M. ^^! « lri8»*'vg?.vi?y.v ^^*, ' ■ lOT-feVi li/lJ "°vyyy v^ £yv mmwmk D 2DD7 13D17D7 3 California State Library WflJuESm to KB It-Alt 7* •es }s§> Extract f rnni the BoUflcal Code. Section 2296. Books may be taken from the Library by the members of the Legislature, during the sessions thereof, and by otheF State officers at any time. Sec. 2298. The Controller, if notified by the Librarian that any officer has failed to return books taken by him within the time prescribed by the Pailes, and after demand made, must not draw his warrant for the salary of such officer until the return is made, or three times the value of the books, or of any injuries thereto, has been' paid to the Librarian. Sec. 2299. Every person who injures or fails to return any book taken is liable to the Librarian in three times the value thereof. Xo person shall take or detain from the General Library more than two volumes at anjr one time, or for a longer period than two weeks. Books of reference shall not be taken from the Library at any time. — [Extract from the Rules.] 4S=The foregoing Regulations will be strictly enforced. ""S3S WTl C/i fsSj, w, "v^. V^ U'w'vi A . 8*$S£k*ft ,uuysp v ,v^;v MWU^ MMvK M^MUS; C sJJM WV w' •^v 193^^ v^ -V-j ^ w ^;^\^1j w \^ ^ VjJU: .- V 8 ^ ^\> ^^ u 0 £ THE California Horticulturist AND B0.189& FLORAL MAGAZINE. VOLUME X.-I88O. CHARLES H. SHINN, Editor. PUBLISHED BY JOHN H. CARMANY & CO. No. 409 Washington Street, opposite the Post-office, SAN FRANCISCO, CAL. INDEX. Adventures in the Bush 78 Agricultural Notes 273 A Leaf from a Book 199 Apricots and Cherries 201 Basket, A Hanging , 8 Bee and Honey Notes 270 Beetles, The Chrysomelidse 4 Botanic Gardens, The Brisbane 350 Brief Bulb Notes 343 Cacti of Utah 39, 141 Calceolarias and Cinerarias 179 California Big Root 122 California Gardens, The kind of knowledge needed for 321 California Garden in December 100 California ? Shall more Gardeners come to. 2 Casimiroa Edulis, The 80 Catalogues, etc., received 32, 128, 192 Citrus Fair, Riverside 101 Climate and Bulbs of San Bernardino .... 11 Climbing Plants, Some Choice 1 Conservatory Possibiiities 137 Correspondence. . 16, 56, 83, 114, 146, 177, 206, 248, 270, 303, 341 Cultivation, Good versus Bad 144 Delia 298 Editorial Department 20, 58, 88, 121, 154, 181, 215. 249, 279. 313, 346 Editorial Notes 26, 60, 94, 125, 157, 187, 220, 254, 286, 317, 351 Eisen Vineyard Notes k 75 Facts about Fruits 143, 289 Farm Notes for January 12 Farm Notes for April 121 Farm Notes for July 214 Fernery Notes from Florida 99 Flora of Sonoma 282 Flora of Plumas County, Notes on the 225 Flowers and Grasses, Dried 197 Flowers for their Perfume, Cultivation of.. 239 Fresno Notes 290 Fruit Notes 204 Fruit and Orchard Hints 346 Fruits for California ^38 Fuchsias for California Gardens 155 Garden, A City 36 Garden, A Saucelito 329 Garden, A Glimpse of a Goleta 341 Garden and Plant Notes 307 Garden in July 218 Garden Notes for August 247 Garden, Thoughts from a 135 Grafting Exotic Vines on Native Species . . 74 Geyserville Gardens 305 Grape Culture in Tuolumne 72 Grape Lands, Napa 306 Grape Phylloxera, The 81 Grape-vine, Indoor Culture of 169 Greenhouse in Spring 109 Greenhouse, Notes on a Small 266 Guavas, A Dish of 265 Half an Hour with the Poets 339 Heliotrope, The 258 Home aud Foreign Horticulture 309 Horticultural Notes 245 Horticultural Society, San Mateo 54 Hot - houses of the Botanical Garden of Copenhagen, 161 Illust rations — Ferns in a California Conservatory, January No. The Grape Phylloxera, March No. Plan of Botanic Garden at Copenha- gen (2 plates), June No. Irrigation in California 129 July Thoughts 200 Kauri Forests of New Zealand 104 IV THE ., CALIFORNIA HORTICULTURIST. Leaves from my Note-book 268 Light in its relation to the Vegetable King- dom 211 "Lilies of the Field" (Poetry)*, 267 Lilies — Parryi and Maritimum 43 Love is as a FJower (Poetry) 303 Mexic Boatman, Down among the 232 Mexican Rambles ■. . 327 Monterey Wanderings 347 New and Desirable Plants 30, 63, 127, 159, 190, 222, 287 New Z -aland Sketches 2H7 Northern California. Glimpses of 263 Olives are Grown, Where the best 77 Oranges and Olives, Notes on 50 Pajaro (Poet y) 12 Pas >dena Hedges 229 Peach and its Culture 242 Peaches of California, Curl-proof 193 Peaches, Notes on 258 Pentstemons of Southern California. ..... 6 Phaseolus Caracalla, The Snail Flower 97 Phylloxera, The Winged 280 Pineapple, History and Culture of the. .41, 107, 139 Plants and Garden Notes 344 Plants and the Plant-fiend 197 Plants at the University 294 Plants fur the Greenhouse 40 Plants of Mount Lassen 33 Planting Orchards 279 Pomological Notes. . .29, 61, 158, 191, 223, 246, 256, 288, 320 Pruning Fruit Trees 2 ">7 Pruning Ornamentals 145 Pruning, The Art and the Mystery of 45 Raisin Grapes in Yolo 71 Raisin Industry at Riverside 65 Rambling Notes from Napa, Lake and So- noma Counties 336 Remembrances of a Mountain School 110 Resources and Fruit of Puget Sound 325 Reviews and Exchanges. . 31, 63, 128, 159, 191, 224, 256, 288, 320 Rhododendron Woods, The (Poetry) 173 Rose Fair, The Santa Barbara 173 Rose Garden, Rambles in a California. . . . 195 Roses, The English Prize 186 Roses, The French Prize 189 Rose, Tbe La Nankin 98 Roses in the Oakland Foot-hills 341 Sacramento Fruits 271 Sail in St. Augustine, An Afternoon 261 Santa Barbara Horticultural Society 337 Scale Insects injurious to Trees 296 Selections from our Exchanges .... 14, 87, 117, 151, 209, 277 September Thoughts 301 Sierras, A Trip to the : 332 Stove Plants under Garden Treatment 207 Strawberry Culture in Napa 324 Strawberries in Placer 323 Tea Plants, Experience with 7 Tea Roses, etc 4 The Land of Gladness ( Poetry) 81 Timber Laws, Some Defects in our 342 Tuberoses, My 2 University Experimental Grounds 9 Valley of Mexico, On Foot in the 164 Vegetable Garden, Items on the 345 Waste of Grain 290 Water Prevent Frost injuring Tender Trees 106 Wild Flowers, A few of San Mateo's 163 Wonders of New Zealand 291 ra 3&W& 4: ;» H£f fts* •'§' jm& jM ;^fc|rjjr ?s <, *? • J J >^' 1 i THE #nxm MtfttUvAtnxht FLORAL ZNCAGkAZIlSnEJ. Vol. X. San Francisco, January, 1880. No. 1. Contributed Articles. SOME CHOICE CLIMBING- PLANTS. By Dr. L. N. Dimmick. Santa Barbara, Cal. In this land of sunshine we should plant many more climbing plants. Be- sides their grateful shade, they add much to the beauty of home surround- ings. Drape the front of the cottage piazzas with them. Let them arch the windows, and climb to the pinnacle of the" roof. Construct a variety of trellises and lattice-work, and decorate them with some of the gorgeous flowering- plants that can be grown so easily in this Pacific clime. Build ample rustic arbors and cover them with a medley of flower- ing vines, and then swing your hammock underneath and enjoy the perennial succession of floral beauty. Among the choicest of the climbing plants are some of the Tecomas and Bignonias. The lovely Bignonia venusta is an evergreen that will grow twenty or thirty feet, throwing out numerous lateral vines, on which during the win- ter months are produced a profusion of rich, orange-colored flowers. With this may be grown the deciduous Chinese Tecoma (Tecomagrandiflora), as in win- ter its leafless vine will be concealed by the foliage and floral luxuriance of its South American relative, and in sum- mer it will be dressed in its own gar- ments of green and gold. Not to be excelled in attractiveness of verdure and bloom, are those Australian beauties — Tecoma jasminoides and Tecoma jas- minoides rosea. If you have a favorite window by which you read, then plant them near it, and during every month of the year you can have the pleasure of viewing their graceful, delicate flow- ers, and glassy green leaves. Stephanotis florabunda, with its de- liciously fragrant, wax-like white pet- als, and satin leaves, endures our cool- est weather without injury to its foliage or flowers. Mandevillea sauveoleus will for three months in each year de- light you with its large white, jasmine- like flowers, but during half of the year it needs to be covered by some friendly evergreen, so as to conceal its forlorn appearance. Bougainvillea spectabilis and glabra are luxuriant growers, and during the winter season produce in profusion their beautiful rose - colored bracts. Solandra grandiflora, with its long, tubular flowers, makes a good contrast to the Bougainvilleas. "With these may be grown Physianthus al- beus, although its flowers are not con- spicuous, yet its singular pendant fruit makes it an object of interest. The wax THE CALIFOBNIA HOKTICULTUKIST. plants Hoya carnosa and Hoya carnosa variegata should not be omitted. They will reward you with their fragrant um- bels of waxy flowers. Jasminum grandi- florum is a fragrant flowering plant, near- ly always in bloom. Wistaria sinensis, the Chinese Wistaria, although decidu- ous, is still very desirable with its pendulous racemes of pale blue flowers. A novelty is the Quisqualis villosa, a native of Burmah. Its cordate leaf is edged with a hairy fringe, and its yel- low flowers have a resemblance to some of the orchids. If you have a nook that can be seen but not reached, then devote it to some of the climbing Cactaceas. Pereskia aculeata, or Barbadoes Gooseberry, a novelty among the cactus family, as it possesses leaves, is avigorous plant, and will climb ten or twelve feet and furnish an excellent background for the wax- taper-like stems of the climbing Night- blooming Cereus. The best of these are Cereus granditlorus, Cereus triangu- laris, and Cereus McDonaldae. Their flowers are grand, from eight to twelve inches in diameter, filled with numer- ous yellow stamens, their petals pure white, the sepals of the first yellow, of the second green, and of the third brown. These magnificent flowers last about twelve hours. All the climbers enumerated are now growing and flourishing in the open air in this vicinity. m i ^ MY TUBEROSES. By M. E. P. A. , Auburn, CaL I have read with much interest the article " How to Grow Tuberoses" pub- lished in the September number of the Hoeticultueist. This summer witness- ed, and with gratifying success, my first attempt at growing this stately and magnificent plant, known botanically as Polyanthes tuberosa. I planted its bulb March 16th, and in addition to its natural slowness in starting, the cold weather retarded its germination until about the first of June. From that time until its period of blooming, it grew in the open air. Its flower-scape measured forty-four inches in height, encircled by twenty-eight buds, six of which fully opened on August 22d. It was a superb spectacle; and the admira- tion of all who saw it. Surely, of all " God's smiles," as some one has so lovingly christened the flowers, there are none that beam with sweeter beau- ty, grace, and tenderness, than the waxen blossoms of the matchless Poly- anthes tuberosa. Each snowy chalice gives forth a perfume as sweet and pure as the " virtue-flowers of faith, hope, and love," which shed their refreshing fragrance on the changing shadows of the path of life. SHALL MOEE GARDENERS OOME TO CALIFORNIA? By Leonaed Coates. Tountville, Napa Co. The reason I ask this question is that I have lately received letters from par- ties in England who had read a letter of mine in the Gardener's Chronicle, and who wish for reliable information as to the prospects of getting employ- ment in this State. There exists a great deal of ignorance in England, especially among a certain class, in reference to California — physically, socially, and po- litically. The writer of one letter I re- ceived was evidently laboring under the impression that California was one of the colonies of Great Britain. But we do not need to cross the water to find misapprehension of other minds fully exemplified. What strange ideas are still dominant in the minds of many New Englanders concerning this Golden State ! And all this is in a measure excusable. Our Bret Hartes, Mark THE CALIFOKNIA HORTICULTURIST. Twains, and a multitude of lesser lights, have not a little helped to spread these delusions. Such writers have cast a halo of romance about California — a romance in which bowie knives, hempen ropes, sis-shooters, and big nuggets of gold figure most prominently. I would like to see the California Horticulturist and the Rural Press well circulated among gardeners and others in England, and mean to recom- mend them. Some agricultural papers have been distributed in the Eastern States pretty freely, and, for aught I know, in Europe as well; but they, un- fortunately, have a tendency to mislead by presenting an overplus of big squash stories, alfalfa yarns ad libitum, and an abundance of highly colored statistics, which may be true as exceptional cases, but certainly are not as a general rule. I call it a mistaken policy to grossly ex- aggerate the natural productions of a country in order to encourage immigra- tion, and there surely can be no need for it in this State. There are thou- sands of persons in Europe at this time — many of them men of capital — who are comparing the inducements offered by the Great West, by Australia, and by New Zealand, with a view to emigra- tion. The class to which I refer more especially are very numerous in Eng- land, and they are endeavoring to ob- tain through private sources statements in which they can place confidence, being naturally suspicious of printed "facts" (?) about the new and sparsely settled countries of the world. These young gardeners are generally men who have an inborn love for their profession for its own sake, and are pretty well grounded in the rudiments of the theory of horticulture, of vege- table physiology, and of botany. They have, for the most part, either served an apprenticeship under' a nurseryman, or under the head gardener of some estate, or worked ' a year or two for a mere nominal sum, equivalent to $2 50 per week without board. I will mention one example of English gardening with which I am familiar, which may, I think, be taken as a fair average. W. H. Smith, M. P., First Lord of the Ad- miralty (presumably the " Admiral " of "Pinafore" notoriety), owns a fine coun- try residence and estate in Oxfordshire. His head gardener, with whom I am well acquainted, has been on the place some twenty-five years, and has under him six or eight or more young men. Rooms are fitted up for them where they may at night study the leading horticultural papers, works on botany, etc., but probably not more than one in a hundred of them has any but the re- motest chance of gaining a lucrative position. Oa the grounds are a num- ber of greenhouses of various tempera- tures ; one for orchids, another for palms, ferns, semi-tropical fruits, and so on, and lean-to houses for peaches, nectarines, and choice fruits, which are too delicate to be grown with success in the open air. The grape houses are so arranged, with reference to clima- tology, that ripe fruit is cut from the vines every month in the year except March, which of course in done by using every power to force the earliest varie- ties and retard the latest. The vege- table gardens are inclosed by brick walls fifteen to twenty feet high, on both sides of which are fastened wires for fruit trees to be trained on. The walks are lined with espaliers, mostly apple and pear, which are pruned entirely with the finger and thumb during the summer months. The fruit, for protec- tion, is often inclosed in muslin bags some time before maturity. But what endless trouble and expense. Nature here in California will do almost THE CALIFORNIA HORTICULTURIST. as much for us as only great wealth combined with the thorough under- standing of the art of horticulture can do in the old country. If, then, nature has placed us almost on a level with the older countries, and given us so good a start with no effort on our part, to what eminence on the horticultural ladder ought we not to attain? Our possibili- ties— nay our probabilities — are great almost beyond conception. THE OHETSOMELIDJE BEETLES. By Walter S. Yates, Centreville, Cal. As this family of beetles (the Chry- someliclse) are all vegetable feeders both in the larval and perfect forms, and more or less injurious to plants, trees, etc., a short sketch of the family and a few facts concerning the migration of the most destructive member may prove of interest. These insects are generally small and frequently of bright metallic colors. Their bodies are smooth. They are very timid, dropping to the ground the moment you try to capture them. All the larvse of this family have six feet, and soft-colored bodies. They attach them- selves to the leaf on which they feed by an adhesive secretion. The larvse of a few species live in the ground. If there are any who have not seen the larvse of these beetles, they will be amply rewarded by noticing in May, or June, the willow trees which grow be- side our creeks, for thousands of these beetles attach themselves to the leaves in these months. The Cclorada potato beetle (Dori- phora decemlineta), which has been so destructive to the potato vine in Colora- do, and in a great many States between there and the Atlantic, is the most de- structive member of this family. These beetles first made their appearance in Iowa in 1861. They moved eastward at the rate of sixty miles a year, and finally separated, one division going North and another East, with an in- creased rate of travel. They finally reached Atlantic ports, and some of them took passage for Europe. As soon as they made their appearance in Germany, the government bought the fields in which they made their appear- ance and burned them. Bottles con- taining them in their different forms were distributed among school children and others so that they could become familiar with them. By taking these percautions the pest was soon extermi- nated. The remedy for this pest is so well known, and applied with such good ef- fect, that its appearance in a locality is not so much dreaded as formerly. Paris green is now sprinkled over the vines in the proportion of one tablespoonful to a bucket of water. There is found in this locality a species of the genus Chrysochus, which lives en- tirely on seed asparagus, and of course is not injurious. The most destructive genus of this family found in this vicin- ity is the genus Diabrotica. Diabrotica soror, which I have mentioned in a pre- vious article, is the most common spe- cies. Two or three other species of this genus are also found here. They are comparatively rare, but in time (if al- lowed to increase) may prove as de- structive as the species soror. TEA B0SES.-3ABE OALIFOMIA SHEUBS. By Gustap Eisen, Fresno, Cal. Mrs. Winton, in the November num- ber of the Hokticdltusist, asks me to look further for the true name of her supposed "Le Nankin" rose. Indeed, if the rose in question is favored with the colors of gold and salmon, I do not know where to look at all. None of my THE CALIFORNIA HORTICULTURIST. tea roses have that color. The darkest yellow tea roses I know of are Ophirie, La Jonquil, and Clare Carnot. I sug- gested the last mentioned, because that and La Jonquil are both seedlings from the same parent (La Marck). Now it would be most reasonable to think that the "Nankin" rose must be nankin colored, and as such I have seen it de- scribed ; but in most of the catalogues I find it described as blush, shaded yellow, or something similar. There seems to be some confusion about the right names of some colors, and it seems that golden is one of them. In all the catalogues where La Jonquil is offered it is described as "the darkest yellow tea known." And Marechal Niel, which certainly is several shades lighter, is un- hesitatingly described as " deep golden yellow." Now did the author of such a description ever see a piece of gold ? or did he use this word only in place of something better? If the name of gold- en could be applied to any roses at all it must be to "Persian Yellow," and "Harrison's Yellow," but they are too well known to be mistaken for teas. I also have a rose which has puzzled me very much. I got it labeled " Jean d' Arc," which was evidently wrong. The outside of the petals are pale or- ange, shaded darker; the inside orange deepening toward the centre to peach. The flowers are of medium size, very full and pendulous, so much so that they are really turned upside down. Another peculiarity of this rose is that the buds before opening are perfectly egg-shaped, and even the open flower has never or rarely the petals turned backward. The plant is rather a dwarf grower. This rose, with all its draw- backs, is one of the finest teas I have, and I would be pleased if Mrs. Win^on or some other of the readers of the Hor- ticulturist could give me its true name. It is only a too common thing to get roses and other plants wrongly labeled. A neighbor of mine sent some time ago to a rather prominent nurseryman for one dozen carnations of as many differ- ent colors. To her great despair they were all of one color — red. Now this seems to be a "regular" mistake, be- cause another neighbor who did the same thing received only eleven plants, which all turned out white. I myself have also some experience in this matter. Last year I had occasion to order from an Eastern firm four different times, and each time I got as premium a rose label- ed " Marie Van Houtte." When they blossomed one was " SafFrano," one "Anna Olivier," one " Therese Lot,'' and one only true to name, which latter evidently was a mere chance. Now we politely ask, Messrs. Nurserymen, is this right? and is it absolutely neces- sary to mis your labels to such an ex- tent that it is necessary to send for the same plant two or three times so as to get it true to name? But, Mr. Editor, I must talk about more pleasant things. Here, in the very heart of California, in the driest and warmest of climates, who would think that our hills and canons shelter some of the very finest flowering shrubs that can be found anywhere, and many of which are not yet introduced in gar- den culture? If in the month of May a traveler from the dry and dusty plains proceeds up one of the lower tribu- taries to King's River, he will be most delighted at the beauty of the floral display which covers the hills at the altitude of about 3,000 feet. Nowhere in the world have I seen anything equal to it. The chaparral consists here of at least twenty different species, many of which would be worthy of a place in the choicest garden. Most prominent is the rare and lately re-discovered THE CALIFOKNIA HOBTICTJLTUKIST. " Carpenteria Californica." It is mag- nificent with its hundreds of large snow- white blossoms on a background of deep green, laurel - like leaves. Here and there, between the leaves, you trace the outline of the perfectly straight and slender stems, covered with the finest paper-like, yellowish - white bark. In this vicinity you meet with the beauti- ful Terba Santa (Eriadyction), whose spikes of lilac-colored flowers so well contrast with the snowy white of Car- pentaria. The "Fremontia" is also common everywhere, and its stems are literally covered by its large yellow flowers, which greatly resemble the yellow pond lily in color and size, but with its pointed petals is of a far more beautiful form. And what shall I say about the minor blossoms on the ground. We meet here with every shade of color, size, and form, from the bashfully hiding Anemone, with its tender blushing petals, to the most gor- geously colored Mentzelia crocea, whose really golden petals deepen towards the centre to the most intense crimson- maroon, and whose stamens resemble a long, golden tassel. And still, how many pass these floral beauties by without a look or without any enjoy- ment of this, the richest gift of nature. Perhaps it was about them that "Words- worth sung : " A primrose by the violet's rim A golden primrose was to him, And it was nothing more." PENTSTEMONS OP SOUTHERN CALI- FORNIA. By Samuel B. Paeish, San Bernardino, Cab The species of Pentstemons are very numerous, and are well represented in all parts of the State. They include plants where flowers are unequaled in bril- liancy of color by any of our other na- tive plants. They present a great vari- ety in habit and general appearance ; some are almost bushes, others trailing, or semi - scandent ; some have large, shining leaves, others narrow, linear ones. The flowers also vary in shape, from narrow tubular, or long funnel form, to open campanulate, and in color from scarlet to blue, purple or yellow. Of Southern Californian spe- cies all the scaidet-flowered ones are of the tubular form, and those of other colors bell-shaped. In one thing they all agree : whether growing on mount- ain or plain, all choose a dry soil. With few exceptions, our native Pentstemons are as easily cultivated, and far handsomer, than the "choice French hybrid varieties" offered by seedsmen and florists. Being very tena- cious of life, they readily endure trans- planting from their native homes at al- most any stage of growth, and they may also be easily grown from seed. They are, for the most part, of good form, vigorous in growth, and free and showy bloomers. They prefer a somewhat sandy soil, and an abundance of sun- shine, and the brilliancy of the color is increased if they are not too freely supplied with water. The flower stems should also be cut back as soon as seed begins to form, in order to prolong the season of blossoming. The following list includes most of the species found in the lower part of the State : P. spectabilis is one of the finest spe- cies, growing abundantly on low, dry hills ; quite bushy, sometimes five feet high. The loose, branching panicles are two feet long, with many large ventricose flowers, of a lovely purple color, the lips a fine metallic blue, of the easiest cultivation, when it contin- ues in bioom from March till November. P. Palmeri somewhat resembles the above in habit and foliage, but does THE CALIFOENIA HOBTICTTLTUBIST. not exceed three or four feet in height. The panicle is also somewhat smaller, with wide campanulate flowers nearly white, the lower lip and throat marked with purple. It is not rare at eleva- tions of five or six thousand feet, where it often forms thickets on the banks of dry gulches. A fine plant for the gar- den. P. azureus is found at about the same altitude as the last named species, but is here much rarer. Its decumbent stems are about two feet long, covered with abundant linear leaves, and pro- ducing a panicle eight to ten inches long, of rather flat, bell-shaped flowers of a very fine azure color. It is very satisfactory in cultivation. P. antirrhinoides is remarkable for its yellow flowers, which are sparingly borne in small, leafy panicles. The plant is shrubby, about four feet high, and is found in low, dry hills. It is the best showing of any of the species found in this region. P. ternatus is also a rather incon- spicuous species. It is found at an ele- vation of two to four thousand feet, on bushy mountain sides, where it can find support for its weak and slender branches, which attain a length of twelve feet. Its narrow, tubular flow- ers are an inch long, and of a dull red color. P. cordifolius. — Although this is also of a trailing habit, it bears no resem- blance to the foregoing. Its slender, woody branches seldom exceed three or four feet in length, and usually hang over the steep sides of dry, rocky banks. It has handsome cordate foliage, and the flowers, which are produced in small leafy panicles, are large, wide, funnel-shaped, with a prominent upper lip, and of a bright scarlet color. It is very difficult to cultivate, but might do well on dry rock-work. P. centranthifolius is an abundant and beautiful species, growing to the height of two or three feet, on dry bench lands. It produces many long, narrow panicles of bright scarlet flow- ers, which are sometimes called "Scar- let Honeysuckles," from their supposed resemblance to the "Coral Honey- suckle.'' It is very easily cultivated, and continues in blossom for several months in the spring. P. Bridgesii might at first glance be thought a remarkably fine specimen of centranthifolius, but aside from the marked botanical differences, a second look will show that the tube of the flower is larger and wider at the mouth, the panicle more densely flowered, and the color a more vivid scarlet. It is the finest of the red-flowered pentstemons, and in this region the rarest of all. A3 it is a native of the higher parts of the mountains, it would probably be hardy in any but the severest climates. P. barbatus, var. labrosus, in sj)ite of its long name, is a very beautiful plant. It is about two feet high, and bears a slender panicle of large scarlet flowers, tubular in shape, but somewhat ex- panding toward the mouth, and with long lobes. It is found at about the same altitude (7,000 feet) as the last named species, and is easily cultivated. EXPEKIENCE WITH TEA PLANTS, By Isaac Collins, Castro Valley, Alameda Co. In Philadelphia, in 1858, we had two large plants of the tea (one TheaBohea, and one Thea Viridis), which were plant- ed out in the open ground in summer, taken up when winter set in, and stowed away under the stage of a greenhouse. They flowered, matured seed, and did well. In South Carolina, a number of years ago, I grew a few tea plants out of doors. The practice there was to par- 8 THE CALIFORNIA HORTICULTURIST. tially shade the young plants the first season. They grew very fast, making good sized bushes in three years. At this place (Haywards), in the au- tumn of 1876, I obtained one-fourth of a pound of tea seed from a San Fran- cisco seedsman, and planted it in a bed of loam. The young plants were trans- planted the following spring in ground having an open exposure. Towards the end of spring, and the beginning of summer, the plants kept dying off. (I suppose they required shade.) I moved two plants to a sloping bank, and shaded on the southern side. These plants lived, and are in a healthy con- dition at the present time ; but they grow very slowly, and are only fifteen inches in height, with a stem of less thau one-fourth of an inch in diameter. They have been well cared for, but have received no water artificially. If grown under a system of irrigation they might succeed in California, but without that their growth even on good land is poor indeed. Tou are no doubt aware of the fact that a Grerman a few years since started a tea plantation in one of the upper counties of this State, imported skilled Chinamen to carry on the undertaking, and signally failed. The supposed cause of failure was the mineral nature of the water used. Mr. Brennan, of Calistoga, Napa County, some years since, planted a tea patch of some size on his estate at Calistoga. At first they were put on low land, but did not suc- ceed, and were moved to a gentle hill- side. There they found Ingersoll's paradise, a non-existence, in a very brief space of time. In the United States Agricultural Re- ports on the Tea plant, the experience of experimenters demonstrates the fact that young tea plants want shade until the growth of the leaves is sufficient to shade the stems of the plants, and then they grow fast and finely in most of the Southern States East. A HANGING BASKET. By T. S. Pbice, Riverdale, Fresno Co. This is indeed an " age of progress," and I am glad to see that it comes home to us in our domestic arrangements and the adornment of our homes. I was very much interested by Miss Crane's description of a rustic box, in the No- vember number of the Horticulturist, and I expect to profit by her example. Allow me to suggest a very pretty hanging basket, a description of which I have never seen in print. Take a large cocoanut shell with the top sawed off, as is usually done for eating the meat, and drill three small holes at equal distance around the top edge. After this, drill quite a number of small holes in the bottom and sides. Into each of the three holes first drilled in- sert the end of a piece of small wire, leaving each piece two or three feet long; join these, twisting them together at the end, formiug a loop or ring, and the basket is comj^lete. The object of the holes in the side and bottom is. to prevent the shell from cracking. Care should be taken to thoroughly moisten the dirt before putting it in the basket, as the danger of cracking will there- by be lessened. Owing to putting the dirt in dry, my first effort resulted in breaking the shell. Other adornments might be added in accordance with the taste of the constructor. Has anyone tried this before? If so, let me know your success. Questions concerning the Prcepar- turiens. Walnut come to us frequently. It is undoubtedly a good variety, and we have been pleased with the speci- mens which we have seen. THE CALIFOENIA HORTICULTURIST. 9 THE UKIVEESITY EXPEEIMENTAL GECUNDS. By W. G. Else, Berkeley, Oal. As it perhaps may be of general in- terest to the readers of the Horticul- turist to know a little of the experi- mental garden at Berkeley, I shall at- tempt to give a short description of the place, and a few general remarks on its products, leaving it to persons more specially interested to consult the Re- ports of the Agricultural Department, which probably will appear before long. Before going any further, let me call your attention to the aims and objects of gardens of this kind. Experimental economic gardens are to be found in all older countries, where the objects are chiefly those of serving as illustrations in connection with the study of agri- culture and horticulture. Besides this, they are the fields for such experiments as the scientific development of these studies require, and they greatly assist in the introduction of new species and varieties of plants. The garden at Berkeley has these aims, and the latter is receiving as much attention as the small means at command allow. The economic garden proper is situ- ated at the western border of the Univer- sity grounds, bounded by a creek on one side, tht7s affording natural drainage. The soil i3 a good loam, and has been only partly cultivated for several years. It is divided into squares, bounded by five feet walks and ten feet drives, which latter serve also to separate the irri- gated from the unirrigated plots. A whole half or one-third square has been utilized for Indian corn, the various sorghums, and other large - growing forage plants. For plants of less im- portance the squares have been divided respectively into 4x10 feet, 4x6, and 4x4. The first size have been chosen for plants of more strictly agricultural importance, as forage plants, root crops, textile plants, and oil plants ; the me- dium size serves for useful plants of the garden, generally reckoned to be- long to the kitchen garden, the bound- ary line of course being very hard to draw; and, finally, the smallest plots are occupied by medicinal plants and other plants for the study of agricul- tural and botanical classes. These lat- ter plants find but a temporary place here until a location for a strictly bo- tanical garden has been found. So much for the arrangement, now a little on the contents of these plots. Of eight varieties of Sorghums, Egyp- tian Corn, and Sugar Corn, Broom Corn included, two varieties of Sugar Cane — the Amber (Kennedy's), and Iphee — have shown themselves special- ly adapted to our climate, as they are still green and sugary when the others are getting yellow and tough. None of this tribe have received irrigation ex- cept a few late planted plots. The white Egyptian Corn has hardly ripen- ed a single seed, while the brown vari- ety has ripened a number, not, however, in paying quantities. Here, in adjoin- ing plots, is also growing the Teosinte, or Reana luxurians, a grass from Chile, which is recommended in highest terms. It deserves its name, for each plant forms a thick tuft four to five feet in diameter by two feet high. It has not bloomed yet. It may get through the season without irrigation, but it does not grow very fast here. In the middle of the garden are situ- ated two clover plots and two grass plots, one of each kind on each side of the drive. They contain, or did con- tain, twelve kiud-i of grasses, and twelve clovers or clover-like plants ; they have been treated exactly alike, except that the two on one side of the drive, one 10 THE CALIFORNIA HORTICULTURIST. clover and one grass plot, have received no irrigation. Of these all the peren- nial grasses have survived the season. Orchard Grass, Dactyles gloruerata, Holeus lanatus, Soft Meadow (here called Mesquite Grass), and even Blue Grass, show signs of growth. Of the clovers, likewise, all the perennial sorts have survived and are recovering now. Included among these grasses is found one of the best of recent introductions, Panicum spectabile, sold in the East by * the name of West India Green Valley Grass. The plants, now four feet high, with from fifteen to twenty stalks, have sprung from a small rootstalk not larger than the end of a thumb, and shows by irrigation still better results. If raised from seed, it is of finer quality, and grows more compactly ; but the mode of raising it from rootstalks is of course the least difficult. The lesson taught by these little beds appears to me very important. They show that land along the coast in the fog belt might by some care be clothed with a sward of some perennial grass or clover, which not alone would lengthen the season of pasturage, making it more constant, but would also prevent the spread of weeds. Already several farm- ers have by experience come to the con- clusion that this is practicable on a large scale, and hundreds of acres are now being planted with orchard and rye grass. The experiments here show that the choice need not be limited to these. Of root crops, potatoes did poorly; beets and kohlrabis well; turnips, much affected by the beetles. The so-called Jerusalem Artichoke yielded enormous- ly. All these were without irrigation. Only hemp and flax succeeded among the textile plants. Jute was a total failure, partly due to the flea bugs and partly due to the cold weather in spring. Cotton is blooming now, so the result may be anticipated. FJax and castor beans among the oil plants succeeded well. The sunflower was affected by the beetles. The bene- plaw (Sesamum) will doubtless be too late to ripen seed, and it also suffered from the cold weather. Three varieties of Mountain Rice have been cultivated, one of which was fully headed out six weeks ago, but suffered from the last cold snap. It is however ahead of the Caro- lina Rice, which, though planted a month before, does not show signs of heading yet. Another season, and earlier sow- ing, i3 needed to decide whether it can be successfully grown here. Two varieties of beans from China should be mentioned. The first has very small inconspicuous flowers, but is a great bearer; the other has large, bluish flowers, but is growing yet. It might be used as vetches for green feed. Both varieties require less water than any other beans here tried, but two or three months' longer growth is necessary to mature seed. A Chinese variety of buckwheat seems to be worth introduc- tion. An early planting proved its re- sistance to frost, and a late planting showed its endurance of drought. The yield far surpassed that from the Cali- fornia seed of the common variety. Lastly, among the important introduc- tions, I must not forget the Penicellaria spicata, Pearl Millet, or East India Millet, the much spoken of forage plant. It grew to the height of five to six feet without irrigation. The collection of medicinal plants comprises a number of species, among which the Colooynth attracts every one's attention by its melon-like appear- ance, but no fruit has yet reached ma- turity. The department of medicinal pi unts will next season be increased considerably. Still the gathering of THE CALIFORNIA HORTICULTURIST. 11 such plants is very slow, as they are not to be had from ordinary seedsmen; and I may here ask the assistance of all interested in our work. We would especially welcome the seeds of native plants from different parts of the State, which have a local reputation, or are positively known to be of use in the Materia Medica. CLIMATE AND BULBS OF SAN BEE- NAEDDTO. By W. F. Pabish. San Bernardino, Cal. Jhe wish expressed by Mrs. "Winton is, I think, often felt by lovers of flow- ers. "We have all in a greater or less measure been groping in the dark for knowledge of plants, each one by them- selves. I also have often wished and hinted in vain for information as to plants that are suitable to our climate. You may say our climate extends from San Diego to Crescent City, and we can give no rule which covers all that ground which includes the fog belt of the coast and the dessicating air of the deserts. Leave the deserts out, for they are a tender subject with us of the lower tier of counties. Although we own the most of them, yet many of us would be glad to sell out at a great reduction. The rest of the State might be divid- ed practically into four principal divis- ions : (1) One central, taking in the bay counties as far south as Santa Bar- bara. (2) The southern division, which extends to the Mexican line, including all the lower plains. Then comes (3) a line along the coast up to the Oregon border. Then (4) a strip of inland mountainous country the whole length of the State. This it is impossible to classify, as the climate varies with the elevation. Here with us it is graded from sheltered nooks, where frost never comes, to high valleys, where ice forms every month in the year. These gen- eral divisions are not arbitrary, as they vary according to remoteness from the influence of the ooast winds, distance north or south, and local causes ; still I think they assist one to form a correct idea of our climate. If one hears of a plant that does well in some part of his division, ha may hope it will also pros- per with him. Here, in our valley of San Bernardino, the sun is so hot and the wind is so dry that I oonsider it useless to attempt the growth of such plants as Azaleas, Rho- dodendrons, the Heaths, and all plants requiring a moist atmosphere. Here the Fuchsia requires heavy shade, and is hard to get along with ; Begonias the same, so far as I can learn. I tried a dozen tuberous-rooted ones in the open ground exposed to the sun. All failed, for it was too hot. Near them I plant- ed Imatophyllum minatum, and it was roasted. I have tried several Begonias, Coleus, Gymnastochyums, besides oth- ers which I can not at present recollect. All were failures. Apparently it was too dry. But I am not content to sit down in sorrow and say "impossible." I will see if I can not find the why. Of bulbs, Tulips are a partial and Crocus a perfect failure. Hyacinths, though charged with being a failure here, do well with me. I think the reasons for the want of success with most are too heavy soil, and too late planting. Plant in November or De- cember, and use plenty of sand dug in if your ground is heavy. Tigridias have to be moved about every other year, they increase so fast, and this climate just suits them. All the Nar- cissus family do first rate. I have two sorts that bloomed last spring and are in bloom now ; whether they will con- tinue to bloom iu the fall I am not pre- pared to say, not having tried them long enough. Zephyrauthes, alba and 12 THE CALIFORNIA HORTICULTURIST. rosea, do splendid. Z. rosea is one of our finest bulbs, hardy and in bloom almost continually. I am surprised that they are not more generally culti- vated ; they repay what little care they need better than any other bulb I know of. In fact, they will grow without care. Bravoa geminiflora does well. The old- fashioned Snow Drop, with its green- tipped bell, blooms regularly about Feb- ruary, at which season the Hyacinths should be on hand. Agapanthus urn- belatum and Caladium esculentum are both hardy here — the tops get nipped by the frost, but not to hurt the bulbs. The same may be said of others. All these can be left undisturbed in the open border, unprotected, without risk; plants that stood last wiuter unprotect- ed may be depended upon. I have besides many hardy and green- house bulbs, quite a number of which stood uncovered during the past severe winter, but until further trial I do not wish to express an opinion. Gladiolus, it is needle33 to say, do well, and are handsomer than I have seen elsewhere. They seem to luxuriate in our hot sun- shine. Callas and Cannas grow wher- ever you put them, the latter especially loves the summer heat. PAJAEO. By Matty Gai/ly. Watsonville, Cal. The glowing strn,T7-fires circle round The valley's dusky verge, And mournfully the ni^ht winds sound The hearded barley's dirge. The guardian mountains closer draw Their wrinkled shoulders up, The lonesome crews their sorrows ' caw, Not knowing where to sup. A misty line liea round the hills, Yet fears to touch the fires, And darkly h ngs nbove them, till E ich smokiiy expires. And then the f >g-bank settles down; The stars go out of sight ; Although Diana's radiant crown "We dimly see all night. And so we turn within and think How pleasant is the glow Of hearth-stone fires that lazy wink, At faces that we know. December 23d, 1879. ■•— • PAEM BOTES FOE JANUAEY. The Vegetable Garden needs atten- tion this month. Sow parsnips, peas, cabbages, beets, turnips, radishes, on- ions, and all hardy vegetables. Either make narrow beds, which can easily be weeded from the path, or else sow in long rows which reach far enough to allow of the use of a cultivator. The old-fashioned square beds as large as a house are out of date. They never had anything commendable about them. A long, narrow bed, say five feet wide, is much more satisfactory to all concerned. And please do, if you have the fear of the housekeeper before your eyes, please do plant a plenty of peas. Plant them early and late. Plant Landreth's, or Certer's, or some one else's " Extra Early;" plant Marrowfats, and Blue Peters, and Tom Thumbs, and Alphas, and Wrinkled Sugar, and everything else you can find or dream of. We know a gentleman — a very enthusiastic horticulturist— whose agony is straw- berries, and he buys every variety he can hear of. Now why would not peas be as desirable a hobby? Ask the housekeeper, who should indeed be consulted on all matters pertaining to the garden. There are some people who admire carrots. It is a very well behaved vegetable. Rut allow us to re- mark that, before you sow the seed, you must let the weeds start in the ground, and kill them all with the har- row or rake, then sow at once. Sow thinly, and cover liyhtly, just before a THE CALIFORNIA HORTICULTURIST. 13 rain. Try some Salsify, and "White Co.'s Lettuce. Permanent Vegetables — Under this head we should consider that such things as rhubarb, called pie -plant, came. There should be, on every farm, a portion of the garden set apart for matters of permanent value — vegetables which do not need renewing every year. The asparag-as bed, the rows of pie- plant, and of horse-radish, the herbs, in neat clusters — all these are of the utmost importance. This is the time at which to attend to procuring these things, if not already in the garden. There should also be a few hop vines, for the beauty of the vine itself, as it trails over trellis and fence. Asparagus and pie-plant roots are best bought at one year's age, older plants not being so good to plant out. Set pie-plant four feet apart each way. We have seen nail kegs placed over the crown of the plant so as to make the stems long and brittle. Good rich soil and high culti- vation makes all the difference in the world with pie-plant, as also with as- paragus. Cultivation is everything. Tee Oschaec. — Pruning is all in full blast in many places, and some orchards are fully trimmed already, and the branches hauled out to be burnt, or piled into scxae gulch or ditch. The pruning tools are a saw, hatchet, large shears, and pruning knife. Ail these must be sharp, and kept so. The saw must have a narrow blade, so as to be used in the forks of limbs, and in diffi- cult places. It should be set wider, so as not to clog with the damp saw-dust. A very useful little saw of French make is intended to be used where one has to reach up, and its cutting stroke is given by pulling it towards you, instead ' of pushing it away, as in the ordinary saw. The hatchet is to trim off the branches, and save the^best for firewood, and, in a few cases, to help in pruning the tree. It will not, however, be found desirable to use the hatchet much in the actual work of pruning. The pruning shears are a useful instrument which every orchard needs. The simplest and strongest styles are the best. There are so many different kinds of shears in existence that it is an endless task to choose among them. But the best is, as we have said, that which i3 the sim- plest. Do not strain a pair of shears by attempting to cut too large a limb, and in cutting limbs avoid lateral mo- tion as much as possible; as notches are often broken out of the blade in just that way. The pruning knife, always an adjunct of orchard work, is most important among young trees, where shears and pruning knife do most of the work. In cur climate it is not so important to cover the wounds, but it is, nevertheless, a good plan. Paint can be applied to the end of a large limb, but the best article is a thin coat- ing of grafting wax. In the Field. — Every farmer thinks he knows how to turn a furrow, but still there are a good many ways of per- forming this operation. It looks now as if the season was to be a wet one, and, on the whole, favorable to the ag- ricultural interests of the State. Do not let your haste to be at work again after rainy days, cause you- to handle the soil when too wet. That were penny wise and pound foolish. In a wet sea- son, so many good farmers say, it is not best to lap the furrows too much. Leave them open for better drainage. Deep plowing is best en most land; rotation of crops is good for ail soils and at all times. This season Los Angeles is greatly increasing her acreage of wheat, and lessening that of barley. Flax will be more largely planted. In this month, if one travels over the 14 THE CALIFORNIA HORTICULTURIST. length and breadth of this State, there are toiling teams breaking the new soil; great gang- plows turning the young grass out of sight, and seed-sowers fol- lowing after to fling the bright grain in wide circles. It is a work which ought to content any man. Though it is hard toil, yet it is healthy and hopeful, and it is under the wide sky and the free winds of heaven. The farmer's lot is not least in this busy world of men. SELECTIONS PEOM OUK EXOHANC-ES. We see it stated that saw dust and ashes sifted over the beds will destroy the slugs. Bouquet Holder. — A suggestion in the Rural New Yorker pleases us. It is for making a bouquet holder of the glass balls used by sportsmen to shoot at for practice. These oan be procured at a gun dealer's for a few cents. Sus- pend them by a cord, fill with water, and put in a few ehoice flowers. General Bid well and his wife have just returned from a trip across the Sierra Nevada Mountains, visiting many points of interest, but they found few flowers except asters and aolidagos. Next spring we are promised a list of the flowers in the vicinity of Chico, for which we shall be duly grateful. A friend writes us that there is a Japan Persimmon tree growing in the open ground at Flushing, Long Island, and another near Rochester. We hope there is no mistake on this point, as so much has been said respecting the hardiness of the Persimmon that proof pro and con is now in order. Orchids in the Opbn Air. — At the Oc- tober meeting of the G-ermantown Hor- ticultural Society two species of Stan- hopea were exhibited in bloom, filling the hall with their delicious odor, and which plants had been simply hanging out in their baskets on the branch of a tree all summer. They were exhibited chiefly to show how easily this class of orchids can be grown. — Gardener's Monthly. Fontanesia Phyllyrjeoides. — I note this shrub not only because it is a valu-. able and neglected plant, but because it is somewhat remarkable for being tender in England and apparently hardy in America. It is related botanically to several well-known shrubs, like the For- sythia and lilac, and has attractive foli- age, not unlike some varieties of those genera. The flowers are yellow and not' specially striking, but they bloom in August, which is a decided advantage. In view of these qualities, this fonta- nesia should be borne in mind by lawn- planters — one of whose special aims should be to exhibit as large a variety of flowering plants as possible, and particularly to exhibit them throughout the summer. — Samuel Parsons, Jr., in Gountiy Gentleman. Scale on Trees. — The Florist and Po- mologist recommends Methylated spirits applied with a camel's hair brush ; for mildew and red spider use naptha and water, and syuinge. Lapagerias Out - of - doors. ■ — These beautiful plants will succeed in the open air against a sunny wall. They should be planted in turfy loam and sand, and be afforded plenty of drainage and plenty of water during dry weather. Their shoots should be trained over a wire trellis, under the roof, and when once established they will yield long garlands of waxy white or rose bell- shaped blossoms. Fruit Production in the U. S. — In L' Illustration Horticole is an article upon THE CALIFOKNIA HOETICULTUEIST. 15 North America. They say " The geo- graphical situation of the United States gives to this great oountry the most varied climate, where the fruit trees of the entire world can be cultivated, each in the latitude which suits it." After giving some tables of the amount of fruit produced in the United States, and stating that New York exports as much as 1,500,000 tons of apples in a year, the writer adds: "On seeing these figures, one thinks, if North America menaces us by the competition of her wheat, she is no less dangerous by the great production of her fruit trees, and our orchardists will perhaps soon have to sustain a terrible rivalry." Euphorbia Juice Preserving Iron from Rust. — The protection of ship bottoms from corrosion has proved a difficult problem to owners ; but the fortuitous discovery that the juice of plants of the order Euphorbiacese preserves iron from rust, is likely to be usefully ap- plied to the preservation of those por- tions of ships below the water line not only from corrosion, but from fouling. It seems that during the survey of Na- tal, some two or three years ago, one of the officers found that, when certain plants of the order named were cut during the clearing, the knives were firmly coated with the abundant gum which exuded from them, and that the knives thus coated did not rust. In consequence, experiments with the gum in question were afterwards made by Sir Andrew Clarke, who some two years ago had a sheet of iron coated with it immersed in the waters of the Chatham Dockyard, where everything becomes rapidly foul. On being taken out it was found to be quite clean. The gum is intensely bitter and poisonous, which prevents the adhesion of animals to any substance which may be coated with it, and as the plants supplying it are found in abundance on the seaside in low latitudes, even if this agent should prove only moderately efficacious it may prove of great service to the shipping interest. — Iron. The Cistuses or Rock Roses are the subject of an interesting article in the Garden. The plants of this genus are natives of Southern Europe. They are evergreen shrubs, varying in height from two to five feet. They produce freely flowers which last each one but a day, but are followed rapidly by others and continue in bloom about three months. The flowers in some species are white, in others reddish-purple, or white with red bracts, or white tinged with rose color. A resinous gum, known in commerce as "labdanum," used both in medicine and perfumery, exudes from the leaves and young branches. The shrub is said to be of easy growth, and being a native of Southern Europe would probably do well here, and be very ornamental with its evergreen leaves and white flowers. The importation of foreign green fruits into New York, says the New York Tribune, has more than doubled in ten years. Oranges have not in- creased much, the average number of Mediterranean being 160,023,487 for ten year's, and 168,705,520 for 1878 ; while of West India 12,942,675 were re- ceived last year, the average for ten years being about 50 per cent. more. Florida fruit comes in competition with the latter. Of lemons, the increase in round numbers has been from 85,000,- 000 to 217,000,000. There were 42,000 barrels and 12,000 half barrels of grapes received last year. The total value of green fruits received in New York in 1878 was $3,635,050, the duties $666,- 016. 16 THE CALIFORNIA HORTICULTURIST. Correspondence. [The editor of the California Horticulturist cordially invites all persons interested in any branch of horticulture to send practical questions and notes of their own successes and failures. A brief, una- dorned statement of events in one little garden may often prove of universal interest. >Short notes from busy people, all over the Coast, will -make this Department fresh and valuable.] THE MILD AUTUMN IN INDIANA. Editoe Horticulturist — Dear Sir: As our fine warm fail weather has probably ended, or at least as we have had a few days of cold, frosty weather, with a freezing snow storm within the past forty-eight hours, perhaps you would like to hear from our particular locality. First, I would say, we have had the most pleasant weather for the past six weeks I have seen in man}7 a long year, but our warm and pleasant September and October of course means dry weather, and as a result we now have a prospect of winter 'closing in upon us with our wells and cisterns dry, or nearly so, while all our streams are so low that navigation is practically sus- pended in the larger ones, and the smaller ones barely furnish water enough for stock. Perhaps I might say that we did not have a frost heavy enough to kill coleus and heliotrope standing in the open ground until Oc- tober 26th, which is something very un- usual for our climate. There were sev- eral light frosts all around "us for a month before this, but each time the sky being cloudy over Richmond we escaped the frost. Few people ever saw such a general flowering of trees, shrubs, and plants, as has been witnessed this fall. It is no very uncommon sight to see an oc- casional fruit tree bloom in fall, but this year in addition to the apple, pear, cherry, etc., which are probably the most accustomed to do so, we have had a plenty of examples of Plums, Lilac Charles X, Spirea of several varieties, Deutzea gracilis, and some of our mar- ket nurserymen have had a fall crop of ripe strawberries, and half grown plums and pears. As usual, my Cydonia Ja- ponica has had its periodical spells of blooming, and is now in full bloom as well as with a good supply of fruit. Taking it altogether, we have had a very remarkable season — big crops to reward the producers and lots of strange freaks to interest the curious. Can you let me know those who are collecting either plants to sell, or bot- any for study on the Pacific Coast dur- ing 1879 ? I do not know where to ob- tain the information, or would not trou- ble you with my questions. L. B. Case. Richmond, Ind., Nov. 3d, 1879. [Botanical students, collectors of plants, or persons who are engaged in the business of collecting them for sale, will greatly oblige us by forwarding their names to this office. This invita- tion also extends to seed and bulb col- lectors.— Editor Hort.1 JAPAN PERSIMMONS AND CALIFORNIA GRAPES IN MISSOURI. Editor Horticulturist — Dear Sir : I am late in acknowledging the receipt of an invitation to be present and partici- pate in the formation of your State Horticultural Association. In doing so now, I can only express regret that my engagements here prevented me from enjoying the pleasure of participating in so desirable and necessary an under- taking in a State in which I cast my first vote — and that for the State's first Constitution. Although your magazine is devoted wholly to the interests of horticulture in your own State, where the soil and climate differ so much from ours, yet there are so many things in common to THE CALIFOENIA HOKTICULTUBIST. 17 all sections of our country, that I find much of its contents of great profit to me as a horticulturist, and I read it with great interest and pleasure. Last spring, I received from Shinn & Co. two Japan Persimmons, which were late in starting, but which have done well since. A few days ago, after the thermometer had sunk to 16J°, I bound one of them with straw, which was situated on the south side of a grove. The other, on the west side, I have left unprotected to weather the winter through. We have had a great many of these persimmon trees brought to this section by Loomis and Alexan- der, but I think their vitality was seri- ously affected by delays and exposures on their way here, and hence they suc- cumbed to the unusually severe weath- er of last winter. So far, it is doubtful whether the kaki can stand our climate. I also procured last spring, from a friend in Sonoma County, choice cut- tings of the Black Hamburg, Black Prince, Mission, Tokay, Muscat, Sweet- water, Zinfindel, and a variety of the Chasselas grapes. I grafted these on four year old Taylor Bullet stock, but in my anxiety to graft as high as pos- sible (cleft grafting) so as to prevent the grafts from taking root, I have suc- ceeded in getting only three or four of each variety to "take." These, how- ever, have done remarkably well, mak- ing a growth of wood of from eight to fourteen feet in length, with a good number of laterals, and have borne from one to four bunches of grapes each. A bunch of the Chasselas, which I exhib- ited to some of the vignerons about St. Joseph, weighed over one pound. Grafting on the Taylor insures exemp- tion from all trouble in regard to the roots. One of the causes assigned for the failure of the vitis vinifera here is the settling of the dew on the foliage. The sun striking the leaves before the dew is off, scalds them and causes the foliage to shrivel up. To counteract this, I have grafted the vinifera on hardy vines growing on a western slope, and grow in addition, in alternate rows, rampant native varieties — the rows run- ning north and south — so that the dew will be evaporated before the sun can strike the vines. If I find any more pro- tection necessary, I propose to stretch two wires — one on either side of the posts — near the top, and on them place a sort of tin, sheet-iron, or other cover- ing, to protect the vines from our in- tensely hot noonday sun. This year, however, the foliage of the vinifera has not been affected in the least by the sun, or any other cause, but remained healthy looking until the frost of October 22d came. My vineyard is about 250 feet above the Missouri River, and on the bluffs. Frost appears from two to three weeks earlier down in the valley than it does with me in autumn, and nearly that much later there than with me in the spring. Last week I pruned the exotic vines, and covered them with clear soil. I might mention that I put paper bags over the growing bunches of the Black Hamburg, and the bunches all rotted. Whether they would have done so with- out bagging, I can not say/ but on no other of the exotics did rot appear. I am experimenting with figs and other semi-tropical fruits, and hope, by giv- ing them winter protection, to be suc- cessful with many. Tours truly, Jos. S. McAleer. St. Joseph, Mo'., Nov. 7th, 1879. Hints as to the Hardiness of Plants. — Editor Horticulturist — Dear Sir: One great desideratum for all new counties is the knowledge of what is 18 THE CALIFORNIA HOKTICULTUKIST. hardy or will probably prove so . Much of our time and money — never plenty with new settlers — is spent in blindly testing things we hope or fancy may prove liable to stand our cold in winter and our heat in summer. Much aid may be gathered from arti- cles, where the names of plants usual in cultivation are mentioned incidentally, perhaps, but in connection with others not so common, which may be not yet introduced. For instance, your article about the New Zealand woods mentions the Phormium Tenax. Now P. Tenax seems to do well there, consequently we may infer that many of the other plants mentioned might also succeed wherever P. Tenax does. W. F. P. San Bernardino, Cal. HINTS ON A POND LILT, A gentleman in Grass Valley, -who has always shown a warm friendship for the Horticulturist, has a most beauti- ful lily pond in his garden. In a re- cent letter of genial advice on the pond subject, he said : " Build your pond of rock instead of brick, and back up the walls with rock pounded solid, or the weight of the water will warp and crack the sides, and cause it to leak. I have not succeeded in getting mine tight, and I am now at work putting tons of rock around it outside. "I hit upon a very useful arrange- ment, which I would strongly recom- mend for large lily ponds. At each end of my pond I have a pillar of brick built from the bottom of the pond up to the surface of the soil, about 18 inches. Across the middle of the pond I have two walls of the same height, but one wall would be sufficient. When I wish to plant or remove any roots, I draw off the water, and lay a plank from the wall to one pillar. I can move it about and search any portion of the pond, but without this arrangement I should have to wade through eighteen inches of thin mud." F. M. [This letter brings out some import- ant points, the chief of which is, make your lily ponds water-tight. This, then, we would faithfully impress upon our readers. The culture of water lilies is so pleasant a pursuit that we hope to see it become universal. — Ed. Hort.] The Delayed California Botany. — Mr. Editor : We have quite a number of interesting fall flowers in this sec- tion. They are chiefly of the Legumin- osse order, but I am unable to trace them to their genera and species, be- cause I have been unable to obtain a more complete book than Volney Rat- tan's little work. What we wish to know, is : When can we have a new is- sue of the grand Botanical Survey of the State ? And if such an issue is im- probable, are there any other books on the classification of California flowers that will be of service to an amateur? Information on this subject will be gratefully received by many friends of nature. John Gr. Dunn. Linden, Nov. 21st, 1879. [We do not yet know when the Cali- fornia Botany will be published, but hope to see the second volume, and a new edition of the first volume, ap- pear soon. We shall keep our readers posted on this point. — Editor.] -»-*^a. BELLTS OF OOEEESPONDENCE. A letter from Florida, from a noted lady botanist, promises us some notes on interesting plants of that region. W. P., San Bernardino, writes that he may furnish us with some fruit notes next season. We shall be extremely glad to receive them. John Rock has been moving his nur THE CALIFORNIA HORTICULTUKIST. 19 series to a point so«ie two miles north- west of his old location, and has gone to considerable expense in enlarging and heating his greenhouses. Mr. Siler, the Utah " Cacti man," has sent us some small plants of Shep- hardia rotundifolia, a rare plant, with whitish leaves, of value for ornamental purposes. We acknowledge the kind- ness. Hon. Horace Davis writes us, from the House of Representatives, that when our Horticultural Society is thor- oughly organized he will try to help our library along, for which kindness all the members will be grateful. A friend lately writes us that he pro- cured a beautiful pink water lily root from Chipman Brothers, of Sandwich, Mass., at a cost of $10, and that it has proven eminently satisfactory, and is worth a hundred times the first cost. Mrs. Childs writes, from Santa Bar- bara, that she- has had great success with Lobelia cardinalis, and that many of the garden folk there are going to send East for plants. Why do they not try seeds? Half the fun of the business is in the seeds, according to our belief. Mr. L. M. Holt, formerly Secretary of the Southern California Horticul- tural Society, and editor of their pub- lication, writes stating that he expects to publish a work on semi - tropical fruit culture in Southern California. We shall be glad to see it, and he has our cordial wishes for its success. John Saul, of Washington City, writes that few of our California Lilies do well East. Humboldtii is quite uncer- tain, though some do well in one par- ticular spot on Mr. Saul's grounds. Then the Horticulturist gets a compli- ment which we hope to more truly de- serve. H. S. W., Rockledge, Florida, writes that he is much pleased with the Hor- ticulturist, and wishes to have the or- ange growers of California and Florida compare notes. Mr. W. is a well known and interesting correspondent of several journals, and our readers will soon hear from him. We are also promised some botanical notes from one of the best lady botanists of Florida. A letter from New Zealand, from our valued contributor Mrs. C. L. Bracey, gives yet further glimpses of that rare and lovely land, whose future is so bright. Everybody knows how Ma- caulay's New Zealander is to sit on a broken arch of London Bridge and con- template the ruins of St. Paul. Well, now, we half expect that, or something like it may happen. The centre of civili- zation may be in New Zealand yet. It is an empire of possibilities. We lately spent some time over the Otago and Auckland papers, and they are full of interesting reading. We were in some wise, we can not tell exactly how, caused to say in print last month, in one paragraph, that the Paulonia was hardy, and in another that the terminal bud was sometimes injured. This may require a line of explanation. We have seen the leader of the Pau- lonia Imperialis killed for an inch or so from the tip, but it will, we think, stand the winter in all our valleys with- out noticeable injury. As it gets older it is of course hardier. Dr. Curl is trying experiments with new plants and fruits, for the benefit of the community. He wishes to procure seeds of the California Wild Plum 20 THE CALIFOKNIA HOKTICULTTJKIST. (Prunus subcordata), and the California "Wild Cherry (P. demissa), also of the Humboldt Desert Plum (P. Andersonii), and of any other California wild fruit. He will return the favor by sending seeds of New Zealand plants and fruits. His full address is Dr. S. M. Curl, Manuka Bush Station, Central Rangiti- kei, Wellington, New Zealand. Valuable Gardening Books. — A letter lately received from Mr. Robinson, the editor of the London Garden, mentions a number of useful books for the gar- dener and botanist, and, since several have asked us questions on that point, we take the liberty to quote a portion of his letter. Mr. Robinson says: "As for the garden library you can not do any- thing better, I should say, than to buy the Treasury of Botany, Loudon's Ar- boretum, Michaux's Book of Ameri- can Trees, and Barillon's Dictionary of Botany. There is no end of books on horticulture and botany, and you might spend a thousand pounds, and then not have all you need. Do not for- get Leroy's Dictionary of Pomology." Fantastic Garden Decorations. — "We protest in the name of correct taste against the employment of fantastic decorations for the garden and lawn. Rustic adornments in the way of pavil- lions, seats, vases, and arbors, when not too numerous, and if judiciously dis- posed about the grounds with no regard to their extent, are most appropriate; and yet the tendency here is to overdo, to multiply these structures, and cum- ber the lawn and garden with too many things of this kind. There is a worse taste however than the employment of rustic vases, chairs, etc., in outdoor embellishments, against which we most earnestly protest, and that is the use of those fantastically painted affairs whicb we hardly know how to name , with which people are wont to bestrew the lawn. For instance : at a neat town place of an acre or so in extent, which we visited not long ago, the owner had lined the sides of the main drive-way with bowl- ders, about the size of a six quart pail, said bowlders having been painted red, white and blue — the colors being "har- moniously arranged," as he said.: — American Cultivator. Editorial department. Important Notice — Change op Ad- dress.— The editor of the Horticultur- ist desires to state to his friends and to the public generally, that, paving ac- cepted a position on the editorial staff of the San Francisco Daily Bulletin, his address for horticultural manuscript and exchanges will be changed from Niles to 409 "Washington Street, San Francisco, Cal. He wishes to embrace this oppor- tunity to thank his friends of the press, and his numerous correspondents, for their constant favors and kindness, which have made the editorial paths most pleasant. ■ » i » SPBDffGJS HEKE. It is the twenty-second of December,, and in three days more, as the world knows, the blessed Christ-morn, with its hopes and memories, will be here. Three days ago there was a rain-cloud over the State from Bakersfield to Treka, from sea to sierra, and the hearts of the brown-handed toilers, in field and in garden, grew glad with the promise of another golden year, an abun- dant harvest to be. To-day, the rain is past, and gone; the air is crystal pure, and healthily chill; we have to search long to find a cloud in the blue- ness of the sky ; by the pulse of earth, THE CALIFORNIA HORTICULTURIST. 21 the winds of heaven, it is spring in defiance of the almanacs. You busy merchant, in your narrow office; you tired teacher, in the clatter and worry of the schoolroom; you me- chanic driving the lathe in cellars un- derground; you seamstress endlessly toiling close under the skylights; you printer, adding one to another the secret-telling types; you countless army of toilers, whom the great city hides in its sullen heart in the midst of heedless multitudes, so mingled that pleasure and pain, riches and poverty, virtue and dishonor, walk side by side un- known— do any of you forget the dewy grass, the fragrant blossoms, the ber- ries in the woods, the rocky slopes of the blue hills which girt your child- ish horizons? Stop, and think a mo- ment. This very day the sunlight fills many a forest aisle in the deep and emerald woods of Santa Cruz, Nevada, Trinity, Mendocino ; this very day there are fern leaves, in multitudes not to be numbered, growing for mile after mile in benign, bewildering successions ; this very day there are birds by the mil- lion, singing in melodious ways of rap- ture and delight. And, of all the grass blades, no two are quite alike ; each one of all the blossoms has its own way, lesson, and sweetness; each fern-leaf crimples, each bird sings, each tree grows with its own charm, its own rea- son sufficient. When we are tired let us think of whole forests cool and reverential ; of leagues upon leagues of rocky coast with caves and shells, from firm beach, white foam, and gray breakers ; of the coming thousands of acres of yellow buttercups, blue larkspurs, orange pop- pies, and lilac tritelias; of a whole State, from Arizona to Oregon, covered with green grass, even to-day. It is a most musical world whereof we need never despair. As this new year begins let us remember the three rules of the " Ten times one are ten " Club : To look forward, and not backward ; to look up- ward, and not downward ; to lend a helping hand. — — ^ ♦ »i SPRING BLOOMING TLOWEES. There is in every garden which we have heard of a corner where flowers will blossom earlier than elsewhere. Search diligently for that place, my be- loved garden friend, and when it is found, treasure and utilize it. Mayhap it is in an angle of the fence, or near the house, or close to a great rock, or south of a hedge, or mass of shrubbery. It is there that the first blue forget-me- not is found, there that the first pink Oxalis unfolds, there the earliest Cro- cuses, Anemones, and Jonquils bloom, A single day is worth so much in the calendar of the true flower-lover. Why the first new pansy bud, purple and leaf-hid, which we find in spring-time, is worth a handful afterwards. The charm of the first of anything has nev- er been fairly told. Now, if anyone will mark out a spot for spring gardening, it will form a sort of nucleus about which many early- flowering shrubs and annuals will gath- er.. If a spring ribbon bed is to be tried, they must of course be in bloom at about the same time, but small patches of spring-time color scattered through the shrubbery are admirable, and need not be expensive. The fol- lowing are good spring bloomers : Si- lene pendula, pink ; Limnanthes Doug- lasi (a California annual), yellow; Myo- sotis silvatica, blue ; Saxifraga granu- lata, white. In addition to them, we can recommend pansies, daisies, poly- anthuses, Arabis alpina, single and double blue violets, candytuft for bou- quets, and also tulips, hyacinths, cro- 22 THE CALIFORNIA HORTICULTURIST. cuses, anemones, scillas, and other early bulbs. Some one nudges our memory and suggests nemophilas. Really, we have spoken so many times of that love- ly California flower that it seems as if each of our readers must know all about it. But the fact is that, not long ago, we found it hard to procure nemophila seed, though inquiring at several seed- stores in this city. Our lovely gillias and pentstemons are often equally un- known. Our gardening people in Cali- fornia do not plant half enough of the native species of bulbs, annuals, and perennials. It is a sad state of affairs, and some one should begin to preach a reform. ^ ■ m NATIONAL SOCIETIES. We presume that all of our readers have heard of the movement to estab- lish a National Agricultural Society in the United States. There is no reason why such an enterprise should not suc- ceed, and we believe it can not but re- sult in much good. It will, if rightly managed, bring different sections more closely together ; it will be able to ex- press the feelings and beliefs of the farming classes ; it will suggest, im- prove, develop the state of agriculture in our midst. But, if it were possible, we should have another National Society — one of horticulture. No matter how success- ful the State societies become, there should be one society of sational extent and importance ; one society whose ex- hibitions and deliberations should be of universal interest. Here, where the will of the people is royal, we can have a Royal Horticultural Society of our own, in our own way. The American Pomological Society is a type of patient, enthusiastic work. By and by, when we have our district shows of flow- • ers, plants, and vegetables; when school children and villagers compete; when America is all flower-land, there will be, let us hope, a National Horti- cultural Society, to perpetuate itself forever, gathering strength year by year, and helping to teach men how to live brighter and sweeter lives. THE HELD TOE GAKDENERS, A letter in this number from our es- teemed correspondent, Leonard Coates, is in many ways suggestive. He asks whether there is room for more garden- ers in California? It is pleasant to learn of an increasing interest in ohir State, and we most heartily indorse all that can be said regarding the necessity of absolute truthfulness, on the part of the public press, towards strangers who ask questions about our soil, cli- mate, and resources. To ignorantly or willfully exaggerate on the subjects is to commit a crime. California wants more citizens — but they must be happy, successful, ambitious, and fully satis- fied with their surroundings. The error, which many of the local papers commit is to pick up every ex- ample of a marvelous yield, and blazon it as a usual thing, as, in fact, a " dead certainty." Some San Francisco papers, also, have at times done altogether too much of that sort of thing. A publica- tion called the Resources of California has never uttered anything but praise of any section of our State. And there are others of the same nature. This is not, however, peculiar to California. The same thing occurs in every unde- veloped region, and wherever there is- room, and a desire for more people. Beyond any shadow of doubt there are opportunities here, such as seldom occur, for the investment of a small capital. There is enough unskilled labor, though some is of a very poor THE CALIFORNIA HORTICULTURIST. character. We do not bo much need laborers as we need men who own a garden spot, a vineyard on the hill-side, a few well-cultivated acres of orchard. There is room for thousands of such, and also for the tradesmen and artisans which they would support. The north- ern coast counties, and the sierra foot- hills, offer the best openings for indi- viduals. The most successful colonies have been in the southern counties. It must be said, with reference to colonies, that they are of two kinds — speculative and bona fide. Some of the California colonies have not been suc- cessful, because the land and water for irrigation cost too much to begin with, or were badly managed. Others have prospered wonderfully, and give us a glimpse of what will eventually be done in the way of healthy, successful com- munities. The best plan for a colony is where a number of families put their means together and buy directly from the original owner, dividing the land up among themselves afterwards, and going upon it immediately. There is an abundance of rich land to be pur- chased in the central counties of the State at from thirty to sixty dollars per acre — land which is fit for colony pur- poses, and would amply repay the labor put upon it. If the question is asked whether we have room in this State for more gar- deners, it needs a careful answer. We ought to have a great many more edu- cated and practical gardeners, florists, and horticulturists, to assist in the proper development of this coast. But we have not, as yet, a sufficient number of really choice and well kept private grounds to employ many more garden- ers than are now on the coast. Matters are growing better each year, but, at present, the opening for gardeners who must work for wages is not large. Gardeners who have enough means to look about them somewhat, and who will purchase and improve a few acres, growing some plants for the neighbor- hood, .and turning their attention to vines and fruits, will never regret that they came to California. SPEING FLOWEEDTG SHEUBS. The early blooming shrubs are often the most attractive features in a garden. Plant them with a lavish hand. They need little care, and as we have often said, shrubs of all kinds are eminently adapted to our climate. The Golden Jasmine (J. nudiflorum) blooms early, and is worth having. It may be train- ed to a wall, or a pillar, or if severely cut back each year, and staked, may stand on the lawn. The Catalonian Jasmine, which has large white flowers,, is even an earlier bloomer than is the yellow species. Scotch Furze (Ulex Europaeus), is, we are informed, used with great effect in many of the gar- dens of Europe. It grows on the rocki- est and steepest of hill-sides, and hence might be used as a background to mountain gardens. Forsythia voridis- sima, and F. suspensa have handsome yellow flowers. The red-flowering Cur- rant (Ribes sanguineum), with its bright rosy blossoms in long, drooping ra- cemes, is worthy of a place in every garden. The Magnolias are, some of them, of great beauty. M. Soulange- ana is one of the best. M. Halleana is equally valuable. Both bloom on leaf- less stems. The flowers are very large and showy. Cydonia Japonica is a good shrub for low hedges. It is of the easiest cultivation. Both the white and the crimson are worth having. The Laurestinus is well enough known al- ready, as it appears in so many of our gardens. Its profuse flowering quali- ties commend it. Prunus triloba, and 24 THE CALIFOKNIA HOKTICULTUKIST. P. sinensis, are covered with lovely lit- tle flowers in perfect wreaths. Ber- beris Darwini has flowers of a rich or- ange color, and leaves of deep green. Lilacs, Deutzias, and Spireas, should find a place in every well-ordered gar- den. FOEM FRUIT CLUBS. The State Horticultural Society needs the help of others besides the botanist. There is another side to its work. It tries to study the needs of the orchard- ist in California. There are committees devoted to that subject, and it is ex- pected that much will, in the course of time, be done as regards the nomencla- ture of varieties of our orchard fruits, the insect and diseases to which trees are liable, culture and treatment of orchards, and in fact, all which per- tains to successful pomological work. Now, it is eminently desirable that the fruit growers of each and every valley and ravine and mountain side of our State should report to us at times, and should in fact organize a Fruit, or Pomological, or Orchardists' Club for study and mutual improvement in their chosen business. Two friendly neigh- bors could do it. Half a dozen of one mind would make the biggest kind of success. Then they misrht report to the Pomological section of the State Horti- cultural Society, and so, by united ef- forts, a vast fund of knowledge would be obtained. TO OUE OOEBESPOffDEFTS. Pleasant letters keep pouring in. We are oftentimes pelted with postals in pencil ; likewise with ink ones. Please keep it up. But, as we become busier and busier (and mind you we do not mean to grumble), it is more and more hard to find time to write replies. It becomes a necessity that our friends in mountain valleys and on the wide San Joaquin and Sacramento plains, and by lonely and lovely rivers, must look to the pages of this monthly for the an- swers to what they ask. Many times during the past year we have answered personal queries by let- ter— dozens of them. We still expect to do that when no other way stands open. But we desire, mpre and more, to have our friends find this the medium, and to have them gather in monthly circles about our horticultural camp- fires. If you want to ask about any- thing, write ; if you have anything to tell, write ; and please do write on only one side of the paper. Not many hours ago we received an article. It was de- lightfully written. The author knew where to begin, and very nearly where to stop. But it was written on both sides of the paper. We either had to copy every other page, or to send it to the printer as it was. A year ago, in our days of innocence and idleness, we would have proceeded to do the first. As it was, we did the latter, and the printers (some of them), we have since been reliably informed, made remarks which were not saintly, but severe. Printers are but human. We once knew a young man who be- gan to write for the newspapers. At first he did it with much pride and style. He bought expensive paper ; he was continually troubled about p'ens ; his ink was the best to be found; the shade of his envelopes was an agony; he owned a copy of the " Authors5 Gruide." But still the publishers did not want his manuscripts. He thought this was very curious, because there was another young man who wrote on strips of wrap- ping paper, with an old stub of a lead pencil, and the publishers were willing, and the printers rejoiced at his copy. A man who writes a valuable letter THE CALIFORNIA HORTICULTURIST. 25 must have something to say. If he be- comes interested in his subject, the story will probably be well told. He must be willing to take some trouble to re - write and re - arrange his matter. People who have respect for the print- ers will (a) leave a margin of half an inch on the left hand of every sheet ; (&) will paragraph distinctly, beginning the first line of a paragraph in the mid- dle of the page; (c) will separate the words, and not run a single word across a line, with a flourish at the end ; (d) will never write on both sides of the paper unless in a strictly private letter. Thus runs the literary gospel, whereby, if you take kindly heed, you are on the high road to the kingdom of good au- thorship. ; •• • » POEM BOTANICAL CLUBS. Now that the State Horticultural So- ciety is fairly and hopefully organized, it is quite in order for ladies and gen- tlemen in any part of the State, or in- deed of the whole Pacific Coast, to form local societies for the study of plants and for mutual improvement in botany, and to put themselves into communica- tion with the Secretary of the State Horticultural Society's Botanical Sec- tion, so as to report the results of their work. There are a great many pleas- ant discoveries to be made in this way, if a few persons only help each other. There is hardly a village in the State where such a botanical club might not be formed. There ought to be a week- ly meeting for study, and a monthly meeting for business, and the members ought to make Saturday excursions in search of plants. They would be cer- tain to make a host of interesting dis- coveries in the course of their cheerful rambles. Now where are the ladies who will organize botanical clubs? Monterey, Santa Cruz, Grass Valley, Watsonville, Santa Barbara, Riverside, and dozens of other places ought to have at least one apiece. ■ ^ » » Ferns in a California Conservatory. — The illustration which we present to our readers this month is, we think, the best photograph which the Horticul- turist has ever. had taken. It repre- sents a view from the interior of Mr. A. K. P. Harmon's largest conservatory, at Oakland, Alameda County, and was taken expressly for us. The large tree ferns from New Zealand, and the Adi- antums, Davallias, and other interest- ing species are well shown. The leaves in the background at the extreme right hand are those of the ginger plant. Caladiums, Begonias, trailing vines, Ba- nana stems, and the central aquarium which gleams from under the mist of delicate fern-tracery, all unite to make up a most enjoyable whole. It makes one wish that he could live in such a lovely land of sun and shade ; it makes the boyish dreams of tropic lands and coral isles, most real and glorious. Really, if one did but know it, the ferns in this conservatory are much happier than they would be in their native woods. At least we more than half think so. m i » ■ December Meeting of the State Hor- ticultural Society. — Mr. Hatch, of So- lano County, exhibited five seedling almonds. Two of them were very thin- shelled. The others were somewhat harder than the ordinary Languedoc. All were of medium size, and report as unusually early. Some large speci- mens of Japanese Persimmon were ex- hibited by Joseph Sexton, of Santa Bar- bara ; also some fine Japanese Chest- nuts, which were larger than the Italian species. Mr.. Blowers was on hand with his Sultana and Muscatel raisins, and also with specimens of Emperor grapes, 26 THE CALIFORNIA HORTICULTURIST. which had been picked in October, but were in perfect condition, and will keep for three months longer. The value of this beautiful grape for market pur- poses is evident. There were ten new members duly elected, and four per- sons were nominated. The subject for discussion at the next meeting is on Transplanting and- Pruning of Trees. Charles H. Shinn is appointed to lead in the discussion. R. A. Blowers is to discuss the subject of pruning grape- vines. (pditorial Jfoies. The new Lilium Japonicum is a charming lily, and deserves a wide dissemination. It was describ- ed in Mr. Jarmain's article last year, so we shall not repeat, but we speak of it, as bulbs have just been re- ceived by some of the nurserymen on this coast. They can not be sold for less than $1 50, as it is a rare and expensive lily ; and we think that $2 will be charged for extra sized bulbs. But they are well worth it. Japanese Chestnut Trees. — There is a very choice variety of Chestnut which grows in Japan, and has not heretofore been known on this coast. We first received a few of the nuts last year, and this year received the trees. The nut is larger and of better flavor than the well known Italian Chestnut. The San Francisco Bulletin of this city is now dis- tribuing seeds to its subscribers, and among others ordered this Chestnut. The nuts are the largest ever seen, some of them weighing 1£ to 1| oz. The trees, which may be seen at Shinn's nurseries near Niles, are handsome, sturdy, and healthy, and the species promises to be a valuable introduction to this coast. Imports of Sugar and Molasses. — During the year 1878, the United States paid $77,537,569 for im- ported sugar and molasses. It is certainly more de- sirable to keep this large sum at home, and it would seem entirely possible to do so. We have already beet sugar factories in operation, but there is room for more, and much land and capital could doubtless find profitable use in raising sorghum and making sugar from it. Some of the newer varieties of this cane are said to yield as high as 10 per cent, of crys- tallizable sugar, which is about equal to Louisiana cane. Jujube Jelly. — We see elderberries recommend- ed for jelly making, but the Gardener's Monthly in- forms us that no other fruit is equal to the jujube for that purpose. As the jujube is a tree of easy culture, we should think it worth planting for that purpose alone. Perfumes. — The Gardener's Monthly gives some statistics about perfumery, from which we take a part. Europe and British India consume yearly 150,000 gallons of handkerchief perfume, and the English revenue from imported perfumes is $240,- 000 each year. One perfume distillery at Cannes,. France, used yearly about 100,000 pounds of acacia flowers, 140,000 pounds of rare flower leaves, 32,000 pounds of jasmine blossoms, and 20,000 pounds of tuberose blossoms, together with an immense quan- tity of other material. The value of perfumes to countries adapted to their production may be gather- ed from the following estimate of their growth and value per acre. An acre of jasmine plants, 40,000 in number, will produce 5,000 pounds of flowers, worth $1,250 ; an acre of roses, 10,000 plants, 2,000 pounds .of flowers, worth $375 ; 300 orange trees, growing on an acre at ten years of age, 2,000 pounds of flow- ers, value, $250 ; an acre of violets, 1,600 pounds of flowers, $800 ; an acre of cassia trees (300 trees) at three years of age, 900 pounds, $450 ; an acre of geranium plants will yield 2,000 lbs. distilled attar worth $4,000 ; an acre of lavender, 3,500 pounds of flowers for distillation, $1,500. Bare Water Lilies. — Mr. Stratton, of Peta- luma, showed us, during a recent visit to that town, some plants of choice water lilies. We noticed N. Devoniensis, N. cerulia, and others. They seemed in healthy condition, though too small to bloom for some time. Here, Mr. Stratton says, the well known white water lily (N. odorata) needs to be bloomed in tubs set on the surface of the ground, as the sum- mer nights are cool, and it requires more warmth than would be obtained if sunk beneath the surface. Sexton's Nurseries. — Two miles west of the town of Petaluma, in the midst of a busy farming community, we found Mr. Sexton busy with his green- houses and nursery plans. The region round about is one of gentle undulations, rolling hills, and rounded peaks, beneath whose summits orchards nestle, and vineyards cluster, still (Nov. 22d) with the last grapes ungathered. Mr. Sexton bought most of an importation of Japan plants last year, and is well supplied with Persimmons and Camel- lias. His trees show good growth, and careful at- tention. He informed us that he is thinking of try- ing the Asbestine system of underground piping,, not for irrigation, but for drainage, some of his land being too wet in ordinary seasons. A Novelty in Roses. — We are informed that buds of the new striped tea rose, " American Ban- ner," were worn for the first time in New York, by the ladies waiting on the tables at the Fair of the Seventh Regiment, on the evening of Wednesday, THE CALIFORNIA HORTICULTURIST. 27 December 3d. This rose from its novelty and scar- city is likely to be in great demand this winter ; but as it can only be supplied in small quantities, it will cost more than its weight in gold. Aquarium Plants. — The interest in aquariums ought to increase through the winter months. We can recommend the following : Trapa natans, an an- nual from the south of Europe, with floating leaves, flowers and nuts ; Ranunculus rosela, from Florida, with fan-shaped, tinted leaves, and trumpet-shaped white flowers ; Limnocharis Humboldtii, a small lily from Buenos Ayres, with beautiful yellow flowers ; Hydrocharis cordifolia, a native of the United States, heart-shaped leaves, flowers white ; Saggitaria lanci- folia, from South America, a variety of the common arrow-head, bearing a spike of begonia-like flowers. All these plants, together with the Nymphea flora, or Florida pond lily, and many others, will succeed in outdoor tanks and water-basins in our climate. The Brisbane Botanic Garden. — During the past year much has been done in these gardens. The rainfall of last winter was excessive, and a hur- ricane passing over Brisbane, last May, uprooted some of the finest trees in the gardens. An Acacia Lebbeck sixty feet high, and Araucarias of fifty feet in height were destroyed. This has been the only casualty of note during the season. Many improve- ments have been made in the aquaria, the conserva- tories, and the grounds. Seeds of native trees are gathered and distributed to all parts' of the world. The chief genera thus disseminated are Eucalypti, Grevilleas, Cedrelas, Aruacarias, Casuarinas, and Drammaras. A collection of native woods, number- ing about two hundred, has been made for exhibi- tion, together with some account of their character and usefulness. Seventy-eight varieties of sugar cane have been tested. This collection has proved of great value, and cuttings and seeds have been sent to the United States, the West Indies, Hawaii, and other places. The sugar industry is developing in the province of Queensland. In 1878, 16,584 acres were devoted to sugar cane in that province, and 12,356 tons of sugar were produced. Rice, received from British Burmah and Madras, was judiciously distributed, and the result has been a large yield. Farmers are exhibiting considerable interest in the subject, as it is expected that rice will become a profitable crop. With respect to coffee culture the Government has offered peculiar inducements, there being many acres which are thought to be eminently suited to that product. Seed is being widely distributed by the au- thorities of the Botanic Gardens. Reports from Ceylon state that the leaf disease threatens to ruin the plantations there, and greater efforts will be made to start plantations in Queens- land. The points recommended, on the Morseby ranges, are also suitable for cocoa, nutmeg, cinna- mon, clove, and species of cinchona. The low ground of the vicinity is adapted to gutta percha, ipecacu- anha, black pepper, etc. In the matter of grasses the following new ones- are recommended: Eleusine eoracana, an annual grass, rapid grower, and large producer ; Arundin- aria falcata, an Indian perennial; Poa fertilis, per- ennial ; and Euchla?na luxurians, of which so much has been said in agricultural journals. The stalks^ are reported as being too hard and fibrous. During the year the Colonial Botanist and Direc- tor, Mr. Walter Hill, visited Fraser Island, and made reservations of government timber, taking proper steps to prevent waste, and wanton destruc- tion. The whole history of the Botanic Garden shows able and practical work, and we ought to have one like it at the University. Propagation op Adiantum Cuneatum. — This fine variety of fern was the subject of discussion at the recent meeting of the San Mateo County Horti- cultural Society, and Mr. Burr, of Menlo Park, read a paper on its treatment from which we con- dense the following : This Adiantum may be propa- gated by spores, and also by the division of the stools. If by spores, procure a well ripened frond, and keep until perfectly dry. Many ways of sowing are recommended, but the most successful here was by using bits of sandstone about the size of a mar- ble ; fill a seed pan two-thirds full, and fill the spaces between the bits of sandstone with peat, then sow the spores, and cover it with moss. Wateruplace in an orchid house, and cover with a piece of glass. If the plant is to be propagated by division of the stools, January is the best time. On repotting be careful not to put them in too large pots, as the crowns will not push until the roots touch the sides of the pot. Plants four feet through have been grown in the fol- lowing compost : peat, two-thirds ; loam, sand, and well rotted manure, one-third ; with a sprinkling of sandstone, all mixed together. But in this State peat is so difficult to obtain that, as Mr. Burr states^ the compost ^may be leaf-mould, two-thirds, in its place. An ordinary greenhouse temperature is suf- ficient, unless a winter growth is desired, and then some artificial heat will be needed. The Chinese Sumac. — The Chinese Sumac (Rhus Osbecki), is larger and in every way more conspicuous than any other form of the Rhus family. The leaves are broad, massive, and distinguished by a peculiar extension of the leaf along the midrib. Its fall coloring in the Eastern States, so Samuel Parsons says in the New Yorker, is brilliant in the extreme, being far more conspicuous than the Ameri- can species. The flower is also attractive. This- shrub is of very recent introduction, and has not yet been seen on this Coast. Australian Native Grasses. — In 1875 the Royal Agricultural Society of Queensland offered a valu- 28 THE CALIFORNIA HORTICULTURIST. able prize for an essay on native grasses. At that time it was found that the Bromus arenarius or na- tive oat grass had nearly disappeared. Since then varied experiments have been carried on, and the Queenslanders have decided that they possess some native grasses of rare merit. Besides the Bromus, other prominent varieties are, Festuca Bil- lardieri, a favorite with stock-owners ; Helopus an- nulatus, which is valuable for both summer and winter growth ; and Microleena stipoides, a grass of rapid growth, and a prolific seed yielder. All of these grasses named are being liberally distributed in both the farming and the pastoral districts. Two Lawn Trees. — We have been much pleased with the Cladrastis tinctoria, or Yellow-wood, for- merly known as the Virgilia lutea, a lovely tree, of graceful growth, clean, clear-colored bark, drooping leaves, and handsome flowers. It is to be hoped that our nurserymen will have so many demands for it this winter that they will always hereafter keep a stock of this neat tree. Then, also, there is the Salisburia acriantum, or Maiden-hair tree (Ginko). "We like this tree better every year. When small it is not impressive, but as it grows the curious flake- like leaves develop a fuller beauty. It is a tree of permanent value, and one which becomes a con- spicuous object on the lawn before many years. Scribner's Monthly recently gave a fine illustration of this tree in an article on lawns and shrubbery. Dolichos Japonicus. — This is a Japan climber of recent introduction, and it has won the admira- tion of Samuel Parsons, Jr., who writes concerning it in the Country Gentleman. The leaves are eight inches in diameter, of a rich green color, and round- ed in a curious three-lobed manner. The flowers are said to be in long racemes, with white and pur- ple colors intermixed. The wonderful quality pos- sessed by this climber is the vigor of its growth. This gives it great value for covering piles of rock, arbors, or unsightly walls. Drying Sea-mosses. — The sea-mosses of Cali- fornia are beautiful, and we are glad to hear of peo- ple who collect them. But it is wonderful how many ways — different ways — there are for doing the same thing. You may ask a dozen people, one after an- other, to dry sea-mosses, and though you explain the whole operation, most of them will wreck the beauty of each spray. It takes somewhat of an artist-spirit to make them look fresh, and airy, and natural. Some one lately asked us how it is done. Rinse the bits of sea-weed in clear fresh water. Then slip a piece of card under each piece, float it off in another pan, and spread it out naturally. Place a piece of bristol board underneath, and arrange each tiny fibre separately with some pointed instrument. Raise the board from the water and place it sloping to drain off the water, press it lightly with soft linen, and lay it in tissue paper, changed frequently till it is entirely dry. No gum is needed to fasten the moss on the paper, for it clings fast as it dries. Three Blue Salvias. — Our readers are doubtless familiar with the Scarlet Salvias, used for bedding and for greenhouse decoration, but the choicer blue- flowered varieties are not so often seen. The Salvia patens has large flowers of a deep azure blue. It is of a bushy growth, and always attracts attention. It will remain outdoors without injury in sheltered, frostless situations. Salvia cacafolia, says the Bo- tanical Index, is of a creeping growth, blooms later than patens, and is easier to propagate. Salvia splendens Hoveyi is a sport from S. splendens. It is a rank grower, with dark metallic luster. The flowers are not true blue, but have a dark purple shade. Budding Orange Trees. — A gentleman in Florida has been budding orange trees with ease and success by trimming his buds during the heat of the day, and dropping them into a cup of clear water, inserting them when it is cooler. He ties his buds with prepared cloth, taking the best of bleached mus- lin, and covering it with a composition of equal parts of rosin and wax for dry weather, and tar and wax for wet weather. A New Scale Insect. — The Florida Agricultur- ist states that a new and destructive scale insect has been found in Florida. Specimens were forwarded to Prof. Riley, who gives the following description : " The scale is perfectly circular, of a dark brown color, with a narrow band of a paler color surround- ing the outer edge. On the top is a small round de- pression, with a yellowish cap in the centre. Di- ameter of scale, .02 to .06 of an inch. Remedy, de- coction of tobacco leaves and whale oil soap, with a little potash added. Syringe this over the leaves." Prof. Comstock states that it probably belongs in the Coccid genus Ceroplastes. No less than 587 scales were found on one leaf. We wish to inquire if any one has seen this species of scale in California ? The Soja Hispida Bean. — This bean, a native of Japan, was taken to Europe in 1873, and culti- vated in Vienna with great success. It is recom- mended as a general field crop, and has become popular in Austria and in parts of Northern Ger- many. They yield a large crop and are rich in nu- tritive food. Analysis has shown that they possess , more than double the value of any kind of peas, com- mon beans, or lentils. The straw is valuable for cattle, and the crop is of the easiest culture. We also see that, although at first advocated merely for cattle food, the soja bean is being used on the table. We should like to see it introduced direct from Japan, as the prospects are that it would prove an acquisition. Grapes of Santa Cruz. — Deep in the Santa Cruz Mountains, not many weeks ago, two people on THE CALIFORNIA HORTICULTURIST. 29^ horseback found a vineyard on a brown hill-side, and out of sight, all but the chimney, was the own- er's cabin. We felt amazingly honest, for five cents would buy all we could carry, so we rapped at the cabin door. A wide fireplace, and a Dutch oven heating in the coals, occupied one side of the room ; the straightest of old Kentucky rifles hung on a pair of antlers; there were rawhide-bottomed chairs, and a most ancient clock. It was a glimpse of the pio- neer life, and of the days which were. And concern- ing the grapes ? We spent five cents in silver, and we filled our hats, and had a bunch left for each hand, which we bore off in triumph. Cordylines in the Garden. — "We notice that an attempt was recently made to acclimatize some of the best colored-leaved Cordylines, in the Mel- bourne Botanic Garden. In order to do this a dozen kinds were planted in tho fern-garden, but only three were adapted to the conditions; these were Cordyline Knoxii, C. Hendersonii, and C. Ben- thamiana. In the Islands of the New Hebrides these colored Cordylines are found growing wild in the open forests, jungles, and deep ravines, often reaching a height of ten or twelve feet, and lifting their clustered heads of red, yellow, purple, and striped foliage in gorgeous masses of color against the foliage .of tropical palms, cycads, and bananas. Hardy Cinchonas.— The two hardiest species of Cinchona appear to be the Cinchona officinalis, and the Cinchona calisaya. The former is cultivated successfully in India, Ceylon, and Java, and has been grown in the Melbourne Botanic Gardens. The lat- ter is indigenous to both Peru and Bolivia, and grows, at an altitude of 6,000 feet above the sea. It is also cultivated in India, Jamaica, and Mexico. The range of the genus Cinchona, order Rubracee, is between latitude 10 deg. north, and 22 deg. south, on the eastern slope of the Cordilleras, but it is never found on the western slopes, or Coast Cordil- leras. Asiatic Vines and Phylloxera.— In one of the last meetings of the French National Society of Agriculture, M. Lavallee advised grafting European upon Asiatic vines, and recommended these species: Vitis biternata, amurensis, flexuosa, heterophylla, filicifolia, and some species of Cissus and of Ampel- opsis, which are not all suitable for these experi- ments. He only makes the suggestion, but one who sees the vigor of these species in M. Lavallee's col- lection, hopes that he may be right. Phylloxera at Panama. — It seems from a re- cent communication of M. Planchon to the French Academy of Sciences that the redoubtable insect ex- ists in the Isthmus of Panama, where L. Collot has found it under the leaves of a wild vine. There is i room for investigation in the existence of the phyl- loxera in localities so for apart, and perhaps this dis- covery will throw some light on the vexed question, of the insect's origin. Garden " Leaplets."— Some one has begun a new department in the Garden. It is called " Leaf- lets," and consists of short notes on a great variety of topics. Here is what is said about our work. " One of my pleasures is to take up the Calieoknia Horticulturist and see what it is doing in that far off, sunny land of mountains, noble forests, and warm plains ; and which more, perhaps than any other country, has been rapidly turned into a garden land." Another " Leaflet " is this : " A great divergence- of taste is exhibited on the subject of button-hole bouquets. Some noble and enthusiastic patrons of horticulture wear these every day in the year, and have them sent after them by post wherever they go. They are of the commonly approved pattern, and usually consist of one large flower of overpowering odor, flattened out to its greatest diameter, backed with fern, and attached to an oak-leaf pelargonium nearly as large as the lappel of a dress coat. Con- siderable engineering skill is exhibited in the con- struction of these ornaments of the person, wire is not spared, and the weight of that alone would handi- cap the wearer in a race. I have seen a lady pre- pare a pretty contrast by plucking a single rose-bud off the bush and placing it in a three-lobed rose leaf." This, also, is a delightfully suggestive " leaflet." " A lady friend ornaments her very bewitching caps with carefully dried everlasting flowers of pink, white, and yellow Rhodanthes and Helichrysums. They are gathered when fully blown, on a fine day, and are carefully dried in a warm room. They are, of course, far more delicate and pretty than any artificial flowers." Pomological Jfotes. Pears in Market. — The "Winter Nelis, Glout Morceau, Beurre Gris D'Hiver Noveau, Dutchess D' Angouleme, and Easter Beurre have been the pre- dominent varieties, though Vicar of Winkfield, and some others, appear occasionally. It is nearly the close of the Nelis season, and this most delicious pear, which is tbe favorite of our shippers, will soon be only a memory. Quantities of the large, coarse, but brilliantly-colored Pound Pear are to be seen on every street corner. They are not good to eat, but they have uses as a cooking fruit, and are worth growing on that account. Extra large specimens find sale, sometimes, to restaurant keepers and saloon men who have found out that they keep for months, and are therefore advisable investments for show-window purposes. Some Choice Varieties oe Figs.— We have often been asked questions about the varieties of figs. Some of the best are the following: Green Smyrna,. 30 THE CALIFORNIA HORTICULTURIST. which is the common summer fig of Palestine, and though coarse and dry, is valuable on account of its extreme earliness; Green Ischia, which has a light green skin, and extremely sweet bright red flesh; large "White Genoa, color of skin yellowish-white, and flesh of golden yellow when ripe, is one of the best sorts ; Black Genoa is large, oval shape, must ripen well on the tree, bears transportation better than almost any other variety ; Black Brunswick is of good quality, but often a shy bearer. In New Or- leans there are two valuable varieties grown, the Sumatra, a large and sweet fig, and the Celeste, called the best in Louisiana. Other varieties of worth are the Brown Turkey, the Black Ischia, and Mission, or Black Californian fig. Of these the Marseilles is too small to be of much use for mar- ket, although a very sweet and rich fig for family use. Gloria Mundi Apples for Baking.— Not long ago we had a postal, it will be remembered, which stated that the Gloria Mundi Apple was of great value as a cooking apple. We lately saw the experi- ment tried, and hereby offer our allegiance to the doctrine. It is a good baking apple ; one of the very best. So, let no one, henceforth, sneer at the Gloria Mundi, even if it is big and clumsy, and apt to fall too easily. Uses of the Jujube Tree. — At the last meeting of the State Horticultural Society Mr. Rixford ex- hibited a quantity of Jujube plums, and also a branch showing the way in which they grow. The tree, or rather shrub, is a handsome but thorny affair, of decided hedge-making proclivities. Its culture is re- markably easy, and it will grow with ease at any point in the State where frosts are not too severe. It is a success at Niles, in Sonoma, and in the south- ern counties. It seems to us that every farmer would like to have one or two on his place, and that a Jujube tree would look well on any lawn. The fruit is pleasant to the taste, and would evidently be cherished with rapturous delight by the children, though no one claims that it can ever become a market fruit. It is handsome when on the tree, half hid in the trailing branches. If there is, in the fu- ture, any use for the fruit as a paste or jelly, or some similar product, we shall hear of it in due time, though we can not predict any great product of Cali- fornia Jujube Paste for many years \,o come. The "Wealthy Apple. — A new apple of interest for the colder mountain regions of our State, is the " Wealthy," which originated in Minnesota. It is of perfect form, high color, and good flavor. In size it averages well with the Baldwin, and the tree is a great bearer. It must be classed as an early winter apple. The Canada Baldwin, another new apple, is a late keeper, and thrives on heavy soil. "Wilder's Experimental Orchard. — The cele- brated pear orchard of Marshall P. Wilder is called the finest experimental orchard in the United States. It covers twelve acres, and once contained a thou- sand varieties, which number has been reduced to between eight and nine hundred. The New Banana Disease. — "We have lately printed several notes in relation to the cultivation of the banana in this State. It is to be hoped that nothing will introduce the new banana disease which is destroying acres of that valuable fruit in the prov- ince of Queensland, Australia. It begins with young plants. Small, thread-like worms, invisible to the naked eye, attack the roots, which swell and decay. Along the banks of the rivers, miles of plants have disappeared, and, as yet, no remedy has been found. New plants were procured from other parts of the world, and put on new land, but they also were at- tacked. The Kumquat.— The Kumquat is a small species of the orange, a native of China and Japan, and is much cultivated in those countries. "We notice, also, from our Australian exchanges, that it has been in- troduced into the province of Queensland, and is re- garded with much favor. It will endure more frest than any other of the Citrus family, and is expected to prove of value in many parts of Europe and the United States. The plant will grow six feet high, but is usually not allowed to grow higher than a gooseberry bush. The fruit is oval, and about as large as a gooseberry. In quality it is excellent, and the Chinese preserve it in sugar. The Citron in California. — Over a large por- tion of our State the citron is a success, and can be grown in any desired quantity. Some day it will be planted in large orchards, and the fruit will be pre- served for market. This is a subject well worth the study and attention of our readers. There are some citron trees growing and thriving in Alameda County, at Haywards, and we have seen them in several other parts of the State, though there are, as yet, no extensive orchards. New Apple. — The French have a new apple, the "Madame Granger," which is said to be very large and ribbed like some tomatoes. Jlfew § (Desirable Plants. [We shall glean from our exchanges and corre- spondence, notes on plants either new, or of promise in our climate. Our nurserymen are invited to send notes on any interesting plants received.] Bulbophyllum Beccari.— As regards foliage, this is the most remarkable orchid that has been in- troduced for many years, the leaves being more like Zulu shields than the foliage to which we are ac- customed in an orchid. They are frequently eighteen inches long, and one foot wide, stiff and firm in sub- stance. Mr. Bull has quite a quantity of this orchid, THE CALIFOENIA HOKTICULTUKIST. 31 and it will be interesting to see what kind of a flower it produces. — Garden. ChaMjEDOREA glaucifolia. — This is a poem of grace if such a thing.can be said of any plant. I have noted of late years many graceful palms, some of which are happily becoming more common in our houses, but I think for bewitching elegance of form this is second to no other. — Ibid. Sarsacenia flava ornata. — This is a, distinct and handsome Pitcher Plant, remarkable for its bold and strongly pronounced venation. The upper part of the pitcher is of a dark purplish-red, which is continued over the lid. It is a very handsome form, the contrast between its clear green and the bold red venation being striking and very effective. —Ibid. Reviews and Exchanges. [All books on subjects in any way connected with horticulture will be reviewed in this department. Publishers are requested to state the price of each book sent.] We are happy to learn that Median's "Native Flowers and Ferns of the United States " has not been suspended for want of patronage, but that the patronage has been such as to justify its continuance till all the leading flowers of the United States have been illustrated. Geographic Travels in Central Australia from 1872 to 1874. By Ernest Giles. This is a volume of remarkable travels, which re- veal the vast resources and stupendous natural fea- tures of the Island-continent, Australia. Baron Von Mueller, to whose kindness we are indebted for the the present volume, was the originator, and main support of the enterprise, which had for its object the exploration of the terra incognita of Central Australia. It is a region of deserts, alternated with spots of rare fertility ; a region of hills of red gravel, covered with spiuifex, wide, desolate plains, without food or water, pools in the rock, lakes of salt, lava beds, lonely basaltic peaks. Mr. Giles' style is the model of terse and plain simplicity. Cast in the form of a journal, it is the tale of the extraordinary journey of a skillful, courageous explorer. There were dangers enough, by fire and rude natives, by hunger and thirst, but the little party clung to their course, they lived on horse flesh, and were glad enough to get even that. One of them was lost in the desert, and never was found. At the same time Mr. Giles himself staggered on for five days without food, and with only a few drops of water, under the burning Australian sun, and over a desolate, for- saken region to the main camp. Giles has connect- ed his name inseparably with the explorers of Austra- lia. A list of the plants procured by Mr. Giles on his expedition is appended to the volume. Report of the Department of Agriculture for 1878. Many of our agricultural journals have at times decried the work and the methods of our Agricul- tural Commissioner, and it is quite possible that some of their criticisms were well founded. "We are ourselves as completely opposed to free seed distri- butions of common seed - store seeds as the best enemy of that department could desire. But that the past year has been one of hard work, and of in- teresting results in the agricultural department, no man who reads the report can, we think, successful- ly deny. Prof. Hilgard of our State University con- tributes a valuable and exhaustive report on " The Agriculture and Soils of California.''' This article is the best statement of our conditions of soil and cli- mate which we have yet seen, and well deserves a wide notice. It was, we presume, written last year. As most of our readers doubtless understand, the report for any given year is issued during the fol- lowing one. A lengthy statistical article on the Dried Fruit Trade, and one also on the Forestry of the Western States and Territories, are of much im- portance. These three articles we have mentioned are, in fact, evidences of a new departure. It begins to look as if agricultural topics of national import- ance will hereafter be discussed by competent per- sons in the annual publications of this Department. We would suggest that an exhaustive article on semi-tropic fruits is worth writing; and also, that Wines, Raisins, and Grapes are not yet fully "written up." The reports on sorghum and corn as sugar-pro- ducing materials have already attracted much atten- tion. The report of grasses and forage plants is no less valuable, being accompanied by many illustra- tions. Of interest to stock-raisers is the long report on the diseases of swine, of which we have spoken in a previous issue. Transactions of the Massachusetts Horti- cultural Society for 1879. — Mr. Robert Man- ning has forwarded us this valuable horticultural re- port, which is a mine of good things. It contains papers and discussions upon " The Influence of the Stock on the Graft; " on " Grafting the Gooseberry on the Mission Currant," and other grafting experi- ments; on "Diseases of Forest Trees; " on "The Cultivation and Marketing of Apples ;" on "Roses ;" on "Picking and Keeping Fruit," together with va- rious reports and resolutions. We shall hereafter quote from its well-filled pages. Diseases of Swine and other Animals. ■ Gov- ernment Printing Office, Washington. This book is considerably out of our usual line of work, and yet so many of our readers are interested in the domestic animals that a brief notice appears desirable. It is a special Report of the Department of Agriculture on the contagious diseases of swine and other animals, and it contains data of great gen- eral value. As is probably well known to every far- 32 THE CALIFORNIA HORTICULTURIST. mer in the United States, a malignant swine-plague has been increasing year by year. In one season, it is estimated, the loss in hogs alone was not less than $20,000,000. These investigations must, therefore, rank among the best efforts of the Department. The disease is pronounced purely infectious and conta- gious, so its communication to healthy stock must be prevented. This work, which covers 292 pages, is illustrated with many full-page plates, some col- ored, and showing magnified portions, and the re- sults of blood investigations on both healthy and dis- eased animals. It also considers contagious lung fever in cattle, rinderpest, and glanders among horses. The American Naturalist for July to December has just been laid on our table. It is, though late in the season, a most welcome publication. "We should much like to see it helped and encouraged by whoever loves scientific work. It treats of a wide range of topics, as will be shown by some of the ar- ticles which have appeared during the past six months. In July Robert E. C. Stearns, of the Uni- versity of California, contributed a treatise on the " Forms of Seeds as a factor in Natural Selection in Plants," and Prof. Cope considers the " Zoology of Montana." In August there are long articles on Indian Languages, on habits of Tarantulas, on the Formation of Cape Cod, etc., Brazilian Corals, and Dr. Barnes' article on the " Hillocks or Mound For- mations of San Diego," are features of September. October contains an article on " Microscopical Fungi Infesting our Cereals," besides accouuts of new Myriapods, fresh water Entomostraca, notes on Washington Territory Thrushes, etc. November opens with B. B. Redding's article on '* How our Ancestors in the Stone Age made their Implements," one which we should have made extracts from had it come to hand earlier. Isaac C. Martindale treats of Colorado plants. W. N. Lockington, of our own Academy of Sciences, gives notes on Pacific Coast fishes. In the December number we are given a "Historic Sketch of the Science of Botany in America from 1635 to 1840 ; " and Prof. Cope treats of the "Extinct American Rhinoceroses." "We have mentioned only a few of the leading articles of the Naturalist. The sub-departments are on Botany, Zoology, Anthropology, Geology, and Paleontology, Microscopy, scientific news, and other important notes. Vick's Monthly for December takes up the Ever- lastings, giving a colored plate of some good varie- ties. "Botany for the Little Folks " is still as inter- esting as ever. Some one has been using the sur- plus tubers of the Madeira vine for cattle feed. The Garden gives a colored plate of double Poten- tillas, which shows that we have in this State no variety of this fine plant which is at all comparable with the best English varieties. It is therefore rec- ommended that our nurserymen proceed to procure them. And, in this connection, we will state that too many of our gardeners, nurserymen, and wealthy horticulturists, are apt to go without the books and papers which they really need in their work. A pro- gressive garden-lover will try to take at least one good Californian publication, one from the Atlantic States, and one from Europe. We do not see how he can otherwise be up to the times in his business. The Semi-Tropic California and Southern Cali- fornia Horticulturist. — This new venture, a consoli- dation of two journals, begins the new year with a fancy cover, and is changed in size to a sixteen page quarto. The title sounds rather cumbrous owing to the repetition of the word California. John H. Shields contributes a valuable article on Los An- geles County. We think there is room for a good horticultural journal in the southern part of our State; but this one will probably be a failure, un- less it is edited more with the pen and less with the scisscrs. "We also notice an article entitled " The Foothills for Homes," which was taken from a recent editorial of the Evening Bulletin of this city, but is not credited to any source whatever. Land and Home is a new claimant for public favor. It is edited by Mr. E. S. Libby, formerly of the Sci- entific Farmer, and is published in New York. We notice that P.T. Quinn has begun a series of articles on pear culture. He notes two errors of pear-plant- ers, the planting of too many kinds, and the use of trees on quince stocks. Our orchardists in this State have committed both these mistakes, but we are learning better. The Florist and Pomologist, a Pictorial Monthly Magazine of Flowers, Fruits and general Horticul- ture. Edited by Thomas Moore, F. L. S., F. R. H. S.. etc., London. The plates in this number repre- sent the first a bright scarlet ivy geranium, the other a new nectarine called the Galopin, a seedling raised at Liege, Belgium. Catalogues, etc., deceived. [We shall acknowledge the receipt of all Seed or Plant Catalogues, Pamphlets, Reports of Horticul- tural Societies, Agricultural Reports and similar documents.] Vick's Floral Guide, No. 1, 18S0, with a beautiful colored plate of Sweet Peas. Trade Seed List of C. Platz & Son, Erfurt, Prussia. Literary Bulletin. Houghton, Osgood & Co., Winthrop Square, Boston. Descriptive Catalogue and Price List of Plants and Trees grown and for sale by Felix Gillet, Ne- vada City, Cal. John Rock, San Jose, Cal. Trade Catalogue for season of 1879-80. Arnold Peutz, Jacksonville, Florida. Rustic vases and stands. THE ornm MmiUnUntmt FLORAL 2S/CAJ3-AJZHSTE}. Vol. X. San Francisco, February, 1880. Ko. 2.. THE PLANTS OP MOUNT LASSEN. By Mes. R. M. Austin, Plumas Co., CaL That long-deferred hope of standing on the highest point of Lassen's Peak has at last been realized. My husbands Josie, Oliver, Mr. J. M. Emmert, and myself, left our home in the Big Mead- ows, on Monday, July 28th, 1879, to spend a week or ten days in the vicinity of Lassen, and to ascend the Peak. "We went up the east side of the Meadows by the "Big Spring," stop- ping for a couple of hours at noon near the ford of the north fork of Feather River. I found but few* specimens for my herbarium here, as the sheep and grasshoppers had eaten everything in the form of vegetation — except the trees. Did you ever see grasshoppers so thick that the ground resembled one )rown, moving mass? The road leaves the Meadows at this >oint, bearing in a north-westerly di- rection through heavy pine timber, inhere the undergrowth is the beautiful Ueanothus velutinus, and Arctostaphy- lu3 glauca. The scenery for the dis- tance of twenty-five miles was very mo- lotonous, as we were shut in from every- thing beyond by the dense growth of trees ; but when we came to the en- trance to Warner Valley, everything changed. "We enter a narrow pass, on either side of which arise perpendicular walls of a volcanic rock, two or three hundred feet in height, and covered^ with large trees, some overhanging the precipices. We camped in the southern part of the valley, near a clear creek, where the children had a happy time catching trout, and I was busy looking for new and rare plants. I found Lonieera; coerulea ; L. involucrata ; L. con jugi- alis (all of them in fruit) ; Eupatoriem occidentale, Hook. ; Silene Menzeisii ; Pentstemon gracilentus ; Epilobium ariganifolium (?) ; Glyceria pauciflora ; Trisetum elatum ; Thalictrum sparsi- florum ; and Viola blanda. Growing along the creek, among the willows,, was a beautiful white Aconitum, which Mr. Sereno Watson writes me is A. Columbianum (A. Fischeri of the books). We left Warner Valley on the 29th for Hot Spring Valley, which we reached about noon. I spent the remainder of the day in netting a rare species of Butterfly (Coleoptera), peculiar to the high Sierras, and in collecting botani- cal specimens. There are acres of Mr. J. G. Lemmon's new Carydalis Case- ana (Gray) growing along the streams which flow into the valley from the west, filling the air with its delicate 34 THE CALIFOKNIA HOKTICULTUKIST. fragrance. Among the rarer plants found here, were Coltha biflora ; Saxi- fraga punctata, Linn.; Gentiana sim- plex ; Pellaea densa ; Cryptogramme acrosticordes; Aster integrifolius ; A. saluginosus ; A. Shastensis, Gray ; A. adscendens, Lindl.; and Senecio Fre- monti. We visited Lake Solfatara (Boiling Xake) on the 30th of July. Dr. Hark- ness gave it this name a few years since, on account of the great quantity of sul- phurous vapor arising from it, and the acid properties of its water. The lake is situated on the mountain about half a mile south-west of Hot Spring Valley, and is surrounded by a dense forest of Abies concolor. It is in a circular de- pression, the walls varying from ten to fifty feet in height, and it covers an area of five or six acres. Its water is of a milky whiteness. I descended to the lake on the south- eastern side, where hundreds of jets of steam were escaping from the honey- combed walls, and the leaves and small twigs of trees that had fallen here, were charred black by the heat, and my shoes became too warm for comfort. But I was well paid for the venture, when I stood by the lake, which at this point is one mass of boiling mud, bub- bling up, breaking with a dull sound and a puff of steam, then rolling over lazily toward the sides. Some of these boiling caldrons of mud were almost of an inky blackness ; some were white, and others a delicate pink color. I gathered some specimens of grass near one of them, the common name of which is " Job's Tears" (Coix Lachryma). On the south-west side of the lake there is a space of several square rods, where the boiling has ceased, and the mud-waves have become hard. I walked out on this part to test its solidity, and Mr. Emmert and Oliver secured some specimens which resemble chalk in color and consistency. We climbed out of the basin up a rocky ravine, and not more than half way up I found three nice plants of Sarcodes sanguinese, and a beautiful little Allium. The road from the lake to the Gey- sers, which are on the mountain two miles farther south, is made cheerful by the bright blue flowers of Pent- stemon azureus, P. gracilentus, and Delphinum decorum, and also by the bright golden flowers of Eriogonum umbellatum. The Geysers are also in a depression, but they have an outlet which flows into Willow Lake Valley, a mile or so farther south. There are two of these boiling springs, only about a rod apart. The larger and more active one, was throwing up a continual stream of water five or six feet high, while the smaller one was only boiling. I collected, near a cold spring a little way below the Geysers, specimens of Asplenium filixfoenina, and of Lilium pardalinum, Watson ; and on the hills above them, Acer glabrum, and Lilium Washingtonium ; and at the outlet of the canon into Willow Lake Valley, Dicentra fofmosa, and Phacelia Bo- landeri, Gray. We returned to Hot Spring Valley, which was the terminus of the wagon road, and ten miles from the base of Lassen ; and as we all wanted a long day on the Peak, we thought best to go on to King's Valley, which is five miles nearer, or only three miles from the base. We had taken along an extra horse, besides the two we worked in the harness, and as there were five of us, and only three horses, this ten miles of the most difficult part of the route must be made by alternately walking and riding. We took some blankets and provisions for one day, and were on our way by two o'clock. THE CALIFORNIA HORTICULTURIST. 35 The trail between the valleys is up, up. We often found it difficult to lead the horses over the rocks, and around the precipices. I hud charge of one of them, and I soon fell behind, tying up the bridle, leaving her to follow the others. The flora at this altitude was nearly all new to me, so' I was soon busy snatching specimens for my portfolio, and endeavoring not to lose sight of the rest of the party, as it is difficult to track the horses over the rocks. Here I saw, for the first time, the beautiful Bry- anthus Breweri, Gray, with its dark green spruce-like foliage, and its rose- colored flowers. I lingered so long ad- miring it and collecting specimens that I was left behind. I hastened on till I heard the children calling me, and when I overtook them, they were waiting for me by a lovely little lake, and gather- ing specimens of Kalmia glauca for me. We arrived at King's Valley just as the last rays of the setting sun were disappearing from Lassen ; so we cross- ed over to the opposite side, and camped in the edge of the timber, lighting some large, dry logs, so that we might have a fire all night, to keep off the bears and mosquitoes. We prepared a hasty meal of boiled venison, tea, etc. After which we spread our blankets down on the soft, dry sand, using some willow twigs for pillows, and so tired were we all that we were soon sleeping such sleep as is rarely disturbed by dreams. I was aroused just as day was dawn- ing by the cry from Mr. Austin of " All aboard for the Peak," and before the sun was shining we were on our way, fol- lowing up a chain of three small valleys, the last of which was covered with water. The road here winds up the mountain in a zig-zag fashion, and we soon found ourselves in snow. Winter in July ! But the crust is quite hard, and the horses walk over it safely for about a mile, when the rays of the sun begin to melt the snow, and we have to leave them. A mile and a half farther over melting snow, rocks, and water, and we stand in a little grove of Tsuga Pattoniana, Nutt. (hemlock), at the base of Lassen. We begin to ascend. I am in a new world ! Not a single plant that I have ever looked upon before ! The rocks are free from snow, and out of their crevices are peering such rare treasures for me. Here is a beautiful Pentstemon not over two inches high, with large blue flowers. This strange little Cruci- fer, Mr. Watson writes me, is Carda- mine belledifolia. A little higher up is Anemone Drummondii, "new to Cali- fornia," but found some fifty years ago by Drummond in the Cascade range of mountains. There is Erivagonum py- rolafolium, Erigeron compositum, Pha- celia namantoides var., Hulsea nana, and Arenaria verna var. hirta, which is also new to California, and so many other rare ones that I can not name them all. The ascent with me was slow, as I had to examine every plant and place some of each kind in my portfolio. Voices far up the heights were calling me to hasten, and as one after another of our party reached the top, I could see hats waving and hear them cheer- ing, so I knew that a grand view await- ed me. But I must not pass by these lesser treasures around me. Here is the crimson snow of which I have so often read ; west of me, at the base of the rock on which I recline, nestles a little lake, whose water is as blue as indigo, and in the distance are other and larger lakes ; the world below is enveloped in a thin haze, or smoke, giving to all nature such a quiet, dreamy look, that I inhaled the spirit around 36 THE CALIFORNIA. HOETICULTUKIST. me. How happy I was, forgetting the busy world below, with all its cares. A little more climbing, and I stood on the summit. Here the air is so pure and life-giving, the scene so grand, that I felt like a new being. I was silent, for words could never paint the grand beauty which my eyes beheld. I looked west upon Shasta's snow-crowned cone, the Sacramento Valley, and beyond, still further, the snowy Coast Range ; south and east were the Big Mead- ows, Mount Dyer, Mountain Meadows, and Indian Valley. Turning to the north a shudder creeps over me. A single wrong step would result in a perpendicular fall of thousands of feet ! It was from this point that the United States Surveying Party made their ob- servations in 1878. The day was waning, and soon it was time for us to begin our backward march, but before leaving I collected all the plants I could find at an eleva- tion of more than ten thousand feet. They were : Draba aurea, Smelouskia calycina, Spraguea umbellata, Poly- gonum Shastense, and one, which I took to be a Eumex, was above all others. ^ The children — which includes all of us — had a merry time in making the de- scent. We followed the beaten path down over the steepest part to avoid accidents, and then took a more direct route over the loose lava, great masses of which would be set in motion, carry- ing us with it for many rods at a time. So we went down with little labor to the snow line, and then there was no trouble, only to keep from going too fast, which was sure to result in a fall, followed by peals of laughter from the more fortunate ones. "We were in Hot Spring Valley before sunset, and after a night of the sweet- est sleep, we commenced our homeward march, turning aside to spend a day at Willow Lake, so that the children might have a good time fishing, and the men hunting. We reached home on the second of August, having been gone seven days, and felt well repaid for the toils of our trip, by the large amount of health and happiness we brought home with us, to say nothing of the rare plants I se- cured, which will afford me pleasant employment in arranging and studying during the long winter evenings which are close by, and in distributing to my many friends, who, I know, will receive a portion of my own happiness. A OITT GARDEN. By T. E., San Francisco. I am a dweller in the city by the sea. My occupation has nothing in it in com- mon with the tilling of the soil. But I have a fondness for it, nevertheless. It was engrafted in my nature in my youth, and it has strengthened with increasing age. Perhaps the very fact that I have neither handled a plow, a scythe nor a hay-rake since my boyhood, lends in- creased charms in the soil-tiller's life to me. " "lis distance lends enchantment to the view."" Were I what is irreverently termed a "clod-hopper,'' the romance of the thing might disappear. As a dweller of the city, I have but little opportunity to test my affection for the soil-tiller's oc- cupation. What little I have is em- braced within the four boundaries of a plat of land 30x10 feet. This is my city garden. It is where much of my daylight leisure is spent, in a contest against weeds, slugs, bugs, drought, sparrows, cats, and vermin, and in nurs- • ing to maturity such flowering plants- and shrubs as I can crowd comfortably together within it3 narrow limits. THE CAElFOKNIA HOKTICULTUKIST. 37 Now, the cultivation of a city garden is by no means child's play. If you want to be reasonably successful — if you expect to reap where you have sown, to pluck where you have pruned — you have got to maintain a ceaseless warfare against a host of remorseless enemies. There is the little black snail, commonly called slug, as destructive as he ia slimy. He is a midnight ma- rauder. Like most thieves he shuns the daylight. Note those tiny burrows near the base of the shady side of the dwelling. They are the caves which the slugs have excavated to conceal themselves during the day. You will also find the cunning rascals sheltering perchance under the damp and cool leaves of the daisy border. Have you studied their habits? If you have not, it may trouble you considerably to get rid of them. If you have, you will have observed how in the twilight the double- horned marauder sallies forth noiseless- ly from his cover and crawls stealthily in the direction of the pansy -bed to feed on the tender shoots and leaves. And you will also have observed that with the first signs of daylight he be- gins to retreat, over the same path. As soon as I found out the habit of the slugs that infested my city garden, I knew how to manage him. A little salt, sprinkled over the walk which he had to traverse to and from his feeding ground, settled the question. It did the walk no harm, but it made short work of the slugs. Salt has a thawing (influence on this class of garden pests, and, properly administered, it is the most effective of remedies. But beware of placing it anywhere near the roots of your plants, otherwise they will go the I way of the slugs. I know I lost some jof my choicest plants through a little [carelessness this way. "My rose-bushes are covered with green bugs," remarked a friend, "and I do not know how to get rid of them. I have smoked them with tobacco stems, washed them with soap-suds, and used bottles of insect powder with only tem- porary benefit." I tried the same rem- edies with about the same want of suc- cess. Every rose my bushes produced got to be rather an expensive luxury. The question was being seriously con- sidered as to whether the game was worth the powder, when, by the merest accident, it was discovered that a dous- ing with a strong head of water through the garden -hose did the business of sweeping these pests out of existence most thoroughly. If this is done every time the garden is watered, there will be no more green bugs to trouble any- body, and the bushes will very grate- fully return the attention with glossier foliage and a more abundant crop of perfect blossoms. The man who advocated the intro- duction of the English sparrow as a de- stroyer of garden pests, deserves the ev- erlasting frown of the city gardener. The saucy and impudent little fellow will steal every seed you lay in the soil and nibble every tender shoot that comes above ground, and carry on his depredations under your very nose. He is also such a pugnacious and quarrel- some fellow that any other feathered pet you may have welcomed to your garden is soon compelled to surrender. There is a colony of sparrows estab- lished on the dwelling of my neighbor across the way. Two years ago, the colony consisted of one pair of birds. They built their nest in the ornamental work at the top of his parlor bay win- dow. That pair has since become a mighty host, and the colony has taken possession of every available nook on every building in the neighborhood. For several years my little garden has 38 THE CALIFOKNIA HORTICTJHTURIST. been the summer resort of a pair of humming birds. They have made a fuchsia, which I have trained on a tall fence on the west side of my little plat —partly to cover its nakedness, partly to act as a wind-break — their summer home. I am morally certain they build their nest within its branches, but the most diligent search has not revealed it. But that is nothing strange. I know a friend who reached out his hand to cut off with his pruning knife what appeared to be an abnormal swell- ing of the bark in a fork in one of the branches of a walnut tree, and just as the fatal stroke was about to be taken, discovered to his astonishment that the offending swelling was a humming bird on its tiny nest. It is interesting to note these birds hanging by their long bills to the pendant flowers which load down the long and slender branches of this fuchsia tree. These birds enjoyed, up to last fall, the undisputed freedom of my garden. But the vagabond sparrows from across the street inaugu- rated a war of invasion just before the humming birds migrated to their win- ter quarters. And since the departure of the latter these saucy scamps take especial delight in gathering together on the branches of the fuchsia tree, fill- ing the air with their unmelodious chirp- ings. A house drain runs through the gar- den. The man who put it in had but little faith in the future, or he wouldn't have made the pipe of wood. It has been the means of adding one pest more to the garden's list than there otherwise would be. This fellow is in the form of an ancient rat, whose bristles are gray and coarse. He burrows a new hole just as often as the old one is closed, coming up usually in the mid- dle of some cherished cluster of flower- ing plants or undermining a carefully nursed shrub. I have tried a great many ways to catch the intruder, but without success. I discovered that the objective point of his travels was my chicken yard in the rear of the prem- ises, and I artfully concealed a spring trap in his path. The rodent would not have troubled me any more had I se- cured the trap with something more difficult to sever than ordinary twine. The "next morning I found that he had not only been trapped, but he had also cut the string in two and carried off the trap. The regret caused by the loss of the trap was somewhat counterbalanced by the belief that the strange bracelet would be the end of that rat. I have been much mortified several times since by ocular proof of the rat's survival, limping on three legs. Every subse- quent attempt to capture him has fail- ed. He blocks the game, springing the trap by pushing a stone on the plate or some other equally effective device. I have long ago given up the contest, and wait patiently for this Ishmaelite of my city garden to give up the ghost from old age. It is very annoying that my neigh- bor's cat should keep a noonday and eventide watch over that crippled rat's hole and perchance make a footstool of my petunias while doing it. It is true that these weary watches are somewhat ruthlessly disturbed by a sudden show- er of rocks. But I invariably observe that the garden plants in the vicinity suffer much more ordinarily than the cat. What I have stated in the foregoing forms mostly the cloudy side of city gardening. But it has also its silver lining. When I hear the exclamation of delight slip over the lips of my visit- ing friends at the wealth and size of flower in that pansy bed; the gorgeous- ness of my petunias; and the brilliant THE CALIFORNIA HORTICULTURIST. 39 hues of my verbenas; the rich golden of that cluster of marigold; the extra- ordinary size of that fuchsia blossom; the fragrance of my pinks; the wonder- ful spikes of my mignonette, and the rarity of that geranium, I feel reward- ed for all the trouble. The pleasure which the bouquets presented by my little daughter to my sick neighbor am- ply repaid the toil and the care taken to produce them. Then there is a cheer- fulness in the surroundings of a city house with a garden, which may be thrown in, in a general way, with the net proceeds of the institution. The labor in the garden gives exercise to the body which would be otherwise dwarfed by a sedentary occupation. There is also a freer circulation and a better diges- tion derived from it. The culture of a small garden gives one also an opportunity to study floral growth in all its stages. You will prob- ably be interested by many strange and curious developments, in and out of the regular order of things. My garden plants have had a strong inclination for some reason or other to double. There is a fuchsia which producesi double branches, which in multiplying split instead of budding. Last season a triple-spathed calla lily was one of the garden's curiosities, and it has become a very common thing for my dahlias to develop double flowers on the same stalk. It is a fortunate thing for a poor man that this freak is not contagious, otherwise there might be an unreason- able number of twins in the family. -^ * »■ ■ THREE VALUABLE HARDY CACTI 01 UTAH. By A. L. SlLEB. Ranch, Utah. When the cold chilly blast of Decem- ber whistles around us, we can sit down by the fire and let our minds ramble over the past. I now propose to give you some of my reminiscences. Living at an altitude of six thousand five hun- dred feet above the sea level, where the winter is five months long, you would hardly expect that the cactus would be found to any very great extent, but for all that Mamillana specus grows on the brown-colored clay hills even here. It is usually found growing single, but it is not rare in clumps from three to twenty. The usual size is ten inches high, and as much in diameter, with one- third of the plant buried in the earth. When more than one grow together there is usually a larger 'one with many smaller ones surrounding itT hence the local name is the hen-and- chickens cactus. It is covered with black and white spines, the black pre- dominating, and bears in the early sum- mer a purple flower about the size of a quarter of a dollar. The flower is crisp and papery in appearance, and it is not unusual for a single plant to bear one dozen flowers. It is hardy. Mamillana vivapera, var. M. Mexi- cana, is another plant very much like the former in its habitat, with a rosette of short white spines on the new growth, which are replaced with black spines the next year ; the spines are larger than those on M. specus, being about three-fourths of an inch long, and they are so arranged as to give the plants a beautiful effect. The flowers are bright red, about the size of half a dollar, and they are very abundant. The flowers- are found on both the main plant and the smaller ones that surround it, and I know of no cactus that shows to bet- ter advantage when in 'flower. The seed vessels are three -fourths of an inch long by one-half an inch broad, of a greenish - white color, filled, with a very sweet pulp, and small black seeds.. This plant like, the latter is hardy. Echinocacti phornix, or thousand. 40 THE CALIFOENIA HORTICULTURIST. flowering cone cactus, growing gener- ally on gravelly points, presents more ieatures for attraction than any other hardy caetus. It is seldom found sin- gle. Each leaf resembles a small pine