us like a summer's cloud 1"— they can be, and are so fixed, and we must bend to this disposition of things without a murmur. Let it not be supposed that because some successful and enterprising gardener has raised the stately Cedar of Lebanon away from its cherished hills and loved streams, and transported from the region where the Great Teach- er trod, the Paliurus aculeatus, emblem of his sufferings ; or brought from Asia Minor the Chamcerops humilis, which is known only as an I 4) indigenous plant along the shores of the xMediterranean, and planted p'^ /Viit in the rock-work of temperate and humid Ireland ; or coaxed the^] .^tfO^M o THE PHILADELPHIA FLORIST. [June (^Calla mthiopica, now Kichardla (sthiopica or Egyptian Lily, into the ^,J ^ ponds in the southern portion of that country, to vary with its tropical cf^ / aspect the monotony of the surface, clothed with J^ymphcEa and > Kuphar, and Typha a?igustifolia, and many other pretty aquatic plants, — let not the daring Horticulturist suppose that there is no limit set to human skill and ingenuity, when in close competition with nature; there are decidedly limits set which must endure with time — insur- mountable obstacles to the generalization of the vegetation of the world. And looking at this matter in the most familiar light, apart from any question of Divine wisdom or Supreme skill in the arrange- ment of nature's scheme, must not the propriety of such a law be evi- dent to the most casual observer, when he considers the love of change which characterizes the human mind— the love of variety even in the individuals of his own species. Man loves variety in form and coloring, and taste and smell ; looks in new districts for objects unfa- miliar to him, because he knows they are to be met with. Were such absent, he would return to his former locality or place of abode dis- concerted, disappointed ; his desires conform to the natural arrange- ments of nature — the arrangements of nature square with his moderate desires ; he looks in the country for green fields— they are there ; in woods for foliage nnd shade— it is there; in the streams for minute specimens of vegetable and animal life— they are there. He does not look for the whale on the mountain side, or for the Arabian steed bounding through the deep, no more than he would look for Finns sylvestris in the meadow lands of the south of France, or the ^rau- carta imbricata on the sandy plains of New Jersey ; or the Vanilla plant hanging on the bark of our Pennsylvania oak ; or the Acacia pu- bescens growing by the side of the sweet shrub (Calycanthus.) We have hinted what we do not expect to see according to the natural re- gulations which govern climate. We have now to enumerate what sur- prising results have ensued from skill and ingenuity directed to the acclimatisation of the plants of one country in another — the desire to vary the landscape, to refresh the eye by throwing in new forms, to break the monotony of the long rows of trees ol similar outline and cha- racter. The foreigner who visits this country is struck (especially if he comes from Britain) with the aspect of nature in our forest trees ; he sees whole lines of beautiful cedars, still left as they have been plant- ed by nature, unsurrounded by any brushwood or bramble; his old friend, the Hawthorn {Craiagus oxyacantha) is almost wholly absent as a hedge-row ; the Gorse or furze, which in some districts in Britain is the prevailing feature in the fences, is not at all seen in this char- l acter. The evergreen privet (Ligustrum vulgare) not at all common, Q3 and nothing will after a time be seen but Osage, Osage, Osage! with , (^Mts dark shining foliage and spiny branches after age has matured it. ^ §. .19 V ^^^^^ 1852.] THE PHILADELPHIA FLORIST. 35 9 Tw We saw a large plant of the Madura once against a wall, and formed pa very different opinion of it to what we now entertain. There it was c / a foreio-ner, a nursling, and commanded respect — an inhabitant of the ' great receptacle which the garden of Kew forms for the natives of all countries and climes. The Paper Mulberry, too, was there, (perhaps the multicaulis so well known to speculators) as a beautiful and showy arborescent shrub, with its multiplicity of forms in foliage, it being a common practice to puzzle the greenhorn by challenging him to find two leaves identical in their lobes. We had there also the Forsythia viridissima planted against a wall exposed to the south, and it aston- ished us one morning with its fine yellow bloom and naked branches, being alone, almost without a Chinaman or a label to tell its name. Fortune was but one mile distant, so that its identity as one of his pro- teges was soon discovered. We had also as an acclimated inhabitant, Weigelia rosea, Crypto- meria Japonica, Jlcacia JuliWissln, Eucalyptus pulverulentus perfoli- atus, and many other New Holland plants, Ericas from the south of Eu- rope, and Rhododendrons and Azaleas from the Himalaya, and Nepal plants without number, and North American grapes, and Ampelop- sis hederacea, and other species; and Ph\tolaccadodecandria, or poke weed ; these all flourished there, or, as they term it, were acclimated. How far their idea of acclimatisation goes we cannot say ; we do not believe they were acclimated. In fact, we do not much believe in ac- climating plants at all ; but we shall give more facts next month, and allovv' our readers to judge for themselves. NATURAL SCIENCE. *< The rnan who makes two blades of grass grow where but one grew before," A,C. CoBHET. Agrif Ultlir:', The science by which we are supported— the science that" teaches man how to use the gifts of God— which affords nutri- ment and aliment to all created beings, without the aid of which we should be no better than the Nomadic hordes of South America or Af- rica. The farmer is rather low in spirits, although his carefully stored potatoes realise $1 and {^1.25 per bushel, and other provisions in pro- portion; beef $12 per cwt., vegetables as parsnips, carrots, &c., almost any price. The housekeeper, ignorant or unmindful of natural con- sequences, exclaims against the farmer or dealer, and he wonders at the want of sympathy displayed towards him— his operations are back- ward, he is burned with work to be done ; he hates to come to mar- ket, yet money must be had. His soil, if clayey, is not yet in perfect working order ; his potatoes, if early planted, likely to rot, if not al- ready rottino-; his small seeds not yet vegetating on the Hlh ol May,^ land his family not diminishing in number ; but the cheerful mind doesC^) ''>Oo- ^x^*i 36 THE PHILADELPHIA FLORIST.- t \ [June (^ not;fear — he goes to work spiritedly, reduces his lumpy soil to minute j;^j 'o and convenient particles, or, as we term it, to a proper ti/th, sows his c^ seeds with the full assurance of a fair return — for the Fall will return as it always has done, full of fruits, from Ceres and Pomona. The reading and improving farmer does not bury his corn as he gets it off the cob ; he prepares it by immersion in some medium which hastens its germination and preserves it from attacks of insects. He has read in the various agricultural works what these preparations are, how applied, and where procurable; he adds to his corn hills a portion of active artificial and concentrated manure, endeavors to plant immediately before rain, so that the strong compost by aid of moisture will produce the most beneficial result. And he hopes to be repaid for all his extra trouble and expense by an extra crop, and will have no reason to blame Liebig, or Johnston, or Skinner, or Mapes for so advising him — for Mapes has analyzed his soil at a cost of .f?5, and discovered that some necessary ingredient was wanting, perhaps chlo- ride of sodium or common salt ; he has at his suggestion supplied it. Perhaps there was a deficiency of silica to invigorate the stem, and marl has been added ; perhaps phosphates were in small quantity, and guano or bone dust has been laid on in quantity and at a cost, but he hopes to be repaid, and he has faith in scientific agriculture — he will not be disappointed. To the Editor of the Florist. STATISTICS OF HORTICULTURE. BY DUNS SCOTUS. CONTINUED. It was about that period that the Horticultural Society changed its time of meeting to moonlight nights, to suit the convenience of its country and suburban members. Amongst the country seats enume- rated I should have mentioned Thompson's and Sims', the former now occupied by the venerable J. Longstreth, and the latter is known as Laurel Hill Cemetery. Of the gardeners and nurserymen then cele- brated, very few remain to see the now giant progress of the art; there are, we believe, but six of those veteran gardeners, now silvered with age, who then took an active part in Horticultural affairs; their names are worthy of record in your journal — these are Col. Carr, of the Bartram Garden ; Mr. Esher, market gardener. Ridge Koad, now retired in comfort ; Mr. A. D'Arras, Nicetown ; Mr. Maupay, Rising Sun ; Mr. Bauman, Germantown, and Mr. Graham, of Blockley. — Pratt's country seat (Lemon Hill) was then in its glory, with its mar- \ ble fountains, grottos and fish ponds, splendid collections of plants, / vp kitchen garden, flower gardens and plpasure grounds, with beautifully c^ fijkept walks miles in length. Visiters were only admitted by tickets/^J i * ■ * 1852.] THE PHILADELPHIA FLORIST. "^^o. 37 :-^^.C.<» je.'^ rA CI %~> -~r ^ ' -^ r J\ fe which were furnished gratuitously by the spirited proprietor to all re- X) g>^ spectable applicants. The fine specimens of orange and lemon trees c.. 7 were nearly equal to those of the Tuileries. The best private col- \ lection of Camellias was then at Clapier's, and consisted of about a dozen miserable specimens; compared with the forests of those plants now cultivated like willows, they would present a striking contrast. The Geraniums of those days embraced about eight sorts, ^yard longs ; the monthly, daily, and tea roses numbered four kinds— Pink Daily, Hamilton Monthly, Sanguinea and Tea Rose. The cluster monthly sorts, now Noisettes, were Champney, White Cluster, and Landreth's Carmine. The Azalea and Rhododendron had just then made their appearance, and were introduced we believe by Hibbert. Landreth's Nursery had the finest collection of Camellias and Hyacinths, and if we mistake not, the famed Camellia Jacksonii or Landrethii then made its debut. Now sir, having given you these outlines, you and your readers can complete the figure, and compare it with the year of 1852, the epoch of the " Philadelphia Florist and Horticultural Journal." I cannot close without one word about the first Horticultural periodical in the United States, started in Baltimore say twenty-two years ago. It was $5 subscription per year, to be issued monthly, with one colored plate. It ceased with the first number, which had a miserable daub, intended to represent an Orchid in it, and cost me a V per Dickehut its Editor. We opine brighter and longer days for the " Florist." [to be co.ntinued.] FOREIGN GRAPES. DESCRIPTIVE LIST. Prepared for the Philadelphia Florist, by James Powell. No. §. Charlesworlh Tokay.-Young wood green, foliage dark green, broad in proportion to length, deeply lobed, irregularly serrated ; foot- stalks long, tinged with red ; bunches compact ; berries oval, yellow- ish white, skin thick ; an excellent grape, with Muscat flavor. NO. 6. Chasselas Red.-Young wood green, changing to a blueish hue before ripening ; foliage thin in comparison to others ; pendulous with deep lobes, underside red ; petiole or leaf stalk short ; bunches large, berries round medium size, thinly set on ; bunch red when fully ripe, and well colored ; flavor very sweet and pleasant. NO. 7. Chassflas Golden.-Young wood green and smooth ; foliage dark / green with a light purplish tinge on the under side ; lobes not deep,^ ibluntly serrated ; petiole long, pendulous ; bunch large, well-shoulder- (^) ^^^Cl€j«? '"iOo ■j-- ^»;j "^ slightly smoky ; a sweet and excellent grape, and a good bearer. No. 8. Dff'ins Superb.— Young wood light green, changing to a red- dish brown on the exposed side; foliage dark green, slightly lobed, of- ten almost entire, broadly serrated, recurved ; a robust grower; bunches shape of the Black Hamburg, (No. 1.) berries large, often 3in. in cir- cumference, round ; color light amber, of a sweet and pleasant flavor; a grape well worthy of cultivation. No. 9. De la rakstillf.— Young wood reddish ; foliage light green, pubescent on the underside ; tive-lobed, lobes deep, deeply serrated ; petioles long, brownish, pubescent ; bunches large, often twenty or thirty inches in length with very long shoulders ; berries rather small oval, with a rather thick skin, and firm flesh of a dull yellowish color, speckled with brown spots on the exposed side ; flavor sweet and plea- sant ; rather late, shy in setting its fruit. No. 10. DnreltO.— Young wood light green ; foliage large, deeply lobed, broadly serrated, very downy on the underside ; petiole long, thick, with a red tinge ; bunch long loose, shoulders long; berries long oval, medium size — a stron^: grower. 'c o" No. 11. Esperion.— Young wood red ; foliage dark green, with five deep lobes, broad and irregularly serrated ; petioles long red. The leaves chansre to an orange hue before falUng ; bunches medium size, well shouldered; berries varying in form, of a deep purple color in- clining to black, not high flavored but pleasant; a very prolific and hardy grape, known by the following synonymes : — Blue Windsor^ Turner'' s Blacky Cumberland Lodge. No, 12. Eschalot. — Young wood reddish green, smooth ; foliage dark green, with five deep lobes, deeply serrated; petioles long and smooth, tinged with red. NOTES ON GRAPE CULTURE. BY %VM. SANDERS, OF BALTIMORE. The culture of foreign grapes under glass, without the aid of arti- ficial heat, is a subject gradually rising in importance, and one par- ticularly worthy the attention of every person possessing opportuni- ties for its adoption. That the finest grapes can be produced in their greatest perfection in cold structures has been fully demonstrated. Even in greenhouses, with a border prepared outside for the roots, a yearly production of a crop of this delicious fruit may be easily cV) secured, provided arrangements be made for the withdrawal of the (•-^ vines during the winter season. The following'notes on the practical \ 1852.] THE PHILADELPHIA FLORIST. 39 (^management of a grapery may serve as a reference to the uninitiated, i*;J )p and show the facility with which fruit is cultivated in the Midland c^ / States. ^ The vines were planted in April 1850, the majority were two year old plants headed down to one eye; a single cane was produced from each, which, although stopped twice during the season reached the top of the rafters, 19 feet in length. In November they were pruned down to lengths of 8 and JO feet and laid horizontally along the bottom of the front lights ; the house was kept open except in severe weather. About the end of March 1851, the buds commenced to expand and show symptoms of growth; they were allowed to remain in a hori- zontal position until all the buds were equally started f.om the top to bottom. On the 19th April they were all tied up to rafters, very regularly broke and showing plenty of fruit ; had occasional syring- ings with soft water on mild evenings. April 29th, commenced tying the young shoots to trellis, all those intended to bear fruit were stopped (that is, the ends pinched out) at the second joint beyond the young bunch ; picked ofl* all the fruit bunches from balance of shoots, but were not stopped at present. May lOth. All the laterals that were forced into growth on the shoots stopped 29th April were taken out, except the leading one, which was not disturbed. The whole of the non-bearing shoots were cut back to within four joints of the main stem. May Uth. Up to this period they have been regularly aired dur- ing the day, and closed at night, except on a few mild evenings, when a *^mall portion of air was allowed all night. All the top-sashes were now lowered about 18 inches, and remained down day and night during the rest of the season. 19M. Tied up all that required it, and again stopped the bearing shoots, taking them ofl' at one joint above where they were stopped on 29th April ; the non-bearing shoots were divested of all laterals save the leading points. A humid atmosphere maintained by sprink- lincr the house with water twice a day, and the vines watered with a syringe every evening. Uth, Growing luxuriantly. Black HAMnuRc, Royal Muscadine, EsPERioNE, and z'infindal vines in full flower. All in flower before the end of the month. June 2nd. The leading shoot of the main stem has, so far, been allowed to extend, it was now checked by breaking of the point, at the same time cleared away all side shoots, except a few at point to carry up the sap, stopped leading points of non-bearing shoots left 3 18th May ; berries swelling. ) 5th. Observed appearance of mildew. A few of the front sashesU ^^5^>^ 40 THE PHILADELPHIA FLORIST. ^ have been regularly opened during warm days, and shut in coia ^j '^'^ nights, or during rustling winds. 1 now perceived that the mildew c^^ w^B confined to those grapes contiguous to the sashes operated upon, which for convenience were always the same, while those farther removed were perfectly exempt. Being aware that this mildew is caused by arid air acting upon the tender tissue of the fruit, I deter- mined to keep the front lights close in future, and by way of com- promise, lowered the top sashes a little more, so that there was an opening of at least 2 feet all along the top of the house. Have pre- viously arrested mildew on grapes by dusting them with sulphur ; re- solved to defer its application in this case, until further observation proved the increase of the evil. In the meantime kept the atmos- phere moist by liberal use of water on the floor. 12M. Commenced thinning out the berries, mildew appears to be arrested, the berries that have been attacked swelling as freely to all appearance as the others. Cut out all the laterals left on leading shoot on the 2nd, leaving the top one to run up the rafter, pinched the points of all other shoots on the vines. The bunches now elab- orate a large amount of sap therefore, there is less danger of burst- ing the eyes for next year's crop by close stopping. °i9th. Finished thinning the bunches, berries swelling finely, those mildewed swelling unequally, but no appearance of spreading. The foliage has not been syringed since the vines were in flower ; but plenty ot water used on the floor, and the roots soaked twice a week with rain water. Ju/y Ut. Weather hot and dry, stopped leading shoots. They have now advanced to ihe length desired for next year's fruiting, all growth made in extension after this will be removed in the wintei pruning. From scarcity of water the house is rather too dry. 1th. Weather still parching. The floor slightly sprinkled with water daily, vines still growing luxuriantly j but »how symptoms of deficient nourisliment at root. 1 Itk. Rain, partly filled tanks ; watered each plant thoroughly. 19M. On account of the recent dry weather, the vines have not extended much in growth. Royal Muscadine showing symptoms of ripening. Mildewed berries turning brown and hard. Black Ham- burg, Muscat of Alexandria, and Zinfindal seem more susceptible of mildew than the others ; some of the berries changing color. 28M. Pinched the top out of every growing shoot on the plants. Cut bunch of Royal Muscadine fully ripe. Black Hamburgh coloring. August \2th. Zinfindal ripe. llth. White Gascoigne. f^>, 2lth. Black Hamburgh. ^ 28M. Muscat of Alexandria. 1852.] THE PHILADELPHIA FLORIST. 41 y^ There were various other sorts in the house which ripened well,''® <-/ and all cut before the end of September. The vines were then care- fully gone over, and the leading shoot deprived of all growth made since July 1st. All the others were shortened back to where they were cut on the lOth May. The border received no more water, and the wood ripened well ; buds for next year's crop swelled up, full and prominent, and equally so all over the plants. Herein lies the great desideratum in pruning. Much might be said on this subject. It is not my intention at present to enter physiologically upon the ques- tion. Common sense, however, points to the fact, that the proper time to prune plants, is while they are growing. What advantage is gained by allowing a grape vine to make a large quantity of shoots in summer, and pruning the whole down to a walking stick in winter? There is certainly some care and experi- ence required in regulating the summer's growth, so as to concentrate as much strength as possible into the buds for next year's crop, with- out causing them to break into leaf. I have endeavored in the fore- going remarks to show the practical method of securing this desidera- tum by a series of partial checks during the growth of the plant. With regard to the appearance of the grapes when fully ripe, the coloring was most perfect. White Frontignans, Royal Muscadine, and Muscats had that beautiful amber hue so characteristic of per- fect development and superior flavor. The Hamburghs, Tripoli, &c. were of a glossy black. There is no danger of growing black grapes red, under our bright sun, if properly ventilated. I never moved a sash after closing the front lights on :the 5th of June, until the end of August when the front sashes were again thrown open. We are greatly indebted to Mr. Sanders for this extract from his journal. AH scientific gardeners we hope keep such a diary of their operations; if so, we shall be quite at ease with regard to prac- tical matter to lay before the Headers of this journal. If any scien- tific gardener omits to chronicle his difliculties and successes, he should at once correct his oversight, and after having procured a convenient pocket diary, set himself down after dinner or supper, before he smokes, to note the occurrences of the day. We shall reserve a column for future extracts from Mr. Sanders' intelligent and useful diary. A great many terms are used by gardeners in describing their routine of culture, which we shall take care to explain: such as stopping of shoots, breaking of buds, mulching of plants and pots, starting of buds. Mr. S. attends to this very properly himself. We ^ direct particular attention to his obseivations on mildew ; they are practical and judicious. mi 6 THE PHILADELPHIA FLORIST. 1:" ."I ;» i \^^^ THE EPACRIS. [June 7) er A horticultural writer lately demanded of the " Working Garden- ^ " in the " Horticulturist," where were the Epacris X We shall shew him in a few weeks, if he visit the Chinese Museum. We have in this vicinity grandiflora, paludosa, miniata, hyacinthiflora, and many others. We copy the following from an English paper : " The Epacris. — It is many years since we first became acquainted with Epacris granJijlora—d. good and useful plant, but one that has suffered much ill-treatment from early cultivators, for its powers of en- durance are great. Any plant approaching what we would now call a specimen, was sure to be rusty in the foliage and dead at the points of the shoots. What a contrast to the noble bushes of it which of Jate years have been exhibited, clothed profusely with both foliage and bloom. Epacris miniata, being comparatively of late introduction, Tias es- caped much of the bad treatment to which grandiflora was subjected. It is deservedly held in high estimation by plant growers, and is to be seen frequently in great perfection in many collections at our great exhibitions. Epacris pungms, and pulchella, of late years have fallen into dis- repute, owing to their not flowering seasonably for the shows; never- theless they are still worthy of a place in the greenhouse. I have a vivid recollection of the beautiful specimens of these plants, which were at one time exhibited by Mr. Green, at 21 Regent street. They were tall, many-stemmed, with gracefully drooping branchlets, cloth- ed with wreaths of flowers. Epacris impressa, together with campanulata, alba, rosea, rubra, grandiflora, and olher varieties, are very desirable plants for floral dis- play, during the winter months. Indeed, to ladies and gentlemen who have only a green-house, they are indispensable ; they are of easy culture, simply requiring during winter all the light that can be given them by day, and protection from frost at night. The soil best adapl>'d for their growth is the same as that which is proper for Heaths. As the flowers are always produced on the young wood, it is necessary that shortly after blooming the shoots can be cut back, and properly thinned and regulated ; and the ])lants should be repotted, giving them a moderate shift. They should be kept in the house un- til they begin to grow, when they may be put out of doors in a shel- tered situation, or into cold frames, if these are to spare. At first, they merely require to be protected from heavy r.-ins, and from frost I at night. As the weather becomes warmer, and the plants commence cV growing freely, they should be fully exposed to the sun's rays, taking , (V^care that the pots are shaded, to prevent too rapid evaporation and^ 1852.] THE PHILADELPHIA FLORIST. 43 o r?N consequent injury to the young roots. They may be watered withj-,J much advantage at this stage of their growth with weak manure wa- c-^-j ter. It is very essential that the water be well aired for a day or two \ before using it, as thousands of plants in pots are yearly destroyed by employing water at a low temperature from wells, tanks, and ponds, from which the sun's rays are excluded. Their rapid growth and vi- gorous health will amply repay the little attention they require ; and although Epacris impressa and its varieties may not be elevated into distinction by their displ ly at our great exhibitions, yet they will be not the less appreciated by all admirers of pretty flowers. Tassel." THE CHRYSANTHEMUM: ITS HABITS AND CULTIVATION. BY F. NORTON, NEW YORK. The Chrysanthemum forms the principal attraction of the conser- vatory in the Fall, when the prolusion of flowers produced throughout the Spring and Summer seem exhausted, and the walks are strewed with the dead and dying. Then the Chrysanthemum comes to cheer us on, and gives hope of the early Spring flowers closely following in the wake of Winter. November and December then have their Chrys- anthemum or Golden flower, white, yellow, lilac, marone, crimson, laced pink, dusky purple, and dingy brown. Their Tom Thumbs, or Pompons and Minervas or Giants, the old sinensis and its crowd of varieties. The Daisy Chrysintheraum, what is it 1 A Chrysanthe- mum like a daisy in form and size, in color and form almost as various as the Dahlia itself. Having had last winter about forty varieties in flower, I felt proud in the centre of this great city to have to exhibit to the visitors a profusion of bloom — and their admiration of them was boundless. I wish now to tell your readers that there is no difficulty in cultivating the Chrysanthemum ; most of them about Philadelphia know this already, but you mast tell them something at times which they already know, for the benefit of your less experienced supporters. An obstinacy, however, attends the Chrysanthemum, with regard to its season and style of blooming ; it is a good time-keeper, does not want to herd with ever-blooming Rose, or Fuchsias, or Azaleas — it wants all the conservatory to itself, as it cannot compete with its more showy and sweet-scented brethren of the spring and summer. The reason it is an autumnal flowering plant is, that requiring the great heat of summer to perfect and develop its growth, it cannot by forc- ing be brought into luxuriant bloom at any other than its own season; or if it can, the advantage gained is not worth the trouble and expense of changing its season. [Our correspondent, I fear, is ignorant of the ^experiments in this department, communicated to the Penna. Hort. k^3'\> / 44 THE PHILADELPHIA FLOPvIST. hi fi [June (^ N" \-^ ^Soc. by Thos. Meehan, at Bartram's Garden, in November last. — Ed.] J^) y Heat with shade would increase the evil of which we complain in the c^^ long stems. All that can be done therefore is when they show their bloom to hasten the opening or expanding of the buds by increase of temperature. The stragglinor habit of the Chrvsanthemum can be counteracted only by the method pursued in the propagation of the new plants, and during the first year of their growth; indeed, they should be renewed each year, rejecting two year old plants. The cuttings should be ta- ken from the end of the shoots or branches, and at as late a part of the season as possible, in order to ensure a more dwarf habit and earlier bloom ; cuttings may be taken from the tops of the shoots so long as there is no bloom to be seen ; by this means, the plant being already partially developed, its flower buds will be matured sooner than by taking an offset from the root, having no tendency when cut to form flower buds. Make the cuttings 3 or 4 inches long, cutting or stripping the leaves oiT half its length ; cut it smoothly across the extremity so as to leave no ragged edges, and to present the least pos- sible amount of surface to heal, callous^ or granulate, which must take place before any roots can be made — a rule which should be observed in general propagation ; insert the cuttings thus prepared up to the leaves which remain, or about half their length in rich, open or por- ous soil, composed of leaf mould, peat or Jersey soil and loam, in proportions according to the judgment of the operator, which after all is the best regulator in these matters, for we cannot measure a small portion of soil accurately, and long dry tables of component parts be- long rather to the laboratory than the potting shed of the amateur, for whom this simple article is written, as 1 am not gardener enough to pretend to teach the *' working gardeners," and cultivators of Victoria Regia, who know all about Chiswick and Kew, and every thing else — the Crystal Palace and Sir Joseph Paxton not excepted. But I have not done with our fall friends, though this is spring, and a six-months must elapse before the Chrysanthema will look around for admirers. Put the cuttings in seed pans (or cutting boxes, accord- ing to old Bisset's plan, with a cover of glass;) never let them wilt; do not shade them too much, but only when absolutely necessary; slight bottom heat hurries them up, for this is a great country to do things right off. Wipe the cover of the box or pan regularly, to prevent damping from moisture. Novices in propagation will be more suc- cessful in early spring, the wood is then soft ; they should however continue putting a few in all through the season — the later the cut- tings are taken however, the more dwarf and pretty the plant will be ^j by observing the proper system of after culture. After being satisfied ^ (•^ that they have rooted, they should be potted into convenient sized ^) ;asv \ 1 1 I 1852.] 45 THE PHILADELPHIA FLORIST. I "^ pots, say 2 or 3 inch pots, shifting them, if successful, into 6 in. pots, (^ v-men. "Now, my dear sir, will you be so good as to tell me what practi- cal good chemistry is to a farmer (as a farmer), and what discovery has chemistry ever made that would enable him to raise one blade ot grass more? 1 am particularly anxious that you will publish the an- swer to these questions in the "Plough, the Loom, and the Anvil," first, because you would take a more impartial view of the subject, than any one I know— and secondly, because there is considerable di- versity of opinion and much interest manifested by the farmers in this section of country. I trust you will not consider it presumptu- ous or arrogant in me to array myself on the negative side of this question, and in opposition to such men as Von Thaer, Liebig, and a host of others. With all due deference to their learning, 1 think they start on false principles." "We have no idea that "grown up" farmers are generally to be benefitted by lectures on Agricultural Chemistry. But if taught at school, it would be to the man all his life an interesting and valuable accomplishment. That chemistry may throw light, however, on the constituent elements of soils, food, plants, and manures, who can doubt] Dr. Higgins, the State chemist of Maryland, has, by analysis, detected deficiencies and impurities in various artificial manures, and given most salutary advice on the subject to the legislature and farmers of that State."— J. S. Skinner. In reply we introduce our ideas written at the time, A correspondent in the "Plough" appeals for a judgement against the extension of agricultural chemistry amongst practical farmers situated as you are, the agent for the transmission of the ideas of your readers, it is prudent in you to withhold your decision and await a more ample examination of details. It is but just to al- low those who have seen chemistry carried into practice in the field and garden, and witnessed its real capability to define and regulate material laws, and explain and exemplify actual operations, which ( though slow and hidden in their progress, act upon and in the end cV govern the great and fundamental operations of those whose office it /ijis, from the willing and almost mysterious earth, to produce the Pabu- GA m^s^ -^'^- 1852.] THE PHILADELPHIA FLORIST. 47 lum of our existence. For what is the bosom of the earth but a^ great retort in which the Creator has mingled the essential elements c^-j of matterl — himself the great manipulator, mankind but his assist- \ ants — insignificant indeed they are, and blind, but feeling around them for some path to lead them into the light and open way. Let those whose eager desire to grasp at the substance, take heed, lest they indeed overlook the primary laws by which their puny operations are regulated; let not the ignorant farmer imagine that while he laughs at the agricultural chemist and his theories, he carries on his pursuits without him; and let not the husbandman who sees in his barn orgran- ary, the fruits of his industry stored up, boast that they are so, with- out his knowing botany or veg':'table physiology, or chemistry; other less fortunate individuals have preceded him and cleared away the rubbish, leaving him a clear path, and he takes advantage of their hard labors without knowing the obligation, or acknowledging the benefit. Nay, sometimes the practical man treats with scorn and contempt the earnest assurances of the man of science, when he tells them that without a knowledge of the laws of matter he only plods on in the darkness of past ages. Why does the farmer add lime, charcoal, nitrate of potash, guano, nitrate of soda, chloride of sodi- um, (common salt), soot, street refuse, common manure, night soil, &c., &c. to his field and garden crops! — simply because chemists have discovered the necessity of these substances to the development of the vegetable organism. Why has the venerable Liebig spent his days and nights in an unwholesome laboratory, exhausting his physi- cal energy, if not to benefit mankind! Why do the enlightened por- tion of the citizens of this republic listen with attention and contri- bute to the support of Johnston of England in this country and his own! Why did Sir Charles Lyell risk a laborious journey over the "States," if not to arrive at some truths and collect some useful information] And when the name of Humboldt occurs, do we not revere the ardor of that spirit which made all difficulties disappear in order to search into nature. Pardon me for suggesting to you, sir, the necessity for a fair and full investigation of the claims of agricultural chemistry to the notice of practical men. I have seen its utility tested in the case of that un- fortunate country, Ireland— for when all other projects failed, the British government established a system of agricultural education, blending science with practice, which promises to do something, and a ('reat deal towards the amelioration of the distress which causes Ireland to be a reproach to her proud mistress England. The largest known flower in the vegetable kingdom, larger than the {•^ Victoria Lily, is the flower of a plant called Rnfflesia Jirnoldii, ^tPCiS-a^ THE PHILADELPHIA FLORIST. [June RELAND. 48 (^ REPORT ON AGRICULTURAL SCHOOLS L\ IRE To BV DR. KIRKPATRICK, AGRICULTURAL LXSPECTOR. Y Dublin, April, 1851. ■ To the Commissioners of X'Kional Educado?}.. Gentlemen:— In submitting my Third Annunl Report on the Aj^ricultural department of the system of National Educatinti in Ire- land, 1 beg to congratulate the Commissioners and the public on the steady progress it continues to make, notwithstanding the various counteractmg influences with which it has had to contend. At the date of my last report there were thirteen Model Asricul- tural Schools in operation, and ten for which building grants had been made. At the present date there are seventeen in operation — five in paitial operation, and three in course of building. In the district Model schools having agricultural departments in connection with them, the -pupil-teachers" attend the lectures of the ao-riculturist, and receive practical instruction on the model farm at- tached, in the various operations of which they are required to assist at specified times. Though objections have been urg/d against this arrangement, as calculated to interfere with tiie special objects ot their training, and though, I regret to find that, in one instance, some reluctance has been exhibited by the pupils themselves as to taking part in the drudgery of agricultural labor, still I think it can be car- ried out so as not only not to retard, but, as I believe, to promote their advancement in the other departments of their study, by train- ing them to habits of industry, showing them how they may turn every hour of their time to profitable account, and invigorating their physical, and, consequently, their mental constitution.— "The vigor of the body imparts itself to the intellect; and not only re- lieves the monotony of the school-room by the alternate labor in the fields but it gives zest and energy to the powers of the mind." As to the objections of thepuoils themselves— if they are the offspring of false pride, 1 think a little reflection should be sulhcient to show their absurdity. Why, instead of its being a degradation to assist m even the lowest offices of agricultural labor, it should, to every sen- sible mind, form an additional ground for esteem and approbation. In proof of this 1 might cite many instances of individuals of high rank and attainments who considered it an honor and a happiness to share in this employment ; but I need not go farther than our own day our own country, and our own schools, to find an instance in which a gentleman of high acquirements, and independent fortune (the brother of a baronet and high sheriff of one of our eastern counties), in order to acquire a perfect practical knowledge of agriculture, en- tered as an extern pupil at the Glasnevin establishment and cheer- fully assisted in all the farm operations. I have seen him* with his coat off lay incr tiles in the bottom of a drain, and joining in every other kind of'^labor on the farm— yet he never thought it any degra- dation to be so employed ; and 1 think it would be an insult to corn- mon sense to ask whether he, or one of the same rank, who would be afraid to soil his fingers, should be entitled to the most respect. If the objections are made on the ground that it is useless to re- quire them to assist in or learn the practical details of farming, as \ such is not the profession they are destined for in aiter-life, I would O: ask is it useless that their physical constitutions should be improved, (^ • Vere Foster. ^3^,.-^^^ . ^-c^-zym \ 1852.1 THE PHILADELPHIA FLORIST. 49 m:it^:P^' ■ ~^<^^'^ (^ which can be effected much better by a little useful labor, than useless, \3 and, perhaps, often injurious amusement! Is it useless to train them ,/ to habits of industry 1 or are their circumstances in after-life likely to be so independent, as that their being able to add to their comforts by the skilful cultivation of a plot of ground in their leisure hours should be of no importance 1 It is not improbable but the majority of them, when their course of training is expired, and they come to conduct schools themselves, may be able to procure a small portion of land in connection with their schools or with their dwellings ; and frotn the agricultural in^^truction they have previously received, they will be enabled to act in the double capacity of literary and agricul- tural teachers, if the latter should be required. They will at least, as I before remarked, be able to turn their leisure hours to profitable account, thereby improving their health and circumstances, as well as their status in public estimation; and affording to the surrounding peasantry a model of thrift and industry which cannot fail to be pro- ductive of beneficial results. ***** In concluding my Report for the past year on the system of Agri- cultural Instruction, I think I may, with greater confidence than ever, indulge the hope th it it i.s destined amply to fulfil all the anticipations of its°founders. Though its progress has been, and still continues comparatively slow, owing chiefly to the general depression which yet unhappily exists, though it has not put forth many branches, it has, at least, established its roots firmly in the soil. After another year of trial, durin": which its operations have been anxiously and minutely watched, I am convinced that it only requires to be more extensively established to become an efficient agent in the elevation of our island to that stand ird of prosperity which its many natural advantages so eminently fit it for attaining. In attaching so much importance to an agency of aj yet so comparatively limited opera- tions, I may be considered by our opponents (of whom, no doubt, there are still many, though their number is happily diminishing be- fore the light of experience), as an interested partisan, or a visionary enthusiast. Nevertheless, I state but my own sincere conviction, ar- rived at by careful inspection and anxious investigation, and fortified by the testimony of men, w^hose opinions are entitled to the highest consideration. On my various tours of inspection during the past year, I have mad<.' it a special object to ascertain the views of men of station and intelligence on this important subject. Circulars have also been transmitted to the Patrons and Managers of the Agricul- tural Schools longest in operation, and the replies received bear testi- mony to the trutli of what I have here asserted. It is true, that of the present class of small farmers in Ireland, but comparatively few, living in the neighborhood of the Agricultural Schools, have adop'ed many of the improved practices they saw there ; but anv person con- versant with the social condition of the country, will find many causes which sutiiciently account for this apparent apathy to im- provement, not the L'ust prominent ot which is the general absence of information, and want of early training in correct and rational^ principles *'we must," as has b<'en truly said, "educate the child, if \ we would reform the man." To remove this barrier to our social ^ progress is the great object of the National Agricultural Schools. ^ /? Wiren this has been effected, as under Providence it shall, if those c. (•^entrusted with the arduous, but honorable task of removing the ob- ^j k^-^ -c? rich man's slave; His weekly oasc I covet not — Nor power 1 sock, nor wealth I crave. Lalwr is pood, my stronjr right hand Is evi^r ready to endure; Tho' meanly born, 1 bless my land, Content to be amongst its poor. But look upon thifl forehead pale, This tjntless cheek, this rayless pye; What do they ask? The mountain gale, The dewy sod and open sky. I read of high and prassy hills, Of balmy dells, and tangled woods; Of lily-cups, where dew distils, Of hawthorns where the ring-dove broods. I hoar of bright and perfumed flowers. That spring to kiss the wanderer's feet; Of forests where the young fawn cowers. Of streamlets rippling, cool and sweet. The radiant summer T)pams may fall, Hut Tail to light my cheerless gliMnn; Tliey cannf>t pierce the dusky wall. Where pallid fingers ply the loom. No warbler sing« his grateful joys; No hulen We goes humming liv ; Nought breaks the shifting shuttle's noise, But angry oatU or suilering t^igh. Pent with the crowd, oppressed and faint, My brow is damp, my bn-ath is thick; And. tho' my spirit yield no plaint, My pining heart is deadly sick. I cannot see the bine of heaven ; I cannot see tho green gniss sod ; I pant to share the blessintrs given To all and each one by a God. Give me a spade to delve the soil, From early dawn to closing night; The plough, the tlail, or any toil That will nut shut mo from the light, 1 oft^'n drenm of an old tree, With vinlfts roiuid it growing wild; I know that happy drejun must be Of where 1 played a happy child. A dog-rose hedge, a cottage door. Still lingers on my wearied brain ; I feel my soul yearn more and more. To see that hedge-row once again. Double the labor of my task, Lessen my iKK>r and scanty fare; But irive. i>h. give me M'hat 1 a.sk — The sunlight and the mountain air. in^ The Committee on the Moore Testimonial has been pretty successful, having added to the list of subscribers most of the distin- guished literati corps-diplomatique, aristocracy, and literary democra- cy of Britain and Ireland. The Irish in America are compelled to move soon, for the sake of liberty, and the man who has written the history of their native country, free from foreign influence and secta- rian bigotry. A requisition for a meeting is in preparation. Moore's memory has claims on Americans — he was the guest of America in the early days of the history of the United States — he wrote their ^)j boat song, and described the striking portions of northern scenery. (•J: Let his memory be cherished. ^ "^9V - . x9QSM ) G i 1852.] THE PHILADELPHIA FLORIST. 53 t /(ori5t atiu Il^ortitiiltural llonrnaL We need not commence on the 21st of May to tell our friends and supporters how to manage their spring operations ; for the majority of amateurs have "fixed up" in their yards for the summer. A few will want the gardener's hook or scythe periodically to trim their grass plat; and some will allow him to extend his care to the stirring of their flower border with the rake ; many attend to both themselves; we think they are right — the gardener will not lose much by this. Most per- sons who intended sowing annuals, have already done so; small lawns are laid down with mixed lawn grass, obtained ready mixed of the seedsman. We hope they may be pleased with their grass plot when it vegetates, for many are disappointed ; in fact, few take the neces- sary precautions to insure success. They do not dig deep, and get soil minutely pulverised ; they do not roll it properly after being dug; they do not rake it properly; they do not take care to banish a quan- tity of worms who cut up the surface after seed is sown ; in fact, they do not lay down their plot in grass, but scratch it up and scatter the seed. We astonished a very learned amateur a few days ago, when on enquiry as to the proper depth to dig his yard, we replied spade deep. Oh nonsense, said he — but did not wait till we had finished, and he misunderstood us. To those who have not been successful in their grass plot, we would say procure good loamy soil, dig it spade deep; tread it or roll it; rake it u»til all lumps are taken off and it becomes quite level — at least with no inequalities of surface ; sow the seed which should be in se- veral sorts — clover a large proportion, sweet vernal grass, (^^nthoxan- thum odoratum); also a large share sheep's Fescue, (Festuca ovind), Timothy or Herds grass, {Phleum nodosum) and Cock's iooi(Dactylis glomernta,) with a quantity of Lolium /}gre;i7ie, or perennial rye. Now to procure all these in mixture, the necessity of having to purchase the grass seed already mixed is obvious, for the amateur who wants sixpenny worth cannot purchase a cents' worth of each, but he has them already prepared, and trusts to the honesty of the mixer. We may state that many other sorts of grass seed may be substituted for some of the above mentioned ; take care however to have White Clo- ver, sweet vernal Timothy, and Perennial Rye. For shady places i take in preference Dactylis or Cock's foot, called Orchard grass ; for X^ parched and dry situations prefer Poa or Meadow grass; and Sheeps' ^ /i) Fescue instead of Sweet Vernal and Perennial Rye. However, few^ 54 THE PHILADELPHIA FLORIST. [JlTNE (?! agree as to these matters. When the sod vegetates, roll it well, or^^ cP tread it; then cut it frequently for the first season, water with a little ^^ / guano water, and sprinkle it with charcoal or some chemical manure, such as nitrate of potash and gypsum — soapsuds cannot be beat. Do not let the dogs and cats destroy it, nor allow the bones from the cui- sine to be deposited on it, for the gardener's hook suffers thereby no less than the grass itself. We have done with grass plats for the season ; fall is the best time to lay down lawns, however, against which time we shall pref)are a more extended routine of cultivation and preparation. We observed a few days ago a systematic process for sowing lawns at the Pennsyl- vania Hospital ; we admired the equality of surface and care exhibit- ed in sowing the seed — all who observed it had a good lesson on lawn culture. Almost all annuals have been sown ; some of our gardening cotemporaries furnished lists of the most desirable sorts. Annuals, when sown out doors in May, give little satisfaction ; our spring does not suit their quick development, and the frosts of autumn reach them before they are fully i-i bloom. The better plan is to sow the best sorts in the fall in boxes, keeping them from frost during winter to bloom in March, April, and May, such as Stocks, Wallflowers, Sweet Williams, (Dianthus barbatus), Chinese Pink, Carnations, Schizanthus J^emophilas^ CoUinsia bicolor^ and the new sorts Mignionette cinera- ria, a perennial; Cakeohrin, perennial; Pansies, imported seed ; Jpo- maa limbiata, J. Burridgii, Ipomcca Quamoclit, cypress vine ; Evtoca viscidea, Phncelia tanaccb folia. Asters in sorts; Clintonia pulchella, Grammnntfies gentianoides (see plate) ; but the variety is endless, and we are a little late in advising; — lookout, however, for this list in the month of October, act thereby, and you will not be disappointed. Verbenas are in crowds in our market, Roses in hosts — some tall lor the rear rank, the dwarfs must he kept in the front; "yard long" Prairis are in demand for running, they will supercede the running, creeping or trailing plants called Vines — no matter whether they pro- duce the alcohol or not. The old Vitis vinifera however, maintains its character, and we hope always may, it is so practical in its associa- tions ; and its juice no doubt helps the poet out of many a puzzling measure. The yards have had sufficient attention we hope, both from practical gardeners and practical writers ; some have been neglected, and still lay gasping for some pure air, and sun, and moisture — oh ye wicked gardeners, why cannot you do all at once! The windows are in full display — Jasmines, Heliotropes, Fish Geraniums, Rose Gera- niums, Waterloos, Apples, Pennyroyal, Nutmeg, and all ihe other fa- L miliar sorts are in bloom ; Pansies, Verbenas, Roses, Callas, and a mul- c\^titude of others luxuriating through the wide streets and squares of p,- /2 famed Philadelphia, with plenty of air and light, and no doubt suflS-^ 1852.] THE PHILADELPHIA FLORIST. 55 rj^cient water, for who would allow a favorite plant to thirst for waterl ~ Do not water the plants while the sun is on them, but prefer watering on the surface of the pot in the morning and the foliage in the evening. Our Friends and our Censors. How many friends can the "Florist" reckon 1 — we dare not tell. How many censors can we enumeratel — we do not wish to say; those we have are severe. We do not thank Snooks or Jones for their of- ficious advice — nor indeed do we value the llattery tendered by Smith and Brown ; we cannot sell it nor trade it — it is not marketable. "Of all who tickle when they touch, clothed in rags or dressed in ermine, flatterers are the most teasing vermin." Baltimore, April 7, 1852. Dear Sir — I am in receipt of a prospectus of the''Philada. Florist," and approve highly of the design. I will do all in my power towards its circulation in this vicinity, and I doubt not will find you a few subscribers. ... I shall embrace every opportunity of bringing it before the notice of gardeners and amateurs. W. S. Meadville, May 3, 1852. Dear Sir — I gladly received your first number of "Philada. Florist" on Saturday. I have only had time to look at it, not read it, so I have nothing of criticism to oflTer. In lieu of that, I send you six subscribers, with six dollars. J. M. " The Philadelphia Florist," is the title of a new Magazine, devot- ed to Horticulture, Botany, &.C., just started in this city by a commit- tee of practical gardeners, under the editorial charge of R. R. Scott, The contents of the first number are spirited, and if the Magazine is continued as it has begun, will greatly advantage those engaged in the cultivation of flowers. — Do/. JS'ewspnptr. "The Philadelphia Florist and Horticultural Journal." The first number of a new monthly })eriodical with this title, has just made its appearance, bearing upon its face the evidence, we think, of success. It is an exceedingly well got-up work, and the editor is a practical gardener, who understands, perhaps, the aims and objects of such a publication, and the way to accomplish them as well as any other man. The initial number, we repeat, has a character about it which we much like, and which we are very certain will secure for the work that degree of support which will not only secure its permanency, but also remunerate properly the undertaking. When we say that the price of it is only one dollar a year, it is to be presumed that no gar- dener, or those who have a garden, will fail to pay it. — Germ. Tel. "The Philadelphia Florist" is the title of a new monthly Magazine, devoted to Horticulture, Botany, and (he kindred sciences. This is a work which should be in the hands of every Botanical student and I practical gardener in the country. It supplies a desideratum long \ needed by the lovers of Horticulture, and from the excellence of the y? initial number now before us, will, no doubt, supply in future num- ^ (•^ hers that variety of information so generously and judiciously put forth Q\ iQ9v .^ books in the running brooks, and good in everything." ^, P Our last Calendar was brief read, now our more extensive and^ J> 1852.] THE PHILADELPHIA FLORIST. 57 ~^6c unpractical calendar, not overlooking the naturalist's part, prepared from^^J A~* observations taken during the past few days around the city. The ^ ' Botanical portion by Thomas Hutchinson, and the Entomological by \ Hobson & Hidings. Dr. Conrad of the Penna. Hospital furnishes the state of the thermometer. CALENDAR. Plant-hotjses are now almost emptied of their contents, or at least should be — we observed yesterday a great many plants bedded out. Such as Justicia carnen, scarlet and other Geraniums, Canary Bird Flower, Petunias, Verbenas, Pansies, Aloiiaoa or Hemimeris^ •^nagallis^ Grummanthes^ Antirrhimum, Lobelia, Cypress Vine, all kinds of Morning Glory, and Burridges Morning Glory amongst the rest. We are looking out fur an Evening Glory in the way of a fine Oenothera perhaps Evcfiaridium gr andijiorum vi'iWhe the plant — it belongs to that tribe and is greatly cracked up, perhaps by inter- ested annual growers. Grammanthes is the Day Glory, for it hates to see the dewy shades of evening; loves the sun as well as any Heliop- hila or sun lover. Get out all plants not already removed; repot those which require it, take care to put them in a shady place alter their removal, until they take to their new pots and quarters. Look out that you do not expose Fuchsias, Heaths, Epacrides, Azaleas, Rhododendrons, and other similar plants to the sun and rain. Flower Garden. — Bed out! Bed out! every one is at it, nothing stops them; Abut dons. Salvias, Calceolarias, Cinerarias, Pelargoni- ums, Fish Geraniums, Fuchsias^ Lobelias, Hemimeris, Anagallis, Stocks Wall-flowers, all the host of tender annuals. Convolvulus or Morning Glory, Ipomaea {Burridgii) Burridges Morning Glory. I lirabiata margined morning glory (quite new imported by J. F. K.) Gram- manthes gentianoides. Dahlias, in innumerable sorts, they are in the schedule of prizes for the Horticultural Annual Exposition in Septem- ber— although rejected in all respectable exhibitions in England — so that the extensive growers should attend to them. Cacti you need not plant out, keep all you have got, they will be wanted in September next ; you may preserve even the commoner species — we want a strong muster of the hedgehogs (Echinocactus) let them not be ''snubbed," " abused," or slighted, they belong to the vegetable kingdom as well as the Dahlias and Cape Heaths, are brethren of the Victoria regia. Philadelphia has Cacti, and Cacti have friends, all observations to the contrary, notwithstanding. Take care of Epip/iyllvm alottim^ Hookerii\ speciosum^ Je7ikm.sonii\; — Cere¥S May^ ARDU.Scottti.frrandiJlorus, and many others. Attend to the Mammillarias; remember the Pereskia Blio and rats tail, Turks Cap, and Prickly Pear, Cochineal, and Cactus speciocissimus, — the Mexican volunteers know all about them ; keep them well watered through the summer while growing, expose to the sun, on a bottom of coal ashes, or gravel, in pots — shift first, all which require, it and all will be right. Pelargoniums are now in full vigor ; those lately exhibited at the Museum were splendid specimens, and j.lmost given away, as to price; ^ Fuchsias were very chi3ice there also ; Snow-drop was a striking '^^ plant. Fuchsias are easily grown, if proper care be taken at a pro- 3Q^ 7^a« 58 THE PHILADELPHIA FLORIST. [June per season, never allow the young plant to stop growing, until it at- tains its desired size and shape, then check it by withholding water, (not too nmch),— a tendency to produce flowers will then be induced. Fruit Houses— forcing has been attended to at several places; Strawberries ripe ; set the plants, from which fruit has been gathered, to rest at leisure ; plant them in good, richly manured soil, to recruit them. Cherries are ripe in a few places ; Nectarines far advanced, and fruit well set— out-door strawberries look wrell (and in fact all out-door fruits). Grapes are in tine condition, as the atmosphere has been clear and not very changeable ; attend diligently to stopping of shoots, they must be stopped judiciously, or a waste of the energy of the plant takes place, see Mr. Sanders Diary— air those in flower well, to scatter the pollen; no water while in flower from ihe syringe, it wets the yellow dust and hinders impregnation; watch all well, and attentively. Vegetables.— Tomatoes are in market; Peas from the south and from under cover; any quantity of Asparagus, do not let it be cut too close, add some manure and salt after cutting; salt in June and manure in fall. Beans are getting forward ; Cantelopes planted out as well as all other tender crops ; sow in regular succession ; tie up Tomatoes or confine them with stakes, like trellis work. Potatoes are up; we saw a fine specimen of mercers, yesterday. Salading is in abundance ; spinach out of repute ; sow, however, in succession to fill the pot, as the Irishman says, " fill up, fill up, if it should be only saw-dust ;" take peas in good season, you cannot af- terwards; you may try, but you will fail ; Lima Beans ; take care of Limas, they create quite a luror when on the table. Try the New Zealand Spinach, Black Turtle Bean, Walcheren Cauliflower, HoBsoNs Giant Rhubarb, Okra of course, mountain sprout, and mountain Sweet Water-melon, Caubul Cantelope, Great Mammoth Squash ; Bishops' Dwarf Pea, Prince Albert Do., Skirvings Im- proved Ruta Baga, for .July or August sowing, Cabbages all sorts, to be found in the seedsmens' catalogues, to be had at this ofiice. But we must close, by telling all our gardening friends, to work, rather than read for two or three weeks to come. Allans! NATURLISTS' CALENDAR— BOTANY. 1 Anemone nemorosa, Wood Anemone, Woods, Penna. 2 Arum triphyllum marshes and shady margins of creeks var atro- rubens. 3 Agrostis ; several species a grass, fields. 4. Acer ruhrum and others in flower, in April, scarlet or yellow bloom — swamp maple (every where 1) 5 Actaa rubra, red Baneberry — Woods. 6 Aster or Erigeron, Woods, Penna. 7 Dicentra cucullaria, (Cultivated R. Kelv.) — Dutchmans Breeches — Woods, not frequent. 8 Cardamine pratensis^ marshes, Penna. cuckoo flower or meadow cress. 9 Draba verna, common Whitlow Grass, (in pod May,) (plenty.) 10 Geranium maculatum, woods, Penna. 11 Orchis spectabilis, (Jersey showy orchis.) •y 12 Physurus pictus, woods, Penna. m^sp^ ^4 Wi^ UJ * 1 ^Jl Us i "rt A/y«,*^. A^ w! -•^— 1 of P- ■ - hi It en- tile M 1 P- i i^ lIUlKi THE PHILADELPHIA FLORIST. 69 ! !%• nf iii:f we f.Hrt I li i I 1852.] — -.rvv-^ 13 Podophyllum peltatum peltate leaved May, Apple. )^ 14> Po/ewiomwffi Greek valerian not repens but officinalis 1 woods p/ plenty, Penna. 15 Silene Virginica, cultivated R. Kelv. 16 Viola yellow, light blue, and white and many others — for which we have not space. STATE OF THERMOMETER. Mean temperature for the month, 40.6°; Mean Maxima, 52.6«; Mean Minima 46 6« The mean for April for 22 years is r)2°. Amount of rain, 6.44 inches— this is a greater amount than has fallen in any April except one, April 1841.— Snow fell upon 4 days, rain upon 21 days. The mean temperature for May up to the 18th, is 61.7'% and the amount of rain 1 .75 inches. Pennsylvania Hospital, May 19, 1852. 03?* Botany is not current, therefore, we do not publish any Bo- tanical description of Plate 1. nor of any of those in our present No. (I~r* Thos. Meehan's contribution never reached us ; nor that of R. L. Colt, until yesterday, and opened— we refused it at the Post Office ; nor that of A. L. Kennedy, said to be delivered at our Office. We have, therefore, removed to 63, Walnut St., at Mr. Benjamin Mifflin's the Printer of the "Florist," where all communications, plants, fruit and papers, are to be sent. We would warn our subscri- bers in the country, from enclosing money, unless they register their letters.— Office, No. 63 Walnut Street, below Dock, North bide— Third story. \n^ The Plates were executed at the School of Design, under the superintendence of A. Hill. Descript. of Grammanthes in our next. ^■»» DESCRIPTION OF PLATE 11. Nepenthes Rafflesiana, N. ord. Nepenthaceae, Class Discia, Na- tive of Sumatran Islands. t n 3 Sir S. Raffle's Pitcher Plant, Introduced by Jas. Dundas. ^ ^ One of the curiosities of vegetation— a receptacle or reservoir for water in the marshes of hot and tropical climates, where at certain seasons the parched traveller searches in vain for the indispensable element. The birds that flit around the Pitcher Plant, dip into its cup and are pleased to find that there is therein wherewith to allay their thirst, so that thev may continue their joyous chirrup or song. It contains distilled water in the appendages to the petiole or leal stalk which is dilated, the operculum or lid (botanists are agreed) is the true leaf— it closes over the vessel and hinders quick evaporation durin^r the extremes of the sun's heat. The plant was introduced in quantities from the Sumatran Islands and Borneo by Mr. Low, through the means of Rajah Brooke. Many were dead. The plant is now well dispersed amongst those who can cultivate it, it costs high at nurseries. The plant from which our Plate was tak.n was impor ed by Jas. Dundas, Esq. from London, and has been successfully culti- vated by his gardener, Mr. Jas. Bisset, Sr., who kindly lurnish^d specimens for that purpose. Of its cultivation we shall permit Mr. Bisset to speak next month. Mr. Cope and R. Buist, and we believe P. Mackenzie imported it dead. ,„,,/, r« i« . PLATE III.— Is the new, white, stately Bell flower. Campanula I nobilis alba, exhibited at stated meeting of the Pennsylvania Horti- J^ cultural Society, April 20th, and is presented to his numerous sup porters by R. Buist, the grower, Rosedale. il^9V .^^.x^om 60 THE PHILADELPHIA FLORIST. INTRODUCTION TO LECTURE ON THE CURIOSITIES OF VEGETATION, AT Chinese Museum, May 14, 1852. [June I"/ \ It is interesting to examine the history of the objecis which for the most part serve us for food, and supply to our domestic animals also, the requisites for their maintenance, many of which in turna^e appro- priated to the uses of the cuisine^ the animals haVing assimilated the herbs which are cultivated as forage to their own organization, and rendered it more appropriate to our use. Many argue that we err in depriving cattle of life, in order to convert them into food. 1 fear some time will elapse before the error be abandoned. I would not say that these do not state the truth; man is so formed as to assimilate vegetables to his own system; and though it may be more convenient to seize upon the already prepared matter— yet surely the cow and sheep were not created to be slain by man. It is also interesting and useful to know how many of the drugs which we swallow from year to year are taken directly from plants — how many of our garments are preparations of vegetable life, converted by art and through the aid of machinery to that state in which they fill the stores and ware- houses of our merchants. But in one lecture I could slightly touch upon these matters ; the subject is endless. How many separate and distinct plants are known to Botanists, is a question which no doubt occurs to many persons. These we term species or distinct individu- als, as for instance man himself, or the dog, both of which remain unchanged, it is believed. I have mentioned man, because it is suffi- ciently evident that he is distinct from all other creatures ; that he does not become by change of climate, food or locality, anything else than a reasoning, reflecting being, speaking and acting with a free will, when permitted to do so, independent, as we term it, of any for- eign or exterior agency. The cat also retains its carnivorous, prowl- incT. nocturnal character and habits without alteration unless so by force or interference with the provisions of nature. Then why should not also plants preserve their individuality distinct 1 They do, it is be- lieved. A species then is a distinct organized being. The number of species of plants described by Botanists up to within a few years ago, was, according to Loudon's Encyclopcedia, first additional supple- ment, published in 1832, 18,109; according to Lindley's Vegetable Kingdom, 2d ed. 1847, 92,000; enumeration of species known to Bo- tanists according to Humboldt, 86,000 in Delesserfs Herbarium Paris, l^ 74,000 Royal Herbarium, Schoneberg ; 26,000 enumerated in Lou- ^ don's H. Brittanicus, 1832. But as yet no authentic enumeration has (^been or can be made without the co-operation of Botanists. In the^ m?^:^ -^cf^S i i 1 1852.] THE PHILADELPHIA FLORIST. 61 ^^(5^ Botanic Garden of Berlin, supposed to be the most extensive in cul-(^ tivation, there are of the natural order of composite or compound ^ flowers, as the dandelion and aster. Compound, 16,00; Leguminosse, >| 1150, peas, beans, vetches, clover, &c., are familiar examples ; Labia- tese, 428, salvia is a familiar example; Umbelliferae, 370, parsnip, car- rot, hemlock, &c., are familiar examples ; Grasses, 3544, grasses, as Timothy, sweet vernal, orchard grass, &c.; Cyperace®, 2,000, carex, or sedge, numerous in this vicinity. Of the order Composite there were known to Linn«us, the great Swedish Botanist, 785 species of compound plants or syngenesia according to his classes. Now there are 12,000 known to Botanists of this most extensive order. [to be continued.] *♦» ■ The Gardener's Society's Exposition. Be it known to all men and others, who know anything of Garden- ing, that the great exhibition of the Gardening Society, is amongst the things that have been. A fait accomplit—we would have wished for the sake of the Venerable Horticulturist, who presided over the Committee of Arrangements and a few others unnecessary to enumerate, that he had been supported by better men; we say this advisedly. We could have wished that for the sake of a new charitable institution, the men for whose benefit it was originated had felt their position. We shall say no more, the exhibition was a successful one, and we shall notice it at more length in our next number. t^ -o u Amongst the contributers, we would enumerate Mrs. Dr. Rush, Jas. Dundas, Esq., F. Knorr, A. Dryburgh. J. D. Fulton, and several others not known to us. A fine Amaryllis from the " windows," was contributed by Mr. Cresson. The list of Public Contributors, we shall give at another time. C. Cope, Esq., sent some fine Strawberries as a Donation, to be sold for the benefit of the Society— also cut flowers. Thos. P. Croft, contributed seeds for the same purpose. The ex- hibition lasted four days. Our Monthly Tour of Inspection. We stopped at a place in Chestnut street, Florence's we believe, gardener Wm. Furmage. We were surprised to find a neat minia- ture garden with lawn and borders well kept, and greenhouse and . conservatory filled with healthy specimens, a few fine oranges and V) lemons, good greenhouse plants and tender annuals. m^j^b^ ^tfos^ 62 THE PHILADELPHIA FLORIST. [June Vingbrook - the seat of C. Cope. The lily ot course >s here g _.and cacti in odious deformit,,, prickly pears, -rabs, hedge hog, cv mamms and many chapters of so small a book as the "Florist" to write the history of this beautiful art Many ideas shall pass before our mind's eye to be rejected or remodelled- many suppositions will be hazarded, many assertions made on slight foundatioi!l-yet as few as possible. We shall endeavor to olfend none or excite any; to give to all the friends of our profession fair play shall be our aim ; to drag no modest man to light who would ra- Lr remain hidden, if we can discover his wishes in due time. But the authentic and ample history of American Horticulture must be written by some one ; therefore we shall try it. I Twenty years ago-and no doubt this is quite iar enough to recede [ _we should have been p«..led to fill a small green-house with the ^ \ plants of New Holland or the Cape of Good Hope Greater and more , (^difficult would have proved the task to collect into one hot-house ofU) s^39^^_ ^ --^^^.-^ 66 THE PHILADELPIirA FLORIST. o^ (^the smallest dimensions of our city hol-houses, the indigenous plants-^') ^ of Borneo and Sumalra and Brazil, Java and Ceylon. Our Parks e.^ y were then no doubt quite pleased to give sup[.ort to such pines as \ ( ?«o/).v, Vinsufo, Pindroir, Abies Wchbiann, and others of this class. The Cetlrus J) roil warn or Dcodara, as we terui it, or in English, Deo- dar Cedar, luxuriated then at peace on the mountain ranges of the lofty Himalayas, at thousands of feci of elevation ; the hot blasts which abound over the territory at the foot of this gigantic Ossa, are cooled before they reach its folinge; therefore a colder climate such as ours does not quite annihilate it — but it does not luxuriate here, h'ome far-seeing gentlemen amateurs will not plant it, for they say "some twenty years may pass, and then comes a frost, a biting frost, and nips its buds," as Wolsey says; but then some ten years, and the hand that planted the Deodar Cedar in the vicinity of Philadelphia may be gathered to his fathers; and in the classic grounds of the Woodlands Mr. Carvill may prune off for the thirtieth time the dead limbs of Ce- drus Deodara, while the short-set'ing mortal may slumber beneath its roots. The tall Salisburia waves its branches still in the Woodlands ; graves rise up around it, and no murmur of d«rath for the Gingko — it hears no funeral bell. The Cratcegus oxyncanthn grows in the Wood- lands Cemetery, and the tine scarlet variety also is healthy and cloth- ed with bloom. The milk-white Thorn becomes red or scarlet and is much admired, but it has not reached that size or form to render the poets lines applicable — " if Heaven one draught of heavenly pleasure spare, One cordial in this melancholy vale, 'Tis when a youthful, modest, loving pair, In others' arms breathe out the temler tale, Beneath the milk-white Thoin that scents the evening gale." »♦» HAFFLESIA ARNOLDII. Dr. Arnold's Ralilesia — growing on the stems of plants, such as Cis- sus, and several species of pod plants (Legumino.s.e) in the East In- dies and parts of ^^outh America, is found this remarkable and anoma- lous plant, furnished with neither stem, nor stalk, nor leaf; it luxuri- ates as an immense flowering pari:«ite, its whole structure being con- densed, if we may so term it, into a gigantic inflorescence. Its ap- pearance can only be guessed at by those who have not seen either the plant itself or an authentic figure of it. We enjoyed the latter privilege at the Royal Gardens, Kevv. The enthusiastic mind of Bauer and his pencil did all for its illustration that could be desired ; and the venerable President of the Linn^an Society described it. For a description, see Linmran Society's transactions. One of the species i called in Java Pntma, is employed medicinally in a very important / ^ disease. The following is from a contributor, prepared for the Hor-^. * ticultural Journal: (^j 0 1852.] 0.r, o - ^ — THE PHILADELPHIA FLOPJST. 67 (tf-j "Seeing this remarkable flower mentioned in your last number, I^^.j nceived that a short account of it would not be out of phice. The c^^ conceived tliat a sliort account oi it would not be oui oi pince. ine ^ij following description, perhaps by Dr. Arnold h'mself, is quoted in a > letter of Sir T. S. Raffles to a noble English lady : 'The Sumatran name of this plant Petimum ISikinili, or Devil'f- Siri (bethe) box. It is a native of the forest, particularly those of Passumah Uln Manna. This gigantic flower is parasite on the lower stems and roots of the Cissus angustifolia of Box. It appears at first in the form of a small round knob, which gradually increases in size j the flower bud is invested bv numerous membranaceous sheaths, which surround it in successive layers and expand as the bud enlarges, until at length they form a cup around its base. These sheaths or braces are lirge, round, concave, of a firm membranaceous consistency, and of a brown color ; the bud before expansion is depressive, round, with five obtu.-e angles, nearly a foot in diameter and of a dusky red. The flower when fully expanded is, in point of size, the wonder of the vegetable kingdom ; the breadth across from the top of the one petal to the top of the other, is three feet. The cup may be estimated to contain twelve pints ; the weight of the whole is Irom twelve to fifteen pounds. The inside of the cup is of intense purple, and more or less densely yellow; and soft, flexible spines of the same color. Towards the mouth it is marked with numerous depressed spots of the purest white, contrasting strongly with the purple of the surrounding sub- stance, which is considerably elevated on the lower side. The petals are of a b ick red, with numerous pustular spots of a lighter color. The whole substance of the flower is not less than half an inch thick, and of a firm, fleshy consistence. It soon after expan- sion begins to give out a smell of decaying animal matter. The fruit never bursts, but the wnole plant gradually rots away, and the seeds mix with the putrid mass. It seems to be a flower unknown to most of the natives, as well as to naturalists ; its colors red, yellow and pur- ple and most brilliant. The chemical composition being fungous, it would not keep; and we had not enough spirit to preserve a whole flower.' " A draft for one thousand dollars has been received by George P. Burnham, of Boston, from one of his New Orleans correspondents, in payment for a splendid lot of " Cochin China," " Red Shanghai," and " White Shanghai " fowls, sent out by the Crescent City, by Mr. B., from his imported stock. This is getting up the steam to some pur- pose. Mr. Burnham's sales, for large samples from his imported Chi- nese fowls, have reached over $4000 since the last November show in Boston— averaging upwards of $20 a week. He has received as high /^as $,')0 for a single pair of his "Cochin Chinas." ms)h^ -<^^^ \ THE PIIILADELPIIIA FLORIST. [July \ NOTES ON GRAPE CULTURE. BY WM. s,\r\D]:i:s. GrnpPS OutdflOrs.—Thcso aro biuldino- forth quite strong, notwithstand- ing tin- past seven' winlor. In some cases however, where the last yelir's nrrowth has been luxuriant, and, in consequence not sufficiently ripened and solidified, they are tardy in leafing out. All such branches should be cut close in. Much injury to arbor griipes occurs from al- lowincr too many shoots to May, 1852. \ To the Editor of the Florist. I beg to thank you for the first number of the "Philadelphia Flo- rist," which reached me a few days ago, and which I have just read with very great satisfaction. I assure you that it affords me sincere pleasure to find that you occupy at present a position in which you will be able to disseminate to others a knowledge of that science which you yourself have so carefully studied, and with which you are 80 well acquainted. I am also happy to perceive that you ofl'er the \ use of the columns of your Journal for the insertion of communica- j 9d tions on Agricultural subjects. This, in my opinion, will very much P (^enhance its value, as it will be a very desirable channel through which ^ i;?9v -tf^a^ 72 THE PHILADELPHIA FLORIST. [July (^to diffuse a knowledge of the most approved systems and practices of^^j /P husbandry amongst that section of the community whose services are r, so indispensably necessary for the well-being of their country, but \ whose daily toil, it is to be regretted, is very frequently expended both unskilfully and unprofitably. The extensive information also, both scientific and practical, which I know you to possess on this pro- posed department of your labors, will, 1 should hope, be brought to bear on the agriculture of your adopted country. You will thus be able to render your publication what it ought to be — a most valuable acquisition to the farmer as well as to the gardener; and which, I am confident, will in time be duly appreciated. A lecture of mine, on Agricultural Education, delivered at the com- mencement of the present session, has just passed through the columns of the Farmers' Gazette. It is contemplated, in reference to it, that it should appear in the form of a small pamphlet for general circula- tion. Should this be the case I shall forward you a copy of it ; and if you consider the matter contained in it worthy of a place in the pages of the Florist, you will be at liberty to give it insertion In the event of a delay in carrying out this arrangement, I shall endeavor to pro' cure the numbers of the Gazette in which it appeared, and transmit them to you. With best wishes for the success of your yournal, 1 am, dear sir, yours very sincerely, John Do.naghy. Agriculture~As it is in Britain. BY F. W. CONNOR. Sir : The agriculture of Britain is now settling down in the steady path of progress. High rents have ceased to be the order of the day — protection has vanished— and energy, industry, and eco- nomical habits form the distinguishing features in the character of the cultivator of the soil. The more science is brought to bear upon practical knowledge, the more rapidly are the interests of agricul- ture advanced. In the way of improvements much attention is de- voted to the construction of implements for abridging and economi- sing farm labor. Several improved patterns of ploughs and grubbers, suited for different soils and circumstances, have lately made their appearance. Steam power is becoming more generally employed, and it is not a little curious to witness the ''talP' chimney gracing the farmtsead. Steam engines of five horse power are in much request, and it is not uncommon to observe the ditlerent operations of thrash- ing, winnowing, sacking and weighing corn; chopping hay and straw I into chaff; crushing oil cake, bones, and corn; churning, pumping wa- q. ter, and cutting turnips, going on at the same time. Hussey's reaping (^"jmachine is likely to prove satisfactory, as a great many orders haveC/^ 1852] THE PHILADELPHIA FLORIST. 73 dr.o I- ■ ' ■' ^- — , \ e-^ been given to the maker, Crosskill, of Yorkshire. Much attention is^T» devoted to the manufacturing of manure. Independent of new ar- tificial manures daily brought into market, that of the farm-yard is not neglected. The manure heap has become an object of care, be- ing roofed over to throw off the rain. Liquid manure tanks of a cir- cular form are becoming general, as they afford the largest area at the least expense of walls. Metallic or glazed earthen pipes are laid from the tanks to the fields on the farm, the liquid manure being forced through by a pump, and distributed principally over grass land by a gutta percha hose. The management of cattle has been care- fully improved. Shed feeding in boxes 8 feet by 12, and never re- moving the manure until the animal is sent to the butcher, is a plan at present favorably received. A layer of peat mould or vegetable soil is first placed in the bottom of the box to absorb the urine, and layers of cut straw placed over it as required. Manure of good quality is thus made. Others use no straw at all for litter — but house the cattle on boarded floors with wide joinings, to allow the urine to fall through into prepared channels leading to the tank. The solid manure is mixed with water, agitated in the tank, and forced along the pipes to irrigate grass land. The rearing and fatting of cattle is well attended to just now. Cattle of a rapid growth and aptitude to fatten being desirable, it is the farmer's object to procure such feeding stuffs as will best second his ends. Linseed and oil cake are largely em- ployed— the former being sieeped in cold water becomes gelatinous, and when mixed with cut hay and straw, turnips, &c. in winter — chaff, cut grass, &c. in summer, forms a nutricious matter for fatten- ing cattle. The manure produced from this kind of feeding will be rich and of primary importance. Think of a farmer in Berwickshire paying X670 last season for manure ! The manufacture of sugar from the beet goes on successfully — the prepared article is equal to the best cane sugar. I use it. Sir R. Kane has completed 1(37 analyses of beet root in different stages of its o-rowth, with the view of determining the correct value of the plant. The cultivation of flax is taking place on a more extennve scale this season than heretofore. Many cultivate it lor the sake of the seed to fatten cattle— the fibre being but of secondary importance. The want of local markets, and a quick and easy plan of preparing the fibre for market, are difiiculties yet to be removed. Claussen's process, although ingenious, has not given entire satisfaction. A gov- ernment enquiry was appointed to investigate its merits— their report I believe is not yet handed in. / 4> Agricultural education is making rapid progress under the Irish Na- ^ ("^'tiond Board. There are sixty-two model and ordinary agricultural^ ^-- ^tfOS'M 10 74 THE PHILADELPHIA FLOIIIST. [July (^schools in connection with the Board — exclusive of ninety workhouse J^j ^ schools. When it is considered that from three to sixty acres of land c;^ / are attached to these schools as 7worfe//ar77Z5 — and that improved sci- entific and practical knowledge is made a daily lesson among the ordinary subjects of school instruction, you will readily perceive the value and importance of the machinery at work for ^'learning the young — and improving the old" in correct methods of Irish hus- bandry. The same system of agricultural education is going to be introduced into the parochial schools of Scotland. England has done so in many instances. Altogether the prospects of British agriculture are not on the darkest side, and it is hoped ere long that the legislature will relieve the landed interest of the unequal taxation it is saddled with, exact- ing at the same time from other species of property its duties — as weel as protecting its rights. We have endeavored to abridge this report but feared io sj)oil it ; the importance of the subject requires our attention. — The report is from the '•''JlthencEumy KEV7 GARDENS. We gave a few weeks back a statement of the public money wants of the diflerent othcers of the British Museum. Since then we have received Sir William Hooker's money estimate of his necessities at Kevv for the year ending 31st March, lb53. He requires, it appears, 10,929/. 16,9.* for the Royal Botanic Gardens at Kew,— 1,28(5/. 16s. for the Royal Pleasure Gardens at the same place, — and 150/. for cases and other fittings — we suppose, for specimens. As Chancellors of the Exchequer and Lords of the Treasur}- are, however, not ac- customed to encourage claims, or Parliament to grant them (we hope), without some fair show of reason. Sir William, on the last day but one of the year, sits by his parlor fire at Kew (perhaps in the very house in which Sir Peter Lely lived), and indites the following able and satisfactory Report. Royal Gardens, Kew, Dec. 30, 1851. During the last ten years in which it has been my privilege to pre- pare a Report on the state and progress of the Royal Gardens at Kew, 1 have on each occasion been enabled to show a progressive increase in the number of visitors, and have also had the gratification of enu- merating the various presents made both to the Gardens and to the Museum. The past year affords a still more favorable Report. The number of visitors has been 327,000 — a progressive increase, in the follow- ing ratio : — 1841 9,174 1847 1842 11,400 1848 1843 13,492 1819 1844 10,114 18.50 184.') 2SJ39 1851 1846 40,573 64,282 91,708 137,805 179,027 327,900 ^QSM 1852.] THE PHILADELPHIA FLOIIIST. 75 \^ This great increase has, no doubt partly arisen from the gracious cy' permission given by Her x\'L)jesty, allowing the Pleasure Grounds at Kew lo be open to the public daily during the summer months : it \ may also be attributed to the concoursi' of persons attracted to Lon- don and its neighborhood by the Exhibition. The reports of previous vans have, howevt-r, proved that, withoul these adventitious causes of increase, the additional number of visitors may be, in a considera- ble measure, referred to the j)opularity of the gardens, and to the opportunity which they allbrd for instruction. As these advantages become better known, it may be expected that the number of visitors will steadily augment; and it is an agreeable duty to state, that with this vast concourse of people, of all kinds and grades, including a great number of foreigners, no misconduct or willful mischief has occiirred; while many little irregularities, for- merly common, have nearly, if not entirely ceased, though unrestrict- ed acces.-? was permitted to every part of the grounds, to all the hot- houses, green-houses, and the Museum. in the Pleasure Grounds an imi)rovement has been effected by the formation of the Sion Vista, with a broad ^rravA walk, which stretches in a continuous lin- from the great western door of the Palm Stove to the river, opposite Sion House. This was part of the plan former- ly designed for these grounds, which has now been executed, and promises to add to the beauty of the Gardens. The whole of the woods in these grounds have, during the autumn and present winter, undergone considerab'e thinning. This should have been done thirty years ago ; but I still believe that it will assist the growth ot trees which have been until now over crowded, and will eventuallv improve the Pleasure Grounds. The open glades have been systematically planted with a great number of young trees, forming an Arboretum, which, il continued, promises to be the most perfect in Europe. A Lodge has been built at the Pagoda Gate, which will contribute to the public convenience, and afford a residence to the foreman who has the immediate care of these grounds. The Ha-ha fence, which separates the Pleasure Grounds from the Deer Park, has been completed, and an iron fence is substituted tor the wooden paling, which was decayed and unfit for repair. A small Nursery of about four acres is in active operation for the rearinvr of trees and shrubs, which may hereafter be transferred as specimens to the other pleasure grounds and parks. ^.,,,„^ A considerable portion of the Gardens, situated about the Museum and skirting the Richmond Road, was divided into narrow strips by two loner unsightly walls, the intermediate piecehaving been a kitchen gird en and paddock in the occupation of his late Majesty the King of Hanover By the recent demise of that sovereign the ground in question has reverted to the Crown, and Her M.jesty the Queen has eraciously granted it as an addition to the Hotanical Gardens. A lortion of U will forthwith be devoted to forming ^Medical Garden. ^ The Victoria Re^in. blooming almost daily from March till Christ- mas has been a grelt attraction! and it will be reared and seen ,n much tuller perfection when a house, containing a tank of suthcient magnitude shall have been built. The plans for this house are now J^ '"HZ^yZ House for the cultivation of the ferns of temperate ^V) 76 ^-^' THE PHILADELPHIA FLORLST. [July ^v3Cc? ? \ ("^ climates has been added to the plant houses, and two ranges of frames ^'^'j ^for rearing seeds, &,c. e/^ The content!* of the several plant houses spe^ak for ihemsolves. The ah'cady celebrated, tiiough still young, collrttion of Khododcn- drons, from the Sikkim Himalaya, are j)rotnising well, and some showing flower; and the accession of new plants, especially of tiie useful kinds, is considerable. In the Palm Stovtr the growth and vigor of the inmates attest the excellence of the structure for cultiva- tion, the foliage of some of the plants already extending to GO feet from the ground. The palms and tree ferns are among the finest ever reared in Europe. The crowds of visitors to the gallery of this stove have necessitated the erection of a second spiral staircase for their acconunodation. The number of plants distributed by the Royal Gardens this year, as shown by the books, exceeds 3,000 : many are of great rarity and value. Among other recipients are the Botanic Gardens of Oxford and Cambridge, the Botanic and Experimental Gardens of Edin- burgh, those of Gbisgow and Belfast, the College and Glasncvin Gardens of Dublin, many eminent nurserymen, and numerous private gardens. These plants are given on the system of exchange, but when required for purposes of public instruction they are freely be- stowed, whenever they can be spared. To correspondents abroad we have despatched sixteen Wardian cases of useful plants, viz., four to New Zealand, one to Hohart Town, three to Calcutta, two to Madras, one to Trinidad, two to Jamaica, one to V^alparaiso, one to Sierra Leone, and one to British Honduras ; also various closed packages of roots and seeds to the same and other places. Among them are the seeds of the Victoria, which is now flourishing at Calcutta, in Ceylon and Trinidad. No- where, however, has this splendid aquatic succeeded so well (under glass, be it observed) as in the United States, and nowhere has its introduction been so highly prized. The flowers have attained a di- ameter of 17 inches, and the leaves of 6i feet. "The excitement,'* says our Philadelphia correspondent, "caused by the successful cul- ture of the Victoria Water Lilv on our side the Atlantic has been extreme, and every one has declared that the glowing accounts of its beauty are not at all exaggerated." The Museum of Vegetable Products has increased beyond all ex- pectation, and at a most trifling cost to the country ; for the advaji- tages it affords in the way of information and instruction are now so obvious, that many contributors who desire to make known various vegetable products and preparations have sent specimens to this Mu- seum, and donations have accumulated, we may say daily, for the last six months. All the available space in the building is now de- voted to the Museum, and fitted up with glass cases, which are rapid- ly filling. For many valuable contributions we are indebted to the Great Exhibition. They consist of vegetable products, raw, and in various stages of manipulation, and manufactures of vegetable sub- stances from all parts of the world. The exhibitors have manifested great interest in the Museum, and have generously aided its collec- tions. The Secretary of State for the Colonies has also placed at our disposal many vegetable products from the distant possessions of the i Crown. 1 have likewise, with the sanction of the ('hief Commis- / ^. sioner of Works, purchased an interesting collection (correctly named) r^ of all the Woods of Tuscany from the Tuscan Commissioners ; this Cm m^&b^ . THE PHILADELPHIA FLORIST. 77 1852.] country yields much of the valuable timber for our navy. Messrs. Peter Lawson & Sons, of Edinburgh, have presented to the Museum < their collection of Scottish agricultural, horticultural, and arboricul- tural products. This forms in itself an important addition to our stores. The names of contributors stand attached to their respective donations, which need only be inspected to attest the worth and ex- tent of the gifts, and the liberality of the givers. And when the Guide Book to the Museum is printed, which has been necessarily delayed, in consequence of the great recent additions, a yet wider publicity will follow. Such contributions, together with the collec- tions received during this year from Dr. Hooker's Travels in Eastern India and the Himalaya, will more than fill the present structure. Hitherto we have, in noticing the collections in the Royal Gar- dens and Museum, pointed chiefly to their public utility, in affording to a large portion of our population the means of inspecting what is most wonderful and beautiful in the vegetable creation. It remains to show that they are no less important to the country in a scientific view. This is evident in the many new plants that have been lately introduced and published, and the numerous discoveries hereby made of those plants which afforded useful products. For example, the African Oak (or Teak, as it is sometimes called), the Gutta Percha Tree, the Rice Paper Plant (so termed) of China, the Chinese Grass, which yields a fibre among the most valuable in commerce ; the Ce- dron of South America, the Vegetable Ivory, the Coquilla Palm (its nut and fibre both articles of trade,) the Gum Bdellium Tree ; all these afforded important articles of commerce, while they were to- tally unknown to science j now they are clearly ascertained and de- scribed. Many able botanists, of our own country and from abroad, frequent the Garden and Museum, also the Herbarium and Library of the Director, for the express purposes of study. M. Treent, of Paris, re- mained here for several weeks to examine the anatomy and physiolo- gy of the Victoria, and to make elaborate drawings of it. The Pro- fessor of Botany at the University of New Cambridge, Massachu- setts, Dr Asa Gray, who was charged with the publication of the Botany of the United States Exploring Expedition, under Captain Wilkes, and who required to compare that collection with the various herbaria in Europe, spent three-fourths of the time (a year) allotted to that purpose in examining the collection atKew, because it yielded him the largest amount of important inforination. Scarcely a day passes in summer, but one or two artists may be seen making drawings for botanical and other works, of such objects as they cannot easily meet with elsewhere. Her Majesty has graciously given a house on Kew Green as a resi- dence for ihe Director of the Gardens; and this will enable him to be always on the spot, and to bestow more continual attention than was compatible with a residence at some distance from Kew. (Signed) W. J. Hqoker^ Director. Protect your Fruit Trees from hiscctfi. — Mix powdered sulphur and copperas in equal quantities, and apply it to the roots of apples, pears, V peaches, plumbs, or any other kind of trees. First dig away the earth 0 and sprinkle it in from four to sixteen ounces, and replace the dirt.— ^ /^) You may scatter a little in the crotches, or rough bark, to great ad- A \(^ vnnf norp. ^ _ Wl ^C*) vantage. ■%Q "^n. ^Cr^ ,^^QSU 78 THE PIIILADELPniA FLORIST. [July Consi- British \ The Crystal Palace. By all accounts (his ^reat achievement of art is doomed, derahle interest for its preservation has been manifested. Treasury lettiM-s have been written, and committees of inquiry ap- pointed, and reports sent in. We know how indefinite are the con- clusions of such committees, how wastefel of public time and patience they are. However, some information has been obtained. Sir Jos. Paxton has written a letter which we subjoin ; also the letter of the contractor. Price to the government as it now stands, JG65,834', or in round numbers, about {{j300,000. '' Sir — I have read with surprise the report of the commission ap- pointed by the Treasury to make inquiries on the cost and applica- bility of the Crystal Palace. The whole bearlnor of my evidence was in favor of the plan suggested by me, and admitted by the commis- sion to be the best proposed — viz. to convert the Crystal Palace into a winter garden; but the only portion of my evidence which has been adverted to in the report is a detached sentence, the meaning of which has been totally misunderstood, if the opportunity which I request- ed, and which was aflbrded to others, of making verbal corrections in my printed evidence had been given to me, I should have made this sentence clearer; but as it stands now, the sense which has been at- tributed to it arises from a strange misapprehension. I never would have recommended the conversion of the Palace into a winter garden if I had not felt convinced that it was for the public advantage, even in an economical point oi view. Though, in my opinion, the cost of a new building on the same scale as the present might be somewhat reduced and its plan considerably improved, the mere expense of ad- opting what we have got to the purposes of a winter garden bears no reasonable proportion to that of erecting and fitting up an edifice of the kind and size de novo. The destruction of the building, when its purchase has been so nearly completed, would, in my opinion, be a wanton sacrifice of property; and the reference in the report to the possibility of constructing a more suitable edifice at a less expense than would be required for the necessary outlay on the Crystal Pa- lace, is not only a misrepresentation of my evidence, but tends to blind the eyes of the public to the foolish piece of modern Vandalism which the report of the commission sanctions. — 1 have, &c., Josmi Paxton, Devonshire-house, March 23." "The Government and the Royal Commission have decided to al- low the contract under which the Crystal Palace was constructed to I take its course. In accordance therewith, the building will shortly be j A pulled down. We feel that a structure of the kind, novel in design, 6 /Vjand which has excited the unqualified admiration of the whole world, C,\ 1852.] THE PHILADELPHIA FLORIST. 79 ^jis adapted for many purposes of public instruction and recreation, andf ® j ought to be preserved — that the extensive uses to which so large a "t) covered space might be adapted are well illustrated in the evidence of Mr. Cole and Mr. Dilke before the commission on the subject, appoint- ed by the Lords of the Treasury. But, in the report of that commis- sion the objection is taken, founded on a flagrant misconception of Sir Joseph Paxton's evidence, that it would be possible to construct a new building better adapted for a winter garden, at less cost than would be required to render the Crystal Palace permanent, and to adapt it to Sir Joseph's plan. We have no hesitation in saying that this is a monstrous mistake, and that, if the present structure is thrown away, it is simply a wanton destruction of JG 160,000 worth of public property, which is not likely to be replaced, except under an amount of excitement equal to that which produced the great exhibition. The building can only now be preserved by a manifestation of public opi- nion in its favor ; and that the most ample opportunities for that pur- pose may be afforded, we shall for the next week throw open the doors to all visitors free of charge. We leave the fate of the building to this final court of appeal, confident that, if our views are sound, they will yet be carried into effect. We are, &c., Fox, Henderson ^x^} ibem cover it. boib far and wide—, Sirik»' deep —strike home — strike Cover It with iheir graves! through- Much has been done— but more remains 'i3g ^.jgp, be firm, be cautious, yet be Ye have fought long »nd well. The trumi) that, on the iE^ean, glory blew. Seem'd wiih a storm to swell. Asia's grim tyrant shuddered at the sound. He lenp'd upon his throne; Murmur'd his horse-tail'd chieftamry around — ** Another Marathon!^* Dodona. 'mid her fanes and forests hoar Heard it with solemn glee bold! Be broihrr-true— be One! I teach but what the Phrygian taught of old— Divide, and he undone! Hallow'd in life, in death iipelf, is he Who ior his conmry dies ; A light, a s'or to nil ♦mnrity — Arise ye, then! arise! O countrymen! O countrymen ! once more — . P,y pnnh— and seas— and skies— Heard it with solemn glee : He ,veu— bv sa'red Hades- 1 implore! And old Parnassus, with a lofty roar. By He. n.en ^^^^y ^ ^^^^^ ^ Told it from sea to sea ! I -^^ «. ^ striking specimens of Horticulture. ^^^^ ,x. ' ';ic)o^.. — 11 v\ 82 THE PHILADELPIirA FLORIST. ^3&P^ [July Beer, Dickens says, "when taken in moderation, is wholesome and refreshing — smpifying and to staiion-house leadin;r, when taken to excels." We are ^lad to hear him come out on Beer as follows, he takes for his vehicle a Beer dray, and with the Beer deliverer visits the Taps of old London. "That oblono- board, all blue and gold, I have spoken of as visible from my parlor window, has no mysit-ry for me. Plainly, unmis- takeably, it says i^eer ; a good tap; fourpence a pot in the pewter j threepence per ditto if sent for in your own jug. And if you admit (and you will admit, or you are no true English- man) that beer he good — and, being good, that we should be thank- ful for if — can you tell me any valid reason why I should not write on th(? subject of Beer] Seeing how many thousands of reputable persons there are throughout the country who live by the sale of beer, and how many millicms drink it, seiingthat beer is literally in every- body's mouth, it strikes me that we should not ignore b( er taken in its relation towards belles lettres. Tarry with me, then, while 1 dis- course on Beer — on the sellers and the buyers thereof — and of their habitations. 1 will essay to navigate my little bark down a river of beer, touching, perehanee, at some little spirit-creek, or gently mean- dering through the "back-waters" of neat wines. When the Spanish student — immortalised by Le Sage — was in- ducted into the mysteries of the private life of Madrid, he availed himself of a temporary aerial machine, in a perj-on of diabolical ex- traction, called Asmodeous — who further assisted him in his bird's- eye inspection, by taking the roofs ofl tlie houses. When the nobili- ty and gentry frequenting the fashionable circles of the Arabian Nights, were desirous of travelling with extraordinary rapidity, they were sure to be accommodated with magical carpels, or swift-flyino" eagles, or winged hordes. Th^n they could be rendered invisible, or provided with telescopes, enabling them to see through every obsta- cle, from stone walls to steel castles; but things are changed, and times are altered now. One can't go from London to Liverpool without buying a railway-ricket, and being importuned to show it half-a dozen times in the course of the journey, if you want to study character in the Stock Exchange, you can get no more invisible suit to do it in than a suit of invisible green, and run, moreover, the risk of hearing a howl of "201!" and feeling two hundred pair of hands, and two hundred pair feet to match, bonnetring, btifTetting, hustlino", aud kicking you from the high place of Mammon. The heavy wheels of our chariot have been rumbling, while I spoke, through the great thoroughfare which commences at Charing Cross, and ends at Mile End — somewhere about inhere there was, once on a time, a Maypole. It diverges, going westward ; and we are in a trice in a street, in which I never was in a vehicle in my life without being blocked up, and in which, in the present instance, we are comfortably wedged with a timber-laden waggon, a hearse, and an advertising-van in front, and a Hansom cab or two, a mail-phaeton, i \ and JVlr. Ex-Sheriff Pickle's elegant chariot behind. Leaving the re- / ^spective drivers to exchange compliments, couched in langua'ge more (P (V)or less parliamentary, we will descend for a moment — for the neigh- (7\ 1852.] 83 THE PHILADELPHIA FLORIST. borhood is thickly studded with public houses — and we shall have jA time, ere our chariot be extricated, to investigate numerous varieties ^^ of ^'London on Tap." One word about the customers, and we will rejoin our chariot, which must surely be extracted by this time. Thieves, beggars, costermongers, hoary-headed old men, stunted, ragged, shock-haired children, blouzy, slatternly women, hulking bricklayers, gaunt, sickly hobbededoys, with long greasy hair. A thrice-told tale. Is it not the saine everywhere I The same pipes, dirt howling, maundering, fighting, staggering gin fever. Like plates multiplied by the elec- tro-process— like the printer's *'stereo" — like the reporter's "mani- fold''— you will find duplicates, triplicates of these forlorn beings everywhere. The same woman giving her baby gin ; the same hag- gard, dishevelled woman, trying to coax her drunken husband home; the same mild girl, too timid even to importune her ruthan partner to leave off drinking the week's earnings, who sits meekly in a corner, with two discolored eyes, one freshly blacked — one of a week's standing. The same weary little man, who comes in early, crouches in a coiner, and takes standing naps during the day, waking up peri- odically for -fresh drops." The seme red-nosed, ragged object who disgusts you at one moment by the force and fluency of his Billings- gate, and surprises you the next by bursting out in Greek. and Latin quotations. The same thin, spectral man who has no money, and with his hands piteously laid one over the other, stands for hours gazing with fi;hy eyes at the beloved liquor— smellin«4, thinking of, hopelessly desiring it. And, lastly, the same miserable girl, sixteen in years, and a hiTndred in misery ; with foul, mutted hair, and death in her face; with a tatiered plaid shawl, and ragged boots, a gin-and- fog voice, and a hopeless eye. We shall borrow for our readers from time to time a few sentences from this series of Papers in "Household Words." Reported for the Philadelphia Florist, by the Editor. New York Horticultural Society. The first semi-annual exhibition of this newly organised society took place at the Metropolitan Hall, Broadway, on Wednesday last June 10th, and was kept open till Friday night. Much interest and enthusia<:m was displayed by the citizens in this much required ra- tional amusement. The room occupied, is not so spacious nor so well adapted for the proper display of tall specimens as our Society's Hall. A few of these only made their debut on this occasion. Finely grown and ag»*d specimens of tropical novelties are not to be found in Gotham ; for the rest, there was no dearth of Roses, Verbenas, Calceolarias, Pelargoniums, even the Cacti, where there in rank and file ; one old crooked specimen looked demure, he was miscalled Opuntia senilis; such old men take ill with being called old. Opuntia senilis we do not know. We know Pi/ocereus senilis or old man Cactus, and have seen specimens at Kew,more than 12 feet in height. / There was a fine specimen of Dacrydium cupressinum (Cypress >^. formed Dacrydium) from Messrs. T. Hogg & Son, nurserymen, York-f»>) PSPd^ _^e -li^^ 84 THE PIIILADELPIIIA FLORIST. «^ [July ff ville. A plant of ^draucarin exceha was also exhibited, about 14- ^) 5 foet high, but the top was necessarily bent, the ceiling being low. "^ / Some tine Azaleas were there from xMrs. Holbroolc, Eighteenth street. Sixth avenue — gardener, David Scott, formerly of our city. A fine specimen of Bonapartia juncea, named in honor of (not Louis the nephew, but the uncle himself) Napoleon Bonaparte — Lucien was more of a naturalist, especially in Ornithology. A name is a name, and the less change the better — we cannot be learning all our lives. A tine specimen of the Butterfly orchid Onc.idium papilii>, and onci- (tiuni Jlexuosuni also in fine state. A fine collection of our friends the Cacti, from T. Richardson, curious and interesting. The Richard- sons at home and abroad have shewn themselves friends to Horticul- ture. We have seen them exhibit plants before to-day. T. Hogg's plants were novel and select, and excited the amateurs in novelties. In fact a friend of ours brought some of them to this city, although we would have it that our nurserymen are posted up in all Horticul- tural desiderata. Premiums of the Horticultural Society. — We subjoin the list of premiums awarded at the late Exhibition, and have the satisfaction of stating that measures will at once betaken to arrange for the au- tumn display, which will fully sustain the character of excellence so triumphantly achieved at this first semi-annual exhibition : Tribune. PlantSy Flou'ersj BoqnetSy BasletSj J^-c. Thomas Hog«j; & Son, best 6 Hot house Plants $r) 00 Louis Mpiuuid, best <) Greenhouse Plants -O 00 Robert Rennie, 2nd best Greenhouse Plants 3 00 Geo. Gamjjoo, (iardener to Wm. C. Langley, E^q., best G Pelargoniums 5 00 Geo. Gani;i<'e. (iardent^r to Wm. ('. Lanj^ley, Esq., 2nd best do 3 00 John VV. Wood, best 2 Fancy Pelarjioniunis 2 00 J. E. Ranch, 2nd best G Fuchsias (no lirst) T) 00 Wm. ChalmiTs, Gardf-ner to Thos. Richardson, Esq., best 20 Cacti 2 00 Alex, (iordon, Gardener to Edwin Hoyt, Esq., best tall growiog Cactus 2 00 John W. Wood, best G Verbenas 3 00 Andrew Maythorn, 2iid best Verbenas 2 00 Wm. Davidson, best Seedling Verbena 3 00 J. E. Rauch, 2rid best Seedling Verbena 2 00 Charles More, Cnd best 3 Roses in pots (no first) 3 00 M. J)onadi, 2nd best 12 Pansies in pots (no lirst) 2 00 IVI. Donadi, best 3 Carnations in pots 2 00 John;W. Wood, best 1 Petunias jn pots 2 00 John Cranstoun, best display of Cut Flowers .*) 00 J. 1'.. Rauch, 2nd best display of Cut Flowers 3 00 John W. Wood, best show' of Pansies I ,'50 D. Boll; best general display of Roses T) 00 J. F). Lenoir, 2nd best general display of Roses 3 00 Isaac Buchanan, best seedling Rose 2 00 Robert Rpid, best pair of Hand Bouquets 3 00 William Wilson, second best Hand Bouquets 2 00 James An^us, best Parlor Bon(|uets 2 00 William Wilson, second best Parlor Bouquet i 00 Walter Park, best Basket of Flowers 3 00 John Young, second best Basket of Flowers 2 00 Wm. Chalmers, Gardener to Thomas Richardson, Esq., best display of ' Cinerarias 3 00 THE PHILADELPHIA FLORIST. '^^' 2 00 1 00 2 00 2 00 2 00 2 00 2 00 1 00 5 00 1 00 -^o 'V^ ^^QSA 1852.] H Fntlt. VJ Henry Van Horn, best tw^o pounds of Cherries William M. White, best quart of Strawberries J. W. Hayes, second best tjuart of Strawberries Wm. M. White, best Seedling Strawberry J. Hartman, Gardener to Wm. H. Paine, Esq., second best display of Strawberries, (no lirst) Shepherd Koapp, Esq., six splendid Lemons, grown under glass A plate of beautiful Nectarines, grown under glass, from W. C.H. Wad- dell, Esq., too late for competition. George Saul, Gardener to Shepherd Knapp, Esq., best three bundles of Asparagus Wm. Cranstoun, Gardener to Edwin A. Stevens, Esq., best three heads of Caulidower. Julius Hartmann, Gardener to Wm. H. Paine, Esq., best half peck of Potatoes Alex. Gordon, Gardener to Edwin Hoyt, Esq., best brace of Cucumbers Alex. Gordon, Gardener to Edwin Hoyt, Esq., best twelve stalks of Rhubarb Geo. Saul, Gardener to Shepherd Knapp, Esq., best six heads of Lettuce Julius Hartmann, Gardener to Wm. H. Paine, Esq., best general display of Vegetables Geo. Saul, Gardener to Shepherd Knapp, Esq., five beautiful Cucumbers In addition to the above, there were some discretionary premiums awarded. There were also a great many very beautiful things pre- sented for exhi!)ition only, a full list of which will be published by the Society, with the names of those who presented them; but the Victoria Regia, the great centre of attraction, from Caleb Cope, Esq, of Philadelphia, must not be here omitted. Maryland Horticultural Society. Reported for the Florist, This young, or like its neighbors, this revived Society, begins to become more than a nominal aid to general Horticulture. There are a few men about Baltimore, who, if they only will, can move it along. Guard against monopoly in awarding your prizes — in selecting your officers, in your kindness to strangers. Let your Society — we would say to the amateurs of Baltimore, and its eminent florists and nursery- men, its well-versed horticulturists— be a fair and free society. Mr. Saunders has reported for us the following : 0/icer5— President, Dr. Thomas Edmonson, Jr.; Vice Presidents, Henry Snyder, Samuel Sands, S. Feast, Sr., John Feast; Treasurer, Edward Kurtz; Cor. Sec. Wm. Saunders; Rec. Sec. R. F. Pentland. The Society held their May exhibition on Thursday the 27th. A beautiful and unique display of flowering plants graced the tables, evi- dencing that the horticultural ability and zeal of Baltimore are of no ordinary character. Many seedlings of a superior character were ex- hibited. In this respect the amateurs and florists of this city have ar- rived at great perfection. Seedling Camellias, and roses of unsur- V passed excellence are here " born to blush unseen," if we may judge p. from the modesty of the possessors. '^ The President of the society furnished several disbes of seedling 'v'>U)o-^^ — — ^C^M THE PHILADELPHIA FLORIST. r>?)&^ ■^^( [July »^-, ff^ 1 (.' strawberries ; his "Haerlem Orange " is a fruit possessing desirable ^^ ^~ qualities; it is of medium size, shape conical, a constant and abundant ^ 7 bearer, and pronounced by competent judges to be superior in flavor ; \ Marylandic.a, another seedling raised by this gentleman, is also a fruit of merit. A dish of beautiful fruit, seedlings from Hovey's seed- ling, were much admired; it did not appear, howevtT, that they were superior to that variety, with the exception of ripening eight or ten days earlier. In the vegetable line, Mrs. Rodiewald contributed fine cauliflower and dwarf beans; superior rhubarb, asparagus, potatoes and mushrooms from Dr. Edmonson ; and very large Victoria rhubarb from J. Feast. The principal attraction was the following pL nts — Messrs. S. Feast & Sons^ent a collection of Geraniums, among which were conspicu- ous plajits of Camilla, Rosamund, Elegans, William &, Adelaide, Bella and Mastee ; a collection of Calceolarias, well-bloomed ; Veronica Andersonii, Crinthojolum aureum, and fine bouquets. Dr. Edmonson contributed a great variety of promising seedling roses; Fvchsias, one in the ring, Sir J. Falstatf, Lady of the Lake, Beauty of Salisbury, Sidmonthis and Longiflora; luxuriiint Nepenthefi (Jistillatoria; beautiful flowered Ixora Coccinea^ and seedling Cacti ; Verbenas, Clotilde, Graciosa, Mad. Clunet, Sunset, Talleyrand & Sir Seymour Blanche. John Feast exhibited a general collection of flowering plants, includ- ing Tremandra verticiUata in fine order, Rhyncospermum jasminoides^ Boro7iia viminea^ Lillium eximium^ Leschennultia splendens^ Bego- nia hydrucotylefolia Mitraria coccinea^ Thibaudia vnccineum^ &c.; fine Geraniums and Fuchsias, and several handsome bouquets. Messrs. Pentland, Greenmount Gardens, sent an extensive as- sortment, beautiful specimens of Amie V^ip.ert rose, cut blooms of Geant de Battailles Granville, Paul Joseph, Souvenir de la Malmai- son. Madam Laflay, Monthly Cabbage, Yellow Tea, and General Stewart, a seedling named Dr. Edmonson, apparantly an acquisition Cuphea Platycentra^ Leschennultia formosa^ RvsseUia jvncea^ Ver- benas, Reine de jour and Amour, beautiful cut flowers in variety. From the garden of T. Wynans, Esq., were fine Spotted Cal- ceolarias, Pelargoniums Blanche, Lyra, Village Belle, Aspasia, Anais, Berangeria, Lady Clementine, Magog, &c., Verbenas, Reine de jour, Sunset, Madame Gourney, Striped Eclipse, Heroine and Malvi- na. Cinerarias, Newington beauty, Apollo, Resplendent, Jetty Treffles, Glowworm and Delight. E. Kurtz, Esq., exhibited a collection of beautiful spotted Calceola- rias, splendid Verbenas, Roses, Paul Joseph, Geant de Battailles, Persian Yellow, Lady Stanley, Glory d' Angers, Bernardin de St. Pierre, pink and white moss. Countess Duchatel, Madame Cusine, De- voniensis, Charles Souchet, &c. E. W. Stobie, had fine plants of Lillium eximeum, and seedling Verbenas, one named Agnes seemed worthy further attention. Mrs. Rodievald, sent a neat display of well bloomed Pelargoniums, Fuchsias, &c.. Bouquets in variety. Jas. Galloway, Clairmount Nursery, contributed a fine bloomed Azalea, variegata, Pelargoniums William and Adelaide, Mustke, / Mount Etna, Orion, Hebe's Lip, Forget me not, Arabella and pyra- fP midal bouquets. Q\ m^3'b^ : ■^ . L> THE PIIILADELPIIIA FLORIST. [Julv "^^bia^i [^ way.) The very aspect of this plant would convey some idea of its ^ J ^f evanescent character. There are two sections of the genus — one em- em- braces what are termed shrubby Calceolarias, or those which do not die down after blooming, but renew their shoots every season by shoot- out buds from the old stem and branches. These are from C. rugosa and C. intcirrifolia. The shrubby species are not so showy as the Herbaceous; they are generally yellow or dark pink in color ; their leaves not so broad or wooly, and more serrated ; their flowers smaller in size and different in shape, although still very ornamental and more valuable to many than the more transient though beautiful herbaceous varieties. Hitherto their cultivation has not been much extended, as the seeds after vege- tation require minute attention. Our specimen is from a seedling raised by R. Buist, not chosen tor any peculiar character or merit, but being a seedling it was without any characteristic appellation. One of our friends admired it, and suggested the name which it bears — Anna Neal. The name is in honor of Mrs. Neal of this city, and her friend Mrs. Anna Hill, of the School of Design— a lady who has taken a trreat interest in the success of the " Florist." Mr. Buist kind- ly permitted us to name it as above. The drawing is true, and we hope will please the fastidious, as far as they make up their minds to be pleased. This is a small sketch ; Mr. Saunders has promised a his- torv of this interesting tribe next month. New Plant. — At the Stated Meeting of the Pennsylvania Horti- cultural Society of the 19th ult., a plant from California was exhibit- ed by Wm. Hobson, raised by him from California seed obtained from a friend, it flourished and at length flowered in May, and was depos- ited on your table to be determined, on the last evening of meeting. If the Botanical Committee have not already described and determin- ed it, I beg to offer the following suggestions as to its identity. It appears at first sight to resemble Echium, a genus of Boraginea? or rough Plants which are furnished with a circinate inflorescence. But although having a circinate inflorescence it does not agree in other important characi eristics. We then refer it to Hydrophylla- CE^, a natural order also furnished with a circinate inflorescence and not to detain the unscientific part of the audience state my idea that the plant is a new form of Phacelia, at least new to all our friends who have examined it. The grower put the specimen in my hands to name. I therefore, subject of course to revision of Professional Botanists, of whom I am not one, would call it Phacelia setosa? bristly Phacelia, or Caterpillar Plant.— R. R. Scott. To the Pennsvlvania Horticultural Society— Stated Meeting June 15th, 1852. ;39v 1^^: i 1852.] THE PHILADELPHIA FLOmST. 89 f (^ [D*OiJr spirited friend at New York, of the American Gardener's fo Chronicle we do not pretend to notice. The handle to our name is (j just sufficient to lift Us by, and no more. Jf more is required he can have it at the shortest notice — with deeds given under hand and seal to substantiate :i\\ pretensions. We would say a word for our talented cotemporary the "Working Farmer." Prof. Mapes we know will not see, or if he do, will not notice such miserable cavil as is vented about "When HOUSES." We hope that at some future day, science will have more gentlemanly advocates than the Empire city now pos- sesses. Oh, mantle of Linnaeus and Knight where hast thou descended! We recommend the "Working Farmer" as a tried, scientific and prac- tical sheet — not a whit too chemical, though the "Plough" thinks it cannot turn up the furrow, loaded with salt and soot, and gypsum, and fiiano. We shall see when the husbandman comes round to gather D the crop, where it is heavy, and where light. \^ One of the speakers at the Horticultural Exhibition at New York eulogised our friends across the ferry in the following words : — It is conceded that notwithstanding the sterility of their soil and seve- rity of climate, Scotch gardeners are more talented in their profession than any others. (i;7» The correspondent who enquired last month about Stowell Corn, knew more about it than we did. We would thank such men to help us with their knowledge. [I3?-Thomas Hutchinson, who left this city two weeks ago as col- lector of native plants and seeds, has written a journal of his tour to Cincinnati. We shall copy from it copiously next month. He pub- licly returnts hanks to Messrs. Cunningham, of Pittsburg — Mr. Rob- inson, Sharpsburg— Mr. G. MacHattie, at C. F. Spangs, Pittsburg,— and to Mr. Pentland, Cincinnati, Gardener to N. Lorgworth, for their kind attention towards him. \j[j^ We must hold over a paper on the cultivation of the Straw- berry—and Mr. Powell's article on Foreign Grapes; also, Thomas Hutchinson's conclusion of the paper on Pruning— with many other important matters. 0~?* L C. Haight, of 5th Avenue, 15th Street, New York, Gardener, F. Norton, has in his pretty conservatory, fine plants of Doryanthea exelsa in bud, also. Yucca aloeifolia a fine collection of Acacias Araucaria excelsa, &ic. p* The state of the thermometer is left out, and a Botanical four in New York, New Jersey, and Chester county, Pa., with the contin- uation of the article on Acclimatisation of Plants. Also, notices of (^public and private gardens in the vicinity of New York. ' 'JSPd^^ — — 12 h I h' 1 ►f \ [July Dr. J. Rush, has collected into his fine conservatories, those 1> 90 THE PIIILADELPIIIA FLORIST. Our Monthly Tour of Inspection. \ choice and rare specimens which we do not meet with on this conti- nent or in any other Gardening Establishments. A visit here quite re- freshes us, brings to our recollection old friends, whom we used to supply with water, and heat, and admit a little air at times, when we had leisure to open the sashes — plants want air, without it they be- come mere abortions, descending in the scale of organized beings to anomalies of vegetation. Here we have finely finished houses, con- structed so finely, as to give an idea of some extensive museum or Palace Conservatory; do not those dense sashes hinder the light 1 pard m the liberty — we have here the Sugar Cane, Coffek-tree Ma- HOGAXY, Tea, Nutmeg, Musk-tree, (^^^ster argophijllus) Golden' Fern, {Gijmnograinma chryaantha) Kennedias, Palms, large Fuchsias; Cin- erarias, Camellias, Rhododendrons, Azaleas, Heaths, Gloxinias, Cac- ti, Musas, Pine Apple Plants, ( Ananassa ananas). We can- not pretend to enumerate a tithe of the novelties collected here, and notwithstanding, the talk which the cavillers at Gotham, may in- dulge in, Mrs. Dr. Rush is known as a liberal supporter of the arts and sciences. We are sorry we cannot say more for the sake of her quiet and obliging gardener, but our space this month is limited, so we must proceed to Hamilton Village — w^here once flourished a Horticultural Society. It still holds its meetinirs with doors closed to such annoving visitors as practical gardeners; howt'ver, there are many rare plants in this neishborhood, which we shall proceed to enumerate : J. F. Knoer, imports the novelties of France and England in the way of Koses, Chrysanthemums, V^erbenas, stove and green-house plants, Camellias, Dahlias, Carnation, and everything in fact, new and rare, Ipomte Limbiafa, I. ficifolia, Passiflora diversifolia, new and distinct, Medinilla Magnifica, M. speciosa nat. ord. Melastomacece, beautiful hot-house plants, with fleshy dark green leaves, and large spikes or thyrses of flowers terminal on the branches ; of JMedinillas there are three distinct species, M. erythrophylla, M. specinsa and M. Mngnifica^ they are allied to Pleroma, Osbeckia, Rhexia, Melastoma, &c., which last is the type of the order Melastomace^ — we must close here for the present, although we have never noticed Agnostus sinuatus (Stcnocarpus Cunmnghamii,) 2l fine "N^w Hollander, nat. ord. PROTEACEiE or Bank's Tribe — we shall visit with J. F. K's. permis- sion, his vegetable garden again, to see how it goes along. — The weather is too warm to walk much, and we cannot aflbrd to ride, so we must poke about the Rus-in-Urbe establishment against our will, — The Committee of Inspection of gardens will soon be about; two members have declined acting, the president W. D. Brinckle, has^ filled up the vacancies of Capt. Marston and R. Robinson Scott. ^ 1852.] THE PHILADELPHIA FLORIST. 91 On the Bleeding of Trees from Pruning Mr. Editor — I hoped I had done with you for a time. I have no idea of setting myself up for a "teacher amongst my brethren." I have had to learn much since my advent in this land ; I have had much to unlearn, and I am not ashamed to avow that I expect to learn much more, notwithstanding that a friend has thought fit, in another quarter, to give me a poke on the novelty of my knowledge, when compared with his own. I am more happy in reading the experience and ideas of others than in publishing my own. When I give you any ideas of my own, I look upon that act as one of justice in ex- change for what I get from others through the same source. When I wrote you my congratulatory paper on the appearance of the Florist, 1 incidentally stated that bleeding did not injure a grape vine. How cold must have run the blood of my censorious friend when his won- dering eyes first caught sight of the presumptuous sentence ! How his nerves must have shuddered with galvanic twitches, when his keen understanding really began to comprehend the mysterious import of the audacious words ! Rank, awful heresy — burn, yes, away with the atheist ! But, to come more to the point, I scarcely believe that I shall be doing myself credit in noticing such an attack from one who could fasten on you for observing that the first greenhouses in the Union were erected in Philadelphia, because some were in existence "in Pearl street seventy years ago," in spite of a fact mentioned in a work which ought certainly to be read at least by an Editor— why, the ve- ry owner of those houses was probably dead before the seventy years alluded to. However, as there may be so?ne others who still held to the orthodox view, i will point out why I slated that the grape vine is not injured by bleeding. To be honest, I will state that the idea is not my own ; I first road it some years ago in an agricultural jour- nal. Like all new ideas I meet with, "1 laid it by" till circumstances should enable me to test it myself. Sir, "once upon a time" I set two men to "prune up" a stock of silver maples. The leaves had but lately fallen. After pruning for a time, I was informed that the trees bled a little; 1 thouglit fit to have the operation stopped. In the middle of winter, when I thought the wood would certainly be ripe, 1 had a considerable more pruned— these bled much; I mentioned the fact to an older and wiser head than mine. His reply was "Oh, it won't hurt them any, they bleed any time." Through pressure of work, some of these maples were left unpruned till the leaves wore nearly bursting; then they did bleed— I here was a glorious opportunity to observe the effects of bleeding. I 9:^ watched them frequently after, but I never saw the slightest dliTerence d 0^ in their appearance or health; I pursued the subject further. On tak- ^ J ^•'»-9'V^ - ::.^ THE PHILADELPHIA FLORIST. [July ''^i ing charge of an establishment I found a trellis covered with unprun- g. ed^sabeUa vines ; it was in the middle of April, and the eyes were " bursting. They looked so untidy that I determined to prune them, bleed 0° not ; 1 did not so firmly believe in the injurious effects of bleeding then as I had formerly done— I resolved to decide it then, and forever. 1 pruned half the trellis of vines, and let them bleed as they might; the other half I left unpruned, but made them look as tidy as I could. They proved equal ultimately in all respects ; the prun- ing had not injured them— the only advantage gained was the impro- ved appearance I desired. Well, sir, 1 had gained my point. I had proved that bleeding was not injurious. I next endeavored to under- stand why it was not so, and I found ample reason; 1 watched the pro- cess of bleeding, and found that it ceased immediatety on the opening of the blossoms'; on examining the wood I found that the/ow seemed to proceed through the pores of the wood, rather .than through .the bark or the alburnum; and upon collecting some of the fluid, I found both in the vine and the maple that it tasted nearly like water, quite different from the taste of the alburnum or inner bark. 1 watched also the growth of the maple further— I found that in trees of the same age, growing side by side, those bled most which had blossom buds, and that the bleeding ceased on the expansion of these buds— those which had no blossom buds were irregular in the time when their ceas- ing to bleed arrived. From these tacts I concluded that the moisture given out in bleed- ing was very raw, crude sap, kept in readiness by the plant to supply the great extra evaporation which must naturally take place on the bursting of the buds. It seemed, firstly, that some source to supply the sudden evaporation was necessary ; secondly, the flavor of the sap showed that it could be of very little service, except to supply that evaporation, as, had it been ever elaborated in the leaves, it would have tasted like the inner bark; and thirdly, the experiment on the grape and the maple proved, by their being uninjured, that the buds left on the trees after pruning did obtain from the stock that was left, sufliicient for all their evaporating purposes. In conclusion, I beg to assure my friend that I write these remarks in a good spirit, for what 1 believe to be a physiological truth. It will be the last time, however, that I shall notice the closeted cavil- ino-s of any one. What I write is from my own observation and ex- peHence. If these are different from those of my friends, it will be a pleasure for me to know it through the '' Florist," and study their point. A Pharisaical prayer for our "practical" improvement in the \ profession will not prove or disprove any one fact. Let us have bet- cV ter arguments than these. Thos. Meehan. P — % 1852.] THE PHILADELPHIA FLORIST. ^^^^Gfci CALENDAll OF OPERATIONS, Written by Practical Gardeners, for the Philadelphia Florist, Hints for July — The Flower and Vegetable Garde?i. — It is custom- ary for writers to apologize for imperfections which may be found in their productions. In arranging a calendar of operations it is impos- sible to lay down rules infallible in their application to circumstances so varied as those which surround each operator. It will therefore be our endeavor to give rather the principles upon which our practice is founded, when the judgment of most readers will lead to their correct application. Hot-House or Stove. — Plants in this department are very liable to get scorched by the sun in our endeavors to keep the house close, in order to preserve its humidity. Th^ glass should be painted with white paint on the outside — it will last two seasons; no evil will arise to the plants in the winter time by the slight obstruction of light. — Air should only be given at the top sashes when the thermometer rises above 95°, and the house should be syringed, and water thrown on the paths before airing, or so much moisture will escape with the heat- ed air as to check the growth. If the plants are likely to become drawn^ water them only when they are quite dry. Acanthaceous, plants as Justicias, Kuellia, Geissomeria, Aphelandra, &c., as well as other fall and winter blooming plants will have to receive their last potting now. Cestrum aurantiacum is a beautiful fall blooming plant. Greenhouse. — Erica, EpacriSy Correa, and other fibrous rooted plants will do better kept in the greenhouse all summer, provided the glass be painted to exclude the burning rays of the sun ; the top sashes should be thrown open a considerable distance, and left open during the summer, except before the commencement of heavy rains. Hard- wooded plants can be '-^grown in America" only by being kept under glass — the out-door atmosphere is too arid, and the heavy rains swamp them. Chinese Primroses ought to be sown now ; no greenhouse ought to be without their blossoms in March and April. Soft-wcoded plants are better out of the house now ; they should not however be exposed to the full sun — the leaves of all plants grown under glass are more or less injured by full exposure to the sun. Cultivators are di- vided in their opinions respecting the propriety of turning out Came- lias in Summer; where they are to be turned out ^they will do best under the deepest shade — those kept under glass will require occa- sional heavy syringings, to keep down spiders, and insects generally. 1 Rhyncospermum jasminoides is a good new cUmbing plant for the q-j greenhouse ; color, white, fragrant. (^ Flower Garden.— The grass should be kept frequently mown— ^-i^-b- ——^Qsm 94 THE PHILADELPHIA FLORIST. [JULT 1852.] THE PHILADELPHIA FLORIST. f fethecoarserkindsaredestroyedby this time, while the finer kinds, ^grovv closer and make a more velvety surface. Flower beds will re- ' quire frequent stirring of the surface soil, in order both to keep down the weeds and to render it cool ; where the (lowers are grown in masses they should be frequently pegged down— it shades, as well as sooner fills the beds. Now is the season to observe what kinds of plants are best adapted to bedding out purposes, so that cuttings may be procur- ed in time for next season's plants. All the various kinds of Petu- nias are excellent, they endure any amount of drought or heat, and are very showy. The Senecio Jacob.ea, or s. elegnns, makes a good crimson; Gnillurdia picta, French Marigold ; Cuphea platycentra, Scarlet and Pink Geraniums, all make fine bedding-out plants. Ver- benas and Heliotropes are more nice in their soil, they often fail.— Roses may now be budded, but wherever practicable they should be propagated from cuttings or layers— budded plants often die, and gen- erally sucker much. Vegetable Garden.— In the early part of the month another crop of Dwarf Beans may be put in ; they will come in most useful be- fore winter ; the early six weeks is the best for this crop. If the ground has been trenched deeply, sow also another crop of Banksian Marrow Peas ; Savory, Cape Brqccoli, and Drumhead Cabbage, ought also to be put out at once ; Kohl Rabi does best in rich stony loam. Those who can protect the Large Sulphur Broccoli in win- ter, ought to plant out now in deep, rich soil— they will head the Feb- ruary following. Endive, in many places, has become essential ; to- wards the end of the month sow for the main crop. We have given up growing the Batavian, the Curled being always preferred. To- wards the end of the month, sow a few Ruta Bagas, (Skirving's im- proved Swede,) and prepare for the main crop— ground sloping to the North produces the best crops, in all cases keep down weeds; never sulTer one to flower, much less seed — 1 would rather be a week behind with a crop than allow a weed to get ahead. T. J. Pennsylvania Horticultural Society. The sixth stated meeting of the Society for 1852, was lield on Tu- esday evening at the Society's Hall, Chinese Museum, VV. D. Brinckle, M. D., V. P. presided, (at last stated meeting P. A. Key8^*^ presided, not Dr. B., as we had it. We wonder where our President is?) The display was not so extensive as we had anticipated, either in fruits or flowers. Jas. Bisset, Sr. exhibited cherries, for which a prize was a- warded; Mr. J. S. Lovering's gardener, Mr. Miller, exhibited flowers and fruit, consisting of several varieties of choice strawberries, which excited the Epicurean dispositions of w^hol— every one who saw them m^''^ - — '- — ^^^^ 95 —they were considerately left on the table after the exhibition as an exciter; but alas ! they were eventually closeted. All the fruit was not borne away Scott, free. Mr. B.'s cherries were reduced consider- ably; almost every one tasted Gerhard Schmitz's fine Pennsylvania seedling strawberry. Old Gerhard is a great one to raise seedlings of pears, dahlias, peaches, strawberry, and he makes, we believe, cho- colate too. R. Buist's foreman, Wm. Mcintosh, exhibited plants as follows: Ixora coccinea, Ang?lonia grandiflora, Rhynchospermum jasminoi- des, Gesneria lutea. Gloxinia rubra, Rondt^letia speciosa, Sollya hete- rophylla, Petunias elegans and eclipse. Fuchsias, M. Chauvierii, Dr. Adam Clark. Fancy Geraniums — Ytolmskii, Clown, Jenny Lind, Mad. Miellez, Spleanii, Ogre. C. Cope's gardener exhibited the following plants: Begonia san- guined, Brugmansia Knightii, Oncidium luridum, Gongora maculate. — Fuchsias — Gay Lad, Corallina, Snow Drop, Napoleon, Beauty of Leeds, Exoniensis, Princess Alice. Vekbenas — Hovey's America, Diadem, Republican, Nectar Cup, Orb of Day, and three Pelargo- niums. We shall look anxiously for the return of Mr. Buist, with the plant novelties of Paris and London, he set out on his important journey on last Saturday, in the "Arctic" in good spirits — we hope we will be borne out in our statements, that Philadelphia is not behind the time in Horticulture, although we saw some fine new plants at Hogg & Co. New York. Mr. Burnett exhibited plants we believe, but he left us no list. The premium was awarded to F. Lennig's gardener. Thos. Megrahn, deposited a collection of vegetables, consisting of Peas extra early. Spinach, Lettucf, (iBw^^cr and Large Black) Radish long scarlet and turnip rooted^ Parsley, Thyme, Onions silver skinned. The designs were numerous and fine ; R. Kelvington, de- posited a fine basket of flowers. — We have to apologise to Mr. K. for omitting to notice his basket of indigenous plants last month contain- ing some rare natives we have not heretofore reported the proceedings of this society as official, Mr. James, however, has handed us the following awards : By the Committee on Plants and Flowers — Plants in Pots: For the best and most interesting collection, to Thomas Meehan, gardener to Caleb Cope ; for the second best do. to John Pollock, gardener to F. Lennig; for the third best do. to Wm. Mcintosh, foreman to R. Buist. Bouquet design, formed of cut flowers — for the best, to John Miller, gardener to Joseph S. Lovering; for the second best do. to Thos. Mee- han ; for the best bouquet suitable for the hand, to the same ; for the best of indigenous flowers, to the same. Basket formed of cut flow- ers— for the best to Robert Kilvington; for the second best to Thomas % Meehan; for the best of indigenous flowers to the same. 96 THE PHILADELPHIA FLORIST. [July The committee awarded a special premium of two dollars to Peter ... ■, -r . rr«l l!.^<^ n mit-rtVki:!!* Raabe for a fine display of seedling Verbenas. They notice a number of tine flowers of the Night-Bloomino; Cerent, from the collection of >| Caleb Cope; and a new plant, the Phacelia setosa, from \Vm. Hobson, grown from seeds collected in California. By the Committee on Fruits. Strawberries— for the best 2 quarts, the Pennsylvania, to Gerhard Schmitz ; for the second best, the Ho- vey's seedling, to John Miller, gardener to J. S. Lovering. Cherries -for the best 2 quarts, the May Duke, to James Bisset, gardener to James Dundas; for the second best, the May Duke, to Isaac B. Baxter. The committee observe that the display of Strawberries wasremarka- bly fine, and the fruit ot great size. By the Committee on Vegetables. Vegetables-For the best and most interesting by a private gardener, to Thomas Meehan, gardener to Coleb Cope; for the second best do. to Thomas Meghrai>, gardener to Robert Cornelius. On motion, the chair appointed delegates to proceed to Washington to represent the Association at the. Agricultural Convention to meet there on the 24th. David Landreth, J. Price Wetherill, Dr Hare, Thos. Hancock, C. B. Rogers, R. Robinson Scott, and Ihos. Meehan we believe were the members appointed. ^ , e n The portrait of the late respected President was executed by Sully at a cost of $100. '!'• ?' J^^^^^' ^''' ^'''' West Chester Horticultural. Agricultural and Industrial Exhibition. The June Exhibition took place at Horticultural Hall, on Thursday 17lh inst., and was continued on Friday and Saturday. This was ra- ther a miscellaneous affair, possessing more real interest than a niere flower show. The evidences of youthful female industry were there displayed in specimens of needle-work, showing the gradual progress of the needle in the hands of the child, the young girl, and the maid and matron; and more than the matrons of Chester county most have been pleased with these proofs of thrift in the housewives of their d.s- trict Agricultural implements were numerous ; Pennock's grain drill attracted attention; a fine assortment of plooghs and harrows were de- poMted In Horticulture, Paschall Morris and A. Marshall exhibited lar-e collections ot plants and vegetables; indigenous plants also occu- pied a place. Strawberries were in quantities; those of A. L. Felton of Philadelphia, however, took the lead. A full report willappear m the West Chester Register. IP- A large amount of original and other matter has been left over unavoidably. , ^ jji^29^V ^ — -"^^^ ^ ^t^n^^i^^^^^-^*.-^ efiyTTtrrrt"^^ iig^ (Zd^^-c-^tltX/ THE PHILADELPHIA FLORIST. [July — ■ ■ ' "~'^^^^' (^ 'The committee awarded a special premium of two dollars to Peter ^ y Raabe for a fine display of seedling Verbenas. They notice a number <^ / of fine fiowers of the Night-Blooming Cerew, from the collection ot ^ Caleb Cope; and a new plant, the Phacelia setosa, from Wm. Hobson, grown from seeds collected in California. By the Committee on Fruits. Strawberries-for the best 2 quarts, the Pennsylvania, to Gerhard Schmitz ; for the second best, tlie Ho- vey's seedling, to John Miller, gardener to J. S. Lovering. Cherries -for the best 2 quarts, the May DuUe, to James Bisset, gardener to .lames Dundas; for the second best, the May Duke, to Isaac B. Baxter. The committee observe that the display of Strawberries was remarka- bly fine, and the fruit ot great size. By the Committee on Vegetables. Vegetables-For the best and most interesting by a private gardener, to Thomas Meehan, gardener to Coleb Cope; for the second best do. to Thomas Meghran, gardener to Robert (Jornelius. On motion, the chair appointed delegates to proceed to Washington to represent the Association at the. Agricultnral Convention to meet there on the 2+th. David Landreth, J. Price Wetherill, Or Hare, Thos. Hancock, C. B. Rogers, R. Robinson Scott, and Ihos. Meehan we believe were the members appointed. , , <, ii The portrait of the late respected President was executed by Sully at a cost of $100. _^ T. P. J«.es, Rec. Sec. West Chester Horticultural, Agricultural and Industrial Exhibition. The June Exhibition took place at Horticultural Hall, on Thursday 17lh inst., and was continued on Friday and Saturday. This was ra- ther a miscellaneous affair, possessing more real interest than a mere flower show. The evidences of youthful female industry were there displayed in specimens of nee.lle-work, showing the gradual progress of the needle in the hands of the child, the young girl, and the maid and matron; and more than the matrons of Chester county most have been pleased with these proofs of thrift in the housewives of their dis- trict A.'ricultural implements were numerous ; Pennock s grain drill attracted attention; a fine assortment of ploughs and harrows were de- posited In Horticulture, Paschall Morris and A. Marshall exhibited lar THE PHILADELPHIA FLORIST. 99 ^b^ .x?Q*r- I # m ^r I' I 100 THE PHILADELPHIA FLORIST. seeds, require particular attention from the time they are sown until,-.) the young plants take roothold in the soil. The following 1 have found a very successful method of vegetating \ seeds of this character. Prepare a small sized, say a four inch pot, by filling it two- thirds full with drainage and rough siftings of soil, and fill up with a light rich compost, such as a mixture of fibry loam, sand and leaf mould ; press it to a perfectly level surface and sow the seeds. Now, insert this into an eight inch pot, first filling the latter with moss until the rims of the two are level, pack between the two firmly with the same material, and soak it thoroughly with water. By moist- ening the soil gently in the first place and keeping the m.oss constant- ly wet, the inner pot will absorb sufficient moisture to vegetate the seed, and obviate the liability of disturbing the soil by top watering. Evaporation will be further arrested by covering the whole with a flat piece of glass. Light may also be excluded by a sprinkling of sand on the glass. Light may or may not retard germination, but in its exclusion the escape of moisture is in a measure prevented, and the more appropriated germinating degree of dampness secured. When the young plants commence to grow they require to be trans- planted. Unless this be attended to before they crowd each other, many of them will decay. Plant them two inches apart in pots or boxes, prepared the same as for seed ; the soil should be kept regularly moist, but not wet. The front shelf in the greenhouse is perhaps the most suitable situation for them all through their growth, until they show flower ; when sufficiently strong place them singly in three inch pots ; throw a syringe full of water over them occasionally, to keep the surface damp. This, however, is independent of the regular wa- terings, which must not be neglected. The only evil to be dreaded is the green fly, and they are easily got rid of by filling the house with tobacco smoke once in every two weeks or so. If this pest once get a footing on Calceolarias they are done ; the leaves curl up with the insects inside, no ordinary fumigation can reach them, and the growth of the plant is completely arrested. From three inch I shift them into seven inch pots, the size they are flowered in ; larger sized plants will be obtained by giving them more pot room, but generally at the expense of bloom. All plants flower most freely and perfectly when the pots are well filled with roots. The reason is plain : So long as the roots find opportunity for in- crease, extension of growth is favored and the flowering period re- tarded. On the other hand, cramp the roots and luxuriant growth is checked, and a flowering state induced — a physiological rule, which is, as far as I am aware, without an exception. The soil should be of a very porous character ; partially rotted turves mixed with a third of decomposed manure, having a quantity of small pieces of charcoal iq- 101 1852.] THE PHILADELPHIA FLORIST. M^^yp^ — ~~ ~ (^corporated with it, and a portion of sand, if the loam is tenaceous,^ Q^ will be found suitable. Air and water must have free and ready pass- ^ age to and from the roots ; when they are in flower, shading must be \ resorted to, the blooms soon decay under bright sun. Aridity in the atmosphere is equally injurious ; therefore keep the house damp by using water freely on the paths, under the stage, and, indeed, all va- cant places. Their management in a general way is most simplified when treat- ed as annuals : save a fresh supply of seeds yearly, and pay no atten- tion to the old plants. They may be kept, and offsets are obtained with facility, but unless with particularly fine varieties, they are not worth the trouble ; and even under the best care I am satisfied that a large per centage of them will perish after they cease blooming. It must be remembered, however, that I allude to this locality, as I know from experience that it is not applicable to more northern latitudes. So much for difference of climate. Your contemporary of the "Am- erican Gardeners' Chronicle," in a recent number of that paper, in- forms us in a somewhat officious manner, that if we understand first principles aright, successful practice will follow as a matter of course, without reference to the physical peculiarities of climate we may la- bor under ; and we are led to infer from his remarks, that European gardeners, if properly educated, can practice immediately on their ar- rival in this country as successfully as they did in the one they left. The reverse of this is a notorious fact. These are sentiments that no unprejudiced foreign gardener, of any experience in this country, will endorse ; and I do not hesitate to say that the best informed Horticul- turist in Europe, whatever his first impressions of American cultiva- tion might be, would find that he had much to learn, and something to unlearn, before he could attain equal excellence. He would find that one year's direct experience would be of more practical benefit than the accumulated theoretical knowledge of half a century. But I am digressing from the subject. To propogate Calceolarias by offshoots. After they are past flower- ing, select a shaded situation out of doors, plunge the pots well down in the soil, and fill up among the shoots with leaf mould ; if a frame is convenient put it over them, and shade the glass ; endeavor to keep the atmosphere humid by frequently sprinkling the plants and soil with water. In due time roots will emit from the shoots; these may then be potted separately and taken into the greenhouse j if shifted as they progress they will make fine specimens by the time they bloom. Still larger specimens may be obtained by the following treatment: When the plants have ceased flowering, cut down the flower stems, clean out all decayed leaves, select a situation on the north side of a fence, and plunge the pots to their rims. Do not give too much wa- ;q9v-^ .^■xi^QS^m 102 THE PHILADELPHIA FLORIST. fAucusT m'St)P- "- ■ — — ■--^ -c?^^ [August 112 THE PHILADELPHIA FLORIST. culiuristi Is 80 important a profession as that of the culiivation of the (^ soil to be suffered to lie in abeyance, when ihe liglit of more extend- ed knowledge, in reference to the laws which guide its operations, can be both explained and exemplified to the rising generation by the intelligent teacherl Heretofore the means considered most effectual in disseminating agricultural knowledge consisted, for the most part, in the establish- ment of agricultural societies, the holding of cattla shows, (fee, all of which have been eminently useful. The Highland and Agricul- tural Society of Scotland, for instance, has placed that country, not- withstanding the many natural disadvantages under which she labors, in the foremost ranks of the nations of the world, as regards this great division of labor. Admitting to the fullest extent the incalcu- lable amount of good which well-managed associations of this kind are capable of effecting, still, however, I am of opinion, that until the minds of the rising generation of farmers be properly expanded by a suitable agricultural education, the influence and usefulness of such associations must be very greatly limited. The opinion of a man, so eminent for his scientific attainments and great philanthropy, as Professor Hitchcock is known to be, should carry much weight with it on a point such as this. I shall, therefore, take the liberty of quoting his views on the subject. He says — "Both in England and Scotland, and indeed in Ireland also, agricultural societies have been an important means of advancing practical farming. Some intelli- gent gentlemen, whom I met abroad, were even of opinion that these societies were all that is needed, and that schools would be superflu- ous. But men do not so judge in respect to other departments of knowledge. Societies have long been in active and successful opera- tion in the various physical sciences ; but they are not thought to render schools and colleges unnecessary. The societies aid the schools, but the schools must train up men to be efiicient members of the societies." We know that our old farmers are prejudiced in favor cf the pecu- liar modes of cropping and management which characterized the husbandry of their fathers, and that they still cling to them with a tenacity of purpose which it is extremely difllicult, if not impossible, to completely overcome. We know, also, that most of their practices are at variance with the well-established principles of modern agri- culture; and that by adhering to them, through ignorance, and by transmitting them to their sons, who, in most instances, are as igno- rant as themselves', a perpetuation of the evil is continued. How, then, are we to proceed, with the view of removing most effectually, the principal cause — ignorance — which appears to operate so pow- erfully in retarding improvement! Simply, in my opinion, by af- fording a suitable agricultural education, in our ordinary schools, to all the youths in attendance who are destined for the tillage of the soil. The information which would be thus afforded, on agricultural matters, would enable those who would receive it to conduct the bu- siness of their farms, in after life, in accordance with the most ap- proved practice, to effect judicious improvements in those depart- ments of their labors which admitted of such, and to dispel, by de- grees, those erroneous prepossessions, in favor of particular modes of / management which have heretofore formed so great a barrier to pro- o\^ gressive advancement in the art of culture and in its accompanying C»j 1852.] Q THE PHILADELPHIA FLORIST. 113 -^^tXmM ®3 details. Youth is the most favorable time for making impressions;'^^' and if these be based upon just and proper principles, time will not eJJ'ace but strengthen them. It is my firm conviction that a pupil thus educated will, when he enters upon the busy scene of farming life, either on his own or on another's account, follow out the system re- commended when at school; and after he has proved and experienced its superiority above others he will, both by precept and example, endeavor to extend it. The views of Dr. Anderson, chemist to the Highland and Agricul- tural Societv of Scotland, as contained in a lecture recently delivered by him on agricultural chemistry, are well worthy of notice. He says — when speaking of the progress of Scottish agriculture — " The means which, at the present lime, I look upon as the most important, and best adapted to this end, is the extension and improve- ment of agricultural education." And again, he says — "What I look to is not school education, but something superadded to it; in fact, to a professional education which shall instruct the young farmer in the principles of his art and their application to practice. The introduc- tion, in short, of a rej^ular and systematic course of study, which every farmer should be made to go through, in order to fit him for the duties of his profession. The necessity for such a systematic course of education has long been admitted, but it is remarkable that in Scotland, where agriculture has been so long in an advanced state, we are more backward in this respect than any other country. In every other Euro,)ean country, the governments have done everything in their power to encourage agricultural education, except in Scot- land and England and in the latter division of the empire, private en- terprise has done the same. It is only Srotland which is still without regular educational establishments for the instruction of farmers." Still further, he adds — ' *' Many of my audience are probably aware that a movement has recently been made, by the educational committee of the General Assembly, for introducing a system of instruction in the elements of agriculture into the parish schools. That movement, which has arisen out of the condition of the Highlands, and the absolute necessity for introducing a new system of cultivation in the small crofts there, I look upon as an important step in the right direction ; but it does not by any means fulfil all that I desire. It provides merely for the in- struction of the peasant cidtivators, and must be considered only as a part of any general system of agricultural education," He then goes on to say, that there should be established in Gotland a great agri- cultural institution, or college, for the professional instruction of those who are to occupy the large farms of the country.* On the whole, it is evident that Doctor Anderson looks upon the introduction of agricultural education as the principal means by which to advance the ai^riculture of even the boj-t cultivated coun- try, perhaps, in the world ; and why should there be any objections raised to its general introduction into, perhaps, one of the worst 1 North British Agriculturist of 21st January, 18.j2. Sig^^ [to he continued.] .-?- -^^<3€m (j^a Cattleja labiata. Where these are grown syrmge them twice a day,,, ^ give abundance of water while growing; see that they have blocks of "^ wood, which produce srial roots. Renanthera coccinea will do best entirely on wood. The Zygopetalons, Bletia, and Phajius do better in pots of peat and some charcoal. Achimenes must have abundance of water, while growing they can scarcely have too much ; reduce the quantity when they begin to bloom — the flowers are larger and finer. A. pedunculata takes less water than the others. Gloxinias, on the other hand, take more water when blooming. Continue to propagate all desirable plants ; now is the very best time ; most stove plants strike root readily in road sand which has been washed by rains. A good stock of some plants should be raised, as Euphorbia jacquinceflora, and Poinsettia—they add much to the in- terest of a stove in winter. Let not the Cactus be forgotten — Epi- phyllums, if they have been grown w^ell in the Summer, and now kept rather dry for a month or two, will be gloriously in bloom at Christ- mas day. Almost all Cactuses delight in having their heads dry and their roots cool and moist. Where they are grown with pans of wa- ter under each pot, and water conveyed to them only this way, they do thrive some. Russelia juncea, that has been grown with abun- dance of moisture, should be kept drier now ; it will bloom handsome- ly in the fall. The same may be said of most fall blooming stove plants. Amongst the new stove plants advertised or for sale by the nurserymen, we note the following as being really desirable : — Bal- samina latifolia, B. repens. Begonia, albo-coccinea, B. cinnabariana, B. coccinea, Chirita moonii, Jatropha pandurajflora, Hindsia longiflora, H. violacea, Eranthemum albiflorum, Porphyrocoma lanceolata, Mus- soenda macrophylla, Leianthus longiflorus, L. nigrescens. Greenhouse. — Heaths and Epacrises, with other hard-wooded plants, suffer more at this period than at any other in the year — the aridity of our fall atmospheres annoys them. Keep them under glass if possible, with abundance of air, yet shaded from the sun's rays. — The great desideratum in the cultivation of these plants, is moisture in the atmosphere. This can only be under control under glass or cover. Geraniums or Pelargoniums which have done flowering should be put in an airy but shady place out of doors, to ripen their wood ; in about two weeks after, the shoots will be sufficiently ripe for pro- pagating— then the plants may be cut down to within two or three inches of their roots, or from where they were cut down the preceding year. Orange trees will require an abundance of water while grow- ing ; horn shavings or farrier's hoof parings act magically on them as a top dressing. Towards the end of the month sow Mignionette, Rho- danthe Manglesii, Phlox Drummondii, and other handsome annuals that may be desirable to bloom in Winter. It should be the aim ofi^N ;^9b- <^^ 120 THE PIIILADELPIIIA FLORIST. ^ [August ^ Savoys, and all Winter Cabbage are of course planted ; see tbat p, they do not suffer from drought — they, like Celery, love soapsuds. — '' Onions as they ripen, must be taken up and left in the sun a day or so to dry — rope them if there be leisure, they will keep so " any length of time." Tomatoes — preserve the earliest and largest for seed; don't neglect this. Take an early opportunity of getting the Turnep ground ready, and by the end of the month watch some impending shower to put in the seed. The strap-leaved Dutch is the most generally usefuL Don't forget the weeds — rake off the purslane besides hoeing it up, T.J, Philadelphia, August, 1852. Flora is now in her glory. Earth teems with flowers and fruits — and it seems but a day since Winter bade us adieu, dragging himself reluctantly away from the path of Spring. Humanly desponding, aU trembled for the crops, which lay patiently waiting for the sun's rays to bring them to maturity. Man is sometimes prone to impatience — to despair of the future. We now cast our eyes upon immense vege- tables, borne by the willing soil, respondent to the anxious desires of the arduous cultivator. The operative class begin to hope that prices will fall amidst so much abundance; and so they will. Plenty will crown the industrious efforts of energetic labor, and the next frost will find them prepared to meet the scowling blast. But such results are not independent results of Nature's providence. They are the com- bined effects of human foresight and toil. The certain consequences of provisions made in accordance with natural laws. And Science has much to do in such matters, no matter how unscientific may be the operators. However independent of the schoolmaster or printer, they have been taught by some agency, though they cannot tell and do not inquire how it came. From the earliest times to the preient day, men have been gathering knowledge from observation of the cre- ation around them, and of which they form an important portion. In the study of the philosopher these observations have been classified, important deductions drawn from them, which are denominated theo- ries, and lau2;hed at, at times, by merely practical men who do not deem that theor\' is rather based on practice than practice on theory. "This under worship of the selfish idol which men call the practical," does more harm than is commonly imagined. The idea of vital force | y to which cause the little understood phenomena of the flowing of the J ^ sap, the germination of the quiet seed when committed to the earth? o ^and many other such occurrences against which we cannot close ourjfj ^^^s^b^ ^d'^m 1852.] THE PHILADELVHIA FLORIST. 121 ^s^eyes, is merely an idea deduced from the facts themselves. While we^ would be willing to allow all due weight to what is understood by the word practice, we must not give undue importance to details of operations carrit-d out in ignorance of fundamental laws which govern matter in all its changes. The practical gardener is a mere machine without the light of science; and by this we would imply, not the rigid technical terms unchanged, and supposed to be unchangeable, in \ise in the schools^ but a knowledge of at least the accidence of Natu- ral Philosophy, comprising as it does the laws of motion, the influepce of matter on matter; tlie composition of the crust of the globe; the laws of heat and moisture, and a little of vegetable physiology, with its copartners, Botany, Entomology, Zoology. But tiie working gar- dener despairs, for he is a man of limited means — limited in leisure, and some might suppose in intellect. Not so, however. Delving in soil, or as we call it, rlirf, does not imply intellectual incapacit}' — on the contrary, with a due regard to other conditions, it invigorates the intellect, and although the "ea/M worm^^ stoops his back, and with prone front pursues iiis avocation, yet he can re-elevate himself, and be a man again. Why are there not more American gardeners 1 Because it would seem to them an occupation unworthy their high intellectual charac- ter and elevated ideas of human excellence. Why do we foreigners all the drudgery 1 This is a question of political as \yell as moral bearing. I shall leave its solution to more deep thinkers, those who tell us that •' almost all our gardeners are Irish or English, with a few Scotch ;" or transpose it, Scotch and English, with a few Iriili — al- ways put the Irish last, for if you let them at the head they willmake a fuss ; but here I have placed then\ in their comparative position.— There are more gardeners from Scotland than from either England or Ireland. We wish there were more natives among us, for the credit pf our profession. This article is rather an **onmibus," but we. muat reach its point. We would desire to establish a better feeling amongst jis; to do away wilh these di:>tiuctions of country or section of coun- l^y, would hide the dark fact from American eyes that we are jealous- minded. Let those re-echo the humiliating fact who seem disposed to perpetuate aniinoiity. We must meet it, if true — deny it, iff. Ise. Yes, our gardeners are for the most part foreigners — strang^^rs to our climate ; aliens, if you will, to our race. But how can this defect be remedied] — only by making them as much as may be, American citi- zens and true rej)ublicans. Try to forget they are so, when at times i the peculiar views characteristic of their trans-Atlantic origin force (-\^ themselves in, give no more importance to these trifles than is their m^spo- ^d^m 16 122 THE PHILADELPHIA FLORIST. [Aug'ust " Lives there a man with soul so dead, Who never to himself hath said — This is my own, my native land !" Time will modify these distinctions, if that is the wish of the Ameri- can public. If not, let them continually force it upon foreign gar- deners ihat they are aliens, and then — How 1 Ploughing in Green Crops. It would seem that our agricultural friends connected with the press are as tenacious of old systems as the "old fogies" are of political er- rors—merely because they are old. The great increase in population in all agricultural and manufacturing countries, demands at ihe hands of the tiller of the soil the most rigid economy of labor and expense. Therefore, to cultivate a crop at a great cost and return it directly to the soil, is a practice very questionable as regards utility or economy. It lay8 a double price on each acre thus treated, so that the ensuing crop must be supposed to produce a yield greatly above the average. That such proves always to be the case is by no means certain. A great many considerations arise as to the nature of the soil before the adoption of this treatment — the absence or presence of certain pro- perties, the physical texture of the soil, and many other topics demand consideration before we could with accuracy assert that the green irop, even if clover, had added the accumulated matter to the soil. — There can be no doubt but that to a soil greatly deficient in organic or nitrogenous matter, all other matters requisite to fertility being pre- sent and ready to be called into action, the addition of the one materi- al beino" the one alone wanting — would produce immediate and striking benetit, an extraordinary yield, and altogether surprise and encourage the experimental farmer. But to soils already possessing a portion of organic compounds, some of the inorganic matters being absent, we submit that the result would be totally different. On the whole, the wasteful process of losing one crop to increase another, does not savor much of improved husbandry, and is enumerated by us in the list of systems of which the bare fallow is a familiar example— "agricultural old logy ism." P* It has been judiciously remarked by the editor of Hovey's Horticultural Magazine, in a review of the Philadelphia Florist,1hat if our statement is really true, that there is a totally different climate treatment required for exotic plants in the latitude of Philadelphia, from what is customary in Boston or Albany, the appearance of "an organ the exponent of their wants" will be a benefit and is hailed 'with pleasure. And it has been enquired if it is really true that we m^j^po^ ^tfOS-M 1852.] THE PHILADELPHIA FLORIST. 123 '^x (•-vare alone between Albany and New Orleans. That extremely mo- r^ rP dest chronicle of New York has also a few words on this point. ^ We are far however, from placing Hovey's respectable Magazine in \ the same category with this reprint of foreign matter and critic of Piiilad^ilphia bantlings, which have already overgrown his own child. We shall endeavor to satisiy them on the matter by facts. We stated our local claims, as we expected them to be responded to first, by those who knew us. We never wished to be local or sec- tional, but would prefer to be for the whole Union^ rather than for Philadelphia^ even if less successful. We know there is room for many other Gardening journals, no matter what others think or say to the contrary ; and although we have been bearded by a foreigner like ourselves, yet we do not despair as long as we are hailed by the American press and people. Our Monthly Tour of Inspection. We have visited many gardens since writing our last chapter on this head. We have not space to do justice to them all, since it isde- manded of us by our correspondent *' Brougham," to be more minute and particular in the lists of plants. Amofigst the plants slightly no- ticed in Dr. Rush's collection, we submit that many were rather un- common ; for instance, Myristica moschata (nutmeg tree;)— even the old »^ster argophyllus^ or musk tree is not very frequently seen in our conservatories; but as we have on hand a full list of the interesting plants of this collection, taken with some labor, we will furnish a few more in our own time. We visited the grounds of W. Walsh, Esq., Frankford, and were gratified at the appearance of fine crops of early vegetables ; we no- ticed here corn in bloom, or tassel, as it is termed — the tassel, we would inform the uninitiated, is the male flower. This plant, Zea Mays^ being dioecious or bisexual, the cob is borne at the base of the female flower. Mr. Shields, the head gardener, wns complaining much of a grub or worm that cjt off his Ochra plants on their appear- ance— a sooty-colored grub, with alarming machinery of destruction. We shall give Mr. S. its history at an early date. His crops were creditable in every respect — fine peas, tomatoes, and squashes at this early season were quite refreshing to the view. In the flower garden we were much pleased ; Mr. Ross has fine beds of Verbenas, Petunias, Phlox, scarlet Geraniums in all their varieties. We found a fine healthy plant of Dicentra spectabilis in the greenhouse — it might be planted out to advantage in a proper aspect and situation. Fuchsia I arborescens syringeejiora in vigorous health ; fine Celery at this time A /«L^ planted out in a fine deep trench, saturated with soapsuds from the^ ^ 124 THE PHILADELPHIA FLORIST. [AtJGUST ^laundry, promised a good crop ; this is the way to grow it— we also,* observed it practised at Girard College by Mr. Jones. The plant of '^ Araucaria imbricuta here has been quite destroyed, rather we should presume by damp and want of air in attempting to protect it from the extreme frost, than to the severity of the frost itself. In other situa- tions we have found it quite safe ; but its exposure here was rather prominent for so severe a Winter. We were pleased to observe things going on so well; but from the taste of the spirited proprietor, the en- ergy of JMr. Shields, and attention of Geo. Koss, his assistant, such re- sults might be expected. The o-reat collections of overgrown vegetables contributed for some time past to the stated meetings of the Penna. Hort. Society, were from the grounds of K. Cornelius, Esq., and raised by T. iVIeghran. He is going now pretty deeply into grnpe culture, as he has a neat span- roofed vinery filled \vith young and promising plants. A large plan- tation of Stowell corn promises to furnish us with an opportunity of testing its much boasted character. A trial of Cranberry culture, no- vel and interesting to the promoters of American Horticulture, has been commenced by Mr. Meghran; the situation chosen we think is a good one, and no pains spared in their treatment. Many fine herba- ceous plants are to be met with in the flower borders; but as the place is only progressing towards maturity, we shall wait a more favorable opportunity to notice it. Proceeding, we made our way to Springbrook, where a splendid flower of the unceasing Victoria Regia was about to be cut. After it had been removed from the parent stem we had a favorable opportunity of examining its peculiar formation ; its dilated peltate stigma, closely beset with petaloid stamens, is worthy of attention. Our journey af- terwards lay through the woods, among the bulHrogs and snakes ; and as the natives of the bogs and thickets do not much interest our read- ers, we must reserve our diary for some future day, when Botany will not be quite so out of place as it seems now to be. Trenton is a fine town in its neatly designed houses, with well kept grounds attached to many of them. Tlie residence of Chas. L. Pear- son is finely situated, and may become a neat and strikingplace. We 4id not spend much time here among the gardens, being much inter- ested in a visit to the paper factory of Messrs. Dewey & Kay. We were much gratified by a view of the entire process of paper making, of which we shall speak again. Beirose, the country seat of H. Farnum, Esq., attracted our notice, beautifully situated on the west bank of the Delaware, below Risdon's I landing. There is here a plant house and vinery with span roof; few Vo make now those lean-to constructions, so disadvantageous both to the r^ objects destined to inhabit them and the proprietors. In the green- ^ Fiorisl and Hort- Journal / O. T/i^yr/ic'rf-/'J i^rotn ihe Colleclion ^ Caleb Cope Esq 1852.] THE PHILADELPHIA FLORIST. 125 house we observed many new varieties of Fuchsias of merit, raised^ from seed obtained at Paris. These were for the most part dark va- '^' rieties. Many fine li^^ht Fuchsias were in bloom— Purity was one of ^ the best. The gardener, Mr. McClean, informed me that he had nam- ed one of his seedlings Belrose. It is certainly worthy the distinc- tion. Seedling No. 1 is also worth naming. A neat plant of Mm- ziesia poUfolia rubra in good health pleased us much ; also, Erica ventricosa superba, recommended at p. 104 of this number — we hope to see more of its family soon ; it was also in good order. A plant of Dicentraspectabilis was also observed here ; it was rather drawn up, as gardeners term it; we understood from Mr. Farnum that he had bloomed it out doors early in the present season. Its hardy character has been satisfactorily tested ; and therefore we may look for the showy Japan Dicentra, or Dielytra or Dutchman's breeks, if you like it better, planted alongside Pceonia Movtan, its friend and compatriot. A hur- ried glance at the grounds satisfied us that new trees and shrubs were not scarce. We noticed with gratification several new Gladioli from Europe, imported by Mr. F.; Madame Blouet and Madame Georgeon were in bloom, the former very rich in color, and quite a novelty- clear carmine, with light streaks on the under lobes of the corolla.— Mad. Georgeon ij' darker, but was not quite expande^ We should like to have a group of these figured, if Mr. F. woulW^ofjus with specimensti^ ' * '' Again we are under the obligation of stating that we looked in at Springbrook, and- found an Achimenes gloxinisflora, which with due permission we brought to the city and present its fac similie to our readers. PLATE VI.— ACHIMENES GLOXINLEFLORA, Gloxinia flowered Achimenes. Nat. ord. Schrophulariaceje. Native of South America. Imported we believe by Mr. Hovey of Boston. The plant from which the drawing was taken which appears with the present number, was cultivated by Thomas Meehan, gardener to Caleb Cope, Esq., Springbrook, Philadelphia ; and was exhibited by him at the last Stated Meeting of the Pennsylvania Horticultural Society, on the 20th instant. We have been informed by a friend that it had been previously exhibited by another gentleman ; but we have not had the pleasure of seeing it there, therefore we shall not say this is the first plant introduced here. A great many of these rare and beautiful plants have been overlooked at our exhibitions, where rare Horticul- tural specimens are not more valued than a bunch of beets, nor half ISO much. The plate was executed by A. HofTy. ^^9^. D-^ .^^xpc^s^m t I COLOR PLATE risL ar ^ ^ ^^ .^ r , /// ///cn^ a/^ ' / y ////f e/fr- 1852.] THE PIIILADELPIITA FLORIST. ^^ w^ Q 125 (T^, house we obsc^rved many new varieties of Fuchsias of merit, raised, from seed obtained ;it I'm is. These were for the most part dark va- -^ rietics. Many fine li'j;lit Fuchsias were in bloom — Puritv was one of ^^ the best. The t^rardt-nrr, Mr. .McCI.'an, infornu-d me that he had nam- ed one of his seedlin«;s Bklkose. It is certainly worthy the distinc- tion. Seedling No. 1 is also worth naming. A neat plant of .Ve;i- zicda poUfolia rubra in go -d ht-alth pleased us much ; also, Erica ventricosa supcrba, rt commended at p. 104 of this number— we hope to see more of its family soon ; it was also in good order. A plant of DkeJitra specfabi/is wns also observed here ; it was rather drawn up, as "-ardeners term it: we understood from Mr. Farnum that he had bloomed it out doors early in the present season. Its hardy cliaracter has been satisfactorily t» sted ; and tiierefore we may look for the showy Japan Dicentra, or Dielytra or Dutchman's breeks, if you like it better, planted alongside Pwonia Moutan, its friend and compatriot. A hur- ried frlance at the grounds satislied us that new trees and shrubs were not scarce. We noticed with gratification several new Gladioli from Europe, imported by -VIr. F.; Madame Blouet and Aladame Georgeon were in bloom, the former very rich in color, and quito a novelty- clear carmine, with liglit streaks on the under lobes of the corolla.— Mad. Georgeon is darker, but was not quite expande^.^ We should like to have a group of these figured, if Mr. F. woul&»wvor:us with specimens. A(rain we are under the obliiijation of stating that we looked in at Springbrook, and found an Achimenes gloxinia^Hora, which with due permission we brought to the city and present its fac similie to our readers. PLATE VL— ACHIMENES GLONTNLEFLORA, Gloxinia flowered Achimenes. Nat. ord. SrHROPHiiLARUCBB. Native of South America. Imported we believe by Mr. Hovey of Hoston. The plant from which the drawing was taken which ap[)ears with the present number, was cultivated by Thomas Meelian, g;ndenei to C"ah-b Cope, Esq., Springbrook, IMdladejphia; and was exhi!)ited by him at the last Stated Meetinir of the IViuisylvania Hoitirnltural Society, on the 20th instant. We Iiav.- h. .n informed by a friend that it had been previously exhibited by anotlu-r gmth-man : hut we have not had the pleasure of seeing it there, therefore we slia'.l not say this is the first plant introtluced liere. A great n.any of these rare and beautiful plants have h-M-n overlooked at our exhibitions, where rare Horticul- tural specimens nre not more valu-d than a buncii of beets, nor half ilso much. The plate was executed by A. Holly. 5^:: 7. .O'ZX ruin Ihe Collect, o;. ./ •, ueu i [August k "^ Mr. Robertson, gardener to H. Ingersoll, Esq., Green Lane, t?X'^) )P hibited some fine new Gloxinias— niimely. Griffinii, rubra grandiflora, 'gL Pulcherrima, Godfroid de Bouillion, &c., and some large Aclnmene»y N^ longiflora, A. longiflora alba, &c., &c.— 3id premium awarded. j Other collections were exhibited of which we cannot say much. Thos. Meehan, gardener to C. Cope, Esq., exhibited Achimens glox- inaeflora, new and rare— A. Skiiinerii, A Liepmannii, A. grandiilora, A. Venusta, A. rosea, Adamia versicolor ne.v Nat. Ord. Hydrangea- ce(E, Beloperone oblongata, BrowaUia alata, Jlngtlonia Gurderii, Gloxinia, Marie Van Houtte; Fuchsias, Fair Kosamond and Don Gio- vannii, and many others for the enumeration of which we have not space. In the Basket of Flowers was placed the 77th bloom of Victoria Regia, (we apologise for our omission of the 7l)lh in the last report.) A fine collection of vegetables was deposited by Mr. Meehan, amongst other things we noticed very large Onicns, well saved, Wal- cheren Broccoli, early White Corn, White Egg Plants, Victory Peas 20 sorts in all. Nectarines— Pitinas on, Orange and Elruge j Peaches, Plums, two kinds— a special premium was awarded. R. Kilvington exhibited Hand bouquets of Flowers, cultivated and indigenous, and obtained prizes for each. Isaac Collins obtained the premium tor the design— '^nd to Thos. TJeehan, and also for Basket I of Cut Flowers, cultivated and indigenous. Want of space compels us to continue the report till next month ; but an oliiciul report has appeared in the ^'Bull-tin." i ^""^ Collections of Veg -tables to which premiums were award^'d irere deposited by A. Feltou, Jr., Thos. Meglnun, and John Miller, gar- dener to Joseph S. Luveriug, Esq. A tine collection ol seedling Pinks from Dianthus cart/iusa, and D. imptriulia, also fine Double Poppies we believe from Paspaver MarseiHil, horn the Garden of Thos. F. Croft, Coatts Street near the l*rison. National Agricultural Conveution. "We are sorry that we cannot devote a larger space to the proceed- intrs of the National Agricultural Convention. The Convention as- sembled at the Smithsonian Institution, Washington, D.C., June 24th. After some preliminary discussion, the convention having been called to order by Mr. C. B. Calvert, President of the Maryland State Agri- cultural Society, who nominated Frederick Watts, President Pennsyl- vania Agricultural Society,as temporary Chairman, and Richard Mer- cer of Maryland, and Daniel Lee of Georgia as Secretaries, pro tern. A roll of the States was called to ascertain the number and names of delegates representing the various Agricultural Societies of each ^ State, when the following was reported: m^^^^ -^^^ THE /■f iiaiiiiLf im mwmm AND HAD VTf^TTT TTT D \ T TATTD AT 1 T JliUmIII^IjuIIxiIJu JUlJMiiilL, A MAGAZINE OF Horticulture, Botany, Agriculture, and the Kindred Sciences. Edited and Published by R. ROBINSON SCOTT, No. 63 Walnut Street, between Second and Dock Streets, up stairs. Vol. I.] Philadelphia, September, 1852. [No. 5. [Jy* For proceedings of Nat. Agricultural Convention, see p. 136. »♦■ The Importanoe of a National Botanic Garden. BY JOHN MURRAY, MEADVILLE, PA. I have frequently asked myself and others — Why has this country no National Botanic Garden! Why is there not an'institution where representatives, or a congress of the flowers of all countries might be seen in a day 1 Is it because the climate is not adapted to it \ No ! it is true there are difficulties in the way of cultivating plants natives of polar regions j but for the denizens of sunnier climes there are no insurmountable obstacles. In the midland States there is a Summer sun, which, with the assistance of glass, and coal or wood in Winter, an artificial climate may be formed, adapted to the culture of the spice plants of Ceylon, the lofty Palms and gigantic Ferns of the West Indies, and the beautiful Orchids of Brazil. Is it because the nation is too poor to form and maintain such a garden 1 No ! It is blest with material prosperity ; and already it teems with wealth. Is it because the people are too utilitarian to maintain an institution lor the gratification of the curious, or the pleasure of the few who may be interested in such matters! This can hardly be the reason, as a Botanic Garden appeals strongly to the economical interests of a great agricultural, manufacturing and commercial community like this. Perhaps one reason may be found in the nature and relations of the general government to the governments of the several States and individual citizens. I do not say that the government is weak, but that there is much more independence on the part of the citizens, or at least less interference on the part of the government than in coun- tries where despotic and monarchical institutions prevail. The peo- ple are jealous of the thorough organization, and especially of the •J centralizations in older nations. They do not look to the government G^\ i>9V _^ ^^QCM 130 THE PHILADELPHIA FLORIST. [Sept'k. 1852.] THE PHILADELPHIA FLORIST. I as the master, but the servant. They scarcely ask it to act the parti of a guardian. Now if they do not choose the interference of govern- ment in the formation of a Botanic Garden, they have not organiza- tion enough to do it in any other way. Perhaps another reason may be found in the fact that the subject may not have been brought before the people sufficiently. We can- not expect them to engage in such an undertaking without some tol- erably correct idea of its importance, its value and uses. I write merely for the purpose of calling the attention of those much better acquainted with the subject to its importance — the propriety of its discussion, and the expediency of informing and rousing the public. Owing to the generally happy equality pervading the citizens of this country, such vast fortunes as are common in more aristocratic nations can rarely be amassed, and never long retained; consequently the surplus for works of taste and elegance is small. It rarely accu- mulates sufficiently to become a marked feature. This fully accounts tor the lim.ited extent of American gardens and the ])overty of the col- lections, which must be felt by those acquainted with European gar- dens. Such magnificent private collections as those of Chatsworth and Syon-House, are neither desirable nor possible here. They would be contrary to the genius of republican institutions, since the estab- lishment of the few cannot grow to enormous proportions without in- terfering with the development of those of the many. But if Ameri- ca does not now possess these, there is no good reason why she may not, and shoiild not now have a National Botanic Garden equal to Kew. The first thing to be done is to show to the people the nation- al, social and individual advantages of such an institution. In commenting briefly upon these, I shall notice first its economi- cal or material value. To understand this, it is only necessary to re- member the large place occupied by plants in the fields of the farm- er, the mills of the manufacturer, the ware-houses and (-hips of the merchant. It is astonishing how much ignorance prevails amongst these classes generally, respecting the nature of the materials passing through their hands daily. Now knowledge is power here, as else- where. Let the farmer see wheat, rye and maize in their simple, na- tural state, he will have a much clearer idea of the nature and effects of cultivation. How these plants have come to their present state — how that may be preserved and improved, &.c. These remarks apply substantially to the manufacturer who begins with vegetable products as his raw material, subjecting them to vari- ous processes by capital and labor, until they are so much changed thnt they can scarcely be recognized. Of the utility of plants in med- icine nothing nt^ed be said, as it is fully admitted. On these and si- milar grounds a Botanic Garden is highly desirable ; but I should be sorry to rest it entirely or chiefly on them. There is a higher reason — knowledge for its own sake — that is, as an end, and not as a means to anything else. We are far too much given to the petty task of testing Heaven's gifts by dollars and cents. We seem to forget that the acquirement and possession of knowledge simply for its own sake, is of any great value. We toil enough for the supply of real and im- aginary wants, but forget the higher wants of the intellect. Now I would say, we ought to possess a grand Botanic Garden, because of •-the facilities it would afford for the study of the vegetable kingdom — i^^9b^__ ..tfO^^ 131 f^that department of nature on which the wisdom and power of the^) V Creator have been impressed so brightly; aud especially upon which ^ 7 He has abundantly lavished the divine quality of beauty. Without \ such a garden we may gain partial views of the vegetable kingdom, but we cannot see its vast variety and grand harmonious unity. Ev- ery zone, latitude and region has its own appropriate vegetable forms. To visit them in their native localities would be to see nature as she is; but since this is impossible, we ought to do the next best thing — bring nature to our own doors. We are furnished with wonderful facilities for this — national prosperity — which affords an abundant surplus for the education of the intellect, and the elevation and refine- ment of the moral nature. A rich soil, with abundance of water — iron, wood and glass, the materials of hothouses; and enterprise, skill and industry to mould them into suitable forms. Men of daring spi- rit, who would love to penetrate the jungles of India, and explore the rich forests of Brazil. A wonderful power in plants themselves, by which they adapt themselves to different circumstances. In some the roots may be dug up and transported to any distance — in others, the entire plant may be sent ; and in most, seeds may be collected and easily transported. Then our sails whiten every sea, and our ships line every port, bridging the deep from every country to this. 0ln view of so many facilities I cannot think we shall be long with- out a Garden, and collection of plants worthy of the nation. If we are, I fear it must indicate a state of mental lethargy in regard to pure science, which, 1 am slow to believe, exists at the present time. It appears to be a fitting time to undertake such a work. The nation is in all the vigor of youth, and supply has so far gained upon demand, that the whole thing can be done without the least ditlicultv. This is a transition state, from which it will soon be shown that devotion to mere national interests cannot satisfy. Intellectual capacities and tastes are awakening, which demand sustenance not less than the sto- mach needs its portion, and the back its covering. I trust this subject will receive that attention which its importance demands and deserves. * [For the Phila - ^^'^M 132 THE PHILADELPHIA FLORIST. g^&P^ [Sept'k. a choice peach. The heavy crops which they obtain off a very small ^j piece of ground is surprising ; with deep digging, heavy manuring and^ always two crops on the ground, the produce of fifty feet by one hun- dred, grows potatoes and other vegetables for a small family — no re- fuse, all is returned to the garden, where they grow as line onions in five months as w^e do in sixteen. The garden of the homestead or the farm-house contains generally from i 10 i acre, and is kept in order by the man-of-all-work, assisted by the matron of the house ; her orders are at once and immediately obeyed ; they are like the laws of the Medes and Persians. A neat hedge forms the enclosure, frequently with a low wall on the North. The dwelling is covered with apple, pear, plum or apricot trees ; and I was frequently surprised to see the fine keeping displayed. Hoses and hollyhocks were favorite flowers, though frequently there was a neat collection of Phlox, or other hardy herbaceous plants, especially where the younger members of the family had grown up to take their part in ornamental affairs. It was a matter of warm attraction to me, to see the mother, daughter and sons, all congregated together iii t^ garden sanctum^ discussing, arranging, cleaning and planting their fa- vorites ; a pleasure, indeed, to see the miss in her teens handling the budding knife to multiply some favorite fruit or rose, and to watch its development with enchantment at the success of her handiwork. We at once cast our inner mind to our own fair States, and asked the ques- tion— how many of our free born maidens devoted a leisure hour to such rational and beneficial enjoyments 1 It is true, my personal ac- quaintances are limited, but 1 could only toss in my mind five young ladies who really took a hand in such matters of perpetual pleasure. There is no time so intellectually rich as that devoted to the observa- tion of nature's products from every clime. The gardens of the Eu- ropeans are also well stocked with small fruits, such as strawberries, gooseberries, currants, black, red and white; all of which we can lux- uriate in, except Gooseberries. We do not, however, give those small fruits so much nourishment as they actually deserve; they require very rich, deep soil, having a copious supply every year, giving black cur- rants a shady situation on the north side of the fence. We often hear many sigh for the fine fancy hedges of Great Britain, but we over- look a hedge of far more grandeur than any that that country can boast of, a hedge of ^Hibiscus syriacus, or ^Ithea^ easy of culture, easily kept, and a floral diadem from July to November, of any color, from white to purple — a fence such as England's wealth cannot pro- duce, may enclose every farmer's garden from Florida to the lakes — all that it requires to keep it in perfection is a close pruning or shearing every winter, when no other labor can be performed. Their few fa- •^vorite pears are Gansds Bergamit^ Louisa of Jersey^ (as they name \ 3II^9^>^_ ^^xioS'im 1852.] THE PHILADELPHIA FLORIST. 133 \p Bonne Louise de Jersey) Williams'' Bon chretien, or Bartlett and Jar- r^) cr gonelle; the last is a universal favorite, being a fruit adapted to a cool ^ I climate. If you ask in Britain what is the best currant, they say Vic- \ TORiA. That appears to be the all-inspiring name for every good thing, and not a few very indifferent ones. The common red currant that we now grow is mostly discarded from every modern garden ; but we say in apples and pears they are behind any common farm orchard of the United States. The gardens of the wealthy are gorgeous, and often in the most per- fect keeping, in extent fiom five to fifty acres; even some of their pleasure grounds enclosing five hundred acres, twenty to thirty acres of which is mown by a very ingenious and indispensible machine every ten days or two weeks. This machine is drawn by a horse, as fast as he can walk, covering four feet wide, and cost about $100. The trees in the lawns however, are entirely deficient of the symmetry, growth, and verdure of those of the States, the heads of them most frequently indicating by their growth that the wind has always blown upon them from one quarter. The evergreen shrubbery far eclipses any thing that we can compete in or ever will be seen in the middle and eastern States, till some new suitable plants are discovered ; but all south of Washington may be ornamented with even more lively green, for if we have to drop the Aucuba and the Rhododendron, we can take up the Evonymus wild orange and the magnolia. Their leading ever- greens are Laurel, (Portugal & Common) Bay, Holly, Laurustinus,Aucu- ba. Rhododendron and Sweet Bay, with Ivy in profusion for covering old walls and shady places, where its perpetual verdure forms a man- tle or carpet of fascinating green — with us a neglected plant, and rare- ly applied where it is applicable. Give the plant good rich soil, and moisture to start its first few years'; growth, when it will rapidly reach its intended boundary. Another neglected plant with us, and always employed by them in every imaginable shape, is the English Yew, and it does luxuriate with us. Give it good soil, and it will grow in sun or shade ; a yew within two miles of Philadelphia, planted by its present owner, is 25 feet high and 40 in circumference. The Privet (Ligustrum vulgare) is one of the most useful plants for forming ever- green hedges ; its rapid growth, and beauty when covered with its del- icate flowers ensures for it many admirers. We have said this much in favor of privet, because it is before our ^eyes in sombre green, and gives a clothing and shelter to a situation otherwise bleak and bare. In the United States we have other substitutes even at our own door, if we would only make them available — such as Hemlock Spruce, Virginia Cedar and American Arborvitae. Where these are not at hand, nor a disposition to procure thern, the Althea is universal, and you have only to stick in the young shoots, cut into 8 inch lengths, in 3*?Q9b^ .^xPQ^m 134 THE PHILADELPHIA FLORIST, [Sept'h. m:idP- ^%c^ good rich soil a few inches apart, and in two years you have the em- 5^^ bryoof a beautiful hedge. A splendid pattern may be seen under the indefatigable Mr. Graham, at Blockley, near Philadelphia. •J \ Regent's Park, London, June 30, 1852. Dear Sir: To give you or your readers a detailed account of a London Flower Show, would go rather beyond my intention, if how- ever, I serve you the cream, you will excuse the sediment. The bed- ding out system as it is called, is practised to some extent in the gardens, but more of that anon; I cannot pass over, however, abed of Giant of the Battle's (Scarlet) Rose, edged with Nemophilla insignis (blue) both in full splendour, the charm was irresistible, but to the flower tents covering nearly two acres, including the Rhododendron Show. The first entered by me was the Fruit department. One dish only of Muscat Alexandria and another of Black Hamburgh, wer^ finer than our Philadelphia Shows of the same, these were per- fect in the extreme, very large and plump, the latter perfectly and the former barely ripe, the Hamburgs was as large as Orleans plums, and the muscat nearly as large as Bolmars ; the other grapes were mediocre and several lots much tossed, and one entirely destitute of bloom. The Pine Apples were abundant and weighed from four to eight pounds each. Nectarines the same sorts that we generally show and did not exceed samples that we have seen from Mr. Longstreth or Mr. Cope ; Peaches inferior to bushels we yearly exhibit, and only a few dozen exhibited, consisting of Noblesse, Royal Georges and some others; Strawberries, the fine sorts were La Leguiose, British Queen and Myatts Elenor, others inferior, the B. Queen has one de- cided fault, that it does not uniformly ripen well to the point, «re do not think it more than second-rate in flavour in its greatest perfection ; Cherries, such cherries we cannot produce, especially that basket of Elton's, brilliant as refined wax — Early Black, shining like polished ebooy, they had evidently been all carefully wiped and laid with their stems inward in the softest silk paper ; you could not pass them without a smile. Calceolarias, all of the herbaceous sorts and beautiful, the plants were about six feet in circumference, having every flower and shoot tied into its position to give a rotund form to the plants disagreeably artistic, with a forest of sticks to each plant, one of which had seventy- three, my taste would have disqualified such shameful objects, 1 did not note any of their names, being forced on by the crowd, who rushed forward to the adjoining stands of fancy Geraniums, they eclipsed all my ideas of their beauty, plants naturally ol a dense bushy habit, re- quiring very little timber for support, and exhibiting a mass of flower c, equal to all the butterflies of the American Continent, if placed in the ^ §i^9=o ^xfJ^M i 1852.] THE PHILADELPHIA FLORIST. 135 mci^yp^ '. ^^<^^ ^New York Crystal Palace — I gave the pfize to (who got it I can- not tell), the collection of eight sorts, consisting of Madam Rosalie, Delicata^ Queen Victoria, Magnific, Hero of Surrey, Empress, Queen of France, and Prince Galizin — the specimens were from two to four feet across, and about two feet high, one mass of bloom and evidently arranged in regard to color by a master hand or the eye of a painter — Heaths, to see their beauty, visit a London Show or Edinburgh Botanic Garden, the plants were from two to five feet high, and from six to twelve feet in circumference, one uniform picture of bloom, and verdure from the pot to the tip. Mr. Smith, of Norwood, ob- tained the Gold Medal for 'the following sorts: Irbyana, tubata, tri- color, retorta, Cavendishii (yellow,) ampuUacea, Bergiana, tricolor elegans, RoUisonii, mulabilis, metuliflora and tricolor rosea. The prize hothouse plants were specimens of equal merit with any of the preceding, they contained Dipladena crassinoda, Franciscea augusta, Kalosanthes (Crassula) coccinea ; Ixora javanica and coccinea, Cath- aranthus (vinca) rosea, Sollya linearis, Leschenaultia biloba (blue) supeibly grown and in full bloom plant full two feet wide and hi