CAi-IFDRNIAMA MAIN LIBRARY r SAN FRANCISCO PUBLIC LIBRARY 3 1223 90153 4249 ^OUNi^ P£RIQPICaU 630.6 01 282 1 798551 NOT TO BE TAKEN FROM THE LIBRARY Form34Z7 .^■Wi^i^iitfer- .S". V Q r^ ... V^^' Digitized by tine Internet Archive in 2010 witii funding from San Francisco Public Library http://www.archive.org/details/californiahortic12187072step THE ' "^ CALIFORNIA HORTICULTURIST AND FLORAL MAGAZINE. VOLUME .1. 1870-1871. PUBLISHED BY F. A. MILLER & CO., SAN FRANCISCO, CAL. I IS^ D E X Absence of Green Color in the Leaves of Plants ... 6 Australian Gum Trees, Eucalypii 50 Agricultural and Horticultural Work, 55, 90, 115, 142, 177, 208, 232, 270, 310, 333, 365 Asparagus H^' ^51 Animal Life ll| Apples. Good Quality J ' .onr Azaleas, Propagation of 18, 200 Antidote to Poison 240 .\nts. How to Destroy. . .'. j^^O Apples and Pears, Raising of in Dry Seasons 366 Azaleas, Time of Repotting 21 Acclimatizing Society, Onithological and Piscato- rial 120, 121. 156, 215, 275 Almond, Culture of 157, 221 Apples, Preservation of 159 Apples as Food '-^18 Artesian Wells, Boring of 222 Amateur 'Jai-deners, Hints to 245 Bay District Horticultural Society of California, 13, 31, 56, 93, 121, 154, 185, 189, 215, 231, 246, 275 Botany, Popular, 16, 40, 86, 108, 136, 167, 197, 228, 261, 294, 327, 362 Bedding Plants, Tender, etc 44, 285 Bulbs, Flowering, etc 65, 314 Botanist, Letter from ~ 173 Biilbs, Persistence of Life in 208 Bee Notes 213 Blue Gum, Eucalyptus globuhcs 226 Bulbs, Californian 227 Big Trees of California, Sequoia gigardea 291 Hegonia '^21 Bursaria Spinosa 368 Bananas in Brazil 126 Bouvardia Davisonii 160 Hlackberries 224 Bermuda Grass 280 Camellia Japonica 2 Castor Oil Plant, Bicinus communis 44 Californian Grapes and Wines, etc 24, 81 Californian Rose Bay, Rhododendron Calif omicum . .84 Cement for Handles 89 ConifersB, Cones of 94 Coniferffi, Cones of. Lecture on 113, 134 Coffee, Swedish 143 Cranberries 163, 370 Calochortus Leichtlinii 170 Cactus 193 Camphor Tree 201 Crops, The 211 Crop, Profitable 239 Cauliflower • 239 Correspondence.. . .21, 62, 248, 273, 280, 317, 343, 373 Cyclamen 364 Cabbages, American and Foreign, etc., . . . .21, 122, 250 Cashmere Goat in America 30 Cotton Culture 27, 256, 352, 374 Chestnut, American Sweet 124 Cultivation, Steam, etc 125, 255 Castor Beans 160 Cloves, What They Are 160 Color in Flov.ers, Changes of 191 Cut Worms, Sawdust for 192 Crown Imperial, Variegated 252 Calceolaria Culture 256 Chmate, Effect of Trees on, etc 286,348 Cherry Trees, Culture of. 349 Cundurango ^'^ Developments, Agricultural 138 Duck Ranch 152 Daisy and its Varieties 223 Darliugtonia, Californica 254, 369 Dahhas ^47 Editorial Portfolio, 19, 60, 94, 119, 153, 187, 214, 241, 273, 313, 338, 368 Editorial Gleanings, 21, 63, 122, 158, 191, 218, 251, 280, 320, 345, 374 I^rica -37 Eggs in Winter ^^^ Eucalypti Leaves. 206 Essay on Association • • 298 Exhibition First, of Horticultural Society 303 Flowering of Shrubs lAi}:^ Farm, A Small *^' ^J^ Fertilizers, .':!oue ^^3 Floor, How to Sweep 11° Fruit Trees, Seedling o ' oc^ Fungi and Its Structure, etc 148, 163, 284 Fuschia j^l Flowers, Sleep of \'_\ Farmers, What Eats them Up? 174 Flowers, Hints About • - • • • ■ ■ 177 Forest Trees Growing Up, etc., 155, 156, 178, 256, 34b Floral Returns 206 Ferns — Filices 289 Fruits and Flowers, CaUfornian 296 Fi-uits and Vegetables of San Francisco 309 Fn;its, Kasteru v. Californian. 311 Fruit Cultiire, Faults in 330 Fruit Market, Report on 217, 247, 279, 336, 367 Flowering Shrubs, Hardy 353 Fruits, Notes on 359 Forests, Our, How They are Going 29, 61 Flowers, Love of, in New York 219 Fruits. Increasing the Flavor of 220 GUmpses into the World of Plants 68, 101 Game, Introduction of 88 Gladiolus in Bloom ^^ Geraniums, Pelargoniums 97, 252 Gorse as Food for Stock 233 Guarana 238 Garlic 239 Gardening 20, 283 Grape Vines, Rearing of, in Pots 218 Grape Sugar 222 Gas Iniurious to Vegetation ''o^ Gold Fish 282,284 Guano "^74 Horticultural Exhibition in San Francisco, 1870 14 Hortus. Letter from ^9 Hedges 71, 3&1 Hint to California ' ^ Horses, Galled Backs of 105 Hyacinths, Indoor Cultivation of 130 Hybrids •■„131 Hens, Expenence with i^**. ^oo Hens, How to Keep ■ • • ■ 179 Horticultural Exhibition, Our Next 207, 277 Hay Crops, Our 236 Hydrangea, Hortensia ^'^ Horticultural Exhibition, Late, 1871 331 Horticulture, American • • ■ -22 Heat on Growth of Plants 378, 380 Introductory ^ Cy^isji — 798351 r^c Rior> Kfi c*— T. INDEX. Insects, Destructive 132, 251, 281, 315, 352 Improvements, PubUe 1'' 0 Insect Larvae l*'" Industry, A New ^f_^ Iron, Watering Plants with '--^S Irrigation, Value of '-''^ Jute Lands Ljdng Idle Linoleum Lilie^;, and their Kind. Lily. 255 .99 93 144 .... 145 _^^ 162 Lake Tahoe, isTotes of a Trip to 265 Leaves, Walking, of Austraha 23 Lime, Value of 251 Leaves, Transpiration of Milk Weed, Californian Manure, Spreading, etc., 178, 188, 192, 218, 237, 240. 2.54 Markets, Our j°^^ Molds Poisonous : 1^^ Moss, Sea '^/^ Mealy Bug— ' 'w.ridtK, Vines Infested with 21 Mechanics' Institute Fair -63 Mulching ^55 Mallow, Indian 351 Mesquit Bean 3a2 New York. Letter from ^1 New and Rare Plants 121, 155 179, 217, 247, 316, 371 New Zealand Flax -'^'^ Ornamental and Landscape Gardening-, 10, 39, 79, 106, 139, 166, 198, 230, 263, 295, 328, 3G1 Oaklaud, Letter from oO Oleander. Nerium '^ Olive Tree, Oka ^^ Onions .252 224 ..4 Orchards, Selection of Localities for 170 Orchards, Culture of 227 Oats, Norway 237 Orange Tree, Citrus -^^ Orange Tree, Grafting ^ 2^^ Orchard Trees, Decay of ■" l^tj Osage Hedges Pansy, Viola Tricolor Preservation of Wooden Stakes and Labels 8, 287 Preserving Hops ■*? Pasture Grass for California -lo Parks. PubUc 54, 111, 122 Primrose, Primula 10^ Pink, Dianihus 129 Plant Lice, Aphides 13- Phantom Leaves 172 Prospects, Our Domestic 175 Plants, Effects of Gas on 181 Piedmont, Sulphur Springs 182 Premium List, Horticultural Society 183 Plants for the Dwelling U ouse 194 Parks 202 Parks, Our City 202 Pruning, with reference to Fruit Production. 128, 20-2 Ploughing Deep 23o, 34o Poppy, Cultivation of, in California ■ • 2o9 Premiums, Award of 308, 332 Poultry 122,127,157 Peat as Fuel 127 Pumpkins Among Corn lo^ Potatoes. Special Manures for, etc . . 159, 218, 283, 379 Poison Oak j^O Pansies in Masses 192 Pine Trees, Eftects on the Soil 220, 288 Palms 250 Peas 252, 349 Plants, Watering with Hot Water 255, 380 Plants, Origin of 281 Plants, Fibrous and Oil- Yielding 349 PaOB 378 286 251 Plaue-Tree in Cities Quails as Insect Eaters Quince. Cultivation of Ense, Bona ^3, 230, 2g Tioso LuTC .....-••-••• Rope. New, to Make it Pliable .^ . . ._. . . .^. • -^73 Ramie ... Rose of Sharon Rains, Onr Late Ramie as a Forage Plant Redwoods. Sequoia Sempervireiis Raisins. .77, 171, 222, 275 176 182 238 260 288 .350 Raspberry, Mammoth Cluster ^^' Radishes, Speedy Growth of ^'^ Shade Trees Sugar Beet, BeUt, Cida Sun Flower Stock, Food for Sugar, How .Made White.. Soil. Cultivator of ...46 ...47 75. 351 ....75 ... .79 .... 84 Sugar Beet Culture iaq ' 144 Sherman Island, Farming on i'^-^. '■'^f Sorgo, Sorqhum Snccharaiuiti ' .A ,ii Suggestion 143,204 Sugar Beet in England |*' Singing Birds, Treatment of 151 S.and Drifts, How Checked in France .152 Silk Culture ^"^- ^^^ Success, Road to ^'° Sheep, Utility of, to Farmers. ^ • ■ ■ •2Uy Shrubs and Trees, Enumeration of 292, d2d State Fair ?^* Silk Worm Eggs, Trade m foo Salt as a Manure, Effects of J^^ Smut in Wheat. Remedy for ^blJ Squirrels, Suffocation of -;f^ o 1 I- ,^1 2/0 Seed, 1 >ad • ■ • ^^^ Solomon's Seal, Two-Leaved 20¥ Small Fi-uits, Culture of «><* Talk About Flowers • •» TroiDical Fruits. Sketches of ooc ' oki Tuberose, Polianthes Tuberosa 225, 2&1 Timber Trees. ..'. 301, 325, 355 Trees, Age of oi ' 9V0 970 07^ Tea Plantation 21, 252, 278. ilo Tallow Tree °J Tomato, Trophy • • • • ,•"* Tomato 1^^' f^i Thistles, to Destroy j^^ TowTi Gardening ^^ Tui-meric ^-r Trout, Food for Young ^^^ Trees, Washing and Scraping of ^^^ Thuja Lobbii ^^^ Von Muller, Letter from -^^ Vine Culture, Cahfornian «. ^°^ Vinevards, Planting of ^^^ Vegetable Life, Curiosities of ■ • • • :ii Vegetables. New and Promising VaneUes ot ii>3 What is Wanted in California • .^. • - • • ■ • • - • - ' Woodward's Gardens 9, 61, 181, 314, 34d Watering ^, , Word to Pomologists ^ig', 240,' 286 Weeds ' 04.8 Washington, Letter from ^*° Wine-making, Prize Essay on *°* Walnut Black, Juglans nigra ■ - -^^^ Walks, Neat ' nn^ Who Makes the Money ? ^' ° Water-lily, gigantic, Victoria Regm -^^ Yeast, Home-made ^^^ Yucca 206 Verba Buena Park 1 THE California Horticulturist AND FLORAL MAGAZINE. Vol. I. NOVEMBER, 1870. No. 1. INTRODUCTORY. It is but right that the projectors .of any new undertaking in the field of journalism, should, in making their appearance before the public, give as far as possible an insight into their ultimate end and aim, state what they propose to accomplish, and also the means at hand for its successful issue. In endeavoring to place a horticultural journal before the public of California, we may be accused of a rash act, and, no doubt, if we thought as the majority do, such might be the case. It shall be our province to show the aforesaid major- ity that they are wrong and we are right. Encouraged by this belief, and also in the belief of an actual need for a publication such as we propose to issue, we, with all due defer- ence, lay before the public the first number of the "California HoRTiruLTurasT." An extended and practical intercourse with all classes of cultivators of the soil, from the landed proprietor of two or three flower-pots to the possessor of hundreds of acres, has long since convinced us of the pressing necessity for a medium, through which all might set forth their experiences, observations and ideas on the horticulture and agriculture of the Pa- cific coast. The circumstances under which every cultivator finds himself placed, whether the experienced agriculturist from distant parts of the world, or the amateur, just initiating a flower-bed, render not only desirable, but ab- solutely necessary, that all the local informa- tion possible to be attained should be laid before him ; and that it should be so arran- ged as to be of practical use and value to him in his occupation. It is this idea which has led us to the publication of this journal, as the long needed medium. The climate, seasons and soil of California differ so materially from those of other re- gions, in almost every particular, and are so diverse, even in different parts of the State, that in many operations we are compelled to deviate from old established rules, and frame a system of our own. This variation and di- versity, while presenting formidable difficulties to the agriculturist and horticulturist, yet affords an extended field for the successful cultivation of plants from the most widely separated localities. Our horticultural and agricultural products astonish the world as much now, as our gold fields have done in years gone by; and if we take into considera- tion the short space of time given to the culti- vation of our fields and gardens, we must claim a marvelous progress already attained. The success, of our labors has been so great that local peculiarities of soil and climate have been hardly taken into consideration ; and the apple and orange, the grape and the water- melon, the walnut and the almond, the tea plant and the hop vine, the cabbage and the peanut have been cultivated in one and the same locality, and with some success THE CALIFORNIA HORTICULTURIST. These experiments have, however, proved to the more intelligent observer that certain plants will do better in one locality than in another, and that almost every plant and tree requires some peculiarity in soil and climate to bring it to perfection. We will instance the vine, which our readers are well aware yields such widely different results in different situations; and we find that the same can be said in regard to every plant cultivated for use or ornament. These facts being duly considered, it becomes necessary that the ex- perience of our cultivators should be collected, condensed, and presented to the public; and thus serve as a very important guide in the future development of our agricultural and horticultural resources. Unless we profit by the experiences of others, we will always be subjected to unnecessary expense, and serious loss of time must ensue to the general progress and prosperity of the country. The ex- change of opinions on horticultural subjects must be limited, so long as we are without a proper vehicle through which we can ex press ourselves without trespassing on the de- partment of others. In bringing before the public the " Califor- nia Horticulturist,''' we propose to correct this long existing evil, and offer a journal that shall be open to every one interested in the cultivation of our soil, and to horticulturists in particular. In our journal we desire to treat on every subject comprised in horticul- ture, and while we shall endeavor to be high- ly interesting to our neighbor who cultivates a few parlor plants, and trains her ivy branches — -nourished by a glass of water — aroimd the parlor mirror, we shall seek to supply indispen- sable information to the owner of the conser- vatory with its oranges and its camellias ; or of the hot-house with its tropical collection. We shall strive to be instructive alike to the admirers of the canary and the goldfinch, whose sweet voices make glad melody in the sitting-room ; and to the occupant of the rural residence, with its picturesque landscape, its lakelets and streams teeming with trout, and its woods enlivened with the deer and the quail. We shall distribute information in re- gard to the management of the kitchen-garden, as well as details for the guidance of the pro- fessional grower of extensive fields of aspara- gus, tomatoes, etc., and make a strong effort to further the interests of our extensive vine- yards in all parts of the State, as well as our numerous orchards. The production of silk, the propagation of the ramie, the tea plant, and other important features of horticulture will alike receive our watchful attention. We shall use the greatest care, in giving our readers from time to time, a selection of the best varieties of plants for useful and orna- mental culture, with the most approved mode of treatment. In fact, we will do our best to make the "California Horticulturist" what it should be; and we trust that those occupied in culti- vating our soil, and in ornamenting our homes, wall favor us with communications on any sub- ject bearing on horticulture, either in support of, or at variance with our own expressed opinion; as in keeping up a constant inter- change of thought, and in comparison of expe- riences, the real merits of many controverted subjects will be brought to light. The knowl- edge of a single individual, published to a community, may produce a large amount of good to the general public. As a new jour- nal, we will be subject to the same difiiculties which every similar enterprise meets with; but we trust that the encouragement which we received on approaching our friends, and those interested in horticulture, on the subject of publishing this monthly journal, may prove an indication of its final success. CAMELLIA JAPONIC A. The Camellia Japonica is a native of Japan and China, where it grows to the hight of from forty to fifty feet. This exquisite ever- green, was named by Linnaeus, the great botanist, after Camelli, a Jesuit, who is said to have first brought it to Europe, in the year 1739. It w/as first cultivated in England, from whence it gradually spread into Italy, France THE CALIFORNIA HORTICULTURIST. and Germany, in the order which I have named. It is now cultivated all over the civ- ilized world, and America, though the last to take u]) its cultivation, can show as a result, some of its most valued varieties. The camellia as first known, produced a sin- gle white flower, with trom six to seven petals; but care and skill in its culture, has so much improved it, that it is now considered the finest production of floral beauty. The form and color of its most exquisite flowers, cannot be surpassed by any plant which we have at present under cultivation. It produces its rich blooms at a season of the year when the scarcity of flowers is so much felt, that it makes it all the more desir- able as a green-house and parlor plant. But it is not only the flowers which are so highly esteemed, the foliage in itself, makes the plant the most elegant and choicest of our evergreen flowering shrubs. The camellia is easily cultivated, and will do well in almost any kind of soil, which is not too poor or sandy. The soil should be rather coarse, and not prepared (as is some- times done) by running it through a fine sieve. If the plant requires repotting, it should be done when the flowering season is over, which will be in the latter part of April or the beginning of May. The transplanting should not be repeated often, as it has an injuri- ous effect upon the flowering. Plants that have remained in the same pot for five or six years, often produce the greatest abundance of flowers. During the summer months when the plant is out of bloom, it should occupy a shady place ; well protected from our strong winds, but at the same time, in such a position as shall give it plenty of fresh, pure air, and keep- ing the earth moderately moist. It is now, during the summer months, that the flower buds of the camellia are forming ; as they advance in size a little more water may be given. The first flowers may be ex- pected in November, and then the plant should be kept closer; plenty of water, a moderately warm temperature, and an occasional sprink- ling of the floor, if in a green house, or the plant, if in the parlor, is required. Care should, however, be taken, not to wet the flowers, as every drop of water is apt to pro- duce a yellow spot on the delicate petals of this floral treasure. The worst enemies of the camellia are gasses of any kinds, and a diy hot atmosphere. At times, the professional grower of the camellia, keeps his plants very close, and subjects them to a high temperature ; this he does for the purpose of forcing the plants into bloom more rapidly. Such treat- ment, it is easy to see, must be anything but beneficial to the plants. To cultivate this choice plant in the parlor or sitting-room, with the most satisfactory results, I would advise the construction of a double-window, somewhat in the style of a show window, which will enable the grower to maintain an equal temperature and exclude gasses, etc. Light frosts will do the camellia no harm, but on the other hand, the hot rays of the sun are sure death to its flowers. The climate of San Francisco is favorable for the outdoor cultivation of the camellia, were it not for the prevalence of our strong winds, which more than counterbalances the good eftects of our moderate sun heat. When plants are confined in a room, or the green house; the sun acts more powerfully by reason of the glass, and consequently a great deal of air must be given, especially during a warm day : but care must be taken in admit- ting air, not to create drafts. The camellia re- quires that its foliage and buds shall be kept free from dust and insects, which can be done by means of a soft sponge slightly moistened. If we were asked to lay down short and simple rules, for the successful cultivation of this plant by the amateur; we would advise a shady, temperate position ; protection from winds; regular watering; (rather too much than too little, at least during the flowering season,) cleanliness, with plenty of air, and a moist atmosphere created by occasional sprink- ling. The propagation of this valuable plant is mostly done by cuttings from the single vari- eties; they are also raised from seed, and THE CALIFORNIA HORTICULTURIST. many new varieties have been produced in this way. The camellia plants cultivated on the Pacific boast, are all imported from the Eastern States and Europe; generally arriving here in good order. Professional gardeners cultivate them for the flowers, which are sold here, (in San Fran- cisco) at 50 cents per flower. The white flow- ers are always in great demand for bouquets, wreaths and the hair. During the camellia season a fine bouquet is incomplete without containing one of these floral gems. The flowers are plucked before they open, and when used for the bouquet, are opened by hand, in this way they keep much longer. The flower is mounted on wire, and always occupies the most conspicuous place in the bouquet or basket. We can recommend the more extensive cul- tivation of the camellia, feeling certain that from the simple mode of treatment w^hich it requires, success must follow. THE PANSr. {Viola tricolor.) C. D. Copeland, saj^s : — " Nothing in the world of flowers is painted with such exqui- site beauty or endless variety of coloring, as the fancy or German pansy. They talk, and smile, and look you in the face, with intelligent countenances and cheerful eyes, as though they were creatures of life." This little pet of the garden is familiar to all our readers. It isindigenous both in Europe and America, and in its wild state in some parts of this country, is quaintly called the " Johnny jump up." Since it has been taken to the fostering care of our nurserymen and professional gardeners it has so rapidly and continuously improved as to have become one of the most interesting of small bedding plants, and should find a place in every garden. In all Horticulturist's flowers certain features are considered necessary to constitute a per- fect plant, so with the Pansy we expect from a well-grown specimen the following character- istics. The flower-stem should be of just sufficient hight to permit the expansion of the blossom ab£)ve the foliage of the plant, the form of the flower should be round and regu- lar, and the petals should be firm and flat and present a lively contrast of color. The soil for its cultivation should consist of a rich sandy loam mixed with well rotted manure. It thrives best where shade can be given during the hotter portion of the day, and requires copious moisture. While in the East- ern States, the winters are to cold, and the summers too hot, and the cultivators of this little favorite are compelled to be content with its gay beauties during the spring season, the San Franciscan, by providing sufficient shel- ter from the burning rays of the sun, and abundant moisture, can indulge in the pleas- ure of a continuous succession of blooming plants during the whole year. The Amateur Horticulturist must not how- ever be too exacting, the few plants first pur- chased, which have embellished her parterre for a period of 3 or 4 months with a profusion of elegant blossoms have done good service^ and must be replaced by a succession of young- er ones which can be procured at a moderate outlay. But should the expense of replanting the Pansy bed be objected to, the plants may be raised from seed in some box which should be placed in a warm and sheltered situation, and covered during cold nights until the seeds are up. This is especially advisable in San Fran- cisco where for weeks during the year the warmth of the sun is insufficient to stimulate the seeds, in which case they decay. Seedsmen are often blamed for furnishing bad seed, when they are entirely innocent, the best of seed will fail by laying too long in the ground. When the young plants are large enough for transplanting, prepare the bed by working it over thoroughly and enriching with well rotted manure, an abundant supply of Avhich should always be at hand. The young plants when planted out will soon make good head- way without farther troiible. Seed sown in September will flower in spring; that sown in Februarv, during the summer; and that m May, during the" fall of the year. Any very choice or pleasing variety of Pansy may be THE CALIFORNIA HORTICULTURIST. preserved by sub-dividing the old roots after flowerino- 3 or 4 months, these sub-divisions will root freely, and form vigorous young plants, retaining the original tints of the par- ent plant. The Pansy freely propagates of itself when once introduced into the garden, but the flowers of plants so acqiiired will be inferior to those raised as recommended. There is no flower more easily cultivated and yet so many garderis are without the Pansy. A TALK ABOUT FLOWERS. "In all places, then, and in all seasons. Flowers expand their soul-like wings; Teaching us, by most persuasive reasons. How akin they are to human things," I was riding once, along the side of a moun- tain, over a rough, rocky trail. Dwellings of any sort were scarce, and the few miserable shanties we saw were as rude and uncouth as the neighborhood. At one time, however, we passed a cabin, mounted on stilts, looking as if a strong wind would blow it over, or a se- vere storm wash it into the deep gulch over which it leaned. My companion, gazing around, exclaimed : " What a place for a woman to live in ! " As I saw no sign of human being upon the prem- ises, I was at a loss to account for his astute- ness, and ventured to inquire whence came this divining power. ' ' Why," said he, " no one but a woman would have gathered those flowers, or tried to coax that solitary geranium to live;" and, looking toward the window, I saw, resting on the sill, a broken mug, filled with wild flowers, and near an old box, which served the purpose of a step, was a single geranium, thrifty and evidently well cared for. I paid a mental tribute to my friend's per- ceptive faculties, and treasured the incident, slight as it was, in memory of the pent up spirit which sought for an outlet in the mug of flow- ers, and the fragrant shrub. Depend upon it, there teas a woman in that rough, board " shanty," a woman whose soul grew weary, sick and disgusted with the barren routine of her life ; a woman troubled with an unquiet spirit; whose more refined nature struggled to round itself into completeness, through the medium of her treasured plants. We Californians boast of our magnificent \ land; we are proud of our boundless acres, our gigantic groves, our stupendous cataracts, our wonderful /orrt, so unlike that of any other land that we have to make a botany on pur- pose to suit it; and strangers, passing through our country, say: "Yes, true; all is grand, magnificent; fields of billowy grain stretch away for hundreds and hundreds of acres, but where is the mansion and grounds belonging to this immense estate ?" You point to a rick- ety structure, set upon sticks, containing two, possibly three, rooms ; the chickens are cooling themselves under the floor, and the summer sun beats down upon the unsheltered roof. No flower, no tree, no shrub relieves the deso- late glare; and, at night, the farmer comes from his toil, smokes his pipe in his shirt- sleeves, and goes to bed before the stars are' fairly blinking in the sky, with no thought above or beyond the state of the wheat mar- ket, and the prospect of rust in the approach- ing crop! His wife, if he has such an appendage, is probably as earthy as himself; or, perchance she feels — " A wish that she hardly dared to own, For something better than she had known." And perhaps, if she ever finds time to gaze upon the loveliness of sky and landscape, which the Divine Artist paints for His people, she wonders that her life should be so compressed into meie working, eating and sleeping. Thank Heaven ! our farmers are not all like this one, although he has many counterparts. Now, let this man train a morning glory over the door- way, build a porch, and set a honeysuckle beside it, plant wall and gilly flowers in the yard, with here and there a gera- nium or rose — hardy plants, all of them, that will grow without very much culture. No French gardener will be needed to keep them in order, but the wife and the children will learn new lessons every day from the bright, fragrant blossoms. Some may call it sentimental, but mark, in a year's tyne, if our farmer does not seem more cheery. See if he does not sit on the door- 6 THE CALIFORNIA HORTICULTURIST. step, under the blossoming vine, during the summer evening, watching the moon rising red upon the horizon, tcJking with his wife of the plans for the future, and listening to an ac- count of the children's gardens, their little games and pleasures — breathing the sweet perfume, and loth to leave the fragrant night. Truly, we perceive a change here, and a change that is not one whit an exaggeration. And who shall say this is not the work of the flowers ? Who shall say this is not God's way of refining, ennobling, elevating ? Where will you find a better teacher than our mother, Nature ? Who more fitted to impart divine truth than she ? Where can we better study lessons of patience, perseverance and meekness than in her sweet companionship? Truly, " Flowers ase wondrously akin to human things." I belie \^e it is impossible to estimate the influ- ence which flowers and plants possess over us. Frequent association with them teaches us to find, in their varied blossoms, as many friends — nay, far more and truer friends than any draw- ing room can afford. The pansy, large -eyed, cool and uncon- cerned; the heliotrope, yielding its heart's sweetness, at the sacrifice of its own life ; the fuchsia, gorgeous as some Southern houri ; the dainty minionette; the bewildering, intoxicating tuber-rose; the thrice friendly, doubly wel- come crysanthemum and aster, coming when sweeter flowers have fled, and dull, autumn clouds darken the landscape. Have we not here companions who delight our senses with their beauty, and refresh our hearts with the sympathy of their presence. He who studies Nature learns from the books of God's Providence, and the child who toddles to its mother's knee, with the "pitty posies," the maiden who fills the parlor vases with fresh blossoms, the man who sets a vine by his door-step, have each marked a text in that precious volume. Another great source of pleasure is to be found in house-plants. Claiming, as they do, more attention than the out-door plants, they endear themselves to us, as we feel their de- pendence upon our care. Of these there is, of course, a great variety ; for in our equable cli- mate, outdoor and indoor, summer and winter plants are nearly the same. The narcissus, growing upon stones in water, with its golden cup and silver saucer blossom; the hyacinth; the ivy, German, English or rock ivy, trailing its graceful leaves over window and picture; the delicate smilax vine; the msuk plant, with its airy, plumy green, asking only water and light, in return for which it makes itself as beautiful as possible; these 'are but the begin- ning of a list that \can be lengthened indefi- nitely, to suit the taste of each cultivator- and for all his pains, all his watchful care, he will as surely be a hundred fold re- paid when his treasures have reached maturity. If people will but cultivate flowers in their gardens and houses, let them grow with their children, let them nod at the little ones as they bend over their books, let them smile at them as they play at their games, let them teach their quaint lore to their youthful minds, and, I doubt not, such a perennial fount will be opened, such a well-spring of faith and trust, reverence and love, as shall never know drouth, even on the most arid plains of human experience. And as winter winds howl, as the rain patters on the roof, and the hail beats upon the pane, we may still have spring and summer with us, in the gentle odors and de- lightful presence of these "starry fi-iends." ABSENCE OF THE GREEN COLOR IN THE LEAVES OF PLANTS. A short time ago my attention was called to a specimen of the redwood Sequoia Semper- vi'rens of this State. The specimen was pecu- liar in having one part of its foliage perfectly white, while the balance was of the usual vivid green. This is a condition which Ave often see in other plants, especially of the geranium family, etc. , plants much sought after by horticulturists, on account of this peculiarity. In the plants last named it seems to be due to a system of cultivation practiced by gar- deners, without any definite knowledge as to the relation of cause and efiect. THE CALIFORNIA HORTICULTURIST. We all know if a plant is deprived of its proper supply of light it will grow up pale and sickly, passing through all grades of color, from its normal green to a perfect white. Yet here is a plant which has not been sub- jected to this deprivation, growing out in the common light and air of heaven, exposed to all the usual conditions of plants, with one part of its foliage green, while the other is white. What is the cause of this ? In no work have I seen an exj lanation offered, yet there must be some cause for it; nothing in tins world of ours is left to chance. In this paper, I do not propose to give a theory, but rather to call attention to this phenomena, and offer a few points for the con- sideration of those who study natural history as displayed in the botanical kingdom. The sap of a plant is — so to speak — its blood, and in the same way might we call the blood of animals the sap of their organization. The two fluids play the same economy in the law of nature. The blood of man, we know, has in it two kinds of cells, or corpus- cles, the red and white. It is upon the pro- per adjustment of these cells that health in a great measure depends. By adjustment, I mean the proper and normal pnssage of the white cells, from that condition into those of red. If we have an over-abundance of the red cells, the condition of plethora orhypel'aemia is produced, and this gives us a standard, as it were, above health. If, on the other hand, the white cells predominate — that is to say, so conditione'd as to be arrested in their onward development into red cells, we have a state of anaemia, or paleness, being below the stan- dard of health. In one case there is an over- development of the circulating fluid; in the other, an arrest of development. Now, may not the same law influence the sap of plants? We know that the green color of the leaves of plants depends on a principle called chlorophjl, as the blood depends on haematin for its color, that the leaves act as the lungs of the plant, that unless the sap has been exposed to the influence of the light and air, it is not suitable for the nourishment of the plant, just as tlie blood is not capa- 4^ ble of sustaining life until it has been aerated -4 in the lungs. Now, taking up the example of the blood, and folloAving it still farther, may not the sap have two kinds or conditions of cells, and that in a healthy condition of the plant the one proper to it predominates, and so the green color is produced. If now we have an unliealthy condition of a plant, or part of it, may not the other cells (being of a lower gi-ade) be arrested in their development, and, taking the ascendancy, produce in the plant (as the undevelopment does in the blood cells) an anaemic state — hence the white color. My opinion, then, is that this phenomena (whether found in nature, or produced by the manipulations of the horticultui ist) is caused by an arrested development in the sap cells of the plants. Whether that arrestment is due to external or internal influences, we at present cannot determine. This is but a crude idea of what is in my mind in regard to this subject, and my only intention, in this paper, is to di- rect thought to a thing we see every day, and yet for which we have no satisfactory expla- nation. WHAT IS WANTED IN CALIFORNIA. BY CHAKLES F. EEED. I feel called upon, briefly to refer to a sub- ject which at the present time is of greater interest to California, and all her producing and industrial classes, than any other. It is an evil which, more than any other, discour- ages and defeats California energy and enter- prise, and disheartens and opposes California industry and labor. I refer to the exorbitant and unwarranted demands of capitalists for the use of money. In earlier days, when mining was the lead- ing industry of the State, and its only product and export — all the necessaries of life being imported — ^when men with pick, shovel and rocker could take from the earth from ten to fifteen dollars a day each — when the merchant could realize from fifty to two hundred per cent, profit every time he turned his capital ^>! ■T^" THE CALIFORNIA HORTICULTURIST. over, and money was worth from sixty to one hundred per cent, per annum, all seemed to go harmoniously on, for then we had no formida- ble competitor in our great and only staple export, and the favors of fortune were so fickle and uncertain that none of the rules that generally regulate the regulations of capi- tal, enterprise and labor, seemed applicable to us. Since that time changes have been gradually taking place in our whole industrial sys- tem, and in our relations to and with the outer world. The product of the mines has been gradually falling off, and enterprise and labor have been seeking other channels of occupa- tion. The facilities of travel and commerce and general inter-cominunication between our State and other countries have been gradually increasing, until with the completion of the overland railroad the revolution is thorough and complete. To-day our great staple pro- ducts are those of agriculture and manufac- tures, and wherever, in whatever country, whether at home or abroad, on the Eastern or Western Continent, these products seek a market, then they meet face to face and come in sharp competition with similar products from other portions of the world. Our wheat has to compete with wheat fi-om South America, the Atlantic States, Russia, the Mediterranean and all other v>^heat-grow- ing countries. Our wines find competitors in the wines of Germany, France, Italy, Spain and Portugal. Our wool comes in contact principally with the wools of the Eastern States, Europe and Australia, while our silks have to make their way against the old silk- growing countries of Southern Europe and Asia; and our manufactures have to combat the manufacturing capital, facilities and skill . of the Eastern States and England. Thus, nothing we now produce, nothing we now manufacture, can find a market except ao-ainst the ever present and ever pres' ;ng competition ol the world. What then, I ask, must be the necessary con- ditions of prosperity and success to our agri- culture, our manufactures and our commerce? / Our natural advantages for these great in- dustries are not excelled by any other country in the world. We have a soil and climate un- surpassed— our manufacturing facilities are equal to those of any other country, and our location is in the direct path of the commerce of the world. The skill and energy of our people is proverbial. Then what more do we want to prosper, to excel? My answer is, cheap capital and cheap labor. Give us the former and the latter will fol- low, for whenever there is enei'gy and enter- prise in a country, and plenty of money at low rates of interest, then all the necessary expenses of living, will be cheap, and labor will find constant employment and will be readily and cheaply obtained. Capital in all ages and in all countries is proverbially timid and slow to move, and in this State it seems wilfully and stupidly blind to the changes and improvement that a few years have brought about. What reason and sense is there that enterprise and industry in Cali- fornia should be taxed for the use of capital from twelve to eighteen per cent., while the same capital in Europe and the Atlantic States, or any other portion of the world, cannot command but from three to six per cent., with the same class of security ? None whatever. And yet such is the stubborn fact. And in this* fact, above all others, lies the greatest impediment to California's rapid settlement — to the development of her boundless resources, and to her upward and onward march -to per- manent and substantial success and universal prosperity. PRESERVATION OF WOODEN STAKES AND LABELS. It is often a source of complaint with gar- deners, that stakes and labels made of wood, decay in a very short time ; thus leading to confusion in the proper cataloguing of their plants. We propose to give in this article the means by which this annoyance can be avoided. Take in the proportion of one pound of sulphate ot copper (blue vitiioi), dissolved in two g-allons of soft water ; in this solution put THE CALIFORNIA HORTICULTURIST. ^ that portion of the stakes which is intended to be placed in the ground, letting them re- main immersed for twenty-four hours. After removing them from the solution, it is only necessary to let the stakes become thoroughly dry, aijd they are at once fit for use. Wooden labels may be thrown into the solution for the same length of time, when they will be found so saturated with the metallic salt, as to withstand any amount of moisture to which they may be subjected. This is a very siinple method, attended with little ex- pense, and but a slight addition of labor. It has also been advised to cover the lower end of stakes and labels with tar, which is kept for that purpose, in a liquid state. The stakes must be thoroughly dry, as tar has no power of penetrating wood, should it contain even a small amount of moisture. It will also be necessary to warm the stakes in the sun, or before a gentle fire, previous to immersing them in the tar ; otherwise the tar forms a thin coating on the outside of the wood, and does not penetrate the wood cells, thus defeating the object sought to be at- tained. The first method is, however, to be pre- ferred, as it is cheap, clean and thoroughly effective. WOODWARD'S GARDENS, SAN FRANCISCO, CAL. An attractive feature of San Francisco, is the famous Woodward Gardens, located about a mile and a half from the centre of the city, and styled by some the Central Park of the Pacific. The grounds comprise only five acres, but so arranged by the disposition of galleries and buildings, and the planting of trees and shrubs, as to appear fully twice the size. In compari- son with the surrounding country, its barren hill-tops and sandy fields, these i:)leasant gardens really (more than customary) appear a little "beauty spot" of orna- mental character. Mr. R. B. Woodward, formerly of Rhode Island, hav- m* removed to San Francisco, and there accumulated a fortune in active business, purchased the land in 1860, just in the suburbs of the city, as an investment. He gradually added trees, shrubs and ornamental buildings within, in order to form pleasant home grounds, for a future residence. Their beauty attracted the public attention, and re- quests to visit them became so frequent, that a special day was set apart each week for visitors ; a small charge was made for admission, and the proceeds han- ded over to the Sanitary Fund during the time of our recent rebellion. The public attendance became so great, and the reputation of the place having so widely extended, the grounds were at last given up for private purposes, and thrown open to the public for daily visits and pleasant enjoyment, and they have thus become, with- in five years, the great resort of the people of the city, combining in one entertaiment the pleasures of the park, the garden and the museum. Directly in front of the entrance is the large Conser- vatory, with all the smaller ones connecting. There are five in all, supplied with an abundance of plants, gathered from all parts of the world. Here, in one beautiful view from the art gallery, we behold one house devoted exclusively to tropical fruits and palms, the Banana, Plantain, CoflTee tree. Tamarind, Pine apple, Rose apple, Alligator pear, Chirimoya tree, eight varie- ties of Palms, three of Pandanus, while here and there, in the other greenhouses, are scattered Dracaenas (eight varieties), Caladums, Begonias, Coleus, Marantas, Crotons, Ferns, Agaves and Aloes, while a few Cinna- namon and Camphor trees complete the representa- tives of the tropics. In the same series of houses are found trees from a more temperate climate. The Magnolia grandiflora. Camellia japonicas, in many varieties; India-rubber tree in many varieties, the Orange, Lime, Lemon, and Citron trees, six varieties of the Araucaria and the Azalea. Our American greenhouse plants did not all appear as thrifty as with us on the Atlantic slope ; the orna- mental leaved plants seeming to suffer greatly. The Coleus was hardly as finely colored as we have here, but the Begonias were overflowing with bloom. It was certainly intensely interesting to behold, grouped into one place, trees from all parts of the world. Here is the India-rubber tree from Central America, fifteen feet high ; there the Camphor tree from India ; again, the Orange tree from Mexico or the West Indies, and in a corner the Banana or the Sago Palm. The Cof. fee tree from Arabia and from Australia and Acacias,be- yond number, also are gathered there. Connected with the conservatories is a museum, de- voted to curious specimens of stuffed animals and birds. In one of the rooms was a specimen of the bark of one of the big trees of California, thirty-two inches thick. T;! the centre of the large conservatory is a Fine Ale 'Gallery, containing many acceptable paintings, the vestibule to which is lined with tiles painted after the fashion of the olden days of Pompeii and Herculaneum. In the rear of the greenhouses is a pond devoted to aquatic animals, fish, etc., and for pleasure sailing in 10 THE CALIFORNIA HORTICULTURIST. a circular boat. Back of these are the dens and cages, where are gathered living animals peculiar to the mountains and coast, as also some imported from the tropics. In an adjoining yard, approached hj a tunnel under the street, is a large amphitheatre, where stalks the camel and its young, and on stages are chained the panther, black and cinnamon bears, with other living curiosities dispersed at convenient distances. The gardens have a natural ascent of fifty or more feet, rising first behind the museum and conservatories, on the simimit of which is placed a fine Turkish Ob- servatory. From this can be caught a charming glimpse of the entire extent of the gardens and of the crowds beneath intent on solid pleasure. The sides of the hill are planted thickly in trees, and the observa- tory is hidden from sight save its very top. In various parts of the garden, along the walks or on the lawns, and particularly in front of the conser- vatories, are grouped specimens of native and foreign trees, fiourishing with the slightest care, and affording a delightful sight to the botanist or tree lover. We saw the Norfolk Island Pine, 10 ft.; Acacia verticillata, 20 ft., from Australia ; Acacia linearius, 25 ft., from Australia ; Callistema lanceolata, from New Holland ; Pittosponim Tobera, from Japan ; Cupressus alwsoni- ana, 20 ft.; Japanese loquat, 13 ft.; Leptospermum lanigerum, 15 ft.; Pinus insignis, 20 to 30 ft.; Ver. oanica macrocarpa, from New Zealand; European lauruntine ; Metaluca decurrata, 25 tt., from New Hol- land ; Melrosio, from New South Wales; Ftibiana imbricata, 5 ft.; Japan Spindle tree ; Dwarf pome- granate, from New South Indies; Chinese Cypress; Yinca Major, 6 ft. by 8 ft.; Deodar Cedar, 15 ft. high by 10 ft. broad— this tree is remarkable for its beautiful, graceful, drooping habit. Peruvian Mastic tree, re- markable for its large head, 20 ft. high and as broad ; Norway Spruce, 30 ft. high. The short time limited to our stay prevented fuller notes as to the trees and shrubs. It is sufficient to say that beyond a few specimens of native cedars, spruce and cypress, the entire collection of ornamental trees^ plants, etc., has been gathered from foreign countries^ and here thrive with perfect luxuriance in the open air. As yet no gardens in the world can present con. trasts of so vivid a nature, nor grow trees from sec- tions so widely remote, as has been done here. In ministering pleasure to the tastes of the visitors who have constantly visited the grounds, Mr. Wood- ward has unconsciously given a lesson of great im- portance. He has pointed out the absolute possibility of the introduction of trees from foreign countries, and demonstrated their successful culture. Ornamental gardening, hereafter on the Pacific coast, will receive an impetus from the influence of these facts, and already we find many streets and pub- lic and private grounds adorned with choice shade or ornamental trees from Australia or the islands of the Pacific Ocean. Was ever a country so gifted as California, where, in one garden, can be grown trees from the snowy summits of the Sierra Nevada, by the side of the tropical palm, coffee and orange ; where, too, the apple and pear, from our Atlantic States, thrive ; where the cacti blooms with the geranium, where Australian, Chinese and Japan trees twine and droop and mingle their branches together, and still the bear and panther tumble over the lawn, or the beaver works his silent way among the waters of the meandering streams; or the fountain bubbles out its lucent music at the same time with the richer melodies of the Mocking bird. The grounds have cost, exclusive of land, over i^lOO,- 000, and still the proprietor is adding qvery available curiosity suitable to California climate and soil. Future visitors will find the collection of plants and trees deserving of an extended and interesting study. — JS'ew York horticulturist. ORNAMENTAL AND LANDSCAPE GARDENING SECTION I. This subject is of great importance in a new and prosperous country, where rapidly grow- ing wealth has placed at the disposal ot men of taste, the means of indulging a long exist- ino- desire for the refined embellishments of the garden and pleasure ground, Avhere well select- ed and contrasted flowering shrubs and plants like the rich setting of a jewel suiTOimd the home of his family, blending with their graces, conducing to their health, soothing in their cool freshness, their gentle commingling of color, their rich and varied, yet healthful and exhilarating perfumes, and yielding calm rest and refresh- ment from the stern business of the day. So much can be said on this subject that we pro- pose devoting from time to time, a considerable amount of attention to it in our columns, and by suggesting various tasty and natural adap- tations from the rich treasury of nature, strive to guide and direct the taste of our readers in selectmg from thence the ornamental surround- ings of their homes in place of the gaudy trap- ping of meretricious ornament. Ornamental gardening differs Avidely from landscape gardening, although it may be con- fM THE CALIFORXIA HORTICULTURIST. 11 sidered a branch of it. By ornamental gar- dening we understand more particularly the beautitying and ornamenting those small plots which surround our city homes, or certain se- lect and favorite spots in the more extensive grounds of country residences. It is entirely a work of art, limited by space left vohmtarily or accidentally, and controlled by various cir- cumstances, while landscape gardening assumes a much wider field, takes hold op a more ex- panded tract of land, and by availing itself of the natural undulations of surface, and the al- ready existing accessions of wood, water and rock, or by supplying all these where deficient; by dint of experience, cultivated taste, and sundry rules of art, defines and particularizes the beauties, adds new features, softens rug- gedness, primes away redundancies, and by supplying detail when necessary, grouping and aiTanging trees and^ shrubs, laying out walks and drives, constructing lakelets and rockeries where such will harmonize and give brilliancy to the scene; 3it elaborates those gems of land- scape beauty attached to rural homes, which we so much admire in older and more settled countries. To revert to Ornamental Gardening, nothing adds so much to the appearance and comfort of a home as its surroundings when adapted to its style and keeping. Whenever our atten- tion is attracted to a residence, we have an im- controllable propensity to judge of the taste and refinement of its occupants by the trees, shrubs and flowers surroimding it, and by the manner in which the garden plot is kept. Who does not love flowers? Children love them; quiet, tender and contented people love them ; luxurious people admire them when gathered ; and whenever we see them in the window of the humbler cottage we argue thence the flour- ishmg of the home afiections which require the protection of the same fostering hand. Our outward life requires them not. Then wherefore have they birth? To minister delight to man, To beautify the earth! To comfort man— to whisper hope. Whene'er his faith is dim, ^?y,°oso careth for the flowers WUl much more care for Him. How often is it the ill fate of the garden plot, in the arrangements made by the prosper- ous man for relocating his family, to come off worse than second best. We will instance a case. Some one after years of successftil toil is about building a home. Like a careful business man he obtains plans and estimates for the dwelling, etc., calculates the cost of fittings and furniture, and allowing a liberal margin for incidentals, sets aside what he considers an ample provision for the enterprise, but what is his experience in nine cases out often? Before the accomplislmient of his purpose, the expense account foots up from ten to twenty per cent, more than his estimate. He says that he can- not aflbrd it, and immediately curtails expenses where not already incurred. Alas for the Gar- den ! from the very nature of things this is the last of the operations ; in the original plan doubtless he had made arrangements for some- thing very good and tasty, most probably a se- lection had been determined on of the choice trees, shrubs and plants which were to adorn it, but here, doubtless, prudent economy ialls most heavily, instead of preparing the very best soil in sufiicient quantity, only just enough is provided to give the siu-*ace some appearance, and a few coarse pines, cypress and gum trees supply the place of flowering shrubs and plants, making up in size what is wanting in good taste. Such are the difliculties under which many of the garden plots around San Francisco have struggled into existence. House and lot may have cost say ^15,000, fittings and furniture, $5,000, garden expenses probably from $75 to $100. Is there a reasonable proportion in this? Much has been said of the difficulty of ob- taining a good ornamental gardener; we think there is some misunderstanding here. There are many good practical gardeners in Califor- nia, who thoroughly understand their business; but how often does it occur that a man in every way qualified, has to stand aside for one who undertakes wood-chopping, gardening, horse- cleaning, waiting at table, etc., etc., yet is not competent to dig a potato decently. When we need the services of a carpenter, bricklayer or painter we do not expect any thing of them outside of their professional labor, nor should we of a gardener. A professional gardener ^* 12 THE CALIFORNIA HORTICULTURIST. will not beg from house to house for a job. In the laying out a garden the services of a good gardener are requisite, and it is necessary to take into consideration the nature of the soil. If you have nothing but sand, something stronger and firmer must be added. Good loam and old rotten manure can be readily obtained at a small expense. We should advise first a substratum of clay then a mixture of one-fifth sand, three-fifths loam and one-fifth of old ma- nure to the depth of from twelve to fifteen in- ches for a small garden. The clay will give more firmness to your trees, and retain the moisture much longer. If the natural soil is loam, it will require a good manuring to render it lighter and more accessible to air and water. This is the least expensive basis to work on, and many varieties of plants will thrive moderately in it, without the aid of other ingredients ; it must however be understood that old manure well incorpo- rated with the soil, is of vast importance for the better development of plants of all kinds in general cultivation. It is when the surface is of clay that the most extensive improvements have to be made to render the soil even comparatively produc- tive, although it is desirable for several reasons as undersoil for most of the ornamental trees growing in this climate, yet it is objectionable, as a surface till; for very many more, which we will give at some future time. In order there- fore to convert a clayey surface into a prolific garden plot it is in the first place necessary to drain, secondly, to trench, and thirdly, by a mixture in equal pi'oportions of sand, manure, and loam to improve the surface soil to the depth of at least six inches. There are many other ingredients used to improve the condition of the surface till, but they are not often employed : although a cer- tain class of plants will thrive better in one kind of soil ; and ano' r class in another kind, yet in ornamental gai jning one e ,ential oper- ation is to prepare the ground in such a man- ner, as will be suitable to the general average of plants cultivated, and if the gardener makes any distinction in the culture of a small gar- den, he ^vill not do so by giving different soils, but rather by assigning to one plant a different aspect from another, affording, according to the nature of the plant, more or less shade or sun, dryness or moisture, exposure or protection. When planting trees in a deep sandy soil, more will be required than merely a top dres- sing of made ground ; holes should be dug of from three to four feet in depth, and three feet square; these should be sub- soiled with about six inches of clay or strong loam, and filled up with a compost of clay loam and old man- ure. For evergreen trees in particular, we would advise strong soil, but less manure, which in no case should be new, as it is very injurious, and should never be used except as a top-dressing, when it serves more as a retain- er of moisture than as a fertilizer. The laying out of walks, the bordering of beds, the distri- bution and arrangement of plants, etc., and the embellishment of the grounds, with other suitable accessories, should be carried out as much as possible in keeping with the style of the residence, having due regard of course to pecuniary considerations ; very expensive ma- terial can be used for walks, although a cheap- er article may be substituted, and this may also be said in reference to the Borders, Plants, etc., but as we intend to be very minute in ref- erence to all these features of ornamental gard- ening in our future, we will at present leave these matters to the good judgment of the gardener having charge of the work. The most favorable season for laying out grounds is ixndoubtedly in the fall of the year, and dur- ing the rainy season ; planting should be done as early as possible, so as to give the newly set out plants the benefit of the early rains, and to allow the made ground time to settle. It is true that where water is at hand all through the year, gardens may be laid out and planted at any time, but it is a well-known fact that a good\-ain has a much more beneficial eftect on plants than any artificial irrigation. Gard- ening, however, like other matters has to submit to cTrcumstances. Plants should always be provided with proper stakes and labels; the stakes are a protection and we consider them an THE CALIFORNIA HORTICULTURIST. 13 ornament when proper use is made of them; the labels are instructive and give a certain finish to the garden. Having thus lightly sketched through the operation of making a garden ; we shall inti- mate the necessity of keeping it in decent shape and condition. The paths and the borders, the trees, shrubs, etc., and the other embellish- ments, require to have proper care taken of them. The plants will doubtless put forth new shoots and flowers, and increase in beauty, but the garden should never lose its first finish. This attention can be easily given by the a:na- teur himself, if he has time and inclination, but if otherwise a gardener may readily be found who will do the work well for a reasonable consideration per annum. At some future time we shall give a selec- tion of plants for the flower garden, comja-ising such as ai-e generally esteemed for beauty of flower, fragrance, ornament and habit ; in this we may be influenced to some extent by our own fancy, particularly in rega d to varieties ; but we shall endeavor to be impartial and just. BAY DISTRICT HORTICULTURAL SOCIETY OF CALIFORNIA. During the week of the late Horticultural Fair in this city, circumstances occurred de- monstrating the paramount necessity for com- bined action on the pait of all interested in horticulture on this coast, and, a meeting hav- ing been suggested, about fifteen gentlemen responded to the call. The result of their deliberations was a resolution to form a Hor- ticultural Society, and they elected a commit- tee of five to draft a Constitution and By- Laws. At a subsequent meeting held for the pur- pose of receiving the report oi the committee, the Constitution and By-Laws which they had prepared, were, after some slight amend- ment, adopted; and those present proceeded to elect the following ofiicers for the ensuing year: President, H. N. Bolander; Vice-President, E. L. Reimer ; Secretary , F. A. Miller ; Trustees, R. TurnbuU, 0. Schiiman, F. A. Herring. The Constitution and By-Laws, which are published in another column of this magazine, will give our readers an idea of the objects and modus operandi of this Institution. For the present, the meetings of this Society will be held at the rooms of the Academy of Natural Sciences, on Clay street, but it is in- tended, at as early a date as possible, to estab- lish a reading-room, where its regular meet- ings will be held. The purposes of this as- sociation are to collect and compare practical experience on all horticultural matters on this coast ; to promote discussion on all subjects of importance relating thereto ; to ascertain and promulgate the best method of treatment of our various trees, shrubs, plants and flow- ers, and to seek, by correspondence and ex- periment, the introduction of new plants, etc.; thus facilitating the moi-e extensive distribu- tion of the knowledge so much needed in a new country. The utility of a Society of this kind can scarcely be over-estimated^ and who- ever takes an interest in the cultivation of the soil generally, or in the propagation of any hor- ticultural specialty, must be interested in its prosperity and should seek, by becoming a member of this Institution, to materially aid its progress by his influence, experience, and pecuniary assistance; he will thus doubtless benefit himself, and conduce to the public good. The Horticultural Society of Massachusetts at present consists of 49S life and 1,002 annual subscribers, making a total of 1,500 paying members. Amongst them we find citizens of every class, from the wealthiest to those of comparatively restricted means; all are able to contribute the small amount required by the rules of the Society. We anticipate rapid progress tor this new Association, and are sanguine that it will number 500 members ere it enters on its second year of existpnce. Club KjOt in Cab^b'vges. — It is stated that bone dust applied at 'he rale of 2000 pounds to the acre, has been found a complete pre- ventive of this disease. 14 THE CALIFORNIA HORTICULTURIST. THE LATE HORTICULTURAL EXHIBITION AT THE PAVILION IN SAN FRANCISCO. The Horticultural Exhibition of August last, under the auspices of the Mechanics' In- stitute, was the second of its kind on the Pa- cific coast, and when the want of experience, and the short space of time which had inter- vened for preparation, between the invitation to exhibit and the opening day, are taken into consideration, v,^e are justified in pronouncing it a success. The display of shrubs, and plants, flowers, fruits and wines, was very effective, and many of the specialties were highly interest- ing. We think, however, that the selection of Monday as the opening day was a serious mis- take. The material for exhibition being rap- idly p TJshable, the florists and Iruitmen found it impossible to make those preparations simultaneously which could have been made^ had Wednesday been the day appointed. On Monday, August 29th, at 3 p. m. Mr. Hallidie, the President of the Mechanics' In- stitute, commenced the exercises of the day by stating that the time permitted to prepara- tion for the exhibition had been very limited? but he hoped nevertheless that the display would be admitted to be highly creditable to our California productions. The First Exhi- bition took place in 1857 at the Old Pavilion on the Lick House Block, unfortunately, like the century plant, the Horticultural Society of that date expired after its one great eftbrt. He hoped that the present Exhibition would give birth to a Society that would take firm root in the prolific soil of San Francisco, flour- ish as the primest of the plants around them, and bear fruit as satisfactory as the choicest specimens on exhibition. After a prayer from Dr. Stone, and the in- augural address of Professor Carr, the Presi- dent declared the Exhibition opened, and while the Baud enlivened the gay scene by discoursing many recherche passages of sweet music, the visitors dispersed around th6 build- ing to inspect and admire the choice produc- tions displayed before them. The attendance during the evening was numerous. During Tuesday and Wednesday articles for exhibi- tion continued to flow in from the country, the concourse of visitors daily increasing until Thursday, Avhen the display was complete, and the highest attendance attained. The principal professional exhibitors in the floral department were: E. L. Reimer; J. Hutchinson; Ed. E. Moore; T. Appleby; Wm. Meyer; Chas. Schuman; J. O'Hara; M. Allen, and G, Gustavson of Kelsey's nur- sery. Of amateurs Mrs. Curtis, and Mr. Upton deserve especial mention. An interesting feature of the exhibition was the century plant {Agave Americana) present- ed by General Kirkham, occupying a very conspicuous position in the centre of the fountain. In connection with this dejDartment we must also mention the exhibition of a de- sign illustrating the principles of landscape gardemng, by F. A. Miller, landscape gard- ener. The Fruit Department was well represented by the following gentlemen : Lewelling & Son, San Lorenzo; Hutchinson, Marysville|; Fox & Varney, Santa Clara; B. F. Headen, Santa Clara; R. B. Woodward ; Gould, Santa Clara; S. Wing, Napa; R. S.Thompson Napa; West Bros, Stockton; J. W. Paterson, San Jose; M. Keller, Los Angeles, and P. D. Code, exhibitor of canned fruits. Fine vegetables were on exhibition from D. L. Perkins, of Sherman Island, and W. H. Marsh, of Napa. The display of Wines and Brandies was ex- tensive, the principal exhibitors were, I. Landsberger & Co.; Eberhardt & Lachman; A. Finke; P. N. Bugbey; The Lake Vineyard of Los Angeles ; The United Anaheim Wine- grower's Association; F. Schleifer & Co; The Orleans Hiil Vmicultural Association ; Bowen Bros ; and M. Keller, of Los Angeles. The miscellaneous department also com- prised many articles of great interest, includ- ing California silk and cocoons, flax, ramie plant, tea trees, sorghum, hops, rice, goma and paper plant. Saturday, the 1st of October, was the closing THE CALIFORNIA HORTICULTURIST 15 day, when the following awards were announ- ced. AWARDS. CLASS ONE — WINES. The Committee appointed to inspect the exhibits of California wines at the late exhibi- tion, held under the auspices of the Mechanics' Institute, have submitted their report as fol- lows: WHITE WINE. United Anaheim Wine Growers' Association — Best white wine of 1870. Orleans Hill Vinicultural Association Best white wine of 1869 (equally as good as the above, but foreign grape). Lake Vineyard of Los Angeles — Best white wine of 1868. 0. W. Craig (H. D. Dunn, Agent) — Best white wine of 1867. Jacob R. Snyder (Bowen Bros., Agents) — Best white wine of 1866. CLARET. Migharacca — Best red wine of 1863. M. Keller— Best red wine of 1868 ; also of 1867 ; also of 1866. POKT. Orleans Hill Vinicultultural Association — Best port wine of 1869. Lake Vineyard of Los Angeles — Best port wine of 1868 ; also of 1867. SHEKRY. George West — Best Sherry Wine' of 1868 : also of 1866. CHAMBERTIN. P. N. Bugbey — Best Chambertin (foreign grajje) of 1868. ANGELICA. M. Keller — Best Angelica. BEST SPARKLING WINE. First Premium— I. Landsberger & Co., Muscatel. Second Premium — I. Landsberger & Co., Private Cuvee. Third Premium — I. Landsberger & Co., Dry Cham- pagne. Fourth Premium- — J. Finke, sparkling wine. BRANDY. F. Schleifer & Co.— Best brandy of 1869. M. Keller— Best brandv of 1868 ; also of 1867 ; also of 1866. MISCELLANEOUS WINES. Eberhardt & Lachman — Cucumongo wine. S. W. Shaw— Muscatel. Eberhardt & Lachman — Muscat. O. W. Craig- Malaga. Lake Vineyard of Los Angeles — Sultana. Orleans Hill Vinicultural Association — Riesling of 1866 and 1869. B. D. Wilson — Bottle of fine old port (twelve years old). P. N. Bugbey — For a variety of fancy brands of sweet wines. BITTERS. M. Keller— Best Wine Bitters. Eberhardt & Lachman — Best cocktail bitters. L H. Wormser — Best root bitters. ^ The Committee recommended that diplomas be awarded to all of the above, for the reason that they have entered the best wines and liquors for competition. Samples of sparkling wines only are selected from stock in store for exhibition. The committee, not being able to argue upon the subject of awarding the grand prize, asked further time. They will submit a sup- plementary report, when they arrive at a deti- nite conclusion. CLASS TWO — FRUITS. Lewelling & Son, San Lorenzo ; best general display of fruits, diploma. Hutchinson, Marysville, best specimens of peaches, $40. Fox & Varney, Santa Clara, best exhibit of apples, $40. B. F. Headen, Santa Clara, second best exhibit of apples, $20. R. B. Woodward, best specimens of apples, ten va- rieties, $10. Smith, of Sacramento, best exhibit of pears, $40. Fox & Varney, Santa Clara, second best exhibit of pears, $20. Hutchinson, Marysville, best specimen of ten varie- ties of pears, $10. Fox & Varney, Santa Clara, best ^exhibit of plums, fifteen varieties, $25. Gould, Santa Clara, second best exhibit of plums, $20. Hutchinson, Marysville, best exhibit of foreign grapes, $50. S.N Wing, Napa, second best exhibit of foreign grapes, $20. R. S. Thompson, Napa, third best exhibit of foreign grapes, $10. R. S. Thompson, best exhibit of Mission grapes, $10. West Bros., Stockton, exhibit of foreign grapes, special premium, $30. Gould, Santa Clara, l^est exhibit of quinces, $10. Hutchinson, Marysville, best exhibit of figs, $10. J. W. Paterson, San Jose, best exhibit of California oranges, $15. M. Keller, Los Angeles, best exhibit of lemons, $10. Fox & Varney, best exhibit of strawberries, $7 50. Fox & Varney, best exhibit of blackberries, $5. Hutchinson, Marysville, best exhibit of dried fruits, silver medal. J. W. Patterson, San Jose, best ^ exhibit of cured prunes, diploma. Hutchinson, Marysville, best^^exhibit of figs, cured, diploma. P. D. Code, San Francisco, best exhibit of canned fruits, diploma. Signed by Messrs. Nichols, Perkins, Ander- son and Feeley, Judges. CLASS THREE — VEGETABLES. D. L. Perkins, Sherman Island, best single varieties of early potatoes (Early Rose), $8 00. D. L. Perkins, best exhibit sweet corn, $3. D. L. Perkins, best exhibit water melons, $3. D. L. Perkins, best exhibit beets, $3. •^^» 16 THE CALIFORNIA HORTICULTURIST. W. H. Marsh, Napa, best exliibit of squash (two va- rieties), $3. . ^.-, W. H. Marsh, for fine specimens of growing corn, ijpo. CLASS FOUR — FLOWERS. E L Eeimer, San Francisco, best and largest col- lection of plants tor lawns, gardens and conserva- tories, $100. „ . . T. Appleby, San Francisco, best collection ot ever- green trees and shrubs, $50. ,, . „ Edward E. Moore, San Francisco, best collection ot decorative plants of newest varieties, $50. J. Hutchinson, Oakland, best collection of climbing plants, $25. ^, . , T Appleby, San Francisco, best collecticm and va- riety of bedding plants of verbenas._dranthias, petu- nias and pansies (twelve of each), $25. Charles Schuman, gardener of R.B. Woodward, Esq best collection of twelve colored leat plants, $2o. J Hutchinson, Oakland, best exhibit of cut flow- ers, $25. ^ . , ^ 1 -i •,. j^ W. Meyer & Co., San Francisco, best exhibit ot round or flat boquets, $25. .,, , . Mr. Miller, San Francisco, best design illustrating principles of landscape gardening, $30. Awards to non-professional growers : E. A. Upton, best display of dahlias, fuchias, Petu- nias and dranthies, elegant flower stand. E. E Moore, San Francisco, best collection of glad- iolus, a diploma. , x i General Kirkham, donation of century plant, award Ijook— "Wonders of the Sea." E. L. Reimer, San Francisco, beautiful arrangement and display of plants, a diploma _ ^ •, i, , , T Appleby, San Francisco, collection of hollyhock roses,^ and dried and ornamental grasses tastefully dis- plaved, a diploma. W Meyer & Co., baskets of flowers, a diploma. Kelsey's Nurserv, cultivated by G. Gustavson, Oak- land, collection of deciduous forest trees and miscella- neous plants, a diploma. , -.^ ,. . J. O'Hara, San Francisco, general collection ot orna- mental trees and shrubs a diploma. ^^r ^ . Charles Schuman, gardener to R. B. Woodward, grandest display of tropical plants, trees, etc., a diplo- ma. . . ,, , e Mr. Allen, San Francisco, meritorious display ot flowering plants, a diploma. J. Hutchinson, Oakland, splendid collection of green- house plants, a diploma. Mrs. Tyler Curtis, rare Japanese and hothouse plants a ward "Robinson's Alpine flowers. CLASS FIRST CEREALS W. Hunt, Oakland, best collection of oats, $5. D. L. Perkins, best specimen of corn in the ear, $5. J). L. Perkins, honorable mention for very superior wheat. MISCELLANEOUS. Class iix— California Silk Culture Company, best specimen of silk (raw), a diploma. W. H. Baxter, best specimen of unperforated cijcoons, $20 D. L. Perkins, Sherman Island, best specimen of flax, $io. . 1 . , fii J.S. Finch, best specimen of ramie plant and tibre, $15 ' J. H. Schnell, El Dorado, best specimen of tea plants, $20. ,. -, a-r J. H. Purdy, l)est specimen ot sorguum sugar $o. Isaac Bird, San Jose, best specimen of hops, $5. J. H. Schnell, mountain rice, goma plant, and paper plant, a diploma. D. L. Perkins, 138 varieties of seeds, silver medal. W. F. Swacy, San Francisco, California bonzest, a diploma. W. J. Laveny & Co., very fine sample of starch, a diploma. Bowen Bros., San Francisco, mountain honey and pop corn, a diploma. This display of Horticultural, Pomological and other like produce, has been highly satis- factory ; it was well attended throughout, and was highly creditable, alike to the officers of the Mechanics' Institute and to the exhibitors. One immediate result of the exhibition has been the organizing a Horticultural Society — the subject was taken into serious considera- tion, the necessity for such an Institution de- monstrated, and the Bay District Horticult^ral Society of California, of which mention is made in another column, was inaugurated-. We hope that our late exhibition is the ini- tiation of a new era in horticulture on this coast. POPULAR BOTANY. CHAPTER I. It is our purpose in a series of papers, of which this constitutes the first, to give as far as may be possible, an insight into the nature and character of the science of Botany. We shall endeavor to so simplify it, as to make it intel- ligible and interesting to all. At the same time we shall hardly claim originality, as it is our intention to give 'but an epitome of the text-books, clothed somewhat in our own lan- guage. From all time, the beauties and use- fulness of the botanical kingdom, has impelled mankind to its study ; a study that involves the fairest part of nature. Truly has it been said that the flowers are the alphabet of the angels, speaking as they do, to the hearts of all in languaoe of innocence and love. In the far east, where Flora seems to have had her treasured home, the people wove fairy legends around each leaf and opening bud, using them as emblems, and messengers of love and friend- ship, sorrow and joy, victory and war. Na- ture is divided into two grand divisions, name- ly organic and inorganic. The inorganic repre- W' THE CALIFORNIA HORTICULTURIST. 1? Bented by metals, soils and the diflerent rocks, have characteristics that at once claim our recog- nition at all times and in all places. It M^as Everett, who, in one of his speeches, drew a vivid comparison between the two divisions, worthy of being recorded in letters of gold. "In one hand I hold a grain of gold, and in the other a grain of corn. I place the first in the ground, and it remains for unnumbered years, the same grain of gold. I now place the corn in the earth and lo, a marvel ! the little seed softens and swells, sends up a bright green shoot, which, by a wonderful process of nature's laboratory, evolves the perfect plant, to be at last crowned with millions of the same golden grain."' The organic is again divided into two kingdoms, vegetable and animal. Plants are the connect- ing link between the inorganic world and ani- mals. By their rootlets they slowly and sure- ly take to themselves the different mmeral salts necessary for their growth, and they are in turn consumed by the animal kingdom, so pro- ducing bones, muscles and nerves. Thus we can readily trace out, the chain of nature, that reaches from the senseless clod of earth, to God's highest creation, 2Ian. Botany is divided into Physiological ^hich treats of the structure of plants, and tlieir mode of growth; and systematic, which is the study of plants in their relation to one another. The physiology of plants claims our first attention, as it is the ground work, so to speak, of their study. All plants are made up of certain parts, such as the roots, stems, leaves, flowers and fruits. These, on closer inspection, are found to be made up of smaller parts, and these parts of still smaller portions. We find on examining these latter with the microscope, that they are formed of cells, and so have received the name of cell tissue. The plant is then, as Gray ex- presses it, " built up much as a wall is built of bricks.'' These cells are very rapid in their growth, being formed in some plants, at the rate of several millions daily. How cells are formed in the first place, is still involved some- what in doubt : When once formed, however, they have the jDower of producing others to an almost unlimited extent. This reproduction or duplication. of themselves, takes place in a number of ways. Often it is by a kind of bud- ing, in which the new cell shoots out from the side or end of the old cell, somewhat as the branches in plants, again itisdoneby the walls of the parent cell contracting in one part to such an extent, as to cause a division, and so producing two cells out of the original one. This process, called spontaneous fission, will continue in the new cells, and so a vast num- ber may, in a very short time, be really formed from one original cell. The lowest forms of vegetable life consist of a number of those cells placed end to end; and some, as the ''Diatoma,'' are made up of but a single cell. Plants that elevate themselves above the ground, such as shrubs^ trees, etc., require a higher organization, and so we find another kind of tissue is introduced, and blended with the cellular. This is called Woody Tissue, or Fibre. When we come however, to examine this woody fibre, we find it but a modified form of the cell tissue, and that it is formed of closed cells, drawn out into tubes or cords. The walls of this woody fibre are thicker and stronger than cell tissue, and its toughness is still further increased by age. It is this differ- ence between young and old woody tissue, which has given rise to the terms Sap-wood and Heart-wood; the first standing in the relation of younger brother to the latter. There are yet other forms of tissues in plants, that become more complex in their de- velopments, as they advance in the upward scale of vegetable life. These are comprised under the general head or term Vascular Tissue, and consist of spiral vessels and ducts. The ' cells and vessels of a plant contain the sap and juices necessary for its growth ; upon them devolves the duty of elaborating and distrib- uting the sap to all parts of the plant. That portion of a plant that is exposed to the air, is covered with a skin or Epidermis ; this skin is but the outer layers of cell tissue, with their cells in a state of firm cohesion, that is, pressed close to one another, and so forming a complete and uniform covering to. the plant. '(•vwij.'t,'!^,^; 18 THE CALIFORKIA HOETICULTURIST. PROPAGATION OF AZALEAS. Azaleas are easily propagated by cuttings, which should be put in when the young shoots attain their full length and have the base rather firm, or what is known as half ripe. They should be from three to four inches in length, cut transversely below a leaf, and have the leaves removed half way up the cuttings. Insert them round the sides of a pot, placed in one of larger size, and so that the rims ot both are on the same level. The cutting pot should be well drained and filled to within half an inch of the rim with a light and mod-^ erately rich loam, and about half an inch of clean sand on the surface. The space between the pots is to be filled with crocks to within an inch of the rims, and then filled in with sand. Insert the cuttings up to where the leaves are left, give a gentle watering, and when dry, cover over with a bell-glass, which will rest on the sand between the pots; plunge the pot into a hot bed of from 70« to 75°, keeping close and shaded. The cuttings will be well rooted in six weeks, then remove the bell-glass, taking care to do it by degrees, so as not to lower the temperature too rapidly before the plants can accustom themselves to the change. When the young plants are well hardened, pot them singly in small pots, and keep them in a gentle heat until they are well established; then remove them to a cool house or green-house. When growing and flowering, Azaleas re- quire to be plentifully supplied with water, and at other times the soil must be kept moist, but only apply water when the soil is be- , coming dry and before the foliage flags, then give enough to show itself at the drainage. FLOWERING SHRUBS. That section of Ornamental plants Avhich are famiUarly known as shrubs, is usually di- vided into two classes ; one of which comprises such as are cultivated for the elegance of their foliage, their grace of form and habit, or their robust and picturesque growth when under training as specimens, or as undergrowth ; the other, which contains those fostered for their showy and fragrant flowers. It is of this lat- ter class we intend to treat particularly in this number of the Horticulturist. Those of our readers who have gardens large enough to admit a number of flower- ing shrubs, will find it one of the most desirable points, to have as far as practicable, a succession of flowers throughout the year. We shall therefore call their attention to the im- portance of selecting those shrubs which will give an abundance of blossoms during the diff"erent seasons; and in order to make the selection the easier, we shall sub-divide flower- ing shrubs in three sections, based on then- time of flowering, which may be influenced by the mode of treatment they receive with the pruning knife. Section 1, comprises shrubs which produce their flowers from wood of last year's growth, and bloom during the early part of spring and summer. Section 2, m- cludes those which develop their flowers from the present year's growth, and bloom during the latter part of summer and fall. Section 3, consists of those which continue in flower near- ly the whole year, and are mostly evergreen shrubs. In section 1 we include the Calicanthus, Deutzia, Ligustrum, Philadelphus, (Mock- orange) Spiraea, Syringa (lilac). Viburnum (Snowball), Weigelia, Rosea, Althea (Rose of Sharon), Pyrus Japonica (Japan quince), Flowering Almond, Ceanothus, Tamarix, Ber- beris, Cornus, and many others, all of which are deciduous, that is, they shed their leaves in the fall of the year, and remain dormant during the winter. Great care should be taken in the pruning of this class of plants ; nothing should be removed by the knife from these shrubs, except superfluous wood, and if any more extensive pruning has to be resorted to, it should be done immediately after the flower- ing season is over. We often hear the com- plaint that the Snowball or the Lilac produces no flowers, or at least so few of them, that the plant is not considered worth a place in the gai den. We are certain that the fault lies not hi our soil or climate, but in the improper THE CALIFORNIA HORTICULTURIST. 19 pruning of those shrubs by incompetent gard- eners, their nature and habits not being known by them, and the very branches which should furnish the flowers are rutlilessly cut away. We adv^ise those of our readers who have any of these flowering shrubs in cultivation, to im- peratively forbid such ruinous treatment, if they wish to enjoy a fair harvest of flowers. All shrubs mentioned in the above list, bloom in the earlier part of the season, from Febru- ary to June, and the varieties enumerated are the most popular ; all of these will do well with ordinary care. Some may differ from us when we say that these shrubs develop their flowers during the early part of spring and summer, and may en- deavor to establish a contrary opinion by in- stancing a Philadelphus (Mock orange), which was in bloom at Mr. Robertson's, on Folsom street, during the month of October, or by re- ferring to a Snowball which isnow' in bloom on Sutter street, in this city ; but we consider these instances as exceptions caused by pecu- liar circumstances. Almost any plant can be forced into bloom by omitting to water it for some time ; and then subjecting it to plentiful irrigation. Again, a plant may have been pruned at the wn-ong season, by which treat- ment the wood which should produce the flow- ers, may not have developed itself sufficiently to bring forth healthy and abundant flowers at the proper season ; this latter w^as undoubt- edly the case with the Snowball, and the result is very scanty flowers. Section 2 includes the Cytissus Potentilla, Spiraea Douglasii, (Bridal wreath) Lager- stroemia, (grape-myrtle) Crataegus, Cestrum^ Eupatorium and others. This class is not as numerous as the former, and the varieties do not give as much satisfaction, yet an extensive garden should not be without some of them, so as to secure a continuous flowering. The time for pruning and trimming this class of shrubs, is early in Spring before the sap rises. The third section includes a large number of species and varieties which on account of their evergreen foliage have grown in favor with us. The flowers of this class are neither as beautiful nor as fragrant as of those men- tioned under section 1, with the exception of those which are grown under glass, but as we are treating only of outdoor plants in this article, the denizens of the greenhouse must be referred to a future time. The most popu- lar varieties of section 3 are Polygala, Lau- rustinus, Abutilon, Brugmansia, Diosma, Erica) Fabiana, Hydrangea, Lantana, Myrtus, Metro- sideros, Nereum (Oleander), Plumbago, Pitto- sporum, Swainsonia, Veronica, Bouvardia, Daphne, and many others ; some of those above enumerated bloom during the greater part of the year, summer and Avinter, although they flower more profusely in one season than another. Most of them can be cultivated in- to any desirable shape or form, some of them are well adapted for hedges, while others can be trained over frames or Avails. In California we observe that shrubs of the 3d section are almost exclusively cultivated; but although the varieties enumerated in that subdivision are entitled to extensive consider- ation, yet those comprised in section 1, are equally A'aluable, and in some respects far pre- ferable; and when, and wherever our readers have succeeded in bringing them to perfection in the development of their flowers, they will coincide with us in opinion. miioxm forffotia. In assuming the editorialship of the "Cali- fornia Horticulturist," we do so with a full know^ledge of the difficulties and perplexities w^e shall have to encounter. It is an easy matter to inaugurate a new enterprise, but quite another thing to carry it out success- fully, or even with satisfaction to its projectors. Time tries all things, and measures out, with its inexorable march, success or failure. Right here, let us state that it is not our intention to fail; that we intend to make this journal a success, such as California may be proud of. We have before us a w'ide and un- cultivated field, and it is our purpose to so work it as that it shall — like all Californian fields — yield glorious fruits. -SgWWJ^^VrfW:; 20 THE CALIFORNIA HORTICULTURIST. It is with pride that we point to our first number, rich and replete as it is with golden promise of the future. In publishing this journal, it is not our in- tion to make a fortune, but simply to further the interests of horticulture, and foster a taste for the true and beautiful in nature. True, we shall expect, and hope to at least meet our current expenses, and for that purpose we ap- peal to all true lovers of horticulture for their support. We ask not only subscriptions, but also communications from all interested in the horticultural and agricultural interests of the Pacific Coast. Articles of all kinds bearing on the subjects which we propose to treat of, will be thankfully received, and given a place in our journal. To all of our horticultural and agricultural brethren, we give hearty greetings. ^ TheBay District Horticultural Association. — Second regular meeting held on Saturday, October 29th, 1870, at the rooms of the Aca- demy of Natural Sciences, No. 622 Clay street. After the transaction of some important busi- ness, nineteen new regular members were ad- mitted. On motion it was resolved that the Secretary be authorized to have the Constitution and By-Laws printed for the use ol members, and new candidates. A lengthy discussion took place on Rules and Regulations of exhibitions to be held by the Society, but the matter was finally laid over for one month, as it was considered 'desirable to have the opinion of gentlemen from various parts of the country expressed. Professor H. N. Bolander, stated that he would inaugurate discussions on Horticultural subjects, by a lecture on the Coniferae of the Pacific coast, at the next regular meeting, to take place on the last Saturday of November next. ject. E. L. Reimer, nurseryman, has also placed us under great obligations for much valuable assistance and information; while last, though by no means least, we are indebted to W. F. Norcross, of the New Age, for the practical advice and aid which he>ias given us. Horticultural and Agricultural Exhibi- tions.— Fairs and Exhibitions seem to grow in favor with our Eastern friends, as well as with the people of this coast. While the character of these numerous fairs, as a general thing, do not come up to the expectations of the pro- fessional grower and producer, still a great deal of good is nevertheless accomplished. From year to year, our efforts- in this direction will meet with better success, and we hope that the general interest in tlie promotion of our agricultural and horticultural develop- ments will steadily increase. Small Gardening.— It is often remarked by lovers of horticulture, that want of space and the expense, prevents them from indulging in this pleasant pastime. To show what can be done when there is a true will, we have only to instance a case in this town : A gentle- man ("a city clerk, but gently born and bred") living in the southern part of this city, has, at a cost of about twenty-two dollars, erected for himself a green-house. In size, it is five by eight and one-half feet. He has in it one hun- dred and twenty varieties of plants, grown by himself, and all in an excellent state of culti- vation. Acknowledgements. — We have to return our acknowledgements to R. B. Woodward, Esq., for his many acts of kindness, and in placing at our disposal the use of his very valuable collection of books and periodicals. Also, to W. Meyer & Co., No. 27 Geary street, for ma- terial assistance in the furtherance of our pro- Canary Birds.— The asthma, ffZm the "pant" of these birds is said to be cured by feeding them entirely upon hemp seed. Cannot some bird fancier give his or her experience in the treatment of this troublesome and common disease ? The editor of this journal once had a bird (we say once, as it is now no more) af- flicted with "asthma," and, in course of time, it died. We, being of an inquiring turn of mind, made an "autopsy" upon it, and found in the upper part of its wind-pipe, two small, white, parasitical worms. They were about two lines long, but capable of lengthening them- THE CALIFORNIA HORTICULTURIST. 1 21 selves to the extent of half an mch. Can any of our readers tell how they came there, and whether they had anything to do with the "asthma," under which that editorial bird suffered, and at last died ? Time of Repotting Azaleas. — The best time for repotting azaleas is alter flowering, or when they are commencing to make fresh growth. They may also be potted after the growth is complete. Vines infested with Coccid.e {Mealy Bug). — A great mau}' inquiries have been made as to an effectual method for removing the " Mealy Bug," which seems to infest the grape vines, (especially those grown under glass) to a great extent in this country. Many remedies have been recommended, but nearly, if not all, have contained certain ingredients, which, while they destroyed the " Mealy Bug," also injured the vines. We can recommend a preparation which will answer the purpose in all respects as to the "Bugs," and at the same time, have no bad efiects upon the leaves or buds of tlie vine. First remove all the loose bark and rubbish of the vine ; then wash them with a solution of 3 ounces of Clark's insect destroy- ing compound, to a gallon of water, and about a dozen drops of spirits of turpentine. Apply this solution with a stiff brush, so as to have it penetrate every hole and crevice, tak- ing care not to destroy or rub oft' the buds. The wood-work should be well cleaned? and the walls whitened, using the solution above mentioned, with the lime. This opei'a- tion ought to be performed twice ; once before the buds commence t© swell, and again when they are showing signs of development, this being the time when the " Bugs" emerge from their hiding places, on account of the increasing temperature. If the method we have mentioned is adopted, the " Mealy Bug" will surely disappear. Earthquakes. — Earthquakes have been ra- ther scarce this fall; in fact entirely absent, with perhaps the exception of one or two Blight vibratory thrills. Their place seems to liave been filled (acceptably to us) by the " aurora borealis." Is not here a clue to the electrical theory of earthquakes ? Wlio can tell ? and furthermore, who will follow it up ? All communications intended for this column must be addressed to the editor of "The California Horticulturist," 418 Kearny street, San Francisco. Correspondents are required to be brief and concise as possible, stating their questions in such a manner, as shall allow of their being answered with satis- faction to the editor, as well as to themselves. (grtitodal (SleauiiiOiSi. Tea Plantation. — It will be remembered that, two months ago, we reported, from in- .spection, that success had not attended the tea plants at Calistoga. A party interested gave a difl^erent narrative. The variance grew out of difference in judgment as to the degree of prostration from which such plants may or may not recover. Now we have corroborative testimony confirming our judgment. The editor of the Vallejo newspaper has just exam- ined the plantation, and pronounces it a com- plete failure. He says only a few tea plants are alive, and they are sickly and unpromising. The editor pronounces against the locality. But that is not in fault. The plants reached there in sinking condition, having lain a long time in our Custom House after the trying voyage from Japan : several weeks, we are told. Had they been destined for Calistoga, and planted there without unreasonable delay, it would have been a fair test. But they were sent here tor sale, and finding no market, they were sent to Calistoga in hopes of saving them. In this there is disappointment. But the land and the climate may be all right for tea plants, proj)erly delivered. — "Aita Califor- nia!''' Cabbages — American and Foreign Varie- ties.— Recently we visited a farm upon Long '••••I* v'T^jW^/gB?" 22 THE CALIFORNIA HORTICULTURIST. Island, to examine a crop of cabbages which had been raised for Mr. Dreer, of Philadelphia, for the purpose of testing the most popular European varieties by the side of our own. There were some 30 varieties grown in field culture, and in sufficient quantities to show what they would do as a crop. They present- ed a wide range of quality, from perfectly worthless to very good. There were only two or three that seemed to be worthy of further trial. The result of the experiment is, that we have little to gain by going abroad for our varieties of cabbage. Several of the European varieties have been so modified by culture in this country that seed of the same kind grown here is vastly preferable to the imported. Sjme of the Long Island farmers have local varieties, or strains, which they have obtained by selection, in which earliness and solidity are combined in great perfection. — '■'■American Agrmdturisty POMOLOGISTS IX CALIFORNIA. Our pomologi- cal friends in California are enjoying a visit from some of their distinguished eastern brethren. We doubt not that the visitors on their part are highly enjoying themselves; and we know none better able to appreciate the horticultui-al wonders of California than such gentlemen a^ Wilder, Downing, Barry, and Ell- wanger, who, with others, compose the party. Perhaps this visit may lead to a meeting of the American Pomological Society upon the . Pacific coast in 1873. — " American AgricuIturisV' lower counties, though they flower abundantly. Mustang trees of "the varieties named were not so aifected. Fruit trees that come by chance from stray seed, are called Mustang. It is noteworthy that, among the Mustang peaches particularly, the sweetest and most juicy fruit is found : and it is a fact that, the greater portion of our grafted apples and pears are showing defects pointing to extinc- tion. This subject should be earnestly con- sidered by our horticulturists. — " Alta Califor- Sdccess of Califorxia Agriculture. — The California fruit trade has become quite an im- portant traffic. But already the markets are objects of a little uncertainty. The Eastern exportation has resulted so indifferently, wheth- er to Chicago, or to the far East, that San Francisco and Sacramento are considered more profitable. Plums are plentiful and very cheap. Apples give but an indifferent promise. Grapes are suffering from the heat. This rapid suc- cess of the land of gold in farm produce is a social phenomenon Avorthy of more than cas- ual remark. High wages and scarity of labor have been no bar in this case to production, while elsewhere these conditions are deemed indispensable. — "-New Yorl WorW Curiosities of Vegetable Life. — We have often urged our farmers to raise native seedling trees, with a view to getting stock that will better suit our climate, than trees coming from countries so different as the Atlantic slope of our Continent. A hint in this direction comes from Los An- geles county. This year all trees of imported stock belonging to the plum, peach, apricot, pear, and cherry varieties, showed no disposi- tion to leaf or to flower at the usual time in April. It was not till August that they began their vernal evolutions. They will bear no fruit this year. Cherry trees never fruit m the The Horticultural and Pomological Exhi- bition.— The report states that the Concert preceding the Exhibition, and the Sanitary Fair following it so closely, had a modifying effect upon its receipts. The report of the Committee is flattering to the exhibitors. The receipts were : Admission tickets, $5,767- 80; privileges, $115; State appropriation, $1,- 500. The bills for expenses have not yet all been audited, but the disbursements will pro- bably reach $6,000, leaving a balance of $1,- 500 to the credit of the Exhibition.—" Alta California.^'' Characteristics of American Horticulture. — A pleasant, gossipy article, with the above title, was written some four montlis since by the editor of this journal for the London Gar- dener's Magazine. It has awakened the atten- THE CALIFORNIA HORTICULTURIST. 23 tion of some of our neighbor editors, who fear we may have assigned too mercenary and profit-loving a character to the nature of our American horticulture. As we never indulge in contra-criticism with our exchanges, we for- bear any such remarks. The best comment upon the tiuthfuhiess of our statements is the evidence that they are noticed, and have "drawn fire." We have found, from observa- tion and experience, that the rapid develop- ment of American horticultural interests, within ten or twenty years, has been due, not to the love of horticulture, itself, but to the de- sire for profit to be gained by extensive plant- ing of fruit trees or vines. Horticultural literature would be far more interesting and better patronized to-day, if we could blot out the great fruit fevers and ma- nias that have so sadly disappointed our peo- ple. The grape fever, the strawberry fever, have come and gone, and strewn the field with mementoes of amateur horticiilturists, who started with high hopes, eager for horticul- tural knowledge, but failed at last. The blackberry fever, the pear fever, are still ujion us, and soon they must pass, and then some new branch will arise, and so it will continue down through the distant future. The nursery interests of America have been developed to their astonishing extent simply from the extensive planting of orchards and fruit grounds for profit. Our fruit interests have absorbed our entire energies, and proved, at best, only j^artially satisfactory; and now, when crops so often fail and bring disappointment, the cultivator finds he has followed a treacherous beacon, and, alas! discovers little else lliat is beautiful and attractive in horticulture. Our remedy for all this is, place less depend- ence upon fruit, and more on ornamental planting; think more of home, its beautiful trees and flowering plants, its garden, and the pleasures of the flower-bed, the culture of green-house and conservatory plants. We never knew the joy of any owner of a flower-garden to fail, even if he lived to eighty years of age; neither have we ever known the admiration of the genuine tree-lover to grow less. Yet we find the orchardist continually disappointed, and where the heart is gloomy there is naturally little love. Friends! if you would have horticulture '''■ grow in grace'" with the American people, year by year, encourage more freely the develop- ment of a love for the embellishiuent of home grounds, flowers, and home gardening. The more we learn oifruiC culture, ViS an occupation, the less Ave esteem it in comparison with the still higher satisfaction that comes from a love of rural ornament, and the tasteful grounds and beautiful homes an elevated horticulture will be sure to give us. We would not dis- courage the culture of fruits for profit, but we esteem the other departments of horticulture far more desirable, and able to satisfy the most worthy enthusiasm. — New York Horticulturist. The Walking Leaves of Australia. — Al- most everybody has heard of the wonderful walking leaves of Australia. For a long time after the discovery of that island, many peo- ple really believed that the leaves of a certain tree which flourished there could walk about the ground. The story arose in this way: Some English sailors landed upon the coast one day; after roaming about until they were tired, they sat sat dpwn under a tree to rest themselves. A puff of Avind came along and blewott'a shower of leaves, which, after turning over and over and over in the air, as leaves generally do, they finally rested upon the ground. As it was mid- summer, and everything appeared quite green, the circumstances puzzled the sailors consid- erably. But their surprise was much greater, as you may well suppose, when, after a short time, they saw the leaves crawling along upon the ground toward the trunk of the tree. They ran at oncefor their vessel, without stop- ping to examine the matter at all, and set sail away from the land where everything seemed to be bewitched. One of the men said that he expected every moment to see the trees set to and dance a jig. 24 THE CALIFORNIA HORTICULTURIST. Subsequent explorations of Australia have taught us that these walking leaves are insects. They live upon the trees. Their bodies are very thin and flat, their wings forming large leaf-like organs. When they are disturbed, their legs are folded away under their bodies, leaving the shape exactly like a leaf, with the stem and all complete. They are of a bright green color in the summer, but they gradually change in the fall, with the leaves, to the brown of frost-bitten vegetation. When shaken from the tree, they lie for a few minutes upon the ground as though they were dead, but presently they begin to crawl along towards the tree, which they ascend again. They rarely use their wings, although they are pretty well supplied in this respect — Horticulturist. THE FRUIT, WINE, SILK AND WOOL OF CAL- IFOKNIA. The following extract is from the opening Address of Charles F. Reed, President of the State Agricultural Society, which was deliv- ered at the State Fair at Sacramento, Tues- day, September loth, 1870: bur State, as well as our people, is, in many respects, without a parallel. She sprang at one bound from infancy to maturity. With out permission of the General Government, with no enabling Act, or Territorial or other organizations known to our laws, publishing tolhe world a Constitution expressive of the sentiments and will of her people, she knocked at the door of Congress for admission among the sisterhood of btates. After a short but desperate straggle, in which usage, precedents and sectionalisni' were arrayed against neces- sity and our determined will, we triumphed, and but twenty short years ago, the 9lh of the present month, we date the commencement ot our existence as a State. Well may Califor- nia Pioneers who took part in the events of those times, delight to keep green the memo- ry of that day! Weil may they celebrate the anniversary of that day with bonlires and illuminations, with patriotic poems and ora- tions ! for to them the 9th of September stands next in importance to the 4th of July. Well may they be i)roud to number among their members some of the first men and most dis- tinguished ofiicers in the nation, and well may they feel complimented when some of these officers travel over three thousand miles to join them in their celebration. But we have remarked that a few short years ago agriculture was unknown in Calilor- uia. At the time of her admission as a State, no one Avas found so wild as to imagine that she had any other value than for her mines. To-dav, how ditterent her position as an in- dustrial State ! Our mines though still valu- able, are among the least of our industrial re- sources, and agriculture is the great all-sus- taining, all-enriching, and all-important in- dustry. From the least, we have, in the short space of twenty years, grown to be one of the most important 'agricultural States ol_ the nation. In the production of fruits, wines, wool and silk, we undoubtedly stand the first in the Union. Our fruit list already embraces almost every variety known to the world. The hardier kinds grow to perfection in all por- tions ot the State, from the northern and more mountainous regions, to the warm tropical climes of the southern valleys. In those val- leys, and in almost all the valleys of the State protected from the direct ocean winds and the sweep of the winds of the broad plains, all the tropical and semi-tropical varieties flourish, and come to a degree of perfection not ex-_ celled in any of the fruit-producmg islands ot the tropical oceans. The eagerness with which our neighbors of the Atlantic slope seek the California fruits shipped across the continent, shows the superiority of those fruits over those of their own growth. When we shall have greater facilities and more perfect arrange- ments for shipping those fruits, with cheaper freights, as we will have in a few years, here is an opening for a trade that is destined to bring back to California no small portion of the gold that in former days was shipped out of the Golden Gate in payment for these very articles imported. In this connection allow me to remark, that there is no longer any excuse for permitting fruits of anv kind to go to waste for want ol a profitable market. If they cannot be marketed o-reen, let them be dried, and there is a de- niand in the Eastern States for all that can thus be preserved at highly remunerative prices. The variableness of our climate in ditterent localities, if we choose to avail ourselves ot the advantages thus ottered by nature, will enable us to^enjoy the luxury of green fruits the year around. Thus the same varieties ot apples that ripen in the early Fall, in the val- levs, when grown at an elevation of fifteen hundred feet up the Sierra Nevadas, do not THE CALIFORNIA HORTICULTURIST 25 ripen until midwinter, and if grown at six hundred to one thousand feet greater altitude, will keep well until our markets are bounti- fully supplied with the early varieties of the fol- lowing Spring. This is no wild statement founded upon mere theory or conjecture, but its truth has been thoroughly demonstrated by actual fact. It is also ascertained that the fruit produced at a high altitude on the mountains is much finer grained and better flavored than that grown in the valleys, and if possible, the or- chards are more prolific. These facts must prove of great value to Calitbrnia as a fruit growing State, and those orchardists who first take ad- vantage of them in a practical Avay will be doubly lewarded for their enterprise. Though our Fair comes at a time when all the earlier varieties of fruit are gone, and though the display is but meagre compared to what our fruit-growers might and ought to have made it, yet we may without fear chal- lenge any other country in the world to excel or equal it." A careful examination of the exhibition of fruit before us will prove the strict correctness of the statement we have made in regard to the climate and other advantages possessed by California as a fruit-growing country. Our wine product this year will probably exceed 20,000,000 gallons. Our vineyards are steadily growing in numbers and capacity, and with the age of the vine the wines are steadily improving in quality. Those varieties of table grapes that will bear transportation are selling for home consumption and shipment East at highly re- munerative prices, and California, as a wine- growing country, is steadily making a good reputation for herself The greatest drawback to her complete suc- cess in this industry, is the want of uniformity and system in the selection and assortment of the grapes, and in the treatment of the wines. Thus, instead of producing a few choice and standard varieties of wines — such as would always be in demand at the highest rates the world over, we have been, and are still, pur- suing the suicidal course of placing upon the markets wines of as many diflerent shades of taste as there are different vineyards in the State. Again, our wine dealers, in order to pro- duce some degree of uniformity out of this great variety of wines, have taken up the practice of watering and " doctoring" them so as to give the mixture some of the character- istics of the better brands, for w^hich they pass *^" «■ This is all wrong, and a great de- them oflf. triment to the character of California gener- ally, and especially so to the wines of the best makers. It is of the highest importance to our State and to the wine-makers themselves, that these evils should be corrected. This object should be accomplished if cap- italists and enterprising men would establish wine cellars in the diflerent wine growing dis- tricts, and buying up the grapes from the pro- ducer, and assorting them in reference to their peculiar wine qualities, would submit them to such uniform treatment as science and good judgment might dictate. Capital could not find a better investment, nor enterprise a more certain reward than is here oflered. In the absence of such facilities the produ- cers themselves would find it greatly to their advantage to associate together and manufac- ture all the wines of large districts at one com- mon cellar and under one common manage- ment. We commend this subject to the se- rious consideration of our wine makers and to men of capital and enterprise. This magnificent exhibition of fruits, grapes and wines from our mountain counties, the old\ mining districts, is worthy of more than a pas- sing remark, and it warrants a more particular notice of some of the advantages of those dis- tricts. Some of the best and most extensive and productive vineyards and orchards in the State are to be found in those localities. Without desiring to make any unpleasant distinctions, but only with a view of illustration, we would mention those of Nickerson of Placer, Mashall of ]Sre\ ada, Bugbey of Sacramento, and Chal- mers, Dickson, Brooks, Carpenter, Weather- wax and others, of El Dorado. The establish- ments of each of these gentlemen, comprising as they do extensive and highly cultivated and productive vineyards and orchards, together with commodious and well appointed wine cel- lars and other buildings, and all the paraphei-- nalia of prosperous mountain farms, may well be pointed out as worthy of the pride of any State. They are really a credit to California, and each is to its enterprising proprietors a valuable fortune. Here and there, scattered through the foot-hills, are many other smaller but prosperous vineyards and orchards, but these are named as examples. And in this con- nection allow me to state a fact which is not generally realized even by those supposed to be well informed. There is, on the western slope of the Sierra ISTevadas, a strip of country about twenty miles wide by over one hundred long, in which there may be selected hundreds of thousands of farms, equally favorable as to 26 THE CALIFORNIA HORTICULTURIST. location, soil, climate and all the other natural requisites as are the farms above named. All that is wanted to make these new locations as prolific, as beautiful and valuable as those re- ferred to, is the same amount of money, skill and labor bestowed upon them that these men have bestowed upon their valuable homes. I will say further, that a very large portion of all this land has been surveyed, and can be bought of the Government and the Railroad Cornpany, for from one dollar and a quarter to two dollars and a half per acre. Here are homes for the million, and those who, under such circumstances remain long without home- steads have no excuse. Our wool clip last year was a little over 15,- 000,000 lbs. while this year it will be 20,000,- 000. Never before did our wool bear so good a reputation or bring so high a price in the markets as at present. By the cultivation of alfalfa or Chile clover upon our sheep ranges, the number of sheep may be greatly increased on the same area of ground, quality and quan- tity enhanced and improved. Silk culture is being entered into in all parts of the State, and bids' fair at no distant day to become one of our most important industries. It is estimated that there are now in this State 2,500,000 muh berry trees, and the number will be greatly augmented during the next Winter. During the past year a silk manufacturing company, with abundant capital, has been organized in ^San Francisco, and buildings for the factory are nearly completed. This will stimulate the industry by furnishing constant home market for the product— the want of which has been a serious drawback to it heretofore. THE INDUSTRIAL CONDITION OF THE STATE. The Agricultural and Horticultural Fair which has just closed, although necessarily in- complete, posessed many points of interest to those w^ho see in California an unlimited field for the culture of almost every known fruit, vegetable, grain, or fibre. It is totally unnec- essary to allude to the innumerable specimens of splendid fruit there exhibited ; to us, who look upon the vinicultural interests as among the most important in the State, the display of grapes and wines was specially interesting. Less than thirty years ago, Wilkes, when on his exploring expedition round the world, found the wine of California to be " miserable stuff, which would not be taken for the juice of the grape." Now our wines are becoming known and appreciated everywhere in the Eastern States ; they have recently risen some- what in price, and every day w^e hear of im- mense shipments. Not long ago, we recorded the sale of a lot of 100,000 gallons to one New York firm ; last week, Bugbey, of the Natoma Vine;yard, sent ten car-loads, 20,000 gallons of his best wines and brandies East by the Over- land Railroad. We trust that the awards for the best wines exhibited at the late Fair, will be made with special care, and for the following reasons: Hitherto our wines have brought much too nearly the same prices ; comparative- ly speaking, there has been little discrimina- tion between the various qualities. How different in Europe ! One kind may be worth a few sous or kreutzers per bottle ; another will be sold at prices only within the means of the wealthiest. The writer was in Bordeaux Avhen some specially fine Lafitte was sold at auc- tion for 125 francs, ($25,) per bottle. The wine- grower has therefore, something worth trying after. It may be long ere any such differences exist here, but we venture to prophesy that the time is not far distant that while some of our whines will be worth less than they are now, others will be valued at triple and quadruple their present price. The specimens of the ramie plant exhibited at the Fair attracted much attention, as did also the tea from Schnell's plantation in El Dorado. The fact is now certainly demonstrated that our foot- hills will produce tea of superior quality, and should Schnell need it, we should be far from averse to an appropriation from the State in aid of his important experiments. He has now five million young tea plants, raised from the nuts, growing on his estate, besides a large number of older plants imported from Japan. ****** The culture of hops is one among fifty mis- cellaneous sources of profit which will be largely pursued ere long. The business is a somewhat ispeculative one. Hops have varied in price in the last few years from twelve to Sixty cents per pormd, and are worth at this THE CALIFORNIA HORTICULTURIST. 27 moment in London — a market which consumes some 20,000 tons per annum — about thirty cents. The crop in the East has been a com- parative faihire this year, which will be good news for our growers. The complaint has been made, and to a certain extent allowed, that our hops have a peculiar bitter flavor, other than that natural to them. A great deal has not been done in this culture, but we have no doubt, that when it gets the attention which has been given, for example, to grapes and other products, our hops will compare with any. Among the interests hitherto little pur- sued, is the culture of the castor bean, and the expression of its valuable oil. — '•''AUa'^ of Septem. her bth. Our reasons for republishing this letter, — taken from the Mornmg Call of Oct. 13th, is to give it the widest possible circulation, and so endeavor to bring it before every cultivator of the soil. We consider it one of the most important letters on an agricultural interest of our State, ever written, and every paper and journal would be acting a wise part in republishing it. Editor. COTTON CULTURE. ITS ADAPTABILITY TO CALIFORNIA. Dickson, (Ala.,) Oct. 3d, 1870. Editor Morning Call : — Through the kind- ness of my friend, J. M. Strong, Esq., of Snelling, Merced County, I have received a late issue of your paper, containing an article on " Cotton Raising," in which there are some allusions to the contents of a private letter addressed to Colonel Strong by me, but not designed for publication. When apprised by Col. Strong of the publication of the letter, I addressed a communication to the Scientific Press, published in your city, discussing the question of the adaptability of your soil and climate to cotton production, designed to sup- ply an omission of that journal in presenting to the public the claims of California as a honie for emigrants. I trust that article, im- perfect as it is in many respects, will be pub- lished. I feel much interest in this matter, and have studied carefully all the details fur- nished by my Iriend, which bear upon past ef- forts to produce the staple. Since writing the article referred to for the Press, I have received the Report of the transactions of the State Agricultural Society, embracing the results of eflbrts made in difterent localities to pro- duce cotton. I have also received a statement containing the bounties offered by the State for the production of given quantities. I venture to offer for the benefit of those in- terested in this matter a few practical obser- vations. 1. You will observe that no effort has been made, excepting that of Col. Strong, to grow cotton in the San Joaquin and Merced valleys. Hence all that vast region is to be added to that portion of California referred to in the Report of the State Agricultural Society. The two are as combined equal that of the en- tire State of Mississippi, which produced in 18G0, 1,202,507 bales of cotton, and in addition a food crop amply sufficient for the sustenance of her whole agricultural population. Col. Strong's several experiments in this region, would indicate one bale of 500 lbs. weight, as an average yield per, acre while the average yield of Mississippi does not reach one bale of 400 lbs. weight, to three acres. 2. No effort to produce cotton in your State will be attended with success, unless under the direction of a farmer possessed of practical experience in cotton culture. Every variety of soil requires specific treatment, and what that treatment must be is determined by ex- perience. The successful management of the crop in a given locality, will furnish the mode of treatment for that locality. The failure to produce cotton in your State, hitherto, is due, beyond doubt, to want of practical experience in the management of the crop. For like reasons, though in other respects better farmers than we, every Northern man who at- tempted to grow cotton in the South since the war, returned home bankrupt. 3. If it is questioned whether cotton can be successfully produced, under the conditions specified, in California ; let those who feel in- terested in the matter visit Col. Strong at Snelling, see the two crops produced under his direction, and be fully satisfied. They will see crops that will yield at the rate of one and a half hales per acre — cultivated at an expense so small that I dare not hazard my veracity by stating it. Col. Strong is a thoroughly prac- tical California farmer. He came to the South at the close of the disastrous year of 1867, to familiarize himself with cotton culture. For two years he directed the cultivation of an Ar- kansas plantation owned by me, near Memphis. His second crop was 125 bales of 500 pounds 28 THE CALIFORNIA HORTICULTURIST. each, on two hundred acres of land — a yield largely in excess of any previous yield on the same land — as also of the production of neigh- boring plantations. It Avas due to the intro- duction of improved implements and a moie thorough system of culture than had been previously adopted. Its continuation depend- ed upon the ability of the farmer to hire labor for wages, which could not be done. Our labor system is that of " shares," the laborers direct- ing cultivation — the most pernicious of systems — effectually barring all progress. The advan- tages oifered by his own State induced Col. Smith to return to California much to my re- gret. 4. If it is doubted whether the production of cotton in California will prove remuner- ative— test it by the following figures. HOW COTTON CULTURE WILL PAY. Assuming as an average yield, one half of the amount indicated by the expn-iments of Col. Strong, ten strong hands will produce 160,000 lbs. seed cotton, or 100 bales of 500 lbs. each lint, worth, at 20 cents per pound, $10,000. The cultivation of a cotton crop is here our only .preparation for sowing grain ; hence, the same labor required to produce this cotton will put in 200 acres of wheat, say, yielding 20 bushels per acre, or 4,000 bushels, worth, at 50 cents per bushel, $2,000. Volunteered the third year, yielding ten bushels per acre, say 2,000 bushels, worth 50 cents per bushel, $1,000. Thus the labor of ten hands, one year, pro- duces crops, not including the expense of harvesting, valued at $13,000. You will perceive the estimate of cotton yield is one-half that made by Col. Strong. So also of the Avheat crop, soAved with prepara- tion. His statement is, that with thorough preparation, your wheat lands will yield from thirty to forty bushels per acre. IMy estimate of the volunteer crop is the same as that of Col. Strong, because it is someting wholly un- known to me, and I am not prepared to alter it. The expense of culture each farmer can make better than I, it varying with the locality. The basis of the estimate would be : wages, cost of harvesting cotton ($1 per 100 pounds), rent of land, interest on capital invested in team, tools, etc., feed of hands, feed of team, wear and use of team, and damage. If your State, or individuals, will furnish the capital to make a crop of 100 bales, I will forward the requisite quantity of Dickson seed to Col. Smith to complete the plaiating. AX ECOXOMIC VIEW. The importance to your State to the develop- ment of this grand industry cannot be over- estimated. Certainly your people Avill not al- low the small sum nece:-sary for its successful inauguration to bar the way. The systems of labor and culture at the South, if adhered to, will render the condition of the planter one of periodic ruin. Nearly the whole food supply of our population, agriculturists included, is annually drawn from the Western States. We annually export our very best soil to these States in the form of cotton, to pay for the food Avhich we should produce at home. Thus Ave are always at the end of our re- sources, and when crises like those of 1867 or 1870 arrive our crops are forced upon a fluc- tuating or declining market, to meet the debts Ave have contracted to produce them. We are so situated that you can produce grasses and grains — food of every description much cheaper than you could possibly buy it. Hence, the obviously ])ropei course would be to put all the surphs products of the farm in the form of grain and meat, into cotton, and to your distant markets transport the less bulky article. The average per hand culti- vated in cotton and corn before the Avar, was represented by ten of the former ar.d five of the latter. The average area in cultivation per hand, in 1870, cotton and corn inclusive, Avill not exceed seven and a half It costs, in the Mississippi River bottom, 12^ cents per pound to deliver cotton in Memphis or other markets where the transportation does not ex- ceed one dollar per bale. I mean to say. that every pound produced and sent to market, costs Vlh cents delivered, under the conditions specified. On the uplands, where the yield dees not exceed a bale to three or four acres, it costs 15 cents per pound. To-day, the cot- ton it costs 12* to 15 cents per pound to pro- duce, is Avorth from 9 to 14i cents per pound in the Memphis market. It must be sold to pay the cost of producing it, and thus it is demonstrated that the condition of the planter here, is one of periodic ruin. All the profit to result from the rapid increase of price con- sequent upon the cessation of hostilities is lost to him. because of his failure to produce his own food, retaining his cotton as profit.^ Pro- duction at the South reaches its culminating point in 1870. The tAvo years of 1867 and 1870 mark the periodic ruin of the Southern planter. From this date forward there Avill be steady decrease in quantity and increase in price, until the planting community Avill again be tempted to over-production at the expense THE CALIFORNIA HORTICULTURIST. 29 of food, and a crisis will as certainly bring ruin. CHINESE LABOR. A single objection is presented to the infal- libility of this view, in the prospect of an un- restricted importation of Chinese laborers, at such a low rate of wages as to reduce the cost of production to such a limit as will revive the quantity. How little consideration is due to this objection, will be seen in the fact that it costs $130 in gold each, to import these labor- ers at an expense in wages of $10 per month. Now, if ever, is the season to inaugurate the culture of cotton m your State. Everything that enters into production is cheaper there than here. Whatever is expended in produc- tion is expended at home, and thus builds up the wealth of the State. Every pound pro- duced will be manufactured profitably at home. The two interests will grow up side by side, keeping pace with each other. The production and manufacture of cotton is a nec- essity to your control of the trade of that vast region which lies west of the Missouii River, and where San Francisco must fight a battle of })rices Avith her Eastern competitors. I apologize for the length of this commuui- cation, but much yet remains to be said. Call my friend. Col. Strong, before your Chamber of Commerce, and hear his views. He has long and earnestly devoted himself to the in- vestigation of the subject, and he deserves the encouragemeut of his people. I trust you will pardon me, in view of the necessity, for call- ing attention to his labors. We can all attest the truth that a prophet is not without honor, save in his own country! la , Sir, Very respectfully, your obedient servant. Wm. Dickson. The following article must commend itself to all who are interested in " Arboriculture," as well as to the people at large. During the past summer, there has been great destruction done to our forests trees, by fire. This destruction is irreparable; but there ought to be some means adopted, to remedy the evil, or at least to lessen it as much as possible in the future. The state has already suffered severely in the destruction, ^by fire, and the ever busy woodman's axe,) of our redwood forests, one of the most useful and valuable of our trees. — (Editor.) HOW OUR FORESTS ARE GOING. We find in the St. Louis Republican a lengthy and interesting contribution showing the rapid consumption of the pine forests in our North- ern States. The Maine forests have already been so thoroughly stripped that not a tree of theold growth is left. Twelve years ago. New York exported immense quantities of lumber, but her forests are now totally exhausted, and she now relies for her own supply upon im- ))ortations from the West, and trom Canada. In the year 1SG9 the amount of lumber cut in the three great lumber-producing States of the Northwest was 2,029,372,255 ieet from Michi- gan; 317,400,000 feet from Minnesota, and 964,600,600 from Wisconsin. To obtain this quantity, 883,032 acres, or 1,380 square miles of pine forests were stripped of trees. It is estimated that four millions of acres still re- main unstripi)ed in Michigan, which will yield fifteen thousand millions ot feet of lumber. About three millions of acres remain in Wis- consin, and 8,630,000 aci'es in Minnesota, which are estimated to yield 32,362,500,000 in feet of lumber — a quantity too immense to intelli- gently estimate, but whose consumption is merely a question of time, for no more than twenty years, at most, will be required to cut and send to market all the trees now stand- ing. The demand tor pine lumber is fast increasing, and spreading over a wider area of territory. The problem for solution, and one which cannot receive attention too early, is, what means c:m be devised to replace this enormous consumption":' This question has been carefully considered in Euroi)e for a cen- tury or more and it forces itself upon our no- tice in several a-pects. As the writer in the RepiilUcan remarks, the destruction ol our for- ests, and the denudation of our prairies of their primitive vegetation, have made fearful inroads ujjon our climate. The rains have less frequency, and when they do come are more deluging than formerly. We are more frequently suifering from the opposite extremes of excessive drouths and destructive inunda- tions. Our spiings, brooks and rivers are drying up. Our old folks all tell us that brooks now more than half the time dry, in their childhood afforded constant water-power to mills; and as a proof of what they say, point the mill site long since abandoned. And this is because our forests have long since suc- cumbed, or are rapidly disappearing before the axe of the woodman and the fires of the incendiary, and our flocks have denuded the prairies of their primitive grasses. The writer suggests first, as a remedy for the anticij)ated so THE CALIFORNIA HORTICULTURIST. scarcity of timber, that more economy should be exercised in building houses, in which much extravagance and waste of material are now noticeable. And whenever possible, other timber than pine should be employed on buiklings when if will answer as well as pine, and the State authorities should encourage plantino: and rearing such trees on the great plains of the WestTas are best adapted to flourish there. We on the Pacific Coast are only remotely interested in the rapid consump- tion of the pine forests of the East, but we can nevertheless, observe with profic the ex- perience of the older States as regards the unnecessary destruction of timber." — Daily Morning Call. THE CASHMERE GOAT IX AMERICA. The introduction of the Cashmere goat in- to the L^uited Stales during the year 18-1:9, by Dr. Davis, of South Carolina, must be con- sidered an important step in the inauguration of a branch of industry destined at no distant day to add materially to the wealth and pros- perity ol that country. The original importa- tion consisted of seven females and two males. These were retained in the more Southern States of the LTnion, and notwithstanding the change to a warmer climate (having been brought out from Turkey in Asia), the experi- ence of the ten succeeding years proved that the American oftspriug was in many respects a finer goat, and yielded a heavier fleece. At the commencement of the civil war in America these animals had been introduced in most of the Southern States, but particularly in the States of Georgia, Tennessee and Texas, with the most satisfactory results. In the year 1858, a single company in Tennessee sold $30,000 worth of their grade animals alone in the States of Tennessee and Kentucky. These were all decendants from the flock imported by Mr. Davis, and ranged from half to pure blood. Tlie experiments made in the other States in the meantime were equally successful, especially in Texas, where both soil and climate seemed peculiarly adapted to the raising of this valu- able animal. The average weight of a full grown Cash- mere buck is about one himdred and fifty pounds, while that of a female is about one hundred pounds. The animal fleece of the buck will weigh about six pounds and that of the doe four pounds. The hair of the finer grade animals is a beautiful, soft and silky article, Irom ten to twelve inches in length, be- neath which is found two or three ounces of short and very fine down from which the cele- brated Cashmere shawls are manufactured. This down is of course much more valuable than the long hair, and when separated from the latter commands almost fabulous prices. The price paid for the fleece will depend en- tirely upon the grade of the animal producing it; bat it may be safely stated that four dollars per pound for half-breed, and eight dollars per pound for pure breed fleeces is a very moderate estimate in the American market, while as high as fifty dollars per pound has been offered for American fleeces in the French market. As the chief value of the Cashmere goat is its fleece, it is natural enough that those wish- ing to engage in the business should desire to commence with none but full-bloods, in order to realize a more immediate return; but expe- rience has already shown that it is far wiser to cross a full-blood, or even a half blood buck with a doe of the common goat kind, costing say S3 per head, than to import males and fe- males from Asia at a cost of not less than §500 specie — risking all the casualties incident to a sea vovage and change of climate. By breed- ing upon a cross of the half-breed buck with a common doe, you acquire a finer grade each successive year, which by the fourth cross will have obtained an animal little, if any, inferior to the full-blooded ones, and at the mere tithe of the cost, making a due allowance for the trouble and time expended in accomplishing the object. • i j ^ Taking into consideration the established tact that the'Cashmere goat by the process already referred to is readily acclimated, and can be husbanded as easilv and as successfully as blooded or grade sheep, and its fleece, weigh- ing fully as much, can command thirty dollars per pound in the market, while wool will bring about as many cents, it would appear that argu- ment on the subject is unnecessary. To eii- terpribiug capitalists this business promises a more certain return than any we know of, and as long as fashion rules the land they may be sure of a liberal market. THE CALIFORNIA HORTICULTURIST. 31 Dried Sweet Corx. — The canning of corn cannot be successfully done in families, but dried corn is nearly as good if properly done, and can be had by all. The excellence of this depends quite as much upon the time of pick- ing, as upon the method of curing. If too old, no process of drying will make it tender and savory. The ears should be plucked in the milk, their best condition for eating when fresh. With a sharp knife split the rows of kernels, and cut from the cob. Spread in iron pans and place in the oven to drive off a })art of the moisture. Stir well to keep from burning, and when thoroughly heated, spread upon the sheets in the sun to dry. It must be thoroughly dry when put away, and must be kept in a dry place. Another method is to boil the fresh picked corn five minutes, then split the kernels and cut from the cob, and spread in the sun to dry. It is good cooked as a vegetable in win- ter, and still better made with Lima beans, or even common beans, into succotash. " Sub- scriber," Bloomfield, Iowa, boils the corn, cuts the grain one-half off, and scrapes off that which remains attached to the cob. The dry- ing is done in a shallow box, covered with a hot-bed sash, set sloping to catch the sun. Meeting of Fruit Growers. — The growers of small fruit of Santa Clara Valley held a meet- ing in San .Jos6, the other day, at which Judge Archer presided. He stated the objects of the meeting to be, to consider how remunerative prices could be obtained for small fruits. The following resolution was adopted : Resolved, That it is the sense of this meeting that the fruit growers of this valley sJiould or- ganize themselves into a Fruit Growers" Asso- ciation. On motion, the following gentlemen were appointed to draft a Constitution and Bv-Laws : Dr. Hudson, Wm. Boots. J. Q. A.'Ballou, Judge Thomas, Isaac Bird, and Judge Archer. Another meeting to consider the same sub- ject is to be held on the 19th instant. — Call, Nov. m. CONSTITUTION OF THE BAY DISTRICT HORTICULTURAL SOCIETY, OF CALIFORNIA. ARTICLE I. NAME. This Society sliall be called the Bay District Horticultural Society, of California. ARTICLE n. LOC.^TIOX. Its place of business shall be the City of San Fran- cisco. ARTICLE III OBJECT. It shall be object of this Society to collect and dis- tribute information in regard to Horticulture, hold exhibitions and award premiums for the best pro- ductions. ARTICLE IV. MEMBERS. The Society shall consist of 1st. Regular members, who shall be entitled to all the privileges of the Society and 2xD. Honorary members, who shall have the same privileges as the Regular members, but no yote in the transaction of business of the Society. ARTICLE V. OFFICERS. The OflScers of the Society shall be 1. President. 2. Vice-President. 3. Secretary. 4. Treasurer. 5. Board of three Trustees. The President shall preside at all meetings of the Society, preserve order and in case of an equal divis- ion upon any question, shall give the casting vote. The Vice-President shall preside and perform the duties of the President in the absence or disqualifi- cation of that office. The Secretary shall keep on record the proceedings of the Society, collect all dues and pay them o%-er to the Treasurer, taking his receipt for the same ; and perform such other duties as may be required of his office. The Treausurer shall take charge of all funds be longing to the Society, and disburse the same by- order of the Society. He shall give bonds if required and make a financial report at the regular meetings. The duties of the Trustees shall be the general man- agement of the property of the Society. ARTICLE VI. meetings. The regular meetings of this Society shall be held on the last Saturday of each month, for the transac- tion of business. Special meetings miay be called by the President at the request of five members. ARTICLE VII. AMENDMENTS. This constitution shall not be amended, unless by a vote of two-thirds of the Regular members present, and notice of such amendment shall be given two months previously, and a written notice of the same shall be served upon each member of the Society by the Secretary. 32 THE CALIFORNIA HORTICULTURISf . B V- L_ A\A/S - SECTION I. MEMBERSUIP. Any person, who wishes to become a rep^ular mem- ber of this Society will be elected by ballot, after being proposed as candidate at a former regular meeting. Three black balls will cxckide the camli- date. No person shall be deemed a member and be entitled to act as such, until he shall have paid tlie sum of five dollars into the funds of the Society, and si'^'ned the Constitutiim and By-Laws. Honorary members may be elected by a majority of those-preseut at a regular meeting. No contributions shall be required of them. The Secretary shall notify the candidates of their election in writing. SECTION II. ELECTION OF OFFICERS. The annual election of Officers shall be' held on the last Saturday of November, and the elected Officers shall enter on their duties on the last Saturday of December, following. The candidates for offices shall be nominated on the last Saturday of October previous, and no person shall be elected to office, who has not been so nominated. The election shall be by tickets of a majority of the members present. in case of any vacancy, the same glmll be filled by a new election to be held at any regular meeting. SECTION in. QT'ORUM. At any regular meeting five members shall consti- tute a quorum for the transaction of business. SECTION IV. MONTHLY DUES. Each regular member of this S )ciety, shall pay into the funds of the Society a monthly due of fifty cents, f) be collected by the Secretary. SECTION V. CUD EH OF BUSINESS. 1. Call of the Roll of Officers and Committees. 3. Reading of the Minutes of the previous Meet- ing. 3. Rt-pcrt of Officers an 1 Committee.s. 4. Proposition ot New Candidates. 5. Ele(ttion'of Members. G. Unfinished Business. 7. Appointment of C(mimittees. 8. New Business, and sulijeets pertaining to Hor- ticulture. SECTION VI. PENALTIES. Any regular member who for tlu^ space of sik months shall have n 'glected to pay bis monthly dues, Bliall be notified by the Secretary in writing, and un- less payment of such dues shall be made by him at tlie next regular meeting, said member shall be con- sidered expelled from the Society. If any member of the Society shall disobey its laws, or do anything to dishonor the Society, he may be expelled by the vote of two-thirds of the members present.^ But no member shall be so expelled, unless a written notice of the motion shall have been served upon him twenty days before it is acted upon. SECTION VII PUOPERTV OV THE SOCIETY. No member shall remove any of the property be- longing to this Society out of their rooms, except by special permission from the members present at a regular meeting. Donations to the Society shall ha entered in a book kept for that purpose by the Secretary. SECTION VIII. V,XHIBITIOXS. The Society may hold exhibitions of fruits, flowers, plants, vegetables, and seeds, at such times and places as it may hereafter determine. Members and their families only shall have free ad!U!.--.i5ioii to all exhibitions of the Society. SECTION IX. NEGLECT OF DUTIES. Officers of the Society neglecting their duties as such without sufficient cause, may be suspended or re- moved by three fourth of the members present at a regular meeting. SECTION X. LIFE MEMBEIiS. Any member can become a Life-member Ijy the pay- ment" of twenty-five dollars into the funds of the Society, and shall be free from assessments thereafter. SECTION XI. READING ROOM. The Societv may e.>tablish a reading room for the benefit of its "members, and may subscribe for and pur- chase such papers and bo:)ks. as a Commi' tee appoint- ed for that puri>ose may fiud judicious. SECTION XII. DISBURSEMENTS. All bills against the Society, shall be considered at the regular iueftiogs, and after being passed upon by avote^ofthe members present, signed l\v the Presi- dent, and count, r.signed by the Secretary, thcTreiisur- er sliail pay the same out of th(; funds of the Society. ^ SECTION XIII. DISCUSSION. No member shall speak more than three times on one subject, except by special permission of the ma- jority of the members present. SECTION XIV. AMENDMENT. These By-Laws shall not be amended unless by a vote of two-thirds of the members present at a regular meeting, and notice ot such amendment shall btTgiven one month previous to its being acted upon. THE California Horticulturist AND FLORAL MAGAZINE. Vol. 1. DECEMBER, 1870. No. 2. THE ROSE- (ROSA). There is probably no plant so well-known, and so extensively cultivated as the Rose; everybody knows it, everbody admires it,every- body loves it. Very often we find a plant of considerable merit discarded, merely because everybody cultivates it, and some other is pre- ferred because it is new and rare, although possibly in many respects inferior — a whim of fashion. This fickleness does not aftect the Queen of Flowers, the Rose. She, in her majesty, rises supreme above all those freaks of fashion which disturb the reign of the less fortunate beauties of her court. However tasteful and costly, however elaborate and recherche the detail of the most artistically decorated and extensive villa grounds, the Rose constitutes the most prominent feature, and the chief floral embellishment, Roses in groups, roses in masses, roses in the elegant form of little trees, roses over trellis-work and frames, roses in hedges, roses in pots, roses as creepers over the lawn and the parterre, peeping in at the windows, and from under the eaves and bal- conies, clambering over the roofs, massing around the hall-doors, supporting the A^er- andas, standing sentinel on the lawn, caress- ing and embellishing the statuary, toying with the humbler occupants of the parterre, screen- ing less tasteful objects, softening and mellow- ing stei'ner foliage, festooning and draping in- elegant ruggednesses, blushing in the ardent sunlight, giving warmth and life and light to to the shade, smiling, sparkling, gratifying everywhere, gracing the hall, the boudoir and the drawing-room, yet modestly and gracefully asserting their dignity in the conservatory; everywhere claiming their places and filling them well. The freshness of their verdure, the beauty of their buds, the fine form of their floAvers, the delicacy, variety, purity of tint in their colors, and their exquisite fragrance, all these characteristics entitle the roses to the first position among our floral favorites. The Rose is indigenous in Europe, Asia, Af- rica, and America ; the only country, where to the best of our knowledge, it is not a native, is Australia. There are more than 80 varieties of wild roses known, of which the majority are found in Asia. Every year adds new varieties to the list of roses under cultivation, and within the last few years so numerous have been these ac- quisitions, that it is almost impossible to give even approximately the number of distinct and meritorious varieties — there may be about four hundred. Roses, as now cultivated, are classified into certain divisions, of which however the gar- deners differ very much as to the number and characteristics. We should like to see this matter of classification arranged, so as to be brief, yet intelligible to all. We will adopt the following as one to which very many nur- serymen adhere : — Tea Roses, Bourbon Roses, 34 THE CALIFORNIA HORTICULTURIST. Noisette Roses, Hybrid Perpetual Roses, China or Bengal Roses, Moss Roses, Climbing Roses, and miscellaneous roses. Under this classification we shall include all the varieties which haxe been successfully cul- tivated in California ; some we shall omit be- cause they only do M'ell in certain localities and under peculiar circumstances. It will assist us very materially, and be very acceptable, if gardeners and amateurs will inform us if we have omitted any varieties which under their observation have been cultivated with success, at the same time mentioning merits, and mode of treatment. GLASS I. Tea Hoses (Tea-scented Roses) are so called for their exquisite perfume ; they bloom free- ly and are never without flowers, except dur- ing such cold weather as we never experience in San Francisco. The Tea Rose is not a ro- bust or strong grower, the flowers are, with very few excej^tions of medium size. The best varieties for cultivation in California, are the White Daily, color pure white ; Safrano, most splendid bud, apricot changing to buflT; Eliza Sauvage, continual bloomer, yellow to white ; Devoniensis cream, yellow, buif centre ; La Sylphide, flesh and pink, beautiful ; Gloire de Dijon, yellow shaded with salmon. Some of the above varieties should be grown in every garden. CLASS Jl. Bourlon Roses. In this class we have a few varieties of great merit, nearly all of them are perpetual bloomers, and some of them pro- duce flowers of very beautiful forms. The best ai-e: — Hermosa, bright pink in color, beautiful cup shaped flower, always in bloom ; Souvenir de la Malmaison, very large rose, very double, bright flesh color ; Gloire de Rosamene, bril- liant velvet, semi-double, the bud is very beau- tiiul, it is always in bloom, and during the cold weather here it blossoms very profusely ; Bar- ron Gonella, cherry-red, a good rose of very delicate color. CLASS HI. Noisette Roses. All of these have the habit of climbing roses, still they form a class by themselves. With proper pruning these roses can be cultivated as bushes or trees : but "w^e prefer to see them trained as vines. The white, yellow, and salmon colors are character- istic of them, their flowers are large and full, and nearly all of them are very fragrant. Their principal flowering season in California is dur- ing the early summer and latrotected situations in the gai-den, with strong soil and plenty of manure. We would further recommend, that these Noisette Roses be grown on budded stocks, and not on their own roots. We have seen them flower much better when so treated, for which tact we cannot account, and shall be most happy to hear it explained, if any of our friends have also noticed it. CLASS IV. Hi/hrid Perpetual Hoses. The Hybrids are by far the most jiopiilar roses, they do best in a deep rich soil, and absorb a large amount of noiH'ishment, for which i"eason they should have a good .and frequent supply of manure. Their flowers are developed chiefly on new shoots, for which reason it is desirable to keep them in a constantly growing condition. This is easily effected here on account of our favor- able climate; the old wood should be removed from tiu\e to time, and the young shootsshonld be cut back as soon as they develop their flowers. The best varieties of this class are : — Geant de Battailes (Gi;uit of Hat ties), scarlet, crimson color, continutMis bloomer and perfect flowers. Although an old variety, tiie Geant de Battailes will always be popular, and one of the leading v.arieties. Next comes I'auline Lansezeur, deep rich velvet, makes a beautilul bud which is very much used in bomjuets. When in full bloom it is not very double, b\it for its buds .and half opened flowers it is one of the most desirable varieties. Cardinal Patrizii, dark velvet crimson, does not flower very freely with us. but tlourishes much better in Sacramento and other |>;u-ts of the Slate; the soil for this variety should be very deep and rich, its peculiar dark color entitles it to a jilaei' in every collection of roses. General Cavaignac, bright cherry color, is a beautiful rose, and promises to do well here. .1 iiles Mar gottin, bright cherry, is also a very fmo rose, and should be e.ultivateil more e\leusi\ely. La Reinc, a Large and well know n rose of a rosy-pink color, very tVa;j.rMiit , a const;int- bloomer, and robust grower, vei-y desirable. Lord Raglan, deep velvet crimson, one o( the very best, good bloomer, no iviiection siuniid be without it. Madame Lafihy, a well-known variety of good habit, blooms continnonssly ; flowers, rosy crimson. M'me Rivers, light flesh- color; a beautiful rose of tiueform. Marguerite Le Cnrenx, scarlet, crimson, white stripetL one of the best v.ariegated roses, and therefore ex- tremely valuable for a ooUection. All of the above named varieties deserve pk*uvs in the flower garden ; all do well with ordinary care. CL.\S,S v. Chfm or Bmgd Htms. Tliis class is less numerous, they are of a dwarf habit, and their flowers are of smaller size. The best varieties are Agrippina. of arieli velvet csrim- son color, one of the best. Archduke Charles, rose changing to crimson, flowers largvr than of the other varieties, does not o^Hni well here. Louis PhilHppe, crimson, a tine and prot'use bloomer, otie o( the best — no collection should be withoiu it. CLASS VI. Jfoss liosfs. Theivis nothing in the shape of floral production moreexipusitely beautiful, than a welltormed Moss Rose bud, but we are comiH'Ued to atlmit with regret, that we have seen but very few good buds here : and to conless that thisbcavitiful class of roses do not thrive well in San Francisco. In warmer lo- calities, as Sacramento and ISIarysville, they do much better, but even there the production of flowers is far from satisfactory. .\ ditVerent mode of treatment may be productiveof nuire pleasing resiilts in the w.inner portions tM" our State, but we cannot rccomnund tlie extensive cultivation of this class of roses i\ear the Bay of San Francisco. There are l\lon(hly Fer- petual Moss Roses, but with ns the\ si'cm to lose this I'haracteristie. Some of the best and niost ]top;ilar varieties are the Luxcmbotn-g, dark erimson ; NN'liite Cluster; Centifolia, pink — one ol" the best; Salel, bright rose, beau- tiful. We must plead for the continued etdti- vation ol' tliis elass oC roses to .a limited ex- tent, subjeeling them to dilVereiit niodes of tri«atment. Thev are l()o beanlil'id to be dis- earded wiliiont some elVort to rel.nin llieni. 80 THE CALIFORNIA HORTICULTURIST. CLASS VII. ClMing Roses. Nearly all of this class bloom clurino; the early part of summer, and while lu fall liower they certainly present a most strikins; appearance ; why they are not more creneially cultivated is inex]ilicable to us. We foster many climbing plants and flowering- shrubs which only bloom once during the year. Why should we not make room for some of our valuable climbing roses? The leading varieties are the Baltimore Belle, blush color, flowers about the size of a half-dollar, grouped in large clusters— a very desirable rose. Prairie Queen, rosy lilac, flowers large and cup-shaped, growing in clusters. It is a fast grower and con- tinues in bloom for a long time — it is one ot the best. Multiflora, blush color, very good. CLASS VIII. Miscellaneous Roses. We shall include in this class many roses of peculiar nature and habit, some of them may be considered as be- longing to one or other of the former classes, but certain characteristics require them to be placed in a special class. The Persian Yellow Rose, is one of them, it is of a golden yellow color, not very double, and flowers during the early part of summer; Sweet Briar, single flower, it is cultivated for its fragrant leaves; Green Rose, that might be considered as be- longing to class 5, China Roses, but we con- sider it more as a curiosity than anything else. Its flowers are as green as the leaves them- selves, it is a native of Japan. Banksia, of which there are several varieties, they are some- times called the thornless rose, there being no thorns growing on their stocks, the flowers are small and grow in clusters, the foliage is beau- tiful, and of an evergreen character. Mycro- phylla Alba, is a fine white, sweet-scented rose, it does well in a warm situation, but it is very little cultivated in this country. This concludes our list of those roses which have been successfully cultivated in California. Our nurserymen have from time to time im- ported many other varieties, some of which were highly esteemed both in the Eastern States, and in Europe, but their experience did not justify their general introduction into our gardens, some of them made a vigorous Growth of wood, but failed to develop any flowers, while others did not live long enough to be recognized as additions to our collections and catalogues here. To grow the rose successfully, and to obtain good flowers throughout the whole year, re- quires more than soil and water. In light ' sandy soil with the addition of manure and water, it will make a great deal of wood, but will not continue to flower throughout the year, in fact it will lose the characteristic of a monthly rose ; to retain this desirable quality, it is necessary to supply it with strong loam and plenty of rich manure, and to cut back the wood frequently, particularly the side branches, whi(-h may be cut back to three or four eyes. We should recommend pruning roses in the same manner as that operation is per- formed on the vine /. e. during the early spring, and repeat four or five times during the year. By this treatment new wood will be forced out constantly, and with it, fresh flowers. One- half of the rose bushes here, do not receive a proper pruning for years; when these fail to flower freely, it may be justly referred to this neglect. The rose also very rapidly exhausts the soil, and unless a fresh supply of nourish- ment is provided, the reputation of this most popular flowering shrub is at stake. The successful cultivation of roses in pots, is attended with many difliculties. One great mistake is the selecting varieties for such treatment, which are not adapted for pot culture. It is an incorrect idea that every kind of rose will succeed when planted in a pot; although professional gardeners may succeed in bringing every variety of rose in full bloom into our market, we must remember that this is in a great measure ettected by forcing the plants under glass, and their object is the quicker sale and the better price which such plants will obtain, than those cultivated entirely in the open air, although these latter are far prefer- able to the former. The roses best adapted to pot culture, are the Bourbon, Tea, and China or Beng.al roses, particularly the twc latter classes. We should advise purchasing THE CALIFORNIA HORTICULTURIST. 87 small young plants, and usino- strong rich soil. A f=mall plant will do well in a five inch pot for six or eight months, then it requires to he changed into a six inch pot, in which it may re- main for another six or eight months; in this manner .it should be changed from time to time to larger pots as its growth requires, rhe surface of the soil should occasionally be covered with some rich manure which will renew its strength, as well as retain the rnoisture for a much longer time. It s true this mode of treatment involves some little labor, but we cannot expect to suc- 3eed in the cultivation of any flowers without ievoting some extra time and trouble to their lecessities, and it is but a small equivalent for ill the embellishment with which they adorn )ur homes, for all the fragrance and delight ;hey afford us. Althcrurth a monthly bloomer, yet like most )f the frowering shrubs, the rose developes nore flowers in the spring than at any other season of the year, under ordinary treatment, md we recommend the pinching off, at least )ne-half of thebuds while yet young; this will pve the remaining ones more strength, and )roduce better flowers, while the plant sufier- ng less exhaustion, will throw more vigorous )uds in succession. To have them flower dur- ng the winter, it is necessary to keep them in- ide of the house, or in some well protected )osition outside. If kept in the house, they ihould have plenty of light, fresh air, and noisture; a dry and hot air is injurious. In watering roses we must carefully avoid ixcess; superfluous moisture becomes stag- lant, and renders the soil in the pot sour, as -he gardener calls it. The water Avhich is sup- )lied to pot plants, must be consumed by the )lant, evaporated, or carried off" by drainage; ivaporation takes place when the atmosphere iontains less moisture than the soil, and is ex- )edited by a warmer temperature, the drain- age we obtain by laying a piece of broken pot »ver the opening in the bottom of the flower )0t. Drainage and evaporation thus relieve IS of the onus of discriminating how much vater is necessary for the growth of the plant; but if we give more moisture than can be readily dis])osed of in these three different ways, the soil becomes sour, and the plant soon fails and perishes. Monthly roses are the most neglected of all flowering plants, and yet when in bloom, they well repay us for our labor. THE ERICA. The Erica (Heath) is an evergreen shrub, varying in height from 2 to 4 feet, most of the species are indigenous at the Cape of Good Hope, and in Australia, but very few have their habitat either in Europe or America. The flowers according to variety, are of every conceivable shade, from pure white to the deepest red and purple — more than 300 varie- ties are cultivated in Europe, and more exten- sively in England than anywhere else. This handsome flowering shrub has not been culti- vated to any extent in the United States ; for this some few reasons may be adduced : — First. — For many of the varieties the latitude of New York and Boston is too cold for out- door culture, and under glass, the Erica does not thrive unless proper and expensive houses are built expressly for it. Second. — It is a singular fact, nevertheless true, that the Erica family succeeds best when cultivated by itself; and in order to obtain good specimens, the plants require plenty of room. This mode of treatment the American nurserymen do not appear hitherto to have been willing to concede. Third. — It must be remarked, that al- though the English gardeners succeed best in their cultivation, yet this to a great extent is attributable to the mild winters, nnd the moist atmosphere of that country; for they iiave not succeeded any better than others of the profession in the introduction of the Ei'ica on the European Continent. We believe that the Pacific coast offers fa- cilities for the successful cultivation of a num- ber of good varieties of the Erica, and our gardeners should make a strong effort to intro- duce this beautiful shrub into California to a S8 THE CALIFORNIA HORTICULTURIST. greater extent. Some ol' our nurserymen have given them a trial, hut they have erred in cul- tivating them as greenhouse pLants, and conse- quently have failed to meet with any encour- aging results; but very few plants of only three orfour varieties havebeen cultivated in the open air, but of these, some have flourished well. When we take into considerationthat over three hundred varieties of the Erica exist, we feel cer- tain that a large number of them could be culti- vated here. The people of the Pacific coast have a mania for evergreen flowering shrubs, and we have no doubt but that this plant would grow largely in favor with the public if some of the leading varieties were properly introduced to them. It is true that some of the varieties re- quire a particular soil and a certain climate, which we do not possess, but very many could be successfully cultivated in our own climate, and in soil which is easily procured. In the heart of large cities like San Francisco, we do not advise the cultivation of the Erica, as it does not like to be caged in by surrounding walls and a smoky atmosphere ; but wherever it can enjoy a free circulation of pure air the Erica will do well; the best locality for it is near the Coast Range, where our heavy sea fogs supply that moisture so necessary to it. A very good compost for most of the varie- ties of the Erica may be made of four-fifths of leaf mould and strong stifl' loam in equal parts, and one-fifth of sand, to this a small quantity of bone-ashes may be added; a number of varieties will thrive well in the ordinary beach- loam, so frequently found in this city, and in- deed all over tiie country. It is inexpedient to use cold well water for irrigating, as it fre- quently contains lime and other mineral sub- stances, and the watering with cold water dur- ing a hot day, very often results in the decay of the stems or trunks of the plants. The Erica is propagated either by seed or cuttings ; but as some of the varieties do not often produce seed, they are raised ex- clusively from cuttings. The seeds should not be sown very thickly, and it is better not to cover them with the soil, but to press them gently into the surface with a smooth piece of wood, it is advisable to keep the flower pot or box containing the seeds or cuttings covered with a pane of glass to prevent the surface drying too rapidly ; and it is further necessary to keep the soil well drained, which can be ef- fected by placing pieces of broken pots at the bottom of the pot or box when preparing for planting, and thus obviate a stagnant or sour condition of the soil. The cuttings should be of one or two inches in length, and should be taken ofl' when the wood is sufficiently ripe. They should be stripped of their leaves to one- half of their length, and plunged to that depth in the soil. The pot or box should be placed close under the glass in the frame or green- house, and after remaining in a cool place for some days, a little bottom-heat may be ad- visable, although it is not indispensable, and may be omitted where such appliance is incon- venient. The propagation by cuttings should take place during the summer months after the flowering season is over, at which time the Erica is throwing out new and strong wood, well adapted for that purpose. The seeds should be sown as soon as convenient after be- ing gathered. It is well to remove the glass cover from time to time as the circulation of a little fresh air is beneficial to the young plants. The best mode of watering the seeds or cuttings, is by placing the pot in a saucer. One circumstance connected with the propagation of the Erica is somewhat peculiar, although we find it the habit of some other woody plants; the cuttings from sickly plants are preferable to those taken from strong and healthy plants. After the plants are well root- ed, they be should hardened by exposing them to the open air, at first during the day only, afterwards during the night also, they will soon be strong enough to be potted and re- potted or to be turned out into the open ground. If the young plants are c\iltiv?.ted in pots, it is desirable to shift them very often, so as to keep them constantly growing. To cultivate Ericas as well-shaped specijnens, it is necessary to pinch off the young shoots early, this will force the plant into branches and ])roduce a more compact growth, which is very desirable in this class of evergreen shrubs. THE CALIFORNIA HORTICULTURIST. 39 ORNAMENTAL AND LANDSCAPE GARDENING. SECTION II.— LANDSCAPE GARDENING. We will now request our readers to leave with us for a short time the thickly settled portions of the city, where the soil has the ill fortune to be cut up into slices of 25 x 100 feet, condemned to the drudgery of supporting the so-called improvements, lies secluded from the life-giving influences ^f warm sunlight, re- freshing^showers, and fresh pure air, within the narrow' limits of dark damp cellarages and foetid smelling basements, or encased in cob- bles and coarse planking for traflic purposes, and accompany us to the suburbs and into the open country surrounding them, where al- though the landshark has left the imprint of his grasping heavy hand, nature yet reigns in all her pristine glory of valley, and hill, rock, stream, and lake, backed by her majesty of mountains; and whereher graceful undulating lines of rolling surface, have not yet been gra- ded or degraded with the tasteless straight lines of narrow-minded modern improvement men. Here, as we travel along feasting our eyes on the ever varying scene, Ave shall be attract- ed from time to time by the special beauties of certain localities, in whose adaptability to our views and purposes, we recognize appro- priate spots for the settlement of homes, where by the exercise of experience in arrangement and construction, may be developed all that comfort, finish, and completeness which evince the cultivated taste of the owner, and where by the skillful adapting the peculiarities of surface, the addition of features, and the blend- ing and harmonizing with the surrounding landscape, the art of Landscape Gardening may be manifested. In selecting the site for a suburban residence we shou!d be influenced by several important considerations ; in the first place, — Eealth, and for this pure air and drainage are indispensable, the location should therefore, always be eleva- ted ; its Aspect — for this southerly or south- easterly are preferable ; Climate and Exposure — it should be protected by superior elevations from titrong winds ; Soil — as it is almost im- possible to make soil for an extensive tract of land, this is an important consideration in the selection, the best soil is loam, with an under- layer of clay ; Water— the supply of which should be abundant ; as without it in Califor- nia, our labors cannot be successful, and final- ly its proximity by railroads, steamboat lines, or otherwise, to the place of business. If re- mote from the place of occupation, too much time is occupied in reaching it, and although the transit is healthful, yet it may often be fatiguing, and too many hours of home comfort are sacrificed. The purposes in withdrawing to a country residence are health and recrea- tion, independence and seclusion, not exclu- sion. Having decided on the locality for the fu- ture residence, it is necessary to determine the site of the house; an elevated spot is desirable, as well for health, the view, drainage, etc., as that the approach to it may be at an easy ascending grade, we of course do not wish to be understood, that the highest point should be selected, as in many cases this might not only be incovenient, and inappropriate, but in positive antagonism, with all the rules of landscape. The laying out and planting the grounds must next be considered ; and here we will re- mark that the work of the landscape gardener will be far easier where the grounds are ex- tensive, than where comparatively limited. The owner of five acres of land seeks the same residt as the proprietor of fifty or one hund- red acres, so far as rural landscape is con- cerned ; and it is .far easier to elaborate all desirable features on a large extent of ground, th^n where we are compelled to crowd them together into a narrow space. In this latter case the landscape gardener, with all his skill and experience, cannot avoid producing the im- pression that too much has been attempted. And herein w^e difi"er from many others, we maintain that where a place is too limited to admit the introduction of all the features of a good landscape, one certain phase should be made predominant, and as expressive as possi- ble. For instance, where nature has provided 40 THE CALIFORNIA HORTICULTURIST. an abundant growth of trees and shrubs, pictiiresqimess is easily obtained : where new plantations have to be made, the heautiful may be made the important leature : where water can be had in abundance, that may be made the most prominent phase, etc. In the practice of Landscape Gardening, certain styles have prevailed; the oldest has been designated the Geometrical or Symmetri- cal style, and is characterized by the adopting the lines and style of the grounds or garden, so as to harmonize with those of the house. Another has been called the Modern, and some- times the irregular or English style ; but with us in California, we adopt no style at all, but are governed entirely by local circumstances. We have a decided aversion to formality and excess of symmetry in everything pertaining to Landscape Gardening. In the laying out and planting of Public Squares in large cities, reg- ularity and symmetry are preferable, and in fact unavoidable. The surrounding streets usually intersect at right angles, and must have the official grade, and convenient access must be established from every side and coi-ner ; but even here variety and contrast may be intro- duced, in arranging trees and shrubs, so as to produce a most desirable deviation from the sameness of the surrounding streets and houses. But for a Rural Residence, or for a Park, which every city should have, we insist on variety to the fullest extent possible and obtainable, not alone in trees and shrubs, but also in every feature and outline in the drives and walks, and in lawns, lakes, ponds, and every other embellishment. In ])lanting, we produce variety by varying the distances as well as by grouping dift'erent kinds of trees and shrubs together, and in some instances by massing them, taking care, however, to obtain harmony at the same time. In all our cultivation of variety, harmony must be cherished. A Landscape gardener must be w%ll posted in regard to the habits and development of all the trees and shrubs he may i equire, as harmony and variety are not elFected by merely mixing trees together, and in giving them certain outlines, nor by assorting them into their respective varieties, but by assembling them with reference to sim- ilarity and contrast in habit and appearance. The drive, forming the approach, should be convenient and short, and should not pass the front of the house before reaching it. We do not desire to view the best features of the grounds before arriving at the residence ; on the contrary, it must be one of the jirincipal endeavors to hide prominent features from the approach, otherwise the visitor will surely meet witli disappointment. In laying out the walks, we must bear in mind in the iirst ^jlace, never to allow the pedestrian to see more walk than Avhat is im- mediately before him ; and secondly, to form no walk Avithout having a certain point of in- terest in view, to be passed or reached by it; it is absurd to make walks unless they are to serve a definite and reasonable purpose. In our next we shall endeavor to conclude our general remarks on the principles of land- scape gardening, and afterwards intend to be minute in regard to every feature necessary and desirable to make a rural residence com- plete. POPULAR BOTANY. CHAPTEU II. In our description, so far, of botanic life, we have dealt only with cells and their formation, as the elementary portions, that in the aggre- gate, make up all the compound organs of a plant; such as the root, stem, branches, and leaves. To obtain a clear and succinct idea of the growth and development of a plant, it is necessary to commence with the seed, and ob. serve all the phenomena as they, in obedience to a regular law, gradually advance towards completion. Within a seed is contained all the ultimate parts of the^plant which it repre- sents, and it only requires to be subjected to warmth, moisture, and a proper supply of nutrition from the soil, to start out on that cycle of nature; commencing from the seed, passing through the different stages of plant- growth, and finally ending in just what it started with, /. e.. a seed. THE CALIFORNIA HORTICULTURIST, 41 When we place a seed in the ground, under circumstances favorable to its germination, we find it softens and swells, sending out tv\'o free ends, one of which pushes its head above the earth, while the other descends into the ground. Tills upward portion is called the stem ; the downward part, the root; the plant is now established, and commences to perform its part in the economy of nature. The first leaves of a plant exist in the seed in a rudimentary condition of more or less per- fection; they are called Cotyledons, or seed leaves. As the plant progresses in growth, the root multiplies by branching, or giving ofi' rootlets, which penetrate the soil in all direc- tions, seeking the necessary material for its sustenance. At the same time, the upward part, or stem, elongates, giving oif also branch- es, but unlike the root, these branches arise from definite points, and obey a certain law of development. The branches in their turn, give rise to other organs; the leaves. It is then seen, that a plant consists of certain essential organs, and upon their completeness, depends its future growth. These parts of a plant, viz : root, stem, branches and leaves, are called the fundamental organs of plants, or the organs of vegetation. To the root is given the duty of taking up the crude food of the plant, which passes through the stem and branches to the leaves, where it is acted upon by the light and heat, which action is a process of digestion. The nutriment so prepared is returned to the stem and root to be used in promoting the growth of new rootlets, branches and leaves ; this action goes on continually multiplying its resources and its growth at the same time. After a while a new process begins, and a liower is developed, which finally ends in the produc- tion of seeds as the embryos of future plants. In this outline of plant growth, we have used the higher order as an illustration, be- cause they are really the typical forms of vege- table life. But there are other plants in which this action is materially modified, such as the Ferns, Mosses, and Lichens. With the ferns, Ave have no proper flowers, and therefore the em- bryotic seed disappears. As we pass on the downward grade, among the mosses and lich- ens, we loose all distinction between stem and leaves ; lastly also that of root, and find the plant but a collection of sunple cells. In considering the organs of a plant, we shall take up first, the root, describing that, and then pass on to the stem, branches and leaves, in their regular order. The root, we have stated, is that portion which descends into the ground, giving the plant a permanent Dosition, and drawing from the soil the crude nutriment for its growth. It diff'ers not only from the stem in the direction of its growth, but also in giving ofi" branches without regard to their order, and in not bearing leaves. Its surface is destitute of Stomates, or breathing pores, and in the greater number of plants it has no pith. Roots increase chiefly by the addition of new matter to their extiemities, where it is deposited layer over layer; the supply coming from within. Therefore the growing ends of a root are made up of new and very delicate tissue, which enables them to absorb with great readiness the difterent ma- terials in the soil. Absorbtion only takes place in these points called spongioles, or sponge- lets ; and thus we see the danger in disturbing the root while the plant is in active growth. During the season of growth, when the plant is making new branches and leaves, the root increases below the ground in proportion as the plant increases above ; as the season draws to a close, and the leaves begin to cease their active work, the rootlets also cease to grow, and the tissue of the spongelets not being re- newed, they at length become hard and dense, loosing their absorbing property and come into a state of quiesence ; this is the proper time (if needed) for transplantation. The roots of plants differ to a great extent one from the other. In Annuals (plants that live but one year), they are simply used as absorbents, and this alone. Biennials (plants of two years' growth), such as the carrot, beet, and turnips, not flowering the first year, accumulate a supply of nourishment in the roots for future use ; these roots are said to be flesliy, and man, seeking everywhere for his 42 THE CALIFORNIA HCTKTICULTURIST. maintenance, has turned this action of natiire to his own benefit. If these biennials are left in the ground, when the next season of growth comes on, they send uj) a large stem, which makes a rapid and vigorous growth, culmina- ting in the production of flowers and seeds. This second year's growth is almost entiiely at the expense of the previous store in the roots, and as the plant neglects to furnish new rootlets, it speedily perishes after the flower- ing is completed. There is a third class of plants called Perennials^ which in addition to their first year's roots, are constantly produc- ing new roots, and as fast as the accumulation of one period of growth is exhausted there are others to take its place. So the process goes on from year to year, and although a portion perishes every season, still the individual plant lives on, as an example of continuous growth. There are roots which do not originate themselves in the ground, but still in all cases they follow the rule of seeking the dark, and to establish themselves in some kind of soil. These roots are called aerial^ because they arise from the stem of a plant in the open air, and descend to the ground for their establishment. The com, and screw-pins (Pandanus), are exam- ples of this mode of root-development. In the case of true air plants, or Epiphytes, they not only strike in the open air, but throughout life maintain existence independent of the soil. These Epiphytes grow upon the trunks and branches of trees ; their roots penetrate the bark, but do not draw any material from the tree, seeming only to act as hold-fasts for the plant which derive its nourishment from the air. On the other hand, in the case of Para- sitic Plants, the roots push themselves down to the sap-wood of the tree, or plant, upon v/hich they grow, and absorb the crude sap of the foster plant for their own use. Some parasites are not so generous; instead of crude sap, they take that which is already elaborated, and might be considered true vegetable spongers. Preserving Polished Steel from Rust. — A cor- respondeDt says that nothing is equal to pure paraffiue for preserving the jjolished surface of iron and steel from oxidation. The paraffine should be warmed, rubbed on, and then wiped off with a woolen rag. It will not change the color, no matter whether bright or blue, and will protect the surface better than any varnish. ROSE LORE. A White Rose seems to have been unknown to the ancients, and. indeed, imtil compara- tively modern times, consequently from Rodon, ruddy, its Greek designation, almost all the nations of Europe have adopted a name of synonymous meaning. Rosa, its Latin desig- nation, has the same reference to color, and it is surjorising — because without a parallel — that nearly every European nation has done likewise. In Anglo-Saxon it is Rose; in Welsh, Rhos; in Dutch, Roos ; in German, Rose; in Danish, Rose; in Swedish, Ros ; in Scotch, Ros; in French, Rose ; in Italian, Rosa ; in Spanish, Rosal; in Portugese, Roseira ; and iu Russian, Rosa. The unanimity characterizing its nomencla- ture also characterizes the high esteem in which it has always been held. It was the flower dedicated to Love and its birthgiver Beauty — to Cupid and Venus. The arrows of Cupid were said to be formed of Rose thorns, and his wings of its petals ; he is always fresh, ruddy, and smiling, and his hair as golden as the flow- er's anthers. The flowers were said to have been created white from nectar spilled by Cu- pid at a banquet of the gods, but that blood from the foot of Venus as she rushed to the aid of Adonis fell on the petals and stained them permanently. A deity to whom a flower was dedicated by mortals seems to have exercised the rights of ownership, and to ha\ e re-dedicated that flower to such as he or she deemed meriting the dis. tiuction, or even as a bribe. Thus, Cupid, like a dutiful son, dedicated the Rose to Harpo- crates, the god of silence, to engage him not to betray the evil acts of his mother Venus. Hence it became the emblem of silence ; was held up as a polite check to the loquacious, and was placed upon the guest table to inti- mate that the conversation around it was con- fidentiah With a similar intent the Greeks also wore Roses at their feasts ; Comus, deity of the table, and Hebe and Ganymede, nectar- bearers to the gods, were crowned with Roses. "None, crown'd with Roses, drink the insipid spring ; No joy to mortals thin potations bring. Bacchus loves flowers ; to Bacchus garlands dear ; Witnes* the starrv wreath on Ariadne'? hair. — Omd. THE CALIFORNIA HORTICULTURIST. 43 When auricular confession prevailed here, the English clergy wore commonly a Rose, and it frequently was retained by them, until about a century and a half since. Tlie Rose also was placed in the hand of one of the Graces, and wreathed the heads of two of the Muses, Erato and Thalia ; it was also the emb'.em of youth, and sculptured on the tombs of the maiden dead. Even the tombs of all ages were decked with its flowers. "When life 's no more their odors shed A fifrateful frao^rance o'er the dead : 'Tis well, for when their charms decay, And sinking, fading, die away, Triumphant o'er the work of time. They keep the fragrance of their prime." — Anacreon. Even now in some parts of Wales it is custom- ary to plant a white Rose upon a maiden's grave, and a red Rose on the grave of any one of noted excellence. The Rose has always been preferred as the emblem of Beauty but it is also associated with efteminacy and voluptuousness. Galli- enus, the Roman Emperor, justified this asso- ciation by having in summer time a bed of Rose petals, and he, like Smindyrides, com- plained that a crease in one ot them caused pain. At Athens, early in May, at the festival ot Hymen, the maidens and lads were crowned with Roses. Similar crowns were awarded to poets, and the Feast of Roses was one of the assemblies of the Troubadours. Nor has the Rose escaped from association with superstition. In mediaeval times the maid- en gathered Roses on Mid-summer eve, "And bid it, for her shepherd's sake, Await the new year's frolic wake — When, faded, in its altered hue She read, 'My lover is untrue ;' But if retained the crimson paint, Her sick'ning hopes then ceas'd to faint." It has been a custom for tlie popes annually to bless and perfume a Golden Rose tree, and to send it to some sovereign or other eminent person who has markedly served the cause of Romanism. The French Empress had it pre- sented to her by the present pope. This cere- mony of blessing the Golden Rose was insti- tuted by Pope Leo IX., who was elected to the pontificate in 104S. When the monastery of Saint Croix, in Alsace, was founded, he stipulated that the brethen should send to the pope yearly a Golden Rose. The ceremony of its presentation to and benediction by the pope takes place at Rome on the fourth Sun- day in Lent. Edward L, of England was not only a Crusader, but so aided the popes in their Sicilian wars, and so sumptuously fur- nished their table with a golden service, that it is probable "the Golden Rose" was present- ed to him, and that consequently be adopted it as his badge. At all events, he was the first English monarch who adopted the Rose as a badge, and his was a golden Rose on a green stalk. The red Rose was first assumed by the Duke of Lancaster, John of Ghent (Gaunt as usually erroneously pronounced and spelled), in the reign of Edward III., but Henry IV. was the first of English kings to adopt that badge. Edward IV., among other badges, had the white Rose, and it was a white Rose in soleil — that is, surrounded by rays. The succeeding kings had the same badge, but Henry VII. had for his badges the white and red Rose joined. Henry VIII. had both the red Rose alone and the white and red Roses joined and crowned. Queen Anne Boleyn had a white crowned fal- con, holding a sceptre in her right claw^ perched on a golden trunk, which bore both white and red Roses. Catherine Parr had a maiden's head crowned, issuing out of a bush of white and red Roses, very appropriate, con- sidering the narrow escape fromthe executioner she had as Henry VIII.'s wife. Edward VI.'s badge was of red and white Roses combined. Mary had a red and white Rose and a Pome- granate, in compliment to her Spanish husband, knit together. Elizabeth had not only the red and white Roses, but many other devices. James I. had for his badge a demi Rose crown, impaled Avith a demi Thistle. Anne had the Rose and Thistle borne by one stem, and so had George I. Queen Victoria's badge is a red and white Rose united. PRESERViNa Hops. — A new improvement in sack- ing, or baling hops, now in favor in Canada, is to put wi'f'e. strong sheets of paper inside the sacking. As paper is a non-conductor, and air-tight, it is believed to be a preventive of the rapid escape of lupuline. 44 THE CALIFORNIA HORTICULTURIST. TEXDEIl BEDDING PLANTS. We often wonder why such beautiful flow- ering plants as the Cineraria^ with its endless varieties of blooms, the Salvia sple7tdens, with its magnificent scarlet spikes; or some of the Beffonias, Avith their exquisite drooping clus- ters, are not cultivated to a greater extent, as bedding plants in t]\e open ground, during the summer. When we inquire as to the reason for this, we are told that they would perish during the winter, thereby entailing a great deal of trouble and expense consequent upon their replacement in the spring. As -bearing on this point, we re-prodvice the argument of an Eastern nurseryman, who says : " Why such excessive economy in flowers alone V A dollar for a dinner, or an entertainment of a few hours ; fifty, or a hundred dollars for a new suit, is not deemed extravagant now. Then the endless expenditure for eating, drinking, display of jewelry, confectionery, ale, tobacco, etc. All these things may to a certain degree, be essential to our mode of life, but not ne- cessarily so. Why not love and adorn our homes at the same time; laying out each spring eifew dollars, to bedeck them with new smiling summer-dresses, which shall give us at each outgoing and incoming, a glad welcome. Patronize, if we will, all manner of luxuries, but let us not in the mean time forget our nurseries and floral establishments." RICINUS COMMUNIS.— (CASTOR OIL PLANT.) This plant is a native of the East Indies and Africa, where it approaches somewhat in character, and height that of a tree, and con- tains a small amount of woody fibre. In cooler climates, it is an annual plant, grow- ing all the wayfromfivetotwenty feetinheight. Thestalkisof a vigorous growth, being round, smooth and hollow. The leaves are large, bluish-green in color, serrated (that is, tooth- like upon their margins) and pointed. The loot stalks of the leaves are long, and inserted into the disks. The flowers are produced in a terminal spike, being monaecious; the same plant bearing both male and female blossoms. The seed-vessels are covered with spines, and contain three flat, oblong seeds, which are ex- pelled by the bursting of the capsule. It is from the seeds of this plant that we obtain what is known as Castor Oil. There are three modes of extracting the oil: one by contusing the seeds, (after having gently warmed them,) and then subjecting the bruised mass to a heavy and continued pressure, al- lowing the oil to flow into a proper receiver. The oil obtained in this manner, is called " cold expressed," and commands the highest price in the market. The second method is to free the seed from their husks or pods ; bruis- ing them, after which they are tied in linen bags, and boiled in water ; the oil which the mass contains, rising to the surface, is then carefully skimmed, and bottled for use. The oil procured in this way is considered by some, milder in its action than that made by press- ure ; it has, however, one fault, that of becom- ing sooner rancid. The third process is most- ly practiced in France, and is by means of alcohol ; it has nothing to commend it over the other methods, and the expense is greater, while the product is inferior in quality. The " Castor bean "' has been largely intro- duced, and cultivated in Europe, and the United States; it has also become so natural- ized in the West Indies, as to occupy to a certain extent the position of a native plant. In the Eastern States, great attention has been paid to its cultivation, and a large amount of trade in the oil has grown up. The climate of California is well adapted for the cultiva- tion of this valuable plant, and we find a num- ber of cultivators of the soil, turning their at- tention to it. If we are not mistaken, Dr. McDanniels of JNIarysville, was the first in California to cultivate it on a large scale. The plant requires no great amount of labor ; about the same as th.at given to the cultivation of corn. The hills should be about six feet apart, and so arranged as to allow at certain intervals, passage-ways for the wagons used in o-atherino- the crop. Not more than one plant should be allowed to grow to the hill. THE CALIFORNIA HORTICULTURIST. 45 It is said that three pounds of seed will suf- fice to the acre ; we are inclined to think this a little under the amount required. The plant- ing should be done during the last of March, or the first of April, and the seeds will be fit to pick about the last of July ; at wdiich time they will begin to turn blue. One hundred pounds of beans produce about five gallons of oil, which sells very readily in this city at two dollars per gallon, manufacturers price. We find upon inquiry that the California oil is much preferred over that imported; the only trouble about it being a darker color, which is easily remedied by bleaching it in the sun. a method that has no bad efi:ects upon the oil. There is no reason why we should not pro- duce all the oil needed for the Pacific coast. Many farmers are deterred from raising the bean, under the impression that the demand for it is not sufficient to make its cultivation an object of profit. Suchisnotthe case; castor oil is not only used as a medicine, but for many other purposes. We hope that some of our farmers will send us their experience in the cul- tivation of this plant, promising on our part, to set forth their ideas, theories and facts, in the best possible manner. PASTURE GRASS FOR CALIFORNIA. A very important desideratum for Califor- nia, and one which has hitherto commanded but little attention, is food for our cattle, hor- ses, sheep etc. During the winter and spring, we have no great difiiculty in procuring a sufticient supply for them, as nature furnishes all that is requisite, and in abundance through- out the largest portion of the State. But in the summer and fall months, the live stock on most of our ranches suffers to a great extent (particularly in a long dry season) for the want of proper food. Many of our stock farm- ers sustain very heavy losses from this cause, and they will always be liable to meet with them in the future, unless something is done to clothe our hills and valleys with vegetation, which shall furnish food for their stock, during the dry seasons. We are of the opinion that very little enterprise has been shown in this direction ; and this fact goes far towards de- monstrating the want of a proper attention to one of our best intei'ests. The meats furnished in our markets should be better in quality and cheaper in price ; the but- ter more plentifixl and of a lower rate. In fact, it is plainly to be seen, that the working man cannot afford to eat good meat, and good fresh butter, on account of the extravagant pri- ces these articles command. If our pastures could be improved so as to furnish our cattle with good nourishing food all the year around, butter and meat could be supplied to us at a much lower rate. The question arises at once, whether our hills and valleys are able to produce any kind of good food throughout the dry seasons; we think they are, and it only requires some en- terprising stock farmer to take hold of the matter, and demonstrate its practicability and utility. To do our part in this work, we would recommend tlie introduction and cultivation of the Bermuda Grass, ( Cynodon dadylon) which is now so extensively cvdtivated in the South- ern States, and especially in Texas, the great cattle growing State of the Union. The Ber- muda Grass throws out stems (or runners if you please) from three, to four feet long ; at short intervals these runners strike root and so form new plants, which establish themselves so quickly and numerously, that in a very short time one plant will form an extensive and dense sod, or turf This grass grows well in very dry soil, and will keep green during the whole summer, it will grow well in soil of any charac- ter, except where too compact, in which case, the roots of the young plant cannot penetrate sufficiently , to establish themselves. One diffi- culty in the introduction of this grass, is its want of seeds, of which it furnishes a very small quan- tity. It is therefoi^ necessary to depend upon the roots and runners for its propagation. It is only necessary to cut the roots and stems into pieces from two to three inches long, and to plant them; every joint planted will make a new plant, and a good sod may be formed in a very short time, say in one or two years. 46 THE CALIFORNIA HORTICITLTURIST. When the Bermufla Grass has once established itself, it is very hard to exterminate, and shonld therefore be grown in places where its spread- ing does not interfere with the cultivation of other crops. This grass will undoubtedl}- thrive well in the Sacramento and San Joaquin valleys, thus aliording a large amount of gra- zing land to the State. The roots can be ob- tained by writing to some of the nurserymen of the Southern States, who no doubt can fur- nish them to any extent. A few hundred dol- lars would secure the planting of a considerable tract ot land. There is still another use to which this grass can be put, and that is to stop the continual drift- ins of our sand hills. The grass grows well on sandy soil, and has the effect of not only cloth- ing it with a mantle of green, but by its roots holding the jjarticles somewhat together. It would be well for some of our large land own- ers around San Francisco, to undertake the introduction of this grass, and we are sure, that the outlay would return a handsome percent- age, in the increased value of their property. SHADE TREES. Not long since we paid a visit to the neigh- boring City of Oakland. Our purpose yvas to see how our horticultural friends were pro- gressing, and we much enjoyed the stroll among the enterprising, go-ahead people of the other side of the Bay, and we hope always to de- serve the courtesy and kindness we received from the leading horticultnral men. If the same good feeling towards our new enterprise, the " Horticultural Magazine," is manifested in other localities in this State, we shall meet with complete success. When we speak of the enterprise of the people across the Bay, we do not refer so much to ih ir new buildings, and such like im- provements, which will return in a short time ample interest on the ca])ital invested, but we allude to their desire and determination to im- prove the public streets and roads by planting- shade or ornamental trees, and thereby setting a praiseworthy example to other communities, if they had any .« placed in glasses or pots now, so as to have them in bloom during Jan- uary and February. We would advise the lovers of this beautiful bulbous root, to place them after planting, in a dark room for a fort- night Avhen they will make strong roots before developing their leaves, this will enable them to send forth a much more vigorous flower- stock than will be obtained under the ordin- ary ti-eatment. We had almost forgotten to mention the Dahlia which should now be taken up and stored away in some cool, dark place where the temperature is even and comparatively dry, and where the tubers can rest and recu- perate preparatory to being planted out again. BAY DISTRICT HORTICULTUSAL SOCIETY OF CALIFORNIA. The third regular meeting of this Society was held at the rooms of the California Acad- emy of Natural Sciences, on Saturday evening, November 26, 1870. President H. N. Bolan- der in the chair. Minutes of the previous meeting read and approved. Reports of Sec- retary and Treasurer were then accepted and placed on file. The reports show a cash bal- ance on hand $72.50. On motion, Mr. R. B. Woodward was elected a life member. Nine regular members were also elected, making m all fifty regular members. On motion a committee of five to draw up rules and regu- lations lor the future exhibitions of this Society, was appointed, consisting of the following named gentlemen : R. Turnbull, of Oakland; C. Schuman, of San Francisco ; E. L. Reimer, of San Francisco; F. A. Herring, of Oakland, and F. Lueideuian, of San Francisco. A com- munication (directed to tlie Secretary) was read containing inquiries as to what is meant by " Sour SoiV After some discussion on the subject, the letter was referred back to the Secretary. A new Gladiolus raised from seed by Mr. F. A. Herring was presented, with a THE CALIFORNIA HORTICULTURIST. 57 request that the Society give it a name. On motion of Mr. F. A. Miller, it was named the " Pride of Oakland:' On motion the Secretary was authorized to have notices of the meetings of this Society printed and mailed to each jnember, at least one week before the date of each regular meeting. There bemg no furth- er business before the Society, Professor H. N. Bolander proceeded to deliver a lecture on the Coniferse of the Pacific Coast. LECTURE ON THE CONIFERS BY PROF. BOLANDER. Commencing in the southern part of the State, we meet in her littoral belt, a little north of San Diego, a small species of pine, known to Botanists as Pinus Torreyana. I have thus far, not been able to learn its veri nacular name. The trees are small and lew in number; they resemble most the so-called Digger Pine (P. sabiniana), of our interior valleys. The leaves are in fives and pretty long. The seeds are about as large as those of P, Coidterii. The locality mentioned is the only one known. It has not been tested long enough in our gardens to know what may be expected of it as an ornamental tree. In a practical point of view, it is unimportant. Going northwards and keeping close to the sea coast, we find at San Simeon Bay, at Mon- terey and at a place a little south of Pescadero the so-called Monterey-pine {P. msignis). The latter named place is its most northern limit. It seems to occvir only on the immediate coast, on bituminous slate. Monterey is the oldest sea-port and the oldest point where Botanists began their labors in California. Already, to- wards the close of last century, it was visited by Menzies, an English Botanist. Our species in question, being variable in the form of its cones, and the form of cones being one of the chief characters relied upon in a botanical de- scription, gave rise to quite a niimber of syno- nyms. In Capt. Beechey's work, we find it figured under the name P. Sinclarii. Later it is again described by Loisleur and called P. Califor- nica. Don described it even twice, calling it one time P. radiata, and another time P. tu- Urculata. The name P. in9ig7iis given to our species by Douglas, who visited Monterey in 1830 or 1832, is the one now generally used. The name cannot be considered as settled; for according to the laws of nomenclature adopted by Botanists, it must retain its first name : P. Sinclarii. This species attains a height of eighty to one hundred and twenty-five feet, and a thick- ness of two to four feet. In old age, its shape is very irregular and anything but beautiful. Its cones, three to five in a whorl, are persistent for many years. The leaves are in threes. Its timber is of little value, when better can be had. In dry protected places it is pretty dur- able ; but exposed to the vicissitudes of cli- mate, it perishes soon. The tree, when young, is undoubtedly beautiful. It is extensively found in our gardens and is known to every one as the Monterey-pine. Mixed with the species, just treated of, we find another two-leaved one, P. muricata. The vernacular name, in the southern portion of the State, is Bishop-pine ; in the northern, pitch-pine. It occurs near San Luis Obispo at an altitude of three thousand feet ; near the Mission La Purissima, where it forms a small grove ; near Monterey, as just mentioned, sparingly ; near Tomales Bay, scattered over hills, facing the ocean; near Point Arenas; also at the Albion River, extending northward to the Ten Mile River, (Mendocino county). Its cones are in whorls of two to four, persis- tent for many years. Some trees two and- one-half feet m diameter, had cones on the lower branches, partially overgrown by the bark. In some trees, we find a series of cones of twenty-five to thirty years. This species has not yet found its way into our gardens. When young, it is beautiful and apparently of a quick growth. The old tree is irregular in outline, mostly weather-beaten and unsightly. It attains a height of fifty to eighty feet. Its wood is fit for fuel only. At the Albion River P. muricata is mixed with another two-leaved species of pme, P. contorta — Dougl, (P. Polanderi, Pall). It at- 58 THE CALIFORNIA HORTICULTURIST. tains a height of thirty to fifty feet. On the upper drier portion's of the so-called plains of that region, it bears cones when it is about five feet high, and one or two inches thick The cones, several in a whorl, are also persis- tent for many years. Its small size and slender, upright branches, its short and densely set bright-green leaves, render it de- sirable for ornamental purposes. It evidently requires a sandy soil, whether wet or dry I it grows in both as its natural haunts. In the vicinity of Fort Bragg, this species forms a perfect barrier and shelter against wind and drifting sand. Nature here hints at a remedy for us. This species, used with the Monterey- pine and cypress, would protect our city from drifting sand and fix the sand and soil. The people in that section of the country have no vernacular name for it. In any other point the tree is unimportant. It extends along the coast northward up to Alaska. On the Sier- ras it occurs between three thousand to eleven thousand feet, descending, however, gradually to the north. This gradual descendence of all of our trees on the Sierras towards the north, is readily explained, yes, it is self- evident. On the Sierras, opposite Visalia our Big-trees set in at eight thousand feet altitude . the Mariposa Big-tree grove is found to be six thousand five hundred, and the Calaveras four thousand seven hundred feet above the level of the ocean. On the Sierras, P. contorta or twisted-pine, grows on the banks of streams on wet and moist flats and in the higher por- tion of the mountains on moraines. Here it attains a height of one hundred and fifty to two Imndred feet, and a thickness of three to four feet. Its outline is strictly cylindrical. Its wood is, owing to the frequent storms on the mountains, twisted and therefore hard to split. It is principally used for building log- houses and railway-ties. The vernacular name applied is Tamarack. The application un- doubtedly arose from the resemblance in form and habitat this species presents with our eastern Larch ( Larix Americana^ Tamarack Hachmatach)^ growing chiefly, if not exclu- sively, in swamps. The identity of the coast and mountain form is not altogether safely established. Receding from the coast towards the east, we meet on dry hillsides, a small tree, gener- ally known as P. tuber culata. It attains a height of twenty to forty feet, and a thickness of ten to twenty inches. Its outline is conical. The leaves are in threes, and the cones per- sistent. In gardens it does well, and as an orna- mental tree preferable to the Monterey Pine. I have not been able to learn its vernacular name. Being small and unsightly in its natural haunts, farmers never made any use of it, and therefore give it no vernacular name. It oc- curs on the coast mountains on the road to Santa Cruz, on the Oakland hills, on the moun- tains around Ukiah, on the Red Mountain, Humboldt county; also near Forest Hill, at Cape Horn (C. P. R. R.,) and further up near Alta in the dry slopes of the cailon of the American river. In most cases this small tree forms a small grove by itself After the trees have attained a lieight of twenty to forty feet, they die and decay. Continuing our march eastward, we next meet, although sparingly at first, our well- known Yellow Pine (P. ponder osa). This species attains a height of one hundred and fifty to two hundred and fifty feet. Its form is cylindrical in outline. The branches are short and generally deflexed. The leaves are in threes and cones deciduous, falling every winter to the ground, after they have opened (about the first of September,) their scales to allow the seeds to be spread by the winds. In gardens it cannot be called an object of great beauty. But on the higher mountains, where it develops its full colossal growth, it is cer- tainly a grand object to behold, and I can well see, why Douglas called it poiiderosa, the mighty. Generally speaking, its timber is rather inferior, being too coarsely grained, and therefore subject to early decay. It must be mentioned, however, that there is a consider- able diff'erence in the quality of the wood in diflerent localities ; yes even in trees standing side by side. The timber from Truckee, so- called Truckee Pine, belongs entirely to this THE CALIFORXIA HORTICULTURIST. 59 species. The species in question, is one of the most widely distribiated trees of the western coast of Xorth America. It grows on all higher and drier points of the coast ranges, and it descends even into their dry gi-avelly valleys, as is the case a little north of Ukiah, Mendocino coimty. It occurs on the Sierras from one thousand five hundred to nine thous- and feet in gi-eat abundance. In tact it is the principal component of that mighty belt of timber, extending from south to north, along the western slope of the Sierras, between two thousand to seven thousand feet, a belt of tim- ber whose equal cannot anywhere else be found. It extends trom the Colorado north through- out the Rocky Mountains, and occurs also in the higher mountain ranges of the Great Basin. Its northern limit is unknown. This unmense ditfusion over so large a territory, exhibiting so many different expositions and climatic dif- ferences, must naturally cause a great variation in form and size of the tree and in the quality of its timber. Its very botanical history proves this assertion ; for there are few trees that have more synonyms than the one in question. Besides the name above given, there are the following synonyms : P. Engehnanm\ P. hracliyptera. P. Benthanii, P. dejl^xa, and P. jeffreiji. The cones of trees in a dense forest are usually small, while those of isolated trees, standing in alpine meadows or on bare rocky slopes of mountains, or on wide sandy plains (Mono Lake) are from four to six times larger. This largei size of the cone is per- haps due to the intense reaction of the atmos- phere, caused by bare rocks, wet meadows and dry sand. Considering the quick radiation of heat in such iocalities towards evening and shortly after sunset, which cools the air and causes a heavy dew-fall, we may be able to understand this phenomenon. Ascending the highest points of the Coast Ranges, we meet the well-known Sugar Pine, P. Lamlertiana. But the Sugar Pine of the Coast Ranges is not that colossal structure of the higher or rather middle Sierras. Its beauty, size and length of cones are inferior. This tree yields an excellent timber, and attains a height of one hundred and fifty to two hundred feet, the outline is cylindrical, the branches are short, dense and much di-sided into spray. A characteristic exception, make the top-most branches, which spread in a loose irregular manner, almost horizontally. These are the cone-bearing branches, which attract the at- tention of everybody by their clusters of pen- dulent cones, fifteen to eighteen inches long. The cones open about September to emit their seeds, and fall then themselves during winter to the ground. This noble tree has its leaves in fives ; they are comparatively short and of a glaucous green color. It ranges through- out the entire length of the Sierras, north to the Columbia river, between fom- thousand to ten thousand feet. I have not yet observed it in any of our gardens. The resinous matter exuding from burnt spots of the trunk, hard- ens into a whitish mass, sweet as sugar. Descending into the more easterly valleys of the Coast ranges, we meet a very peculiar pine, the Digger Pine, {P. Sabinafia.) This species attains the height of forty to sixty feet, and a thickness of two to three feet. Its outline is irregular, the trunk is generally low. Its branches are characterized by a few main leaders and by the paucity of their spray. The foliage is light and quite glaucous green. The leaves are in threes, and the cones per- sistent, although not to the extent of some other species. The seed is the largest of all our pines. The testa of its seed is very hard and bony. The species occurs in the driest portions of \}alleys and hillsides, even up to four thousand feet of the Sierras. It forms very seldom small groves. On account of its irregular form, it is not a desirable tree for I gardens. Its wood is useless, except for fuel. In similar localities, we find growing with ! the Digger-pine, although less ti-equently. an- ' other pine, P. CouUerii. This species attains the height of thirty to fifty feet, and a thiok- j ness of two to three feet. It has a broad I oval outline. The branches and branchlets ' are thick and clumsy and few in number. The leaves are very long, bright-green and in threes. The cone is the lai-gest produced by our pines. It occurs at pass Tejon, on the Santa Lucia mountains, and Mount Diablo. In our gardens it does well. [to be co^TI^-rI;D.] 60 THE CALIFORNIA HORTICULTURIST. (^aUovial gurtfolia. It is but natural, that at the close of a year, we should pass briefly iu review the actions and events of that year; and looking back- ward should draw such lessons from our suc- cesses or failures as shall guide us in the future. The year now about to retreat into the dim and misty past, has almost run its course, and is making its final entries in that 'record, which no regrets, or heart-longings can erase. To us in California, it has been a trying year; not that we have actually lost ground, but rather, that we have seemed to stand still, in what has been heretofore a somewhat rapid race. We have been so long isolated as it were, from the rest of the world, forming to a certain extent a community by ourselves, that we had almost arrived at the conclusion that we were inde- pendent of the balance of mankind. The first rude shock to this conceit, came with the com- pletion of the Pacific Railroad, and we found we were no longer an outlying territory of the United States ; but in reality an integral and essential part thereof. It was the demolition of what might be called our day-dreams, that has produced the present condition of things. Even now we are not fully awake, and we do not take kindly to the ways and usages of our eastern brethern. California must place her- self more upon the same footing as her sister states, before she can advance further in pros- perity and material wealth. There must be less desire for the sudden acquisition of riches, and more attention paid to those slow but sure steps that lead to success and fortune. During the past year our agricultural inter- ests have advanced in a most encouraging manner ; still, there is room for more progress in that direction. Every day our people are turning more and more attention to the culti- vation of the soil ; thus not only increasing their own wealth, but also that of the State. We would say to every young man : " There is health and wealth in the broad valleys and rolling hills of California; only awaiting stout hearts, and ready hands, to yield their treas- ures to you." One of the great evils of the present day is the tendency of our young men to flock to the cities ; building up those at the expense of the country. This is all wrong ; and if we could have a grand exodus from all of our large cities, of at least one-half of their inhabitants, we would be all the better for it. San Francisco has at least fifty thous- and jnore inhabitants within her corporate limits than she ought. Just think of the gen- eral good to the State, if this same fifty thous- and were distributed throughout her agricul- tural districts? Here they are consumers, there they would become producers. Along the whole line of the foot-hills the mining interest seems to have new life infused into it, and the yield of gold and silver in the aggregate, is on the increase. This branch of industry will always stand second to agricul- ture, yet it is one we would do well in foster- ing. Manufactures are not in so good a con- dition as they were at the opening of the year ; but those in operation are doing well, and seem to be on a firmer basis. We cannot but think that the strikes, trades unions, etc., of the past two years, have had a damaging efiect upon the manufacturing interests of our State. It is an ill advised action, for labor to strike against capital ; for capital is, after all, but the accumulation of labor, and without it all labor ceases. Equally mdiscreet is a combination of capital against labor ; but, fortunately, such a condition of things is to a certain extent impos- sible. Capital, if iinemployed, necessarily comes to loss. It is like a rich fertilizer ; if idle, it wastes ; while, without it, the land will scarce give bread to the tiller. But distribute it, mingle it with the soil, work it intimately and widely, and after yielding to the laborer ample return for his toil, and making glad the country around, what a rich harvest does it not add to the garner from whence it flowed ! When labor and capital stand as antagonists; one saymg, '' I shan't; " and the other " You shall," they occupy false positions, that confer benefits on neither. In entering upon the new year, we should endeavor to correct many evils under which THE CALIFORNIA HORTICULTURIST. 61 we labor ; to turn more attention to the de- velopment of the State in its agricultural, me- chanical and business pursuits ; to draw into closer relations with all parts of our common country; to drop our somewhat provincial ways, and rise to the dignity of the title, which we have claimed and still maintain, that of the Empire State of the Pacific. Woodward's Gardens. — An article with the above heading (taken from the New- York Eor- ticulturist) appeared in our last number. Sev- eral errors in the spelling of botanical names occurred in the original copy, and by some oversight on our part, we have helped to spread these errors still further. We discov- ered them before the printing of the number was completed, but still too late for our reme- j dial aid. We, however, sent a note to the printer, to be inserted as a last resort, and of course, under the old rule, " of troubles never come singly," our note " disappeared without appearing." We give here the correct " scien- tific orthography" which " Hortus" so much desires. On page 9 instead of Chirimoya read Chir- onia ; in place of Caladums read Caladiums, and replace or by and, so as to read Banana a7id the Sago Palm. On page 10 instead of Acacia linearius, read Acacia linearis ; for Callistema read Callistemon ; Tobera should be Tohira; alwsoniana, lawsoniana; veroanica, veronica; lau- runtine, laurxistinus, and Metaluca decurrata, Melaleuca decussata. -' HoRTUs." — In reply to " Hortus' we would state that the faulty orthography he complams of, is only partly chargeable to us. The mis- takes were discovered when it was too late to remedy them. We did the next best thing, and that was to send an explanatory note to the printer; imfortunately this note was, by some mistake, left out. It is our intention to make this journal as near perfect as possible* and we shall always be glad to have any of our readers point out mistakes, which they may find in our columns. '^ HortuP -will find in another part of this department, a correction of the mis-spelled names in the article on '• Woodward's Gardens," published in our last number. What he says about the labels, in the Gardens, may be true, and no doubt when attention has been called to the fact, it will be remedied. In regard to the Barniimizing, we fail to see it. We would ask " Hortus,'' if he does not get his twenty-five cents worth, when he visits the Gardens ? If the enterprise shown by Mr. Woodward savors of Barnum, all we have to say, is, we very much like the process of Bariitimizing, and hope he will con- tinue it. As for the Azalea, the writer of the article on its propagation claims success by his mode of treatment. The length of the cuttings is a matter somewhat immaterial. If " Eortus''' cannot get them of that length, he will have to do with somewhat less : The main point is to take them ofl' when the wood is half ripe. Forest Trees. — The Illinois State Horti cultural Society recommends the following forest trees as shelter fi'om the action of vio- lent winds : Black Walnut ; Hickory ; But- ternut ; Wild Cherry ; Silver Maple ; Bass- wood ( Linden) ; Honey Locust; Larch ; Oaks, (the red, white and bur) ; Elm; Ash; Chest- nut; Lombardy Poplar ; Cottonwood; White and Yellow Willows; Sugar Maple; Ash- leaf Maple ; Red Mulberry ; Catalpa and Silver Poplar. Out of this large number of forest trees we ought to be able to choose several well adapted to California. Letters. — We have received a number of encouraging letters from different parts of the State, bearing words of glad import to our editorial ears. We return our thanks for these letters, and shall keep them always be- fore our editorial eyes, as reminders of what is expected of us, and also as incentives to furth- er exertions in the Horticultural and Agricul- tural cause. Surely if our eyes and ears are engaged in the work, our hearts must be also. Tangerix Oraxge. — The best soil for this small tree, is stiff loam, and well-rotted ma- nure. 62 THE CALIFORNIA HORTICULTURIST. Tallow Trei. — The "East" has always been a land of marvels to us outside barbarians, and therefore, we are at all times prepared to believe in any of its wonderful stories. The latest one, comes to us in the shape of a Tallow Tree. This tree is said to grow in China, where it forms vast forests, and gives rise to a considerable branch of local trade. The fruit of this tree produces seed that are covered with a white, solid, fatty substance which is converted into candles. The tallow, if we might call it such, is said to be of a very fine quality, burning with a clear white flame, without odor. Would it not be well for some of our horticulturists to introduce the tree into California, and set up opposition to the Gas Company ? It seems to have just the quali- ties that their production lacks. The Mecuanics' Institute. — The Managers of this Institute have already commenced prepa- ration for the Eighth Annual Industrial Fair, which is to be held in the Pavilion, commen- cing on the second Tuesday in August, 1871. A few weeks ago, a committee of three was appointed to prepare circulars for distribution in China, Japan and Australia. Judging by this early action, we should say that the next Exposition will excel any heretofore 'held in this city. To Oakland Subscribers. — Mr. W. B. Hardy west side of Broadway, below Seventh street, in Oakland, will take subscriptions for the California Horticulturist, and receipt for the same. Omission. — In the report of the "Bay Dis" -trict Horticultural Society " in our last number, we omitted the name of Mr. Meyer, who occupies the position of Treasurer to the Society. We beg friend Meyer's pardon for this oversight, and give him this notice to make up for it. The microscope reveals the fact that a speck of potato-rot the size of a pin head contains about two hundred ferocious little animals, biting and clawing each other savagely. ^rnxn^^m^uu. All communications intended for this column must be addressed to the editor of " The Cali- fornia Horticulturist," 418 Kearny street, San Francisco. Correspondents are required to be brief and concise as possible, stating their questions in such a manner, as shall allow of their being answered with satisfaction to the editor, as well as to themselves. Dear Sir : — Will you assist me on a sub- ject, which as an amateur florist gives me some trouble. Some of my pot plants look sickly ; on pointing this out to my gardener, he replies that the soil is sour^ and that they want repot- ting ; but on asking him what he means by sour., he fails to explain, in fact he does not know ! I have asked some others, still they do not ex- plain ; now as we have a horticultural society, holding regular meetings, will you refer this question to that august body, who must know , and who will doubtless give a scientific reply, and at the same time tell us how to avoid or remedy this evil. Yours Sir, very respectfully, Amateur. Amateur's question has been referred to the Horticultural Society as he desires, for their consideration, and we shall give the result in our next number. Dear Sir : — Will you inform me if it is ex- pedient to use Guano as a fertilizer in small gardens, if so in what manner, and in what quantities may it be applied ? Also is this the season for sowing Mig- nonette, and can it be transplanted ? Yours truly, R. W. Guano may be used as a fertilizer in small gardens though there are otiier forms ot fei- tilizers much to be preferred, such as bone- dust, or well-rotted manui-e. Guano should only be used for this purpose in solution, say about one pound to twenty-five gallons of water. Warm water is the best as it dissolves the fer- tilizing ingredients more readily than cold. THE CALIFORNIA HORTICULTURIST. 63 The solution should be stirred often, and then allowed to stand for one or two days. Only the clear liquid should be used. The best season to plant Mignonette seed is in the spring, though here in San Francisco it may be planted at almost any time of the year, provided there is a sufficient number of warm days after the planting to insure the sprouting of the seed. The plants are easily trans- planted when young ; but it should be done on a cloudy day, or the plants should be covered for a day or two during the bright sunshine. A very good way to raise Mig- nonette is to plant the seeds in a pot or box covered with a pane of glass, and give it a warm position. The young plants will appear within ten to twelve days, when the glass may be taken oif to harden the plants. When one month old they may be transplanted as above directed. L.\RGE Hop Yield from One Year Cuttings. — Mr. Ralph Hamlin, of Alameda county, in- forms us that he has raised from 2i acres of hop cuttings, planted last February, 4,600 lbs. of hops of excellent quality. This is about equal to the yield of old vines. He says that he does not train his vines upon poles of any kind, but lets them trail upon the ground like melon vines. He thinks they do better on the ground than when climbing upon poles. His land is heavy alluvial. He cultivates until the vines occupy the ground, then lets them go until picking time. — Scienufic Press. MxUxM ^Xtmmp, MECHANICS' INSTITUTE FAIR. Wool. — The wool crop of Bout well & Dun- lap, of Placer county, is being now received. These gentleman have about 10,000 sheep, the progenitors of which wei'e imported from Mis- souri in 1854. They are of mixed breed, princi- pally French and Spanish Merino, with infu- sion of Saxony blood. The latter, it is said, gives finer and more valuable wool, although lighter lleece. The average clip from the flock above mentioned this year was seven and a half pounds. The location of the firm is near the junction of the Central Pacific and Califor- nia and Oregon Railroad.— "^W6-ma/." THE PREMIUMS TO BE PAID FOR THE BEST ESSAYS ON TIMBER, STONE, WOOD, ETC., AT THE EIGHTH IN- DUSTRIAL FAIR. At a meeting of the Managers of the Me- chanics' Institute, held on Tuesday evening, the following premiums were determined on, to be paid to the successful competitors : Best General Report on the Manufacturing Interest in California, its present condition and future prospects. — Statistics of Manufac- tures, showing their Establishment, Progress and present status, Imports, Exports and Con- sumption.— Causes operating against and for it. $400. Best Report on the Currents and Tides in the Bay of San Francisco — the efiect of build- ing piers — jetties and obstructions therein — the requirements of the harbor and the needs of shipping, and matters of interest in connec- tion therewith, and the water frontage of San Francisco, $250. Best Report on the Timber of the Pacific Coast, its adaptability to the industries — em- bracing its application to ship-building, house- building and general construction, with speci- fications of location, distinctive features, dur- ability, transverse strength, value in San Fran- cisco, etc. , $250. Best Collection of Woods of the Pacific Coast, not less than four samples of each wood — two of these samples to be 12 inches long and two inches square, and two to be 12 inches long, six inches wide and one inch thick — each specimen to be faced on one side, properly classed and labelled with species, transverse strength, specific gravity, green and seasoned, location, dimensions of tree the specimen is from, soil, exposure, special char- acteristics, etc., $250. Second ditto, $100. Above specimens to be the property of the Institute. Best Collection of all kinds of Stone of the Pacific Coast, with Report on location, acces- sibility, available for building purposes, pave- ments, slating flags or ornamental work ; limes, cements, etc., $250. 64 THE CALIFORNIA HORTICULTURIST. Specimens to be the property of the Institute. Best Street Pavement, adapted for heavy traffic and the climate of San Francisco, ac- companied by statement of cost, method of construction, actual tests made, durability; etc., $150. Best Report on System of Drainage, adapted to the City of San Francisco, its sanitary re- quirements and its futm-e wants, S200. Best system for economical transportation of ores, minerals and goods over mountainous places and difficult roads, and its application more particularly to conveying the products of the mines to the mill, $100. Best system of reclaiming overflowed and tide lands, $100. For the best Essay and Report on the vari- ous modes of treating ores of gold and silver, here and elsewhere, showing the best practical results {i. e., the largest percentage of precious metals at the lowest cost), where and how ob- tained, with a view to pointing out the advan- tages and defects in the system adopted on this Coast in the management of the mines, above and under ground, $250. [ ISToTE. — In the above Report it is not the object to advance any new theory, but to con- fine it to practical processes, modes and results, now in existence. It is also desirable that the methods adopted in the reduction of low-grade rock in Australia be presented.] For the best method of Clearing and Culti- vating Tule Lands, $100. Best Report on economical process of Pre- serving Timber and Wood from decay, with samples, $100. Best and most successful attempt to raise Ramie Plants, with statement of cultivation, method, etc., $100. Best and most successful attempt to raise Beet Root for Sugar, with statement of method of cultivation, and other data in connection therewith, $100. Same of Tea, $100. Same of Cotton, $100, Same of Tobacco, $100 Same of Rice, $100. Best design for a Cocoonery adapted to cli- mate of California, $50. Best collection and largest variety of Metals of Pacific Coast, $100. Best design for iron frame for roof, $100. The above premiums are to be paid either in cash or plate (engraved) of equal value, at the discretion of the successful competitors. The Board of Managers reserve the right to reject any Report, Essay or Exhibit which may be deemed by the judges to be unworthy. All communications, papers, reports or es- says for premiums, shall be considered the property of the Institute, and may be pub- lished by them in any way and time they may deem proper; and any papers which have been read in any public manner whatsoever, or published in any form, shall not be admitted to competition. The list of premiums is only that which it will require time and attention to prepare, and is not the entire number which will be awarded. Over four hundred premiums are yet to be determined on. — Call, Nov. 24. [ In offering the above premiums the Me- chanics' Institute has taken a right step in the direction of aiding the development so neces- sary to our prosperity as a State. We should like to see an addition made to the list, in the shape of a premium for the best essay on a Scientific System of Irrigation in California. This is an im] ortant matter, and one they should by no means overlook.] — Editor. The "Trophy" Tomato.— Mr. C. H. Whitney has raised about a bushel of this uncommon variety of tomato, this season, on his pkce near this city. Its chief difference from the ordinary tomato consists in its size, which is simply prodigious. Its flavor is said to be ex- cellent and it is extremely prolific. Twenty seed, which were obtained from New York, cost $5, or 25 cents a piece. Out of the twen- ty planted singly but two seeds sprouted. — Vancouver Register. To Pickle Nasturtiums.— Qatlier the nasturtmm berries soon aitcr the blossoms are gone off, put them in cokl salt and water ; change the water once a day for three days. Make some pickle of white wine vin- egar, mace, nutmeg, pei>per-corns, salt, slialots, and liorse- radish. It requires to be made strong, as it is not to be boiled. When the l)erries are well drained put them into a jar and pour the pickle over them. THE California Horticulturist AND FLORAL MAGAZINE. YOL. 1. JANUARY, 1871. No. 3. FLOWERING BULBS. The present is the time of year when seeds- men and florists advertise their stock of flower- ing bulbs — we believe but few of our readers have any idea how extensive a trade is carried on in the East and in Europe, in bulbs of every description. It i^ a notable fact, that in former years better and more extensive collec- tions of flowering bulbs, were offered for sale in our California'markets, than have been with- in these last two years. In explanation of this, our importers of bulbs assert that they act4;ally lost money on their importations, so limited were the sales they made. If this is a test, to what a low ebb must the Californian taste for flowers have fallen ; notwithstanding the admiration lavished whenever our florists exhibit a well developed Hyacinth or Lily, in their show windows. A year since, Mr. Schuman, of Woodward's Gardens, exhibited some splendid specimens of Hyacinths, grown to perfection in his green- house, they presented a beautiful appearance and visitors admired them more than any other plants in his valuable collection; at our late Hor- ticultural fair some beautiful specimens of the Lilium Aui'atum were exhibitedby Wm. Meyer & Co. and others, and were admired by every- body. When Mr. Reimer succeeded last spring in bringing the Lily of the Yalley into full bloom, amateurs were agreeably surprised at their ex- quisite beauty and fragrance. Whoever had the opportunity of seeing the Bouquet, or Li- liputian Dahlias which Mr. Herring of Oak- land imported and brought into bloom, during the last summer expressed a determination to cultivate them. When the tables of our floral establishments were loaded down with the flowers of the Amaryllis, they were considered by all who saw them most beautiful. The Gladiolus exhibited at our late fair, produced quite a sensation among the visitors. Even when the Chinamen pass through the streets with the Narcissus in full flower, supported by a dish full of gravel, they are eagerly pur- chased by admirers as worthy specimens for parlor windows. Yet despite of all this admi- ration, when the proper season arrives when all these bulbs should be planted, and when they can be procured at every seed store, nohody iva7its them ! How is this to be accounted for ? If bulbous roots were difiicult to manage so as to bring them to perfection, or if the prices asked for them were extravagant, there might be some excuse, but it is an indisputa- ble fact that no class of plants are more easily cultivated, or require less care; there is less trouble with them than with any other class of flowers, and with very few exceptions, the treatment of bulbs is very plain and simple in- deed. What then can be the reasons why they are not sought for, and cultivated as or- naments to our gardens and parlor windows, at a season when scarcely anything else is in flower. We believe it to lie thoughtlessness 66 THE CALIFORNIA HORTICULTURIST. and neglect on the part of those who most ad- mire the.n when in bloom — but fail to acquire them at the proper season — and want of taste in those who see them when in bloom, but fail to admire them — and let us here add we think it want of taste, ignorance, and careless- ness in those gardeners, and florists, who, pro- fessing to know more than they really do, fail to impress on their own particular patrons, who rely on their advice, and on the flower- loving public generally, the peculiar beauty and exquisite loveliness of flowering bulbs. To facilitate the cultivation of this estimable class of plants, so well adapted for outdoor and indoor, for pot, and open ground cultiva- tion, we will give our readers from time to time a description, with the mode of treatment, of the more pojDular varieties of flowering bulbs, hoping thereby to induce an increased de- mand, and thus aflbrd some encouragement to the importer, and more especially to the culti- vator for sale — who, like Mr. Nolan of Oakland, has paid special attention to bulbs during the last ten years, but has not realized 10 per cent of the original cost of purchasing and importing them. We have mentioned, contrary to our adopt- ed policy, several firms who cultivate bulbs, in order to establish the fact that they have been offered for sale, and must also suggest that unless the public exhibit more taste in improving their flower beds and parlor win- dows during the different seasons, the dealers will certainly cease to import or cultivate bulbs, but will supply us with an increased quantity of pines, and cypress, or daisies and hollyhocks. One of the most popular and well-known classes of bulbous roots is that of the HYACINTHS. They are cultivated to a greater extent here than any other flowering bulbs. The majori- ty of those supplied by the dealers, are im- ported annually from Holland, where they have been more extensively cultivated than anywhere else since the 16th century. The Hyacinth can be grown with success in almost any soil, except in heavy clay; even our sand is adapted to its cultivation if mixed with old rotten cow manure. Hyacinths are perfectly hardy, and do not require any protection in any part of Califoi nia. They can be cultivated in the open ground, in pots, under glass, or in hyacinth glasses, made for that purpose, and filled with water. If grown in the open ground, they may be planted in California at almost any time from November until April. The ground should be well worked and manured, but special care must be taken not to permit the bulbs to come into contact with the manure, which may cause them to rot — they should be planted in a warm situation and nothing further needs to be done, except to keep the ground free from weeds. They will produce their flowers early in spring, "When the leaves l.ave turned yellow, the roots should be taken up again and al- lowed to dry, after which they maybe cleaned and stored away in a dry cool place, until the time for planting has again arrived. Hyacinths will produce much better flowers under such treatment, than if permitted to remain in the ground for years. Hyacinths are also well adapted for pot-cul- ture. For this purpose, care should be taken to select large round bulbs, they can be easily forced, either in the house or under glass, and it is advisable by progressive planting, to have successive sets coming into bloom as the earlier ones cease flowering. In a moderately warm room the Hyacinths will develop their flowers in from three to four weeks. If flower pots deeper than usual can be obtained, they are much to be preferred. The soil for pot-culture should be i of old rotten cow manure, i of strong sand, and i good light garden loam. The bulbs should be planted so as to show their necks above the soil; after planting they should be well watered, and placed in a cool dark room for 10 or 12 days, to permit them to put forth their roots. This will enable them after being transferred into a wai'm light room, to send up more vigorous stems and trusses of buds, and flowers, than can be obtained by permitting roots and leaves to develop themselves simul- THE CALIFORNIA HORTICULTURIST. 67 taneously. Hyacinths have been forced into bloom in 16 days — but under ordinary treat- ment they will require about 30 days. The setting of Hyacinth bulbs in glasses filled with water, is going out of practice in Europe, for the simple reason that they can- not be forced so well in this way ; another ob- jection is the necessity for changing the water at least every other day, at the same time ob- serving that the fresh water should be of about the same temperature, as that in which the plant has been growing. Single Hyacinths are better adaj^ted for glasses than double ones. After flowering, the bulbs should be treated in the same manner as directed for open ground culture. Hyacinths are both single and double, and for our jjart Ave admire one as much as the other, the varieties are too numerous to particu- larize. The leading colors are blue of all possible shades, white, yellow, and red of divers tints. The difference between single and double Hyacinths is sometimes hardly percep- tible. The finest varieties are all named, and although we may pay a little higher price for them, we know exactl}^ what we purchase. This beautiful class of flowering bulbs de- serves a place in every collection of plants for the garden, the green-house, or the parlor- window. If kept in a shady place after the flowers have developed themselves, they will continue in bloom for a long time and will well repay for the little labor bestowed in their cultivation, and for the small expense in pro- curing them. If cultivated in the open ground, a sunny place should be allotted them, either by them- selves or mixed with other flowering bulbs, where after their flowering season, their places may be filled by annuals, or other bedding plants as Lobelia, Nemophila, Pansies, Asters, Balsams, Flox Drummondii, Zinnia, Cineraria, etc., so as to keep up the floral display. Our climate is favorable to tbe cultivation of the Hyacinth, and we hope that it will be- come a favorite both with our gardeners and amateurs, not only here in San Francisco and its vicinity, but everywhere throughout the Pacific coast; there is no place in California where the Hyacinth will not grow to perfec- tion. THE TULIP — [Tidipa). Next to the Hyacinth the Tulip is the most popular of flowering bulbs, but although its cul- tivation is fully as easy as that of the former, the siiccess has not been so encouraging, es- pecially with us in California. Many have com- plained to us that they have met with dis- appointment in growing the Tulip — we will endeavor to point out the proper mode of treat- ment, but fear that its cultivation here will be attended with difficulties not easily overcome. Two years since a gentleman residing in this city, imported a parcel of Holland bulbs con- sisting chiefly of Hyacinths, Tulips, and Ane- mones. He prepared a bed for them in a sunny exposure, and added sufiicient of old coav- manure — to make it half manure, half soil. In this bed so prepared, he caused the Hyacinths and Tulips to be planted ; we called his atten- tion to the fact that Tulips do not require so much manure, and we expressed fear for his ultimate success. We have never seen a finer lot of Hyacinths in bloom in California than his, but the Tulips were a complete failure. This example, vindicating as it does, an old established rule, that "the Tulip will not thrive well in heavily manured soil, and even if it does the flowers will exhibit much inferi- ority in the various shades of color," should go i-Av towards settling this point. Another mis- take is often practiced here, that of planting- Tulips too near the surface when they should be planted from five to six inches deep ; and still another objection to the mode of treat- ment they usually receive in spring-planting, when they should be set in the fall of the year. The rules for the cultivation of Tulips are : After procuring healthy bulbs, plant them with- out delay in deep loose soil, neither too sandy nor too clayey, selecting a sunny exposure, more so if possible than for the Hyacinth ; they can do with less moisture, too much of which promotes decay. If under this treat- ment the Tulip will not thrive, we are certain that either the soil or the climate of Califor- 68 THE CALIFORNIA HORTICULTURIST. nia is uncongenial with this bulb. As for our own experience we have grown splendid Tulips in the northern part of the State, where the winters are colder, and the summers Avarmer, and the conclusion is forced on us that the climate of San Francisco is not well adapted to the cultivation of Tulips. How- ever we are under the impression that with the above treatment, and the influence of all the sunshine at our disposal, the Tulip can be brought into bloom. The varieties of Tulips are many, and they are divided into several classes in relation to their time of flowering; they generally come into bloom later than the Hyacinths, and are divided into early, medium, and late-flower- ino-. Tulips are also single and double. The single Tulips are preferred, being handsomer in shape, and much finer in color. The flow- ering season of the different classes of Tulips continues for about eight weeks, after which the leaves begin to decay, when we subject them to the same mode of treatment which the Hyacinth bulbs receive. Although Tulips can be grown in pots, and forced as the Hyacinths, we prefer to cultivate them in the open ground if possible ; but if pot-culture is resorted to, the early varieties are more gener- ally used for that purpose. In regard to varieties in character, we have JBizzare Tulips, single and having a yellow and brown ground splashed with crimson or purple. The ByUoom {ByUoomen) Tulips, single and white or yellow ground, with black, lilac, or purple shades chiefly; and the Rose Tulips, variegated with pink, crimson, or scarlet. There are other classifications, but we omit them as impracticable for our purposes. The Hyacinth has been proclaimed the Queen of spring flowers ; we feel fully justified in designating the Tulip the King of early- flowers. Only those who have seen them in all their glory can fully appreciate their value. Tulips can be purchased in our seed stores and floral establishments at prices much less than those of Hyacinths, and a few dollars will procure a very fair assortment to commence with. The Tulip does not generally arrive here in as good condition as the Hyacinths, and it requires a little more attention in select- ing sound bulbs. If once attacked by the dry rot they cannot be easily cured. We desire very much to be able to record instances where parties in California have met with success in this cultivation, that we may encourage th^se who have sustained repeated disappointments. Any communications in this relation will therefore be highly esteemed. <«> GLIMPSES INTO THE WORLD OF PLANTS. TR.VNSLATED FROM THE GERMAN. Long ere the appearance of what we desig- nate animal life, plants inhabited and domina- ted this world. The roar and dashing of the waves of the mighty ocean, the hurtling of the trees clashed wildly together by terrific storms, already resounded, but were as yet unheard by mankind. Titanic tempests were raging and by hurling forests upon forests, wrought unheeded those immense coal deposits for the approaching human race. Already then the world of plants, for count- less thousands of years were in two-fold action, busily subserving the requirements of the fu- ture Lord of Creation. Living, they purified the air of the superabundant carbon so perni- cious to animal life ; dying, they formed that vast and unappreciable treasure, by whose in- strumentality we arrived at the assured domi- nation over the world. The destination of some of these plants, how- ever, was already to a higher and nobler being, even to develop themselves into animal life and to sustain it. "We instance the Zoophyte) the so-called animal plant, which, existing on the dim verge of both eras, belongs to both. The Crinoidea, again, which, in her incipient state, takes root as a lily on the bottom of the ocean, but as soon as her destined time arrives, tears herself from the mother seat, and swims away endowed with volition and animal char- acter. Thus were formed thousands of bridges, over Avhich the animated world, starting from THE CALIFORNIA HORTICULTURIST, 69 the world of stone, and passing through an- other metamorphosis, to the animal world, which we at present— mayhap incorrectly- designate the final act of creation. The plant incident to its transformation inherits from the stone its stability, its fixedness, yet exhibits at the same time as precursor of the animal, such marvellous qualities, that the observer re- gards them with astonishment, mingled with awe; he stands before these enigmas of nature, as before a revealed wonder, a noble mystery ; he comprehends why the polytheist attribu- ted animal life and passions to the tree, and sensation to the plant which he personified as hamadryad;— where the deep thinking Greek saw a nymphean tree, there science of to-day recognizes only the living plant. But how far are we even now at our present time from a just appreciation of this most in- teresting of studies. Who can contemplate all the changes through which the cobble stone, on which he steps, has passed ! — an an- cient witness of the days, when mighty glaciers covered all; through those dim and misty ages, when by the terrific agency of deluges and uprisings of oceans, long since disap- peared, they received amid the mighty tur- moil their rounded forms, ere they submitted quietly to be used for the purposes of to-day. Do we give a thought to the marvellous pro- cesses in operation behind the bark of a tree, when we idly use it for cutting into it a heart, and two letters. When thoughtlessly we pluck a violet to enjoy its perfume, do we re- member that we stand in the presence of the spring of love, of incomprehensible plant na- tures. Even in the great book of nature, which appears to us filled with northern lights, meteors and flaming worlds, the quiet little plant is not one of her most uninteresting leaves. Novalis called plants and animals the dreams of nature — and the production of mankind her awakening. This is expressed more beauti- fully than truly. Dreams are remembrances and mixed up metamorphosises ; — the plants as forerunners of animal life have nothing con- fused, everything is positive and full of har- mony. The plant breathes, eats, drinks, and sleeps ; it loves, and sufiers, it sometimes trav- els, it flies, borne by the storm, with the birds of passage to a southern clime during the cold season, to return to us in the spring. There are plants, who have an uncontrollable desire for liberty, and which dig for themselves pas- sages beneath the walls, to obtain their free- dom. The plant breathes — it inhales the deadly carbonic acid gas, so fatal to animal life, and gives us in return the oxygen, just the reverse of men and animals. Plants are therefore a most necessary element in the household of nature, as they regulate the bal- ance between the difterent parts of our atmos- phere. The population of this earth — estimated at twelve hundred millions— uses every year 160,000 millions of cubic meters of oxygen, and exhales just as much carbonic acid gas, which is quickly absorbed by the plants* This proves, that the planting of a single tree is a benefit; and why life in the country is more healthy, than in cities. The culture of forests is therefore not only a gain to the lum- ber dealers, but is an advantage to the whole country. Plants subsist on water, carbon, ammonia, phosphorus, and sulphur. The organs which conduct the nourishment have therefore part- ly to go into the ground, and partly to be in the open air. For these reasons the plant makes roots and branches, on the latter grow the leaves, which are the lungs of the plants. The sleep of most plants is at the same time with the animal kingdom, that is during the night; although there are animals and also plants, which sleep during the day. In cities which are lit up with gas, the trees next to the lamps die off" for want of sleep. Some of them resemble our aristocracy, who turn the night into day ; they awake about noon or even sleep on, should the weather be bad, or rain threatening. It would not be at all difficult for our lady friend readers to arrange in their gardens a flower clock, not perhaps to miss their dinner at the right time like poor Linn6, who had 70 THE CALIFORNIA HORTICULTURIST. no watch; but to study the plants and be able to regulate their watches to within a few min- utes of the correct time. What pleasure would it not be to discover something new in this line? To do this, we propose a kind of alley. Twenty-four stands made of marble or wood, according to the wealth of our readers, repre- senting the hours, and on each of these the flowers carefully arranged according to their habit of going to sleep and waking up. Be- tween each of the above stands, we might have twelve smaller ones, also to receive flowers, to represent each intervening period of five minutes. We give here the names of a few plants easy to be procured : At one o'clock after mid- night, thereforein the morning, the Goosethistle wakes up; between 2-3 o'clock: the Milkroot, {Tragopogon). 3-4 " A. M. " Anemone. 4-5 " " Lionstooth, {Lenotis). 5-6 " " Sea-lily, {SciUa). 6-7 " " Water-lily {Nymphm). 7-8 " " Venus looking-glass, 8-9 " " Field Azalea. 9-10 " " American Malva. 10-11 " " Snakeroot. 12 "noon" Lychnis viscaria wakes up, the Rabbitkehl falls asleep. 12-1 " p. M. " Portulacca closes itself 1-2 " " Malva, Lachnis goes to sleep. 2-3 " " JMyosotis, (Forget-me-not), and Lungweed, {Pulmonaria) falls asleep. 3-5 " " Field Azalea goes to sleep. 5-6 " " Sea-lily goes to sleep. 7 " " Hesperis wakes up. 8 "' " Cereus grandiflorus wakes up, but its time of blooming is not only sel- dom, but it lasts but a few hours ; it soon fades, having filled the air with a powerful perfume, somewhat resembling vanilla. At nine o'clock the night-flower (Nyktanthes) wakes up, and at ten o'clock the Convohulus Rubra. How many gaps are here still to be filled ? — How imperfect is still our knowledge of the sleep of plants. — How much have we still to observe, and to study, how much dependent on bright or dark days, on pleasant or cold weather. — What influence have natural pheno- mena, nortliern lights, storms, and the eclipses of the sun. Why should ladies not be able to make discoveries in botany ? The plant has the sense of feeling and tasting, lor how care- fully it selects the most proper nourishments. She has weapons for defence, but not to at- tack, and though she may rob our sheep of many a small tuft of wool, she does not do it for a selfish purpose, but for the benefit of her darling singing birds, for their nests. In this, she is like Saint Crispinus, who stole leather, to make shoes for the poor. There are, however, also plants, which permit no fooling ; dangerous, unapproachable natures. The nettles shoot small poisoned arrows into the hand which dares to come too near. Who of us, did they not make cry in our childhood? Who has not read of the bohun Upas, the poi- son tree ? Who at least did not see the " aw- ful" pretty Manzanilla in the 5th act of L'Afri- caine ? Who does not know, that there are poisonous mushrooms, and the deadly night- shade ? But there are few, Avho know, that we have in our gardens and all around in the country the very dangerous Rhus toxicoden- dron, (poisonous sumach,) and that it would be just as foolhardy to break off a twig, as to feel the tooth of a rattlesnake. The following has come under our obser- vation: In the year 1832, Mr. Fallermaicr, the head gardener of the botanical gardens in St. Petersburg, cut a branch off the Rhus toxi- codendron; the sharp end snapped against his hand, and broke the skin but a very little. After two hours his arm swelled up enormous- ly, red lines on bluish ground denoted an in- flammation of the lymphatics; the whole left side of his body then commenced to swell, and a general poisoning of the blood, with delirium, as in typhus. Although the patient got well again, it was only after weeks of careful nursing and the particular attention of the most eminent physicians, and even months afterwards his face showed that yellow tint, and that unliealthy bloatedness, which we ob- serve in the highest degrees of the scorbute and the yellow fever. Notwithstanding our great love for plants, we cannot but allow, that there are many re- probates among them, like the water-plague \tvasser-pest) and the disagreeable wild mustard, the severe afliiction of the farmer; but still the virtues predominate by far, R. W. [to be continued.] THE CALIFORNIA HORTICULTURIST. 71 HEDGES. It is somewhat difficult to comprehend, why on the Pacific Coast so little attention is paid to the planting of hedges, when their import- ance as an ornament, and their usefulness, can not be over-estimated. We wish to call re- newed attention to this matter, and in so doing will speak first of hedges for ornament, such as may be planted in and around ornamental grounds. Some expense and care are necessary in rais- ing hedges of this description, but these are amply repaid by their additional embellishment of our gardens. The following varieties of shrubs make good ornamental hedges. Laur- estinus, Euonymus, Privet, Polygala, Cratcegus, Veronica, etc. In California the three first named have been used more extensively on account of their cheapness, while the others, not being raised so extensively, command a much higher price. The Laurestinus makes a very good hedge for any locality in this country. It is perfectly hardy, grows rapidly, uniform and dense; it may be clipped into any shape and at any time. The foliage is of a dark green color, and the flowers are white ; it blossoms with us during the entire year, and is therefore very desirable. Plants one foot in height or even less, may be planted one foot apart, and in ordinary soil a well framed hedge may be raised in two years. The Euonymus, (of which there are several varieties distinguished by the color of the foli- age) is also well adapted for ornamental hedges on account of its elegant foliage. It bears close pruning and is of fast and uniform growth. Many Euonymus hedges in San Francisco, as well as in other places, have ceased to be orna- mental on account of their becoming bare near the ground. This however, is attributable to mismanagement. The Euonymus requires a strong soil to make it thrive well ; and to cause it to grow as dense near the ground as at the top, we strongly recommend clipping the sides of hedges so as to slope upward, thus exposing every part to th? air and light. It is ari error to cut hedges in a square form, particularly the Euonymus hedge, as the lower stems will soon become deficient in foliage and covered with insects. If cut with sloping sides pointed on top we venture to assert that the Euony- mus will give every satisfaction as a hedge plant. Our nurserymen have neglected to raise the Euonymus extensively during the last two years, the sale having become very limited. This is attributable to the fact that hedges and specimens of this plant set out three or four years since have failed to retain their good appearance, this failure can be easily remedied by not allowing the specimen plants to become top-heavy and by keeping the hedges sloped instead of square. We are much in favor of Euonymus hedges if properly treated. The Privet is also a favorite hedge plant in the East and in Europe, but here it has not been extensively cultivated. We have now so many beautiful varieties of slirubs well adapted for hedges, that we cannot advocate the planting of the Privet to any great extent. It does very well Avhen nothing better is at hand, but here we can do better with other varieties. The Polygala is a fine flowering shrub, and certainly makes a beautiful hedge; the only objection is the high price which it still com- mands. It is not so easily raised as the pre- ceding varieties, and therefore the stock is very readily sold at a good price ; however, we pre- dict that the Polygala will always be in favor with our people, and as a flowering ornamental hedge-plant it has no superior. The Polygala is a hardy evergreen which flowers throughout the year; it grows very rapidly, and can be pruned at any time; the color of the foliage is a light green, and the flowers are purple. The Cratoegus is used very extensively for hedges in Europe and is well adapted for the purpose. We do not know any hedges of this kind here — in fact the number of plants culti- vated here is very limited. The Veronica makes a handsome hedge- plant. We admire its spikes of blue flowers with its dark green leaves. The variegated leaved Veronica is also well adapted for hedges, and would be an embellishment to any ornamental 72 THE CALIFORNIA HORTICULTURIST. grounds. The Veronica, however, would most usefully serve as a screen or shelter if allowed to develop itself Avith but little check. We noticed some time since, a very strong hedge of this shrub from twelve to fifteen feet in height, answei'ing every jDurpose as a screen, at the nursery of Mr. Patterson, on the San Bruno road. Besides the shrubs above particularized, other plants may be used with advantage in hedges, although they may not be hedge-plants. Roses of certain varieties form an elegant hedge, but require a wooden frame for support. If an ornamental hedge of about two feet in height is desired, we can recommend theDiosma Alba. This beautiful shrub, with its graceful foliao-e and fragrant little white flowers, will form a most exquisite low ornamental hedge. Ornamental hedges should be used only where they answer certain purposes, for in- stance between the flower garden and the drive, to divide the ornamental grounds from the kitchen garden, to border the main walk from the entrance gate to the front of the liouse, in tact whenever a boundary or division line may be properly established, or where protection of some kind may be required. An altogether difterent purpose is sought in establishing tarm-hedges, or hedges which are intended to form a line of protection from cattle or from strong winds. Difterent classes of plants are used for these purposes ; the Osage- Orange, Irish Whin, {Vkx europceus) Honey Locust, Hemlock etc. The Osage-Orange has been for some time the most esteemed hedge-plant for this purpose both here and in the East. It is exceedingly well adapted for this use, and is highly orna- mental. We do not know what success those met with who planted the seed in the hedge- rows ; doubtless only a small portion of the seed came up ; but where the seeds were sown in nursery rows, and the young plants Avere transplanted in the fall of the year, our farmers had but very little trouble to achieve success. The young plants should be set out, at from eight to twelve inciies apart, and the tops should be cut back. If the plants are of differ- ent sizes, it is advisable to assort them and to plant those similar in size together. After planting we advise a good top-dressing of man- ure or straAV to keep the ground moist. As the plants groAV up the tops should be pinched oft from time to time to establish an even growth and to force out lateral branches. Hoav- ever, to secure a \'ery dense hedge, it may be as well to let the plants have their own way the first year and then to cut them down to the ground. This treatment will start out a number of shoots from the ground the second year and give the hedge naturally a pyramidi- cal form. FolloAving up this treatment, the hedge may be cut back to two and a half feet at the commencement of the third season, and so on until a compact and strong hedge is raised which will serve every purpose. The 'W\\m{Vlexeurop(iiiU8)\% very extensively used for hedges in England, and is of rapid growth. A A'ery good hedge, (or rather screen) at Mr. Hudson's place at Bay View, shows hoAV Avell the Whin is adapted for this country. Mr. Hudson's screen Avas planted only a few years since, and is now impenetrable both to man and beast. The Whin is an evergreen, bearing a yellow floAver, and will grow in almost any soil. It is easily raised from seed, which may be soAvn in the hedge-roAvs, or it may be sown in nursery-rows and and after- wards be transplanted. We consider it fully equal if not superior to the Osage-Orange as a screen. The Honey-Locust also forms a stronghedge, but it has not been, to our knowledge, intro- duced into California yet. Not being an ever- green, it Avill be less ornamental than the Osage-Orange or the Whin. The Hemlock is an evergreen Avhich cer- tainly does not figure as a hedge-plant. It is used for that purpose to a great extent around Philadelphia and other Eastern cities. The " Gardener's Monthly'' says: "Some think as the Hemlock is a large forest timber tree, it cannot be kept down as a hedge-plant, but summer-pruning Avill keep the strongest tree in a dwarf condition for a great number of years; the pruning has to be done just after THE CALli'ORNIA HORTICULTURIST. 73 the young growth push^ s out. It is very im- portant that the hedge should be cut with sloping sides so that every part of the surface shall have the full benefit of the light. No hedge with the upright sides or square top will keei> thick at the bottom long.'' It will be a long time before Hemlock hedges will be cultivated in California, as the plants command too high a price ; but if the above argument holds good in regard to the Hemlock, we see no reason why we should not make hedges of Cypress and Acacias, which are more plentiful here, are well adapted to our climate, and perhaps superior as an orna- ment. Lumber is high in California, and the labor of putting up fences amounts to more than the setting out of small trees and shrubs. Wooden fences will not last many years, and must be often repaired. Why should our far- mers neglect the more extensive introduction of hedges. A few dollars' worth of seed will raise a great many plants, and we are convinced that hedges will be far cheaper in the end than wooden fonces ; they will tprm better pro- tection, and are certainly more ornamental BONE FERTILIZEES. A Hint to California. — In August, 1839, a company of five gentlemen at Salsbury, Md., bought a wholls' unproductive hog, irrigatf d it with water from the river, and cut it up by intersecting ditches into squares of 150 feet each. The turf was then broken and turned ; this was covered by six inches of sand, and tlien the vines were planted. About two acres were phmted last season. Six more acres have been prepared tliis season, making now about eiglit acres. The swamp is now laearing enormous crops of cran- berries, and one of the owners reontly sold for $1,000 a share wliich has cost him in all h-ss than $700. To MAKE New Rope Pliable. — Considerable dilB- culty is sometimes experienced in handling new rope on account of its stiffness. Tliis is especially the case when it is wanted for halter and cattle ties Every farmer is aware how inconvenient a new stiff rope halter is to put on and tie up a horse with. And new ropes for tying cattle are frequently unsafe, for the reason that they are not pliable enough to knot securely. All this can be remedied and new rope made as limber and soft at once as after a year's constant use, liy simply boiling it for two hours in water. Then hang it up in a warm room and let it dry out thorough- ly. It retains its stiffness until dry, when it becomes perfectly pliable. Bones are almost completely insoluble in water — practically so. When very finely divided, as in fine bone dust, a small amount is dissolved by the water of the soil contain- ing carbonic acid, but the quantity is small, and the time taken to do it is great. For the useful eifects of bones, therefore, the farmer must dissolve them, and sulphuric acid is alone the most powerful and economical means for that end. It depends on the different form of bone which the farmer operates on as to how much acid will be required. The sulphuric acid used should be of considerable strength, and the farmer should ask for it of the specific gravity of 1.70 or marking 140'' Twaddell. When the acid reaches the bones, the mass effervesces, boils up, and becomes warm, the sulphuric acid taking away two-thirds of the lime of the bone from the phosphoric acid, which remains united with the otlier third, forming a superphosphate, biphosphate or mono-calcic phosphate, which substance is per. fectly soluble in water, and is called soluble phoj^phate. The sulphuric acid uniting with the lime forms a sulphate of lime, (gypsum, or plaster). So that in every heap in which a superphosphate has been made there is always an amount of sulphate of Ume (plaster) formed, and the plaster forms the greater portion of the whole mass. The bones whicli are used for making super- phosphates by manufacturers, or which may be had by farmers, are found in the following conditions; 1. Bone dust or ground bone. 2. Boiled or steamed bones. 8. Bone ash of sugar refineries. 1. Bone dust. — Before the bones are crushed they are now generally boiled for the sake of the fat, which is sold to the soap boiler. It is of no value as a manurial agent, but is rather deleterious, coating the bone and protecting it from the action of the acid, and it would be advisable for the farmer when possible to boil the bones. 2. Boiled or steamed hones. — Bones are steamed for the purpose of removing gelatine or animal 74 THE CALIFORNIA HORTICULTURIST. matter of the bone for the purpose of convert- ing it into ghie. The effect of steaming on bone is therefore to deprive it of some of its organic matter, but it must not be supposed that the wliole of the organic matter is re- moved; a considerable quantity remains, and some ammonia can always be found in such bones when decomj)Osing. A reference to the analysis shows that not more than five or six per cent, of organic matter has been extracted from the bone. 3. Boyie ash. — If bones are burned in con- tact with the air, thegreater part of the carbon is driven off with the otiier combustible parts of the bone. To avoid this result, which would render the ash wtrtliless for the use of the sugar refiner, the bones are charred in heated iron cylinders, out of contact with the air, by which only a portion of the animal matter is burned oft'. A large amount of finely-divided charcoal remains, mixed with the bone earth, giving the valuable properties to the bone ash. It has become a great deodorizer and antisep- tic, and capable of condensing gases with its pores, by wdiich means it retains both the am- monia and nitrogen of the soil and the man- ure. The black color of the bone ash is due to this charcoal. (Voelcker.) ( Anderson.) iione dust. Steamed bone. Bone ash. 12.06 31.12 49-54 4-99 1.91 .38 8.06 25-45 60.48 3-25 -43 2-33 6.10 Organic matter* Phosphates of lane and magnesia, (bone earth) 5.05 79.20 4-05 Magnesia and alkahne salts, (chiefly •IS 5-45 Total 100.00 3.69 4.49 100.00 * Containing nitrogen 1.S4 2.24 One hundred pounds of bones, ground, crushed, or dust, (not burned), require forty pounds of sulphuric acid, (vitriol). This quan- tity, if acting solely on the bone phosphate, would remove two-thirds of its lime; but, as there is always some carbonate of lime present, this is first acted on by the acid, and thus some of the phosphate escapes decomposition, and remains in the mass as insoluble phosphate; hence in the mass there are always three con- stituents, the amount of which it is desirable the farmer should know, viz : the soluble phos- phate, (mono-calcic phosphate.) the insoluble phosphate of lime, (undissolved bone earth), and the sulphate of lime. These are the three important substances in a superphosphate, for although ammonia may be potentially present if raw bones have been used, yet a supei'phos- phate is not made or used for the sake of the ammonia ; and when bone ash or burnt bone is used no ammonia is required. If calcined bones, or the bone ash of the sugar-house, be the material used, every 100 pounds will require 87i^ pounds of vitriol; when these have fully acted on each other the mass would give : superphosphate of lime, 26 pounds; gypsum, GQ^ounds; sulphate of mag- nesia, Itr pounds; soda, 2 J pounds, and the balance of the 1871- pounds would be water and undissolved bone earth. If the farmer uses steamed bones, a quantity of vitriol intermedi- ate between the two proportions named will be needed, say 66 pounds. T]\e usual mode of making the fertilizer is to select a good wooden floor of a barn, well covered overhead, or to make a box floor of thick plank, laid tight. On this first throw the bones. If not in dust, it would be well to sift the bones, and place the coarser part on this floor, putting the finer portion aside for mixing in afterwards. Bv this means the rouffh bone will come in contact with the strong acid first and be more effectually divided, while the finer parts can then be added to dry up. No metal (except lead) should be used on the floor, or where the acid can reach. Water equal to one-fourth or one-sixth the weight of bone is then to be poured on the bone, well stirred in witli a spade, and left for two or three days to heat and ferment; it would be well to use the water boiling. Then add the sulphuric acid, mixing Avell with a wooden spado or boai-d ; the mass effervesces or boils ; stir twice a day well for two days, so as to turn the whole mass over ; let it stand for two or THE CALIFORNIA HORTICULTURIST. 75 three days to dry ; add the fine bone and mix well. If not dry, use some absorbing sub- stance, as saw'dust, dry peat, or dry earth, in small quantities, and mix well. Do not use for this purpose, lime, ashes, or marl, as they would destroy the superphosphate and spoil the whole work. Made in this way from bone ash, this fertilizer will yield 30 per cent, of soluble salts, ot which 26 per cent, is superphosphate of lime. The manufacturer will say that there is 35 to 37 per cent, of superphosphate present, but he always over-estimates ; indeed, 26 per cent, of soluble superphosphates is more than any far- mer wants ; it is too soluble, and will pas?i out of his ground to soon, especially in wei weath- er; 12 to 15 per cent, is a better proportion for the farmer, for then he has a proportionally larger amount of insoluble bone phosphate in store for future use in the soil. On this ac- count it is better for the farmer to use raw or steamed bones than bone ash; he has a suf- ticient, though a smaller, quantity of super- phosphate present. This fertilizer will not suffer from exposure to air, but it must be protected from rain or wet ; it ought to be barreled up when not used immediately. This fertilizer, made as directed, will be of a whitish color if made from raw or steamed bone, and gray black if made from bone-black of the refinery ; but the color of a superphosphate is of no consequence, and no test of its quality ; neither is its smell ; it ought to have no smell, or a faint acid odor, if yny. One ton of a manure made by the farmer as directed is worth two purchased in the market. A good manure may be made from bones without forming a superphosphate, by dissolv- ing the animal matter of the bone by means of alkaline leys, and thus freeing the bone earth, which is then in excessively fine particles fit to be dissolved in the waters in the soil. Many recipes have been given for this. Dr. Nichols in his Boston Journal of Chemistry, (February 1869,) gives the following, which he recom- mends : Take a barrel of fine-ground bone and a barrel of good wood ashes ; mix well to- gether and add three pailsful of water; mix the whole intimately, stirring daily ; the mass will be fit for use in a week. This is a good manure for corn, a gill being used to the hill. In this fertilizer there is, as stated, no super- phosphate found; the bone earth is merely separated from the hard gelatine or animal mat- ter, which is dissolved by the potash of the wood ashes ; this organic matter is in a soluble state, the bone earth is finely divided, and there are present the potash and other mineral salts of the wood ash, all of which make a most valuable fertilizer. The South Carolina phosphates may be treat- ed in a manner similiar to bone ash of the refinery, with vitriol, but will not make so val- uable a manure, because the amount of phos- phate of lime present is not nearly so great as in bone ash ; it rarely exceeds the quantity in bone dust, and has 10 to 20 per cent, useless matter present. Carolina phosphates at $30 a ton will not make a richer fertilizer than raw bone at S-15 a ton. — [Monthly Report, Department of Agriculture.) Sunflowers for Intermittent Fever. — Mr. Martin, in a paptT })resented by liim to the " Society Therapeutique de France, " affirms that the common sunflower, extensively cultivated, has the effect of neu- tralizing the unwholesome vapors which are so fatal to health and life in marshy districts. The Dutch, who live only by dyking and draining their low lands, and are therefore good authority, pronounce sunflower culture a specific for intermittent fever, the scourge of Holland. They assert that it has disappeared from every district where the experiment has been tried. It is not yet Known whether this is the result of its rapid growth, producing oxygen, or whether it emits ozone and de:^troys those germs, animal and vegetable, which produce the miasma which brings fever in its train. Food for Stock. — Ten bushels of boiled potatoes, mashed and mixed with three bushels of finely ground corn meal, will make as much pork a.-? double the quantity fed in a raw state. It is the custom of poultry keepers in France to cook their grain for fowls when they intend to fatten, boil- ing it in w^ater till it is soft enough to be easily bruised between the thumb and fingers. While all other domestic animals are regularly sup- plied with salt, the hog is generally neglected. He requires however, to be as constantly supplied as the ox, the horse or the sheep, and suflFera as much from privation as either of the above named animals do. 76 THE CALIFORNIA HORtlCaTLTUKIST OLEANDER, {Ncrium). The derivation of the botanical name of this beautiful shrub is somewhat obscure ; while some consider it derived from Neiris, a king of Egypt, others trace it to the Greek word Neros, (moist,) as the plant generally grows in the vicinity of brooks and rivers. There are two species of Oleander; one, the Fragrant Oleander {Nermm odorum) is a native of the East Indies; the other, the Common Oleander {Neri'um Oleander) is a native of the southern parts of Europe ; of these the Frag- rant Oleander is that mostly cultivated here, and alchough many varieties are enumerated in catalogues, it will answer all practical pur- poses for us to make but two distinctions, the white and red (or rather pink). Our gardeners and nurserymen confine their attention almost exclusively to these two va- rieties. The Oleander requires a warm climate, and is cultivated in pots as M'ell as in the open ground. It will withstand a light frost, but not a severe winter. We have seen some beautiful plants twelve feet high in Sacramen- to and Marysville, where the Oleander seems to feel at home. It flowers there beautifully during the entire summer season, and we do not know a more attractive flowering shrub for localities of similar climate. We have also seen it flower splendidly in Nevada City, during summer in the open air, and during winter in the house. As a house-plant it is easily cultivated, but should be kept clean from insects, and during its growing season rather moist. Here in San Francisco it does not flower well, it makes a spontaneous growth, forces up a strong round flower stem, but the buds in most cases fail to develop themselves. This is due entirely to our cool climate, how- ever, and if we can manage to give the Oleander a place where it can enjoy the full benefit of the sun, and where it is well protected from our strong chilly winds, we have no doubt that it will produce flowers in abundance. If treated as a pot-plant, all that it requires is a moderately warm situation with plenty of air and light during warm days, and there will be no difticulty in having the Oleander flower freely. We consider a rich sandy loam, with a fair propoi'tion of old maimre, a good soil for this shrub. We have often seen great errors committed in cutting back the flower stock immediately after the development of the flowers ; the fact is that if we allow it to remain, new buds will be formed, and new flowers developed, simi- lar to the habit of the Hoya carnosa, (Wax- plant). The stems should tlierefore not be cut oft' until they are actually dried up. The Oleander is easily propagated ; plants can be raised by putting the lower portion of thei-^cuttings in a small bottle filled with water. The mouth of the bottle may be closed up lightly with some soft material and the cut- tings will soon form young roots; however, here in California we prefer to plant the cut- tings in sandy loam or clean sand, and keep them moist, when they will form root in a short time. If the cuttings are rooted in water, the transplanting into soil must be done very carefully, as the roots are very tender and brittle, and they should be kept very moist alter ti'ansplanting until the plants accustom themselves to soil. This additional care is avoided by raising the cuttings in sand or sandy loam. The habit of the Oleander is upright, and the disposition of the leaves, as well as of the branches, is symmetrical, being generally in threes. Suckers or side-branches should be cut off at any time, so as to cause the full strength of the plant to pass into its main stem and branches. If suckers and side-branches are pre- mitted to grow on the Oleander, it will not be likely to flower well. When grown in pots for several years, we have found it very beneficial to the plant to shake oft" the soil entirely from its roots, cut them in, and then re-pot it in the same sized flower-pot with fresh soil; this should be done during its season of rest. It is hardly neces- sary to say that the plant should be well watered and kept in the shade for five or six days after transplanting in the above manner. The Oleander is a poimlar flowering shrub, and is well worthy of cultivation. If there is no warm and i)rotected corner for it in the garden, it is certainly entitled to a place under glass or near the window. THE CALIFORNIA HORTICULTURIST. 77 RAMIE. A short time ago we had the pleasiire of a visit from Mr. J. S. Finch of HaywarcVs, Ala- meda county, who is at present engaged in the cultivation of the Ramie plant. We were shown by him, specimens of the Ramie and its bleached fibre. He stated to us that he had raised last year 150,000 plants. He is not at piesent producing fibre, but intends planting out a large tract of land in the southern part of this State during the present year. He ex- pects to receive a machine for clearing the fibre sometime in May. The cost to be about $300. From a pamphlet furnished by him we take the liberty ot making a few extracts for the benefit of our readers. "This new textile, lately introduced into the United States, is a native of the Island of Java, and was first brought to Europe for in- vestigation in 1844, where it received the botanical name of Boehmeria Temtmsima, and, by the beauty and strength of its fibre, attract- ed much attention in manufacturing circles- Since its introduction into the United States, in March, 1867, it has excited much interest among European manufacturers. — They con- sidei- the fibre of the Boehmeria Tenaci'ssi'ma supe- rior to that of any other textile plant, and very valuable for manufacturing purposes ; the sup- ply from the East Indies is entirely inadequate to fill the demand, and unequal to the fibre produced here, in quality; they are, therefore, very desirous of seeing Ramie successfully cul- tivated in some country where the yield will be large and regular. The soil and climate of California is pecu- liarly adapted for the cultivation of Ramie, Avhich requires a sandy, loamy soil, and a tem- perate climate. Cotton may be totally destroyed by the army worm, or other insects. The fibre of the Ramie, being contained in the inner bark of the stem, cannot be injured in that way, and will not be hurt by either long continued wet or dry weather ; besides, it requires but small capital to start a Ramie plantation, the plant being easily propagated and cultivated ; it is a perennial, and will not require replanting. Ramie being a novelty in this country, it is necessary that some general rules should be established for its cultivation. Rich sandy or loamy soil is the most suit- able for a nursery, when the plants are to be rapidly grown. For field culture the plant will thrive in any good sandy or loamy land. To secure a rapid and vigorous growth of roots, the land should be thoroughly and deep- ly broken to a uniform depth of about ten inches, and well pulverized. Root cuttings should ahvays be used for first planting. After the ground has been thoroughly pre- pared as above directed, the roots should be planted about six feet apart each way, three inches deep, and slantingly, with about one inch exposed above the surface. No further atten- tion, with the exception of weeding, is required until they have attained the height of three or four feet, when it will be noticed that they become of a brownish color near the roots — they are then ready for propagation ; the stem should then be bent gently down and covered with about three or four inches of loose earth, care being taken to avoid detaching the stem from the parent root. About two inches of the leafy end should be left uncovered. In the course of three or four Aveeks the layers will have made shoots and may then be separ- ated from the main root, divided in pieces of four or five inches long, for planting in the field. The cuttings for sale being so limited in number, it would be impossible for faimers to begin planting at once on a very large scale ; they are therefore compelled to begin with a few thousand cuttings, and make their own plants. The culture of Ramie is necessarily divided into two parts. The culture on a small scale (to propagate and provide cuttings) we have already given. To cultivate in the field, to make crops of fibre, the land must be prepared as in the first in- stance, with the exception that the plowing is not required to be so deep, although the deeper the plowing the better the crop will be; and 78 THE CALIFORNIA HORTICULTURIST. this is the hardest of the lubor, but it will .'imply remunerate. The laud being well ploughed and cleaned, the cutthigs obtained fiom the mother plant must be planted three feet apart, in rows four feet distant from each other. When well rooted, the few stems of these cuttings must be cut ott" near the ground to force new shoots to spring from the root, and in from four to six weeks thereafter the entire field will be covered with fine green bushes of Ramie. It will be necessary, especially in the beginning, to keep the field clear of weeds ; but this labor will be dispensed with when the plant has grown thickly. After five or six crops the field will be as thickly covered as a wheat field ready for the reaper, and will remain so for years. The time for planting in California is during the rainy season, and the earliest planting will obviously produce the earliest crop of fibre or cuttings, as the farmer may select. When the stems have attained a height of six or eight feet, they will then be ripe and ready to harvest ; and this will be known by the leaves falling from the stock. But should it be ineonveuient for the farmer to commence cutting at that time, the fibre will not be seri- ously injured if the cutting is delayed a week or two. In cutting the stems, an ordinary mowing machine may be used, care being taken to cut the stems as near the ground as possible. It will also be advisable to extract the fibre when the stems are not too dry, as that labor is then much more easily performed, and the fibre is of better quality if broken out while in that condition. A simple and easily-worked machine has been constructed for that purpose, with which the farmer can make his crop mar- ketable at small expense. In preparing the fibre for packing, it should be done up in hanks and packed in bags or bales like cotton. All refuse matter, such as leaves, the woody sub- stance of the stem, etc., should be strewn over the ground ; no other manure is required. Plants cannot be injured by cold unless the ground freezes to a depth greater thau six inches, and continues frozen for several days. Many persons su thought- less insect by folding her leaves, which she does not open again, until the animal is dead. Can a human being be more sensitive, than the Mimosa, {Mimosa sensitiva or Mimosa pv- dica). A mere nothing makes her tremble ; a small cloud hiding the sun disturbs her; the lighest wind makes her uneasy, and quickly the gratification of the eyes, or to while away the time— this it is, to which these hurried glimpses into the world of plants should in- vite us, and to this? end we hope for success. R. Wegener. SKETCH OF SOME OF THE TROPICAL FRUITS LIKELY TO BE WORTH CULTIVATING IN CALIFORNIA. As it has been demonstrated lately by a nurseryman, residing near this city, that the Guava tree, of the strawberry variety, can be grown successfully in this State, some descrip- iigu«»t >v..M. ^.c..... -- ., X . don of that tree and fruit, as well as some ehe folds herself up. She rolls tap her leaves, ^^.^^^^.g ^f ^^^e tropical fruits, which can proba- when night comes on, and opens herself again |^|y ^^ ^^^^^ to succeed in this climate and with the first dawn of morning. In the trop ics we find large plains covered by these sen- sitives, which, notwithstanding their numbers, do not show the least particle of courage. The gallop of a horse frightens them; the nearest flowers close themselves, and the rest warned by their sentinels, follow immediately. They hang their heads most anxiously, when a wan- derer approaches them, and should he insult but a single flower by touching it, an electri- cal movement will go through the whole field ; they all take alarm, and all feel the at soil, may be worthy of our consideration. Of the Guava there arc two distinct species, both of which form in their growth rather small straggling trees ; the one is called Psidiwi pt- riferum, or the Pear-shaped, and the other Fsidiim pom-fenon, or the Apple-shaped Guava. They are common in both the East and West Indies, where they ar-e cultivated for the sake of their fruit, which is eaten either raw or i)rG- served. In the latter case the rind iorras the Guava marmalade, raid the entire fruit perhaps the finest jelly in the world. In the East Indies, tack. They are as susceptible as we to the 1 j^Q.^^ever, they are not so much esteemed as in influence of narcotics ; a few drops of tincture .^,^^ West Indies ; where they are rmked among of opium scattered over them, is sufficient to ^^^^ ^^^^ lY^j^g ^f the Islands. quiet and make them go to sleep. We even succeed in making them trust us by instructio!: and habituation. The botanist, Besfontaiiies, had placed one of these sensitives in his wagon, it folded itself quickly. However, the wagon went on, and as nothing further was done to the plant, it became quiet in time. When the wagon however at last stopped, and the mov- ing ceased, the plant once more got fright- ened, and carefully shut itself up. The plant shows a singular life in her most splendid development, an approaching and rising up to that complexity of appearances, which in one word we call soul. To study In Psiditcm pirifenmi, the leaves are elliptical, and the flowers solitary. The fruit has the form and size of a middle-sized pear; when ripe it is of a light straw color, with a pale, soft, sweet pulp, containing a considerable number of small seeds. It is in perfection be- fore it is quite ripe, and if gathered eai-ly hi the morning, before the sun has shone upon it, the flavor is much brisker than when plucked at mid-day. It is frequently eaten with wine and sugar. Psidium pomiferum dlff"ers from the P. pirife- rum in having square shoots, and inore lanceo- late leaves. The fruit has always a dark grass 104 THE CALIFORNIA HORTICULTURIST. green color, and, before maturity, is dashed with a tinge of red, which afterwards disap- pears, it is quite round, and not bigger than a large phim On the outside it is a little rugose and tuberculated. Its flesh is very firm, and the skin thick; but the flavor is more grateful than that of P. piriferiim. The tree always grows in the worst soils. The pulp is some- times mixed with cream by Europeans, to im- itate strawberries. In the West Indies, of each of the above kinds there are two varieties, the one with red, and the other Avith white fruit; those of the pear-shaped or perfumed species are the most highly esteemed. Am( ng the fruits of the West India Islands, are some which can bear a comparison with the most exquisite production of the Old or New Worlds. To those who are disposed to attempt the cultivation of these fruits, every inducement is offered if the plants can be pro- cured, as specimen trees of the best of them, already exist in some of the tropical plant houses of Europe, and the East of this coun- try, and in all probability in many locations in California, they would succeed, and bring a remunerative price for their cultivation. Of these fruits stand highest in estimation after the Guava, the various species of Anona. The true Custard Apple, [Anona reticulata), is produced by a small weakly branching tree. The leaves are ovate-lanceolate, with a long point, and the flowers yellowish green. The fruit is as large as a tennis ball, or somewhat less, of a dull brown color, and divided on its outside, into numerous irregular spaces, or areolop, from which its name is derived. The flesh is soft, sweet, yellowish, or reddish, of the consistence and flavor of a custard. The Sweetsop- {Anona squamosa), is a smaller tree than the last. Its skin is half an inch thick, containing an abundance of thick, sweet, luscious pulp, which is said to be like clotted cream mixed with sugar. The Sour- sop [yinona muricata), is a moderate sized tree; tlie pulp of the fruit is of a soft pithy substance, as white as milk, and of a sweet taste, mixed with a most aerreeable acid. All of these are common in the collections of tropical houses in Europe. The Avocado, or Alligator Pear [Laurm Persea), is borne by a tree of the size of an or- dinary apple tree. The fruit is as large as a pear, and is considered one of the most deli- cious in the world. It has a delicate rich fla- vor, not unlike a peach, but much more grate- ful. China and Japan possess some fine fruits, some of which Avould no doubt do well here. The 'Lo(i\i2it{Eriolotrya Japonica), a small sized tree, is sufficiently well-known to render any account of it unnecessary. The Longan or Long-yen, and the Li-tchi, two species of Bimocarpus, are held in high estimation in Chi- na and Japan, and would be well worthy of a trial in California. It is said that the trees bear fruit much more quickly when raised from cuttings, than they do if raised from seeds, re- quiring eight or nine years in the latter case, and only three or four in the former. The Kaki {Diospcros Kale/'); is another fruit from China, there is little doubt it would re- pay the trouble of cultivation. The fruit is the size and shape of an apple, with a reddish orange coloi-ed skin ; the fle^h is semi-transpa- rent, brown, soft, and pulpy, with a most agreeable honey-like flavor. In the inside are several hard seeds. Of the varieties the chief are : 1. Ono Kah\ of which the fruits are like an orange ; being dried in the sun, and mixed with sugar, they are preserved and sold as figs. 2. Kineri Kahi, of which the fruit is not fit for drying, but must be eaten fresh. 3. Ssihi Kaki, which is not fit to eat. E. J. n. « » » Galled Backs on Horses. — Relative to galled backs on horses, WUkes' Spirit says: If the back is considerably swollen it sliould be well fomented for at least half an hour, and then batlied with a lotion com- posed of two drachms of Goulard's extract and one ounce of glycerine in one half a pint of water, TIio saddle should never be re-applied until the sore is healed and the skin is free from all inflammation, even if considerable inconvenience is tliere by suffered. The best paliative we know of consists in placing a fireen cabbage leaf over the bruised part, and keeping the saddle on an hour or two after work. I THE CALIFORNIA HORTICULTURIST. 105 THE PRIMROSE, (Primula.) These beautiful and modest little flowering plants, have their home in the highlands ot Europe and Asia. They put forth their blos- soms in the earliest days of spring, and from this habit they derive their name; primus (first.) There are about lorty varieties enum- erated by botanists, of which but few are usu- ally cultivated, but these few have been so much improved by cultivation, that the varie- ties now found in the gardens are very numer- ous. It will answer every purpose here, to refer only to such varieties as deserve a place in every collection of flowering plants. 1. The Primida ven's, of which the best vari- eties are the Cowslip, the English Primrose and the Polyanthus. The English Primrose is universally considered the finest in form ; its flowers are of a pale yellow color. The Poly- anthus is much more extensively cultivated, the flowers are either single or double and of various shades and colors. They do well under ordinary treatment; are well adapted for a border, and are propagated from seed or by div ision of the i-oots. 2. The Primula auricula bears a flower of great beauty. We are sorry to see them neg- lected in our gardens ; but few plants are cul- tivated here, and we cannot assign any other reason for their absence from our gardens, ex- cept that they are not known by our flower loving people. The flowers are fragrant, of a velvety color, and beautifully shaded; their leaves are also beautiful, and of a i^ale green velvety coloi*. They are^well adapted for pot- culture, are hardy, and prefer a shady place with plenty of moisture. The soil should be a rich, light loam, mixed with old manure. They are natives of the Alpine region of Ger- many and Switzerland, and are propagated by seed, and from ofisets which take root quickly if kept in the shade. 3. Primula Chinensis (Sinensis,) Chinese Prim- rose. These are natives of China, and are not adapted to out-door culture. They bloom freely with us under glass, and are very desir- able house plants. Unlike the other primroses, they require sun, and if properly managed flower all the year round, although their most flourishing season is from the present time imtil spring. All that is necessary for their cultivation is a moderately warm situation, close to the glass, medium moisture, and good drainage, which is secured by filling in the bottom of the pots with broken pieces. It is not well to sprinkle the plants with water, as the leaves and flowers will be speckled easi- ly and soon decay. The leaves and flower stalks seldom grow higher than about sixinches, and, if the plant grows top heavy it should be supported by a few little sticks placed near the collar of it. As the plants do not flower so well after the first year; it is therefore advi- sable to procure young plants every year, or to raise them from seed. This however, is not easy, the seeds being very fine, if carelessly vratered, or allowed to dry out, they will be lost. In sowing the seeds, care must be taken to cover them lightly with the soil, or what is better not to cover them at all, but to press them gently into the surface of the soil with a smooth piece of wood. The watering should be done by saucers placed underneath the pots, or by very fine sprinklers, so as not to wash the soil, but even after the young plants have developed two or three leaves, they requu'e careful watering ; if the soil is permitted to get dry, the very tender roots may be dried up m a few hours. The propagation by offsets is not very practicable, imless bottom heat can be applied. Our way of treating the seeds is this, we water the lower body of earth m the pot by a saucer, and cover the surface from time to time with a wet cloth, so as to leave the seeds undisturbed. Of the Chinese primroses, we have now some most beautiful varieties, double and single; the double white is certainly a beautiful plant, althouo-h it does not bloom so continuously as the others. The fringed flowers are consid- ered the best, and we certainly concur. For a neat flowering plant in the wmdow, there is nothing which will repay so well for the space occupied, as one or two of the Chinese Primroses. 106 THE CALIFORNIA HORTICULTURIST. For oat-door pot-culture, we know of noth- ing handsomer tlian the aitrmdas altliongh their regular flowering season occurs but once a year. After they have finished flowering they are satisfied with any shady out of the way 1)1 ace. •-•-• ORNAMENTAL AND LANDSCAPE GARDENING. SECTION IV. Landscape and Ornamental Gardening is a peculiar art, (we say art because there is noth- ing in Horticulture which demands more refine- ment and taste), but it does not seem to be generally recognized as such. Almost every one who is about to lay out a garden, thinks that he knows all about it, and he considers that all that is necessary, is to employ some one who knows how to handle a shovel, and to set him to work under his own supervision. He pumps his neighbors, and reads a book on the subject, and so the work is carried on. There is another class of men who wish to employ a good gardener, and make use of his advice ; not because they are ignorant in re- gard to the work, but because they either have no time, or they think it beneath their dignity to apj.ear to know anything about it. And there is still another class who are perfectly honest about the matter, and see the urgent necessity for employing men of knowledge and good taste, but we are sorry to say these are but few. To those who feel disposed to improve their grounds, Avhether small or extensive, in an ar- tistic manner, and in accordance with their means, and who desire to have their work done well, Ave will endeavor to give such ad- vice, as will aid them in t'le execution of their design. We are necessitated to differ to some extent from the rules of Gardening, adopted in other countries ; as our soil requires pecu- liar treatment, and our climate adm'ts much greater latitude. In order to facilitate our work, and to be more easily understood, we will classify Or- namental grounds into first, second, third, and fourth rate ofardeus, of which the latter are of the smallest dimensions, and are usually con- nected Avith city residences. Such a garden may be from 100 to 150 feet in length, and 50 to 100 feet in width. Unless the soil consists of loam, it will be necessary to add, if clayey, sufficient loam to work up Avell, or if sandy, sufficient to give it strength. In all cases a good quantity of old rotten manure should be added and well incorporated. All this should, if possible, be done in the earlier part of the rainy season. Before laying out the ground, gas and water- pipes should be laid down and proper drain- age provided, to carry ofi" waste, and rain water ; if there is any intention to use clothes- lines, posts should be made fitting into sock- ets, which should be secured in the ground, even with the surface, so that the posts may be inserted into these sockets when needed, and removed again afterwards. Never permit clothes lines to be fastened to trees, tree poles, fences etc. The proper place for these poles is in the rear of the house, and near the intend" ed walks, so that the clothes lines may be reached by standing on the walks. Outhouses should be so located, that they may be hidden by trees and shrubs. The laying out and planting of a garden of this kind, is necessarily influenced materially by the position of a house, and other local cir- cumstances. There will of course be sunny and shady places, exposed and sheltei'ed spots, and on these circumstances Avill depend a great deal what plants are best adapted. Sun is required for the successful growth of most plants, particularly for flowering ones, we therefore object to high fences, or too many shade trees in these smaller gardens. The next consideration is, whether the owner wishes a garden Avhich requires but lit- tle labor to keep it in order, or whether he wants one which will afford him pleasure in spending a few hours, during the day or week among his flowers. He may want a large grass-plot for his children to play on, or he may prefer gravel for the same purpose, which requires less labor. THE CALIFORNIA HORTICULTURIST. 107 If a house is built to be rented out, all that the owner requires may be to give it a neat ap- pearance, in order to obtain a tenant. In this case he will not do the work so thoroughly, and a few cheap plants may answer his purpose. But where a garden of the above dimen- sions, is laid out and planted for the purpose of affording recreation to the owner and his family ; when it is the desire to display shrubs, trees and flowers, or where a green-house or other embellishments are desired, the work must be done well, plants must be carefully selected, the advice of a good gardener is in- dispensable, and will invariably repay the owner for the outlay. Now let us see what plants should be selected for the garden of a city residence, say of 100 feet in width, and 150 in depth. In this selec- tion, we will confine ourselves to plants which can readily be obtained at our nurseries at reasonable rates. There are perhaps many equally good varieties to be obtained which we do not mention, but our readers must bear in mind that as only a limited number of plants are wanted for a place of this descrip- tion, we only mention those which we consider best for present purposes. Climbers are desirable for different uses, for instance we would recommend for training acrainst the upper part of a house in a sunny exposure, the IVistana Smensis ; Passiflora, (Passion Vine); Tecoma■YiA\o^^ and White Jasmine; Solanum jasminoides ; Maurandia , etc., while for the lower part of the house we pieter Fuchsias, Heliotropes, Solhja hderophylla; Tropaeolum perecjrmwn, (Canary bird flower). To the shady side of the house, the Ivy, Vir. ginia creeper, Colaea scandms, etc., are better adapted. For training against fences, out- houses and covered seats, we are in favor of Honeysuckles, Clianthus, Zophospennum, Big- nonia radicans, Climbing Roses, Ivy leaf Geraniums, Australian pea vine, and others. In the front garden, in the center of a larger bed, for instance, some display should be made of a few plants remarkable in their character. If a flowering shrub is desirable for this pur- pose, we are in favor of the Viburnum opulis, (Sno'w-Ball); Cydonia ./ff;;'w;M,( Japanese Quince), Philaddphus grandiflora, (^lock Orange); Syringa vulgaris, (Lilac); the double-flowering Almond, the PoJygaJa; Plumoago; Cratcegus; Malwnia, (Ber- beris): or the irt»r«s^m!tonntjsi. OUR PUBLIC PARKS. On Monday evening, Jan. 16th, the report of • the Park Commissioners was sent in to the Board of Supervisors, and was read by the Secretary, Following is the report : Office of the Park Commissioners, ) San Francisco, January 9, 1871. > To the Honoralle Board of Supervisors : Gen- tlemen : — The undersigned Park Commission- ers, under and by virtue of the -uithority of an Act of the Legislature of the State of Cali- fornia, entitled " An Act to provide for the improvement of the Public Parks of the City of San Francisco," approved April 4:th, 1870, have the honor to submit herewith a report ol their proceedings and a statement of the re- ceipts and expenditures, as required by Section 6th of said Act. The Commissioners organized on the 3d of May, 1870, by the election of S. F. Butter- worth, as President, and Andrew J. Moulder, as Secretary. The salary of the Secretary was fixed at seventy-five dollars per month. sale of bonds. On the 6th of May, the Commissioners ad- vertised, in accordance with law, for bids for Park bonds to the amount of $100,000, bear- ing interest at the rate of six per cent, per an- num, with a notification that no bid under par would be accepted. Sixty days afterwards, to-wit, on the 5th of July, 1870, bonds to the amount of $15,000 were awarded to A. Seligman at par — his be- ing the only bid received; and on the 1st of August, 1870, fifteen bonds of $1,000 each, dated August 1st, 1870, and bearing interest at the rate of six per cent, per annum, payable semi- annually— the principal payable in fifty years from date — were issued to said A. Seligman, and in return therefor the sum of $15,000 in gold coin was received by the Commissionei 8. Abraham Seligman was appointed Treasurer, and his ofter of one per cent, per annum on monthly balances in his hands was accepted. THE CALIFORNIA HORTICULTURIST. 123 THE GOLDEN GATE PARK. Specifications for a minute topographical survey of the "Avenue" and "Golden Gate Park" and their connections with the adjacent city surveys were prepared, and a number of competent engineers and surveyors were in- vited to put in sealed bids, stating for what sum in gross they would execute the work, in ac- cordance with said specifications. On the 8th of August, 1870, the bids were opened, and the contract was awarded to Mr. Wm. Ham- mond Hall, for the sum of 8860, his being the loAvest bid. Mr. Hall entered the field shortly afterward with a corps of assistants, and com- pleted a very careful and accurate survey early in December. He is now engaged in the pre- paration of maps on a large scale, embracing all desirable information as a ba^is for the laying out and improvement of the Park and Avenues. It is expected these maps will be completed by the middle of January 1871. APPOINTMENT OF A KEEPER. On the 17th of November, 1870, the Com- missioners appointed P. Owens, Keeper of the Grounds of the Avenue and Parks, at a sal- ary of S75 per month. This appointment was necessary to protect the trees and shrubbery fi-om waste by trespass, and to prevent unau- thorized parties from intruding upon the prem- ises. A GREEN-HOUSE. The Commissioners have taken steps to- wards the establishment of a green-house, on an economical scale, for the rearing of suita- ble evergreens and other trees and shrubs, to be set out on the Park grounds. By this means many thousand valuable trees vriW be obtained from the seeds at a comparatively small cost. IMPROVEMENT OF THE AVENTTES. As soon as the maps of the surveys made are completed, the Commissioners propose to adopt the best plan attainable by competition for the laying out and improvement of the Avenue and Parks, and to proceed as rapidly as the means placed at their disposal will per- mit to carry the said plan into execution. Appended hereto please find a statement of the receipts and expenditures of the Commis- sioners from the date of their organization up. to the present time. We are, Very respectfully, S. F. BUTTERWORTH, D. W. Connelly, C. F. MacDermot. receipts. August 1st, 1870 — From the sale of Park Bonds to the amount of $15,000 at par 815,000.00 EXPENDITURES. Rent of office, nine mouths $ 225.00 Advertising bids, sixty days 168.00 Lithographing, printing, etc 316.50 On account of Survey of Avenue and Parks : 3,500.00 Salary of Secretary, eight months 600.00 Salary of Park Keeper, one month... 75.00 Engraving seal ••••• Horse hire for Commissioners visit- ing the Park Office expenses, carpets, etc Construction of green-house 356.05 Seeds 45.05 15.00 21.00 63.05 Total expenditures $ 5,38-1.65 Leaving a cash balance on hand, January 9th, 1871, $9,615.35. THE PRESIDIO RESERVATIONS. On the same evening, A. B. Forbes, Super- visor from the Seventh Ward, presented the following preamble and resolutions, which were unanimously adopted : Whereas, The Legislature of the State of California did. on the 22d of March last, pass the following concurrent preamble and resolu- tion namely : " Whereas, The Presidio Reservation is the property of the United States, and only a small portion of which is used for military pur- poses; and whereas, it consists of about seven- teen hundred acres of land, lying immediately north of the city and county of San Francisco, and less than three miles from the centre of the business part of said city, and is the most attractive spot for a public park on the penin- sula, skirting as it does the great Bay of San Francisco on the west, and comprising the 124 THE CALIFORNIA HORTICULTURIST. whole of the land slophig to the east, from the Golden Gate to the city; and whereas, much of said land is well watered and capable of cultivation, while a large portion of the remain- ing lands of the said city and county of San Francisco, which is not built upon, is drifting sand; therefore, " Resolved, by the Senate, the Assembly con- curring, That our Senators in Congress be in- structed and our Representatives requested to use all means in their power, to secure the pas- sage of an Act of Congress, dedicating the lands above described for the purposes of a public park." Now, it is hereby resolved. That the Board of Supervisors of the City and County of San Francisco fully concur in the sentiments ex- pressed in the foregoing resolution, and add their request to that of the Legislature, to their Representatives in the United States Senate and House of Representatives, to give to the bill now pending before Congress, which grants to the people of San Francisco the use of said lanils for the purposes of a pub- lic park, their most energetic support. THE AMERICAN SWEET CHESTNUT. Once our magnificent forests in their native beauty and grandeur called forth tlie admira- tion and astonishment of European travelers and the early settlers and pioneers of this country; but over a large part of the older states, the glory and beauty have long since ]iassed away. Only a few of the old monarchs of the forests of centuries growth yet remain — and although we are comparatively but a young nation, yet such has been our prodigality and wastefulness, that we already seriously feel the want of timber for fuel, building and fencing, and with the certainty of an ever increasing demand in the future. Oxir agriculturists justly feel alarmed at the prospects, and in- quire, what can be done to supply our own need, and the wants of those that are to come after us ? We answer first, practice the most rigid economy in the use of timber for any purpose ; protect what remains of the native forest from the depredations of cattle, so that the young seedlings may have a chance to grow and supply the place of the older trees. 2nd. Plant a i)ortion of the cleared land with forest trees, such as are best adapted to the soil and climate, and promise the most value for future iise. Over a very wide extent of country, em- bracing several degrees of latitude, the Ameri- can Chestnut grows naturally, a most useful and valuable tree. After much inquiry and thought upon the subject, we do most heartily commend its cultivation wherever it can be grown. First. Because it is hardy, grows rapidly from seed or the shoots, from stumps of parent trees, and afibrds the most valuable timber for building and finishing lumber, as well as for posts and rails for fencing. Second. It is a beautiful tree, covered in early summer with its long pendent tassel like blossoms and rich luxuriant foliage, and in autumn with choicest nuts. Third. It is adapted to a great variety of soils, thriving equally well on sandy, clayey, loamy, gravelly and rocky land, if not wet. Fourth. When grown from seed in the nur- sery it can be transplanted with perfect safety and success. Fifth. We have no native tree that equals the Chestnut for rapidity of growth and dura- bility of its timber. Usually the more rapid the growth, the sooner the decay. To this general rule the Chestnut is a remarkable ex- ception. While it grows more rapidly than almost any other tree, the timber when cut and exposed to the atmosphere will last longer than almost any other, as the posts and rails of very old fences can testify. Sixth. The Chestnut possesses one great ad- vantage over most other forest trees in repro- ducing itself. After having been cut down for timber, young shoots will start from the stump and grow with wonderful rapidity, in a short time reproducing more wood than was in the parent tree. Sometimes these shoots are num- erous, but are always under the control of the owner to thin out as his judgment may direct, for his future use. THE CALIFORNIA HORTICULTURIST. 125 When grown especially for fruit, the trees should be set as much as forty feet apart, so that each may have room to form a wide spreading head. They will bear fruit in favor- able localities from five to nine years from planting, and the fruit always brings a good price and is constantly increasing in value. For timber, large quantities are grown in England, planted closely together, sometimes as near as five feet each way ; planted in this manner they produce long straight poles for hurdles, hop poles, etc. In this country, Avhere we require so much timber for fences, stakes and posts for grape growing, Avhat would be more convenient on a farm than a fine large chestnut grove, where the farmer could at any time resort for timber with the assurance that from the apparent worthless stump left: in the ground, where would another season spring up a growth, Phoenix-like, more vigorous and numerous than the trees removed. In this manner they may be cut, not only once or twice, but may be cut and renewed every few years for centuries, as the chestnut groves and forests in England fully demon- strate. With all the superior excellence of this tree, we wonder that its propagation has been so much neglected. Then we say plant the Chestnut, that you may enjoy its beauty and shade, its fruit and timber ; and that you may leave a rich inheritance to your children; plant it on the broad prairies of the West, plant it on the thin worn out soils of the East, plant it in lawns and streets, plant it in orchards and groves. Some species with fragrant blossoms should be set among them to make the job complete. Say the various species of Lilacs, and Calycanthus. — Gardener'' sMordldy. STEAM CULTIVATION. The Kern County Courier says : " We learn that Messrs. Beale and Baker having recently made a purchase of three thousand sheep, sheared and turned them into their range. A storm came up, and the next night about twenty-five hundred perished with cold." Per- haps this costly experience will teach others, besides these losing sheep owners, to have shelter, and proper root food besides grass, for sheep in the winter season. It is a pitiable lack of foi'ethought only which originates such loss. We have now in California one of the Thompson's celebrated Steam Road- Wagons adapted to ploughing land by britching on gang-plows. The Standish Locomotive Steam Land Dresser, is soon expected from Boston. It is a California invention, very much im- proved, and now in the hands of Eastern capi- tal for exploitation. Before sending one here, it is on trial on the prairies of the West, with a vicAV to studying improvements. This is not a plough, because it does not cut a slice and turn it bottom upward. It does better ; it cuts up the ground into powder, after the fash- ion of an inclined screw, puts in the seed and covers it, at the rate of two acres an hour, all in one operation. The depth of the cut can be regulated to twelve inches. Our wheat lands, by unremitting abuse, are notably losing strength. The scratch-depth of our culture averages three inches. Three inches deeper would renew the force of production for another decade. Now we are entering into the culture of ramie and sugar-beets, and deeper land-dressing becomes a necessity. The roots of ramie must have moisture to sustain two crops a year ; and sugar-beets lose half their value by growing above ground, instead of be- low. When the beet has loose soil, it prefers to go downward ; when the ground is im- penetrable, it grows mostly above the surface, where it becomes green and unsugary. It gets abnormally large and lubberly — a big head and nothing in it. All such beets are rejected at the sugary. Deep land-dressing stands in place of summer irrigation. If we fill a deep sponge with winter rain, there will be summer irrigation from below. British agricultural journals give us wonder- ful illustration of the increased product of farms that have adopted steam-plowing. There locomotive-plowing is not attempted. The gang-plow is drawn with wire ropes across the field, by an engine that stands on a tempo- rary railway at the head of the field. They object to locomotives traversing the ground, because the w^eight tends to pack the soil, 126 THE CALIFORNIA HORTICULTURIST. which should be as porous as possible. On the same grounds, horse-plowing is condemned. At North Park farm near London, three fields on the same ridge, (the soils being alike and treated in the same way, except nn plow- ing,) were tested in wheat. The first was plowed the usual way, and yielded twenty bush- els per acre and a good crop of straw. The second had a sub-soil-plow to follow thelurrow> and it yielded thirty bushels andthirty per cent, more straw of better quality. The third field was plowed by steam, twelve inches deep ; and the crop was forty-five bushels per acre, with a proportionate increase in the straw. Steam-plowing is becoming general in Eng- land. A farm of three hundred acres aifords to keep its own machine; and for smaller farms, subscription plows do the work for hire. Land rents at much higher rates, when there is steam-plowing to be had. Our large land- holders would serve their interests by intro- ducing steam-cultivation here. The 'cost of horse-culture leaves small profit to our farmers who pay current prices for land. Sales droop ; but steam-plowing would quickly workafavor- able revolution in farming profits, and^there- fore also in the value of agricultural lands. — Alia California. <•• Cultivating Tomatoes. — The San Jose Pat- riot thinks a fortune can be made in the foot- hills on the eastern slope of that valley, by producing one single kind of vegetable, the tomato, before it can be brought to market from the Sacramento Valley. That paper says that although the more equable temperature of this latter region produces vegetables a month or six weeks earlier than they can be raised in the Santa Clara Valley, there is a belt of country between the lower foothills and the summit of the mountain range, where frost seldom falls, and there is but little change in the te nperature. In this locality the to- mato can be raised with perfect success, and the man who can bring it into the market at San Jose by the first of July can make a for- tune the first year, as the vegetable commands a most liberal price when it first makes its ap- pearance.— Call. BANANAS IN BRAZIL. A correspondent of the St. Louis Repuhlican writes from Brazil : " The most wonderful pro- duction of this and all tropical countries, in my estimation, is the banana and its synonyme, the plantain. We have a dozen varieties — each with peculiar flavor and qualities. Some grow only eight or ten feet high — others twenty. The stalks are from six to twelve inches thick, but almost as soft and succulent as celery. Each of them bears one bunch of bananas, and one only, when it is cut down with a stroke of the espada to secure the fruit and give place to other stalks. And thus they grow and ripen perpetually all tl^e year round. A great trav- eler has calculated that the plantain, on one acre of ground, will produce as much food as one hundred and thirty-three acres of wheat or forty-four acres of potatoes. The fruit consti- tutes the principal reliance of the poor, and is a luxury for all. It is good raw, roasted, baked, and indeed in every form, and equally relished by all domestic fowls and animals, which devour fruit, leaves, stalks and all, with the greatest avidity. " The banana requires but a single planting for a lifetime — jDutting in the ground a single • sprout or shoot from the banana patches, at a distance of twenty or thirty feet from each other, and on ground that it is always calcula- ted to spare for that purpose, because it is im- possible to extirpate the root. The one stalk gives more — springing out from the sides in the ground perpetually — and in a few years cover- ing the intervening spaces, till the whole sur- face becomes a forest of fruit and foliage, with scarcely room to pass through the cool, over- hanging arches. A banana or a banana patch is a beautiful sight, with the stalks and their produce in all stages of perfection, the broad leaves waving in the breeze and fanning in lazy repose, while the bodies of the trees bend under their luscious burdens, and would often break down with the weight, except from neigh - boring support. " There are a hundred or two of bananas on a bimch, like grapes, and the bunches are gener- THE .CALIFORNIA HORTICULTURIST. 127 ally as much as a stout man can carry. They should always be cut as soon as the fruit is matured— but always while the skin is yet green— and hung up in the shade to turn yel- low, which improves the iiavor. It takes about a year for stock and fruit to mature from the first planting, but there is never any more trouble with the crop, scarcely any hoeing or weeding, no culture, only ' slay and eat.' Cer- tainly it is the greatest boon ever bestowed on the indolent tropics. A native, swinging in his hammock, \\ath a bunch of ripe bananas hang- ing in reach on the one side, and a smouldering fire on the other, by which he may light his lit- tle cigar without getting up, is a most perfect picture of contentment."' PEAT AS FUEL. California, Oregon, Washington Territory, and the Islands of the Gulf of Georgia, are all bountifully supplied with timber. In the Sierras, along the foothills, and throughout the entire coast range of California, the pine, the fir, the redwood, the live oak, the laurel, and many other less valuable kinds of timber, are to be found. Still, the abundance is by no means too great. In all the localities ac- cessible to railroad and river navigation, the trees are being rapidly thinned out. This fact is ascertained by the advance in the prices of wood for fuel from year to year. The inter- minable forests of the islands and the coasts are required to furnish masts and spars for our shipping. Their remoteness from the market, and their value for the purposes named, must for years to come, if not forever, debar them from contributing to any great extent to the current fuel demand. The scarcity and infe- rior quality of our indigenous coals, prevent them from being generally used for domestic purposes, while the imported articles rule at costly rates. In view of these facts, the subject of utiliz- ing our other natural resources to obtain cheap fuel, becomes a matter of vast importance. Peat has been looked to, in this emergency, as offering the best substitute for the articles named. The supply in this State is literally inexhaustible. San Joaquin County, along its navigable water-courses, could furnish count- less millions of tons of the crude material. Wisconsin and Illinois have tried the experi- ment of its use with entire success, and it is said Connecticut has enough peat-beds to keep all her railroads and factories in opera- tion for hundreds of years. The question then arises, can we make it available, as an article of consumption in California? A Canadian named Napoleon Aubin has patented a pro- cess for the mauufacture of peat, and a Con- necticut Company has put his invention to a practical test in that State. The cost of man- ufacture is said to be $2 per ton ; and it is sold for 06 per ton to the Hartford and New Ha- ven Railroad, which has agreed to take 15,000 tons annually. Heretofore their coal has cost them S9 a ton delivered at the stations. A company for the manufacture of peat fuel was organized in this State nearly two years ago. They then claimed that they could put the article down in the city at such prices that it might be sold from second hands at $3 per ton. The lowest retail price of wood is $11 per cord, and of coal $12 per ton; so that at the above figures the saving to the consumers would be immen.«!e. The machinery imported by this company is now undergoing experi- mental trial on the "Floral Isles" of the San Joaquin River. Should it give satisfaction, the time will not be far distant, we hope, when peat, at less than half the cost of wood and coal, will form the staple of our daily fuel consumption. It is cleaner, clearer, and better than coal, and will burn to ashes without a flame. It is said, also, that a lump as large as a man's head furnishes suflicient heat to keep a vessel of water boiling for over an hour and a quarter. Whether this machinery serves or not, the Aubin invention has been proved, and will find its way to this coast so soon as capi- tal discovers that it is to its advantage to bring it here. — ''Daily Morning CallP YousG poultry need sofc, ricli fooJ. Coarse, raw meal for the first two or three days is not much more fit for them than for a babv. Milk made into curd a boiled egg chopped up ; and after a little, mush made of flour and meal is recommended. 128 THE CALIFORNIA HORTICULTURIST. CuLTivATixG Forest Trees. — A recent settler in Nebraska, who has apparently learned how to " labor and to wait," is planting a hundred acres of land with walnuts. He estimates that each acre will have at least six hundred and fifty trees, or sixty-five thousand in all- He calculates that in twenty years each tree will certainly be worth three dollars for lum- ber, ties, fence-posts or fuel — making nearly two hundred thousand dollars as the value of the whole. Admitting these figures to be within the mark, which we are hardly prepared to do, it must be confessed that if the proprie- tor's logic be true, nothing else that could be planted on the same land would pay so large a return. And then all the labor required is breaking up the land and planting. The planter thinks pine trees could be cultivated with simi- lar satisfactory pecuniary success. — Call. The Products of California. — The San Francisco corresiJondent of the Chicago Land Owner gives the following figures of the pro- ducts of this State for the last year : With a population of 600,000, we are told there were produced last year, 20,000,000 bushels of wheat, 3,000,000 bushels of barley, 1,200,000 bushels of oats, 1,000,000 bushels of corn, 4,000,- 000 gallons of wine, 300,000 gallons of brandy, 220,000,000 feet of sawed lumber, 5,000,000 pounds of butter and 18,000,000 pounds of wool. Of the metals there were produced, 8,000,000 pounds of quicksilver, all the rest of the world producing but 3,500,000 pounds; $1,000,000 of silver and $21,057,851 of gold. Manufactures yielded $74,000,000, and the total value of industrial products was $182,- 000,000. When we consider that California is as yet only upon the threshold of her his- tory, we may well hesitate to assign any limit to her future prosperity. AxoTHfui Mulberry Plantation — The Low- er Lake Bulleim says Messrs. C. Plallin and G. Ammery have purchased a tract of land near the Pike County House, in Napa County, where they will immediately set out 10,000 mulberry trees, preparatory to entering large- ly upon the business of sericulture. Horticulture in Common Schools. — The Country Gentleman says the culture of flowers, the jilanting of ornamental trees, with brief instructions as to their growth, might be in- troduced into every school as a recreative study — if the teachers have the taste and knowledge necessary. It gives an instance where a teacher, on his own motion, interested his pupils in the culture of ornamental plants, with the happiest results. When Should Pigs be Weaned ? — Eight weeks old is the best age. Seven will do. They should become accustomed to food such as is ordinarily given to hogs before weaning, and then there wnll be no need of any loss in growth by the loss of the mother s milk. If they are at all inclined to scouy, one of the best preventives is an occasional day's feed of whole corn, or a few kernels with their other food each day. They should have all they will eat, and even if the farmer is under the necessity of buying corn to keep them along till his own harvest is ready in the fall, the growth will generally pay at least fifty per cent, over and above the cost. — Hearth and Home. Oranges and Cork Oak. — The Visalia Delta of December 7th has the following : " We have had extraordinary heavy frosts lately, but we notice that it seems to have no effect upon our orange trees ; those that are in bearing look perfectly healthy and will undoubtedly mature the crop. There is a re- gion along the margin of the foothills much more free from frost than the valley around Visalia, and there can be no doubt but that this region is as well adapted to the production of the orange as any portion of the State. We notice also that the few specimens of cork oak, that have been planted here are healthy, and have made a growth quite equal to that of our native live oak. Pruning Trees. — A very great error is made in pruning frait trees, by cutting away the small branches in the heart of the tree ; all this wood should be left except the water-shoots or suckers; the fruit-spurs should uevi'r be cut away, for the best fruit is grown near the heart of the tree. T I-I E California Horticulturist AND FLORAL MAGAZINE. THE PINK. (Dianthus). The Pink is one of our most popular flo^yers, and second only to the Rose in beauty as well as in fragrance; cultivated for hundreds of years, it will continue at all times to form one of the chief attractions in the flower garden. It is easily cultivated, and the soil and climate of California are calculated to grow it in per- fection. The varieties are numerous and con- tinually increasing from seeds. Although only the single flowers bear seed, yet double flowers are frequently obtained; the best varieties are propagated from cuttings and layers. The classification of the pinks among the florists is not clearly understood, many are cultivated, but still more are known to the botanist, which we will at present omit. It will better serve our purpose to enumerate only the most prominent classes, the most important of which is Diantlms Caryophjllus or Carnation Pink, the beauty and fragrance of which cannot be sur- passed. The Carnations are again divided in- to several classes, and it is here where the florists differ and are puzzled; in order to cover the whole ground, w-e will make the fol- lowing subdivisions : Picotees, Flakes, Bizar- res and Carnations proper. Some contend that the Picotees are not Carnations, while we in- sist that they belong to the Diantlms Caryophjl- lus, and necessarily must be Carnations. It is true there is a marked difterence between the Picotee and other Carnations in the out- line of the flowers ; but not so much so, but that it is entitled to be considered one of the subdivisions. The Picotees have a white or pale-yellow ground, spotted with scarlet, purple, crimson or similar color. The shape of a perfect flower is round, the petals should be flat, and the centre should be well filled; the edges of the petals are smooth and not fringed, the flower- stock will grow three feet in height, on this account the Picotee is sometimes called the tree pink. By cutting the flower-stocks back, while young, bushier and stouter plants are ob- tained. The Flakes difter from the Picotees, as they produce flowers with only two distinct colors which are in well-marked stripes through the entire length of the petals. The Bizarres are irregularly striped and spotted, and have three or more colors, which are variegated in their disposition. The Monthly Carnations {Caryophjllus sem- perflorens,) are an improvement on the older varieties ; they flower with us during winter as well as summer, and are therefore much more desirable. The art of propagating and cultivating the Carnation is very simple; cuttings may be made from September, and even earlier, to February in this country, and they may be planted with perfect safety iu the open ground in a light deep sandy soil; if they can be 130 THE CALIFORNIA HORTICULTURIST. shaded for a few days after planting it is well to do so. Some of our florists plant them under glass, but we see no occasion for any- thing of the kind here, and consider it an un- necessary precaution. There is a difference of opinion about cut- ting back the npper leaves; some advocating and others opposing. Our own experience justifies the cutting back before planting ; roots will soon be formed, and the young plants will flower during the coming year. Wet soil is very injurious to the Dianthus tribe, while very dry soil and excessive heat are death to them. Carnations are also well adapted to pot-culture, but should be kept in the open air as much as possible. Next in order is the Clove Pink — it is prob- ably the parent of the Carnation. Its fra- grance is powerful, the flowers are of one color and the petals fringed. It is a very de- sirable plant for the border. We shall also mention the Feather Pink, (2)?ff»- iltus phmarms) a very deserving class of pinks. Many of our readers undoubtedly have heard of the Scotch Feather Pinks which foimed such an important feature in the English gardens. They are now neglected, but without just cause. The Garden Pink {Dianthiis Hortensis) is a very popular class of pinks. It blooms later than the Carnation. Its foliage is more grass like and its flower stem seldom grows over six inches in height. It is usually cultivated by division of the old root. The ground color is pure white or rose color with a dark velvet crimson or purple eye; sometimes almost black. If the petals have a delicate margin of the same color as the eye, it highly im- proves the beauty of the flower. The China Pink {Dianthus Chimnsis) deserves more attention than is generally given it. Both the double and single varieties are beau- tiful, flowering profusely during the entire summer, but they lack fragrance. They are easily cultivated from seed and flower during the first year. The double, as well as the single China Pink, produces seeds, and if the seed is taken from the double, it will yield a large proportion of double flowers. The Sweet William {Bianihus larbaius) is an old and much esteemed class of pinks. It is raised from seed, and after the first year the best varieties may be propagated by division of the roots. If a good'collection of pinks is desired, we would advise acquiring the best varieties of Carnations by purchase and propagating them by cuttings. The others may be raised from seed to greater advantage. We frequently hear complaints that the calyx of the double flowei-ing pink splits open on one side, spoiling the beauty of the flower. It has been suggested that this may be pre- vented by cultivating the pinks in poor soil. We cannot agree with this proposition, as poor soil will certainly furnish poor flowers, but with a very little extra labor a small piece of string may be tied around the upper end of the calyx, which will keep the petals together, or an india rubber ring may be placed around the calyx which Avill prevent its irregular splitting. INDOOE CULTIVATION OF HYACINTHS. Editor California Horticulturist: — In a recent number of your very readable magazine, I was much interested with your article on flowering bulbs, particularly with your remarks on the Hyacinth, a favorite flower of mine. What you say in reference to the general neglect of bulbs, is too true, and almost unaccountable considering their ease of cultivation, but I have myself met with disappointment, on two occasions when I purchased bulbs. Some were not true to name, and others inferior in quality, being spongy and the trusses of flow- ers weakly and very poor, although I paid the dealer all he asked ; this man although he has obtained some notoriety as a dealer in seeds, is a mean man and a mean looking one, and deserves to have his name mentioned, but I prefer treating him with contempt. My ob- ject in writing to you is to request the insertion of a few remarks on the indoor cultivation of my favorite bulb, the Hyacinth, the only objection to which is its ovei'- THE CALIFORNIA HORTICULTURIST. 131 powering but delicious perfume when in bloom, but this affects only a few persons unpleasantly. Hyacinths of course should have long since been in the glass, the flower-pot, or in the gar- den ; if any one has been so neglectful as to re- tain them until now in some out of the way drawer or on some dry shelf, let them immedi- ately plant them in some warm corner in the garden, and give them a season's rest, they may thus save them for next season. I al- ways select theroimdest, fullest and finest bulbs for the glasses, having due regard to the assort- ment of colors I anticipate when in bloom, the remainder of my stock I plant in pots and place aside. The Hyacinths in glasses should be kept in the dark till the roots are well de- veloped, and the foliage begins to make pro- gress, after which the closer they are brought to the light the better. The chief care they require is the change of water about once a fortnight. It should be poured away without disturbing the bulbs, then the glass and bulbs together should be plunged into a tub ne'arly filled with rain water, the bulb should be retained in position with the thumb and fore-finger of the left hand, a little water should be admitted into the glass and gently acritated so as to wash the roots and remove by one, carefully wash away the soil and ten- derly coax the roots into the glasses. We have some now treated in this way, that look stronger and finerthan those which were grown altogether in water; this process may be re- peated if sufficient bulbs were potted in the commencement of the season, and have been kept in a cool and shady place. Hyacinths forced in water cannot be expec- ted to produce good flowers the next year, yet with careful treatment they will make a valuable addition to the borders. One singu- lar advantage in bulb culture is, that provided the roots are tenderly treated they will bear any amoimt of removal, and thus the windows may be amply supplied with a long succession and a good assortment of Crocuses, Hyacinths Tulips, etc., etc. HORTUS. HYBRIDS. Many of our readers are probably unin- formed how new varieties of flowering plants are raised. The process is called " Hybridiz- ing," and is effected by intermingling the pol- len of the flowers of different plants. In order to describe this process properly it is necessary first to give a description of the any impurity from the sides of the glass, I flower itself ^^ ^^^ ^^°^^-^.°*:^ Pttt'^nT which should then be refilled to within half we notice the stamens, which diffei m num- an inch of the bottom of the bulbs, this bath is healthful to the bulb, foliage and roots, by removino- any dust and impurities accumulated from the room, as well as sediment from the water; it is desirable that the water used should be as near as convenient to the tem- perature of that removed. When the bulbs at first placed in the glasses have bloomed and lost the freshness of their beauty, they may be carefully removed, and planted about four inches deep in light ber. These stamens consist of two parts: the filament and the anther; the filament is the stem of the stamen, and the anther is a somewhat roimd or oblong body attached to the top of it. Within the circle of stamens, and in the very centre of the flower, are the pistil and ovary ; the latter of which contains the seed when fertilized by the pollen, which is a yellowish powder contained in the anther during the development of the flower. The anther sheds some of this pollen on to the pis- til, fertilizing it and giving life to the seed in sandy soil where they will complete their , erowth. If the Hyacinth grower has adopted 1 ^he ovary. iy mode of treatment, a.d will now inspect Now Hybvidizing cons.sts m remo v ng the tl/ose in pots, she will find a good assortment stamens from a flower before taey h»« &'"' to snpplv the places of those removed from the ized the pistil, _and m .'=f '-y^S ^''t P°"^" °* ' glasses, ihese she will talce from the pots one ! flower oi another variety to the fi.st one, by 132 THE CALIFORNIA HORTICULTURIST. which means the pistil is fertilized. The con- sequence is that the seed so produced will de- velop into a plant, the flowers of which will be unlike those of either of the flowers operated on, and yet in some features resemble both. This process, however, can only be carried out efiectually between flowers of the same species. The modus operandi is simple and very inter- esting, but must be executed with care, and at the proper time. New varieties raised in this manner are called " Hybrids." DESTRUCTIVE INSECTS. We hear many complaints of the increased damage done to flowers and vegetables by various kinds of insects, as the mealy bug, the green-fly in green-houses, and the brown and white scale insects. The green-fly is found on young shoots and buds, and is easily got rid of by fumigating the house with tobacco smoke, which does not in the least injure the plants. The mealy bug is found in the axils of leaves and stems, and is very injurious to grape-vines. Various cures have been suggested,some of which have pro ved very successful, not only in destroying the in- sects, but also in arresting the young growth of the plants. Some time since the Horticul- tural Society of Boston, off'ered a special pre- mium for an eftective remedy for the injury inflicted by plant-insects, and the result was that the application of a diluted solution of whale oil soap was recommended, and has proved to have the desired effect. The whale oil soap is dissolved at the rate of two pounds to flfteen gallons of water ; the solution should be applied with a syringe, and should first be strained through cloth so as to remove all im- purities which may stop the syringe. A vei-y important feature in this remedy is that the so- lution which accidentally dropson the soil will kill any insect Avhich may have its hiding place there, and that it is also an excellent ier- tilizer. The above solution will not in any way injure the jjlants, it also destroys the rose slug which has been very annoying dur- ing the last year in various localities. The cabbage patches have suffered veiy much from the so-called Cabbage louse, so much so as in many instances to discourage the raising of that vegetable. The above so- lution can be applied here also, with an equal- ly pileasing result. An objection may be raised that it consumes too much time, but we are inclined to believe that if the cabbage field is frequently sprinkled with the solution above described instead of syringing each plant, which would certainly take up a great deal of time, the effect will also be gratifying and satisfactory. The remedy is cheap and sim- ple, and we can in very good faith recommend its general application. Try it, and inform us of the result. PLANT LICE. {Apliides.) These posts to the gardener are exceedingly numerous, they are subdivided by Entomolo- gists into several subfamilies M^hich it is not our purpose to recapitulate, we shall content ourselves with a general description. The body is short, soft, oval in form, about the l-16th of an inch in length and usually of a light-green color, the legs are exceedingly slender and hair-like as is also the probocis ; they subsist by suction on the juices of the plant which they infest ; they attack in great numbers the soft shoots and young leaves, fre- quently completely covering them, exhausting and frequently killing the plant. At the hind extremity of the body are two small tubes or pores from which exude minute drops of a very sweet fluid; of this the ants are very fond, they do not injure the Aphides but the most friendly relations appear to exist between these two kinds of insects. The Lady-Biig(comwe/^/(frt), of several species, both in its larva and perfect state appears to be its most determined insect antagonist, de- vouririg it voraciously, indeed in the hop-gar- dens of England, when the curse of the Aphides is upon them, the advent of the lady bugs is prayed for as no farmer ever yet pray- ed for rain, and it is a curious circumstance that in those seasons when the plant lice swarm, THE CALIFORNIA HORTICULTURIST. 133 their antagonist? are also in countless myriads, although at other times only in moderate num- bers. The female of the Aphides is apterous, (wing- less), while the male is provided with two pair of wings, the upper ones being much lon2;er than the body and about twice as large as tlie lower ones; they are nearly triangular in shape, and when at rest are held almost verti- cal. The young are hatched in the spring, and soon attain maturity, this brood consists entirely of wingless females, which bring forth living young each producing from fifteen to twenty in a day ; these young are also wingless females, and at maturity they also bring iorth living young, w^hich are also wingless females, and they in their turn bring forth livmg young of the same sex, in this way brood after brood is produced even to the fourteenth generation in a single season, and this without the ap- pearance of a single male. The last brood in autumn consists of both males and females, the latter also having wings, these pair, stock the plants with eggs and then perish. Reau- mur has proved that a single aphis in five generations may become the progenitor of about six thousand millions of descendants. In the green-house the plague of plant lice is readily abated by fumigation wnth tobacco smoke; a chafing dish should be about half filled with red hot charcoal, all doors and win- dows should be closed, and refuse tobacco in a damp state should be thrown on, when, unless the operator is a most inveterate smoker,hehad better retire ; this should be done in the evening, it will not injure the plants and on opening the house in the morning, the insects will be found to have dropped from the plants ; sprinkling with pulverized sulphur, or washing or syring- ing with soapsuds is advised by some. For the green-house we prefer the first remedy; for out door applications, as on rose trees, we adopt the syringing with soapsuds made by pouring boiling water on coarse soap, soft soap for in- stance, stirring it well, allowing it to cool, and then straining it before using. This pro- cess would be efficacious in clearing the cab- bage tribe {hracsica) of the pests, if perserver- ingly carried out, but it is almost sure to be relinquished as too troublesome to syringe every plant individually, especially when the plantation is large. We have adopted the plan of dipping the young plants before setting them out, in the cold soapsuds as pre- pared above, taking about a dozen at a time by the stems and stirring them around in it, then planting them. We believe in this. A successful florist and gardener resident in the neighborhood of this city, informs us that he ha^ found a very efficacious remedy in plant- ing his plants of the cabbage tribe in alcernate rows with camomile, {Anthenu's), and similar herbs which seem obnoxious to these insects, this remedy may be further utilized, as the flowers of the camomile when properly har- vested are of commercial value. In those dis- tricts where large crops of the cabbage family have been cultivated, and which have suffered from the pest, it appears to us that the safest plan is to gather as much stubble and other vegetable refuse as convenient on to the land during the dry season, and burn it over, this will destroy the eggs both on the rubbish and in the land, which should afterwards be well ploughed and cropped with some cereal on the rotation system, which will be beneficial in other wavs besides in destroying the insects. ExPERTEXCE WITH Hexs.— " P." writes: My ex- perience with liens during several years lias lead me to the following conclusions : 1st, Hens well fed and cared for, usually lay the first season daily, small or medium eggs, until they take a notion to set, which is generally when they laid two or three dozen eggs. If not permitted to set, they will begin to lay again in two three or weeks. Some hens, however, do not incline to set very often— these, of course, will^not lay so constantly as those which are more ambitious to realize the fruit of their labor. 2nd, The second season, hens lay large eggs, quite too large to sell by the dozen, but seldom or never oltener than every other day. 3rd, Pullets hatched from eggs laid by hens more than twelve or fifteen months old, are apt to be like their mothers— to lay large eggs, but not daily. ^ Therefore, I would never keep a hen through tne second winter, and never set eggs of hens after they have moulted, or of those that are more than a year and a half old. 134 THE CALIFORNIA HORTICULTURIST. LECTURES ON THE CONIFERS OF CALIFOR- NIA, BY PROFESSOR H. N. BOLANDER. (continued). Firs, {Piceas). Of these we have four species growing on the Pacific Coast. 1. Picea grandis, very generally distributed over California and the Rocky Mountains. It grows nearest to the ocean and in the gul- ches of the Sierra Nevadas at from 2,000 to 7,000 feet altitude. It is again found on the Eastern slope of the Sierras but in limited numbers. The tree is cylindrical in form, its foliage dark green above and silvery glaucous be- neath, the cones are live inches in length and rather narrow, it grows from 200 to 250 feet in height, the wood is inferior and it is not cultivated here. 2. Picea amahilis grows in the Sierra ISTevadas, 7000 feet above the level of the sea. The cones are large and covered with a wooly- like substance. It is a tree of great beauty and should be extensively cultivated. Its timber is valuable. The tree has been neg- lected by our nurserymen. The seed of the Picea amahilis is generally destroyed by in- sects. Apparently good and healthy seeds have been sent to England and New Zealand, but on their arrival they were found alive v/ith insects. The best way of introducing this fir into cultivation would be to obtain young plants from three to four inches in height, which would transplant readily. These can be found in very large quantities near the summit of the Sierras. If carefully packed there, these might be conveyed with safety to a great distance. 3. Picea iracteata, is confined to a small lo- cality in San Luis Obispo and Monterey coun" ties. Almost all of the trees have been cut down lor the seeds. This tree is one of the most beautiful of Conifers. It is slender and the branches are well divided. The cones are four inches in length and two inches in diameter. Bracts are developed from between the scales of from one to two inches in length and are reflexed. The seedhas been sold as high as seventy-five dollars per pound. It is arather dangerous enterprise to obtain the seed, as the country is infested by grizzly bears and over-run by the lawless greasers. There are now some cone-bearing trees of the Picea Irac- teata in England. 4. Picea nohilis. This tree is found from Mount Shasta to the Columbia River; the bracts extending from between the scales are three parted. The tree was first discovered by Douglass and sent to England, where it is also now cone bearing. This tree is not cul- tivated here. The cones of the Piceas do not drop, they open and discharge their seeds with the scales, leaving the spindle on the tree for several years. The Piceas ha^e their leaves single on the sides of the branches, while the leaves of the Ahies, which are also single, grow all around the stem. Spruce Firs [Ahies), of these we have also four varieties growing in California. 1. Ahies Dovglasii which is generally associa- ted with the Piniis ponderosa in the gulches and on the banks of rivers and creeks in the Sierras ; on the Coast Range it is generally most plenti- ful on the outskirts of thick forests of red- wood. There is nothing more beautiful than a group of the California chestnut oak and the Ahies Bouglasii when growing together. This variety is also found rather plentifully in the Rocky Mountains. Trees have been seen of thirteen feet in circumference, the bark is of a greyish color, the branches drooping, the tree is very picturesque, the timber is valuable for lumber, the seeds ripen early in September. Marin county and Belmont, San Mateo County, furnish excellent seed. This tree is cultivated rather extensively in California. 2. Ahies Menziesii /i^i^onndi all the way from Mendocino to Humboldt Bay and Alaska, the foliage is of a bluish-green, the trunk is from six to ten feet in diameter, and the bark smooth and black ; the timber is used for ship-knees, and is therefore of a tough nature. The Ahies Menziesii is also found in the Rocky Mountains, but not in the Sierras, it is sometimes called the Black Spruce, {Ahies nigra). THE CALIFORNIA HORTICULTURIST. 135 3. Ahies Mertensiana. This is not the Alies Can- adensis ov Hemlock spruce of the East, which is of a greyish color while the MerUnsiana is of a cin- namon shade— this is one of the most beauti- ful trees for lawns and gardens, its branches are slender and graceful, and it deserves exten- sive cultivation. 4. Abies FaUomana{PaUonif). This is recorded by the railroad survey as^. Williamsonii] it grows on the Sierras of California and Oregon, at a level of not less than 8,000 feet, the trunk is from six to eight feet in diameter, and it grows two hundred and fifty feet in height ; the tree is conical, and the branches drooping. This is also known as A. Eooheriana. cone-bearing specimens are growing in England under this latter name. It is difficult to obtain seeds in good condition, and the best mode of propo- gating would doubtless be to procmre the young plants, which can be obtained in large quantities in the Sierras. We come now to the Lilocedrus deciirrens, which is doubtless a different tree from the Thuja giganiea. It has a rough bark, and the foliage is spiny ; the cones are like a pea-nut with two wing'=!, bearing two seeds in each wing; it seldom attains the height of one hundred feet, the trunk is thick below, and rapidly decreases in size. This tree is found to grow exclusively on very dry hillsides, m volcanic soil. The seeds are shed about the 1st of September. Thuja gigantea, which is also called Thuja Craigiana, has a smooth bark, and the foliage is also smooth. The cones are scaly ; it grows from one hundred and fifty to two hundred feet in height and is rather slender. The ! Thuja gigantea is not found in very dry soil; it is covered Avith a dense foliage and is of a graceful habit. Next in order are the Sequoias, of which there are two growing in California. 1. Sequoia gigantea, [Wellingionia gigantea — Washingtonia gigantea,) called also the Big-Trees of Calaveras. It was formerly believed that there were only a few of the Sequoia gigantea growing in this State, but it has been found in large quantities, both small and large trees, in the Sierras, at from 4,500 to 8,000 feet above the level of the sea. It has been found in a silicified state, in large quantities, both in the Baltic Sea, in Switzerland, in Greenland, and in England, where at one time it must have covered the ground. The leaves are sharp- pointed and scattered around the branches, the foliage is of a light green, the cones are ovate and from two to three inches in length, with prickled scales. . 2. Sequoia sempervirens (redwood). This pe- culiar tree is found from San Luis Obispo up to Mendocino, close to the ocean. North of Mendocino it makes room for the Ahies Doug- lassii and the Chesnut oak. It occurs once more higher north, on this side of the bne of Oregon, where it is found in large quantities. A few have also been found in Oregon. It o-rows in foggy regions and on sandstone foi'm- ations. There is nothing more grand than to contemplate the ocean of redwood trees when the fogs roll in over the woods. The amount of rain is larger wherever redwood forests are found, and it is a fact that moist and springy lands, known to b3 such while the redwoods covered the ground, have dried up and shown no signs of water after the redwood trees have been removed. An example of this is fur- nished in the hills at the back of Oakland, where redwoods covered certain localities at one time. This tree grows to the height of 300 feet, and is found at from ten to fifteen feet in diameter. The timber is valuable. The redwood was found in England and described as the Sequoia Langsdorjll. Redwood forests are not destroyed by fire, which may burn up all the leaves and branches, but the tree will send forth new shoots from its charred trunk and limbs. Trees which have been cut down and allowed to remain on the ground, have formed, after a few years, new oTowths of young trees which have grown in- to forests; anything lefc of a redwood tree will sprout again, it therefore is a difficult task to clear land overgrown with this timber. This tree is now largely cultivated by the Italian Government on account of its many good qualities. 136 THE CALIFORNIA HORTICULTURIST. POPULAR BOTANY. CHAPTER V. In our last chapter we gave the several parts that go to make up an exogenous stem of one years growth. To simplify, and show the re- lation that one portion bears to another, we shall refer to them again in the order met with, in passing from the centre to the outside of the stem. First, the pith, which belongs to the cellular or horizontal system. Second, the medullary sheath. Third, the layer of wood, both of which belong to the Avoody or vertical system. Fourth, the medullary rays, a part of the cellular system which passes through the wood horizontally, and serves to connect the central pith with the bark. Fifth, the liler, which is the inner portion of the bark, but belongs to the woody or vertical system. The medullary rays pass through this liber to the outer bark. Sixth, the outer lark, which is iucluded in the cellular system, and is divided into two parts : First the green or celhdar layer; Second, the corhj layer. Last of all the epidermis or skin, which covers the entire plant. Herbaceous plants develop no further than this, and at the close of their season of growth, perish. Trees and shrubs are constantly adding to this growth, year after year, aad this is the next point to command our attention. As the season of new growth arrives, a kind of mucilage makes its appearance between the separable bark and Avood. This is called Camhriuin, and is supposed by some to be the source of nourishment to the forming wood. All we can say is, that in it, or by it, new cells and vessels are formed, and thus a new layer of wood comes into existence as the previous layer had done. At the same time the liber has also a new layer added to it, but only on its inner side. Each year this action goes on, producing at regular intervals new layers of wood and bavk. These layers, always like the first, are intersected by the medullary rays. On the examination then of an exogenous stem by a cross section, we find the wood in concentric layers, with the bark as an outer ring, and the pith as a central point. As each year adds but one of these layers to the stem, we are enabled by this means to determine the age of that stem with positive accuracy. In the case of some stems, these rings or layers are not so plainly marked, and this is more likely to occur in the tropics or even in sub-tropical countries where the growth is not stor-ped by the severity of winter, but contin- ues more or less all the year. Still in these places there is a period of rest for the plant, which is generally during the dry season. The layers of newly made wood, of which we have spoken, form a number of tubes which reach from the roots to the extremity of the stem, and serve to conduct the sap up- wards to the leaves. For this reason the new wood is called the sap tcood. The roots ab- sorb from the soil the required amount of salts such as potash, lime, etc., which are conveyed by this system of tubes to all parts of the plant. A portion of these salts are deposited in the woody tubes, and so in the course of time their size becomes lessened, and at last completely closed. Thus the wood grows hard and dense as it advances in age, and it is then called heart tvood. After a time the heart wood is not required in promoting the growth of a stem, and may decay without in- jury to the plant. The woody layers, when once deposited , re- main forever afterwards unchanged, (with the exception ot this action of the earthy salts), in position and character, and are only effected by decay. On the other hand the bark is con- stantly undergoing change, both from age and the manner of its formation. The liber or inner bark is increased in the same way as the wood, by annual layers, the new layer being formed next to the wood, pushes the older bark out- ward. The tubes of this liber are used as the medium of the return circulation of the plant, and they like the heart wood, are solidified in time by the deposits of earthy salts, which have undergone certain changes in the leaves of the plant. THE CALIFORNIA HORTICULTURIST. 137 Soon the outer or old bark becomes useless and dies. Unable to adjust itself to the grow- ing wood within it, it becomes torn and spht and even finally decays. The tissues of the bark are composed of fibres which from then- character are often used as materials for ropes, etc The juices of a plant when elaborated m the leaves, return through the bark, and m their passage leave behind them certam quali- ties. Thus medicinal and certain other prm- ciples are found only in the bark. As the old bark and the heart wood of a stem may decay and die without detriment to the growing properties of a plant, we see at once that the sap wood and liber are the only parts of the stem by which the steady action is carried on year after year, and to them is due the permanent existence of the plant. . **- SEEDLING FRUIT TREES. Much has been lately written m the East- ern States, about new varieties of seedling fruits, we feel that this matter is entitled to our serious attention. It is generally un- derstood, and our own experience is corrobo- rating, that stone fruits will reproduce them- selves more truly to their original qualities than other fruits, with the exception perhaps of the cherry. It has frequently occurred, that when the geeds taken from very fine peaches have been planted, the young trees produced have yielded as good fruit if not better, than the parent tree, although they have been neither grafted nor budded ; and we say no more than we can vouch for, when we state that a large majority of the peach trees raised from seeds of excellent Iruit, have produced, under proper treatment, fruits equally as good as the trees from which the seed was obtained. In Germany the well known German prune is almost exclusively propagated from the seed. Some others are also raised in this manner. Very many new and valuable varieties in fruits are annually produced from seeds, but we be- lieve that many of our fruit growers are over anxious to produce something new, and very often what is claimed as a new variety is but a peculiarity of the fruit, entirely due to local circumstances. However if one new and de- serving variety is produced out of 50 claimed as such, it is a matter of importance. We ad- vise therefore the persistent cultivation of a certain quantity of seedlings from seed of su- perior fruit. And particularly in California should this matter receive universal attention, as only in thiswiy shall we obtain standard varieties of fruits adapted to our climate. In fact it should be the ambition of our fruit o-iov>rers to raise representatives of all the fruits, from the grape to the blackberry, from the apple and pear to the currant, for only thus will they become thoroughly acclimatized, and then only will the flavor be equal to the ap- pearance. California has done well, so far, in fruit growing, but we believe there are mahy opportunities for improvement. In this connection we refer with pleasure to a report in the California Fdrmer on six varie- ties of pears raised by Mr. B. S. Fox of San Jose, on seedling trees. Fox No. 7.— A dark russet pear, size of the Seckel, super excellent, rich and luscious, a melting pear, ripe in December. Fox No. 8.— A medium sized pear, melting, very high flavor, a most valuable pear worthy of extensive cultivation. Fox No. 68. — A medium size pear with a remarkably high aromatic flavor, melting and juicy, a great acquisition. Fox No. 150.— A small sized pear, but of very extraordinary flavor, like a delicious mel- on, melting and very juicy. Fox No. 172. — A handsome formed pear like the St. Michael, and of same size, sweet and juicy in the extreme; high aromatic flavor; a most admirable fruit. Fox No. 185.— A medium pear, light color, handsome form; size of the Seckel; a late keeper; not superior in quality, but will prove a grand market pear, as it will keep to Janu- ary or February. 138 THE CALIFORNIA HORTICULTURIST. AGRICULTURAL DEVELOPMENTS. At a recent meeting of agricultural men in in the south, the Hon. Horace Capron, Com- missioner of Agricixlture, was present by invi- tation,— and as he delivered a most interesting address before this convention, we shall re- peat some of his well considered remarks, which can be applied with equal force to Cali- fornia. In alluding to the slow progress in developing resources, he cites the following as prominent reasons for this untoward state of affairs. " First. — A wasteful and slovenly system of agriculture, which is the curse of our Avhole country, has been practiced in our cotton- states. Second. — The multiplication and utilization of the raw products of agriculture by manu- facture has been ignored or discouraged. Culture has been restricted to a few crops, and the policy of buying nearly every thing needed to eat, drink or wear has been encour- aged. Third. — Labor has been mainly restricted to a servile class, thus becoming a badge of dis- honor, rather than a crown of glory which it is; a large portion of the people formerly lived (and are living now — Ed. Hort.) in com- parative idleness or unproductive employment, and the intellect and ambition of the influen. tial or ruling class has been expended upon politics, to the neglect of material develop- ment." " The business of agriculture should be an industry, and not a speculation. The insane pursuit of specialties has long been a curse to American agriculture. A whole community runs wild upon hops, when they are selling at fifty cents per pound, and in two years they are scarcely worth the price of picking. Extrava- gance begotten of high expectations is forth- with followed by bankruptcy. Wheat brings two dollars per bushel, and whole states be- come wheat-fields, while every other interest languishes, until the bread crop becomes so abundant as to be fed to swiae in preference to shipment for human food."' Again he says, " There is no reason why we should send abroad for a pound of sugar, though our home production last year was but ten per cent. Your fruits in wonderful vari- ety, including those of the tropics, should an- nually add millions of dollars to the wealth of the country. Scores of new and useful plants should be added to the list of those already in cultivation." In regard to our manufacturing interests he says " If England, by the magic of her labor can make a dollar's worth of your cotton pro- duce two dollars, and if France can make it yield three, why should not your people with willing hands to work and abundant water and fuel for power, manufacture a large por- tion of your crops, at least into yarns and coarse fabrics, and thus add to the annual value of your industries a hundred millions more ? " In his closing remarks he adds, "Look not for additional labor to the coolies of China, or to the people of Europe, until all your peo- ple of whatever color, condition or capacity have full employment for mind and muscle in developing the wonderful capabilities under your control. The practical question of the day is not, Where shall we procure more la- bor ? but rather. How can we utilize and prof- itably employ the varied capacities, tastes and inventive powers of every individual of our present population ? What can each accom- plish with the best results? What can be done for the employment of men practiced in no skillful employment? What can be done for indigent women and even for children de- pendent on their own exertions for subsist- ence, for education and for advanced social positions ? " I am satisfied that a new era is dawning, that the rule of one idea is weakening and that the diversification of production has already commenced opening a career of activity and a vista of beauty hitherto unwitnessed in the brightest days of this nation. Anaheim will probably make over a million ejal- lons of Avine this year, for shipment. Grasshoppers have made great devastation in the Cucamungo vine- yards, fully one-third of the vines having been de- stroyed by them. — Call. THE CALIFORNIA HORTICULTURIST. 139 SORGO {SORGHUM SACCHARATUM) AS A FORAGE PLANT. ORNAMENTAL AND LANDSCAPE GARDENING. This plant is a native of the north of China, where it is cultivated to a limited extent. Its height is from 12 to eighteen feet; the stalks decreasing in diameter very gradually. Tapering and drooping leaves spring from the nodes which are eight to twelve inches apart. When the seed ripens the stem becomes smooth, with a siliceous deposit, and it hard- ens as the starchy substances are converted into woody ^hTe.— Gardeners' Chronicle, Eng. In 1854, Mr. Browne sent from France some seeds which were distributed by the Agricul- tural Department of the Patent Office. For a time it received but little attention, being cultivated to but a slight extent. Since 1855, however, its cultivation has been on the m- crease, and it is now one of the great crops of the country. In the North Western States, where it is principally grown, there was in 18G4, 366,670 acres of Sorgo under cultivation. For sugar, the plant has turned out a failure, and at present its chief recommendation is as a for- age plant. For this purpose it promises to be a valuable acquisition, and farmers in Califor- nia would do well to devote a share of their lands and attention to it. Grass yields a ton to a ton and a half of hay to the acre, while Sorgo will yield from two tons to nine tons of dry fodder on the same area. It is grown with success on all lands where corn can be grown. Deep, loose, warm soil, even of poor quality produces the sweetest and most juicy stalks. Its growth is increased very much by irrigation. The seeds should (previ- ous to planting) be soaked in warm water un- til they show signs of germination, which will occur in about six days. If the planting is done in rows, they should be about four feet apart ; and if in drills, from four to six inches between each seed. Its subsequent culture is much the same as that for corn. As yet we can give but little as to its culti- vation in this State, but we hope in a short time to be able to record some observations on this plant, and its adaptability to our climate, with its true value as a forage plant. SECTION V. In our last number we gave a selection of plants for a small garden, which require either training upon the house, over the verandah, the out-buildings or the covered seats ; also, such as may be supported by stakes until by proper cultivation they are able to support themselves. These are denominated shrubby plants, they make more or less woody growth, and will do well under ordinary treatment. All of the plants particularlized are well adapted for the front garden, and should they be neglected for some little time they will not perish for want of attention ; although they cannot be expected to flower or flourish as well as when properly treated. But there is another class of plants which are equally as well entitled to our admiration and care, and without which the flower garden looks bare and unfinished, these are the herba- ceous plants, or border flowers. Who would be without the Pink, the Pansy, the Verbena, the Petunia, the Violet, the Primrose, the Wallflower, many of the bulbous rooted plants, and some of our most exquisite annuals ? But it must be admitted that this class of plants re- quire more care than the former, their roots are not as strong nor do they penetrate the soil as deeply, their nourishment is derived from the surface soil and surface moisture, and as these resources are quickly exhausted, a fresh supply of manure must be added and incorpor- ated with the soil every year, and in Califor- nia frequent watering (at least every other day) is indispensable, particularly where the soil is light and sandy; frequent stirring of the sur- fa^ce of the soil around these plants is also very beneficial. We say therefore that unless the owner of a flower garden is inclined to bestow a little additional labor on the cultivation of these herbaceous plants, it will be better to do entirely without them. After having decided how much time and care can be devoted to the flower garden, and having made the selections accordingly, it is advisable to consult the gardener on the ar- 140 THE CALIFORNIA HORTICULTURIST. rangement of walks aud flower-beds, also on the proper disposition of shrubs. A pro^^er place for the Evergreens, is in the centre of larger beds, a small irregular belt of evergreen and flowering shrubs may also be planted near the front fence. Roses, Geraniums, Fuchsias, and other flowering shrubs should be planted in the borders, at least eighteen inches to two feet from the walks, and from five to six feet apart. If herbaceous plants are desired, they should be planted between these, and those of low and dwarfy growth should be set out near the walks. Petunias, Pansys, Verbenas, bulbs, &c., may be planted in groups, or in beds by themselves, or they may be scattered throughout the borders. Where there is a great deal of room, the planting in groups or beds is preferable. In planting, all deciduous shi-ubs, particularly roses, should be cut back extensively. When plants are taken from pots and the roots are found to cover the ball of earth, it is advisable to loosen the outer roots before planting, it is also beneficial to well incorporate a shovel-full of old rotten manure, with the soil where the new plant is to be set out ; and we think that in all cases a plant may be set one inch deeper into the soil than its former position. We consider it an important rule in the gen- eral aiTangement of shrubs around a garden, that the taller growing varieties, should occupy the outskirts, while the smaller kinds, should be placed nearer to the house; in regard to the disposition of plants in beds, the taller varieties should be placed near the centre, and the dwarfish growing kinds, nearer to the edge. If it IS desired to have a grass-plot in a gar- den of this grade, it should be rather free from flowering shrubs and plants ; no plant will thrive well if surrounded by the sod, and if this difficulty is to be overcome by digging up the soil around the plants, the grass-plot will lose a great deal of its effect, it will be much better to cut out a bed of an ajipropriate form, and cultivate it entirely with flowers, so as to have it surrounded by the grass, this has a good ef- fect which will be increased by filling the bed with one certain class of plants only. The best grass-plot is formed by sowing a mixture of two parts of Kentucky blue grass {Poapratensis), sometimes also called the June grass, and one part of red-top grass, (Ap-ostis vidgaris), mixed with a small quantity of white clover. The clover is valuable in quickly pro- ducing a close sod. After sowing, the ground .should be well and evenly rolled or pressed down ; we must here call the attention of gardeners, particularly to the necessity for sowing thickly, in order to produce a good sod. The many disappointments endured by those seeking a grass-plot, are attributable to too much economy'in the quantity of seed used. PUBLIC IMPROVEMENTS. After the article " Public Parks," which ap- peared in our last number had been handed to the printer, our Park Commissioners submit- ted a report of their proceedings and a state- ment of their receipts and expenditures to our honorable Board of Supervisors, which report was also piiblished in full in our last number. This statement shows a larger cash balance on hand than we anticipated, over $9,000 is still unexpended. We have met with many per- sons who complain that this amount is not im- mediately expended, but we see no reason why any one should find fault with the Commission in this respect. We believe the Commission- ers are justified in their action. There are but three things that could be undertaken by them at present with the amount of money on hand. One is to advertise for plans, taking as a ba- sis the topographical survey lately furnished, and to invite competition by offering premi- ums for the best. This we believe the Com- missioners propose to do as soon as possible, and we consider this an important step. Another is the covering the sand hills with some kind of vegetation, so as to prevent the continual shifting of the sand ; we think that some experiments in this direction would be very desirable, and would not require much money. The sand hills over which the strong winds from the ocean now sweep so mercilessly, THE CALIFORNIA HORTICULTURIST. 141 continually changing their topographical con- figuration, must sooner or later be 'covered with some vegetation, and the sooner these ex- periments are made, so as to arrive at some conclusion as to how it can be done best and cheapest, the better it will be both for the park and for the whole community. If the first or second experiment should prove successful, we know that many of our capitalists and land- owners will avail themselves of the exper- ience, and in a few years we may succeed in covering these almost unapproachable sand regions, sufficiently to make them available for further improvements. We are inclined to be- lieve, that had SI, 000 been expended by the Commissioners in experimenting in this direc- tion, they would have had by this time some very satisfactory data on which to work. No time should now be lost in inaugurating such a series of experiments and doubtless some important results, and an immense amount of good will follow, which but few of us can at present foresee. A third step towards active work will be the providing of a stock ol trees for planting. This, the Commissioners expect to do by rais. ing them on the ground as far as practicable. We understand that some pax-ties offered to transfer their whole nursery stock, glass and all, to the Park grounds at a reasonable fio-ure. If we are correctly informed, the offer was reasonable. The Commissioners did not ac- cept it, we believe, for some good reasons. We must take into consideration that after paying for the plans which must be had, prob- ably not more than $6,000 will be left, and un- less some one is ready to purchase more bonds, which we can hardly expect, no more money can be obtained by the Commissioners until the next Legislature meets, who may feel dis- posed to facilitate the selling of the Park bonds, or may open some other resources for the increase of the funds of the Park Commis- sioners. It would be an easy matter to pur- chase eight or nine thousand dollars worth of stock and thus expend all the money on hand, but we must bear in mind that after the trees and shrubs have been acquired, they must also be taken care of We think that the course pursued by the Commissioners is correct so far, excepting that no effort has been made to arrest the sand-drifting alluded to above, and, providing that the raising of trees on the ground is carried on by a competent person. The Commissioners should bear in mind that nothing should be cultivated there at present excepting such as it is known will answer the purpose. All other work for improving the Park grounds must be snbject to the grades, levels and conditions of the plan adopted and therefore the Commissioners should confine themselves to the three points defined above. In obtaining a proper plan for the Park, we apprehend some difficulties will occur. The draughtsman who projects a plan or design is almost entirely controlled by the amount of money proposed to be expended in its execu- tion. The man for instance who furnishes a design, upon the completion of which one mil- lion of dollars must be expended, will be very likely to produce a far superior, or at least more attractive plan, than one who bases his design on a suggested expenditure of $300, 000. In order to do justice to all parties who may compete, the amount of money proposed to be expended should be stated approximately at least. Furthermore, parties from the East may come into competition, and may produce plans which might answer every purpose there, but may mislead those who are to judge upon the merits of all plans presented in regard to their adaptibility to our peculiar climate and local circumstances. It seems to us, that it will take some experts, men of local and climatic experience, to decide upon a plan best adapted to our special wants. We have something yet to say respecting the Presidio Reservation, which has been prom- inent lately in connection with Parks. But we must postpone our remarks for want of space. A MAN on King's River, Fresno County, has raised two crops on one piece of land last season — the first being a fine yield of barley, after which the land was ploughed and corn planted, which has produced one of the finest crops on the river. — CaM. 142 THE CALIFORNIA HORTICULTURIST. AGRICULTURAL AND HORTICULTURAL WORK FOR MARCH AND APRIL. Oar publication day being on the loth of each month, one-half of the time for the Avork requisite during that month has passed before our readers are in possession of the magazine, we therefore propose, to keep them posted a "week or two in advance, regarding the work necessary to be done during the coming month, oiir remarks therefore in this chapter are appli- cable to the latter half of March, and the month of April. The planting of Evergreens and deciduous ornamental trees, as well as fruit trees, should have received special attention during the past two months, yet a great many people have neglected to do so, and consequently as many if not more trees will be planted during the next sixty days, as have been set out since the 1st of January. But very few persons appre- ciate the necessity for early planting, although the advantages of so doing have been so often demonstrated. Trees which are planted after this month, (Mai'ch) should be set out with es- pecial care, the ground should be deeply ploughed, and the holes should be deeper and wider than when planted earlier. After planting, the ground around the trees should be mulched with fresh manure, hay or straw. In the kitchen garden all those varieties of vegetable seeds which have been delayed on account of the cold weather, may now be planted. Beans may now be set about two inches deep, and at the rate of six or seven in a hill, which latter should be from two to three feet apart. For bush beans, good varieties, are the early Valentine as a strong bean, and the butter bean as a stringless one. Early China and white marrowiat are good for slielling. For running beans which require to be supported by poles or biush, the best is the large Lima. Cucumbers may be planted in the early part of April in hills about six feet apart, Avhich should have two to three shovelfuls of old rot- ten manure well incorporated; from eight to ten seeds should be set in each hill, and then should be covered about i an inch deep. When the plants are well up they should be thinned out to three or four of the strongest; good varie- ties are the Long green, and the Early frame. Cucumbers for pickling, should be planted later. Mush Melons, Water Melons and Squashes, may also be planted. Cabbage and Cauliflower plants should now be transplanted from the seed beds, and should be set out about two feet apart in the row. Tomatoes and Peppers may be transplanted to the open air during April. Okra is a southern vegetable which may be raised vrith success in California, the young plants should be raised in frames, and trans- planted in April about two feet apart. The Egg plant is a tender vegetable, and should be treated in the same manner as the Tomato, but it r.. quires more care in trans- planting, as if once set back or chilled it hardly ever recovers, it is well therefore to cover it up after transplanting. The flower garden now begins to present a more cheerful appearance, and the young growth is everywhere pushing forth rapidly. All kinds of tender bulbs may now be planted, such as Dahlias, Tuber-roses, Amaryllis, &c., tfcc, also the more tender flower seeds, the Asters, Balsams, Phloxes, Immortelles, &c. Hyacinths and !N"arcissus are now in full bloom, and here and there we see a display of fine collections. These bulbs should be more popular. Tulips are also developing their first flowers, but hitherto we have not noticed any good specimens here, except some grown by Mr. Seitz on Ellis St., Avho, however, keeps them under glass, we repeat that the later var- ieties will present a fiir better appearance. Primulas, Pansies, Wall-flowers, Snow-drops, Crocus, Daftbdils, are now some of the chief ornaments of the flower garden, and will con- tinue to be so for a month longer; these in con- nection with the continuous blooming of Ger- aniums, Roses, Fuchsias, Heliotropes, Pinks, Verbenas, Laurustinus, Polygalla, Japanese Quince, Mesembryanthemum, and others, give to our California gardens a lively appearance at this time of the year. THE CALIFORXIA HORTICULTURIST. 143 All herbaceous plants should now have a frequent hoeing of the ground around them ; in clayey and shaded places snails may be troublesome, but a strong application of lime will drive them away or kill them. Young plants of Pansies which have devel- oped three or four strong leaves, may now be transplanted, and if a shovelful of old rotten manure is incorporated with the soil where you intend to set out the young plants, they will be much benefited. We will now direct the attention of our readers to a very erroneous practice, that of planting seeds too deeply, particularly of an- nuals, these should never be covered more than i of an inch deep in the soil. Another bad practice is to sow flower seeds broadcast over the garden, when the difl:erent kinds should be set in patches by themselves that they may be better taken care of while yountr, and also to be more efl:ective while in flower. Parlor and green-house plants should re- ceive extensive airing and a little more fre- quent watering as they advance in growth. If fresh cow manure dissolved in water can be moderately applied once a week, it will prove very beneficial. Swedish Coffee.— A correspondent of the Indepen, dent, traveling in Sweden, was immenselv delighted with the coffee served on the steamboats and in the hotels. "At Upsala,"he writes, "we determined to tind out how thev made such perfect coffee as we had just drank, and stepped into the neat kitchen of the little hotel ; and this was the report : Take any kind of coffee pot or urn, and suspend a bag made of felt or very heavy flannel, so long that it reaches the bottom, bound on a wire just fitting the top ; put in the fresh ground pure coffee, and pour on freshly boiled water. The fluid filters through the bag, and may be used at once ; needs no settling, and retains all its aroma. The advantage of this over the ordinary filter is its economy, as the coffee stauds and soaks out its strength instead of merely letting the water pass through it. ' Do you boil it V" inquired the learner. ' Xa-a-a-ay,' said the maid, in simple astonishment that any one should be so wasteful as to send the precious aroma away in steam ; should rob that prince of food of that evanescent something which constitutes his nobility, and reduce him to mere aliment. As soon would one think of throwing away that drop of sunshine, char^^ed with all the summers gold which lies at the'throat of a bottle of Johannisberger." A SUGGESTION. We noticed a few days since in a wool cir- cular a suggestion which we considered valua- ble to our farming friends, and we reprint it believing that if adopted the results will be beneficial. " We consider it ad-s-isable to appeal to the good sense of our farmers to add a few head of sheep to their general farming stock, as is done in Canada. These sheep will be a benefit to their farm in eating the grass which other stock do not consume, and giving the best manure in return. These small herds can be better cared for than large ones, they are more easily kept clean and their wool will al- ways fetch a higher price than others."' We know that it is usual in England to have a flock of sheep on most farms, in fact it is considered one of the main sources of profit; in many instances they are bred on the farm, in others they are purchased in a lean con- dition; in the latter case the farmer procures them after he has gathered the bulk of his root crops; the sheep are folded by means of hurdles over the fields on which these crops have been grown, the hurdles are shifted so as to pass the flock regularly over every part of the field, and by the time the farmer has thus got rid of the refuse of his root crops, and any other fodder he dees not wish to harvest, his fields have been well and evenly manured (sheep droppings and urine are considered very fertilizing) and his sheep are in prune con- dition for the market; if his root crops do not find a ready sale he retains his flock and thus utilizes both and watches the market. Frequently in the spring of the year when a grain crop looks thin and weakly, a flock of sheep is turned on to it, and they by crop- ping it down, setting the soil to the roots with their small feet, and manuring it. will restore it to vigor and the produce is almost always abundant. Sometimes when a farmer has not a flock of sheep of his own, he will borrow one from a neighbor for this purijose. Sheep kept on a farm become very tame, and are very prolific, the ewes usually drop- ping twins, in some few instances triplets. 144 THE CALIFORNIA HORTICULTURIST. Their fleece is much heavier than when kept in a half wild condition in large flocks, and their carcasses are also of a greater weight and much fatter; and it is a great convenience to the farmer to he able to occasionally change his diet from pork and bacon when he would not kill an ox. This is especially the case in Australia, where small flocks are becoming utilized in this mamier as the farming interest increases. There are some few hints also in the same circular (of Messrs. McLennan, Whelan and Grisar,) which we highly approve, relating to the breed of sheep to be thus utilized, these we also add hoping our friends will avail them- selves of the suggestion. " Most of the flocks at present iu this couu- trv would doubtless be much improved by the infusion of a little blood of long-wooled sheep. The introduction of the Cotswold and Lei- cester breeds of sheep into this State has proved a success in most instances. L^n- doubtedly, the length of staple and adapta- bility of the fleece thus raised has rendered California wool desirable for many purposes for which they heretofore were not suitable. With the increasing demand for long wool, too-ether with the well established fact that other countries can grow short tine wools cheaper than California, it would certainly seem to be the most profitable course for sheep farmers here to produce long, sound wool.'' Ll^roLEUii.— A substance is now manufacturing from flax-seed called linoleum. It is said that it will supersede India rubber— which it very much resem- bles, and of which it possesses most of the properties— in tbe various manufactures in which it is used. Like India rubber, it can be dissolved into a cement and used in the manufacture of clothing. It can be used for the coating of iron or wood, or for coating ships' bottoms. It is as good as common cement, having properties similar to the marine glue made from India rubber and sbellac. It is readily vulcanized by expos- ure to heat, and by this means becomes as hard as the hardest wood, and capable of fine polish. The varie- ty of uses to which it can be applied in this form will at once suggest themselves to the reader. Hith- erto it has been made solely to produce floor cloth, for which it is well adapted. SHERMAN ISLAND. Editors Horticulturist. — My theme this time is " Quality versus Quantity." It is well known that this State as compared with the others in the L'nion, stands unsurpassed in her climates, soils and productions, yet how little is really known of her actual capabilities. My object in taking up this subject is to instill into the minds of our agricultural and horticultural people the necessity of growing nothing but the best of everything in all their various departments; let us instance vegeta- bles. As a general rule, our market is not as well supplied with choice vegetables as the Eastern cities are ; to remedy this defect our gardeners must make a diflerent selection of seeds and varieties ; diflerent from those with which they are now furnishing the table. In times past. Quantity was all that was thought of, the larger the vegetable the easier to serve up, but a diflerent class of people have arisen among us, a diflerent element, and their taste is diflerent. Now, Quality is indispensable, size is a matter of indiflerence ; all that is re- quired is good vegetables. We will instance the*cabbage, cauliflower, tomato, celery and the potato. For the past two or three years, gardeners and seedsmen have been earnestly endeavoring to obtain new and valuable varie- ties of these and other vegetables ; thus Quali- ty is beginning to find its way into our mar- kets, and the table will now be graced with choice vegetables, which will impart to the taste a luxury heretofore unknown. In my experience in growing seeds for the market during a number of years, this has been fully illustrated ; what was called good ten years since, is now cast aside as worth- less, good vegetables at a dmner are like good wine, they give life and tone to the feast. It is the same with fruit. There are a (Treat many varieties of all kinds of fruit that could well be dispensed with, 10 varieties of choice apples are all that are needed in our market, and if these are a standard selection, then, as in the East no others will be sought after, and their value will be established. THE CALIFORNIA HORTICULTURIST, 145 What is richer to the taste, or more agree- ableto the palate than a delicious pear, say the Bartlett, the Seckel, and three or four other varieties in their season. These would suf- fice us instead of a list of twenty or more sorts as is now the case. Good fruit* of all kinds is like unto gold well refined, it always brings its true value. The Peach, the Cherry, and the luscious Grape when raised for the table, of choice se- lect varieties, are like a choice liower garden, indispensable to a well regulated home or farm: good qualities of everj-thing are far better than bad qualities of any kind. D. L. Perkins. LILIES AND THEIR KIND. A small garden should be filled with floral gems, but it should also be a multum in parvo, a collection of specimens of varied beauty, rep- resentatives of all the great families, both of flowering and flowerless plants, wliich are culti- vable in the open ground. In their selection, novelty has much to do, fashion more, and in- dividual taste and researches something. I would here like to suggest the adoption, with floAvers, of the system now pursued by ladies and their advisers with regard to dress, namely, a revival of the old in combination with the new: Louis XY. skirts and draperies, dyed with hues supplied by recent chemical discover- ies, produce eftects Avhich most men pronounce to be charming. We thus convert Watteau's pictures into tableaux vivans with the improve- ment of new colors, fabrics, and faces. Our parterres admit of a similar kind of renovation. Amongst old-fashioned flowers, let me speak up for the Lilies ; the newly-arrived strangers of that noble family will speak up for them- selves. No small garden should be without a collection of Lilies, even if restricted to one single bulb of each leading species or variety, as an economical beginning ; for they obey the law of increase and multiplication. Two lanci- folium rubrums, bought in pots last summer, are now nine, great and small. Lilies do not require, like the Gladioli, to be taken up and stored away from frost every autumn. Indeed they seem to prefer to be left quiet in their sites for two, three, and four years at a time, at the end of which period they require to be ' lifted and separated to prevent ovei'crowding by their own progeny of offsets. Although they do not like to be kept very long out of the ground, and will not bear tossing about like Tulips and Hyacinths, their period of rest is quite sufficient for the purpose of sale or inter- change. While growing they require only or- dinary care, and are not attacked by many enemies. He must be a slovenly gardener who would let them be ravaged by slugs and snails. Less obvious at first, and less suspected in their origin, are the injuries committed by a pretty small scarlet beetle, found crawling amongst Lily leaves, mostly in pairs, in April and May. These spoilers, conspicuous to the eye, are easily caught, and should be destroyed relentlessly, for their eggs give birth to an ill- favored larva, Avhich simply looks like a lump of dirt, being hidden beneath its own excre- ment. Knowing what they are, nothing is easier than to get rid of them as fast as they appear. Both the filthy grubs, and the smart perfect insects disfigure the plants by gnawing their stems and leaves. Another recommendation is, that a parteiTe of Lilies is quite within the reach of a moder- ate purse. The only species which can be called at all expensive (I quote Louis Van Houtte's Catalogue of Bulbs, &c., No. 128— F., 1869; the prices charged by other nursery- men will not be widely difierent) are gigan- teum, I65, ; auartum, from 4s. to 8s. ; and Browuii, from 3s. ^d. to 5s. But the first of these may be provisionally omitted, because its hardiness has not been ascertained, except in certain favored localities, while the great beauty of the remaining two makes them well worth the money they cost, especially re- membering that they are hardy perennials gaining strength and blooming more profusely with age, not to mention the probability of their giving offsets and seeds. The merits of auratum are already well known. Yon Houtte's description of Brownii is, " Magnificent hardy species, with noble foliage; flowers three 146 THE CALIFORNIA HORTICULTURIST. times as large as the White Lily, interior creamy white, exterior rusty purple. The stamens are of a rich chocolate, a distinctive characteristic with this species." But com- pare these reasonable figures with the prices asked for Orchids, and for almost every new introduction, as well as for almost every newly- raised variety of flower. Other beautiful Lilies are so cheap, that^it is not worth while depriving oneself of them. Lancifolium speciosum album is 5s. the dozen ; lancifolium rubrum (still handsomer), 4s, the dozen; longiflorum (white, large, and long, tube-shaped flowers, with petals slightly turned back, and yellow stamens), 2s. per dozen; Thunbergianum aureum nigro-maculatum (of a beautiful nankeen spotted with black), 6s. Qd. per dozen; while that good old favorite, tigri- num, the Tiger Lily, now pushed out of most gardens by upstart intruders, is to be had for Is. Sd. the dozen. Van Houtte does it the justice to call it " a well-known but ever beau- tiful variety, attaining four feet in height, red- dish orange flowers spotted with black, petals much re-curved ;" but he patronizes a new varie- ty (85. to 16s.), tigrinum splendens, "taller in habit, with flowers ma]-ked with larger spots, and altogether finer than the old sort." It is certainly a striking improvement, but does not, I think, whip its parent into nowhere. For half-a-crown a dozen you have Lilium umbella- tum, in mixture, superb varieties, with very large cup-shaped flowers of divers shades, dazzling red, etc., suitable for the formation of masses on lawns, which are exceedingly eftect- ive when seen from a distance. These varie- ties, amongst the hardiest known, attain a height of from two-and-a-half to three feet. The White Lily (a stately plant, if ever there was one, and which would be puff'ed up to the clouds if it was new or rare), is li. 8^?. per dozen; the doubled-flowered White Lily, Gd. a-piece. So much for inexpensiveness. To give an idea of their variety would require the enumer- ation of their qualities item by item ; I cannot, liowever, help noting pyrenaicum, lemon-yel- low, with scarlet anthers, besides others with petals of a similar hue ; grandiflorum, magnificent deep blood-red, star-shaped flow- ers ; and the well known (to our grandmothers) scarlet Turk's-cap. Many Lilies do well in any ordinary garden ground; they. all thrive in light soils with a liberal admixture of leaf-mould. This, being especially suited to the Japan Lilies, may be advantageously employed for all. It ensures good drainage, is less penetrable by frost than soils that retain moisture, and also admits of deep planting — another preservative against frost. Some gardeners take up their Japans every year, at the beginning of October, re- planting them immediately after having re- moved the offsets and the old roots. Lilies grown in pots make showy ornaments, and will even rise to the dignity of specimen plants ; but their most appropriate place is the open ground, whether border or bed ; because many of them emit a perfume which, though sweet, is so powerful as to be unbearable in a closed apartment by any but the hardest heads and the robustest nerves. Outdoors they brightly fill up the considerable gap between the blaze of spring flowers, and the glowing hues of au- tumn. I Avould not have my own Lily bed consist entirely of these plants alone, but would help it out with a succession of bloom obtained from near relations, and even from utter strang- ers. True, there is the pleasure of expectation as well as of actual enjoyment ; but there is no reason why we should not, while watching the growth of tlie lilies, be gratified by something more than hope. A Lily parterre may stand alone, or there may be two planted exactly alike; or corresjjondent pendents, with a re- versed arrangement, in great number, may an- swer to each other. Suppose there is but one, whether regular or irregular in shape, I would have its outer edge bordered, according to the size of the garden, either with Box or with Irish Ivy; inside of which I would plant a fringe, either of Snowdrops or Crocuses — yellow, pur- ple, or white. Within those, a ribbon of sin- gle Anemones (mixed), eighteen inches or two feet broad. Sown (for economy) in May, they THE CALIFORNIA HORTICULTURIST. 147 would begin flowering in the following Octo- ber, and afterwards bloom at the regular sea- son. The whole of the interior should then be assigned to liliaceous bulbs, planting a few Crown Imperials (in two varieties, orange and yellow) at symmetrical stations, and making the outer rank to consist either of Dog's-tooth Violets or Fritillarias, or both. The centre is the place for the tallest Lilies (giganteum sends up a famous shaft), advancing the places of difterent sorts towards the outside, in pro- portion to their diminished stature; and when the Lilies are over, the bed need not be bloom- less, so long as there are Colchicums and au- tumnal Crocuses to be had. — The Gardeners' Chronicle and Agricidtwal Gazette, London. THE SUGAR BEET IN ENGLAND. As beet sugar and its manufacture is at present commanding considerable attention in this State, we have thought it not inappropri- ate to make the following extract from the monthly report of the agricultural department at Washington, and thus show what is being done in the same line in England. " Mr. Caird, in an account of the progress of the English beet-root sugar manufacture states that the sugar made by Mr. Duncan, at Lavenham, in Suffolk, from beets grown by the larmers of that neighborhood, has brought /the highest price in the market for sugar in crystals. Mr. Duncan is now converting into sugar about 400 totis of roots per week. This is the third year of the Lavenham factory and of the growth and manufacture of English beet-root sugar on a scale equal in extent to that of continental sugar factories. The analy- sis of the roots in the first two years showed the quality to be satisfactory, but chemical and mechanical means for extracting the sugar proved defective. There have been many other difficulties inseperable from a new under- taking, inexperienced hands not being the least, -but perseverance and the exercise of great intelligence have triumphed, and the successful introduction of a new and profitable agricultural industry into England has been accomplished. Mr. Duncan has satisfied him- self that the growth and manufacture of beet- root sugar can be carried on in Suffolk with quite as much success as in the north of France. " The total value of the syrup produced last year is £960. The expenditures, including cost of roots, government duty, and working ex- penses, do not exceed £660. So that there is a handsome balance for interest on-capital and for profit, besides the. value of the i-efuse pulp sold for cattle feed, and thus returned to the land. The roots are richer in sugar this year than usual, but, on the other hand, sugar is very cheap. The conversion of the roots into sugar has more than doubled their value, though purchased at a price more remunerative to the farmer than any other article he pro- duces. The land is not impoverished, as nearly all the feeding properties of the beet are re- turned to it by being fed to cattle. The whole available surplus labor of an agricultural par- ish receives indoor employment in the sugar factory during three or four months of the slackest season, and at good wages. Capital is profitably employed, and trade of all kinds is benefited, while the general supply of sugar is augmented. "Mr. Campbell, of Buscot Park, Berkshire, is conducting a similar experiment on a large scale, so far as the growth of the beet is con- cerned, but with the intention of being able to convert the root either into sugar or spirit, as may at the time be most profitable. The weight and quality of the sugar beet grown on his estate this season cannot be surpassed. Thus, in Berkshire as in Suflblk, the soil and climate have proved equally suitable. There is no appreciable difi'erence in the climate of the counties adjoining, and it is assumed that on all soils on which mangolds are now advan- tageously grown in the counties from the Wash to the English Channel, the sugar beet may be gradually introduced. " While Mr. Caird feels great confidence in the future profitable extension of this industry, he offers a word of warning. It did not pay Mr. Duncan the first or the second year. But the business is quite new in the country, and 148 THE CALIFORNIA HORTICULTURIST. men are not yet educated to it. Enough has been done, however, to show that success may be anticipated by those who can bring to it a like command of capital, skill, and perseverance." FUNGI AND ITS STRUCTURE. BY JOSIAH HOOPES. From an Essay Read Before the Penna. Fruit Oroic- ers' Society. Gentlemen, we will now pass to another source of disease in our fruit trees, and one which is making tei-rible depredations in most sections of our country, — it is no less than that of Fu7igi, the lowest forms of vegetation. The minute parasitic species are so insidu- ous in their approach, so infinitessimal in size, and increase with such fearful rapidity, that they prove no mean enemy indeed to contend against. And now some remarks on their general structure and mode of propagation. Of the larger species, including Puff-halls of various kinds, JfzwAroowzs both edible and poison- ous; the delicious Triiffle (Tuber cinbarium) and the highly nutritious Jfore/ (Morchelia escu- lenta), I shall have nothing to say, although exceedingly interesting in their structure and classification. I merely propose to inquire into the microscopic members of the family, — those parasites which cause the pomologist so much vexation and loss in various ways. Our notification of their existence, is mainly visible in the form oi Mould, rust,mildeiv, smut, etc., and wherever these are detected, disease will sure- ly follow. The reproductive fragments of fungoid plants, known as spores, are not un- like the seeds of flowering plants, inasmuch as they germinate and produce a new generation after their kind. They are unlike, because the spores contain no embryo as in the higher orders. As the manner of reproduction in these cryptogramic plants is not altogether fully known, my remarks on this subject will have to be somewhat speculative, although founded on scientific facts. It is often ques- tioned among horticulturists, how tlie spores of one season can contaminate or find their way to the young plant of a succeeding season's growth. The prevailing theory is as follows : When we closely examine the spores, we find they are not unfrequently larger than the stomates or breathing pores in the cuticle of the leaf, which it is destined to destroy; thus admittance in this direction is rendered impossible. The next plausible suggestion is, can they not penetrate into the roots ? But here another barrier is interposed, the spores being as large as the root cells. We now call to our aid a mycological fact, which will assist us in our inquiries: Spores undergo a primary change before forming yoimg plants, as after falling to the ground, and coming in contact with moisture, they throw out slender hair-like fibres, which enter the apertures in the roots, and thus work their way into the tree itself. Or, as is sometimes the case, changed into a fluid state, become absorbed, and thus enter into the vessels of the plants. Some species are reproduced in the same manner on the ex- ternal portions of trees. It has also been surmised on reliable grounds, that seeds of plants not unfrequently become inoculated with tlie poisonous virus, and during germination and growth, carry wnth them the destroying power, which, not until maturity shows its baneful presence. The first process of development of fungi, is from the spore orseed-likefragment, to the?»ycWm»«; the latter corresponding to the roots of plants. This is in the form, either of fine silky threads, or, more or less closely compacted cells. Says Berkeley, the eminent English Mycologist, " there can be neither a perfectly free myce- lium, nor free organs of reproduction, except in aquatic ferial species, which are of very rare occurrence; even if floating, there will be something in the shape of roots, and the spores will always spring directly from the threads at the expense of the end ochrome." By some naturalists, Fungi have been consid- ered capable of spontaneous generation; but I firmly believe this view to be diametrically opposed to those beautiful and unchanging laws that Nature has so plainly shown in all the higher orders of creation, and which are, at the same time, so essential to vitality. THE CALIFORXIA HORTICULTURIST. 149 "That Fungi,"' according to Berkeley, "should spring up everywhere under fitting conditions, is readily explained by the enor- mous quantity of fruit which they produce." " Multitudes of spores find at once a proper nidus, and throw out their mycelium, which in some cases, may exist for years without produc- ing fruit, and in other instances, are essentially perennial, yielding an annual crop for almost an m definite period." " Other spores are waft- ed about in the air, where they may remain for a greater or less period, till, obeying the natural laws of gravity, they descend in some distant region." It is said the Trade winds carry spores of Fungi thousands of miles be- fore they are deposited. The reproduciion and dissemination of most fungoid plants, depends very materially upon the condition of the atmosphere ; hence we find that many of the diseases caused by their presence, have been attributed to atmospheric changes. The terrible Potato disease is the re- sult of a very destructive mould, which, dur- ing warm and moist weather, luxuriates in a vronderfully rapid manner; but, on the con- trary, soon perishes, should a drought set in. It has been proven that this di.sease is caused by a mould, but it is not necessary for me to enter into its history at this time. Some species of Fungi, however, grow as readily during a dry season, as it it were rainy, but as a rule, they are far more numerous in wet weather. " A moist autumn, after a genial summer, is most conducive to their growth, but cold wet summers seldom are produc- tive." Again, quoting from Berkeley, "The localities they affect, are as various as their forms." Wherever there is moisture combined with a proper degree of temperature, together with organic matter. Fungi are capable of existence. The spores of tbe PenicUUum, which_ infested the bread some years ago in Paris, to such an alarming extent, were capable of sustaining a heat equal to that of boiling water, without losing their power of germination, and it is certain that they can bear many degrees of frost without injury. Some species at least are to be found in a growing state, wherever the soil is actually free from frost, and many seem to flourish most vigorously at a low temperature. Sweden with its various soil, large mixed forests, and warm summer tem- perature, seems to produce more species than any part of the known world ; and next per- haps in order is the United States, as far as South Carolina, where they absolutely swarm." As a general rule, they decrease in numbers as we approach the colder regions, and increase toward the temperate. In Torrid climates they are prevalent, but much less frequent than further north. Several species of fungoid plants present two distinct and dissimilar states, before arriving at maturity, and what were formerly considered difi;ereut plants, are at present known to be one and the same. This is termed dimorphism. An excellent illus- tration of this change, is presented in the Fun- gus familiarly known as the Bdrberry Mil- dew, and at the same time affords a useful hint to the practical observer. English farm- ers for many years have contended that this disease was contagious, and liable to be intro- duced into their wheat fields from the Bar- berry, when growing in near proximity. The Cryptogramic botanists endeavored to prove, that the mildews affecting each, were two en- tirely distinct plants, nowise related, and therefore the contagion was simply impossible, and the farmers were voted by unanimous consent, ignorant and superstitious. Unfor- tunately for the assertions of the scientific gentlemen, what were formerly considered two distinct plants, are now hioicn to be only forms of one and the same species, and able to disseminate the disease from Barberry to Wheat. This same character is often illus- trated on the leaf of the Rose : the under side being covered with a complete net work of mildew, whilst above are seen numerous spheri- cal yellow bodies, producing spores. Both states belong to the same plant. The mildew- is merely a primary condition, which after- ward developes into beaded bodies bearing spores. Fungi, when in the form of mildew or mould, although but in the earlier stages of growth, produce disease and death by appro- priating the juices of the plant upon which 150 THE CALIFORNIA HORTICULTURIST. they are found, as in the case of all parasites. They also impede a free circulation, by destroy- ing the respiratory organs in the epidermis, known as the stomata. In regard to the very small size of the seed-like bodies produced by Fungi, an English Mycologist has recorded, that " a single spoi'e of the Polyporoiis cfesius, measures one 10,000th of an inch in extreme length, and in width, one 20,000th of an inch, thus taking the inconceivable number of 200,- 000,000 of spores to cover one inch superfi- cial." M. C. Cook, in his interesting little work on Fungi, says : " On the Goatsbeard, (Tragopogon pratensis) the leaves have the ap- pearance as if sprinkled with gold-dust, and each speck of dust is a little cup containing spores, or more i^r o'pQYly protosjjores. Each of these bodies is doubtless capable of reproducing its species, and if we compute 2000 cluster-cups as occurring on each leaf, and we have found half as many more on an ordin- ary sized leaf, and suppose each cup to con- tain 250,000 spores, which again is below the actval number, then we shall have not less than 500,000,000 of reproductive bodies, on one leaf of the Goatsbeard, to furnish a crop of parasites for the plants of the succeeding year. We must reckon by millions, and our figures and faculties fail in appreciathig the myriads of spores which compose the orange-dust pvo- duced upon one infected cluster of plants of Tragopogon." "Nor is this all, for our num- ber represents only the actual protospores which are contained within the peridea; each of these on germination, may produce not only one, but many vegetative spores, which are exceedingly minute, and individually may be regarded as embryos of a fresh crop of cluster-cups." Most of you are acquainted with the sooty patches on wheat. It has been computed that 8,000,000 spores of this fungus, would merely covei one square inch of sur- face. " For every ear of diseased wheat," says Cook, "• 10,000,000 spores have been distribu- ted for a future crop." A curious feature in Fungi is, that they exhale carbonic acid, and absorb oxygen, thus being diametrically op- posed to Fioweriuff or rhmioc/amous Plants ; and rendering them useless in keeping up the bal- ance between animal and vegetable life. To this cause is attributed the absence in tlieir cells, of chlorophyll, — the green coloring matter seen in the higher orders of vegetation. FUXGOID DISEASES. We will now pass to the consideration of the disease caused by the presence of Fungi ; but, in so doing, I will merely select such as have proven the most injurious. The Crape appears to ofiTer a fair field for these pests, for we find diflferent species luxuriating upon it, at every period of the vine's growth, and in various ways preying upon the fruit with re- morseless avidity. Commencing with the ter- rible Grape disease, that ravaged the vineyards of all Europe, and which was entirely unknown previous to the year 1845. We are informed- that it was at fir'^t attributed to numerous for- eio-n ao-encies, until the true cause was discov- ered by Berkeley. Finding it belonged to the old genus Oidium, he gave it the specific name of Tuckeri, in honor of the gentleman by whom it was first brought to notice. The presence of this Fungus is first detected by the appear- ance of the vine, which changes to a yellowish hue, soon a white stud-like substance is no- ticed, and the little parasite then emits a musty odor, and spreads Avith almost inconceivable rapidity. In the later stages, when the Fun- gus is about developing its fruit and discharg- ing its spores, dark-colored spots_take the place of the mildew, — the leaves curl up, and the grapes split open, or dry up in most instances. The very valuable paper on this subject by a French Vineyardist, — H. H. Mares — has lately been incorporated in Flagg's work on Euro- pean Vineyaids, which is well worth a careful perusal. In regard to the species of mildew atfecting our hardy grapes, I am afraid I can - not give you any very definite information, but I am decidedly of the opinion, that they are all quite distinct from the Oidium Tuckeri of Europe, although nearly related to it. Of the many varieties of grapes grown in the North- ern States, those of foreign parentage are the most susceptible of mildew and rot, so that by our glass structures we are enabled to produce THE CALIFORNIA HORTICULTURIST. 151 an atmosphere, uncongenial to the growth of these cryptogams. Dr. Engehiiann, of St. Louis, describes two forms of our Grape dis- ease under the names of "Brown rot," and " Black rot," both of which I have detected in this State. For a full description of these, I will refer you to the •' Trans, of the Acad, of Science, of St. Louis,'' vol. 2, p. 165, I860. Prof. Silliman also refers to the same, in the Horticulturist^ vol. 18, No. 10. During the past summer, my attention was called to a curious disease in the vinery belonging to our w^orthy Secretary at Germantown. I procured a few specimens of the fruit of a Black Ham- burg, and placing a portion of the diseased skin under a microscope, I soon found unmis- takable signs of Fungus, which, upon examin- ation, presented two very distinct forms. One, Avhich I presume to be notliing more than the Mycelium, w'as very like the usual grape mil- dew in general character. The other, and more dangerous form, was of a nature to create suspicion in the minds of every grape grower, for it answered in many particulars the greatly to be dreaded Oidiani of Europe. The small rust-like spots and patches, were not unlike the j!?'«/f-J«// family, on long stems, — those most advanced, splitting open, and discharging their myriads of dust-like spores. This last form I take to be the culmination of the disease, and Avas similar to many species of our Avorst parasites. -«j. As an article of food the tomato is not only nutri- tious, but it possesses many valuable medicinal quali- ties. It is one of the most powerful aperients of the liver and other organs, and can be substituted for cal- omel. It is also stated that, before long, experiments now being made will result in producing a chemical extract from the tomato that will ultimately supersede calomel in the cure of disease. Diarrhoea has been successfully treated with the tomato alone, and it is said to be an excellent remedy for dyspepsia and indi- gestion. Cooked or raw, the tomato as a daily food is one of the most wholesome articles in use. To Prevent Hens Eating Their Eggs.— Give plenty of lime, old plastering, oyster shells, powdered bones, etc.; supply a little animal food, such as bits of fresh meat from the table, or any fresh meat chopped fine ; besides, provide good large nests well filled with leaves or hay, and set in snug darkish corners, away from observation. Then your hens will not eat their eggs and will lay abundantly. TREATMENT OF SINGING BIRDS IN CAGES; I ahvays use unpainted cages for my birds, as I think them more healthy than painted ones ; birds are apt to pick the paint, Avhich often poisons them. I consider those cages, best Avhich are made of mahogany, Avith a draw in the bottom for convenience of cleaning, China or glass cups should be provided on each side to hold the seed and Avater, and there should also be a cup of water large enough to bathe in, but not to droAvn them. They can- not be healthy without plenty of clean Avater, Ijoth for bathing and drinking. The cage should be large enough to alloAV them to fly about and enjoy themselves. Canaries usually pair about the middle of March, A\'heu they should be placed together, each pair in a large breeding cage; if brought together before, they will fight and sometimes injure each other ; if they agree, they will soon begin to feed each otlier, they must then be su])plied Avith a box, two-and-a-half or three inclies square, or a basket made for that pur- pose which siiould be hung up in the cage for them to build their nest in ; they should also be supplied Avith material for building. I have found hemp rope, cut about one inch long and picked;to pieces, and the Avhite hair from a calf s toil to be the material they prefer. They will commence their nests several times, and pull them to pieces again ; but Avhen they begin really in earnest, they Avill work very fast. When the hen has laid one egg, she will be- gin to set, and lay an egg every day till she lias four ; in two weeks from the time the first egg was laid, it will hatch. During the time of setting, the birds must be attended to very carefully, giving them a variety of food, such as hard boiled eggs chopped very fine with bread, and bread and milk, as Avell as seed of several kinds. The milk sliould be scalded to prevent iheir becoming sick during incu- bation, Avhich frequently happens unless this precaution is taken. The white of eggs should never be given to the young. The cage should be examined by lamp-light Avhile there are young birds in it, to ascertain if there are mites about it, which arc .siiiali red 152 THE CALIFORNIA HORTICULTURIST. insects barely perceptible to the naked eye. Unless these mites can be kept out of the cage, it is useless to attempt to raise or keep birds. A single drop of sweet oil on the sole of each foot of the female, when she commences set- ting, will prevent the attacks of these insects. Once a month the birds should have a small pinch of saffron in their drinking water. Great attention must be paid to cleanliness ; the cage should be thoroughly cleaned once a week, and well dried before the birds are returned to it, except while the bird is setting, when it must not be disturbed ; the draw should be taken out every day, cleaned and sprinkled with fine white sand. If it is necessary to handle the birds,it should be done carefully, as they are very tender. Great care should be taken not to frighten them. I have known a valuable Canai-y bird so frightened, that he never sang again. Strangers should never go very near to the cage, and no one should look into the nest, while the bird is setting, as she may desert it. I have frequently allowed them to go out of their cages, always taking care to close all places, doors and windows, whence they could make their escape. They will fly around and alight on the heads and shoulders of those present, and sometimes, even on our liands ; and if there are plants in the room, they seem to take great delight in flitting around them. , When tired, they will return to their cages ; but it may be necessary to place a piece of apple or something tempting inside the door of the cage to attract them back ; but they will soon become so tame, if frequently permitted to fly around, that they will not need much coaxing to induce them to return. Ripe fruit in its season, sugar, chickweed and lettuce are excellent diet to keep them hi health; cuttle fish-bone and bread or crackers should always be in the cage for them to pick at, 'but they should not have rich cake ; if they have the dumps, they will set on the pei'ch with their leathers rough, not taking the trouble to dress their plumage; a drop of sweet oil put on the sole of each foot will cure them. A little scalded milk on some bread, will cure the diarrhea. When moulting, they they should have less seed, but be supplied with soaked bread, lettuce leaves, fruit, etc., to allay the natural fever. In winter they should be kept in a warm room, but not near the fire ; in summer the cage should be hung out of doors a part of the day, to give them air, but should always be shaded from the sun ; they should not be ex- posed to dew or rain. As I am averse to shutting up our native song- sters in narrow cages, thus depriving them of their liberty, I keep none but Canaries and Finches, who having been bred there and thoroughly domesticated, sufl'er no depri- vation. •«■> How Sand Drifts are Checked in France. — From the Loire to the Gironde, the shore, con- tinuing low and sandy, is indented by several bays, generally protected by islands, and pre- sents the two seaports of La Rochelle and Rochefort. From the mouth of the Gironde, to the foot of the Pyrenees, the coast is but an unbroken line of sandy downs, interspersed with marshes, the only opening to vessels be- ing the basin of Arcachou. Drifting sands have invaded large tracts of good soil, and within the last two centuries a number of scattered cabins, private residents, convents, and even whole villages, have been thus com- pletely buried. Of late years such ravages have been partially stopped by the planting of beach grass, boom and pine trees. A Marin County Duck Ranch. — Mr. Hugh McKennon has a duck ranch in Bolinas, Marin county, where he is now feeding about *2,500 of these birds. He has a very complete ar- rangement of buildings, pens, etc., for his flock. The ducks have constant access to a large pond of fresh water, and also to a part of Bolinas Bay. He sends during the egg season, an average of 1,050 eggs per day to this market down to 1250, as the season falls oft". The ducks consume an average of fifty-five tons of the best wheat, during the year, and he is con- stantly renewing his stock by selling the old, ones and raising young ones. THE CALIFORNIA HORTICULTURIST. 153 miWml iorttali0. In the last number of this journal, we pre- sented the subject of irrigation for the con- sideration of our readers, as one of importance to them and the State, It is our purpose in this article to draw their attention to a kin- dred topic, that of planting forest trees. Like irrigation, this subject is commanding considerable attention in other countries, and commends itself with especial force to Califor- nia. Forest trees are at all times things of beauty; lending grace and life to the valley, grandeur and majesty to the mountain top. Upon this account alone, if there were no other, we should plant trees. But when we come to look closer into the workings of the great laboratory of nature, we find them not only pleasing to the eye, but useful in many ways to the health of our people, and the fer- tility of our fields. lu California large portions of the country are destitute of trees of any kind, while in other parts, the woodman's axe has wrought dire destruction to our native timber. It is now time that our agriculturists, and all others interested in the future wellfare of our State, should turn their attention to this matter, and endeavor to remedy the evil already done, by encouraging a system of forest cultivation. The demand for timber both for fuel and building purposes, is steadily on the increase; and to supply this demand, we are encroach- ing upon the patrimony of those who are to come after us. Considerations then, not only for our pres?nt wants, but for the future wealth and prosperity of the country should impel us to this work. Forest trees do not diminish the fertility of the soil. This is proved by the great produc- tiveness of lands newly cleared, and Avould be still further demonstrated, if the vegetable substances of the forests were united with the soil in a proper manner. Trees also have an influence upon the health of a community, as they absorb a large amount of the carbonic acid gas, which is being constantly manufac- tured by the machinery of animal life. They also absorb malarious poisons, due to the decomposition of vegetable materials. But by far their greatest benefit (at least to Cali- fornia,) is their power of condensing the clouds and vapors, and thus increase our annual rain fall. Our Coast Range which at one time was clothed with the redwood, {Sequoia sempervirens) had a much larger rain fall than it at present receives. Since the trees were removed, the annual rain fall has been on the decline, until it is now only about one-half of what it was in former years. So it will be all over our State, if the same plan is persisted in. Hints like this, on the part of Nature, should be heeded, and a remedy, as far as is possible, be applied. Farmers (more particularly) should be taught to understand the great value of growing tim- ber, and the influence it has upon their occu- pation and labors. They would then see the necessity of protecting it as much as possible from further wanton destruction, and also in addition, the value to be derived from setting out young trees, both of the evergreen and de- ciduous varieties. State legislation shou.ld be invoked in behalf of this interest, so that by a united effort ujoon the part of State and peo- ple, the area of timber cultivation might, by all available means, be enlarged. The Bay District Horticultural Society of California have taken the first steps in this matter by submitting the following question, (among others) for discussion at an early date. "Which are the most suitable forest trees for California ? " We feel sure, that the dis- cussion will bring out many valuable sugges- tions, Avhich we hope to see disseminated over the State. We can leave no grander monuments for the veneration of future generations, than the o'er towering tops of mighty trees. John Saul's Catalogue. — We have rece'ived an excellently arranged catalogue from John Saul, nurseryman of Washington, D. C, which comprises a superior list of new, rare and beau- tiful plants. We call the attention of our readers to his advertisement in another column 154 THE CALIFORNIA HORTICULTURIST. BAY DISTRICT HORTICULTURAL SOCIETY OF CALIFORNIA. The sixth regular meeting of this society was held on Saturday, February 25th, at the rooms of the Academy of Sciences. The atten- dance was numerous. After the transaction of the regular busi- ness, and the receiving of the reports of offi- cers and committees, the following gentlemen were elected regular members. Gov. H. H. Haight ; Henry S. Fitch, of Oakland ; S. Simp- son Brown, of San Francisco ; Gustave Mahe, of San Francisco ; Seven Vincent, of Alameda; John Hampton, of San Mateo ; Ludwig Doeltz, of San Francisco; Wm. Robertson, of San Francisco; and John Rock,* of San Jose. Dr. C. C. Parry, and Hon. Horace Capron of Washington, were elected honorary mem- bers. The subject of the proposed incorporation of the society, having come up, by resolution it was made a special order for the next regu- lar meeting, when a majority of the regular members are expected to be present. Mr. E. L. Reimer, decorated the table with two beautiful specimens of variegated leaf Geranium, which were raised by him from seed, and which were the general admiration of the members present. At the request of Mr. Reimer they were named by the society, and received for their appellations, " Gem of California," and "Reimeriana" respectively. The importance of discussing subjects of general interest in relation to agriculture and horticulture at the meetings of the society having been duly canvassed, it was resolved that the society do now open and keep open a list of such subjects as may be proposed for discussion, and which shall be taken up by the society in consecutive order as they appear on the list. The following sulijects were then placed on file. 1. Which are the best varieties of roses, adapted to this climate for pot and open ground cultivation ? Proposed by F. A. Miller. 2. Which are the best house plants ? Pro- posed by Professor H. N. Bolander. 3. Which are the most suitable forest trees for California ? Proposed by Professor H. N. Bolander. 4. Which are the best evergreen shade trees for California ? Proposed by R. Turn- bull. 5. Which is the best remedy for the des- truction of the mealy bug ? Proposed by R. Turnbull- 6. What is the best means of destroying those insects which at the present time infest cabbages and other similar vegetables to such an alarming extent ? Proposed by M. Chiousse. There are many more equally important and interesting subjects in horticulture and agri- culture, which need proper agitation and "dis- cussion, and doubtless a great deal of good must emanate from such deliberations if car- ried on properly. But not only should the members of the Horticultural Society, but every one who is interested in horticulture and in the development of the resources of the country, should take an interest in this matter. They should communicate their knowledge and experience upon these points to the Socie- ty, and take an active part in assisting to can- vass these matters thoroughly. Letters and communications may be directed to or left at the office of the Secretary, F. A. Miller, No. 418 Kearny Street, San Francisco. This is a good movement in the right direc- tion and we do not doubt but that the Horti- cultural Society will soon fill a most important mission, that of enlightening the people of California on some of the most essential issues in the field of horticulture ! The March No. of the "Western Pomo- logist" is before us, and is full of interesting matter for the fruit grower, gardener and farmer. The subscription price is only $1 50 per year. If any of our California friends wish to subscribe for it, we will take pleasure in sending for copies. The magazine is pub- and edited by Mark Miller, Des Moines, Iowa. THE CALIFORNIA HORTICULTURIST. 155 NEW AND PROMISING VARIETIES OF VEGE- TABLES. Trophy Tomato, is now considered the best and finest tomato in the East. The National Farmer says : They are almost as heavy as lead, and for beauty of color, perfect form and apparent hardness, surpass anything we have ever seen. Egyptian Beet, was introduced into the United States about three years ago. It is the earliest turnip-rooted beet known. The flesh is fine and tender, flavor, sweet and excellent, and the deep rich color is well retained after boil- ing.—T//^ow's Journal. Laxtonh William I. Pea, a splendid early vari- ety and very promising. A Big Pear. — At the rooms of the Massa- chusetts Horticultural Society, a pear was ex- hibited by Hon. Marshall P. Wilder, of the Uvedale's St. Germain variety, also called Pound Pear or Belle Angevine, which was grown in the orchard of A. P. Smith, Esq., Sacramento, California, and which weighed four poundsand nine ounces, measuring twenty- one inches around the stem and eye, and eighteen inches transversely. Piedmont Sulphur Springs. — But very few of our readers probably are aware of the fact that we have some fine Sulphur Springs within one and one-quarter hours ride of San Fran- cisco. About three miles back of Oakland, surrounded by magnificent Landscape Scenery are several Sulphur Springs, including some 360 acres of adjoining land, which have lately come into the possession of an enterprising company. A fine hotel nearly completed, highly improved Ornamental Grounds, (the most picturesque natural scenery remaining undisturbed,) a magnificient view over San Francisco, Oakland and the Bay, will make these Springs one of the most attractive places of resort during the Summer, and from present appearances we judge Piedmont is to become the fashionable " Watering Place " of this neighborhood. NEW AND RARE PLANTS. Cratcegus Crus-Galli, (Cockspur Thorn) is one of the most beautiful of the Crataegus family, forming a conspicuous and striking object in autumn scenery, owing to the bright tints of its foliage at that season of the year, resem- bling the rich colors of the foliage of the Vir- ginia Creeper. Let us imagine a tree 20 feet high, clothed with rich, beautiful autumnal colors, and mixed with large clusters of bright red berries, and we will be able to form a fair idea of its beauty. — Gardeners' Weekly. Begonia Boliviensis. — A most remarkable species, with flowers of a rich vermilion red color, which are most freely produced. It is tuberous rooted, grows from two to three feet high, and its stems die down in the autumn, when they should be treated the same as Gloxinias. — Gardeners'' Monthly. Chrysanthemum frutescens. — A large white flowered greenhouse bush, sometimes called Anthemis ; is a great favorite with the French people, and can be seen everywhere in spring with them, in windows, in halls, in flower beds, on restaurant tables, and its similitude in al- most every young lady's bonnet. At the Paris Exhibition, plants were shown from four to five feet across, full of flowers. — Florist and Pomologist. — ■ — <♦♦ Benefits of Tree Planting. — It is said in arid Egypt, formerly desolate and sandy, irri- gated alone with the overflowing waters of the Nile, there are now regular rains, owing to the forest trees planted by the government. A western writer begs our eastern papers to throw all their influence to help devise some plan by which our government can induce forest trees to be planted on the great plains beyond the Mississippi. Unless it is done, thousands of settlers must sufier both in crops and in their families for the lack of sufficient water. — New York Horticulturist. (For us in California nothing seems to be of more importance than a general planting of forest trees. The Press should agitate the matter constantly until a systematical plantmg of trees is inaugurated. — Fd.) 156 THE CALIFORNIA HORTICULTURIST. The Ornithological and Piscatorial Accli- matizing Society. — A meeting of tliis Society was held March 15th, at the rooms of the Academy of Sciences, 622 Clay St. The atten- dance was large, and a great deal of interest manifested by those present. Mr. Green stated that Mr. Throckmorton had sent for 5,000 trout ova, which he proposes to donate to the Society. The eggs are to come from Massachusetts. The Secretary stated that they were using from 1200 to 1500 gallons of water per day, at the fish tanks, and also that it would be best to commence making arrange- ments for the removal of the fish. It was or- dered that the Committee of Arrangements be empowered to select proper places, and report to the Society. The Committee were also re- quested to confer with Mr. Clayburue, (who is about to leave for Europe,) with regards to the importation of game birds, (Pheasant and Partridge.) After some discussion of the game laws of the State the Society adjourned. The Society now numbers 140 members and is rapidly on the increase. We call the particular attention of Nursery- men, Seedsmen, and Amateurs in Europe and the East to the advertisement in another col- umn, referring to California bulbs, seeds, and plants. Mr. Miller has made and still is mak- ino- arrangements for extensive collections on the Pacific Coast during the coming season ; he will also exchange with foreign countries, and is ready to open negotiations for exchanges where it has not already been done. We now ofier great inducements to new subscribers to the " California Horticulturist,"' read our new advertisment in another column; go to work at once and send in your subscrip- tion, make up clubs and assist us in our eftbrts to develope the resources of the country, to create taste and comfort, and to better and im- prove the condition of our gardens, vineyards, orchards and farms. Horticulture and agri- culture are the chief resources of our future welfare. Everybody admits this, but few are willing to take an active part. It is time that all our capitalists, landowners and busi- ness men generally should take this matter into serious consideration. The New York Observer Year Book and Almanac — We have received a copy of this valuable work from the publishers (Sidney E. Morse & Company, 37 Park Row, N. Y.) It contains an interesting history of almanacs; civil, commercial and agricultural information concerning all the governments in the world; a general summary of all the benevolent in- stitutions and religious denominations in the world, Avith a complete Ministerial Directory of nearly every religious body in the United States ; a complete list of all the colleges, theological seminaries, medical and law schools in the United States. In addition to the above it contains a reprint of the first Direc- tory of the city of New York. Price one dollar. Mailed to any address postpaid on receipt of price. All persons subscribing and paying for the New York Observer for one year (S3) will re- ceive a copy of this valuable work gratuit- ously. Preserve the Young Forest Trees. — W. G. B., in the Prain'e Farmer says : In almost every part of our country it is the common practice to pasture the lot which contains the reserva- tion of growing timber. Sheep, cattle and horses eat every young tree as it starts fi-om the seed, so that m a few years when the old trees are gone, none will be growing to take their places. As a man raises lambs, calves and colts to perpetuate his live stock, so he or his children will find it necessary to preserve the young trees. Look out for the wood lot. If you have a farm destitute of growing timber, plant young trees and take good care of them. By so' doing you will show a love for your country, and wise foresight for the comuig ofeneration. [This has been the doctrine of this Journal for years, and we have been continually urg- ing the planting of timber trees and ornamen- tal trees, not only for mechanical purposes and for ornament, but for the preservation of tnotfiure and for the general good.— Ed. Calif. Farmer.'] The Farmer is right. The planting and pro- tecting of forest trees should form, a much more prominent feature in this State, and we hope our next legislature will take the matter in hand. — Ed. California Horticulturist. THE CALIFORNIA HORTICULTURIST. L57 We have received the Gardener's Monthly for Februaiy, edited by Thos. Mehan, Brinck- loe & Marot Publishers, 23 North Sixth St., Philadelphia. 82 00 a year. The contents of this valuable Horticultural Magazine are : Chromo Colored Plate of Bouvardia Vree- landii — Hints for Flower and Fruit Garden and Greenhouse — Communications; — A Flower Show in the Year 1830. By Mr. W. T. Hard- ing.Phila. — Remarks on the Daphne Cneorum. By Mr. Antoine Winter, West Grove, Pa. — On the Raising of Xew Varieties of Potatoes from the Seed-ball. By Mr. Geo. Such, South Amboy, N. J. — Evergreens for Winter. By Walter Elder, Phila. — Discovery of Ancient Bones at Waukegan Ills. By Mr. R. Douglass —Well Ripened Tomatoes.* B. L. B. Phila. — Bud Variations. By Mr. Charles Arnold, Paris, Ontario, Canada. — New, Foreign Grapes By Mr. James Taplin, South Amboy, N. J. — Fungi and its Structure. By Mr. Josiah Hoopes, West Chester. Pa. — Editorials: — Travelling Recollections — Bouvardia Vree- landii — Hot- Water Boilers. With a large var- iety of news items both Foreign and Domestic. American Pomological Society. — According to a letter received lately from Hon. Marshall P. Wilder, the 6th, 7th, and 8th of September next, have been fixed upon as the time for the next meeting of the American Pomological Society, at Richmond. Va. We hope to see California represented. Catalogues Received. — Vick's Illustrated Catalogue and Floral Guide for 1871. No. 3, (Hoopes Brother, & Thomas, Cherry Hill Nurseries, West Chester, Pa.,) Semi- Annual Trade List. Spring 1871. Catalogue of new and beautiful plants, and French Hybrid Gladiolus for 1871. George Such, South Amboy, N. J. Descriptive Catalogue (No 3) of plants. Ellwanger & Barry, Mount Hope Nurseries, Rochester N. Y. Hovey & Go's., Illustrated Guide to the flower and vegetable garden for 1871, Boston, Mass. And, Kelsey's Catalogue of fruit, trees, plants, etc., Oakland, Cal. The Horticcltlrist. — This journal, pub- lished at New York, and edited by Henry T. Williams, comes to us in a new and improved form. It is as usual filled with well written and useful matter pertaining to Horticulture, etc., and ranks as the first journal of its kind in the country. Price $2 50 per year. Poultry for Profit. — There are few things more profitable than a well conducted chicken ranch, in this State. Eggs are high and will continue so; all kinds of poultry meat is also high and commands a ready market. A few acres of land with a few hundred dollars to prepare and stock it,' is sure to pay well. But before a man wades deep into this business, he must be sure that he knows what he is about, and he must look close after his fowls, especi- ally if he keeps them closely confined. A chicken is a delicate and complicated machite for turning cheap aliment into the most dainty food; but a hen cant lay eggs or raise chickem without proper care and food. Variety of food and cleanliness of coops are the essential requisites. No inexperienced person will be likely to succeed except from small beginnings. Such a man must build up his business gradu- ally. A hundred hens are enough to start with, even when a large business is coimted on in the future; and an acre of ground is wanted for their range. An acre should be added for each additional hundred. If only a single hundred was contemplated, a little less space might answer. The men are few who succeed in this business on a large scale; but when they do succeed they make a good thing of it. Even the lessons learned from the care of the first hundred, are often found to fail when applied to flocks of larger extent. — Pacific Rural Press. Almoxd Culture. — We are informed that Colonel W. W, Hollister, has set out on his farm this season, fifty thousand almond trees, of the Lauguedoc variety. We hope to hear soon that all our farmers will follow his ex- ample and fill every nook with almond trees. There is more money in them than in gold mines. — Sa7iia Barlara Press. 158 THE CALIFORNIA HORTICULTURIST. gaitovml (J^IaniuQisi. THE TRADE IN SILKWORM EGGS. A "Washington correspondent of the New York Journal of Commerce furnishes the fol- lowing information, showing the great extent and value of this new industry, which Califor- nia is in a position to secure to herself : The Minister of Italy, Commander Cerruti, in conversation this morning, impressed us with the importance of publishing widely in this country the fact of the continued spread throughout the countries of the Old World of a disease which threatens the destruction of the silkworm abroad, and the necessity which already exists for the importation of the eggs of this insect from the New World, where the disease has not made its appearance, and which may be for centuries free from its ravages. There are many places in this coun- try where considerable plantations were made )f the mulberry tree, of which no practical juse has been derived in the way of producing silk on account of the high price of labor. Wherever thSse trees exist to the number of a few dozen, an unexpected source of profit now presents itself in the production of the eggs of the silkworm, which command readily per ounce in specie. Two millions of ounces of these eggs can be disposed of an- nually under present circumstances, with the probability of a greatly increased demand. There is now a demand in Italy, France and all Europe, for such eggs as may be produced in inexhaustible quantities in this country with facility, and the subject is earnestly brought to the attention of our countrymen, who can- not manufacture silk fabrics to advantage, while they may produce the eggs with but little labor and trouble at a great profit. The best variety of the mulberry is the White Italian, Morus alla^ Avhich is a tree of remarka- bly easy cultivation. Should any persons who have a couple of dozen of these trees de- sire to test the advantages to be derived from tiie production of the eggs of the silkworm. but be wanting information as to the best pro- cess, we are quite certain that the Italian Minister resident at this capital will, on ap- plication, be most happy to supply the proper directions for the successful production of the eggs. Commander Cerruti will be happy to have any information where unemployed groves or plantations of Morus alba exist, and he will facilitate measures to render them pro- ductive to their owners. For some years France and Italy have been having recourse to Asia Minor, Persia, Cliina, Japan, and other countries, but these resources failing, America must be looked to to supply the means of feeding the looms of Europe and the mouths of the silk producing population. The pro- duction of the tree and the egg in their great- est perfection in this country is no longer problematical, and now the opportunity pre- sents of realizing the advantages which were some years since sought for, at so great loss of labor and capital. The white Italian mul- berry tree is that which best supplies the pro- duct most sought for in Europe and which commands the highest price. The subject is worthy the attention of our nurserymen and rural population. Pumpkins Among Corn. — A correspondent of the iV", K Farmer grows pumpkins as follows: Procure seeds of a good quality, and from a difierent locality — for like all other vegeta- bles, pumpkins need a change of locality — then after having planted the field of corn, go over it with the pumpkin seeds and put one or two seeds in one hill out of each four; and; near the border or edge of the field, in every other hill. Those on the outer rows, by run- ning out where they will receive more sun and air, will do the best, and may be planted more thickly. Not only in the corn field, but also in the " potato patch," can good pumpkins be raised by planting them near the edge or in the outside row, or anywhere in the field, by giving to each vine the space allowed to a potato hill. They must be looked to occasion- ally and the bugs destroyed ; remembering to nip the ends of the vines after well " set." THE CALIFORNIA HORTICULTURIST. 159 EFFECTS OF SALT AS A MANURE. It supplies soda and chlorine to growing plants. By moisture, keeping the soil moist; and so assisting plants to assimilate their food contained in the earth, especially during a con- tinuance of dry weather. It exercises a great influence in rendering soluble some of the more insoluble earthy salts of the soil. When mixed with farm-yard manure sown on soils already dressed with dung, it seems by its penetrative and assimilate power to cause many of the salts in the manure to be sooner devel- oped into a state fit for plant food than would be the case if left to the action only of the slower process of natural decomposition. When added to the manure heap in the barn- yard and thoroughly mixed into it at the rate of about two tons of salt to thirty tons of manure, it kills the seeds of weeds, eggs and larvas of insects, and greatly promotes the fer- mentation and decomposition of the whole mass, while at the same time it does not, like lime,set free the ammonia or volatile salts in the manure. When added to lime a double de- composition takes 23lace, resulting in the pro- duction of soda and carbonic acid, both of which possess greater fertilizing properties than either salt or lime. Combined with gyp- sum, salt produces soda and sulphuric acid, at a cheaper rate than can be obtained in any other way. As a general thing there are few fertilizing materials used on the farm that cannot advan- tageously have salt added to them. To Destroy Thistles. — The Canada Farmer says: "Let the thistles grow up as thick and as high as they will, until they are just in full flower; then, if they are too thick for the horse to walk through, as is often the case, they are mowed and the land is thoroughly plowed. The cut thistles, which are almost as good as a green crop, are plowed in and the ground well cultivated. The thistles have made their growth to the utmost, and the roots are in the weakest and most expended state, and two plowings, with cultivating, will then make clean work." Preservation of Apples. — The London Gar- deyxers' Chronicle says : " I cover the floor of my cellar with hurdles, two in thickness, and on this I put a little straw, upon which the apples are placed without further care or attention, except removing all that appear to be faulty as I place them in the cellar, and I think it is unnecessary to use any particular care in this respect. I have at present one hundred and ten bushels of apples thus heaped up in a small cellar; two or three times a week I give a good wetting Avith fresh water, as much as I think will wet the whole of them. This water drains off through the straw and hurdles into a well. In this way my apples keep well until the time I usually dispose of them ; the best to make me a good return after Christmas. " At present, the apples look as firm as if just gathered, and I understand that during the last ten years, thfey have always kept as well and fresh as now. How much less troublesome and easy of application for keep- ing large quantities of fruit, than storing them away in dry sand on shelves, or in boxes, or in any other of the ways that are highly recom- mended." Special Manures for Potatoes. — Dr. Augus- tus Voelker, of England, during the last year, has reached valuable conclusions as to the ap- plication of manure to potatoes. He sums them up in the Journal of the Royal Agricul- tural Society. 1. The greatest increase came from the ap- plication to an acre of 400 pounds of mineral superphosphates, 200 of potash salts, and 200 of sulphate of ammonia. 2. Dung did about as well. 3. The absence of sulphate of ammonia was attended with a marked falling off, and nitrate of soda cannot replace it. 4. The compound above named beats Peru- vian guano. 5. Common salt does no good, but harm to potatoes. 6. The above mixture gave a crop of twelve tons to the acre on light land, and the same unmanured yielded but half. 160 THE CALIFORNIA HORTICULTURIST. BouYARDiA Davisonii. — We have before no- ticed this beautiful plant in our magazine. It was obtained by Mr. Davison from B. Hog- arth. As Ave understand, it was a branch of Hogarth which produced a white flower, and not a seedling, which has some interest in con- nection with the cases of Trillium and Wistaria recently noticed. It is a remarkable fact that plants with variegated leaves which originate as sports from green leaved ones, will not come true when raised from root cuttings. A root cutting of a variegated plant as far as we know, produces but green leaved plants. It was sup- posed by some good florists, that on the same principle root cuttings of this Bouvardia might produce the original Hogarth. This would be against its value, as there is no way to raise Bouvardias rapidly except by roots. But we are pleased to say we have now before us a specimen raised from a root which has the white flowers, so this question is settled. The Bouvardias are amongst the most valuable of our winter flowering plants. A good white will be particularly so. Mr. Davison we think has met with a little fortune in his lucky accident. — Gardeners' Monthly. Castor Beans. — A Los Angeles paper says : The raising of castor beans is attracting some- thing of attention hereabouts. Several who last season cultivated a few acres have met with results that have been eminently satisfactory. In this section the crop must un- doubtedly prove a profitable one. The plant will thrive upon soils that are too'dry for many other products, and the cost of cultivation is said to be less than the same :number of acres jn corn. A ready market at remunerative rates is always open. Remedy for Smut in WnEAT. — At a late meeting of tlie New York Farmer's Club, Mr. Newbold said that as far back as forty or fifty years ago, smut prevailed to a great extent throughout Burlington county, New Jersey, and his father adopted the jilan of soaking se- lected seed wheat in brine, and then dusting it with air slacked lime. This j^roved then, and has ])roYed ever since, a perfect preven- tive, without a solitary exception. What Cloybs are. — Cloves are the unopened flowers of a small evergreen tree that resem- bles in appearance the laurel or the bay. It is a native of the Molucca or Spice Islands, but has been carried to all the warmer parts of the world, and is now cultivated in the tropical parts ol America. The flowers are small in size, and grow in large numbers in clusters to the very ends of the branches. The cloves we use, are the flowers gathered before they are opened and whilst they are green. After being gathered they are smoked by a wood fire, and then dried in the sun. Each clove consists of two parts, a round head which is the foiir petals, or leaves of the flower rolled up, enclosing a number of small stalks, or fila- ments ; the other part of the clove is termina- ted Avith four points, and is in fact, the flower cup and the unripe seed vessel. All these parts may be distinctly seen if a few cloves are wet for a short time in hot water, when the leaves of the flower soften and readily un- roll. Both the taste and smell of cloves de- pend on the quantity of oil they contain. Some- times the oil is separated from the cloves be- fore they are sold, and the odor and taste in consequence much Aveakened by such unfair proceedings. CENTRAL PACIFIC RAILROAD. Passenger Express. Sunday Train excepted. Daily. 4.00 P M 8.00 A M ■i.A-1 " 8.40 " 7.30 " 7..58 " 12.10 P M 9.35 P M 2.10 " 4.10 " Q 9.00 " K 2.20 " < 5.25 " ^ 1.15 am H 9.10 " •Ji 12.00 M 4.10 " W 0.10 " February 27, 1871. San Francisco. Oakland San Jose Stockton Sacramento Marysville Sesma Sacramento Colfax Reno Winneraucca Battle Mountain. Elko Ogden Express Ti-ain Daily. 5.45 P M 5.12 " 5.40 " 1.46 " 11.15 am 9.10 " 4.20 A 11.45 " 8.45 " 1.00 A M 4.05 " 1.25 P M 8.45 A M 5.15 PM Passenger Sundays excepted. 12.30 P M 11..58 " 8..S5 " 7.00 A M Q < H 05 OAKLAN D BRANCH.— Leave San Francisco, B 6 50, 8 00, 9 10, D 10 20 and D 11 10, a. m. 12 00, 1 50, D 3 00, 4 00, 5 15, 0 45 and B 11 30 p. m. Lv, Brooklyn, B 5 15, B G 30, 7 40, 8 50 and 10 00 a. m., 1- 30, 2 40, 4 55 and 0 25 p. m. I.v. Oakland, B 5 25, B 6 40, 7 .5", 9 00, 10 10, 11 00 and 11- 50 a. m., 1 40, 2 50, 3 50, 5 05 and (j 35 p. m. AL.VMEDA BRANCH.— TiEAVE San Francisco, B 7- 20, E 9 00, BC 9 30 and EC 11 30 a. m., 1 30, 4 00 and 5 30 p. ""i.v. HAY^YARDS, B 4 15, B 7 00, E 8 30, B 9 00 and E 11 00 a. m., anil 3 25 p. m. Lv. Alamkda, B5 15, B 73G, E 9 06, B 9 36 and E 11 .36 a. m., 1 35 and 4 05 p. m. B Sundays excepted. D to Oakland only. E Sundays only. C To Fruit Vale only. T. H. GOODMAN, A. N. TOWNE. General Passenger and Ticket Agt. Gen'l Supt. THE California Horticulturist AND FLORAL MAGAZINE. Vol. 1. APRIL, 1871. No. 6. THE FUCHSIA. The Fuchsia derives its name from the Ger- man botanist, " Fuchs." The first plant {Fxich- aia triphylla) was introduced into Europe by Plumier, who took it there from America in the seventeenth century. It is usually found growing on hills throughout the forests of Mexico, Peru and Chili. Along the Coast Range of California the Fuchsia can be cuhivated to perfection; it thrives best in moist and partly shaded locali- ties. In San Francisco and its vicinity, the Fuch- sia seems to be at home, and no plant is culti- vated here with greater success both out of doors as well as under glass. In summer and in winter it continues to develop its bright little " ear-drops " (as some people call them) and it is remarkable that the same degree of cold W'hich we had here last winter, would have killed those plants if exposed to the open air in New York or Boston, but had not the slightest effect on our plants; in fact, in many localities they continued to bloom as freely as in May. Under such circumstances, should not the Fuchsia be one of our greatest favor- ites ? Very often w^e are asked, can I raise Fuch- sias from slips in the open ground ? Our an- swer is, we have met parties frequently who have stuck slips of year-old wood of the Fuchsia into the ground; they have grown and within a few months have made flourish- ing plants; and this has been done both in summer and in winter with equal success. This fact goes far to prove how well our climate is adapted to the cultivation of the Fuchsia. However, no florist or nurseryman would attempt to raise Fuchsias in that way. The flor- ist takes the young shoots of the present year's growth, plants them close together in pots or shallow boxes filled with sand, waters them well after planting so as to settle the sand close around the stem, and places the box close under the glass, shading them for a few days, and in a month or six weeks roots are formed; the young plants are then trans- planted singly into two or three-inch pots, placed again under glass, and shaded for a few days. As soon as the ball of earth is covered with the young roots, the plants must be shifted into four-inch pots; afterwards from four-inch to five-inch, and so on. The grand secret to ensure perfect success is to keep the plants in a constantly growing condition ; as long as you keep the plant growing, you will have a profusion of flowers. It is true that Fuchsias will flower more freely with us in the open air than in pots under glass, but this is only the case when the soil in the pot is not sufiicient to keep the plant in a growing con- dition. Taking into consideration how easily young plants are raisedjWe do not see why every one whp is fond of Fuchsias should not raise 162 THE CALIFORNIA HORTICULTURIST. every year young plants from the old ones, and in this Avay keep a certain number of plants always in readiness to replace the old ones, which should be turned into the flower garden or thrown away. Some Fuchsias are well adapted for train- ino-, Avhile others make handsomely shaped bushes and trees. We have seen them cover- ing the side of a house twenty feet high, and certainly the effect was charming. The vai-ieties are too numerous to mention, and all of them are good. Every year adds a large number to the already copious list; these are sold in Europe and in the East at extravagant prices. Latterly the florists have succeeded in producing double flowering Fuchsias, and these are in more demand and at much better prices; one of the best and most popular with us is the double white. At an early day we shall endeavor to give the names and descriptions of the best varie- ties now in cultivation here. THE LILY. We promised to continue from time to time, the description and hints for the treatment of bulbous roots, and we ofter the following re- marks in compliance. Although Hyacinths and Tulips are at the present time the most popular of flowering bulbs with us as well as in the East, yet there are many other varieties of bulbous roots which are equally desirable. We propose in this arti- cle to speak of another most important class, the Lilies, these have attracted a little more attention since the Japanese lilies have been brought in large quantities into our market, and have proved a success. Of all the Japan- ese lilies, (and there are a goodly number of them,) the Lilhm auratum has no superior; fine plants in pots have been sold frequently at four and five dollars each when in flower, while good bulbs can at the present time be bought at 15 to 20 cents apiece, and are certainly within the reach of any one who appreciates flowers. There are also many other varieties which deserve extensive cultivation : We know a gentleman in New York who culti- vates over 100 varieties. Some of them are very fragrant and of very powerful perfume, while others are even injurious to health, if a group of them is placed in the bedroom or parlor ; others are not fragrant although beau- tiful in loi-m and color. The cultivation of the lily is very simple, it requires a deep soil enriched with very old rot- ten manure. The biilbs should be planted from six to eight inches deep, and should not be removed more frequently than every three or four years. The most of the lilies improve if alloAved to remain in the groimd for a num- ber of years. Unlike hyacinths or tulips the roots should not be kept out of ground for any length of time, and if they are not replanted immediately, they should be covered up with dry soil so as to exclude the air as much as possible. They can be cultivated successfully in pots, deep pots being preferable. The lilies are propagated by seeds, offsets, and also by scales of the old roots, which will form themselves sloAvly into bulbs. We have in California five or six distinct and very superior native lilies, xAnch when properly cultivated, will doubtless rank among the very best at present in cultivation. In fact, our large native white lily, Zilium Washing- tonii, which is indigenous in the higher range of the Sierra Nevadas, is considered superior to any of the known lilies in size, form and frag- rance, yet no one attempts to cultivate them. We are inclined to believe, that by proper treatment, we shall be able to exhibit them equally as good as they are in their native localities, where we have seen them six to eight feet in height, with from twelve to fifteen large and well-developed flowers. We shall at an early day give a description of our native lilies, and if possible, give a correct represen- tation of the flowers. Of the Japanese lilies of more recent intro- duction there are several varieties, the best of which is the above named Zilium auratum, (gold- en lily,) the flower of which is from eight to ten inches in diameter, and consists of six white petals, marked with chocolate crimson THE CALIFORNIA HORTICULTURIST. 163 spots, and a golden band through the centre of each petal, the flower is most exquisite for sweetness of perfume and of color. Next comes the Lilium lancifolium, (Lil. spe- closum), of which there are several varieties, vi?: : Ruhrum, white with crimson spots ; Album pure white and very fragrant, and j5os« « Cranberries. — The cranberry plant is a beautiful evergreen, and grows thriftily: it can be kept all win- ter, and may be so trained to grow from flower-pots as to be beautifully ornamental to the parlor and dining- room through all seasons of the year. They will grow in any ordinary room, without special attention, and the berry will remain on the stem until the flowering for another crop. It flourishes farther north than any other berry ripening on Bushman Island, on the Western slope of Greenland, in latitude seventy-six. FUNGI AND ITS STRUCTURE. BY JOSIAH HOOPES. From an Essay read lefore the Penna. Fruit Grow- ers^ Society. (CONCLUDED FROM LAST NUMBER HORTICULTURIST.) In passing to the Apple and Pear, (for the species of Fungi, that attack them, are almost one and the same,) I desire first to call your attention to the very dangerous disease, popu- larly known as the Jire-hltght. Our observing Secretary, in a paper read before the Ameri- can Pomological Society, at its eleventh ses- sion, minutely described this malady in all its stages ; and in fact, w^as the first to take deci- sive ground in favor of the fungoid theory. Subsequent research has fully proven to my mind, how true was his reasoning. Certain requirements are undoubtedly necessary — or rather the little parasitic plant greatly pre- fers some particular condition in the growth of a tree to locate, for we find it destroying some varieties, to the total exclusion of others. In large blocks of Nursery trees, it will fre- quently follow a particular row its whole length and studiously avoid all other!^ in the near vicinity. Thus we see, as in all other species of fungus, the form under notice, acts in pre- cisely the same manner. Early in the season, this microscopic pest commences its opera- tions, and at the point where it first makes its appearance, a slight discolorization will be ap- parent, which, rapidly working its way round the tree, in fact completely girdles it, and pro- duces strangulation. As the bark darkens and dies, we need not then examine the locality, for the criminal has performed its mission and departed. Those who suppose the withering leaves and shriveling tender twigs embrace the diseased portion, are wonderfully mistaken. All the functions of the branch above the gir- dled parts will be found uncontaminated. This particular parasite propagates itself in the following simple manner, according to my ob- servation. The spores falling upon the bark, soon change into little thread-like rootlets (if I may be allowed the term.) These soon work their way into the openings of the epi- 164 THE CALIFORNIA HORTICULTURIST. dermis, or outside skin of the tree, winding down through the cellular fibre of the bark, and here in the form of myceliimi, grow di- rectly on the wood. Occasionally, however, they penetrate the wood-cells, and in that case the disease is always, and quickly fatal. Bei'keley asserts, in corroboration of this fact, that " the wonderful power of penetration pos- sessed by Mycelium, may be easily seen in any dai'k-colored Fungus, by making thin vertical sections through the wood. Not only do the threads penetrate between the cells, but into their cavities themselves, at length completely blocking up their apertures, after traversing them in every direction." But while the little pest is rapidly spreading by means of its root- like formation, it is also developing large num- bers of little capsules with their millions of spores, to reproduce its species in other spots. So that the sooner the branch is eradicated and burned, the better it will be for neighbor- ing trees. A few weeks since, I had an opportunity of examining a twig from a pear tree, which was thickly marked with indentations, closely re- sembling the result of insect depredations. Under the lens, it showed an occasional rem- nant of Mycelium ; but the plant itself had perfected its growth, burst through the skin of the bark, and disappeared, thus causing the disfigurement mentioned above. As it ap- pears to be an entirely new form, or at least it works on a new method, I should like to obtain fresh specimens at an earlier season. Meehan, in the paper referred to, in speaking of leaf-blight, alludes to the theory of its un- der-o^round introduction. In this I think he is entirely correct. English Mycologists have asserted, that many species of Fungi, that ap- pear in their perfect state on the external por- tion of plants, have first intruded themselves into the roots, — up through the body, — out of the branch, — and become apparent on the leaves; there to flourish, throw out their spores, and perish; leaving always behind them, a devastating mark, after they have passed away. Such I firmly believe to be the nature and habits of the leaf-blight fungus, as in nearly every instance the Mycelium will be found on the roots of such diseased trees or plants. Growers of Pear Seedlings should note this fact, and apply some powerful rem- edy to the soil, and thus destroy the seeds of growth. Canker and cracking of the fruit, have each been attributed by the aforesaid writer to the presence of fungus, and justly so, according to my own observations during the past year. The disgusting sooty patches on the skin of the apple becomes, under the microscope, one of the most enchanting sights — resplendent with all the rainbow tints. At one point, we see a rich golden-yellow; then, merging into a brilliani orange, or a charming shade of red, — the whole, forcibly reminding one of a bright mass of Fungi, consisting of thousands of dots and fibres, radiating in every direction from the outer edge, whilst in the interior, the dense bulk becomes confluent. To the naked eye this immense multitude of minia- ture plants covered a space no larger than a medium-sized pea. We frequently hear com- plaints of the Apple, Pear, etc., rotting on the trees. This is not unfrequently the work of an Oidium, allied to the origin of ^he Grape disease of Europe. It commences with a small dot or speck on the skin of the fruit, and as the Mycelium rapidly increases, the decay- ing portion soon marks its course, until at last the whole fruit is in a manner diseased, and rendered worthless. The terrible pest of the silk growers, that occasionally sweeps ofi" their worms by thousands, is also closely related to the Oidium, and can be transferred artificially from one insect to another, thus proving its true character. My own views relative to the disease in the Peach, known as the " Yellows," are, I admit, purely speculative at present, but at the same time founded on personal examin- ation and comparison with not unsimilar affec- tions in other trees. For some years past I have carefully considered the many theories advanced in regard to this mysterious malady, but all proved unsatisfactory to my own ex- periments. The idea occurred, can it possibly originate from the presence of Fungi ? I im- THE CALIFORNIA HORTICULTURIST. 165 mediately commenced a series of critical ob- servations on the organic structure of the wood of such unhealthy trees, and although I detected very many suspicious traces of these minute pests, I candidly admit that my labor was not rewarded with success. The TeUotcs, to my mind, present every feature of an or- ganic disease, caused by some poisonous spe- cies of cryptogamic plant; as we find like traces of their existence, commencing in the roots, up through the main body of the tree, working their way out of the various branches, and finally ending their career externally on the leaves and tender twigs of the present sea- son's growth. During the life of the fungus, it makes scarcely a perceptible sign to the un- aided eye of the observe)-, but after its func- tions have been performed, and the plant it- self has ceased to exist, then the change in its victim becomes apparent. The dissection of various portions of the tree, plainly shows that a poisonous virus has penetrated into every part, of its organization. This theory is sus- tained by many facts ; as for instance, orchard- ists are well aware that a knife used in dis- secting one of these diseased trees, will com- municate the Yellows to a healthy one, by the simple act of pruning. This is an undisputed fact, and is an excellent argument in favor of the transfer of mycelium from one point to an- other. I feel confident that future and careful investigation, will confirm all that I have ad- vanced in this direction. Some varieties of the Peach and its curious sport the Nectarine, are liable to mildew ; in a few instances, injur- ing the tree alone, but occasionally destroying the fruit, whilst ignoring the limbs and foliage. This form of fungus is exceedingly partial to particular organizations, and will not spread from its chosen variety to another, whether near or distant therefrom. The hiot on Flums and Cherries is so evidently caused by^the presence of Fungi, that it seems scarcely necessary to refer to it at all. But only so late as the past summer, I read in one of our Agricultural magazines, an article by a correspondent, arguing strenuously that the excresences were caused by insects ; " for had he not seen them in all their various stages disorganizing the cells of the Plum and Cherry ?" It is merely necessary to say that the insects in question select these soft spongy excresences to deposit their eggs, as they would the young fruit, and if the writer of the article in question had commenced his obser- vations sufficiently early in the season, he could readily have satisfied himself that an- other enemy was already at work. Our wor- thy honorary member, Dr. Ezra Michener, a cryptogamic botanist of high standing, em- phatically asserts in the columns of the " Med- ical and Surgical Repoi'ter," that this disease is caused in the manner which I have stated. The spotting of the leaf in Plums and Cherries, is caused by a similar species of Fungi to that found on the Apple and Pear, only differing in a few unimportant points, of no particular interest to the fruit-grower. On the smaller fruits, we have numerous an- noying diseases, classed under the general heading oi mildew; as for instance, the foreign varieties of Gooseberries, are often completely disfigured, by a fine, meal-like dust or web-like growth, covering every portion of the plant and fruit, and rendering the latter entirely use- less. Then again we find the leaves of Cur- rants spotting badly, and Raspberry leaves shriveling and falling off prematurely. A very pernicious species of fungus has occasion- ally been found on Raspberry leaves, cup- like in character, and of a beautiful orange color. I judge it belongs to a class of para- sitic plants, which ascend from the roots, up through the whole structure of the canes ; as we have ample evidence in the numerous weakened shoots usually forced into growth, as the result of its presence. I am informed, however, that it rarely occurs on properly drained soils. On Blackberries, both kigh-hish and trailing, in a wild state, I have frequently noticed this pest ; but never in cultivation in the eastern portion of our State. I understand in some sections in New Jersey, it is present- ing rather a formidable appearance, and in- creasing rapidly. I should feel obliged for specimens next year, and will gladly give any 166 THE CALIFORNIA HORTICULTURIST. information in regard to it, that I may possi- bly discover. REMEDIES. There are various receipts for destroying these pests; but the most certain and least ex- pensive, is to cut away and burn all diseased portions of the tree or plant, as soon as the malady is detected. Sulphur is perhaps the most powerful remedy for destroying them, but heat is absolutely essential, as in a volat- ile state, it will penetrate into the most diffi- cult places. A writer in the Gardeners' Chroni- cle says : " The crude sulphur, it should seem, combines with oxygen in a nascent state, and so forms sulphurous acid, which is eminently destructive to mucedinous bodies, as appears from its effect in stopping fermentation. The more finely the sulphur is divided the better, and therefore it is more efficacious when ap- plied in such a form, as to cause a chemical deposit of sulphur, or, as it is called in the old chemistry, a magisterium on the leaves." Lime, air-slacked to a powder, is likewise a valuable destructive power, either applied to the dis- eased spots, or incorporated with the soil. A combination of the above two agents, is occa- sionally used, and regarded by some, as more serviceable than either separately, for in solu- tion, it forms a hydro-sulphate of lime. Eno-lish writers say that a successful agent in destroying smut on wheat, is a strong solution of Glauler's Salts applied to the seed, to be fol- lowed by a dusting with quick-lime, a short time before planting. Caustic Soda is also beneficial in ridding us of some species ; and Carbolic Acid has proven useful as well. Ac- cording to Berkeley, " substances which would prove fatal to many other vegetables, as solu- tion of arsenic, opium and many other poison- ous chemical substances, do not prevent the growth of moulds." USES OF FUNGUS. Before leaving this subject, I wlsli to add a few words in favor of this class of vegetation. In addition to the many nutritious esculent species which are valued as articles of food. Fungi have another useful office to perform and may be classed among the most beneficial scavengers of decomposing bodies. The mo- ment vitality ceases in any organized matter, whether animal or vegetable, millions of spores floating in the air, are ready to alight upon it, and assist in its dissolution. "Whether Fungi is the cause of disease, or merely natural con- sequence of some disarrangement of the or- gans of a tree or plant, has long been a much disputed point; many scientific gentlemen be- ing arrayed on either side. Of late years, however, the question appears to have been pretty generally settled in favor of the advo- cates of the former belief. Yet it is an undis- puted fact, that these pests will attack a feeble tree or plant, in preference to one in a healthy condition, after the manner of all parasites, whether animal or vegetable.- Gardeners' Monthly. ORNAMENTAL AND LANDSCAPE GARDENING. SECTION VI. In our former numbers, we have offisred sug- gestions as to soil ; preliminary work ; selec- tion of plants, and their disposition in a gar- den attached to a city residence, but we have as yet said little about the laying out of walks in such garden. The grounds being too lim- ited to admit of much choice, local circumstan- ces must necessarily govern their extent and direction. We protest however against the construction of narrow walks, and we are very much opposed to cutting up the ground with too many of them, as they entirely spoil the desired effect, besides good walks are expen- sive to construct, and entail as much expense to keep clean and in good condition as the beds themselves. It is difficult to give the exact width which walks should have, but an average of 3 feet will suffice fbr most of the gardens of city resi- dences, but more importance than is custom- ary should be attached to the construction, and to the material which is used. The walks should be staked and marked out before the soil for the beds is prepared and be- fore the planting takes place, but the finishing of them should be made the last work in the THE CALIFORNIA HORTICULTURIST. 167 laying out of a garden, they should be kept a little higher in the centre than at the edges; this will give a more pleasing effect than when they are constructed entirely level, and will also during wet weather keep the centre dry and in condition to be used with comfort. In reference to material, there is a great difference of opinion, but this exists only among owners and occupants, and not among garden- ers. Some prefer bricks for walks, others pre- fer wood, while some are satisfied with the natural soil with a wooden border. The most objectionable material for walks is wood, as it gives a stiff and unnatural appearance ; brick Avalks are also objectionable, not so much on account of their appearance, as the difSculty of keeping them in good condition, while those consisting of the natural soil appear unfin- ished, and lack that effect of contrast so desir- able in a house garden. The best material for walks is a layer of about six inches of hard rock of moderate size as a foundation, with an upper layer of three to four inches of soft rock, this should be pounded down well, carefully preserving the cross-curvature, and keeping the surface com- pletely smooth and even, finally adding a covering of an inch of fine gravel ; crushed shells will answer if the gravel is difficult to obtain. We have also seen very good walks made of soft blue stone, which packs, well and gives a good finish without any other top-cover- ing. In Oakland we have seen a kind of soft red slate used for the top-dressing of walks, this is crushed at the mills for that purpose. In every locality some material suitable for walks, can be obtained at a moderate outlay not ex- ceeding the cost of lumber or bricks, and cer- tainly much more desirable ; but fine gravel if it can be obtained at a reasonable expense, is the neatest and best material for a top-dressing. The walks being completed, we next urge the necessity for procuring suitable stakes for the plants ; these if possible should be uniform in size for certain plants. Trees should be pro- vided with stakes large enough to allow for two or three years growth; flowering shrubs should be suited with them according to their average size. Roses may be supplied with five foot stakes, and geraniums, fuchsias, etc., with four-foot ones ; pinks should have wire or wooden frames. We are also in favor of labelling plants cor- rectly ; labels certainly are instructive, make us familiar with the names of plants, and give a certain finish to the garden ; they may be made out of wood, zinc, or tin, and should be painted white, the names can be written on them with black lead pencil. POPULAR BOTANY. CHAPTER VI. Having given in a former chapter the con- struction of an exogenous stem, it will now be necessary to give a glance at the develop- ment of an endogenous growth before we pass to the minute consideration of vegetable struct- ure. Plants of this form of growth are prin- cipally confined to tropical countries, though a few do ovei'step the boundary lines, and are to be found in the temperate zones, or rather those portions of them which are better styled sub-tropical. The trunks of endogenous trees are un- branched, except at, or near their summits, and rise in cylindrical columns to the height of from 30 to 150 feet. The internal structure of the stem differs from an exogenous one, in having no clear distinction into bark, pith or wood, while the wood is destitute of concen- tric rings, or layers, and contains no medullary rays. In construction it is made up of woody and vascular tissues, arranged in bundles or fibres, which are imbedded in an irregular manner in the cellular tissues, the whole being inclosed in an integument, which, although acting as a bark, is still widely different from the true bark of an exogenous tree ; for it is not increased by layers, neither is at any time separable from the wood. The fibrous bundles Avhich constitute the wood of the stem, can be traced from the base of the leaves through the stem, often to the roots themselves. In most cases they turn aside and we find the terminal end imbedded in the integument. 168 THE CALIFORNIA HORTICULTURIST. The stem is increased by new bundles aris- ing from the base of newly developed leaves, and passing thence towards the centre of the stem descend to a greater or less distance, curve outwards and end in the integument as before said. The bundles which are added to the stem from year to year, do not arrange themselves on the outer surface of the previ- ously deposited ones ; but actually push them- selves into the centre of the stem, and so force the older bundles outwards. Hence this form of growth is called inside growers, while the ex- ogens which deposit their wood in layers or rings, one without the other, are termed out- side growers. The stem of an endogenous plant has its softest wood at the centre, and (he hardest and most compacted at the circumference, this be- ing the reverse of the exogens. The stem continues to increase in size by this system of distention, so long as the integument is capable of yielding, but as this property fails, the mul- titude of descending bundles at last block up the lower part of the stem, and so it is at once seen that plants of this kind must have a limited life. This rule does not, however, hold in all cases, as there are plants of this class, whose integument is capable of an imlimited distention. Palms, which we will take as the typical plant of this class, (endogenous) grow as a general thing from one terminal bud, and if this bud is destroyed the plant dies. This mode of development accounts for most of the en- dogenous trees rising up in such perfect columns, and bearing their branches all at the top. While we can claim this as a main char- acteristic of the endogenous class, still even in this there are exceptions, as in the case of a certain palm of Egypt, and also the Pandanus (screw-pine) which do develwpe lateral buds, and so bear branches other than at their sum- mits. In this, and previous chapters, we have en- deavored to show the formation and arrange- ment of the wood in the different stems. We shall now proceed to give a few thoughts to the origin of wood, which is as yet something of a disputed point. We consider that the wood of a stem originates in the leaves, and grows from above, downwards. Prof Gray says: "the following considerations may be adduced to show that the wood is deposited or produced /row? alove, downivards. 1. When a ligature is closely bound around a growing endogenous stem, the part above the ligature swells; that below does not. On examination, the woody fibres are found to be arrested at the upper margin of the ligature, and thrown into curved and knotted forms; or, where the ligature is spiral, the descending fibres follow the course of the obstruction. 2. When we gir- dle an exogenous stem, by removing a ring of bark so as completely to expose the surface of the wood, the part above the ring enlarges in the same manner ; that below does not, ex- cept by the granulation of cellular tissue, until the incision is healed. From these two facts if there were no other we might assume the correctness of our prem- ise, but there are others which are also con- clusive. Wood is not produced in a seedling until the leaves are developed. In our next chapter we shall take up the leaves, showing their relation to the stem, and adduce further proof of the downward growth of the wood fibres. *. Hens.— Some interesting experiments have recently- been made upon the comparative fecundity of ducks and liens, so as to determine from wliich of the two the larger number of eggs can be obtained in the same time. For this purpose three hens and three ducks were selected, all hatched in February, and nourished with suitable food. In the following autumn the ducks laid 225 eggs, while the hens laid none. In the next February the laying season began again with ducks and continued uninterruptedly until August. They showed no inclination to set, but became very thin, although they afterwards fattened up somewhat. The total number of eggs laid by the hens amounted to 257, or 86 eggs each ; and 393, or 191 each for the ducks. Although the eggs of the ducks were smaller than those of the hens, yet they proved to be decidedly- superior in nutritive material, so that the superiority in productiveness appears to be decidedly with the ducks. THE CALIFORNIA HORTICULTURIST. 169 CALIFORNIA VINICULTURE. We liave read with a great deal of interest, several letters published lately in the Alta Cnli- fornia relating to the cultivation and manage- ment ol Grape vines. The public discussion of these matters is an excellent movement, and v.'Q hope to see more of it. The correspondent of the Alta, Mr. Keller of Los Angeles, is evidently well posted both in the treatment of Grape-vines and the making of wine. So far as our opportunities have of- fered, we have argued fi-om year to year, in favor of the more extensive planting of foreign grape vines, and if, as Mr. K -Her says, " many of our viniculturists attach more importance to quality of soil than to the varieties of the Grape vines they cultivate," it is simply a mis- take on their part, and they must be losers in the end ; can it really be the case that some of our viniculturists prefer the planting of Mis- sion Grapes because they yield larger crops ? Can it be that they still follow our old Cali- fornia maxim, to look for quantity in prefer- ence to quality ? We are inclined to believe that our cultivators are not keeping pace with the consumers, who are beginning to look more for quality than quantity. This we can easily prove by the fact that a few of our prom- inent growers of foreign wine grapes are able to turn their produce into money at any time they desire, and that they are readily obtain- ing prices which leave to them a very hand- some profit, while the majority of those who cultivate the Mission Grape exclusively, are compelled to sell their products at any price. The great bulk of the wine which we require for our own consumers, is a light wine, which, as Mr. Keller says, cannot be made out of the Mission Grape, while the success of the culti- vator must always depend on his knowledge and capability to suit the Avants of the con- sumers. Little judgment has been hitherto exercised in the selection of land for the growth of Grape vines ; low flats have been used for that purpose on account of the richness of the soil, easiness of access, and abundant moisture ; we have no faith in such localities for Grap3 vines. Experience has proved that hillsides always have been, and always will be preferable, and this is a point which is universally conceded. But will Grape vines grow on the hillsides without facilities for irrigation ? We have every reason to believe so, ami we offer the following advice for due consideration. Take good well rooted plants, one or two years old, and otherwise in good condition, plough your ground deeply, plant early, plough again in the following spring, keep the gi*ound clear from weeds, and if circumstances are very unfavor- able, mulch with a pmall quantity of straw or litter of some kind, and you will not lose many of your vines, and there will be no trouble after the first year. Do not plant any more than you can properly attend to. In connection with this subject, we will mention a peculiarity which came under our own observation more than once. In testing different varieties of foreign grapes, we found the flavor of those grown in the northern foot- hills to be much more distinct, than of the same varieties grown in the Sacramento and Sonoma Valleys. Can any one explain this ? Home-Made Yeast.— The following is the most superior receipt for yeast I ever saw, and I have tried dozens, for we always use hop rising. It is available to country people, as it requires no yeast to commence with. Try it and you will never use any other : Boil two ounces of best hops in four quarts of water, half an hour ; then strain it and let it cool to milk warm ; then add a small handful of salt and half a pound of brown sugar ; beat one pound of flour with some of the liquor, and mix all together. The third day, add three pounds of potatoes boiled and mashed, and let it stand until the next day ; then strain it and it is ready for use ; stir it frequently and keep by the fire while making, aud stir well just before using it. This is very strong, and only half the usual quantity is required. A London paper thus describes the process of road making now generally adopted in the larger places of both England and France : The road is first prepared by being loosened with pickaxes, then covered with ordinary frranite, above this a dressing of sand is laid, ihe whole is then watered. An immense roller, pro- pelled by steam, is then moved slowly over the pre- pared surface. It exerts a pressure of twenty-eight tons, and the r isult is that, in an unusually short time a firm and compact macadamized road is formed. 170 THE CALIFORNIA HORTICULTURIST. CAL0CE0BTU8 LElCHTLimi.-(iiooK.) It is our intention in this Journal to give, as time and space will permit, short descriptions of plants indigenous to California. We have a large number of plants, which are much ad- mired in the East and Europe, for their beauty, but which are overlooked and neglected by us. In bulbous plants California is particularly rich, and one of the finest is the Cahchortus LeicUlinii. This plant is to be found in most parts of the State, Irora the Coast Range to the Sierra Nevadas. It seems to seek dry hill sides, and flourishes well on the high stony ridges of our mountain ranges. It commences to bloom about the first of May, and con- tinues until the middle of July. It is, as we have said, a bulbous plant, with glaucous grass- like leaves, the flower stalks bearing from two to three flowers. The calyx is formed of three lanceolate sepals, of a somewhat greenish color, streaked w^ith red. The petals are of a pure white, wiih a purple spot at the base. The flowers generally open in pairs. There are two other varieties of Cahchortus in Cali- fornia, one a light-yellow, the other a pinkish white. —, SELECTION OF LOCALITIES FOR ORCHARDS. It frequently occurs that those orchards sit- uated on the foot-hills and among the high- lands of the Sierra Nevadas, are injured by late frosts. It would be well for our cultiva- tors to mvestigate this matter; if a remedy can be found for the evil, let it be applied: It is a prevailing practice among our highland gardeners to occupy the very lowest portions of those highlands, the alluvials and moist lands along the streams, and the low and wet patches around the numerous large springs, that issue forth at a low level among the hill- sides, as orchards. The necessity for irrig.'i- tion in the successful production of fruits, save in such localities as are naturally watered, has hitherto prevented many from attempting the cultivation upon the more elevated grounds ; yet there are good reasons why, in many lo- calities, these elevated lands are the best for fruit growing, provided they can be irrigated ; and an important one among the reasons that might be adduced, is their almost certain im- munity from late frosts, while the low grounds in their immediate vicinity sufifer from the infliction. We endeavor to account for these phenom- na, if such they are, in this way : During the greater part of spring and summer, the pre- vailing winds among the highlands or foot-hills of the Sierras, heated and rarified from the lower valleys, sweep upward during the day ; this action is reversed at night ; a cold wind then rolls down from the snowy summits of the higher moimtains; the colder currents, from their density, following more directly down the bottoms of the narrow valleys and ravines ; these from their pent up situations, have been the most heated during the long and cloudless days. This cause alone sub- jects them to very great and sudden changes of temperature. We would assign as another reason that the alluvial or bottom lands of the ravines and mountains, being what may be termed black- lands, simply from the fact that the land is black or dark, absorbs more of the sun's rays and heat during the day than do the lighter colored soils of the uplands, at the same time that the power of radiation, or throwing ofi" the heat from the same cause — color — is far greater when the sun is withdrawn, thus low- ering its heat more rapidly than the highland or light colored soils during the night. Thus it is that fruit trees on black lands and in low situations, are forced prematurely into bloom by the heat of the day, only to be made the more liable to injury from the frosts of the succeeding nights. These sudden changes to the two extremes prevail in all the low grounds of the foot-hills to a far greater ex- tent than upon the surrounding highlands, or even in the broad low valleys of the Sacra- mento and San Joaquin rivers. The diurnal ebb and flow of the great wind tides of California, to and from the mountains, is one of the various striking peculiarities of her climate ; in many places producing results THE CALIFORNIA HORTICULTURIST. 171 upon vegetation, quite local in character; its effects therefore upon the introduced vegeta- tion of the country should be carefully noted. Those upon the indigenous vegetation are ap- parent to any one who gives the subject proper attention, and should be duly consid- ered before determining upon a location for orchard or fruit-growing purposes, as doubt- less in many instances it will lead quite as un- erringly to the proper position, soil, altitude and exposui'e, which are adapted to the pro- duction of fruits among the highlands, as can be otherwise obtained except by years of ex- periments. The difference in the vegetation upon the north and south sides of the same deep ravine or narrow valleys, lying east and west, is everywhere apparent in California, and would at once indicate, which of the two, would be most likely to prove favorable to the culture of an introduced vegetation. Nevertheless, if proper artificial irrigation can be secured, the positions so marked out by the natural vege- tation, as the best for its growth without such irrigation, may be directly reversed ; for as the rays of the sun nowhere destroy the vegeta- tion of a country, which, at all times is suffi- ciently supplied with moisture, so our success in many localities may yet be found to depend more upon the artificial irrigation with the proper altitude, than upon position naturally favorable without such irrigation. There are among the Sierras, elevated tracts of country far above the present limits of our introduced fruits, where the common wild Plum, the Choke Cherry, Gooseberry, Whortle- berry, and California Chestnut, are produced in great abundance, and from recent exami- nation, the present season will not be an ex- ception, notwithstanding the late frosts killed the fruit of the same description of Plum trees, that after having been trans-planted, have for two years produced their fruit in the ravines and valleys of the foot-hills. It will be noticed, however, that these Plum trees,with otherfruits and nuts intheir natural positions,occupy almost invariably the broad tops of the great ridges, instead of the sides and bottoms of the ravines and hollows. Thus it seems that if we were to follow nature to some extent in the selection of our fruit and orchard grounds, with a due regard to a supply of moisture in the soil, either naturally or by artificial means, we may find that no more hazard attends the cultiva- tion of the ordinary fruits of our latitude among the highlands, or even the mountains of our State, than is incident to many other ap- parently far more favorable localities. THE RAMIE. Some time since we drew the attention of our readers to the Ramie plant, as most suc- cessfully cultivated by Mr. J. S. Finch, resi- dent near Haywards, Alameda Co. We im- derstand that the plantation is a continued success and well worthy of a visit from those interested in the raising of textile material, as well as from agriculturists in general. To tho?e who cannot go so far to see the Ramie, we are pleased to say that there are several plants in a highly flourishing condition at "Woodward's Gardens." We understand that several successful experiments have been tried in feeding silk worms with the leaves ; thus the whole of the plant can be utilized, as the refuse after the separation of the fibre is spread iaromid the plants as manure. The Sleep of Flowers.— Almost all flowers sleep during the night. The marigold goes to bed with the sun, and with him rises weeping. Many plants are so sensitive that their leaves close during the pass- ing of a cloud. The dandelion opens at five or six in the morning and shuts at nine in the evening. The goat's beard wakes at three in the morning, and shuts at five in the afternoon. The common daisy shuts up its blossoms in the evening and opens its 'day's eye' to meet the early beams of the morning sun. The crocus, tulip and many others, close their blossoms at differ- ent hours toward evening. The ivy-leafed lettuce opens at eight in the morning, and closes forever at four in the afternoon. The night-flowering cereus turns night into day. It begins to expand its magnificent sweet- scented blossoms in the twilight, is in full bloom at midnight, and closes never to open with the dawn of day. In a clover-field not a leaf opens until after sunrise. 172 THE CALIFORNIA HORTICULTURIST. PHANTOM OR SKELETON LEAVES. Skeleton leaves are among the most beauti- ful objects in nature, and as they can be ar- ranged either in groups under glass shades, made into pictures, as it were, and hung against the wall, or placed in either bhank-books or albums, they come within the means of all, and can be used to decorate the palace or the cottage. The most suitable leaves for the pur- pose are those from what botanists call exogen- ous plants, and may be known by the veins of the leaf branching from a central vein or mid- rib ; those from endogenous plants rising from the base and curving towaids the apex of the leaf The object in view is to destroy what may be called the fleshy part of the leaf, as well as the skin, leaving only the ribs or veins. The most successful, and probably the sim- plest way to do this, is to macerate the leaves in rain water till they are decomposed. For this purpose when the leaves are collected they should be placed in an earthen-ware pan or a wooden tub, kept covered with rain water, and allowed to stand in the sun. In about a fort- night's time they should be examined, and if found pulpy and decaying, will be ready for skeletonizing, for which process'some cards, a camel's-hair brush, as well as one rather stifi" (a looth-brush for instance), will be required. AVhen all is prepared, gently float a leaf on to a card, and with the soft brush carefully re- move the skin. Have ready a basin of clean water, and when the skin of one side is com- pletely removed, reverse the card in the water and slip it under the leaf, so that the other side is uppermost. Brush this to remove the skin, when the fleshy part will most like'y come wath it; but if not, it will readily wash out in the basin of water. If particles of the green-colored matter still adhere to the skeleton, endeavor to remove them with the soft brush; but if that is of no avail, the hard one must be used. Great care will be necessary to avoid breaking the skeleton, and the hai-d brush should only be used in a perpendicular direction, (a sort ol gentle tapping) as any horizontal motion or "brushing'' action will infallibly break the skeleton. Never attempt to touch the leaves or the skeleton in this state with the fingers as when they are soft their own weight will often break them. A very good way of bleaching the skele- tons is to prepare a solution of chloride of lime, which must be allowed to settle, and the clear liquid poured into a basin, in which the skeletons may be put by floating them ofl' the card. It is as well to have half a dozen ready to bleach at once, as they require watching, and if allowed to remain in too long will fall to pieces. From two to four hours will gen- erally suffice to bleach the skeleton of all or- dinary leaves, after which they should be washed in several changes of water, and finally left in clean water for half an hour. After the leaf has been sufficiently washed it should be floated on to a card and dried as quickly as possible, care being taken to ar- range the skeleton perfectly flat, and as near as possible to the natural shape. This can be done with the assistance of the soft brush. When dry the skeleton should be perfectly white, and should be mounted on dark back- grounds, as black velvet or p.aper. Well grow^n leaves should always be chosen, and be thoroughly examined for flaws be- fore maceration. Leaves containing much tan- nin cannot be skeletonized by this process, but are generally placed in a box with a number of caddis worms Avhich eat away the fleshy parts, when the skeletons can be bleached in the usual way. Holly leaves must be placed in a separate vessel on account of their spines, which would be apt to damage other leaves; they make beautiful skeletons, and are sufli- ciently strong to be moved with the fingers, * Pruning is to be done before growth begins. In pruning neglected trees, the object shoukl be to get an open and well-balanced liead. Take care that a bad wound is not made by the falling of the limb when partly sawed off". Pare wounds smooth, and cover them with melted grafting wax or paint, which may be tinted, to be less cnspicaous. Seeds, of all kinds, likely to be needed, both for the l! rin and garden, should be early provided, and tested m pots or boxes, to prevent disappointment. THE CALIFORNIA HORTICULTURIST, 173 LETTER FROM THE BOTANIST. The following has been received from Dr. C. C. Parry, Botanist of the Department, now with the San Domingo Commission : San Domingo City, Fehruarij 13, 1871. Dear Sir: — I have the honor to report that since arriving at this point I have been closely occupied in making observations and collections of matters of interest connected with the agri- culture and natural resources of this district. As first fruits of our labors, I send by the Tybee steamer, direct for New York, three boxes, two of which contain dried plants, (so marked;) the larger one contains articles for the museum, including native fibers, cordage, com- mercial woods, and such articles of native pro- duce as will bear transportation. The fiber called lui/note, is the product of Fourcroya Ca- bense, and yields enormously. I hope to send some bulblets of this plant that may be grown in the green-house. This is not the best fruit season, and most of the native fruits will not bear transportation, but at the last jDoint we shall stop at, I shall endeavor to secure some of them for model- ing. All investigation tend to show the vast resources of this country, which are hardly touched through imperfect methods of culture and want of entei prise. Our collection of plants will, I think, number over five hundred species, and we hope to lay in a good stock of seeds and live plants before leaving. I have found Mr. Shumacher very friendly and oblig- ing. I have visited him at his residence, two miles from town, on the sea beach — a delight- ful residence. He has the Fourcroya Cahmsc growing in his grounds, and is engaged in making e.\'perimenta in producing the fiber from the green plant by machinery. My assistant, Mr. Brummei, has been away on an expedition into the country for twelve days; is expected this week. My associate, Mr. Wright, is also absent on an expedition acro>s the country. I cannot ascertain certainly what will be the movements of the Commission, but I judge there will be no particular haste about return- ing. I shall try to improve all the opportuni- ties that the different movements offer. There is no doubt large sections of the mountainous districts are adapted to the growth of ninchnna. The frequent rains and cool, misty atmosphere, and elevation above the sea, absence of frost, etc., supply all the conditions of successful culture. A fair topographical map would en- able one to lay down this cinchona district with tolerable correctness. The woods of the country are numerous and exceedingly valuable; will constitute one great item of the Avealth of the country. I have found coffee growing wild by the road- sides. On all these points I hope to present some interesting data in my final report. — Monthly Report, Department of AyricuUicre, Feb- ruary. — ■ — 4^» SILK CULTURE. The correspondence which follows, wjth re- gard to a new species of silk worm to be for- warded from Calcutta, in India, and authorized to be received by Mr. Horace Dunn of this city will explain itself Mr. Dunn has not received the worms yet, but is duily expecting them. He intends, when the worms arrive, if they are in sufficient quantity, to disLribufe them to the different silk-growers throughout the State, who may desire to possess them, if they will pledge themselves to report results to the Commissioner of Agriculture at Washing-ton City : Department of Agriculture, ) Washington, D. C, Feb. 1, 1871. \ Horace D. Dann^ Fsq., San Francisco, Cal. — Dear Sir: — This Department has just received advices from Nathaniel P. Jacobs, United States Consul-General, Calcutta, of the ship- ment of a package containing live cocoons of the "Atlas'' silk worm; also a package of hedge seed, both consigned to the Collector of Customs, San Francisco. Tlie cocoons are intended for experiments in California, as per letter of Mr. Brownlow, the donor, a copy of which I herewith enclose as a guide to those who may take part in the experiment. 174 THE CALIFORNIA HORTICULTURIST. I beg to put this matter in your hands, with the request tliat you will call upon the Col- lector (who will be directed by the Secretary of the Treasury to pass both parcels free of duties and customs charges), and take charge of the cocoons and seeds, and put the former in the right hands, one of which I' would name — Mr. Joseph Neuman, at your discretion. Please to have it understood that a full re- port of the result of experiments be made through you to this Department and to Mr. C Brownlow, care of N. P. Jacobs, United States Consul-General, Calcutta, East India. I beg to request further, that if this trial proves a success, you will cause to be for- warded, at the proper season, a few of the live cocoons to this Department. Please advise me of your action in the matter. I am, very truly, Horace Capron, Commissioner. p. S.— The pamphlet to which Mr. B. refers in his postscript did not come by the mail. It will probably be found in the package. I must also trust to you to see that the co- coons get into good hands— of somebody who understands how to train the worms. I have no doubt there are many such in the colony. I would recommend the eggs being placed out of doors if not very cold, inside a pocket handkerchief, in which the young worms should feed with plenty of room for a week. The handkerchief should, of course, be tied on the end of a twig of the tree. When the moths come out, they should be placed inside a large net or airy room, where the males will visit the females. From 250 to 400 eggs will be procured from each female. The silk is not reelable, but cards well, and the beauty of the worm is that it eats almost anything, and spins a very large cocoon. In conclusion, I trust to receive an account of how they succeed. Trusting you will excuse the apparent liberty I take in forwarding the things through you, I remain, dear sir. Yours, faithfully, C. Brownlow. Woodlands, Cachar, November 25, 1870. I send a small pamphlet, giving names of trees fed on by the " Atlas," which please send to California along with the cocoons. — Call. The American Consul, Calcutta — Sir: I take the liberty to forward to you a small package of live cocoons of the " Atlas " silk worms, which I trust you will cause to be forwarded to California by the Pacific route, so as not to have to encounter another winter. With this precaution, I have little doubt of their surviv- ing, and the moths may be looked for at the commencement of summer — perhaps not be- fore May or June in California. The worm will feed on almost anything, hence my wish to see if the California folks can make anything of it. The eggs should be divided into a good number of batches, and a batch put on one of a number of trees, the other batches being similarly disposed, it will soon appear on which of the trees the worms feed, and on which they do not. I have scarcely any doubt but that some trees will be found on which it will thrive. What Eats Farmers Up.— The fences of the United States are estimated to have cost more than the houses, cities included; more than the ships, vessels and boats of every description, which sail on the ocean, lakes and rivers ; more than our manufac- tories, with all their machinery ; and more than any one class of property, real estate alone excepted. These are curious facts, but they are facts, neverthe- less. The fences of New York are put down at $144,- 000,000; those of Ohio at $115,000, and of Pen- sylvania at $120,000,000. Divided out at this rate, the money invested in fences alone is more than equal to the national debt. As fences must be renewed, on an average, once in ten years, the annual cost to the country, is not far short of $200,000,000. " Any soap-grease to-day, ma'am ?" " No, sir ; I use my own soap-grease." " Make your own soap ?" " No, sir," " How do you use your own soap-grease then V " I make it into eggs," I said smiling. The man looked so astonished and half frightened that I thought it time to explain. " I feed the grease and fat which is unfit for cooking to the chickens." THE CALIFORISriA HORTICULTURIST. 175 OUR DOMESTIC PROSPECTS. It is evident from reports which reach us from every part of the State, that we are march- ing forward in the way of progress, and it is well to review from time to time the efforts of our enterprising men. Forest Trees. — Mr. Stratton, of Alameda Co., has 53 acres planted out for forest culture, mostly of the Mtcali/phis or Australian Gum. The seed for which was gathered from seven year old trees of his own. Mr. Aiken, of Sacramento Co., has a planta- tion of 5,000 Balms of Gilead ; 7,500 Morus midticaulis] 5,000 Morus Alia ; 10,000 California black walnut; 4,000 American Avhite maple; 5,000 American elm; 2,000 English elm; 400 Spanish chestnut ; 500 American chestnut, all so far in good condition. Mr.'Edwards, of Sacramento Co., has planted out 7,000 locust trees for forest culture. Tule Lands. — From Vallejo, we hear that tule farming is being carried on successfully this year, several thousand acres have been cultivated. Near Rio Vista, several hundred acres are being cultivated. Ramie. — Near Hay wards, in Alameda Co., over 200,000 ramie plants have been set out during the present season, and its success is conceded by those who ought to know. The cultivation of the ramie plant is attract- ing attention in Santa Clara Co., among the farmers there ; Judge Graham, of Hay wards, has planted 90,000 roots of the ramie plant. Mr. Nourse, of Chico, is also making an ex- periment by planting two acres with the ramie plant. Oranges. — General Yallejo has been shipping a considerable quantity of oranges, which he has raised in Sonoma Co., and which are said to be superior to the oranges coming from Los Angeles. He sold them at from forty to fifty dollars per thousand, and has obtained 15,000 oranges from thirty trees. In Dacoto, according to the Rural Press, 5,000 orange and lime trees have been planted out this year. Several thousand orange and lemon trees have been planted in the neio-h- borhood of Oroville ; so far, the prospect of their successful cultivation seems encouraging. Fine oranges have been raised in the open air by Mr. Snowball of Knight's Landing. Mr Van Lusen, in San Bernardino, has pro- duced oranges weighing one pound. Castor Oil Beans. — The cultivation of castor oil beans has been inaugurated in Los Angeles County. Over 200 acres of castor oil beans are culti- vated near Marysville this year; a heavy yield is expected. Silk Culture. — r)n the road between Grass Valley and Nevada, 10,000 Mulberry trees have been planted thisseason. Mr. Iscard, of Nevada City, has now over 8,000 Mulberry trees in cul- tivation. Mr. Mills, of Contra Costa, has on his plantation about 4,000 Mulberry trees of the different varieties. Some 30,000 Mulberry trees and cuttings have been planted out near Martinez this season. Napa Valley devotes also a great deal of attention to silk culture ; a large number of Mulberry trees have been set out there this year. Mr. Brannan is cultivating 10,000 Mulberry trees and 30,000 Ramie plants at Calistoga. The Grape. — In El Dorado county, more grape vines have been planted out this year than ever before. The Grape can be cultivated there profitably, at from three-quarters to one cent per pound. Mr. Bugby is largely inter- ested there, and says that he can afibrd to pay S25 per ton for grapes, if delivered at Shingle Springs. In Nevada county, several new vineyards have been planted with foreign grapes ; some of our best wines are expected to be made there. Gen. Bidwell, of Chico, has now 50,000 grape vines planted, besides 8,000 fruit trees and over 2,000 acres in grain. The distilla- tion of brandy from grapes is much encour- aged in the counties of Los Angeles, El Dorado Napa, Santa Clara, San Bernardino, Sonoma and Yolo. These counties, in 1868, produced over 257,000 gallons, and the yield has in- 176 THE CALIFORNIA HORTICULTURIST. creased ever since. Mr. Bngby, of the Na- toraa vineyards, lias done much in that direc-^ tion; he advocates the Johnson process of distillation, by which he obtains 50 gallons of brandy out of one ton of grapes. Napa Valley has now about 1,700,000 grape vines, from which last year 315,000 gallons of -wine were produced, bcf^ides distilled liquor. Sugar i?(;e^. — Enterprising men of Santa Barbara are about to erect a factory for the manufacture of beet sugar. The Alvarado Beet Sugar Company is plant- ing extensively; they commenced w^ork last February; enough beets are expected to be raised this year to keep the mill running to its full capacity. Experiments show that the most desirable soil lor sugar beet is a deep, rich, light loam. Tlie cultivation of the sugar beet and the manufacturing of beet sugar will be attempted in Sacramento and San Jos6 this year. Sundries.— In Burns' valley. Dr. Delamont is cultivating ten acres of opium poppy. In Yuba county the cultivation of the cocoa- nut is being attempted with some prospect of success. Tea plantations have been set out near Cal- istoga, but we have not heard anything about their success so for. Our southern counties are making strong et- forts to introduce cotton culture, and a number of acres are cultivated for that purpose this year. This movement is being closely watched, and we wish it every success. The Eose of Sharon is one of the most exquisite flowers in shapeand hue. Its blossoms are bell shaped, and of many mingled hues and dyes. But its history is legendary and romantic in the highest degree.^ In the East, throughout Syria, Judea and Arabia, it is regarded with the profoundest re.verence. The leaves that encircle the round blossom dry and close to- gether when the season of blossom is over, and the Btalk withering completely away from the stem, the flower is blown away at hist from the bush upon which it grew, having'dried up in the shape of a ball which is carried by the sport of the breeze to a great distance. In this way it is borne over the sandy wastes and deserts, until at hxst, touching some moist place, it clings totlie soil, where it immediately takes fresh root and springs to life and beauty agam. l*or this v(;ry reason the Orientals have adopted it as the emblem of the Resurrection. THE ROAD TO SUCCESS. As far as we can at present ascertain, the prospect of bountiful crops to our horticultu- ral and agricultural men are very good, al- though, before the last rain set in, we had ampfe reason to fear for them. Indeed our last rains have been an incalculable benefit to our State. Everything now looks encouraging tor the farmer, and we anticipate that busi- ness in general will brighten up. So long as we depe^nd entirely upon the returns from our gold and silver mines, much less importance was attached to the produce of our fields, the consumer was dependent on the importer, and prices paid were governed by the foreign markets, and subject to the manipulations and combinations of our commercial men, who very often monopolized the supplies and took advantage of the consumer; but time has brought'about a change which is now eflecting grearimprovements in our system of business, and if home produce and home manufactures are encom-aged and assisted by capital, and if our cultivators will co-operate in forwarding the best interests of our State by the inaugu- ration of a more enlightened system of farm- ing and gardening, we may in a short time re- alise those expections which our most promi- nent farmers and horticulturists, both here and in the East, are anticipating for us. If we were to-day to gather up all the prac- tical information which has been made public in print, we might fill volumes with facts which most effectually prove the enormous resources of California; and if we were to gather the advice and suggestions which have origi- nated with men of practical experience, we should be able to bind up other volumes in almost every department of agriculture and horticulture, but although our progress has been enormous, yet our success is not so much attributable to our own engineering as to the productiveness of our soil, to the superiority of our climate, and to the existing mineral wealth of our own and tlie neighboring States, which lavishly paid lor our produce when we made our first attempts to develop our agri- cultural and horticultural resources. THE CALIFORNIA HORTICULTURIST. 177 When we take into consideration the facili- ties which we have for farming and garden- ing, we are inclined to believe that we have been slow in availing ourselves of the experi- ence and suggestions so often repeated, and with deep regret we see that a large majority of our cultivators still adhere with vmwar- ranted stubborness to many antiquated systems and ways of their own. This state of things cannot last much longer, without provino- de- trimental to our interests. There was considerable alarm manifested about the scarcity of rain during our present season. We have seen various districts, and have received information from many others, and we have come to the conclusion that one- half of the crops were ploughed and sown too late, and there is no doubt that, Avhile early sown crops would have matured well even with less rain, the late sown crops would have suffered terribly if the late rains had not come just in time. So often as it has been repeated that deep ploughing and early sowing and planting are our only safeguards against drought, yet there are some who still advo- cate shallow ploughing, and others who al- ways manage to be behind time. We hope, most sincerely, that our farmers will open their eyes and ears and will recog- nize deep ploughing and early planting and sowing as one of the chief elements of success, and the result will be less anxiety and fear if the rain does not come just exactly when it is wanted. « <^> ■ AGRICULTURAL AND HORTICULTURAL WORK FOR MAY. Hints About Flowers.— House plants ought to be stimulated gently once or twice a week, Rain water, so refreshing to summer flowers, always contains am- monia, which also abounds in all liquid manures. If you take an ounce of pulverized carbonate of ammonia, dissolved in one gallon of water, it will make spring water even more stimulating to your plants than rain water. If you water your plants once in two weeks with guano water (one tablespoonful to a pail of water), they will grow more thriftily. Chicken mamire dissolved in water is excellent. Always keep the soil in your flower-pots loose. A common hair pin used daily, will stir the earth sufficiently. The subject of selling fruits and vegetables by weight IS bemg agitated again in the West They think that this system would be the fairest both to the purchaser and the vender. Although the season for planting trees and shrubs may now be said to have closed, yet doubtless a great many ornamental trees will be planted out where water can be obtained for irrigation. Our rainy season having commenced much later than usual, and the quantity which has yet fallen being less than the average, as a con- sequence many people have hesitated to plant extensively, but our last rains gave a fresh im- petus, and as we may fairly expect some later rains, which should they fall will be even more beneficial than our usual copious rains during the winter. Deciduous trees and shrubs, and such evergreens as will stand trimming, may still be transplanted as late in the season as this, by cutting in close, giving a good soak- ing after planting, and mulching; this will be particularly necessary where water for irriga- tion is scarce. In the orchard, all operations may now be suspended, except keeping the ground clear from weeds and looking after insects. We have frequently given various methods of treatment to destroy them, and shall continue to publish all information that may reach us. Clayey soils should now be ploughed the second time to make the ground more porous; it will help the trees, destroy weeds, and make it uncomfortable for certain insects. The vineyard should be let alone — inexperi- enced hands may do much damage in work- ing among the vines, as the young shoots just starting are very easily broken off. An experi- enced man, however, may do much good, by going over the vines and breaking off those young shoots which start from the ground or from the main stock. These young shoots take away a great deal of nourishment, which the bearing shoots cannot -well spare. In the kitchen garden there is a busy time coming; the transplanting of cabbage, cau- liiiowers, tomatoes, head lettuce, peppers and celery, should be continued in fresh prepared soil; corn, beans, cucumbers, etc., should be hoed carefully and the weeds thoroughly 178 THE CALIFORNIA HORTICULTURIST. cleaned out. Where snails are troublesome, apply lime, and when insects begin to show themselves, use a thin solution of whale-oil soap, which may be sprinkled over the plants twice or three times a week. In the tiower garden, every day develops something new, and at no time during the year do plants appear so interesting and in- structive as at the present. New acquisi- tions of bulbs which have been planted during the past months are growing up and will be anxiously watched to welcome the first appear- ance of a flower bud, while new seeds are coming up and are carefully freed from the surrounding weeds. The ground around the plants should be kept loose, but care must be taken not to trample on the young plants and bulbs just sprouting, nor to break off the young and tender shoots of your older plants. Ignorant and pretentious gardeners often de- stroy many young plants and bulbs, and then the seedsman is wrongfully accused of selling Worthless seeds. Green-houses and conservatories should have fresh air during the greater part of the day, if the weather is not too rough. House plants should also receive daily airing ; a close watch should now be kept for insects, and the reme- dies applied as directed in former numbers of this magazine. Water freely while the plants are making their new growth and forming their flower buds ; but as the day may be very warm, while water from the well or from water pipes may yet be very cold, it is advisable to expose the water to the warmer temperature of the green-house before using it for irriga- tion. If plants are kept too far from the glass there is danger that the young shoots may grow up too tall and slender ; the evil may be remedied by pinching off the young shoots before they make their flower buds, so as to obtain bushy plants, which will give more flowers and present a better appearance. «•» Spreading Manuke.— In spreading manure care Bhould be taken to scatter it evenly over tlie land, breaking to ])ieces all large and hard lumps. This should always be done immediately, or not more than a half a day before plowing, especially if the weathor is dry and very windy. The manure should be plowed under before it dries very much, or loss will accrue. GROWING FOREST TREES. We have repeatedly alluded to the necessity of growing forest trees in California. It seems that the attempts made so far w^ere not calculated to cultivate the most valuable tim- ber. It is well to look into this matter more thoroughly and to inaugurate the planting of such trees as will be most valuable for timber. The Western Pomologist recommends the fol- lowing deciduous trees for forest planting. The Chestnut, Black Walnut, Hickory nut, White and Sugar Maple, White Ash, Elm and Birch, all of which are very desirable and easily raised from seed. California has its peculiarities in climate and soil, and we cannot adopt the above list en- tire; however, some of them have been neg- lected entirely, when we have every reason to believe that they can be grown here very sat- isfactorily. The Chestnut makes valuable tim- ber, but may be considered slow growing on the Pacific coast, which is an objection. ^ The Black Walnut is also a very valuable timber tree, and we are importing every year an im- i mense quantity of this wood, which should be ^ grown here. The tree grows well in all parts of the State. The Hickory, which is used so extensively in the East, has not been culti- vated here yet to any extent. By proper treatment the Hickory would grow well here. . The Maple is a very rapid growing tree in I California, but so far no attempt has been | made to cultivate it very extensively. The Elm is well known throughout the United States, and is used very extensively for orna- mental purposes; its timber is also valuable. We should like to see this tree cultivated ex- | tensively. The Birch, we are inclined to be- lieve, will not succeed well in California. Some varieties of the Birch have been in culti- | vation in Oakland, and with some success, yet our climate here is not cold enough, and as far as its timber is concerned, we think but very little of it. Besides those mentioned above, we have many other trees in cultivation on this coast now which are well adapted for forest culture. The Eucalyptus, (or Australian Gum) is a THE CALIFORNIA HORTICULTURIST. 179 very fast growing tree, and some of the varie- ties produce an excellent timber. The Red- wood, which is a native of this State, must rank among the very best of forest trees ; but its cultivation must be confined to the sea coast. It will not grow outside of the sea fogs. The Oak furnishes a very valuable tim- ber for various purposes. However, it seems to grow rather slow in this country. The California Laurel is well known in California, but its. cultivation has not been very success- ful. There is no doubt that this tree can be grown very successfully and would be profit- able. The Locust grows rapidly and without any trouble, but its timber is not so useful as that of the others. There are various kinds of Pines and other coniferai indigenous to California, which could be cultivated profitably, and we hope that our next legislature will take this matter in con- sideration, and offer some good inducement for forest tree cultivation. HOW TO KEEP A THOUSAND HENS. NEW AND RARE PLANTS. The Gardeners' Monthly speaks of a new Cen- taurea, which is much swperior in elegance of foliage to all others; it is called Ceniaurea clementei. The same journal also gives an illus- tration of a new crimson-flowered Mignonette of Avhich the anthers are of a dark crimson, in- stead of a brown, as in the common variety. (Emtliera Whitneiji, or Godetia Whitneiji as it is also called, is a splendid evening primrose, which was discovered in Humboldt County, California in 1867, but has not been brought to public notice until within the last year. The Gardeners' Chronicle, (London,) speaks very highly of it. The plant is from 12 to 15 inches high, and has its upper portion completely covered with flowers from 3 to -t inches in diameter, of a beautiful rose color, with a dark crimson blotch near the centre of each petal. This plant is said to have been in cultivation in England as early as 1842, but as no seeds were saved, it disappeared from cultivation until its re-mtrodnction in 1867. However this may be, its present introduction is due to Prof. H. N. Bolander, of this city. With a flock of one thousand fowls at least six acres are requisite. Some have given this rule: An acre to each hundred. This area should be fenced in with boards or pickets, and houses erected, large enough to accommodate one hun- dred fowls for roosting, shelter from storms, and laying. It is not essential that these houses should be expensive, but they should face the soutli, and the fronts should be partially or entirely glazed. The glazing should be by sashes, which may be opened easily by hinges above, and may be left open through the sum- mer to permit a free circulation of air. The care of these houses should be entrusted to a capable person, as on their proper management the success of the poultry largely depends. In addition to the poultry houses, there should be provided numbers of low sheds, beneath which the fowls may take shelter from the heat of the sun or fro^ storms. Care should be taken to prevent the ingress of vermin, skunks, weasels, etc., to the grounds, and one or more good dogs should be confined within the enclosure, care being taken to secure dogs which will not trouble the fowls, but which are good watch- dogs, and vigilant. An abundance of pure water is absolutely necessary, and unless a brook runs through or a pond is located on the land, water should be brought by a ram, or pumped by a windmill from a well. Fowls drink a great quantity of water, and it should be of as pure quality as can be obtained. The prepara- tion of the grounds, and building of houses and sheds having been completed, the stock may be procured. For all practical purposes the common dung-hill fowl is as good as any, as we have proved completely to our satisfaction. In selecting a stock, take hens from one to two years old, bright- eyed, red-combed, clean- legged fowls, as large and well-formed as can be obtained. There is no need of a crower with the large flocks, the breeders being se- lected and kept separate from the others; for laying purposes, hens do better away from a cock than with one, and if a number of male birds are together, the fights and troubles are 180 THE CALIFORNIA HORTICULTURIST. incessant. The care of the poultry is not great after they are placed in the park. The fowls selected for breeding purposes shuuld be kept in iiocks of twenty, in yards separate from the otheis, and each of these small flocks should have a male bird. These birds should be the very best to be obtained, strong, well- formed, and hardy, and the cock should be two years old, healthy, strong and courageous We believe tbat a Brahma cock, such as we have described, crossed with the dung-hill fowls, would get better and more marketable chickens than would any other breed. This, however, is for the poulterer to decide. INSECT LARV^. The practical question remains, whether any general rules can be established by which we can know what form tlie noxious larvae we meet with will ultimately assume ? In order to understand what follows, it is necessary to state that larvae have i|gs of two kinds; lirst, the true legs, representing the legs of the perfect insect, which are compara- tively firm, conical, and jointed, and which, when present, are almost always six in number, and attached to the first three segments of the bodv. Secondly, the spurious legs, or pro legs', which are short, thick, muscular, and un articulated, varying in number from two to sixteen, and attached to one or more of the eicrht last segments. °lst. Generalisation.— Ml larvae generally known as caterpillars, and distinguished by having both legs and prolegs, produce either Lepidoptera, or saw-flies in the order Hymen- optera; and the larvre of the saw-flies are dis tinguished from those of the Lepidoptera by having more than five pairs of prolegs ; and by having only two eyes, whilst the true cater- pillars have ten or twelve, and also by their habit of rolling themselves into a spiral coil. 2d. As a general rule, hairy caterpillars produce moths, whilst spiny or naked oues produce butterflies or sphinges. The rule may be more accurately stated thus : all dense- ly haired caterpillars produce moths, but all the larvse of moths are not hairy. The cater pillars of the butterflies and sphinges are either naked or ornamented with spines, or with very short or scattered hairs. 3d. Wood-boring larvae belong mostly to the Coleoptera ; but also to a few families of the Lepidoptera, namely, the ^geridae, the Hepi- alidie, and a few exceptional Tortricidae. The larvje ot the Lepidoptera can always be dis- tinguished from those of the Coleoptera, by the° presence of prolegs on the intermediate segments. A few Coleopterous larvae have one pair of prolegs on the anal segment, but more generally only one such leg. 4th. All leaf-sucking larva? belong to the order Hemiptera (mcluding the Homoptera.) r)th. All leaf-gnawing larvae, excepting grasshoppers and the caterpillars above treated of, belong to one tribe of Coleoptera, distinguished by the title of Phyllophaga, or leaf-eaters and comprising the four families Crioceridee, Galerucidae, Cassididae, and Chry- somelidse. These larvae, moreover, can gener- ally be identified by their short, wrinkled forms, their sluggish motions, and some of them by the singular habit of protecting their bodies by their own excrement. 6th. All larva? found underground, except- ing those which enter it only for the purpose of un^dergoiug their transformations, are divisible, according "to their habits, into two sections. First, the subterranean larvae, properly so called, which live under ground, and feed upon the roots of plants; and, secondly, those which subsist above ground, but burrow into it, when not feeding, for the purpose of conceal- ment. True subterranean larvae are found in the orders Coleoptera, Hemiptera, Homoptera, and Diptera. None of the last order, except a few of the TipuUdie, have ever been known to multiply so as to be seriously injurious to vegetation. But in the Coleoptera, we have the well known white grub of the may- beetle, and the large grape-root borer, in the family Prionidffi; and belonging to the Hom- optera, is the pernicious Apple tree root-louse. The second section is limited almost exclu- sively to the notorious tribe of cut-worms, all of which belong to the family of Noctuidae, m the order Lepidoptera. THE CALIFORNIA HORTICULTURIST. 181 These are a few of the more obvious gen- eral results which we derive from the obser- vation of insects, under the two limitations of noxious habits and the larval state. Others, less remarkable, perhaps, but equally interest- ing, would be suggested by a more minute study of the subject. — Dr. W. Le Baron, in *' American Entonwlogutr WOODWARD'S GARDENS. We recently visited these gardens, and were much gratified by the many improvements in progress. Among these the public will doubt- less find the great assembly-room, amphi- theatre, hall of recreation, or by whatever other name it may be designated, which is now in the course of erection, and which will soon be finished, a means of amusement suited to the taste of a large majority of the visitors. For ourselves, the magnificent appearance of the really superb collection of Acacias, now in full bloom, together with the luxuriant growth of the various evergreens and de- ciduous trees and shrubs, were a source of ex- treme pleasure. Other plants also attracted our attention-a fine specimen oiI)rac(E^ia fragrans coming into bloom, the Phormium tenax (New Zealand flax), pushing forth its flower stems, the Ramie plant, with others too numerous to mention here ; while within the conservatory, tropical-house, etc., etc., we found a splendid collection of Azalias in full bloom ; various varieties of the Coleus and other foliage plants in full leaf, and presenting a gorgeous appear- ance. This collection is very rich in foliage plants, having a fine relay of specimens in readi- ness to be brought forward. We were, in fact, miach more pleased with the reserve than with those in exhibition. The Orchidaceous plants are also well represented. A Banana in flower, and forming its young fruit, attracted our at- tention, as did also four luxuriant specimens of .<4nflnrt,(Pine-apple) now fruiting; by the way, we saw from 20 30 others equally promising in re- serve. In fact these very interesting gardens are evidently increasing in public value, and we do not believe that they, although very pop alar, are appreciated as they deserve, afibrding as they do, not only recreation and amusement, but the means of study in botanical science, as well as intellectual improvement, and we hope that the enterprising proprietor will meet with ever increasing encouragement during the ensuing season. EFFECTS OF GAS UPON PLANTS. It is well understood that plants will not do well in a room where gas is burned ; but that gas, which may escape from pipes rvmning through a garden, will kill shrubs and trees in close proximity, is not generally credited ; yet it has been proven that such is the case. In removing shrubs and trees which have died from some unknown cause, the ground was found to be saturated with gas, which had es- caped from some open place in the pipes. (When plants or trees are lost, it will always be well to look for the cause, so that we map prevent similar loss in the future). To provide against this risk from gas, we would advise those who are about to plant their gardens, not to lay gas pipes where they intend to place their valuable trees or shrubs. GOOD QUALITY APPLES. It has always been our doctrine that the foot-hills of the Sierras will produce the best flavored and best keeping apples of any por- tion of our State. The Rural Press says, on this subject : " But a few years since all our winter apples came from Oregon. It is grati- fying to know that now most of them come from the foot-hills of the Sierras, within our own State. A comparison of apples from Oregon and the Sierras, as they are found side by side in our market, is decidedly in favor of the latter. Our own apples are more juicy, finer grained, better flavored, and highly colored. The same varieties compared show the California apple in a much better state of preservation, and proves its keeping qualities to be superior. We have noticed a few boxes in the market lately, from some thirty miles above Placerville. They are much superior in all the qualities referred to above to those grown down towards the valley." 182 THE CALIFORNIA HORTICULTURIST. We have had considerable experience in fruit raising in Nevada Co., and we feel sure that the fruit grown in that part of the State would command a much better price in our market than that raised in the valleys. If the owners of orchards in that section will bring their fruit into our market, they will obtain good prices, and establish a good demand for their really superior productions. OUR LATE RAINS. During the latter part of March, discourag- ing news reached us from many parts of the State, caused by want of rain; however, one of the best showers Ave have had during this season came just in time to brighten up our prospects. This rain was general throughout the State, and the latest advices from the country are of a most cheerful character. Reports from Visalia indicate a much larger grain crop than in any previous year, and re- present the fields as in a fine condition. The Castroville Argus, reports : The crops in that valley as looking splendidly, with ex- cellent prospects of a bountiful harvest; the young grain is said to stand more regular, un- broken and vigorous in its appearance than ever before, and a much larger breadth has .been sown in grain than usual. Los Angeles will produce a larger crop of corn than ever before. The Encinal^ of Alameda, says : The late rains saturated the earth thoroughly. The grain prospects look much brighter than they did a week ago. The San Joaquin Valley Argus, says: The rain has been general throughout the valley and will be a blessing to all. This fall of rain en- sures large crops in many localities where to- tal failures were expected. The Monterey Repullican reports a fine rain throughout the valley. The Petaluma Crescent, says : That crops of Sonoma county never looked better, and will doubtless be the most prolific for years. The Santa Cruz Times, says : The prospects lor an abundant harvest never looked brighter. OUR MARKETS. The fruit season has just now commenced with a fair supply of strawberries, which are retailing at from 25 to 35 cents per pound. From various reports the strawberry crop promises fair. Apples from last year are plentiful, yet at 6 to 12 cents per pound. Of vegetables the supply of asparagus, green peas, and rhubarb is plentiful, while cabbage and cauliflowers are scarce. The quality of aspara- gus this year is better than that of last. We understand that a number of extensive and new plantations have been made this year. Large shipments of asparagus and other vegetables have lately been made to Chicago and New York. We hope most sincerely that the en- terprise will be remunerative and that the articles shipped will be a credit to California. We understand that the fruit crop will be far above the average, this year. Cherries, plums peaches, etc., are more promising than ever. PIEDMONT SULPHUR SPRINGS. This beautiful summer resort is now ready for the accommodation of visitors, and thus we are enabled within an hour's ride, to enjoy every comfort the most fastidious may wish for. Those who are not fortunate enough to have their own equipage, can take the regular Omnibus Line at the Broadway Station in Oakland. The road leads through a fine farming district, which with its waving grain fields and ijowering fruit trees makes a magnifi- cent sight. As you ascend the hills, a most picturesque panorama is spread before you; with Oakland, Alameda, and the surrounding villa grounds at the foot of the hills ; the city of San Francisco in the background, and our magnificent bay whose surface is dotted over by the many sailing and steam vessels plying on its waters. On reaching Piedmont, visitors have mag- nificent parlors and rooms to their disposal, and Mr. Walkington will do all in his power to make their stay pleasant. The hotel is surrounded by ornamental grounds and groups of live oaks, embellished with comfortable THE CALIFORNIA HORTICULTURIST. 183 seats. Walks and drives make every point of interest accessible, the most prominent of which are the Sulphur Springs, surrounded by the most picturesque scenery of natural landscape. We are very much in need of a resort of this kind, and the owners are public spirited men, who have invested a large amount of money to make this place what it is. Yet they are only in the beginning, and expect to add constantly to its attractiveness. Now it is for the public to show a due appreciation of their efforts, which will stimulate the owners to make Piedmont the most attractive andfashion- able watering place. FIRST ANNUAL EXHIBITION OF THE BAY DISTRICT HORTICULTURAL SOCIETY OF CALIFORNIA. TO OPEN ON TUESDAY, AUGUST 8tH, 1871, AND TO CONTINUE FOR FOUR WEEKS, AT THE PAVILION, UNION SQUARE, SAN FRANCISCO. Premium List — {First Week.) CLASS I FLORAL DEPARTMENT. 1. Best display and general collec- tion of Flowering Plants in bloom. $20.00 2. Best collection of Plants, In- digenous to Australia 25.00 3. Best collection of Conifer8e,both Native and Foreign 20.00 4. Best collection of Plants for Greenhouse, Conservatory and Window culture 15.00 5. Best collection of Bedding Plants 10.00 Best collection of hardy plants with Variegated Foliage 10.00 Best collection of BulbousPlants 10.00 Best 12 Specimen Plants 10.00 Best collection of Tropical Plants 10.00 10. Best collection of Climbing Plants, (not less than 25 varieties) 10.00 11. Best collection of Climbing Plants, (not less than 10 varieties) 5.00 12. Best collection of New and Rare Plants 10.00 6. 9. 13 Best collection ofplants suitable for Hanging Baskets and Rocker- ies diploma 14. Best collection of Ferns 5.00 15. Best collection of Ornamental Grasses diploma 16. Best collection of Roses in pots or boxes, (not less than 20 varie- ties, in flower) 10.00 17. Best collection of Roses in pots or boxes, (not less than 6 varie- ties, in bloom) , 3.00 18. Best collection and display of Cut-flowers 10.00 19. Pair of best arranged Wire- Hanging Baskets 5.00 20. Pair of best arranged Rustic- Hanging Baskets 5.00 21. Pair of best arranged Earthen- ware Hanging Baskets 3.00 22. Best Miniature Garden 40.00 23. Best design for a Suburban Gar- den 10.00 24. Best exhibit of Wire-\%ork adapted for floriculture diploma 25. Best exhibit of Flower-pots and Vases ' diploma 26. Best kept Flower Garden in the city of San Francisco dij^loma 27. Best kept Suburban Garden . . . diploma 28. Best kept Lawn diploma 29. Best exhibit of Rustic Work. . 10.00 CLASS II FRUITS. 1. Best and largest collection of Fruits 25.00 2. Best and largest collection of Apples 10.00 3. Best 12 varieties of Apples.. . . 5.0() 4. Best and largest collection of Pears 10.00 5. Best 10 varieties of Pears diploma 6. Best and largest collection of Peaches 8.00 7. Best 10 varieties of Peaches. . . diploma 8. Best and largest collection of Plums 8.00 9. Best 10 varieties of Plums. . . .diploma 10. Best collection of Nectarines . . 5.00 184 THE CALIFORNIA HORTICULTURIST. 11. Best and largest collection of Quinces diploma 12. Best and largest collection of Ficrs diploma 13. Best exhibit of Oranges diploma 14. " " " Lemons diploma 15. " " " Cranberries .... diploma 16. " " " Strawberries . . 5.00 17. " " " Blackberries . .diploma 18. " " " Nuts diploma CLASS III. VEGETABLES. 1. Best and largest exhibit of Vege- tables, (not less than 15 varieties.) 15.00 2. Best collection of Irish Potatoes 5.00 3. Best collection of Sweet Pota- toes 3.00 4. Best collection of Sugar Beets . . 5.00 5. » " " Squashes and Pumpkins 5.00 6. Best 6 Watermelons 3.00 7. Best 6 Muskmelons 3.00 CLASS IV. MISCELLANEOUS. 1. Best collection of imported Seeds 10.00 2. Best collection of California Seeds 10.00 3. Best exhibit of Castor Oil beans 5.00 4. Best exhibit of Flax diploma 5. '< " " Ramie plants and fibre 6. Best exhibit of Hemp " 7. " " " Tea plants " 8. " " " Cal. Rice in ear " 9. " " " Hop vines " 10. " " " Tobacco leaf. . " 11. Best exhibit of California Con- iferiB Cones, (not less than 15 vari- eties.) 5.00 12. Best exhibit of bouquet paper, .diploma SECOND WEEK, CLASS I. FLORAL DEPARTMENT. 1. Best collection of Fuchsias, in pots, (not less than 15 varieties.) . 2. Best collection of Fuchsias, in pots, (not less than 6 varieties.) . . 8.00 3.00 5.00 3. Best collection of double flower- ing Geraniums, in pots 5.00 4. Best collection of Tricolor Ger- aniums, in pots 5.00 5. Best collection of Zonale Gera- niums ^-00 6. Best collection of Pelargoniums in pots 7 Best collection of Verbenas, (not less than 12 varieties) 3.00 8. Best collection of Pinks, Carna- tions and Picotees, in pots 5.00 9. Best collection of Pansies, in pots or boxes 3.00 10. Best collection of Double Petu- nias, in pots 3.00 11. Best collection of Annuals, in pots or boxes 5.00 1. 2. 3. 4. 5. 6. 7. 8. 9. 10. 11. 12. CUT FLOWERS. Best 20 Dahlias 3.00 " 10 " diploma » 12 Gladiolus 3.00 " Q " diploma " 12 Spikes of Hollyhock.. 3.00 « 6 " " ...diploma " 12 Roses 5.00 (I Q " diploma " 12 Pansies 3.00 6 «< diploma 12 Carnations 12 Picotees. . , CLASS II. FRUITS. 3.00 3.00 5.00 1 . Best^exhibit of Tropical Fruits . 2. Best arranged two Baskets of Fruit 5.00 3. Best and largest collection of Foreign Grapes 20.00 Best 10 varieties of Wine Grapes 10.00 Best 6 varieties of Table Grapes 5.00 Best varieties of Raisin Grapes . diploma Best 6 bunches of Grapes of any one variety diploma 8. Best exhibit of California Seed- ling Pears diploma 9, Best exhibit of California Seed- ling Apples diploma THE CALIFORNIA HORTICULTURIST. 185 THIRD WEEK. BOUQUETS, BASQUETS, ETC. 1. Best basket of flowers 5,00 2. Best pyramid bouquet 3.00 3. Best 2 round bouquets 3.00 4. Best 2 table bouquets 3.00 5. Best wedding bouquet 3.00 6. Best funeral wreath and cross. 5.00 7. Best flat bouquet 3.00 8. Best 4 button-hole bouquets . . . diploma FOURTH WEEK 1. Best collection of Variegated foliage plants, of tender nature. . 10.00 2. Best and most numerous exhibit of different styled bouquets and floral decorations, (not more than one of each style 10.00 Note I. Diplomas ol the Society will be given instead of money if so desired by the exhibitor. Note II. Exhibitors of Fruits and Vegeta- bles, who wish to compete for premiums, are to exhibit not less than three specimens of each variety. RULES AND REGULATIONS. 1. The exhibition will continue for four weeks, commencing on Tuesday, August 8th, and closing on Saturday, September 9th. Articles offered for competition according to premium-list for the First Week, must be en- tered on or before Saturday, August 5th, and delivered before 11 o'clock, on Tuesday, Au- gust 8th. Articles for competition in the premium-list of the Second Week, must be entered on or before Saturday, August 12th, and delivered before 11 o'clock on Tuesday, August 15th. Articles for competition in the premium-list of the Third Week, must be entered on or be- fore Saturday, August 19th, and delivered before 11 o'clock on Tuesday, August 22d. Articles for competition in the premium-list of the Fourth Week, must be entered on or before Saturday, August 26th, and delivered before 11 o'clock on Tuesday, August 29th. 2. All articles must be properly named and entered in the name of the srrower or owner. Exhibitors are requested to present to the Secretary a list of their contributions, and to state whether they are for competition or not. 4. All articles for competition must have been produced by the exhibitor, or have been in his possession for at least three months. 5. Competition for premiums is open to all, but a discount of one-third of the amount will be made from the Awards to persons who are not members of the Society. 6. All articles received for exhibition will be entirely under the control of the Committee of Arrangements, who will give them their proper places and take all possible care to return them uninjured. No person or persons shall be entitled to re- ceive more than one premium for the same specimen of plants, flowers, fruits, seeds, vege- tables, etc. If any specimen has obtained a premium in a collection, it shall not be credited to the same person in another collection, nor as a single specimen, nor shall any premium be awarded to a single variety, which may be in- cluded in any of the collections. No article on exhibition will be entitled to a premium, unless it possesses points of supe- riority, and the judges are strictly required to withhold premiums, if in their opinion the ar- ticles exhibited do not merit them. 9. Articles of a suitable character not men- tioned in the premium-list, will be received. 186 THE CALIFORNIA HORTICULTURIST. and if thought deserving will be recommended for premiums. 10. A premium will not be awarded when the article is not worthy, in case there is no com- petition. 11. After the Judges have made their awards, the prize specimens will be labeled and cards with the names of exhibitors will then be placed on their articles. 12. Articles for exhibition must be entered and staged by numbers, and no cards bearing the names of the exhibitor can be attached to them before the awards are made public. 13. Dishes, glasses and vases for the display of fruits and flowers, will be furnished by the Society. All premiums that are not claimed within three months after the close of the exhibition, shall be forfeited to the Society. 15. No article can be removed from the place of exhibition unless by permission of the Com- mittee of Arrangements. 16. The Judges will be required to base their decision upon a recognized standard, as far practicable, and their decision in all cases will be final. 17. An Auction Sale may be held after the close of the exhibition for the disposal of such arti- cles as the exhibitors may wish to sell. No person can be judge and competitor in the same class. The three names receiving most votes will constitute the judges in that class. In case the exhibitors neglect to elect judges, the President of the Horticultural Society will appoint them, AWARDS. The judges must hand in the awards in writing under sealed envelopes to the Secre- tary of the Society, on or before the third day of each exhibition, as defined in the premium list. The awards will be opened by the Com- mittee of Arrangements, and announced on the following day by the President of the Society. TRANSPORTATION OF ARTICLES FOR EXHIBI- TION. Arrangements are being made with the difi- ent transportation companies to forward arti- cles for exhibition free of charge. H. N. BOLANDER, President. F. A. MILLER.. Secretary. Oftice, 418 Kearny St. San Francisco^ April, 1871. APPOINTMENT OF JUDGES. Each exhibitor will present in a sealed en- velope to the Committee of Arrangements on the day of the opening of the exhibition, a list of three names which he desires to act as judges in the class where he is a competitor. The Time to Do It.— This is the season in which to plant the seed of Western nut bear- ing trees. Our farmers and those of our citi- zens who own land but are not farmers, should take this matter under serious consideration. A trifling expense and less labor, would fill our valley with the choicest varieties of trees Avhich would not only be splendid ornaments, but a source of good profit. They will all thrive well, and long avenues or large orchards of Walnut, Hickory, Butternut, Beech or Chesnut trees would add an immeasurable value to the property on which they are lo- cated.— Daily Independent. Mulberry Trees.— Parties have recently purchased several acres of land at San Lean- dro, for the purpose of setting out mulberry trees, in order to raise silk- worms. THE CALIFORNIA HORTICULTURIST. 187 EDITOR : C. A. STIVERS, M. D. ASSOCIATE EDITOBS : F. A. MILLER. C. STEPHENS. ®«itaml gorttolicr. In looking through our Eastern exchanges, we are constantly impressed "with the neces- sity for our people giving more serious atten- tion to our Californian Agricultural and Hor- ticultural papers and journals. The publica- tions of this kind issued in the Eastern States, are, as a general rule, conducted with great ability, and contain much of interest to us all ; but for practical guides they cannot be used on this coast. The United States, stretching as it does from ocean to ocean, has a great diversity of climates, and a rule that can be applied in one section is utterly useless in another. This reasoning applies with greater force to Cali- fornia than to other portions of our common country. We not only have a widely differ- ent meteorological relation with the balance of the States, but even within the boundaries of our own State, a number of varying cli- mates. Knowledge, then, to be of use to us, must be of us; having for its basis an actual experience in the things treated of, No one will deny that the future wealth and prosperity of California, and in fact of the whole Pacific Coast, are dependent upon their agri- cultural interests. It is the proji^er develop- ment of that interest which is to give us a steady progression in prosperity. Our friends in the East look upon this coast almost as the promised land— a land that over- flows with the " milk and honey" of golden promises — and wonder at our own indifference to the great advantages that Nature has be- stowed upon us. Possibly this indifference of ours is to be accounted for by the old proverb, that "Familiarity breeds contempt." While others, thousands of miles away, behold the bright vision of an almost earthly paradise, Ave who are at the very doors, nay, within the temple itself, see naught, and grope halting and stumbling in the dark. The glitter of gold, and the chann of rapid made fortunes, have to a certain extent, unset- tled us for sober, patient toil. But time works changes in commonwealths and com- munities as well as in individuals; changes that it is only wisdom on our part to under- stand and take advantage of Gold is no longer the staple production of this State; grain and fruit have displaced our former mon- arch and now reign supreme. Development of the agricultural interests then, is the great work of the people on the Pacific Coast. It is not alone the farmer who is to do this work, but all classes must unite in furthering the object sought for. There are now three publications in Califor- nia devoted to the advancement of all that pertains to the cultivation of the soil. The California Farmer, Pacific Rural Frets and our own journal ; for the first two we have -words of praise and consider them in all respects su- perior papers ; as for ourself we let our col- umns speak. It is by supporting these journ- als and papers in a liberal manner, that all may do their share in sustaining and increas- ing the agricultural resources of the Pacific Coast. If it is praiseworthy to patronize home manufactures and home productions, it is certainly equally so in fostering those means by which these home products are increased and rendered valuable. We are not advocat- ing an exclusiveness in regard to agricultural and horticultural literature, but rather that home journals ought to receive a larger share of home support than is at present accorded to them. Those published abroad will always contain many important items of agricultural knowledge which our farmers should by all means possess themselves of, but they cannot, as we have said, be anything like guides in ac- tual work on this coast. In fact they have never assumed this, but on the other hand look to us for knowledge and information re- specting this part of the woi-ld. Besides the good done in the bounds of the State itself, and among its own people, by the dissemina- tion of facts in agriculture and horticulture, we are (or at least hope to be) instrumental in 188 THE CALIFORNIA HORTICULTURIST. inducing immigration, and thereby adding to the general wealth of the State. We ask in return that all interested in the future growth of the Pacific Coast, shall aid us in this work. LIQUID MANURES. Very little attention is paid in California to the manuring of pot-plants, and it seems that we are expecting rather too much of the small quantity of earth contained in a small pot; yet plants are grown for years in this manner, and little or nothing is done to assist them in the development of leaves and flowers. No one doubts the beneficial efiect of the application of manure, but the additional labor is generally avoided. We appeal to our nurserymen and florists to give this matter more serious con- sideration, and recommend to their customers a system of manuring by liquids. It is not our purpose in this article to recommend certain kinds of manures for pot-plants, as almost any kind of manure used judiciously is better than none. That proper judgment is necessary in ma- nuring pot-plants is generally conceded, and also that the best time for applying manure is during the period when the growth of plants is most active, /. e. from the time the young wood is pushing forth, up to the forming of flower buds. During the time when flower buds are formed, we should cease to stimulate the growth of plants by application of manure, while we may give it again when the flower buds are about to expand. The Journal of the Farm publishes the fol- lowing from a correspondent : •'In many cases, in green-house culture, where the soil is generally limited to a pot or perhaps a large wooden vessel, there is a dis- position to stimulate the growth of sickly plants by the direct application of guano, or other highly concentrated manures. The re- sult very frequently is, that the remedy is worse than the disease. A distinguished writer on floriculture says : Only plants in perfect health are in a fit state to be benefited by manures ; they may be growing slowly for the want of nutriment, and at the same time be perfectly healthy, with abundance of hun- gry roots. Such plants as have been for years in the same pot, as oranges, oleanders, camel- lias, &c., frequently will be amazingly benefit- ed by applications of liquid manure during their season of growth. It is also of great ser- vice in green-house culture, especially for plants that are not rooted, and where it is not deemed expedient to change them into larger pots, and if liquid manures are applied to such plants as Pelargoniums, Cineraries, Primroses, &c., just as the flower buds are expanding, the flowers will be increased in size and brilliancy. It is, however, to be borne in steady mind, that it is a dangerous experiment to make these liquid applications when flower buds are forming, as the growth of wood will be stimu- lated, and the flowering principle interfered with. Manurial liquids are beneficial only when applied when the growth is active. As already stated, they should be withheld during the period when the buds are forming, and sparingly used during the time of blossom ex- pansion. Ano'.her point to be remembered is, that liquid manures should be applied to plants in pots in a perfectly clear state. Most persons are under the impression that the solution should be thick or disturbed. This is an error. I have found great advantage from keeping a large vessel filled with liquid manure from which I use the quantity required without dis- turbing the sediment, and I have had admirable results from a liquid manure made by dissovl- ing super-phosphate." The Agricultural Department at Washing. TON. — We regret to see some parties in the East, advocating the abolishment of the Agri- cultural Department. The Department is one of the most important in the United States, and happily one of the best conducted, as far as we can judge. The movement for abolish- ment will prove a complete failure, we pre- dict. The people Avant it and must have it, and we would consider an argument on this point waste of time. THE CALIFORNIA HORTICULTURIST. 189 BAY DISTRICT HORTICULTURAL SOCIETY OF CALIFORNIA. The seventh regular meeting of the Bay District Horticultural Society was held Satur- day, March 25th, 1871, at the rooms of the Academy of Sciences, No. 622 Clay street, San Francisco. Reports were received from the Secretary, the Committee on Exhibition, and the Com- mittee on Premium List. The following new members were elected: David Hudson, J. H.'Leonard, F.L. A. Pioche, of San Francisco; Judge Thomas, of Santa Rosa; J. H, Gilmore, of Oakland; and Dr. B. C. Fredericks, of San Francisco. The premium list for the next exhibition was adopted as reported by the Committee, after a few unimportant amendments. The list will be found in another column of this magazine. The Committee on Exhibition was granted full power to act. A number of books for the library of the Society,and a package of seeds for distribution, were presented from the Agrioultural Depart- ment at Washington. On motion it was resolved to hold an ad- journed meeting on the following Saturday, April 1st, for the transaction of pressing busi- ness. At the adjourned meeting, April 1st, the Committee on Exhibition reported that they had completed an arrangement with the Me- chanics' Institute, to hold the Horticultural Exhibition at the same time and place with the next Industrial Exhibition, which is to com- mence on August 8th, and will continue for four weeks at the Pavilion. The Mechanics' Insti- tute agrees to furnish a building attached to the main building, forty-five feet wide and three hundred feet long, which is to be con- nected by three large doorways with the Pavil- ion; the Mechanics' Institute also furnishes gas and water, free of expense. The Horticultu- ral Society has full control over the space oc- cupied, and manages the exhibition by its own rules and regulations, which are also published in another column of this magazine. The premium list, as will be seen, offers six hundred dollars in cash prizes, and we hope that nothing will remain undone to make the affair a success in every respect. It is the in- tention to so arrange the exhibition as to give it the appearance of a garden; grassplots, rock- eries and other prominent features will be in- troduced. A Committee of Arrangements was then appointed for the exhibition, which will do all in their power to conduct the affair properly and impartial. It is supposed that much of the time of the Horticultural Society will be taken up with ordinary business, and the members have there- fore concluded to hold a special meeting here- after every second Saturday of each month, for the purpose of discussing horticultural mat- ters. These meetings will be open to all, and we hope that many friends of the Society will avail themselves of the opportunity to hear what practical men think of horticulture. A SUGGESTION. The California Farmer^ in speaking of the Horticultural Society of California, says : " We would suggest to that Society, that an increase of interest for their Society and for the cultivation of Floral Gems would grow up in our community, if Lady Members^ who are Amateur Florists were admitted, and all ladies who take an interest in these things, for they would promote these institutions, as is the case in the Horticultural Society of Massachu- setts." We appreciate the suggestion of the Farmer and cannot see why the ladies would not make very good and active members of the Society. We feel sure that such a step would help still further to promote the taste for fiori- culture on this coast. Seeds Received. — We have received from the Department of Agriculture, a quantity of Carter's Prize Nursery Sugar Beet Seeds, packages of which can be obtained at our office, free. It is a new and fine variety. 190 THE CALIFORNIA HORTICULTURIST. Poison Oak.— One of the most annoying and troublesome features in our suburban gardens and the picnic grounds, frequented by excur- sionists from San Francisco and elsewhere, is the Poison Oak. The beauty of its foliage, which represents a most striking appearance in autumn, is apt to attract the attention of visitors, who become victims of its poison- ous qualities by cutting or even touching its branches. There are some peculiarities about this plant ; some are effected easily, and we have many cases on record where persons have been poisoned by it in passing the plants wdthout touching them, while others are hand- ling it ah libitum, without it having the slightest effect upon them. The writer has had occa- sion to be among the Poison Oak for over fifteen years, and never has been effected by it, although handling it frequently, until some two years ago he was slightly effected, and ever since, he runs the risk of being poisoned whenever he comes near it, without touch- ing. How is this to be explained ? We would suggest that owners of tracts of land, covered with Poison Oak, inaugurate ex- periments by which this troublesome pest could be destroyed effectively and without detriment to the operator. Parties owning or keeping picnic grounds would find it very much to their interest to look into this matter seriously, and we have not the least doubt that there is some way by which we might operate against it with some success. Is there any one who can suggest something worthy of a trial ? Decay of Orchard Trees in Oregon. — We are sorry to hear that in some localities of Oregon, orchard trees are suffering from de- cay, and so far we have not been informed of the probable cause. A correspondent of the Willamette Farmer, attributes the decay to " too much cultivation and pruning in the earlier stages of growth." We, for our part, cannot see it in that light. If there is anything wrong with our orchards in California, we are inclined to assign, as a direct cause, the " too little cultivation." Another correspondent on this subject, says : " What matures early, dies early. Too heavy crops on young trees bring ruin to our orchards." The same correspondent says, that since he cultivates his orchard in clover, the trees do remarkably better. Catalogue Received. — We have received No. 6, of John Saul's (Washington, D. C.,) Descriptive Catalogue (including a fine chromo litho') and 4 05 p. m. E Sundays only. C To Fruit Vale only. B Sundays excepted. 1) to Oakland only. T. H. GOODMAN. ^_ , , , A. N. TOWNE. ^ General Passenger and Ticket Agt. »en i aup THE California Horticulturist AND FLORAL MAGAZINE Vol. I. MAY, 1871. No. 7. THE CACTUS. It is somewtiat remarkable that the Cactus family is so much neglected by the majority of our able writers on Horticulture ; some of them merely mentioning a few of the leading varieties while others ignore the family en- tirely. No good reason can be assigned for this neglect, as their cultivation is compara- tively easy, and the brilliancy of their flowers cannot be excelled. In the East and in Europe the Cactus is treated as a hot-house plant, as there the least touch of frost will injure; here in California we have seen it under glass, in the window, and in the open ground, everywhere flowering freely, but our florists complain that there is no sale for the Cactus. For this we can assign several reasons: — First, the prevalent supposition and belief that the Cactus is a hot-house plant, and therefore requires too much protection and care ; — Second, that tEey flower but once a year, and that, not till they have attained a certain age ; — and, third, that the plant itself is not a particularly attractive one. But, if the public had the opportunity of seeing such specimens as we have seen lately when visit- ing an amateur friend of ours, who cultivates a large niimber of varieties, we believe they would ofier even handsome prices to tempt him to part with them. We advise our readers to cultivate some of the varieties of the Cactus, but at the same time recommend a warm and well protected place if they have to be cultivated out of doors; the flowers will develop much larger and more brilliant in color under glass. Before giving a description of some of the best varieties of this peculiar plant, which is a native of America, a few interesting facts may not be out of place. In some portions of the continent, partic- ularly in Mexico, the Cactus is planted for hedges. In San Domingo, a certain variety is used as war material for keeping cavalry and infantry from penetrating. For hedges the Cereus varieties are most extensively used. In South America, the dry trunks and branches of the Cereus are used as firewood. In Chile, this variety of Cactus grows large enough to serve as rafters for small build- ings. The Cactus is found in extremely dry regions, where neither stream nor spring can be found, and here the instinct of animals prompts them to kick off the trunks of the Cactus and to suck the juice. Many varieties of Cactus bear a fruit which is eaten and apparently well liked by the inhabitants. Some of the Cacti have prickles from ten to twelve inches in length, and they are frequent- ly used by the natives for -knitting. It is also said that a piece of the Cereus, if thrown into impure water, will purify it. And who has not heard of the perfume of the Night- 194 THE CALIFOKNIA HOKTICULTURIST. blooming Cereus, which is sold at high prices by the dealers in perfumery. The best soil for the cultivation of the Cactus, is a sandy loam mixed with small pieces of brick and lime; an application of guano dissolved in water, if used sparingly, will be very beneficial. As soon as the flowering season is over, it is best to keep them in the open air, and during that time it is well to water them once a day. In transplanting from smaller into larger pots, care should be taken not to cut or bruise the roots, as such injury may cause them to rot. The propagation of the Cacti is mostly effected by cuttings, although some are raised from seeds. The cuttings should be kept in a dry place for several days before planting them, by which time they will cease to bleed; if set in the ground while fresh, they are apt to rot. In planting the cuttings they should not be inserted deeper than is sufli- cient to keep them steady, they will root more easily ; after planting they should be placed under glass and watered only when dry. The Cadi are subdivided into several class- es, viz. : 1. The Mammillaria. — These are round and partially covered with small, wart-like offsets. There are fully fifty varieties of this class, and they are cultivated moi'e for their peculiar shape and form, than for their flowers, which are small and appear to be set on the main trunk; the colors are rose, red, yellow and white. 2. Melo-cactus, (Melon-cactus.) — These are natives of the West Indies and Brazil, and resemble very much the form of a Melon. The flowers are small, make their appearance on the top of the plant, and are mostly of a rose color. There are about twenty varieties of this class known. The Melo-cacti are slow in growth, and require a higher temperature than the Mammillaria. They are propagated most successfully from seed, while the latter are raised from seed, offsets and from root- cuttings. 3. Echino Cactus. — These grow in the form of a round column, or entirely round, with connecting ribs. The flowers are large, and appear on the top of the plant; they are either red or yellow in color, and open in the forenoon during bright sunshine. This Cactus is propagated by offsets from the old plant. There are over fifty varieties. 4. Cereus. — This class furnishes some of the most brilliant and dazzling flowers ob- tained by the art of floriculture, and many of them are very fragrant. The plant produces branches which have from three to six angles. The best varieties are — Cereus azureus, G. fiagelliformis, C. grandifioris, (Night-bloom- ing Cereus,) the flowers of which open at night ; they are from eight to ten inches in length, and are from six to eight inches in diameter. C. speciosissimus, the flowers of which remain open for several days. 5. Epiphyllum, (Leaf -cactus.) — These pro- duce their flowers upon the leaves. They grow mostly on mossy trees in the dense forests of Brazil. They have no prickles ; the flowers are red, and from two to three inches in length, and remain open for several days. The best varieties are E. Ackermanii and E. truncatum ; the latter is the more extensively cultivated here. They propagate easily from cuttings, and require abundance of water while in a growing state. PLANTS FOR THE DWELLING-HOUSE. We are delighted to see so much apprecia- tion of the beauties of nature as is evinced in the numerous efforts to raise and cultivate plants of every grade, among all classes of our citizens in every part of the city; whether in the di-awing-room or the salon of the wealthy, the parlor or dining-room of the thrifty, the humbler apartment of the employe, or the poorer residence of the day-laborer ; whether selected from the choice denizens of the green- house, or simply a plant of polyanthus or a pot of mignonette. It is with a desire to fos- ter and assist this commendable refinement of taste, that we offer the following extract : "The wealthy may enjoy rich sensations of pleasure drawn from the parterre and the conservatory, the man of science may increase THE CALIFOENIA HOKTICULTURIST. 195 his store of knowledge under the healthful excitement of a botanical ramble, and the poorest cottager with a garden has his hour of rest while admiring his border of simple beauties; but the inhabitant of the dwelling- house, in the crowded city, has to seek Nature's treasures within its walls, and considering the few occasions in which he can derive assist- ance, he has in many instances shown an acute intelligence, and in many more an enthusiastic admiration, worthy of receiving every encour- agement. I will not occupy your columns with long detailed lists of plants suitable for window culture, as so much depends upon the care and attention which they receive. To the beginner I recommend evergreen shrubs of a bushy, free growing habit. It is of some importaiice to one whose patience in plant culture has not been perfected, to have something at all times to look at, and which will stand a little extra care and fondling without material injury. When further initi- ated, climbers may be supplied, and there is no class of plants more worthy of attention. Imagine the parlor dressed out for the sum- mer season, and having the borders of the windows fringed with growing vines, the pots or boxes ornamented with a house- wife's taste — it is a feast that will stand repetition. Creepers and trailing plants for basket decoration are indispensable, and the flower-basket may yet be a common luxury for the rich, as well as a constant grateful companion to the lonely one in a single room. Here the variety and growth are more than sufl&cient for every requirement; colors of all grades stand ready to the eye; shapes the most fantastic, simple, and pleasing; habits suitable for the noonday sun, or for the cold, cheerless aspect of a sunless exposure, and many of them are of very simple culture. I have seen it stated that there are varieties of the Fern that will stand the drj" air of the living-room. I have not found this to be the case for any length of time. A Fern case is a necessity in their culture, and this case may be anything from an eight inch shallow flower- pot, with a glass globe, to a square box of wood and glass the full width of the window, and say eighteen inches deep at the back, and twelve deep in front. The bottom of all such boxes must be protected from water drips, by having a lining of light lead over it, and rising two inches in depth all round the sides, and with a plug in the center, or at one corner, to let off superfluous water. It will be ready when painted, etc. , for the bottom covering, which should consist of very fine gravel, about half an inch deep. Cocoa-nut fiber, saw-dust, and fine sand are all bad, holding, as they do, water in excess, and not admitting that free circulation of the air which even here must go on if health is to be secured to the inmates. Perhaps, for a small Fern case, the best thing I can do is to describe one occupying the center of a window in a room where a fire is seldom lighted, and at a house where I am a constant visitor. The box is octagonal in shape, twelve inches high, and two feet in diameter ; the roof is hipped, and is also oc- tagonal in foiTQ, and from the top to the bottom, perpendicular, is nearly two feet. This case has a pillar to stand upcm, and upon which it is made to revolve at pleasiu-e, and is a not unhandsome piece of furniture. On planting it, about an inch and a-half of square blocks of cork were placed at the bot- tom, and on this one inch of fibrous peat. Trichomanes radicans was j)lanted as an edg- ing all round, then about two inches more soil and cork were put on, and the center was planted with Adiantiim Ghiesbreghiii. The sides were made good with small pieces of limestone, and the whole well watered with a fine rose. On cold nights the owner covers his treasures with a cloiible blanket, and this is all the protection and nearly all the care required in a room facing the north. Again, wishing to possess a good specimen of Hymen- ophillum Tanbridgense for my room, I shaj^ed a piece of rough cork the exact size of the pan in which the plant was to grow; this was rubbed well all over with damp (not wet) i^eat earth, upon this was laid small sprigs of Hymenoj:>hyllum with regularity, a little fine peat and sand was then sifted through the fingers over the root portion of the stem, a few small pieces of limestone were placed 196 THE CALIFOENIA HOKTICULTURIST. here and there over the siirface. The whole was well watered through a tine rose, and covered with a bell-glass and left in the corner of a light, airy room. In about six months the pan was one mass, presenting such a specimen as is seldom met with. These are simple in- stances of what may be done with this class of plants. For a large case, and to an advanced culti- vator, I can recommend the following, as some 'of Nature's choicest gem^ -.—Eymeno- phylhun demissum, E. caudicidatum, Tricho- raanes maximum, T. pyxidiferum, T.reniforme, T. Litschnathianum, T. anceps, and to these add Todea mperha and pellmida. There are many others, but these, to my own know- ledge, will grow well in a case if the follow- ing^'directions are secured. No direct light should at any time fall upon them, a covering of some light material being always kept at hand; a very dry air should be guarded against, and the box kept closed. In warm summer weather the box lid may be tilted several inches, and the plants watered over- head with a fine rose every morning. At other times be content with damping well the sides of the pots and bottom of the box. Neglect not the blanket covering in the cold winter nights. Put in peat and sand and a sprinkling of bruised limestone, and do not allow these delicate plants to be more than one year without a careful shift. Plants suitable for a window basket should not, in my opinion, be of that rambling character which is sometimes insisted upon. A good, handsome basket may be planted thus :— Round the sides Campanula Celsii, round the edge Alysisum mxalile compadum, and for a centre a nice plant of Agapanthus umbellaiu^ ; another may consist of a good plant of Swain- ^ona Ferrandii, and a few specimens of Nier- embergia gracilis round the edges, and mixing with the" foliage of the Swainsona. When nicely grown, this basket is fit for any draw- ing-room. A really good plant of Echeveria mdalllca for the centre, and an edging of Scdum Sieboldii also has a handsome appear- ance. The Nadurtium has been recommend- ed for the vase and basket, but I have always found it to appear as tattered rags on a windy dav. Cobcea scandens, the Maurandyas, etc., however excellent for a lofty conservatory, are not likely to give satisfaction in a dwelling house ; rather would I advise some varieties of Verbenas, Ivy-leaved Pelargoniums, Petunias, Cerastium, etc. To plant a basket as it ought to be done, requires a little more ingenuity than potting a plant. If of wire, the sides must be pre^dously well lined with Moss, well steeped in boiling water, to destroy the eggs of insects, and whatever vegetable life there may be left in it. Then commence by laying a little Moss compactly on the bottom, build up the sides of the basket with Moss, and plant promiscuously but with regularity as you go on, in layers of soil introduced inside the Moss; when well up plant the centre, and finish the top by covering the surface, pegging all neatly to its place, and remove any rough points with scissors. The prin- cipal cause of failure in basket cultivation is want of attention to. watering, and the not supplying that amount of moisture which is necessary for a healthy development. If these are at all times attended to, there is nothing in the basket more than in the com- mon flower-pot to cause failure. Water with care and attention, use a fine rose, letting the water fall gently and evenly, and give time for absorption. Frequently during the sum- mer season steep the whole Moss overhead for a short time, and hang in a temporary place to drip before taking it to the usual place. — John Richardson." Poisonous Molds.— Molded bread, meat, cheese, or any other eatable, is an actual poison, whether inhaled or eaten. One kind ot mold causes the fatal ship-fever. The mold in damp cellars causes various grades of ty- phoid fever, diarrhoea, dysentery, etc. Eecent chemical researches and microscopic observations seem to show that miasm is nothing more nor less than a mold, and that this mold is, in reality, a cloud of living things, each too small to be seen by the naked eye, and are drawn into the lungs, swallowed with the saliva, incor- porated mth the food eaten, and by being absorbed into the blood are sufficient to cause all grades of deadly fevers. Elevated or dry localities are wholly exempt. THE CALIFORNIA HORTICULTUEIST. 197 THE YUCCA. Biit very few gardens contain a specimen of this well deserving class of plants, and we hope to encourage their cultivation by publishing the following from the New York Horticulturist : ' ' Yuccas are, as yet, a great novelty in all our gardens. We doubt if over one in a thou- sand who keejD flower gardens, have yet seen or thought of growing one of these charming, yet exquisite flowering plants. The Yucca filamentosa, is one of the best for general use. Fuller describes it as follows : Leaves ever- green, long and rather stifi", spreading occa- sionally, slightly recui-^^ed. Flowers usually pure white, but in some specimens slightly tinged with greenish yellow. They also vary in size from one to two inches long, and are nearly as broad. Flower-stem four to eight feet high, branching, carrying several hundred blooms, ^ch of which is succeeded by a large, six-celled pod, filled with smooth, flat, dark-colored seeds. After the plant blooms, the centre of the crown dies, numerous suck- ers spring up from below, and these will bloom as soon as they are large and strong enough, which is usually in two or three years ; but if taken off and planted separate- ly, they will bloom the second season. The seeds grow very readily if planted in autumn or early spring, and are transj)lanted at the end of the first season. Seedlings usually bloom when three years old." We would add to the above variety the Yucca gloriosa, which is a native of the Caro- linas and Florida, growing near the Ocean. The flower-stalk grows about four feet high, with white, bell-shaped flowers, striped with red on the outside. We have several varieties of the Yucca growing in the southern counties of Cali- fornia, and perfectly hardy with us ; they are the Yucca previfolia, Y. Wiblii and Y. baccata. They are all well worthy of being cultivated. The Yucca baccata is well worth cultivating; its flower-stalk grows to the height of seven or eight feet, with tulip-shaped flowers which are verj" fragrant. When they are in bloom the store-keepers and tavern-keepers of that part of the country, bring their flower-stalks into their stores and houses, and for months they perfume the premises with a scent sim- ilar to that of the Magnolia. A kind of liquor is also made out of it, which is very agreeable. We expect to receive a full grown flower- stalk, as soon as they are in bloom, and we shall probably give a representation of it in the Magazine. POPULAE BOTANY. CHAPTER VII. The first step in the evolution of a plant, is the development of a leaf, out of which, and by whose means, the stem is really brought into existence. It is in the blade of a leaf that the woody fibre is first fojmed, and from whence it passes downwards into the first joint of the stem, and so to the roots. As the leaves are produced, the internodes of the stem are increased, both in length and diam- eter, by the addition of woody fibre ; all passing from their points of development downward into the roots of the plant, thus sendng as the channel ways for the convey- ance of the sap to, and from the rootlets beneath, and the leaves above. By means of the leaves, the green surface of a plant is increased to an almost unlimited extent, and the largest possible amount of chlorophylle exposed to the action of the light and air. It is in the leaf that the crude sap is digested, and rendered fit to sustain vege- table life, and therefore this little organ will command a large share of our attention. If we take the stem as the initial point, the leaf is then but an expansion of its bark, or better still, but a portion of the green cover- ing pushed outwards and expanded laterally into thin lamina, through which, run ribs and veins formed of woody fibre, and which are connected with the liber or inner bark and the wood. The leaf, like the stem, is made up of two parts, — the cellular and woody ; the green portion being composed 198 THE CALIFOKNIA HORTICULTURIST. of cells; the ribs and veins (which are aptly called the skeleton) embracing the woody. The fibrous portion in the leaves perfonns the same office that it does in the stem, that of conveying and distributing the sap. In addition, it also supports and strengthens the cellular portion which otherwise would be continually destroyed. The cellular part of a leaf is made up of a vast number of cells arranged in a certain order, they varying in that order according to their position. In most cases leaves are so arranged as to pre- sent one surface to the ground, and the other upwards to the sky, and so we find that there are two distinct dispositions of cells in each leaf. Those of the upper surface are oblong and placed end to end in compact layers, with their long diameters perpendicular to it; while the lower surface consists of cells loosely arranged, and leaving a large number of spaces between them ; the oblong cells having then- long diameter parallel with the surface. This arrangement of the cells, we at once see, is one of those beautiful means by which Nature protects herself and her work. The upper surface, which is exposed to the influ- ence of the atmosphere and strong sunlight, is able by its compacted cells to resist a too rapid evaporation, while the under part of the leaf, from its loose texture, the more readily absorbs the necessary- amount of light and air. To allow of the required amount of evaporation, leaves are provided with stomata or breathing-pores, which are situated in the membrane of the leaf, and consist of a num- ber of holes, or slits. When the plant con- tains a great amount of moisture, these cells elongate and curve outwards in their center, thus alloAving a free communication between the surrounding air and the inside of the leaf ; but so soon as the supply of sap from the roots is lessened, these cells shrink down and so the orifice is closed. These stomcda are found in large numbers, upwards of 100,000 of them have been counted in the space of a square inch. The largest of them are about one-five-hundredth of an inch in length. The outward form of leaves varies to a great extent, and it is upon this variation that a part of systematic Botany is founded. In most cases leaves are thrown out from an un- expanded part or leaf -stalk, called a petiole, but in others the leaf expands dii-ectly from the stem, and then it is said to be sessile. That portion of the leaf near the stem is called its base, and the further point, the apex. If the leaf blade consists of one piece, it is termed single ; when it is composed of two or more parts, or small blades, (that is, when the petiole is branched,) the leaf is then called compound. The veins of a leaf are called its venation, and this venation is formed on two general plans. First the vessels of the petiole diAdde when they enter the blade, into a number of parallel veins, which pass at once to the apex of the leaf, being connected with each other by transverse veinlets ; and in the second the petiole passes at once to the apex, giving off branches on both sides ; these s&aller ones finally uniting with each other, and so form- ing a general net work throughout the leaf. In the former case the leaves are said to be parallel veined; and in the latter reticulated, or 7ietted veined. Endogenous plants have parallel veined leaves ; while the Exogenous are characterized by the reticulated. In the Cryptogamia, or flowerless plants, the leaves are forked-veined ; the veins di- viding and subdividing by forked division, which do not unite again. ORNAMENTAL AND LANDSCAPE GARDENING. SECTION vn. In our last number we were sorry to see an error under this heading. On page 166, second column, where speaking of the width of walks, the printer has made us recommend three feet instead oifive feet. We object Yery much to naiTOW walks, and the figure 3 — placed there by mistake— caused us consider- able annoyance. Having now given to the readers of this Magazine such information regarding the THE CALIFORNIA HORTICULTURIST. 199 preparation of soil ; the laying out of beds and walks ; the selecting and aiTanging of trees, shinibs and plants ; the materials for walks, etc., as will assist them in making a garden : it is fitting now to say a few words about the edgings or borders for beds ; al- though we are not prepared to state jDositively which is the best material for borders, yet we will make a few suggestions which vaaj be of some service. Borders for beds should serve not only as a protection for them, but also as an ornament; and it is therefore important that they should be neat and appropriate. The material most frequently used with us is half -inch boards : these, if the right kind is used, will bend in a perfectly easy and graceful manner into any cui-ves that may be desired. The cost of labor and material for putting them down is very trifling. Although we can not speak of wood as a border with much favor, we are hardly prepared to say what is better. For grassplots, borders are out of place, but we are in the habit of using half- inch boards as guides to protect the edges of the plot, until the sod has well rooted, when we remove the guides. One of the very best materials for borders, is the old-fashioned Box, but we are veiy doubtful of the practicability and desirability of using it in California. Box requires more moisture than our flower-beds are in the habit of receiving, and in artificial imgation the borders are ver}^ frequently neglected, and we have also good reason to believe that that frequent and close trimming which is neces- saiy to ensure neatness and uniformity, is injmious to Box in this climate. However, it may be said that this plant has not been used in sufficient quantity for borders, to es- tablish its practicability or impracticability for that purpose with us, and it is therefore adAisable to give it further and more exten- sive trial. We have frequently noticed beau- tiful specimens of Box gi'own in Sacramento and at San Jose, but we do not know anything about the peculiarities of soil, etc., in which it was thriAing. Various kinds of Sedum have been used very effectively for borders, and we think that if properly trimmed and kept in good shape, it is even preferable to Box, on account of its cheajDness and easy culture. We must bear in mind that in the East and in Europe the beds are raised considerably above the walks, and that the borders there beside protecting the beds and serving as ornaments, serve to keep the soil in its place. Box fully answers this purpose, while the Sedum does not. Here, where the soil does not require drainage, the beds are almost on a level with the walks, and therefore ornament and jDrotection to the beds are the only points requii'ed. A very neat border can be made of Oxalis ; the large rose-colored flowers are springing up continually. The plants do not grow very compactly, and therefore the outlines cannot be kept yerj well defined, which is most de- sirable in a border; however, this deficiency is fully made up by its beautiful and numer- ous flowers. Violets, Daisies, and certain varieties of Pinks are also used verj^- advan- tageously, but care must be taken to keep the border well defined and compact, which requires a great deal of labor. The small- leaved Periwinkle is also very useful for the same purpose, with many others too numer- ous to mention. It is our intention to give this border ques- tion more particular attention hereafter, and it will be very desirable to hear something from om- nurserjTnen and gardeners on this subject. With this we conclude our remarks on the la;^ing out of fourth-rate gardens, adding a few words in reference to the proper care such gardens should receive. First of all, the walks should be kejDt clean, and no weeds should be jDermitted to grow over them. Secondly : The j^lants should be well wa- tered at least twice each week during the diy season, and the soil should be well stirred around them as often as time will permit; frequent watering will make the smiace hard and compact, and therefore frequent loosen- ing of the soil is \evj essential to the plants. Thirdly : Manage to cultivate your plants 200 THE CALIFORNLi HORTICULTURIST. bushy, and do not allow them to run up spin- dling and in aAvkward shape ; clip or pinch off the ends of long shoots, so as to cause the plants to throw out additional branches and a more compact growth. Fourthly : Cut away all decayed flowers and leaves, and manage to keep every thing clear of rubbish. Fifthly : If a grassplot has been formed, carefully pull out all weeds while the grass is making its appearance, as it is only in this manner that a unifonn growth of good sod can be obtained. In conclusion, we add a list of such An- nuals and Biennials as may be successfully grown, and are well worthy of a trial. Ageratum. Agrostemma. Amarantus. Aster. Campanula. Candytuft. Canterbury-bell . Coreopsis. Delphinium , (Larkspur. ) Dianthus. Grypsophilia. Helichrysum. Iberis. Iceplant. Ipomcea, (climbing.) Lathyrus, (Sweet Pea.) Linum-grandiflorum. Lobelia. Lophospermum, (climbing.) Marygold, (Tagetes.) Mesembryaxithemum . Mignonette. Mirabibs Jalapa, (Marvel of Peru.) Nasturtium. Nemophila. Oxalis-rosea. Pansies. Petunia. Phlox Drummondii. Portulacca. Salvia. Sanvitalia. Scabiosa. Stevia. Stocks. Viscaria-occulata. Wall-flower. Xeranthemum, (Immortcl.) Zinnia. PROPAGATING AZALEAS. The propagation and growth of this hand- some class of plants, has heretofore met with but little success in this city. It is not easy to explain why this is so, as we have two or three varieties which are indigenous to this State; and, strange to say, these same vari- eties, when subjected to cultivation, turn out as unfortunately as those imported. True, we have seen a number of plants thriving well and blooming freely, in this city, the most noteworthy of which are at AVoodward's Gardens, under the care of Mr. Schuman. But the finest plant which we have ever seen in this city, (and now in bloom,) is in the possession of Mr. Biebend, an amateur gar- dener, at North Beach. However, as we have said before, the success with these plants is only to a limited extent. It would be well for our nurserymen to look into this matter, and endeavor to ascer- tain the best mode adapted to their cultivation in this State. Wishing to throw all the light possible upon this subject, we pubHsh the following article of A. H. Pearson, in the Gardener'a Chronicle, of London, as to the method adopted in Belgium. Of course, we do not say that all of it could be applied to their cultivation in this State, but Ave think it offers many points of interest in the treatment of a plant, which at present (with us) has no decided rule of culture :— "My experience in the culture of Azaleas has been principally in Belgium, a country which is considered by mo^t people to be in a flourishing condition as regards Horticulture. The Belgians have almost entirely given up the system of prop- agating Azaleas by cuttings, saying that it is at best a faulty one, as they require so much smothering under bell-glasses, during which process many of them damp off, added to which many of the former varieties have not the stamina to produce free-growing plants ; therefore, instead of cuttings they propagate almost exclusively by grafts. The stocks em- ployed are raised from seed (collected from the most vigorous varieties), which is sown m THE CALIFOENIA HOETICULTUKIST. 201 pans filled with fine leaf-mould, mixed with a little white sand. The seedlings are pricked out into fresh pans as soon as the}^ are well up, with nicely develoijed cotyledons, care being taken to avoid breaking the roots ; they are subsequently repricked two or three times, till they are large enough to be potted sepa- ratety. The manner of grafting employed for the Azalea is the cleft graft, or, as the French call it, greffe en fente. The strongest stocks are grafted in the month of August, the graft being placed on the new wood, and take with great facility; the weaker ones are grafted some weeks later, on the last year's growth. After grafting they are placed under lights in a wai-m house, the pots being plunged in a slanting position, mth the graft uppennost, or towards the light. When they are well taken the wrapping is undone, and the plants are staked, to prevent the grafts breaking out: straightening is generally needless, as the seedlings grow as upright as possible. The second year after grafting, the plants are put out into beds on the approach of summer ; these beds are formed by the earth being taken out to the depth of ten or twelve inches, and the sides enclosed by an edging of boards; they are filled with well decom- posed leaf -mould, into which the plants are plunged, mm pots. To protect them from the excessive heat of summer, and also from early frosts, they are shaded by boards made into squares about the size of ordinaiy frame lights, and supported by a simple inch rail running round the bed, and sustained at in- tervals by props. During the autumn many of the best plants are sold and packed off with the balls of earth just as they are, and the remainder are taken up and potted for the winter. This is the manner in which I have seen them cultivated for sale, and I think the system has many advantages, amongst which are obviously these : that you get more vigorous plants, in a shorter time, and gen- erally longer lived ones, than those gTown from cuttings; added to which you mav flower your seedhngs before grafting them, and thus have the chance of raising new and sometimes very valuable varieties. Amongst the seed- lings shown last year at the Brussels exhi- bition were many which Mill greatly enrich our collection of these beautiful plants. A. H. Pearson, Chilwell. THE CAMPHOE TREE OF SUMATRA . Among the most luxuriant and valuable trees on the island of Sumatra, the first be- longs to the Dryohalanops camjjhora. The tree is straight, extraordinary tall, and has a gigantic crown, which overtops the other woody giants by one hundred feet or so. The stem is sometimes twenty feet thick. Accord- ing to the natives, there are three kinds of cami)hor tree, which they name ' mailenguan, ' ' marbin tungan, ' and ' marbin targan, ' from the outward color of the bark, which is some- times yellow, sometimes black, and often red. The bark is round and grooved, and is often overgrown with moss. The leaves are of a dark green, oblong-oval in shape, and pointed. The outward form of the fmit is very like that of the acorn; the flower has five round petals, these are placed somewhat apart from each other, and the whole fonn much resembles a lily. The fruit is also impregnated with cam- phor, and is eaten by the natives when it is well ripened and fresh. The amazing height of the tree hinders the regular gathering, but when the tree yields its fiaxit, which takes place in March, April, and May, the population go out to collect it, which they speedily effect, as, if the fiiiit be allowed to remain four days on the ground, it sends forth a root about the length of a finger, and becomes unfit to be eaten. Among other things, the fmit prepared with sugar furnishes a tasty comfit or article of confec- tioneiy. It is said that it is veiy unhealthy to remain near the camphor tree duiing the flowering season, because of the estraordinaiy hot exhalations from it diuing that period. The greater the age of the tree, the more camphor it contains. Usually the order of the Eajah is given for a number of men, say thii'ty, to gather camphor in the bush belong- ing to ten-itoiy which he claims. 202 THE CALIFORNIA HORTICULTURIST. The men appointed then seek for a place where many trees grow together : there they construct rude huts. The tree is cut down just above the roots, after which it is divided into small pieces, and these are afterward split, Avhereupon the camphor, which is found in hollows and crevices within the body of the tree, and, above all, in the knots and swell- ings of branches from the trunk, becomes visible in the form of granules or grains. The quantity of camphor yielded by a single tree seldom amounts to more than half a pound, and if we take into account the gTeat and long continued labor requisite in gathering it, we have the natural reply to the question why it fetches so high a price. At the same time the camphor is gathered, that is, during the ciitting down of the tree, the oil which then drips from the cuttings is caught in considerable quantity. It is seldom brought to market, because, probably the price, considering the trouble of carriage, is not sufficiently remunerative. When the oil is offered for sale at Baros, the usual price is one guilder for an ordinary quart wine bottle full. The production of Baros camiDhor lessens yearly, and the profit- able operations of former times, say the year 1853, when fully one thousand two hundred and fifty pounds were sent from Padang to Batavia, will never return. Since time out of mind, the beautiful climips and clusters of camphor trees have been destroyed in a ruthless manner. Young and old have been felled, and as no i^lanting or means of renewal has taken place, but the growth of the trees has been left to nature, it is not improbable that this noble species will ere long wholly disappear from Sumatra. National Farmer. OUK CITY PARK. Pakks.— The Central Park of New York coutains, in round numbers, 850 acres, and has cost ten milUous of dollars ; but the increased value of property around this Park yields a tax which more than pays the in- terest on the outlay. Five million persons visit the Park every year. The Prospect Park of Brooklyn contains 578 acres, and has cost already seven anil- lions of dollars. The Industrial Reformer xDublishes the fol- lowing from a correspondent : "It is somewhat singular that capitalists do not invest in City Park Bonds. San Fran- cisco, like other cities in the East, having grown rich and large, needs a Public Park. It was a wise and healthy act for the Legis- lature at the last session to pass a bill for this purpose. Seeing that the lungs of the city expanded to such a degree, they felt that it was of the greatest importance. Now that the land has been reserved for a Park, let us encourage the Commissioners by reminding the wealthy that six per cent, per annum ought to be a good investment. Hun- dreds of acres have been given by a citizen of St. Louis, and eighty-three acres by a citizen of Philadelphia has been donated to that city, to be forever kept for Park purposes. These had been already adorned with botanical gardens, trees, drives, etc., making the gifts still more valuable. We w^ould like to see the same spirit animating the rich men of San Francisco. Our intended Park possesses many natural advantages on account of its altitude, peciiliar position and beautiful suiToundings. How many, then, would like to see these attractive pleasure grounds at once begun V The people would commence to press out of the dusty streets in search of health and recreation, and soon build up cozy rillages in the subui'bs. It will conduce to the beauty and comfort of San Francisco ; magnificent buildings will crowd its borders, Avhile Science, Ai-t and In- dustry will make it grand and attractive. The blessings and pleasui-es that will ensue should not be so long delayed ; every citizen should take a pride and interest in the great work. Here the Poet will love to linger, and dash off his stirring lyrics, and the Prose Writer will weave the interesting thread of romance. The Ai-tist will find a haunt for out-door stu- dies. And here, too, will be the resort for picnics and pleasure parties, for nowhere else THE CALIFOENIA HOETICULTUKIST. 203 within our city will they find a place of such ai-tistic beauty and quiet retirement. Here, the voices of women and children will ring with mirth and hilarity; and here, too, will be inviting- drives, shady walks and quiet nooks, cai-peted with soft mosses and odorous with the fragrance of flowers." We concur fully in the view of the corres- pondent of the Reformer, and cannot account for this lack of public spirit among our wealthy citizens. In our opinion there is a want of the "go-ahead spiiit" in our Commissioners, or else they might have agitated this matter sufficiently to have induced our capitalists to invest in the Park bonds. We see no other way to have this great and much needed work commenced in earnest, than by the efforts of our citizens in general, and the sooner public meetings are called together for the purpose of discussing the necessity and practicability of the work, the better. Unless this is done before onr next Legislature meets, we fear that certain interests will be brought to bear upon our law-makers, which may favor some new scheme. It is generally understood that a much better locality could have been found for a City Park than the present site. Much less territory-, more centrally situated, would have answered all purposes for the present and the coming generation. The half of the reserv-a- tion which lies nearer to the city, is much better adapted for park purposes than the other half lying nearer to the Ocean ; but our legislators cared very little, and most proba- bly knew veiy little about the actual condition of the Park grounds. It is the citizens of San Francisco who should have something to say about theii- future Park, and if our former Board of Supervisors had no regard for our interests, and if the Legislature has done a wrong, either intentional or out of ignorance, it is for our citizens to express their wishes in the matter and have the error rectified. But, unfortunately, no one steps forward to agitate the matter, and the people have no opportunity of expressing their views on the subject. It seems to us that the Commissioners themselves could have done something in this direction, and we are satisfied that if the citi- zens in general were to sanction the under- taking in public meetings, capitalists would come foinvard with their money to enable the Commissioners to go ahead. But all this would impose some little labor upon the Commissioners, and perhaps they do not care to subject themselves to these little annoy- ances. So far no one seems to be benefited by this Park scheme except the Secretary of the Commissioners, who, we suppose, draws his salary as usual whether anything is done or not. But there are some other difficulties : some one wants a Park located near the Presidio, and the Board of Supervisors passed a reso- lution favoring the acquisition of a part of the Presidio Reservation for Park purposes. The locality certainly is much better as far as soil and aspect are concerned, but a serious objection is, that, like the western part of the Park Reservation, it is not central. But what does all this mean? Are we to have two Parks? It would be well enough to have them, but it is certain San Francisco can not affijrd them both. We would earnestly suggest the necessity for calling a public meeting and bringing this matter before it for the purpose of having it fairly discussed. Experts, practical men, should then be appointed to examine the respective localities and to report on the practicability of a Park on the proposed site, and such committee of experts should also be instructed to express their -views as to any other locality which they may consider better adapted for Park purjaoses. And when our citizens have by these means arrived at the conclusion, which is the best locality for a Park, then is the time to apply to the Legis- latui-e to pass an act for the creating of a Park in accordance with the popular will of our citizens. We are certain that the money will then be readily forthcoming, and we may expect to have a Park worthy of our young and aspir- ing city. 204 THE CALIFORNIA HORTICULTURIST. We have a number of organizations here which might take this matter in hand, such as oui' Chamber of Commerce, the Board of Supervisors, our Horticultural Society, the Park Commissioners, or some other public- spirited organization ; and if the press of San Francisco will only consent to give their in- fluence, we may sui-ely expect a good result. A SUGGESTION. San Francisco, May 6th, 1871. Friend Editor: — I have been a constant reader of your valuable Journal since it first made its appearance, in November last. With pleasure I hailed a paper which was to supply a want long felt, I believe, by the public in general, but by the amateur gardener, like myself, in particular. I am greatly indebted to you for " Small Talk on Flowers;" for such articles as you have given us on the Pansy, Rose, Fuchsia, and others, as they have afforded me instruc- tion and such knowledge as I lacked. I have read and re-read many other articles, such as those on the "Couiferse of California," the " Sorgo," etc., which, however, I might term of no direct benefit to me, not being in the position to utilize them, except so far as gen- eral knowledge goes. These latter are heavy, learned articles, well handled and profoundly written, no doubt, but they do not offer ex- actly such matter for which I and many more like myself (as amateur gardeners) are wont to look aftpr. Excuse me, if I have already taken up too much of your time and space by making such a long exordium, but I thought it a necessary introduction to the object of my letter. As I said above, your "Small Talk on Flowers" has given me a great deal of in- struction. Allow me to submit to your con- sideration the following suggestion, which, if adopted by you in your known abilit}^ and acknowledged willingness, would constitute a regular school for the thousands of people who own a small yard or garden plot, which they would take pleasure to improve and embellish, if they had the knowledge of hoio to treat and propagate their own plants. But being without such elementary learning, and perhaps not having such superfluous means, as are necessary to remunerate the gardener for replenishing his stock.year after year, they possibly set out some plants the first season, but after that permit everything to grow in a straggling manner, until, in three or four years, it looks neglected and almost like a place deserted. My suggestion is, that you give us a few articles on " How "and When to Propagate the Different Flowers and Shrubs;" for in- stance, how and in what month, the Rose, Pink, G-eranium, Daisy, Pansy, etc., illus- trating the same by an occasional wood-cut, if possible. The latter sometimes shows it much more intelligibly than any. amount of words. Teach us like beginners, who have to learn the first principles ; dont ' ' suppose " we know already this or that — which editors very often do — and thus build tip an educa- tion on a very poor foundation. I would further suggest to you to open a regular calendar, or better call it a " Manual for Amateur Gardeners," which from month to month would tell us what to do and how to act in our gardens. It should tell us : what seeds of annuals to sow in the coming month, also which plants or flowers can then be propagated and transplanted ; what bulb- ous plants to put into the ground, or when to take them out ; when to commence pruning or trimming, and when to think of manuring the soil ; and, further, how to shield our pets, and Avhich of them more carefully, against the rigor of our rainy season, which in December and January, may well be called our winter from the severe frosts we then have. I hope you will approve of my "Manual," which, if properly and regularly written up, will make your Magazine a most welcome guest to many families. You will act the teacher, giving us our exercises, and we the scholars. By attending then strictly to your advice and instruction, the best of your pu- pils will obtain such a premium as Avill amply THE CALIFORNIA HOETICULTURIST. 205 reward them, viz., a bloomiBg garden filled witli the choicest flowers and shrubs, in fact a small paradise of their own creation. Yours, truly, " R. W. PRUNING WITH EEFERENCE TO FEUIT PRODUCTION. BY ME. WILLIAM SAUNDERS. Bead before the Pennsylvania Fruit Groivers' Society, January '20th, 1870. Natural laws are constant and unvaried in their operations. Oiu- knowledge of these laws is derived from accurate obsenations of causes and effects. Science is the systemat- ized explanation of these obseiwations. The science of pruning fruit trees is, therefore, the explanation or concentrated evidence of effects produced by manipulation on the branches and other portions of plants, derived from the accumulated knowledge of centuries of observ- ation and experience ; and when we consider the lengthened period, during which pruning has been perf onned — the general intelligence of the operators, and the countless repetitions of similar j^rocesses ending in similar results, it is reasonable to suppose that a sufficient number of facts have been observed to estab- lish a very perfect science. I do not propose entering into an extended review of modes of pruning ; neither do I in- tend to discuss, what is of far more importance, the principles that science has established for our guidance in performing the operation, but will at once proceed to state that, so far as the production of fruit is concerned on trees that form fniit-buds on short-spur branches, such as the Apple, Pear, Plum and Cherry, I am convinced of the e^dl of shortening in, as it is technically termed, the young growth or points of shoots, at any season, either summer or winter. When we wish to form a thickly branched, bushy plant, such as we desire in a hedge, the end is accomplished by frequently pruning or cutting back the growing shoots as they pro- ject beyond the ideal limit, thus encoiaraging lateral twigs or side branches, slender but numerous, as the object of a close hedge requii'es; but when the development of nu- merous lengthy shoots is the aim, as in willows for basket making and similar manufacturing purposes, pruning is performed during winter only, and the more decided or severe the op- eration, the stronger and better the resulting growths. Similar treatment to the above, will produce similar results when applied to fruit trees. I will take the Pear as an example ; and certainly no variety of fruit tree has been so tortured under the sanction of both science and ignorance, as this has been. When the tree is submitted to a regular coiu'se of winter pruning, together with a regular pinching of young growths during summer, a thicket of slender growths is produced, and, if it is fol- lowed up with sldlful persistence, may produce that great desideratum, a beautiful pyramidal shaped tree. On the other hand, when summer pruning in its every shape, is abjured, and thorough, or severe winter cutting the systematic rule, a profusion of upright growths, of more or less luxuriance, are yearly produced, and year- ly removed, just as practiced in the culture of Willows, excepting that the Pear growths are useless, and the Willows are valuable. All who are familiar with Pear culture, will recognize these widely different modes of treat- ment, and the distinct forms so produced ; also that they both agree in one important partic- ular, that is, they produce but very little fruit. Ha%Ting practised both of these systems to my entii'e satisfaction, or rather dissatisfac- tion, it occurred to me some twelve years ago, to let the trees alone. I had pruned, pinched and disbudded, until my trees were acknow- ledged to be as finely formed as any in the countiy, and they certainly were as perfectly outlined as the most beautiful of Norway Firs. I felt the risk of abandoning an orthodox cus- tom, and of being classed among negligent cultivators; but my eyes were opened, I saw that these orthodox managed trees were naked of fruit, and resolved, that however much it 206 THE CALIFORNIA HORTICULTURIST. might shorten in my reputation, I wonlcl not, for the future, shorten in my fruit trees. To illustrate more particularly the plan now pursued, I may state that in the spring of 1863 I planted a collection of sixty varieties of Pears ; these were set in duplicate, one-half being on the Quince roots, the other on Pear stocks. These have received the same gen- eral treatment throughout. When planted they were pruned down very closely, many of them cut so as to resemble a smooth walking cane from two to three feet in length. In the fall of that year, they were cut back in order to establish a proper spread of branches, but with the exception of taking a few scions from some of the varieties, the branches have not been shortened since ; some few tall branches have been removed entirely where they have become crowded, and a young shoot encour- aged at the point of cutting, which ensures the healthy healing over of the cut and is essential in this mode of management, to take the place of future removals. During the second and third years' growth, young shoots of three, four and five feet in length were not uncommon, and it required some firmness to repress the inclination to prune, but the pruning resolution had not been lightly formed and was not to be lightly abandoned ; and even the longest of these shoots became thickly studded with fruiting spurs, and in due time furnished with blos- soms, and subsequently with fruit. Gardener's Monthly. ♦ Eucalypti Leaves.— The following extract from a letter just received from Cannes, will interest many of our readers : "We have had one hundred men sent lis, some wounded, others invaUds. Dr. C. Bukersley has sixteen bad cases in a hospital, with two French doctors; they are nursed admirably by the pdites smirs, and what is very interesting, is the new method of dressing the wounds one of these two, Dr. Gimbert, has introduced. He has tried, instead of Unt, Euca- lyptus Leaves. The leaves have a catty smell ; they are merely laid on the wounds. The balsamic nature of them not only cures, but, after a few hours, all the unpleasant odor of the matter ceases." — M. J. B. Flokal Eeturns.— It is said that the Florists in and around 15oston sold $20,000 worth of Flowers on the Saturday and Sunday before Easter last. YEKBA BUENA PAKE. Our last Legislature took the responsibility upon itself to pass an act for the erection of a new City Hall, and for the sale of a part of Yerba Buena Park, to meet the expense of said City Hall building. It was the right and the duty of our citizens to operate upon this measure immediately after the passage of said act, and either to signify their willingness to endorse it, or their determination to" oppose it. We think that all such important questions in relation to our city should really be decided by its own citizens in accordance with our republican principles. But a few fast individuals, instead of leaving a matter of such vital importance to the vote of the inhabitants, either prompted by ignor- ant and overweening assurance, or by crafty greed after the dollars and cents, and presum- ing upon their accidental positions, assume the power to make laws antagonistic to the views of their constituents. That we must have and should have a new City Hall, is a conceded point ; but the ques- tion arises, whether our citizens are willing to permit the cutting up of Yerba Buena Park for that purpose. If the inhabitants of San Francisco are opposed to the scheme, why did they not make some demonstration against the measure while it was under consideration in our last Legislature? But nothing was done ; the Commissioners were appointed to carry out the work ; a portion of the Park is graded; a certain part of the land is advertised for sale ; all this and other Avork is done by the Commissioners in good faith, but not until the present time have a few individuals shown discontent ; and it is only very recently that the Committee of Retrenchment appointed by the Board of Supervisors reported in direct opposition to the prosecution of the work. We are of the opinion that the Commis- sioners will not stop their work, but will go on as they propose without paying any re- gard to the few, who are discontented. If the work is to be stopped, it shovild. be done by a popular vote, and not because THE CALIFORNIA HORTICULTURIST. 207 Mr. so-and-so happens to entertain a different opinion. We should have much preferred to have Yerba Buena Park devoted to the purpose for which it was originally intended. The city is in need of a Park there, but we are unwilling to exhibit a disposition to interfere with any and every public improvement in this city, merely because we happen to differ in oj)inion on the matter. We subjoin an extract from Carter's Real Estate Circular on this subject, although we may differ in regard to the remarks ujDon the postponement of further action by the City Hall Commissioners. The Circular says : "The Market Street front of Yerba Buena Park, with other portions of the same prop- erty, are advertised to be sold by the City Hall Commissioners on the 11th instant. We sincerely regret that a penny-Avise and pound-foolish policy is to be adopted in the erection of our new City Hall. The concoct- ors of the scheme which dragged it out to Larkin and Market Streets thought the bill would meet with less opposition in the Legis- lature if the money for the erection of the new building were provided by the sale of the Market Street front of the land to be used, instead, of by the issuance of bonds by the City; but in this we think they were most certainly mistaken. Indeed, we feel satisfied that, if the mattet were brought to a vote of the tax-payers, a large majority would be found in favor of issuing bonds and preserv- ing the Park intact. A large public building —the finest, in fact, on the Pacific coast- should not be put away in the background, but should be placed in the center of Yerba Buena Park, facing Market Street, where a commanding view of the whole building may be had. The right of the Legislature to sell a public street would, we presume, be seriously ques- tioned, and a public park is as much devoted to public use as a street. For this reason, the legal power of the Legislature to order the land sold, has been called in question. Nothing so mean as a city selling the best inside city park it owns, with the shabby object of providing money for the erection of a City Hall, has ever before come to our notice. The breathing-places in the San Francisco of the future will certainly be few and small enough, without depriving it of this, our largest and best one. If the Hall were erected in the center of Yerba Buena Park, it would then be an ornament, and would not greatly lessen its size ; but as the matter is now projected, the Park will be ruined and the building crowded compara- tively out of sight. The City Hall Commissioners have power to postpone the sale until the next Legisla- ture meets, and still continue the erection of the Hall, at least as far as the foundation, the building of which will occui^y some months. We hope the Commissioners will adopt this course. We believe the sale of the land is viewed with disfavor, because it will place the City Hall in the background and ruin the Park." OUB NEXT HOKTICULTUEAL EXHIBITION. To judge by the exertions now being made for the Horticultural Exhibition in August next, it should eclipse everything of the kind yet undertaken on the Pacific Coast. The object is a very laudable one, creating taste, affording knowledge, and stimulating efforts to cultivate the best and most useful. The Horticultural Society is as yet in its in- fancy; it has not been more than six months in existence, but is untiring in its efforts to make the next Exhibition what it should be, and is assisted by every individual who is able to pre- sent something worthy of public notice. The Society labors under difficulties this, its first year. A Horticultural Exhibition ordinarily should occujoy one week, and no more ; but various circumstances made it apparent that if the Exhibition was connected with the grand Industrial Exhibition, it would be an accommodation to the public, and would be less burdensome to the young Society. By this arrangement the Horticultural Society agrees to keep up its Exhibition during the 208 THE CALIFORNIA HORTICULTURIST. time of the Industrial Exhibition, and when we bear in mind that the articles exhibited by the Society are of perishable character, it is certainly a sacrifice on the part of the exhibitors. To keep up an exhibition of this kind for one month, requires a replenishing of various classes from time to time, and we appeal, therefore, to the public in general to come forth liberally and contribute such arti- cles as may be at their disposal, to fill and keep filled the space to its fullest capacity. There are many amateurs who can contri- bute articles of special interest, and they can rest assured that whatever they may place in the care of the Committee of Arrangements, will be returned in good condition. What a magnificent sight can be produced by a dis- play of Cut-flowers alone, if our amateurs will contribute their share, and how much satisfaction will it give them to see their own flowers, comparing with those cultivated by others ! The same principle applies to Pomologists and amateur Fi-uit Raisers ; every orchard in the State produces some fruit worthy of a place in a collection. The Vegetable Garden should be well rep- resented, and we have enough of them here to make the finest exhibit in the world. All that is necessary, is some public spirit and a small sacrifice on the part of those w'ho are able to produce the material worthy of public exhibition, and we are satisfied that their co-operation will result in an immense amount of good. WORK FOE JUNE. Persistence of Life in Bulbs.— Wh.en a young man, I was in the employ of Mr. H. Groom, (of Wal- worth,) one of the most celebrated bulb growers of that day, and it was his practice to have his Tuhp ground trenched about thirty inches deep every third year. When this was being done, any surplus stock of roots, or those that had got mixed, so that he was not sure of the names, he would throw into'the bottom of the trench, ordering them all to be chopped up, he at the same time standing by to see the operation prop- erly performed. By some means, on one occasion, two bulbs escaped, for, in three years after, in trenching the ground again, these roots were found to be plump, and in good condition. They were at once planted, and bloomed well, but late, the following spring.— J". Dale. From present appearances, we may expect that the soil will dry out to a greater depth this coming season, than has been the case for a number of years, in consequence of want of sufficient rain dviring the past season ; we may also faMy expect that springs, wells and other resources for water will furnish a less quantity during this coming summer, than is usually the case. Extraordinary precautions should therefore be used to prevent loss from deficiency. In our last issue we advised mulching of trees, shrubs and vines, which were planted out during the latter part of the season, as the best remedy against drought, and, inas- much as we have had no rain of any conse- quence since, this mode of treatment impresses itself very forcibly on every intelligent mind. It is an easy matter to obtain straw or litter of some kind, to put around trees and vines, and the time required for such labor is of small consideration compared with its bene- ficial results. In the Old Country, and in the older States of the Union, farmers have at times covered their entire orchard-grounds with hay, straw or litter of some kind, and the results have been highly satisfactory in eveiy case. Copeland, one of our ablest writers on Horticulture, says: " Salt hay is the best; rain washes the salt into the earth; the hay or straw packs closely over the earth and shields it from the sun's rays ; evaporation can take place but slowly, and no matter how dry the season, land so protected will be cool and moist." He says, further: "A thick mulch of old chips and river waste was found by Mr. Cleveland, formerly a large Pear-grower in New Jersey, to be a preventive against cracks in the fruit, to which it also imparted superior flavor, at the same time that it in- creased the smoothness of the bark." He found, too, that native Grapes, previously much injured by rot and mildew, were saved from such diseases by the mulch. It should be, when settled, five or six inches thick. If the orchard is set, where no orchard should THE CALIFORNIA HORTICULTURIST. 209 be — in a wet, undrained place — a mulch will be injurious, as it will keep the earth too wet; and in springy land, well drained, it will be less valuable, as the springs will give water enough, and the sun's rays are desirable, to warm the earth. Besides taking these precautions, we must be careful in the use of water for irrigation. It is no exaggeration, when we presume that more than one-half of the water used for irri- gating purposes, is wasted; and this should be avoided, when vre have good reason to expect a scarcity of vrater. When the supply of water is limited, it will be much better to do the necessary watering of newly planted trees and shrubs, and such plants as are in want of frequent irrigation, with the watering-pot, instead of the hose. In the established Orchards and Vineyards very little can be done during the coming month, except looking after insects of all kinds, and keeping such suckers cut down as make their appearance near the trunk and stems of trees and vines. In the Kitchen Garden nothing is of more importance than to keep the ground in a highly cultivated condition ; frequent hoeing is necessary, and if it can be done once a week around Tomato-plants after a good wa- tering, it will helj) them very much ; the same may be said in regard to Cabbages, Cauli- flowers, etc. Where ground of sufficient moisture can be had, late Peas may be plant- ed, which pay generally better than early ones ; it is also time yet for late Cabbage and Cauliflower. For the destruction of insects, we can only repeat the article recommended in our last issue — whale-oil soap in a thin solution, nothing better has yet come to our knowledge. Flower gardens are now in their glory, a profusion of flowers eveiywhere ; but we have frequently noticed while the beautiful dis- play of flowers dimng this month gives much pleasure and satisfaction, that the little tender plants, which have just made their appear- ance from some choice seeds, are entirely ne- glected and uncared for, and in many cases they will perish. It will not do to bestow all our care and affection upon a vigorous Rose-bush which dazzles our eyes with its bright and beautiful flowers, while we leave the tender little Aster or Balsam to its own chances. The latter requires the nursing, while the former certainly affords us encoiu-- agement for our labor and toil in the flower garden ; before long the blossoms which fill oiu' hearts with delight, will have died away, and unless we have nursed the little ones with proper care, the garden will look destitute. Frequently we notice the effect of the flower garden marred by neglecting the cutting away of faded blossoms ; this should always be done as soon as they lose their freshness ; faded and decayed flovrers are a nuisance, and also an injury to the plant. Greenhouses and Conservatoiies should re- ceive a thorough overhauling and cleaning up. Many plants would do far better in the open air during the next fotu- months, and the space thus made vacant may be used for the propa- gation of plants and the planting of choice seeds. House-plants kept in windows should be placed and kept in the open air, and may be replaced by Cacti, Begonias, Calladiums, Calceolarias, Gloxinias, etc., all of which will bloom during the next two or three months. Although there is a superabundance of flowers now for our floral establishments, choice flowers are very scarce, Camellias are almost entirely out of season, and Tuberoses and Cape Jasmines will come in later ; all we have now in the market for choice bouquets are Orange-blossoms, Spanish Jasmine and a few Wax-flowers; Stephanotus we may expect in bloom soon. THE UTILITY OF SHEEP TO THE FAEMEE. An Exchange says: "The Turnip crop of England, which some have estimated as of more consequence to that country than its Wheat crop, is not so much so for the Meat and Wool it produces, as for the great fertility that mode of. sheep pastm-ing gives to the soil. The largely-increased crops which fol- 210 THE CALIFOENIA HORTICULTUEIST. low the sheep track over a Turnip field would in many cases pay expenses, even if the Mut- ton and Wool were given away." Why do not our farmers add a few sheep to their farminsr stock? ABOUT WATERING. "How often shall I water my plants?" asks the purchaser of a small bill at the nursery. In window gardening the water question is also one of the anxious ones, and even in the regular operations of gardening, under the treatment of quite practised hands, the rela- tion of water to plant life is not as clear as it might be. We shall understand better how to water, if we correct first some impressions derived from old works on physiology. H is said that plants want water. This is not strictly true. Water is found in plants, but it enters rather in the form of vapor. A soil that is wet will grow only water plants ; and it is a remarkable fact that these water plants seem to have very little water in them. A Reed or Bulrush grown in water, has far less water in its structure than a nearly allied species grown on dry land. The plants which have most fluid matter in them are those grown in the dryest places. The deserts of Africa abound in Euphorbias ; while on the plains of Mexico the only moisture wild cattle can often obtain is from the large spiny Globe Cactuses, which they manage to cleave open with their hoofs. A wet soil is totally unfit for plant growing. A plant standing twenty four hours in water is often irreparably injured. A Hyacinth, to be sure, will live one season in water ; but all the matter which goes to make up the flower is prepared the year before, and after flow- ering, the bulb is exhausted and almost worthless. A good soil for plant growing, therefore, is not one which will hold water ; but one in which water will raj)idly pass away. The soil itself is composed of minute par- ticles, through which air spaces abound. The water must be just enough to keep these particles moist, and the air in the spaces is thus kept in the conditon of moist air. The roots traverse these air spaces, and it is therefore moist air which roots want, and not water. If it were water simply which plants want- ed, we should cork up the hole in the bottom of the flower-pot, and prevent the water get- ting away. Instead of this we try to hasfen the passing of the water through as much as possible, by not only keeping the hole as clear as possible, but often by putting pieces of broken material over it. A plant will generally be the healthiest, therefore, which wants water the oftenest. This will show that there are plenty of au' spaces, and that the roots are making good use of them. If it does not of ten want water, it is in a bad way, and more water will make it worse. How often to water then, will be according to how easy the water passes away. If when you pour water on earth it disappears almost instantaneously, it would be safe to water such plants every day. And now for open air work. We often hear good men say about a piece of ground rather low, that it is wet in winter to be sure, but a few open ditches at that time to carry off the water will make all things right. But water in winter does not hurt things much. It is water in summer, — water while plants are growing, which hurts them. And the reason why land is wet in winter, is because the con- ditions are such that water cannot pass rapidly away, and such land is of course the same in summer. Every shower takes several days to soak away, meantime the plants suffer. So the constant aim of the cultivator, whe- ther of plants in pots or things in the open ground, should be to make water always pass rapidly away, and yet to have the soil of such consistence that a moist atmosphere should be always present in the air spaces existing through it. In its relation to moisture, we might say a little about the consistence of the soil. If the THE CALIFORNIA HORTICULTURIST. 211 earth, for instance, were composed of all sand, there would be little moisture except in the air spaces. The particles of flint of which sand is composed are not capable of absorb- ing moistiu-e, any more than we can get water to soak through a glass bottle. For moisture retaining j^urposes, therefore, sand is useless. But it is useful, sometimes, to add sand to clayey soils, which otherwise would lie so close that there would be no air spaces. It indeed helps to make air sjDaces, and has no other use. — American Gardener's Monthly. A WOED TO OUE POMOLOGISTS EAST AND WEST. Much has been said about Californian fruit compared with that of the East, and many of the varieties cultivated here and sent to the Eastern Market have been pronounced infe- rior in flavor to those raised in the East. The Horticultural Society should make a strong effort to induce some of the fruit growers in the East to send some collections of their fruits to be placed side by side wdth our Cali- fornian products at the Horticultiu-al Exhi- bition. Nothing would be more gratifying and give more general satisfaction to fruit growers in particular, and the public in gen- eral, than to have an exhibition of that kind. Oui- Eastern Pomologists are as a class high minded and public spirited men, who would delight in forwarding a small collection, if the application was made to them in due time ; and our transcontinental Railroad Companies may be induced to cany such collections free of charge, if the matter is properly laid be- fore them. THE CEOPS. While reports from some localities show a total failure of the crops this year, we hear from others that the yield will be above the average ; it is difficult to f onn a con-ect idea of the exact condition of the fields, but we ventui-e an opinion that the average yield will fall short of that of last year, although in many districts the .area under cultivation is larger than that of last season. No intelligent man will dispute that many of the failures of croj)s must be attributed to careless and imperfect cultivation, yet we know of a few cases where the ground was well prepared and the seed sown early, and yet in spite of all this the crops have failed. But even in this case our farmers who are suffering, must shoulder a great deal of blame themselves. The more careful observer will not be satisfied alone with the fact, that his crops have been and are suffering for want of rain, which it was his good fortune to enjoy in sufficient quantity duiing many years past, but he will avoid a similar recuiTence in the future, and he will study to ascertain what has been the immediate cause of the failure ; if caused by bad management of the soil, he must improve his mode of cultivation, but if caused solely by want of moisture, he will come to the conclusion, that certain localities cannot always be depended upon for good crops, and he must in future be more careful in the selection of land for farming piu^poses. Stanislaus County has been one of the heaviest Wheat producing counties in the State ; reports from thence during the latter part of April were encouraging. Santa Clara County does not jDroduce so much Wheat as the former, but the class of Wheat it produces is much depended upon for home consumption. The flour made from Santa Clara Valley Wheat is comparatively strong, and is preferred by our bakers to all others. The pros'pects of the crops there, are, we believe, below the average. From San Joaquin Valley we have veiy discouraging rej)orts, the crojas between the river bottom lands and the foothills of the Coast Range having completely died out. Sonoma and Napa are good for their usual returns. The Napa Register claims that Napa Coun- ty, though small, is the first Wheat-growing county in the State. It admits that Sonoma County, with its 150,000 acres sown in Wheat, will produce more than the 50,000 acres de- 212 THE CALIFORNIA HORTICULTURIST. voted to the culture of that cereal in Napa ; but it is confident that no county in the State will raise so man}' bushels of good Wheat to the acre. It claims that there are, in Napa County, 50,000 acres in Wheat, which will average nearly or quite twenty bushels to the acre. This gives 1,000,000 bushels of Wheat, worth at the threshing-floor, say $1,500,000. Farmers say there never was a more promis- ing prospect for a large crop in that county, at this time of year. From Solano, also a very heavj- Wheat- producing county, reports are discouraging ; probably not more than one-third of the usual crop can be expected. Colusa has suffered also, and will fall short. From Monterey County the prospects are satisfactoiy. Of the crop prospects, the Standard says : ' ' From all we can learn, after the most diligent inquiries, the prospects of a full crop in the Salinas Valley are as good, if not better than in any other part of the State. We have conversed with many gen- tlemen on the subject during the week, gen- tlemen who have been over the grain districts of the State, and from them and private let- ters we have received, with the information we have gained from our farmers, we can safely say that the yield in the Salinas Valley this season, vdll e::iual, if not surpass, that of any other year." Alameda v.ill almost come up to its usual yield, while San Mateo and Contra Costa have suffered to so great an extent that not more than one-half of the usual crops are expected. Speaking of the crop prospect in Kern County, the Courier, of Bakersfield, says : " Crops here look as well as Nature can make them. We depend here entirely upon irri- gation, and as far as the farming interest is concerned, we are independent of rain, and fearless of drying winds, or any other of the usual contingencies affecting the growth of crops as far as moisture is concerned. Our crops are always abundant— more so, per- haps, in diy seasons than in wet. The soil is rich, the climate warm, and water plentiful. Failure here never enters the calculation of farmers, unless in so far as it may result from the depredations of wild cattle, a nuisance we do not propose to suffer from much longer." We believe that in a few years there will be few localities in California, where any attempt is made to raise grain, in which irrigation will not be resorted to for the purpose of securing a crop. Placer, Calaveras, Amador, and El Dorado Counties may be counted upon for laa-ger re- turns than former years have shown. Chops in Nevada Cou^-TY.— The Grass Val- ley Ihiion, of April 11th, says : We have seen several farmers from the lower and western part of the county, and ^ they inform us that crops never looked better than they do at the present time. In Penn Valley, grain and garden productions are verj' forward. The grain planted in hard ground, with a harrow which scarcely scratched the surface, does not look so well. Careless, lazy planting will not make crops in any county. All these reports show that the fields of the foothills of the Sierra Nevadas and those of the Coast Range, with the exception of San Mateo and Santa Clara, have suffered less, while our extensive central valleys, between the foothills of the Sierra Nevadas and the Coast Range, present a very discouraging aspect. As for the fruit crops, the prospects have never been brighter, and they will make up in many localities for the deficiency in the cereals. We concur in the opinion of the Pacific Rural Press, which says : "Though the season will undoubtedly be disastrous to many, and will bear especially heavily on those in the great interior valleys, who, being deeply in debt were depending on this year's crops to help them out, yet there is no doubt, from the above showing— (to say nothing of the Oregon surplus, which will be larger than ever, this year,) — that we shall have xiot only an abundant supply for home consumption and next year's seed, but also a small surplus for export." THE CALIPOKNIA HORTICULTUEIST. 213 BEE NOTES. BY M. QUINBY. When the weather is wet or cold for a few days, light colonies will need espe- cial care to prevent starving. In favorable springs a small proportion of stocks vnll swarm during the blossoming of apple orchards. Many will swarm about the time when these blossoms disappear, but not generally until clover comes. Bees that do not gain in honey during the season of apple blossoms, will be quite sure to need feeding before that time. A knowledge of their natural history is quite as convenient this month as any other. The appearance of the queen-cells indicates when to expect swarms. "With the movable-comb hive it is only neces- sary to quiet them with smoke or sugar water, when the frames can be lifted out and seen. The box hive must be inverted. The examination is more difficult and the results more uncertain, but with smoke it can be done. The queen-cells are generally found on the edge of combs, from three to twenty in number. The open end being downward, the contents are easily seen. They are sealed up when about an inch long, when, if the weather is warm, the old queen leaves with the first swarm. The advantage of being tolerably sure when the first swarm will appear, is obvious. They will be a little in advance or behind this period, in proportion as honey is plentiful or scarce. If through neglect it is uncertain whether a hive has swarmed, and none of these cells are found occupied, it is evidence that they have not. Second and thii'd swarms, hived now, will be likely to get enough honey to winter them, unless the season is very poor. This may be done when increase of stock is more desirable than box honey. Have all hives clean and somewhat rough inside. Swarms should be hived immediately after clustering. Get all in, if possible; stir them gently, or sprinkle with water, if obstinate ; set them on the stand at once; raise the front, and protect from the sun. I much prefer artificial swarming, being careful to do it only when the bees are getting honey and seem pros- perous. Any time before the 25th of May, in this latitude, the box hive may be treated as follows, and the best results realized : The hives, frames and conib being ready, pro- ceed to raise the hive a little and smoke just enough to keep the bees quiet; bring into a wai-m room, the windows all darkened but one, so that the few bees which fly will gather to the light, ready to be brushed into the hive when that is arranged; tm-n the hive bottom upon a table; with a long, thin knife loosen the combs from the sides; split each of the sides in several pieces with an axe, and remove three of them, leaving the combs standing upright. Very many of the bees, by this time, will creep to the top of the combs and collect in little clusters, shoAving no disposition to sting. The outside comb is cut off at what is now the bottom, and lifted out and laid on a flat surface, and the bees brushed back — the edges trimmed until they just fit the frame. The combs are held in frames by sjDlints, as described in "Bee Keeping Explained." When arranged, it is put in place in the new hive. The drone comb should nearly all be rejected. The bees on the second comb taken out may be brushed into the new hive, where they will gather on the first comb. All the combs containing brood must be placed in the same relative position that they occupied before, as the same number of bees can better protect them from the cold. When all is done, the scattered bees on the window are brushed down into the hive, which should be placed directly under it. All should be made to go among the combs. The hive is now to be closed and carried to the stand. The chances are that there will be room enough to hold all stores that are gathered until next month; yet, if they seem crowded, give another comb or two. Agriculturist. 214 THE CALIFORNIA HORTICULTURIST. EDITOR : C. A. STIVERS, M. D. ASSOCIATE EDITOKS : F. A. MILLER, C. STEPHENS. (Etlitaiial lortfoUo. Among the many customs and practices that have had a marked influence upon our civilization, that of Fairs and Exhibitions- occupies no small space. Their importance and value have always been recognized, both by individual and State, and each has given liberally to sustain them. Fairs, out of which our more modern exhibitions sprang, have long been in exist- ence in Europe and Asia, where in former times they were not only used for the display of all kinds of merchandise, but were also annual markets for the sale and purchase of various commodities. Although fairs as at first conducted are becoming obsolete, and the word applied in a newer and wider sense, still in some parts of Europe they retain their old character; as is the case in the Easter and Michaelmas Fairs at Leipsic, and the St. Peter and St. Paul Fair, at Nishnij -Novgo- rod, in Russia. The first exhibition proper was held at Paris, in the year 1798, and although on a moderate and somewhat restricted plan, yet it served as the model upon which all of the subsequent exhibitions have been based. For a time France was the only nation that gave its attention to these displays, but finally the custom spread to England, and culminated in that most famous of all exhibi- tions, the "World's Fair" of 1851. Since that time there have been a number of exhibitions in various parts of the world; Dublin, New York and Paris have each in turn had a world's fair; and though they may not have assumed such magnitude or achieved such a success as the one held in London, still they had an influence which was pro- ductive of good. It is by means of fairs and exhibitions that people of different nationalities are brought into closer and more friendly relations, all striving for the palm of \ictory, bought by no blood-stained fields, or the bitter ciy of widows and orphans. It is their pro\'ince to humanize the people, and to elevate and ennoble the great class of producers, incor- porating them into that grand army at whose head is borne the banner of progression, and where the drum is replaced by the anvil, and the mittrailleuse by the steam engine. In the settlement and building up of' a new country, fairs and exhibitions are an essential part of the people's work ; for by them they not only see their own advancement, which stimulates them to still further exertions, but others from abroad are thus enabled to see and judge of the capabilities and products of that country. These reasons, which apply in a general way to all the world, come to us with a double force. We have here a new country, rich in all things that are essential to the building up of a great and wealthy State, and it is our duty to encourage and develop these advantages, both for ourselves, and for the good of our common country. We have been led to make these remarks in regard to fau-s and exhibitions, from the fact that the Mechanics' Institute will hold its Eighth Annual Exhibition during the month of August, in the present year. The exhibitions held under the auspices of this Institute, have always ranked high as to their character and usefulness, and it is it tended that the coming one shall excel its predeces- sors, partaking as it will somewhat of the character of a world's fair. Besides the ef- forts made in our own State to encourage and invite exhibitors, the Institute has addressed circulars to Australia, China, Japan and the Sandwich Islands; believing as they do, that the entire Pacific side of the world is to be our domain, and within which we have a special field to cultivate. In conjunction with the Institute's exhibi- tion, the Bay District Horticultural Society of California will hold its First Annual Fair, which at the present outlook promises to be the grand feature of the exposition. We I hope and trust that our Agriculturists and THE CALIFORNIA HORTICULTURIST. 215 Horticulturists will take hold of this matter, and make such a display as shall do credit to themselves and the State. REMOVAL. The office of the California Horticulturist has been removed to No. 514 Kearny Street, vphere we shall be happy at all times to see our Horticultural and Agricultural friends, who may call upon us. All communications intended for this Journal must be addressed to the above number. BAY DISTRICT HORTICULTURAL SOCIETY OF CALIFORNIA. The first gathering of members of this Society, for the purpose of discussing mat- ters pertaining to Horticulture, took place on Saturday, April 15th. The subjects under consideration were: Which are the best Roses for pot culture? and, Which is the proper mode of treatment in order to achieve success with them ? After a lengthy debate on the subject, the following varieties were agreed upon as being the best adapted for that purpose in California : Tea ^0868.— Safrano, La Sylphide, Lyon- aise, Eliza Sauvage, Devoniensis, White Daily, Triomphe de Luxembourg, Vicompte de Gazes, Bougere. Bourbon Roses. — Mrs. Bosanquet, Bourbon Queen. China i?oses.— Agrippina, Louis Philippe, Eugene Beauharnais, Semperflorens, San- guinea, Minature Rose. Hybrid Perpetual i?oses.— Jules Margottin, Lord Raglan, General Jacquimenot (Pauline Lanzezem-), Geant de Battailles, Madame von Houtte, Baronne Prevot, Prince Noir (Black Prince), Emperor Napoleon, Louis Odier, Louis de Arc. Noisette iifose.s.— Solfaterre, Marshal Niel, La Marque, Madame Hyman, Gloire de Dijon. In the treatment of Roses under 'pot cul- ture, it must be distinctly understood that forcing roses for the market is not the mode applicable to pot culture in general. In fact, the majority of roses which are forced under glass by our florists are unfit for that purpose. The discussion having been much protracted, the conclusion of the subject was unavoidably postponed until a future time. The above list of Roses can be strongly recommended for open-ground culture. The eighth regular meeting of the Society was held on Saturday, April 29th, for the transaction of business. The agreement between the Mechanics' Institute and the Horticultural Society, relating to the nest exhibition, was read and approved. The following new members were elected : J. Doyle, Thos. Scott, C. Seitz and William Dose, of San Francisco, and William Meeks, of San Lorenzo. The matter of incorporating the Society was laid over until the next regular meeting. ACCLIMATIZING SOCIETY OF CALIFORNIA. This Society (formerly the Ornithological and Piscatorial Acclimatizing Society of Cali- fornia) was incorporated last month, under the name of the "Acclimatizing Society of Califomia," with a capital stock of $50,000, divided into 5,000 shares of $10 each. At a meeting held April 27th, the following named gentlemen were elected as Trustees for the ensuing three months : W. A. Newell, M. M. Estee, S. B. Clark, John K. Orr, D. J. Mills, J. B. Green, E. H. Nevill, C. A. Stivers, Penn B. Horton, Alexander Badlam, John Williamson and John C. Green. At a sub- sequent meeting of the Board of Trustees, held May 5th, the following officers were elected : President, W. A. Neil ; Vice Pres- ident, Alexander Badlam ; Secretary, John Williamson; Treasurer, D. J. Mills. The object of the Society is the importa- tion of all the practicable varieties of choice Game Birds and Fish into this State, which 216 THE CALIFOENIA HOETICULTURIST. will be carefully preserved, and are specially protected by Act of Legislature for a period of four years. All communications should be addressed to the Secretary, No. 632 Mission Street, San Francisco. MEDICAL CONVENTION. Our city has been graced during the first part of this month, by the presence of a num- ber of medical gentlemen from the Eastern States, who with the aid of those resident on this coast, have been busy holding a National Convention. We are much pleased to see our State commanding attention enough to draw so many professional gentlemen within its borders ; but we are of the opinion that the late Convention was more of an excursion party, than an actual working assembly. They had many important committees to re- port, but with a few exceptions they failed to do so. One of the most important, that of Cinchonia Plantations, we had looked for- ward to with expectant interest, but it did not make its appearance. In its last hours the Convention was thrown into utter confusion by the apparition of the "Coming Woman," who, genii-like, rose up before their eyes in the dual shape of a " sis- ter and brother." Gentlemen, a little more dignity and attention to the essential business of the profession, and less of "isms" and idle talk, would better the standing of the Amer- ican National Medical Association. STATE AGRICULTURAL SOCIETY. The Premium List to be awarded at the 18th Annual Fair of the California State Agricultural Society, to take place at Sacra- mento on the 18th of next September, is before us. We feel sure, from the prepara- tion made, that the coming fair will redound to the credit of the Society, and also to the State. Over $20,000 have been appropriated for premiums. SANTA CLARA VALLEY AGRICULTURIST. We have received number one of this new monthly paper, published at San Jose, by Brand & Holloway, and edited by S. Harris Herring. It is gotten up in a very neat form, and, judging from its contents, it promises to be a valuable addition to the agricultural literature of the State. CATALOGUE. We acknowledge the receipt of Hovey's Illustrated Catalogue of New' Plants, for 1871 ; also a notice and description of a new seedling Camellia, the "Mrs. Anne Marie Hovey." ^. DOMINICA. "THE RURAL CAROLINIAN." The May number of this Journal comes to us replete with good and valuable articles upon Southern Agriculture and Horticulture. It contains a fine plate of General Johnson Hagood, President of the South Carolina Agricultural and Mechanical Society. We are indebted to the Hon. Cornelius Cole for a copy of his speech on the subject of " San Domingo"— a subject upon which too much has already been said, and the sooner it is laid to its final rest, the better for all concerned. Milk and Meat.— Boiled Peas gi-eatly increase the milk of cows and the growth of pigs. A SUGGESTION. We shall endeavor to comply with the request of our correspondent who writes to us under the above heading. He is evidently a lover of the Horticultural Art, and therefore we shall " in all our best obey." THE CALIFOKNIA HOETICULTUKIST. 217 INJUNCTION ON SALE OF PAEK LOTS. Since the article on the Yerba Buena Park was handed to us, and placed in type, the Park Commissioners have been enjoined by the City from selling the land advertised. The sale has therefore been postponed until June 15th, when the Commissioners state that it will be consummated. We shall see. OUR FEUIT AND VEGETABLE MAEKET. Strawberries are plentiful, and they retail at 10 cts. per pound — cheap enough for everybody who can appreciate that delicious fruit. Cherries have just made their appearance in quantities, although the first installment was brought in on the 1st of May. They sell readily at 50 cts. per pound, retail. Oranges, Lemons and Limes we have in abundance. Gooseberries have made their appearance, and sell at from 10 to 15 cents per pound. Ripe CiU'rants are just coming into market at 50 cents per pound. Rhubarb is in abundance. Apples of last year's growth are still plen- tiful, and can be bought for 12 cents per pound. Of Bananas, Pineapples, Mangoes, Plan- tains and Tamarinds, we have a fair supply from the tropical regions. Vegetables are plentiful. Although Cab- bages, Cauliflowers and old Potatoes are going out, there is a fair supply of new Potatoes, Peas, String Beans, Broad Beans, Artichokes, Summer Squash, Cucumbers and Lettuce, etc. We are pleased to see that both Fruit and Vegetables are superior in quality to the produce of last season. NEW AND EAEE PLANTS. The soil and climate of Los Angeles, 'for the growth of the Sugar Beet, wiU be fairly tested this season; the result, we may fairly anticipate, will be another Beet Sugar manufactory. According to the London Field, several new and promising varieties of Lilies have made their appearance during the year 1870. Liliwm Leichtlinii, having much recurved pale yellow flowers, deeply spotted with dark. Lilium longifloram albo-marginatum, the leaves distinctly margined with white. Lilium tigrinum flore plena, a double form of the Tiger Lily, with several tiers of petals overlaying each other. Lilium purum,Q>vemQxka^o\Q hybrid obtain- ed from a cross between L. auratum and L. speciosum, sensibly perfumed, all of which are " decided acquisitions," as the florist says. Exochardia grandifiora, which is pictured and described b}'^ the New York Horticulturist is a very remarkable shrub, but little known. It grows about six feet high, is of a graceful habit, and produces its large, pure white flowers in spring. It is a native of China, and somewhat difficult to propagate. Solanwm ciliatum, a branched annual, twelve to eighteen inches high ; bearing exceedingly beautiful berries of the size of a Tangerine Orange, and of an intensely pure scarlet color, overlaid by a glaucous bloom. Nothing more brilliant can well be imagined. Gardener's Monthly. Spirea japonica aiirea variegata, is an ex- tremely beautiful variety, one of the most popular plants in cultivation. - It difiers from the green-leaved plant, with which all are familiar, in its elegant leafage, being traced with golden veins, and borne on rosy-tinted stems. Croton cormitum. — An interesting member of the large group of new Crotons introduced by Messrs. Veitch & Son. It is characterized by a peculiar extension of the midiib, which forms a hom-like process at the apex of the leaf. It is a compact growing variety, with leaves, which vary slightly in form and are richly spotted and blotched with yellow. Gardener's Chronicle. 218 THE CALIFORNIA HORTICULTURIST. New Double Wistaria. — Mr. Francis Bark- maim, of Jamaica Plains, Mass., received a small plant of Wistaria from Japan, several years since, which bloomed last summer, when it was discovered to be a new and val- uable variety, with double purple flowers. The plant is perfectly hardy, resembling the old Wistaria sinensis, so well known as one of the most beautiful of all our climbing plants. Rural New Yorker. Clematis patens, John Gould Veitch. — This beautiful and evenly double-flowered variety of that well known family of climbing plants, the Clematis, was introduced direct from Ja- pan by the distinguished collector and horti- culturist whose name it bears. It produces its fine porcelain blue flowers in great abun- dance ; they are four inches in diameter, and of nearly perfect form. It is like other Cle- matis, perfectly hardy. "Van Houtte's Flores des Serres." Hydrangea stellata prolifera. — A very orna- mental semi-double flowered variety of this well known, hardy, flowering shrub ; colors, pink and white. It is likely to be an acqm- sition. Flores des Serres. Correction. — In our notice of the "Accli- matizing Society of California," on page 215, second column, we see that two errors have occurred, but too late for remedy : as one of the Trustees, the name of E. H. Ne^dll should have read E. H. Neil; and, in the sixth line below, it should read, for President, W. A. Newell, instead of W. A. Neil. Apples as Food. — The importance of Apples as a food, says Leibig, has not hitherto been sufficiently estimated or understood. Besides contributing a large proportion of sugar, mucilage, and other niTtritive compounds in the form of food, they contain such a fine combination of vegetable acids, extractive sub- stances and aromatic principles, as to act powerfully in the capacity of refrigerents, tonics and antiseptics. Don't spread Manure over too much ground. It is better to raise one hundred bushels of potatoes upon half an acre than upon two acres — you save mileage in planting and digging; besides you have one and a half acres to put into clover. (gtlitonal €>Icattittg]Si. Rearing Grape Vines in Pots. — A Hor- ticulturist in Stuttgardt has de\'ised an ingenious method of rearing grape vines in pots so as to obtain grapes with very little trouble in a room or other sheltered place. For this purpose a Adgorous healthy cutting of the late growth of the wood is taken, from three to five feet in length, having at the upper end two fiiiit buds. The cutting is to be entirely enveloped with moss, and bound with bast, but so as to leave the extremity bearing the fruit buds uncovered. The cut- ting thus prepared is to be inserted spirally into a sufficiently large flower-pot, leaving the fruit buds projecting above the edge of the pot, which is then to be filled with rich hot-bed earth well moistened, and placed in the sun behind a window and kept uniformly moist. The water applied should never be cold, but rather lukewarm, so as to stimulate to the utmost the develojDment of the young roots. When the weather is such that there is no danger frjom night frosts, the pot may be placed outside the window or against a sunny wall, or even inserted in the ground in order to secure a more uniform moisture and temperature. When the two fruit buds have produced branches, having bunches of grapes upon them, these shoots are to be trimmed so that two sound leaves remain over each grape shoot, in order to keep up the circulation of the sap, since without this the grapes would not develop. A single leaf would be sufficient, but two are better, for greater security. An occasional watering with a liquid manure is advisable in order to stimulate the growth of the plant, although this must be applied with care, since an ex- cess will do more harm than good. In one instance a grape shoot treated in this . way produced nine large bunches of fine grapes, although such a number would be rather more than could be coveniently supported by the plant. Potatoes. — Wood ashes make an excellent and reli- able manure for potatoes. THE CALIFOENIA HOKTICULTUEIST. 219 Love of Flowers in New York. — Flowers enter very largely into all the solemnities, fetes and events of New York life. The gentleman who wishes to testify his devo- tion to a young lady, does so daily hj o^erings of magnificent flowers. Statesmen, orators, opera-dancers and divines, are alike accustomed to receive these floral tributes. The bride is manied beneath a magnificent floral bell ; the coffin is decorated -^dth exqviisite crosses, crowns and wreaths of flowers. The Kev. Heniy Ward Beecher preaches with a floral basket by his side. George Francis Train has also tributes of flowers, which he waves in the course of his denunciation of British influence and the old fogies of the Bible. On the occasion of a benefit night to a favorite actress lately, a basket of choice flowers was brought on the stage, as an ofi'ering from some of her ad- mirers, which had to be carried by four men. " Belgravia." Shall Farms. — Small farms make near neighbors ; they make good roads ; they make plenty of good schools and chui'ches ; there is more money made in proportion to the la- bor ; less labor is wanted ; eveiything is kept neat ; less wages have to be jDaid for help ; less time is wasted; more is raised to the acre, because it is tilled better ; there is no watching of hii-ed men ; the mind is not kept in a worry, a stew, a fret all the time. There is not so much fear of the drouth, of wet weather, of a frost, of small prices. There is not so much money to be paid out for agricultural implements. Our wives and chil- dren have time to read, and to improve theii- minds. A small horse is soon cuiTied — and the work on a small farm is always pushed forward m season. Give us small farms for comfort, aye, and give us small farms for profit. Neat W.alks.— A soui-ce of much discomfort during the mnter and spring months, around a large majority of fann-houses, lies in muddy and undi-ained w^alks. From the house to the road, the barn, and other out-buildings, well kept walks should be the rule. No matter how neat fences and buildings may be, with this matter neglected, an untidy and uncom- fortable aspect is presented. "With many farmers we have visited, especially in the Western States, a lot of old boards of various lengths and widths are distributed along the paths in the muddy season, and these, with no attention paid to drainage, tilt and splash and bespatter disgustingly. Why is it that farmers do not take more pains with their immediate surroundings? A well raised path of gravel rolled and rounded, when the ma- terial can be had, forms the best and cheapest walk, but in all parts of the country there are various resoiu'ces to remedy the evil of muddy paths, and only simple ingenuity is required to apply them. — Journal and Farm. The Product of one W^eed. — A person de- siring to know what would be the influence of a single weed upon the agriculture of a field or garden, selected a plant of purslane, (pusley, or pursley, as called by some,) the meanest plant, and carefully counted the number of pods. It was a large sized plant from a rich spot of ground. The number of its seed-pods was 4,613. He then took four- teen of the pods — seven small ones, foiir me- diums, and three of the largest, and counted the seed in them. The result gave an average of ninety seeds to the pod. Thus in this single plant we have the enormous niimber of 415,170 seeds ! If these were spread over a plat of gi'oxind, and should germinate, and a man should attemjDt to cut them with a hoe, and should average six plants at a blow, and make thii*ty strokes of the hoe per minute, it would take him thii'ty eight houi-s and twenty three minutes to cut them out! Or, if these weeds were equally disseminated at the rate of four to the square foot, they would cover two and a third acres of ground! Again, allowing that only one-thii'd of these seeds germinate, and that the product should be one-half as rich in seed as this one, yet they could produce the enoi-mous number of 28,727,528,150 seed — enough to cover broad fields the third year from one seed! Do not these figures show 220 THE CALIFOENIA HOETICULTUKIST. the immense importance of cutting and de- stroying every weed before it goes to seed ? There is no doubt tliat many other weeds are fully as prolific as this. It has been known in the wet weather to grow and mature its seed long after it had been entirely severed from the root. Increasing the Flavob of Fruits. — For a number of years past there has been a de- cided tendency on the part of fruit-growers, and more especially those who cultivate for market, to grow only large fruit, or rather varieties of small fruit of a large size. We are not surprised at this, from the fact, that however insipid and flavorless a strawberry may be, it will always command the highest price in the market. Hence, with the culti- vator, it becomes a matter of dollars and cents. Frxiit-growing for profit is his busi- ness, and it is to such, generally, a matter of indifference whether the fruit is of fine flavor or otherwise, so that it finds ready purchasers at good figures. It would be simply folly to argue against such a spirit, and as long as people are content to sacrifice the sense of taste for that of sight, we have no right to object. But it does not follow, necessarily, that large fruit is obtained at the expense of irts flavor. Every Horticulturist knows that a wet, cloudy season invariably produces greatly increased acidity in small fruits, and this is especially noticeable in the Peach and the Strawberry. The result is, of course, beyond human control. But not so in some other cases. We believe that it is in the power of a cultivator, who has not too keen an eye to profit, to command a flavor. "The method," says a first-class authority on this subject, " is to thin out severely." The same writer assumes that if a Peach or Plum tree is allowed to mature five or six dozen of fruit where only one-half that quan- tity should have been permitted, the result will be a flavor of decidedly inferior quality. A case in point is cited : A favorite Plum tree in 1861 bore a light crop of fruit, all of which was carefully preserved. The aroma of the fruit, when made into puddings and tarts, was delicious. In 1862 the crop of Plums on the same tree was so abundant as to hide the leaves. The usual quantity was preserved, but the fine aroma of those of the previous year was wanting. From all of which he insisted on the following : " By thinning you make indifferent fruit good; by crowding you make good fruit bad." We are aware that it is asldng a great deal of an amateur to thin out fruit, but it will pay in the end when quality and not quantity is desired.' Farmer's Journal. Effect of Pine Trees on the Soil. — A re- markable instance of the effect of pine trees on the soil in which they grow, has been published in the Wood and Water Reports of the north of France. A forest near Valen- ciennes, comprising about eighteen hundred acres of scrub and stunted oak and bu'ch, was grubbed up in 1843, and replaced by Scotch firs (Pinus sylvestrisj. The soil com- posed of silicious sands mingled with a small quantity of clay, was in some places very wet; it contained two or three springs, from one of which flowed a small stream. The firs succeeded beyond expectation, and large, handsome stems now grow vigorously over the whole ground. It was in the early stages of their growth that the remarkable effect above referred to was noticed. The soil be- gan to dry; the snipes that once frequented the place migrated to a more congenial locality : the ground became drier and drier, until the springs and the streams ceased to flow. Deep trenches were dug to lay open the sources of the springs and discover the cause of the drying up ; but nothing was found except that the roots of the firs had penetrated the earth to a depth of five or six feet. Borings were • then made ; and six feet beneath the source of the spring, a bed of water was met with of considerable depth, from which it Avas inferred, the spring had formerly been fed. But in what way its level had been lowered by the action of the firs, could not be determined. THE CALIFORNIA HORTICULTURIST. 221 Almond Teees.— Col. W. W. Hollister, of Los Angeles, has set out, this season, 50,000 Almond trees. Of this valuable tree, the Santa Barbara Press says : ' ' Even our own people have a veiy Inadequate knowledge, at least many of them, as to the growth and productiveness of the Almond. In the kit- chen yard of Mr. Forbush stands an Almond tree which is only thirteen years old, and measures forty inches in cii'cumf erence a yard from the ground, while it casts a shadow at noonday fifteen feet across, and the tree stands now twenty feet high. Last year it bore eighty pounds, worth §35 ; while this year it promises to bear eighty pounds worth $40. Quite a valuable shade tree, is it not? Yet how few have even one growing ! So we said last year of this fine tree. It is now Aj^ril 1st, .1871, forty-nine inches in circum- ference, twenty five feet high, and full of young nuts and blossoms." Jute in the United States. — Mr. E. H. Derby, of Boston, writes to the Commissioner of Agriculture : " It is obvious that Jute has been success- fully introduced into this country, and that it flourishes in the moist bottom lands of the Southern States. I entertain no doubt that it will grow wherever the cane growp, on the moist soils of the South, and I believe that the India plant is best suited to our require- ments. I trust you ^ill urge youi" corres- pondents to preserve and circulate the seed which they have raised, and to plant it when they plant the cotton. If the Department of Agriculture had done nothing else, it seems to me it has earned all the Government has appropriated for it by introducing and ac- climating this valuable plant. I deem it abnost as great an acquisition to the co\mirj as cotton itself. It yields one of the cheapest fibres nature produces. It is raised in India, and I presume it can be raised here for less than one-half the cost of hemp, and for one-fourth the cost of cotton. It has been produced in India for one cent per pound of fibre. It is woven not only into gunny cloth and gunny bags, but enters very largely into carpets and many kinds of tis- sues. In India jute has been steadily gaining upon cotton. England has imported from India of this article more than 120,000,000. pounds in a single year ; and we last year imported more than 19,000,000 pounds, which cost more than $3,000,000, and sold at the South for $5,000,000. It is used there chiefly to envelop cotton. If we had diverted that amount of labor from cotton to jute we might have raised a much larger quantity at home, and at the same time have increased the value of our cotton crop. The jute seems to me to be a plant admii-ably adapted to the wants of the South. The South requii-es it for bale cloths, also to divert labor from cotton, and to employ the operatives during inclement seasons in the manufacture of cloth. I pre- sume that the mechanism used in Kentucky, for spinning and weaving hemp, will be ap- propriate for jute." Suffocating Squirrels. — Many hundreds of persons who have suffered loss by the countless nujnbers of squirrels which infest their lands, will appreciate the following from the Contra Costa Gazette: "We are told by Dr. Carothers that he has lately been tiying, with complete success, a method of destroying squirrels by suftbcation, which we believe has been tried with satis- factory results in Santa Clara and some other localities. The method of procedure adopted by our informant is somewhat as follows : A liberal sprinkling of diy sulphur is spread upon a piece of old bagging of suitable size, and as much coal oil poui-ed carefully over it as the suljDhur and cloth will fairlj' hold without dripping. The cloth is then lighted at the mouth of a squirrel hole, and thmst in ^-ith an iron rod as far as it may be prac- ticable, the combustion being maintained and the smoke and fumes driven downward from the mouth of the hole. After sufficient time is allowed for the combustion of the charge, the mouth of the hole is well stopped with earth, and also the mouths of any other holes 222 THE CALIFORNIA HORTICULTUEIST. from wliich smoke is issuing, indicating an underground connection. The stoppage of the holes vdW not only retain the poisonous fumes, and make the work effective, by excluding the restorative elements of the atmosphere, but will be likely to defeat any such effort as a partially suffocated squirrel might make to escape from the death doom of 1 poisonous dungeon. He has not found, out of several hundred holes, a single one that has been re-opened since it was stopped with earth, after the sulphur and coal oil fumigation; and he believes it the cheapest and most certain mode of destroying squirrels that has yet been discovered." Boeing an Artesian Well thbough a Salt Marsh— Fkesh Water obtained !— An experi- ment has been successfully tried in irrigating the salt marsh and tule lands. It has been adopted on the property of Mr. John Reagan, proprietor of the California Restaurant, on Montgomery Street. The lands are situated on the Petaluma and Lakeville Creek, about four miles from Lakeville. Mr. Reagan has reclaimed four hundred acres, and wishing to irrigate a small orchard, started to bore an Artesian Well for the purpose, about nine days ago. When reaching a depth of sixty five feet, a stream of water began to flow. This was stopped by inserting a close-fitting pipe to a depth of one hundred and seventy feet which was subsequently replaced by a perforated galvanized pipe. The earth exca- vated by the borer was mingled with decayed vegetable matter. When at a depth of one hundred and ninety eight feet, a stream of pure fresh water began to flow, about an inch in diameter. As Mr. Reagan wished to ob- tain an eight-inch stream, the workmen tried to exhaust the water by using a six-inch pump ; but after four men had labored on it for a day, they were only enabled to lower the water eleven feet, and on stopping work it ran over again. The boring apparatus was applied a third time, and at the depth of two hundred feet a piece of bark was ejected from the pipe. The cost of boring has been four dollars a foot, including the pipe, etc. This experiment mil prove of great service to those who own tule lands throughout the State.- CaH. • Raote Production.— Mr. William Hall, President of the "Ramie Plantation Com- pany of Louisiana," states that great im- provements have very recently been made in the machinery for preparing the Ramie. The plant may now be cleaned on the field, the refuse being left for inanure. The fibre is then dried, becoming comparatively pure, white, and silky, divested entirely of gum, and prepared for baling and for spinning. The improved machinery was, unfortunately, not perfected till late in the season, when the ramie had become harsh from a growth of eight months, the tops having been partly killed by frost. It was therefore found impossible to j)roduce the fibre in bulk this season. With these improvements, and one laborer to clean the product of ten acres, Mr. Hall thinks one acre will yield at least two tons, making a product of twenty tons to the hand, estimated to be worth $200 per ton. Two joint stock companies for the plant- ing and manufacture of Ramie have been organized in Louisiana, one with a working capital of $45,000, the other with a capital of $165,000. The Grape Sugar Industry.— The man- ufacture of Grape Sugar has assumed large proportions. In Germany there were in 1868 sixty establishments in operation, which pro- duced that year 22,000,000 tt)s of syrup, and 8,800,000 lbs of sugar. Since that time other and more extensive factories have been estab- lished, and a large extent of territory is now being planted with potatoes for that purpose. The potato plantations are usually in sandy districts adapted to theii^ growth. The meth- od pursued, is nearly identical in all the refineries. The wet starch is first put into a large washtub, where, under constant stirring foi°an hour, it is entirely dissolved in water and diluted acid. From the washtub it is run THE CALIFOENLl HOETICULTUKIST. into vats where it can be boiled bv steam • there it remains, for sugar four or fire houi-s,' for syrup two or three houi's. It is then put into the neutralizing tanks to be treated with lime; and left until the sediment— chiefly composed of gypsum— has settled, this usu- ally requii-es six hoiu's. The sweet liquor thus obtained is evaporated in vacuum pans filtered and manufactui-ed into syrap, oi- ls left to crystalize, in case sugar is to be made. The process does not essentiaUy dif- fer from that pui'sued m the United States where com starch is chieflv emploved. The great increase of the wine-growing districts m Amenca has occasioned an enlarged de- mand for glucose, and the manufactui-e of this article appears destined to assume lar^e proportions in the United States, where corn can be obtained in an unlimited quantity, Journal of Applied Chemistry. 223 marked. A well-grown plant makes a very handsome appearance. The gi-eat trouble in growing the Daisy in this country is the in- tense heat of om- summers, and it is useless to attempt its cultivation unless shade can be afforded. It is a plant which forces readily, and is always to be found in our city markets in early spring, among the numerous things that are offered for sale by subui-ban gardeners. The Daisy axd rrs V.uiieties.— The Daisv so frequently mentioned in the books and journals of England, is' almost unknown in this country, while in England, it is a com- mon and annoying weed in lawns. It here requires no small amount of care to cultivate It successfully. What is populariv known with us as the Daisy is a veiy different plant from the true Daisy. Om- meadows-at least m the older portions of the country-are every summer white with what is in some parts called Daisy, and in others "White- weed." This is Leucanthemum vulgare and Its proper name is Ox-eye Daisy. The Eui-o- pean Daisy is Belli, perenni,, and is quite different from our troublesome plant The true Daisy is found all over Europe, except- ing m the extreme north. In its ordinaiw form It IS a small white single flower, with ^yellow centre. It has produced a number 3f vaneties, the double white and pink beinc. :he best known among us. A curious form n which the head of flowers produces other lowers IS known in England as "Hen and ^vt"^ ', ^""^ ^ ^^'^^^^ ^« "Mother and .hildren.' Still another variety has the eaves finely veined with golden yellow, and The gemxsCurcuma is known as furnishing the yellow powder called Turmeric, which is used as an aromatic ingredient in the prepar- ation of cuiiy powder, and also in various branches of Eastern cookeiy, as well as in medicme, and as a coloiing matter and a test for alkalies. The young tubers, which are coloriess, also jield a kind of aiTowroot, that known as East India aiTowroot being the produce entii-ely of species of this genus^such as C. angusti/olia, Roxh., C. rubescens, Moxb., etc. In Borneo, C. purpurescens, Bl is a common plant, and the older rhizomes are dug up, beaten to pieces, and washed to sep- arate the farina from the fibre. The powder is. not only used in the preparation of native dishes, but, mixed with water and perfumes It IS smeared over the faces and bare anns and necks of brides and bridegr-ooms when they srt in state before mamage, or receive their first visits of ceremony. Perhaps our perfumers may take a wiinkle. How R.UX IS FoRjiED.— To understand the philosophy of this phenomenon, water being essential to the very existence of plants and animals, a few facts, derived from obseiwation and a long train of expeiiments, must be remembered. Were the atmosphere everv- where, at all times, of a uniform temper- ature, we should never have rain, hail or snow. The water absorbed by it in evap- oratron from the sea and the earth's sur-face would descend in an imperceptible vapor or cease to be absorbed by the aii', when it was once fully saturated. The absorbing power ot the atmosiDhere, and consequently its ca- pability to retain humidity, is proportionately Later in cold than in warm air. The axr near the surface of the earth is warmer than it is in the region of the clouds. The higher we ascend from the earth, the colder we find the atmosphere. Hence the perpetua snow on very high mountains in the very hottest climates. Now when, from evaporation, the ail' is highly saturated with vapor-though it be invisible-if its temperature is suddenly * reduced by cold currents descendmg from above, or nishing from a higher to a lower altitude, its capacity to retain moisture is diminished, clouds are formed, and the result is rain. Air condenses as it cools, and, like a sponge filled with water and compressed, pours out water which its diminished capacity can not hold. How singular, yet how simple is this arrangement for watering the earth Scientific American. Osage HEDOES.-The whole secret of rais sing a perfect Osage Hedge consists-first, in properly preparing the ground; second, in setting out none but plants well started ; third, in puddling the plants, setting with a spade and tramping the dirt down as you go alon^- fourth, in close cultivation; litth, m covering up well in the fall ; sixth, in keeping the ground mellow the second year and again putting straw on each side of the hedg^ in the fall. By observing these rules you wdl have a start for a fence that will be the ad- miration of all-and will afterwards make a fence in spite of you, and a substantial and permanent one at that-one which will not rot down, burn up, or break like wire; nor will it have to be renewed every ten years at a cost of one dollar or more per rod ; but will if kept properly trimmed, ever be a '' thing of beauty," as -H^as^of -™^^^^^ New BLACKBEBBY.-The Sable Queen is a new Blackberry just brought to public notice. Its size, beauty and productive qualities are su- perior to the Lawton and Dorchester, it originated in Exeter, Massachusetts. The A Test for Watek in MiLK.-It is, as is well known, a remarkably difficult matter to detect water in milk, so as to say for certain that it has been added. A test which appears likely has been devised by Dr. A. E. Davies, F C S. Such a test he believs, we have m the specific gravity of the serum, or liqmd portion of milk, from which the caserne and fat have been removed by coagulating and straining. The gravity of this hqmd he has found to be remarkably constant, ^-^^gmS, m that obtained from genuine milk, from 1.026 to 1 028; and, by carefully ascertaining the specific gravity of the serum of genume milk iluted with various quantities of water we may obtain a standard of comparison which Jl enable us to say, within a few per c^;^^"' what quantity of water has been added to any sample of milk that may come under our notice.— Chemical News. .. Oakland ..San Jose.. .. Stockton. Sacramento Marysville- Sosraa 4:20 5:45 P.M. 12:30 P.M. 5:12 5:40 1:43 11:15 A,M. 9:10 8:35 7:00 Sacramento Colfax .... lieno. Wiunemucca.. Battle Mount 11:45 8:45 1:00 4:05 P. M.| 1:25 .Elko 8:45 A.M. 8 oof 9 10, 10 20 and 11 10 a. m., 12 00 1 50, ^3 00,^^ ^^, ^_^^_ 6 30, 8 30 and *11 30 p.m. (.lu^u, '"^',:v/m,o«,.,.v», .5 .5, .«30. MO, S» .nd 1000..»., ,,„,.«,15S,ino»;,;»'»P-"'- „ ,(„,,„,., 1,00 and 4 05 and 5 30 p m. c„.,/7^.;? * Trains do not run on Sundays. T H. GOODMAN, 0,o«ulPM«U6Maai Ticket Agent, A. N. TOWNE, Ocntrnl SuperinMniHo'- THE California Horticulturist AND FLORAL MAGAZINE. Vol. I JUNE, 1871. No. 8. THE TUBEEOSE, {FOLIANTHES TU SEROSA.) This highly esteemed bulb is a native of the East Indies, and is universally cultivated in the Orient. Although, doubtless, all our readers have Been the flowers of the Tuberose, which are extensively used for fine bouquets, on account of their fragrance and their pure white color, but very few of them are familiar with the plant and its proper cultivation. Since it has been introduced into our gardens, we have heard of many failures in the attempt to cul- tivate it and to obtain a good flower stock. We shall give such information on the subject as will secure better results in the future. The Tuberose is a bulbous plant, which produces a number of long, narrow leaves near the surface of the ground, and sends forth a flower-stock from three to four feet high, forming at its top a spike of fifteen to twenty five single or double flowers, which come into bloom one after another. The flowers are pure white, but sometimes we find the edges of a pale rose-color. Although the Tuberose can be cultivated successfully in the open air, the flowers pro- duced under glass are much purer and far more fragrant. While we advise their culti- vation in San Francisco under glass, in order to obtain the veiy best flowers, we can recom- mend them for outdoor cultivation in such localities as Oakland, San Jose, Sacramento, and similar climates. The first essential to success in bringing a Tuberose into flower, is a sound and well kept bulb of a matured size. It is not sufBcient to keep the root in a warm temperature after planting; it should have been kept in a warm storeroom during the winter, and before being planted. If the bulb is permitted to lie in a cold, damp place dvuing winter, the flower- germ is very apt to decay, and nothing will be produced except a number of leaves. The same result will follow if the roots are planted out too early, and lie in the ground for a long time before any signs of vegetation appear. A good flowei-ing bulb should show a green heart, and if such a bulb is planted in a green- house or in the open air, after the season is well advanced, the leaves will make their ap- pearance in about a month, and the flowers in about two or three months after that time. While in a growing state they should receive a good supply of water, which should be, if possible, of a moderate temperature. A sub- tropical atmosphere is the best and safest. After the Tuberose bulb has done flower- ing, it will not flower again, and is therefore of no more use except to obtain offsets from; these are formed on the old bulb, and can be taken off, in the fall of the year, kept in a dry and moderately warm place during winter, and planted out in nursery-rows in the fol- lowing spring; during the coming summer 226 THE CALIFORNIA HORTICULTURIST. many of these offsets will grow large enough to make flowering bulbs for the following year The o-round around the Tuberoses should be well" cultivated, frequently hoed, and kept entirely clear of weeds. The bulb should be planted four inches deep, at least, in a well prepared and well manured soil. The Tuberose can be forced at almost any time of the year, and a succession of flowers may be obtained in this way throughout the whole year. When we take into consideration how mucii the flowers of the Tuberose are appreciated by the public, we would advise our florists to piant them consecutively, so that flowers may be obtained continuously. The bulbs which are for sale here are imported annually, and as no one has yet undertaken to raise them on this coast, we must advise all who are in want of good flowering bulbs, to purchase imported ones in preference to all others. The only reason why bulbs should not be raised and cultivated here, is, that they can be imported cheaper than they can be raised. EUCALYPTUS GLOBULUS (BLUE GUM.) [From the German.] This remarkable tree has lately attracted the attention of Botanists, Landscape Gar- deners, and also of Medical men, Shipbtuld- ers Architects, etc., and promises to be of great importance. A native of Australia, the Eucalyptus globulus is now extensively culti- vated throughout Europe. In its native country this tree grows from sixty to one hvmdred meters (199 to 328 feet), and m its other dimensions compares favorably with the Big Trees of California. The trees grow very rapidly, sometimes four meters (13 feet) within one year. Yet its wood is so durable and hard, that it is advantageously used m Australia for house and ship building, and is equal to the well known Teak-wood. The blossoms and also the capsules, which are as hard as the capsules of the acorn, (much harder, according to our experience— Ed.,) contain an astheric oil. The bark also contains a small percentage of this oil, and is spotted like that of the Platana. The oil contains very remarkable quahties, which make it equal if not superior to that of tui-pentine. It does not undergo oxydation as quickly as the former. If taken as medi- cine it is worked off through the lungs, and is therefore used very effectively in cases where the breathing organs are affected. In Spain the oil already appears in com- merce, and has been well known in that country for some time. It is used there as a preventive as well as a cui-e for fever. Its application for this purpose is rational,_ as the oil of the Eucalyptus is a powerful stim- ulant ; its effect is similar to that of alcohol and the well known pepper. A peculiarity of this tree is, that the leaves are broad during the flrst three years, but assume after that the appearance of those of some Willows. In Europe great efforts have been made to acclimatize this beautiful tree, and in the southern part of France the ex- periments have been very successful. The Eucalyptus globulus can be seen in Paris, and although under protection now, it is believed that the tree mil thrive there in the open ground in sheltered places. "^ In Nizza the Eucalyptus has been planted for shade trees along the principal prom- enades, and the people also make use of the tree for medical purposes. For persons whose lungs are affected, the powder of the blossoms is very good and effective. A pa- tient who had taken four grammes daily, felt much improved after a veiy few days; the expectoration was easy and copious. In Central Europe and in the same latitude of America, this beautiful tree with its bluish- green color would make a ver^- desirable or- namental tree, and on account of its rapid growth it is preferable to many others. Although an immense tree its seeds are verv small, and must be planted in pots or boxes under glass. The young trees are pro- tected in cold houses during winter, and the following spring, when they have attained a THE CALIFORNIA HORTICULTITRIST. 227 height of several feet, they are planted in the open ground. In the coming autumn they will have attained a height of eight to nine feet, and ikej have a very good eflect as single specimens on the lawn. The tree does well in any ordinaiy soil, but thrives best in a deej), light loam. For the South of Em'ope and the North of Africa it will become a tree of great practical value and importance in the course of a few years. In Toulon this Eucalyptus is cultivated in order to cover the rocky hills which sur- round the city. The young trees have been planted four feet apart, so that they may protect each other against the high winds. From Nizza to Marseille, and also in Algere thousands of the Eucalyptus globulus have now their existence. They are also cultivated in the gardens of the Viceroy of ^gyj^t, where a much faster growth has been ob- tained by scoring the bark perpendicularly. This i:^ethod has the effect of removing all obstacles to the rapid increase of the body of the tree. OUR CALIFORNIA BULBS. California is rich in many kinds of bulbous roots, some of which deserve to be placed in the highest rank with those from other coun- tries. Early in spring the different varieties of Brodicea make theii' appearance, and some of them should have a place in every collection. The fii'st one in bloom is the Brodicea congesta, of a purplish-blue color; next comes the By^o- dkea coccinea, a ven,- worthy plant, and the Brad, grandiflora, the flowers of which are of a beautiful fine blue, resembling in color and size of flowers the well-known Agapanthus. All of these are easily removed, and well adapted for forcing under glass. Another beautiful family is the Cyclobothra , of which we have several colors and varieties — the white, the yellow and the light purple. These grow about two feet high. The Calochortus is now in bloom, and the flowers are ceiiainly beautiful gems ; some of them yellow, with dark blotches towards the centre, while others are of a white, marked vrith dark blotches. The Seubertias are also favorites with us and growing something like the Brodicea, resembling theii- flowers, also, to some extent. "We have the Friitillarias, the Lilies, and many other bulbous roots, hardly recognized as yet by oiu' California florists, but we are in hopes that very soon the cultivation of Cali- fornia bulbs will be taken up by our amateurs as well as by oui' practical gardeners. "We shall endeavor to give a description of the different varieties of bulbous roots as we may be able to obtain fair specimens of the flowers. ORCHID CULTURE. The June number of the ever welcome Gardener's Monthly has a beautifully executed frontispiece, representing the Dendrobium nobile, of the Orchid family. This class of plants is ver^^ little known in California as yet, and as no one denies the peculiar attrac- tions these plants offer, we copy the following from said Magazine : — "The Dendrobium nobile, we may say, for the infoiTQation of those not well learned in the higher branches of Horticultui'e, belongs to the Orchid or Air-plant family. This spe- cies is a native of the East Indies ; but orchids are found in all regions from the arctics to the equator. There is, however, a great differ- ence in their habits in different temi^eratures; for though in the tropics they are mostly "air" plants, as we get further north the number of those which live in the earth greatly increases. Those which grow on trees or stumjDS are called Epiphytal orchids, and those are Terrestrial which live in the gi'ound. Those which live on trees, simply attach themselves by long, worm-like roots, and probably derive but little support from the dead matter among which the roots run. They live chiefly on the aii- and moisture, of which this half-dead matter about old bark aftbrds a pretty regular supply. 228 THE CALIFORNIA HORTICrLTURIST. The Epiplij-tal orcliiseda do not extend far into the United States. There are t^so found in YloiidsL—Epidendrum conopseum and E. vmushon. In our noi-them States the hand- somest orchids are the Moccason flowers, (Cyjyrijjedium,) but these are becoming veiy scai-ce. Indeed orchids are seldom very plentiful an^-where, as the flower is so con- structed that it cannot fertilize itself, but is dependent wholly on external aid. It is to Mr. Charles Dai-win we owe this knowledge. His work "on the fertilization of orchids" will probably be one by which he will be remem- bered longest. It completely reversed old opinions. It was thought most plants had arrangements especially adapted to self-fer- tilization. Writers on the Fuchsia, for in- stance, were sure to tell us that the flower was made pendulous especially that the pollen might easily di'op on the stigTQa ; but now it is universally conceded that plants in general avoid self-fertilization, and in some cases, as this of orchidia, it is impossible to be fertil- ized at all without insect aid, which caiTies the pollen from one flower to another. Mr. Dam-in's theoiy of the "origin of species" may not tdtimately be accepted, but this on the fertilization of orchids will always mark a great historic j^hase in Botany and Horti- cultui-e. Orchids are peculiarly interesting to the plant cvdtivator, from the fact that almost all of them are delightfully fragi-ant, while most of them have particularly handsome flowers. These flowers seem to dehght in simulating the forms of the insects which aid in fertil- izing them. Some are like bees, others moths and butterflies, and some like birds. The Dove plant of Panama is so called from the resemblance of the flower to this bird; and "Flower of the Holy Ghost" follows from this in the natui-al habit of Spanish-America to associate such resemblances with theii- spiritual ideas. Their peculiar service in the economy of nature from a hvmian standpoint is not clear. With the exception of the Variilla i?ea?i, which is the seed vessel of an orchid called Vanilla planifolia, they are of no immediate sei-vice to the wants of mankind, as we usually under- stand them ; but if we believe that human wants are not limited to food and medicine and raiment, Uit that the mind was destined to crave for the lovely and the beautifid, as the "hart panteth after the Hving waters," surely these wonderfiil flowers are amongst the choicest necessities of life. As for theii' cultivation, it is not near as difficult as it was once supposed to be; though to be sui'e, if one wishes to excel in their cultm-e, the highest skill is requisite. Thousands, for instance, could gi'ow the Den- drobium nobile we have figui'ed ; but not one in ten thousand could grow it as a Newett or a Taplin has done. In fuiTuer times the orchid house was a veiw expensive affair-. A thousand dollars was but a drop in the bucket. Hot-water, tanks, peculiarly constructed glass, and, we know not what, were thought to be essentials. In such places orchids were "coddled;" but now it is enough to hang them from the rafter of any well consti-ucted gi-eenhouse ; and if the plants in T^inter do not get a temperature lower than fifty-five, they will for the most part grow and do weU. POPULAR BOTANY. CHAPTER "^TII. In this chapter we shall continue the consideration of the leaves, their mode of development, and the relation which they bear to the rest of the plant. We have be- fore said that a part of systematic Botany is founded upon the f onn of che leaves ; which foi-m, we now state, is dependent upon the aiTangement of the veins (woody fiber) and the amount of cellular tissue which the leaves contain. Leaves are divided into simple and com- pound. In the foiTQer, there are no articula- tions but the one at their- insertion into the stem, or they are composed of but one piece, which mav be entire or divided into nimierous forms. The latter, on the other hand, have a THE CALIFORNIA HORTICULTURIST. 229 number of articulations besides those at their points of insertion into the stem, or at times we find them to be made up of several leaflets each of which are attached to the stem by a separate petiole or leaf-stalk. During their first period of growth, all leaves are simple, and it is only in the after development that they assume the various divisions. If the cellular part of a leaf is developed in a regular manner, on both sides of the mid-rib, (which it will be remembered is only the prolongation of the petiole through the center of the leaf,) it is said to be equal, while if it is not so developed, having more upon one side than on the other, it is termed ^inequal or ohlique. A leaf to be entire must have its margin even and without divisions ; while if the cell- ular tissues project beyond the margin, the leaf is not entire. If these projections are irregular and more or less pointed, the leaf is then said to be dentate or toothed ; when the points are so arranged as to present somewhat the appearance of saw-teeth, the leaf is called serrated, and when they are rounded, the leaf is termed crenate. All these terms have reference to the margin of leaves only, and therefore another class are used when the divisions extend beyond the margins into the blade of the leaf. As when the leaf is cut in an irregular manner, deep into its blade, it is said to be incised, but when these divisions bear somewhat of a reg- ular character the leaf is said to be lohed ; thus we have two-lobed, three-lobed, five- lobed, etc., to express into how many parts the leaf is cut. When the incision extends to the center of the leaf, or even deeper, it is then said to be cleft; and we express the divisions in the same manner as we did in the case of the lobes, two-cleft, three-cleft, etc. When the segments extend veiy near to the base of the leaf, or to the mid-rib, it is said to be parted; and if they reach the base or rib, the leaf is then termed divided. To designate this form we have the terms two- parted, three-parted, ete., as in the previous cases. When we come to examine the division of leaves, we find that it depends somewhat upon the aiTangement of the primary veins ; the divisions and lobes of a feather-veined leaf being unlike those of a radiated one. In the former the divisions pass towards the mid-rib, and in the latter they are (at least the main ones) directed to the base of the leaf. By uniting the terms applicable to the divisions with those used to designate the venation, botanists are enabled to describe in a concise manner the form and character of a leaf. Leaves that are feather-veined, (pinnately- v'eined,) that is, having a well marked mid-rib which iTins directly through the center of the •leaf -blade, from the petiole to its apex, with lateral veins passing from the petiole to the margin — when divided by fissures or sinuses reaching half way to the mid-rib, are called pinnately-cleft , or pinnatifid ; when the fis- sures almost reach the mid-rib, they are said to be pinnately-parted, and when they extend to the mid-rib, they are tenned pinnately-di- vided. A pinnately-parted leaf having regular and numerous divisions is said to be pectinate, from its resemblance to the teeth of a comb ; feather-veined leaves more or less pinnated, with the lobes lessening in size at the base, are called lyrafe, or Iji'e-shaped, while a lyra- ted leaf with sharp lobes which point towards the base is called runcinafe. Palmately-veined or radiated leaves, are those haring radiating venation, and the sev- eral fissures or divisions being united by an expansion of cellular tissue, giving them somewhat the appearance of the palm of the hand. When these ieaves are di-vided by fissures, clefts, etc., they are said to be j^^^- mately-cleft, p)almately-parted, and so on, as in the cases before mentioned. Leaves are said to be orbicular (from orhis, a circle) when the stalk occupies the center, and the veins spread on all feides of it at right angles, being united by the cellular tissue ; if, however, the stalk or petiole is not in the center, but to one side, the leaf is called peltate, (from pelta, a buckler.) The leaf of the Castor OH Plant is an example. A linear or acicular leaf is one where the veins do not 230 THE CALIFORNIA HORTICULTURIST. spread out, but pass at once from the base of the leaf to its apex, having but a narrow connecting strip of cellular tissue ; the Pines and Firs belong to this class. If the veins are so disposed that those in the middle are the largest, and those at the base and apex are shortened as they approach their respect- ive ends, the leaf is then termed lanceolate, (lancea, a spear.) An acute leaf is one that ends in an acute angle, but when the apex terminates in an obtuse angle, or is, rounded, it is called obtuse; and an obtuse leaf, when the apex is slightly indented in the middle, is termed retuse, and if more strongly cut, emarginate. An obo- vate leaf having a pointed notch at its apex is called ohcordate. If the apex is cut by a straight line, it is then said to be truncate; but if it terminates by a small projecting point, it is mucronate. The following terms are employed in Descriptive Botany chiefly to denote the modifications of surface of leaves ; they are, however, applicable to the surface of any other organs -.—Glabrous, smooth, denoting the absence of all hairs or bristles; Pubescent, covered with soft hairs or down ; Bo^gh,y7iih. hard, short even points ; Filose, with short, weak thin hairs ; Hoary, white, with very short dense hau-s ; Villose, with long thin hairs; Woolly, with long dense matted hairs; To- mentose, with dense, short and rather rigid hahs ; Rugose, the tissues between the retic- ulated veins being convex from its super- abundance ; Punctate, dotted with pellucid glands. ORNAMENTAL AND LANDSCAPE GARDENING. SECTION vm. The Rose.— The oldest Rose bush is said to be one which is trained upon one of the sides of the Cathedral of Hildesheim, in Germany. Its as;e is unknown, but documents exist proving that a Bishop Hezilo, near one thousand years ago, protected it by a stone roof, which is still extant.- The largest Rose bush is a white Banksia, in the Marine Garden at London, which was sent there, the first of its kind, in 1813, by Bonpland. Its numerous branches, some of which measure tigh- teen inches in circumference, cover an immense wall to a width of nearly sixty feet, and, at times, in early spring, as many as fifty thousand flowers have been counted on this queen of Roses. In our former numbers we have offered our ideas on the manner in which a garden should be formed, which we have elected to call a fourth-rate— i.e., of small dimensions, and connected with a city residence, where ground is valuable, and where building lots are of small area. In laying out and fitting up around a country residence for similar piu'poses, many new ideas would suggest themselves, and many new features would naturally be introduced. The objects in making a home in the country, in- stead of in a large city, are manifold. One prefers the country on account of its purer air; another for the rural scenery; another that he may raise his own vegetables or his own fruits there. Many, however, seek the country because they desire more room, and don't like to be crowded into a small city lot. If the principal object in selecting a coun- try residence is pure and fresh air, and the principal consideration is health, the opera- tions recommended for a city residence of the - fourth class would not need much modifica- tion for a residence of a similar class, except- ing that, as the garden would very likely be larger, it would admit the planting of a laro-er number of ornamental trees. The preparation of the soil, the selecting of plants, and the general management of beds, walks and borders, would be nearly the same. If the place be exposed, it may ne- cessitate the planting of screens, or the grouping of ornamental trees in such a man- ner as to protect the ground which is in-^ tended for the more delicate flowers, or which may be frequented by the inmates of the house. The ground occupied being more exten- sive, the walks should be wider, say from six to eight feet. The trees best adapted for screens, and at the same time which make a good appear- ance as ornamental trees, are Cupressus ma^- rocm^a (Monterey Cypress), Pinn^ ins,gn^^. THE CALIFORNIA HORTICULTURIST. 231 Libocedrus decurrens, Thuya gigantea, Ficus, Eucalyptus (this should be cut back when joung, so as to throw out more lateral shoots near the ground), Acacialophantha, A. armata, A. linearis, A. mollissima, all of which are ev- ergreen, and some of them produce good flowers. The deciduous trees adapted for the same purpose, and eqiially as good for ornament, are: Locust, Ash, Maple, Oak, Black Walnut, Elm and California Buckeye, Labiuiium, Chestnut, Catalpa, Ailanthus and others. But in selecting a home in some rural dis- trict, there are generally other considerations, such as the raising of vegetables for home use, the planting of a small Orchard which shall furnish the table with fresh fniit, and a small assortment of Vines, which may help to make up a variety. These features may be introduced as extensively as the groimd occupied will permit. It is hardly necessary for us to say that the Vegetable Garden and Orchard should be situated in the back- ground, so that the flowers and ornamental trees and shrubs may occupy the front gar- den; imless the ground is verj' extensive, when the Vegetable Garden may be located on one side and a small Vineyard on the other, while the centre shoidd be devoted to flowers, shrubs and trees, and the back- ground to the Orchard. In this case, how- ever, we should ad^-ise a separation of the kitchen garden and vineyard from the orna- mental grounds. This may be effected by the grouping of shrubs and trees, in such a way as not to remove the impression that all is one. An an-angement of this kind would not be admissible on the gi'ounds of a first-class residence, and our readers must bear in mind that we are now confining ourselves to a rural residence where a limited amount of capital is employed to furnish those necessaries of life and that comfort which cannot be had in a large city for the same amount of money, and where the productions of the soil will fully compensate for the loss of time in traveling a greater distance to the place of business. If, in the fitting up of a countrj'^ residence, no other considerations exist than pure air and variety of scenery, the locality should be selected in accordance with this desire; but where it is expected that the soil should fur- nish variety for the table, a sheltered and warm situation must be obtained. Fruits and vegetables of good quality require a cer- tain amount of warmth, which the climate of San Francisco does not afford; although we admit that some few varieties of vegetables are grown to perfection in its immediate vicinity. BAY DISTKICT HORTICULTUKAL SOCIETY or CALIFORNIA. The ninth regular meeting of this Society was held at the rooms of the Academy of Sci- ences, No. 622 Clay street, on Saturday, May 27th. After the transaction of the regular busi- ness, Mr. G. M. Miller was proposed as a new candidate for regular membership. It was resolved to hold a special meeting on the second Saturday of June, for the pur- pose of incoi-jDorating the Society. The seed of the Juniper growing near Mount Diablo was offered gratuitously to members of the Society, by the President, Professor H. N. Bolander. The same gen- tleman made an interesting statement based upon personal observations, in regard to the cones of the Finus Coulteri. Heretofore it was generally believed that the cones of this pine never opened ; however, Mr. Bolander now finds that they open in the third year, and discharge their seeds. Lectures on the Conifek^. At this meeting Mr. Bolander completed his remarks upon the Coniferse of California, and commenced with the Juniperus occiden- talis, which is found growing in the northern part of this State. This tree is most beauti- ful in appearance, attaining a height of 25 to 40 feet, is seven feet in diameter, and tapers very rapidly. It thrives well in the higher 232 THE CALIFORNIA HORTICULTURIST. mountains, stands mostly isolated and scat- tered, and desei-ves extensive cultivation The Juniperus which grows near Mount Diablo is without a name as yet. It does not exceed 15 to 20 feet in height, its f ohage is of a lio-ht green color, and it combines every quality to make it a valuable ornamental shrub for our gardens. The Juniperus iMchyphlcea is found m the southern part of the State. It is a large spreading tree, of fine appearance, with a very glaucous foliage. It is well worthy of cultivation. The Juniperus communis grows extensively in Oregon and in the extreme northern parts of this State. It is a low, spreading shrub, and of very little use. The Cupressus macrocarpa (Monterey Cy- press) is found in Monterey county exclu- sively and it is there confined to the local- ity called " Cypress Point." The tree is spreading, its branches overhanging each other, and forming a dense mass. It grows fifty feet in height. This Cupressus macro- carpa is so well known here, and so exten- sively cultivated, that it is unnecessary to give a full description. It is one of the easi- est cultivated, and is in many respects a de- serving tree. The Cupressus Goveniana is found m Mon- terey and San Diego, it growing from five to ten feet high. Small trees, of from six to seven inches in height have been found cone- bearing. Another Cupressus, which is found near Mendocino, is as yet undetermined. Also the Cujoressus growing near Clear Lake, is in want of a name and full descrip- tion. Mr. Bolander now proceeded to descnbe the— , _ . Torreya Califonma, (Nutmeg,) which is found near Ukiah and in Marin County, [also near Napa— Ed.] The foliage is very large and of a shining dark green color. The ber- ries, are as large as a pigeon's egg, and are enclosed in a husk. The nut resembles the well known Nutmeg. The Taxus brevifolia (Yew) is a beautiful evergreen, growing near the Coast Range and on the SiexTas two thousand feet above the level of the sea. This graceful tree, with its light, vivid green foliage and its drooping branches, grows to the height of thirty feet. The berries containing the seeds are, when ripe, of a red color. It is a tree worthy of very extensive cultivation. ' Ejyhedra antisyphilitica is a new species, resembling the well known Cytisus; it is a spindling growing shrub of from five to ten feet high, and found principally near San Diego and Mono Lake. This concluded the remarks of Professor Bolander upon the Coniferce of California. He enumerated in all thirty-four different and distinct trees. _ - The speaker announced his intention of describing the Oaks and other deciduous trees of California at our next meeting. WOBK FOR JULY. The Grain Fields keep the farmer hard at work, and little can be done for Horticultui-e except where it is made a specialty. Wherever irrigation is available, water should be made use of during the coming month. For young Orchards and Vineyards, if mulched, one or two good waterings are quite sufficient to insure success. Where mulching has not been adopted, a good wa- tering once a-month will meet all require- ments. In case of very rapid growth, it will be advisable to score the bark lengthwise so as to allow the trunk of the tree to expand. This treatment is said to be very beneficial for Chei-ry, Peach and Plum trees. In small Orchards, where the principal ob- ject is the production of large and well-de- veloped fmit rather than quantity, the trees must not be permitted to be overioaded, and the time is well employed in picking off and thinning out the young fruit, wherever they would overtask the strength of the tree. The same rule applies to Grapes, when quality is considered of more importance than quan- tity. THE CALIFORNIA HORTICULTURIST. 233 The fruit crop of this year will be larger than ever bef oi-e. The strawbeny season has been very satisfactory ; prices were low, but the quantity made up for it. They are now on the decline. Cherries are now in ftdl season, and retail at from 15 to 50 cents per pound. Gooseberries and Cm-rants are be- coming plentiful, and the latter are very line. Apricots have made their appearance, but so far nothing but inferior fiaiit has been of- f ere d. In the Kitchen Garden, continual watering and frequent hoeing are the best stimulants to good growth. Late Peas might be sowed now, and Cucumbers for pickles can be plant- ed yet. Keep everything free from weeds. The flower garden affords much enjoyment at the present time, and although the Roses have ceased to be the leading feature, they still add much to the brilliant display of the Cai-nations and other Pinks ; though the Pansies are less attractive during the warm weather, they yet form a beautiful con- trast to the Lobelia and Nemophila. The Verbenas are in their glory, and the Petunias and Pelargoniums add much to the attrac- tions of the flower garden. In the latter part of July, layers and cut- tings may be made of the different varieties of Pinks. Cineraria Seed should be gathered as they are going out of blossom, and the best varie- ties should be selected for that pui-pose. Annuals require particular care yet ; fre- quent watering and hoeing is necessary to in- sure success. The watering is better done with the watering-pot, as the hose is apt to injure or destroy the young plants by its forceful stream. During the coming month the propagating of plants is the principal work for Florists in' the East and Europe. Here we do not con- fine ourselves so much to any particular time, yet this and the coming month is a good time to propagate many green-house plants by cut- tings, and all soft-wooded plants, such as Geraniums, Pelargoniums, Fuchsias, Helio- tropes, Petunias, etc., will be ready for mar- ket next winter and spring. The month of 2 July is also favorable for the propagation of Pinks, by layers or slips. Graperies must be watched very closely to keep them free from insects, and the berries should be thinned out in order to obtain well- developed fruit and well-formed bunches. To keep a lawn in good condition, it should be mown at least once a-month ; and if it can be done twice, it will be so much the better. The walks leading through the Ornamental Grounds should be kept clean and free from weeds. GORSE (FURZE) AS FOOD FOR STOCK. The Ulex Europrea ; — European Furze, Whin, or Gorse — is a branchy, spinous shrub, evergreen, with yellow flowers; it grows freely in any dry soil, and is readily propagated by seeds, or by cuttings planted in sand. There are several varieties, as the — Ulex Europcea, of England and Scotland ; U.Nana, Britain and France ; U. Provincicdis, Provence, France ; and U. Stn'cta, Ireland. The latter sometimes grows to the height of ten feet ; . it is easily propagated by cuttings ; is s]pineless ; the branches are soft and succulent ; sheej) and cattle are yerj fond of it. We believe this shrub would be found very useful for fodder if planted in any rough, coarse, diy spot on a farm. It is useful for hedges as well as for fodder for cattle. We subjoin a few extracts from the North British Agriculturist, hoping they may be found worthy of attention. " For several years Gorse has been cul- tivated to a considerable extent by many j)ersons in Ireland, and its use as green food for horses and cattle, and as a substitute for Hay during winter and spring — not ' during the summer and autumn,' as stated in youi- repl}' — is steadily extending in that part of the kingdom. It is just possible that some of your readers may not think the more high- ly of the practice because it is followed in Ireland — like the men of old, who thought that no good thing could come out of Galilee. But when Gorse is cultivated in 234 THE CALIFORNIA HORTICULTURIST. Ireland, it is not by the ordinary class of farmers. It is chiefly found on farms where there is nothing to be ashamed of in the shape of management; and I know that some who grow it in Ireland, and prize it highly, are Scotchmen and Englishmen. I have also seen Gorse gi'own in England for the same purpose, with much satisfaction to those who cultivate it. The description of stock which thrive best upon Gorse are horses, milch cows, and young stock. When given to horses no Hay need be used, unless a little put in the rack the last thing at night. In fact, horses accustomed to Gorse, and getting it regularly during the winter as the chief part of their food, do not care much for Hay. It is well known that Carrots give horses a nice coat, but even Car- rots do not surpass Gorse in this respect. I know that some do not give their horses as much Oats when feeding on Gorse as when fed on Hay, but I consider it more advisable that farm horses should get their regular allowance of Oats when fed on Gorse. "When milch cows are fully fed on Furze or Gorse, which is the same thing, certain results follow : the cows give more milk, and it is richer in quality than that yielded by them on ordinary food. But this is not all. The winter color, and too often the winter flavor of the butter is well known as some- thing very difierent from the color and flavor of butter made during summer and early autumn, when the cows are out on good pas- ture. Now, the butter obtained at this season from the milk of cows fed wholly on Gorse has as rich a color and flavor as if the cows were grazing on the finest old pastures. This, I need scarcely say, is a very important point. Store cattle getting plenty of Furze during winter keep good coats of hair, and are in fresh, forward condition for the Grass. I know a gentleman who feeds cattle for the butcher regularly on Furze and what you may call half Turnips. His cattle are much liked by the butchers who kill them, and on one occasion he showed a heifer, fed as " de- scribed, at a show of fat stock held in spring, and took a prize, although opposed by ex- hibitors who had used both roots and cake freely. What I have stated is not done on a limited scale, for I know of many instances where eio-hty to one hundred head of milch cows, young cattle and horses are fed on one fai-m, I may say, solely on Gorse — that is to say, with the exception of Oats for the horses. The Turnips are reserved for the fattening of cattle and sheep. Gorse thrives on poor land. I have known it grown with success for years on land not worth five shillings an acre— but, of course, like everything else, it is most luxuriant on good soil. It is, however, a crop well suited for a poor soil, provided the land is dry, and made clean and fine before sowing the seed. The best manure to apply is Bone-dust, and next to that, Super-i3hosphate,but Bone-dust is preferable. The proper time for sowing is March or April, or even May, and the quan- tity of seed is from thirty five to forty pounds an imperial acre. Some sow less, but I inva- riably find the best crops where plenty of seed has been used. Oats are usually sown along with the Furze seed, but the Oats should be sown thin. The kind sold by seedsmen for sowing is called ' French Fui-ze,' and it is believed to be finer than British Furze, al- though I confess I cannot perceive any marked difference. The crop is ready to be cut for the first time eighteen months after the seed has been sown; that is, the crop grown from seed sown in April 1870, would be ready by November, 1871. After that it is a pennanent crop, re- quiring only to be mown each year, and yielding every winter a large quantity of green food at a season when such food is not to be had, unless in the shape of roots. A friend of mine, now deceased, who had a large herd of valuable Short-horns, well known in the showyards, grew Fiu'ze on land worth foriy shillings an imperial acre, with which he fed his cattle to a considerable extent, and his cattle had always a beautiful bloom on them in spring. Old, self-sown Furze produces growths which' may be cut off with a hook and given THE CALIFORNIA HORTICULTURIST. 235 to stock ; but cultivated Furze is much supe- rior, that is, when regularly cut, so that each year's crop consists of fresh shoots. In preparing Furze for the use of stock, many persons are in the habit of putting it once or twice through a straw-cutter. This answers well enough for horses, but cows prefer it when better prepared, and the best machine for the purpose is Walsh's Bruiser, which was exhibited by Mr. J. Pringle, Vic- toria Street, Edinburgh, at the late show of the 'Highland and Agricultural Society.' In fact, wherever Furze is largely used, and power required, it is advisable to get Walsh's machine. In conclusion, allow me to say, that if Furze had been a difficult crop to grow, its value would perhaps have been better appre- ciated. It is best known in the form of old bushes, which often occasion considerable trouble in the improvement of land, and this, too, may have led to the plant being under- valued; but I trust I have said enough to induce those who, like your correspondent, have poor land which they find difficult to turn to profitable account, to give some con- sideration to the subject." Gor8e Hedges.— Cle^n off Grass or any Weeds that may appear, loosening the soH with the hedge-spade where necessaiy. The plant ought to be more largely grown, for hedges and for a forage crop, than it is, for, grown on waste ground in rows, it affords both food and shelter for sheep at a season of the year when both are of the greatest value, and it is the best of our winter forage plants for milch cows. Winter Keep.—Govse will grow eveiywhere in France, except on chalk soils. It still covers large areas in Bologne and Brittany, and m the last named locality, the young shoots of the plants are frequently used as fodder for horses and cows. Where the Gorse is cut every year, and grows thickly, the scythe is the implement used to cut it.' In the case of old and detached plants, however, the shoots are best cut off with a sickle -the left hand being armed with a leathern glove or wooden fork. The Whin before being given to stock, should either be bruised in a trough or cut by a chaff-cutter, and then, after remaining some time in water, crushed by a wooden pestle in order to de- stroy the thorns. The gi-een shoots of Gorse thus prepared make a capital fodder. DEEP PLOUGHING. Few persons, even among practical Agri- culturists, are aware of the depth to which roots of wheat, corn, oats, etc., penetrate the earth when placed in circumstances favorable to their full development. Careful measure- ments have been often made, and we have before us results which would be fabulous, were they not substantiated by actual proofs of the facts. Corn roots have been found to measure six feet in length and four feet in depth ; Wheat, upwards of nine feet long ; tap-roots of Cotton, six feet in depth. This of itself would suggest a sufficient proof that deep plowing and thorough pulverization of the soil are essential requisites in good faim- mg. By deep plowing we must not be understood to mean a complete upturning of the subsoil to a depth of from fourteen to twenty inches, as this would prove of itself to be injudicious. SoHs of shallow depth of surface soil, especially, must not have more than a couple of inches of their subsoil brought to the surface at once. A gradual increase in depth of tHlage must take place, so as to enable the texture of the upturned subsoil to become well disintegrated by the influence of exposure to air and sun. For shallow soils, a turning plow running at a depth of eight inches is sufficient; but let this be followed by a subsoil running in the same furrow that will break and loosen the subsoil to a depth of from eight to ten inches more without bringing it to the surface. This may seem to many farmers a useless waste of time and of animal power, but it is really a difficult matter to make these same parties believe that deep plowing is one of the best preventives of drought. It is nevertheless a THE CALIFOBNIA HORTICULTURIST. fact that v.-e\l subsoiled land is capab e of fui-nishing more moisture to growing plants during dry weather than that which has been plowed shallow. Routine has killed many operations and avocations, which for a little judicious ob- seiwation of natural laws, would otherwise have proved successful. We have entered an era in which progressive knowledge alone can lead the farmer to success. We use the term in contradistinction to retrogressive knowledge, which, unfortunately, seems to be the rule in agricultural pursuits. It has been said that it was lucky for a man to be born late. If this is tnie, he should keep his knowledge on a par with the march of progress in sciences relating to his avocation in life, or better for him to have been born in the time of his grandfather. We cannot forbear this httle digression from our subject by noticing the almost gen- eral use of antiquated plows, which, for efficiency in their work, are scarcely better than the implement described by Virgil. At a recent plowing match, out of twenty-three plows entered, eighteen were of the primitive pattern, as used by the first settlers of the country. We make all due allowance for ne- cmiij/, especially in an impoverished country, but the continued use of unplements con- Btructed against all rules of traction and sci- entific principles is injudicious, if not smcidal. The common rooter, half shovel, twister, or whatevef name is given to the old pattern plow referred to, is a more expensive imple- ment, at a first cost of two or three dollars, than one of the late improved plows is at ten, or even fifteen. The average depth of the work of this plow is not over three vnehes. Upon this pretense of plowing, a crop, and a good one at that, is expected to grow. The roots of the corn, when two weeks old, will reach the undis- turbed subsoil; lateral roots are necessarily forced to grow in greater number than when the tap-root is enabled to penetrate the soil to a greater depth. The first drought of summer is mimediately visible upon the crop. The whole root structure of the plant being superficial, all the moisture of the soil is ab- sorbed by a few days warm weather. The waste of tractive power in these implements is incredible. More labor is required by the annual to even stir the ground at this shallow depth than would plow it well to a depth of eight inches, by using a plow constructed upon correct principles of dynamics. Deep plowing is necessaiy to lay the foun- dation of any crop. It is much easier for man and team to spend a few days more during spring or winter, in plowing the land thoroughly, than to devote this extra time m performing that operation in warm weather | when the crop is growing. If the useless labor of trying to break up the land after the crop la planted was spent before planting, the result would be more to the advantage ^ of the farmer. It is time that old-fashioned ideas should be abandoned. Filial duty does not require us to take pattern after our pa- rents in all cases. If our grandfather's plows suited him and the ideas of his period, it is evident that the present era requires a dif- ferent and improved implement, as well as a better system of husbandly in generah-B. •^ Farmer and Gardener, j OUE HAY CBOP. It is now believed that the Hay Crop of jj the present season will come fully up to' the averao-e. Wherever any doubt prevails as to the maturing of the grain, the fields are mowed down for Hay. It is well for our farmers to be on the safe side, yet we like to ^see them working for their own interest and their neighbors' a little more faithfully. During this last month we frequently saw farmers cutting their Hay and leaving it lie scattered for days and weeks to be bleached by the sun, by which treatment the Hay loses much of its strength and value, as well as of its sweetness. Hay should not be allowed to lie scattered on the ground any longer than is necessary for drying. Another great mistake is made m cutting Hay too early or too late. The best time to THE CALIFOENIA HORTICULTITKIST. 237 cut Grass is shortly after flowering, when it contains the largest amount of sugar, gluten and starch, and consequently is most nutri- tious. If Wheat, Oats or Barley is permitted to stand too long before cutting, the Hay will weigh heavier, and something is gained by the producer in the way of weight ; but the quality of such Hay is much inferior, and the farmer will deceive himself as well as those who purchase from him. We regTet to see so little difference made in the price of good and inferior Hay, and we do not see why a farmer should not receive a better price for his Hay cut in time and well managed, than one who goes about the business carelessly or ignorantly. Copeland says, in regard to the cutting of grain for Hay: "Do not leave it till fully ripe ; the straw should be yellow at tlie bot- tom, but not all along the stem. Try the grain, squeeze a kernel between the thumb and finger ; if the contents squeeze out in a dr\' and mealy condition, it is fit to cut ; if quite milky, it should stand longer. Barley and Oats may be allowed to stand later than Wheat and Rye, because they ripen more slowly and are less valuable." NORWAY OATS. A correspondent of the American Agricul- turist writes .-—"Last spring I got of Ramsdell & Co. one bushel of Norway Oats, for which I paid seven dollars, and sowed them on three-fourths of an acre of good, black flint loam ; early in April, yielded twelve bushels of poor oats — as nice a swindle as ever was got up. To which the Agriculturist replies :— ' We never had any faith in Norway Oats ; but it is evident, in this case, that there was something wrong either in the soil or season. People swindle themselves when they imagine that there is any breed of animals or variety of plants that will give great returns without food and care. All that can be claimed for the Norway Oats is, that in favorable con- ditions of soil and season they give a large return of a somewhat inferior product.'" PERMANENT MANURE HEAPS. The best farmers are distinguished by the careful husbandry of manure. " Gather up the fragments that nothing be lost," is their motto. These are always saving the pieces, and looking out for next year. No sooner is the last of the old compost heap spread in the spring than they begin a new one upon the field next in rotation. A large supply of muck is the foundation of their perpetual manure heap. They mix the fresh manm-e with this as it accumulates. If they take a load of wood to market, they bring back a load of stable manure, butchers' offal, ashes, manufacturers' waste, oyster shells, or gas lime, to increase the heap of compost. The oyster shells are easily reduced to quick-lime, upon a pile of brush, and will pay any man for carting home when he returns with an empty cart. Some farmers go to the village market with a load every week, but never think of bringing back any of the cheap refuse that is to be found there. Our thrifty friend has a keen scent for anything that will make his crops better. The spoiled meat or fish from the grocers barrels are just the thing for him. Not a horse dies but he hears of it and has a lien upon the carcase. If he is a shore far- mer, he is hungry for seaweed. The di-eadful storms are music to his ears, for they roll up the sea-weed in great heaps upon the shore. The village boys know hka as the bone mer- chant. He buys eveiy barrel he can get them to pick up, and is not at all troubled about a process for reducing them. He has better than a bone mill or a carboy of sulphuric acid in that sweltering compost heap. It glows like a furnace even in zero weather, and the bones are melted like wax, and come out in the spring thoroughly rotted, so that they all go to powder under the touch of the shovel. The slow fires of the compost heap never go out upon his farm. The advantages of this perpetvial manure heap are manifold. He is making money always, when he is coming home, as well as when he is going to market. He has a ready sale for everything he can raise, for he has a large circle of customers, 238 THE CALIFOKNIA HORTICULTURIST. all ready to barter their refuse for his well fed products. He never has an idle day from necessity. If nothing else is on hand, manure making is ready. Leaves, brush, bog-hay, salt grass, sea-weed, muck, peat, loam, all have a money value for him. He is never at loss for a few loads of good manure to put into a successive crop. His land is well fed, and he gets paying crops every time. A good many have failed this last season of paying crops, but our friend with the perpetual manure heap ploughed so deep, and got so much of the stuff worked into his soil, that his crops never found out there was a drought until it was too late to make a fuss about it. They are kept too busy to grumble. His fields grow fat, his cattle look sleek, and his poul- try cackle in an emphatic, pronounced way that charms all listeners. His neighbors call him manure crazy. I wish that every one of them had his disease as bad as he. Hearth and Home. GUAEANA. Lately a new article has made its appear- ance in commerce, serving a similar purpose to tea or coffee. It is known under the name of Guarana, and although it has been used almost exclusively for its medical properties, it is now relished by many as an article of food. In Brazil the Guarana is used instead of coffee or tea. The first inf oi-mation received of this arti- cle was through Spix and Martins, who trav- eled for some time in Brazil. There they were told that the Guarana is made out of a vine, known as Faullinia aorbilis. The seeds which ripen in October, are taken out of their capsules and dried in the sun ; after which they are roasted over a slow fire, ground into a fine powder, mixed with a very little water or exposed to the dew, which gives sufficient moisture to work the mass into a dough. To this a few whole seeds ai'e added, and the mass is then formed into a cylindrical or round form, and sold. To some of the Indian tribes in Brazil, the Guarana is a necessary and highly appreciated article of food. They make also a very good drink of it, which is used very extensively, and is said to be very nutritious. In the province of Amazonas there are three different kinds of Paullinia, found gro"v\ing wild. Of these only the P. sorbilis is culti- vated, and from this the Guarana of com- mei'ce is produced. The P. .sorbilis grows fi'om twenty to thirty feet in height, and is propa- gated from seed or from cuttings. In the third year the vine begins to bear. It is pruned in the same way as our Grape Vines. The fruit is ripe in November, and each vine bears about eight pounds of seed. The annual production of Guarana is about six millions of pounds. KAMIE AS A FOKAGE CEOP. A correspondent of the Rural Carolinian says : — "This is the third year since I planted some of the Ramie seed, which I got from the Department of Agriculture at Washing- ton. The bunches have increased from a single plant until now they cover about fovir feet of ground, and have from eighty to one hundred stalks each, which are now three feet high and leafy. From this I would infer that single plants, at a distance of six feet each way, would soon cover the ground, and without expense in cultivation, as mine has had little or none. The soil in which it is planted is good, and it is so vigorous that it outgrows everything else and rapidly takes possession of the locality. I have not used it in any way except to feed my milch cow, and it is on this account I trouble you with this communication. It is eaten as rapidly as the Fescue Grass, a fine patch of which I have also, and which herds and cattle are very fond of. The Ramie seems to be prfiferred by the cow, and she keeps in fine condition, giving a quantity of rich milk. It may be that in time, after THE CALIFORNIA HORTICULTURIST. 239 long use, its effects Avill be otherw^ise than at present indicated ; but if it continues to be as good food as I now think it is, we shall have in this plant an article for stock-feeding which the Soiith has been needing for many years, and has not as yet discovered. The gi'owth is veiy rapid after cutting; and its sti'ong hold on the soil, and tendency to spread, with its suitability to a warm climate, make it just what we need ; and if it should not prove profitable for its fiber for want of cheap machinery to prepare it for market, it Avill certainly jfay well for grazing purposes." J. A. D. Taking for granted that the above notes are con-ect, we should judge that no better forage plant could be found for our Califor- nia dairymen and stock-raisers. The matter should receive immediate consideration and trial. — Ed. GAELIC. The common Garlic (AlUinn sativum) is propagated usually by offsets known technic- ally as " cloves "—that is, the old bulbs are pulled apart and the small divisions planted in spring. They are usually planted in rows eighteen inches apart, and the sets four- to six inches in the rows ; plant with a dibble, or by thrusting them into the soil with the fore-finger and thumb. Give the same cul- ture as Onions, gathering in autumn, and tie in bundles, the tops being left on for this purpose. The young bulb will throw up long stalks, and, if not checked, are very likely to run to seed, which must be prevented by breaking down the stems, or tying them in a. knot, which is the practice of European gar- deners. Garlics are mainly used by foreign- ers, especially the Gei-m^ns, and by our people for medical purposes. They are ex- tensively cultivated in the vicinity of New York City, and large quantities are sold in oui' markets.— JiiJore'^• Mural New Yorker. A Pbofitable Ceop.— a farmer in Ohio, recently, picked four hundred bushels of Cranberries from three acres, and sold the lot for $1,520. CAULIFLOWEK. This fine and much appreciated vegetable is found in oui- markets at all times, summer and winter, spring and autumn, and it may well be said that probably no climate in the world is better adapted to the growth of the Cauliflower. When we take into consideration how much care this vegetable requires in the East to bring it to perfection, and how extensively it is gi-own there in spite of all the obstacles, we wonder why it is not cultivated in every garden here. The seed should be sown under glass, and in order to have Cauliflowers throughout the year, seed should be sown twice or thrice a year. In the East a hot-bed is necessary not only to sprout the seeds, but also to keep the plants from freezing. Here a cold frame is quite sufficient for all purposes. We would advise the first planting early in the spring, and the second about the months of July and August. The seed which is sown in February, will furnish plants in the fall and early winter; and that which is sown in July and August, will be ready for use in the following spring and early summer. The young plants are fit for transplanting into the open ground as soon as the}' have formed from three to four leaves. It is better to keep the plants in a rather dry condition before transplanting, by which method very few plants will be lost. Plant in a deep, rich, light loam, if you have it; water well after transjDlanting and until they have established themselves in theii- new quarters ; then water sparingly for a month or two. Plants which have been retarded in their growing by such treatment, will form good heads much more promjDtly and the heads will be far superior. Two or three months after transplanting into the open border, they should receive a plenti- ful watering, and while the heads are fonning hardly too much water can be given. After the heads begin to form care should be taken not to pour water on them, as this will have a bad effect upon the Cauliflower. 240 THE CALIFORNIA HORTICULTUEIST. While in a growing state the gi-ound shoxild receive a frequent hoeing. The severe heat of summer is injurious to the Cauliflower, and for this reason, to the comparatively moderate climate of the neighborhood of San Fran- cisco, we attribute much of our success in its cultivation. It is oui' i^ractice, in order to afibrd the Cauliflower some protection from the intense rays of the sun, to break or cripple some two or three of the larger leaves that surround the head and to fold them across it. In the East, Cauliflowers have to be placed under shelter diuing winter, while here they do equall}' as well during winter, in the open air, as during the svmimer time. The cultivation of Cauliflowers is a veiy profitable business here, but although easily raised, the price in our markets is high. We do not see why this wholesome and much relished vegetable should not be grown more extensively by all who have space for it in theii' gardens. Weeds. — It is stated in the Philadelphia Ledger that there are no less than 214 varieties of Weeds, which have been introduced into the United States from foreign countries, and principally from England. As a proof of the rapidity with which useless plants are acci- dentally brought over the seas, it is said that in 1837 there were only 137 varieties of foreign Weeds known in this country. As far back as 1672, a curious little volume, called " New England's Rarities," gave a list of 22 varieties of plants which the author considered had sprung up since the English had kept cattle in New England. The author mentions the "Plantain," which, he says, the Indians call the ' 'Englishman's Foot," as though produced by the tread of the white settlers. The com- mon "Yellow Toad-flax," it is stated, was originally introduced into the Prorince of Pennsylvania, as a garden flower, by a Mr. Ranstead, a Welshman, residing in Philadel- phia, from which it has derived the name of " Ranstead's Weed." In 1758 this Weed had overrun the paetures in the inhabited part of Pennsylvania, and was the cause of bitter complaints from the agricidtuiists of that day. Chickweed, it is stated, was introduced in South Carolina as food for Canary birds, and in ten years spreads for upward of fifty miles, and now occupies the outposts of civil- ization. The * ' Scotch Thistle " is said to have been brought to America by a clergy- man, who carried with him a bed stuffed with thistle-down, in which some seed remained. Feathers being cheap in the new country', were substituted for the down, which was emptied out, and the seed spiitiging up, soon filled the country with Thistles. The Scotch Thistle — Why it is Scotland's Emblem. ^One time the Danes invaded Scot- land, and they prepared to make a night attack on a sleeping garrison. So they crept along as still as possible until they were almost up to the spot. Just at that moment a bare- footed soldier stepped on a great Thistle, and the huri; made him utter a sharp, shrill cry of pain. The sound awoke the sleepers, and each man sprang to arms. They fought with great bravery, and the invaders were driven back with much loss. Thus the Thistle saved Scotland, and ever since it has been placed on their seal as their nation's flower. Poultry Manxjbe. — The best way is to mix Poultry Manure with twice its bulk or more of diy earth or coal ashes, turning the heap several times to mix it thoroughly. Then give it a good wetting, make it into a com- pact conical heap, and cover it with two or three inches of fresh earth. It t\^11 soon fer- ment and the manure will disappear, diffusing itself throughout the mass. This compost ma}^ be used in the hill, but should not be allowed to touch the seed, lest it cause it to rot. — Exchange. An Antidote to Poison. — No matter what kind of poison may be taken into the stomach, it will be neutralized and rendered hannless by swallowing a half pint of Sweet Oil. Of course it should be taken immediately, or at the earliest possible period after swallowing the poison. THE CALIFORNIA HORTICULTURIST. 241 EDITOR : C. A. STIVERS, M. D. ASSOCIATE EDITOES : F. A. MILLEE, C. STEPHENS. Dxiring the last session of Congress, a pe- tition was presented by a number of the citizens of New Jersey and Pennsylvania, praying for the abolition of the Department 'Of Agriculture. Such action upon the part of intelligent men (though we have serious doubts of their intelligence) is inexplicable to us, and must, we think, be equally so to the majority of people throughout the country. The mechanical, commercial and general laboring interests of the land have had — and still do claim— their share of legislation, and why should not the farmer receive a like amount? Is he of all classes (and one of the most important) to be entirely neglected, receiving nought from a government of which he is in fact the strongest support? We hope such is not to be the case, and that in- stead of abolishing the Department, Congress will extend and widen its field of influence. To show the falsity of the petition presented by the citizens of New Jersey and Pennsylvania, wherein they state that the Department has already cost the government over $3,000,000 without a corresponding benefit, we have only to quote from the report of the Committee of Retrenchment, of which the Hon. Martin Welker is chairman — a committee which, be it said, held more liberal \iews than the memorialists and reported adversely to their petition. The report states, that from the year 1839 (when the first appropriation was made from the Patent Office fund) to, and including the year 1870, the total amount appropriated was $1,810,668, and for permanent improvements, such as the erection of new buildings, etc., the sum of $194,225 has been expended since the year 1867. So much for the expenditure of "over three millions of dollars." Before the citizens above mentioned made their state- 3 ment, they should have examined into the true condition of the financial part of the Department, and so they would have come much nearer the truth. Equally untrue is their statement that there had been no ade- quate benefit conferred upon the countiy at large. True, they may not have seen or felt the immediate good done, but every Agricul- tm-ist and Horticulturist can well testify to its great worth. It is to the latter class of citizens that the Department speaks directly, and it is for them that it more immediately works; in every sense it belongs to them, and at present it is the only share which they have in the government, if we except the privilege of paying their taxes. We extract from the rej)ort the following statement to show to our readers what has been done, and let them judge of its value. "In 1847 the number of agricultural pa- tents granted was but 47 ; in 1863 it had increased to 390 ; in 1865 to 642 ; in 1866 to 1,778; and for each of the last two years it has reached nearly 2,000. These improve- ments are rapidly revolutionizing the agricul- ture of the West, and reducing to the lowest point ever attained the proportion of manual labor emi^loyed in the operations of farming, saving at least 50 per cent, of the manual labor required in agricultural pursuits. Under its present able head the Depart- ment has distributed the last year nearly six hundred thousand packages of seed, includ- ing upward of thirty thousand sacks of winter wheat imported by the Commissioner, besides new varieties of oats and other cereals, which have been sent into every congressional dis- trict in the Union ; thus affording at once a more general diffusion of new and valuable kinds of grain than would or could be done by private enterprise in many years. As the result of this distribution of seed by the De- IDartment from year to year, there are now raised hundreds of thousands of bushels of oats, incomparably superior to the old vari- eties, and in many instances nearly doubling the crop. And so of the increased quantity and superior quality of the wheat in many of the States. The same might be said of sev- 242 THE CALIFORNIA HORTICULTURIST. eral of our other products. This increase has contributed millions to the wealth of the country' , and alone establishes the utility and great benefits resulting from this De- partment. It is said that he who makes two blades of grass grow where but one did before, is a public benefactor. This Department has done this, and more, in many varieties of agricultural products. It has established relations with organized associations for agri- cultural improvements, whether governmen- tal or otherwise, making exchanges of seeds, plants, and publications. Through an ex- tended correspondence with foreign societies and our consuls abroad it is searching the world for new and valuable plants to accli- matize, new varieties of cereals to test, and, when found valuable, to distribute, thus find- ing and introducing into our agriculture the valuable products of all countries suitable and profitable for our cultivation." To facilitate the work of the Department, it has been divided into several divisions; first of which comes Statistics, being in fact the publication office of the Department, from whence have been issued nearly a quar- ter of a million copies of annual reports, and over twenty five thousand of monthly ones. These reports are made up from data fur- nished by many thousands of correspondents in all parts of the country, and even from abroad. They have given us more general knowledge of the agricultural condition and resources of the United States than any other work has, or ever can. The division of Agri- cultural Chemistry, has disseminated invalu- able information in regard to soils, minerals, springs, etc., and also valuable advice respect- ing an ever-important subject to agriculturists —that of fertilizers. The division of Botany, which is of a more scientific character, has still conferred vast benefits upon the people; given location, properties and the manner of growth, of a large number of plants useful both for food and medicine. The division of Natural History, has devoted a large share of attention to illustrating type specimens of fruits and grains; the various metamorphoses of insect life, pointing out those of benefit to the farmer, and warning him agamst his ene- mies The same has been done m the case of birds The division of Horticulture has been instrumental in introducing plants for ornament, as well as shrubs and trees for general usefulness. It has been the constant and oft-repeated articles on arbori-culture, from this Department, which has at last con- vinced our agriculturists of the great impor- tance of tree cultivation ; and now we see the good seed so persistently sown by it, taking root in the general tree planting that is going on all over the country. Such is a brief outline of the Department s field of labors; who can say that they have not b«en productive of good ? The increased area, and better modes of cultivation, speak a thousand fold in favor of its continuance. Outside of its more special work, the De- partment is also connected with oui' system of public lands-of which we still have a large amount-which it is desirable should be brought under cultivation. We are con- stantly striving for immigration from other countries, and yet here we have a few irre- sponsible persons asking for the abolition of the only governmental means of disseminat- ing information in regard to this land, its location, value and productions. In Europe, where the land is already well occupied and brought into a high state of culture, the governments expend a vast amount annually for the spreading of agricultural and horti- cultural knowledge among the people. Russia alone, (a country somewhat similarly situated as our own, inasmuch as she has more land than citizens,) expends eveiy year a larger sum for this purpose than we have done since the Department was first organized, m the year 1839. In the paroxysm of economy that seems to have taken hold of the "cUizens" of these two States, we see another illustration of the old proverb, " penny-wise and pound- foolish." The Rural Neio Yorker says the stalks of the Jei salem Artichoke, cut when green and cured Uke Haj make exeellent food. THE CALrPORMA HORTICULTURIST. 243 DELAY. We feel it our duty to apologize to our subscribers for the great delay in issuing the present number of the Magazine. This was occasioned by the impossibility of obtaining in the city the quality of paper we are accus- tomed to use. Notwithstanding our anxious waiting, we have been comjDelled to substi- tute a much lighter paper than we approve, none of the kind we required having arrived when we went to press. "We shall endeavor to guard against such mishaps in the future. COEKECTION.— ' ' ERICA. ' ' Number two of this Journal contained an article on the "Erica," (page 37,) which it seems is not quite correct. It is stated there that the Erica is indigenous to the Cape of Good Hope and Australia. • Such was sup- posed to be the case by the writer of the article, but we have received a letter from a correspondent writing from Sydney, (New South Wales,) calling our attention to the error, and pointing out wherein it may have occurred. He says: "Now, although we have the order represented by the Wittslenia, Per- nettya and Gaultheria, yet there has not been a -true Erwa found in any of the group. Our EpcwridacecB which may be termed Aus- tralian Ericas, are pretty closely allied to the genus, and are often mistaken by new arrivals for Ericas." ^ THE "CALIFOKNIA MAIL BAG." POMOLOGIST AND GAEDENEE.' A copy of this publication, issued from the oflSce of the San Francisco News Letter, has been laid upon our desk. It is to be pub- lished once a month, and is sold at the low price of 25 cents per copy. It contains a solid repast of literary food, seasoned with the Toivn Crier's wit. We noticed several articles bearing upon the agricultural inter- ests of the State, one of which, "Viniculture and Wine-making in California," is exceed- ingly good. The Western Gardener and the Western Pomologist have been consolidated, and the resulting Journal will bear the name of the Pomologist and Gardener, the proprietorship remaining in the hands of Mark Miller. From the well known character and ability of the editorial staffs of these two leading Horti- cultural and Pomological journals heretofore, we can safely expect that the consolidation will result in great good to the interests for which it will labor. THE "GILEOY TELEGEAM." We have received the first number of this Journal, and hope friend Cipperton will have better luck in his new field of operations than he had in the old one. We always greeted the 3Iayfield Enterprise with pleasure, and hope to do the same by the Telegram. CUE TEIP TO SAN COEENZO. Taking passage by the Alameda Ferry boat and the cars connected with that boat, we enjoyed one of the pleasantest trips which Californian enterprise and perseverance can afford to the excursionist. Passing along this line the gradual change of climate, which grows perceptibly milder, is veiy apparent; everywhere we saw fields covered with luxu- riant vegetation, and the land in a high state of cultivation. At Ashland Station we quitted the cars to paj' a visit to Mr. Lewelling, the well-known Horticulturist, whose residence is but five minutes' walk from that station. Entering his grounds, we were surrounded by improve- ments, which reflect the highest credit upon the owner. We found Mr. Lewelling super- intending and assisting a large force of men in packing Cherries and Cui-rants for the San Francisco market, and through his courtesy we very soon felt perfectly at home. From the short conversation we had with him, we were enabled to gather many items of un- 244 THE CALIFORNIA HORTICULTURIST. usual interest, and many of his suggestions are worthy of extensive perusal. But time and space" compel us to be concise on this occasion. Mr. Lewelling has 150 acres of land under cultivation, 40 of which are planted in Cur- rants, and the greater part of the balance is laid out as a Nursery and in extensive Or- chards. His leading and most remunerative products are Cherries and Currants. He cultivates the Chen-y-currant almost exclusively, and we never have seen them in better condition. This year's crop he esti- mates at 150,000 pounds, which bring from 8 to 15 cents per pound. He has 5,000 Cherry trees in bearing con- dition, which will yield 50,000 pounds of Cherries this year, which are sold at from 6 to 25 cents per pound. The following are the varieties principally cultivated, and after a long experience of six- teen years, considered by him the best and most profitable. Werder's Early Black, a Cherrj^ of medium to large size, and veiy fine flavor ; it is an abundant bearer. Monstrous de Mazel, a black Cherry of very large size and firm flesh ; prolific. It will crack in wet seasons, but is one of the finest Cherries for market in dry weather. Jenny Lind, a beautiful light red Cherry of medium size, but almost too tender for mar- ket ; highly flavored. Eoyal Ann, so called on the Pacific coast, but in the East known as Napoleon Bigareau, a very large Cherry of a light red color in the shade and dark red in the sun; highly fla- vored and very fine for shipping. Graffion, (or Yellow Spanish,) a large red Cherry ; highly flavored and flne for market. Early Purple Guigne, a black Cherry of medium size, highly flavored ; it is a shy bearer, but sells well. Elton, large red Cherry, fine flavored; good bearer. Black Eagle, a medium sized Cherry of the highest flavor; bears a fair crop when the tr.ee is of age. Reine Hor tense, a Duke Cherry of bright red color ; a prolific bearer, large, and finest of the Dukes ; does not thrive well in some localities. Fontiac, dark red, almost black, firm flesh, high flavor ; an abundant bearer. Black Tartarian, large Cherry of fine qual- ity ; a prolific bearer. BocLport Bigareau, highly colored red and amber, fine flavored ; very good bearer. Coe's Transparent, a large, finely flavored Cheny, mottled, very tender and too delicate for market. Mr. Lewelling cultivates many other new varieties, but their merits are as yet doubtful. He intends to set out a goodly number of Chen-y trees during the next planting sea- son, and considers his grounds much better adapted for the cultivation of Chenies and Plums, than for Apples and Pears ; besides the former are much more profitable to him. Some of our -readers may feel astonished when we state, that Mr. Lewelling has a very fine lot of Orange trees on the ground, some of which have now ripe Oranges of unusual size and beauty ; he intends to plant a good number of them between his Apple trees, to take their place after the Orange trees have attained a good size. We noticed an English Walnut tree full of fruit, also a Mulberry tree with some ripe fruit, and many other trees and plants, which form an unusual attraction for visitors. The ornamental grounds contain fine speci- mens of the Thmja gigantea, Crataegus, Ca- mellias, Dracaenas, Loquats, Pomegranates, Oleanders, and many other ornamental trees and flowers. After critically inspecting all the different varieties of Cherry trees, and fully appreciat- ing their most delicious fruit, we proceeded ,to pay a visit to Mr. Meek, whose grounds are within five minutes' walk of Mr. Lewell- ina's. We found Mr. Meek's men busily engaged packing Currants and Cherries, but, unfortunately, Mr. Meeks was absent from home, and as every one seemed to have his hands full we made our stay short, and turned to Mr. Hathaway 's place, which is THE CALIFOENIA HORTICULTUEIST. 245 also a very short walk from Mr. Meek's. We were met by our old friend, Mr. P. Ford, who introduced us to Mrs. Hathaway, who made our stay very pleasant indeed. Mrs. Hathaway loves flowers, and takes great de- light in the care of them. This new place possesses all the advantages needed for land- scape; and our friend Meyer, who had charge of the arranging and planting of the orna- mental grounds, has displayed much taste and perseverance. Considering the late planting of trees and shrubs, everything looks very promising. On our return we visited Mr. Cane, who has a very elegant place in the vicinity filled with highly cultivated fniit trees and ^anes. Mr. Cane's Cm-rants are of extraordinaiy size and quality. The ornamental grounds are managed under the supervision of Mrs. Cane, who succeeds in keeping the beds literally covered with the most elegant flowers. We were obliged to make for the cars in double quick time, and returning, we recorded the day as one of the most pleasant we had experienced in California. HINTS TO AMATEUE GAKDENEES. Over the signature of " R. W.," we pub- lished, in our last issue, a letter containing some very important suggestions to this Mag- azine, and referring to the utility of certain practicable hints which we might give to our Amateur Gardeners. To some extent we have endeavored to meet the expectations of our readers, and shall continue to do so from time to time, with pleasure. In regard to the propagation of plants, it IS next to impossible to give positive and definite rules of a general character, as the treatment in propagating differs almost as much as the plants themselves do. Our cor- respondent refers in particular to the propa- gation of Roses, Pinks, Geraniums, Daisies, Pansies, etc., for instance, and to please him, we will give a few hints in regard to these I same flowering plants. Roses are propagated in various ways, and our mode in California differs very much from that of the East or in Europe. In the fall of the year, when the wood is ripe, florists make theii' cuttings from Roses, three to five inches long, plant them out in regular nursery-rows close together, and 75 per cent, of them will make roots in a few months. In making Rose cuttings, care must be taken to cut below a good and sound eye with a sharp knife. In planting them, no more than one or two eyes should be allowed above the surface. Some florists bundle up the cuttings after preparing them, 100 to 300 in a bundle, keep them in moderately moist ground and plant them out in nursery-rows after a month or two, while others plunge the bundles into charcoal dust for a few weeks or months. All this we found unnecessary labor. We simply cut off the cuttings as above described, plant them out, and Nature takes care of them. Some varieties, such as the La Marque, Cloth of Gold and Solfaterre, do not thrive so well under this treatment, and are there- fore frequently budded. In Europe it has been the practice to cut off young shoots in their growing condition, plant them in pots or boxes and place them close under glass, care being taken to shade them for a few days ; but we are under the impression that the former treatment is the best and surest, and that only Tea-roses can be propagated successfully by the other treat- ment; in the latter case we would recommend a little bottom heat. Many varieties are propagated by budding into the stock of the Castilian or other infe- rior Roses. Pinks are also propagated by ciittings or layers ; the best time to make cuttings is soon after they have passed the first flowering sea- son. Some florists plant the cuttings under glass; we prefer the open ground culture, provided the ground can be kept moist — in a month or six weeks they will be rooted. Geraniums may be propagated at any time in this countiy, but the cuttings must be placed under glass and sparingly watered; in less than thirty days they will have rooted. 246 THE CALIFOENIA HOETICHLTUEIST. Care should be taken to use the tops and ends of the branches, as they will make bet- ter plants than a long branch divided into a number of short cuttings. All these young plants must be placed in three inch pots, and kept in the shade for a day or two ; as the plants grow up the tops should be cut off so as to make them branch out and become bushy. The Daisies are propagated by dividing the old roots in autumn after the first rains have fallen. The oftener Daisies are transplanted the better they will thrive, but unless the ground is moist, they will not do very well. Pansies are best raised from seeds, which should be collected from the best flowers. The seed may be sown in the fall of the year, and the young plants will come into flower diiring the early part of spring. Unless the weather prove very cold, the seed will come up well in the open ground. Old plants should be thrown away to make room for young ones ; but if there are certain varieties in a collection which it is desirable to pre- serve, the old root may be divided, the tops cut off, and the sections planted a little deeper than before, where they are intended to remain. The soil for Pansies should be deep loam, well manured. unless he could come up to the expectations of the public. We would advise him to ex- hibit his verj^ best, and not fear the result. The drouth is general, and doubtless every orchard is similarly affected ; we believe his fi-uit to be fully up to the average. Any or- chard can produce a few varieties of Apples or Pears suitable for public exhibition, and if only one out of every fifty will send in a small' assortment of his very best, the exhi- bition will be a complete success, while » few extensive collections would fill up much space, but would give an inferior average. Let every one interested in Horticulture contribute his share, and the show will be very satisfactory to the exhibitors and to the public in general. HEALTHY NURSEEY-STOCK. OUR NEXT EXHIBITION. Heretofore Pomologists and Florists have made strenuous efforts to exhibit as many varieties of fruits and flowers as possible, and although these efforts to do so are highly /commendable, yet we would prefer seeing every one striving to excel in quality rather than in quantity. The majority of fruit-growers and amateurs will be able to exhibit from six to twelve va- rieties of excellent Apples, Pears or Grapes, while an attempt to display fifty varieties, may not be so successful. One of our horticultural friends told us, the other day, that on accoimt of the very dry season his fruits seem to be much smaller than usual, and he did not like to exhibit We noticed, the other day, the extensive stock of fruit-tree seedlings at M. Lewell- ing's grounds, in San Lorenzo, which he has imported from Messrs. Ellwanger & Barry, of Eochester, in New York. These young trees look fine, and will be ready for budding during the coming season. The lot consists chiefly of Pears, Apples and Cherries, and all of them came up to the most sanguine ex- pectations. BAY DISTRICT HORTICULTURAL SOCIETY. A special meeting of this Society was held on Saturday, June 10th. The requisite number of members being present, the motion to incorporate the Soci- ety was passed unanimously. Trustees were elected in addition to those already serving, so as to make the new Board consist of seven ; the names of which are— C. A. Stivers, M. D., E. L. Eeimer, F. Lue- demann, F. A. Miller, C. Schuman, E. Turn- bull and F. A. Herring. It was decided to incorporate the Society for a period of fifty years, with a capital stock of $25,000, divided into 1,000 shares of $25 each. THE CALIFOENIA HOETICULTUEIST. 247 A letter was read from F. Von Mueller of the Botanical Gardens, Melbourne, in which this gentleman informed the Society, that he had sent for distribution a quantity of tree and plant seeds. Dr. Mueller is untiring in his efforts to help the cause of Horticulture, and great credit is due him for the introduction and cultivation of many valuable plants. NEW AND EAEE PLANTS. Our European and Eastern exchanges de- scribe some new plants which we believe of interest to our florists and amateurs. AchxTnenes ncegelioides diamantina, a charm- ing stove perennial, producing gloxinia-like flowers, of a pleasing rosy purple color, mark- ed down the lower side of the tube with a cord ; a garden hybrid, which was raised in Van Houtte's nursery. Callipsyche mirabilis, a new and interesting amaryllis, from Peru. It is a greenhouse bulb, and produces two oblong spathulate green leaves a foot long, and a scope three feet high, bearing an umbellate head of about thirty small, pale, greenish-yellow flowers, with stamens three times as long as the peri- anth, and spreading out on all sides, so that the general contour of the flower-head may be compared to that of an expanded parasol. Deutzia grenafa albo plena, a fine dwarf, hardy, deciduous shrub, valuable for forcing, flowers a pure white. Hyacinthus Candidas, so different in many respects from the ordinary Hyacinth, that some doubt has been raised as to its classifi- cation. It has a large bulb with sub-erect leaves two and a half feet long and recurved, flowerscape foui* feet long, with a raceme one foot long, consisting of fifteen to twenty large, drooping, funeral, bell-shaped, pture white flowers ; a native of South Africa. Rhodora canadensis, a low growing shrub, from one to three feet high, producing clus- ters of showy, rose-purple flowers, somewhat like an Azalea ; a native of the Eastern States, but can be obtained in some of the nurseries. Leucothoe racemosa, (clustered Leucothoe,) found north of Virginia, a shrub from four to six feet high. Its flowers are borne in ra- cemes three or four inches long at the ends of the branches. The flowers are pure white, cylindrical and contracted at the mouth, ar- ranged with great regularity and all turned downward. The shrub, when in bloom, is very attractive and the flowers very fragrant. Giant crimson mignonette, mentioned in the English exchanges, is described as a very robust grower, with large spikes of handsome flowers of exquisite fragrance, and a free and perpetual bloomer. OUE FEUIT AND VEGETABLE MAEKETS. Our Fruit and Vegetable markets now pre- sent a very pleasing appearance, and well repay a stroll through them before breakfast, the effect being most refreshing and appe- tizing. The supply of Cherries is abundant, and the quality superior to those of last season, while the varieties are greater ; the better sorts retailing at 25 cents per ft). Currants are plentiful, and very fine. Apricots are small but juicy, retailing at 12^ cents per ft). A small supply of Cherry-plums are also in the market at 12J cents per ft). Of green Gooseberries there is an abundant supply and of better size than last season. Blackberries and Kaspberries (at 40 cents per ft)) are just appearing. A few new Apples, some indigestible-look- ing Pears, and a few Almonds, are also on There is still a supply of old Apples at $1 per box, and we noticed some Bell-Pears of last season averaging 4 ft) 6 oz. each. Of Tropical Fruits there is a very fair ex- hibit. Pines and Bananas, Oranges, Limes and Lemons are plentiful, and Nuts are abundant. 248 THE CALIFORNIA HORTICULTURIST. Vegetables, also, are plentiful. New Po- tatoes, Cabbages and Cauliflowers are in full supply, and the quality good. Peas, String-beans and Squash are abun- dant, and Asparagus of superior quality, in quantity to meet all demands. Lettuce and Celery, Tomatoes, Onions, Carrots, Turnips and Beets are also in good supply ; and a fair show of Sweet-corn, Egg- plant and Artichokes, with an exhibit of Capsicum and Gumbo, and sundries too nu- merous to mention. (Kantisipottrtettr^. Washington, June 10th, 1871. Editor Horticulturist : The warm summer is upon us, 80 to 90 degrees of temperature, with frequent refreshing showers ; plenty of ber- ries and vegetables in the market, and a very promising prospect for good crops of grass, grain and fruits. Most of our prominent of- ficials, politicians and leisure-loungers have started off— from the President down to the messengers — to make their ' ' summer swing I'ound the circle" of those attractive resorts where congregate the grave, gay and gam- blers, as at Long Branch, Saratoga, and other places. Yet base-ball matches, regatta ^sports, and picnic excursions keep Washing- ton pretty lively, although the arena sports of Congress and lobbyists are gone from the city. The greatest attraction to visitors is the grounds, gardens, conservatory and mu- seum of the Agricultural Department. Gen. Horace Capron, the Commissioner, who, like Napoleon, has chosen around him suitable and efiicient men as aids to make the place useful and attractive to a high degree ; and yet very few persons of all who come here ever visit, or even think of, this most inter- esting institution ; its experimental, botan- ical and propagating gardens, with the arboretums and green-houses, under the management of Professor Saunders and his assistants, Messrs. Glass and Brummel, con- stitute the most pleasing as well as profita- ble resort in the city, particularly for farmers and horticulturists ; and only second to this, is the museum in the large building in charge of Professor Glover, the Entomologist, and assistants. Much is due to the obliging ef- ficiency of the Chief Clerk, R. T. McLain, Esq. ; but one of the most hard-working men is J. R. Dodge, Esq., the Statistician of the Department. Let all visitors to Washington go to this Department before they leave. Next in interest to the visitor, is the Patent Ofi6.ce, with its long lines of cases and shelves filled with ingenious models, the products of American invention and labor, worth the attention of all mechanics who come to the- Capital. Visiting the pleasant home of Esquire Clarke, one of the city justices, the other morning, I saw a fine show of flowers, fruits and plants ; but what I wish particularly to speak of is the great profit he makes from a small patch of ground, working the hours he is not engaged in his office, for the benefit of others; in propagating and selling grape cuttings, small fruits, flowers and garden plants, he clears about one dollar the square foot of the ground he cultivates ; instance, from one spot of ground, ten feet by two- twenty square feet— he sold in one season $22 worth of small grape-cuttings, and does nearly as well on other patches with other plants. I call special attention to this as proving what vast profits can be realized from a little land if skillfully and seasonably tilled. One of the most interesting and useful institutions in this District, is "The Poto- mac Fruit Growers' Association," a Society composed of the most respectable growers in Virginia, Maryland, and the District of Columbia, which meets the first Tuesday of each month, to discuss matters and examine , and test such specimens as may come before- it. The June meeting was a pleasing and profitable one ; and as some of the matters developed are of general interest and utility, I will incorporate a portion of the published proceedings into this letter for your readers. THE CALIFORXIA HOETICULTURIST. 249 A letter was received from a grape grower in Fredonia, N. Y. , stating that he finds that business profitable when properly done. Friend Gillingham presented some Apples of both last year and new ones of the present season's growth. Some fine Cherries were also placed on the table by Mr. Munson, and running conversa- tions were indulged in by the members in regard to these fruits. The Apples on exhibition were the Abram of last year, and the Astracan of this present season. The Cherries were specimens of May -dukes. The morning hour expired ; the President announced a paper on Grafting, by Friend C. Gillingham, in which he also gave a brief account of the early effect of this mode of propagating the Apple and other fruits. Some debate followed the reading of the paper by difi'erent members in regard to the Efi'ect of the Sun on Trees, showing the ben- efit of excluding scorching sun from the body of the trees, and in which Messrs. King, Curtiss, Smith, Snodgrass, Bryant, and others engaged, which greatly resulted in proving the advantages of low pruning and shading the body of trees. Mr. Bryant spoke of Mulching having caused his Easpberries to be injured by frost, and the reason therefor was a query. Dr. Howland thought the mulching pre- vented the wann earth from radiating warmth to dissolve the frost, while the warm ground not mulched gave ofi" heat and prevented frost. Mr. Saunders concurred in this opinion, and illustrated it. He said we must under- stand and follow Nature's laws. Some facts from successful growers were presented by Col. Curtiss showing that berry growers in New Jersey make from $200 to $300 per acre net profits in growing Straw- berries and Blackberries ; and also in regard to Potatoes free from the ravages of the beetle in Iowa, showing the Peachblows with the Peerless and Chili to be most free from the beetle. Some fine black Cherries were placed on the table by Mr. A. E. L. Keese, of this city, who made a statement of his manner of ap- plying air-slacked lime to his trees to keep ofi" insects, as also does whale oil soap-suds. Professor Taylor spoke about whale oil soap and lime, and asked if both were used together ? Mr. Keese said where lime and soap were both used together on his Plum and Cherry trees, there were no insects. Prof. Taylor explained the effect of heat and light on the sap of trees, and showed how, chemically, injurious effects will be prevented. ^Ir. Byrant asked if salt was a good pre- ventive to save Strawbei-ries from destruction by woi-ms, and many members thought it was a remedy. The President and others spoke of salt and salt fish, which killed plants as well as worms when applied alone. He said, by mixing plaster the plants were not' injured, and a fine growth of Potatoes was realized. Col. Curtiss stated that salt brine would kill the worms ; it would also kill plants, if applied without mixture, but if mixed with manure or lime-water, the worms would be killed, and the plants benefited. Prof. Taylor said the question of salt was not sufficiently understood by farmers. He said, he believed salt had decided action on lime, which makes an excellent food for j)lants. Mr. King spoke of the use of salt in com- post, by his father, which killed the worms and benefited his crops. Dr. Snodgrass replied to Professor Taylor with some fear that at times there is danger from these chemical gentlemen ; and Prof. Taylor responded. Prof. Wm. Saunders spoke of salt dis- solved in lime-water, as a good decomposer of vegetable matter, and hence becomes a ver^- useful ingredient in fertilizer-. It holds and attracts moisture, and for this reason is also usefrd among fertilizers. It is very much used among some composts in Scotland. 250 THE CALIFORNIA HORTICULTURIST. The Chair announced that the Strawberry was the order for discussion at this time, and asked if any one wished to speak upon the subject. Mr. J. Hoffman Smith gave his experiences and failures in the cultivation. His failui-es in the cultivation were principally on cleanly cultivated lands ; he kept the runners down, and his Triomphe-de-grande grew well. The rust struck those cleanly cultivated, while where the grass stood thickly there was no rust. Where he gave his plants liberal mulch, with leaves or short straw he got good yield, and had no rust. Mr. Saunders thought perhaps the cause was the red spider, which prevails in dry seasons, but is destroyed and prevented by moisture. Col. Curtiss thought the theory of Mr. Saunders well sustained by the facts stated by Mr. Smith. Prof. Taylor thought the same, and that spiders, not rust, was the trouble. The Chairman asked Col. Curtiss if he thought thorough culture produced drought or dr}^ness. Col. Curtiss answered no ; dut deep, thor- ough culture greatly prevents the evils of both, drought and excess of wet. Dr. Howland, upon being asked, stated that his Hale's Early and Troth's Early vari- eties of Peaches show no signs of insects or curculio thus far, and promise very finely for a good yield. Judge G-ray said if he had not a good crop it will not be his fault, as he gave his trees the chance to do the best they could. Mr. Saunders and Friend Gillingham both stated that Peaches and Cherries will rot from wet without being stung by insects. Mr. Saunders said that dry soil and dry seasons are favorable for Hale's Early Peach. Dr. Snodgrass concurred in the same opin- ions, that mulch was needed where it was desired to preserve moisture. After some desultory conversation, the Chairman announced, as the special orders of business for the next meeting, a paper by Col. D. S. Curtiss, on the Necessity of effi- cient association among producers ; also, by Prof. Wm. Saunders, an Essay on the Rasp- berry and Blackberry ; and, by Chalkley Gil- lingham, on the Deterioration of varieties of fruits. One of the very pleasing and rare floral novelties introduced into our community, is the Clianthas Dampieri, or Glory-pea, of Australia— a most beautiful, showy flower and plant, imported by one of our members, John Saul, the distinguished florist. The mechanics and other laborers in the city begin to manifest lively feeling and ac- tivity for labor and land reform, and to maintain the rights and interests of industry-; while the "Patrons of Husbandry" are equally awake to elevate agricultural industiy ; not that any of these classes have any inunical feelings toward corporations or capital, but desire simply to protect or aid themselves against undue monopolies of land and capital in combinations detrimental to the true rights of labor. The Order of Patrons of Husbandry is one of the noblest and most beautiful ever devised by men ; it is rapidly growing in the middle and prairie States, and will ultimately work the elevation and salvation of the producing classes. ^- ^- ^• Palms on San Beknaedino Mountain. — The Los Angeles Star says it is not generally known that a species of native palm grows luxuriantly in the canons on the eastern slope of San Bernardino mountain. It bears a small black fruit of a sweetish taste, which is highly prized by the Indians as an article of food. The fruit grows in a single cluster, about the size of a bushel basket. Great Success in Growing Cabbage. — The Russian River Flag says: "William Kee, of Bodega Point, raised and sent into the San Francisco market last season, from three and a half acres of land, $3,000 worth of Cabbage. Mr. Kee's success, it is said, has been the means of inducing several of his neighbors to go into the business this spring." THE CALIFORNIA HORTICULTURIST. 251 (gateial 6kanin9.^. How TO Destroy Insects in Gexeeal.— I have used the following mixture for some years with success in the destruction of such pests as mildew, scale, mealy-bug, red-spider, and thrip ; in fact, it is my only remedy in the case of trees, shrubs, and stove and green- house plants, but much care is required in its use as regards strength, and thorough syringing afterwards : 2 oz. Flowers of Sul- phur worked into a paste with a little water, 2 oz Washing Soda, h oz. common shag To- bacco, and a piece of Quicklime about the size of a duck's egg ; put them all into a saucepan with one gallon of Water, boil, and stir for a quarter of an hour, and let the whole settle until it becomes cold and clear. It shoidd then be jDoured off, leaving the sedi- ment. It will keep good for a long time. In using it, add water, according to the strength or substance of the foliage. I form- erly used one ounce of Soft Soap with the other ingredients, but I find it is effectual without, and it does not now leave any marks on the leaves. I would simply sug- gest a fair trial, and I think no one who uses it properly will regret its use, or very seldom be without a good jar of it. In a nursery among young fruit trees subject to American aphis, or curled and mildewed foliage, I do ^not know its equal; even black-fly on Cherries will not stand it. I can point to some fruit trees in a gentleman's garden which two years since were fast dying when I was called in." I had them syringed, and the shoots un- tacked from the wall, and dipped in this mixture. This was done three times during the season, and they are now strong, healthy, and vigorous. —i*. J. Northwood. The Culttv-ation of the Quince. — Of all our fruit trees there is scarcely any so easily grown as the Quince, and very few persons pay it the least regard, more than to j)iace it in some unfrequented spot where it becomes a subject of complete neglect, where, choked with grass and incumbered with weeds, it makes a slow and mossy growth, and gener- ally yields an annual crop of fruit, though the quality is often poor indeed ; for — like any other product of the soil — it requires care and cultivation to perfect its fruit ; but never to my knowledge has this tree, when properly cultivated, pruned and annually fertilized — as all fruit growers consider neces- sary in the cultivation of the Pear — failed to produce abundant crops of veiy superior quality. Public opinion needs to be changed in regard to the Quince. It delights in a somewhat moist soil, as most fruit trees do, and for this reason is often planted where the ground is constantly wet, which is a de- cided mistake. Any deep, rich soil annually mulched with three or four inches of leaves, straw or coarse litter, will be found sufii- ciently moist for the Quince, and the best of care will bring about astonishing results with this much neglected fruit. Cor. Dutchess Farmer. The Tuberose. — A successful florist gives the Country Gentleman the following mode, which he adopts for this bulbous plant. He says: — "Take the flowering bulbs and break off all the offsets — do not leave one ; put them in a light, friable loam, with a liberal mixture of leaf-mold and well rotted cow- manure. In case of drought, give them jDlenty of water, and the work is done, and you will soon be amply rewarded by delicious per- fumes. There is nothing in my garden does better with this management, or gives me less trouble." "Vajlue of Lume. — A writer in the Journal of the Royal Agricultural Society, describing the permanence of the action of Lime, says he knows of a piece of land containing 166 acres, which foimeiiy grew nothing but heath. A good di?essing of lime was applied to the surface of the sward, which has nearly doubled its value. This was done several years ago, and totally eradicated the heath. 252 THE CALIFORNIA HORTICULTURIST. The lime to this day appears in full con- dition, as its effects usually testify, from the richness and sweetness of the herbage, the texture of which has been entirely changed by the application of lime. Ashes for Peas.— The Rural Neic Yorhtr says, a woman sends us the following from her Market Garden Diary :— "In the spring of 1866, in sowing Peas we ashed some in the row, leaving other rows unashed. The difference was very remarkable. Those that were ashed were more thrifty, of a darker, richer color, producing at the time of picking larger pods and a superior quality of peas. The same is true of turnips." The Tea as an Obnament.\l Shrub. — A lady from Korth Carolina sends to the American Agriculturist some tea nuts, and states that she highly prizes the shrub as an ornament to her garden. It grows ten feet high with her and is an evergreen. It has endured the severe cold of the past winter without injury. With protection it woiild be hardy further north. Mrs. E. prepares from the leaves tea of satisfactory' quality. Onion Sets require a light, fine, and not very rich soil. The seed should be sown thickly in rows, nine inches apart ; to facili- tate working, every eighth row should be omitted in planting, so as to leave a walk. The plants require to be kept free from weeds during the season. The sowing should be done in April, and the sets will be ripe in August. It is estimated that about forty pounds of seed are required for an acre, and that a" pound of seed will, under favorable circumstances, give from three to four bush- els of sets. — American Agriculturist. Discovery of New Guano Fields. — From good authority we understand that extensive deposits of Guano have been discovered in Peru, of several miles in length. Branched Trusses in Geraniums.— A corres- pondent of the Gardener's Monthly writes the following : — " I enclose you a flower-stock of a Gera- nium, a seedling raised by me more than nine years ago. It is a seedling of the Queen of Summer, and resembles the parent somewhat in foliage, which is a rich light-green on the edges of the leaf, shaded almost to entire white in the centre ; but the growth and habit of the plant are entirely different. This plant is disposed to be bushy ; the body of it fre- quently entirely white, striped with green. This constitutes one great beauty of the plant. Another beauty and peculiarity is, that after the first cluster of flowers is past its best, (but not yet out of bloom,) out of the cluster of flowers there spring one or two small green leaves and another flower-stock : in a da}' or two another, and frequently a third ; these bloom quite as finely as the first, giving the plant a very unique appearance. After testing it two 3'ears, and finding this to be the regular habit of the plant, I gave a plant of it to Mr. Charles Allen, who propagated and sold it under the name of ' Madam Bal- four.' I have always called it 'Louise.' The Gardener's Monthly considers this something like the thyrsoid character of allied species, and as occurring very rarely in this species." Variegated Crown Ijiperlo.. — -The Crown • Imperial is the monarch of spring bulbs. It lifts its stately head far above the Tulip, Narcissus, and other humbler plants, and wears its floral crown with a royal air. Kings are but mortals and Crown Imperials are not all perfect. The large bulb which we plant in autumn is about as repulsive in odor as a Skunk-cabbage with the Cabbage omitted. The bulbs of the Crown Imperial should not be left too long out of the ground, as they dry up and become weakened, and probably this strong odor is a hint that they should be promptly earthed. In spring this bulb throws up a robust stem, clothed part of the way with luxuriant leaves ; then a bare space of stem, above this a large whorl or crown of THE CALIFORNIA HORTICULTUEIST. 253 pendant tulip-like red or yellow flowers, and above all a tuft of smaller leaves. These flowers do not show all their beauty until we examine them closely. Turn one of them up and there, at the base, are six pearls — at least they look like pearls ; but they are only of honey-like liquid, in a round cavity at the base of each petal. We have been much pleased this spring with the variegated Crown Imperials — the Golden and Silver-striped, as they are called. The variegation is well marked, and ajjpears very lively in contrast with the dark-green foliage of the ordinary form. The plants with variegated foliage do not flower as freely as the others, sometimes failing to bloom altogether, and often pro- ducing flowers much reduced in size. Yet their foliage is so bright that they are worth growing, even if they do not flower at all. American Agriculhirist. Silk Culture. — The business of Silk Cul- ture in the vicinity of Sacramento, says the Union, appears to have passed to a great extent into the hands of Frenchmen and Italians, who are thoroughly acquainted with the business. I. N. Hoag has rented two of his cocooneries for cash in advance, and the third on shares. A. P. Smith has also rented his, and the two Davisville companies have also leased theirs. How TO Make a Farm Poor. — Cultivate Wheat and Oats largely. Sell all you raise. Have your grain thrashed in the field, and burn your straw when it is in yoiu' way. That is the way to make a farm poor. This is the way to make a farm rich : Cultivate wheat, oats and other crops, and feed the straw to the stock. Take all care of manure ; manure your grain fields and your fruit trees. Change crops by rotation — not forgetting the great value to lands of clover. We are quite sure that more stock should be raised on farms than is now done. There is greater profit in raising horses, cattle, hogs and sheep than in growing wheat. — Western Farmer. Beauty vs. Deformity. — The Southern Far- mer says : "Beautify your home. It is aston- ishing to see how much can be done year by year to adorn and beautify the farmer's home and its surroundings. A few trees set out here and there; a few old decayed trees grubbed up, perhaps, and removed, an unsightly wall or fence taken out of the way ; in a thousand ways, indeed, beauty may be made to spring out of deformity, and that too without any serious expenditure of time or money." Watering Plants with Iron. — It is stated as a new discovery, that wonderful effects may be obtained by watering fruit trees and vegetables with a solution of sulphate of iron. Under this system beans will grow to nearly double the size, and will acquire a much more savory taste. The pear seems to be particu- larly well adapted for this treatment. Old nails thrown into water and left to rust there will impart to it all the necessary qualities for forcing vegetables as described. British Medical Journal. Injury to Vegetation from Gas. — It is by no means an uncommon assumption that il- luminating Gas, in escaping from pipes into the soil, exercises a poisonous influence upon vegetation ; and a suit was recently brought at Aix-la-Chapelle, by the city authorities, against a gas company for recovery of sup- posed damage to the shade trees of the city, resulting from their careless method of laying the pipes. This was the cause of a detailed series of experiments in regard to the assumed fact, and somewhat to the surprise of every one, it was ascei'tained that purified illumin- ating Gas had really little or no injurious ef- fect of the kind asserted. The experiments were conducted by eminent chemists, and in- cluded trials with pure hydrogen, light car- buretted hydrogen, and heavy carburetted hydrogen, as wel'l as purified illuminating Gas. A discharge, during an entire day, of these various gaseous substances into the soil of vessels containing growing plants was 254 THE CALIFORNIA HOKTICULTURIST. found to produce little, if any, hurtful result. It was different, however, when these same gases were imi^regnated with the constituents of coal tar, especially with carbolic acid, in which case, after a few days, a very decided injury to the vegetation was found to have taken place. The effect seemed to be that these impurities, coming in contact with the roots of the i)lants, deposit tany matter upon them which ultimately caused death by a kind of asphyxia. The smallest quantity of carbolic was found to have a veiy decided in- fluence ; so that the principal caution to be observed, as far as injurious results are con- cerned, is to see that the carbolic acid is en- tirely eliminated. In one experiment a dis- charge of Gas was allowed to take place for three hours daily, for a period of an entire year, and the effect, if anything, was to se- cure a fuller develojDment of the plant. All that those experiments appear to proye, however, is that perfectly pure illuminating- Gas is not injurious to the roots of vegetation, the fact remaining demonstrable that ordin- ary Gas does have a marked noxious effect. The elaborate communication in 1858 to the Philadelphia Academy of Natural Sciences, by Mr. Fahnestock, shows this very clearly, in a case where the contents of a large green- house were destroyed. In another instance a stroke of lightning, passing along the street gas-mains in Racine, in 1867, disturbed their joints and caused a leakage which resulted in the death of nearly all the shade trees along the entire square. Leached Ashes as a Manure. — An agricul- tural journal of Germany calls renewed atten- tion to the great value, as a Manure, of Soap- boilers' Leached Ashes, which, as is well known, are prepared by mixing wood-ashes with fresh burnt lime, and boiling or leach- ing the two together for the purpose of ob- taining a caustic lye. Although the soluble salts are removed from these ashes, the in- soluble parts remain, namel}^, the carbonates, sulphates, and phosphates, principally lime salts, accompanied generally by a little caustic lime. Experience has shown that there is no substance equal to leached ashes of this kind for manure, not excepting even the rich- est guanos ; the vegetation of the cereals be- coming broader than common by its use, and the stalks more tubular, while the leaves grow of a dark, bluish-gTeen. The value of this application is seen more particularly in mead- ows, where, curiously enough, nearly all the ordinary grass disappears in consequence, and instead of it a thick vegetation of red clover is met with, which will be renewed year by year for a long time, without ad- ditional supply. Darlingtoota Californica. — Mr. Worthing- ton G. Smith calls attention in "Nature" to certain bring plants of Darlingtonia Cali- fornim, or the American Pitcher Plant, de- scribed many years ago in the Smithsonian Contributions, by Dr. Torrey, from specimens brought by General Fremont from what is now Nevada. According to Mr. Smith, the plant possesses an irresistible attraction to in- sects, the nature of which is entirely unac- countable. When in bloom the flower is said to resemble the iipraised head and body of the cobra, with mouth expanded, and pre- pared for a spring, the head being at right angles with the hollow, vertical body, and apparently presenting no opening by which an insect can enter. Blue-bottle or blow-flies are said to make theii- way immediately to » this plant whenever they come into a room where it is growing, and alighting on a por- tion of the flower, they fly upward into the previously unseen entrance to the tube, and from this they descend the hollow body, and apparently never return alive, keeping up a buzzing noise for half an horn- and then dying. This cavity of the plant soon becomes entirely filled with dead flies, so that, as a conse- quence, the walls decay and the insects drop out. To Pekserve Geain feom Lcsects.— Place iu the barrel wbich coutiins Eice, Wheat, etc., etc., a few branches of the common Elder. It will prevent their attacks, or drive them off if commenced. THE CALIFORNIA HORTICULTURIST. 255 Food for Young Trout. — According to Dr. Slack, the well-known proprietor of the Troutdale Fish-breeding Establishment, in New Jersey, the best substance with which to feed embryo trout hatched out artificially consists of beef's heart, jDrepared by first being opened that the coagulated blood may be washed away thoroughly, and then using only the pure muscular fiber. This is to be finely chopped into minute fragments, so as almost to form a jjulp ; and then, mixed with a little water, it is to be washed through a fine sieve of twenty-four threads to the inch, to prevent any minute particles from passing through. Watering Plants with Hot Water. — It has lately been shown, by careful experiment, that sickly potted plants, even some that have almost died out, can be greatly benefited, and sometimes, indeed, entirely restored to vigor, by applying warm water to them in- stead of cold. In certain cases, oleanders which had never bloomed, or did so only im- perfectly, after being treated with luke-warm water, increasing the temperature gradually from 140 degrees to 170 degrees Fahrenheit, produced the most magnificent luxuriance of bloom. Similar results occurred with an old plant of Hoya ; and also with an India-rub- ber tree which had nearly withered away. In all these cases the application of water heated to about 110 degrees Fahrenheit, without any 'other precaution, causd a new and flourishing growth. Transpiration of Leaves. — Von Pettenko- fer, in the course of recent researches ujoon the amount of evaporation which takes place from the foliage of plants, ascertained in the case of an oak tree that this increased gradu- ally from May to July, and then decreased till October. The number of leaves on the tree were estimated at 751,600, and the total amount of evaporation in the year at 539 cubic centimeters of water for the whole area of the leaves. As the average rain-fall for the same period was only 65 centimeters, the amount of evaporation is thus eight and a half times greater than that of the rain-fall. This excess must, of course, be drawn up by the roots from a great depth. The inference is derived from the above, that trees prevent the gradual drying of a climate by restoring to the air the moisture which would otherwise be earned off by drainage. Cultivation. — Every earnest and careful cultivator must certainly know that deep and constant cultivation produces moisture. Every farmer can prove this for himself among his orchard trees or in his vineyard ; in the cultivation of small fruits and of corn or potatoes, and all kinds .of vegetables, he can prove in the most perfect manner the benefit of cultivation over irrigation in a cli- mate like ours, and in the hottest and dryest summers too. We base oui- arguments, be it understood, upon such lands as are properly plowed to start with, and upon all such soil its cultiva- tion can be kept uj) all summer to great ad- vantage; and any cultivator can take such soil, plow it in the very hottest and dryest weather of the summer — be it a cornfield, potato patch, peas, beans, or beets — and al- though the soil may be hot and dry as ashes when plowed, look on the crojD the next morn- ing and a hearj dew vrill rest upon it, giving a great refreshing, and the entire soil will seem to have been changed to one of a dif- ferent kind ; this continued, and it is far bet- ter for the crops than surface watering — the first keeps the soil open and fine, the other bakes the soil like a brick. Those who have never tried this had better begfin. Mulching. — When the soil of a garden or orchard is well cultivated, one of the best means of retaining the moisture to the soil and giving it to the plants and trees, is by mulching them. We are much surprised that when great good is so easy to be accomplished, and when a crojD can be so easily enlarged and improved at so little cost, that the plan of mulching is not more universal in our dry climate. Or- 256 THE CALIFORNIA HORTICULTURIST. chard trees, vineyards, blackbeiries, raspber- ries aud strawberry plantations could be verj- gi-eatly benefited by a regular system of mulching, as almost every grower has ample means at hand of various materials that are constantly going to waste that would answer the double pm'pose of mulching and manur- ing the soil. — California Farmer. coast iintold millions of wealth in a very few years. — Sndling Argus. Calceolaria Culture.— I take my cuttings from good strong plants in October, (the end of the month, if the autumn is mild), about four joints in length, and prick them thickly under good hand-lights in plenty of sand and leaf -mold. I water them and shade for a few days, but never uncover them again until I pot them off in March. I have grown them in this way for seven years, and have covered them with nothing but an old sack, which sometimes was not removed for two months at a time, and I have not lost a single plant. Though they must have been frozen through this winter, I believe I can show as good a lot in 48's as any one.— yl. A., Halford House, Richmond, Surrey. Cotton Planting.— Messrs. Strong, Peck & Co. commenced planting cotton on the Buckley Brothers' Ranch, near Hopeton, on Wednes- day last. They are in receipt of several tons of seed, by rail, from Alabama and Missis- sippi, of the most approved varieties, and will thoroughly test the question of cotton-raising in this section of the State. Theoretically, they have solved the problem to their com- plete satisfaction, and their efforts in the Merced bottom this season will give the mat- ter a fair practical test. The land is of excel- lent quality. Those engaged in the enter- prise are experienced in the business of cotton culture, and ample capital is at hand to give the experiment a fair opporiunity to succeed, and we doubt not that they will settle the question by their experiment this season. Should the crop prove profitable, it will be the means of opening a trafdc between Cali- fornia and the manufacturing States and countries of the world, that will bring to this Washing and Scraping Trees.— Washing and scraping are of great benefit to neglected trees; and washing, at least, may be done with advantage on all fruit. It destroys the young and almost invisible growth of mosses and lichens, kills dormant insects that have hidden in the crevices, and improves the tree generally. Various tree washes have been recommended, but there is probably nothing better than good home-made soft soap, thin- ned with water to work conveniently with a brush. Remove the loose scales of bark by means of a blunt scraper before washing. Pkemium for Foeest Tkkes.— Ill Nebraska every acre of transplanted forest trees exempts §100 from taxation— a wise provision, which it would be well for California to follow. CENTRAL PACIFIC RAILROAD. Passeager, Sunday Exceptisd Express Train Daily June 1st, 1871. Express ; Train Daily Passenger, Sunday Excepted 4:00 P. M. 8:U0 A. M. San Francisco 5:45 P. M.i 12:30 P. M. 4:42 ' ' 8:40 " . . . Oakland . . . 5:12 " |ll:58 " 3:50 '• 7:30 " ...San Jose... 5:30 " |12:15 " 7:58 " 12:15 P. M. ... Stockton... 1:43 " 8:35 " 9:35 " 2:00 " ..Sacramento.. 11:45 A. M.! 7:00 A.M. 4:10 " .. Marysville. . 9:10 " 1 > 9:00 " Sesma 4:20 " j Q 2:20 " ..Sacramento.. 11:45 " <, ^ 5:25 " .... CoUax .... 8:45 " ^ 1:15 A.M. Kcno 1:00 " H > 9:10 " . Winnemucca.. 4:05 P. M. 03 a 12:00 M. .Battle Mount. 1:25 " S o 4:40 P. M. p:iko 8:45 A.M.I !? G:10 A.M. Ogden .... 5:15 P.M.I SAN JOSE BRANCH— licave San Francisco at 9 10 a.m. dail /, (except Sundays,) aud 3 p.m. daily. Returning, leaves San Josii at 7 30 a. m. daily, and 3 50 p. m. daily, (except Sundays.) OAKLAND BRANCH.— Leave SAX FRANCISCO, *0 50, 8 00 9 10, 10 20 aud 1110 a.m., 12 00, 150, 3 00, 4 00, 5 15, 6 30, 8 30 and *11 30 p. m. (10 20, 1110 and 3 00, to Oak- laad only.) Leave Bkooiclyn, *5 15, *0 30, 7 40, 8 50 and 10 00 a. m., I 30, 2 40, 4 55, C 10 aud 10 10 p. m. Leave Oakland, *5 25 *G 40. 7 50, 9 00, 10 10, 1100 and II 50 a. m., 1 40, 2 50, 3 50, 5 05, 0 20 and 10 20 p. m. ALAMEDA BRANCH -Leave SAN Fkancisco, 7 20, 9 00 aud 11 15 a. m., 1 30, 400, 5 30 and 7 00 p. m. (- 20, 11 15, aud 5 30 to Fruit Xide only.) Leav« Hayw.-^kds, *4 30, 7 00 and 10 45 a.m, and 330 p.m. Leave Fruit Valk, *5 25, 7 35, 9 00 aud 1120 a.m . 130, 4 05 and 5 30 p m. * Trains do not run Sundays. T. H. GOODMAN, A. N. TOWNE, 8.m.r»l Passenger .nd Tiokot Ajent. «•"»' Sup«il.tend«t T H E California Horticulturist AND FLORAL ^lAGAZIXE Vol. I. JULY, 1871. No. 9. THE ORANGE-TREE^r- ZTiJCT.q. The cultivation of the Orange (and Lemon) has of late attracted a gi-eat deal of attention on this coast, ■'^and it promises to foiTa an impoi-tant feature amongst oui- horticultui"al developments. The Orange and its kind has been cultivated for centmies past, and the finiit has always been considered highly de- licious. As of all other varieties of fniit, so of the Orange, si^perior and inferior qualities are produced, but, while of other classes veiy inferior fiaiit can be put to some use, an in- ferior Orange is an entirely useless ai-ticle, although some people will buy them no mat- ter how poor the taste and flavor may be. Very little attention has been given to the proper cultivation of the Orange, and much less to the selection of good varieties. A seedling Orange tree may produce a veiy fau- fruit in a tropical climate, yet may not be adapted to oui- California climate, unless grafted or budded ; and it is a fact beyond doubt, that on this coast the fruit of the grafted Orange is far supei-ior to that of seedlings; there are also many other diflS- culties,such as climate and proper treatment. About the classification of Oranges and Lemons, a considerable difference of opinion exists. We believe the most popular and the best, is that of Linne, who divided them into two groups, one comj^rising the Citrons and Lemons, the other the Oranges. Of the Orange proper, the principal and most popular varieties are — The Citrus auraniium, car. dvlcU, or sweet Orange, which is supposed to be a native of China, but has been so extensively cultivated in various parts of the globe and for so long a time, that its nativity is attributed eiro- neously to other localities. C'ilruH aurantivm rar. ralgariii, a bitter Orange, (German Pomeranze,) is aLso sup- posed to be a native of China and Lidia. The leaves are larger and of a much darker j green than the foinner, and the tree grows I thriftier and larger. j Citra.s deiieioso, (Mandarin Orange, some- I times Tangerin Orange,) is a native of China, ; and its fmit is considered the finest in ap- ! pearance as well as in flavor. Thorns grow i upon its bi-anches, while both of the fonner ! varieties are thoniless. CUrus decumana — Shaddock — is also a na- I five of China. The fruit is lai-g'er than that of the othei's, and its skin is much thicker. Besides these, we have the Sicily sweet Orange, the Italian, the Los Angeles, etc., but all of these names signify nothing more than the locality where they have been gi-ow- ing. However, the Oranges of Sicily have acquired some peculiarities by this time, that may entitle them to some distinction, and we are not inclined to find fault with the belief of some, that the seedling of the Sicily sweet 258 THE CALIFORNIA HORTICULTURIST. Orange will produce a better fruit than that of any other variety. Oranges may be grown from cuttings, but we do not believe any more in this method of propagation than we do in the growing of Chen-y trees from cuttings, which is also practicable. The best way to obtain Orange trees is to plant the seeds of ripe Oranges thickly in pots or boxes; the young plants will make their appearance in from four to six weeks, if kept under glass. Some prefer Lemon-seed, others some other variety of Orange, but, while many of our gardeners are much in favor of Lemon-stocks, we do not consider their preference conclusive. Our readers will bear in mind that our florists do not cultivate Orange trees for the fruit but for the flo\^ers, which are valuable for fine bouquets, (indeed there is nothing more appropriate for this purpose than the Orange-blossom,) and to sell the trees if a good price can be obtained. Now'from our own experience we can state, that we have grown beautiful flowers from Orange trees which were raised from Los Angeles Omnges, in three years from the seed, and undoubtedly would have obtained some good fruit if we had permitted some of the blossoms to remain on the tree ; but we also ascertained that these seedlings were not well adapted for forcing, that is, while we obtained two or three crops of blossoms from the Mandarin or the sweet Orange, we did not succeed in having more than one crojD from the seedlings. This question is open to much argument. We prefer, budding or grafting, and to this end we recommend pot- ting the young plants as soon as they have attained the height of from four to six inches, into three inch pots ; the soil should consist of one part of strong loam, one part of old rotten cow-manure, and one part of leaf- mould; these should be mixed with one fourth of strong sand and about one fiftieth jDart of bone-ashes ; the jilants should be kej^t mod- erately warm and receive a good supply of water. They will soon make a good start. After they have made their second growth, they should have less water, plenty of air and a good rest. When the wood has every appearance of being ripe, which will be after four or five mouths of rest, the trees should be repotted into four inch pots, have plenty of water, and be kept close again. When they have made their third growth, subject them to the same treatment as after the second growth; then repot into five or six inch pots, and after giving them the benefit of another season's growth, the stocks will be strong enough to be budded or grafted. This oper- ation must be performed after a good rest and when the young trees are about to make their next growth. After budding or graft- ing, the plants should occupy a shady place, with considerable warmth and moisture. The treatment of grown-up and bearing Orange trees cannot be prescribed exactly. We must take into consideration that the Orange tree is really an evergreen and fre- quently blossoms, young fruit and ripe fmit are seen on the tree at the same time. This would indicate that the Orange tree is con- tinually in vegetation, and we know of some trees in this city which are hardly ever with- out some blossoms ; yet the Orange tree will flower and grow more in one season than in another. One rule will work well in all cases, and that is, not to water until the ground shows signs of being dry ; another indication of want of water, is, that the ends of the leaves can be bent in without breaking. Sickly Orange trees may be easily restored to vigorous life by giving bottom-heat, and cutting back the branches to sound buds. In conclusion, we would recommend the fastest growing varieties for stock upon which to work grafts or buds, and these are un- doubtedly the bitter Orange ( C. vulgar in ),&nd the Shaddock (C. decumana.) Mosquitoes.— These annoying insects will soon be hunting for their prey. They are effectually expelled from a room by the evaporation of a small piece of gum camphor placed in a tin vessel and held over a lamp or candle. The mosquitoes will return no more that night even if the windows are left open. The vessel should be occasionally taken from over the flame to prevent the ignition of the camphor. THE CALIFORNIA HORTICULTURIST. 259 CULTIVATION OF THE POPPY IN CALI- FOKNIA. It is all important to the Horticultm-al and Agricultural people of oui' State that they should diversify theii- productions, and not, as heretofore, depend upon one or two staple articles alone. California is peculiaiiy adapt- ed to a varied cultivation ; as she has almost any required climate and soil. The grains and fruits of the temperate zone are here found growing side by side with the tropical fruits of the Equator. All of Nature's productions seem to find, somewhere within the borders of California, a congenial home ; gro-^iug so luxuriantly and yielding, so profusely as never to find time in which to realize the fact, that to them, this is a foreign land. In this paper I propose to direct attention to the cultivation of the Poppy in California, hoping thereby to induce our cultivators to add one more plant to their list of crops. The Poppy, as is well known, is the plant irom which we derive the valuable pro- duct called Opium. The plant, like many of our most useful medicinal ones, is a native of India, Persia and China, although it has readily adapted itself to many parts of the world, and is to be found growing wild in Europe, and even in the United States. There are many varieties of it, of which the black and white are the principal ones. The black is mainly cultivated for its seeds, from which an oil is extracted by expression, having much the same properiies as olive oil. Large quanities of seed are raised in Eiu'ope for this purpose. The "White Poppy (Papaver som- niferum) is, however, of most value, as from it the main supply of 02:)ium is obtained. It is an annual plant, ha^ang a round, smooth, erect, glaucous stem, which grows to the height of from two to six feet, the stem having a number of side branches which "bear the flower heads, as does the main stem. The leaves are large, being variously notched and lobed , clasping the stem at their base. The flowers are terminal, that is to say, onjly found on the ends or apices of the stem p,nd b; ranches, being very large and of a white or silver-gray color. All parts of the plant contain a white, narcotic juice, but it is in the capsule (the seed head) that we find the largest amount of narcotic sap, or juice. The mode of collecting the opiiim is, (a few days after the fall of the flower-leaves,) to make a number of horizontal incisions in the capsule, which is best done with a sharp and slightly curved knife, care being taken not to pene- trate the cavity of the capsvile. Immediately after the incision, a white juice is poured out and appears in small drops -around the edges of the wound. The plants are left in this condition for twenty foui' hours, and then the juice, which by tliis time has become slightly hardened, is scraped ofl'by the means of blunt knives. Each Poppy-head will yield this juice but once, and then only from a grain to a grain and a half of opium is obtained. It requii-es no further manipulations after its collection than being beaten into one mass, aud placed in jars for preservation. The cultivation of the Poppy requires no special care, and it can be grown in almost any kind of soil, although it prefers a moder- ately dry situation, and where it can obtain a pretty high temperatm-e. "We have many parts of the State well adapt- ed to the cultivation of this plant, and we hope to see some of our horticultural friends try the experiment. On almost every farm there are some spare, waste places, which are unfit for the cultivation of grain or fruit, that might be devoted to the growth of the Poppy- Crude opium sells in this State for about $6 per pound, and large quantities of it are imported annually. It is an article in steady demand, and must of necessity command a liberal price. C. A. We have given the above article space in this Journal, not to endorse all the writer says, but to encourage, among our Horticul- turists and Agriculturists, a spirit of inquiry and research as to the capability of a varied cultivation in California. I "We are under the impression that the cul- I tivation of the Poppy will in no way prove 260 THE CALIFORNIA HORTICULTURIST. remunerative oii this coast. Our correspond- ent is in error, when he states that the Po^Dpy requires but little cultivation ; on the other hand it needs a great deal of care and atten- tion, as it is naturally a delicate plant, the slightest i'rost or too long continued heat often destrc^ying an entire crop in a very short time. In the Orient, from Avhence our opium is obtained, labor is plentiful and obtained at a very low rate, ranging from ten to sixteen cents per day ; and the cost of producing a fhe(|ui of opium (one and two thirds j)omids) is even theij, without couiiting the cost of land, labor of preparing the soil, etc., about one dollar and sixty cents. With these facts before us we cannot believe that the cultiva- tion of the Poppy plant in this State, would result in profit to the cultivator. — Ed. REDWOODS. {Sfqiioici st'inpercu'cns. Endl.) h.\U';ict I'l-oin A paper read betbr^' the Califurm;i Academy of Natural yciencea, October lOth. BY PROF. 11. N. BOL.\NDEK. This mighty tree belongs exclusively to tlie foggy re<^ions of the Coast Ranges and the un- derlying metamorphic sandijtone, for wherever either of thess conditions is wanting, this tree does not exist. From the northern boundary line of the State down to the head of Tomales Bay it forms a continual forest, increasing in width northward. At Tomales Bay the chain is interrupted by a small bed of lime-rock. The interruption extending from the lower foot-hills of Tamalpais down to Belmont, is undoubtedly owing to the lowness of the hills. A connecting link is found, however, on the Oakland hills. That grove of redwoods, now almost entirely destroyed, affords the strongest evidences of the dependency of that species on the prevalence of heavy mists. From Bel- mont to afew miles below Santa Cruz is another narrow, continuous chain, occupying mainly the leesides of the most western ranges and the deeper gulches eastward. From near the mouth of Salinas River to the head of Carmelo Valley, another long interruption is caused by a bituminous slate. The absence of redwood in this long interval can hardly be ascribed to any other cause, for it is known that Monterey and the adjacent regions are subject to heavier fogs than Santa Cruz. Piniis, indgnis and Ciiprc.^.^uK mavrocarpa occupy here those por- tions naturally belonging to the redwood and Tsugn Dmujlasii. Further south, from the head of Carmelo Valley to San Luis Obispo, the most southern limit, redwood occurs but sparingly, forming nowhere extensive groves. Associated with the redwood we find Tsuga Doaglaaii, a tree of a wide range, Torreya CaU/ornica, Arbutus Menzieaii, Quercus densi- Jiora, and in Mendocino County Abict< grandi^, Doughl. There are^ also some shrubs and herbaceous plants truly characteristic to them , the shrubs increasing as undei-wood north- ward, belong mostly to the Ericaceous family. It is a noteworthy fact, that the arborescent gTOwth of the leeside of the first range of hills generally consists, almost exclusively, of Tauga Dougladi, and that this tree forms the outskirt east and particulary westward. In Mendocino County Ahies grandis vmites with it for the same cause; there both trees form a dense belt, facing the ocean, and are encroaching fast on the redwood. In fact, the Western poi'tion of those redwoods show this encroachment most strikingly by a total absence of young red- wood, and a dense, almost impenetrable, un- dergrowth of the two-mentioned si:)ecies. The order of things is, however, reversed wherever the redwood has been cut. Its roots are im- perishable, and as soon as the tree is cut they sprout and cover the soil rapidly to the exclu- sion of every other species — none being of so rapid a growth. The indestructibility of the root'i prevents the clearing of such land ; even large trunks ciit down cover themselves, within two or three years, so completely with sprouts that they are hardly seen. The entire after growth now found on the Oakland hills, is owing solely to the indestructibility of its . roots and stumps. The tenacity of life yi this species, which is of rather rare occur- rence in coniferous trees, shows itself also in the resistance it offers to fire, so frequent in THE CALIFORNIA HORTICULTURIST. 261 those woods. Trees that have been bereft completely of their branches by fire, cover themselves in a few years entirely Avith young- sprouts, giving the trunks the appearance of pillars, or reminding one of those old trunks covered with Ehus toxicodendron in the East. Fire is destructive to the young trees only ; after they have oT^tained a thickness of two or three feet they are not liable to perish. Another great beneficial feature in this species is the great j)OAver it possesses in condensing fogs and mists. A heavy fog is always turned into a rain, wetting the soil and supplying springs Avith water during the dry season. Springs in and near the red- woods are never in want of a good supply of water, and crops on the Coast Ranges are not liable to fail. The year of 1804 has proved my assertion beyond doubt ; this fact is gen- erally known — a great deal of land has been taken up since. It is my firm conviction that if the redwoods are destroyed — and they necessarily will be, if not protected by a wise action of our Government — California will become a desert, in the true sense of the word. On their safety depends the future welfare of the State ; they are our safeguard. It remains to be seen whether we shall be benefited or not by the honible experience such countries as Asia Minor, Greece, Spain, and France have made, by having barbarously destroyed their woods and forests. But with us here it is even of a more serious nature ; wise governments would be able to re2)lace them in those countries, but no power on earth can restore the woods of California when once completely destro^^ed ! Amts. — A speedy clearance of places infested by ants may be eftected by simply poui-ing a small quantity of paraflBn into the holes and places infested by them. They disappear almost by magic. J. Loder, Woodbridge. I have found the following a most effectual remedy for destroying ants in cucumber houses : Place in a number of tea cups a mixture of brown sugar and warm water, sufificiently thick to prevent the ants from getting out when once in. The cups must be rather more than half-tilled and placed where the ants con- gregate. In this manner I have destroyed all the ants in my houses in one night. Robert Smith, Silchester Nursery, Notting Hill, W. POPULAR B.OTANY. CHAPTER IX. Having given a brief description of simple leaves, we shall now proceed to give a like description of those called compound. The only difl^rence between these and simple leaves, is, that the divisions are generally supported by separate stalks united to the main stalk or petiole; and at the close of the season of growth, they fall independently of one another. These divisions are called leaf- lets, (little leaves.) A feather-veined leaf, if compound, is called pinnate, and when again div-ided, it is said to be bi-pinnate, and if di\-ided for a third time, it is termed tri-pinnate. In case the leaflets are even in number along both sides of the petiole, but having none at its apex, the leaf is tei-med alyrupMy-pimuih' ; when, on the other hand, the petiole has an odd leaflet at its apex or point, it is then called imparl- pinnate. The number of leaflets vary to a great extent ; some trees and plants having a large number, and others a very few. Thus we have jjinnateh/ seven, five, etc., in addition to bi. and //'i-pinnate, according to the num- ber of leaflets present. Pinnate leaves having three or five leaflets, are sometimes called ternate or qainate; these terms are also applied to palmately-compound leaves. A compoiind palmately-veined leaf has all of its leaflets attached to the apex of the peti- ole, making what is called a digitale leaf, from its resemblance to the outstretched fingers of a hand. These leaves are teiined palmately (or digitately) tri-foliolate, five-foliolate, etc., corresponding to their number of leaflets. Leaflets have all the characteristics of sim- ple leaves (which in fact they are) in form and division, and we use the same terms in their description. The blades of leaves as a gen- eral rule are horizontal, presenting, as we have said before, one surface to the ground and the other to the sk}'^; and we find the cells on the two surfaces diiferently arranged to meet this requirement. If the leaf should be reversed, and prevented from resuming its normal ^do- 262 THE CALIFORNM HORTICULTURIST. sition, Ave would have decay and death as a natural result. While this aj^plies to the yreat majority of plants, there are exceptions, such as in the case of the Eucalypti, (Gum ti-ees of Australia,) which bear their leaves in a vertical position, so that instead of their surfaces, it is their edges which present themselves to the ground and sky. This is caused by a twi.-sting of the base of the leaf, or the petiole. Suc- culent leaves (of which the many species of Mesemhry anthem am — Ice-plant— afford a good example) are of various unusual shaj^es, and have no well defined surfaces. The veins at-e often hidden by the great amount of paren- chyma, or concealed by the thickened and opaque epidermis. Where the leaves iH'oduce no green pulp, they become scale-like, as in parasitic plants, and no longer perform the common office of leaves. The leaves of some aquatic plants are almost, if not quite desti- tute of parenchynfa, as in the Eanuncidus aqaatilis, Myriophyllum, etc. Sometimes the leaf -blade is u^anting, and then we find its office performed by the petiole or by the stipule. We shall now pass on to the consideration of the appendages of leaves, such as the peti- oles and stipules. The petiole is the stem of the leaf, and serves to unite it to the body of the tree or plant ; it is usually roLind and having a channel way on its upper side. At times we find it furnished with a small border, having somewhat the appearance of a wing, and often extending along its entire length ; as in the Sweet-pea, a plant in common culti- vation. Umbelliferous plants have the base of the petiole expanded into a broad, thin sheath, and in many of the Endogenous plants, more particularly the grasses, the petiole and leaf have no clear distinction, the lower portion of it, which is technically called the petiole, being a sheath and embracing the stem of the plant. In the Papilionaceous or Pea tribe the apex of the petiole is formed into a tendril, which, laying hold of pr^^ject- ing points of walls or the branches of trees, sustains the plant. In addition to the petiole the leaf has, in certain classes of plants, another appendage called the stipule. It is situated at the base of the petiole on each side, and is a small, leaf- like body, having all the texture, color and venation of the true leaf. Leaves having these stipules are said to be d'qwlate, while if they are absent, the leaf is termed exsfijmlate. All leaves have their points of attachment either to the stem or trunlf of trees, plants, etc.; this is called their point of insertion. This is the apparent relation which the leaves bear to the main plant, but it will be remem- bered that we stated, in a fdrmer chapter, that leaves are but the lateral expansion of the bark, and therefore the expression, "point of insertion," is not really correct. It should rather be called its "point of departure." Leaves are called radical, when they spring from the stem at or beneath the surface of tlie ground ; they are so called from having the appearance of growing from the roots of the plant. Those that are given off from the main stem are said to be cauline, and those of the branches* rameal. Leaves that stand upon the base of flower-branches are termed Jioral, and those directly at the base are called bracts. To the first leaves of a plant the name coty- ledons has been given, and they differ very materially from all of the subsequent ones, both in shape and texture. The next leaves which make their appearance bear, — at least to a certain extent, — the characteristics of the plant to which they belong, and are called primordial ; both these and the cotyledons die away as soon as the ordinary leaves of the plant are developed in sufficient quantity to maintain the life of the plant, GnAFTiNG Oka>-ge Tekes. — Mrs. 1. writes that she had sof>n soiiicithing iu the Rural New Yorker aboiit grafting orauge trees, 'and adds-: — " I acknowledge my ignorance, for I did not know that they required grafting. Will they not bloom if not grafted ?" Yes, they will bloom if not grafted. But, as a general thing, they will come into bearing in less than half the number oi years if grafted. If scions are taken from a bearing tree, they will usually produce fruit in one or two years ; but a seedling' orange tree is often ten years old before it bears fruit. THE. CALIFORNIA HORTICULTURIST. 263 ORNAMENTAL AND LANDSCAPE GARDENING. SECTION IX. We have already stated that a Vegetable Garden, Orchard and a small Vineyard are very necessary and very desirable adjuncts to a country residence, wherever sufficient ground is available. We will now enumerate such varieties of fruits and vegetables as may be most successfully cultivated for home use. In regard to the Kitchen Garden, in pre- vious numbers of our Magazine, under the heading of Work for the Month, we have instructed as to the proper time for plant- ing, and the necessary management, after that operation, and we shall continue to do so in the future. Success depends to a great extent on observance of the proper season for planting, on the thorough preparation 'of the soil, and on keex^ing the ground under a high state of cultivation. It is best to divide the Kitchen Garden into four squares by convenient walks of about four feet wide. These squares ^hould be subdivided into parallel beds of about five feet wide, with narrow paths which should be on a level with the beds themselves ; an arrangement of this kind will facilitate the weeding of the beds, the working of the ground, and the gathering of the vegetal:)les without tramjiing all over. The seeds should be purchased of reliable seedsmen. The folloAving seeds should be planted in a frame early in the spring, and the young- plants should be transplanted into the open ground when four or five inches in height : Cabbage, Cauliflower, Celery, Egg-plant and Tomatoes. Of Asparagus and Rhubarb, it is advisable to purchase roots two years old. Lettuce, Onions, Pai'snips, Parsley, Rad- ishes and Turnips may be sown broadcast and gently covered in with a rake. Beans, Corn, Cucumbers, Melons, Squashes and Pumpkins should be planted in hills. Beets, Peas, Spinach, etc., in drills. These are the most popular varieties of vegetables, and are of easy culture. Very useful herbs for the kitchen are — Dill, Sweet Fennel, Sage, Sweet Marjoram and Thyme, all of which maybe raised from seed, or well grown plants may be purchased very reasonably. It is well to state here that no shade or fruit trees should be grown in the Vegetable Gar- den, as they are in many respects detrimental to the growth of vegetables; but we have often seen Gooseberries and Currants culti- vated in a row within two feet of the walks, and Raspberries and Blackberries in the out- side borders, an"d this arrangement will do very well unless a certain piece of ground is devoted to the culture of small fruits. The Currant requires a rather cool climate, but will do very well in a hot atmosj)here, if partially shaded -by a fence or a row of trees. The best variety, we believe, is the Cherry-cui-rant ; the best mode of cultivation is in the shape of a small tree with one trunk. The Gooseberry will do well almost every- where, unless the ground and climate is too cold. The Hawton seedling is the best and most prolific American variety; the large English varieties produce a much finer fruit, but are not so well adapted to our climate. Gooseberry as well as Currant bushes may be made very ornamental by cultivating them in the shape of a dwarf tree, which also facilitates the gathering of the fruit. Raspberries require a warm climate and considerable moisture. The stocks make their growth in one year, and produce their fruit in the next, after which they should be cut out. The best variety is the Red Antwerp. Blackberries require a similar cultivation. Oui- best variety here is the New Rochelle, or Lawton. All small fruits will do better with occa- sional irrigation until the fruit has ripened, and in order to produce a good growth of young wood for the coming season. A Strawberry-bed should not be omitted, as it is the earliest of the small fruits. Irri- gation and mulching are indispensable for their successful cultivation. The best vari- eties are the British Queen, Longworths, Prolific and Jocunda. 264 THE CALIFORNIA HORTICULTURIST. One of the most desirable fniits is the Grape, and its excellent qualities for the table, for preserving and for wine-making, certainly entitle it to most extensive cultiva- tion. GrajDC-vines may be planted in rovi^s, forming a vineyard, or they may be trained over an arbor. For amateur gardeners, the best are the Black Hamburg, Royal Musca- dine, Chasselas de Fontainbleau, Red Chas- selas, Zinfindal and Feber Szagos. There are many more very excellent varieties, but for our purpose the above collection will be ample. For those who can appreciate a pecu- liar aromatic flavor, the Isabella and Catawba are very desirable. Grape-vines should not be expected to bear before the third year, and the pinning of the vines should be fully understood. The Orchard should contain all the various fruits, and the varieties should be selected so as to have them early and late. The first fruit of the season is the Cherry-^ and who would willingly be without it? The appearance of the tree is highly ornamental and its fruit most delicious. A moderately warm climate is necessarj^ to bring it to per- fection. The best varieties are — Werder's Ear 13'^ Black, Jenny Lind, Roj^al Ann, Yellow Spanish, Elton, Gov. Wood, Black Eagle, Reine Hortense, etc. After the Cherry comes the Apricot, which requires a rather warm exposure. The Moor- park variety is considered the best. Next in order of the season comes the Peach, although a few early Pears and early Aj^ples may be obtained in advance. Like the Apricot, the Peach is grown most success- fully in a warm climate, and in such situation we would rather dispense with any other fruit. The cultivation of the Peach tree is compara- tively very easy, and often seedling trees bear better fruit than budded ones. Peach trees, in our opinion, should be well cut back while young, and should receive a good manuring after occupying the ground for five or six years. The. best varieties are — Early Craw- ford, Hale's Early, Early Strawberry, Morris' White^ Heath Cling, and Stump of the World. Of Nectarines, the Boston and Large White are excellent varieties. The Plum is a very prolific and much appre- ciated fruit. Tliere are many good varieties cultivated, and it is difficult to say which are the best ; the Green Gage, Washington, Ger- man Pi-une, Jefi'erson, Egg and Bjadshaw are all veiy excellent. We now come to the Pear, in the cultiva- tion of. which California stands unrivaled. It seems to thrive well in every locality in the State. Good early varieties are — the Madeline, Bartlett, and Dearborn's Seedling ; of fall Pears — the Flemish Beauty, the Seckle and White Doyenne are excellent ; and of winter Pears — the Winter Nelis, Beurre Easter and Glout Morceau are probably the bests' The most important of all fruits is the Apple, which is also well adapted to our Calif ornian soil and climate, but more par- ticularly to the foothills of the Sierras. For early ApjDles, the Red Astrachan and Early Harvest ; for autumn, the Gravenstein, Fall Pippin and Rambo have no superiors ; and for winter, some of the best are the Yel- low Bellflower, Esopus, Spitzenburg, Jona- than, Golden Russett, and White Winter Pearmain. The Orchard may also contain the Quince, Fig and Almond trees, yet we have frequent- ly seen these trees, and also the English and Black Walnut trees, cultivated with very ad- mirable efiect in portions of the ornamental grounds. We have frequently noticed that some nur- serymen are in the habit of stating to the public that these trees are grown without irrigation. We attach very little importance to that assertion, and we are furthermore convinced that bearing fruit trees will pro- dvice much better fruit if assisted by one or two effective waterings before the fniit has attained its full size, than if entirely depend- ent on Nature's own supply. However, we shall endeavor to give this matter some sjje- eial attention at an early day. The orchard grounds should be plowed as deeply as possible, the holes for planting THE CALIFORNIA HORTICULTURIST. 265 should bjB dug- from two to three feet square and deep ; the top-soil should be put into the bottom, and the sub-soil spread on top; a small qviantity of old rotten manure should be supplied to every tree, and should be thoroughly incorpoi'ated with the soil. The roots of the trees should be kept free from the manure, and after planting" a good water- ing should be given. They should be cut back considerably and the surface around them mulched. Trees purchased in good condition and planted out as directed above, cannot fail to make a veiy satisfactory growth during the following season. It will hardly be necessary' for us to state that Orchards and Vineyards should be laid out in rectangular lines. Trees should be planted twenty feet ajjart and Grape vines six feet. This would give 135 trees to the acre, or about 1,200 Grape vines. We like to see every tree provided with a stake, but it is only done in rare cases. The necessity of stakes for Gmpe vines is ^still more apparent, but very few seem to take ^lie same view or elsb neglect to do so. A Vineyard provided with proper stakes is very ornamental toa countiy residence, while without them, both Vineyard and Orcha^xl have an unfinished aj)pearance. In concluding this article, we feel as if we had not confined ourselves, strictly speaking to Ornamental and Landscape Gardening ; but the Orchard and Vineyard planted by the amateur gardener for the embellishment and supply of his home, necessarily forni a part of Landscape Gardening, and while we admit that the practical instructions which we have given do not come strictly within the province of Lansdcape Gardening, yet. the arrangement certainly does. NOTES OF A TRIP TO LAKE TAHOE. "Holes in the Pocket." — The Chatqgua Farmer, in an article, " Holes in the Pocket," cites the follow- ing ' ' holes ' ' common on many farms : Shallow plow- ing : planting poor seed ; turning out good stock to mix with poor ; buying what you could just as well make in leisure hours ; keejaing bad fences and bad gates, and thus having bad neighbors ; spending time and money in drinking shops, and at the village store ; lea%'ing tools thrown about hei-e and there ; keeping worthless dogs ; A^earing fine clothes ; and apeing manners that do not belong to a farmer. Being engaged in the business of piscicul- ture, and desiring to procure trout ova from Lake Tahoe for that purpose, I proceeded thither from San Francisco on the 28th of April last- On my arrival at Truckee, my first forenoon was spent in viewing Donner.Lake, which is a fine sheet of water situated about half way between the Summit Station and Truckee and within view of the railroad. .It is about three miles in length by a mile in width, and is full of excellent trout, though they are smaller than those of Lake Tahoe ; some say they are finer in flavor. I had a letter of introduction to Mr. Grant, who keeps the hotel at the Lake, and who has boats and provides good fishing for the visitors stopping at the hotel. He has com- menced raising trout, and intends embarking in the business on a larger scale in a short time. Having procured what information I could on the subject, I returned to Truckee, and in the afternoon walked out to Corner Bi'os' establishment, about four miles and a half from that place. They have some five or six ponds on the river bank full of trout of different ages, from the yearling, to the four year old fish weighing about one and a half pounds. These gentlemen obtain their ova from Lake Tahoe, trapping the fish in a creek at Sugar Pine Point, about eight miles from the mouth of the Truckee River. On my return to Truckee, I found the owners of the mill above the town had put in a veiy good fish-ladder at their dam. I in- tended going by stage to Tahoe City, but found there was no regular conveyance start- ed as yet. During the next day, I hapj^ened to meet Mr. Buck and Mr. Campbell, avIio intended opening a stage route to Cornelian Hot Springs and thence to Glenbi'ook b}' steamer^ from whence the passengers can go by stage to Carson Cit}' in about two hours, and as on the hext day their first trij) was to be made, these gentlemen gave me an iimtation, to 266 THE CALIFORNIA HORTICULTURIST. take a pleasure excursion to Glenbrook aud back. I gladly availed myself of their kind offer being one of twelve who bad been in- vited. We started about eight o'clock in the morning, crossing the river and surmounting a steep hill on the opposite bank, we soon entered a considerable flat, (thickly covered with grass aud having a good stream running through it,) across which we could see the wooded summit over which the road passes to the Lake. A short way up the ascent we passed through an old mining district, about which, in days gone by, there was quite an excitement. The ruins of about a dozen log houses and shanties are all that i\ov\ remain to tell thelale of disappointed hopes. On the road down from the sumniit we could occasionally catch glimpses of the Lake between the branches of tlie pine trees which cover the descent. After about half an hour's ride down hill on a very good road, we ar- rived at t}ie edge of the Ijake and beheld, for the first tune, this expanse of water, about twenty seven miles long by seventeen wide, S-irroniuled by mountains whose tops, ten thousand feet above the level of the sea, were covered with snow. At a short distance from the Springs our attention was directed to the stone pillar which marks the boundary line between the States of California and Nevada. Arriving at the Hot Springs' Hotel, built and owned by Mr. W. B. Campbell, we had barely time to take a peep at the Springs, having the promise of a steam bath on our return from Crlenbrook, and to imbibe a draught of in- vigorating fluid, of wliich a good stock is kept by the worthy Billy, when the shrill whisth? of tlie steamer hurried us on board the fairy crat'i. Tlio water of the Lake is very clear, and we could see bottom where it was over a hundred feet deep. After losing sight of the bottom, the water changes from gl-ecn to a cerulean Itlue, which reminded me of the color of tlie water amongst the West Indian Islands. On our trip across wo had pointed (lut to us the various places of interest on the Lake, Tahoe City and the mouth of the Truckee River, Corneban Bay, Cave Rock, and the entrance to Emerald Bay. After a voyage of about two hours' duration we arrived at Olen- brook, situated about the center of the east- ern side of the Lake, in a small bay. It has a tine hotel, kept by Mr. Saxon, which was built in olden times, when the travel over the mountains was made in stages. Glenbrpok is a])out fourteen miles from Carson City, and all the lumber from the Lake for Carson aud Virginia Cities finds its way over the ridge through this place. On our walk fi-om the margin of the Lake to the hotel, we had pointed out to us Painted Rock. The likeness of Shakespear was plauily delineated on the face of this cliff. Just after having dined, the stage from Carson arrived, (driven b^^ Hank Monk, of Greeley renown,) with passengers from the Truckee ; and as they had taken their dinner, we started on our homeward trip\ making the voyage in about one and three quarter hours. On our return to the Hot Springs I found that the steamer had to go to Tahoe City that evening; and tiiat place being my destination, I availed myself of the opportunity. It being about eight miles, it took us a little over an hour to get there. Having a letter of introduction to Mr. Pornin-, the ow^er of considerable property in Taltoe City, and one of the best fishermen on the Lake, I called on him and was kindly received. Tahoe City is sit^xated on the north western corner of the, Lake, and is built at the mouth of the Truckq^. It has a fine large hotel which cost some 120,000, and is now owned by a joint ritock (lonqAJiuy under the manage- nielif of Mr. .Lyons. 'l^ike almost every other interior California town, Tahoe City consists of a hotel, store, saloon and livery stable with some scattej-ed private residences. The greater part 'of tlie inhabitants aire fishermen, and own boats wliich they let to visitors during the summer months, in which short period they earn all the money they get in the year. A Mr. Burke there has a steamer on the stocks, and when launched she will be. the largest steamer on the Lake, and able to withstand the rough weather.' Cascade Lake, THE CALIFORNIA HORTICULTURIST. 267 situated about a mile and a half from Lake Tahoe, is above Emerald Bay. The small creek through which it discharges itself into Lake Tahoe, for about a mile of its lower course, precipitates itself down a steep de- scent, forming a succession of small but beau- tiful waterfalls. Above this portic-n, the banks of the stream are more level, and every pool is filled with trout of small size compared with those of Lake Tahoe. Cascade Lake is embosomed in an amphi- theater of mountains, and is oblong in form. It is about a mile in length and three fourths of a mile in width, deriving its name from the stream that feeds it, and whiuh falls in a sheet of foam almost from the snow which covers the tops of the mmmtains that over- hang it. On returning I met old Capt. Dick, who takes care of Ben Holladay's plac<', at Emerald Bay. He is a line s])edmen of the " old salt," having served in both the English and American navies, and. visited almost eveiy part of the world. During tie winter months, when hemmed, in h\ the snow, he has whiled away his time in building a full-rigged ship, about seven feet in length, with figures of the oflicers and men at their proper stations; the cabin is appropriately fitted up, the cook at his galley, which is complete in its fixings; she is fully armed with guns, boarding-jjikes, etc., and has a clock-work engine propeller etc., etc. It took him about four yeai'S to finish the work. Mr. Holladay owns a nice little steamer on the Lake, she is said to be ver}' fast, and is called the Emerald, From Tahoe City I went back to the Hot Springs, enjo\T.ng the privilege of the bath. The temperature of the water is about 1-50 degrees and the bath house is fitted up so that you can have steam, shower or hot baths as you please. Mr. Campbell, during my stay with him was also adding a swim- ming bath. He has induced a large amount of travel by his new route to Virginia and Carson, giving 'his customers the benefit of, the Lake scenery and travel by daylight over the most beautiful part of the journey. Haring accomplished my business, that of procuring trout ova for the California Accli- matizing Society, I left that beautiful place for San Francisco with sincere regret, hoping at some future time to return and explore sundry portions of that country at present but little known. John Williamson. PEIZE ESSAY ON WINE-MAKING— MAKING AND PRESEllVING. BY A. C. COOK, COVINGTON, GA. Awari'.ccl First Premium at the Georgia State Fair, 1870. AVine making from remote antiquity has ever been regarded as one of the mysterious arts, and comparatively few experts, until the fifth decade of the nineteenth century, could boast of producing wines of the finest quality. Those that excelled in this, as in all other arts, were extremely careful to keep their process a profound secret. The knowledge thus obtained by experiment and experience varied widely in different counties, localities, and with diflerent varieties of grapes and qualities of soil. The art of improving wines by mixing different qualities (and adding honey to the must before fermentation, to strengthen the wine,) of wine was well un- derstood by the ancients. The results obtained from le»ng practice and observation, were not derived from any knowledge of the vine or its fruit, but from careful observation of the fenuentati^i of the juice of the grape, under difierent coTtditions of temperature, climate and atmospherical influences. The process of extracting the juice from the grape until the. early part of the past century, and even at the present time in many countries, was of the most primitive character. The grapes were placed in a large tub or vat with a perforated bottom for the must (juice) to flow into a recei\-ing vessel, and trodden out with the naked feet. Fre- quent mention of this process of extracting the juice of the grape is to be found in the sacred writings and in profane histoiy. Previous to the art of distillatioTi, nothing stronger than wine of twelve per ceni. alco- hol was known. At this point the aicohol 268 THE CALIFORNIA HORTICULTURIST. kills the yeast fungi (ferment princdple), those motlern sweet wines of Italy, Spain, Greece, and Sicily, which contain froni fourteen to twenty four per cent, of alcohol are produced by the mechanical addition of brandy, gener- ally made from the same grape as the wine. Most of the grapes of these countries and Southern Asia, contain a large excess of sugar, and are generally deficient in albumen, glu- ten and nitrogenous comi^ounds. The excess of sugar, also preventing the completion of fermentation, 'and resulting in a naturally sweet Avine, and known by different appli- cations, as — Tears of Christ, the Ancient Ma- roulan, St. John, Thasos, etc. Various celebrated brands of wine were thus obtained by the ancients, according to the qualities of soil, climate, varieties of grapes and modes of manipulation. The list of ancient wines number seventy eight, besides a large list of inferior grade. The list of modern wines, of standard repu- tation, comprises three hundred and sixty, besides numerous brands of local character. In the United States we have, as yet, but few brands of superior excellence. Sufficient progress in this direction, has already been attained to demonstrate- the capacity of our soil and climate to develop the finest qualities of native Avines. From the Norton's Virginia Seedling, Delaware, Herman, Herbermont, Cynthiana, Scuppernong, and others, we have produced wine that will compare favor- ably with the most celebrated wines of Europe. Modern agricultural chemistry has thrown a Hood of light on the science of wine manufacture, by revealing the constituent elements of the must of the grape, thus ena- bling the vigneron to develop wines of supe- rior excellence, which under the old methods would result in wines of inferior quality. It is not intended in this essay to enter into an elaborate explanation of the ancient modes of wine making, or into the minutiae of modern procedure ; the object is to give practical illustrations of the best method of making and preeerviJiiX:^, wine. It has been known for the last lialf century, tljat wines are matured only by oxidation of the soluble compounds held in solution as albumen of the gluten ; as long as this remains in solu- tion, the wine is liable to become turbid, to fret, and to deposit sediment (lees,) and con- sequently remains unsaleable. Under the old process, oxidation was slowly accomplished in cool cellars, by the oxygen of the ak (the albumenous parts remaining after fermenta- tion,) slowly permeating through the wood walls of the cask and frequent rackings. Changes of temperature being the existing cause of disturbance, a rise of temperature exjielling the carbonized air, and a fall of the mercury causing a shrinkage of the wine and consequent absorption of air through the pores of the wood ; thus every change of at- mosphere contributes to the slow oxidation and maturity of the wine. Many of the choice brands of European Avines i»equire from four to ten years to complete their maturity by the old methods of treatment. Large amounts of wine are thus annually lost by evaporation, leakage and the liability to acidification and various other wine dis- eases; add to this interest on capital and cost of labor, renders the wine enterprise one of great uncertainty under the old modes of manipulation. Under these considerations the question naturally arises : How can we overcome this enormous loss of time, capital, evaporation, leakage, labor and inferior (qual- ity of wine? Modern chemistry has solved the principle, (or agent) but failed to point out the mechanical application. Mr. R. d'Heureuse, of California, conceived the pro- ject of improving the fermentation of Avines and other fermenting fluids, by forcing pui'e air through the must or other fluids to be fermented ; and at a suitable temperature to convert all the sugar into alcohol by ferment- ation, or to purify from albumenous matter, saccliarine and other organic fluids, Avithout fermentation by this process, at a certain high temperature, rendering them free from dete- rioration by elementary exposiu'e. This is accomplislied l)y means of a force air pump in connection with a rubber hose and a perforated m-f^'aUir pipe mouth-piece or plate. The pipe or mouth-piece loAvered THE CALIFORNIA HORTICULTURIST. 269 to the bottom of the cask or vat, the impelled air causes a violent commotion, and an in- timate contact of oxygen with every particle of the lluid. By this method, in from five to fifteen days, all the albnmenous parts of the gluten are rendered insoluble, and at the same time the sugar is transformed into alcohol. The question has been for many years propounded in wine countries of Europe, viz: "By Avhat means can speedy maturity and stability be imparted to wine, so as to save the immense loss of labor, in- terest, storage, leakage, and evaporation? The question has been solved by the pa- tentee of air-treatment. The discoveiy made is, that the oxidation of the gluten, which takes place slowly during years, by the old process, can be accomplished by the jDroper application of the same agent, air, before and during fermentation, in less than two months, and with the most desirable resrdts. The waste of time, and oxidation, has been the ruin of the wine industry, and the saving of this leakage as above stated, will, by adopting the air-treatment, be the surest foundation on which the prosjDerous wine industry of the United States can rest. The theory seems as plain as the execution is simple, the air rising through the must pro- duces two effects, viz : the mechanical stiiTing of the yeast, thereby a reviving and invigora- ting of this physiologically acting organism, and a chemical, directly oxidizing, action uniformly upon every part of the albumenous gluten, the only nitrogenous matter in the must. The air-treatment, by employing arti- ficial currents of air, essentially acts upon the living principle, that air rapidly moving over every part of solid, or in passing through an organic fluid, supports, invigorates, purifies and preserves by the ozone formed in its rapid passage. Stagnant air, however, is Avanting in ozone, and in contact with quies- cent fluids, or juicy solids faA-ors speedy der cay. Only total exclusion from air also preserves. The American wine industry and production, to be worth gfivpi-al million of dollars annually, finds !J- thu air-treatment its principal promoter, by which qmckly and I econpmically, good, cheap and well matured wines can be manufactured in large quanti- ties, and at low rates, to reduce the import- ation of wines and to suppress intemperance by distilled liquors. The practical application of the patent air- treatment for wine making may be described in its general features, as follows, to wit : After the juice is expressed from the grape in sufiicient quantities, and placed in a vat or large cask with one head removed, the must, at a tenq:)erature of sixty five to seventy five degrees Fahrenheit, is vigorously air-treated from twenty minutes to one hour. A scum forms on the surface, consisting of coagu- lated albumenous and resinous matter, which should be carefully skimmed off to prevent any uniileasai^jt taste. Violent fermentation soon sets in with copious foaming. About twenty four hours after this subsides, gentle air-treatment for about five minutes at a time, twice a day, soon finishes the fermentation. According to the experience of the writer, the fermentation, by air-treatment is best con- ducted at a temperature of the must (for Scuppernong at from seventy five to eighty five degrees Fahrenheit) at from sixty five to seventy five degrees Fahrenheit. Must at twenty five per cent, or less of sugar, is finished and the wine dry (that is, all the sugar converted into alcohol,) in from six to ten days ; an addition of cane sugar requires longer time, unless the sugar solution is pre- viously started into fermentation. The bung- may be left fully or partially open during the fermentation, to be closed when finished. In about a week after the fermentation has ceased the wine should be drawn from the lees into a clean cask, closed tight, and in about a month it is fully clarified l^y itself or by the usual clarifiers under air-treatment, is pure from ground taste and tendency to after fer- mentation, ripe and ready for shipping or bottling. A superior flavor distinguishes the wine thus made. Imperfectly fermented or unfinished wines of mill kind, if otherwise sound, may at any time be perfectly finished within a few weeks, under the directions devised for the purpose 270 THE CALIFORNIA HORTICULTURIST. \)y the imtentee. It never yet f idled in a sin- gle case. The details of this operation are also very simple. Wines finished in this manner rather lose than gain in aci'dit;)^, while the usual afkr-jenm-nhdion ahrcvja invrcu^r^ Ike amoind of acidiiy. It is not necessary, as in the old process, to construct deep, cold cellars; the glutcnous albumenous parts having been removed by air-treatment, there remains no disturbing agent to cause anj detrimental action on the stability of wines thus made. Simply keep the casks full and air-tight, and tlie wine will keep as well in a gaiTct as in a cellar. The cost of manufacturing wine by this pro- cess will be the saving of time, cellars, casks, interest, labor and evaporation, amounting to at least fifty per cent., and give a more uni- form and superior product, and be the means of placing the wine indusby of the countiy on a footing second to no other branch of domestic agriculture. Nobody will remain behind in the march of progress without in- jury to himself, now that the air method finds adoption in Europe and America, revolution- izing the industries in which it is most serv- iceable.' The merits of the air-treatment will be fully api3reciated in all localities by actual worli^ing tests. To invite these tests, the patentee proposes to assign the perpetual right for 3,000 gallons of wine annually, free of charge, to the first ■ person in such unsold county, that adopts this recognized process. It is time that air should be economized as the mother of all organism, the result of its action noted, and intelligently employed. To demonstrate the practii-abiiity ami lluii- omy of air-treatment in the manufactiue of wine, the waiter has on exhibition at this Fair, for premiums and sale, several varieties of dry and sweet wines, made from grapes that were hanging on the vines from the • inth of August to the 15th of Sept(!iJiber. IVpslrrn Pom ologisl . WOliK Full AUGUST. BOi J'iibj '. -i-O.- -It is difficult to tell i>ii<> li.im llio other in a horse, but a talilo spoonful of chloiofoiDi in twice as much mucilage, is a good remedy for either. Thf pl^^,LllL season is not as favorable to the cultivation of the soil as could be desired. The winter season was an unusually dry one, and many have suffered severely ; but the evil did not stop there— -oui- spiing and early sum- mer have been unusually cold and disagree- able and most Cinfa\ orable to the growth of everything in the vegetable kingdom. While our gardeners and nurseiymen com- plain that their young stock has been at a standstill for several months, the fniit-grow- ers report the average of their crop much inferior in size, although quantity seems to make up for this deficiency. We are ready to concede that the diy season and the cold weather have much to do with this deficiency in size, but we cannot abstain from blaming the owners of orchards to a considerable extent. We have often al- luded to the good efibcts of mulching, and it is very apparent that that operation, in good season, would retain the moisture-in the soil much longer than when omitted. But we are slow to accept the situation with good grace, and to deviate from the old ways, by which Ave have plodded along for so many" years with little trouble or care. If we are blessed with late i'ains and warm weather, the fruits will have so far advanced in size and development when the moisture in the soil has disappeared, that nothing more is required to bring them to pert'ectitni than warm weather; but if late rains do not come, and'the growth of the young fruit is retarded, as has been the case this year, by the cold weather, we must expect to see a falling off' in the size and quality of the fruit. But this is not all. Our yoimg trees are frequently overloaded with fruit, and the only remedy in the case, is the thinning out of the young fruit; this is entirely neglected. Fruit trees are permitted to break doAvn, involving the loss both of the crop and the tree, rather than adopt the simple remedy of thinning out in good time, an operation by which we may insure both larger and better fruit. Although THE CALIFORNIA HORTICULTURIST. 271 the mischief is done, and it is too late for remed}' this year, we hope some of our read- ers will be convinced of the soundness of our ai'gnment. The fruit crop is very large in quantity, but a considerable portion being inferior, and prices being less remunerative than they were last year, we must depend to a great extent on the exportation of some of oui* best pro- ducts, and make use of the inferior fruit for drying and i^resai'ving. The work for the next few months will consist chiefly in the gathering and shipping of fruit, and little else can be done during that time. The Kitchen Garden requires much labor ill watering and hoeing. No more Asparagus should be cut after this time, or else the plants will be too much exhausted and weak- ened. Pole-beans should be pinched oflf at the height of five or six feet. Radishes, Let- tuce, Turnips and Beets may be sown again for late crops. Celery may now be trans- l^lanted. Tomatoes should be supplied with some kind of frames to keep the bushes in shape. Two or three hoops, supported by three.stakes, produce the best appearance. And now a word or two about the raising of seeds. It is well enough to let a few plants of Lettuce and some good nionthl}' Radishes run to seed for future use ; but we earnestly recommend the piu'chase of the necessary seeds every year from those parties who make it their business to raise or sell reliable seeds. Rhubarb and Horseradish are apt to run to seed, and it is much better for the roots to cut down these seed-stocks than to allow them to grow and so imj-joverish the plant. The Flower Garden needs as much atten- tion as ever. The cold weather retarded the growth of annuals as well as of other flower- ing plants. We are accustomed to see Asters and Balsams in bloom before the middle of July, but this year they have yet shown no sign of developing their flowers ; additional care and nursing is required to help them along. Of many shnibs and flowering plants cuttings may now be made with every pros- pect of success, if kept under glass with a very litrle bottom heat. Pinks can be layered, in fact this is the best time for this operation. Dahlias must have stakes as they grow up. In the Greenhouse insects of all. descrip- tions are apt to overrun the plants. The green flies are easily destroyed by burning tobacco refuse overnight after shutting everything up well. Other insects mayH)e washed off with a solution of whale-oil soap. The propagation of plants should be con- tinued until the amount of stock requii'ed is made up. As soon as the cuttings of soft- wooded plants show signs of vegetation, which will be in about four to fiA'e weeks, (with some sooner, with others later,) it is best to transplant into the smallest size pots. In order to obtain a good stock of flower- ing Cinerarias for the coming winter, seed should be now sown. THE BLACK ^ALliVT JUG LAN'S NIGBA. We offer to our readers the subjoined extract relating to the above named very valuable timber tree, hoping that some one may be induced to propagate and plant out at least a few, even if there is not iin Immediate pros- pect of realizing from their timber. " This is one of the largest and most beau- tiful of our forest trees. It is indigenous from Texas to Massachusetts, and from Massachu- setts westward to Missouri. When gi'omng in op^n grounds, it has an erect fonn, and large spread of limbs, with light green delicate fo- liage. Its limbs are not thickly placed; hence it does not form a dense shade. Its leaves are sometimes eighteen inches long, with from fifteen to twenty o^e leaflets, which are un- equal on the midrib, and also often unequal at the base. The}' are sessile or nearly so, and the midrib is frequentlj^ slightly cui-ved downward. The bark is dark grey, rough, and closely fuiTowed. The wood is of a dark brown, becoming blackish brown with age. It is close-grained and susceptible of a fine polish. It is much used for furniture and the inside work of houses. The large organ in 272 THE CALIFORNIA HORTICULTURIST. the Boston Music Hall is made of Black Wal- nut. Its wood is very dm-able ; posts made of it have been knoAvn to last for more than a quarter of a century. Its growth from the seed is rapid — I have known its trees to be from fifteen to twenty five feet high, and bear fruit, at the age of seven years. Its fruit is round, and sometimes seven to eight inches in circumference. It, however, varies much in size, according to the age and luxmiance of the tree. Its nuts are somewhat com- pressed at the sides and furroAved. Its kernel is sweet and veiy oily, so much so that it is not universally esteemed. The Black Walnut ought to be extensively planted, especially in the praiiie regions, because we have few trees of greater rapidity of growth or more valuable for timber. It also aflbrds nuts which are an agreeable food to many ; besides, it is de- cidedly ornamental. The demand for its timber is such that the large trees are fast disappearing. The fol- lowing are some of the largest which have come under my observation — the measure- ment at three feet from the ground, unless otherwise stated : — One in Rusk county, Tex- as, was fifteen feet nine inches in circumfer- ence. In Wilcox county, Alabama, was one eleven feet three inches in circumference, and another thirteen feet eight inches. These two last were from sixty to seventy feet high, and tine stately trees. A hollow section of one was exhibited some years ago in New York, the in- terior of which was ten feet in diameter — this was from Indiana. Near the base of Cold Mountain in North Carolina, not far from the residence of a Mr. Thompson, I measured one which was sixteen feet eight inches in circum- ference, and another near Waynesville, in the same State and County, sixteen feet eight inches in circumference. On Clear Creek, a branch ol' Cattaraugus Creek, in Cattaraugus county. New York, I measured a stump twenty feet eig;ht inches in circumference at about three feet from the ground. This was in the summer of 1805 : the tree had then been cut down sixteen years. It was in the Indian reservation ; I was told by an Indian who assisted in cutting it down that it was eight feet in diameter, and had to be split into four parts to be sawed. When I measured the stump it was destitute of bark, and the sap wood had rotted away. On Silver Creek, in Cattaraugus county, New York, a black Wal- nut blew down in 1818, which was twenty seven feet nine inches in circumference at about three feet from the ground; it was hollow, and a section of it was used for a grocery, first in Buffalo, N. Y., then in Utica, N. Y., from which it was taken to New York City, \f\ieve it was used for the same purpose, It was finally taken to England. The tree was nearly solid, and sound at the h^^ight of six or seven feet. I obtained the above in- formation from a man who owned the tree and sold the grocery section." — Prof. S. B. Buckley, in "Southern Horticulturist." HYDEANGEA— ( HORTENSIA. ) ' The Hydrangeas are natives of China and Japan; they were introduced into Europe as early as 1790 ; they are extensively cultivated in their native country, and are favorites with florists in every part of the world. Although a greenhouse plant in the East and in Europe, we grow them here in per- fection out of doors, and in a faw years many plants have acquired large dimensions. We know of Hydrangea bushes in San Fran- cisco from four to five feet in height and from four to six feet in diameter, bearing at times a dozen or so of very large heads of flowers. One of the admired peculiarities of the Hydrangea hortensis is the changing of color of the flowers, which at first are green, but gradually assume a pink and blue (lead) color. This habit is wanting with our plants iu most cases, but could .easily be« attained if proper measures were em^Dloyed. The pink color seems to develop w^ell, but the blue is not often seen. In order to produce the blue, it is necessary that the soil should con- tain a certain amount of iron, and if this is not present it should be introduced. THE CALIFORNIA HORTICULTURIST. 273 The Hydrangea is of easy cultivation, re- quiring much moisture and partial shade. Cuttings of the Hydrangea will grow readily under glass, making roots in less than three weeks' time. Hydrangeas are in bloom with us during the greater part of the year ; they are also well adapted for forcing under glass. There are now a number of varieties of the Hydrangea known, of which the most promis- ing are the H. hortensis, which is the oldest one under cultivation ; H. japonicafoUis varie- gatis, the flowers of which are not so imposing, while the foliage is most beautifully colored white and gi-een. It is not well adapted for out of door cultivation ; the Hydr. Olaska is a novelty yet, and promises to be a fine and interesting acquisition. We do not know any thing of it, except that it has been introduced in various places and is highly spoken of by some who ought to know. The cuttings for propagation may be taken almost at any time, planted in sand and placed close under glass, where they will form roots in two or three weeks. As far as the application of iron is con- cerned to produce blue color in the flowers, it should be understood that it is neither the oxide of iron, nor the scales of blacksmith's forges, nor rusty nails that will answer the purpose, but it is the so-called yellow ochre which, if mixed with the soil, will produce ' the effect. Alum water has also been recom- mended, but we know by experience that it has not the desired effect. Black peat gen- erally contains a great deal of iron, and if mixed with sheep-dung is very efficacious. Sea Moss.— No less than 1,000 tons of Irish, Swe- dish and Norwegian sea moss have been manufactured into Sea Moss Farine within the past year ; yet the enormous production has barely kept pace with the demand of the public for this new and unequaled article of diet for invalids. The jellies, custards, puddings, creams, etc., made from this cheapest of all food staples, are not even approached in deliciousness by those pre- pared from any other description of gelatinous material. Potatoes. — Wood ashes make an excellent and reliable manure for potatoes. 3 EDITOR : C. A. STIVERS, M. D. ASSOCIATE EDITORS : F. A. MILLER, C STEPHENS. (gattcrnJtl ^0l1f(rli0- Now that the mining interests of this State are becoming its secondary means of support, and the Agricultural the primary one, we require a different class of immigrants ; people who will bring with them a willingness for so- ber, patient toil, devoid of dreams of suddenly acquired wealth. It is for such, we have been striving, and yet they do not come. Why is this? In our opinion there have been, and still are, a number of causes at work that produce this result; causes which we think are within our j)ower as a people, to remove, or at least so modify, as that they shall not work so much to our detriment. The papers and journals of California, have not, as a general thing, been honest in their descriptions of this State; they have so bragged and blustered about the wealth of Nature in the State ; have told such Munchausen-like stories, that instead of the country being re- presented fairly, it has only been misrepre- sented. They seem to have forgotten the old adage, that two much praise is worse than none at all. People have come here under the impressions and influences of these extrav- agant news-paper articles, and as a conse- quence have been sadly disappointed. Those who had money, returned, and so the State has received a bad name abroad. The second cause, is the inability of men with small capital to get land. They are told in the East and in Europe^ that within the borders of California are to be found plenty of public lands which they can have by merely occupying and cultivating. When they anive here they find such not to be the case, and if they want free lands, they must perforce take up with a barren, rocky ridge on the out- lying parts of some valley, or occupy lands well up in the Sierra Nevadas, where the dis- 1 tance from a market renders it almost worth- 274 THE CALIFORNIA HORTICULTURIST. less. The great bulk of good valley lauds, are inclosed by "Spauish grants," or have been oovered by school laud warrants. These por- tions of the States are held iu large tracts by residents of the cities, principally merchants, lawyers, and doctors, who refuse to sell and so prevent that iuflux of a farming population which we so much desire. This system (if it can be called one) has also a bad effect upon our agriculture ; engendering a careless kind of cultivation which of itself is discouraging to new comers, who have been accustomed to the well tilled fields of the East and Europe. The man who has no ownership in the soil he tills, has but little thought for the require- ments of that soil ; and only caring for the retiu-n of his crops, draws all he can from the fields, leaving them in the end bankrupt and unable to jield further returns. All this is wrong ; what we want is small farms well cultivated, well stocked, and a per- manent ownership in the land, and then we shall reach that point of success for which we all ckim to work. With small farms there will be less danger of short crops, for a better mode of culture will obtain, and less reliance placed upon one or two articles alone. Another cause co operate against us, is our long dry summer ; over this of course we have no control, but we can at least inau- gurate a system of irrigation which' shall go a long way towards remedying this want of moisture. It is certainly strange, that in a State claim- ing so much as California does, that there ha° been no concerted action either by the people or State government. All this requires change ; the State and people must wake up and luove in this matter, or we shall still con- tinue to languish for want of all the materials that go to make up a rich and prosperous commonwealth. The State government sliould have an agent (one ^vho will work and not confine his labors to :;io drawmg of his salary) both in the East, and in Europe, who can give all needed in- formation about this coast, the means by which it is to be reached, and when so reached, the prospect of success to the immigrant in his new home. Less money spent in political huckstering, and for the support of imneces- sary and useless commissioners at home, and more for the actual benefit of the State, would result in much good to us all. ANTIPODAL. We have received the Journal of the Agri- cullaml Society of Netv Soaih Wales, for May. It is in its third volume, and is published under the auspices of the above named Society, at Sydney. The Jom-nal contains the first pari 'of a' list of trees and shrubs exotic to Australia, which have been introduced and are now growing in New South Wales, and Victoria. Among them we find 23 that are natives of North America, and 47 natives of Europe. Does this not show progress of the ri-^ht kind in tree acclimation and cultivation? MASSACHUSETTS HORTICULTURAL SOCIETY. The transactions of the above Society for the year 1870 is to hand. This Society now numbers a total membership of 1,014, and includes both men and women. This is right; many of our greatest lovers of Horticulture are to be found among the ladies. We would be glad to see them well represented in the Bay District Horticultural Society of Cali- fornia. 'PACIFIC RURAL PRESS." This valuable and well conducted Agricul- tural Journal has entered upon its second volume. We wish it all success in its labor.9. STATE HORTICULTURAL S0:I1:TY OF OREGON. The First Annual Fair of the Oregon State Horticultural Society was held at Portland, commencing on June 28th, and lasting three days. The Exhibition was a success in every way, except financially. We hope to hear of no such exception at the next Fair. THE CALIFORNIA HORTICTJLTUEIST. 275 SALT LAKK. Mr. I. M. Hoag, of Sacramento, has gone to Salt Lake City, in the interests of the Cali- fornia State Agricultural Society. oeeCtON state faie. The State Agricultural Society of Oregon, extended an invitation to Horace Greeley to deliver the Annual Address at the next State Fair. Mr. Greeley has declined, stating that it would be impossible for him to visit this coast during the present year. BAY DISTRICT HORTICULTURAL SOCI TY. The regular monthly meeting of this Society took place on Saturday, June 2-J:th, for the transaction of business. The fallowing candidates for membership were proposed : — Mr. E. D. Lewellikg, of San Lorenzo, " Rich. D. Reed, of Sonoma, '' W. F. Adams, of Fair Oaks, and elected as regular members under the suspension of the rules. A communication from Mr. F. von Mueller, of the Botanical Gardens at Melbourne, to the Society, was read, in which this gentle- man kindly offers his services to forward the interests of the Society, if within his power. A committee of two were appointed to pro- cirre a suitable diploma for the use of the Society, at the next Exhibition. ANNUAL MEETING OF THE CALIFORNIA ACCLIMATIZING SOCIETY. The Annual Meeting of this Society was held July 12th, at which the following named gentlemen were elected to serve as Trustees during the ensuing year : A. Badlam, E. C. Dake, C. Coates, Phil. McGovern, M. M. Estee, D. J. ilills, J. C. Green, — Larkins, C. B. Green, W. A. Newell, E. H. Neill and C. A. Stivers. At a subsequent meeting of the Trustees, the following were elected as officers of the Society : Premlent, W. A. Newell; Vice-Present, A. Badlam; Trea- surer, D. J. Mills ; Secrdai-y, John Wil- liamson . AMERICAN POMOT.OGICAL SOCIETY. The Thii'teentli Session of this Society will be held in the city of Richmond, Virginia, on the 6th, 7th and 8th days of September, 1871. An invitation has been extended to all Horticultural, Pomological and Agricultural Societies in the United States and the British Provinces, as also to all persons interested in the cultivation of fniits, etc., to send delega- tions. It is expected that the session will be unusually interesting, as it is to be held in conjunction with the Exhibition of the Vir- ginia Pomological and Horticultural Society. Members and Delegates are requested to con- tribute specimens of the fiiiits of their respec- tive districts, and to communicate in regard to them whatever may aid in promoting \he objects of the Society and the science of American Pomology. Packages of fmits with the n-ame of the contributor, may be ad- dressed as follows: "American Pomological Society," care of H. K. Ellyson, Secretar,' Viginia Horticultural and Pomological Soci- ety, Richmond, Va. We hope to see Cali- fornia well represented. NE^V JERSEY STATE AGRICULTURAL SOCIETY. The above Society will hold its Thirteenth Annual Fair on the 19th, 20th, 22d and 23d of September next, at Waverly Station, near Newark, N. J. RAMIE MACHINE. The Rural Carolinian says that M. Le- franc's Ramie Machine has been introdviced into Mexico, and is found to prepare the Ramie fiber in a most satisfactory manner. 276 THE CALIFORNIA HORTICULTURIST. PREMIUMS. The following are some of the premiums offered by societies and indiAiduals, to be awarded at the meeting of the American Po- mological Society in Richmond during the month of September next. The Virginia Pomological and Horticul- tural Society offer one hundred and fifty dollars, at the disposal of the American Po- mological Society. The Virginia State Agricultvu'al Society offer one hundred dollars for the largest and best collection of Apples, Pears, Peaches and Grrapes. Ellwanger & Barry, of Rochester, N. Y., offer fifty dollars for the largest and best collection of Apples, not less than fifty vari- ties, three specimens each. Marshall P. Wilder, of Boston, Mass. , offers fifty dollars for the largest and best collection of Pears, not less than fifty varieties, three specimens each. Charles Downing, of Newburg, N.Y. , offers fifty dollars for the largest and best collection of American Grapes, not less than twenty varieties, three bunches each. These are but a few of the Premiums of- fered, and we have published them to show the people in California how they foster and encourage the Horticultural and Pomological interests in the Eastern States. BAD SEED. We know there are many mistakes made in planting seeds, -such as covering them too deeply, not pulverizing the soil sufficiently, and neglecting to irrigate properly. The smaller the seed, the less they should be covered, and the finer the soil should be pvdverized ; and if the soil is rather diy and naturally coarse, it should be rolled after planting or beaten down slightly with the spade, so as to settle the soil closely around the seed. Another precaution may prove very useful where valuable seeds are planted, and that is the covering of the sm-face with sand, which will prevent the forming of a crust, through which the young and tender germs cannot protrude themselves. The germination of some seeds is greatly assisted by first soaking them in water, but we cannot advise the general practice of soaking, which in a great many cases results very injuriously. We admit that the seeds of some plants must be soaked in boiling water to cause germination, such as Cannas, some varieties of Acacias, etc. ; but such cases should be looked upon as exceptional. Peas are soaked in water for the purpose of swelling the seeds and hastening germination, but it is veiy doubtful whether any good is derived from it. Warmth and moisture and judicious planting, are the great points in sowing seeds. WHO MAKES TfclE MONEY ? There are many complaints this year about bad seeds, but we are inclined to believe that the dissappointment is not generally attri- buted to the proper cause ; the seedsmen have to shoulder it all, and in most cases they are entirely blameless. The unusually cold weather which we have experienced this year, and our dry winter, were very unfavorable to the growth of all kinds of seeds. A certain amount of warmth and moisture are requisite to produce germ- ination, and Nature absolutely refused to sup- ply us with these indispensables, A year ago, or thereabouts, we sojourned for a few days in the thriving city of San Jose, and called upon several of oiu- friends who were cultivating fruit on a large scale. Among the many questions we asked, for general in- formation, was one in regard to the profit of fruit culture. Oiu' informant, a well known gentleman and extensive fruit-grower said, good-naturedly : "All I can do with my fruit is to send it to a certain commission merchant, who disposes of it at some price, and every four or six months I go to the city for a set- tlement, and all that I receive amounts to just as much eis he is willing to give me," THE CALrFOR^X\ HOETICTLTrRIST. 277 During this last month we were informed by very rehable parties on the other side of the bay, that they received for their Cherries from six to twenty five cents per pound, while the same fruit sold in our markets for three times the money. The consequences are that the fruit-grower receives little or nothing for his labor and use of capital, while the con- sumer IS compelled to pay enormous piices : tha commission merchant and the jobber ab- sorb it all, or nearly so. We think it xevy desii;a1>le that a change should be effected before long in this mat- ter; the cultivator should have a fair price for his fruit, etc.; the commission merchant should receive from five to ten per cent. , and the consumer would then be enabled to piir-. chase what he wanted at a reasonable price : fruit would then be cheap, much more would be used, and the cultivation of orchards would be a more profitable business. How can this reform be accomplished, and who will inaugiu-ate a movement to deliver us from this deep-rooted evil ? THE HORTICULTUEAL EXHIBITION. The Bay District Horticultural Society is making extensive preparations for its Exhi- bition, to be held in this city dui-ing the next month, in conjunction ^\-ith the Industrial Fair. This young Societ^i', although only eight months in existence, already numbers 70 members, of which the greater number are practical Horticulturists. Their efforts to foster taste and diffuse knowledge are most laudable, and we hope that the public Avill appreciate their untiling labors. The space set apart for this department is some 350 feet long by about 50 feet in width. Opposite the entrance a gTass-plot has been located, which vnll be embellished by gi'oups of ornamental trees, beds of flowering-plants and statues. Walks of ten feet in width laid ^ith shells ^^-ill separate the outside borders fi-om the central portion, which will contain the larger shrubs and trees, while the borders will be filled up with the exhibits of fruits and pot-plants. One end of the building will be occupied by a fine garden frame, artistically construct- ed of wii-e, while the other end will be orna- mented with a miniature garden. In the adjoining spaces two beautiful mar- ble fountains wiU be erected, which will be appropriately ornamented with rocks and plants; between the fountain and the wire- frame at the one end, and the fountain and miniature garden at the other, tables will be arranged for the display of cut-flowers and bouquets. Over 500 square feet of tables have been put up for fruits and vegetables. The entii-e outline of the space to be occu- pied will be ornamented with evergreens and over one hundred gas-lights will illuminate I the display during the evenings. It is hoped that the preparations will meet I all reasonable expectations. All that is now requisite to make this Exhibition a complete success, is some little sacrifice on the part of our florists, fruit-growers and horticulturists in general, in displaying the fruits of their labors before the public, and in seeking the best possible eftect by appropriate and judi- cious an-angement, and thus winning the admiration of all who may chance to witness the display ; to foster a taste the want of which is so sadly felt in this community, and to profit by comparing the result of their toil with that of their neighbors and colleagues. Yerv many of our horticultui-al friends recognize the importance of exhibitions of this character, and they will do all in their power to make it a success, but we much regret to hear some say, "it won't pay us. " All over the civihzed world public exhibi- tions are held and encouraged,and their good effects can easily be perceived by any intelligent mind; almost eveiy branch of industry is stimulated by them, whHe the various exhib- itors are engaged in friendly livaky with one another. But the "won't pay" whine is a cowardly utterance of men who have no go- ahead spirit in them ; men who care little for general prosperity and progress, except when 278 THE CALIFOENIA HORTICULTURIST. their own indivichial interests can be ad- vanced. However, we Lo^.c that this con- temptible selfishness will sooner or later give place to better judgment, and that before many years, every one will give a helping hand and pride himself in excelling his neighbor in the excellence of his display, and the amount of aid rendered. This is the true road to success. We tlierefoi-e appeal to all good men to voluntarily come forward and contribute the best they have, no matter how little, to make this Exhibition one of which every friend of Horticulture may feel proud. TEA CULTUKE. We most sincerely hope' that the various irrigation enterprises which have been pro- posed (some of which are partly commenced) in various parts of California, may be. prose- cuted energetically and to the satisfaction of all concerned. Capital must come to the aid of the farmer and manufacturer, if we desu-e that prosperity and happiness shall reign once more over our golden State. — _ -.^ — THE ENEMIi.S OF THE ROSE. Tea cultivation is increasing in the Soutli- ern States, and it is believed that tea enough will soon be grown there for home consump- tion. How is it about the experiment in tJie cultivation of the Tea-plant in California? 1 - the Calistoga trial to be final? We hope not. Knowing the nature of the plant, and llie climate of California as we do, we feel certura that its cultivation will succeed in this Sta t-. VA.UE OF IRRIGATION. Land under ii-rigation in Spain will se.djo-; $500 per acre, while that alongside of i! but which is not irrigated, will not bring ]n( r-:' than $50. A company organized in M; dr;nn';' 300,000 acres of land, and is paying dividsji b equal to 18, per cent, on the investmeni:. If in-igation does so much for land in Spin e is it not time that our capitalists invested their money in the same pirecttou^, All over the Eastern States and thro a,';!' out the European continent, a general sy •;t{ i > of irrigation is being introduced, alth;)ii;;'' more or less I'ain falls there diiring the sum- mer. How much more necessary is such a system to California, where all vegetati<:!P is arrested for want of moistiu'e during the summer and autumn! Although Roses are very easy of culture in our gardens and are the most popular of flowering plants, yet they have their enemies, and ver)' often Rose-bushes suffer and even perish, without the true cause of the mischief being ascertained. One of the worst enemies is the Aphv^ rosce, which sometimes covers all the young branches and exhausts the sap from the tender leaves and shoots. The female aphis produces her young throughout the entire year, and is particularly active on plants which are kept in warm rooms. These are most effectually de- stroyed, by brushing them with a soft brush into a basin filled with Tobacco juice. They may also be killed by fumigating with To- bacco smoke or the vapor of burning Solanum and Tomato leaves ; but it is advisable to sprinkle the plants well with water, so that the atmosphere may not become too dry from the effect of the fumigation. Another very troublesome insect is the red spider, {Acaras telarius,) which is generally found on the under side of the leaf. It sucks the sap from the leaves, which drop off and tlie plant appears in a sickly condition. This pest may be destroyed by sprinkling the plants and particularly the under sides of the leaves with soot dissolved in water ; this remdy is at the same time a good fertilizer. Watering Milk.— A lady corrosponrlcnt of the ^rnim Farmer says thnt ''she gets much more cream in summer by tnking out what milk she wants for family use and tlien pouring into it cold water ; and in cold weather by using hot water. This is much easier than scalding the milk, as generally recommeiMed^. " THE CALIFORNIA HORTICULTURIST. 279 EMPLOYERS OF GARDENERS. Our next Horticultural Exhibition should be visited by every professional gardener in California, and we would suggest to those gentlemen who have gardeners' in their em- ploy, to encourage their men to attend our Exhibition. Much good may result from such action, as many matters of interest will doubtless be thus brought to light, and much valuable information may be obtained from the interchange of experience in differ- ent localities. This is one of the most useful results of Horticultural Societies and Exhi- bitions. We should take advantage of these opportunities, and not only study to please the eyes of our visitors but also to enlighten each other with the best of our knowledge and experience. . An exhibition of this kind should not only be attractive, but likewise useful and instructive. OUR FRUIT AND VEGETABLE MARKETS. COMMUNICATIONS AND BRIEF NOTES. Under the above heading the Gardener's Monthly says: " We are much indebted to oui- Horticultural friends who favor us with their thoughts, opinions and suggestions, from which we can make brief paragraphs, as well' as to those who send us from time to time excellent articles for our ' communication ' page. Every gardener or lover of plants and f raits, can, if they only think so, send us notes of much value." [We are sorry to say, that our Californian Horticultural friends are much behind in this respect, and we can attribute their in- difference more to their ■ extreme inodedy, than to their unwillingness. But we wish our friends to understand, that we could do much more good, if they would be kind enough to give us any information which will lead to practical results A magazine of this kind should express the opinions and exper- iences of our most practical men, and not be compelled to rely solely upon the experience of a few. — En.l The supply of Fruits and Vegetables is now veiy abundant, (15th July.) Many additional varieties are making their appearance in the market. CheiTies are still plentiful. Strawberries are scarce. Raspberries abundant and fine. Blackberries also are crowding into market. Curi'ants continue plentiful. Gooseberries hold their place, and there is still a show of Rhubarb. Apricots are abundant, and Peaches of several varieties are filling up the market. Apples of many kinds are plentiful. Pears also in variety. Figs are large and luscious and in good supply, While a few Plums, earl}' Grapes and Musk Melons add to the vari^y and please the eye. There are also some Cherry-plums, Cherry- apples and Almonds. There is the usual supply of Oranges and Limes, Lemons, Bananas, Pine-apples and other Trojjical productions, with some Nuts. The Vegetable market has an ample sup- ply of Cabbages, Cauliflowers, Turnips^ Car- rots, Potatoes, Brocoli, Leeks, Onions and Lettuce. Asparagus is becoming scai'ce, as are also Peas ; but String and Lima Beans are in suf- ficient supply, and Tomatoes are becoming plentiful. Celery, Beets, Summer Squash, Sweet Corn, Artichokes, Gumbo, Cucumbers, Cap- sicum, Horseradish and Pepper;, are suffi- cient to meet the present demand. A PEETTY ornament may be made by suspending an iicorn by a piece of thread tied around it, within an inch of the surface of some water contained in a vase, tumbler or saucer, and allowing it to remain undis- turbed for several weeks. It will then burst open, and small roots will seek the water ; a straight and taper- ing stem, with beautiful and glossy green leaves, will shoot upward and present a pleasing appearance. 280 THE CALIFORNIA HOETICULTURIST. (Covmpouacucf. Napa, July 14th, 1871. Editor HorticuKurwt : Acting on the adA-ice contained in your valuable Journal, I have tried Whale-oil Soap for the destruction of Cabbage-lice, and believe it to be the great desideratum. I have sprinkled the Cabbages but twice with the solution, and while it has not entirely eradicated the pests, yet it has stopped their depredations and lessened their numbers to such an extent as to give me hope that a couple more applications will entirely remove them. I believe that sousing the plants in the solution, previously to planting them out, gives them an excellent protection not only against the Cabbage-louse, but all other de- structive insects. My plants so prepared were also exempted from the attacks of squirrels, hares, etc., which had committed extensive depredations among those not so treated. H. F. gattorial n inquiry, we learned, to our astonishment, .hat they had been eating a species of the plant vidgarly known as toadstool. There is a peculiar fungois of this class in Siberia known to the natives as ' muk-a-moor,' and as it possesses active intoxicating properties, it is used as a stimulant by nearly all the Siberian tribes. Taken in large quantities, it is a Aiolent narcotic poison ; but in small doses it produces all the effects of alcoholic liquor. Its habitual use, however, complete- ly shatters the nervous system, and its sale by Russian traders to the natives has conse- quently been made a criminal offence by Russian law. In spite of all prohibitions, the trade is still carried on, and there were twenty dollars' worth of furs bought with a sing-le fungfus. Care of Gold Fish. — If Delia Merrill would save her remaining gold fish she must feed it without delay. They probably find enough in their native streams to support life, but ' not confined in a small globe. I once lost three, the most beautiful fish that I ever saw, by this stupid idea, that they could live on the animal life they found in the water. Mix together a little flour and water to the con- sistency of dough, roll into little pills the size of a small pea, and feed three or four of these once a day; occasionally give an angle worm cut in small pieces. Then change the water in your globe daily, and your fish mil be all right. I also prepare another kind of food — of wliite of egg and flour, which is nice for a change. This is especially for gold fish : know nothing about the treatment of com- mon fish. I have shells in my globe, apd one little cup-shaped shell receives the food ; and it is just jolly to see them sail around to get it. L. Biiral New Yorker. To Remove Stains.— Coffee and fruit, stains on linen and white cloths will be set rather than removed by soap if jnit into the suds Avith the stains on them. They should be first put into boiling water and kept there until the water becomes cold, and then put into the suds. THE CALIFOENIA HORTICULTURIST. 285 . The Bedding-out System. — The practice of planting-out Yarious kinds of tender or half- hardy plants about the middle of the month of May into beds, in the open air, with the view of producing a grand dis^Dlay of floral beauty in the parterre during the summer and autumnal months, is usually designated the "bedding-out system;" and although this may have been practised to some extent very many years ago, still its universal adop- tion as a system may be regarded as compara- tively modern, probably dating back less than half a century. This system has been necessarily progres- sive in its development, in accordance with acquired knowledge as to the capabilities of the various materials brought into use in producing desired results, and has also from time to time been aided and influenced by the introduction of novelties suited to the purpose in view, such novelties being due to the in- defatigable exertions of collectors on foreign stations, as well as to the skill and labor of the hybridiser and cross-breeder at home. Altogether the bedding-out system has at- tained a degree of popularity which is likely to be lasting ; althoiigh it is by no means to be supposed that it has attained to the utmost degree of perfection of which it is capable^ or that it is by any means at a standstill. Indeed the reverse of this is i:)roved to be the case, inasmuch as in very many garden establish- ments each succeeding season is evidently an advance upon its predecessors in regard to the selection of material^ the arrangement of the same, and the satisfactory effect produced. The system may without doubt be regarded, even in its present condition, as a great advance upon that which it has in a great measure superseded, and which, although still applicable and well suited to some cir- cumstances and situations, in too many in- stances consisted of a series of unmeaning" clumps or beds, without any aj^parent order or arrangement, and which added little to the beauty or the interest, of the lawn which usually surrounds a country mansion or res- idence. These clumps or beds were frequently of considerable dimensions, and were usually planted-with hardy herbaceous plants, annu- als, bulbs, etc., which though by no means deficient in interest to the lovers of flowers, were still without any pretensions to that con- centrated display of floral beauty whit;h is annually presented by the present popular system. The latter might indeed be con- sidered to be so great an improvement, upon its predecessor that it could hardly have a single opponent or detractor. But this is by no means the case, for there are at 'least a few writers upon the subject whose almost furious attempts to bring this style of flower garden- ing into contempt, suggests the probability of there being something in scarlet Pelargo- niums, yellow Calceolarias, etc., whicli exer- cises some occult pathological influence upon certain temperaments, similar to that produced by a red flag upon the temper of a certain quadruped, otherwise usually quiet and docile in his deportment. It is, however, to be regretted that the advocates of one style or system of deco- ration should think it necessary to denounce another, when there may be room enough for both, and each may be equally applicable under certain circumstances. And I believe that there are few, if any, advocates of the prevailing style of plant grouping, who would for a moment wish to see the entire class of hardy herbaceous plants, or the still more interesting class of hardy alpine peren- nials banished from the flower garden; or who would be unwilling to admit that the herba- ceous border, etc., possessed attractions of the most interesting character. There cannot be a doubt that flowers are a source of great pleasure and gratification to nearly all classes and conditions of mankind, be they learned or unlearned, rich or poor. Few, indeed, can be said to be altogether indifferent to their attractions. It is also at the same time easy to conceive how that, to the eye of the botanist, the humblest flower that blooms wild on the mountain side or adorns the headland glade, may possess equal or even greater attractions than its more beauteous sister of the parterre. But as all 286 THE CALIFORNIA HORTICITLTURIST. lovers of flowers cannot be botanists, it fol- lows that plants are found to be generally appreciated and admired in accordance with the beauty possessed by their liowers and foliage^ the grace of their habit, and the sweetness of their perfume ; and to stigmatize any class of plants as glaring and Aoilgar, etc. , because their habit happens to be flori- ferous and their hues bright^ hardly seems reasonable and iust.— Gardener's Chronicle. The following useful extracts are from the Agricultural Report of May and June : Effect of Tkees on Climate, (Malta.)— Much has been said in the work of Mr. Geo. P. Marsh, entitled "Man and Nature," and by many other writers, of the influences exerted ' by man upon the physical condition of the earth and the atmosphere, and deserved stress has been laid iipqn the important part played by trees in all phenomena connected ■vs-ith the amelioration of climates and the restoration or increase of rain-fail, and the diminution in the number and the intense severity of inundations, etc. Mr. Buchan, a well-known meteorologist of Edinburgh, has lately made a report to the Scientific Society of that city in regard to certain measures about being introduced by the Governor of Malta for replanting the island with trees, in which he remarks that the characteristic fea- tures of the climate of that island are the cold northerly winds of the winter, and the excessive heat of the summer, witli a great scarcity of water throughout the whole year. The entire absence Of trees on the island was thought to intensify and increase these extremes, and it was believed that by se- curing an abundant covering of forests much could be done for the amelioration of the climate. Mr. Buchan, in reference to the general theory of such amelioration, states that while the highest temperature of the aix occurs in summer between 2 and 3 o'clock i'. M., the change in the, trees is very slow, the leaves not attaining their maximum tempera- ture until 9 o'clock p. m. Thus, while the atmosjjheric changes ^re raj)id, the tempera- ture varies slowly in the trees, and therefore they serve, like the ocean, as equalizers of the temperature, moderating the heat of the day and maintaining a higher temperature during the night. In continuation of the same subject, Mr. Buchan remarks that, as air is heated by con- tact with the soil, and as trees shelter the soil from the solar radiation, they must diminish the force of the sun's rays, especially in the loAver strata of the atmosphere. The exhala- tion of moisture by trees produces cold in the air by extracting the latent heat from it. This lowering of the temperature gives to the air a greater degree of humidity. Again, the leaves of trees exercise an important influence in cooling the atmosphere, as the tree itself, by its radiation of heat, becomes sensibly lower in temperature, and thus cools the air as it plays among the leaves. Sulphuric Acid for Destroying Weeds in La^^ns.— A writer in an English joui'nal sug- gests the use of ordinary sulphuric acid or oil of vitriol, as an excellent agent for the destruction of weeds on lawns. The difliculty ' of eradicating such unsightly elements of the lawn is well understood, since to do so satisfactorily requires the removal of a large amount of dirt, producing a corresponding injury to the general appearance. By taking the acid in question, vand allowing a few drops to fall into the crown of any obnoxious weeds, it will turn them brown in an instant, and ultimately cause the death of the plant'. Great care n\ust of course be taken to prevent any of the acid from falling upon the skin, or" any article of clothing; but with ordinary care a large amount of surface can be treated in a short time with most excellent results. Russian Method of Preserving Feuit. — A inethod of ]ireserving fruit, quite frequently adopted in Russia, consists in slacking fresh lime by sprinkling it with water and adding a little creosote. ' The fruit is to Ipe packed in ^vooden boxes, with a layer of the preiinred chalk powder of an inch in depth at the bottom. This layer is to be first covered with a sheet THE CALIFORNIA HORTICULTURIST. 287 of paper, and upon it the fruit is to be laid so as not to touch each other. On the first layer of fruit another sheet of paper is placed, with the lime powder sprinkled over it, and a sheet of paper over this ; upon this another layer of fruit is spread, as before, and the pro- cess continued until the box is full. The corners may then be filled with charcoal. If a tight-fitting cover is put on the box, the fruit, it is said, will maintain its freshness for at least a year. Prepaeations of Wooden Labels for Plants. — Wooden labels for plants, to be inserted in the ground, may, it is said, be preserved for an indefinite time by first dipping them in a solution of one part copper vitriol and twenty- four parts water, and subsequently imnfersing in lime water, or a solution of g;v'psum. New Zealand Flax. — Among the substances used in the arts as fibers, the New Zealand flax at one time promised to be of great prom- inence ; but owing to its high price, and the difficulty and expense of bleaching it, it has not been "employed in so many applications as its strength and other qualities warrant. The principal difficulty in making a profitable use of it has been from the tenacity of the gum which envelops the fibers. This, according to a late writer, consists of three distinct substances : first, an actual gum, found only on the upper leaves and near their bases, and readily dissolved by boiling v/ater, or remov- able by mechanical means; second, a bitter principle, which it is. suggested may be used as a dye or stain. for wood, and a mucilage, both easily extracted ; and, third, a kind of cement, only to be removed by boiling water and alkali, and upon the retention of which the strength of the fibers depends. The Gigantic WateR-Lily. — Of this won- derful and interesting plant, the Rural Caro- linian publishes the following description : ,' " The leaf on its upper surface is of a bright green, in form almost orbicular, except that on one side it is slightly bent in ; its diame- ter measures from five to six feet. Around the whole margin .extends a rim from three to five inches in height, which on the inside is of a light green; on the outside, like the leaf's lower surface, it is of the brightest crimson. The calyx is four leaved, each sepal upwards of seven inches in length and three inches in breadth ; at the base these are white, inside they are of a reddish brown color, and prickly outside. The diameter of the calyx is from twelve to thirteen inches ; on it rests the magnificent canolla, which when fully developed, completely covers the calyx with its hundred petals. When it first opens it is white, with pink in the middle, which spreads over the whole flower as it advances in age, and it is generally found the next day altogether of a pink color ; and as if to en- hance its beauty, it is sweet scented. The Victoria Regia was discovered in the River Berbice, in British Guiana, and named in honor of Queen Victoria. It was success- fully cultivated and* flowered, first in Eng- land, and since then in several instances in this countr}'." [In 1850 we had the pleasure of seeing one of these plants in one of the Royal Gar- dens of Wurtemberg ; a special house had been built to accommodate this monstrous plant ; it occupied a basin filled with water, about thirty feet square, and the leaves of the plant were spread ujoon the surface of the water. We were told at the time that the leaves were strong enough to uphold a young child, which we believe was correct. — En.] The Two-Leaved Solomon's Seal.— The American Agriculturist describes this little flower as follows : " In May, in most woods, there may be found an abundance of a little plant which somewhat resembles the Lily of the Valley — the Two-leaved Solomon's Seal. It is only from two to five inches high and each stem bears two and often three heart- shaped leaves. The minute white flowers are in erect spikes, an inch or more long. When the plant grows in dense tufts or clumps, it makes an exceedingly neat and pretty appear- ance. The plant is easily cultivated land 288 THE CALIFOKNIA HORTICULTURIST. though it does better in a partially shaded place, it will flourish when fully exposed. Care must- be taken to keep the weeds from encroaching upon it. In its season we fre- quently see the flowers of this Smilacina used in bouquets by the city florists, its delicate spikes projecting above the coarser flowers, producing a graceful effect." [This plant is to be found in nearly all parts of California, and is indeed a little beauty, well worthy of cultivation by our floiists, both professional and amateur. lis botanical name is Ma/janthemum hifoHum. — En.] Raisins. — In some wine-growing districts the produce of grapes is. not fit for wine-mak- ing, and the fruits are then dried and form the raisins of our shops. All raisins, then, whether they be Muscatels, Valencias, or whatever variety, are in reality true grapes, differing from the wine-grapes only in size, or the absence of the juicy principle which, to a considerable extent, develops into flesh or pulp. The best raisins are grown on the Spanish shores of the Mediterranean, the cli- mate about Valencia and Malaga apparently suiting them better than anywhere else. But raisins are also extensively cultivated in the lower parts of Greece, as well as in other parts of the Continent. The preparation, or drying, upon which thq value of the fruit to a great extent depends, is in this case con- dixcted differently from that of the more common kinds. Usually the grapes are gath- ered in bunches when fully ripe, and hung up or spread out to dry. These are after- wards placed in vessels full of holes, and dipped^n a lye made of wood ashes and vanilla, with the addition of a little salt and oil. This brings the saccharine juice to the surface, and causes the dark brown color as well as the crystallization of the sugar which is so characteristic of the cheaper fruit. The best varieties are simply dried in the sun be- fore removal from the tree. The fruit is carefully watched, and when at the proper stage of ripeness, the stalks of the branches are partly cut through and allowed to hang ' till dry. Pine Woods in France — Departments of the Crironde and Dordogne. — There are large tracts of countiy in the Landes of these depart- ments fit only for the growth of the Pine tree. Along the sea coast the Pine woods now afford a most efficacious protection against the encroachments of the sea. Some fifty years ago great apprehension existed of the destruction of the Medoc country by inun- dation, as the banks of sand which are the only barriers against the ocean were obsei-ved to be yielding. The idea then occurred of planting the- Pine tree (P. maritima), in order to bind the sand, and the result has been most satisfactory. This is a remarkable in- stance of what may be eftected by natural means when artificial means fail. Pine wood property in the interior became verj^ much more valuable upon the breaking- out of the American ci^il war, owing to the_ failure of the supply of resinous substances from that country, and considerable fortunes were realized in consequence. An acre of Pine wood produces from 55 to 77 gallons of resinous matter, and it sold at that time for 3s and 4s per gallon. The Pine has sinoe fallen to one half that amount, but the profit per acre is still calculated at from £2 8s. to £2 16s. An acre of good Pine plantation, ■fifty- years old, is now worth £30, which is treble what it was worth thirty years ago. The preparation of resin has become an im- portant industry in the Landes districts, and employs a considerable number of hands. The liquid matter is obtained by tapping the trees, to the stems of which are fixed small earthen pots, into which it runs. A tree may be tapped when twenty years old, and will support this process for thirty years. . J. R. J- Sweet-Chestnut Trees, Olio Half Million, BESIDES A LARGE GENERAL NURSERY STOCK. A IG page CIRCULAE free ; also a TRADE IJST, for Nurserymen and Dealers. Can send safely to California, SMALL TREES, by Mail— LARGE ONES, by Freight or .Express. Address STORES, HARRISON & CO., Painesville, Lake County, Omo. THE California Horticulturist AND FLORAL MAGAZINE Vol. I. AUGUST, 1871. No. 10. FILICES, (FERNS.) Ferns are found in almost eveiy part of the globe, and although they produce no Howers, their foliage is most graceful and admirable. Of late much interest has been taken in Europe and the East in the cultivation of this admir- able class of plants, and large glass houses are filled with Ferns from every part of the Avorld. For a long time and until within a few years past, it was generally believed that Ferns were rather delicate plants, and for decoration of jDarlors, etc., almost unavail- able. This oj)inion, however, was not justi- fied by experience ; and we feel satisfied, to-day, that Ferns are the favorites with our amatem- gardeners for decorative purposes. It is true, that many of them require an at- mosphere full of moisture* more than we can give them in our rooms at home ; but while some varieties are natui-ally better adapted to a dry atmosphere we may acclimat- ize others by careful treatment, making the change from a moist atmosphere to a dry one gradually. Ferns, and particularly tropical ones, should not have a sunny exposm-e ; in nature they grow to greatest perfection in the shade of almost impenetrable forests, and we are therefore fully justified in providing plenty of shade for them, particularly during hot weather. In regular Fern-houses moisture should be produced in abundance by sprinkling the foli- age and the floor of the house. In very hot weather this may be done several times duiing-a da}'. The watering or rather sprink- ling of them should be given in the morning, so that it may soon evaporate and fill the at- mosphere with moisture ; if done in the even- ing, and the water is permitted to stay on the foliage until next morning, the plant is apt to decay. "We frequently hear of another great mistake in the cultivation of this class of plants, and that is the practice of keeping them growing continually. Ferns, like all other plants, must have their season of rest, after which they will produce fine large foliage ; ajid unless rest is given to them occasionaly, the roots will soon be exhausted, and before many months the plant will be worthless, if not entirely lost. Nothing is more injurious to Ferns than drafts or strong currents of air, although air should be given wlienever practicable. As fpr soil, we can recommend peat mixed with sand and a small quantity of broken pieces of brick and charcoal; Silver-ferns will do well by adding a small portion of Sphagnum, cut up in small pieces. If planted in pots or boxes they should be well drained. The propagation of Ferns is practiced in various -ways and methods ; first by dividing up the roots, which is done in the same way as in propagating other plants ; second, by 290 THE CALIFOENIA HORTICULTURIST. spores, which is the most remimerative, but also the most troublesome method. The or- dinaiy way of doing this, is, to take some pieces of old rotteu bark, overgrown with moss, clean these pieces entirely from insects by ex- posing them to a sti'ong heat, and lay them in a box, jvirtly filled with white sand and covered with glass ; it is best to place this box in a warm situation inside of the green-house. On these pieces the spores are deposited, and whenever they require watering, they should be put into a basin- of water and immediately retui-ned to their box. Aiter the young plants have made their appearance, some of them are very apt to damp off on account of water- ing too much or from the effects of mildew ; as soon- as this is obsei-ved, they should be transplanted at once. This transplanting should be done into three inch pots, in the bottoms of which a few broken pieces should be placed for drainage ; these should then be filled up with pure sand, to within one ineh of the rim, so that they may be coA-ered with a piece of window glass; when the plants begin to show strongei- growth, they may be transplanted again into sand mixed with a small portion of peat, after which the soil . should be given as directed before. Another way of propagating some Ferns is by carefuly transplanting tlie young and del- icate plants which are formed upon the leaves of older plants. It will hardly be necessaiy to state, how delicate this process is and how carefully the watering must be performed ; yet, one will soon be accustomed to the work, by repeated practice ; if done rightly, this is the most successful method. We cannot begin to give a list of all the Ferns, which are well worthy of cultivation ; the number is very large. Some of the best are Adlaiilnin of which there are about eight vari- eties. Several of these which are very beau- tful are natives of California. They are used to o-reat advantage in bouquets, and our florists cannot raise enough of them to supply the demand. The popidar name witli us is " Maid- en-hair," and originated from Adiantuui Cap- illus-veneris,yvh.i(ih is one of the varieties of this family. They do well in a shaded place, and we would recommend in watering them to place the water in the saucers in which the pots stand. AspicUum, of which several varieties exist, are also very desirable Ferns ; some. of them have fronds from two to three feet in length. The PicrU family comprises some of the most beautiful of this class. A number of the P. argyraeasLYe cultivated h^re, and do well under ordinary circumstances . P . tricolor is probably the finest ; the upper part of the segments are dark green, the base silver-gray, and the centre is of a lively purple. P. ambrosa, a native of Australia, is also a very desii-able variety. Asplenium, Cyathea (mostly Tree-ferns) Polypodium, and Selaginella, are all good and worthy of extensive cultivation. Ferns are decorative plants, and as such used for many purposes, but our space will not permit us to describe the various ways in which they may be properly displayed. At some future time we will make this a spec;ial subject. A New Industry. — The sweet potato, used in various forms as an^ esculent, in making bread, as a substitute for coffee, in the brew- ing of beer, as well as for fattening farm animals is now beginning to be used in making syrup "far surpassing that of the beet and of the sorghum in delicacy of flavor, while the yield is much more abundant. The average product of a bushel of sweet potatoes— the yam variety being preferred— is alleged to be over two gallons, and as the average yield per acre on poor, sandy soil, is frqm 150 to 180 bushels, the product must necessarily be from 300 to 350 gallons of sp-up. This must open to the view of the piney-woods agricultui-ist a new and most profitable industry, one man, with a mule, being able to cultivate at least fifteen acres in potatoes. The residuum, after the juice for syrup has been extracted, is pro- nounced a valuable edible either for man or henst."— Monthly Report of Agricidtitrcd De- partmeid. -♦ Rhubarb.— Keep the flower-stalks cut off, as they needlessly exhaust the plants. THE CALIFORNIA HORTICULTURIST. 291 BIG TREES OF CALIFORNIA, (Sequoia gigantea.) Among the natural wonders of California the '.' Big Trees," which are to be found growing on the western slopes of the Sierra Nevadas, at an elevation ranging from 5,000 to 7,000 feet, are well worthy of our atten- tion. They are divided into distinct , clusters or groxxps, by the river valleys and deep canons, which liave their outlets on this side of the mountain chain. The most northern group is the one known as the "Calaveras grove," situated in the county of that name, about 150 miles east of San Francisco. Its elevation is 4,759 feet, and it contains about 200 trees. To the south east, at a distance of about fifty miles, is to be found the Mariposa group, Avhich consists of tM'o portions, an upper and lower; the first it is said (Contains four hundred and thirty, and the latter nearly two hundred trees ; these trees are at an elevation of six thou- sand and five hundred feet. A third group has been found eight miles southeast of the Mariposa grove, in Fresno County and still others are reported, east and south, about •fifty miles from Visalia, in Tulare County. These last are at an elevation of over 7,000 feet, and unlike those growing to the north- ward, they are not found as separate groups, but are scattered here and there throughout the forest for several miles. It will be observed, then, that these trees grow in a belt, which has its highest point in the Southern Sierra Nevadas, and passing to the northward dips down from 7,000 feet to a little under 5,000. The Sequoia gigantea is identical in every respect with the Sequoia sempervirens (Red- woods) of the Coast Range, with the exception of their great size. They have the same pro- perty of condensing fogs and mists which is so characteristic of their brethren of the coast, and the writer well remembers a visit made to the Mariposa and Calaveras groves in 1861, at which time he had the opportunity of ob- servinsf this action. Only the trees of the Calaveras and the Mariposa groves have been measured, with the exception of one or two in the Tulare district. Here, one was found to measure one hundred and six feet in circumference at its base, and two hundred and seventy sis feet in height. It had been burned on one side, and when entire, must have had a girth of from one hundred and fifteen to one hun- dred and twenty feet. This tree, however, at twelve feet from the ground, was only sev- enty-six feet in circiynferetice. These meas- urements wei'e made by the field party of the State Geological Survey ; during the sum- mer of 1864. The writer, in the spring of 1861, measured a niunber of the trees in the Mariposa grove, the largest of which was ninety one feet in circumference and aJ^out three hundred and sixty in height. In conclusion, let me 'give your readers a list of these trees, measured in the Calaveras grove by Dr. Charles T. Jaekson and Mr. Joseph B. Meader, in the year 1865. NAMEOFTREE. ^'%tr- """rSu"^- Arbor Vitse Queen, 258 31 Pride of the Forest, 260 50 Andrew Johnson, 273 32 Bay State, 280 48 Edward Everett, 265 46 He.nry W. Beech er, 291 45 William C. Bryant, 305 49 Abraham Lincoln, 281 44 Mother of the Forest, « 305 63 Daniel Webster, 270 49 General Jackson, 320 42 General Scott, 327 45 General Washington, ....■■• 284 52 Beauty of the Forest, . ./'. 258 Two Sen.tinels, 315 — — Old Kentucky, 277 45 Mother and Son, . . '., 269 64 T. Starr King, ...,..' 366 50 Trinity, 308 48 Salem' Witch, 310 Henry Clay, 241 44 Empire State, 275 50 Vermont, 259 44 Granite State, 286 50 John Torrey 50 S. 292 THE CALIFORNIA HORTICULTURIST. ENUMERATION OF SHRUBS AND TREES Grownng in the \nciuity of the mouth of San Fran- cisco Bay. BY PROF. HENRY N. BOLANDER. The territory in question is divided naturally into three parts : 1. The northern part of the peninsula of San Francisco, with an undulating and hilly surface, consists of drifting sand, Avith a small percentage of humus mingled with it. 2. The Oakland Hills, running N. 54" W. mag. , from the Bay of San Pablo to San Lean- dro, a distance of twenty-three miles, with the adjacent slopes and valleys. Heavy clayey soil jn-edominates ; but Avhere shrubs and trees grow, it is mostly a loose, light, and slightlj' sandy soil. 3. That part of Marin County between San Rafael, the head of Tomales Bay and Bolinas Bay, forming a triangle, with a hilly surface, the ridges running N. 54" W. mag.- Soil a heayv' clay, in the valleys and on bare hills; or a light, slightly sandy loam among shrubs and trees. In all partsametamorphic sand-stone under- lies the soil. BerberiK ( Mahonia) arpdfolium Pursh. A low evergreen shrub, three to four feet high, not gregarious J in clay soil on the hill sides; rare. Dendroinecon rigidum Benth. A shrub with slender upright branchlets, four to six feet high, rare ; on white sand- stone, Oakland hills, third range east\Vard, not gregarious. Rhxiii divemiloba Torr. and Gray. Poison Oak. . Everywhere, deciduous, exceedingly varia- ble, three to eight feet high. Negundo aceroides Moench. Box Elder. A medium sized tree, twenty to thirty feet high ; common among the Oakland hills, on banks of creeks. Aeer macrophyllum Pursh. Large-Leaved Maple. Common on the l)anks of Walnut Creek, . N. W. of Mount Diablo ; fifty to seventy feet high, and two to five feet in diameter, in light sandy soil. jEhcu Im Calif ornim Nutt. Horse-Chestnut. Mostly a shrub, sfeldom a medium sized tree, largest on the banks of creeks and moist hill sides ; grows commonly in groups. Com- mon. Etinriifmu!^ Ocridentaliii. Spindle Tree. A shrub seven to fifteen feet high, with slender upright branches ; in swampy places, near the head of Tomales Bay ; rare. Fniinjiild Cidijoniiea Gray. California Buck- thorn. Yery common, variable, four to ten feet high ; evergreen, gregarious, in clayey soil. 6'mno//^(^^• t}i;/rdfl,orus^sch. California Lilac Very common, and variable in sizJe, some- times handsome irees; exceedingly gregarious, forming dense chaparral, on the northern and eastern slopes of hills and mountains ; ever- green. Much cultivated on account of the profusion of its fragrant flowers, and the various shapes that may be given it by trim- ming. Ceanothuti rigidus Nutt. Low, straggling, four to six feet high, less gregarious than the former; on the white sand- stone hills, east of Oakland. Ceanoth us dentatux. A small shrub, three to four feet high, with very small glandular leaves ; mostly single or in groups, on Mount Tamal Pais at 2,700 feet elevation. L'upiitKx albifroni^ Benth. Silvek-Leaved Lupine. Very common in almost pure sandy soil, oblong in outline, two to six feet high ; grow- ing mostly single, evergreen. fjt(]>iiiiix macrocarpKs Hook, and Arn. Yel- Lt)W Lupine. Large, spreading, oval in outline, evergreen, with large fragrant flowers ; gregarious in moist gravelly places along the shore of the bay, and in depressions, or banks of runs, where the soil pavtakes of a clayey nature. THE CALIFOKNIA HOETICULTUEIST. 293 Pickeringia montana Nutt. Large, spreading-, four to seven feet high ; evergreen and gregarious on the Oakland white sand-stone hills. Cerasm ilwifolia Nutt. Cu^ifornia Cherry, or Plum. A small tree, eight to fifteen feethigh, vrith thick, shining, spinously serrate, evergreen leaves ; fruit of a yellowish-pink color, with a thin pulpy external portion. Hill sides on the joeninsula of San Francisco, growing most- ly in groups ; rare. Cercuwii^erotina Ehrh. Black Wild-Cherry. A group of three or four small trees, eigi't to twelve feet high, near a road in the Oakland hills. Undoubtedly introduced from the At- lantic States. Cerasus emarginota? Dougl. A small shrub, three to foul- feet high, with very slender reddish and white dotted branchlets, and deciduous leaves; rare. Tamal Pais, 2,700 feet elevation. Nutlallia cerasiformii< Torr. and Gray. Oblong in outline, four to six feet high, deciduous ; common on the northern slopes of hills, in clayey soil. Along the bay and Oakland hills. Spircea opulifolla Linn. Nine-Bark. Large, spreading, eight to fifteen feet high ; common on the banks of creeks among the Oakland hills. Spircea arice folia Smith. Common on banks of creeks and northern slopes of hills, Oakland. Cerocarpu^jyarvif alius Nutt. Rare on the hills in Marin County. Its spirally-tailed seeds give the shrub an appear- ance as if in full blqssom. Adenostemafasciculata Hook, and Arn. Oblong in outline, foiu' to five feet high ; very gregarious, forming extensive and dense chapaiTal on the southern and western slopes of the Oakland hills ; evergreen. Ruhus Nutkanns. Lindl. Thewble-Berry. Bubua velutinut^ Hook, and Arn. RuhimmacropetaJus Dougl. Blackberry. Northern slopes of hills, Oakland and Marin County. Bona hlauda Ait. Wild Rose. Very common on the banks of creeks, form- ing thickets. Oakland hills and Walnut Creek. Rosa gyriinocaipa Nutt. Hill .sides, Oakland. A small Ixit beautiful sjjecies, rather rare. Phofinia arbaiifolia Lindl. A handsome evergreen tree of medium size, in sandy soil. Common eveiywhere in the vicinity of water and springs. Amelanchicr (Janadensis. Var. Alnifolia. Torr. and Gray. Service-Berry. Northern slopes, four to twelve feet high ; in clayey soil, at Mission Dolores and Oakland hills. ' Ribes dirarii-atu m Dougl. Black Gooseberry. Ribes gludnomm Benth. Red Gooseberry. Ribes malvaceiim Smith. Black Currant. Banks of creeks and northern slopes. WIdpplea modesta Torr. In loose light soil, in the RedAVOods ; one to two feet high, rare. Cornus jmbcsccns Nutt. Soft-Leaved Doct- AVOOD. Large spreading, ten to fifteen feet high. Banks of creeks, Oakland hills. Lonicera iiirolurraia Banks. Twin-Berry. Large, with slender upright branches, ten to fifteen feet high. Borders of creeks and swamps, Bay of San Francisco, Oakland, Marin County. Lonicera. Califoniica Tow. and Gray; efrar. hispidida. Honeysuckle. Slender, climbing ; ^borders of streams. L. hispidula, on the out-croppings of white sand- stone, Oakland hills. Siimphoricarpus ract'iiiosus Mich. Snow- Bebry. Forming thickets in depressions on the Oakland hills, at 2,000 feet elevation, and along streams in the valleys. Clay soil — three to four feet high. 294 THE CALIFOENIA HORTICULTURIST. SamhucKH glavca Niitt. Elder. Sambucuspubens Mich . Red-Berried Elder. Dry hill sides and bordevp of wet places. S. glfiKca, often tree-like and twenty feet high. Oakland, Marin County. Aplopappus lancifolius Gray. A low fastigiate-branched shrub, one to three feet high ; veiy common in diif t-sand on the peninsula of San Francisco. POPULAE BOJANY. CHAPTER X. We shall conclude our remarks upon the leaves by referring to their death and fall. Leaves are said to be fu(jacioiii< if they fall soon after their first ajDpearance ; if they live but only one season, and fall in the late sum- mer or aiitumn, they are said to be deciduous; while if the}' remain throughout the cold sea*- son, and until new leaves are developed, they ar'^ said to be persisfenf. Plants ha'^ing this charateristic are called evcrgreen-i: a name given to them from the fact, tbat at no time are they destitiite of leaves. In nearl}- all cases leaves live but for a year, thougli tliere are some trees (as the Firs) whose Iceaves live, and continue in active duty for a number of years. This falling of the leaves at a certain period of theii' existence, is not occasioned by the action of frost, as is generally supposed ; for we find them losing their vitality long prior to the first frosts, and when spring vegetation is destroyed by late frosts, the leaves do not as a general thing drop, but remain on the tree or shrub in a blackened and shrivelled condition. The fall is due to the formation of an articulation at the base of tlie petiole, where it rests upon the stem. After the leaf is de- veloped, it progresses raj^idly in its growth, and in a short time attains its full size. The base of the leaf is now no longer able to in- crease at the same rate as the stem, and so a joint is formed at its base, which, in its growth pushes the leaf from its point of attachment. This annual production of leaves is a vital necessity to all plants, no matter where, or how grown. Water in the form of rain, is the mediiim througli Avhich the plant derives its nourish- ment from the soil. This the plant absorbs through its roots in the form of a vapor, after it has been impregnated with the necessary mineral constituents required by it ; now, as the leaves act as the lungs or oxydizing or- gans, and exhale a large amount of the water received by the roots, there is necessarily left behind in their textures a certain quantity of this mineral matter, which, at last, so fills up the interstices as to render the leaf useless and unable to perform its duty. In decidu- ous j^lants, at this j^oint comes a season of repose, and they do not start into active life again until the following spring, when new leaves are developed. In the evergreens, however, this action is continually going on ; old leaves falling, and new ones appearing. Having in these papers passed in review the principal organs of j)lants, such as the root, stem and lea"^es, we shall, before touch- ing upon the action of flowering, give a few thoughts to the food and nutrition- of them. Vegetation, as we have said previously, is the connecting link between the inorganic Avorld and animal life. There are two classes of materials found in all plants; one of these, the mineral or inorganic constituents, may to a certain extent be called accidental, and although in some cases essential, yet in a broad sense they are not necessarily so. The other class, however, carbon, hydrogen, oxy- gen and nitrogen are absolutely sine qua nou. These four elements are absorbed from the soil and the air. The oxygen and hydro- gen are supplied in the form of water, and no doixbt luit that a large amount of nitrogen is coilve3'ed to the plant by this means as well. Nitrogen forms a large percentage of atmospheric air, and being only mechanicall}' mi.ved with the oxygen, is readily dissolved by the falling rain and so carried to the roots of the plant. But a much larger amount of nitrogen is added to the plant in the form of ammonia, a compound of hydrogen and ni- trogen produced by the decay of animal and THE CALIFORNIA HORTICULTURIST. 295 vegetable substances. This fact has led to the use of the cliffereut varieties of fertilizers and manures, whose valuable properties de- pend upon the amount of nitrogen which they contain. The remaining element, carbon, and which makes up the principal jjart of all plants, is mainly derived from the atmo- sphere, where it is largely found in the foi-m of carbonic acid gas. Tiere are two ways in which it enters the plant : one by the way of the leaves, which dii-ectly absorb it, and the other by the roots, to which it is carried, dissolved in water. The atmosphere, then — if we consider water in the form of vapor a part of it — is the great som-ce from whence vegetation derives its food. In our next chapter we shall show how the plant, after receiving this food, digests and converts it from unorganized matter into liv- ing structui-e. ORVJAMENTAL AND LANDSCAPE GARDENING. SECTION X. In our former numbers we have endeavored to present to the readers of this Magazine general instructions for the laying out and planting as well as for the management of the ground around a city residence, or a small country one which we have elected to call a fourth rate garden, a term which has been used b;v- some of the best authors on Land- cape Gardening, and which should be applied to the grounds of a residence bordered and defined by close neighbors and public streets. The arrangement of such grounds is to a great extent determined by the surroundings already existing, and we are frequently under the necessity of conforming with the concep- tions of our neighbors or of (arranging) in conformity with improvements already estab- lished. The effect to be produced in such a case must necessarily be circumscribed to the inside arrangement. We now propose to give our ideas in regard to the arrangements around a countiy resi- dence of larger dimensions, where we are not restricted by streets and close neighbors, and where the surroundings and approach may be beautified in a becoming manner. Such a residence we shall call a third-rate, and the dimensions of the ground should be from one to three acres. In selecting the grounds for a third-rate country residence, man}- impor- tant points must be taken into consideration : 1st, Convenience in reaching the place of business ; 2d, Pure and healthy atmosphere ; 3d, Soil, and water for irrigating piu-poses; 4th, SuiToundings and scenery, and, 5th, Natural attractions and improvements already existing. • As to the convenience of traveling to and fro, we are veiy much opposed to the selection of grounds too close to the jjublic roads, rail- road, or steamboat landings, and decidedly so to the building of aresideoiceinclose proximity to public highways, w-hich are very annoying in many respects. The dust of a frequented road deprives us of the refreshing jjure o-reen of vegetation ; the right of all classes of mankind to congregate within our hearing, the deprivation of privacy, and the many dangers to which we are subject, are all ob- jectionable. The atmosphere should be pure and healthy; and an elevated locality is therefore always preferable. The neighborhood of factories and the close proximity of low, marshy land should be avoided. The soil should, at least, be of a good av- erage, a deep light loam is the best ; although almost any kind of soil may be put in condi- tion for cultivation by expenditure of money and labor ; but even the best soil will not be productive of much good, unless a good supply of water for ii-rigating purposes may be ob- tained. Where running streams and sprinos can be made available, the^- are preferable but where natui-e does not sujjply this most indispensable necessaiy for vegetable life artificial means must be brought into requi- sition. We often wonder why more steam- pumps are not erected in this countiy, which certainly can be depended upon, if wells are constructed properly; the expense of sup- pljing gi'ounds with water by such pumps 296 THE CALIFORNIA HORTICULTURIST. would be veiy small, and pressure can be obtained sufficient to use hose, and play fountains. Windmills are good enough as long as they can be kept in motion ; horse power requires more attention than steam, while the expense of a horse is not much less than the fuel used for a steam-pump. Surroundings and scenery add much to the attractions which a country residence may oifer. An elevated position should therefore be selected. Nothing heightens the effect of landscape more than a commanding view of such striking or interesting points as the surrounding country may possess. The natui-al attractions and improvements which already exist may save a great amount of expense, add to its picturesqueness, and relieve the grounds of much of their new appearance. We often see ignorance and barbarism displayed in bringing the axe and saw into requisition for the destruction of that, which a true and experienced landscape gardener would have turned to very good use, and which cannot be replaced for years to come. If all these points have been here studied by a competent landscape gardener, his work in accomplishing the desired end will be 'much easier, and the combination of the nat- ural advantages already developed, with his skill to make use of them to the best advantage in the general arrangement, will produce, in a short space of time and at a comparatively small expense, a result, which otherwise would have taken many years to accomplish. Quail as Insect Eaters. — A boy in Ohio having shot a quail as a depredator on the corn crop under his charge, was induced to examine the bird's crop. He there found one ' oat-worm, twenty one striped cucumber and one hundred chinch-bugs, but not a grain of corn. Thus the poor quail, while doing its best to benefit the agriculturist, becomes the innocent victim of slanderous suspicion. This bird-killing propensity should be check- ed by severe legal remedies. CALIFORNIA FRUITS AND FLOWERS. Reasons for Ratisf action.— A Short, suggestive though imperfect ]-.ist of Fruits adapted to our Soil and Climate for beginners in Fruit Culture. If there be one thi:ig more than any other that the dwellers in this remarkable and in many respects, unique and grand State have to congratulate themselves upon, it is in the wonderful, varied, and immense productions of its fruits and flowers. All of them being al- most entirely beyond the baneful eftects of frosts, destructive insects, great floods, or even droughts, these last chiefly affecting the crains. As to the first, so hurtful in the greater portion of the more Eastern regions, especially in late sirring ; and which in some of their winters destroy even the very trees themselves ; the freezing in California, except in very elevated lands, creates a skim on the ponds and lakes no thicker than a quarter of a dollar. As to injurious insects, there are at present but very few, and their inroads on fruits, flowers, grasses and grains, are trifling compared with these terrible scom-ges of Eastern orchards and gardens, destroying as they do, (and they are still multiplying at a rapid rate,) enormous quanities of fruits as well as trees, rendering Plums almost a total failure, killing Peach and other trees, and making many fruits altogether unmarketable. As to the want of sufficient rain heve, some seasons, say at most, two years in five — this does not injure, in general, any fruit trees after their first year's planting, and during this first year, irrigation must be resorted to; there- fore the drought, when excessive, aflects grasses and grains, and small plants alone, and then only when artificial watering cannot be used. How fortunate are we, too, in com- parison with our Eastern friends, even when the seasons ai-e most favorable, to have the enjoyment of so many more fruits than the_\ have, owing to our semi-tropical, and in some parts tropical climates; and particu- larly in having unlimited yields of those de- licious fruits. Apricots, Nectarines and exotic Grapes. THE CALLFORNIA HORTICULTURIST. 297 With regard to flowers — those beautiful and refining companions of our existence, which delight our senses both of sight and smell, em- bellish our dwellings internally and extern- all}^ — we have hardly any need of hot-houses or conservatories', unless we wish to add to the lengthy list of those which bloom and flourish so well in the open air, those which are of the most tender and tropical character. Then as to the size, both in height and breadth, of our ornamental plants, in what part of the Eastern States, in the open garden , shall we find the Fuschia, Greranium, Lemon Verbena and numerous other plants growing to the height of ten feet? Where in the East can the Peac tree from the seed produce fruit in 17 months ? Tet the proof can be adduced at any time of this fact from one of the most respectable and reliable of living nurserymen. The tiaith is, trees of all kinds grow nearly twice as fast as in the East, and come into bearing in less than half the time. Oui' atmosphere is so dry during the whole season that rotting of the frxiits on the trees is unknown, and they re- main on them in sound condition long after they are ripe, thus gi-eatly prolonging, with safet}', the season of gathering. In what clime after the diy season has com- menced, for a period of between four and five months, is there less labor requii-ed to keep the ground in good order, and above all, free from weeds ? It is true, however, that the neces- sity for good culture exists here no less than in any other part of the world, owing to the exhausting nature of a climate where heat and drought are so prolonged. I would here, in closing this discursive let- ter, present the following limited, but, it is believed, correct and reliable list as far as it extends, of fruits found by practical cultiva- tors and salesmen in this State, best suited to its soil and climate, and most profitable for the cultivator, and, to a considerable extent, suited to the taste of the consumer. Apples, Summer Varieties. — Red Astra- chan, Red June, Summer Bellflower or Yellow B. Early Strawberry, Summer Rose, Early Hai-vest (Prince's) and Keswick Codling. 2 Fall Varieties.^-Graxenstein, Porter, Sibe- rian Crab, Fall Pippin and ^Esopus Spitzen- berg. . Winter Varieties. — ^Baldwin, Roxbury Rus- set, White Winter Pearmain, Yellow Newtown Pippin, Newtown Spitzenburg, Swaar, Wine- sap, Rhode Island Greening, Jonathan, Blue Pearmain, Green Newtown Pippin, Nickajack, Mammoth Pippin, Fallawater, Oi-tley Pippin, Alexander, King's Apple, Smith's Cider and Rome Beauty. Pears, Summer Varieties. — Madaline, Dearborn's Seedling, Bartlett, Bloodgood, Doyenne d'Ete and Flemish Beauty. Fall Varieties. — Duchesse d'Angouleme, White Doyenne or Vii'galieu, Seckle, Buen'e Diel, Buerre Hardy, Washington, Bueri-e Gilibrd, Buerre d'Anjou, Vicar of Winkfield, Dix and Rostiezer. Winter Varieties. — Winter Nelis, Easter BueiTe and Glout Morceau. '- Quinces. — ■ Orange and Apple. Cherries. — Black Eagle, Bkck Tartarian, Governor Wood, Holland Bigarreau, Napo- leon Bigarreau, Knight's Early Black, Royal Anne, May Duke, Late Duke, Black Hawk, Yellow Spanish and Elton. Plums. — Washington, Coe's Late Red, Cpe's Golden Drop, Damson, Ickworth's Im- peratrice, Duane's Pui-ple, Green Gage, Gen- eral Grant, Hungarian Prune, German Prune, Early Orleans, Lombard and Jefferson. Apricots, — Mooi-park, Early Golden, Large Early and Duboise Early Golden. Peaches. — Early Tillotnon, Early York, Early Crawford, Hale's Early, Large Early York, Strawberry, Royal George, Melecaton Red Cheek, Mammoth Melecaton, Smock Free, Old Mxon Free, Morris White, Heath Free, Heath Cling, and Old Mixon Cling. Nectarines. — Large White, Large Red and White, Orange and ,Golden. Grapes for Table, Black Varieties. — Black Hambui-g, Black Prince and Black Morocco. 298 THE CALIFORNIA HORTICULTUEIST. White or Amher-colored Vai^ieties. — White Muscat of Alexandi-ia, White Sweet-water, Chasselas de Fontainbleau, Cannon Hall Muscat, White Malvoisie. Rose-colored FarieZie.s.— Flame-colored To- kay and Eose of Peina. Hard]! Variety, suited to elevated mountain regions.— Isabella. For Wine. — Riesling, Mission, Zinhndel, etc. Strawberries. — Longworth's Prolific, Tri- omph de Grand, Bxitish Queen, Jucunda, Wilson's Albany and Kentucky, (very late.) Raspberries.— Red Antwerp and Falstaff. Blackberries. — Lawtou or New Rochelle, Kittatinny and Dorchester. Currants.— Cherry, Red Dutch, White Dutch or White English and Black English. Walnuts. — American Black, large, Cal- ifornia Black, Butternut, Hickory nut. Pecan nut and English. E. J. Hoopek. San Francisco, August 7tli, 1871. ESSAY, Read by Col. D. S. Cuktiss, on invitation, before the Potomac Fruit Growers' Society, at Washington, D. C, July 11th, 1871. Mr. President and Members of the Soci- ety : — Association is tjie genius of the age — the distingmshing feature of the times. All great enterprises — religious, moral or mer- cenary— adopt this great attractive principle, and without it none expect extended or per- manent success. Associatiu)i is really the great fulcrum of all powerful movements, and the Press is the subtle lever by which they are moved. Artists and artizans — mechanics and merchants — 'all trades and professions have their unions and societies. These organizations are now as common as the works of their heads and hands — while all, to some extent, have pe- culiar means of identity and frateriiity. All have their systematic organizations and com- binations, for mutual protection and enjoy- ment, and into whose sacred circle none are admitted but members. All have embraced this effective operation except that great and important class which feeds and sustains all — the farmers and producers — upon whose la- bors and prosperity all other business depends for prosperity and support. And if the farming community do not speed- ily arouse themselves and promptly adopt this great element of pecuniary and intellectual advancement, they will soon find themselves outstripped by all other callings of theii- more wise and fortunate brothers. Besides, it is the duty, as well as the privi- lege, of that responsible class which feeds all and upon which all depend, that they should use all means and avail themselves of every facility for rendering them as effective and pow- erful as possible. Being the basis and support of all, it is the duty and privilege of the farmer to take the lead of all in the march of intelli- gence, prosperity and enjoj^ment. And this can be done by association only. The peculiar character of the fanners' busi- ness renders them more isolated and more widely spread in their communities than are other professions ; and in consequence of this , sparse nature of their settlement they are less social, and, of course, enjoy less of joyous and instructive conversation and comparing of notes, which is so conducive to knowledge and intelligence. "The isolation of families, occasioned by the sparse settlement of farming districts, has been not only a personal hardship, but a bar to material progress. Dull and hopeless monotony on isolated farms has driven many a bright boy from the farm-home, and deprived agricultitre of much-needed intelligence ; but more unfortunate still has been that inertia and torpidity engendered of solitude, render- ing the mind inimical to reform, however advantageous. Often beyond the reach of his nearest neighbor, visiting the village but once a week, the farmer has been secluded from communion with his kind ; and, thus cut ofi" from the current of progress, his life's business was left for generations among the most backward of industries ; his children THE CALIFOKNIA HOKTICULTUEIST. 299 growing up to follow his steps, as he followed his father's and grandfather's before him." Happily, this is not now so much the case as it was when some of us were boys, and even before some others of you were bom. The great improvements of the age, in mechanism, intelligence and facilities for transit, have much ameliorated this condition. . Here is one significant central fact that we will do W.-11 to look at in the outset, which is the ver\- small representation and influence that farmers have in our legislative halls — national and State. At the organization of the last session of Congress there were pres- ent 219 members ; and how many of these do you suppose were farmers, to represent this great, peculiarly farming nation? In that body there were 134 lawyers, 11 farmers, and 64 of all other classes. Yes, in 219 members of Congi-ess there were 134 lawyers, and only 11 farmers — not one-twentieth of the repre- sentation from that class which produces all and fe^ds all, and which outnumbers any other class in the nation. Is it any wonder then that so little legislation is enacted for the benefit of agiicultui-e, and so miich for commercial and legal professions'? Is it any wonder there is so much law that even the well-read can scarcely understand — laws framed and worded purposely to require the services of lawyers and to sustain their pro- fession, and for which the producing laboring classes must pay? And this will be* so, just so long as farmers refuse to unite for their common knowledge, influence and elevation. Even the standing Committee on Agiicul- ture, in both Houses of Congress, show an equally meager representation of farmers. For instance : Senate Commiitee. — Simon Cameron, of Pennsylvania a politician ; Thos. J. Robert- son, of South Carolina, doctor and planter; Thomas W. Tipton, of Nebraska, lawyer and preacher ; Abijah Gilbert, of Florida, a mer- chant; Thomas C. McCreery, of Kentucky, a laT\yer and planter. House Committee. — J. T. Wilson, of Ohio, a merchant and fanner; William Loughridge, of Iowa, a lawyer ; John Fisher, of New York, a merchant and iron manuf actui'er ; William J. Smith of Tennessee, a painter and horti- culturist ; DaA-id P. Dwyer, of Missouri, a lawyer; Jacob Benton, of New Hampshire, a lawyer; John M. Crebbs, of Illinois, a lawyer; Samuel B. Axtell, of California, a lawyer ; Henry A. Beeves, of New York, studied law, anfl an editor. While visiting the great agricultural States, Pennsylvania and Ohio, last winter — I had access to lists of the members of the Legis- latures of those States, and found that an equally small propoi-tion were fanners — though farming is the chief business. Now, I do not insist that farmers shall be- come politicians — but they ought to stiidy the 23olicy of the nation, and elect a number of their own profession, equal in proportion to their number of voters, and the vast and vital importance of their business, if they expect equal justice in tha laws, and to be properly protected by government. Therefore, as all other callings and professions adopt this potent and magic influence to advance their interests, farmers must do the same, or they will soon find themselves fatally falling behind all others on the march of improvement and scientific progress which distinguishes our age. Their union in association will greatly aid them in procuiing information and education on all topics useful to them ; and by it they will be, in a large degree, better able to take advantage of the markets, and control the prices of theii- own products, which are now almost entirely dictated to them by brokers and speculators. It will also largely afford them the power and facilities for making their just rights and influence better known and more properly felt and regarded in legislation and elections. It will make them better ac- quainted with one another, with each other's views, and lead to harmonious co-operation. Members thus associated for theu- common good meet in their mystic cu'cles, in complete confidence, on a common plane of safety, fearing no shams or im2:iosifions- — for common interest and fraternal regard — leaves no motive to deceive any among themselves, 300 THE CALIFORNIA HORTICULTURIST. while they are protected and guarded against impostors, from without, thus enhancing business facilities and social enjoyments. Too constant confinement at home and the farm, and the absence of frequent commin- gling with our fellow-beings in social inter- course, is liable to dwarf the mind and contract the spirit of enterprise; Avhile fre- quent and systematic association with our kind will expand the intellect, elevate its aims, and give wholesome breadth to am- bition ; inciting em^ilation and friendly com- petition, by widening the range of thought and investigation in all the sphere of our operations. Such, in brief, would be some of the effects of proper association among farmers, if they were organized in some fra- ternal and systematic order, which should be uniform throughout the country "and world, and mutually understood by all. With minds as great and purposes as hon- orable as any, all that farmers now need to raise themselves to a commanding position of power and influence, inferior to none, superior to all, is harmonious organization and concert of action ; and by it they would speedily rise to a degree of knowledge and efficiency com- mensurate with the vast importance of their calling. Intelligence shovild be the basis of all asso- ciation, as it should be the chief motive of all enterprises ; only by it can the command to possess and subdue the world and enjoy it, be complied with ; by intelligent thought, actively developed in works, are the elements of nature understood and subdued, and ap- plied for ovir use and jjrofit. Such an association, such an order has been established, and is in beautiful operation in many of the States of the Union ; from which the farmers and producers belonging to it, are already signally realizing the beneflts of it, not enjoyed by those not members. This Order is based on wide, firm, scientific princi- ples. It is styled the Pa/rons of HudjaiKlry. A number of intelligent, philanthropic, thinking gentlemen— of this country and Eu- rope—producers of thorough experience, as- sembled in this city several years ago, after long and carefvil deliberation, devised the plan and prepared the ritual and constitution of this Order, to meet the wants of all classes of farm- ers and horticulturists, and furnish them Avith the greatly needed facilities for protection against the schemes and operations of sharpers and speculators. ' That devoted body of men spent many anxious and thoughtful days in this noble labor of love and science. The forms of the Order consist in a National Grange, established here at Washington, the National Capital, with provisions for State "•ranees in all of the Spates, and subordinate granges in counties and towns, wherever the producers may choose to organize them. Its society consists in membership of all who are engaged or interested in the prosperity and elevation of agriculture, as farming, garden- ing, horticulture and stock raising, etc., and comprising parents of both ibexes, with their children — thus embracing the entire family, as all its members are alike interested in its wel- . fare and highest cultul-e and happiness— re- quiring the fraternal pledge, of all, to truth, honor and fidelity to each other and the Order, with secret or confidential means of recogni- tion and admission into the granges or lodges. Such are the form and construction of the Order. The motives and details of its busi- ness are to collect information, impart instruc- tion, enlarge the social intercourse, and secure protection and efficient co-operation for the common good. Partizan politics are disclaim- ed by the Order, and partizan discussions excluded from the granges— members beiag free to vote for such candidates and parties as they may choose and believe-will best promote the highest welfare of the country and its pro- ducers. The highest and most beautiful effects to be produced by this systematic association among farmers would be social and intellectual im- provements and enjoyments of both sexes. To a large extent, the men Avho make the laws control the liberty and prosperity of the people; hence it is of the highest inportance that the producing classes should look well to it Ayho are elected to make their laws. In association there is power, as in knowledge : THE CALIFORNIA HORTICULTURIST. 301 in familiar and frequent discussions they are enabled not only to determine who is suitable and what is wanted, but also to better qualify themselves and secure wise selections. Dis- cussion and comparing ^iews will elicit truth and correct eiTor, better than eloquent lectures and studied essays, by prompting inquiry and reply, bringing oiit the united experience and ideas of the many, to be criticized and test- ed by the inspection and observation of all. And this is the regular practical result of pro- ceedings in the granges of the Patrons. And it is a rapidly growing Order — its numbers con- tinually increasing in different States — and it must speedily become a controlling power in the land, elevating the producers and control- ing the markets for the benfit alike of producers and consumers ; so that, instead of being vic- tims and a subordinate class, farmers will be Jirsl in dignity and power, as they already are most essential and important. Biit to effect this, they must have a livelier regard for the useful library than for the cost- ly parlor ; they must be more willing to make liberal expenditures for books and papers than for tawdry and fashion. Let every one to whom the query is applicable answer to himself how many are there who expend hundreds of dollars to ornament the j)arlor, while hardly ten dollars are expended for practical and scientific books to enlighten and aid yoiu'selves and families in prosecuting your business? The influence exerted in the Granges of Patrons is calculated to improve its members, ven- happily, in this direction ; and such is the design, and will be the practical results of asso- ciation with the Order, on the honest, indus- trious producers of the countiy , wherever they unite with the Order. Then, as is just and appropriate, will the Feeders of the nation bear rule over the land — with the j)low, and not the sword; then will all the people, in peace and plenty, honor Hus- bandry, and with joy and gladness bless all its Patrons — when wisdom will rule the heads and direct the hands, as charity will warm the hearts and control the will of men and women. Pabsnips need cnltivatiug until the leaves cover the ground. TIMBER TREES. We have received a very interesting pam- phlet from our esteemed friend, Prof. F. von Muller, of the Botanical Gardens of Mel- bom-ne, in which this gentleman enumerates the principal timber trees adapted for Victoria industrial culture. The list comprises nearly three hundred varieties of forest trees, many of which are cultivated in our gardens for or- nament, and few of them only for timber. While we see the necessity for encouraging the cultivation of timber trees in this countiy, it ^11 be well to look about and observe what steps other communities take to bring- about the desired result, and what the good c{vialities are of those trees which we cultivate now for ornament only. We make the follow- ing extracts from the list of von Muller's enumeration. Araucaria BidirilU, native of Southern Queensland. A tree one hundred and fifty feet in height, mth a fine-grained, hard and durable wood; the seeds are edible. Araucaria excelsa (Norfolk Island Pine. ) A magnificent tree, sometimes two hundred and twenty feet high, with a tinink attaining ten feet in diameter. The timber is useful for ship building and many other pru'poses. Araucaria imhricata, of Chili and Patago- nia. The male tree attains only a height of fifty feet, but the female reaches one hundred and fifty feet. It furnishes a hard and durable timber, as well as an abundance of edible seeds, which constitute a main article of food of the natives. Eighteen good trees will yield enough for a man's sustenance all the year round. In the low lands it is of com- paratively slow growth, but likely to be of far more rapid development, if planted in the ranges. [For many years to come, we will have to content ourselves with cultivating this tree sole- ly as an ornamental one, as both seeds and voung plants which are imported, are rare and costly. Mr. Muller had the kindness to send us some of the Araucaria Bidwilli seeds ; they are about the size and form of large Almonds, 302 THE CALIFORNIA HORTICULTURIST. and the joung plants are now making their appearance, after being in the ground six weeks. This, we believe, is the first attempt on this coast to raise this tree from seed. Ed.] Cryptomt'ria Japonica . A slender evergreen tree, one hundred feet high. It requires forest valleys for successful growth. The Avood is compact, very white, soft and easy to work. [The C. Japonica seems to thrive well in California, and as an ornamental tree it is highly esteemed. — Ed.| Damwara AusfraUs, Kauri Pine, North Island of New Zealand. This magnificent tree measures, under favorable circumstances, one hundred and eighty feet in height and seventeen feet in diameter ; the estimated age of such a tree being 700 or 800 years. It furnishes an excellent timber for furniture, masts of shijDS, or altnost any other jaurpose ; it yields, besides, the Kauri resin of commerce, which is largely obtained from the stem of the tree. Dammara rohvi decay if exposed to wet or air for any length of time. They grow in dry situations and in the midst of al- most impenetrable chaparral. This Lily should form one of the chief or- naments of our gardens; its delightful fra- grance may be noticed to a great distance, and is much more agreeable than the perfume of the Lilium auratum. Lilium giganleum, by some called Lilium Huperbum, which we believe is erroneous. This Lily is found in the meadows of the highest mountain valleys, and seems to be of easy growth. The flower has an orapge-y el- low ground, the petals are much recurved and give it a very graceful appearance ; they are of «a bright red color toward the end, and dotted with large dark-brown specks. The stamens which are of a light greenish- yellow, project some three to four inches; The pollen is of an orange-brown. The stock and foliage are very similar to that of the L. Washingtonii, and they also keep green for a long time after flowering. The bulb is sometimes yellow, at other times pink, and at times of both colors; it is smaller and the scales are also smaller and are easily broken oft'; this plant is of a more creeping habit. We have seen this Lily in bloom when heavy frost was visiting the val- leys near the summit. In our next we shall .^ive a description of the reroaining varietielfe. Double-Flourriag Lilium Auratum. Mr. Hudson, an amatuer gardener, has ex- hibited in our Horticultural Fair a double- flowering L. Auratum, which is certainly a novelty in our experience. When the first flower opened, we confess our idea was that the thing was merely accidental and that per- haps two flowers had found their way into one ; but we were surprised to see that other flowers opened as double as the first. The stock is not as robust in growth aS the single THE CALIFOENIA HORTICULTUEIST. 317 well known varieties, but the flowers are more graceful and far superior in elegance. Mr. Hudson received this luilb in a lot of the common variety, and feels very proud of this specimen. A Striped Pelargonvim . Messrs. Meyer & Co. exhibit, in tlie H(jrti- cultural Fair, a Pelargonium, the petals of which are well marked with broad stripes of a pure white, on a rosy-pink ground ; it has been raised by Mr. Hening from seed, and has proved true to its present color for over a year. The plant is covered with flowers, and eveiy flower is a perfect representative of it^ character. Ci;0fffSi|)0tttlcnfc. Emmaton, Sherman Island, July 31st, 1871. Editor Horticulturist: Press of work has delayed my writing you my regular contri- bution. THE GRAIN CROP UPON THIS ISLAND. The barley crop is about all of it harvested, and the yield has varied in various parts of the Island according to the threshing; the largest return has been 75 bushels to the acre, but in the footing up the general average has been 60 bushels, all of it of prime quality. Barley seems to do well upon this land. About 125,000 sacks of different kinds of grain will be the yield of this season. Oats. — But little has been done in this cereal this season, but where land was sown it has yielded good results. The Norway variety seems to do well when put in, in December. The field near my house, volunteer, averaged 80 bushels to the acre, and when we take into consideration the value of this grain, it pays the farmer well. The average height through- out the field was about seven feet. This cereal ought to be more generally cultiv^^ted for the market, the only drawback has been its scarc- ity of seed. The Wheat Grop.—X. very large breadth of land was cultivated with wheat, more than of any other cereal, and taking a general view of the season the yield has been good ; the best fields have not as yet been threshed, but the coming month will piit a large amount of this taple into the market. There were probably 6,000 acres grown this season upon this Island. .One field of 80 acre.^ h-"s been threshed, and the average of it was 60 bushels to the acre, one portion of the field defined up 75 to the acre. I am o^f opinion that the clean up of the harvesting will be 45 bushels to the acre taking the early with the late sow- ing throughout the Island. Much difficulty has been experienced this season in gathering the grain, on account of the cracking of the surface of the land in many places, particularly in the middle or backlands ; this in my opinion is attributable to their being fjo far from the river. As the soil gets parched it seems to contract and separate, which makes it difficult and ex- pensive to gather the crops, as it cannot be either reaped or hauled by horse-power. The grain that grows upon this ground is veiy heavy, and the harvesting is conse- quently slow and tedious. One field of 600 acres is now being harvested by Chinamen at so much per acre, five to seven dollars accord- ing to the circumstances ; there are now 47 at work on this field. In gathering grain by this method, hardly a single head is lost, the work is all done by or with the sickle of John Chinaman, who thus comes in to do our harvesting. Their mode of cutting is to step off an acre of ground and three men cut it together, through the field. As time rolls on this difficulty will be remedied, men will begin to understand the cultivation of tule lands, ditches will be cut from the river and from the sloughs running through the land, and water in abundance Avill be let on as required ; by this means the ground will exjjand, and this difficulty will no longer be experienced by the tillers of the soil. I have seen this tested, and I am sat- isfied that it is our only course to pursue. At the present time much interest is being taken in regard to reclaimed lands, and we ought to be very careful and not too hast}^ 318 THE CALIFORNIA HORTICULTURIST. in estimating their value. This cannot be done immediately, time is required, a great expense is involved, not one or two, but four or five years of study, observation and ex- perience are necessary to arrive at a ust estimate of its value. There probably is not any richer land to be found in this State Lliau bur reclaimed laud will prove to be in the future ; at present we know nothini^ of it,-> capacity for growing. Staples that have never been grown to ael- vantage will come in as a standard crop. I see (by one of the daily papers, the Alfa, I believe) that New Zealand Flax is being in- troduced into this State. In my opinion that is just what may be cultivated on this land to perfection, and I hope that some action will be taken, that we may obtain a good supply of the seed for the coming Reason, so as to put it to the test. Other dax grows well here. In conclusion : we are getting along Viiry well, the town is improving, in a short time the hotel will be completed, so that any who desire to come and see us, can do so without any inconvenience. Potatoes are plentiful, and some are getting their grain land ready for a crop of Hay, so that rush is the order of the day upon this jDlace all the year round. Every one appears cheerful, and the store iij doing a thriving business. The boats stop daily at ovir wh3,rf , and our population is on the incroase ; the school' is well attended, and all the machinery of farming is running smoothly. D. L. Perkins. '.Vasuington, July 2GLh, 1871. Editor- Hort.ividiaruiL: The weather tliis summer har been fine, generally ; no severe drought, and not too much rain, so that most crops in Jie Potomac region are a lair average. Fruits gcneraiiy good, and garden vegetables fine and in great abundance. The " Potomac Fruit Society," which meets monthlv is r'omriarativeiy an old institution and riourishing. As its last proceedings developed some facts and ideas, which may be useful to your readers, I herein give you a synopsis of their proceedings, at the July meeting. The Potomac Fruit Growers' Association met at 11 o'clock on Tuesday, 11th inst., at the Board of Trade rooms, Judge Gray presid- ing; P. H. Polsom, Esq., secretary. After disposing of routine business, one of our most extensive and popidar florists, Mr. Saul, laid on the table some beautiful blos- soms of "the "Golden Japan Lily," They were much admired, especially for their frag- rance, and the thanks of the association were tendered o Mr. Saul for his exhibition. Next the Blackberry and Raspberry were discussod. Mr. Saul, in the course of his remarks, said: —The "Lawton" is the finest variety that was brought prominently into notice, and many still prefer it to the " Kittatinny," or any others ; but in my experience, I prefer the Kittatinny. I think it ripens more uni- formly. The "Wilson" is a very excellent fruit, and is the earliest. The Kittatinny and Missouri Mammoth follow in time of ripen- ing. Mr. Phillips. — Which of all others is the most desirable berry for market? Mr. Saul. — If I were going into the Black- berry culture I would not confine myself to any one, but would raise the Wilson, Kitta- tinny, and Missouri Mammoth. There is none that is superior to all others. Colonel Chamberlain. — In my neighbor- hood there are wild berries as large as any of these exhibited here, and very sweet. Mr. Saunders. — Regarding the varieties of the Blackberry, I found in going through one meadow in Maryland tour distinct varie- ties ; if anything, mort^ distinct than any of those now in cultivation, and equally as good. lo is wrong to confine ourselves to one variety. I*ersons have diflferent tastes; theij, too, they ripen at different times ; andaqain, one might prove a failure. They do not do well in rich soil ; the vines grow so luxuriantly that the wood does not ripen. In one case where they grew in the sod large crops were gathered. One gentleman planted in rich soil 48 Law- tons, training up two canes to a stake , the THE CALIFOENIA HORTICULTUEIST. 319 next year he had twelve bushels of fruit, but after that he did not obtain good crops. We have a great deal to contend with from un- ripened wood. Prof. Howland. — Two years ago last spring I went out into the woods, and from different localities got some black Raspberry bushes. I set out three rows in my garden, and when they came into bearing found a number of varieties, some of them being very fine, like the everbearing, while others were worthless. Altogether, at one picking, I obtained over ihree bushels from the three rows, i09 feet long. Mr. Saul. — The black Raspberry will bring- only half the price of the red. The latter is bought up immediately in the market. Prof. Wm. Saunders then asked : — Will Mr. Saul state which of the red Raspbemes he considers the best ? Mr. Saul. — I have found the "Philadel- phia" to be a very good, hai'dy RaspbeiTy. The "Elm City" also is a good variety. Mr. Saunders.— It is well for us to keep in view the difference between the foreign and our native Raspberry. The foreign is very superior to the native, but as you come south the weather is too dry and the sun is too warm for that plant. We can guard against the mil- dew by mulching ; and by laying down and covering them up, protect them from the frost. The Philadelphia is a seedling of the native Raspberry, and is therefore adapted to our climate. In some places on the Hudson the "Red Antwerp" is a very successful crop, but plants brought south have proved fail- ures. Mr. Saul. — I have known of its being suc- cessfully grown on the Hudson, but I can get no friut from the same vines in this locality. Friend Gillingham then read a good paper in regard to the deterioration of varieties of Fruit, maintaining that they do not "inin out." Mr. Saunders. — The old idea about the deterioration of varieties has been exploded. No ordinary cultivator ever entertained the idea. We have everything to show that there is no such deterioration of fruits. Mr. Phillips. — Is there any Apple which can be grown in this neighborhood to com- pare with our Northern fruits ! At the North they are stored in cellars, where they keep perfectly until sjjring, but I think there is none such here. Friend Gillingham. — Yes, sir, many of them ; the Winesap, Albemarle or Newtown Pippin, Abram, Pryor's Red, Limber Twig, and Cannan's Peannain are all good, and there are others, i am satisfied we can have as fine a list of Apples here as anywhere. Mr. Saunders. — ^They have an idea in Western New York that that is the only region £or raising fine winter fruit ; but that is a mistake. I should say that the hills of Virginia and North Carolina, is the best re- gion in the world. In the future southern fruits will be taken North for cultivation. The great trouble has been the planting of northern varieties in the South ; but southern pomologists have of late been paying atten- tion io southern seedlings, and now they have a list superior to the northern list. Some day tne North will be astonished at the show of southfern fruitn. Mr. Saul. — My ojiinion is the same. With northern varieties at the South, failure is certain. One gentleman said to me, " of 1,000 trees, I ^ would plant 99U Baldwins;" but I would set out the same number that were not Baldwins. We must get southern varie- ties. They will do better at the North than northern varieties will at the South. They have found that to be the case. Mr. Phillips. — If better Apples can be grown in the South than at the North, why is it that we are dependent upon the North en- tirely for winter Apples ? Mr. Saunders. — For the same reason that we had no Calif ornia . wine until long after it was known that it could be produced there. Hitherto the people have not taken hold of it, but a change is taking place. I know of a shipment of 2,500 barrels from Alexandria to the North ; $4,500 has been given for the product of a single Fredericksburg orchard, and thousands of bushels of dried Apples have been shipped North from Raleigh. The 320 THE CALIFORNLi HORTICULTUEIST. coming pomological exhibition at Richmond will astonish everybody who supposes that the South have no fruits. Judge G-ray. — Is this immediate locality an Apple-growing region? Would you advise a man on the Potomac to plant Apple trees as well as those who live back on the hills ? >Ir. Saul.— Yes ; particular varieties. Ap- ples can be successfully grown. The following is a partial list of Apples recommended by Mr. Saunders for cultiva- tion in this latitude : ^iickajack, Abram, Albemarle Pippin, Winesap, Cullasaga, Lim- bertwig, :Milam, Schockley, Mattamuskeet, Hall's °Early, Golden Wilding, Piyor's Red, Cannan Pearmain, -Smith's Cider, Borum, Halliday's Seedling, Brooke's Pippin. After some further debate, on call of the President, Col. Curtiss delivered an interest- in*^ address upon the efficiency of association. D. S. C. (gcUtorial 6lcatti«()$. So rapid has been the growth of the un- exampled crops on Sherman Island, that the farmers are making haste to clear their grounds in order to prepare them for the reception of potatoes, which they feel con- fident will mature before the close of the fall. The Marysville Appeal of the 10th instant says: "The Walker Bros., on the Honcut, have nearly completed heading. They will begin threshing in a few days. These enter- prising ranchers will probably hai-v-est about seventeen thousand bushels of gi-ain this season, thirteen thousand of which is wheat of an excellent quality." The Visalia Delta of the l%h is informed by a gentleman engaged in the threshing busi- ness, that the wheat and barley crop in that county -will average better, both in quantity and quality, than last year. Much grain is wasting for want of machineiy to gather and clean it; and for the same cause farmers have cut many promising fields for hay, resting safe on the high price of that commodity. The Chico Enterprise, of the 8th, says the work in the graiu fields is now m tvM blast. The farmers have ceased aU complaint, and realize the fact, that instead of being cut short, as has-been the case in many localities throughout the State, they will have a more abundant yield than that of any previous year. The wine merchants and grape growers of California calculate that the crop this year will equal the large one of 1869, and that about 7,000,000 gallons of wine wiU be man- ufactui-ed the present season. Shipments to the East this year, so far, have been nearly double what they were last year. The Snelling (Merced Co.) Argus has been handed a letter wiitten by J. W. Strong, in which he stated that plentj- of cotton blooms were to be seen in his field, and that the crop was growing with a degree of rapidity unpre- cedented. Mr. Sti-ong is in good spirits and sanguine of the success of his enterprise. He looks upon the successful cultivation of his crop this year as the beginning of an en- terprise that will prove of vast interest to the people of California. The'Bakersfield (Kern Co.) Courier of the lat instant says : "We were shown, one day during the past week, a sheaf of wheat com- posed of three varieties, grown in the Barnes settlement, equal to any ever produced in the early days of California in the most favored localities of the coast counties while the soil was yet virgin. We were assured that it com- prised only average specimens of the products of fields not irrigated." D. M. Reeves, a farmer near Chico, has cut and hai-vested 10,000 bushels of wheat this week. He says the club wheat always exceeds expectation, while other kinds never reach them. His fields will more than reach theii- large yield of other years. The Visalia Delta has seen samples of Hun- garian grass in that vicinity three feet high with heads like grain, and which will yield three tons of hay to the acre. THE California Horticulturist AND FLORAL MAGAZINE Vol. I. SEPTEMBEE, 1871. No. 11. BEGONIA. The Begonias are a class of plants which are deserving of most extensive cultivation in oui- conservatories, om- green-houses and in our parlor windows ;in our opinion, also, they should be cultivated as bedding plants, although for this purpose, San Francisco may not be very well adapted on account of its pre- | vailing heavv- ^\inds, which the tender leaves j and brittlestems of the Bogonia cannot with- | stand. But there are many sufficiently well ' protected places around some of our city resi- j dences, where they could be successfully j gTown in groups, and where they would flower almost all the year roiind. We can advance many good reasons, why we so oarnestly advocate the cultivation of the Begonias : First : They are easily cultivated, and are satisfied with almost any kind of soil, if not too sandy. Second : The foliage of all the varieties is an ornament in itself, and in some of them it is very peculiarly marked and elegant. Third : Many of the varieties are almost constantly in flower, the forms of which are very graceful and the colors in some extremely bright and A-ivid, and in others most delicate. The Begonias are mostly natives of Brazil and" the East Indies, but some of the finest new varieties have been produced by the art of hybridizing. There are now probably over three hundred varieties cultivated in Europe, and the florists of Germany and Belgium are constantly making new and startling addi- tions to them. In California we are cultivating some thir- tv varieties, most of which are excellent selections. The chief conditions necessary to the suc- cessful culture of the Begonias are : plenty of light, comparatively small pots (large pots fos- tering too much foliage and young shoots), a moderate amount of moisture, with good di-ainage and a warm but not hot atmosphere; although such varieties as are cultivated for the beauty of their foliage, require more warmth than those which are raised more especially for their flowers. The propagation of Begonias is simple and easy. Cuttings strike root veiy readily if placed close under glass ; in from two to three weeks they have sufliciently rooted to be transplanted into small pots. The transplant- ing must be done carefully, as the young roots are very tender and brittle, and the soil for that purpose should be rather light. Thev may be raised from seeds, but florists in sowing seeds have more in view the production of new varieties, than the propa- gation of old ones. Some few varieties are bulbous rooted, and sometimes produce lit^ tie bulbs at the base of the leaves, which will take root readily if transplanted into sandv soil. 322 THE CALIFORNIA HORTICULTURIST. The Begonia rex, and others belonging to that class of Begonias, are propagated by plac- ing a leaf taken from the plant, on the surface of a pot filled with propagating soil, in such a manner that almost all the under part of the leaf will touch the soil ; in case the leaf is too large, it may be divided into several pieces ; these should be held on to the surface of the soil by small wooden pegs or hooks ; roots will soon be formed at the difi"erent veins of the leaves. It is rather important to cover the leaf cuttings with glass until rooted. The propagation in this manner is generally very successful; many young plants may thus be obtained from a single leaf. Most of the varieties cultivated in Califor- nia, may be obtained of our florists at a rea- sonable rate, the best of them are the follow- ing :— Begonia fuchsioides rubra, which we have seen growing to a height of fifteen feet in con- servatories, and covering the wall to a width of five or six feet, presenting one mass of beau- tiful red flowers of a globular form, hang- ing most gracefully in clusters from the newly formed branches. This is one of the most easily cultivated varieties. Begonia parvifolia is one of the very best ; its foliage is certainly most beautiful, and its pure white flowers exquisite. This variety grows bushy and compact, and gives an abun- dance of blossoms at all seasons of the year. There is no plant which will give more gen- eral satisfaction as a house-plant than this Begonia. Like the most of its family, its treatment is very simple. Begonia nitida (sometimes called B. alba), is one of the old varieties, and generally Con- sidered common ; yet we do not consider it so. It should have a place in every collec- tion. The flowers are Avhite and of large size. The foliage is upright in growth, and of a very vivid green. The young shoots come from the root, and should not be allow- ed to grow more than twelve inches high. By cutting them back frequently new ones are continually formed, and the plant will thus grow bushy. It flowers constantly. Begonia fuchsioides alba is similar in habit to the B. fuchsioides "rubra, but in our opin- ion less desirable. It does not flower very freely with us. Begonia Sandersonia is another good varie- ty. The long wisps of large rose-colored flowers are very showy, and bloom through- out the whole year. Begonia Ve-fschaffelti bears large pink flow- ers during the spring of the year only. Its foliage is very ornamental. Begonia hybrida muUifora is one of the best. Its flowers are small and heart-shaped, and of a lively red color. It is a continuous bloomer. Begonia semperfiorem, very much resem- bling the former, except the flowers, which are larger. Begonia, maculata is celebrated more on ac- count of its leaves, which are elegantly mark- ed with white spots, and are somewhat pecu- liar in shape. It is a very desirable variety. The following varieties are, like the B. maculata, cultivated for their foliage, which is very peculiarly and effectively marked. They require a warmer temperature than those which are cultivated for their flowers, and should be grown close under glass. Care should be taken not to water the leaves, as it will cause them to decay. They have been produced by hybridizing, and their first ap- pearance created quite a sensation : — Bego- nia Bex, B. Mrs. Stewart, B. La Favorite, B. Silver Chain, and .B. Queen Victoria. In thus treating of this beautiful class of flowering green-house plants, we hope we shall encourage some of our readers to essay their extensive cultivation; we feel assured it will not be regretted by those who will give them a trial. Thk Aue of Tekks.— It is wondertul to contem- plate, in the light of demonstrated science, that the Big Tree groves of Calaveras and Mariposa Counties contain forest giants that were in vigorous growth when our Saviour was born. Professor Agassiz, after an examination of the section of one of the Mariposa trees, recently ou exhibition in Boston, expressed the opinion, after counting its well-detined layers, that its age was 1,H1() years. He had previously examined a tree which had attained the age of 3,-100 years. THE CALIFOKNIA HORTICULTURIST. 323 ENUMEEATION OF SHBUBS AND TREES Gro-naiig in the ^'icinity of the mouth of San Fran- cisco Ba3^ BY PROF, HENRY N. BOLANDER. [CONCLUSION.] Linosyriii arboreum. A beautiful little shrub, three high, with upright branches and leaves, densely set. Branchlets covered by a resinous exudation, on the noi-thern slopes of Tamal to 2,000 feet elevation. Grindelia ? A low shrub, two to six feef dering the channels in the salt Oakland and San Rafael. to five feet long linear and leaves In glades Pais, 1,500 high, bor- marshes at Bacchari'i consanguinea D. C. B.jnlularisJ). C.et B. glomeruli fiord Hooker seem to be identical. It is an exceedingly varying shrub ; on sandy soil, low, creep- ing, with numerous fastigiate branchlets, the flowers mostly pistillate, and the heads less crowded; on clayey soil, especially on the banks of creeks, it is often fifteen feet high, quite tree-like, oblong in outline, the flowers mostly staminate, and the heads very much crowded. All forms are subject to excres- cences, but especially those growing in a sandy soil. Evergreen. Bahia artemisicefolm Less. Ovate in outline, two to three feet high, evergreen ; common on northern slopes, shores of the bay, and Oakland hills. Artemii^ia Jilifolia Torr. Wormwood. Large root-stocks with numerous slender branches, three to four feet high. Occupying almost invariably the southern slopes in com- mon with Diplacus glutinosus. Both plants, on account of the leaden color of their leaves and branches, give the southern slopes that barren appearance, contrasting so strongly with the vegetation of the northern slopes. Artennsia pachystachya D. C. Sandy soil, three to four feet high. Penin- sula of San Francisco. Vacciniwm ovdtiim Pursh. Evergreen Huckleberry. A beautiful shnib, five to ten feet high, with slender upright branches; berries de- licious. In light sandy soil, on the eastern slopes of Oakland hills. Arbutus Menziesii Pursh. Madrona. Evergreen, twenty to thiriy feet high, on the northern and eastern slopes of the Oak- land hills, but more common and generally larger and finer on the hill sides near San Rafael. Arctostaphylos iomentosa Dougl. Mansanita. Low, straggling, evergreen, and gregarious on the out-croppings of white sandstone in the Oakland hills. Arctostaphylos pungens H . B . K . Mansanita . Obovate in outline, ten to fifteen feet high; scattered. Gaultheria Shallon Pui^sh. Maris. Sallal. Low, creeping, evergi-een, covering large tracts of land among the hills of Marin County. Benies eatable. Azalea occidentalis Torr. and Gray. On the banks of creeks in Marin County. Quite common ; five to twelve feet high. Diplacus glatinosus Nutt. Southern and western slopes. Resinous, eight feet high ; common . Sphacele calycina Benth. Mostly gregarious, five to eight feet high. Near the coast, Marin County ; eastern slopes near San Mateo. Eriodyction Calif ornicmn Benth. Very glutinous, two to four feet high ; ever- green. Diy hill sides. Tamal Pais. Solanum ximbelliferum Esch. A slender evergreen shrub, two to four feet high on the bluffs of the bay. Fraxinus Oregana Nutt. Oregon Ash. On the banks of creeks, Marin County; twenty to thirty feet high. Oreodaphne Californica Nees. Spice Bush, Mountain Laurel, Balm of Hi!aven. Often a large tree in moist localities, forty 324 THE CALIFOENIA HORTICULTUEIST. to fifty feet high, sometimes three to six feet in diameter ; used for ship-building. Dirca iMhL>4ris Linn. Leathekwood. Very common on the eastern slopes of the Oakland hills, where its flowers make it very conspicuous in spring ; two to four feet high. Croton {Hendecandra)jjr(jcinnbenx Hook and Arn. A very low shrub, common on the peninsula of San Francisco, in almost pure sandy soil. Garry a elliptic a Lindl. Mostly a shrub with slender branches, but sometunes a small-sized tree ; evergreen, gre- garious, in sandy soil in this -city, and on the eastern slope of the Oakland hills. Flatanus racemosa Nutt. Sycamore. Banks of San Leandro Greek, Oakland hills. Alnus viridis D. C. A large tree on the banks of creeks, Oak- land hills. Myrica Calif ornica Cham, and Schl. Wax Myrtle. Mostly a medium sized tree, in moist lo- calities and on the eastern slopes of Oakland hills. Jaglans rupestris Engelm. Var. major Torr. Walnut. A beautiful large tree, forty to sixty feet high and two to four feet in diameter, with rather smooth bark and dense, graceful fo- liage ; it may well vie with its Eastern con- geners. Banks of Walnut Creek east of the Oakland hills. Castanea chrysophylla Dougl. California Chinquapin. A low, straggling evergreen and gregarious shrub, occurring only on the out-croppings of the white sandstone in the Oakland hills. Q uerc as densifior aHook and Am. Chest- nut Oak. Tamal Pais and Redwoods of Marin County. Qaercus agrifolia Nees. Live Oak. A shrub as well as a large tree; everywhere in moderately moist situations. Querciis sonomensis Benth. Black Oak. Hill sides, Marin County. Qiie.rciis lobafa Nees. White Oak. Hill sides Marin County and banks of Wal- nut Creek. Quercua r-liryxolepis. DroopinCt Live Oak. Theduost rare of all our oaks. At Belmont, Santa Clara. Quercus^acutidens? Torr. Scrub Oak. Evergreen ; forming dense chaparral on Tamal Pais. CoryluH roHtrata Ait. Beaked Hazelnut. Veiy common on the eastern slopes of the Oakland hills. A shrub four to six feet high. Salix (four species). Willow. Wet grounds everywhere, six to twenty feet high. Fop alas tremuloides Michx. Aspen. A medium sized tree on the banks of Walnut Creek. Torreya Calif ornica Torr. California Nut- meg Tree. A large tree with long spreading branches, and rather smooth bark. Wood valuable; rare, on banks of Papermill Creek, Marin County. Sequoia senipervireiis Endl. Redwood. A very large tree, forming small groves on the northern slopes of hills in Marin Coun- ty, and on the eastern slopes of the Oakland hills. Pinus iyisignis Dougl. A small tree ten to fifteen feet high, -on the outcrojDpings of white sandstone in the Oak- land hills, third ridge eastward ; rare. Pinus miiricaia Dougl. A medium sized tree, ovate in outline. Hills of Marin County ; rare. Abies Douglasii Lindl. Oregon Pine. A very large tree, yielding excellent tim- ber. Grows with S. sempervirens in small groves on the northern slopes of hills, Marin County. Cupressus Mac-Nabiana? Murray. Cedar. A spreading shrub, eight to twelve feet high, on Tamal Pais ; rare. THE CALIFOENIA HORTICULTUEIST. 325 TIMBEK TREES. [Continued from pag'e 302, of last number.] Finns larij-, (common Larch ;) deciduous. On the European Alps, up to seven thousand feet, it attains a height of one hundred feet, sometimes lising even one hundred and sixty feet, and produces a valuable timber of great durabilit}^ which is used for land and water buildings, and is much jDiized for ship build- ing. The bark is used for tanning and dyeing. The tree is of great commercial importance, as yielding the Venitian tui-jDentiue, which is obtained by boring holes into the trunk in spring ; these fill during the summer, suppl^^- ing from one-half to three-fourths of a pint of turpentine. In Piedmont, where they tap the tree in different places and allow the liquid to run continualh', it is said that from seven to eight pints may be obtained during the year, but the timber suffers by this operation.. [We do not know that any of these trees are growing on this coast, and we cannot un- derstand why this species was not introduced long since. It shows a total indifference on the part of oui- population, and jjarticularly of out- horticultural men, to entirely ignore the cultivation of so important a tree. — Ed.) Pinus Ilenziesii and Pinus Jeffreyii are na- tives of California, and have been fully de- scribed in some of ova- former numbers. [Both of these trees are \erj rarely culti- vated with us. — Ed.] Pinus. Kaempferi, (Chinese Larch) — also called Golden Pine — from China. This is the handsomest of all the Larches. It is of quick growth, and attains a height of one hundred and fifty feet. The leaves, which are of a \'ivid green during spring and summer, turn to a golden yellow in autumn. The wood is \ex\ hard and durable [We have every reason to believe that this would make an admirable tree for California, both for landscape and timber.^ — Ed.] Pinus Lambertiana,- (Sugar Pine,) is a na- tive of Calfornia, and one of our very best timber trees. [For miles this tree has been entirely de- stroyed, and it has been, estimated that within another ten years-this magnificent and useful tree will be exterminated from our' forests in all localities wherever it can be removed without much difficulty. Yet no effort has been made here to cultivate it and to protect the young trees. We have given a full description of th"is tree in a former num- ber.—Ed.] Pinus Laricio, (Corsican Pine,) of South- ern EurojDe, attains a height of one hundred and twenty feet. The wood is white, towards the center dark, veiy resinous, coarse-grain- ed, elastic and durable, and much esteemed for building, especiall}' for water works. There are three main varieties of this Pine : P. L. Poiretiana, of Italy; P. L. A'ustriaca, of Austria ; and P. L. Pallariana, of the bor- ders of the Black Sea. The tree grows best in calcareous soil, but thrives also in poor, sandy soil where, however, the timber is neither so large nor so good. It yields all the products of P. Silvestris, but in greater quantities, being perhaps the most resinous of all Pines. [This tree ma}' possibly be well adapted for Calfornia, and should be introduced. There are a very few cultivated for ornament which do well. — Ed.] Pinus Mertensiana, (California Hemlock Spnace.) [AVell known here, and desciibed bef6re. —Ed.] Pinus Pinaster, (Cluster Pine,) a native of the shores of the Meditarranean. The tree is of a quick growth, and rises to sixty feet in height, and the wood is soft and resinous ; it yields largely the French turpentine. It is among the best Pines for the consolidation of sandy coast land, and the converting of roll- ing sands into pasture and agricultural lands ; also for ease of rearing and rapidity of growth, it is one of the most important of all Pines. [This seems to be the very tree adapted for our drifting sand hills which suiTound San Francisco, and stretch along the coast. We have so often argued the importance of arrest- ing the sand drifting into our streets to the annoyance of the inhabitants. Thousands, 326 THE CAXEFOKNIA HOETICULTUKIST. even millions of the public money have been recklessly squandered, but not a dollar has been devoted to experiments which might result in saving thousands of dollars now ex- pending for cleaning out drift sands, grading, etc., etc., and not a dollar of it for the com- fort of our traveling public ! Would it not be well for some one to demonstrate the fact, that oru' sand hills ran be covered 'svith vege- tation?— Ed.] Pinus pi)wa, (Stone Pine,) found frequent- ly in the countries bordering on the Mediter- ranean. Height of tree sixty feet. The wood is whitish, light, but full of resin, and much used for building, furniture and ships. The seeds are edible, somewhat resembling Al- monds, but of a resinous taste, though not disagreeable. They only ripen in their third 3^ear. The tree grows as easily and almost as quickly as the Cluster Pine. [This Pine has been cultivated in our gar- dens under the name of Italian Stone Pine, and is thriving well. It deserves much more extensive cultivation. While young it is of very pretty appearance, the foliage being of a whitish-green color. PinuH ponderoHci, (Yellow or Pitch Pine) so well known among us that it needs no de- scription. [It is very little cultivated in our gardens, although it makes a very handsome tree while young. — Ed.] PinuH radiato , (Pinus Insignis.) Native of California, is more extensively grown in our gardens and fields than any other Pine. It is easily transplanted and makes a very handsome tree, thriving well in almost any kind of soil and without irrigation after the first year. Being of rapid growth, young forests might be raised within a few years. — Ed.] Pinus Sabmiana, (California Nut Pine,) is a native of California. [We cannot recommend this tree for gen- eral cultivation, as it does not seem to be available for any useful purpose, except for firewood, and even for that purpose any other wood is preferable. — Ed. J Pimui sihestris, (Scotch Fir,) a native of Middle and Northern Europe, thriving best in sandy soil ; a very valuable tree, fully one hundred feet high, growing to the age of about one hundred and twenty years. The Red Baltic, Norway or Riga deals are obtain- ed from this Pine, as well as a large portion of the European Pine tar. It is well adapt- ed for dry countries. I This is another tree not cultivated in Cali- fornia, and evidently well adapted for it. It is certainly one of the most useful trees in existence. — Ed. ] Sequoia semper rireru^, (California Red- wood,) and Sequoia Wellinglonia, (California Big Trees.) [These trees have been frequently describ- ed, and they are well known among us. We hope that our Legislatiu'e will, before long, pass some good law by which our Redwood forests may not only be protected, but also increased by systematic planting. — Ed.] Taxodium disfichuni, (Virginian Swamp or Bald Cypress,) grows in swampy places of North America. A large and valuable tree, four hundred feet high, with a stem circum- ference of sometimes forty feet; of rapid gi-owth, with deciduous foliage, like that of the Larch and Ginkgo. The wood is fine- grained, hard and durable. It yields an essential oil and a superior kind of turj^en- tine. It is useful for avenues and swampy margins of lakes and river banks. Taxus baccata, (Irish Yew,) native of Mid- dle and Southern Europe and Asia ; at one thousand to four thousand feet elevation. It is generally a shrub, sometimes a tree forty feet high, which furnishes a j^ellow or brown wood, exceedingly tougli, elastic and dura- ble, and much esteemed by turners. The tree is of slow growth, and reaches a great age, perhaps several thousand years ; some ancient ones are known with a stem of fifty feet in girth. [A few of these trees are grown and culti- vated as specimen plants, on lawns, etc. We cannot encoui-age their cultivation for any other purpose than ornament. — Ed. J THE CALIFOKNIA HOETICULTUKIST. 327 Thuja gigantea a native of Northern Cali- fornia and Oregon, (Yellow Cypress,) is a straight graceful tree, two hundred feet high, furnishing a valuable building timber of a pale or light yellow color. [We think much of this tree for general cultivation. For ornament there is no bet- ter. Its graceful form is admired by all. It grows fast with us in almost any soil, and with its good habitus is combined its great utility as a timber-tree. — Ed.] [To be continued.) POPULAR BOTANY. CHAPTER XI. In taking up the matter of vegetable di- gestion, we will be unable to do more than glance at the subject in a brief and cursory manner, as it is one of wide range and com- plicated character. The first action takes place in the roots, when they absorb the fluid which constitutes the crude sap. This fluid is presented to the spongioles, in the form of a vapor, hold- ing in solution the different inorganic sub- stances which are hereafter to be formed into leaves, bark and wood ; or in other words, the organic parts of the plant. Before this crude sap can undergo diges- tion and be made available for the purposes of the plant, it must be conveyed to the leaves (which are the organs of digestion) and ex- posed to the influence of the atmosphere and sunlight. It is under the power of this light that the cells are constmcted, and the green matter, or chlomphyll produced. This is well illustrated, by comparing a plant grown in the open aii', witli one grown in the dark. The first is develojjed in a vio- orous and healthy manner, while the second is almost, if not entirely, destitute of the green color, and having a dwarfish, sickly appearance, and if the deprivation of light is continued, the plant finally dies. After the crude sap reaches the leaves, [which it does by the means of capillary attraction, passing up from the roots through the trunk and limbs) it undergoes certain changes which are partly mechanical and partly chemical. By the action of the solar light, the unneeded watery portion is evaporated, thus concentrating the sap so as to render its con- stituent salts more readily acted upon. The next step in the process is a chemical one by which decomposition takes place among those inorganic substances which contain oxygen, thus setting free this gas, and utilizing the re- maining portions for the construction of the plant. The great source from whence plants gath- er the vast amount of oxygen which they exhale, is th§ carbonic acid gas which they absorb from the air. Here again we see the mutual dependency of animal and vegetable life. Plants are constantly drawing from the atmosphere this gas, which animal life is as constantly pouring out into it, retaining the carbon for themselves, and yielding up the oxygen to maintain animal life. After this action in the leaves, whereby the crude sap is converted into actual plant food, it passes to all parts of the plant, forming in its passage, cells, vessels, etc. All of this sap is not used at once in the building up of the plant ; a portion being reserved for future use, and stored away in the form of starch, which is to be found either in the roots, stemi or wood, and at times in all three. This starch, before it can be used as food, must be converted into dextrine for the purpose of be- ing made soluble in the sap. Gum, muci- lage, dextrine and starch are identical in chemical formation with one another, and also with vegetable tissues. They are capable of being converted from one form into another, and reconverted as the plant may require them ; carbon, hydrogen and oxygen repre- sent the entire class, and strangely enouo-h m exactly the same proportions, viz : carbon 24, hydrogen 20, ox^-^gen 20. There is still another class of vegetable products of which nitrogen forms an impor- tant part. The principal one of this class is gluten, and is to be found in nearly all seeds, more especially in the grains. It "^constitutes 328 THE CALIFORNIA HORTICULTURIST. a large percentage of wheat flour, and gives it that peculiar propert}^ of tenacity. The quantity of gluten is increased by giving to the plant a liberal supply of manure con- taining a large amount of nitrogen. Legu- min also belongs to this nitrogenized class, and is abundant in peas, beans, etc., from which fact they have derived the name Legu- minosce. Plants also produce what is called vegetable albumen and fibrin ; thus furnish- ing the materials for the formation and main- tenance of animal life. The annexed diagram (taken from Gray's Botanic Text-Book) gives at a glance the rela- tions between the three kingdoms, and shows how nature, from the senseless clod and in- animate dust, forms man with his glorious intellect, and God-like form: Mineral Kingdom. V Hydrogen > OXYGEK, Diagram Illustrating the iVIutual Relations of the Three Kingdoms of Nature. I. Simple Vegetation. Animal Kingdom. Vegetable Kingdom. Animal Kingdom. Mineral Oxygen, ) I I Oxygen, Hydrogen, ' ^ y Vegetable Tissue, Consumed by animals, and in respi- I Hydrogen, I r " ' Starch, Sugar, etc., | ration returned to the air, as CARBOLIC \ Carbon, Carbon, ! I Carbon, ACID, / Oxygen. . . I I I Oxygen, WATER, Mineral Kingdom. AMMONIA ,11. Nitrogenized Elements. Vegetable Kingdom- Animal Kingdom. IjHYDBOGEN, ' Nitrogen, i Hydrogen, > Oxygen, CARBONIC \ Carbon Hydrogen, Nitrogen, Hydrogen. Oxygen, Carbon, I -Gluten. Legumin, etc., I forming ( Fibrin (Muscle), ' Gelatin (Sinewsl, 1 Casein (Curd), '. etc., — returned as Mineral Hydrogen, NlTROG^, Hydrogen, Oxygen, Carbon, ACID, > Oxygen, . . I I I Oxygen, Kingdom. \ WATER. ( CARBONIC < ACID. Kingdom. I AMMONIA. [ WATER. / CARBONIC < ACID. OENAMENTAL AND LANDSCAPE GARDENING. SECTION XI. Having selected the grounds for a countiy residence of third-rate class, it will require some little judgment in locating the house, outbuildings and laying oft' the approacli. In many instances very little uncertainty will exist as to the proper location for the house, etc., yet there are cases where taste, exper- ience and knowledge must be brought into requisition to fix the site of the residence and other important features, such as outbuild- ings, approaches, entrances, etc. While the ground occupied by a city resi- dence is supposed to be level, or at least on an easy grade, the surface of a country resi- dence occupying several acres is generally uneven and varied. The residence should be located on elevated grounds, but we do not wish to be understood that it should be built upon the very highest jioint, where it would be inconvenient and out of place. The entrance should be at the lower portion of the grounds, and the approach to the house should gradually rise through that portion of the foregrounds which is not in direct riew of the entrance or the front of the house ; but how far distant the house should be lo- cated from the entrance, depends upon cii-- cumstances. If the vicinity to the entrance is objectionable or unsighth' incharacter, the house should be placed at some distance, but where no objections of this kind exist, it will add niuch to the comfort and convenience, if the house is located near the entrance to the grounds. On the other hand, it must be ad- mitted that when the house is located at some distance from the gates, and the road of approach is thus lengthened, strangers and visitors will be favorably imi^ressed as to the extent of the grounds. The house being placed upon an elevated portion of the estate, it is supposed that a good A'iew is obtained over the most attract- ive portion of the enclosure itself, or over the surrounding country. This view should be had from the principal rooms of the house. But the arrangement should not be such as to take in every point of interest, inasmuch as we expect new sights from other portions of the grounds. In regards to outhouses, we have very lit- tle to say. Their location should bs conve- THE CALIFORNIA HORTICULTUEIST. 329 nient, but not too close to tlie residence. They should form a separate and distinct feature. We shall next consider the approach, to which very little attention seems to be given in our new country, and yet we think it one of the most important features within the boundaries of a country residence. The first impression after entering the gates should be a most favorable one to all who have occasion to visit the grounds. The road itself should be made of good material and should be kept in good condition, fit to be traveled by horses and teams. The direction of the road should be cuiwed, and if there are several cui-ves, they should be of uniform character. If the distance between the gate and the house is not great, two curves will be most judicious; but where the distance is long, more curves may be established. These curves should not be accidental, but ought to be the result of natural or artificial in- terveniions. There must be an apparent reason why the road is curved : a group of trees or shrubs, a body of water, a bridge, a hill, or some other object. As we have said before, the inclination of the road of ap- proach shoiild be uniformly ascending from the gate to the house. The road should be built of good material and should be kept clean and smooth ; a good covering of gravel adds much to its appearance. The house should not be within sight from the approach ex- cept a striking view of it can be obtained at a certain point. The road should be sixteen feet in width. A good effect is produced by providing a return road, but care must be taken to shield one from the other. The grounds of a third-rate country resi- dence admit of various provisions : a certain space for a kitchen garden (which should be located close to the outbuildings and also con- veniently for the occupants of the house), should be set aside, and also a reservation for trees and vines, which may be either located so as to connect the shrubbery with the kitchen garden; or it may be detached entirely from the ornamental grounds, of which we will now speak. 2 The ornamental grounds, which should occupy the greatest portion of the enclosure, and which should surround the residence on two, or, better, on three sides, may be divi- ded into three parts, namely : the flower gar- den, the pleasm-e ground and the portion surrounding the approach ; yet we frequently meet with countrj^ residences where the flow- er garden is not treated as a distinct feature, but where groups of flowering plants are dis- tributed throughout the pleasure grounds with very good effect. For our part, we pre- fer to have a flower garden somewhere near the house, for various and good reasons : flow ers require constant attention, they make the immediate surroundings of the house cheer- ful and pleasant, perfume the air we breathe, and supply new attractions every day. In connection with the flower garden we like to see a conservatory, although the ne- cessity of glass structures is not so impera- tive in California, where the mild climate permits the cultivation of the choicest flowers in the open au- with perfect success which are elsewhere treated as green-house plants — there are so many desirable plants of the tropics, which we may successfully cultivate here under glass without that constant and close attention which is required in the East and in England, that a conservatory must form a most desu-able feature with all who can afford the expense. The flower garden should be located on the east or south-east side of the house, and the conservatory should be connected with it in such a manner as not to obstruct the view from the principal part of the house. We are not in favor of attaching conservatories to the residence, on this coast, although prox- imity to the house is desirable. The grounds through which the approach passes we desire to place on the oj)posite side from the flower garden, or as near so as possible, i. e., west or south-west of the house. This ground should be backed by dense groups of trees and shrubs. Cabrots.-^Hoc early, and thin to five or six inrhes in the rows. 330 THE CALIFORNIA HORTICULTUEIST. FAULTS IN FRTJIT CULTURE. Cultivation of Fniit — Some Faults — Too close Plant- ing— Too largo Crops — Thinning Fruit Reqnlrwl-- Profits of Different Kinds of Fruit- Euising — Price of Land for the Pnrj)osc — Facilities for the Ex- portation of Fruit. Although we are aware that the climates — we say climates because there are many — and soils of California, will bear ciloser planting of all fruit trees and the smaller fruits, and produce a greater amount of fniit and of greatly larger size, than any other country we know of, yet we have no hesitation in stating, that in most of the orchards we have seen, the trees are too closely planted. It is true in the hot valleys, that a certain amount of shade and more tlian is admissible in the moi'e (sast- crn regions of this continent, is beneficial, and especially to the small fruits planted be- 'tween the rows of the larger fruits, but we certainly consider that, in general, this crowd- ing of vegetation is carried to too great an excess. Another error among cultivators or orchardists, is, to allow their trees to ma- ture too heavy crops, and so break down the branches; and this is not all the damage done — the trees are weakened, not only for the following crop, but their future stamina is much injured. Elevated positions will be found very de- siraV)le in promoting the flavor and juiciness of fruits; trees thrive and bear well close up to the mountains, and generally better than those cultivated on bottom lands. This is a very imjjortant point to the culturists, as such lands are cheaper than the more level locations. This applies more particularly to the vine when planted far up, as it will yield better wine than is made on the plains. Another fact in fruit culture to be wc;!! un- derstood, is, that th cities. Conse- quently, of late, vineyards are being extend- ed more than orchards. There can be no doubt, that 'fruit in gen- eral in California, can be produced at much less cost than at the East, for in most cases land can be obtained of good quality, at c(miparatively very low prices ; in the sec- ond range of the coast valleys, it can be ob- tained from five to twenty-live dollars per acre. But as the balance sheet of the orch- ardist will be the critcirion of success, and as prosperity in this, as indeed, in any other oc- cupation depends upon the adaptability and various other business ipialities of the indi- viduals who embark therein, as well as in the cost of conveyance and the prices obtained, it is not an easy matter to estimate the actual results of such undertakings. Several things may be named in addition to what we have said as favorable to cultivators here, compared with the East ; one fact is, that the trees grow nearly twice • as rapidly as in the East, and conie into bearing in less than half th^ time; another is, that the fruit is larger and hand- somer. Still another is, that California fruit is almost entirely exempt from diseases and insects ; some more could be named, as for instance, exemption from the decay of fruit on the trees — there being no rain to cause rptting while the fruits are allowed to remain longer on the trees. Also, there is much less annoyance from weeds, and therefore there is not the necessity for so much labor as in the East. Labor at this time is not dearer than with our Eastern fruit men, and Chinese labor is less. Still, our foreign friends mtist not be deceived into the idea, that the keeping of the ground properly stir- red here is unim]iortant, for we have seen places nearly I'uined where this has been neg- lected for a year. Unless at convenient distances from tlie great markets, the pro- duction of many, jierhaps we may say most, of the fruits has been overdone, the prices not justifying tlieir being csirried to market. Millions of bushels annually rot on the ground. But the prospect latterly has bright- ened, for many large cultivators (and these in some instances may inchide the smaller ones, THE CALIFORNIA HORTICULTURIST. 331 as the larg-er may take the fruits of the smaller at a paying price) have recently sent fruit, chiefly Pears, in the cars to Chicago and New York, at quite remunerative prices. The business is now likely to become better sys- tematized. But there is too much of monop- oly and combination for low prices by the dealers (as in other business of this kind) against the growers, and these last have rea- son to complain, as the salmon catchers do of the fish-mongers in the cities keeping down the price of fish by mutual determina- tion, arrangement, and leaguing together, and the poor fishermen cannot help themselves at all ; and so the hucksters or middle-men, get the better of the producers of fruit: these observations are also applicable to the vegeta- ble market. E. J. Hoopeh. THE LATE HOETICULTURAL EXHIBITION. In our last number, we gave our readers a full report of the Horticultural Exhibition during the first two weeks, and which com- prised all of the more important features. We have endeavoi-ed to be just to all, but it will be admittedljy every one, that small mistakes will obtrude themselves where there is so heavy and varied a press of business, and where there is so much to be admired, which is so well deserving of notice. If we have omit- ted anything which deserved mention, we have not done so intentionally and regret it, and request it may be considered an oversight to some extent excusable, from the fact that we had to give a great deal of our time to busi- ness directly connected with the Exhibition. The third week was devoted to the display of cut-flowers and bouquets of all descrip- tions in the Floral DejDartment, and to the exhibition of Grapes and Seedling fruits in the Pomological Department. The display of bouquets did not exactly meet our expectations ; although a few ex- hibitors exerted themselves ; the majority of those florists who were able to make a good display, neglected to do so, for reasons best known to them. Meyer & Co. made the most numerous ex- hibit, consisting of a basket of flowers, pyra- mid bouquet, round bouquets, table bouquets, wedding bouquets, funeral wreath and cross, flat bouquet and button liole bouquet. Mr. W. Robertson came next with a large and fine pyramid bouquet, funeral wreath and cross, wedding bouquet and round bouquets. Mr. Reimer exhibited a monstrous pyra- mid bouquf t, which was much admired ; it was some three feet high, and about two feet in diameter. Mr. Chiousse placed on exhibition a fine funeral wreath and cross and a wedding bou- quet, consisting entirely of Orange blossoms. The Pomological Department presented a much better appearance than at the beginning of the Fair, but it is to be much regretted that a more general interest was not felt among fruit-growers in this exhibition. It is true, that it is very difficult and expensive, as well as laborious, to keep up a good display during the long period of five weeks ; but in this case unfortunately, the burden rested up- on a very few, who did all they could to make the exhibition a success. It would have been far more satisfactory, if the display had been made more generally from the various parts of the State, if even by much smaller collec- tions. West Bros., of Stockton, and R. B. Wood- ward, of Napa Valley, kept up a continuous display of fine Grapes, Apples, Pears, Plums, Peaches, etc. E. W. Garritt, of Placerville, also sent in another exhibit of new Seedling Peaches and Pears. J. M. Patterson, of San Jose, exhibited a splendid collection of fine Plums and Prunes, some of them on branches. Mr. Patterson's Plums are of superior flavor and of unusually good size. J. Rutter, of Florin, exhibited a very supe- rior lot of Black Hamburg and White Muscat Grapes. 332 THE CALIFORNIA HORTICULTURIST. Jacob Long, of Murphy's Ferry, Stanis- laus County, showed magnificent samples of Peaches. Fourth Week. The last week was set apart for the display of floral decorations and ornamental foliage plants of tender nature. All the florists began to weaken in their efforts to display, and this was not to be wondered at ; to keep up a floral exhibition a month is a rather tiresome and exacting af- fair, particularly- in a warm place, and where a hundred and fifty gas-lights ar#operating rather se verely on the atmosphere . We there - fore feel very much inclinjed to excuse them for having neglected to renew the floral dis- play at the eleventh hour. The only exhibitors were Meyer & Co., and I. Chiousse. R. B. Woodward displayed a very choice lot of Ornamental foliage plants, although a larger number of species would have been acceptable and much more appre- ciated. His Caladiums and Hybrid Bego- nias reflect much credit upon his gardens. ^rxscd.aneous Matters and Points of Interest. A. W. Morris, exhibited quite a curiosity in the shape of a Snail Cucumber, measuring eight feet in length, and averaging two to three inches in diameter. A. Zabaldano, of the Italian Hospital, ex- hibited a quantity of California Opium, (the constituent proportion of Morphia in v^'hich, being ten per cent.,) accompanied by seeds and incised capsules of Pa2}aver somnifermn, which show the exudation of the Opium. Dr. F. Delmont also exhibited a large cake of Opium and the capsules of the Poppy grown near Lower Lake, in California. Some very elegant Amaryllis were shown by Mr. Biebend and Mr. Kruse. Mr. Gilmore exhibited a well grown Eche- veria in bloom. Mrs. Bell presented a monster leaf of Ca- ladium, measuring nearly three feet in length and two in width. AWARDS OF PREMIUMS Of the First Annual Exhibition of the Bay District Horticultural Society. [Conclusion.] Third Week. 1. Best Basket of Flowers, to Meyer & Co., $5. 2. Best Pyramid Bouquet, to E. L. Rei- mer, $3. ' ' 3. Second best Pyramid Bouquet, to W. Robertson, diploma. 4. Best two Round Bouquets, to Meyer & Co., $3. 5. Best Wedding Bouquet, to W. Robert- son, $3. 6. Second best Wedding Bouquet, to Meyer & Co. , diploma. 7. Best Funeral Wreath and Cross, to Meyer & Co., $5. 8. Second best Funeral Wreath and Cross, to W. Robertson, diploma. 9. Third best Funeral Wreath and Cross, to J. Chiousse, diploma. 10. Best Flat Bouquet, to Meyer & Co. , $3. 11 . Best Buttonhole Bouquets, to Meyer & Co., diploma. 12. Best collection of Zonale Geraniums, to Meyer & Co., $5. 13. Exhibit of Bouquet Paper, to Meyer & Co., diploma. 14. Best six Panaies, to P. Pechen di- ploma. Fourth Week. 1. Best and largest collection of A^jples, to J. Crosser, $10. 2. Best twelve varieties of Apples, to R. B. Woodward, $5. 3. Best and largest cultivation of Pears, to R. B. Woodward, $10. 4. Best ten varieties of Pears, San Joa- quin Co., diploma. 5. Best ten varieties of Plums, to J. M. Patterson, diploma. 6. Best and largest collection of Grapes, to West Bros., $20. 7. Best ten varieties of Wine Grapes, to N. Eudic, $10. 8. Best six varieties of Table Grajjes, to R. B. Woodward, $5. THE CALIFORNIA HORTICULTURIST. 333 9. Best exhibit of California Seedling Fruit, to E. W. Garritt, diploma. 10. Best exhibit of Floral Decorations, to Meyer & Co., §10. 11. Best collection of Variegated Foliage Plants of tender nature, to R. B. Wood- ward, SIO. 12. Best exhibit of Sugar Beets, to D. L. Perkins, §5. 13. Best exhibit of Seedling Peaches grown in San Francisco, to Mrs. Bennett, diploma. 14. Display of Fruited Grape Vines, in boxes, to J. Putzer, diploma. 15. Best exhibit of Vegetables, to D. L. Perkins, diploma. 16. Exhibit of California Opium, and Preparations, to A. Zabaldaao, diploma. 17. Exhibit of Ramie Plant, to J. S. Finch, diploma. 18. Herbarium, to Mr. Cohn, diploma. H. N. BOLANDER, FEED. BIBEXD, H. G. BLOOMER, CHAS. STEPHENS, C. A. STI^^RS, M. D. WM. ROBERTSON. Judges. WORK FOR OCTOBER. The suggestions which we have given for September, are to a great extent applicable to the month of October. While all the later fruits of the orchards and vineyards are ripening, much time of necessity must be devoted to the g-athering, packing and shipping of the produce. From various localities, we are informed, that the fruit is wasting for want of a market. There is no reasonable* excuse for this. It shows a sad want of management on the part of the owners of orchards when they do not make good use of their fruits ; and it is a most singular fact, that the complaints come from those localities which have the rej^uta- tion of furnishing the ver}' best samples — the railroad and steamboat lines not being in di- rect communication with them, no eflfort is made to open up roads to market or to turn their products to good account. It is a fact, that Apj)les and Pears grown in close prox- imitv to San Francisco lack taste and flavor, and therefore cannot be readily sold in our fi-uit markets, but this inferior fruit could be made available if for no other purpose than making vinegar. But when the pomologists of the foothills complain that they have no sale for their fruit, we would advise them to dry a fair portion of it, to make cider of another portion, and to store away the best for use in winter. Dried Apples can always be sold in our markets, in fact we ought to export large quantities. Women and chil- dren may assist much in the work of drying fruit. Good cider is a rarity in California, and so much of an inferior article is sold in our market, that consumers have a strong- prejudice against that beverage. Let our pomologists go to work and manufacture a good quality of cider, and they will soon establish a fair- demand for it. As for the best quality of winter fruit, the producers can not do better than to keep it for winter use, and we can assure them that our fruit dealers will be quite willing to pay the extra freight from more distant points. It must be admitted that the fruit grown in our val- leys becomes mealy and stale after being gathered for some time, while the fruit grown in the northern part of the State, and par- tictdarly among the foothills, retains its de- licious and refreshing qualities for many months after the hai-A'Cst. This fact, once thoroughly demonstrated to the consumer, will establish an mcreased demand for the ' produce of that portion of the State. In om- opinion, it shows bad management on the part of fruit growers, where they lose any of theii- products. We like to see abler economy on the j)art of our farmers, and our pomologists in par- ticular. The fruit business, like any other enterprise, will pay if worked intelligently and systematically, and if individuals in cer- tain districts find the task too difficult, to make fi-uit growing profitable, let them form clubs in everj' locality for the pui-pose of ascertaining the means to make their enter- prise remunerative. The same remarks apj)ly to grape cultul-e, but wine making must be understood, and 334 THE CALIFORNIA HORTICULTURIST. besides requires more caj^ital. We cannot consider it sound jDolicy for any man with limited pieaus to go extensively into grape cultui-e, unless lie understands the making of wine and has the means to jourcliase the nec- essary machinery and to build proj)er struc- tures for keeping it in good condition. But we have digressed too far already, our subject being "Work for October," and all the advice we can give is, to turn every pound of fruit to some useful purpose. In the Vegetable Garden not much can be done, unless there is an abundance of water. Transplanting of young Cabbage, Cauliflower, etc., is useless, unless water can be given in sufficient quantity to produce rapid growth ; the same ma^^ be said in regard to the sow- ing of seeds, such as Turnips, Carrots, Ruta Bagas, Lettuce, etc. Seeds which are ripe should be gathered during the warmer part of the day, when the stalks are dry, and stored away in a dry j^lace. Asjiaragus and Rhubarb beds should not be watered during the latter part of the dry season. In the Flower Garden we would caution our readers not to water beds where bulbous roots are planted. Irrigation will keep them in a growing state, and unless they have a good season of rest, the flowers in the ensu- ing spring and summer will be of inferior quality. Save seeds of annuals, when rijje, cut back long shoots of late growth, to joro- duce lateral shoots and to secure a greater abundance of flowers for the future. Greenhouses and conservatories require less irrigation as the autumn and winter ap- proaches ; water should not be given unless the earth is actually dry. Make cuttings of Geraniums, Verbenas, Petunias, and many other soft-wooded plants, which will make good young stock for spring. Shift the young plants into larger sized jjots, when the roots have penetrated the balls of earth . Pinch ofl' the young shoots of your young plants to produce a bushy and sym- metrical growth. Make diligent search for all kinds of in- sects, and destroy them before they get the best of you. THE STATE FAIK. The eighteenth annual State Fail- was held at Sacramento, during the week commencing with the 18th, and closing on the 23d of September. Our reporter Avas on the ground on Mon- day, but it was impossible then to form any definite idea, except of the extent of the dis- play. Every one was busy fixing up, and the prospect for a good attendance Avas encoiu'^ aging. The Fair is now over, and as elaborate re- ports have been jjublished by the most promi- nent papers, it wovild be useless to occupy much space in our Magazine except on those departments which were most interesting to Horticulturists, and which received less no- tice through the various newspapers than they actually deserved. The Floral Department was a complete suc- cess. The room occuj)ied for that purpose was necessarily very limited, and we could not expect a ver}' extensive disj^lay, but the small space was ornamented in a very neat and ju- dicious manner, and much credit is due to the managers of the affair. The grand Ivy Arch at the entrance, the Floral Temj)le, finished with moss, opposite the entrance and nearly in the center of the conservatory, exhibited much skill; the grass along the borders was well up, and added much to the general good ajDi^earance, and, if we take ijito consideration that only two weeks were occupied in putting up the frame and jjreparing all this,^Ave must congratulate the designers upon the work so well and effi- ciently done. Mr. O'Brien contributed much to the suc- cess of this department, and he deserved the appreciation of all visitors to the Fair. On one side of the Temj^le, we noticed a magnificent display of Dahlias, from the gar- dens of Mr. Eugene A. UjDton, an amateur and a member of the Bay District Horticul- tural Society ; opposite to this, we noticed a fine lot of flowering plants, CQntributed by some of the members of the Bay District Horticultural Society. THE CALIFOENIA HOETICULTTJEIST. 335 In the center of the southern wing, a splen- did collection of Coleus took many of the visitors by siu-jDrise, while the outside borders were occupied by a display of floweiing j^lants from F. A. Miller, of San Francisco, and John O'Brien, of Sacramento. Near the entrance to the right, E. B. Crocker, Esq., a wealthy amateui* of Sacra- mento, made a good exhibit of some choice green-house j^lants, amongst which, we no- ticed in particular, the Strelitzia in bloom, a line specimen of Crissum Africanum in flower, and other valuable plants. In the center of the northern wing, a foun- tain, mounted upon a hill, refreshed the air much with its play of water, although the somewhat yellow color of the water subdued the effect to eome extent ; however, this was, we suj)pose, not the fault of the managers, but one of those unavoidable evils, which Sacramento has to contend with. Around and over the outskiris of this wing- Dr. J. M. Frey mad'^ a very creditable dis- play of green-house plants, amongst which were many rare and valuable plants. Al- though these plants were not in flower, the collection consisted of many choice j)lants, which after importation from the East, had suffered much. A table for cut-Jiowers, was well filled with fresh flowers from San Francisco. All contributions from San Francisco, were in charge of F. A. Miller, and were entered in his name. The Pomologucai. Depaktment. was a com- plete success, and was particularly interest- ing, on account of the extensive and fine display of Eastern fruit. It is impossible for us to do the different exhibitors justice, as our space is very limited. The appearance of the fruit sent here from our Eastern friends, differed much in appear- ance from the productions of California, and while many varieties from the East showed a marked superiority in size and appearance to the same varieties grown in California, we must, in justice to ourselves, say, that many of our varieties showed a decided superiority to theirs. Much of the Eastern fruit was green as yet, and unfit for eating, while the same varieties raised in California, were per- fectly ripe. As far as the'late winter fruit is concerned, we consider the Eastern fmit pre- ferable, because its fii'mness and vmripe state, guaranteed its fitness for long keeping. From the northern parts of California and the higher foot-hills, fruit could have been sent to the exhibition, which might have shown more similarity to the Eastern fruit, for the^-easons which we have frequently given in our Magazine. As we glanced over the tables filled with Eastern fruit, and again turned our eyes to our California fruit, we, also observed a very remarkable feature in the distinctiveness of the different varieties, which seem to be much more apparent in the Eastern frait, than in ours. We also noticed the peculiar polish or metallic lustre of the Eastern fmit ; this, how- ever, is due to some extent to our fruit bein^- m a more advanced state of ripeness. The most important point, however, to be decided is the flavor, and in this respect we had no opportunity to satisfy our curiosity, nor do we know that we shall have that op- poi-tunity. In all probability, we shall be compelled to go by the judgment of those who can and will render an honest and im- pariial verdict. The display of fruit by Mr. O. B. Shaw, of Sonoma, was one of the best ; his Gausel Bergamot, Pound Pears, Duchesse de An- gouleme, Beurre Diel, Stevens' Tennessee, Winter Nelis, etc., can not be sui'passed. Of Apples, his Northern Spy, Cayuga Bed Streak, Koxbury Eusset, Swaar, Gillflower. and Murphy are most superior. Of Grapes he showed beautiful bunches of the White Hamburg, Malaga Raisin Grape, White Malaga, Black IMalaga, Eose of Peni, Rose Chasselas, Black Hamburg, etc. He exhibited also Japanese Chestnuts, fnait from Lemon and Orange Seedhngs, Osage Oranges, Prickly Pears, and other curiosities. 336 THE CALIFORNIA HORTICULTURIST. A Mrs. Hamngton exhibited probably the choicest samples of Grapes, such as the diflfereut Muscats, Tokays, White Nice, Blue Malvoise, Lombardy, Miller's Burgundy, Frankenthal, etc. The best exhibit of Peaches was made by E. M. Smith, of Coloma. His collection con- sisted of some forty varieties .He also exhib- ited some varieties of Grrapes, which we have never seen before : White Napoleon, Red Mountain, Purple Damascus, Blue Syrian, and Black Morocco. • On account of illness our special reporter was unable to be in attendance during the entire week of the Fair, and undoubtedly other collections of fruit were added during the latter part of the -exhibition, which we cannot notice here. . Silk. — The Silk interest was well repre- sented by our old and esteemed friend Mr. Ed. Muller, of Nevada City. He makes a most complete and interesting exhibit of silk culture, from the egg to the reeled silk. While we see the young worms feeding upon the chopped-up Mulberry leaves, we also notice the worms in a more advanced state, and, finally, spinning the cocoons. Mr, Muller cultivates the French Annual (White and Yellow,) the Asia Minor, the Monteaiiban, Rivoltins, (producing two crops a year,) and the Japanese Rivoltins. He also exhibits three varieties of California Silk Worms, one living upon the California Lilac (Ceanothus), and the other two upon the common Oak. Those living upon the Oak furnish cocoons which can be reeled. He thinks they can be domesticated and made profitable. Mr. Muller exhibited, also, cocoons from other contributors of Nevada County, which ' demonstrate the fact, that the people of Ne- vada County are wide awake to their future interests in the Silk business. These ad- ditional -contributors are : Charles L. Dimon, of Silk Grove Ranch ; W. Loutzenlieizer, of Grass Valley; Miss Ruth L. Rolfe, of Nevada City ; Horace Hale, of Blue Tent ; and Mrs. H. S. Bradley, of Nevada City. REPORT ON THE FRUIT MARKET. In passing through our Fruit Market this month, my attention has been particularly attracted by the splendid coloring of many of the fruits exhibited for sale, and also by some beautiful specimens among the parcels exhibited on the tables at the Bay District Horticultural Society, at the Fair. The rich blushes and tints of color in the Apples, Peaches, Pears, and some others of Pomo- na's gifts, are truly delightful to the eye and tantalrzingly promising to the palate. I can- not conceive that there can be any climate which in all gradations can excel California in this respect, nor yield more gratifying re- sults of this kind. This is certainly a very important consideration to attend to in the cultivation of those fruits whose complexions are susceptible of improvement, as it has much to do with their successful sale, and also in improving their flavor. It makes them both rich in appearance, and more luscious to the palate. The high and glowing colors of fruit are, of course, owing chiefly to the effects of sunlight — the juices being elaborated through the foliage and branches whose character and growth maintain a very important part in na^ ture's processes. It is well known by practi- cal men, that the most brilliant colors and the most valuable fruits are gathered on the exterior limbs, therefore the inside branches should not be allowed to grow very close to- gether in the interior of the tree, and that all water-sprouts, (as they are called) at least, should be carefully cut out, that the sun's rays may penetrate, for some portion of the day at any rate, into the heart or middle of the trees. This, however, must not be pur- sued to excess, as the drying tendency of this climate would create too much evaporation, and the natural processes of secretion of the juicy particles could not be carried on with- out sufiicient moisture. This mistake would induce quite a contrary effect from the gor- geous coloring so much coveted; and, similar in effect to too much deprivation of sunlight. THE CALIFOENIA HOKTICULTURIST. 337 would impart a green, pallid, sickly or dis- eased appearance to the Apple, Peach, or Pear, etc., instead of the florid, red, crimson, or golden hue, which always commends itself to the eye and judgment of the beholder, and enables him to revel in fancy as to their flavor and deliciousness. To regulate this happy medium of moisture and sun-light, is the aim of the skilful cultivator, and will prompt him, to a great extent, in the use of the pruning knife or chisel. The produce of the vineyards, arbors, and trellises, is now making its appearance in all its Californian glories, and in immense abun- dance and variety. I observe a large quanti- ty of the Isabella Grape in the market than last season. This is a sort more suited, per- haps, to elevated ground than to the warmer levels — at least it is hardier than the majori- ty of the Grapes cultivated here, and will stand frost well, being one of the fast in- creasing, hardy varieties. It is a kind, though, which requires to be thoroughly ripened, be- ing very different from the Catawba, and many other sorts which are tolerably sweet and palatable when only half colored. The second crop of Figs is now coming iiV plentifully. This is to many persons a most delicious fruit. With regard to its healthfulness there is but one opinion. The first crop generally produces the largest spe- cimens. The brown Ischia is the most deli- cate species in flavor, and preferred to the blue or black varieties. They should be eaten as fresh as possible. The fourth crop of Strawberries is still holding out well, and Raspberries this cool season, and near the coast, are in fair abun- dance, though, of course, high in price. Pears are becoming more and more gigan- tic as the season advances. In passing along one of our streets I was much astonished at beholding a branch of the Vicar of Wink- field which bore fifteen immense, perfectly formed, and uniformly sized Pears, on a length of limb measuring sixteen inches only. The bearer of them informed me that the same tree bore in perfection forty-five Pears 3 on a branch only thirty inches long. Some thinning of the fruit should, we think, cer- tainly be practiced even in this wonderful- ly prolific soil, climate and region, to prevent trees from becoming too much weakened. Amongst the Peaches one of the juiciest and best flavored is, the old and well known Heath Cling. The greatest objection to the majority of the Free Peaches now in market, is their dryness. The generality of them are yellow. Few of these are juicy, but most of them are now large and handsome. They are also generally wanting in fine flavor. The dryness of this climate and the winds tell much on them, and their flavor is insipid and wanting in richness and saccharine matter. The large and beautiful late Crawford Cling is plentiful now% and is rich and very juicy. The Seckel Pear is mostly small this year owing, probably, to too heavy crops and want of thinning out. The Belle de Flandres Pear is, on the con- trary, very large and fine. This Pear is very different from the old reliable Bartlett, last- ing but a short time, from its more tender and delicate texture. Apples have come in plentifully, and are generally of good size and coloring. The only places to grow them to advantage, are, in the more elevated regions in this State; this makes them tolerably juicy compared with those raised in valleys. The Gravenstein is now the most popular Apple on the stand. It is of second quality. Its color a bright yellow with distinct red and orange stripes, and very handsome. It is good eating, sweet, and of a sprightly acid, and excellent for cooking. The Jonathan is just coming in, of the first quality, tender,*" juicy and rich, with a good deal of the Spit- zenberg character. It is a very fine and at- tractive Apple, from its rich red color, with light yellow ground. The best Apples raised in this State are chiefly from Sonoma and Napa counties. Some boxes of the Catawba Grape are to hand. It is not very marketable here. Wine is not made of it, being too acid among so many sweeter wines. 338 THE CALIFORNIA HORTICULTURIST. The Kittatinny Blackberry is in market, a large, richly flaYored fruit. It is a late kind. Huckleberries are in small quantities at present— and Sweet Almonds are scarce. The late true Damson Plum is in fair quan- tity—excellent for pies and preserves from its tartness. Hovey's Seedling Strawberry is still the prevailing kind— with a few Triomphe de Grande. Vegetables in general, are at the height of their excellence. E. J. Hooper. EDITOR : C. A. STIVERS, M. D. ASSOCIATK EDITORS : F. A. MII^LEB, C. STEPHENS. Force of habit has, from time immemorial, held a controlling influence over nearly all pursuits and occupations of life; and although new circumstances and new conditions have to a certain extent modified it, yet still we have too much of that adherence to old cus- toms, old ways and old ideas. It is in agri- culture and its kindred branches, that this force of habit is oftenest displayed, and where it has intrenched itself against agricul-^ tural enlightenment and intelligence. It is the common impression, that, that v(rhich our fathers were accustomed to in farming, will answer every purpose for our- selves, and too often, the farmer of to-day follows in the footsteps of his ancient prede- cessor. This, as might be expected, prevents that advancement which we have a good nght to look for. Farming to be successful, (in its broadest sense,) must be intelligent, awake to all that shall increase its crops of lessen its labors. Agriculture, too, must be progressive- caring not only for the present, but looking well to the future and the needs of a people who are to come after us. The world re- quires larger supplies of food at the present time than it did a hundred years ago. and will require still more in the next hundred. With this increasing demand, comes also the fact, that new lands are becoming scarcer , and as a'consequence the area of tillable land to be added to the agricultural field, is dimin- ishing. This destruction of the equilibnum be- tween supply and demand, is only to be arrested by elevating agriculture and its kin- dred branches, to a more scientific standing. More attention must be paid to thorough cultivation ; deep and careful plomng ; the study and application of fertilizers; an intel- ligent and practical system (especially for California) of irrigation, are all subjects for careful and studious consideration at the hands of our agriculturists, and those who have at heart the welfare and advancement of this noble profession. The whole science of the cultivation of the soil, is as yet in its infancy, despite the study and research it has received. Farmers are everv day working out wonderful chem- ical changes by means 'of their growing crops, and yet a knowledge of the process, is to most of them unknown. Surely none will deny, that the result of intelligent labor, is much greater than that which is ignorant of cause and effect, relying solely upon what it has acquired by habit, or been handed down to it from a former age. Here in California, the farmer occupies a new field, and, to a certain extent, is not to be governed by the same rules as his Eastern or European brethren. By a combination of soils and climates almost unparalleled on the globe, he is enabled to so broaden and ex- tend his field of labors, as to embrace nearly all the products of the worid. But to be successful, he must not let habit or custom rule him, only in so far as it shall result to his benefit, or be required by the existing ^circumstances. What we want, is, active intelligence— a knowledge that shall be progressive, and not the exclusive property of any one man. Agriculturists should deem it their duty to ex^'change knowledge one with tl^e other, and thus promote the general interests of all, as well as their own. The means by which this THE CALIFORNIA HORTICULTURIST. 339 is to be done, are the patronizing of local journals and papers devoted to agriciilture ; by supporting and encoui'aging fairs and ex- hibitions, and by establishing district soci- eties which shall serve as a medium through which all the agricultural information of the different localities can be disseminated. It is conceded on all sides, that California must depend, to a great extent, upon her agricvdtural interests to sustain her : Let us, then, biing intelligence into the field, mak- it work hand in hand with stout, stm-dy labor, throwing aside erroneous and binding habit as not suited to om- field of labors in this new and wonderful State. UNION SQUARE. This Square, which has been occupied for a number of years by the Mechanics' Insti- tute for theii' grand industrial fairs, is to be delivered up to the City again, and a resolu- tion has been passed by the Board of Super- visors to appropriate the svmi of $10,000, for improving and beautifying this plot of ground. Although the Square has served a noble purpose while under the control of the Insti- tute, and the Pavilion erected there by that Association has attracted a larger n;imber of people than the public square will, it is noth- ing but right that the original purpose should be carried out, and that the grounds should be dedicated to the public as an ornament and source of recreation for that class of our popvdation, in particular, who cannot enjoy the privilege of walking amongst trees, shrubs and flowers of their own. Everj- important city has its squares, parks and avenues; while San Francisco is much behind in this respect, although her climate admits of a far grander display of trees and shrubs, than is practicable in our East- ern cities. However, our administrators and public officers have never attached much importance to the character of such public improvements, and as a consequence our squares are in a deplorable condition. We hope most sin- cerely that our present and future officers who have control over this matter, will do justice to our wants. Money has been squandered most recklessly and no equivalent obtained for it. One half of the amount of money which has been ex- pended in this dii-ection might have produced a much better result. But how was this done V The entii-e work of grading, fencing and planting w^as deputed to some unscrupulous contractors, who were made the tools of peciilating eommittemen. What sense is there in giving the selection of trees, the arrangement of the grounds and the planting of lawns to parties totally ignorant of what is desirable and appropi-iate ? Why shotdd we not consult men who make it their study and profession to produce the best pos- sible effect with the least possible expense? The proper way to have such work done is to invite competition and to accept the most practicable, best and most economical plan. The work of the contractor for grading should stop after the grading is done, and the work of the carpenter should stop when the saw and plane have finished their work. To x:)lant and arrange a public square is the profession and art of men, who are neither grading con- tractors, nor carpenters, and to them belong the work of making the grounds that which a considerate public has a right to expect. It is to be hoped that our Supervisors will exercise good judgment in the management of otu- public squares in the future. Horticultural Notice.— At a meeting of the Oregon State Horticultural Society held in Poriland, June 28th, 1871, the following resolution was passed, to wit : — Resolved, That a committee on frioits be appointed, whose duty it shall be to examine the various fruits in their season, to correct the names, to examine and report on the pro- bable value of new seedlings, and make their report at the annual meeting of this Society to be held at Salem during the State Faii\ 340 THE CALIFORNIA HORTICULTUEIST. AMERICAN POMOLOGICAL SOCIETY. The meeting of this Society, held at Rich- mond, (Va.,) Sept. 6th, 7th and 8th, was an important event in the Pomological history of the country. The session was in every way harmonious and pleasant, and we have no doubt but that it will prove highly productive of good to the general interest of fruit grow- ers throughout the United States. The address of the President, the Hon. Marshall P. Wilder, has been received by us. It is an able paper and well worthy of perusal by all our Pomologists. We make the following extracts from the concluding poiiiion of it :— ' ' The imj)ortance and value of our calling in developing the resources of our country, in the occupation of unimproved lands, adorn- ing our homesteads, enhancing the value of real estate, multiplying the blessings and comforts of life, and promoting a great source of national wealth, cannot be too high- ly appreciated. The more I reflect upon the progress we have made, the more am I con- firmed in the belief that this branch of cul- ture will ere long become second only to the growth of the bread and meat of our country. The enormous production of Strawberries and other small fruits, the millions upon millions of baskets of Peaches, — not to speak of the Apples and Pears and other fruits that are now annually produced — give promise that the time is fast approaching when all classes of society may enjoy these health-pre- serving edibles as a portion of their daily food. Nor can I refrain from referring once more to the benign influence which our em- ployment has upon the moral and religious instincts of the heart, the refinement of taste, and the welfare of societ3^ Whatever plea- sure may be derived from other pursuits, there is surely none that has aff'orded stronger evidence of a high and progressive state of civilization, or a more ennobling influence than the culture of fruits. ' This,' says Gen. Dearborn, 'must have been the first step in the march of civilization, while the method of ameliorating their character and multiplying their varieties may be considered as taking precedence of all human efl^orts in the in- dustrial arts.' From the day when God gave our father in Eden, trees ' pleasant to the sight and good for food,' down to Solomon, who said, 'I made me gardens and' orchards, and I plant- ed in them trees of all kinds of fruits,' and through the successive generations of men the cultivation of trees and plants has been the criterion of taste and refinement. No object of attachment is more naturally allied to the instincts of the soul, and truly did Emer- son remark : ' He who knows the most, he who knows what sweets and virtues are in the ground, and how to come at these enchant- ments, is the rich and royal man.' And what greater benefactions can you leave for posteri- ty than these memorials, which shall live and grow, which shall tell of your love of the most beautiful works of nature, kindred and home when you are slumbering in the grave ? Far better these, for the perpetuation of your memory and the benefit of the advancing mil- lions of coming time, than all the monumental shafts and pillars of polished marble that ev- er graced the hero's tomb. With the deepest sense of gratitude do I rejoice in the presence of a few of the found- ers of this Society, whose lives have been pro- longed to this day. Ere long all those who were present at its first meeting, and he who by your indulgence has occupied this chair so long, will vacate their seats. Others will fill the places which we now occupy; but our Society and the cause it seeks to promote, will live on to bless the generations which shall succeed it. Long may the members of this Society meet together as friends and mutual helpers, dis- pensing and receiving good; and may your efforts for promoting this most beautiful of all arts — ^this health-preserving and life-pro- longing industry — be crowned with continued success. May the Society go on conferring blessings on our country until every hearth- stone and fireside shall be gladdened with the golden fruits of summer and autumn ; until THE CALIFORNIA HORTICULTURIST. 341 thanksgiving and the perfume of the orchard shall ascend together like incense from the altar of every family in our broad land, and the whole world realize, as in the beginning, the blissful fruition of dwelling in the ' Gar- den of the Lord.' And when at last the chain of friendship, which has bound so many of us together in labor and in love, shall be broken ; when the last link shall be sundered, and the fruits of this world shall delight us no more ; when *the cultiu-e, training, and sorrows of earth shall culminate in the puri- ty, perfection, and bliss of Heaven, may we all sit down together at that feast of immor- tal fruits — ' Where life fills the wine cup and love makes it clear: Where GUead's balm in its freshness shall flow O'er the wounds which the pruning-knife gave us below.' " SANTA CLAEA VALLEY AGRICULTURAL FAIR. The enterprising Agricultural Society, of Santa Clara Valley, held its Fair during the latter part of August, and with much better success than in former years. The Floral Department consisted of the display of a fine collection of evergreens and floweiing plants, by Mr. Wm. O'Donnell and Mr. L. F. Sanderson, very creditable to the exhibitors; also of a meritorious display of cut-flowers, from the gardens of Mr. San- derson. Of the Pomological Exhibitors, Mr. Fox made the grandest display. The varieties of Pears and Apples exhibited by this gentle- man were very numerous. Tie following is the list of PEE^^rMs awaeded : Plants and Flowers. — Best collection Hot- house Plants, premium to L. F. Sanderson. Best collection Hardy Ornamental Plants, premium to Wm. O'Donnell. Fuchsias and Geraniums, premium to L. F. Sanderson. Plants, all varieties, premium to William O'Donnell. Best assoriment Cut-flowers, premium to L. F. Sanderson. . Second best collection of Cut-flowers, pre- mium to T. D. Appleby. Two Vase Bouquets, premium to L. F. Sanderson. Two Parlor Bouquets and two Hand Bou- quets, premium to L. F. Sanderson. Also, special premium recommended to L. F. Sanderson, for his collection of Ferns, which the Committee consider " one of the most attractive features of the Fair." Fruits. — Single bunch California Grapes, premium to D. M. Harwood, of San Jose. Collection of Foreign Grapes, premium. B. S. Fox (S. J.), collection Apples, prem. Collection twelve varieties Apples, prem. Collection Pears, premium. Collection Nectarines, premium. Collection Plums, premium. Collection Currants, premium. Collection Strawberries, premium. Collection Pomegranates, premium. Wm. Daniels (S. J.), Pears, single variety, three specimens, premium. Charles LeFranc (S. J.), collection Wine GrajDCs, premium. D. M. Harwood (S.J.), single bunch For- eign Grapes, premium. S. B. Stockton (S. J.), collection Foreign Grapes, premium. Nuts. — S. Lonnar (S. J.), Hard-shell Al- monds, premium. B. S. Fox (S. J.), best collection of Nuts, premium, $10. SHIPPING FRUIT EAST A SUCCESS. Mr. Reed, of Yolo County, has foi-warded three car loads of Bartlett Pears to Chicago and New York, which arrived there in excel- lent condition. His agents there disposed of them at S6,50 per box, and Mr. Reed has netted about $4,000 out of this one shipment. This fact goes far to prove that fruit can be shipped East with safety, if judiciously pack- ed; and it also demonstrates the fact, that the business may be made a profitable one. Enterprise and perseverance have met with success, and always will do it. MAMMOTH SQUASH. Mr. Robinson & Son, No. 217 Washington Street, of this city, has on exhibition a Mar- rowfat Squash, which weighs 195 pounds. It was raised on Brannan Island, Sacramen- to River, abm-e Sherman Island. W2 THE CALIFORNIA HORTICULTURIST. THE WINE CROP OF LOS ANGELES. The Viniculturists of Los Angeles County have just commenced pressing the Grapes for Wine. The crops of the smaller vine- yards have been bought up by speculators and their agents : the average price paid is about one cent per pound, and even at this rate the \aneyards will pay a handsome profit. It is said that the bunches are not as full and the berries of less uniform size than was anticipated, but notwithstanding this, the crop is generally larger than that of last year. BIG PEARS. At the San Joaquin Valley Fair, a Mr. Peters exhibited sixteen Pears, grown on one tree, which weighed one povmd each. NEW PUBLICATIONS. We have just received the Young Folks' Ru- ral, a monthly journal for the young people of both country and city, and designed for the cultivation of a taste for rural life. - It is published by H. N. F. Lewis, of Chi- cago, and deserves an extensive patronage. We are advised of the publication of a new work on "Forest Trees," for Shelter, Ornament and Profit : by Arthur Bryant, President of the Illinois State Horticultural Society. We have not seen tlie work, but judge it to be of much value. CATALOGUES RECEIVED. During the past month we have received many valuable Catalogues, most of which are neat and valuable publications. We mention — "Catalogue of Stove and Green-house Plants, including Orchids, Palms, Ferns, etc., for sale by Geo. Such, of South Amboy, New Jersey." "Descriptive Catalogue of New and Beau- tiful Plants, Fruit Trees, etc., cultivated and for sale at the Dobroyde Nurseiy, Ashfield, Sydney, N. S. W." "Dreer's Descriptive Catalogue of Bulbs and other Flowering Roots, sold by Henry A. Dreer, of Philadelphia, Pa.' " Vick's Illustrated Catalogue of Hardy Bulbs, for sale by James Vick, Rochester, N. Y." "Wholesale Catalogue of Hyacinths, Tu- lips, Crocus, Lilies, French Hybrid Gladio- lus, etc., for sale by C. L. Alleiir & Co. 76 Fulton Street, Brooklyn, N. Y." "Hovey's Illustrated Catalogue of New Plants. Hovey & Co.^ Boston, Mass." "Catalogue of the Reading Nursery: by J. W. Manning, Reading, Mass." "Wholesale Catalogue and Trade List of Fruit and Ornamental Trees, for sale by F. L. Perry, Canandaigua, N. Y." ' ' Wholesale Price List of Bm-row & Wood, Nurserymen and Florists, at Fishkill, Dutch- ess County, N. Y." " Semi- Annual Trade List of Hoopes Bro. & Thomas, Cheny Hill Nurseries, Westches- ter, Pa." " General Trade List of Nursery Stock, for sale by Wood & Hall, Geneva, N. Y." ' " Wholesale Catalogue of Superior Dutch Bulbs, for sale by L. Van Waveren & Co., Holland. Richard Lauer, New York, Sole Agent." "Trade List of W. F. Heikes, Dayton, Ohio." \ "Trade List of Fruit and Ornamental Trees, for sale at the Monroe Co. Nurseries, Rochester, N. Y." "Wholesale Trade List of T. Sprague & Co., of the Erie Comercial Nui-series, Erie, Penn." "Descriptive Catalog-ue of Pot, Plant, Garden and Veranda Trellises, by.Nourse, White & Co.l Westborough, Man." NURSERIES OF ELLW ANGER & BARRY, ROCHESTER, N. Y. We call particular attention to tbe advertise- ment of these gentlemen, in another column. The stock which they have sold to parties on this coast, during the past season, has gen- eraliy given satisfaction. THE CALIFORNIA HORTICULTURIST. 343 WOODWABD'S GABDENS. (^mvt^i^m^tntt. Since our last visit to these Gardens, we note that many additions have been made to the interestins: collection of choice plants in the conservatories. Among them v^e notice sev- eral new varieties of Ferns, also of Azaleas and Hybiscus. A new Passion Flower— (Pf^ssi- Jiora trifaciata)-^^ower pvire white with light purple edges, small, and particularly well foi-med. Some new Begonias of considera- ble beauty. One of several specimens of a new tuber Biedenbergia. has thrown up a vig- orous flower stem and is rapidly developing; this is a particularly interesting plant. We also noti ced a new variety of Aloe . A fine speci- men of Gloria superba in full flower. A very pleasing double Geranium (Empress Eugenie) of particularly delicate tint. But what pleased us most was, the Gem of the Gardens, the Eqnrifu Santo, (Holy Ghost Flower,) in full flower, its delicately white and elegantly formed wax-like blossoms present, - in the centre, a curiously close resemblance to a dove with partially extended wings, as depicted in many church embellishments, hence, its name. The perfume of this flower is peculiarly rich and delicious, and, combin- ed with that of a neighboring Stephanotus. also in full flower, was almost overpowering. Our attention was also drawn to a speci- men of Marauta taberspatha, and to several Alligator Pears, starting into vigorous growth. We were disappointed of seeing the Night- blooming Cereus in flower. Some ungra- cious wretch had -wilfully destroyed the bud. Strange ! that among a people who justly pride themselves on their education and re- finement, and among a concourse of well dressed visitors, so large a percentage can be found who are capable and guilty of the meanness of not only stealing a flower, (fre- quently a choice and only one,) but of fatally tearing a plant to gratify this detestable pas- sion. The Managers of the late Horticultural Exhibition, know too well how fearfully this was exemplified on that occasion. POMOLOGICAL CONVENTIONS. Squashes. — Treat the same as Cucumbers, and cultivate until they cover the ground. Washi>-gton, Sept. 11th, 1871. Editor California Horticulturist : Last week, at the joint Convention of the "National Pomological Society," and the "Virginia State Society," I witnessed the largest and richest display of Fruits, of every variety, ever exhibited in this country. They met in "Assembly Hall," in the City of Richmond, "Va., and continued in session Wednesday, Thursday and Friday, the 6th, 7th and 8th of September, instant. The increased and growing interest for Horticultm-e, the favorable season in most sections of the country, and the increased railroad facilities over previous years, have conspired to render the present Fruit Exhibi- tion in Richmond the finest and largest ever before witnessed in this countrj^ Besides, it is the first ever held by the National Society south of the Potomac. The Biennial Conven- tion was held two years ago in Philadelphia, and was a very splendid and satisfactory affau', but this one eclipses all previous ones, both in the matter of delegates and fruits, and the extent of country represented. Some twenty-six States and Districts were represented by delegates and fruits. The principal exhibitors were — From the District of Columbia, John Saul, with Potomac Fruit Growers, exhibited fifty six varieties of Fears and eighteen of Apples, besides Figs, Grapes, etc. Mr. D. O. Munson, of Fall's Church, Vir- ginia, fifteen varieties of Pears, and a quan- tity of Apples, Grapes, etc. J. B. Clagett, some fine specimens of Pears, the Duchess. Mr. William Saunders, Superintendent of the Agricultural Grounds, etc. , at Washing- ton, exhibited forty varieties of Pears, a number of Southern Grapes, and other fruits, all very fine. 344 THE CALIFORNIA HORTICULTURIST. Virginia — Gillingham, Wright, Cox, and others, a fine show of Apples, Pears and Grapes, from Fairfax Co. ; G. F. Leighton, of Norfolk, exhibited, of his own growth, specimens of the Duchesse d'Angouleme Pear, weighing thirtj^ and a half ounces. From one tree he took two of the size speci- fied, and another weighing twenty four ounces. His Pears look as if they were grown to feed giants. From New York — Ellwanger & Barry ex- hibited one hundred and fifty seven varieties of Apples, with other fruit. Iowa — Mark Miller, and others from this State, had on exhibition a collection of two hundred and fifty varieties of Apples, repre- senting the staple fruit of this growing young State. Many of them were beauties in ap- pearance, while others were equally remark- able for their size. Nebraska — ^Mr. R. W. Fernas, of Nebras- ka, showed sixty nine varieties of Apples, a number of Pears and Peaches, and some Grapes ; while Mr. J. H. Masters, of the same State, had sixty five varieties of Apples, thirteen of Pears, and a variety of Plums, Grapes, etc. Massachusetts — The President of the So- ciety, Marshal P. Wilder, exhibited two hundred and fifty varieties of Pears, and it would be hard to name a variety which he had not in his collection. California — This distant State made a splendid show, of many varieties, showing her rich in many things. The Bartlett Pear, for example, was as large as our ordinary Duchess, and Seckles were as big as good sized Apples, and beautiful in proportion. Amber Plums as large as goose eggs were flanked by mammoth bunches of ' ' White Muscat " Grapes larger and greener looking than the Malaga, while Flemish beauties, (Pears,) twenty ounces in weight, which would have excited the admiration of a painter, were brought in contrast with blush- ing Tokay Grapes in bunches large enough to suggest those found in the land of Ca- naan. Then there were native Olives, green Oranges, ' ' pound Pears, " varieties of Grapes, and all in a fine state of preservation. Many other States were represented. Committees on Pkemiums. To decide on the various Premiums, the following committees were appointed : — On Virginia State Agricultural Society's Premium of $100, for best collection of fruit — Apples, Pears, Peaches and Grapes: Wm- Saunders, of Dist. Col. ; P. J. Berckmans, of Ga. : and W. T. Smith, of Geneva, N. Y. On Premiums offered by Marshall P. Wilder on Pears $30, Fllwanger & Barry on Apples $50, Thos. P. James, on Peaches $30: Chas. Downing, of N.Y. ; W. L. Steele, of N. C. ; and P. T. Quinn, of N. J. On Premiums offered by Chas. Downing of $50, R. L. Page of $10, Jno. B. Whitehead of $20, Downward, Anderson & Co. of $10, C. T. Wortham & Co. of $10: Wm. Perry, of N. J.; G. F. B. Leighton, of Va.; and Robert Corse, of Md. On Premiums for Figs, Oranges, Olives and Pomegranates: Hon. J. B. Whitehead, of Va.; John Feast, of Baltimore; and Col. Hardie, of Fa. On Gratuities offered by G. F. B. Leigh- ton, Randolph & English, the Southern Fer- tilizing Company: J. H. Masters, Henry Ell- wanger, of New York, and O. T. Herstine, of Pennsylvania. On Premium of $25 — best Apples for gen- eral culture in Kentucky ^by J. S. Downer: Wm. Heaver, of Tennessee; Dr. William M. Howsley, of Kansas; and John S. Mcintosh, of Ohio. On Fruits exhibited by the American Po- mological Society : John E. M. Gilley, of Massachusetts ; B. K. Bliss, of New York ; and Dr. James T. Johnson, of Virginia. On Premiums offered by Smith, Clai'ke & Powell, and D. D. T. Moore, of New York, Southern Planter and Farmer, and the Rural Carolinian: W. C. Barry, of New York ; R. J. Page, of Virginia ; and D. B. Weir, of Illinois. THE CALEFOENIA HORTICULTURIST. 345 AwAKD OF Premiums. The Committee on Special Premiums for tlie best collection of Apples, Peaches, Pears and Grapes, reported that the only entrv meeting the requirements of this pre- mium is that from Nebraska, and respect- fully recommend that the premium of SlOO offered by the Virg-inia Pomological Sociefy be awarded accordingly. (Signed) W. Saunders. W. B. Smith. I. Berksman, Committee. On the reading of the report, Col. Fur- nas, of Nebraska, stated that the Nebraska Society donated the American Pomological Society the premium which had been awarded them. The donation was accepted, and three cheers proposed and given for Nebraska. The Committee on Grapes presented the following report : — We, the undersigned, appointed to award premiums on American Grapes, as per spe- cial premiums contributed by Chas. Down- ing, Gener.il L. R. Page, Hon. John B. Whitehead. Messrs. Downward, Anderson k Co., and Messrs. Charles T. Wortham & Co., respectfully submit the following re- port : — 1. No collection of twenty varieties of American Grapes found. 2. No half bushel of Flowers Grapesfound. 3. Premiums of S20 awarded to John Hop- kins, Wilmington, North Carolina for half bushel of Scuppernong Grapes ; who also exhibited a half bushel of large Black Grapes, which be called Muscadine Supe- rior, and which he claims as a seedling of his. 4. Premiums awarded to Michigan State Pomological Society of §10, for best twelve bunches of Delaware Grapes. 5. Premiums oi $10 awarded to J. W. Porter, for best twelve bunches of Northern Seedling Grapes. William Barry, G. F. B. Leighton, Committee. The President, M. P. Wilder, delivered his Biennial Address — a sound, instructive paper. Treasurer's Report. — Mr. T. P. James, Treasurer, submitted his Biennial Report, showing that the receipts of the Society have been §1,003 03, and that there is a balance of SI 24 16 on hand. It was voted to hold the next meeting at Boston, Mass. After business and discussion, the Society adjourned. D. S. C. (gdttariat ^Icanitt^si. EFFECTS OF DEEP PLOUGHING. We consider the matter of deep and thorough cultivation so important, that we feel justified in frequently dwelling upon it. In this instance we make room for an article under the same heading, which was recently pulilished in the Bu7-al Carolinian, and which suits us exactly. Here it is : A correspondent, who has experimented in deep ploughing, thinks it don't pay — in fact, that it is wrong in principle and ruinous in practice. He took a fair piece of ground — a sandy soil with a good clay subsoil — and turned it over to the depth of twelve inches, throwing up considerable clay. The result was not more than half the crop which the land would have produced, if ploughed in the usual (shallow) manner. We see no reason to doubt this statement : but we protest against the Rural Carolinian being held in any way responsible for the result. While we fully believe in a deep breaking up of the soil as a general principle and a general rule, and have frequently' said so, we have also frequently warned our read- ers against turning under their shallovj soihi too deeply, or turning up too much of the sub- soil at one time. He should have gradually deepened his soil, breaking up below with a subsoil er. But while our correspondent has fallen into an error, he is too hasty in his inference, that the land is ruined. Unless there be something actually deleterious in the subsoil , we venture to predict that that piece of ground in question, if peas or some other green crop be grown on it and turned under 346 THE CALIFOENIA HORTICULTUEIST. the present season, will next year produce a fair crop, and will continue to improve till it will be far more productive than the adjoin- ing land treated in the ordinary way. The action of the atmosphere, the sun, the dews, and the rains, assisted by the roots of plants, will finally make of the crude materials turned up a fertile soil. A case in point falls under our obsei-vation as we write. Acon-es- pondent of the Prairie Farmer turned up a piece of land, with a side-hill plough, to the depth of fifteen inches. He got scarcely any crop. He seeded it to grass and pas- tured it for several years, when it was turned over again as deeply as before. It ^delded better and continued to improve for years. He addrs : This was twenty years ago and upward. The land still shows the benefit. It has, since it became established, acted like a dif- ferent soil. The deep ploughing — and that repeated — drained it and mellowed it so that it withstood the drought and the wet — the drought especially, which is severe on ele- vated drift soil . But it had clay enough and was mellow. On the yellow knolls there was the old condition ; the clay was missing, and so were the grain and the grass ; it was too dry. The editor of the Carolinian concludes as follows : But the best way to deepen a soil, is, to do it gradually. In this as in ev- erything else, good judgment is essential. We can only supply facts and principles. Our readers must make use of brains, as well as muscle, in apphing them to the prepara- tion of the soil and the making of the crops, adapting the teachings of science and exper- ience to each particular case. Never blindly follow any leader, while you have eyes of vour own and know how to use them. Tree Culture — The Prairie Farnvr very justly commends the spirit that has seized the farmers of Illinois, to plant forest trees. It is clearly a providential instinct, for it has swept the country like an epidemic. Every one asks : " How many trees have you planted this year ?" Not one in a hundred answers "None." At every* agricultural meeting, members vie with each other in reporting the largest number and the greatest variety set out. They are mostly from seed, and usually eight feet apart, to be thinned out as they expand in dimensions. Every one speaks of the increased retentiveness of the soil for moisture, within the influence of their protection. Especially they attest their shel- tering effect against the dessicating and disagreeable winds that are the great ob- jection to life on the treeless prairies. They report a notable improvement in health — less ague and rheumatism, and less cataiThal dis- turbance. A few years ago, some leaders of the movement planted trees as wind-brakes to their orchards and their dwellings. In every instance these have worked wonders in giving increased fruitages, exemption from spring frosts, and unspeakable comfort to the family and to the barn-yard. The saving of cattle feed is found to be no small item ; for every protection from adverse weather enables stock to thrive on less fodder. Vil- lages, which a few years ago wore a bare and cheerless look, are now assuming the sweet attraction of their old New England homes. It favorably aflects immigration. First im- pressions have driven many a neAv comer from the prairies. Since the furor for tree planting, the repulsiveness is fast being changed to attractiveness. Among the bene- ficial effects of the young forest may be men- tioned many permanently-flowing springs, which had long ceased to run, and new ones not previously observed. We wish this tree planting epidemic would extend to Calif or- nia. There are prem onitory sj^mptoms indi- cating that the contagion has reached our borders. Food. —Diet has much to do with health, and also something to do with mental condi- tion. It is held to be an axiom that a gross feeder will have a gross mind. I doubt if true refinement of manners can exist in con- junction with an exclusive pork diet. It is THE CALIFOENIA HOETICULTURIST. 347 certain, at least, that children wi'll grow up more healthful and beautiful in families ac- customed to a variety of well cooked food, than in those dieted upon invariable salt pork, or food fried to the pliability of leather. In one case clear complexion and plump figure will be the rule, and in the other a leathery skin, angular features, lean forms, and iri'itable and selfish dispositions. There is great diversity in farmers' families in this respect. A large number combine the best known hygienic regimen, good cookery, fresh material, and variety with simplicity of serving. Farmers have an advantage over all others in fresh vegetables, milk, cream, but- ter, and eggs, and some disadvantages in variety and convenience of meat supj^lies, which can all be easilj^ overcome, however, by a provision of fowls, lambs, and a little neigh- borhood arrangement for the exchange of other meats. On the other hand, then, there are farmers abundantly able to provide whole-, some fare who live abominably, and their children are neither handsome, healthy, nor good-natured ! Careful observation and a little reflection will teach them the importance of diet in education. A dysjDcptic stomach can never rest, and without periodic repose of stomach and brain, mental labor cannot be long per- formed. Farmers who bestow so much atten- tion upon the thrift and fattening of domestic animals, should at least allow their children equally favorable conditions of health. It is indisputable that in many cases the cattle are the favored party, and the children are neglected. — Ag. Rep. Management of Dahlias. — In growing Dah- lias for exhibition, it is a great mistake to tiy to have a large number of blooms. It is much better to pluck off all small and un- promising flowers, and to save a few of the choicest for culture. The supports of the plant should be looked to, and stakes added wherever they are required. Some exper- ienced growers j)refer wire trellises to stakes, as the branches can be well secured on them. It is a common practice to remove some of the side branches, but this is an error, as the shock is surely felt by the plant. If the Dahlia be pi-uned as fruit trees are, that is, the weak and worthless branches and such as are crossing and crowding each other are removed, the flowers will be larger and finer than if the plant is cut more. The foliage of the Dahlia is of too much use to be wan- tonly decreased by breaking off large branches. If great care is not taken, branches that can- not be spared vdll be broken by high winds. When a flower bud or two have been select- ed on a branch, all other buds on the same branch should be removed, so that the flow- ering strength may be thrown into the buds that remain. Some growers advocate cover- ing the blooms, as it preserves them better, but the j)etals of the covered flowers are al- ways thinner, and the colors less vivid than those which are exposed to the sun. A flow- er that has been fully exposed will bear car- riage much better than one which has been covered. Every flower should be cut off as soon as it has passed its prime, or is known to be useless. Producing flowers weakens and exhausts a plant very much, and the removal of such as are past their prime is a relief which is immediately felt. A shade which will protect from the stronger rays of the sun is useful, but light and air should not be excluded. Weak liquid manure is very grate- ful to the plants, but where they are watered, the whole ground about them should be well soaked, and not merely the roots. Mulching has been frequently tried, and as often abandoned. Its faults are, that it en- courages injui-ious insects about the roots, and induces the fibers of the root to come to the surface. All plants are the better for sending down their roots after moisture, in- stead of deriving it from near the surface ; for this reason all irregular and partial water- ings are bad. The foliage of Dahlias should be well syringed with soft water after the sun is down. — Westein Rural. Radishes. — Sow occasionally for a succession, if desired. 348 THE .CALIFORNIA HORTICULTURIST. New Annl'als: Godetia Whitneyi and Phlox Hevnhuldii. — The first-named of these new- ly-introduced annual flowers having been fig- ured, and very highly spoken of in more than one horticultural periodical during the past spring. I was consequently induced to use it rather freely, and I confess was beginning to entertain doubts as to its I'ealizing the good opinion I had been led to form of its merits, us it did not begin to flower until the first week of July. But I am now glad to be able to say that it has fully realized all my expecta- tions. It is without doubt one of the most showy and attractive annuals that has ever been introduced ; but to do it full justice, it ought to be grown en masse in a bed of consid- erable dimensions, or to form a line in a rib- bon border of considerable length. It is then in appearance really magnificent, resem- bling, at a distance, a line of the finest dwarf Rhododendrons in full flower, or of some fine variety of Hibiscus. It grows from a foot to fifteen inches high, and ' is exceedingly flori- ferous, each bloom being quite three inches in diameter, color rosy-pink, with a crimson spot in the center of each of the four petals; this spot, however, is more clearly defined in some plants than in others, and on this ac- count care ought to be taken in selecting seeds from the best colored plants. Should this plant prove to be continuous in bloohiing, as it has at present the appearance of being, it will certainly prove very useful, even as a bedding plant. 1 sowed the seeds about the middle of March in pans in a gentle heat, pricked out into pans or boxes when large enough, and finally planted out about the middle of May. Phlox Heynholdii is also an annual of recent introduction, which I think only requires to be better known to insure its being more extensively used. It belongs to the Drummondii section, but is more dwarf in growth, seldom exceeding six or eight inches in height, and producing an abundance of rich flame scarlet-colored flowers. It has also the property (not always possessed by the finest annuals) of producing itself quite true — that is, without any variation either in the color of the flower or in the habit of the plant, and" continues to flower until late in the season.— P. Grieve, Gulford. [The Godetia WhUneyi is a native of Cali- fornia, and was found in Humboldt Co. , by Professor H. N. Bolander, who transmitted the seeds to England. It is in great favor there, while in its native state we do not think there is a single plant cultivated.— En.] Influekcf of Cllmate Upon Vegetation.— It is not alone the exterior appearance of plants which climate alters, it has a distinct action on the chemical compounds of vege- tables. Dr. Darwin says, the chemical qual- ities, odors and tissues of plants, are often modified by climate in a manner which seems to us extraordinary, and is remarkbale, be- cause it might have been thought that definite chemical compounds would have been little liable to change either in quantity or quality. The Hemlock jdelds no Conocine in Scotland, the Aconitum napellus 'becomes innocuous in frigid climates. The Rhubarb flourishes in this country, but does not produce those med- icinal substances which make the plant so useful when grown in its own country. The China Tea Tree grows well in the west of Eng- land, am.azingly so in South Carolina, in neither case is Theine jaelded. The wood of the American Locust Tree in England is as worth- less as that of the Oak {Quercus robur) grown at the Cape of G-ood Hope, or as the Tasma- nian Gum Tree grown in the vicinity of Mel- bourne. Dr. Falconer says, there is a great difference in the fiber of the Hemp, in the quantity of oil in the seeds of the Linura, and of Morphine in the Poppy, when these plants are cultivated on the plains or on the moun- tains of India. The same species of Cactus has been carried from Canton, Manilla, Mau- ritius, and from the hot-houses of Kew. They were all alike in appearance, but the Cochineal insect thrives only on the native plant, on which it thrives prodigiously. Mon- sieur Berthier says, if we compare amongst themselves the ashes of wood grown on land of different kinds, it is seen they differ re- markably, which seems to establish the fact that climate has an influence on their consti- THE CALIFORNIA HORTICULTURIST. 349 tution. , These examples are pertinent, so far as they go, to show how comprehensive and coraplete must all circumstances be to bring- a plant up to its maximum state. — Ex. How Cheery Trees Should be Grown. — Tears ago it was just as easy to raise a good crop of Cherries as to raise a good crop of Ap- ples. We remember, when a boy, we made good wages picking this fruit' at fifty cents the bushel, the trees gave such an abundant crop. Several years ago a change seemed to come over the Cherry Tree. When grown too rapid, they burst theii- bark in many places, per- mitting the gum to exude in abundance; and finally, the limb or branch would die. Warts, also, became numerous, and did considerable damage; the curculio began to destroy the Cherry as he had already the Plum; and lastly, a severe drought followed by a severe winter, seemed to give the finishing touch to many of the Cherry-trees. The remedy for the first trouble, we believe is within our reach. We remember, some years ago, a neighbor bought a hundred Cherry-trees, and set them out in an orchard, and began to manure, and treat them in this respect as he had done his Apple orch- ard, which was in a very thriving condition. In a year or two many of the trees burst their bark, turned black, and parts died; and this continued until- three-foui'ths of the whole were dead, or nearly so, being quite worth- less. It was evident to the farmer that he had killed his trees by kindness ; and he stop- ped manuring, and sowed his land down to grass; and this saved them. What would do for the Apple-tree would not answer for the Cherry. We know another orchard, now some years old, that we set out for a neigh- bor, where the trees have been kept in grass ever since the second year after they were set; and these trees have made a good, sound, healthy growth each year, and latterly, even for ten years past, except a single year, have borne good crops of fruit. There is not a more healthy Cherry orchard in the country. These trees have never suffered by the bursting of the bark, nor from warts. The best trees may be so forced in growth as to become tender and diseased, and in a short time worthless, as neighbor Jones' trees did. We are perfectly sui-e that all who have been troubled by diseased Cherry-trees, will, if they adopt the plan we have referred to, soon see the beneficial effects of it, and, though they may have to wait longer for fruit, will succeed in saving their trees. — Journal of Horticulture. Fibrous and Oil- Yielding Plants. — Some consideration has of late years been given towards the growth of Fibrous and Oil-yield- ing Plants in our colonies and foreign posses- sions, and amongst the latter the Sunflower, Helianthus Annuus, has been favorably spo- ken of. The plant is largely grown in Russia for the sake of the oil; and it is said that, under a good system of cultivation, a bushel of seed will yield a gallon of excellent oil, which can be used for burning in lamps, for soaiD-making, or painting, and if properly refined, it makes an excellent table oil. It is said to be much used for adulterating Olive oil, and is exported from St. Petersbm-g in large quantities, fetching about 10s. Qd. per cwt. The refuse, or marc, after the expres- sion of the oil, is an excellent food for cattle. Horses, cows, and poultry are said to fatten rapidly after being fed with these seeds. In many places in Russia they are boiled and eaten by the people, and, when properly shelled and pulverized, they make good floui-, which being sweet, is very suitable for mak- ing cakes. The di-ied leaves are given to cat- tle instead of straw, and the stalks are said to produce a large quantity of alkali. One of the most recent applications, however, that has been advocated for the stems of the Sunflower is the manufacture of paper. Con- sidering the ease with which these plants can be grown, and the quantity of seeds each one produces, it is time, if they are so really valuable, that they were made more generally useful. — Oardener's Chronicle, London. Peas. — Vines which have borne an early crop should be pulled up and buraed, and their place occiipied by Cabbage plants. 350 THE CALIFORNIA HORTICULTURIST. OuE Newly Appointed CoMivnssioNER of Ag- RictiLTDRE.— Hon. Frederick Watts, of Cariisle, Pennsylvania, has been appointed successor to General Capron as Commissioner of Agri- culture, to date from the 1st of August. Judge Watts is a native of Carlisle, and was educated at Dickinson College, where he graduated at the age of nineteen. Imme- diately after his graduation he went to Erie County, Pennsylvania, and there lived three years with an uncle, working daily on his farm. It was while residing with this uncle that the taste for farm life, which has characterized his whole career, was fully formed, and a practi- cal knowledge of its essential requirements thoroughly learned. Returning to Carlisle, he studied law mth Andrew Carothers, and was admitted to the bar. He practiced his profession until 1848, when he was commis- sioned by Grovernor William F. Johnson as presiding judge of the ninth judicial district of Pennsylvania, composed of the counties of Cumberland, Perry, and Juniata. This office he held for three years, when, it ha%'ing been made elective, and the district being under the control of the political party with which he was not in sympathy, he retired from the bench and returned to the bar. He did not, however, actively engage in his pro- fession— a large portion of his time being de- voted to the personal superintendence of a farm near Carlisle. For many years he had been a farmer as well as a lawyer, and had become known as one who believed in the ap- plication of science to the tilling of the soil. In 1B58 he abandoned entirely the practice of law, and since then has been exclusively a farmer. During the last few years he has resided on his farm, giving to all the details of its management his personal attention. He is also the owner of another farm, which he m.anages through a tenant. Judge Watt's prominence as a farmer led to his election, in 1856, as the first president of the Pennsylvania Agricultural Society, which office he held rmtil 1862, when he de- clined a reelection. He was elected the first President of the Board of Trustees of the Agricultural College of Pennsylvania, a po- sition which he still holds. He has never been prominent as a politician, although en- tertaining at all times positive views of public policy, and has never been a candidate for either congressional or legislative honors. He was not an applicant for the distinguished position to which he has just been appointed, and its duties and responsibilities have been accepted with reluctance. Judge Watts is a practical and scientific far- mer. He has devoted his life to the practice of progressive methods of deversified agri- culture, and has always manifested a deep interest and genuine enthusiasm in the ad- vancement of the farmer's calling. In his new office he may be expected to give to all the agricultural interests of the country the same intelligent and industrious attention he has bestowed upon the varied operations of his own farm and the agriculture of Pennsylvania. Mammoth Cluster Raspberry. — Bush very rank, upright grower, but with few thorns; foliage rich dark-green; fniit extremely large, and holds out large to the very last picking. Black, with a rich pvirple tinge or bloom; very juicy, high flavored and delicious. Plant does not sucker, but increases by layering the tips. Perfectly hardy, having stood thfe most severe winters, (with mercury down to 28 degrees below zero,) without the least parti- cle of damage. Sm-face sufficiently firm to carry to the most distant market. Season ex- tremely late, which makes it very valuable on account of filling in a blank space, heretofore felt by all, between Raspberries and Black- berries.— Sjnall Fruit Recorder. Death from Mulberries. — Five persons have recently been found dead in Mississippi under Mulberry trees. Death in all these cases has been attributed to eating Mulberries which hav^ been impregnated by locusts. In the stomach of one colored boy, says the Woodville Republican, was found a quantity of Mulberry seeds and the locust eggs. Two children in Williamson County are also re- ported to have died from eating Plums sim- ilarly impregnated. — Poiiiologiat & Gardener. THE CALIFOENIA HORTICULTUEIST. 351 A Calp'ornia Hedge Plant. — The Cali- fornia Agriculturist recommends the Cali- fornia Wild Cherrj' (Cerasus illicifolia) as a very superior plant for ornamental hedges. It is an evergreen, with foliage of a sprightly, delicious green, that sparkles in the sunlight. It is very dense and compact, stands pruning well, and with its crinkled leaves hides both limbs and stocks. F. B. Fuller, opposite the Los Gatos Nursery, has a splendid showing of hedges of this plant, from seed which he planted Avhere they were to grow. The hedges are in their fourth year, having been pruned twice each season, and stand now about three feet high and two broad — models of neatness, elegance and thrifty growth. We clip the following from the July Report of the Department of Agriculture : — * "CuLTrvATicN OF AsPARAGus. — The culture of Asparagus was lately the subject of discus- sion by the members of the Horticultural Society in Dessau ; and among the views expressed were the following : That the old method of burying large quantities of ma- nure deep under the surface was objectionable, since Asparagus does not derive its nourish- ment from a great depth, and the plants often become too deeply imbedded when the thick substratum of manure collapses by rotting. The preference often given to old plants, in making selections for a new bed, was also considered a mistake. Plants become sickly and less vigorous in the seed bed, so as to be much more sensitive to the change in trans- planting. Southern exposure, shelter from cold winds, a porous soil, and the total ab- sence of trees, were recommended as essen- tal conditions to the highest success. The soil is to be turned to the depth of from two to three feet, and then manured to the depth of one foot. This is most conveniently done in autumn, during dry weather. Sprincr is the best time for planting, and the best di- rection of the trenches for the reception of the plants is from north to south. The earth taken from the trenches is " walled up," as it is termed, between the rows, and upon these other vegetables may be cultivated while the Asparagus bed is young ; but they are event- ually absorbed in filling up the ditch around and between the plants. Well-rotted ma- ure, or suitable compost, is combined with the earth of the walls for this purpose. Be- sides giving constant attention to stirring the soil and weeding, the young plants need to be watered regularly whenever the state of the weather requires it." Value of the Sunflower Plant. — "Atten- tion is called by the editor of the Journal of Applied Science to the great value of the Sun- flower plant in various economical applica- tions. According to this article, the Sun- flower can be cultivated very readily, an acre of land sustaining 25,000 plants at twelve inches distant from each othen The flowers are very attractive to bees and furnish a great amount of honey. The average production of seeds may be estimated at fifty bushels to the acre, yielding fifty gallons of oil. This is said to be equal to olive oil for table use, and is well adapted to burning in lamps, soap-making, and painting. The refuse of the above quantity of seed will produce 1,500 pounds of oil-cake, and the stalks may be either burnt to furnish potash, or, when treat- ed like flax, may be made to yield a fiber as soft as silk, and in large quantity." Indian Mallow. — The truth that a weed is only a plant out of place is again illustrated, this time with the Indian Mallow, a weed that has greatly troubled the Illinois farmers, being more difficult to eradicate than the Canada Thistle. But now it is discovered that the fibrous formation of the stalk of this plant is such that cordage, textile fabrics and paper can be made out of it, and the hated weed may yet become the staple agri- cultural product of the State. If half what the inventor of the method of manufacturing the fibre claims for it is true, the plant would seem likely to become one of the most val- uable in cultivation. 352 THE CALIFORNIA HORTICULTURIST. The Mesquit Bean.— Every one who has traveled in Texas, Aiizona or Mexico, knows what the Mesquit Bean is. In Texas, forests of Mesquit trees occur in regular succession, which bear so close a resemblance to Peach orchards that the illusion is only dissipated by looking after the fruit. These trees pro- duce Beans of two or more kinds. One of the varieties is enclosed in a pod, like the or- dinary Garden Bean; the other is bifold— the two parts being spirally interlocked—consti- tuting a Bean from three to four inches m len^^th This Bean is remarkably juicy and nutritious. The flavor is a pungent, sour- sweet, and is highly prized as food by the Indians— still more so by horses and cattle, which will thrive and fatten in a Mesquit range. This variety is called the "Screw Bean " and the crop this year is said to be unusually large in Western Texas. The trees are represented to be bending and breaking under the unparalleled weight of the yield. The farmers of that region, who are rather few and scattered, are gathering the Beans and garnering them for a winter supply for their stock. This suggests that the Mesquit might be transplanted into localities of this State, where timber is needed, and the soil other- wise non-productive. The timber of the Mesquit tree is excellent for firewood- per- haps for other purposes— in addition to yield- ing its annual abundant crop of the nutri- tious Screw Bean.— Morning Call. [We have now a few plants under trial, and we hope to be able to give a satisfactory result. So far, the young plants are doing well.— Ed.] of clean Cotton to the acre, whi'^.h is more than three times the average product of the cotton lands of the Southern States. Several thousand pounds of the Seed Cotton has already been picked out, and is ready for ginning, which process will commence in a few days.. Major Strong, brother to the Col- onel, has a cotton field in Los Angeles Coun- ty. He passed through this city a few days ago, on his way to the Merced, and informed us that his crop bade fair to realize his expec- tations. It only needs the withholding of frost to make a good yield." The Currant-Worm.- The Boston Journal of Chemistry gives the following :— We are informed by Dr. E. Worcester, of Waltham, that the Currant-worm, so destructive to a favorite fruit, may be fully and almost im- mediately destroyed by the use of carbolate of lime.' The doctor tried the powder m many instances during the summer, and found that while it was fully as effective as hellebore, it was less disagreeable, less costly and per- fectly safe. The method of using it, is, to sprinkle it over the vines as soon as the worm makes its appearance, bringing it well in con- tact with the leaves, and soon the insect is destroyed. It will need but two or three ap- plications, and the work is done. In this way, for a few cents, large quantities of Cur- rant bushes may be saved and the fruit al- lowed to mature, and no danger whatever incurred. Neither the foliage nor the fruit is in any way injured by the carbolate of lime. The Cotton Experiments in California.— The Morning Calloi the 27th has the follow- ing:—"The editor of the Snelling Argu^ supplies us with information concerning Col- onel Strong's experiment in cotton raising on the Merced. He recently paid a visit to the field, and says some of the stalks have over two hundred well-developed bolls each, and one contains two hundred and fifty boll?, all of which will mature. Colonel Strong now calculates upon gathering a bale and a half The Mendocino Democrat is responsible for the following : — "A Precocious G-rave Vine. — There is a Grape Vine in the garden of Joel F. Noel, of Calistoga— two years from the cutting— which, has Grapes upon it that will weigh, when ripe, from 75' to 100 pounds !" ^ Spinach.— Sow the New Zealand for siimmer use, three or foiir plants to a hill, which should he rich, and aboiit six feet apart, aa the plants spread. THE California Horticulturist AND FLORAL MAGAZINE. Vol. I. OCTOBER, 1871, No. 12. HAKDY FLOWERING SHRUBS. To enumerate all the Flowering Shrubs which are hardy, i. e., adapted to out-door cultivation, in our Calif ornian climates, would make up a list too extensive for our Maga- zine, and we are therefore compelled to con- fine ourselves to the best and most promising kinds. There are many, hardy flowering shiiibs, which would be desirable in our gardens, but local circumstances are adverse to their suc- cessful growth : we mention, for instance, the Azalea, flowering Pomegranate, Oleander, etc. The two latter grow to perfection in Sacramento, Marysville, Stockton, San Jose and in all similar climates, because the cli- mate there is well adapted ; but the Azalea has not been cultivated with an}^ encouraging result anywhere in California, and we give as the sole cause, the want of the proper soil. In some portions of the State we meet with very extensive groups and masses of Azaleas, and Rhododendrons, but so far no one has suc- ceeded in cultivating them with any success outside of the districts where they grow wild. This matter requires explanation and some new efforts on the part of our nui-serymen and gardeners, to bring them under cultiva- tion. The same may be said with regard to the Calycanthus, which grows very luxu- riantty by the side of the various river- banks of California, but does not seem to flower in San Francisco and its vicinity. Although our San Francisco climate is ad- verse to the cultivation of these very desirable p'ants, the list of flowering shrubs adapted to it is far greater and more varied than that of any other locality of the same latitude. It is also worthy of notice, that many of the flow- ering shrubs cultivated here, continue in bloom for a much longer period than is usual in other climates. This fact is principally attributable to our moderate temperature, which keeps our shrubs in constant growth and development. We have also frequently noticed that the flowers themselves, remain perfect and fresh much longer than in the East, where the scorching sun causes the Roses to drop their leaves before they are faii-ly opened. We shall now enumerate a number of flow- ering shrubs which deserve a place in every garden, and which are known to grow here to perfection : — Diosma alba. — This plant is not generally known among our amateurs, or it would cer- tainly be cultivated much more extensively. It is an evergreen with delicate foliage and graceful habit ; its small white flowers are very numerous. The foliage as well as the flowers are exquisitely fragrant, particularly so when the branches of the plant are moved or shaken. Foliage as well as flowers are exceedingly pretty for bouquets. The Dlox- 354 THE CALIFORNIA HORTICULTURIST. ma alba flowers here out of Joors during the winter months, and continues in bloum dur- ing spring and summer. It attains a height of from two to four feet, and may be trim- med into any shape and style. It is easily propagated by planting the young shoots in sand, under glass, and keeping them shaded for a time in a' warm situation. Plumbago, bears flowers in clusters of a beautiful blue, and is in bloom during the whole year. It is an evergreen, and may be used as a climber, but we prefer seeing it cul- tivated as a shrub. The flowers are not fragrant but veiy desirable for their fine blue color. The Plumbago is propagated by cuttings under glass, which, however, do not strike very readily, as they are apt to turn black before making roots. This shrub grows veiy luxuriantly in and about San Francisco. Polygala, an evergreen flowering shrub of gi-eat merit. Its foliage is pale green, and its flowers of a light purple. During the entire winter and summer this shrub is literally covered with flowers, but particularly so dm-- ino- our winters. It may be trimmed into any shape and at any time. Undoubtedly it would make a beautiful ornamental hedge. The Polygala is propagated by cuttings of the young wood, and strikes root readily if placed under glass in clean sand, and in a moderately warm situation ; care must be taken, however, to keep the cuttings free from insects and the soil well drained. Too much moisture will cause them to rot. Deidzia, is one of the prettiest deciduous flowering shrubs we have. It is a native of Japan, but has been cultivated in the United States and Europe for many years. Its flowers are of a pure white in the shape of little bells. Although it has no fragrance, yet its graceful habit and purity of color make amends for it. It flowers in the early part of spring, but may be easily forced un- der glass. The best known varieties are D. gracilis and D. scabra. They are propagated by cuttings, ofi'shoots, or by dividing the roots; are easily transplanted, and grow well under ordinary treatment. Laurfidiuis, is so well known here that no description is required from us. Many re- fuse to cultivate this shrub because " it is com- mon," as they say. We do not justify the discarding of any class of plants on this o-round. If a plant merits extensive cultiva- tion, and our climate is v\-ell adapted for its successful growth, it should be one of our favorites. The Laurstinus deserves a very extensive cultivation. It flowers with us at all times, and is an evergreen. It may be trimmed into any shape, and its propagation is very easy. It may be grown by cuttings, like the Polygala and others, or by layers. It makes an excellent ornamental hedge, and its white swanlike flowers are very extensively and ad- vantageously used for bouquets and other floral decorations. Lilac, of which the blue, white and Per- sian varieties are known here, is an old favor- ite shrub, but we have frequently noticed that it does not bloom so freely with us in San Francisco, as we have had the pleasure of seeing it in Europe and in the East. The Persian Lilac flowers much better than the others, but we prefer the purple and white on account of the fragrance of theij- flowers, which are much larger than those of the Per- sian. Give them a warm and somewhat pro- tected situation, and they will both thrive and bloom well. Suckers should be broken off whenever they appear near the stock on the surface, as they draw away much of the strength of the plant which would otherwise develop itself in flowers. The Lilacs are easily propagated from cuttings, which may be planted in the open ground where there is sufficient moisture for vegetation ; also from the suckers which come from the roots, and which will grow readily and forthwith, hav- ing mostly a few roots, when taken off the parent plant. Spiraea (Bridal Wreath), is another victim of bad taste and unjustifiable prejudice. Many hesitate to cultivate it, because they consider it common. The Spiraeas, and par- ticularly the double flowering, deserve a conspicuous place in every collection of flow- ering plants. They flower early in spring, be- THE CALIFOENIA HOKTICULTURIST. 355 fore the leaves are fairly developed, and tlieir stems are completely covered vsritli white flowers. Their appearance is graceful, and with a great deal of propriety they have been called the Bridal Wreath. They are of easy cultivation and are satisfied with almost any kind of soil. They are propagated without any trouble from cuttings or by division of the roots, which are easily transplanted. They groAV from two to four feet in height. The most favorite varieties are, S. Donglassii, prunifolia and rosea. PMladdplmH grnndiflorus (Mock Orange), a veiy remarkable shrub, robust in growth, in bloom here for several months. This shrub will thrive well in any kind of garden soil, and grows to a considerable height ; we have seen it covering large arbors and garden frames. Its flowers are very fragrant, and it is said by some, that the perfume will produce head- ache when inhaled in excess. Strangely enough, the flowers here are much less frag- rant than they are in the older countries. It is easily cultivated and propagated, and we should like to see it in everj^ garden. It re- quires abput the same treatment as Lilacs and Deutzias. Bowvardia, is a most exquisite flowering shrub, and we are sorry to say it has been exclusively cultivated as a greenhouse plant on this coast, when no doubt can be enter- tained that it is well adapted for open air cul- tivation. The colors of the flower are white, pink, rose and deep red, and of a waxy ap- pearance. In the open air it flowers during the whole year, and makes a bushy, compact growing shrub, while under glass it will al- ways grow spindling and rarely flowers. We do not know of any specimens growing out of doors, but we hope to see it so treated. One reason for this is, probably, that the Bouvardias are veiy little known here except to our nurserymen and florists, who keep only a small stock on hand, as there seems to be no sale for them. Once introduced prop- erly into our gardens, the Bouvardias can- not fail to become popular. The best and surest mode of propagation, is by cut- ting up the roots of the plants in small pieces a quarter to half an inch in length, each one of which will form a new plant in course of a month or two, if covered with light soil to the depth of about one fourth of an inch and placed close under glass in a warm situ- ation. In one of our next numbers we shall con- clude our descriptive list of flowering plants, which comprises the most noteworthy spe- cies. TIMBER TEEES. [Continued from page 327, of last number.] MiSCELLAIJEOUS TbEES, NOT CoNIFEEOXJS. Acacia decurrens Willd. (A. mollissima A. dealbata.) The Black Wattle or Silver Wattle. From the eastern part of S. Australia, through Vic- toria a^d N. S. Wales, to the southern part of Queensland, in open plains a small or mid- dle sized tree, in deep forest recesses a lofty tree, of singularly rapid growth. Its wood can be used for staves and many other pur- poses, but its chief use would be to afibrd the first shelter, in treeless localities, for raising forests. Its bark, rich in tannin, and its gum, not dissimilar to Gum Arabic, render this tree also important. Other quick growing trees, useful in various ways, growing in any soil and enduring drought, can be used simulta- neously, by mere dissemination, in ploughed ground, for dense temporary belts of shelter, or for quick yielding fuel plantations, such as Acacia pijcnantha, A. lophaufha, Casuariva qiiadrivalvis, G. suberosa, Eucalyptus mellio- dora, E. viminalis, and many other Eucalypts, all easily growing from seed. [The Acacia decurrens thrives well on the Pacific coast, and besides being a useful tree, is a beautifully ornamental one. Many speci- mens are growing in our gardens around the Bay.— Ed.] Acacia homalopliylla . The Victorian Myall, extending into the deserts of N. S. Wales. The dark brown wood is much sought tor turner's work on 35G THte CALIFORNIA HORTICULTURIST. account of its solidity and fragrance ; perhaps its most extensive use is in the manufacture of tobacco pipes. Never a tall tree. Acacia melanoxylon. The well known Blackwood of our river flats and moist forest valleys, passing also under the inappropriate name of Lightwood. In irrigated valleys of deep soil the tree will attain a height of eighty feet, with a stem several feet in diameter. The wood is most valuable for furniture, railway carriages, boat- building, casks, billiard tables, pianofortes (for sound-boards and actions), and numer- ous other purposes. The fine-gi'ained wood is cut into veneers. It takes a fine polish, and is considered equal to the best "Walnut. Our best wood for bending under steam. For further details, refer to the volumes of the Exhibitions of 1862 and 1867. [The last "two Acacias are very scarce with lis yet, but they will also thrive well, in our climate. Mr. Mueller next refers to the different kinds of Maple trees, many of which are well adapted to the climate and soil of the Pacific coast. Maples are desirable for various purposes ; they furnish superior charcoal, and are used for fine furniture and musical instruments. AVe select the following out of the list ar- ranged by Dr. Mueller. — Ed.] : — ■ Acer camjjesfre. Extends from Middle Europe to North Asia. Height forty feet, in shelter and deep soil. The yellow and purple tints of its fo- liage in autumn render the tree then partic- ularly beautiful. The wood is compact and fine-grained, and sought after for choice furni- ture. The tree can be trimmed for hedge growth. Comparatively quick of growth, and easily raised from seed. These remarks apply •sa]^d'uj\[ JO sputj[ ini [jsoiuj^xj o;; Acer daf^ycarpion. The Silver Maple of North America. Likes rather a warmer climate than the other Amer- ican Maples, and is therefore particularly de- sirable for us here. Height fifty feet; wood pale and soft, stem sometimes nine feet in diameter. Acer saccha rin u m . One of the largest of the Maples. In the colder latitudes of North America, eighty feet high. Wood of rosy tinge, when knotty or curly, it furnishes the Birdseye and curly Ma- plewood. In the depth of winter the trees, when tapped, will jield the saccharine fluid, which is so extensively converted into Maple sugar, each tree yielding from two to four pounds a year. The trees can be tapped for very many years in succession, without injury. The Sugar Maple is rich in potash. Numer- ous other Maples exist, among which as the tallest, may be mentioned: Acer CretKum, L., of South Europe, forty feet; A. Icevigntum, A. sterculiaceum and A. villosam, Wallich, of Nepal, fifty feet; ^1. lyictum, Thunb, of Japan, thirty feet. JEiicidus Mppocastanum. Indigenous to Central Asia. One of the most showy of deciduous trees, more partic- ularly when dui-ing Spring ' ' it has reached the meridian of its glory, and stands forth in all the gorgeousness of leaves and blossoms." Height sixty feet. It will succeed in sandy soil on sheltered spots ; the wood adapted for furnitui-e; the seeds a food for various domestic animals ; the bark a good tanning material. Three species occiu- in Japan, and several, but none of great height, in North America and South Asia. Ailanfus glandulosa. S. E. Asia. A hardy deciduous tree, sixty feet high, of rather rapid growth, and of very imposing aspect in any landscape. Particu- larly valuable on account of its leaves, which afford food to a silkworm (Bomhijx Cynthia), peculiar to this tree ; wood pale yellow, of silky lustre when planed, and therefore val- ued for joiners' work. In South Europe planted for avenues. Alnus glutinosa. The ordinary Alder. Throughout Europe and extra tropical Asia, seventy feet high ; well adapted for river banks ; wood soft and light, turning red, furnishing one of the best THE CALIFORNIA HORTICULTURIST. 357 charcoals for gunpowder ; it is also diu-able under water, and adapted for turners' and joiners' work. A. incana Willd., is an equally higli and allied species. Amyris terebinthifolia. Brazil. Is here j)erfectly hardy, and is content in dry ground without any irriga- tion. It proved one of the best among the smaller avenue trees, is beautifully spreading and umbrageous, and probably of medicinal value. Angophora inteTmedia. South East Australia. This is the best of the Angophoras, attaining a height of fifty feet, and growing with the rapidity of a Eu- calyptus, but being more close and shady in its foliage. It would be one of our best trees to line public roads, and to afibrd shelter plantations. [Of the last three varieties there are none cultivated on this coast, but we do not see why they should not be introduced here, as they seem to be well adapted to our climate. Mr. Mueller next describes a number of varieties of Beiida (Birch). We do not think favorably of them for cultivation here, and various trials of them have not been success- ful.—En.] Castanea saliva. The Sweet Chestnut Tree. South Europe and temj)erate Asia, as far as Japan, and a variety with smaller f i-uits extending to North America. It attains an enonnous age; at Mt. ^tna an individual tree occurs with a stem two hundred and four feet in circumference. The wood is light and coarse-grained. The importance of the tree rests on its adaptabil- ity for shade plantations, its nutritious nuts and its timber value. Casitarina glauca. The Desert Sheoak, widely distributed through Australia, but nowhere in forest-like masses. This species attains, in favorable places, a height of eighty feet. Its h^'d durable wood is valuable. Important for its rapid growth, its resistance to exposure for shelter plantation, and a speedy supply of fuel, a remark which applies also to the fol- lowing specie. Casuarina quad7^ivalvis. The Coast Sheoak of South-east Australia, not only lives in coast sand, but also on barren places up to the hills inland. Height to sixty feet. The male tree is very eligible for avenues, the foliage of the species being drooping. Cattle are fond of the foliage. For arresting the ingress of coast sand by belts of timber, this is one of the most im- portant trees. It produces, like other Casu- arinas, seeds early and copiously, and is easily raised. [The Casuarinas seem to do well here un- der ordinary treatment. As ornamental trees they have been discarded by many of our gardeners, their habitus being not very satis- factoiy to their taste ; but we saw some very fine and well grown specimens in the nurs- eries of. Mr. Nolan, of Oakland, and we are satisfied that their cultivation should be en- couraged. We now come to the different varieties of the Eucalyptus ; and as this tree is now so largely planted upon this coast, we feel just- ified in devoting considerable of our space to a description of the leading varieties, with special reference to their utility and adapta- bility to our climate. — Ed.] Eucalyptus amygdalina. In our sheltered, springy forest glens, not uncommonly attains a height of over four hun- dred feet. The stem is smooth and the leaves broad. Its seedlings also i^roduce a foliage different from the ordinary U. amxjgdalina, occurring in more open country. This species or variety, which might be called Eucalyptus regnans, represents the lof- tiest tree in British territory, and ranks next to the Sequoia Wcllingtonia in size anywhere on the globe. The wood is fissile, well adapted for shingles, rails, for house-build- ing, for the keelson and planking of ships, and other purposes. Labillardiere's name applies ill to any of the forms of this species. Seedlings raised on rather barren ground near Melbourne have shown the same amaz- 358 THE CALIFOENIA HOKTICUTjTURIST. ing rapidity of growth as those of the Eur. globulus; yet, like those of Eiic. ohliqva, they are not so easily satisfied with any soil. Eucalyptus citriodora. Queensland. It combines with the ordi- nary qualities of many Eucalypts the advan- tage of yielding from its leaves a leather large supply of volatile oil of excellent lemon-like fragrance. Eucalyptus diversicolor. The Karri of S. W. Australia. A colossal tree, exceptionally reaching to the height of four hundred feet, with a proportionate girth of the stem. The timber is excellent. Fair progress of growth is shown by the young trees, planted even in dry, exposed localities in Melbourne. The shady foliage and dense growth of the tree jjromise to render it one of our best for avenues. In its native locali- ties it occujiies fertile, rather humid valleys. Eucalyptus /globulus. Blue Gum Tree of Victoria and Tasmania. This tree is of extremely rapid growth, and attains a height of four hundred feet, furnish- ing a first-class wood: ship-builders get keels of this timber one hundred and twenty feet long ; besides this they use it extensively for planking and many other parts of the ship, and it is considered to be generally superior to American Rock Elm. A test of strength has been made between some Blue Glum, English Oak, and Indian Teak. The Blue Gum sus- tained fourteen i:)ounds weight more than the Oak, and seventeen pounds four ounces more than Teak ui^on the square inch. Blue Gum wood, besides for ship-building, is very ex- tensivel}^ used by carj:)enters for all kinds of out-door work, also for fence rails, railway sleepers (lasting about nine years), for shafts, and sj^okes of drays, and for a variety of other purposes. Eu ca lypt u s (jov iphoccpJui la . The Tooart of S. W. Australia; attains a height of fifty feet. The wood is close- grained, hard and not rending. It is used for ship-building, wheelwrights' work and other purposes of artisans. Eucalyptus marginata. The Jarrah, or Mahogany Tree of S. W. Australia, famed for its indestructible wood, which is attacked neither by Chelura nor Teredo nor Termites, and therefore so much sought for jetties and other structures ex- posed to sea-w^ater, also for any underground work, and largely exported for railway sleep- ers. Vessels built of this timber have been enabled to do away with all copper-plating. It is very strong, close-grained, and of a slightlj' oily and resinous nature ; it works well, makes a fine finish, and is by ship- builders here considered superior to either Oak, Teak, or indeed any other wood. The tree grows chiefly on iron-stone ranges. At Melbourne it is not quick of growth, if com- pared to our Blue Gum (E. globulus, Lab.) or to our Stringybark {E. obliqun^ I'Her.), but it is likely to grow with celerity in our ranges. Eu calypt us rostrata . The Red Gum of Victoria, South Australia and many river flats in the inteiior of the Australian continent. Although a native tree of this colony, it has been introduced into this list on account of its wood being of ex- traordinaiy endurance under ground, and for this reason so highly valued for fence-posts, piles and railway sleepers ; for the latter purpose it will last at least a dozen years, and, if well selected, much longer. It is also extensively used by ship-builders^ — for main stem, stern post, inner post, deadwood, floor timbers, futtocks, transomes, knight head, hawsepieces, cant, stern, quarter and fashion timber, bottom planks, breasthooks and ri- ders, windlass, bowrails, etc. It should be steamed before it is worked for plankincr. Next to the Jarrah from West Australia, this is the best wood for resisting the attacks of sea-worms and white ants. Ei(( -alypf u s s ideroxylon . Iron-bark Tree. Attains a height of one hijiidred feet and supplies a valuable timber, possessing great strength and hardness. It is much prized for its durability by carpenters, ship-builders, etc. It is largely employed THE CALIFORNIA HORTICULTURIST. 359 by wagon-builders for wheels and poles ; by ship-builders for topsides, treenails, the rud- der (stock), belaying- pins, and for other pur- poses ; it is also used by turners for rough work. This is considered the strongest wood in Australia. It is much recommended for railway sleepers and underground mining Avork. [To be continued.] A FEW NOTES On certain Varieties of Fruits especially suitable for the Soil and Climate of California. Longworih's Prolific Strawberry is evidentl}^ the favorite variety of this fruit, and is the sort most cultivated in this State. It is a a seedling which was raised, in 1848, by Mr. Schneicke, a tenant of the famous horticul- turist and millionaire, Nicholas Longworth, at a station of the latter named the "Garden of Eden," only half a mile from Cincinnati. Its flowers are hermaphrodite, vines very hardy. Fruit, above medium to large, some- times irregular in shape, but generally regu- lar ; flesh firm, bright red, sub-acid, rich, high, but not very delicate in flavor. Ripens in medium season. For market culture it is very valuable, being immensely productive. Red Adrachan. — An Apple of extraordinary beauty, first imported into England with the White Astrachan, from Sweden, in 1816. It bears abundantly in this State, and generally well in other climates suitable for the Apple, and its singular richness of color is height- ened by an exquisite bloom on the surface of the fruit, like that of a plum. It is one of the handsomest dessert fruits, and its quality is good, but if not taken from the tree as soon as ripe, it is liable to become mealy. It ripens here about May or June. It is pretty large, rather above the middle size. Skin almost entirely covered with deep crimson. The first crop conies in, in April; the second crop, this year, did not come in until August; the third crop, in October. Seckel Pear. — This is — unfortunately for its very ready sale — a small fruit, especially when too many are allowed to remain on the tree; but owing to this American fruit being one of the richest, if not the very richest flavored variety known, it is beginning to be duly ap- preciated by the public. The Belle de Flan- drcs, or Flemish Beauty, approaches as nearly to it as any pear in sweetness, richness and great juiciness. It is, too, about the health- iest and hardiest of all pear trees, although these qualities aie not found to be so imjjor- tant in this mild climate as in the East. The Seckel originated on the farm of Mr. Seckel, about four miles from Philadelphia. If the fruit is properly thinned out in rich soils in California, the size of this Pear be- comes quite respectable; but this is rarely the case, owing to the labor in thinning cost- ing too much in the opinion of most culti- vators, particularly if they are rather distant from good markets. Season : from August to October. Green Gage Plum, or Peine Claude. — This unequaled fruit I find as yet but very sparsely cultivated here— I mean the genuine article. There are other plums raised under the same name, or offered for it on the stalls, but al- most as far from it in high, preserve-like flavor as the Crab-aj)ple is from a Newtown Pippin. This fruit is universally admitted to hold the first rank in flavor among all jjlums, and is in every land where grown, highly esteemed. It is said to have been introduced into France by Queen Claude, wife of Francis I. During the last century, an English family by the name of Gage obtained a number of fruit trees from the monks of Chartreuse, near Paris. It, is rather a slow growing tree com- paratively, even in this fast growing climate. It is an abundant and j)retty regular bearer. I have not found it to crack in this dry country. Fruit round and rather small, but here, when in suitable soil and aspect, it is often of nearly medium size. Skin darkish green, or only slightly yellowish at full ma- turity, when it is generally dotted or blotched with brown-reddish spots or blushes next the sun — suture faintly marked. Flesh pale green, exceedingly melting and juicy, and separates well from the stone. Flavor at 360 THE CALIFORNIA HORTICULTURIST. once sprightly and very luscious. Ripe about July and August. The finest specimens I have met with were at Mr. Thompson's or- chards, at Suscol, Napa County. There are several seedling varieties of this plmn, but none that I have met with equal to the old. I strongly recommend fruit cultivators to give considerable attention to this uneqitaled fruit,, and the discriminating public will not be slow to appreciate its worth, as with the Seckel Pear. This plum rejoices (if it can be any matter of gratulation) in numerous synonymes, among sixteen of these : Bruyn Gage, Reine Claude, Grosse Reine, Damas Vert, Vert Bonne, Sucren Vert, etc., indicat- ing its great value. \ Napoleon Bigarreau Cherry, or generally, here, called Royal Anne, is one of the finest of the firm-fleshed cherries ; very large, well flavored, handsome, and wonderfully produc- tive even in this prolific country. It was in- troduced into the United States from Holland by the late Andrew Parmentier, of Brooklyn, N. Y. Fruit of the largest size, sometimes three inches in circumference ; very regularly heart-shaped, a little inclining to oblong. Skin pale yellow, becoming amber in the shade, richly dotted and spotted with very deep red, and with a fine marbled dark crim- son cheek. Flesh very firm, (almost too much so,) juicy, with an excellent flavor. Ripens about June, and is a good, constant and im- mense bearer, as was proved by a most aston- ishing specimen of fruitfulness shown at the Industrial Exhibition, in the Department of the Bay District Horticultural Society. This cherry is firmer in texture than the 'Bigarreau or Couleur de Chair. Madaline or Madeleine Pear, or Citron des Carmeif. — I first tasted fine specimens of this most refreshing and excellent of early pears at the Suscol Orchards, about forty miles from this city. It seems to me to be much the best at the time of its ripening — before the Bloodgood, and especially before some of the early abortions called pears. It takes its name from its being in perfection, in France, at the Feast of St. Madeleine. It is called, also. Citron des Cannes, from its be- ing first cultivated by the Carmelite monks. It richly deserves a place in all collections. The tree is fruitful and vig'orous,.witli long- erect olive-colored branches. Its size is me- dium, obovate, but tapering gradually to the stalk. Skin smooth, pale yellowish-green. Season, early in June to last of July. Easter Buerre Pear. — Now, for a good winter and excellent keeping pear, this is one to bear company with the Olout Morceau and Winter Nelis, and I rather give the pre- ference, for size and flavor, to the Easter B. It is, at any rate, certainly, one of the best late winter or spring Pears. In this moder- ately warm climate it seems to arrive at full perfection, the Eastern States being rather too cold for it. If packed away in boxes with sawdust, and ripened ofl:' gradually in a cool temperature, it is a delicious, melting, but- tery fruit with even a tender skin. It grows well, as a standard, trained to a good height and breadth. Fruit large, roundish-obovate, often rather square in figure. Skin yellow- ish-green, sprinkled with many nassety dots, and some russet, which give it a brownish cheek in most specimens. Flesh white, fine grained, very buttery, melting and juicy, with a sweet and rich flavor. The Glout Morceau is very rich, but does not keep so long. The Winter Nelis, also, is sweet and juicy, but does not last like the Easter B. so long into the spring. E. J. Hoopek. How TO Destroy Ants. — It is said of old that "in the multitude of counsel there is wis- dom." While disavowing any pretensions to be considered a wiseacre, or any wish to dis- parage the methods suggested by other cor- respondents for destroying these pests, permit me to recommend to any one so troubled to lightly dust their haunts with the best Peru- vian guano, dried, and finely powdered — they seem to shun it as they would a pestilence. I have repeatedly adopted this method, and have recommended it to others, always with satisfactory results. — Geo. Neville, Gr. Leigham Court, Sireatham Hill, S. W. THE CALIFOENIA HORTICULTUEIST. 361 ORNAMENTAL AND LANDSCAPE GARDENING. SECTION xn. The pleasure grounds of that class of resi- dence, which we have now under considera- tion, may extend over the entire enclosure, where there is no other object desired than the cultivation of flowers, shrubs and trees, but when with the enjoyment of country life other pui-poses are sought for, such as the cultivation of fruits and vegetables, the raising of poultry, etc. etc. , the ornamental grounds must necessarily be circumscribed to that portion which immediately siuTounds the lawn, reser^dng the land in the rear for out- houses, kitchen-garden and orchards. This rule is of general character ; in many cases it may become necessary to deviate from it; all will depend uj)on the nature of the ground, and upon the expense families may be willing to incur for ornamental purposes. We will now go into details, and endeavor to furnish our readers with our own exper- ience, and that of many eminent landscaj^e gardeners in laying out, planting and embel- lishing grounds of the extent of from one to two acres. In doing so, we shall first treat of the Aiyproach road, resjDecting which, Louden says: "The approach road, next to the house and offices, is one of the most impor- tant features of a place, not only on account of its uses, but because it is that, by which an impression, favorable or unfavorable, is first made on a stranger." Many mistakes are made in fixing the course of the approach road, and the road is frequently in direct antagonism to that which was intended. We have seen approach roads traversing the most frequented and most attractive portions of the ornamental grounds before reaching the house, and again, we have seen them constructed, so as to keep constantly within sight of the residence. These are mistakes, and contrary in principle to our rules of landscape gardening. We hold, that the approach road should form the margin of the ornamental grounds, cov- ered by undulations of the surface, and by the growth of trees and shrubs, in such a manner, as, to confine the view to the imme- diate surroundings, and to conceal the most prominent featui'es of the gi'ounds from first sight. The approach road, should enter at right angles, or nearly so, with the enclosure or public road, and its length should be as much as possible, the direct distance between the entrance to the grounds, and the entrance to the house, making allowance for graceful curves, which are necessitated by the undu- lations of the sm^ace, or by other obstacles. The road should be on a gradual rise, if pos- sible, all the way, as we have stated o» sev- eral i:)revious occasions, unless the undulations of the surface make a slight descent neces- sary. Cases have come under our observation, where approach roads were hned with single or double rows of trees. It is not neccssaiy, we believe, to say, that this is altogether out of taste. Such planting is well adapted for public roads, or long drives, but it will never do for aj)proach roads within the enclosure. The approach road should arrive alongside of the porch, having the front door to the left. This will enable ladies to alight from the carriage within cover of the house. The road should merge into the return road, or may pass on the opposite side of the house, where it may lead through dense groups of shrubs and trees, to the stable or carriage house. A proper width for the carriage road is sixteen feet ; this may appear an extreme width, but we insist, that much of the ap- pearance and dignity of a country residence depends upon the width of the drives and walks. The surface of the road should be on a level with the grounds, over which it passes; never will it be justifiable to raise the road above the level, or to form embankments, or make cuttings through the rising ground. The planting of trees and shrubs along the approach road, is also important. Where no direct necessity exists for curves in the road, the planting and growing of shrubs 362 THE CALIFOENIA HOETICULTUEIST. and trees is needed, to create plausible rea- sons why curves should be formed. But this is not all. We have stated before, that the approach should form part of the ornamen- tal grounds, and for this reason, the group- ing should be planned in such a way, as to form the foreground or margin to the orna- mental grounds and surrounding scenery. By such arrangement, the af)proach will be most pleasing to the eye of the ^dsitor, and the first impression will be favorable, and not likely to cause disappointment. There is nothing further left for us to con- sider but the material out of which the road should be constructed. This depends, to a great extent, upon the resources near at hand. The road must be hard, durable and smooth. Any stone, which is easily broken, will an- swer for a road bed, but for the surface, mate- rial is needed which will grind up into pow- der, and which will give a clean appearance. Broken slate, passed through a quarter inch screen, or ordinary gravel, will answer best. In many localities, in this State, beds of gravel are found mixed with a small percent- age of cement; if properly screened, this forms a most compact and smooth surface. While the approach road forms a necessary portion of the surroundings of a country residence, and while its proper management is indicative of the stye and manner in which the ornamental grounds and the house itself are arranged, it forms but a subordinate fea- ture to the Ornamental Grounds, which are the next subject for consideration. The ornamental grounds of a third-rate, suburban, or country residence, are of an extent to admit a number of walks, lawns, flower-beds, groups of trees and shrubs, sin- gle specimen plants, and other embellishments which may be introduced, in accordance with the means at hand. Walks are necessary structures for comfort, but their real design, is to bring us within si"-ht of the various points of interest, which form the attractions of the place. If a walk is constructed merely for the purpose of hav- ing a walk, or if a bend is made in order to avoid a straight line, it shows an absolute disregard for Nature's laws. What we have said in this connection, with regard to the approach, applies with equal force to the walks. They should be formed apparently, to touch, and to bring us in contact with points of interest, which may be artificial or natural ; and if curves are needed, obstruc- tions must be made to appear, if they do not already exist in nature. Walks are necessary, but unless they are justified, we should do without them. The greatest fault we find in most of our gardens here, is the endless number of walks by which lawns are cut up into small strips, offensive to the observer. In our next, we shall lay down some rules for the formation of walks. POPUAE BOTANY. CHAPTER Xn. In our descriptions thus far of plant life, we have confined ourselves to its develop- ment and growth ; but we now come to con- sider a new phenomenon that gives rise to new organs, the production of which round out the circle and complete the work of veg- etable life. These organs are those of repro- duction, and the phenomenon is that of flow- ering. All plants have certain definite periods for coming into flower, determined by the class to which they belong. In annuals, this pro- cess commences a short time after their de- velopment from the seed, and as the plant has no reserve of sap, (the process being an exhaustive one,) it dies by the time the seeds are ripened. In biennials, flowering does not take place until the second year, when the stored-up sap of the prcAdous year is consumed and the plant perishes. Peren- nials on the other hand, do not bear flowers for a long period, (in some several years be- ing required,) or, when the plants are well established, and thus enabled to stand this exhaustive process without injuiy to them- selves. THE CALIFORNIA HOETICULTURIST. 363 The mode of arrangement of flowers upon their stems or branches, is termed inflores- cence ; the simplest, kind of which is a single flower, that is to say, where the flower-stalk or peduncle, as it is called, is tipped by a soli- tary flower. All flowers are not placed upon a peduncle, but many are found springing directly from the flower-stalk, in which case they are said to be sessile. ^Yhere flowers are developed in the axHs of leaves, (their points of attachment to the stem or stalk,) the main stem is then called the peduncle, and includ- ed' in the inflorescence, while each separate stalk which bears a flower, is called a pedicel; the leaves of the plant out of which this pedicel arises being termed bracts. The production of a single flower in the axil of each leaf, (supported on a pedicel,) while the main stem continues to elongate, forms what is called a i-acme, an example of which can be found in the Currant. Corymbs and umbels are but modified forms of a raceme. In the first, we find the lowest pedicels so elongated as to place their flowers on a level, or nearly so, with the upper ones; while in the second, the pedicels all arise from one point, forming a cluster of flowers which in outline might be compared to a bell-glass with its mouth tm-ned upwards. Examples of this form are seen in the Prim- ula, Water Hemlock, etc. As said in the first part of this chapter, all flowers are not placed upon pedicels, but are often found springing directly from the flower stem; yet here, the system is much the same as in former cases, a spil^e being but a raceme with the flowers sessile, or in other vrords without proper stalks. When a spike is enclosed by a large bract, or enveloping leaf, such as is seen in the common Calla in our gardens, it is termed a spadix. Catkins (of which the Willow and Poplar furnish exam- ples) are a kind of spike having small scaly bracts, which are produced so close together as to make a continuous mass of flowers and bracts along the entire length of the peduncle. As the three forms of inflorescence just named, might be said to be but modifications of a raceme, so do we find the corymbs and umbels modified by what is called the capi- tulum, or head, a term given to a round clus- ter of sessile flowers, which is formed by the absence, or nearly so, of the pedicels to be found in the umbel or corymb. In this case, the point in the head from whence the flowers arise, is termed the receptacle. The capitulum being flat, or slightly depressed, allows a large mimber of flowers to stand on its surface, us we see in the Sunflower, and many other plants of this class, which have from early times been called Compound flowers. The forms of inflorescence, so far describ- ed, are but simple ones, and where only a single flower has been developed from a lateral bud. But, as the flower stalks may divide just as the several stems or branches of a plant do, there necessarily results a form of compound inflorescence. Thus, a raceme may become compound by being elongated, and giving ofi" other flowers, similarly arrang- ed as the first, or where the branching is irregular, sl panicle is formed. This panicle, may also become compound, having the form of a pyramid with contracted base, and it is then called a thyrsus, a form of inflorescence which we see in the Grape, Lilac, etc. We have also, compound corymbs, and compound lunbels, which the reader will understand as modified forms of the primary ones. These are the principle forms of in- florescence— all others being but modifications of them. We shall now take up the flower itself, and endeavor to explain the diflerent parts and their relations to one another. Flowers are divided into two parts ; first, the exterior or envelopes, and second, the interior or seed- bearing organs. The envelopes are also divided into two sorts, the lower and outer one of which, is termed the cahjx, and is generally of the same green color as the leaf of the plant. The second or inner row, is of various colors, being of delicate texture, an,d unlike in appearance to any other part of the plant ; it is called the cor- olla, the several parts or leaves of which, are tei-med petals, the same divisions in the calyx 364 THE CALIFOENIA HORTICULTURIST. being- called seijals. The inner organs are also divided into twos, and are placed in two rows, the outer of which are the stamenf<, and the inner the /listilt^. A stamen is made up of a column which is termed the filament, having on its summit a small round body (anther ) containing a substance in a tine powder called pollen. Pistils are divided into three parts, viz : The ovary, which is a hollow receptacle containing the ovules, which are destined to become seeds ; styles, prolonga- tions of the apex of the ovary, and the stigma, which terminates the style in a round blunt jDoint. CYCLAMEN. As winter flowering-j)lants for garden or window culture, there are few which are more deserving than Cyclamens. In the East and Europe, their flowering season is during the Spring ; but with us, they begin to flower in the Fall of the year, and continiie to bloom freely during the entire Winter, in fact, they seem to rest but very little here, our climate being favorable to a continuous flowering. As, however, the Cy- clamen is a bulbous root it should have its rest, as the plant will certainly be ex- hausted in the course of two or three years if kept in constant vegetation ; and Ave are not surprised to hear so frequently of the loss of plants. In the old country, Cyclamens are transplanted exerj year. After a season of rest, plants treated in this way are in good condition for many years, and show much more vigor. "While some florists plant the bulbs deep, so as to cover the entire root with earth, we know of others who plant them so that one half of the bulb remains above the surface of the ground. Planting them above ground, has the advantage of keeping the crown of the bulb free from moisture, which is often the cause of decay. Experience, however, has shown that bulbs grown in their native soil, do better if planted deep, while bulbs raised from seed and under a state of cultiva- tion do better by being planted partly above ground. The most popular variety is the C. Perri- cum, of which there are several shades and colors: white, with a pink center; entirely white; spotted with j^ink ; a delicate purple, etc. etc. They are easily raised from seed, if a little patience is exercised. The seed often lies in the ground for months before gei-mination takes place. The young plants will do much better by being often transplanted, and if properly treated, they will flower in the sec- ond year. The following method for propagation has also been used successfully. The leaves with the stem, are carefully re- moved from the bulb, so that a very small portion of the bulb remains on the leaf stalks. These are planted out in pots or boxes, which shoxild be placed close under glass in a mod- erately warm house. These offsets, as we may call them, will make good flowering bulbs in the following year. The bulbs may also be divided, but this method is objectionable, as the bulb will never be perfect, and always apt to decay. After the flowering season, the bulbs should be taken up and covered with soil, which should be kept moderately dry, yet suflicient moisture must be given to prevent the bulb from shrinking or drying up. In the Fall of the year, they should be planted in pots and kept in a very shady or even dark place, giving water sparingly, until the roots have again established themselves properly in the new soil. When the first leaves make their appearance give them more light and water, and from the time Avhen they begin to show their flower-buds, frequent watering is bene- ficial, although the soil should be of a por- ous nature and well drained. Standing Avater is very injurious. Tea-Seeu FH0i\t Japan. — W. W. Hollister, of Santa Barbara, California, has received fifteen to twenty bushels of Tea-Seed, from Japan, to plant on his farm near Santa Barbara. THE CALIFORNIA HORTICULTURIST. 365 WORK FOE NOVEMBER. The rainy season is fast approaching, and as many have suffered during the past season through neglecting to plant early, we have every reason to believe that their sad exper- ience has made our cultivators wiser, we therefore anticipate active preparation for early planting. The fruit crops are gathered in, with the exception of the very late Winter fruit in the foothills, which will improve by letting it remain upon the trees as long as possible. Wherever the Grape crop has been an un- usually large one, the harvesting has not been entirely completed during the past month, and much work is still on hand in making wine and storing it. In most parts of the State, the young wood, both of vines and fruit trees is svifficiently hard- ened to permit pruning, and we advise that this work be done at the earliest opportunity. Af- ter pruning, and as soon as the first rain has come, the ground of orchards and ATineyards should be thoroughly plowed. In the pruning of fruit trees, we frequently observe that serious mistakes are made in at- tempting to give trees a uniform shape. If this were practicable, we wftuld be very much in fa- vor of it ; but when we take into consideration that the character of one Apple tree differs as much from another variety, as the Oak does from the W^eeping Willow, it will at once be \erj apparent, that by pruning, a uniformity of growth cannot be established. While one variety of Apples has a tendency to an upright growth, we find another which spreads, and still another which grows weep- ing. To preserve the character of a tree, must be the object of pruning, and the oper- ator, therefore, requires to be a man who un- derstands something about it. While some neglect pruning entirely, and permit their orchards to go to ruin, we have met with others, who prune too much. In re- gard to this, we would say that young trees, particularly after transplanting, should be cut back considerably, in order to give them strength, body and shape, but after they have once commenced bearing fair crops, less and less pruning should be resorted to every year. Trees which are in bearing condition, should be kept clean of suckers and water- shoots, and such branches only should be cut out, which interfere with each other. This applies principally to Apple and Pear trees. Cherry trees need but very little pruning, except to keep them clean from suckers, and to cut away the chafing branches. We may sa}' the same about Nut trees, and would advise our readers not to cut off the tops of young trees, as many do very errone- ously. Peach trees should receive severe pnxning every year, but we object to the cutting away of some of the largest limbs merely for the purpose of reducing the size of the tree. The young wood should be cut back about half or two-thirds of its length. In the kitchen garden, little remains to be done until the rain comes. Cabbage, Cauli- flower and Tomatoes, may be sown in frames for early planting. As soon as the first rains come, prepare some ground for Lettuce, On- ions, Radishes, etc., which will readily grow in climates similar to that of San Francisco. Asparagusbeds should receive early attention ; the beds should be cleaned and spaded to the depth of from eight to ten inches. Early Peas may be planted very success- fully. ^ The flower garden has its worst time during November; flowers are very scarce, and flor- ists have difficulty in procuring sufficient for their business. Shrubs and trees should re- ceive a thorough pruning. After the first rain the ground should receive a good top- dressing of manure, and subsequently, a thorough spading. Whatever is to be trans- planted, should be done now. Dahlias are better out of the ground and stored away in a dry, cool room. Greenhouse-plants should be watered care- fully. Gardeners are apt to give too much water during the Fall and Winter months. Cinerarias, Cyclamens and Chinese Prim- roses, should receive the attention of florists in order to have them in bloom at the begin- 366 THE CALIFORNIA HOETICULTURIST. ning of January. The best place for them is close under glass. Cinerarias may have plen- ty of water, if a warm and sunny exposm-e can be given. Prinu'oses and Cyclamens do better in a partly shaded place. Camellias require an abundance of water as their flowering season approaches. All kinds of seeds of greenhouse-plants and evergreens, may be sown in boxes and pots as soon as they ripen. It is much bet- ter for the seeds to be in the ground than to lie upon the shelves, especially as vathout resorting to artificial heat, the Autumn and Winter months with us, are generally more favorable for the germinating of seeds under glass. Hj'acinths can be safely planted for green- house and window cultui-e. After potting, place them in a dark room for a week or two, and allow them to form roots before the leaves make their aj)pearance. The vines in Graperies must be kept ver}- dry and airy. PLANTING VINEYARDS. There is nothing about Grrape culture which requires so much careful attention as the planting of the vineyard. First. The ground should always be plowed txoice, and plowed deep. If there are any wet places in it, either an underground or sui'face drain should be made ; the ground should first be plowed as soon as the rain falls, and the second time immediately before planting. Second. If cuttings are used instead of roots, the holes should be made with a shovel for their insertion, and Uie entire cuitlng should be covered up. Planting Grrajje cut- tings with a crowbar is simply barbarous. If the season is dry, not one in three of them will root ; while if the ground is well pre- pared and holes are dug for them, at least eighty per cent, ought to grow. Nothing can be made by planting a vine yard hurriedly. Third. The planting should be done early, so that the rains which fall after the planting, may settle the earth close about the cutting, which should be fresh from the vine, that is, recently pruned; and from the time of its removal from the parent stock un- til it is planted, it should be kept in a moist place or completely covered up with straw or earth. It is true 'hat cuttings, although dried and withered by the sixn and atmosphere, will svmefimes grow; yet, as it is desirable to secure a successful growth of a j, vineyard, such experiment would prove dan- I gerous. If the cuttings have been pruned for any length of time, they ought at least to be soaked in water one or two days before planting out. By doing this, the fine particles of earth cling around the bark and keep the external portion of the rod perfectly moist. Fourth. Vines are usually planted from six to eight feet each way — from six to seven feet is the most advantageous distance. The question of distance, however, depends much upon the character of the soil. I would never plant vines eight feet ai:)art ; my experience is, that this is unnecessarily distant. The rows should of course be made straight, and small pins or stakes should be placed at each plant to indicate its locality, else by the first plowing the cutting may be disturbed, and most probably killed. It is an easy matter to cultivate Grapes when once started, but it is a difiicult task to sufiiciently impress upon the minds of vineyardists, and especially new beginners, the great necessity for careful planting. If the cutting is entirely covered up by earth — which should ahvays be done, then from fifteen to eighteen inches is a suffi- cient length for the cuttings. M. M. ESTEE. Raising Apples and Pears in Dky Seasons. An eminent Pomologist in Biaissels, De Johnghe, has succeeded in obtaining well- grown Aj^ples and Pears in dry seasons by watering the trees from time to time, and by making holes in the ground underneath them i and occasionally introducing some liquid, but not very highly concentrated, manure. This application is stated to be particularly important at the time when the fruit is set- ting. THE CALIPOENIA HOKTICULTTJEIST. 367 REPOKT ON THE FKUIT MARKET. Although there are a few localities in the eastern portion of the States, where there are fruits grown with fine complexions, high color and of large size, yet these places are few compared with similarly favored locali- ties in this State. A glance only, at any of our fruit stands, where the fruit is good and of many varieties and well arranged in the boxes or compartments, vfiV comdnce any person who has had any experience in such matters, that for the liberal developments of nature in brilliant and splendid paintings, varied colors and grand effect, combined with magnitude of measurement, no fruit stores in aruy other part of the world can ri- val California in these respects. Indeed, so much is this the case, that many fruits cul- tivated in this region, can hardly be identi- fied as the same varieties as those grown in the more easterly States. What is the cause of this very striking dif- ference between the products of California and those of the other States? The following may be assigned as some of the reasons : that in the Eastern States, there is a great fickleness of weather and temperature — the extremes of heat and of cold; — excessive rains, and some- times great droughts; — in some years in the autumn, a favorable ripening of the wood, while in others this is incomplete; and at all times, the serious ravages and injuries of de- structive and noxious insects, wdiich disfig- ure the fruits and damage the trees them- selves. Here, on the contrary, there is com- paratively, uniform and equable climate and temperature. How much brightness of sun- light have we, — what a continuous and almost unchecked growth, — how few troublesome insects, and what a naturally rich and deep soil ! — in short, as a writer in one of our ag- riculttiral paj)ers observes : * ' California is one of the best growing countries in the world, and we really have no true standard by which to compare and test the names and qualities of our fruits." This year, all our fruits seem to have outshone themselves in beauty and lustre, and the products of Po- mona, in our markets are, even for this region, unusually bright and pure in appear- ance, and from the greater number of varie- ties, especially of Apples, uncommonly gorge- ous and attractive in their appearance. The great ^abundance of Grapes in the market this month, is particularly note- worthy, and the unusuall}' large size of bunches and berries, and the fine rich color- ing, especially of the Flaming Tokay and Eose of Peru with some others, renders the dis- play much more attractive than last year. The flavor of the Muscat of Alexandria, when fully ripe, is very luscious to the pal- ate,— but, the general quality of the majori- ty of the Grapes in market is rather inferior this season. The apples are; on the contra- ry, superior in both quality and appearance, the coolness of the summer having been much in their favor for both flavor and juici- ness. For the information of fruit raisers at a distance from this State, we will give a brief account of the time when the different fruits come in here. Strawberries, in general, ap- pear about the beginning of June. Apricots in June and July. Peaches in the latter part of June and beginning of July; Figs the same; Plums, too, are then plentiful. Easp- berries, Goosberries and Blackberries, about the beginning of July. In August, commen- ces the melon season. Grapes from May to December and January. Most of the vegetables may be said to be here all the year round. The last of the Blackberries came in on the 10th of this month (Oct.), at twenty cents i^er pound. In the season, they are from six to ten cents per pound. The Imperatrice Plum is now in market, partially dried, and very sweet and well- flavored. The Beurre Clairgeau Pear is now in, and very large and beautifully col- ored, with a rich red next the sun. The later Pears are also on the stalls — and the Easter Beurre, Winter Nelis, Orange Berga- mot and White Doyenne, with a remnant of Bartletts. Those coming in are: the Eusset 368 THE CALIFOKNIA HOKTICULTUEIST. Pear, President, and Glout Morceau. The Nelis is a little later than the above. As to the vegetables. Asparagus has ap- peared,— the first of the season, and without rain ! It sells now, from twenty-five to thir- ty cents per pound, in the height of the sea- son from six to eight cents. I see also, yet in market: Gumbo, French Artichokes, Egg and Oyster Plants, with plenty of Green Peas and String Beans. E. J. Hooper. BUKSARIA SPINOSA. This beautiful evergreen is a native of New Holland, and is classed in the order of Peniandria. Monogynia, PUtosporacece. It should by all means, be more generally cul- tivated by our nurserymen, but it seems to be very little known here by our gardeners. Its very beautiful and graceful spikes of pure white flowers, would be quite an addition to bou- quets and flower baskets. So far, I have noticed but two plants in our gardens around San Francisco; one at Woodward's Gardens, which is now in bloom; and the other at Wm. Patterson's Nursery, on the San Bruno Road, which is now out of bloom, and has set a few trusses of well developed seeds. It can be grown from cuttings, by taking the half ripe wood, keeping them in a gentle heat under glass, when they will root in about from four to six weeks. The Bursaria is a hardy evergreen here, and would make a fine addition to our lawns and gardens. I have had twice, a small quantity of the seeds from Australia, but did not on either oc- casion succeed in raising them; they could not have been ripe, as, knowing the value of the plant, I took particular care of them. I should like to see this shrub extensively cul- tivated by our nurserymen, so that we would see a plant of it growing in every garden. E. L. Reimer. Onions. — Keep the ground free from weeds by frequent hoeing ; be careful not to stir the soil very deep. Salt, sown broadcast at the rate of two or three bushels to the acre, is beneficial. EDITOR : C. A. STIVERS, M. D. ASSOCIATE EDITORS : F. A. MILLER, C. STEPHENS. In a country like the United States, where the cultivation of the soil is the great inter- est, and the one upon which it must depend for a large measure of its permanent pros- perity and wealth, it would be but reasona- ble to expect a large representation of the agricultux'al element in its legislative bodies. Just as this conclusion is, yet it is very far from being the case, and we search in vain for evidences of a proper representation on the part of the farming interests. Year after year, our representatives are chosen from a certain restricted class, who seem to have made politics a jorofession, but for their own aggrandizement. They represent no one but themselves, and have come to look upon the Government and its offices, as existing onlj for their especial benefit. While we admit the necessity for a certain number of lawyers and other j^rofessional men being selected to represent the people, we also claim, that it is equally necessary, that a like number of agriculturists, and those engaged in the industrial pursuits of the country, should likewise be chosen. As this has not been done, agriculture has been forced to occuj^y a false and subordinate po- sition, instead of standing in her true and proper place. This condition of things is wrong, and so long as it continues, agriculture and its kin- dred branches must languish. The remedy is in the hands of our farming jjopulation, if they will only view it in the right light, and use the proper exertions. The benefits which will be derived from a larger representation of the cultivators of the soil, will not be confined to that class alone; such reform will have its influence over all the land, in the cities and towns as well as in the country districts. It will have THE CALIFOBNIA HORTICULTUKIST. 369 a moral effect upon the entire body politic, driving out in many cases, the professional politicians, and replacing them with honest and upright men. It will bring the hearty, vigorous life of the country into contact with the pent-up existencies of the city, and will poiu- into the channels of our Legislature a purer and less contaminated vitality. But, to effect all this, farmers must rid themselves of the impressions, too common among them, that lawyers are necessaiy to legislate for them; and that the machinery of law is something in which they are but indirectly interested, and which has but little to do with their occupation. They must come to understand, that it needs no special education to state and ably to advocate the wants of a section of the country, or even the necessities of the entire nation, with re- gard to its agriculture, other than that which they already, and indeed alone possess. Among our farming people, are to be found men of sound judgment, liberal ideas, large expc-rienee and superior scholarship, as well as among the other classes from whence so many of our legislators are selected. Let our agriculturists, and those interest- ed in the advancement of this interest, look well to this matter, and henceforth strive to attain their proper places in our legislative halls. Already the subject is commanding atten- tion in the Southern and Easteni States, and it should commend itself to California with special force. In this connection, we give the following extracts from an exchange upon the subject. " The interests of agriculture are so im- mense and are so vitally connected with the welfare and prosperity of the whole country, that it is a matter of great sm-prise that so little attention has been given to it by our law- makers generally. The impression appears to prevail largely amongst fai-mers that their in- terests and the interests of the community at large, can be best subserved by sending law- yers and other professional men to the Legis- lature. In pursuance of this idea, com- paratively few farmers are selected, and as a 3 natui'al result, agriculture has come to be regarded as a matter of secondary' impor- tance so far as legislation is concerned. The sooner, therefore, that the cultivators of the soil take the position that they are, by virtue of numbers and in the magnitude of the interests involved in agriculture, en- titled to a full and fair share of legislative representation, the better it will be for all parties. Let them agree to send as repre- sentatives, men of known practical ability and thorough integrity, and they can accom- plish it -nnthout the least difficvdty." iiaJ DAELINGTONIA CALIFOENICA. We have read with a great deal of inter- est the notes on this much talked of plant, in a late number of the Pacific Rural Press. A Mr. Lemmon of Sierra Valley, presented to the Press a specimen of the Pitcher Plant, which was recently found at Black Hawlc Creek, near Quincy, in Sierra County; and v/hich, from its peculiar and different appear- ance from what has been heretofore described as the Califomian Pitcher Plant, the Pref and ready to garner, and picking would con- tinue until frost came. As it is, there will be a good yield of both cotton and seed. THE. CAJLIFORNIA HORTICtJLTURIST. 37fi The latter will be fresh lor use next year, and we confidently believe the growing of cotton will prove a success on this class of lands, which heretofore have produced noth- ing, and were considered valueless." — Wood- land Democrat. Dried Petjit. — The ground in many of the orchards of California is covered with fruit which is permitted to lie and rot. It would be very easy to utilize this waste fruit by dry- ing it for home consumption. We are now importers of dried fruit, which is not nearly so good as the specimen lots of the home- cured article we occasionally find offered for sale. Apples dried in California are worth more than the best imported varieties. The demand for the article is steady. Last year, on account of a scarcity, Eastern dried-fruits advanced materially in price.-j, which were maintained throughout the season. We ob- serve that a merchant named Kennedy, in Chico, Butte County, offers the highest mar- ket prices for dried fruits, as an encourage- ment to the farmers of that region to go more . extensively into the fruit-raising busi- ness. There would be little expense to farm- ers elsewhere in thus preserving their- fruits, for which the market might be considered as assured at fair profits. We believe a fortune is in store for the individual who will dry fruit on an extensive scale in California." — Muruing Call. Tea Cultltre. — Hon. W. G. Howard writes to the Dei^artment of Agriculture as follows, from San Antonio, Texas : The culture of the plant and the manufacture of the tea is a much simpler and easier process than most persons think. Of the hardy nature of the plant you have abundant evidence in those planted out in the gardens at Washington. And from my own experience in many cli- mates of India, from Arracan to the Hima- laya Mountains, neither frost nor snow, drought nor rain, sunshine nor shadow, ma- terially injure the " tea plant." Nor is it subject to the visitation of any worm, bug, or disease. When I first went to India, all knowledge with respect to tea was very scant and limit- ed, and everything had to be done by hand; but afterward, when the capital invested in tea had increased to enormous proportions — indeed, many millions of pounds sterling — the cost of manufacture was much reduced. When I left India the only manual labor was the picking of the leaves, which was best done by women and children. It is true that a man here would cost twenty or twen- ty-five dollars per month, against two dol- lars and a half per month there; but when you take into consideration the great lack of economy in the management there, the dif- ference would not amount to so auch. In India all tools and lead have to be brought from England, and transported on men's backs for many miles; the constant rebuild- ing of houses, rendered necessary by the white ant and fire, every year or two; the enormous cost of management, which amounts to more than one-half of the actual amount spent in the year; the physi- cal inability of the Bengalee coolies to do much labor; the difficulty of procuring la- bor, and the unhealthy climate, all conlbine to bring the cost per acre to as much as it would be in America. The Tea once planted only requires to be kept free from weeds, which can be done here with the plough, the same as with In- dian corn, and at the same cost. In India they have neither horses nor plows, and all weeding must be done with the hoe in the hands of a lazy and weak coolie. After the Tea is pretty well grown, say four or five years old, its own shade pretty much keeps the ground clean. Should our Government once take hold of the subject, and demonstrate that Tea can be grown, and to a profit, the demand for seed alone, would soon pay all cost. The yield of seed is, on an average, foiu- " maunds" (a "maund" is eighty pounds) to the aci'e, and I sold one year from my garden four thou- sand "maunds," at two hundred rupees per "maund," and could have sold forty thou- sand "maunds " at the same figure. . '. ja 376 THE CALIFORNIA HORTICULTURIST. Just to the Point. — Mr. Reed, President of the State Agricultural Society of Califor- nia, in his opening address at the State Fair in Sacramento, made the following sugges- tive remarks, which thousands of our able bodied men might take to heart and better their condition: "And right here, lest I forget it in a more appropiiate place, I propose to say what would make my own ears tingle, and I fear unduly excite me should I hear it said by any other than a Calif ornian, viz: that it is a shame — a disgrace — a burning sarcasm upon the intelligence and industry, and financial common sense of Californian agriculturists that, in such a countiy, where dairy products might be more abundant, and secured at less expense than anywhere else in the land, so many sit down and fold the hands, or roam from place to place looking for "situations" behind the counter, where they may sell tape and calico to lady shoppers, or in some count- ing-room where they may play second fiddle to an assistant book-keeper's clerk, while we pay for making and bringing three thousand miles a hundred tons of butter a week — and all this while tens of thousands of acres of as good dairy lands as ever lay out door, and as many lowing herds of the best dairy kine unite in calling you young men to many wives, and milk the cows and make the butter and get the money for your purse. If you have no capital, take a fann, as the old folks say, " on shears," and my word for it, the clippings of those "shears" will, the first year, enable you to begin to buy, begin to breed, begin to multiply your stock, begin to be an employer, an independent influential member of socie- ty and a benefactor of the State." Mr Reed's remarks may be applied with great force to the class of peoi^le which Mr. Phelps describes thus: " Many old Calif ornians are too restless and too much occupied with the golden dreams and visions of the past to settle down to any steady or safe employment. If they would build themselves houses they might at least be surrounded with every comfort. The next most serious hindrance to our prosperi- ty is the tendency of our people to drift into our large towns and cities. This disposition is not only manifested by the people of Cali- fornia, but of the whole countrj^, and must be regarded as one of the most evil tenden- cies of the age. One-fourth of the popula- tion of this State to-day resides in the city of San Francisco, and one-fourth of the balance in the six or seven next largest cities of the State. Rural life is fast losing its charm for oui- people, who are exchanging their quiet homes and simple habits, the pure air and pleasant scenery of the country, for rented rooms amid the restless confusion of city life." Sugar, Flax, Cotton and Wine. — Extracts from the annual address of Hon. T. G. Phelps at the Sacramento State Fair. "The experiment of making Sugar here hav- ing proved an entire success in every partic- ular, it is confidently predicted that in four years from to-day we will produce all the su- gar consumed in the Pacific States and Tem- toi-ies, and in ten yeai's we will send to other States and countries, of our own produc- tion, three times the amount we now im- port. There is now quite a large amount of flax raised in this State, for the seed alone, no use being made of the fiber. This is a great waste, which should, if possible, be avoid- ed. Cannot some cheap method be devised for preparing this fiber for use, though it may be in the coarsest products, such as grain-bags, or rope? He who can utilize this material and prevent its waste will con- fer a great benefit upon the State. One experiment, at least, upon a scale sufficiently large to test our climate and soil for raising Cotton successfully, is being made. A field, embracing seventj' acres, is now growing on the Merced river, five or six miles below the town of Snellings. When I had the pleasure of visiting the field, some six weeks ago, the Cotton was in a very thrifty condition, with the early seed bolls closed. The harvest of the fiber is proba- bly now about commencing, and will con- tinue until November or December. Experi THE CALIFORNIA HORTICULTURIST. 377 enced Cotton growers from the Southern States informed me that the field was a fair average of the crops in Louisiana, and would jDrobably yield three-fourths of a bale of ginned Cotton to the acre. The entire crop was planted and cultivated by three men. This is more ground, I am informed, than the same men could have cultivated in the Southern States. The experiment, there- fore, bids fair to prove a satisfactory one; and it is quite j^i'obable we may hereafter be able to add Cotton to our regular produc- tions. The raising of Grapes and the manufac- ture of wine and brandy seems now to be firmly established as one of our leading and most., profitable industries. There is no longer, I am informed, any difficulty in marketing the entire product at remunera- tive rates, and it is quite ]u'obable the de- mand will increase faster than tlie produc- tion can be increased. Last year we pro- duced six million gallons of wine, worth $3,600,000 and one hundred and fifty thou- sand gallons of brandy, worth, duties un- paid, $112,500. This year it is estimated we will produce, from eight to ten million gallons of wine, worth, say $4,500,000, and two hundred thousand gallons of brandy, worth $150,000, and it is fair to calculate that this ratio of increase in production and value will be kept up for years to come. It is estimated by our principal wine mer- chants that one half of our product is con- sumed by the States to the east of us, while they are regularly shipped to Mexico, South America, Sandwich Islands, Australia, Japan, China, England, and occasional lots to the continent of Europe. From eveiy part of the world to which they are sent fair reports come back as to their excellence, and orders increase, showing that they have a better standing abroad than at home. Of course their reputation has suffered somewhat from unskilled makers, and from counterfeiting. Messrs. I Landsberger & Co. are now put- ling up 1,500 dozen per month of their champagne wine, and are unable to supply the demand. What mav we not expect from 4^ this industry, when we reflect that the entire champagne district of France is not greater in area than Sonoma county, and yet em- ploys ten thousand men in the cultivation of the Grrape, and ten thousand more in the pre- paration of the wine for market ? We have now 35,000,000 bearing vines growing on 47,000 acres. The average yield per acre for the Grapes is about $60, but the choice varieties will yield $100,000 or more, and this, too, on our poorest soil. What more profitable or sure investment can a poor man desire "? Uncle Sam gives the land, and his own labo^j is sufficient to put out a vine- yard from which a sure annual revenue may be derived for himself and his children. One of the strange peculiarities of our peo- ple, showing their singular attachment to articles of foreign growth and manufacture, may he noted in the fact, that Avhile we are sending wine to the iouv quaiters of the globe, a wine that we know to be pure juice of the Grape, we imported during last year 451,947 gallons of wiue costing, duties paid, more than $550,000." • Be Just to the GAUDENErvS. — A friend call- ed at my office last week and asked nie if I could recommend him a gardener who could manage his place. Knowing that he already had one of the best men in the vicinity of New York, I asked him what was the matter. He replied, that Mr. ^vas pei-fecty incompetent, that his grounds were overgrown with weeds and everything in disorder. Further inquiries elicited the fact, that he had reduced his assistants, to curtail expenses; which, coupled with the fact that this A'icinit}' has been deluged with rain dur- ing the whole of August, readily accounted for the weeds and disorder. It is short- sighted economy to withhold lab(n- in the garden or on the farm, whether it be worked for pleasure or for profit. Surely it is any- thing but pleasing to see grounds overgrown witli* weeds, and as to profit, we all know that weeds in the ascendancy are the bane of "all profit to the worker of the soil. Ten minutes of this kind of reasoning 378 THE CALIFORNIA HORTICULTURIST. seemingly convinced my friend that he, rather than his gardener was at fault.— Pe/er Hen- derson, in the Ameriean AgriciiUuriM. We make the following extracts from the monthly report of the Department of Agri- culture for August and September: Adulteration of Clover Seed. — A confiden- tial circular from an enterprising German in Hamburg has lately come to light contain- ing an offer to sell several tons of sand suit- able for mixture with Clover seed, the grains of which resemble the seed so closely that it is almost impossible to distinguish them by the eye. The writer of this circular an- nounces that this sand is in great demand, especially in England, for purposes of adul- teration. Two colors are supplied, one for red clover and one for white. The European Plane-Tree in Cities.— No tree resists so well the smoke and impure air of European cities as the Plane, ( Pln- tanm occidf^nlalisj although it is not a native of that continent. It is the tree most gen- erally seen in the churchyards, squares, and other open spaces in London, thriving well, and living to a considerable age. This is probably in part due to the fact of the outer layer of bark being shed yearly, and thus not becoming choked with smoke so that its functions are destroyed. The rows of young Plane-trees planted along the recently opened portion of the Thames embankment, from the Houses of Parliament to Charing Cross and the Temple, are growing vigorously, and promise in a few years to afford a grateful shade, and to add much to the beauty of the banks of the river. temperature were in all cases prejudicial to the growth of the germ, even when amount- ing to but a few degrees, and these within limits favorable to energetic growth. That is to say, the germination proceeds more rapidly at a low temperature of a uniform degree, than at a higher, when subjected to more or less variation. From this we de- rive the inference tliat a nearly uniform Spring temperature, with a cloudy sky, is more favorable to rapid development of veg- etation tlian the alternation of hot days and cool nights, it being of course understood that the mean temperature in each case is about the same. Influence of Conditions of Heat on the Growth of Plants. ^ — A paper has lately been published by Koppen, upon the relationship of conditions of heat to the phenomena of growth in plants; his first inquiry being^ lim- ited to the questions connected with the germination of tVie seed. The general con- clusion firrived at, was, that variations o| Tremellat Process for Preserving Grapes. —A recent process for preserving Grapes through the Winter, introduced by M. Tre- mellat, of Marseilles, is commended in agricul- tural journals as answering its purpose better than many of the improved methods of the day. This depends upon the fact, that in the ordinary storage of Grapes, a portion of the water, both of the stem and of the berry, is lost by evaporation, so that they dry up , unless moisture is restored to them. To ob- viate this difficulty, the bunches are cut in such a manner as to leave a considerable por- tion of the adjacent woody part of the vine, and are then suspended over a vessel filled with water, so that while only hanging near the surface of the water the ends of tlie stems are immersed. As the moisture evap- orates from the Grapes it is restored by ca- pillary absorption through the stem, and no change takes place. By means of the ar- rangement thus indicated, M. Tremellat has succeeded in keeping Grapes from one year over into another, fresh and fair as in the moment of gathering, and his method is now used on a large scale in Paris and elsewhere. Mathoit's Grapes.— We have seen several boxes of grapes from Mathoit's vineyard, near Butteville, that are at least equal to those brought from California. The varie- ties tastea >Yere the Black July and Royal THE CALIFORNIA HORTICULTURIST. 379 Muscadine. They are as sweet and well fla- vored as any grape we have tasted this sea- son, and are a sufficient evidence, to us, that some localities in this valley are well adapted to grape culture. Mr. Mathoit's vineyard will produce for the market over a thousand boxes the present season.— lKi/ia-'7ie^fe {Ore- gon) Farmer. ExfrnctHfrom Monthly Report of thp Departmevt of Agrkudt.are,for October, 1871. Detekmininct Tannin in Oae Bark.— A me- thod lately introduced by Loewenthal for determining the amount of tannin in oak bark, is based upon the fact that tannin, in the presence of indigo, is decomposed by per- manganate of potash in such a manner that, with the final disappearance of the blue color, the last trace of the tannin is also decom- posed . For this inquiry , the following liquids are needed : First', a solution of indigo car- mine. ; second, a solution of tannin ; third, a solution of the chameleon mineral or perman- ganate of potash; and, fourth, a solution of oxalic acid. Utilization of Surplus Potatoes. — Incases where the potato crop is so large as not to be readily marketable, and more or less in dan- ger of decaying through the winter, the sur- plus can be so treated as to furnish a valuable article of food, capable of preservation for a long time. For this purpose, the potatoes are to be washed clean, steamed, peeled wdiile still hot, and finally pressed through a line sieve. The potatoes thus compressed are then to be laid, while still hot, upon grat- ings and dried as quickly as possible, say m ten or twelve hours, in order to avoid any souring or putrefaction — this being generally the result of drying too slowly, or with an insufficient heat. The potatoes dried in this way are of an excellent flavor, and can be packed and kept for years in a dry place, and are serviceable for provisioning shii>s, armies in the field, etc. About one thousand pounds of fresh potatoes will make one hundred pouu4s of th^ dir^ article, which, wheu pro- perly prepared, will have precisely the flavor and appearance of freshly-boiled potatoes. Speedy Growth of Radishes.— In the pub- lications of the Acclimatization Society of Palermo, we are informed that radishes may be obtained at any season, and very quickly, in the following manner : The seeds are to be first soaked for twenty-four hours and then placed in bags and exposed to the sun. They will begin to germinate in about twenty-four hours, and are then to be set in a box tilled with well-manured earth, and moistened from time to time with lukewarm water. In five or six days the radishes will attain the size of a small onion. To grow radishes in winter, the box is to be placed in a warm cellar, cov- ered with a top, and the earth moistened from day to day Avith lukewarm water. CuNDURANGo. — The Secretarj^ of State, Hon. Hamilton Fish, has transmitted to this Department a package containing specimens of the fruit and seed-bearing capsules of the " cundurango" plam or vine, received from Charles Weile, United States Consul at Guay- aquil, together with the following extract from the official letter of the Consul : ' ' I have just returned from a visit to the cundurango region, in the province of Loja, where I spent a month in collecting the dif- ferent species of the plant. Dr. Destruge, of this city, an excellent botanist, has classified the vine as belonging to the order A.^clepiada- cecB. The wovd ' ' cundurango" is a compound of " c»ncZwr," eagle, and " a^ago:' a vine. The aborigines probably applied this name ow- ing to the winding growth of the vine, and be*cause it seeks the highest trees for its sup- port. Its growth is most vigorous in moist places, on the banks of rivers and creeks, where the body often attains a diameter of two to three inches, diminishing gradually to tendrils at the top. The family is a numer- ous one. Leaves, vines, fruit and flowers of the species differ materially, but all contain —some in a greater degree than others— a liquid that resembles milk, and which, ex- 380 THE CALIFORNIA HORTICULTURIST. posed to heat, or coming in contact with other bodies, coagulates and forms an aro- matic resinous substance." Inclosed was a list of the sjDecimens and a piece of the balsam which the milk produces. The list names the following varieties, all found atZaruma : No. 1, Cimdurango Pepino ; No. 2, G. Tambo Grande; No. 3, G. Tumbo Ghico; No. 4, variety of C. Tumbo Grande ; No. 5, G. Paloma Grande; No. G, G. Batea Grande. The seeds received by this Department will be propagated, with the design of testing the practicability of the cultivation of the plant in some section of this country, should its production be found to be desirable. Waem Water for Plants. — Mr. R. G. Wil- liams, of Vermont State Normal School, writes us upon this subject as follows : "I see some remarks in your monthly report upon the benefit of watering house- plants with warm water. Last winter we had about one hundred plants in the house, and usually gave them warm water, and very fre- quently water that was much too wai-m for the hand ; some water at or very near the boiling point has been poured into the sau- cers of the pots and just on the sides. We have about forty persons in the family, from different parts of the country, and their tes- timony is, that they never saw so tine ger- animns, heliotropes, fuchsias, verbenas, pas- sion-flowers, and oleanders. These plants show very marked improvement ; others have flourished finely under the treatment." All house-plants are better for being wa- tered with water several degrees warmer than the atmosphere in which they are grown. Influence of Heat of Soil on Growth of Plants. — The result of a recent investigation by Bialoblocki, in regard to the influence of the warmth of soil upon the development of certain cultivated plants, is summed up by him in the follomng words : The influence of wai-mth of the soil is made manifest in two dii-ections ; in the shortening or lengthening of the period of vegetation, and in affecting the external form of the plant ; the accel- eration of growth of vegetation occurring principally in the earlier periods. With an ascending temperature of the soil, vegetation is forwarded up to a certain jDoint. From the moment, however, when this point is reached, an increase of temperature in the soil actually retards growth. The maximum point of favorable temperature of the soil varies for different plants ; but the mainten- ance of a constant temperature has for its results a more vigorous growth of the plant experimented on. The extreme limit of a constant temporatiue of the soil at which a growth of the roots can still take place, we may assume to be below, but very near 104 degrees Fahrenheit. A ground temperature of 50 degrees Fahrenheit barely allows plants to fulfil completely all their functions of life and conditions of develojDment. An increased ground temperature has no special influence upon the absorption of nutritious matter through the rootg ; and the accelerated growth resulting from increase of heat is usually ac- companied by a greater percentage of water in the plant. Regl^nine. — According to Dr. Phipson, the English Walnut, (JnyJans regiaj and proba- bly the American species also, contain, among other substances, one which he calls regiaiiine, (obtained by treating the green husk of the fruit with benzole, ] which ap- pears in the form of a yellowish substance crystallizing in groups of feather-like crys- tals. These are easily decomposed, and when treared with alkalies or ammonia, yield a splendid and durable red solution, which by a subsequent treatment, becomes the jet black, amorphous pure regianic acid. Egg-Plants need all the encouragement that frequent hoeiug and liquid manure can give them ; destroy the Tomato worm, which is often found feeding upon them. END OF VOLUME I. THE CALIFORNIA HORTICULTURISl AND FLORAL MAGAZINE VOLUME 11. 1871 — 1872. I PUBLISHED BY F. A. MILLER k CO., SAN FRANCISCO, CAL. SAN FKANCISCO : John H. Carmany & Co., Printers, 409 Washington St. I N D K X Abies Douglasii, Growth of. > > I'iT Acacia Me' anoxy Ion 30 Acclimatization Society's grounds, near Melbourne, Austra- lia. , ^ ^ , ^ 27 Acclimation of Foreign Plants......... 31 Acclimatizing Society (53 Acorns 29 Achimenes 220 Agriculture, Annual Report of Commissioner Of ........... . 62 Agricultui-e, State Board of 62 Agricultural Board of Directors, Meeting of 90 Agricultural Fairs 187 Agricultural and HorticaltUral Societies 209 Agricultural Association, National 254 Agricultural Cougress, Third Session of 272 Agricultural College of California 346 Alvarado Beet-Sugar 30 Alfalfa, Cultivation of 158 Alaska Cedar 287 Amaranthus Salicifolius 185 Annuals 161 Ants, How to Destroy '.......'.'..... 326 Apple-Cider 63 Apples, Keeping of 128 Aphides (Green Fly) on House Plants 213 Aphis Lanigera 219 Aquarium of the London Crystal Palace ...'..'.' 127 Aquarium, The great, at Brighton, England 328 Artesian Wells 64, 238, 248, 279 Arboriculture 189 Arranging Flowers .'."."!!!!.!..'.'..'.'.'.."......... 238 Army- Worm 286 Asphalt- Walks ."!!..'.'.'!!!"."."!.'! 125 Association, Vacaville Fruit-growers' 282 Australian Seasons 256 Australian Forest-Trees, Economic vidue of.". . .271, 313, 326, 355 Azalea g5 Azalea-Cuttings ".'..'.!'..".'.'.'.'..!".!'.!...*..'. 231 Bay District Horticultural Society. 19, 121, 186, 281, 29.7, 343, 353 Banana Culture 343 Begonias, Raising from Leaves. .........[.......[.... \...[. 28 Berlin Project 125 Beaucarnea Recurvata '.!.!".!!!'.!....!"..!...!.. 185 Beautifying our Homes ..'.....' 195 Bermuda Grass 210 -Beet Sugar '.'. .' .' ." .' " " ." ] '.■.'.■.■.".■. ".30, 213, 219, 235 B "autify the Farm 320 Bif Crop '. .".". .'.".'...".".'.'. .'.'."..v.". .".' '. . 32 Borers in Frult-Trees 157 Botanical Gardens of Melbourne " 46, 200 Botanical Work 217 Botanical Garden for New York ....'...".'.'. V." '. ' . . '..'.'. . .' '. '. '. '. '. '. 282 Botany in New York ' '....' ' 255 Brandy from Manzanita Berries 107 Brazil-Nut 31q Budding Fruit-Trees '.,'. '..'.'.'.'.'.'.' '...'. '. '. . .' . ' ..... 373 Button-hole Flower, G-entlemau's 249 Cabbage-Lice, To Destroy 128, 213 California Vine-Growers' Association 143^ 168 California Butter in New York 224 California Chestnuts 350 Camellias, Management of " V. .".....!. .53, 339 Camphor, U.se of . .• ' '/' .."....' 158 Camphor-Tree of Sumatra .'.!".'.....'!.'."."..'!!".'...!!!!!! 191 Canned Fruits 1.'.'!!'. .'.'.!'.'. .!!'.". .'." 329 Catalogues Received. 24, 93, m] i54,"l82,'2i7| 256,'283,'3i8' 346, 375 Capitol Groimds 218 Carob-Tree '.'.'.'.'.'.'.'.'..'.'. 2''0 Century-Trees ..'.'.'.'.".".'.'.'.'.'.'.'..'. ! '..'...'.'.'... 34 Cement for an Aquarium !!.'.!'.!!...!.'.... 211 Celery, Culture of !!".!."!.".!!..'!'!!. 375 Chrysanthemum I ..'.".'.'.'.'.'....'.'.'.'. ' 1G3 Cherry-Trees, Profits of '..'■'..'..'.'.'.'.'.'.'.'.'.'..'..'..'.. 2.o6 Chestnut-Trees '..'.'.'...'.'.'.'.'..'.. .. 287 Cherry-Currants '...,'..'..'.'..'.. 288 Cinchona '.'.'.'.'.....'. 221 City Parks of St. Louis "...'.'.!'.'.!!'.!.' 116 Cineraria ..'.'..'.'...'. 325 Clearing Forest-Lands .'.'.".'.!!!!!..'..' 45 Clerodendron !!.'.'.'. 168 Cotton in California 24, 47 64 256 Correspondence .' !25, 96, 'iSG, 348 Conifers in Pots 32 Coffee, Substitute for 64 Coleus, Wintering of 95 College of Agriculture and Horticulture 187 Cobcea Scandens Varicgiita 356 Crawford Markets, Bombay I74 Cranberry Culture 32, 191,194, 231, 342 Currant-Cuttings 31 Cut Flowers 157, 337 Cultivation of Tobacco 24, 190 Currants 238, 284 Curious Phenomenon 241 Cuban Tobacco 244 Cucumber Bugs, Remedy tor. .. ......".". 249 Currant- Worms 249 Cucumber Preserving 322 Delphinium NudicavUe 32 Delegates, Meeting of 91 Depth to Plant Seeds 125 Deutzia 129 Decorative Plants 257, 289 Desirable Plant for a Dry Country 288 Distribution of Bedding Plants 32 Dormant Vitality in Seeds' 167 Duties on Imported Plants 177 Editorial Portfolio 17,51,81,115, 146, 177,209, 242 276, 317, 340, 372 Editorial Gleanings 26, 63, 125, 155, 189. 219, 255 287, 319, 349, 375 Egg-Plums, Canada 349 English Horticultural Exhibitions 29 English Sparrows in Australia 338 English Chestnuts 45 Epacris 351 Eucalyptus Globulus 349 Evergreens from Cuttings 24 Evergreens in the Eastern States 228, 287 Exchange Table, Our 92, 183,216, 249, 282, 318, 346 Exhibition, The ... 301 Experimental Stations 336 Farf ugiurut Ligatum Variegatum 377 Facts, For Pomologists important 29 Favors Received 50, 124, 153, 182, 216, 249, 283, 317, 346, 376 Farmers' Club at Sacramento 62 Farmers' Clubs 188 Fairs and Exhibitions 217 Fern-Case, How to Make 26 Fertilizer for House-Plants 224 Ficus Elastica, Propagation of 28 Fineness of India Cottons 157 Figs— Drying and Packing of, Use of, etc 158, 219, 255 Figs for Profit 225 Fish Culture 340 Flowering Bulbs 1, G3, 97 Flowering Plants in our Public Squares 59 Flowers, Changing the Colors of 270 Flowers as Disinfectants 319 Flower Seed-raising 286 Floriculture in the West 332 Forest-Tree Culture 15, 61,82, 87, 110, 112, 182, 206, 244 246, 264, 288, 333 Forests 34 Forests and Rain 112 Forest-Trees, Plea for 113 Forests, .\merican 114 Forest-Tree Salvation 244 Fossil Forett, Notice of 80 Foreign Industries ,178 Fruit Market, Report on 20,60, 86, 120, 152, 181 215, 254, 285, 348 Fruit Market of London 30 Fruit-Trees of California 212 Future Value of Timber 16 Fuchsia, New Double 185 Fuchsias, Choice Varieties of 259 Garden-Walks, Coal-ashes for 244 Geraninms, New Double 95 Gloxinia 33 Gladiolus— Seedlings, etc 158 Good Cement 13 Golden Gate Park 150 Good Seed 192 Grape Harvest in France ; 31 Grapes, Wines, and Raisins ... 106 Growth in Plants, Increasing the Vigor of 214 Grape-Growers* Association 231 , 260 Grasshoppers 160, 242, 254 Grasses for Fixing a Shifting Soil 266 Grape Crop, Injury to, etc 187, 287 Guano, La Plata or Carno 32 Hardy Vines 43, 70 Help for our Silk-growers 241 Hints about Wine-making, etc 263 Horticulture 267, 292 Horticultural Reading-Room 19 INDEX Horticultural Exhibition l^C, 2i6 Horticultural Hall •• 'l^ Honicultural and Agricultural Exhibitions in-Australia. • • • ;r^» Horticultural Fair iu Portlautl 282 Horticultural Hall in Philadelphia • • • 3*^ Hop Culture ' fJ'r How the South Americans make Fruit-Trees 15J How to keep Canary Birds ^A.A^ House-Plants, Treatment of 139. 160, '261, &n^ Honey, Production of l^Jj Hyacinth Culture in Glasses 3J Immigration -*■; Important Discovery in Tanning W/ ^4r Insects 7*'"« Inexpensive Ornaments ;^"'^ Intelligent Farming '^-' India-Kiibber Trees ^^* Industrial Exhibition at Cincinnati .■■• Influence of Variously-polored Light on Vegetation Indelible Ink for Zinc Labels Insects of California (Dr. H. H. Behr) Irrigation Irrigation in the Malay Archipelago ^J^^ Jari-ah Jarrah "^ Lawns (R. Michelson) ^„j Landscape Gardening „„„ Largest Vineyard in California ^"° Lawyer- Apple Leaves, New use for Lime as a Fertilizer Literary Notices Libocedrus Decurrens, Thuja Lobii Lily of the Valley Locust Timber Loudon, the Landscape Gardener. . . K^n^ Apple Bugi^t.-;;.-;.-;.-.-.::;-. .V. .3. 35, es, 100. 133, les Mammoth Fig-Trees Mammoth Flower. . Propagating Evergreens (E. L. Keimer) 25. 136 Preserving Flowers 130 Preserving Grasses ., „„ Protective Duties on Trees and Plants ^^^ 282 ... 320 . . . 332 . . . 3(38 78, 311 357 30 256 .. 160 Manuring Trees 2io 278 Marine Aquarium Marketing Grapes, Peaches, etc ^,^° Maran ta 091 Merits and Needs of a County ^^ Mesquit ,•.•••- ; 185 '.'.'. 30 Mignonette, New Dwarf. Moss, To Preserve 29 Mulching 097 Mushrooms "„„ Napa Wine Product oik' 94^ ^T^-f'liJ'''''° .•::::::::::i5i;285 S:w'^ l:^piant;;:;23;Vii; 95,423; lb4Vl84 250,^347.375 New and Rare Fruits 59. 91. 123. ^". ^51 Ne-w Bulbs kV otio New Vegetables iuo' ^of New Books and Periodicals '■°p ^°* Notes on Fruits for California ^' ■^'i Noxious Insects (Dr. A. Kellogg) |^o Nut-Bearing Trees, Profits of. ...... . . ..... • • ..• •■•;••• ^"^ Oakland Farming, Horticultural, and Industrial Club 217 309 357 Primula Japonica Premiums for Flowers Premiums Awarded, List of. . Preservation of Apples ^"L Public Grounds, Our ^.g Public Improvements 29 Pumpkins j^gg Quail, Importatidn of ^^3 Quinine, Supply of gse Raising Trout • -. Red Spider, How to Destroy ^gg Remarkable Plant • og Bhododendrons, Himalayan, in Ireland ^ Roots and Bulbs of California (Dr. A. Kellosg) <»^ ROSe-Cuttings p^ Roses, Best White, in England jgy Rose, La Marque 233 Rosebuds 234 Roses, The three best ;.•.:•• 248 281 Roses, How to Have all the Winter.. Roses, New way of Propagating _ Roses, Hints on the Propagation of „„, 223 377 Rose, Moss. Roses on the Lawn . San Francisco Park 07^ San Lorenzo (P. J.Ford) ^|^ Scuppernong Grape „„(, Scale- Insects on Trees ^^g Sea-Weed Sea-Anemones. 350 294, 322, 352 361 159 279 31 214 Oats, Weight of a Bushel •'!'" Olive Production -V S^O Olive in California I07 Olive-Tree w:"'- 1" 9' Vr)' ■v'.^ Ornamental and Landscape Gardening lA 4^. 3j.& Oregon State Fair " T Orange-Trees in Sacramento ° Oranges and their Congeners ^™ Orange Scale-Insects ■-■ • • - • • • • • — 03R Orchids • ••■■■." 4S Osage Orange [Madura Aurantiaea) ^*^ Our Forests , ojj Partridges vs. Chinch Bugs t^ Parks for Small Towns 28y Paradise of Flowers ^.g Pepperwood ^27 Psculiar Tree jr,^ Pears sent East 252 Pear-Growing ^ Petunia Peat Pine, I'estructioii of Pinus Edulis Pinching and Pruning r'^'k^' Planting Trees and Shrubs (P. J. Ford) . Plant Trees Plant out Maples Planting Trees on the Plains Planting of Trees on Private Property. 251 64 208 377 25 64, 75 178 222 315 Poppy Culture. Extensive }^^ Poison Oak, Antidote for •* Secretary's Beport'ior'i872', Bay District Horticulturul So. ciety Shade-Trees • Shipping of Plants Shelter •••/••.' ; ' vi* Silk-worm Eggs, Regulating the Hatching of : - • |^» Slugs, Remedy for ,, Smoke of Dried Pumpkin-vine Leaves 229 South Yarra Nurseries • | j^gg Soot, Value of \ ^gg Spanish Bayonet Vj^y 231 Strawberry " '556 Statistics of 1870 3,0 Stakes and Supports for the Garden Steam-Cultivation in Scotland ■••" ^^^ Sunflower 201 Sweet Violets gj Tamarack Evergreen io''" I'aV 166 Tender Vines "' ' -.qq Tea-Plant— Growing from Seed • 29 Thinning-out Fruit v g Timber-Trees of Australia "" ^g Tobacco Antidote • ■,2g' 244 Tobacco-Growing in California g^' 2^g Tree-Planting ' 1^3 Trees, Want of, in California ^^^ Trees, Spoiled and Ruined _ 293 Trees as Protectors of Crops ;; ' " ■,' o ' 'VfV eculiar- ity consisting in its numerous drooping shoots, which frequently attain a length of ten to twelve inches without branching, and then becoming tufted or crested, giving the plant an elegant tasseled appearance. It is a na- tive of Japan. Retinospora fiilicoides.—A. most beautiful and hardy Conifer. The foliage is of a rich bright green, very dense and having an ex- quisite fern-like character. It is perfectly hardy and is a native of Japan.— (7afc/i. NEW VEGETABLES. The Earhj Shipping Tomato.— Thi^i^ a new and valuable variety, raised by Mr. Turner, of Norwich, and is a hybrid between "Keye's Prolific" and "Crimson Cluster." It has qualities which will render it extremely valu- able for Bermuda or our own southern lati- tudes, as it is as early as the earliest and enormously productive— having from twenty to thirty medium-sized fruits in a cluster. Above all, its solid, seedless character ena- bles it to endure shipping much better than the larger mxi^.~ American Agricultarist. We think this Tomato worthy of trial in California, for the good qualities above named. — En. S^^The article in this issue on Hyacinth Culture in Glasses was omitted to be credited to the Gardeners' Chronicle. — Ed. NEW FRENCH PEAR. A contributor to the London Journal of Horticulture thus speaks of a new Pear, called Beurre de VAssomption: "I have to-day (Sep- tember 25th) eaten one of the finest pears of the month. It is large, and in color much like the Brockivorth Park. The habit of the tree is robust, much like Williams' Bon Chre- tien, of which I should think it a seedling, and it is marvellously prolific. There is none of the Williams' musk in its flavor, but a rich, pleasant, vinous, sugary taste." FLOWERING PLANTS IN OUR PUBLIC SQUARES. We have no doubt that our Public Squares are considered by some to be models of perfec- tion, and probably those who have charge of them also imagine them to be so; but we cannot share their oi^inion, and would much prefer a little more variety and more pleasing features. Here we boast of the finest climate in the world, but we see very little use made of the advantages afforded by Nature. The people of Siberia can have everything for the same purposes, only more hardy, of course, but similar in habit and quite as efiective. We admire a few good specimens of Conifers as well as any of these experts who manage our public grounds, but we object to making Conifers and other Evergreens the only trees for embellishing our public grounds. As our climate permits the growing of Fuchsias, Ger- aniums, Verbenas and similar plants in the open air, at all seasons of the year, why should we not have them in our public gar- dens? They would not require any more, and probably less care than Grass, and would constitute most pleasing features. A bed of scarlet Geraniums, one of bright-colored Ver- benas, another of mixed Petunias, one of the ever-favorite monthly Rose, still another of graceful and elegant Fuchsias, etc., would marvellously enliven the scene and render the grounds quite favorite resorts during pleasant days, and the efifect certainly would be ex- tremely pleasing to the eye. 60 THE CALIFORNIA HORTICULTURIST. No one can reasonably offer any objection to our suggestion, based as it is on reasonable grounds. The cost of tlie necessary plants would certainly amount but to a trifle, and we would not be surprised if tlie members of our Horticultm-al Society would readily vol- unteer to furnish, gratuitously, a number of plants to the city for the experiment. Let us, then, accept those delights which Na- ture so kindly offers us to enjoy, and let these additional attractions be utilized in the beautifying of our sombre-looking city squares. REPORT ON THE FRUIT MARKET. Fruits have been said to be "Gold in the morning, Silver at noon, and Lead at night." This, no doubt, is a good rule for the majority of mankind to adopt in their enjoyment of these delicious and bounteous gifts of Na- ture. With all their wholesomeness and beneficial effects, fruits, like all other good things, require the exercise of judgment and moderation in their use ; and premising these conditions, they have now become a necessity to man, in all climes, whether in his civilized or savage state. They were evidently intend- ed by a beneficent Providence for the physical welfare of man. They are not only nutri- tious, but they are also medicinal in their properties. They effect certain beneficial changes in the blood (which medical men term "alterative"), producing a modification in the system from an abnormal to a healthy condition ; consequently, by the proper use of ripe fruits, many diseases lurking in the human frame are either neutralized or alto- gether removed. Many fruits have the pecu- liar medicinal property of "cooling" the blood, as it is termed, or, in other words, rendering it less liable to feverish or inflam- matory excitement. One of the advatangeous circumstances connected with California, its mild climate and its fertile soil, is its won- derful fruit-producing capabilities, in addition to its bountiful supply of nearly every other of earth's products. There can be no un- certainty concerning the fact, that the very considerable consumption of fruit, cooperating with its superior climate, confers on the peo- ple of this State their healthy appearance and fine condition. Happily, fruits wth us are sufficiently plentiful and reasonable in price (although in this latter particular there is still further room for improvement), to supply the wants of all ; and to a large ex- tent fruit may be obtained by the poorest of the population of our cities. Notwithstanding that many of the fruits offered for sale are of first-class character, yet there is still a large opening for further improvement, which would command for the cultivator still higher prices, and would form an all-sufficient premium for his trouble and expense in procuiing still choicer varieties of the different kinds. The Journal of Health, among other good advice, thus sets forth the use of fruit : "Be it remembered, that the eating of ripe fruit does not involve the necessity of swallowing the skins and pits or seeds, as many are in the practice of doing. Certain it is— to say no- thing of the labor to which the poor stomach is put on the occasion— Nature never intended those parts of the fruit to be eaten : the one is an external covering for the purpose of protecting the nutritious part proper, the other for perpetuating the plant." The numerous varieties of fruits, cultivated and wild, foreign and domestic, which are received and sold in our markets, demonstrate the necessity, as well as the importance, of their being perfectly cultivated, and of the finest kinds, to withstand the pressure of com- petition. But to come to the more matter-of-fact portion of our Report of our Fruit and Yeg- etable Markets. Although the appearance of Pomona's products becomes less beautiful and attractive as the season advances, yet Apples and Grapes retain somewhat of their handsome coloring. Oranges, as they grad- ually arrive, enliven the generally declming tone of color of the few fruits now upon the stalls. Watermelons and Canteloupes have almost entirely disappeared. Strawberries are "like Angels' visits — few and far be- THE CALIFOBNIA HOBTICULTUKIST. 61 tween," and their price is correspondingly high — about thii-ty-five or forty cents for less than a quart. Nuts, in nearly all of their varieties, are making a very effective show, and those who are blessed with good and plentiful teeth, and do not mind risking them, may enjoy these to their stomach's con- tent (distress ? — Ed). Eastern Chestnuts have not arrived in their usual quantities at pres- ent this season, and their price is tending upwards. Now and then, a few late red Plums may be seen. The Winter Nelis Pear is in larger quantities than any of the other pears, but they look dark, spotted and dingy ; they, however, retain their rich, fine and full flavor and pleasant juiciness. The time for the noble and delicious Easter Beun-e has hardly yet arrived ; these sometimes appear in boxes packed in sawdust until April. Ta- hiti Cocoanuts have arrived in good supj^ly and at moderate prices . Bananas and Austra- lian Lemons have reached us plentifully, in aid of the Christmas festivities. New Oranges from Los Angeles are now on the stands. Tahiti Oranges are nearly always to be found. California Figs of this year's growth and cur- ing are in large quantities. Of Vegetables,— 'Ney7 Potatoes, planted in August, have been more than a month in market. Salsify, or Oyster Plant, is in plen- ty. Mushrooms are in profusion, coming in, of course, after the rains, and departing with them. There are also still a few gleanings from the Tomato vines. Green Peas are in moderate supply, and Cauliflowers, as usual, in very fair abund- ance. Some of these weigh from eight to ten pounds. Lima Beans are entirely out of market. Asparagus is again coming in. Spinach has appeared, and Brassels Sprouts also assist in well-filling the vacuum made by the retiring of a few of the other culinaries. I may sum up this Beport by remarking, that with the exception of Gumbo and Chili Pep- pers, all the spiing and summer vegetables may be had in our markets during all our winter months. E. J. H. San Fbanoisoo, Dec. 28th, 1871. C. C. PAERY ON FOREST CULTURE. Dr. C. C. Parry, Botanist of the Agricul- tural Department of Washington, in his an- nual rejDort, says: "The protection of our native forests now constitutes one of the urgent problems in ref- erence to the future of the mountain districts of the far West. The advent of the railroads, the progress of mining operations, as well as the general advance of settlement, call for large amounts of fuel, which will be taken from the most available sources without re- gard to the future ; hence there is great dan- ger that the entire country will be stripped of its jDrotecting belts of timber, leaving the exposed soil a prey to those floods and droughts which in European countries have invariably followed the destruction of forests* Therefore, not only proper means of pro- tection should be devised and enforced by government authority, but also encourage- ment should be given to extend the growth of forests, by the introduction of new varie- ties adapted to the peculiar conditions of soil and climate." The Dei^artment exchanges Seeds with the other Governments through their Botanical Gardens, and many rare and valuable seeds have been received. 647,321 packages have been sent out dur- ing the past year, the most of which were sent through the Senators and members of Congress. The exjDenses of the Department have been about $200,000 — the amount appropriated by Congress. DEMAND FOR FRUIT TREES IN UTAH. According to a correspondent of the Rural Press, large quantities of Fruit Trees are in demand for Utah, and the parties desiring them do not know where to obtain them. It is our opinion that our nurserymen might greatly increase their business by making themselves more generally known. We feel confident that our Eastern friends will not be slow in availing themselves of the oppor- tunity. 62 THE CALIFORNIA HORTICULTURIST. OUE WINE YIELD. Tlie report of the Sm-veyor— General gives the amount of Wine made this year as 3,795, 729 gallons. During the past ten months, about 170,000 gallons of wine have been exported by rail, and about 400,000 gallons by sea— making a total Of about 570, 000 gallons. These figui-es leave about 3,000,000 gallons for home con- sumption and the manufacture of Brandy and Vinegar ; a large amount of the former being also exported, it is somewhat difficult to form a correct estimate of- the amount of \dne consumed in this State or of the amount exported in the condition of spirits. Enough, however, is shown by the above figures to prove that the wine interests of California have already grown to gigantic proportions, and that with the proper facilities for export- ation and with om- own efforts to produce a superior article, it must become one of the leading industries of the State. Experiments have been made in rearing Silk- worms on the leaves of the Osage Orange with good success. The Library contains now 6,012 volumes. ANNUAL EEPOET OF THE COMMISSIONEE OF AGRICULTUEE. STATE BOAED OF AGEICULTUEE. This Board met at Sacramento a short time sinc6, and decided to hold the next Annual State Fair in September, 1872, to commence on the 12th of that month, and to close on. the 21st. The Secretary was instructed to confer with the officers of the different District Agricul- tural Societies in regard to the preparation of a bill to lay before the present Legislatiire, for an appropriation to each of' those Socie- ties as a fund for the purpose of awarding liberal premiums for the best productions. We highly approve this movement, and are happy to see it coming from the right direc- tion. We have always advocated such a measure as just and proper. FAEMEEB' CLUB IN SACEAMENTO. We have received tlie above report, and much profit may be derived from its valuable suggestions. Mr. Watts justly says, that our agricul- tural Colleges, which are provided for by Congress, should be distinctive in their char- acter, and each should be made to require com- pulsory labor from every pupil, so as to inure him to the daily occupation of a farmer's life. Our new Commissioner is not in favor of publishing an annual report for distribution, as heretofore, but thinks it should be super- seded by the monthly reports. The expense of publishing these annual reports has been exorbitant, and tiie monthly reports answer for all practical purposes. — En. The report makes favorable mention of the New Zealand flax, Phormium ienax. The Statistical division of the Department is now engaged in collecting facts illustrating the agricultural status oi the Pacific slope. A recent meeting of farmers residing in the vicinity of Sacramento resulted in the forma- tion of a Farmers' Club. The following officers were elected : For President, S. N. Baker ; for Vice Presidents, W. S. Manlove and James Holland; for . Secretary, J. N. Hoag ; and for Treasurer, A. S. Greenlaw. These of- ficers constitute a Board of Directors to man- age the affairs of the Society. The initia- tion fee for members is one dollar, and the monthly contribution fifty cents. It is pro- posed to discuss Agricultural as well as Hor- ticultural subjects. We wish this Society every success ; such gatherings must result in good. If all ordi- nary business transactions are excluded from the regular meetings of this and kindred Societies, the very desirable result^ will be, a closer attention to matters belonging to Agri- culture and Horticulture. j^^-Los Angeles County has 40,000 orange trees. THE GALIFOENIA HOETICULTURIST. 63 THE ACCLIMATIZING SOCIETY. A meeting of the Directors of tlie Acclimat- izing Society was held on Saturday evening. A committee, consisting of M. M. Estee, A. Badlam and Charles Kaeding, was appointed to prepare a new Game Law for the consider- ation of the Legislature. This law looks to the protection of native and imported game from wholesale destruction by reckless pot- hunters. The Society has had complete success in its acclimatizing experiments with Trout, and will this winter introduce the Black Bass and several varieties of game bii-ds into the State. Several thousand dollars have been expended in arranging the ponds and hatching-houses at the San Pablo ranch, fifteen miles from this city, and the enterprise never had a more promising outlook than at present. The stock of the Association can be subscribed for, by applicants, upon payment of $10 per share. TICK'S FLOEAL GUIDE FOE 1872. James Vick, Rochester, New York. We have just received a copy of the above book. It is elegantly printed on fine tinted paper, in two Colors, and illustrated with Three Hundred Engravings of Flowers and Vegetables, and Two Colored Plates, and is an exceedingly beautiful and instmctive Cat- alogue and Floral Guide— 112 pages— giving thorough directions for the Culture of Flow- ers and Vegetables, Ornamenting Grounds, making Walks, etc. Forwarded by mail to any who apply, enclosing 10 cents. FLOWEEING BULBS. F. A. Miller has just received a large.and splendid assortment of Flowering Bulbs, viz: Hyacinths, Tulips, Narcissus, Gladiolus' Lilies, Paeonies, Tuberoses, Crown Imi^eri- als. Iris, Lily of the Valley, Snow Drops, Dielytra spectabilis (pink and also white), and others, all of which he will dispose of at reasonable prices. For particulars, call at 622 Clay St., room 9, second floor, between the houi's of 2 and 4 in the afternoon. VEGETABLE SEED, From the Agricultural Department. The Secretary of the Bay District Horti- cultural Society has received a package of Vegetable Seeds through the kindness of Mr. Watts, the Commissioner of Agriculture. He will distribute them among the members of the Society, if they will please call, be- tween the hours of 2 and 4, at the office No 622 Clay Street. ®(litm1«J €»kJ«Wtt^Si. Apple CmER.— Mr. N. P. Woodworth, of Stony Point, has this year made 10,000 gal- lons of Apple Cider. The mill and press used are of his own construction, and will easily make 300 gallons of cider per day, with the assistance of a man and horse. The cider manufactured by Mr. Woodworth is con- verted into vinegar and shipped to the San Fransisco market.— ^wssmu River Flag. Tree Planting.— It is stated that, if Tree Planting continues in Iowa for ten years at this year's rate, 1885 will find the State beau- tified with great forests. Pepperwood. — " Woodman, spare that tree," if it is pepperwood. Pepperwood is California Laurel, and is highly prized by the cabiner maker. It is now used in this coun- tiy, or has been, for ordinary firewood. Close-grained, beautiful and durable timber is too scarce on this Coast to be wasted. The laurel and madrona are already finding their way from our county to San Francisco, a large shipment having lately been made over our railroad. The time is near at hand when the laurel will bring a higher price. The upshot of the whole matter is: Save your Pepperwood.— iiussian River Flag. 64 THE CALirOENIA HORTICULTUEIST. An Aktesian Well on the grounds of Mr. Kower, near Fmit Yale, Alameda County lias eveiT indication of giving a plentiful supply of water at a deptli of 290 feet. Cotton Crop. -The Snelling Argus says, Colonel Strong has finished picking his crop of cotton The field of cotton consists of 51 acres, from which he gathered 74,450 pounds of seed cotton. The cotton is of excellent quality, being remarkably white and clean, and totally free from stains of any kind. The lint is fine, silky, and is sufiiciently lengthy to bring it up to a high grade, rank- ing! perhaps, as ' ' good middling." Cultivation or Tea.-CoI. Hollister,of Los Angeles County, is making extensive prepar- ations for the cultivation of Tea. Plant Trees.— The Petaluma Crescent calls attention to the desirability of shade trees in that city, and points the wealthier inhabitants to the example of the Laurel Hill Associa- tion, of Philadelphia, which admits to mem- bership "any person over fourteen years of age who shall plant and protect a tree, under the direction of the Executive Committee." There were four hundred and twenty-three trees planted duiing the first year of the As- sociation's existence. Prizes were also given to persons who made the most improvement in the grounds about their dwellings, who consti-ucted the best sidewalks, planted the best>growing trees, and for sunilar pui-poses. Such°an association would doubtless effect much improvement in the appearance of many of our cities and towns m California. Walnut Trees.— Duiing the first two years of our late civil war, 28,000 Walnut Trees were felled to supply one European factory with the material for gun-stocks ! The Leading Fruits in the Markets of New- York are now Straioberrws, Peaches and Grapes. Destruction of the Pine.— Two millions of Pine Trees were cut in the States of Wiscon- sin and ^lichigan during one single year, and it is estimated that in thirty years, at that rate of forest desti-uction, not one tree will remam. Cotton Growing will be expeiimented with in Kern county by an association composed of Calif ornians and Englishmen. Kern Coun- ty is supposed to be well adapted to Cotton growing and farming in general, and all that that district requires is practical men. To Destroy Red SpmERS.— The red spider on house plants is best destroyed by laying the plants on their sides in the open air, and using a hand syringe on them as powerfully as they will bear. If a little sulphur be used in the water, and the water is also a little greasy, it is still heiier.— Gardeners' Monthly. Rose Cuttings.— One of the best methods of securing the success of these, says a re- cent writer, is to stick the cutting about an inch deep into clean river sand, with properly- prepared soil about an inch below to receive the roots as soon as they strike. The clean sand prevents the roots from rotting. A cor- respondent of the Hortwulturi^t succeeded with this when eveiy other mode failed— and says he does not lose one in twenty. A Substitute for Coffee.— From chemical analysis it appears that the seeds of the as- paragus, when dried, parched and gi'ound, make a full-flavored coffee, but little infenor to Mocha, — they contain in common with tea and coffee the principle called taurine. Dry the asparagiis beriies well, after being thoroughly ripened; then rah them on a sieve. The seeds can then be readily sepa- rated.— Journal of Health. Best White Roses in England. — The Rural World states, upon good authority, that the following Roses are the best for vigorous habit and 'free blooming: Boule de Neige, MWlleBonnaire, Madame Gustave, Bonnet, and Mad. Noman. THE California Horticulturist AND FLORAL MAGAZINE Vol. II FEBKUART, 1872. No. 3. AZALEA. That California is well adapted to the cultivation of all kinds of flowering plants, with the exception of a few which do not grow to perfection, may now be laid down as a well established rule. Yet these exceptions comprise some very valuable and desirable classes of plants, amongst which stands fore- most the Azalea family. Although the fact is now generally recog- nized that Azaleas do not thrive in California, we are not entirely satisfied as to the correct- ness of this belief, and still hope that this beautiful flowering shrub may yet flourish in our gardens, if we will ascertain the treatment which it requires. Probably from two to three thousand plants of the Azalea Indica have been imported by our nurseiymen and florists during the past ten years, and of these there are probably not more than from fifty to one hundred alive, and still less are in healthy condition; al- though they certainly have received much care, owing to the fact that the prices paid were high, (Azaleas in flower have been sold for from four to ten dollars each plant.) Almost exclusively the Azaleas have been treated with us as greenhouse plants, (as they are in colder countries); and perhaps this was an eiTor. From the nature of the plants we are justified in the conclusion, that where the Fuchsia will grow luxuriantly, the Azalea may also be expected to thrive well ; and as the Fuchsia succeeds with us admirably well in the open aii', why should not the Azalea do so also ? We think that our climate is favor- able to the successful cultivation of the Aza- lea in the open air. But the principal cause of the failure in Azalea culture, seems to be in the soil. Nei- ther our garden loam nor our drift sands are adapted to the successful growth of Azaleas; the best soil is a mixture of equal parts of leaf-mold, which is found in our pine forests, S2:ihagman, and coarse river sand. It is tme that such a^niixture is not close at hand, yet we think it might be obtained at a very rea- sonable expense, and might be made of great service in the cultivation of many other j^lants. The charges for bringing these soils here by sailing vessel or railroad cannot be very high. Before we proceed any further in our inves- tigation of the proper mode of treatment of this class of plants, we will state, that Azaleas are divided into two groups, viz: Azalea jwrdi- ca and Azalea Indica. The former are natives of North America and are found in many lo- calities in this State. The flowers are fragrant and mostly of a j^ale yellow color, changing to white ; deciduous and perfectly hardy. The Azalea Indica is a native of Asia, particularly of China and Ja23an. It is an evergreen, and produces flowers of large size and of brilliant colors. The varieties of the Azalea pontica are un- 66 THE CALIFOKNIA HOETICULTURIST. doubtedl}' best adapted to our natural soils, and we would therefore suggest to begin with the introduction of these into our gardens. One or two trials have been made to procure the varieties growing wild in this State, but these experiments have failed ; but these fail- ures have been attributable more to the bad condition of the plants before planting than to any other cause. It would therefore be desirable to take them up in the proper season with care, and to give them another trial. If this method will not work well, then we sug- gest that our florists obtain the seed, which our native Azaleas yield in abundance, and we are almost certain that good and healthy plants may be thus obtained and acclimatized, which will thrive well in the open air. Ha\dng once our native varieties under cultivation, it will be an easy matter to introduce other and more conspicuous varieties by grafting and occulating. Although this class of Azaleas in their nat- ural state produce mostly yellow flowers, yet many varieties with new and striking colors have been obtained by skillful cultivation; for instance: A. sanguinea, dark red; A. meteor, orange red; A. ro^ietta, white with red; A. cristata, scarlet, etc. We have every reason to believe that Aza- leas may be made as prolific as Fuchsias and Geraniums, and our florists will doubtless find it a profitable business for many years to come, as good prices will be readily paid for handsome plants. We admit that an extensive cultivation of the Azalea lacUca will be attended with con- siderable difficulty, owing to the trouble in obtaining proper soil, etc. Yet we believe the established success of the A. jxmtica will soon be followed by new and successful ef- forts to introduce and acclimatize the A. In- dica, and then at least some varieties will be added to our established list of hardy flower- ing shrubs. The mode of propagation of the Azalea Iiidica is nearly the same as that of the Fon- tica, but we believe that plants raised from seed make stronger specimens and are better adapted for grafting. The seed of Azaleas is very fine, and should therefore be sown on the surface and gently pressed in with a smooth piece of wood. Watering, if necessary, must be done very carefully. The box or pot containing the seed should be placed in a well shaded lo- cality, as close as possible under glass. It is very important to transplant the young plants as soon as they have made their second leaves, and the oftener they are transplanted, the better they will thrive. It is hardly nec- essary to say, that the plants must be well shaded and carefully watered after trans- planting. In two years such plants will be strong enough to flower or to be grafted. Often very fine varieties are produced from seed. The propagation from cuttings is not verj' difficult, and, while it is very essential to cut the slips of other plants close under the leaf- bud, this rule does not apply to the Azalea Indica, which is known to form roots readily on any portion of the stem. Half -ripened wood is considered the best for cuttings. But with us the difficulty in propagating Azaleas from cuttings does not seem to be in induc- ing them to root, but in their treatment after roots have been formed. Our opinion is, that the young plants should be transplanted fre- quently, and not be permitted to remain too long in the same soil. It is a pretty well established fact, although no positive cause has been assigned for it, that the soil we use for pot-culture in California is apt to become sour in a shorter space of time than is usual in other countries. This impresses on us the necessity for changing the soil frequently, until the plants are trans- ferred into the open ground. We think that the entire secret for the more successful growth of Azaleas lies in this. So long as, and whenever Azaleas are treated as greenhouse plants, we would recommend placing them close to the glass, giving them plenty of air. The best time for transplanting or shifting Azaleas, is undoubtedly after the flowering season; and in replanting, care should be taken to press the soil very firmly around the roots or ball of earth. We should give them THE CALIFORNIA HORTICULTURIST. 67 about the same amount of moisture as we give Fuchsias, and in transferring them into the ojDen ground we jDrefer a shady jDlace for them, such as the protection of some trees which admit a free circulation of air around them. Copeland, in his " Country Life," recom- mends the following method for the propa- gation of Azaleas from cuttings : " Cuttings are prepared by taking the tops of the young shoots when three inches long, cutting off the lower leaves and lea\ing the u2Dper ; many should be put together into a pot three foui'ths full of peat, one fourth white sand, water gently upon planting and cover with a bell glass; set in a shady place, where the temperature will be from fifty to sixty degrees ; after they have made roots, remove the bell glass— during the night at first, and finally dispense with it wholly— to harden them; at last put in two and a half inch pots, and keep them shady and warm till they are well established, then treat like all other hard-wooded plants." But Copeland also adds : "The chief objection to the Azalea is, its liability to die without much aj^parent cause." The varieties of the Azalea Indica are veiy numerous, and oui- space will only permit us to mention a few of them : Amoena, pink ; Flower of the Bay, large white, striped with rose ; Flag of Truce, pure white, fine double ; Lalerijia, salmon red ; Narcissiflora, double white ; Stella, bright scarlet, stained with deep violet ; Variegafa, salmon, margined with pure white ; Rutandifulia , bright red, edged with white; Refalgem, rich crimson purple ; Lovely, white, striped with lilac ; Empress Eugenie, rich pink ; Due de Brabant, rosy salmon, semi-double ; Bianca, white ; Goccinea, scarlet ; Alba plerio, double white ; Juliana, orange-scarlet ; Vitata punctata, white, veined and striped with rose and lake. PKESEEYING FLOWEES. The art of jDreserving flowers has of late made rapid progress, and has become a very fa- vorite occupation with the ladies in particular. An impression prevails with many of them that the process is extremely difficult, and consequently but few have availed themselves of the many delights to be derived from this art. The Xew York Horticulturist has given to its readers the process for preserving flow- ers, and we hope to gratify our lady friends by publishing it in our columns. The Hor- ticulturist gives two methods, one for pre- serving flowers so as to present a flat surface, and the other to preserve them in their nat- ural form and fulness. The following is the process for preserving flou-ers to present aflat surface: This has been a favorite style of making funeral wi-eaths and bouquets durable me- mentoes of bereavement ; and, until the last few years, the only method j)racticed in this country. Dried in this manner, flowers are employed in Europe for many purposes of ornamentation. The best material to arrange dried flowers on, is card board. It may be covered with silver paper, or delicate black or white lace, according to fancy. To this the flowers are gummed in any design. Green leaves, except those of the laurel family, lose some of their brightness, even with the best management, and, unless resort is made to artificial tinting of their surface, cannot be used with preserv- ed flowers. Hence, lycopodium and moss, that retain their brilliancy so long, are the verdure most frequently introduced, as little as possible being admissible. The design completed should be set in a dark, airy room to diy for a daj' or two ; then lace of the same sort that lies beneath the flowers must be spread over them and gummed at the edges; a neat edging of the same, or a small silk fringe, being affixed in the same manner as a finish. The requisites for drying flowers to present this uniformly flat surface are a quantity of clean white paper, light and soft, with an un- THE CALITOENIA HORTICULTURIST. dressed face (such as cheap books are made of), two covers of wh-e cloth (sheets two feet long and one and a half feet wide, their edges bound with a narrow strip of zinc), two stout leather straps with buckles, a paper knife, or a small wooden spatula and a camel's hair pencil. The flowers miTst be freshly gathered; buds and half-blown blossoms are best. When wide-open flowers are used, it must be in the tirst hours of their expansion. A thick bed of smooth layers of the paper must be made, resting upon one of the covers. For small flowers, half an inch deep of the layers is suf- ficient; for Roses, Japonicas, and other large and double flowers and their buds, an inch will be needed ; this is to absorb the moist- ure. Upon this bed lay the flowers, without crowding, in a natural position, using the paper knife and hair pencil to arrange the petals, the sepals and the stamens and pistils with great care. If possible, none but flow- ers of similar size and appearance should oc- cupy these drying sheets at once ; never ad- mit but one color at a time, else there is a danger of dimness or discoloration. When all are smoothly arranged lay a bed of the same thickness of paper upon them, place the other cover, and make all tight and firm by means of the straps and their buckles. Sus- pend this in the sun and air — out of doors is best ; if in a light breeze the drying is hast- ened. The smaller flowers will dry in six or eight hours of summer sunshine. The larger often require two days. They should not be removed from the drying sheets till all moist- ure has left them. Then take them carefully with the paper knife or spatula to a clean sheet of stiff white paper, and keep from dust and moisture till they can be wrought into the intended design. The outline of the de- sign should be drawn in pencil upon the card- board it is to occupy. Within this, brush lightly gum tragacanth of the consistence of mucilage. Place the flowers thereon, and gently touch them here and there with the tip of a dry camel's hair brush to affix them. Put no gum upon the flowers or the leaves, or other verdure that accompanies them ; the gum must be only applied to the card-board. When glazed and framed these floral designs make handsome cabinet pictures. In our next we will give the method for preserving flowers with the fulness of their natural forms. THE "MAJETIN," vs. APPLE BLIGHT. [Continued from page 36 of last number. 1 It was found in the nursery at Warrenheip that some apples were more liable to the at- tacks of American Blight than others, and that some varieties escaped its ravages almost entirely. Observations conducted for several years have permitted of a classification being made. The following lists will be valuable to cul- tivators. List No. 1. Apples nearly Blight-proof: Cardinal Gravenstein Constantinople Hawley Cornish Gilliflower Irish Peach Devonshire Quarren- London Pippin den Maiden's Blush Duchess of Oldenburg Northern Spy Grand Duke Constan- Triomphe de Luxem- tine bourg List No. 2. Ap2:)les very slighily affected by American Blight : Autumn Passe Pom- Red Calville me Blanche Red Transparent Bland Rose Reinette de Canada Count Orloff Rinahkowski Coe's Golden Drop Summer Passe Pomme Maiden's Blush Blanche New English Pigeon Stone Pippin Nicolayer Yellow Bellflower Quarrenden List No. 3. ApiDles liable to the attack of American Blight, but not to a great extent: American Fall Harvey Crab, Transparent Astrachan Red Dundonald Pippin Bess Poole Dutch Mignonne Barcelona Pearmain Early Almond Borsdorffer, Summer Emperor Alexander Cambusnethan Pippin Early Strawberry THE CALIFORNIA HORTICULTURIST. 69 Forest Styre Golden Russet Golden Reinette Holland Pippin Hubbard's Pearmain Islay Pippin Juneating Lodgemore Nonpareil Melon Margil New York Pippin Newtown Pippin Nonesuch Nonpareil Ross Norfolk Bearer New York Pippin (co- Old Man lonial) Oslin Pomeroy Peck's Pleasant Pippin Silver Peach, Winter Rosemary Russet Rymer Russet, Pine Apple Scarlet Pearmain Sonnette St. Sauveur South Carolina Pippin Striped Beaulin Sturmer Stettin Rouge Stokes' Tulip •Sam Young Syke House Russet Tower of Glammis List No. 4. Apples liable to bad attacks of American Blight . Adams' Pearmain Beauty of Kent Cox's Pomona Cardinal Cornish Aromatic Court of Wick Cockle Pippin Cleopatra Crab, French Crab, Hagloe Claygate Pearmain Downton Pippin Devon Bitter Sweet Early Red Margaret Early Julien Early Haiwest Early Nonj)areil Fearn's Pippin Fox Whelp Forge Foxley Fall Harvey Fall Pippin Gloria Mundi Garter Green's Pippin Golden Russet Garretson's Early Hawthornden, Red Hoary Morning Ireland's Keriy Pippin Keswick Lord Suffield Large Yellow Bough Mannington's Pear- main Norfolk Beaufin Nonpareil, Scarlet Nonpareil, Old Omar Pasha Reinette Van Mons Ribston Pij^pin Red Normandy Summer Pearmain Siberian Harvey Stirling Castle Sam Montgomery Snow Siberian Bitter Sweet Spring Ribston Yorkshire Greening Waltham Seedling Warner's King List No. 5. Apples very liable to severe attacks of American Blight : Brabant Belleflem- Blenheim Bedfordshire Found- ling Boston Russet Baldwin Broadwell Court Pendu Plat Cheriy Crab Cluster, Red Cromwell Pippin Calville, White Dumelow's Seedling EsojDus Spitzenberg Early Joe Grange's Pearmain Goosebeny Apple Golden Pippin Grand Sultan Herefordshire Pear- main Jonathan King of Pippins Lord Nelson Mere de Menage Northern Greening Paradise Pippin Quince Apple Reinette d'Espagne Reinette de "Victoria Scarlet Pippin Vineuse Rouge Will's Sweet Wormsley Pippin Wyker Pippin Yellow Siberian Crab Golden Pippin, Hughes^ Pkoof Varieties. — The onl}^ proof variety, the " Winter Majetin," and perhaps the "Northern Spy." I think the results of these lengthened experiments are in every way of a most satis- factory character, and such as will be highly valued by our fruit growers and horticul- ttuists in general. Amongst other varieties of apples that have been subjected to severe tests, to prove if they really withstood the blight, have been the Irish Peach-aj)ple, and the Northern Spy. The Irish Peach has been, I am well aware, considered by many growers to be free from blight ; and on some soils this ap- ple has, up to the present, shown no signs of blight. On the other hand, after the most crucial tests carried on at Mount War- renheip with plants of this variety obtained from four different sources, and also from Europe, the above-mentioned negative evi- dence cannot override the fact, that the Irish Peach-apple has been and still is slightly blighty at Warrenheip, and I have also seen blight upon trees of this variety within a few miles of Melbourne. 70 THE CALIFORNIA HORTICULTURIST. As regards the Northern Spy, I am inclined to think that this variety will become of great service as a stock, for although it has been subjected to the same severe tests as the Irish Peach, and many other kinds, up to the present time it has not been affected with this great pest, Aj^his lanigera; and in further proof of this fact, the scientific experiments carried out with this variety show that the wood of the Northern Spy contains most of the component parts visible in the Majetin, although not quite so prominently exhibited as in the Majetin. The Northern Spy is also, as is the Majetin, a free and vigorous grower, with an upright habit. This celebrated apple originated about twenty nine years ago, in the State of New York, on the farm of one Oliver Chapin, of Bloomsfield, near Roches- ter. It belongs to the Spitzenberg race, and bears resemblance to the Esopus Spitzenberg. It has become such a favorite among Amer- ican orchardists, that in the year 1847, the fruit of it was sold in New York City at 12^ cents each. HAKDY VINES. [Continued from page 45 of last number.] In our enumeration of Hardy Vines, it is impossible for us to give all the diflferent spe- cies and varieties which are worthy of culti- vation ; we shall therefore confine ourselves to such varieties as can be readily obtained on this coast, and as will give general satis- faction under ordinary treatment. All those which we mentioned in our last, and which we will now describe, deserve popularity either for their pleasing habits and ornament- al foliage, or for their yielding of elegant and in many varieties magnificent and deli- ciously perfumed flowers. A very handsome vine of twining habit is Dolichos Lujnoms (Australian Pea), but unfor- tunately it has gone out of fashion with us and is considered too common, because it is seen everywhere ; our florists cannot any longer find sale for it, and it has disappeared from our nurseries. Yet it is a very pretty vine, evergreen and continually covered with small pea-shaped flowers of a pinkish color. It is easily propagated by cuttings, or by seed which ripens freely upon the older \ines. The vine grows very fast, and covers a large space with its dense and dark green foliage in a very short time. It is exceedingly well adapted for covering arbors, old stumps, fences or lattice work, and in this capacity becomes tiiily pictm-esque. We shall regret to see it entirely discarded as it answers the above mentioned purposes so well. Kennedya {Hardenhergia) is also a very desir- able evergreen vine of twining habit. Form- erly the Hardenhergia, the Zichya and Ken- nedya were considered one family, but they are now separated, although some still adhere to the former classification. Various varie- ties of the Kennedya have been cultivated in California for several years, but principally until the past year as greenhouse plants. It is evident that they are perfectly hardy with us, and will flower in the open air more profusely and for a much longer period than under glass. In spite of the chilly and disagree- able weather which we have experienced for the past two months, we know of several spe- cimens which have been and still are literally covered with flowers during November, De- cember and January. The flowers are well adapted for bouquets, and are, therefore, par- ticularly valuable during our winters. The Kennedyas are natives of Australia, and thrive under ordinary soil and treat- ment ; they prefer, however, an elevated position, and will probably do best if planted about rockeries. They are propagated either from cuttings or from seed, w^hich germinates readily, par- ticularly if soaked for twenty-four hours in warm water. The best varieties, as far as our experience goes, are — Kennedya macrophylla alba, flowers white, in grape-like bunches, hanging gracefully from almost every joint ; for flower-baskets we do not know anything more appropriate. Al- though this variety will do well with us in the open air, we also recommend it for the TSE CALIFOENIA HOETICULTURIST. 71 greenhouse, where it will flower profusely, if trained close under the glass roof ; the flowers will be larger there and of a purer color. Kennedya ovata, flowers smaller, and of a blueish-purple color, quite hardy, and flow- ering profusely. We are under the impression that another variety, with white flowers, was cultivated here some years since under the name of Kennedya ovata, but we are probably in error. Kennedya cordata, is also well adapted for out-door culture ; the flowers are of a beauti- ful violet. Solhja heterophylla, is another of the hardy evergreen twiners which seems to delight in our California climate. Its sky-blue, bell- shaped little flowers are at all times pro- fusely intermingled with its dense dark-green foliage. It may be cultivated to the best ad- vantage as a specimen plant, supported by a stake or frame ; its habit is decidedly grace- ful, and, like some of our evergreen shrubs and vines, it blooms most j^rofusely during our winter season, when the gardens are com- paratively bare of flowers; it is also well adapted for covering the base of verandas. The SoUya heterojjhylla may be readily pro- pagated either by cuttings or from seed ; the latter is produced abundantly on the older vines. We cannot omit from our enumeration the old and favorite Ivy (Hedera), which has at all times deserv- edly enjoyed great popularity. Its uses are manifold, and as a decorative plant it has pro- bably no superior ; in masses it carries itself grandly, and in a state of nature is at all times exceedingly picturesque, and when trained either upon artificial work, rustic stands, or around the parlor mirror, it adapts itself with ease to any desired arrangement. The Ivy is a vine of creeping habit, and attaches itself to wood or stone, if not too smooth, and soon completely covers the objects it comes in con- tact with. The different varieties are all cul- tivated for their foliage, which is extremely hardy and persistent. While young, the plants do not make great headway, but if once established, it spreads rapidly; there are a number of varieties, of which the most popular is the Irish Ivy (Hedera Hibernica), a native of Scotland. It is well adapted to cover walls of wood or stone ; it has been said that walls, covered with ivy, are continually moist, and therefore unhealthy to the inmates of houses. This is not correct, the contrary being the fact ; ivy growing upon walls will extract all the moisture, if there is any present. For cultivation in the room, a coarse soil should be given, mixed with some pieces of porous stone or crockery. Of late, some beautiful new varieties have been produced with variegated foliage, which, however, are as yet scarce in our market ; some of the best are — Hedera marmorata, large leaf, and beauti- fully marbled. H. aurea maculaia, blotched with gold. H. marginata argeniea, silver margined. H. tri-color, green, white and rose color. H. folia picfa, leaves marbled-yellow. All the Ivies may be easily propagated from cuttings, or layers, which form roots readily on any portion of the twig, in the ground or in water. Clianthus puniceus is also a popular and well known climber. It is sometimes called G-lory Pea, or Parrot's Bill, which the flower somewhat resembles. It is evergreen, and produces very showy flowers in clusters, of a beautifully vivid scarlet. The Clianthus may be grown to advantage on frames or fences, and would also present a very elegant ap- pearance if grouped upon the lawn ; and if left to itself for such purpose, the effect will be very picturesque as well as graceful and effective. Clianthus magnificus and C. Dampieri, are varieties which are both worthy of a trial. They are propagated without difficulty from cuttings as well as from seed. Another popular family of the numerous climbing vines is Jasmine. Jasminum revolutum is a native of China ; it produces yellow flowers, and is of robust growth and deserving extensive cultivation. 72 THE CALITORNIA HOBTICULTUEIST. Jasminum officinale, a native of the East Indies; flowers small white, very fragrant; growing less robust than the former, but perfectly hardy. Jasmininn Catalonica (Spanish Jasmine), is mostly treated as a greenhouse plant, but will thrive well in the open air, under a reasonable protection from heavy winds; this variety is of rapid growth, but not so easily raised from cuttings as the former, upon which the Spanish Jasmine is extensively grafted. There is a variety of the Spanish Jasmine which is double, and which pro- duces the elegant flowers so highly esteemed for fine bouquets; their fragrance is most delightful. All the Jasmines are most desu-able climb- ers, the latter being the most valuable and highly prized for the flowers, which are always in demand. We may add to this list the following de- sirable vines without further comment : Cobaea scandens, a fast grower; flowers purple, large bell-shaped ; best grown from seed. Tecoma Australis, a very pretty vine of a twining habit, producing large flowers of a light pink (almost white) and dark purple to°wards the center; does not bloom veiy freely in the open air around San Francisco. OLIVES IN CALIFOKNIA. At Santa Barbara a gallon of oil is made from 8 gallons of olives, and one tree there, when ten years old, produced sixty gallons of olives. Mr. Mayhew, of that place, thinks it safe to count on a net annual yield of two hundred and forty dollars per acre from an olive orchard ten years old, and that the cul- tivation of the tree would be profitable for fuel, so rapid is its growth. He thus com- municates some of his experience to the Santa Barbara Presi^: "I then obtained five hundred cuttings, from one inch to three inches in diameter, about fifteen inches long. In February, 18G8, I put them in the ground so that their ends were little above the natural level of the ground, and covered them by making a little mound. About one half of them started that spring, and are now from ten to thii'teen feet high, and spread about seven feet, the tnink of'' the main stock being from two to four inches through. Some of the cuttings were dormant through one season, and started about one year from the time they were planted, and a few sprouted even two years from the time of planting, which are doing well." The cultivation of the olive has been at- tracting much attention lately in Australia, where the oil of home production finds a ready sale at $3 per gallon. In California, something that is supposed to be the best quality of olive oil retails at about $5 per gallon, but the purity of it is subject to doubt. The olive tree is productive in only a few small districts, and its cultivation, when properly managed in those districts, cannot be unprofitable until the oil loses the credit which it now has throughout the world, of being unequaled for table use. Oui- largest olive orchards in California are not yet in full bearing, and neither oil nor pickled olives of domestic production are, so far as we know, obtainable in oui' city. The difi'erent varieties of the olive have not, we think, been studied in our State. Baron Von Mueller, Superintendent of the Botan- ical Gardens at Melbourne, recommends the following varieties : 1. ■ FerdaZe.— Available for a good table oil, as well as for green conserve. This, and the next following, are early and abundant bearers. 2. ^Zan^uef.— Adapted for dry ground. Oil is of a particularly sweet, delicate taste, and more pale than other kinds, but does not keep so long. This and the Verdale produce the fruit on low growing branches, so as to be accessible for hand-picking. 3. Bouquettier. — For superior oil. 4. Redounaou.—EAigihle for colder regions; produces table oil, and is also esteemed for conserves. THE CALIFOEMA HOETICTJLTURIST. n Some other kinds are locally available, among them the Olivier de Grasse, the latter yielding an excellent table oil, and oil for perfumeiy ; but the plant is high of growth, and the gathering of the fruit more expen- sive; it is of a weeping habit. — Alta. HOP CULTUKE. The Hop-vine has for some time been cul- tivated in various localities of California ; however, with but few exceptions, the at- tempts have been merely experimental. Veiy few planters have made the Hop-vine a per- manent source of revenue, while the majority have been easily discouraged by the fluctu- ating prices of the article, which at times have been very low. Hop growing can be made profitable, but there being a limit to the demand, the article necessarily depreciates in price, when the market is overstocked. We may take warn- ing from the experience of the State of Wis- consin, where but a few years since Hojd raising raged like an epidemic, one county alone producing four million pounds ! But over-production was the result, and the ex- tremely low prices were ruinous. At the present time prices for Hops have advanced, and planters have made money this past season, but it certainly would be unfortunate if our farmers were to embark in Hop raising en masse, encouraged by the present highly remunerative prices, which cannot hold out long, unless the Hop fields of the East sufi"er extensively from the dep- redations of insects, which infliction has already produced a decided decline in this enterprise east of the Rocky Mountains. The Hop-plant (Humulus lupulusj is a na- tive of North America, Asia and Europe. Its habit is twining ; the flowers are either male or female, and are usually produced on dif- ferent plants, but are also found, although rarely, on the same vine. The male flowers appear in loose clusters, while the female flowers are produced at the base of scales, arranged in close clusters, which, when ripe 2 are called the Hop of commerce. Between these scales a powder-like substance, yellow in color, is found, called Lupidin, or Flower of the Hop, which gives to the Hop its pecu- liar taste and flavor, and upon the amount of which the value of Hops greatly dejDend. HOP CULTURE. The best soil for the Hop is undoubtedly a deep sandy loam, slightly incHned, so as to drain ofi" all surface water during the rainy season. Hops will also do well on our grav- elly, uphill lands, which abound in California. It is desirable that the hop-field should have a free circulation of air, but yet be protected from strong winds by hillsides or belts of timber. The roots of the Hop Vine pene- trate the soil to a great depth, and spread ex- tensively, and the soil should therefore be deep. The ground should be ploughed after the first rains in the fall, and again during the early pari of spring, so that rain may be had after the planting. The plants or cut- tings should be set in rows of from eight to ten feet apart. The general practice, in this State is, we believe, to drop the sets (or cut- tings) from old vines into the trench made by the plough. It is, however, far better to plant with a dibble, which, although it makes a little more work, yet insures a certain growth. The sets or cuttings should have from two to three joints, and from three to four such sets may be inserted in one hill. Care must be taken to plant both male and female sets, at the rate of one of the former to about eight of the latter, making about ten male sets to the acre. Much of the success de- pends upon the late rains and upon early planting. During the first year, corn, potatoes or tur- nips may be grown amongst the young vines, to cover the expense of keejoing the ground in a good state of cultivation, frequent hoe- ing being necessary to keep the weeds down. In regard to the mode of training Hop Vines on poles, difterent ways are practiced with success. Some cultivators set no jDoles the first year, asserting that the crojo would 74 THE CALIIB^ORNIA HORTICULTURIST. not pay for 'the additional labor ; but when it is taken into consideration that one acre of vines will peld from four to six hundred pounds of hops in California during the first year, and that the extra labor consists only in the picking, drying and packing, poles may as well be set the first year. There are also difterent opinions as to the proper height of these supports. Some preferring them from fifteen to twenty feet in length, while others rather have them from ten to twelve feet ; and lately it has been the practice with some to train the vines over horizontal frames, sup- ported at eight to nine feet in height. The latter method seems to be the most conven- ient for picking, but we judge that such a treatment would deprive the plants of the free circulation of the air and of the solar mflu- ence both of which are essential to the production of good hops. We are decidedly in favor of the old practice of using poles from fifteen to twenty feet in length. Two poles should be inserted in each hill, at about eighteen inches apai-t, as soon as the young pltnts make their appearance. These poles should be set firmly in the ground, to keep them from swaying back and forth by the force of the wind. As soon as the young vines are high enough, they should be tied to the poles, and they will verv soon take care of themselves. Not more than two vines should be allowed to one pole. AH the other suckers should be cut off close to the ground. The vines should be trained to their proper poles, and the ground kept clear from weeds. The Hops must be gathered just when the seed becomes hardened and of a purple color. To delay picking, when in this state, will ma- terially damage the crop. It is also import- ant to pick them clear of leaves. The Hops are dried by artificial heat in kilns, built for this purpose; considerable expense is necessary for this operation, which is completed in from ten to twelve hours. Immediately after the drying succeeds the work of baling, for which proper machinery is necessary. In a good season one acre of vines will yield about one ton of hops. During the past two years hops have been worth from fifteen to twenty cents per pound, California hops commanding the highest prices. This year prices are much higher, ranging from seventy cents to one dollar per pound. California is now producing about 500 tons, most of which are exported to the East and to Europe. Our climate is favorable to this enterprise, and a veiy fair business could be establshed in the production of the article for home consumption and for exportation, as blight and insects have operated very detrimentally to the hop fields of the Eastern States, and cultivators there, have consequently been much discouraged. USES OF HOPS. Hops are used principally in the manufac- ture of malt liquors, for the purpose of fla- voring, and also to preserve them from ace- tous fermentation. They are also used as medicine, and have a tonic effect upon the human system. In Europe, the superflous young and ten- der shoots are cut off as soon as they make their appearance above the ground, and are prepared for table the same as the asparagus, while some make a palatable salad of them. They are considered a delicacy. Insects.— Some idea' of the injury caused by insects to agricultural products, may be formed from the statement that, from sev- enty four tons of Spanish wheat stored in a granary, ten hundred weight of beetles were screened out in one instance, and in another, thirty five hundred weight were removed from one hundred and forty five tons of American corn. The offender in both cases was a weevil, known as Calandra Onsce. CuKBENCY.-At the Salt Lake Theatre a puvijMn pays the admission of two persons, and they get two carrots in change. THE CALEPOENIA HORTICULTUBIST. 75 PLANT TREES. [The following article is copied from the second number of " The West," which is a new monthly publication from the establish- ment of John H. Carmany & Co, We find the two first numbers replete with interesting and valuable matter, and we wish it every success.] The value and importance of certain meas- ures are often underrated for want of due consideration. This, we think, is true of the cultivation of trees around our houses on the Pacific Coast. We look from our cramped residences in the city, often without the cheer of trees or flowers, and sometimes without the sunshine, and sigh for those broad, rural homes, with their lawns and flowers, and or- chards and groves. But as we look over our country, we find very few of our ideal houses ; instead, we see houses standing unprotected by the foliage and shrubbery which give beauty and comfort to those of older coun- tries. The two prominent causes of this ne- glect to cultivate trees in California, are, the former unsettled title to lands, and the dry- ness of our soil in the absence of summer rains. The wisdom of so doing is fteely acknow- ledged by all, yet nowhere more neglected, notwithstanding the undeniable fact that in no country can the cultivation of trees be of more importance than in California, both for their commercial and sanitary value, and the comfort they afford. Except in the mountain and foot-hill dis- tricts of our State, there is a great scarcity of timber of every kind. A few scattered oaks constitute the timber of the millions of acres of our plain and bottom lands, and these will be exhausted in a very few years. To adopt measures for the future supply of timber to our State, for fuel and mechanical purposes, would be a wise foresight, and would result in great profit to the benefactor. It is estimated that twenty acres of our bot- tom-lands, suitable to their growth, planted with hardwood trees, such as locust and ma- ple, would in ten years be worth $1,000 per acre, or $20,000 ; and that one man could cultivate these trees and support his family by the raising of crops from other land dur- ing the time. If these calculations are cor- rect, it would certainly be a wise investment of capital and energy. Trees may also be cultivated, with great profit, on our diy plains, along om: roads, and around our buildings. It has been said by those in the business, that to dig a large hole, say four or five feet wide, and from five to eight feet deep, and then to replace the soil, in which the tree is planted, so breaks the dry hard-pan that the moisture will rise and sustain a newly-planted tree on the dryest land during our long, dry sum- mer, with but little artificial supply of water. If this be true, it will pay every man to fol- low the plan. To have our homes and yards for stock, in the interior of the State, shel- tered from the hot sun uninterruptedly blaz- ing in the sky during the long eight or nine months, without rain or dew, would be a great profit, not to mention comfort. And who does not love to ride through the Alameda from San Jose to Santa Clara, and feel that he is in another world, or in a very shady part of the present one ? Who does not feel that his farm is doubled in value when the trees begin to lock their branches over the roads surrounding it, and the house looks out from gracious shades, and his stock is protected from the burning heat ? Another great object to be attained by the cultivation of trees, is the tendency they would have to extend the bounds of our rainy sea- son, and to increase the amount of rain-fall. It is a generally conceded fact, that growing vegetation, and especially trees, produce a condensed condition of atmosphere which often culminates in rain. This last motive, however, though a valid one, will doubtless be the last to cause the planting of trees. The most valuable lands of Oregon are also quite destitute of timber. The summer months are too warm for comfort, and the timber on the hills and mountains, in many cases, is miles away. The future of the coun- try is also great, and she has many motives in common with California for the cultivation 76 THE CALIFORNIA HORTICULTUEIST. of trees, and can do so with greater ease and far less cost. The interior portions of all the coast have dry and warm summers, and have, therefore, the same reasons as our own State to engage in the cultivation of timber. But the great result in comfort and pleas- ure to be derived from these cultivated shades, none but the half-ci\alized will be unmindful of. To see a hovel for a barn and a shanty for a house, whose windows are pasted over with paper or stuffed with rags ; the gate off its hinges ; the pigs in the yard ; the cattle in the orchard ; no trees or flowers ; the chil- dren dirty, ragged and ashamed, is to look upon a sad picture. Were sickness and ex- treme poverty the cause for such a condition, they would have the sympathy and aid of all. But in too many cases negligence, laziness, and low views of life are the cause. Such people deface society, curse their offspring, and might better nev.r have been born. "We are happy to knovp, however, that we have not more than our proportion of this class of people on our coast ; yet there are too many homes in the rural districts without those com- forts and blessings which every man should . gather around his family. Making home beautiful, cheerful, and comfortable, is a duty resting upon all who are rearing a family of children. It is said that we are, in this world, what circumstances make us. If this be not abso- lutely true, it is in a great measure so, and the children will travel through life in nearly the same paths in which they are started by their parents. The child whose hands, face, and dress are always dirty, and whose ears are accustomed to harsh words from parents, becomes strong for the enduring of such things, and grows up with blunted sensibili- ties, perverted inclinations, and is ripe to become a member of the class which fills our prisons. Make home beautiful and attractive ; let it be a place associated with all that is pleasant and enduring ; fill the inside with love, and surround the outside by beauty — it will be a fortification against evil influences from with- out, and will strengthen the love within. Make it the most delightful spot on earth for the children, and a place of rest and enjoy- ment for ourselves. Plant trees. TROUT FISHING, & ITS GENIAL INFLUENCES. It would be a ridiculous and contemptible exhibition of insincerity for an enthusiastic lover of angling to pretend to offer a public apology for descanting on his much-loved pastime ; how much more praiseworthy, even if he is mistaken in his views, for him, en- joying the sport and its concomitant exhHir- ations, to wish and seek to share them with his fellow-man, and, if in eiTor, how consoling to him to know that his is a weakness of which some of the greatest and best of nature's noble- men have not been ashamed ! for have not many of the brightest of statesmen, philosophers, and heroes excelled in throwing the fly? and have not some of them actually valued them- selves more on this expertness than on sun- dry world-wide achievements, and dwelt with •more self -gratulation on their fly-rod triumph over some splendid trout or lordly salmon than over mental and physical successes which the world views with admiration? How many of these giant minds have sought and found, from time to time, recuperation in the pursuit of this sport from the exhausting influences of , their respective professions ? and then, laying aside the rod, have returned with renewed energy and accumulated vigor to their several duties and occupations in the forum, the council chamber, the bar, the la- boratory, etc. California affords a fine field for the pur- suit of this most fascinating sport, in her grand lakes, her noble rivers, and teeming rivu- lets, profusely prolific of those superlatively game fish, the genus Salmo in its many va- rieties ; while the grandeur of her scenery, the salubrity, the evenness, and the inde- scribable inspiration of her genial climate lend an additional zest to all ovit-door amusements. Every angler knows with what alacrity and right good will he steps out when turning his back on the pent-up city— (a chaos of crowded buildings, reeking with the unsavory fumes THE CALIFORNIA HORTICULTURIST. 77 of sordid humanity); with rod in hand, and full of hope and high expectation, he directs his course on some fine April morning towards one of our prolific lakes or teeming rivers, or even, mayhap, only to some favorite brooklet, far away and up amongst the hills; — joyous in spirit, inhaling in deep draughts the purer and more elastic atmosphere, his eye appreci- ative of and filled with the gorgeous landscape, and sensible of the rich odors from thrivins- vegetation — (for every angler is more or less a lover and student of Nature). Supremely happy, he proclaims a truce between himself and care, and publishes a universal amnesty to every created being (not excepting even rival anglers — ?Ed.), and feels at peace with himself, mankind, and the world in general. Everything he views seems to wear a sunny aspect, reflecting his own bright spmt. I would that in all our daily avocations some small portion of this genial influence covdd be infused : how would it lighten our ordi- nary burdens ! But I have been chatteiing dis- cursively, and unmindful of the more practical portion of my subject, have been descanting prefatorily, laudatorily and sentimentally re- garding my favorite pastime. I will merely add, by way of still fui-ther recommending to my friends the pursuit of this most attractive art, what a recent writer on this matter says in addressing the care- worn denizens of cities. He exclaims : "To you, ever sun-ounded by the cares of life, and perpetually bored, often to desperation, by that demon, whose imps are dollars and cents, in an everlasting, ceaseless contest, those glorious works of the Creator's hands — gi-een hills and sunny fields — are scarcely known ; to you a mouthfvd of fresh air and a glimpse of rural scenes must be a treat indeed ! Rise, then, gird on your mantle, and follow me, at least in imagination, and I will initiate you into some of the mysteries of the "gentle art," giTing you such a taste of nu'al enter- tainment as shall render the country ever dear to your recollection ; and the squalid haunts of -vice, pestilence, and immorality forever hideous and detestable." And now for a few words practically, and conneted somewhat with natural history (a science co-relative with Horticulture, and doubtless of equal interest in a horticultural journal, — in which, indeed, a few columns devoted to it would be quite appropriate.) With regard to trout : they are found to dif- fer considerably in proportion, color, and size, in different rivers and lakes, and even in different parts of the same river, accord- ing to the quality of the water, and the na- ture and abundance of their food. The average size of trout in most streams may be said to vaiy from eight or nine to sixteen inches in length, and from half a pound to two pounds in weight. A well-proportioned trout of a pound, or three quarters of a pound is a good fish; and there are many more be- low that weight than above it. An indus- trious angler in any of the rivers or brooks of om- Pacific Slope may consider it quite an uncommon event, if he is fortunate enough to bag a common river or brook-trout of our species of salmofario, of three or four pounds in weight. The largest trout, perhaps, on record, was one captured in England at Dray- ton manor, weighing 22^ lbs. It is now pre- sei-ved in Professor Owens' collection. [We would like to know where this man fishes, as from personal experience, and from not a few inspections of other takes, we are led to believe that six inches is nearer the av- erage of trout taken on this Coast, the records and joui-nals of the San Francisco Anglers' Club, notwithstanding. — Ed.] The condition of a trout may be judged by the thickness of the shoulders ; the depth of the belly, the general firmness of the flesh, the brilliance of his coloring (our brook-trout are not so rich in silver and gold colors and spots as the English or Eastern species of salmo fario or fontalanis, and are of a much more sober complexion), the vigor and deter- mination Avith which he resists his capture, and the comparative smallness of his head to the bulk of the body. The favorite haunts of large trout during the summer, are such places as an eddy be- hind a stone, or where two currents meet ; the pool below a ledge of rock or gravel ; 78 THE CALIFORNIA HORTICULTURIST. behind or underneath a large stone or log of wood ; the hollow under a bank, especially if the current sets against it ; beneath lumps of turf in the middle of the stream; roots of trees, under the shade of overhanging bushes, and in pools into which sharp streams and rapids fall. In small rivers they frequently ensconce themselves under sedges and weeds, especially in the beginning of the season, be- fore they have fully recovered their strength, after spawning in November and December, and also dm-ing the heat of the day in sum- mer or fall, when the waters are low. But when in full vigor and on the feed, they will be mostly found in the swift streams, and often in the upper part of mill-races. In the glare and heat of the sun in summer the largest trouts lurkbeneath hollow banks, roots, and bushes; scarcely ever coming out to feed until the shades of evening sum- mon them to chase the small fish in the shal- lows, or gulp down any luckless moth that may inadvertently alight on the treacherous water. It is then that the ardent angler, adroitly mancBuvering his artificial bait in the rapids and shallows under the gather- ing mantle of night, may succeed in hooking his one, two, and three pounders, in places which in the day time would seem scarcely fit to float a small shiner ; or the enthusias- tic fly-fisher may ever and anon hear a sul- len splash, and feel a sudden and determined pluck at his portly moth-flies, very unlike the tiny tug of the little skipjacks he is in the habit of pitching over his head during the day. At this time of the evening, or in the early morning, if he is not a disciple of the highest grade of the art, he may pitch a worm or a grass-hopper into the stream opposite, with as long a line as a powerful rod can guide : tug goes the line ; birl goes the reel ; and after a short but fierce struggle, a magnifi- cent two-pounder [more frequently a lighter fish— Ed.] lies gasping on the rock or sand; but more of this anon. E. J. H. San Francisco, Dec. Slst, 1871. IRRIGATION. Boston sends $2,000,000 worth of Flowers to New York every year. [We copy the following excellent article from the AKa of the 23d of January. We be- lieve the subject of Irrigation to be of equal importance with Forest Tree Culture. —En. ] The question of Irrigation is taking a great hold upon the public mind, if we may judge from the great interest which our remarks upon the enterprises now being prosecuted have awakened, and the numerous inquiries which have been addressed to us upon the subject, and many of which we reply to m this article. There is certainly no subject which has greater importance to the whole people of this coast than that of storing water for mining, water power, imgation and trans- portation. Water is the essential element, without which mining and agriculture come to an end; and when, as in the past year, miners are thrown out of work and farmers ruined, causing a general stagnation of busi- ness and a fall in the value of property, a system which, by the application of capital, would guarantee a continual supply at small cost, is a desideratum so great, as to appeal at once to the practical understanding of every business man. The system now undertaken, in this State is not an experiment. It is one which has been brought to perfection on the largest scale in India and in the hands of the same individuals who find here the natural advantages far greater than in India. We have a basin of 16,000 square miles or 10,400,000 acres, surrounded by an amphi- theatre of mountains from whose sides descend innumerable streams, that supply an abundance of water if man will but take the trouble to store and distribute it. The stor- ing is done by artificial lakes on the streams. These are no more a novelty than a mill-dam or road. In Southern India there are tens of thousands of them, constructed by dams of ^ a mile to 1^ miles in length. They are 20 feet deep and a width of 70 feet at the bottom. In that country, where the rainfall is light and evaporation rapid, 10,000 cubic yards of water must be stored to irrigate THE CALIFORNIA HORTICTJLTTI&iST. 'm 25,600 superficial yards of wheat. The maxi- mum quantity of water required for wheat, barley, corn, cotton and teas, is 1,500 cubic yards per acre; that is, 11^ inches of water distributed by three irrigations of 3f inches. But with a fair rainfall but 7,000 cubic feet per acre each watering, or a total for the crop of 21,000 cubic feet. The efiect of the water has been established by experiment to be, that a field of wheat yielding 800 with one watering after sowing, will yield 1,300 with a second watering in thirty days after sowing, and will give 1,700 with a third watering when the seed is in the flower. The heavy adobe soil of California will need a waterinsr before cultivation. These waterings on the foot-hills take place directly from the artifi- cial lakes, which also supply miners and water power. The channels from the lakes should have a vent of 8. 3 square feet to sup- ply each 640 square acres of soil with water running at the rate of one mile per hour on each stream. These successive lakes con- nected by channels, supply water to the canals in the valleys. The leading canals so supplied in India, are as follows : Dis. ctib. Miles, ft. per sec. Cost. Per Mile. Ganges, 900 6,750 $13,500,000 $15,000 BareeDeab,- 470 3,000 7,050,000 15,500 Eastern Gumna,., 134 1,250 871,000 6,500 Western Gumna, 450 2,500 1,350,000 3,000 Sutleg, 550 3,500 8,250,000 15,000 Loan, 826 3,124 7,434,000 9,000 The cost of the first and last of these in- cludes the distributing canals, of which there are three miles to one of main canal. The average width 90 feet, depth 8@10 feet, grade 18 inches to IJ inches per mile. The effects of these artificial lakes and canals are very important. Thus, the Ganges was partly completed in 1867, and the crops irrigated by it, where before there were none, was in that year $7,500,000, of which wheat $2,500,000, cotton sugar and indigo, $3,000,000. These were entirely due to its influence. It pro- duced, in the first year, a capital equal to half its cost. Who that has had experience in the last two or three years, in the San Joaquin region, would not recognize the vast blessing of such a work in the region where the capabilities of the soil are vastly supe- rior to those of India? The charges in India for the use of water are $1| per acre per an- num; for watering cattle, $3 per 100 head per annum; sheep and goats, $1, per 100 head. Those farmers whose sheep have died by the thousand from drought may estimate this advantage. For filling reservoirs, $1 per 8,000 cubic feet, in bulk, is charged. The greatest benefit the Government derives from the works is, however, their indirect influence upon the value of land, the activity of trade and the consequent appreciation of all prop- erties, which therefore return more taxes at the same rate of levy. The annual cost of the canals is $90 per cubic foot of discharge per second, which suffices for 220 acres of wheat; on this outlay the return is 1^ per cent per month. Another effect of the irri- gation has been found to be, that in the alka- line plains, where no drinkable water was to be had, irrigation has corrected the character of the local water and made it drinkable. This system, as we have said, is now being applied in the San Joaquin region. Forty miles of canal have been built, and Tulare Lake, which is 200 feet above the sea, and having a surface of 900 square miles, will receive an embankment of fifteen feet around its circumference, at a cost of $2,000,000, which will reclaim 100,000 acres of first-class lands. The water of three feet of its surface will suffice for 1,500,000 acres. That land which produces nothing, without the water, produces two first-class crops of grain in the year, with water at $1 25 per acre. It will give six or eight tons of alfalfa to the acre, with irrigation. If a man plants 1,000 acres with wheat and loses his labor and seed for want of rain, but can have 35,000 bushels certain, worth $35,000, by paying $1,250 for the water, there certainly seems to be a great advantage in the operation. Fayal oranges sell in Boston now for half what apples of equal weight will bring. 80 THE CALIFOENIA HOKTICULTTJKIST. OUB WINE-YIELD FOE 1871, And Future Prospects. It is not possible to form a correct idea of the total Wine-yield of Calif ornia for the year 1871 ; it will probably be between five and six million gallons, all told. The official statements for 1869 give a total of about two and a half million gallons. Statistics, as far as ascertained for 1870, make the entire yield of that year from three and a half to four millions of gallons. The principal wine-producing counties are Sonoma and Los Angeles, of which two, the former furnishes the finest wines, ha\ing paid more attention to the cultivation of better va- rieties of foreign grapes. The work of planting vineyards is steadily progressing, and the yield must necessarily increase from year to year, unless the crops are injured by severe droughts, insects or sick- ness. The demand for California wines is on the increase, and will mainly depend in the fu- tui-e on the quality of wine which we send away. We have not yet opened up all the natural channels for export, and if we can at this time dispose of five million gallons in the process of home consumption and export, it may reasonably be expected that in ten years from now, we will dispose of double that quantity to good advantage . It cannot, there- fore, be advanced that the wine business is being overdone, but we maintain that the making of poor wine is overdone. Viniculturists should be more particular in locating their vineyards ; soil and aspect are two important desiderata for the grape vine, and more so where the making of wine is the principal object. We should also satisfy ourselves as to the best varieties of wine, table or raisin grapes adapted to the location ; the foreign varieties being now very generally substituted for the old Mission grape ; but we as yet lack much information regarding the best varieties. Land well adapted for grape culture can be bought at various prices, from three to twenty-five dollars per acre, and at the rates which are at present paid for grapes, the yield per acre in the third year should not fall short of one hundred dollars ; ten acres of grapes would, therefore, give a veiy respectable liv- ing to a family, one man being able to do the entire work with comfort. The cost of bringing a vineyard under cul- tivation here is not as expensive as in the East or in Europe, as our climate and soil favor the cultivation. The plowing and planting per acre will not exceed fifteen dol- lars ; one thousand grape vines of one year's growth will plant an acre, and may be pui- chased for twenty to twenty-five dollars. This would make the total expense for one acre from thirty five to forty dollars ; however, ten acres maybe planted for comparatively much less. Three hundred dollars, judiciously in- vested in a vineyard of ten acres, will, after the lapse of three years, make the owner in- dependent, and the value of his land will increase from year to year. We hope to see the time when hundreds of industiious men will avail themselves of our favorable climate and soil, to establish for themselves small vineyards and farms, and thus consti- tute the most prosperous portion of our com- munity. NOTICE OF A FOSSIL FOREST In the Tertiary of California. Professor 0. C. Marsh, of Yale College, examined a locality about five miles south- west of the Calistoga Hot Springs, in Octo- ber, 1870, where a number of fossil trunks were found, showing that this Tertiary de- posit contained the remains of an extensive forest, of very large trees, which had appa- rently been overthrown and entombed by some volcanic irruption. Several of the trunks found, had portions of their roots still attached. The trees when closely examined appear to be all conifers, and resemble the modern red- woods. A microscopic examination of some of the best preserved specimens has demon- strated a great similarity to the Sequoia sem- pervirens (our ordinaiy redwood.)— Ed. THE CALIFOKXIA HOETICULTURIST. 81 C^tlitafinl ^atlfaUa. Veiy much has been said of late in relation to " Oui- Park that is to be," and some of our city papers have portrayed the affair so viv- idly, that many are under the impression, that the great Park of San Francisco, -with its manifold attractions, will veiT shortly become the Grand C-enter of Fashion of this coast. Some of our leading newspapers have seen fit to give the Park Commissioners much credit for marvellous deeds, which have, say they, been accomplished with so little money. We have no doubt that they believe all that they assert, but how far they have succeeded in convincing the general public, that the interests of our city have been properly sub- served, we leave others to judge. Unfortunately, a piece of land has been forced upon the good people of San Fran- cisco as a park reservation, which nature had reserved undoubtedly for other purposes; the masses have not been consulted, and our authorities exhibit no particular desire to obtain a popular expression on this and sim- ilar projects. If the people had been per- mitted to exercise theii- prerogative, there would certainly be no park in the locality which is now known as the Park reservation under the ostentatious title of "Golden Gate Park." It is evident somebody wanted a Park there, and the City owning the land, au- thority was obtained to expend a certain sum of money in the improvement of this desert. Meanwhile some other one wanted a Park near the Presidio. The Supeiwisors request- ed our Representatives in Washington to use theii- influence to induce the Government authorities to donate a portion of the Pre- sidio reservation to the City of San Francisco for park purposes; and this latter application will, most probably, be considered during the present session of Congxess. In the meantime some one else is anxious to have the Park located in the southern portion of the city, although no steps of any o magnitude have at present been taken to carry out this latter scheme. Each of these three schemes is entitled to due consideration, and the best, most conve- nient and most practicable site should be selected for the Park. Of the three local- ities, the present one is certainly the most ineligible in every particular. Nature has positively contributed nothing that can be made available towards utilizing this God- forsaken countiy designated " The Golden Gate Park." Either the Presidio or South San Francisco are far better adapted for such an improvement, than the Ocean site. Sundry important considerations should be kept in view in selecting a site for a park, as — the convenience of visitors, good soil, and attractive natural featm-es, which should be rendered still more effective by the appli- cation of skill and taste. In the matter of convenience, it will be at once admitted, that the present resei-vation has none to offer. The nearest road is by way of Hayes Valley proper, and crosses the unsightly mountains at the back of the val- ley ; this will be but little frequented for the next twenty years. The fact is, this Park location is out of the way, and not within range of those rapid improvements which are manifesting themselves in every other direc- tion. It will be many years hence ere street railroads will be established in that line. Nevertheless, the City owns the land, and should make the most she can of it. Om- Park Commissioners have sold $75,000 worth of bonds : of this about $40,000 have been expended for salaries, surveying, grading and other preliminary work ; while the insig- nificant amount of 82,000 has been devoted to the raising of trees. This action, on the part of the Commissioners was, to say the least of it, impolitic, unreasonable and thoughtless — inasmuch as no Park can be anywhere es- tablised without a sufiicient growth of trees being first secured. What we require for a Park are, trees, shelter, and some kind of vege- tation to cover a barren and unsightly sur- face. It is sheer nonsense to tell us that drives have been constructed which will soon 82 THE CALIFORNIA HORTICULTURIST. be tln•o^Yn open to the public, because to the pleasure-seeking public the approach is so inconvenient that it may be said to be virtu- ally inaccessible— and if reached, it possesses no attractions, nothing to induce a second visit, and a drive in that direction must re- sult in disappointment and disgust to any one seeking Park scenery. And we stoutly main- tain, that no Park can ever be inaugurated on that site that will be worth seeing or having, without establishing in the first place a good and sufficient growth of trees and shrubs. There was really no necessity for grading, and the entire money should have been ex- pended in covering the^reservation with vege- tation and such trees and shrubs as are adapted to the locality. I The Commissioners tell us, that if they are placed in the position to sell another !?150,- 000 worth of bonds, they will make an effort to reclaim the sandhills, which they think can be done. We wash to know why they did not experiment with the reclamation in the first place, to test whether it was practi- cable, and before some $40,000 were expended in such work, as will prove to be a total loss, if the reservation is found to be impracticable for a Park ? The Park Commissioners ought, and must have known that efforts were be- ing made to secure another site, and they should have exercised more prudence in their expenditures. The days are approaching when strong ef- forts will be made to reclaim all of the lower sandhills surrounding San Francisco, and to establish belts of timber-trees for the better protection of the city. We fully expected that our Park Commissioners would have made many and persevering experiments in this direction, in order to test its practica- bility; and had they proved successful, others would have followed, and not only the Park reservation would have been reclaimed in the course of a few years, but also the own- ers of adjoining lands would have been en- couraged to commence the work of reclaiming and embellishing their now useless grounds. Had the money been expended thus, the benefits which would have accrued in a few years would have fully compensated for the outlay ; and if the people of San Francisco saw fit to have their Park elsewhere, the growth of trees and shrubs would have so enhanced the value of the land that the in- vestment would have been considered a for- tunate one. We advise the Park Commissioners to stop grading, and secui-e in the first place a growth of trees and shrubs, which are the only pro- per basis for a Park, and without which the avenues so far laid out are only a fniitless expense, and nothing else. The approach avenue has been graded at considerable outlay, in order, we suppose, to reach the intended main entrance to the Park ; but there was no necessity, nor even excuse, for this. This approach is an unna- tural one, and the old Ocean House road would have answered all purposes for years to come, and would have been a more popular way by which to reach the Park grounds. Arrest the drifting of sands, by covering the surface with some kind of vegetation ; plant trees and seeds by the million, endeavor to keep them alive for five years to com; eand then prepare to lay out drives and walks for the use of visitors. Who ever would think of planting and beaiititS-ing an approach avenue, while the grounds proper remain a barren and unsightly desert, destitute of every attraction ? FOREST-TKEE CULTUEE. We have for the last year and a quarter been earnestly and continually urging on our readers and the public in general the grave importance oi forest tree cult it re. We append sundry slips from various periodicals, attest- ing that ours is not a solitary, idle mania, but a note of warning, which is now echoing and re-eching from widely-distant points, and will soon be reverberating in thunder notes throughout the length and breadth of the land, awaking many a dull, sordid, idle and dishonest Legislature to a sense of its duty, THE CALIFOKNIA HOETICULTUEIST. 83 and compelling many an unworthy Represen- tative to stop thieving, and attend to the in- terests of his constituents. Frank Leslie on Forest Culture : In California the people are asking for an officer who is much needed, but whose very name will probably sound strangely to most of our readers, to wit., Forester — in other words, his office would not only be to protect existing forests, but to see to their growth in districts that cannot be profitably devoted to grazing or agricultural purjDoses. We com- mend the proposition. The destruction of our forests is rapidly converting vast areas of territory into deserts, and preparing the way for destructive freshets at one time and de- vastating fixes at another, drying up our mill- power and destroying o\u- " finny tribes," from which of yore we gained great pleasure and some profit. " Woodman, spare that tree !" should be the inscription on the For- ester's badge. We have preached to that text for years, and shall not faint from iteration. To spare is good, but to create is better, and we cannot too strongly recommend to the prairie States and those of the plains, as a guide for legislation, the following Act of the Kansas Legislature : " An Act to Encourage the Growth of Forest-Trees : Sec 3. Every person planting one acre or more of prairie land, within ten years after the passage of this act, with any kind of forest-trees, and successfully growing and cultivating the same for three years, or one half mile or more of forest-trees, along any public highway, said trees to be so planted as to stand at the end of said three years not more than one yard apart, shall be entitled to receive for twenty one years, commencing three years after said grove or line of trees has been planted, an annual bounty of two dollars per acre for each acre so planted, to be paid out of the treasury of the county in in which said grove or line of trees may be situated. The bounty to be paid so long as said grove or line of trees are cultivated and kept alive, and kept in growing condition. That the County Assessor shall not assess lands planted and encumbered with forest- trees any higher than the lands adjoining, on account of the said lands being so encum- bered." The California Fanner on Tree-planting : " Trees Produce Moisture. — Of this truth, well established, there can be no doubt, and in a country like ours, one so long ex- posed to a dry and hot atmosphere, this sub- ject should excite a general discussion of the subject so as to produce and bring about a system of forest-tree planting that would soon prove that trees produce moisture. Our own observation and experience has long since convinced us that the leveling and burning away our forests and clearing up land has ever tended to the dryness of the surrounding climate, and any careful observer can satisfy himself of this by traveling on a hot day through a district where there are good or- chards and vineyards and noting the atmo- sphere that surrounds them, and then pass into an open and barren plain next to them and note the difiference — this will convince any one of the value of trees. We are truly glad to know that our Senator, Hon. R. Betge, has introduced a bill to encourage Forest Culture, and bring it under the patronage of the State. With such patronage and fostering care, great good can be accomplished for our State and Coast. It may take years to perfect this plan, but devotion to this subject for simply f,ve years would change the whole current of feel- ing and action, and work a revolution over the entire Coast." The Northern Illinois Horticultural Society, on the subject of Forest-Tree Culture, says : "We further recommend, pursuant to and in accordance with our former acts, and with other horticultural bodies, we again ask both National and State patronage to enable us to carry forward this enterprise by enlisting the whole country in the work (of forest- tree planting), and by such other means as the wisdom of this honorable body may deem expedient. Your committee unite with all the friends of Horticulture, and especially those who are 84 THE CALIFORNIA HORTICULTURIST. interested in forest planting, in hearty con- gratulations for the deep and increasing interest manifestly felt on this subject, not only by horticultural bodies, but throughout the country." TREES AND CLIMATE. In a recent lecture before the Wisconsin State Horticultural Society, Mr. Richardson concludes his very interesting remarks by saying : ' ' This uncovering the face of the earth ren- ders rain less frequent, and when it does come, it is in the shape of a deluge, and pro- duces, alternately, the ojDposite extremes of burning droughts and destructive inunda- tions. The evidences of changing climate are becoming more apparent as the destruc- tion of the forests j)roceed. In the Old World, the latter results have followed the disappearance of the trees ; regions that pre- viously were of the most fertile character, have become entirely divested of herbage, and are now barren deserts. A similar fate in the United States can only be avoided by re- storing, in a measure, to the destitute parts of the country a portion of its forests, which are equalizersof our climate; treeswe must have." NUT TREES. Nut-bearing trees are profitable. The price of edible Nuts is steadily increasing. In the East, native chestnuts are worth from $10 to $12 a bushel ; hickory nuts, $4 ; and Span- ish chestnuts, $15 to $18. The lumber from these trees is worth from 10 to 20 cents a foot, board measure. We can grow nut trees faster here in California than they can in the East. The cultivation of nut-bearing trees should receive immediate attention. The Sacramento Farmers' Club is in favor of tree-planting. At a late meeting of this Club, composed of intelligent and wide-awake farmers, a committee of five was elected by ballot to draw up a bill for the encouragement of forest culture, and to i:)resent the same to the Legislature, urging its early passage. TREE PLANTING IN IOWA. In Iowa the planting of trees is encouraged by law. Every acre of forest trees planted releases taxation for ten years on one hundred dollars' valuation, and for each acre of fruit trees planted, the tax is remitted on fifty dol- lars' valuation for five years ; and the same for shade trees and hedges along the highways. There are now maple forests in several coun- ties from which sugar is made, where fifteen years since there was nothing but prairie grass and hazel ahruhs. -^Piuralist. WORK FOE FEBEUARY. Much of the work which should have been effected during January, has been delayed in consequence of the unfavorable weather which continued up to the middle of the month. The storms during the latter part of December and the earlier part of January, were heavier than we usually experience, and the damage inflicted on our farms and gardens was considerable, particularly on low lands ; however, the plentiful rains more than compensate for the injuries and losses sustained. Some labor has been required to repair these damages, but the regular work of plowing, sowing and planting was speed- ily resumed, and every one, stimulated by brighter prospects, seems to be busy in our fields and gardens, taking advantage of this favorable season. The demand for labor has increased, and there are very few who cannot find work at fair wages. The pruning of fruit trees and grape vines should no longer be delayed, except in the extreme northern portions of the State. The season for planting is rapidly drawing to a close, and no effort should be spared to hurry up the work. Our mu'serymen have been complaining of dull times; orders for young trees, etc., are coming in slowly. This could not be ex- pected to be otherwise, on account of the inclemency of the weather. We have every reason to speak encouragingly of their pros- pects; many important private as well as public improvements are contemplated, which will take up a great deal of the stock on hand. THE CALIFOENIA HOETICULTUBIST. 85 Seeds which have been planted in the veg- etable garden have suffered severely during the heavy storms, and we advise replanting immediately. Lettuce, radishes, peas, spin- ach, carrots, turnips, beets, parsley and onions are likely to do well, if sown now. Tomatoes, cucumbers, cabbage, and cauli- flower will be better if raised in frames under glass cover, until they are large enough to transplant. Such of the latter as have been planted during last month, should receive frequent airing in order to harden them for the open air. Frames, during pleasant weather, should be aired at least six hours per day, when we are satisfied that our nights are not cold enough to injure them. By ne- glecting to open the frames frequently, the young plants become weak and cannot bear the change to the open air. Celerj^ is a hardy vegetable, but the young plants should be grown under glass, as the seed is fine and easily lost in the open ground; it is also of much importance to force the young plants so as to advance their growth before planting in the open air. Onions may be sown now in light soil. In the ornamental grounds many trees, particularly evergreens, have been lost during the heavy storms; this exemplifies the neces- sity of staking all trees after planting and of balancing them well by proper pruning, so often pointed out. Other causes for this destruction of old and established trees by our heavy gales, are the habit of shallow planting, and the neglect to cultivate and to prepare the soils deeply enough. The consequence is, that the roots cannot jDene- trate to any great depth, and cannot properly anchor the tree against the force of heavy winds. In regard to a proper soil for vegetable and flower gardens, we would recommend one third clay, one third sand, and one third manure. In many localities these propor- tions of sand and clay forming a good loam are original; such soils will, with the addition of a little manure, produce all kinds of vege- tables and flowers. But there are heavy clay soils which must be made lighter by adding sand, or else the soil becomes hard and un- manageable ; and there are sandy soils to which clay must be added in order to give it the body necessary for a healthy growth and development of fruits and flowers. The same varieties of vegetables should not be grown on the same ground in consecutive seasons; rotation of crops has been proved to be indispensable. In the selection of seeds, the best should always be obtained as far as we are qualified to judge, and we should not be influenced by cheapness. It is rather early to plant annuals, yet if the weather continues fair, such as joansies, mig- nonnette, sweet alyssum, candytuft, ^larkspur, sweet peas, etc., may be sown with good success. Hardy flowering bulbs, such as tulips, hy- acinths, crocus, najL'cissus, paeonies, gladio- lus, anemones, ranunculus, etc., should be planted at once. In the greenhouse and conservatory much care is yet necessary in the operation of wa- tering, which should be performed sparingly. Plants must of course be kept alive, but that is about all; the time will soon come when the increased temperature of the Spring sea- son will develop a new growth and an abun- dance of flowers. Wherever artificial heat is applied, the treatment of plants must neces- sarily differ, but even in the latter case we must be cautious in watering. We have found from experience, that plants keep much better during wet and cold winters in small pots, than in larger ones; and particularly is this the case with Be- gonias, and other soft- wooded plants. This in a great measure is due to the fact, that plants in small pots, after having exhausted the soil, will remain in a somewhat dormant con- dition— they rest, in fact, hybernate — and plants in such condition are hardier than those which are kept in a growing state by giving additional soil ; we must also take into consid- eration that small pots hold less moisture and are, as a matter of course, better drained, and the soil in them is therefore kept in better condition. Some plants must be shifted into 86 THE CALIFORNIA HORTICULTUEIST. larger pots one month before they are expect- ed to go into market, while others should be shifted at least two months before, in order to produce fresh foliage and an abundance of new flowers. REPOET ON THE FRUIT MARKET. It frequently occurs to people who are cu- rious, or who wish to obtain information, about the names of particular fruits, when they queiy a retail dealer and taking up a Jargonelle for instance, they ask him whether that is the name of the fruit, that they receive as answer, "No, it is 5 cents." This to an in- tending purchaser is in one point of view rather an unsatisfactory answer, yet it is not to be expected, it is true, that all fruit huck- sters, especially foreigners who know but little of our language, should be learned in Pomology. But if they could be made to perceive that it would be a benefit to them to learn the exact name of every fruit they sell, I think they would very readily get posted sufficiently to make an accurate distinction between one kind of fi-uit and another, and it would be profitable to them to do so, did consumers but know more of the relative qualities of the fruits which are offered them in the markets, and were they able to associ- ate desirable qualities with these names. It would really be a good thing if it were to become the custom for producers to label the fruits they dispose of by their right names, and for the retail dealers to sell each by its proper name. I have often heard cultivators of fruit de- clare that the majority of persons do not know the difference between one variety of fruit and another of the same family, and that they do not buy a fruit on account of its quality, but are governed in their choice more by its size and color. It is often asserted, even by members of Horticultural Societies, that our cities preferred beauty and size to qual- ity. I can hardly believe that the tastes, even of the masses of our pcojile, can be so crude, though it is possible that, if the investigation could be made, these assertions might prove to be connect. I was walking one day along the street of a certain city with a friend, and obsen-ed some Seckel Pears on one of the stands. I said, "Here are about the highest flavored Pears in the whole list, let us have some." "Oh, you would not surely buy those little rusty things ; stop till we can find some large, handsome, luscious looking Pears that are worth eating," said my companion. I, how- ever, persisted in purchasing, and insisted that my friend should taste the ' ' little rusty things ;" and having once tested their deli- cious flavor, he required no second invitation to taste. The little Seckel made its way to a high place in his estimation, the moment it had the chance of tickling his palate. He has often told me since, that he seldom pass- es a Seckel without purchasing, when he is in the humor for fruit, and now never sees one without knowing it immediately. I have also observed that "king of all Plums," for richness, exquisite flavor, sweet- ness and juiciness — " The genuine Green Gage," — passed over by j)urchasers, and some larger and finer complexioned and more showy plum chosen in its stead. The small highly flavored Golden Russet, too, is often slighted in the same way, as are also some other deli- cious but unpretending pomological produc- tions. If producers would only educate the public by having their fruits labeled, ( at present this is practiced by only a very few), and if the hucksters would carefully follow the same plan, they would in a little time secure a market for the choicest fruits at prices which would render their culture profitable, even though they may be grown with greater diffi- culty than the more showy varieties, though I do not know that such is the case in our favorable climate and soil. A little effort on the part of producers, and co-operation on the part of dealers, would materially elevate the standard of taste in regard to fruit as well as establish the character and quality of the fruits cultivated. This effort should be made. Nothing will so quickly secure this result as THE CALIFOENIA HORTICULTUKIST. 87 the proper labeling of fruits exposed for sale, and let the price correspond to the quality of the fmit. In the case of grapes for the table, we find that this matter of price is far more consistent with the respective merits of the varieties. People like to know what they are eating, especially if it gratifies the palate, and more especially when they may hereafter have an opportunity of cultivating it for themselves. They remember the delightful sensation it yields, and always associate it with the name, and they like to deal with those men who ed- ucate their tastes and enable them to make a judicious selection and choice. I urge, therefore, that the producer should plainly label the fruit he sends to market, and that the dealer should sell it by its legit- imate name, so that the consumer may be able to distinguish one 5 cent pear from an- other, and judge of its desirability by some other characteristics than its mere size, color and price. Even Germans, Italians and oth- ers who are imperfectly acquainted with the English tongue, might easily copy the names. At this season there is little of additional interest in our fruit and vegetable markets, and not much variety from last month. The exhibition on the stalls is being more and more restricted in varieties, some of them being entirely withdrawn, especially among the fruits. The latest supplies of oranges from Los Angeles are much better in quality if not in size, than the first. The greatest show is with the Apples and Nuts; as the sea- son advances Apples become less juicy and inviting to the taste, though they have the market pretty much to themselves. Pears are getting scarce. The fine Winter Nelis still maintains its superiority. The good Easter Buerre is beginning to come in. Mushrooms are plentiful, with Brussels sprouts and Oyster plants. New Potatoes are from 8 to 10 cents per lb. California dried fruits were never better nor more reasonable in price. E J. H. ^^ Put not ofi" till to morrow that which should be done to day— plough deep. FOKEST AND TIMBEE TREE CULTUEE, Once Moee. We have devoted a great deal of space in the Horticulturist of late to the subject of For- est and Timber-tree Culture, with the hope of having the matter thoroughly discussed, thereby enabling the members of our present Legislature to take the matter in hand pro- perly, by collecting and condensing data and arguments on this most important subject, so that they may frame some law which will meet all the requirements. The merits of forest and timber trees have been discussed fairly and sensibly by our agricultural papers. The California Farmer, of the 18th of January, has argued the mat- ter ably ; and the Rural Press has made many valuable suggestions in one of its late num- bers, which we to a great extent endorse. We do not propose to say anything now in relation to the evils attendant on forest de- struction, nor upon the favorable influences of trees ; these facts are pretty well impressed on the minds of our intelligent farmers. But we wish to devote some little space to the practicability of the proposed or a similar measure to that which now lies before our Legislature for consideration. As we hoped and expected, there is every prospect that the bill proposed by Senator Betge will undergo some very important changes, and we understand that it is pro- posed to form a Forest Board, similar to the plan suggested by the Patral Press and the Delegation of the Horticultural Society. As suitable Commissioners for such a Board, the Bural Press suggests the Governor of the State, the President of the State Agricultural Society, John Bidwell, of Butte County, and E. D. Lewelling, of Alameda County --*all capital men ; but if permitted, we would pro- pose one or two more : Professor Bolander, President of the Horticultural Society, who is thoroughly posted on the nature and use- fulness of our California trees, and who would do all in his power to promote the object, be- ing much in favor of tree culture ; and we would also add Leland Sanford, who, as we THE CALIFORNIA HORTICIJLTTJIIIST. understand, is very niucli in favor of tree cul- ture, and may do niucli good in facilitating the transportation of trees from one place to another, understanding and fully appreciat- ing the desirability and the benefits to be de- rived from forest and timber-tree culture. Now, if the Legislature will give us a For- est Commission composed of these men, or any desirable number of them, we entertain no doubt that the people will feel assured, as far as the expenditure of money is concerned in connection with this measure. We understand that the amount of money proposed to be appropriated in the original bill, will be considerably reduced; and we are in favor of this action, as the enterprise will have to be considered as an experiment, until we have seen some of its practical results. But we think the State can well afford to de- vote the sum of $7,000 or $8,000 per annum to this experiment, as it must necessarily re- sult in some good. Should the proposed bill become law, much of the success of tree culture will depend upon the judicious appointment of the man who will be entrusted with the carrying out of the provisions of it. Our personal acquaint- ance with many horticultural men, enables us to state, that there are men among us who are well qualified for the position, and we have the utmost confidence that such men as we have named above, will select the very best man for the office. The aforesaid bill proposes that the seeds of different trees should be distributed, ac- companied by circulars instructing in the proper mode of treatment, etc. If, however, this was left to the discretion of the Forest Board, a large num-ber of young seedlings, of from three to six inches, could be obtained witMn one year for general distribution ; but we would urge the raising of these seedlings from seeds collected or otherwise obtained, and we object very much to the gathering young trees from the forests, which would require much more care, and more especially as we know from, experience, that from one half to three fourths of them would perish. There are some which may be readily trans- planted from the forests, such as the Libo- cedrus decurrms, but most of the Coniferse tribes do better if transplanted m nursery rows, for reasons which we cannot explain here.' As to the cost of furnishing such young seedlings, we beg to differ from the state- ments of Mr. Williamson and of Mr. Aiken, as reported by the Biiral Press. According to these statements, Mr. Williamson will con- tract to furnish young Sugar Pines and Red- woods at $2 per 1,000, and Mr. Aiken says that the evergreens of the different valuable kinds grown in the East may be had at the same price of nurserymen there, by mail and postage paid. Now, as for the Sugar Pines, there are no trees one year old, because the old trees did not produce any seed last year, and very few the year before, it is a very difficult matter to obtain Sugur Pine seed- lings now. We have a customer for Mr. Wil- liamson who will take all the Sugar Pines of one, two and three years old he can furnish, at the price namedby him, and we will guaran- tee him one hundred per cent, in addition. As for the statement of Mr. Aiken, we will say, that we are in receipt of the wholesale Price Lists of the most, if not of all, responsible nurserymen in the East, and we have never met with anything in the shape of Evergreen seedlings which could be bought for less than the following : Norway Spruce $ 6 per 1,000 Scotch Pine 10 " Austrian Pine 10 However, we venture to say, that a com- petent man may, with an appropriation of $8,000 from the State, be able to furnish one million of seedlings within one year for gen- eral distribution, and the collection would probably contain fifteen to twenty varieties of trees. We advocate distributing seedling trees, as well as the seed itself, and we like the idea of establishing an experimental ground for that purpose ; but it must be left to the dis- cretion of the Forest Board. The objection raised to distributing seeds, upon the ground that very few understand the management THE CALIFORNIA HORTICULTURIST. 89 of them, is not a valid one. The process is easy, and the proper instructions may be given without difficulty. Many varieties of trees do much better if they are allowed to remain where the seeds were planted, and, with the aid of a little mulching, they will soon establish themselves. We are of opinion, that if the work of forest and timber-tree culture is encouraged by the State, through some such act as the one proposed, we may, in the course of a few years, have on this Coast an establish- ment similar to that of the Botanical Gar- dens at Melbourne, which furnish annually thousands of trees of all descriiDtions, and thousands of pounds of seeds — an institution of which we might well be jDroud. All that we require is proper and good management. WOODWAED'S GAKDENS. Considerable alterations and improvements have been made in the arrangements at these Gardens since our last visit; a Pool and Rockery have been constructed for the exhi- bition of Seals, of which there are several interesting specimens ; a house for the pro- tection of gallinaceous birds is in j)rogress, to which one of the latest and most success- ful incubating inventions will be added ; Considerable additions are also being made to the Greenhouse, which will be fitted up with rock-work and a Fernery, and will also afford accommodation and shelter to sundry smaller tropical animals. We noted considerable additions to the collection of Orchidaceous plants, also the Coral plant, from the Sandwich Islands. A fine specimen of Strelitzia Begina, famil- iarly known as the Bird plant or Queen plant, is about to bloom. Many varieties of Tropical Seeds have been received, which are in course of cultivation. We understand that the public-spirited proprietor of these Gardens, Mr. Woodward, (under the superintendence of Mr. Schuman, who, we are pleased to say, has returned from Europe, and has furnished himself with all 4 needful data), is about constructing one of those highly instructive and exceedingly in- teresting adaptations of the present day — "a Marine Aquarium," after the latest and most apjDroved style adopted in various Eu- ropean capitals. Only those who have had the opportunity of contemplating the curiosi- ties of one of these superb collections, can form any idea of the pleasing novelty and fascinating wonders of such a scene. Every- thing is new and strange, and the beholder can scarcely divest himself of the idea, that he is in a rocky cave at the bottom of the ocean, looking out through crevices in the rocks upon deep-sea scenery, teeming with strange life. Fish, to him previously un- known, disporting among coral rocks, adorned with marine plants of curious growth. Alga3, Rhodospermese, Fuci, etc.. Polyps, Zoo- jDhites, of curious forms ; Actiniae, Asteroids, Echini, Annelidas ; innumerable varieties of strange insect life ; Moluscs, of various kinds, traversing the sandy and rocky bottom, Crus- tacea, etc., etc. The Sea Anemones are par- ticularly interesting as specimens of animal flowers. We shall watch the progress of this work with intense interest. SAN FRANCISCO'S PAEK. We have given our views somewhat in de- tail, on this Park matter, in another column of this nvimber. We have expressed our disaj)probation of the course which has been pursued b}' our Park Commissioners, and we shall now call the attention of the public, and those who have something to say and pay in the matter, to the fact, that the work, which in our estimation should never have been undertaken, has at least been done unsatis- factorily. We refer particularly to the Ave- nue, which is certainly graded imperfectly, some portions being too low ; and we under- stand that this error is admitted by some of the Commissioners themselves, yet kejDt from the public. We do not wish this statement to be taken as incontrovertible evidence, but we desire verj' much that this matter should 90 THE CALIFORNIA HORTICULTURIST. be inquired into without anj' delay. We ob- ject very much, and we believe that the entire community of San Francisco will agree with us in this, that large sums of money should be expended for that grading which is not neces- sary; and we object still more to it, as we shall undoubtedly be compelled to do it over again. Improj)er and injudicious grading has cost San Francisco so much already, that the very word is disgusting : this City, we are persuaded, will not permit that these same errors shall be committed in a Park where the effect of a spoiled job will be so palpable and so seriously felt. A committee of competent men should be at once appointed to investigate the matter, and if our assertions are found to be based on positive facts, the work should be stopped until more competent men can be appointed to take charge of our Park grounds. We do not know who is at fault in this blundering, and what is more we don't care; but some one is responsible, or at least ought to be. V/e are convinced that men may be found in this community of acknowledged taste and good judgment, who would be willing to sei-ve as Park Commissioners, although no provision is made for paying them. We do not doubt the sincerity, integrity and good will of our Park Commissioners, but we have surely reason to doubt their peculiar qualifica- tion, so essential for the establishing a Park under the existing local difficulties and sub- ject to a restricted appropriation. MEETING OF THE AGRICULTURAL BOARD OF DIRKCTORS. Sacramento, Jan. 24th, 1872. The Board met at the call of the President. Present: Directors Lewis, Hamilton, Mills, Carey, Covey, Younger, Wheeler & Coleman. On motion, Col. Younger and Secretaries Hoag and Beck were appointed to meet the delegates from the other Agricultural Socie- ties at the Pavilion, at 7 o'clock this evening. On motion. President Reed, Col. Lewis and Carey were appointed a committee to secure the necessary appropriation from the Legis- lature. Col. Younger was voted $150 toward de- fraying his traveling expenses in furthering the interests of the Society, Ben. E. Harris and his horse Regulator were suspended [by the neck? — En.] for non- payment of entry money. The President appointed, as a committee to revise the Premium List, Col. Younger and Carey, to which was added the President. President Reed, Covey, Mills and Hamil- ton, were appointed a committee on the Speed Programme. On motion, a vote of thanks was passed to President Reed for his very efficient services during the past year. The Secretary was instructed to deliver the Gold Medal in the Second Department, as awarded by the Committee. On motion, the Board proceeded to the election of Treasurer, and R. T. Brown was unanimously elected. Robert Beck was elected Secretary unani- mously. I. N. Hoag was elected Corresponding Secretary unanimously. Senator C. Cole and A. A. Sargent were elected Delegates to represent the State So- ciety in the National Convention. The following preamble and resolution were then offered, and adopted : Whereas, the rapid strides being made by the Empire of Japan in civilization arrests our attention and challenges the admiration of the world ; and, whereas, there are repre- sentatives of that Empire now in our State engaged in studpng Agriculture and Stock- raising; therefore, be it Remlved, That the State Agricultural Soci- ety of the State of California, appreciating as well the advantages to grow out of more intimate commercial relations with the Ja- panese Empire as the duty we, as Americans, owe to a great and progressive people, strug- gling with a will and emulation never before known for a high civilization, offer our serv- ices to them in every way that will be con- ducive to their interests. THE CALIFORNIA HORTICULTURIST. 91 MEETING OF DELEGATES Of the State and District Agricultural and Horticul- tural Societies of California. The Delegates of the Agricultural and Horticultural Societies of California met in Sacramento, on the 24th day of Januaiy, for the piu'pose of a more thorough organization throughout the State. The Bay District Society was represented by H. R. Covey; the Bay District Horticul- tural Society by F. A. Miller; the Santa Clara Valley Agricultural Society by J. P. Sargent, F. C. Frank, W. C. Wilson and Senator Maclay; Sonoma and Marin District Society by L. Ellsworth, F. W. Lougee, H. L. Wes- ton and E. N. Hinchman; San Joaquin Valley Agricultural Society by J. K. Doak, George West, T. K. Hook and Senator Evans; the Upper Sacramento Agricultural Society by Senator Perkins, E. Hallett and Assemblyman W. N. De Haven; the State Society by C. Younger, Robert Beck and I. N. Hoag. J. K. Doak was elected Chairman and I. N. Hoag Secretary. The general subject of the advantages of organizing Agricultural Societies in all the different localities in the State was discussed. The conclusion of such discussion was an agreement to work in conjunction to secure a proper appropriation to the State Society and to each Society now organized in the State, and the following gentlemen were appointed a committee to draft a bill for that purpose : State Society, C. F. Reed and E. Mills; from the District Societies, John Boggs, F. A. Mil- ler, W. C. Wilson. F. W. Lougee, J. K. Doak, E. Hallet, T. B. Mott and C. Kent. The committee appointed met at the room of the State Society, at 9 o'clock on the fol- lowing day, and agreed upon a bill calling for an appropriation by the State to each of the Societies organized and represented, which will be submitted to the Legislature in proper form. There was a general desire for a more thorough organization, but no steps were taken to inaugurate it, as it was deemed best to call a convention at some future time for that purpose. The Committee submitted their Report to a meeting of the delegates, held at noon of the same day. The Report was unanimously accepted, and the Committee then adjourned. GOV. HAIGHT ON AGEICULTUEAL TOPICS. I have heretofore recommended legislation to prevent the snaring and killing of small birds and singing birds, as a measure of great importance to agriculture. In other countries these birds, which are so useful to the farmer in the destruction of insects, are propagated at great exjjense, while here we permit their indiscriminate slaughter. The repeal of the system of " lawful fences," and the enactment of laws making owners of stock responsible for tresj)ass by it, will doubtless engage your attention. It is mani- festly unjust to compel each farmer who pur- chases or takes up a quarter section to expend more than the price of his land to protect himself against his neighbor's cattle. Eveiy man ought, in justice, to be required to take care of his own stock, or suffer the conse- quences. The present fence system has been an incubus upon agriculture, which is be- coming every year more intolerable. Upon agriculture, which is the basis of our pros- perity, is placed the burden not merely of the cost of fences at first, but of their renewal and repair from year to year. Public senti- ment demands a reform of this injustice, and I doubt not its demand will be heeded by yorlr Honorable bodies. NEW AND RARE FRUITS. St. Crispin Pear. — This is a variety of Pear recently introduced, of size like unto the Bartlett, of better quality, and rijjening just after the Bartlett and continuing a month or more, thus filling a want of the people for a continuance of the Bartlett. He who plants of it, will win pecuniarily. — Exchange. Lanier Apple. — This new seedling apple was exhibited at the Cotton States Fair, in THE CALIFORNIA HOETICULTXJRIST. 1870, and again in 1871, and attracted much attention. Its principal merits are, large size, fine appearance and good bearing qual- ities, as we were assured by the originator, Mr. Thomas B. Shaw, of Edgefield, S. C. The tree is some fifteen j-ears old ; very vig- orous grower and of good habit ; fruit large to very large, oblate and always regular; skin yellow, thickly streaked with carmine and with a purplish carmine cheek, a few green blotches near the base ; calyx small, open, in a shallow and regular basin ; stalk short, slender, set in a deep cavity; flesh crisp, brittle, sugary, rather coarse-grained; qual- ity, good; maturity, end of October to end of November.— Frtr»ie/- and Gardener. The Narragansett Raspberry.— A seedling from the Brinckle's Orange, and is six years old from the seed, having been in bearing four years. It bears luxuriantly, the berries averaging much larger than any other vari- ety. The fruit is cone-shaped, of excellent flavor, the color bright crimson, bearing car- riage better than any of the favorite market sorts. It belongs to the ever-bearing family, producing fruit on the new canes which come up in the spring, thus carrying the crop along until the last of October, or until the frost kills the foliage and green fruit. This variety first appeared in the garden of Mr. John F. Jolls, of Providence. New England Homestead. San Francisco. Subscription OUR EXCHANGE TABLE. If one tenth of the interest was taken in reading Horticultural and Agricultural papers and magazines, that is taken in the perusal of political newspapers and romances, the country would be in a more thriving condi- tion. The information gained from the read- ing of a few Horticultural and Agricultural papers, would undoubtedly repay the small cost of subscription. "We call the attention of our readers, and the public in general,to the following periodicals, which are worthy of extensive patronage : The California Farmer, now in its seven- teenth year of existence; is published by Warren & Co. $4 per annum. The Parific Rural Press, in its second year of general usefulness; published by Dewey & Co., San Francisco. Price $4 per annum. The California Agriculturist, monthly; pub- lished by'Holloway & Herring, San Jose, Cal. Price $1 per annum. The Gardeners Monthtij, devoted to Horti- cultm-e and Floriculture in particular, now m its fourteenth year; edited by Thomas Mee- han and published by Brinkloe & Marot, Phil- adelphia, Pa. Price $2 per anmim. The Horticulturist, a journal of Rural Life, Literature, Art and Taste, established m 1846 ; published monthly by Henry T. Wil- liams, New York. Price $2.50 per annum. Tilton's Journal of Horticulture and Floral Magazine; published monthly, by J. E. Til- ton & Co., Boston, Mass., is in its ninth year. Price $1.50 per annum. Moore's Rund New Yorker, a weekly, finely illustrated; published by D. D. J. Moore. New York City. Price $2.50 per annum. American Agriculturist, a monthly, hand- somely illustrated ; published by Orange Judd & Co., New York. Price only $1.50 per year. The Rural Carolinian, a monthly, of 56 pp of reading matter; published by Walker, Evans & Cogswell, Charleston, S. C. Price $2 per annum. The Western Pomologist and Gardener, de- voted to Pomology, Horticulture, etc. ; pub- lished by Mark Miller, Des Moines, Iowa. Price $1.50 per year. Journal of the Farm, a Rural and Family monthly; published by Baugh & Sons, Phil- adelphia, Pa. Illustrated. Price $1 per annum. The Willamette Farmer, a weekly of gen- eral interest; published by A. L. Stinson, Salem, Oregon. Price $2.50 per annum. The RuraUst and Ohio Valley Cultivator, monthly, published at Cincinnati Ohio. Price $1 per year. The Journal of the Agricultural Society, of New South Wales, is furnished free to all the members of the Society. If any of our readers or their friends wish to subscribe for any of the above publications, it can be done through the office of the Cali- rOENIA HORTICULTUKIST. THE CALIFORNIA HORTICULTURIST. 93 LITEKAEY NOTICES. Publications just received. Forest Trees, for Shelter, Ornament and Profit; a Practical Manual for their Culture and Propagation. By Arthur Bryant. Hen- ry T. Williams, Publisher, New York City. This is one of the most useful little volumes of practical information on the subject of For- est Tree Culture which we have seen. The author very appropriately descants on the evils attending the destruction of our forests, the favorable influences of trees upon moisture, rainfall and climate, and also on the practi- cability and value of timber plantations. Over 200 varieties of trees are described, and the proper mode of propagation and cul- tivation given in a very intelligible style. We recommend this publication to all in- terested in tree culture. Price $1.50. The book may be obtained through our office. The West. — We have received the first num- ber of this monthly, which is devoted to the general interests of this Coast. It is replete with valuable and interesting information and we wish it every success. The price is $1 per year. Published by the Dial Publishing Co. , San Francisco. The Monthly Report of the Department of Agriculture, for November and December, is on hand as interesting as ever. Thanks to Hon. Fred. Watts. The Ladies Floral Cabinet, is a new month- ly, published by H. F. Williams, of New York. It is certainly beautifully illustrated, full of practical information and pleasant reading matter. Price only 75 cents per year. Every- body should read it. It may be obtained at our office. For Everybody. ~k new and finely illustra- ted Family Paper, published monthly, by Henry A. Sage, Buffalo, N. Y. Price only $1.50 per year. The Farmers' Club, devoted to" the interest of the Farmer and the entertainment of the Home Circle; published monthly, by F. P. Lefevre, Oxford, Chester County, Pa. Price $1 per annum. The Evergreen and Forest Tree Grower; by Pinney & Co., Sturgeon Bay, Missouri. The Atlanta Journal, devoted to the inter- ests of Commerce, Railways, Mining, Manu- factures, Immigration, Statistics, etc. Pub- lished weekly by W. F. Clark, Atlanta, Oa. Price $2.50 per annum. The Little Corporal, for January, makes his salute in a handsome new uniform, having laid aside his military dress and donned the garb of peace. We are pleased to note this new departure, and deem it timely and proper. This number contains the first chap- ter of the "Prize Story," which opens out in a very interesting manner. The illustrations are fine, and not excelled by any other simi- lar periodical in the land. While parents and children are looking for something nice for the New Year, let us suggest a trial of ' ' The Little Corporal." Terms $1,50 a year. John E. Miller, Publisher, Chicago, 111. Our Fireside Friend. — This is the name of a new eight-page original and illustrated sto- ry and family weekly, published by Messrs. Waters, Eberts & Co., Chicago. The paper presents a neat and pleasing appearance, and exhibits much taste in its make-up. Its con- tents are varied and rich in interest and full of instruction. It contains well written con- tinued stories of great interest, beautifully illustrated, and entertaining short stories, sketches, poems, etc., with departments espe- cially devoted to the Farmer, the Housewife and Children. One of the principal features of this number is Will. M. Carleton's great Poem, "The Burning of Chicago," which the publishers have beautifully illustrated . ' ' Our Fireside Friend" will find a welcome in every family circle. The Publishers will send a specimen copy free to any address. CATALOGUES RECEIVED. S. W. Moore, San Francisco, Catalogue of Seeds, Fruit and Ornamental Trees. J. M. Thorburn & Co's Descriptive Cata- logue of Vegetable and Agricultural Seeds ; No. 15 John Street, New York. 94 THE CALIFORNIA HORTICULTUEIST. Wm. Appleby, San Francisco, Desciiptive Catalogue of Roses. "VMiolesale Piice List of BiTant's Nurserj', for 1872 ; A. Bryant, Proprietor, Princeton, Illinois. Wholesale Price List of Seeds for sale by E. H. Janes & Bro., Fond du Lac, Wisconsin. Wholesale and Retail. Price List of Apple Trees ; by W. Jayne, Wilton Nursery, Wil- ton Junction, Iowa. Wholesale Trade List of Seedlings, Fruit and Evergreen Trees ; J. H. Plattmann, Penn Yan, Yates Co., N. Y. Wholesale Price List of the Keystone Grape Nurseries ; S. J. Allls, Proprietor, North East, Pa. Special Trade List of Seeds, Stocks, Sci- ons and Supplies, for sale by Wood & Hall, Geneva, N. Y. Wholesale Trade List of the Painesrille Nurseries, for Dealers and Nurserymen only. Storrs, Harrison & Co., Proprietors, Paines- A-ille, Ohio. Storrs, Harrison & Co's Chestnut Cii'cular, for the Fall of 1871 and Spring of 1872; Painesville, Lake County, Ohio. Wm. Merton & Sons' Trade List of Ever- greens ; Portland, Me. ORANGE TREES IN SACRAMENTO. During our late stay in the city of Sacra mento, we visited the grounds of E. B. Crock- er, Esq., who has shown much taste and perseverance in establishing one of the most pleasing featui-es of Sacramento. We were particularly pleased with the Or- ange trees in the open ground, loaded down with ripe fruit, producing a striking and most decided effect ; and establishing the fact, that this fruit may be successfully grown in Sacramento City as well as throughout the Valley, the necessaiy conditions being about the same. We were also much pleased with the fact, that one of the trees, now about thirteen years old, is a seedling, and has the past year produced a fine crop of most delicious Oranges. The gardener, om- friend Mr. Ebel , informed us that this same tree had been bud- ded, but that branches produced by the orig- inal stock being also permitted to grow, had developed with more vigor, as is generally the case, and now form almost entirely this well developed tree, the budded branch being still alive but having made very little pro- gress. This budded branch made fruit ear- lier, but the branches of the original stock produced a much finer and more delicious f i-uit than the former, showing conclusively that good fmit may be produced from seed- lings, without any fiu'ther improvement by budding or grafting. The only objection is, that such seedlings will come into bearing later than budded trees. But the fact that a seedbng will pro- duce a better growth and is better adapted to the open ground, than a budded tree, will more than compensate for the delay of an abundant crop for two or three years. Unless we desii-e to produce fruit superior to those which our markets now offer, seed- lings undoubtedly will answer the purpose better than budded or grafted stock. We also noticed upon the same grounds a good sized Mespilus Japonica (Loquat) in full bloom, and the gardener infonned us that the same tree, last year, produced a good crop of fine and delicious fruit. This, we believe, is the only tree which has pro- duced fruit to any extent in this State. GUNPOWDER vs. RAIN. We understand that the price of gunpow- der has materially advanced since the Sacra- mento Union has suggested the propriety of exploding a few cargoes diiring the ensuing dry season in the valley of San Joaquin River, for the purpose of "fetching the rain." By the way — is it the smoke of the gunpow- der, the noise of the explosion, the concus- sion of the air, or the extra g.^s evolved which is to produce the coveted moisture? ^\Tiat next? THE CALIFORNIA HORTICULTURIST. 95 LIBOCEDRUS DECUERENS, (Thuja Lobbii. ) A correspondent of the Gardeners' Chron- icle thus speaks of this native of California : " Next to the Wellingtonia I would regard this as the most important addition made to our pine-trees during the last quarter of a centuiy, as it promises to be something more than a mere shrub; in fact, it bids fair to eclipse the mammoth tree of the Far West in rapidity of growth, upwards especially. It forms a nice clean stem or bole, tapering- like a fishing-rod, and its slender, graceful growth is still fm'ther enhanced by the bright green fern-like spray with which it is clothed, not standing vertically, like so many of the arbor mtce class, but horizontally, curving over towards the beholder in the loveliest manner, so that I imagine the tree must be a general favorite. It is also very hardy, as our severest winters do not seem to have taken any effect on it, and, as before observed, it grows very fast ; our largest specimen is thirty one feet high, its yearly growth averaging three feet, and in two consecutive j^ears its leader was lengthened seven feet eight inches; it has certainly a sheltered jDosition, but other trees fully exjjosed grow equally as fast. I would recommend it as one in a collection limited to six species. WINTERING COLEUSES. These plants are almost as difficult to win- ter as Verbenas. If kept too cool, or in a close atmosphere, they are quite likely either to damp off, or the leaves will die. To keep them safely, the temperature should not be allowed to go below 45 or 50° at night, and just sufficient water should be given to kee23 them from wilting. If the object is merely to keep the plants through winter, without propagating from them, a rather dry atmo- sphere is better than a moist one, and very little water should be given to the roots. Several of our lady readers complain of los- ing their Coleuses in winter, and the cause is, probably, the not attending to the condi- tions mentioned above. They are not plants well suited for home-culture in winter, and those who have no conservatory or green- house must be content with merely keeping their plants alive, even if they do not make much growth. Young cuttings, struck in autumn, are usually kept through winter with less trouble than old plants. — Moore's Riiral New Yorker. * : NEW AND RARE PLANTS. Epimedimn Alpinum rubrum, is a native of Japan, and described thus in the Rural New Yorker : The plants grow in dense clumps, some- what like our common Spircea Japonica, throwing up numerous flower-stems twelve to eighteen inches high. The outside of the flowers is bright red, the edges of the petals folding over, so that the color is seen when looking at the inside of the open flower. In- side, the petals are white, with a light stripe of red running down the center of each. The long panicles of flowers possess a del- icate grace, which is scarcely exceeded by any other plant of this class. NEW DOUBLE GERANIUMS. G. Glijm, bright scarlet, flowers of good form, and in habit the dwarfest of the scarlet section — the best sent out last j^ear. Sapeur Pompier, brilliant orange-scarlet; trusses large and of good shape, leaves of a bright green, with a distinct zone. Madame Bacouchot, light rose ; individual flowers large in size, and produced in very large trusses ; free flowering. Tom Pouce, cerise ; flowers also very fine in size. Merveille de Lorraine, rose, tipped with white ; first rate. Madame M. Buchner, bright salmon-rose, shaded with carmine : the ti-usses large, and the habit dwarf and vigorous. Gardeners' Chronicle. THAT EVERGREEN TAMARACK. The Editor of the Evergreen and Forest Tree Grower has received from a friend resid- ing in California the seed of what he took to be a variety of the Tamarack (Larix Ameri- 96 THE CALIFORNIA HORTICULTURIST. cana), and wishes to be enliglitend on this subject. For the information of the Ever- green Groicer, we would state, that the tree he refers to is the Pinus contorta, which grows upon moist flats and xiver banks of the Sierra Nevadas. This pine has much resemblance in form and habit with the Larix Americana, and is therefore often confounded with it. There is no Tamarack indigenous to Cali- fornia. ♦ WASH FOK PLANTS. The following preparation is strongly re- commended for mildew, scale, red spider, etc., upon greenhouse plants, as well as out- of-doors shrubs and trees : Floui' of sulphur, two ounces, worked to a paste with a little water ; sal soda, two ounces; cut tobacco, half ounce ; quicklime, the size of a duck's egg; water, one gallon. Boil these together, stir them for fifteen mmutes, and let them cool and settle, when this preparation should be dHuted according to the character of the plants, which should be syringed with water after the application. ©avitsipoudcttce. Sa:si Fbancisco, Jan. 10th, 1872. Editors California Horticulturist : Gentlemen -.—In a recent trip from Oak- land to San Lorenzo, my attention was par- ticularly drawn to the horticultural progress in Alameda County. It is evident that there is not a city in the State which can boast more justly of its Hor- ticultural improvements than Oakland. As far as ornamental trees and shnibs are con- cerned, I think that city is far ahead, and de- seiwes much credit. We passed through Brooklyn, and kept the county road toward Haywards. This beautiful tract of country, located between Oakland and Haywards, appears as though it had been more or less inhabited and in a state of cultivation for the last twenty years, yet, to a new-comer or stranger it would seem almost barren, exhibiting little improvement to indicate any pride or ambition of its old inhabitants. One would imagine that the people lived only for their' own personal sub- sistence, with no desire to leave any memorial for their chHdren or future generations, save the good and fertile soil. It is, however, consoling that the time has come when the great mass of the people seem to realize the utihty of Horticulture. The many trees and shrubs that may be seen from Oakland to San Lorenzo, is an excellent proof of this. San Lorenzo is a flourishing little town, almost as old as Oakland, but far behind the times in regard to Horticulture, seemingly through the sheer negligence of its people. In its Courtyard may be seen a very good va- riety of conifers, acacias, eucalypti, and many other fine shmbs, too numerous to mention here, all growing to perfection, with little or no care. In no pari of the country where I have traveled did I see trees thrive better than there. The country from San Leandro to San Lorenzo is rather thinly inhabited, yet wherever there is a house you are sure to see it surrounded with trees and shrabs. We finally arrived at San Lorenzo, a wealthy lit- tle town that may well boast of her perse- verance and acquisitions in Horticulture, of which I intend to speak at some future time. I will now conclude by urging all who are blessed with a few acres of land, to lose no time in planting out a few fruit trees and shrubs around their honses ; no matter how humble the home, a few trees and flowering plants will give it a neat and cheerful appear- ance, and I hope the time will come when I shall see the roadside from Oakland to San Lorenzo lined with ornamental trees, and the valley and hillsides dotted with deciduous and evergreen trees and shrubs. Youi-s as ever, P. J. Ford. Use of Locust Tmber— We understand that the gold medal for the best " farm wag- ons and wagon materials made from CaWor- nia grown wood" was awarded by the State Board of Agriculture to Mr. Soule of Sacra- mento. We are glad to see home industry encouraged and to see the fact demonstrated that we can grow timber here for this purpose. The timber of the Locust was used by Mr. Soule in the manufacturing of the articles on exhibition during the late State Fair. THE California Horticulturist AND FLORAL MAGAZINE. Vol. II MAKCH, 1872. No. 4. flot\'t:king bulbs. Under this head we have given our readers our experience on the Hyacinth, Tulip, Paeo- nyand Gladiolus; and as bulbous rooted plants seem to grow in estimation Avith us in Califor- nia, at the present time, we shall continue to give the jDroper treatment of other favorites. One of our principal objects has been to cultivate a taste for flowers, and during the past year we have used every eiibrt at our dis- posal to encourage the cultivation of bulbs, and we are satisfied that in this, our endeav- ors have not been a failure, taking into con- sideration that more bulbs have been sold in our market this year, than in any two preced- ing ones, notwithstanding a general effort to economize ; and we j)redict that within a very few years the cultivation of Flowering Bulbs will become both general and exten- sive. In all countries the develoj^ment of taste for flowers has taken the same course, and after the cultivation of bulbs has become general, we shall then find ourpeojDle inclin- ed to cultivate annuals more extensively. It requires Flowering Bulbs, as well as annuals, to give to the flower garden a proper finish, and to make the borders eflective and pleas- ing at all times of the year, and particularly so on this coast where we may see both an- nuals and bulbs in flower in the open air dur- ing our winter season : or liave them still more perfectly developed in our parlor win- dows and greenhouses. Next in the list of j)opular and favorite Flowering Bulbs comes the Ncn-cisavs, this is a class of plants which does well under ordinary treatment; the flowers are produced in early spring, and are now, (Feb. 10,) in the height of their glory with us. The flowers are showj^ and effective and verj^ fragrant; the bulbs are cheap and propagate rapidly, so that eveiy two or three years the set of roots may be taken up and divided. The Narcissus family is subdivided into various groups as follows: 1. Polyanthus Narcissus, (Tazetta) pro- duces from half a dozen to a dozen flowers on a single stem, colors from a pure white to a deep orange, very fragrant; they produce a veiy good effect if j)lanted in clusters, or masses, and are the most popular of the Nar- cissus. Some of the best varieties are Grarul 3Ionarque, large, white with orange cup. Glorioso, large flowers, white, with orange cup. Grand Primo, fine flower, white with citron cup. States General, lemon yellow, with orange cup. Queen Victoria, w^ite. Bazelman Major, very fine flower, white, • yellow cup. 98 THE CALIFORNIA HORTICrLTUEIST. Grand Solid d'Or very fine, yellow, with orange cup. Luna, pure white. 2. Double Narcissus, (Queltia) producing one large double flower to each stem. The oldest variety is N. incomparahilis, flower sul- phur yellow, and fragrant, several varieties have been produced; Orange Phoenix, of or- ange and straw color; Alha Pleno Odorafo, (incomparable flore pleno) white and fragrant; Sulphur Phcenix, of a sulphur yellow; the double Narcissus is a native of Spain and Portugal. 3. Single Narcissus, (Narcissus poeticus) of which there are several very good varieties; the best are: Poeticus, flowers pure white, edge of the cup red, very pretty; alba simplex, pure white. 4, Jonquils (N. Jonquilla) natives of the Southern parts of Europe. The flower stems of this group produce a number of fragrant flowers, double, semi-double and and single, but smaller than the double Narcissus. The best varieties are the Large double, yellow color; and Single sweet scented. In connection with the Narcissus we often hear the name of ''Daffodil," which is how- ever given to some of the varieties of the double Narcissus, and does not form a group by itself. There are no bulbs which are easier culti- vated than the varieties of the Narcissus, and in the days of their flowering we have nothing so pleasing and effective. We next call the attention of our readers to a class of plants called Crown Imperials (Fritillaria imperialis), the botanical name hardly ever being used. The original stock is a native of Persia and has been under cultivation for many years; but much improved varieties have been added, both single and double, so that the group is now quite interesting. The flower stem of the Crown Imperial grows from three to four feet high, forming at that height a large bu»ch of bell-shaped flowers, hanging down, above which the stem culminates in a bunch of leaves, giving the plant a most peculiar and attractive form which is generally admired. The bulbs are round and thick, and produce a disagreeable odor. The most important item in the cultivation of the Crown Imperial is to let the root re- main in the ground undistui-bed for several years, in order to produce thrifty flower stocks. The roots of the Crown imperial may be bought at from fifty cents to two dollars each according to variety, they will bloom gener- ally in the second year. Plant about four to five inches deep, in ordinary soil which should be well manured. The leading varieties are: double yellow, double red, single yellow, single red, and those with variegated foliage, which are par- ticularly pleasing. From our list we cannot veiy well omit the Crocus, these are mostly natives of Europe and produce their flowers very early. It may be argued against the cultivation of the cro- cus, that its flowers fall too quickly, which is true, yet if planted as a border or in masses, and if allowed to remain in the ground for a number of years, the flowers are produced so numerously that the eflect is most pleasing. However if planted in groups, not less than from ten to fifteen bulbs should be set in one place, and about four inches apai-t. In many cases where cultivators have been dis- appointed, we found that the little bulbs were planted too late and also too shallow. They should be set in the fall of the year and from five to six inches deep. If cultivated under glass or at the window, they should receive plenty of air and be kept as cool as possible in order to produce a thrifty growth and well developed flowers. The colors of the different varieties are blue, white, purple, yellow and striped. Sandy soil well manm-ed is the best for this class of bulbs. Crocus sativus is a variety flowering in Au- tumn (about October) from which the saffron of commerce is produced. THE CALIFOENIA HORTICULTUEIST. 99 PEESEEVING FLOWEES. [Continued from page 68 of last nivmber.] Flowers dried in the fullness and symmetiy of natural form, with their colors as brilliant as when living, are available for all sorts of ornamentation; for the most experienced eye can scarcely detect the least difference be- tween them and freshly gathered blossoms. The articles needed for drying flowers in rotundity of form, are : river, lake or sea sand (this is called white sand — ^it is some- times of a bluish-grey tint), a wire sieve with a wooden cover to fit its base, a paper-knife, and a camel's-hair pencil. The flowers for this method of preservation, as for flat dry- ing, must be freshly plucked, and without dew or any other dampness. Everything about this work must be thoroughly clean. The sand must be rubbed and rinsed in clean water till the water flowing through it is as clear as that from a well. Then put it in crockeiy dishes to dry. It must be perfectly di-y and just blood-warm when the flowers occupy it. "When the sand is of the right temperature, close the cover over the base of the sieve, and pour it in till it fills the whole space beneath the wire cloth. Place the flowers in an upright or natural position by inserting their stems in the apertures of the wire-cloth till they rest firmly in this sand below. Do not crowd them, nor, if sprays or jDanicles are dried, let the flowers overlap each other to injure their form. Fold a sheet of stiff white paper to make a cone-shajDcd funnel, and pour the warm sand through this around and under and within the flowers. The cone should be folded to give the smallest pos- sible stream of sand, and it must be poured with great care and gentleness, especially within and among the heliotrope. florets, and the heaths and other small flowers. It is a slow and careful oj^eration. Within the bells of mahernia, among th§ spireas, deutzias, acacias, verbenas, lantanas, bouvardias, and the like, special attention must be given to cause the sand in falling to fill all vacancies and to suppoi't every portion of the flower correctly. The sepals and corolla of fuchsias require nice management, or, rather, patience enough to allow time to pour the sand pro- perly. Roses and japonicas also must have particular pains given to jDreserving the curves of their petals; sometimes the edge of the paper-knife or the tij) of the hair-pencil is needed to hold or raise them while the sand is poured under and upon them to effect this. After filling in and under and around the flowers, sand must be sifted over them, warm, to the depth of half an inch. Then set the sieve where it will keep the tempera- ture of 70 degrees steadily, until the flowers are dry. The smallest flowers will dry in six hours; but the large, full sorts, with thick petals, require ten, twelve or more hours to dry thoroughly. For this reason, those of about the same textui-e and size should oc- cupy the sieve at one time. When it is rea- sonable to suppose that the flowers are dry, take the cover from the base of the sieve, and the sand will fall through the wires, their colors as fair and bright as when placed in the sieve, yet dry and rigid. Leaves should be dried entirely by themselves, the thin and delicate sorts alone, because they are soon siccated ; and the thicker ones also require to be treated separate from others. The foliage of the mj^'tles and laurels give the best satisfaction ; the more flexible and suc- culent species lose some color, and often need to be superseded by moss or lycopo- dium. When both flowers and leaves are diy, they may DC clustered and tied like fresh ones in garlands, crosses, bouquets, or any other device ; and as they need no moisture to keej) them in fair and life-like appearance, are very desirable as grave decorations. Baskets of flowers dried in this manner are very effective hanging in an arched doorway or window ; and nothing more beautiful can be designed for the dinner-table than an epergne tilled with an assortment of these flowers tastefully arranged ; while as wall- decorations, bouquets or wreaths composed of a handsome variety, well contrasted, gummed to card-board and then glazed and 100 THE CALIFORNIA HORTICtJLTURISl?. framed, lend a summer-like aspect to any apartment, and are a perpetual delight. Pr(^servcd fowers, properly speaking, are these dried flowers coated with wax, steaiine, or paraffine. They closely resemble wax- work, but are less expensive. Of course the talent that is required for success in making wax-flowers is not needed for this work; only a certain tact and skill, gained almost wholly by experience, in manipulating the flowers, and in using the coating material. "When flowers are to be preserved, they must first be dried in warm sand as directed above. Then melt white wax, stearine, or paraffine — paraffine is preferable — to a fluid state, in a clean bowl, which rests in boiling water. Keep the water hot over a spirit- lamp, gas jet, or the stove, and then the fluid will be in right condition. Have the flowers conveniently near, in a flat dish, on which they can lie while the calyx and under part of their corolla is coated ; apply the melted paraffine with a camel's-hair pencil, with light, careful touches and strokes. When these portions are nicely covered — just as little as possible of the coating must be used, yet all must be covered — take the flower by its stem in your left hand, and with the pen- cil drop the liquid paraffine in and about the various divisions, letting it flow as it will, but not enough to obliterate the finer parts ; and then with quick, gentle touches finish the re- mainder of the flower. Proceed in the same way with the buds and the leaves. When the color of the leaves is unsatisfactory, some persons color a little paraffine with Paris green, and coat them with that. There is danger of making the flowers and leaves too clumsy if the paraffine is not in a fluid state. Be sure to guard against this ; and take care not to dim or hide the colors by too liberal applications of the fluid ; there is less danger of this with the paraffine, than with wax, be- cause it is of a more transparent nature. Harps, crosses; wreaths or bouquets, com- posed of these preserved flowers, are very beautiful, but they need shielding or screen- ing from the dust as much as wax flowers do. It is best tt) enclose them within a frame with glass front. Even Avith blossoms eternalized in this way, lycopodium and moss must be used to fill vacancies between and among the flowers and buds. Although when nicely done, these jjmserred flowers are elegant, and can withstand the influence of moisture, drought, cold, and a good degree of heat, yet those who prefer Nature in her simplicity, will choose only the process of drying (the second method) for eternalizing their floral treasures; which, if not perpetuating their charms for a lifetime, as the last method does, yet renders them permanent for several years, and with careful shielding from changes of the atmosphere, by enclosure in an air-tight frame under glass, they may display their beauty for a still longer period; so that mother's bridal wreath may challenge comparison with Ma- ry's, and Tom's button-hole bouquet may be stolen from his grand-mother's May-day gar- land. .^ THE "MAJETIN," vs. APPLE BLIGHT. [Continued from page 70 of last number.] Having been frequently asked what kind of apple the Majetin itself is as regards its fruit, I append the following description, at the same time remarking, that it has this season (1871) been well fruited at Ballarat, also near Melbourne, and at South Brighton. Winter Majetin. — Fruit middle-sized, hav- ing five regularly-formed equi-distant ribs, which are acutely marked near the crown : eye small, rather deeply sunk ; stalk of the medium length, slender; skin dull green on the shaded side, slightly tinged with brown on that next the sun ; flesh resembling the Easter Pippin in texture and flavor. It is of Norfolk origin, and not sui-passed by any other in productiveness and hardiness, and it sets at defiance the Aplm kniicp'ra. — De- scribed in Hort. Trans., Vol. IV, page G8; Hort. Soc. Cat., No. 1170; Ency. of Gard., page 082 ; and George Lindley's Guide, No. 111. In England the fruit is in use from November until March, and in Victoria dur- ing the months of April, May, June, and July. THE CALIFORNIA HORTICULTURIST. 101 From the above it will be seen that this most valuable variety has other important recommendations besides its incalculable qualities as an Aphis lanigera resister ; it is, in fact, one of the most useful aj^iDles we possess. With regard to the propagation of the Ma- jetin as a stock in this colony, and relative to this imjDortant subject, many questions have been asked, and also various opinions given, so that I shall, as regards this, merely lay before my readers the various methods adopted by the experimentalists, and also the plan considered the best and most effec- tual, after careful consideration and prac- tical tiials, carried out with large numbers. The Majetin, like most of the free and vig- orous kinds of apples, will grow, and may be propagated from cuttings, but they do not strike freely under these circumstances ; and although every variety of apple may be gi'own from cuttings, still it is well known to cultivators that some root with greater facil- ity than others. For instance, all those of the Burknott and Codling tribes grow as well this way as by any other, and some growers allege that the trees so raised are not liable to canker {vide Hort. Trans., Volume I, page 120,) which is supposed to be owing to their putting out no taproot, but spreading their numerous fibers from the knot or burr horizontally. Even the Golden Pipi^in may be continued this way, and trees have re- mained many years in perfect health, when grafts, taken not only from the same tree but from the branch, part of which was divided into cuttings, cankered in two or three years. {Vide Hort. Trans., Vol. I, page 65.) The Majetin can also be propagated by grafting on pear stocks, and by grafting upon the thorn ; but from the fact of such stocks not being thoroughly lasting and en- durable, I cannot advise this mode. Also by grafting upon crab roots ; but from the great danger of the roots of the one being mis- taken for the roots of the other, or from the possibility of the Crab roots becoming the dominant roots, it is not by any means a de- sirable process, nor one to be recommended. The only really safe and reliable process is to graft Majetin wood on Majetin roots, and then work the stock high. This, together with the propagation by layers, and by stools, from which the suckers may be taken oft', and planted out for stocks to work upon, are the only facile methods recommended by the experimentalists, and finally adopted by them in propagating the Majetin in quantities for a stock. It is well known to most cultivators that the selection of proper stocks upon which to work the various frait trees, has for many years engrossed much attention. The late Professor Thouin observes, that the histo- rians and poets of antiquity have written, and the more modern have repeated on the faith of others, that every scion will take on any sort of stock, provided there be any resemblance in their barks. Thus Pliny, Varro, and others speak of apples and vines grafted on elms and poplars ; and Evelyn mentions that he saw a rose grafted on an orange tree in Holland. Such absurdities are even to this day believed in by some, although the ancients acknowledge that such grafts were but of short duration. "The result of numerous experiments," observes the professor, " proves that if any of these grafts seem at fii'st to succeed, they all per- ish more or less jDromj^tly." {Vide "Ency- clopaedia of Gardening, p. 650.) The effect produced upon the scion by the stock was noticed by Lord Bacon, and by most pomo- logical writers since his day. ' Miller says, decidedly, that the fruit is, to a certain ex- tent, influenced by the natui'e of the stock ; and Mr. George Liudley, in reference to the increased fertility that may arise from the use of certain stocks, observes : "In propor- tion as the scion and the stock approach each other closely in constitution, the less effect is produced by the latter ; and, on the contrary, in proportion to the constitutional difference between the stock and the scion is the effect of the former important. Thus, where pears are worked on the wild species', apples upon crabs, pliuus upon plums, etc., 102 THE CALITORNIA HORTICULTURIST. the scion is, in regard to fertility, exactly m the same state as if it had not been gi'afted at all ; Avhile, on the other hand, a great increase of fertility is the result of grafting pears upon quinces, peaches upon plums, apples upon whitethorn, and the like. In these latter cases, the food absorbed from the earth by the root of the stock is commu- nicated slowly and unwillingly to the scion : under no circumstances is the communica- tion between the one and the other as free and perfect as if their natures had been nearly the same ; the sap is impeded in its ascent, and the proper juices are impeded in their descent, whence arises that accumula- tion of secretion which is sure to be attended by increased fertility. No other influence than this can be exercised by the scion upon the stock. Those who fancy that the con- trary takes place, that the quince, for in- stance, communicates some portion of its austerity to the pear, can scarcely have con- sidered the question physiologically, or they would have seen that the whole of the food communicated from the alburnum of the quince to that of the pear is in nearly the same state as when it entered the roots of the former. Whatever elaboration it un- dergoes must necessarily take place m the foliage of the pear; where, far from the influence of the quince, secretions natural to the variety go on with no more interruption than if the quince formed no part of the system of the individual." It is a well un- derstood fact that some varieties of the same kind of fruit trees will take more readily, and be of longer duration, when wrought upon some kinds of stocks than on others. The whole of many kinds of apples already worked upon the Majetin appear in every way vigorous, strong, and evidently well at home. . ♦ TENDER VINES. Although many vines which florists of the East and Europe cultivate under glass, with us are perfectly hardy, and develope to per- fection in the open air on this cqast; yet there are very many which live and grow here in this exposure, but will not produce flowers under this treatment, and even if they do, they are certainly but poor specunens. All such vines we call '' Tender" here, and their proper place is in the greenhouse or con- servatory. In our list of Hardy Vines, we mentioned a few varieties which do well in the open air, yet give more satisfaction if grown under glass; such for instance, as the Spanish Jas- mine, which we will also include in the list of Tender Vines. One of the veiy best of Tender Vines is the Stephanotis Floribunda (Ceropegia Steph- anotis) a native of Madagascar. The stem of the Stephanotis is twining, the leaves are thick, leather-like and smooth. The flowers are of a pure waxy white, and very fragrant; they are used for fine bouquets, and florists find ready sale for them at a good price. The Stephanotis flowers with us during the Sum- mer months, when choice flowers for fine bouquets are rather scarce. The ftnest blos- soms we have seen were produced by plants confined to a close atmosphere, and partially shaded. The best soil seems to be a coarse peat, and where this cannot be obtained, a gravelly soil will do well. The propagation of the Stephanotis seems to be attended with some little difficulties here; cuttings remaining in the propagating soil for months without forming roots. This difficulty, may however, be overcome by giv- ing bottom heat, and by making the cut- tings a month or two before the flowering season commences. As soon as the growing plants have fairly established themselves, they will make a rapid growth, and some- times produce flowers in the third year. The Stephanotis is an excellent \'ine to cultivate in the parior window, provided that gas can be excluded. If cultivated in greenhouses or conservatories, they will do much better if planted in the ground. We shall next call attention to another most valuable vine for the florists, called Hoya (Waxplant), and which is with us strictly a greenhouse plant. The flowers of THE CALIFOENIA HORTICULTUEIST. 103 the "Wax plant are very delicate and wax-like in appearance, and of a flesh, pui-ple or white color, growing in bunches from the different joints of the stem. The Hoy as are natives of the East Indies, where they grow upon the trunks of trees in moist forests. Their treatment is not cori'ectly understood where the plants are kejot in a constantly growing condition; Hoyas require rest and should be very sj^aringly watered after the flowering season, while a great deal of water may be given during the time of flowering. Our sandy soil is not well adapted for the Wax plant; the best soil is a coarse peat mixed with leafmould. The propagation of the Hoyas requii-es little care. The branches will form roots readily and at almost any time. They may also be propagated by planting the leaves, but we find this method requires too much time for the fonnation of plants. The most i:)opular variety is the Hoya Car- nosa (Asclepias Carnosa), which has been un- der cultivation for about 75 years. The flowers are flesh colored and fragrant. Hoya Bella is also much admired for its delicate white flowers; this, however, is not a vine, but sends out branches like a shrub. Hoya imperially is veiy little known, although its purplish flowers are a most beautiful orna- ment in a floral jDoint of view. 2Iaurandia is another veiy pretty vine, ex- ceedingly graceful and ornamental, and flowers almost all the year round. The Maurandias a.re natives of Mexico, and are well adapted to oui' climate, yet they must be protected from the wiad and from the least frost, and must therefore be exclu- sively treated as greenhouse plants. They are raised from seed or from cuttings, which grow readily. It is better to raise young plants every year, which flower finer and are much more vigorous than old plants. Care should be taken not to water the foliage too profusely, as that, together with the stems, will rot very easily. We cultivate on this coast exclusively the llaurandia Barclayana of which three varieties are known, namely: the blue, the pink and the white. This vine should be cultivated much more extensively, as there are very few vines in- deed, which give more general satisfaction. They are also exceedingly well adapted for hanging-baskets, rustic stands, etc. Allamanda is a vine which is at present rarely cultivated; in fact we do not just now know of any specimens. Mr. Walker some years since attempted to grow them, and why they have been neglected is a mystery to us. The AUamandas are natives of Brazil and require a warm temperature; however, not more so than many greenhouse plants which thrive well with us under ordinary treatment. They have always been considered most de- sirable acquisitions. The flowers are mostly yellow, but strikingly beautiful. Cissus discolor (Cissus marmorea) is a most beautifully colored decorative vine now ex- tensively introduced into our more prominent establishments. It was brought from Java in 1851, and created quite a sensation. Sev- eral fine specimens were exhibited at oui* late horticultural exhibition. Although a tropical l^lant, it seems to do well under ordinary treatment; all the protection it seems to re- quii-e is a glass cover. Cuttings strike root readily, and for proper soil we would recom- mend a light loam mixed with well decom- posed leafmould. To be continued. LILY OF THE VALLEY. It is only of late years that our florists have attempted to force hardy plants into bloom during winter. There are, however, many species, that produce flowers very abundantly when thus treated, and we do not know any more beautiful plant than the common Lily of the Valley, ( Gonvallaria majalis). The flowers are of the purest white, and their del- icate fi-agrance and form always command admiration and a good price, especially dur- ing the holidays. — ^A few days since, while passing up Broadway, we saw a small bunch of these flowers in the window of a well known dealer in flowers and the price marked on them, only $10.00, was, as near as we 104 THE CALIFOBNIA HOBTICrLTURIST. could judge, a little more than their weight in gold. Hoic to force the Lihj of the Valley: "In Au- tumn take up the desired number of good strong roots, such as have plump buds or crowns, pack them closely together, either in pots or in broad shallow boxes, covering the crown about an inch deep with fine rich soil. Give sufficient water to settle the earth firmly about the roots, then place them in a position to grow and bloom. If wanted for the holidays, they should be kept in a warm situation about the 1st of November. If it is not desirable to have them all bloom at one time, a portion can be kept in a cellar and brought out as required. If one has no conservatory in which to force them, they can be placed near a stove, or in any warm position until the leaves appear, then set in a window, where they will receive the light. It is not necessary, however, that they shall receive the direct rays of the sun the entire day, as a partial shade seems to suit them best." — Bural New Yorker. WINE MAKING IN CALIFOENIA. Processes and Varieties. Wine making in California is becoming a subject of so much importance to the commu- nity, that we cannot well give too much atten- tion to it : there are so ftiany questions to discuss, so many conflicting theories connected with the manufacture, that all our watchful- ness is needed to steer clear of costly error, and avail ovirselves of the experience of oth- ers : — believing the following article calcula- ted to throw some useful light on the subject, we extract it from the Ocerland Monthhj. — "That the making of wine may be done in a proper, as well as profitable manner, every available portion of the grape should be made use of. All the juice that can be easily pres- sed out should be made into wine, and the remnants of the grapes after the pressing should be used to produce brandy. Unfortu- nately for the wine-makei'H of the State, the laws and regulations made by Congress for governing distillers generally, are entirely impracticable as applied to the distillation of the product of grapes. These regulations have proved in practice to be so onerous and burdensome to this class of distillers, that not one-quarter of the brandy is manufactur- ed even from the refuse of the press that should be made. Wastefulness is never con- sidered profitable, but if these Federal regu- lations are carried out (as they are), it is al- most an advantage to the wine-maker to tlirow away the leadings of the press. And this is just what has been done ever since the unwise legislation of Congress has been enforced. The wine-makers everywhere, with hardly any exceptions, simply press out the juice as much as is practicable, and then throw away the balance, thereby losing, for themselves and the community, the value of ten proof gallons of brandy to eveiy original ton of grapes. Instead of there being, as there should be, a small still attached to every vineyard, no mat- ter what its size, there can hardly be found one to every himdred vineyards, under the present regulations. This is all wrong; and a strenuous, as well as united effort, should be made to bring Congress to a just understand- ing of the damage that its inapplicable rules are causing. As a single illustration of the absurdity of the law, we will mention the ca- pacity regulation. This consists in making a survey of the still, and fixing thereby its capacity for distilling per diem. Now, some of our wines will yield sixteen per cent, abso- lute alcohol, while the remnants from the pressings, in many instances, do not yield five per cent. The difference is eleven per cent, when half and half are distilled, and much greater when more of the weaker wine is distilled ; in fact, it is impossible to reach the Government survey without anything but a right strong wine, and hence but little other is distilled with profit. There is another part of these regulations, which is a very hea\7 burden to wine-makers; it is that which com- pels them to pay the Internal Revenue tax upon their brandy so soon after distillation. This tax amounts to two-fifths of the salable value of the brandy, and its tendency is to make the producer dispose of it at the earli- THE CALIFORNIA HORTICULTURIST. 105 est possible opportunity. He can not keep it to acquii-e the proper quality by age, when, besides its original cost to him, he has to add one hundi-ed per cent, more in the shape of a cash outlay; so, instead, it is humed upon the market long before it has attained any of the necessary qualities. The Government should build, or cause to be built, bonded warehouses, at convenient distances in the wine districts, where these brandies might be bonded and be left to attain age, and only exact the taxes thereon when removed, or af- ter a reasonable number of years, say from two to four. The distillers of grapes through- out the State would immediately avail them- selves of this privilege, and in a few years we would seldom meet any raw California bran- dy. It is even more important that brandy should have age than wine, for when new it is uninviting, and even unpalatable. There is still one thing more which should be allow- ed to grape distillers : that of exemption of taxes upon all brandies exported without the limits of the United States. If this were done, there would hardly be a limit to the trade that would be carried on when the bus- iness of exportation had once proj^erly begun. Our brandies would then be within the reach of the whole world — France not excepted. Pure and entire grape brandy could be sold, if exempt from taxation, at eighty cents per gallon— less, even, than it is sold for in France. It would, from its veiy cheapness, immediately become an article of export to all the countries bordering upon the Pacific Ocean. All our poor wines and grapes wovdd be distilled into brandy; the refuse would no longer be thrown away; hundreds of thous- ands of dollars would be saved to the com- munity, and as many more returned as a re- sult of our export. Wines themselves would bring fairer prices, not being in competion with those only fit for the still, and a new era of prosperity would begin. It is to be hoped that proper representations will be made to Congress with regard to this great interest of our State. As to the progress we have made in the improvement of the qualities of our brandies, 2 it has been equal to that made in our wines. We have no brandies of any considerable age; but still, limited quantities are procurable which are from three to four years old, and which, though not presenting the exact taste of any particular brand of Cognac, neverthe- less are just as pleasant and drinkable as most of them of the same age, and of less than one-quarter the price. It is not essential that our brandies resemble exactly any one kind of French Cognac, for no two brands from France are* counterparts. Each house dealing in Cognac has adopted a certain fla- voiing, and they all differ. Our distillers have not got so far yet as to make a general use of flavoring in their brandies; and we must say, that when these are properly distil- led and refined, aided by reasonable age, they require no artificial flavoring, and be- come rich, mellow and invitinsf. There have been various methods and pro- cesses suggested and tried, to give the quali- ties of age to brandies and wines. One pro- cess consists of heating the wines or brandies; and another of freezing them. One consists of pumping air into the wine; while another pumps it out. Each and all claim perfection for their processes; but those who have tried them thoroughly have condemned all these ' expedients, as entirely inefficient in produc- ing the benefits promised. The only change effected was a vapid softness, that in no man- .' ner resembled the qualities acquired by age. Age developes the flavor, through a long, slow and gradual change of the natural ingredients of the wine; and when this flavor has become fully and agreeably developed, is is called bouquet. There is no artificial process yet invented which can j^roduce this restdt. It is much to be regretted that many of our wine-makers are so enterprising, because they . have been, and still will be, victimized by ev- ery sanguine process-inventor who comes along. Thousands of gallons of good wine have thus been spoiled annually, by people who -svish their wines to acquire all the quali- ties that age alone can communicate. But we learn as we grow older; and the good days of these would-be inventors have passed. 106 THE CALIFOENIA HOKTICULTURIST. We are fast coming to the conclusion, that Nature's laboratory, managedby Time, is the most perfect of all; and man can follow close- ly, but not excel, nor even equal Nature's si- lent -work. ^ GRAPES, WINES AND RAISINS. Mr. Lockwood of Napa, reviews the pro- ceedings of the grape-grower's association, which held its meeting in Sacramento a short time since, in the following letter to the Ru- ral Press: REGABCraa VARIETIES. It was conceded on all sides, that in the present state of viniculture in California, that the variety must be one of heavy product. If too heavy bearing qualities, we can find a grape whose fermented juice has aroma and bouquet; such a grape is best fitted for vine- yards with soil and condition suitable for its cultivation. Of the light colored grapes, the Rieslings have a preference for flavor, and would be recommended for the first place in selecting cuttings for planting, but for the want of evidence as to their productiveness. It was not denied that if trained and pruned as we train and prune the Mission grape, the yield is not satisfactory. Dr. Crane's experi- ence has convinced him that trained high the Riesling is a good bearer. Others hold the same opinion, but there is still wanting the test on a sufficiently large scale, to answer the full purpose of exactness. BEABINQ QUALITIES. There are two kinds of white grapes that have of late increased much in favor, and merit attention for their good bearing quali- ties, viz. : the Golden Chasselas and Berger. The Chasselas variety, are as a nile, good bearers, but the Golden Chasselas, so called, is the largest and has the advantage of pos- sessing a vigorous stock. The Berger is still more productive. There is much tartness in its juice, while the Golden Chasselas abounds in sugar; thus furnishing different requisites in making wine. HIGH FLAVOR. When musk grapes are wanted for their peculiar flavor, preference was given to the Muscatel, otherwise called Rhenish Muscat and Frontignan. Its yield is not so large as some other Musk grapes, (as the Muscat of Alexandria on rich soils) but its flavor is su- perior. QUALITY AND QUANTITY. Of black grapes experience enough has been gathered to justify the selection of two kinds to satisfy the demand of quality and quantity, viz: the Black Malvoisie and Zmfin- del The first named is a larger bearer than the Mission, and is believed to be more cer- tain. It makes a good white wine when rap- idly pressed, and as a red wine, one of better color and better taste than the Mission. The Zinfindel is entitled to all these encomiums, and much more, for it is a still larger bearer than the Black Malvoisie and communicates to its vinous product, a peculiar raspberry flavor and an agreeable tartness. VARIETIES FOR WINES. This gives us two white and two dark grapes for ordinary white and red wine— one grape for musk wine or to mix with others to communicate flavor. For this end, the Ca- tawba some would be disposed to add. Many excellent varieties are excluded by their ob- jection of being shy bearers, but in plantmg a vineyard for wine, it is safer to confine the selection to a limited number, trusting to the plan of grafting to make changes, if by expe- rience it is found that others would prove more profitable or better suited to any partic- ular soil. TABLE GRAPES In regard to market grapes, it is manifest that no grape can permanently command the highest price, and hence it is not safe to select for the purpose of selling for table use, that gi-ape which for the time is quoted high- est. It happens, however, that in most in- stances, our best market grapes are valuable for other uses. The Malvoisie, Chasselasand Hamburg, are all good bearers, and well suit- ed for wine, The Muscat of Alexandria, m many soils very prolific, is good, but not per- haps the best for a musk wine, and is likely to be largely used for raisins. THE CALIFORNIA HORTICULTURIST. 107 BAISIN GRAPES. As regards raisin grapes, attention is chief- ly directed to three varieties: Muscat of Alex- andria, Fahir Zagos, and white Malaga, or as sometimes named in California, White To- kay. Among these the Fahir Zagos possess- es the recommendation of being most easily dried, of hexing a thin, delicate skin, and but few seeds. Both the Muscat and Malaga are larger, and would be prefered where size is desired. The Fahir Zagos raisin is better adapted to culinary purposes, the other for table display. ^ . BRANDY FROM MANZANITA BERRIES. The experiments recently made by Messrs. Rolfe & Rogers, of Nevada City, in the man- ufacture of Brandy from Manzanita berries, seems to attract some attention, and certain of our leading newspapers anticipate a new industry arising from this new method of producing Brandy. We do not question the statements made by the above gentlemen, that Manzanita berries will produce a supe- rior article of Brandy, but we doubt very much that the thing is practicable. From what we have seen of Nevada County, we do not believe that fifteen hundred pounds of Manzanita berries can be easily gathered during the season, and if it can be done, the expense of gathering will far exceed the value of the obtained spirit. It certainly will not pay to make Brandy from Manzanita berries. However, we shall not be surprised to see the experiments of the above named gentlemen resulting in the fact, that an ex- tract is made out of Manzanita berries for flavoring liquors, or that it is discovered to be possessed of some medicinal virtues. The leaves of the Manzanita are known to con- tain estimable qualities, which, however, are not as yet clearly defined ; undoubtedly the berries will be of some service, whenever the science of chemistry shall have demonstrated their peculiar qualities. Guarana, the seed of a Brazilian fniit, is a new rival to coffee. TROUT FISHING. THE MOBE PEACTICAIi POKTION OF THE StTBJECT. In continuation of what was more gener- ally advanced in the last number of the Horticulturist, on the healthful exercise, and superiority of recreation in the artistic cap- ture of the Salmo genus; it may be further added that the trout has been justly styled the " Monarch of the Brook," as the salmon has been termed the ' ' Emperor of the River," not only for the pre-eminence of their meat over that of other fish, but for the greater diversion in fishing for them, and the super- ior skill necessary for their capture. But now to the more practical portion of this matter; we will address ourselves par- ticularly to those who, with a view to their health or amusement, or as a relaxation from close business pursuits, or for all these com- bined, may choose to indulge in this fascin- ating pastime. And first*to tyros who may be desirous of some information as to the modus operandi in this sport, and to the habits of the fish of which they are in search. The trout mostly delight in sharp shallow streams; at times in the small eddies caused by rocks, stumps, or banks of sand or gravel, under over-hanging banks or rocks, or among the tangled roots of sheltering trees where the water is also deeper, and where the cur- rent passes; they are closely watching their prey which they seize as it is swept past them; at other times swimming and seemingly striving against the stream: they are also found plentifully in streams, the water of which is so cold that other species of fish cannot live in it; they are likewise found in clear, sandy or gravelly bottomed springy ponds, which have a stream passing through or from them, but they neither breed nor thrive so well in them as in rivers and brooks. When spawning, they seek the head waters to deposite their spawn in the shallows, in sand or gravelly banks, after which, they re- tire during our cooler season to the deep still holes and uoder the^shelving banks to recu- 108 THE CALIFORNIA HORTICITLTURIST. perate, having lost to a considerable degree the brilliancy of their coloring and some flesh; but when the days lengthen, and the sun attains suflicient power to make his in- fluence felt in their retreats, they seem to take a new lease of life, and leaving their hiding places return to their old feeding grounds, where among the sand and gravel of the sharp runs, they speedily rub ofl: sun- dry pedicular attaches acquired in their hours of indolence, and at the same time divesting themselves of their old and worn out coats of mail, appear in an enlarged edi- tion of their former proportions and colors. The trout are rapid and sharp feeders, they are not very particular as to the mater- ial; being omnivorous, and being also very voracious, the majority of those taken gen- erally fall victims to those who are usually styled bottom-fishers. Earth-worms, grass- hoppers, various kinds of grubs and maggots are the usual baits, some anglers also recom- mend hog's liver. • The bottofla fisher usually partaking of some of the attributes of the trout, being like- wise omnivorous and generally not over particular, has these advantages over the fly- fisher, that as there are many other varieties of fish in our streams, who although they will not rise to the fly, will greedily take a bottom bait; he has the chance of sport when the trout will not feed, and both in fresh and salt water has many more days, and even months in the year in California, when he can take his prey; when the fly-fisher must lay his rod aside during rainy, cold and wintry weather, there being also restrict- ive laws which forbid his amusement during the spawning season. To be successful in fishing for trout, the sportsman should be as wary as a cat in pur- suit of a mouse, for the fish are shy and suspicious of anything unusual in the water or on the banks, and in accordance with the laws of refraction, can see the angler before they are seen themselves, and if they do not immediately make themselves scarce, remain on the watch and will not feed. The water should always be approached cautiously, as even when the fish cannot see the fisherman, a heavy footstep or incautious movement will make them aware of his presence; we will not pretend to say whether they can hear or not, (they possess the organs,) but quietness costs nothing; and we generally find that noisy people are also usually clumsy. And now for a few simple directions for their capture. It will suffice for the bait- fisher to supply himself with a short rod or pole, and a line without any reel; this will be sufficient for the narrow streams, and will be more manageable among the trees and thick bushes which usually encumber th& banks; his hook should be of moderate size monnted on silk-worm gut; it is also advis- able to affix a medium sized split shot about a foot above the hook to keep the bait well under the surface; a few spare hooks are advisable in case of accidents; it is better also to be provided with a basket or creel, as it is called, slung over the shoulder by a strap to put the fish into as they are caught, interposing a spray or two of fern, or a little grass to prevent their bruising; they will thus retain much of their handsome appear- ance; while carrying them in a bag subjects them to too much friction, and they become very unsightly, especially in warm weather. A well filled bait bag or box is also necessarj^ this should always be provided before start- ing; to trust to finding bait on the fishing ground is absui'd and almost certain to result in loss of time and disappointment. The best season of the year for taking trout is about the middle of April, they are then in the best condition; and the best time of the day is early morning or late in the evening; the best condition of weather is with a light westerly wind and an overcast sky, bright sunshine is not desirable as it enervates both fish and fisherman, and ex- poses the tackle; it is advisable in almost all cases to fish down stream, especially in rapid waters, there is less noise and disturb- ance, less chance of being seen, the line is kept taut, and what is also very essential, the bait is kept in motion, and looks more natural. THE CALIFOENIA HORTICULTUEIST. 109 The bait which should be of medium size, should be placed neatly on the hook, and be very lightly handled so as not to bruise it, and if ends are left hanging, they should be very short. Thus equipped, the fishennan should start in from as far up stream as convenient, and work downwards, noting what we have pre- viously observed about displaying himself, or causing any unnecessary disturbance; he shoidd not go and look first to see if there are any fish there, but attend to what we have said of their haunts; never allowing any slack line, it will sell him, as if the fish feels the point of the hook or the line, or is at all suspicious, he will eject the bait instantly. It is not necessaiy to fish long in any one place; if the trout has not been alarmed and the bait is decent, and 'he feels inclined to feed he will take it immediately with a snap as quick as lightning, tiuming down stream in the action, and a turn of the wrist will secure him; there is no necessity to sling him over your head into the bushes, it is gener- ally sufficient to lift him out. Fly-fishing is far superior to bottom-fishing in many points; it is less toilsome, as from the mode of operation it is necessary to select that portion of the stream which passes through the more open country', the valleys and plains, where the fisherman will not be incommoded by overhanging trees and bushes; where the stream is broader and more easily approachable, and consequently the travel- ing pleasanter, and where from these circum- stances combined, if he has any taste that way, (which is almost invariably the case) he can luxuriate in the delights which magnifi- cent landscape affords, combined with opjDor- tunities for botanical and entomological research; it is, in fact, a more refined and gentlemanly pleasure ; it requires, however, considerably more skill, and far more caution is necessary than in bait-fishing, as he has less to screen him from the ever watchful fish ; his prey averages larger and is more ex- perienced, and it is no easy feat to cast a fly in a scientific style and sometimes against the wind, beneath an over-hanging bush or bank, or into any little eddy below rocks or stumps where his well practiced-eye induces him to suspect a trout; there is a great deal of knowl- edge and apiDreciation of the sun-oundings necessary to select the spot for a cast, and a large amouut of self-gratulation when the fly hghtly, and tmly curving to the spot, the sudden break in the water, and the smart pluck indicate that a fish is hooked. The fly-fisherman has but little to carry with him; the nature of his sport will not allow him to remain idly in one place, but as he roves along the banks of a stream, with a light rod in hand, his creel at his side, and fly-book in his pocket, he may travel for miles without soiling his fingers, save to dis- engage a fish from his hook. The really scientific fisheiToan veiy rarely uses any but the artificial fly; he may occasionally tiy the spinning tackle where he suspects a fish of superior dimensions, who however, declines the fly; but the natural insect more properly belongs to a hybrid between the bait and the fly -fisher. The requisites for fly-fishing are a light pliant rod, a long fine line of plaited silk and hair, wound upon a reel which is attached to the butt of the rod, a book to contain artifi- cial flies of which it is well to have a selection, and a creel or basket to contain the fish, all these are obtainable for a small outlay at the tackle stores. ^ — The rod when put together should have all the small rings on it in line, the line should be passed through them and a trace, leader, or gut length of about three yards, shotdd be looped to it, to the end of this the stretcher, or end fly, (which should be the smallest) should be attached; a larger fly, which when thus used is called a di-opi^er, may be attached to the line about three feet from the stretcher; when thus prepared the fisherman may approach the water cautiously but remain at some distance from it, to avoid being seen, heard or felt, remembering that even his shadow or that of his rod is suffi- cient to alarm the fish, it is not well there- fore to fish with the back to the sun if it is a clear day, it should be remembered that a frightened trout will not rise to the fly; how- 110 THE CALirOENIA HORTICULTURIST. ever wlieu not alarmed he is a rapid and sharp biter and not in general very particu- lar as to the kind of fly. Small flies are best and the color should be suited to the condi- tion of the water and weather, in clear water use a fly with clear wings, in muddy water the fly may be larger, a few properly selected will be suflficient, (possibly we are more fas- tidious than the fish, but we pride ourselves on the variety in selection which onr fly-book affords, — En.) as we have saidvi'ith regard to bait fishing, fish down stream, always select- ing the spot to which you desire to throw, either because jou believe from ai:»pearances that it shelters a trout, or because one has just risen below it, keep your line taut, and with a series of short, interrupted and curved motions draw your flies to you across the stream and repeat your cast, — but very rarely to the same place. — A proficient in the art will cast a fly so lightly that the line will frequently not touch the water until a fish has taken the bait. "When you have a rise strike instantly, or the fish will rejectthe hook. If you have a light wind to your back it will materially assist in the casting (but if the wind is strong it is better to remain near some sheltered and deep place), continue walking down stream and keep your flies in continual motion; early morning and evening- are the best parts of the day. Successful results in fly-fishing do not de- pend so much on the kind of flies used, as on the skill in casting, and a poor fly lightly cast into the right spot will do more execu- tion than the best fly clumsily cast into an ill selected place. Although the trout in California is not as beautiful as his cousin in the East or in Eu- rope, yet he is one of the handsomest of all our fishes; although not as large nor so pow- erful as the Salmon, and very prolific, abounding in all our brooks and rivulets, and indeed li\dng at our veiy doors; he is as lovely as a sunset and as brave as bravery itself — to use the words of a friend of ours " How he flashes upon the sight as he grasps the spurious insect, and turns down with a quick little slap of the tail! How he darts and rushes hither and thither when he finds he is hooked ! How persistently he struggles and fights till landed, or enveloyed in the landing net! and then with what piteous gasps and quiveis he breathes away his fast ebbing life ! Who does not admire the love- ly trout? with what a feeling of sadness we look upon a beautiful fish as he lies upon the mossy bank, the sunlight sparkling from his colors fading in death ! with how deep regret we see his strength fainting away, his breath growing shorter, his struggles feebler, and when he has grown stiff" in death, how proud- ly sad we feel over our triumph. (We gen- erally tap him smartly on the occiput to al- lay his nervous irritability , and to preserve the flavor; and with a passing and self-gratu- latory estimate of his weight and proportions, consign him to our creel, and go on fish- ing— Ed.) Perhaps this is going a little too far and savoring rather of hypocrisy, seeing that the captor afterwards gladly claps his victim into his basket, and exultantly carries him home to be complacently devoured by himself and family — but at any rate the man who kills merely for the sake of killing, who is not sat- isfied with reasonable sport, who slays unfair- ly and out of season, who wantonly adds one unnecessary pang, that man deserves the contempt of all good sportsmen, (and the punishment assigned by Byron — '* A hook in his gullet, and a little trout to pull it." — Ed.) Of such, I trvist there are but few. E. J. H. San Francisco, Feb. 28, 1872. FOBEST-TREE CULTURE. We have ascertained that certain parties are urging upon members of the Legislature the passage of a bill, which proposes to en- courage forest-tree culture by awarding cer- tain premiums for each tree kept alive for four, five or six years; but why this bill is not submitted to public criticism, we cannot understand, and we infer that these said parties are aware that the bill in question will not bear discussion, which is our own opinion from what we have heard of it. THE CALIFORNIA HOETICULTURIST. 111 If forest-tree culture is earned on witli any degree of success, a law w-hich provides the payment of a certain sum of money out of the State Treasury for eveiy tree which is kept in growing condition for a certain number of years, would become a most for- midable burden to the State, and would doubtless amount to millions of dollars; on the other hand, if forest-tree culture is im- practicable in California, then we had better at once' cease to advocate the undei'taking. We have had a fair example of the working of such a law in the act passed a few years since for the encouragement of mulberry tree planting, and which was much abused, and had not the desii-ed effect. A few large land owners and rich people coidd, and probably would avail themselves of the benefits of the proposed law, would draw large sums of money from the State; while the small farm- er and poorer land-owner could not afford to purchase the seeds or young trees and culti- vate them for a number of years, ere they could realize first cost; and even if they did make the necessary purchases, they would still be without the requisite knowledge for cultivating them. Our opinion is, that if an}i;hing is to be done by the State for forest-culture, the seeds and plants should be given away, accom- panied by jDroper instructions how to culti- vate. Fanners should be informed which trees may do well in their respective localities, and after a forest commission has been in active operation a short time, if composed of intelligent and observant men, they will be able to f oi-m some tolerably accm-ate idea as to the best and most useful varieties of trees for forest culture in the various localities of the State. The Bill now proposed by Senator Betge has been before the public for some time, and its merits are fully understood. The outlay for which the bill provides, has been reduced to a mere bagatelle compared with the importance of the undertaking. The only argument against the passage of such a bill has been, that it would give to some one an opportunity of swindling the State out of so much money; but we main- tain that the same objection might be raised as justly against every bill and eveiy public officer^that evil is radical and underlies our whole executive system, and is mainly attri- butable to the low moral status of our j^ro- fessional politicians — it is x>nlj fair to give our arboricultui-ists a show, they are at least as honest as other oflfice seekers. In this case a swindling scheme covdd not be earned on very extensively, as the provisions of the bill are veiy explicit, and the veiy limited funds placed at the disposal of the forest commissioners, could not jDossibly offer any temj)tation to con-uption, even were the com- missioners so disposed; and further, the com- missioners at present named in connection with this forest culture, possess the con- fidence of the people to such an eminent degi-ee, that a doubt about their integi-ity cannot be entertained by any reasonable man. We have heard it asserted by two or three persons that forest cultui'e is impracticable in California, and that trees will not grow without iii'igation. We do not think it necessary to enter into any argument with these individuals, as we can bring positive proof that thousands of trees one and two years of age have been taken from the nurseries, planted out on diy land, (which however was ploughed deeply) and have made a fine growth without a drop of water during the past two summers, which eveiyone knows were of unusual diyuess. DeepiDlough- ing, early planting and good mulching are sufficient to insure the gTowth of many var- ieties of most desirable timber trees. We admit that every tree will not gi'ow in the different localities, and it would be one of the most important functions of the forest commission, as proposed in Betge's bill, to ascertain and codify a set of instructions on this subject. The State can well afford to expend a few thousand dollars for this ex- pex-iment, which, we are confident will accomplish much good and attain the desired result, if the right men can be induced to take action in the matter. 112 THE CALIFORNIA HORTICULTUEIST. CULTURE OF FOEEST TEEES. The bill before our Legislfitiire to promote Forest Tree Culture by Senator Betge, is one of very great importance to otrr State, and sliould not be passed upon in a himy, nor until the Bill shall have been well dis- cussed both in the Senate, where it origin- ated, and in the Assembly. The promotion of Forest Tree growth is particularly important to our State on ac- count of its liability to long dry seasons, and as we increase our forest trees and all tree growth, we increase the moisture of the sea- sons, and to a certain extent, the healthful- ness of our climate, It is of the most vital moment for the suc- cess of such an enterprise that the provisions of such a bill, as the one now named, should have wise and Hberal appropriations, in or- der to make it a success, and then it should only be committed into the hands of men who have no selfish or private ends to attain, but whose sole aim should indeed be to bene- fit and beautify the State. We notice the remarks and suggestions made by several jomnals, but we must say that we are totally opposed to any system of Premiums for such an enterprise; it would result as did the bounty on Mulberry trees, and Silk, and Silk Worms, the Law about which was but recently repealed. It was a scheme of a few to grab all, while the truly industrious received nothing. Some of the remarks made, relative to this bill by parties, would induce the belief that they had some special interest in the matter. Should a bill of this kind pass and of a liberal character, and without the temptation of the premium, but left to a Committee three in number, men who are above any per- sonal motive, great good could be done our State, but otherwise, it were better not done at all. We are not behind the scenes, there- fore know not how the work jn-oceeds. We would indeed be glad to see a good bill pass, and if such mfen as John Bidwell, of Chico, Gov. Stanford, and Prof. Bolander were the Commissioners, then our State would see a work of .this kind go on and ])XOB^ev.— California Farmer. FOEESTS AND EAIN. Docs the Destruction of Trees Diminisli the Eainfall? We extract the following paragraphs from the letter of " W." to the 3Iornv)ig Calloi 3d of Febi-uary ult. , as relating to the important subject of Forest Tree Culture : " Boussingault, in his 'Rural Economy,' gives as his opinion, ' that the felling of forests over a large extent of country has always the effect of lessening the mean an- nual rainfall. ' Baron Humboldt stated, in his 'Asiatic Travels, 'that 'in crossing the steppe of Bar- aba, on his way from Tobolsk to Baroul, he perceived everywhere that the drying up of waters increases rapidly under the influence of the cultivation of the soil. ' The same experienced traveller, in his description of Lake Yalentia, in the Valley d'Aragua, in Venezuela, a sheet of water on the high table lands, and without any outlet, ascribed the diminution of the waters to 'the extensive clearings which had been effected in the course of half a century in the Arragua Valley,' and concludes by stating that 'men in all climates seem to be bringing upon fu- ture generations two calamities at once — a want of fuel and a scarcity of water.' Early travelers on the Colorado Desert, in this State, will remember the cluster of about thirty palm trees at the so-called Palm Springs, on the west side of the canon, be- tween Vallecitos Springs and Carissa Creek, and about twelve miles south of the former. These palms were planted by the padres of the old San Diego Mission. From the tra- ditions of the old Mission, we learn that the padres found a small flow of water at in-eg- idar intervals at this particular place in the desert. They planted palms there for the same reasons which induce the Arabs to plant date palms at the springs in their THE CALIFORNIA HORTICULTURIST. 113 deserts, viz: shade and water. From the circumstances of the case, the conclusion is a fair one, that these Vallecitos Canon palms were propagated from the dried dates of the - Mediterranean, shipped among the supplies to the Mission. These palms increased the supply of water from the springs, and made it perpetual. The same vandal gold-hunt- ing element that used the well-buckets and curbs on the Colorado Desert for fuel, cut down these few palm trees, and the spring shortly after disappeared. What renders this vandalism without excuse, is the fact, that the palm trees were unfit for fuel. A similar phenomenon is recorded by M. Desbassyns de Richmond as having occun-ed in the island of Ascension. Upon planting the trees anew, however, the spring in a few years reappeared. No doubt our paliji springs would reappear if we replanted the palms ; and we respectfully submit these facts to the attention of the proper Legis- lative Committee, suggesting that a few hundred dollars be appropriated for this purpose. Forests retard evaporation ; agriculture increases it. Forests hold back the water that has fallen, and thereby diminish the chances of floods. Every leaf, every stick, and the beds of moss and mould are minia- ture reservoirs." CALIFORNIA ACADEMY OF NATUEAL SCIENCES. A PLEA FOR OUK FOREST TREES. Dr. Stout presented to the Library two works in German, by Dr. Robert Von Schlag- inweit, a Oerman savan, both on California, being an embodiment for German readers of the author's obsei-vations in California. They are entitled : The Land and People of Califor- nia, and The Railroads of North America. Dr. Stout said that the author laid great stress on the comparison of the flora of the mountains of California with the flora of the mountains of Asia. One point that was particularly worthy of attention at this time was that the author deprecates the wholesale destiniction of the magnificent forest trees of the moun- tains of California, which is going on by fire and otherwise. Dr. Stout thought the trees ought to be taken under the protection of the State laws, and he was glad to be able to state that a bill was already before the Leg- islature to create a State Forester to protect the trees of the State. He said the lengih and earnestness with which Dr. Schlaginweit dwells upon this subject, might profitably be considered by those who were interesting themselves in the passage of the bill. WANT OF TREES IN CALIFORNIA. There is no State in the Union suffering so much in various ways from the want of a proper proportion bet\\een the timbered and untimbered lands as California. What, but a want of this proportion, what but a want of growing timber or forests to shield the surface of the earth from the immediate rays of the summer sun, throughout our lar^e open valleys, causes the withering drouths and the life-destroj-ing northers to which those valleys are so frequently subjected ! To what, but this lack of timber to collect the humidity of the atmosphere and to break the rain-bearing clouds can be attributed the gi-eat disparity between the amount of rain- fall, for the past two or three seasons on the open and untimbered valleys of the State, and the adjoining timber-covered foothills and mountains! The very nakedness of the earth's surface in these valleys, becomes the cause which reproduces this same nakedness from year to year. Nature in this case has not the power to correct itself or change its tendencies. It must be done if done at all by artificial means, and Nature itself indi- cates what those means must be — the plant- ing of trees — the cultivation of artificial for- ests. Every consideration of private and public policy is in favor of this system. We would say then, as we said at the be- ' ginning— P/a»/ Trees. —Rural Press. 3 114 THE CALIFOKNIA HOKTICULTURIST. SPOILED AND RUINED TREES. AMERICAN FORESTS. Every lover of beautiful trees must feel pained as they pass the many gardens in our city, and more especially Portsmouth Square, and'see the ruinous butchery that has despoil- ed the beautiful evergreens that would be an ornament were they not ruined by poor, and unskilled tree cutters— vfe will not say gardeners, for they are not worthy of such a name. Portsmouth Square, and other squares, now in charge of paid workmen, look more like "Grave yards," than Public Squares. The most of the trees are ruined by an igno- rant system of cutting, and at present many of the trees are held up with wires and cords —a shame and a disgrace to our city. Does any one want a proof of the folly of such a system let him go where these trees grow naturally, and see if nature uses wire and rope to hold up what she grows. Our Plaza in its present is a disgrace. The only consolation a lover of handsome trees or correct landscape gardening can have as he looks upon such a place as Portsmouth Square, is that a few years and the death of the trees will give onr authorities a chance to start de novo and plant again. THE POST OFFICE YARD. Here is another evidence of miserable work. The readers of the farmer will remem- ber that some four or live years since, we spoke of the miserable and uncouth manner in which the trees were planted, and predict- ed that they would all be uprooted. Our prediction was true; the soil was not proper; the trees were not of the right kind, nor was the work well done, and the results are that thousands of dollars, kindly given by gen- erous contributors, have been worse than wasted, and this will always be the case where men undertake to do tree planting and ornamental gardening, who are as ig- norant of this science as our little children are of the Japanese language. Ccdifornia Farmer. One fortunate result of the great fires which have swept over the wooded region of the Northwest will be to call attention to the waste which has been going on in 'the last few years, and to the necessity for protecting what is left. We have as yet a good supply of forest timber, and it may be many years before it will begin to be exhausted. But in the life of a nation, the contingency which these disastrous fires bring to mind is too serious to be overlooked. In the older "portions of the country the necessities of a rapidly increasing population have already swept away the greater part of the primeval forests, and it is useless to expect that they will ever be restored. It is only here and there that trees may be successfully cultiva- ted without interfering with the conveniences of our native and growing communities. But wherever they can be cultivated it is one of the first duties to see that the necessary means are employed, and that wanton waste is made a crime. Some time ago, English economists were discussing the probable exhaustion of the English coal-fields, and it was decided that at the present rate of consumption the end would be reached about the year 2971, and there was considerable trepidation in conse- quence. But the predictions made by our foresters as to the probable exhaustion of our valuable forests are much more alarming. The Scientific American, discussing this sub- ject, urges the enactment of stringent forest laws, analogous to the mining laws, with a view to the preservation of the timber supply in the vast tracts of country where scarcely anything except timber can be properly cul- tivated. Precedents for such legislation are furnished by nearly all civilized countries. In Europe, where the importance of a liberal supply of timber has been long felt, active measures have been taken on the part of va- rious Governments to protect existing forests and encourage the cultivation of timber. It is estimated that there yet remain in France 2,700,000 acres of State Forest, the revenue THE CALIFORNIA HORTICULTURIST. 115 of which, previous to the recent war, was $8,700,000. Bavaria has about 2,000,000 acres of forest; Prussia, as it existed before the war, had upwards of 5,000,000 acres. In each of these countries, schools of forestry, under State control, are supported, in which men are trained in the scientific and econom- ical management of the State timber lands. For protection against fire, the same au- thority makes the sensible suggestion that, wherever it is practicable, artificial breaks in the continuity of forests should be made, and that as far as possible, the cleared spaces should be brought under cultivation. This wovild sei-ve as an aid in stopping the pro- gress of great conflagrations, and would doubtless be effective except in cases of extra- ordinary severity. — The Calais Times, Me. OUR PUBLIC GEOUNDS. The public grounds of the State of Califor- nia as well as those belonging to the City of San Francisco, have, we regret to say, been hitherto managed with considerable reckless- ness; yet although this fact is generally known, we see no effort made to provide for amended action in the future. We hoped that a Board of Public works would have been established by our present legislature, composed of men who possessed the proper qualifications for inaugurating a thorough reform in the system of manage- ment of our public grounds and their maintenance; but it now seems that our ex- pectations will not be, for the present, real- ized, and that self interest will continue to be the order of the day. While nature has done so much for California in relation to climate and soil she has evidently neglected to develop for us pubhc men to whom we might look for a change for the better. We have frequently referred to the injudi- cious management of our public squares; a matter which is entirely under the control of the Board of Supervisors; but they are evi- dently unwilling to listen to any expostulation, there never has been a thoroughly profession- al gardener employed, nor has there ever been an effort made to obtain one. Unwor- thy considerations of a selfish nature have been instrumental in bringing about the pres- ent state of affairs, and a change for the bet- ter can never come, so long as political considerations are permitted to preponderate. When the Board of Regents of the Univer- sity was constituted, we had every reason to believe, that the University grounds would be laid out in an ai-tistic manner, and with ref- erence to the future requirements of the In- stitution, (and we knew that there were men among them of enlarged views and refined taste as their own grounds testify) ; we had faith in the superior judgment of many of the Regents, but the arrangement and plant- ing of the grounds were deputed to men bet- ter qualified for monopolizing and controling markets etc., than for the display of executive ability in the liberal and enlightened manage- ment of Public Institutions. Again, when the Board of Commissioners was appointed for the Golden Gate Park, we were almost certain that a new era had com- menced, as only by the combination of sound judgment, superior skill and indomitable perseverence could success be achieved. But unfortunately, personal interests have pre- dominated, and the system of park develop- ment adopted, and the condition of things in general have blighted our last hopes. When we notice with pleasure the steps, which the Park Commissioners of New York and of St. Louis, have lately taken in the ap- pointment of good professionitl Landscape Gardeners as superintendents of their parks; we are at a loss to comprehend the action of our own park commissioners, in appointing so young an engineer, to the important posi- tion of Park Superintendent; he may be very excellent at figures and mathematical lines, but he has neither the reputation, nor has he so far shown such qualifications as should entitle him to such preference. It is only by the intelligent application of 116 THE CALIFORNIA HORTICULTUKIST. the science of Landscape gardening com- bined with a thorough practical knowledge of our existing local advantages and disad- vantages, and the exercise of untiring perse- verence, that the city of San Francisco can ever expect to possess and maintain a park worthy of her. At the present time there are only two com- missioners remaining of the Board, and we understand that there is no concert of action between them. These commissioners cannot act if difference of opinion exists, and the law seems to be very defective in not making provision for such emergency as the present, which cannot be met by the remaining two commissioners. We are also assured that all the appoint- ments hitherto made, have been by exercise of personal influence and total ignoring of the matter of qualification. However, something may yet turn up dur- ing the present session of our legislature, which may possibly effect a change for the better; and we shall wait patiently for a time, before we say anything more on the subject. CITY PAEKS OF ST. LOUIS. As considerable complaints have been made in reference to the management of our park affairs, it may be well to notice the ac- tion of the park commissioners of other cities. At a recent meeting of the Park Commis- sioners of St. Louis, Mr. M. G. Kern, a pro- fessional Landscape Gardener, was nomina- ted for the position of Superintendent of the Park. Mr. Kern was called for, and stated, that he was not seeking the position, but would accept it, if he were allowed to manage the park improvements in accordance with his own ideas. The nomination was unanimously confirm- ed. The parks, it is believed, will now have a competent Superintendent. The Rural World, hopes that he and the Commissioners, will work harmoniously to- gether. THE CENTRAL PARK OF NEW YORK. According to the Horticulturist, a complete change has been made in the management of this the most celebrated and admired of American parks. All the Ring Commission- ers, officers and employees, have been dis- missed; and a new Board has been elected in the interest of true and judicious reform, of this, Henry J. Stebbins is President, and Messrs. Olmstead, Vant & Co., have been reappointed. Consulting and Supervising Landscape Gardeners. Robert Denecke, formerly of the King's Gardens at Berhn, Prussia, has been appoint- ed Superintendent of Landscape Gardening and conservatories. The Horticulturist, very properly suggests, that more space should be devoted to the display of flowering and ornamental foliage plants, and the establishment of a " Sub-trop- ical Garden." « WORK FOR MARCH. It would be exceedingly pleasant if we could have everything our own way, but nature asserts her undoubted right and is evidently unwilling to consent to any short- sighted amendments which we, in our con- ceited blindness, see fit to suggest to her dominant laws, and on the contrary compels us to stand ever ready and prepared for emergencies. The prevailing opinion is now that, we have had rain enough for all good purposes, and some farmers are necessitated to delay the preparation of their ground on account of super-abundance of moisture At the time of this writing, however, there is a fair prospect of sunshine, and we sin- cerely hope that the croakers will let us rest for a while, although they may have some plea for indulghig in their infirmity, on ac. count of this mOHt formidable snow-blockade, which keeps us from the receipt of our usual supply of mail matter, remittances, and mar- chandize from the other side. This unfavorable weather for out of door work has necessarily delayed operations, and probably two-thirds of our orchards and THE CALIFORNIA HORTICULTURIST. 117 vineyards have not yet felt the pruning knife. What we said in onr last issue, applies with equal force to the month of March. Where trees and vines exhibit the vigor of new ve- getation, severe pruning may prove injurious; this has particular reference to fruit bearing trees and vines. Evergreens may be trimmed at almost any time, although we consider the months of March and April particularly favorable to this operation. Gooseberry and currant bushes should have been pruned two months since, but care should be taken to destroy all young shoots making their appearance from the roots; these take away a great deal of nourishment from the plants, and also form too good a protection for all sorts of insects, cutworms, etc. In the cultivation of raspberries, growers must bear in mind that it is the last year's growth which will produce the fruit of the coming season; it is therefore, most impor- tant that not more than from three to five young shoots should be allowed to develope themselves; more than that number will weaken the plant and prevent the obtaining of thrifty stocks for the next year. Blackberries should be cut back severely to secure superior fruit. The planting of additional vegetable seed should be delayed until the weather has be- come more settled; clayey soils in particular are unfit at present for the reception of any kind of seeds. The weather has been very favorable however, for the transplanting of cabbage, cauliflower, etc. The planting out of ornamental and shade trees has increased considerably dm-ing the last month, but we are soriy to say, that they consist chiefly of Eucalyptus and Cj^press. We are of opinion that very little judgment is used in the selection of trees for ornament. While we have advocated the planting of Eucalyptus as a useful timber tree, and where rapid growth is requii-ed, we insist upon the superiority of many other species for ornamental purposes. Recently we have seen some very fine specimens of Grevillias which were for sale at a very reasonable price, but notwithstanding the many excellent qual- ities of this tree, both for ornament and use- fulness, purchasers prefer a eucalyptus or cypress. We must confess that we have never met with a class of people less willing to listen to proper information regarding the value and adaptability of trees and shrubs, than the present generation of Calif ornians. We do not expect that they should study botany, but we would like to see that persons who are desirous of planting trees and shrubs, would take a little interest in the selection of many good varieties which our nurserymen are in vain endeavoring to introduce. We see a large number of small front gardens where a few roses and fuchsias might appro- priately find room; but the entii-e space is occupied by one or two pines or cypress. Is it not time that better taste and judgment should be displayed? In the shape of evergreen flowering shrubs our nurserymen have of late placed a very- good stock of Ericas in the market; they are exceedingly handsome shrubs for the flower- gai'den, but very little sale has been made of them. We heartily recommend them to all persons desirous of exhibiting good taste. We could name many other fine plants which meet with the same fate, and we regret very- much to see that the laudable efforts of our nurserymen and florists to introduce superior plants are discouraged by a want of due ap- preciation of that which is really good. There is a great scarcity of good bulbs and flower seeds in om- market at the jDresent time on account of delays on the Overland Railroad; but as the unusualty wet weather has not been favorable to theii- planting, we hope that a good stock will arrive in time for spring planting. Our greenhouses and conservatories do not look as cheerful and bright as we are accus- tomed to see them at this season of the year; this is also due to the unfavorable weather. Many tender plants, such as coleus, begonias, etc., have been lost under the usual treat- ment; flowering plants have made slow pro- gress in developing their new growth of flow- 118 THE CALIFORNIA HORTICULTURIST. er beds; in short, everything seems to be behindhand. We must continue to treat greenhouse plants with care, giving frequent airing, and watering sparingly; the time for forcing has not yet arrived, except by artifi- cial heat. Our graperies are also in a dormant condi- tion as yet, no signs of vegetation are vis- ible. Here, however, we must place all blame on the management. Graperies are maintained only by rich people who can well afford the extra labor and cost of a proper artificial heating apparatus. A grapery which will not yield grapes early and out of season, is not worthy the name of a grapery and is not worth having. We place entirely too much reliance upon the favorable climate of California; we might accomplish much more than we really do, if we, on our part used proper exertions and intelligently availed ourselves of our super- ior advantages. PUBLIC IMPROVEMENTS. We have from time to time called the at- tention of the public to the many en'ors committed in the management of our public grounds, and we have endeavored to show that the arrangement of these grounds re- quires the employment of our best men, who have made the art of landscape and orna- mental gardening, their study and occupation. This view is supported by all those who have given the matter serious consideration. But unfortunately for the good people of Califor- nia, and particularly those of San Francisco, men have worked themselves into position to control our affairs, who are either totally un- qualified to exercise their judgment, have none to exercise, or who have no other inter- est at heart but their own. When we began to advocate the work of reform, we stood isolated and did not receive much encourage- ment; lately we have been backed by the members of our Horticultural Society, which, although in its infancy, niimbers on its roll a goodly an-ay of practical and intelligent workers for the good cause of progress, and we feel confident that before long our course will be endorsed by all true and intelligent citizens, and that the people will demand a more judicious expenditure of their money. The people of California are always ready to assert the unequalled productiveness of the soil, and to boast of a climate which ad- mits the successful cultivation of a majority of the trees, shrubs, and flowers indigenous to tropical, subtropical, and temperate cli- mates; yet oui' public grounds are not worthy of a visit. THE UNIVERSITY GROUNDS AT BERKLEY, An excellent opportunity offered for mak- ing these grounds a school of learning and of taste, and we were in hope that st^ps would be taken for thus utilizing these grounds. There existed no necessity for ex- pending one dollar more than has already been expended in the laying out of these grounds, and the planting of trees; yet the Jesuits might' have been more credit- able. < We do not know how many trees have been planted there, but we venture to assert that, if for every ten Eucalyptus, Cypress or Pine, only one of some other and more de- sirable variety had been selected, and if the ai-rangementof planting had been assigned to a skilful hand, we should now have an excellent foundation for an estabhshment of instruction and usefulness. Lately the newspapers of California in- formed us, that a proposition was on foot to remedy the evil, and to establish a Botanical Garden within the University grounds; the suggestion was made by a person, whose popularity, scientific knowledge and practical good sense should have carried mv^h weight with the proposition, but some of the less practical regents were of opinion that " no more trees Avere wanted there!" This, we can assure our readers, lets the Botanical Garden out, for the present at least, (per- haps for a longer period than we may be per- mitted to live.) The Eucalyptus forest Avill stand as evidence of the success of the orig- inators in their attempt to create an Austral- ian scene. THE CALIFORNIA HORTICTJLTUEIST. 119 THE GOLDEN GATE PARK. It has been usual with the people of larger cities desirous of having a park, to select the most picturesque and otherwise well adapted locality within their boundaries for the pur- pose. The Supervisors of San Francisco had undoubtedly this object in view, but they have undoubtedly succeeded in selecting a site which is, and will be, an eyesore to San Francisco. To this evil already in existence, another has been added, that of creating a Board of Park Commissioners who are un- willing to acknowledge the situation, and who do not understand how to go to work to make the best of it. We do not attach all the blame to the remaining two Commission- ers, one of whom has only very recently entered upon his official career; the respons- ibility of ill-management rests upon every one who has caused the inauguration and the continuance of the work so far progressed. The Horticultural Society at one of its re- cent meetings, appointed a committee to examine the so called improvements at the park grounds. This Committee, consisting of practical men, visited the park reservation, and the result of their obsei-vations is about as follows : 1st. The eastern end of the main avenue in the Approach Ground has been graded too low, and was macademized before the mis- take was discovered; much extra expense is necessary to remedy this evil. 2d. The grading seems to have been over- done; hills covered with vegetation and par- tially with live oaks, around which drives could have been established, with a very easy sweep, have been most injudiciously cut down to make room for the road projects of the engineer, who manages to remove every obstacle in the way of the lines he has marked out on his plan. The Committee are of opinion that the same hills so injudiciously destroyed were necessary wind-breaks, and would have been, when properly laid out, most desirable objects for park grounds, ob- viating the appearance of sameness, which the present engineer has unfortunately es- tablished. 3d. In two instances, within the park grounds proper, the drive has been cut through the very centre of elliptical shaped hills, establishing thereby high and unman- ageable sand banks, which evil cannot be efficiently remedied but by a total removal of the entire remaining portions of the hills; an artistic sweep could have been formed around said hills at a much less expense than the cutting through. 4th. Drives and walks cross each other too frequently, and persons on foot will be constantly in danger of being run over by vehicles. 5th. The force at work is entirely too much scattered, and practical supervision is impossible. 6th. The system of trenching ground is not understood, and is done in a most un- workmanlike manner. 7th. The nursery stock on hand is very limited, and the trees in consequence, could have been bought for less than they have cost in raising. The greenhouse, constructed for rearing trees, is a very impracticable structure, much better adapted for a show house than anything else. The nursery ground was located in a swamp, and many of the trees have died in consequense of the roots being submerged in water. Not until the damage had occured were orders given to drain the ground, which should have been done in autumn. 8th. Much of the grading, making of walks and other work, having been altered several times, the expense of such work has been double what it should have been. 9th. The Commissioners are purchasing trees in San Jose, which could have been had for the same price in this city, and the Committee of the Horticultural Society is of opinion that the Commissioners should have made out a list of such trees and shrubs as were needed, and advertised for proposals, thereby deriving benefit from the consequent competition, and if prices were the same, preference should], have been given to San 120 THE CALIFORNIA HORTICULTURIST. Francisco nurseiymen, who pay their share of the taxes. 10. A stock of Elms, Maples and Poplars, have been purchased which cannot be ex- pected to do well under the present unpro- tected condition of the park. Elms and Poplars in particular, cannot be grown in the park grounds at present. The above points are well taken, and being an opinion expressed by practical men, the Commissioners should not fail to change theii' mode of operations. They ought to be willing to profit by the experience of others, and should bear in mind that every eiTor committed, only increases the existing strong and well founded prejudice against the pres- ent site for the park. The Commissioners should give their almost exclusive attention to the reclaiming of the barren sand hills, for not until the possibility and practicability of such reclamation is established, will the the people of San Francisco place any con- fidence in the Golden Gate Park. In oui- next, we shall endeavor to point out the proper cotu-se to pursue for the reclaim- ing of the sand hills. EEPOET ON THE FEUIT MARKET. I was pleased to find the intelligent and well posted wi'iter of the Alfa, in his usual weekly editorial article on the Industrial Condition of the State, approve and endorse my suggestions in my last Report of the Fruit Market, relating to the great necessity for all fruit raisers and venders labelling the fi-uits on their stands, so that purchasers may acquii-e some knowledge of pomological nom- enclature, and when they find any varieties that suit their taste, they may be able to ask for them by name ; for many fruits are mean, small, and shabby in appearance, while then- flavor is first-rate, for instance, the Seckel, Green Gage, etc. Those persons who are ignorant of the names of most of the fruits, which at nearly eveiy season of the year in this State, are placed before them in the markets, may be said to live under a ban of deprivation of all the fair and goodly productions of the or- chard and garden. For they only can be said to fully enjoy Pomona's gifts, who can discriminate between the most delicious, and the more indifferent and poor of them. In the matter of fruit, as in many other things in life, it will not do to trust merely to ap- pearances. This subject really deserves a few words. "Fine fruit is the flower of commodities," as has been rightly said. It is the most per- fect union of the useful and the beautiful that earth knows. Fniit, rich, bloom-dusted, melting and luscious— such are the treasures of the orchard and the garden, temptingly offered to eveiy citizen in this sunny, mild, delightful and healthful climate. And is it not worth while for even'body to acquire some knowledge of the names of the finest and most prominent fruits ? The dwellers in a city cannot certainly be expected to be as learned in the nomenclature of fmits as the fruit cultivator who makes a business of it, for, from the great accumulation of names, even to these last, Pomology has become an embarrassing study ; but let the cultivators and venders help the city purchasers, and have a card or paper appended to each variety of fruit, for the information and edification of all concerned in this interesting subject. We have now a Horticultural Society among us— " The Bay District." Let any cultivator, salesman or purchaser of fruits, when ignorant, or in doubt of any particular specimen, bring or send it to the rooms of the Society, 622 Clay Street, and some of the members, nurserymen or cultivators of fruit there, or a Fruit Committee, to whom such matters are generally refeiTcd, will name it, if it is within their knowledge, having their own experience and the best pomological writers and authorities in their libraiy as their guides. We hope the influential writer above re- ferred to in the Alia, will keep this subject before the public until we shall see on every stall or stand in the markets, or on the streets, clearly written cards, giving the names of evei-y variety of fi-uit offered for sale. THE CALIFORNIA HORTICULTURIST. 121 We award great credit to cultivators and salesmen in this city and State generally, for the neat and handsome manner in which their fruits are displayed ; and we admire the system and regularity with which the fruit is uniformily packed in boxes ; we have seldom obsei-ved it done so well in the Eastern cities, and we only need the labels to perfect the work in a goodly manner. Large shipments of Los Angeles oranges are now being made for this jDort, and many have already arrived. They do not, at pres- ent, seem so sweet as they have been in some former seasons, owing, it is said by some, to the trees having exhausted themselves, and having had too great a drain upon their strength, but more probably merely because those which first come are usually rather sour. From Honolulu the consignments of oranges, as well as of bananas, have been light ; biit those of cocoanuts, have been con- siderable. Oregon has been sending to us a pretty good supply of apples, which bring fair prices, as well as some of the late pears, of which there are yet a few on the stands, chiefly Easter Buerres. We have the an- nouncement, from those well informed, that strawberries may be expected in two weeks. There is still an abundance of nearly all kinds of vegetables. Celery is remarkably fine this year. Green peas, rather unusual at this particular time of the year, are yet in small quantities. The late cold weather has ojDerated unfavorably for them, as well as for tomatoes. Cauliflower-heads, which would bring one dollar apiece in Cincinnati, and five dollars in New Orleans, are here now in j)lenty, and reasonably low in jDrice. They are of grand dimensions, and are beautifully white, firm, close, and of billowy form and roundness — perfect pictures in the vegetable line. E. J. H. San Francisco, Feb. 26th, 1872. The Exhibition of the Bay District Horti- cultural Society, has been postponed to Thursday, May 16th. K.EGULAE Meeting of the BAY Di STRICT HORTICULTURAL SOCIETY, Saturday, January 27th, 1872. The Committee on Exhibition reported that a suitable building may be constiiicted for about three thousand dollars, including gas and water-pipes, the material of which may be resold for about twelve hundred dol- lars. The Committee estimated that the pre- mium list and the fitting up of the grounds may amount to about fifteen hundred dollars. Whereupon, the Board of Trustees was authorized to take the necessary steps re- garding the Spring Exhibition. The following resolution was introduced : Whereas, a bill having been framed by the Delegates of the difi'erent Agricultural and Horticultural Societies of California, assem- bled in Sacramento on January 24th last, and having been submitted to our present Legislature providing for State aid to the different Societies — Besolved, That the San Francisco Dele- gates in the Senate and Assembly be hereby requested to use their influence in procur- ing the early passage of said bill, as an important and necessary measure for the encouragement of Agriculture and other in- dustries. The resolution was unanimously adopted, and the Secretary instructed to forward the same to our Delegates in Sacramento. A Committee of three was appointed to frame a Premium List for the next Exhi- bition ; the members of said Committee being E. L. Reimer, F. A. Miller, and F. Luedemann. The following resolution was introduced : Whereas, it being represented that serious blunders have been made by the San Fran- cisco Park Commissioners in grading the Avenue of the Grolden Gate Park — Resolved, That a Committee of five be ap- pointed to investigate this matter, and to call the attention of the proper authorities to the subject. Adopted unanimously. 122 THE CALIFORNIA HORTICULTURIST. The following members were appointed on said Committee : Wm. Meyer, F. A. Miller, E. L. Reimer, C. Schumann, and R. Michelsen. The following- resolution was introduced : Be.-ioJved, That the Secretary be hereby in- structed to confer with the War Department at Washington on the proper course necessary to be taken for the establishing of Meteoro- logical observations upon this coast. Carried. Some twenty volumes of valuable books were presented to the Society by Mr. C. Stephens. Mr. C.Schumann having recently returned from a tour through the East and Europe, promised to communicate to the members of the Society his observations in a horticul- tural point of view, and appointed Saturday evening, February 3d, at the Society's room, as the most convenient time. THE EIGHTEENTH REGULAR MEETING of this Society took place on Saturday Febru- ary 24th. The principal business transacted was the final adoption of the premium list for the Spring Exhibition. James Lick was elected an Honorary Mem- ber. Two new members were also elected, viz: Richard Linke of San Francisco and J. M. Asher of San Diego. The Rules and Regulations governing the Spring Exhibition were revised and finally adopted. We are authorized to state that informal meetings of this Society will be held every Saturdav evening for Horticultural discuss- ions, while the Regular Monthly Meetings take' place on the last Saturday of every month. THE SPRING EXHIBITION of the Bay District Horticultural Society of California. As was announced some time since, the Horticultural Society will hold a Spring Ex- hibition of trees, plants, flowers, fruits and vegetables, which will open May IGth and continue nine days. Within a few days active preparation will be commenced, and it is anticipated that the flower show will be far superior to that of last year. The premium list foots up over one thous- and dollars in cash and the inducements for general co-operation and competition are considerable. Various objectionable features in the regu- lations have been discarded. One prorision reduces the time required, for having the plants to be exhibited under cultivation, to six weeks ; the time formerly stipulated was three months. Exhibitors who are not members of the So- ciety are required to pay ten per cent on the premium for which they compete. The appointment of Judges to award pre- miums, is left entirely to the exhibitors, who will be requested to meet on the evening of the opening of the exhibition, for the purpose of arranging that matter among themselves. This, we hope, will obviate all ill feeling in the future. We hope the enterprise will be a grand success, and we see nothing to prevent the Society from achieving a great triumph in their first attempt to hold an independent ex- hibition. We feel confident the affair will eclipse the Horticultural display of last year. CATALOGUES EECEIVED. Brigg's Illustrated Catalogue of flowers and vegetable seeds, bulbs and plants for 1872, came to hand. It is a magnificent work and should be in the hands of every lover of flow- ers. Post Office address, Briggs & Bros. Roch- ester, N. Y. See notice elsewhere. G. L. Allen S Go's illustrated Catalogue of seeds, bulbs and plants for 1872. This firm is one of the largest bulb dealers on this Continent. Post Office address, Brooklyn, N. Y. Dreer's Garden Galendar, for 1872 contains much useful information, a descriptive cata- logue of all kinds of seeds, plants and bulbs, THE CALIFORNIA HORTICULTURIST. 123 rustic work, horticultural implement etc., ad- dress Henry A. Dreer, Philadelphia, Pa. See advertisement in another column. Descriptive Catalogue of Ornamental trees, shrubs, roses, flowering plants etc., for sale by Ellwanger & Barry, Mount Hope Nurse- ries, Rochester, N. Y. The stock which these gentlemen have supiDlied to California has always given satisfaction and we recom- mend them as reliable. See advertisement. Also wholesale catalogue of the same firm. Also Descriptive Catalogue of fruits for sale by Ellwanger & Bariy of Rochester, N. Y., comi^rising a very large and superior assort- ment of trees, vines and bushes. Wholesale price list of the Bloomington Nursery, Bloomington, McLean County, Il- linois. F. K. Phoenix, proprietor. Wando Almanac, published in the interest of the "Wando," fertilizer by Wm. Dukes & Co., general agents, Charleston, S. C. Trade List of Strawberry Plants for sale by D. S. Myer, Bridgeville, Delaware, Wholesale Catalogue of the Waukegan Nur- sery of evergreen and ornamental tree seed- lings, for sale by Robert Douglass and Sons, Waukegan, Lake Co. , Illinois. Olm Brothers annual plant catalogue of new and desirable plants; also descriptive catalogue Floricultural Gardens, Springfield Mass. Wholesale Price List of the Germantown Nurseries, Philadelphia : Thomas Meehan, proprietor; also Thomas Meehan's price list of tree seeds. Wm. J, Hesser's illustrated Spring Cata- logue of select, new, rare and beautiful plants, for sale at Plattsmouth, Nebraska. Semiannual trade list of Hoopes Brother and Thomas, Cherry Hill Nurseries, Westchester, Pa. Semiannual trade list of Heikes Nurseries; W. F. Heikes proprietor, Dayton Ohio. Phcenix's Floral Guide, garden directory, and descriptive catalogue of greenhouse, gar- den and bedding plants etc.; by F. K. Phoe- nix, Bloomington, Illinois. Henry A. Dreer' s directions for growing pansies. Annual Spring catalogue of vegetable and flower seeds, bedding plants, bulbs etc., for 1872 by W. B. Dimon, Jr. & Co., Seedsman and Florists, Brooklyn, N. Y. Gould Bros. Wholesale Catalogue or Trade List of fruit and ornamental trees, shrubs, roses, etc., for Spring of 1872, Rochester, New York. Descriptive Catalogue of plants, arranged in classes, with illustrations, by Ellwanger & Barry, Rochester, N. Y. TJescriptive Catalogue of ornamental trees, shriibs, roses, etc., beautifully illustrated, by Ellwanger & Barry, Rochester, N. Y. Descriptive Catalogue of fruit, by the same publishers. NEW AND KAEE PLANTS. IlazcVs Hybrid Begonia. — This is a Hybrid Begonia obtained by M. Marzel a French nurserpnan, from Begonia Pearcei, fertilized by the pollen of B. Boliviensis and j)resents some of the characteristics of both species, with some features, proper to itself. The plant is a more free flowerer than either of its parents, the flowers are usually of a ver- million color tinted with carmine and with a dash of yellow. Full description in No. 4, of the Gardener's Chronicle of this year. New Coleus. — During the late year a new for-m of Coleus was produced and exhibited under the name of Tryoni, one half of the leaves being of a rich glowing crimsou, and the other half of a bright golden yellow; this character is established as we learn from the "■Gardener's Chronicle.' and will be perpetua- ted by the ordinary methods of propagation. NEW FKUITS. Brier's Sweet Crah. — is said to be not only a very ornamental tree in fruit, but the fruit is luscious to eat from the hand, nearly equal- ing the pear. Preserved it equals the peach both in rich- ness and fine flavor, and wherever the peach and cultivated plum cannot be grown with 124 THE CALIFORNIA HORTICULTURIST. success, it will prove a good substitute and of very great value. The President of the Wisconsin State Hor- ticultural Society says of it; the samples of Brier's Sweet crab that I have at several diff- erent times seen and tasted, and also pre- serves of the same, were certainly very excel- lent. For a delicate and delicious preserv- ing apple nothing nicer could be desired. Also what knowledge I have of the habit of growth and hardiness of the tree is all in its invov.— Gardener's Monthly. New seedling pears by Messrs. Clapps of Massachusetts. Glapp'H No. 73 Pear is of full medium size, in general shape and form resembling the Bartlett ; greenish yellow, with many rough dots and patches of russet, and a common cheek when exposed to the sun; stem stout, set angular; calj-x in a compressed furrowed, shallow basin: flesh fine whitish, half buttery moderately juicy, and as a late variety, of great promise. Clapps No. 72 Pear, size medium to large; form oblong, obtuse pyriform; skin rough, surface uneven; color deep rich yellow, with many small minute grey or russet dots : stem short, stockj', set with a fleshy, abrupt de- pression; calyx with short irregular segments in a deep abrupt basin, slightly furrowed; flesh whitish, coarse, granular, half melting, juicy, half vinous, sweet and pleasant. Hoove's Rural New Yorker. A GRAND WORK. Favors Received.— We have received from Henry A. Dreer, Seedsman and floiist, Phil- adelphia a fine collection of 'choice vegetable and flower seeds. The varieties are all very desirable. Thanks to Mr. Dreer. Eighteenth Annual Report of the Young Men's Christian Association of San Francisco. Address to the Agricultural Organizations in the United States, prepared by a Commit- tee, in obedience to a resolution by the Na- tional Agricultural Society, together with Constitution and proceedings. We have before us Briggs & Brother's cat- alogue of flowers and vegetable seeds, for 1872. The outside appearance of the work, with its highly embellished cover and tint- edged leaves would seem to indicate that the book comes before us for notice from some extensive lithographic printing establishment, or illustrated monthly printing house. Neither guess would be correct. The publishers are seedsmen, said to be the most extensive in world; who raise and sell flowers and veget- able seeds, sending them in large or small quantities to all parts of the country. They own no end of gardens and farms, both in and out of New York State— having a 260 acre farm at Clinton, Iowa, devoted expressly to seed, and their establishment at Rochester, has upwards of 60,000 feet of flooring, de- voted exclusively to packing and shipping seeds. But to revert to the catalogue before us, we must say, that it is more than was promised in the advertizements of the firm. Its typog- raphy is perfect. Its illustrated plates are models of pictorial beauty. Its contents embrace useful hints upon the growth and raising of flowers and vegetables, and are the results of years of practical experience. The purchaser of a catalogue (an order to Briggs & Brother for one dollar's worth of seeds, secures it free,) also receives an insight into what he may obtain on certain conditions, in the way of one or two chromo lithographs of flower bouquets, representing bouquets of choice natural flowers, raised by Briggs & Brother. These chromos are fully equal to the highest priced chromos sold, and are a fit ornament for parlor or sitting room. The catalogue also contains two representative engravings of the chromos, and parties or- dering only one, which, without an order for seeds, requires an enclosiu-e of seventy-five cents, can select which they prefer. There is no person interested in flowers, house or garden plants, or engaged in the raising of vegetables or market cereals, who cannot be benefitted by the possession of THE CALIFORNIA HORTICULTURIST. 125 this valuable and beautiful illustrated cata- logue. An enclosure of twenty-five cents, secures it prepaid, and the amount in seeds is returned; if an order follows the purchase of a catalogue. From the llonthly Report of the Depart- ment of Agriculture we clip the following- items : — Depth to Plant Seeds. — The proper depth to plant seeds, is a question of considerable importance, and one which, like many other similar questions relating to plant growth, cannot receive a definite answer that would be of general or universal application. In dry, sandy soils, situated in dry climates, a deeper covering will be required than would be judicious where both soil and climate in- dicate the reverse of these conditions. For instance, it has been shown that peas contin- ue longer in bearing condition, on sandy soils, when sown at a depth of six inches, than they do when placed nearer the surface; and it is said that the Indians upon the table- lands of the Colorado plant corn ten to twelve inches below the surface with the best results; but if planted with only one or two inches of covering, the crop fails. Seeds also vary in their ability to penetrate depths of soil in germinating. Leguminous seeds, and some of the largest seeding graminese, can be planted deeper than those of a lighter char- acter. It has been given as a general rule that all seeds germinate most speedily when covered with a depth of soil equal to their own thickness, and where the constant pres- ence of sufficient moisture for germination can be maintained ; this rule, is, perhaps, as nearly correct as any that can be given. A Berlin Peoject. — A " dendro-pomologi- cal garden " is about to be established at Ber- lin. This garden is to be planted with a col- lection of fruit-trees, and to comprise an ar- boretum, where all hardy ligneous plants will be systematically arranged. Hedges of var- ious plants, capable of being used for the purpose of live fences, will be introduced. The idea, and the botanical arrangement, emanates from Professor Karl Koch ; the I)lan for laying out the garden being perfected by Mr. Meyer, landscape gardener of Sans Souci. Several years ago, a similar project was proposed by Mr. William Saunders, of this Department, who prepared plans for the bo- tanical arrangement, and for the laying out of the grounds. The work was not com- menced until the spring of 1868 ; since that time operations have been gradually progress- ing ; the ground-plans are nearly completed, and the collections yearly increasing in value and interest. The plan of the Department embraces various important details not in- cluded in the published plan of the Berlin project. Asphalt "Walks. — An economical asphalt- ing of walks is suggested in England, as, and upon trial, is said to have cost only 3(^. per yard. The materials used, were merely tar and burned turf ashes. The ashes were burned in large heaps in the course of con- verting old pastures into arable lands. The cost of burning twenty cubic yards, was rath- er under 2d. per yard after the groiind was plowed ; the tar cost Id. per gallon. The ashes were procured from the middle of a heap of a bright red color. About four hun- dred and fifty square yards of walk were as- phalted with three hundred and thirty-six gallons of tar, rather less than one gallon per yard. The walks were quite firm with fine gravel before being operated upon with tar and ashes : only ten cubic yards of ashes were required. The work was done by va- rious systems. A strong stand, about a foot high, was placed against the ashes, shot down in cart-loads, and the barrels rolled upon the stand as wanted ; a common pail was used to pour the tar upon the ashes ; about a barrow- f ul of ashes was mixed with the tar until sat- urated, so that, when patted with the back of a shovel, the mixture did not adhere to it ; the mixture was then wheeled to the spot where required, laid upon the walk about an 126 THE CALIFOKNIA HOKTICULTUEIST. incli thick, patted down smooth, and spiink- led Tvith di-y ashes. The work was done in Jvme and July, so that the surface generally became dry enough to roll, in about half a day. The rolling cannot be overdone, and may be continued day after day for a week. The other methods were merely to hoe the walks, pour tar on them, and then to throw the ashes over the tar, rolling as in the f oiTaer process ; or, by xucking up the surface about two inches, smoothing down, applying the tar to soak the gravel, then adding diy ashes on the surface and rolling. The hoeing or picking of the walks is a much quicker pro- cess than by mixing the tar and ashes together first, but the latter makes the most finished job. A man may asphalt about forty square yards per day. THE SUNFLOWER. — The Cultivation of the sunflower is likely to become popular in In- dia. An Indian authority says: "The oil extracted from the seed is said to be superior to both almond and olive oil for table use, and to be employed in manufactm'- ing woolen goods, soap, and candles, as well as for lighting purposes. The leaves have been manufactured into cigars, having pecto- ral qualities, and might perhaps be found more efficacious than stramonium. The blossoms furnish a bright yellow dye, which stands well. Each acre ^ill contain from 15,000 to 20,000 plants, and the average quantity of seed will be fifty bushels, each of which will give a gallon of oil. The quan- tity of seed is much increased by dwarfing the plants, the best manure .for which is said to be old mortar broken up. The plants should be kept clean and free from weeds, and the quantity of seed required, is about six pounds per acre. They should have suf- ficient internal between them for exposure to the sun, as under such circumstances, they become larger and more fully stored with seed." with satisfactory results, and there is no doubt the situation is precisely what the plant requires. Being an annual plant, it will grow wherever the summers are moder- ately warm. It is grown in nearly all our Northern States, and nearly every country in Europe, but the crop is not found to be prof- itable, as the tobacco does not have the strength and superior flavor of that grown in warm and dry countries. The favorite and high-priced varieties of commerce are grown where the summers are long and warm, and the air is free and dry. These conditions of climate are found in this section in an emi- nent degree, and would seem to indicate its adaptation to the growth of those superior qual- ities which never fail of a remunerative mar- ket. Whenever any locality is found to man- ifest this peculiar adaptation, it is found to be the most valuable crop that can be grown. It is one of those articles which meet with the most universal consumption, and may be looked upon as one of the great leading agri- cultm-al staples. That mankind would be better off without it admits of no question. To discourage or put down its use has equal- ly baflied legislators and moralists ; and, in the words of Pope, on a higher subject, it may be said to be partaken of "by saint by savage, and by sage." Such being the^case we submit to the inevitable, and are gratified t5 see the favorable opening now oflered for its cultivation in this locality, as we believe it to be one in which it will meet with complete success. Mr. Jewett thinks that, for the pur- pose to which he intends to apply it, a ready and remunerative market for at least fifty thousand pounds, at the present time, will be afforded. Land, supplied with water for ir- rigation, will be furnished to persons desir- ous of engaging in the business, free of rent, within a mile of Bakersfield."— A'em Counixj Tobacco growing in California. — "The adaptation of this valley to the growth of a su- perior article of tobacco has often been tested Courier. Los Angeles Walnuts.— The fii'st English walnuts were planted in Los Angeles county in 1857. They commenced bearing in three years, the crop increasing every year. In the year 1863 the crop amounted to 9,200 THE CALIFOKNIA HORTICULTURIST. 127 pounds. Previous to 18G0, the walnuts used in California, were all imported from China, to the amount of nearly 30,000 pounds an- nually. The flavor of the walnuts raised in Los Angeles is finer than that of the imported nuts. Near San Gabriel, or the Gabriel Mis- sion, the walnut tree is found of larger size and bearing the best of nuts. These trees were set out by the missionaries. Los An- geles county supplies a large demand for walnuts, and as Southern California becomes more settled, walnut trees will be grown more extensively, adding an increased re- source of wealth to this delightful portion of our State. — Rural Press. La Marque Rose. — We saw on the 30th day of January, on Turk Street, in the City of San Francisco, a La Marque Rose in the open ground, about six feet high, having ninety-one flowers, one-half of them half open, and the other half in full bloom, mak- ing a beautiful sight at this season of the year. The flowers of that rosebush would, we believe, have easily brought twenty di)l- lars in New York. Growth of " Abies Douglasii." — This well known California Spruce was introduced into England in 1827. The Gardener's Chronicle says, that out of the first seeds sown in the winter of 1827, three had grown about one inch high in the March following. In Octo- ber, 1871, one of these trees measured one hundred feet, six inches in height, and the girth, three feet from the ground, nine feet, seven inches. Its growth since 1814, was sixty feet, six inches. It is pronounced, ac- cording to the Chronicle, a rapid grower, and therefore important as a timber tree. Cut- tings and layers have shot up five feet in one year. It is perfectly hardy in England, and is considered a most desirable tree for orna- ment as well as timber. The specimen at the International Exhibition, the Chronicle states, measured, when cut down, three hundred and nine feet. The Jarrah Jarrah, or Western Australian Mahogony, is becoming famous, and its value has been greatly enhanced by recent Govern- ment tests, showing that the durability of the wood is dependant not so much on its density as on a certain astringent vegetable acid, which appears to be so peculiarly disagree- able and even poisonous to insects, that they avoid the timber. — -News Letter. The Olive Tree.— The planting of this tree is recommended, not alone for its fruit, but on account of the excellent shade it affords. The popular idea has been that it took the tree from eight to nine years to pro- duce fruit. This, the San Diego Union shows to be an error, by citing two cases — one in that city, and the other at Santa Barbara — in in which trees bore fruit from cuttings in three years. The knowledge of this fact should serve greatly to popularize the tree. A PEcirLL\R Tree. — Upon the ranch of Mr. Robert Finley, five miles south of town, there is a tree, or a collection of trees, remarkable in several respects. An old Bay tree, (the same as the California Laurel or the Pej)per wood,) m'any years ago, sent forth from its stump no less than ten shoots. These shoots have "flourished like the green bay tree," and have become great in size. Their height is at least eighty feet, while their diameters range from eighteen to thirty-six inches ; the diameter of the main trunk is four feet. The ten trees separate a few feet above the ground, and at the place of separation, form a natural couch, large enough to contain a man of ordinary size. It woidd afford an ex- cellent retreat for the solitary hunter, on a wet night. Taken altogether, this is the most remarkable Laurel tree we have ever seen. Russian River Flag. The Aquarium of the London Crystal Palace.— The Aquarium of the Crystal Pal- ace, London, is one of the best attractions which have been provided of late years. You descend a stair to a handsome corridor, one side of which is bordered by sea-water tanks 128 THE CALIFORNIA HORTICULTUBIST. with plate-glass fronts, that rival shop fronts in dimensions. Here you can lounge and watch the movements and habits of creatures that live at the bottom of the sea, and ac- quaint yourself with much that could not be seen in any other way. The domestic life of flounders, whiting, cod and many other kinds of fish may be studied with amusement as well as instruction ; and the behavior of lob- sters, crayfish, crabs, prawns, and cuttlefish, will perhaps astonish most beholders. And in witnessing all this, so ample is the space and supply of water, that the idea of the crea- tures being captives, scarcely enters your mind, and you come away with the conviction that a great deal of very interesting natural history may be learned in the new aquarium. Keeping Apples.— M. J. N. Hoag, of Yolo County, stated at a recent meeting of the Farmers' Club, in Sacramento, that " many persons in this State pack their winter apples in clear sand and allow the boxes to stand open so that the rain runs through them, and take them from the sand as they want to use them. This mode of keeping, he said, was found very successful, the fruit retaining a fresh juicy condition and natural pleasant flavor. Cabbage Louse— The American Agricultur- ist pronounces as the best remedy, Lime, slaked dry with water, in which carbolic acid has been dissolved, one part and dry air- slaked lime three parts; mix together and sprinkle on the leaves, while wet with dew. Where they are very numerous on a leaf, it is better to remove it and destroy the insects by burning. the musicians announced "take your part- ners for a quadrille," and dancing com- menced after the old Bavarian style— while one set danced, there was plenty of room for 20 spectators and the musicians. The vats are able to contain 50,000 gallons of \vine— FoUom Telegraph. The Supply of QuimNE.— Cinchona has for many years been cultivated on Government plantations in Sikkhn, a province on the northeast of Biitish India, in the hope of being able to obtain a large and cheap supply of quinine. The success of the enterprise, it is stated, has been sufficiently encoui-aging to justify a continuance of the effort. Over twelve thousand pounds of diy bark were pro- duced last year on the Rungbee plantation; of this quantity seven thousand pounds were boiled down on the plantation, and five thou- sand pounds were sent to London for sale. ''Cinchona Officinalis:' is declared to be a failure in India, and the most successful va- riety is the "chinchona succarrubra." Ener- getic efforts are making to grow the "calis- aya" variety. The Government of British India, in reply to a memorial protesting against its interference with private compan- ies engaged in raising cinchona, states that it cannot leave solely to individual enterprise the further prosecution of measures necessary to secure to the people abundant and cheap supplies of quinine, which is the only efficient specific for the most deadly of all maladies in India. In 1869 it appears that out of 1,855, 634 deaths in British India, nearly half or 824,256 were due to billions fever. A Califorota Winetank. — At B. N. Bug- bey's vineyard, on Tuesday last, a dance took place in one of his mammoth wine tanks. A party of ladies and gentlemen, invited to the dedicatory ceremony of dancing in one of the largest vats in the United States, were in attendance, and participated in the hospital- ity of one of the most enteq^rising vintners in California. The monster tank was lit up; Partridges vs. Chinch Bugs.— Illinois farmers find that the partridge is a great de- stroyer of the chinch bug, which is so inju- rious to wheat fields, and are beginning to protect them from the fowler. One fanner says he has hundreds of tame partridges about his place, and his wheat crops are unusually abundant, while in places not far away the chinch bug commits great ravages. He feeds the birds in winter. THE California Horticulturist AND FLORAL MAGAZINE. Vol. II. APRIL, 1872. No. 5. DEUTZIA. There are several varieties of Deutzias under cultivation in California, but they are not as popular as their merits warrant, and we do not know any hardy deciduous flowering shrubs more deserving of extensive nurture than the Deutzias. There are, doubtless, other flowering shrubs which are clothed with more elegant foliage, and others again which bear more brilliant flowers ; but when we see a Deufzia gracilis or Deutzia scdbra, covered with its thousands of little bells of pure white, in early spring, we always find words of admiration and praise. These flowers adorn the little bushes for some time and are particularly well adapted for bou- quets and cut-flowers, for which purpose florists cvdtivate them extensively in the East and in Europe. We can also recommend the Deutzias highly as house-plants, their management being very easy. They prefer a light, sandy soil, and may, after flowering, be kept any- where out in the open air until December or January, when they should be removed to the greenhouse or parlor window for forcing. During their time of rest only enough water should be given to keep them in healthy condition, but immediately before and dur- ing their time of flowering, they should be watered regularly every two days, and aired whenever the weather will permit it. The object of cultivating them in pots and under the cover of glass, is to bring them earlier into bloom, when other flowers are scarce. The most popular varieties are natives of China and Japan, but within the last two or three years other new and superior ones have been produced by the art of floriculture. Of the old and well known varieties, the follow- ing are the best : Deutzia gracilis (slender branched), native of China and Japan ; flowers freely, and is exceedingly well adapted for pot culture. Deutzia scabra, native of Japan, is of a more robust growth and spreading habit than the former, growing from four to six feet high ; its flowers are similar to those of the Phila- delphus, but smaller, and it comes into bloom later. For forcing, we cannot recommend this variety so well as the former, but for open air cultivation it is more showy. Deutzia crenafa, is in habit similar to the D. gracilis, only more robust. The art of floriculture, however, has of late added two remarkable varieties ; these we have not yet seen under cultivation here, but they are highly spoken of by our Eastern friends, and, we have no doubt, vrill soon find their way into our nurseries and floral establishments. They are — Deufzia crenata Jf ore pleno (double flowering Deutzia). It is described as similar in habit 130 THE CALIFORNIA HORTICULTURIST. to the D. crmata, but the flowers are a double white, tinged with rose, and are said to be of large size. Deutzia gracilis variegafa, is a new variety of the B. gracilis, with variegated foliage, of which we know but little as to its floral value, and take for granted that, as far as its variegated foliage is concerned, it will fail to become popular. As for the treatment of Deutzias in the open ground, we advise great care in prun- ing, their habit requiring that the knife should not be used except for cutting away superfluous wood and suckers; to give the plant shape, it is better to pinch ofl" the young shoots, while in a growing state. They may be j)ropagated without difiiculty by cuttings, layers or division of the root. Certain florists of Germany have been very successful in grafting the Deutzias (j)articu- larly D. gracilis) upon the Philadelphus, by which method they have produced fine speci- mens of tree-like appearance, the efi'ect of which is very striking and remarkable. In forcing Deutzias or treating them as house plants, the temperature should not be any higher than that required for roses, and a moist atmosphere is not very accej^table ; we mention this fact as a good reason why its cultivation as a house plant is so easy. PRESERVING GRASSES. BY ANNA G. HALE. "Grass-flowers should be plucked — the longer the stems the better — before their spikelets are fully spread. Care must be taken in gathering, and afterward, that the finer blossoms do not get entangled with the coarser. Dry them like everlastings. The seeds of the cultivated gi-asses — a large number of sj)ecies and varieties — are for sale at the flower stores. The wild grasses here mentioned, and many others which the limits of this article forbid notic- ing, can be found almost anywhere. No matter if unacquainted with its botan- ical name, wherever a tuft of grass lifts a stalk of inflorescence accept its offering of beaut3\ June, July and August are grass months. If grasses are green in color when gath- ered, or purple, or red — as some are— they soon fade to a j)ale buff. But even then they are agreeable to many eyes ; especially if the rich browns of the sedges add their contrasts, and the orange and scarlet seed vessels of Celastrus scandens — the climbing bitter-sweet, the coral-like berries of Ilex verticillata — the black alder, the dark blue berries of Ampelopsis qainquefolia — the wood- bine or Virginia creeper, or even the shining black ink-berries and the red hips of the wild roses are mingled tastefully with them, while bright autumn leaves — sumach, maple, oak, elm, beech — lending their presence, make up a gorgeous assemblage. Yet some persons prefer to dye them, and they are often seen of all the colors of the rainbow. They will absorb any liquid dye, the dye being heated to scalding. If large quantities of any one shade are desired, the family dyes now obtainable at drug stores are most suitable. In using these for grasses, proceed as if dyeing cotton goods, following the directions for so doing which accompany the dyes ; except that in dyeing grasses the stalks should be suspended head downward within a deep jar or pitchei", and the dye poured over them. Tied to cords which are stretched across the brim, they will be in good position to receive the dye vrithout injury to their form. When the right shade has been attained — easily seen, if the vessel be of glass — the cords, still bearing the newly dyed grasses, must be hung across a dark closed room, till the blossoms are all dry ; then they are ready to be arranged in vases, or bouquets, or to be used in decorating the hair, ' When a few grasses only are to be dyed, sufficient coloring may frequently be made of some familiar substance to stain them handsomely. Thus, good blues are made by THE CALIFORNIA HORTICULTUEIST. 131 the use of the azurine or liquid blue, — (all dyes for grasses are needed hot) — which is green by the addition of a few drops of the muriate of ii-on-tincture ; the iron alone giv- ing to the scalding water different shades of yellow, which are permanent ; and soda added to this making it orange, or brown, according to the quantity used. A very lit- tle—a few drachms— of cochineal, tied in a bit of muslin, and steeped in water a few minutes, gives different shades of rose and red according to the amount of water used, which are quickly changed to purple, if de- sired, by dipping in the blue. Thus one may have a gaily-colored assortment with little trouble. Dried grasses, especially those of waving or drooping habit, can be very handsomely disposed in baskets ; in hanging baskets particularly, with dried eternal flowers and ciystallized grasses, we have a decoration dazzlingly beautiful, — either in sun or gas- light,— for an arched doorway or an alcoved window. Crystallization enhances the beau- ty of dried grasses as well as that of the natural-hued ; but dyed grasses should be used alone for decorations, or with only a few of the undyed. It is poor taste to mix eternal flowers, bright winter berries, or autumn leaves with dyed grasses, as is some- times done. Baskets of light wickerwork, lined with silver paper, and filled with diy sand, are suitable for crystallized grasses. A hanging basket covered with a net-work of white glass beads or bugles, and sus- pended by slender chains of the same, is veiy elegant for this purpose ; or the bas- ket itself may be crystallized as well as the grasses. The lighter and feathery species of grass are the prettiest crystallized. When the grass is to be used for ornamenting the hair, or for arranging with eternal flowers, the spikelets should be ciystallized singly. A bouquet of grasses entirely is best made up before crystallization, as the crystals are liable to be shaken off if the grass is han- dled much. The crystallizing liquid is a solution of alum. One pound of alum will make sufficient liquid for a large bouquet. When, you wish to crystallize grasses be- gin the work in the morning, because it will take two days and a night, at least, to com- plete it. Use a perfectly clean porcelain- lined kettle or pan, and put in this the alum, that has been pounded fine as dust. Add to it a quart of cold water — rain or spring water is best. Set it on the back of the stove or range, and keep it there till it is scalding hot, stimng it till the alum is dis- solved. When it is hot pour it through a clean muslin stretched over a bowl, in order to strain out all impurities ; — the beauty of the crystals depends upon their clearness, hence all this care to have the solution per- fectly clean. Let it cool till you can hold your finger in it comfortably. Then, get a deep jar or pitcher — glass is best ; you can then see that the grasses are not bent nor crowded — which would mar their beauty. Within this suspend the bouquet, by tying it to a stick laid across the jar's brim, and from a small-nosed pitcher pour the solution over it, slowly, till the liquid rises to the stems of the bouquet. Let it remain thus, submerged, till the next mofning, in a cool room. Take it out carefully then, and hang it half an hour, head downward in an empty jar (by means of the stick across the top of the jar) to drip. It is then ready to place in the vase which it is to occupy. Set it in the sun and air — not in the ^L•ind — till night, and at that time remove the vase to its niche in the parlor. When grasses are ciystallized singly, sus- pend the larger panacled stalks as you would a bouquet, and manage them in the same manner. The lighter kinds, and the featheiy sorts, may be placed head downward within the edge of a deep bowl, spreading as thinly as possible, and a few can be suspended in the center, by means of a short string and the stick across. When they have been in the solution (it was poured over them, of course, as for a bouquet) a day and a night, stretch the string in front of a window, and 132 THE CALIFOENIA HORTICULTURIST, lay the others on a dish to dry. If, after diying, the crystals are not large enough, heat the solution and go through the process again. The solution may be colored, by adding a few drops of dye, when it is cool enough to pom- over the grasses. What remains after crystallizing the grasses may be again heated, half a pound more of alum added, and a ciystal basket made. To make a crystal basket, procure slender canes or whalebones, such as are used in the manufacture of shirred bonnets, Torm, from these two rings, by tying securely together the ends of a strip fifteen inches long and of one thirty three inches long. Then tie seven strips, twenty inches long, at equal distances, to the small ring; then, also, at the height of six inches, to the larger ring, at equal distances; and, bending them, to form a scallop two inches high, tie them again to the rim ; and, latticing the strips, between the rim and the base, tie the other end to the base. Wind all the fastenings strongly, and cross four strips within the base-ring to fill the vacancy, and the basket is formed. Strips of coarse cotton cloth, two thirds of an inch wide, must then be ravelled on boine regions, heaping snow to their roots and cov- ering it; or, what is nearly equivalent in warm latitudes, very cold irrigation, wll keep them back, aided by judicious finger-pmning to husband the full strength of the sap for its due season. "But what of the winds?" Why, observe and imitate the Great All- Father; destroy not utterly your tree shel- ters ; the kindly nurses His wisdom hath provided ; or, being destroyed, replace. A word just here : it is a matter of some im- portance what trees are selected for shelters, or rather, which to avoid. Ask them, and they will tell thee. Are they invariably free from the pests that scourge you ? Then they are the elect. But more of this anon. One among many pre- disposing causes of orchard infestation in milder climates, like our own, is the purient proneness to blossom young, running riotously to such excess as prema- turely exhausts themselves. What though these trees of yesterday boast that they are exempt, and all that . Let us return and consider : Every pomologist knows that his choice seedling, uncared for, reverts back towards the wild, unsavory stock whence it came. Care and high culture made it, and must still maintain it good ; failing in this, and thence enfeebled, or with the best clean cul- ture, when too crowded, and mother earth over- taxed, she will cry out and cause her voice to be heard : Neither plant nor people can defraud and injure, and long prosper. Thus often doubly weakened, sick in soil and sap, they implore the sensitive heart for help. Variety and rotation of crops is the law writ- ten by the finger of God all along the pages of experience. "But we cannot undo mis- takes already made — perchance by others. " Well, rotate the soil then, especially if you lack the means to supply the needed manure; change the soil about the roots, and, if you have a favorite tree, or one specially feeble, plant old bones and pile up stones, if at hand, well out from the body, and behold them rejuvenate and bid adieu to blight and bugs beneath the enchanter's Avand. We notice line upon line is given to take away nine tenths of the fruit that the remainder may be fair for the market, or the table, and also that you may have a supply every season; or, to be still more specific, take off nearly the entire crop from young trees not yet attained to years of discretion. Not a tree in the recently-settled parts of the State should have more than one apple, pear, plum, peach or the like for every six to ten inches space at least; yet, all these precautions being taken, there may have been some radical de- fect in root-grafting, or transplanting too deep, or lightly or carelessly. Trees may have been sawed, chopped or whittled nearly to death, by rote, and need only one more lick at the root^ — according to Japanese or some other style sviited to the other side of this or some other planet — where they re- press, whip and whittle their children in the same way ; at all events they are sickening, and the minions from beneath are hard after them, and they will never fail to make their appearance where they are invited, i. e. so long as the world stands. Fearing monotonous and tiresome repeti- THE CALIFORNIA HOETICULTURIST. 199 tions of- what many know, we had concluded to omit the brief natural history of some insects named, but re-considering how often like data are required for reference as aids to memory, instruction of the young and inex- perienced ; in short, to inform all, let us return and consider the Great Universal Plant Rogues, the Aphides or plant-lice : Be not alarmed, gentle reader, as if on a tramp to Egypt to learn less than a million or more hard names, "for there is scarcely a plant which does not harbor one or two kinds peculiar to itself," and we have a fraction less than 100,000 species, some of which include vast varieties ; nor need one try to prove they were all from one parentage, much less a man from a monkey, shell or polyp ; nor whether they all came through Behring's Straits, straight across Atlantic, Pacific, or round the Horn. Nor is it wise here to treat technically of {Aphis Brassicce) cabbage-lice, (A. Eosce), rose do., his high- ness on sycamore, willow or walnut, etc., etc. The forms of common green plant-lice are known, but much confusion and some errors are apt to occur for lack of natural history knowledge. The eggs from which the race emerge are deposited in Autrunn; hence the best time for sponging with kerosene, etc., is from Fall to Spring. Not one will be left alive, it is so searching. All hatched in Spring are wingless females. The young are pro- duced alive ; each one may give birth to fifteen or twenty in a single day. These give birth to others to the tenth generation — the last brood in Autumn being both male and female, which at length acquire wings, cele- brate nuptials, deposit eggs and die. Much might be said of their habits * * * Piercing and fixed by their long tube or sucker, they rarely change place till they exhaust the part first attacked. Takixig in great quantites of sap, they would soon be gorged did they not get rid of it by two little tubes or pores at the extremities of their bodies— of ten in a sudden shower of honeyed dew or minute drops of sticky fluid, which, on drying, leaves dark-colored stains on the foliage — often taken for real honey-dew, the true kind being a concrete oozed sap from leaves in dry weather. One may often know the presence of plant-lice in high trees, etc. , by seeing ants go up and down in search of this sweet fluid. The upward swarms are slim, hungry and active ; others, black shin- ing and lazy, descending with bellies swelled almost to bursting. Every gardener sees ants packing their herds or kine in their mouths, back whence the wind or water had dispersed them, much to his disgust. Many other of their novel solicitudes and cares for the w^elfare of these lice are well known ; hence the reason for belting with a ring of kerosene or the like. Bark or scale-lice, {Coccidce) vary in form and size, being mostly oblong, oval, boat- shaped, kidney, etc. The scale insect is not confined to the bark, but abounds on fruit and foliage and some on roots ; surface dark brown, smooth, stick close to the bark, etc., at certain stages, by their flattened surface; six short legs, pointed by a single hook or claw; head so retracted that the sucker is, as it were, from their breast ; while torpid, set longitudinally in regard to the branch, head upwards. Their oblong eggs are best seen in Fall and Winter on the smooth skin of an ap- ple, under the thin, skeleton skin of the dead mother, on bark, lying on a tiny patch of cottony web ; several broods here in a single year; when hatched, they escape at the lower end of this shield by a notch; active and rest- less, they disperse over young twigs and leaves, and, finally, fix, suck and grow. At the close of this larvse state they emit this radiated web to close and secure them for transformation. In a few days the larger ones break up and throw off in flakes their outer scaly coats, and appear active as before ; but the smaller ones sleej) on for a time, when a pair of hairs and tips of the wings are seen protruding below, and the perfect insect backs out. He is exceedingly small, with only two wings lying flat on the top of his body. After tliey pair, the size of the female increases, be- 200 THE CALIFOENIA HORTICULTUKIST. comes quite convex, fixed, as before stated, the eggs under lier body, while she shrinks and leaves nought but her shell. If too many eggs, — a few outside, — she provides wool, etc. This general sketch must suffice for all. As to imported origin and all that — it is well to know that they are native to our Man- zanita {Arctostaplujlos) and Laurel Hawthorn {Photinia arbutifolia), etc., etc. The woolly apple-tree louse (.4p/iis lanigera) appears-to be less woolly in the fore part of the season, or in its early state, than at the East. Wherever a colony of these is established, warts, knobs or excrescences arise. As they spread, the tree still more sickens, and dy- ing, it dies. These, too, are natives, what- ever some may say. Kerosene is perfectly harmless to the tree, and sure ; but potash and ammonia solutions are also the best pos- sible manui-es, and if any can suggest better modes of riddance, let them "speak out." For cabbage, a good garden engine and abundant water, forced on as strong as the plants will bear, seldom fails in industrious hands; but any soaps, or strong potash, or carbonate of ammonia solutions are good in a double sense. A. Kellogg. p. S. We came near forgetting the best remedies, as many others do, viz.: The car- nivorous birds and bugs ; let them take the chief charge of this department, as it is in their line, and they like it. Notice those birds that run along the bark, such as the wren, and do as your grandfather did : make him a home,— a nice little ornamental cot in a tree. He is not about for display, even a skull on a pole pleases him. Welcome the titmouse, or tom-tit, and the chickadee, when they deign to give you a call ; also friendly bugs, etc. Entertain the angels Heaven sends, and for mercy's sake teach your chil- dren affection for the dear little lady-bird bug. A few of these are better than the best gardener you can hii'e, and no expense at all. ^• THE BOTANICAL GAEDENS OF MELBOURNE (Australia). With considerable surprise and regret we have read in the Australian newspapers sun- dry charges against the Director of the Botanical hardens of Melbourne, Baron F. von Mueller. These must appear to an im- partial mind both unjust and malicious. The Baron, as a government officer, has no right nor opportunity to answer these charges, but he has true friends, who can appreciate the immense services w^hich the Baron has rendered to the colony in particular, and to the civilized world at large. However, his opponents find no sympathy with men who have the progress and development of their country at heart. The leaders of the assail- ants are neither men of scientific attainments nor of horticultural knowledge, but being but partially educated, narrow-minded and sor- did, and having been so far fortunate as to scrape together some of the wealth which ("having left their country for their country's good") they cannot return to spend, and being also of a race that presume to dictate and interfere with the domestic govern- ment of that, as well as other thri^-ing parts of the world, inflict an intolerable injury on the community, which, ere long, must be remedied. These men cannot be ex- pected to appreciate, or even to understand the purposes for which botanical gardens are established, and their mean and vicious meddling can weigh but lightly with an intelligent public. To these we must add another class of men who ought to know better, but being engaged in the raising and selling of trees and plants, imagine that the free distribution of plants by the Botanical Gardens injures their business. The selfish motives of such men will, we hope, have no bearing upon a measure which deserves the blessings of the present and future genera- tions. It has been charged that Dr. von Mueller is not a landscape gardener and that the Bot- anical Gardens might be more ornamental, THE CALIFORNIA HORTICULTURIST. 201 etc. In regard to this extraordinary fault- finding, the Ballarat Courier very justly remarks: "Granting, for the sake of argu- ment, that Dr. von Mueller has studied prettiness in flower beds, and scenic effect, less than the propagation of useful timber trees, and shady and valuable shrubs, has he not nobly fulfilled the first requisite in a new country, the native forests of which are for the most part fit only for rough bush and min- ing work? Has he not produced and distrib- uted hundreds of thousands of young trees amongst the public institutions of the colony, and scattered them broadcast throughout the country? If a mere landscape gardener had been at the head of a£fairs, would the gar- dens, streets and roads of so many centres of population be presenting such a cheerful verdure, and affording such a grateful shade as they do now? Notwithstanding the grand flourish of the Commissioners about the whole colony learning botany, horticultm-e and landscape gardening at the feet of the Ga- maliel to be, we are of opinion that the Melbourne Botanical Gardens were originally intended, and should be continued, a vast nurseiy of plants, shrubs and trees for dis- tribution throughout the country. This idea should never be lost sight of, however the l^rofessional nursery seedsmen may set up their backs against Government competition with private enterprise. Wide tracts of land have been set apart for State forests. How are these wastes to be peopled with useful and ornamental timber, unless there is a large reserve in Melbourne from which to draw supplies? But the Commissioners, in their zeal for the creation of a big flower garden, and ' scenic effects,' seem to forget that it is the country at large, and not Melbourne alone, which pays the annual subsidy they complain of as not having been expended to the best advantage; and that it is the country districts which are most in need of constant drafts from the parent nursery. There is something intensely selfish and Melbourne- ish in the report, and we have no hesitation in saying that our opinion will be confirmed by the majority of the country journals, the conductors of which only regret that there has not been a wider distribution of plants, shrubs and young trees ; and who are anxious to know in what particularly useful work the much-vaunted Inspector of State Forests has been engaged since he received his well-paid aiDpointment." The people of Australia should congratu- late themselves on possessing a man of such high standing and scientific attainments, both at home and abroad, as Dr. von Mueller is universally acknowledged to be, and who has done far more for his country than his ungrateful assailants deserve. We doubt not but there is sufficient public spirit and intelligence in the country to vindicate him, notwithstanding the alloy. SWEET VIOLETS. These are among the sweetest and loveliest of the gems of a spring garden ; their light blue eyes open very early and their fragrance is unsui-passed by that of any other flower. Then they will gi'ow and bloom in the sha- diest nooks and corners and are not partic- ular as to soil, although they prefer a rich, deep loam, and will flower much more pro- fusely if liberally watered, when coming into bloom, with manure water. Great have been the improvements in these little beauties during the past five years, and various are the shades of blue now offered to us in both single and double sweet violets. King of the Violets is dark blue and a very fine bloomer, fitted either for house or out- door culture. Reine des Violette is very double and hardy and of a blush- white. Bubro Plena is a very distinct species, har- dy and a free bloomer ; of a double red or copper-color, entirely different from any other kind. The Czar is a single variety, very fragrant, and the flowers are borne on long stems. Devoniensis blooms for months, and is of a 202 THE CALIFOENIA HORTICULTUKIST. light violet shade with long stalks, which add to its value in bouquets. Neapolitan is one of the loveliest of all vio- lets, very sweet scented with beautiful pale- blue flowers. Arhorea alba is pure white and excellent for home culture ; it is not very hardy, and requires protection during winter ; [perfectly hardy with us in California.— Ed.] Ladies' Floral Cabinet. LOUDON, THE LANDSCAPE GAKDENEE. Loudon was a man who possessed an extra- ordinary working j)0wer. The son of afarmer, near Edinburgh, he was early inured to work. His skill in drawing plans and making * sketches of scenery, induced his father to train him for a landscape gardener. During his ajoprenticeship, he sat up two whole nights every week to study ; 3'et he worked harder during the da}^ than any fellow- laborer. During his studious hours he learned French, and, before he was eighteen, translated a life of Abelard for an Encylo- psedia. He was so eager to make progress in life, that when only twenty, while working as a gardener in England, he wrote down in his note book : " I am now twenty years of age, and perhaps a third of my life has passed away, and yet what have I done to benefit my fellow-man ?" An unusual reflection for a youth of only twenty. From French he proceeded to learn German, and rapidly mastered that language. He now took a large farm for the j^urpose of introducing Scotch improvements in the art of Agricul- ture, and soon succeeded in realizing a considerable income. The Continent being- thrown open on the cessation of the war, he proceeded to travel for the purpose of observation, making sketches of the system of gardening in all countries, which he after- wards introduced in the historical part of his laborious ' ' EncycloiDoedia of Gardening. " He twice repeated his journeys abroad for a similar purpose, the results of which appeared in his Encyclopa3dias — perhaps among the most remarkable works of the kind, and distinguished for the immense mass of usful knowledge which they contain, all collected by dint of persevering industry such as has rarely been equalled. OUll WINE INTEKEST. Much has been said about the Wine Pro- duct of California for 1871, and the probable increase in the future. The Alta California, some time since, took occasion to criticise certain statements from various sources, and bearing upon this matter. It asserted that the amount of wine produced in 1871 has been over-estimated, which fact, if permitted to go abroad uncontradicted, would injure our reputation, and might result in pecuniary loss to business men. We know that many extravagant state- ments have been published, both here and abroad, in regard to the products of our soil. This is occasioned by indiscretion on the part of our newspaper men in accej^ting statements from unreliable parties as facts. We fail to see, however, that a great error has been committed in estimating the wine product of 1871, in California at 6,000,000 gallons, which the Alta wishes to reduce to 4,500,000 gallons. We maintain that if the yield has not been 6,000,000 gallons it cer- tainly should have been that much. The statements upon which all the esti- mates have been based are incomplete and unreliable, and we do not see how the Alta can arrive at any closer estimate of the true facts than others who have watched with great interest the condition and progress of our wine interest. As others have done their guess-work, we may be permitted to guess a little on the subject. According to statistics on hand, the total number of grape vines now under cultivation in California is estimated at 30,000,000, of Avhich number the counties of El Dorado, Los Angeles, Napa and Sonoma claim about 14,- THE CALIFOKNIA HOETICULTUEIST. 203 000,000, and the remaining forty-six counties abont IG, 000,000. As for the export wine and the supply for San Francisco, it will be admitted, that the before-mentioned four counties certainly fur- nish ninety per cent, of it— three fourths of the counties having never shipped one gal- lon from home— and ten per cent, may be credited to small shippers ; it will also be admitted that fully one half of the wine produced in 1871 is now on hand at the vineyards of the leading wine -producing counties. Now, if we entertain the statement of the Alia, that the amount of wine shipped to San Francisco and exported in 1871 has been about 2,000,000 gallons, we must credit the four counties named with ninety per cent, of that amount, and also with an equal amount on hand ; while the forty-six other counties must be credited with one half of the entire yield of the State, which, according to these figures, must be over 6,000,000 gallons, mak- ing due allowance for waste, home consump- tion, and other uses of the grape. As for the annual increase of our wine product, it may be stated as a fact, that grape vine planting reached its largest dimensions in the years 1868,-69 and '70 ; it will, there- fore, be fair to presume that the increase of our vineyards, per acre, will be at an average of about ten per cent, per annum ; upon which we may base, after the lapse of four years, a future increase of ten j)er cent, of the vine yield. As vines become more pro- ductive from year to year (at least for many years to come), and as experience in cultiva- tion, etc. , will produce most beneficial effects, resulting in a better and increased yield, we may add another ten per cent, per annum on that account, which will give us a total in- crease in the annual product of about twenty per cent. Vines five to six years old should produce one gallon of wine per annum, with the exception of a very few foreign varieties, which are less abundant bearers and require a larger amount of berries to make a gallon of wine, but it must be taken into considera- tion that of the 30,000,000 of vines now cultivated, a very large proportion is scat- tered over small farms and gardens, and cultivated only for the fruit, while some grapes are also made into raisins ; in addi- tion to this, some of our large vineyards carry on an extensive trade in supplying San Francisco and the neighboring States, Terri- tories and Islands with this delicious fruit. We must further remember that a large per- centage of our vines are non-producing on account of neglect and mismanagement. All these considerations combined justify the opinion, that only one half the grapevines of California are actually -wine producing, and should give, when in full bearing, 15,000,000 of gallons of wine per annum, provided that the season is favorable. Last year, in a general view, was unfavor- able on account of the long, dry season; this year is somewhat unfavorable on account of the late severe frosts which we experienced, yet it is fair to presume that this misfortune will be fully made up by the yield of vines which have been heretofore unproductive, and therefore the total product may not fall short of that of last year. To support some of our assertions we may give a number of statements, which we obtained lately in visiting some of the vine- yards in Napa. In one vineyard there (for instance) 30,000 vines are cultivated, 15,000 of which are five and six years old. The quantity of wine produced last year amounted to about 8,000 gallons. The vine-grower is confident that in a favorable season the pro- duct would be fifty per cent. more. The cellar of the vineyard being located by a public road, the entire product is retained at the vineyard or in Napa city, and not one gallon of the wine has ever been offered in San Francisco or for export. We could mention several other vineyards bearing out the same facts. In Nevada county we know of a vineyard which has produced wine for the past ten years; the cellar of this vineyard contains 204 THE CALIFOENIA HORTICULTURIST. wine made of foreign grapes, of eveiy year since 1863, and the proprietor took extra- ordinary precaution to keep the wine from the different varieties of grapes separate, so that we may obtain Zinfendar, Black Ham- burg, Catawba, Riesling, Burgundy, Muscat, etc., of different ages, in bottles or casks, at this vineyard. The five-year-old vines there have produced, on an average, one gallon of juice to the -^ine in favorable years, tlae vines being trained about five feet high and sup- ported by stakes, in the old style. Not one gallon of the wine produced in this vineyard has ever been offered for sale in San Fran- cisco. The wine being of a superior quality, the owner expects to profit largely by keep- ing it until a proper distinction shall be made and recognized by the trade in the quality and character of California wines. We think the owner is correct. We cotild bring more evidence, but our space will not permit. THE STUDY OF NATUEAL HISTORY, AND How it Accords with Sundry Pursuits and Eecreations. Me. Editor: — It will certainly be con- ceded that the study of Natural History is a kindred science with Agriculture and Horti- culture, and I therefore plead that whatever relates directly or indii-ectly to that study cannot be out of place, but may be consid- ered interesting in a Horticultiiral Magazine. I have, therefore, taken the liberty of ad- dressing a few remarks to you on the relation between Natural History and sundry pursuits and recreations, as Hunting, Fishing, Shoot- ing, etc., where the close observation of the habits, food, resorts, etc. of the animals pur- sued are more keenly (though perhaps not so scientifically) noted by the sportsman than even by the naturalist, the information de- rived from such sources constituting the great bulk in all works on Natural Histors^ I must, however, admit that but a limited knoAvledge of that science suffices for sundry branches of those sports, as riding to hounds. coursing hares, duck etc. shooting, where the season selected and the mode of piu'suit militates against any close study of the prey, and the bustle, noise and excitement causing too much disturbance and affright in the animals to afford any great opportunity for scientific observation ; while the season, best suited for these sports is not the one best adapted for general study, as the leaf is withering, insects have passed their gay sum- mer day, and numerous varieties of birds have congi-egated and taken their departure for southern climes. But the co-relation between the study of natui'al history and the practice of fishing is undoubtedly intimate, and they certainly may be jointly pursued without neglect of either. The very mode of pursuing his sport, adopted by the angler, necessitates keen observ^ation as to the haunts of his prey, mode and time of feeding, nature of food, condition of weather, water, etc. ; the seasons, habits and nature of food of the insects, which are themselves the food of the fish, for the successful angler not only knows from the appearance of a river or stream what fish to expect, but also from the trees, shnibs and herbage overhanging, what is the nature of their food, and, consequently, which are the most inviting flies to offer, for, be it remembered, the fisherman has to deceive his keen-eyed prey, approach them very closely, and tempt them to feed; if he ex- cites alarm in the slightest degree, all his efforts are fniitless. Not so the huntsman or gunner, who cares not, so that he can get within fifty or one hundred yards of it, whether his prey is frightened or not. An- gling is thus indebted for an auxiliary chaim to this fellowship with natui-al history in ad- vantage of the other sports — of hunting, shooting, etc. This intimacy, however acci- dental, links the angler closely mth the Botanist and the Entomologist, themselves inseparable from the Florist and Horticultur- ist ; and to excel in his art he must study with them. And how delightful the study ! How conducive to health ! reinvigorating both THE CALITOENIA HORTICULTURIST. 205 to mind and body ; how genial the seasons appropriate to his sjDort and study ! while the beauty of the scenery is enhanced by the soothing influence of rural sounds — the merry notes of birds, the hum of insect life, the rustling of the gentle breeze among the leaves, and the rippling of the brook, the perfume of plants and flowers, with other sweet accompaniments — " Rivers, to whose shallow falls Melodious birds sing madrigals ;" the soothing, and thought - awakening in- fluence of the water itself, "Nature's store- house, in which she locks up her wonders'' ; the numberless and varied forms of animal and vegetable life which constantly arrest his attention and excite his interest, many of them by reason of the silence and quiet necessary to his sport, being seen to especial advantage. All these things combine not only to present the works of Nature before him in their most attractive form, but at the same time peculiarly dispose his mind to meditate on the impressions they can scarcely fail to make on it. The book of Nature is in fact opened before his eyes — nay, obtruded on his notice — written in such distinct and inviting characters that he must indeed be blind of eye and dull of appre- hension if he do not, to some extent at any rate, attain to a knowledge and love of her language. It is scarcely to be wondered then, that, springing from all these associations, there should insensibly arise in the mind a cordial sympathy with, and appreciation of, those delights and wonders of Nature which hardly any other class of men save botanists and entomologists possess. The accuracy of these conclusions, as be- tween hunting any animals on horseback, shooting, etc., and fishing, may be, perhaps, not unfairly tested by comparing the standard works on each, and thus forming an estimate of the regard in which Nature and the study of natural history are held by their respect- ive votaries. To go through the whole list, both Ameri- can and English, would be a tedious and a needless task; but let us take some of the best works on each subject : say Beckford's Thoughts on Hunting (English), Murray's Instructions to Sportsmen (American), and Walton's Complete Angler. Now, what is there in Beekford but hunting ? what in Murray but shooting? But what a change is there when we come to dear old Izaak ! How keen and pure is his appreciation and enjoyment of Nature for Nature's self. There is scarcely a page in his whole book which does not breathe forth his earnest and de- voted love of her. Do not his descriptions almost lead away his readers in s^aite of themselves from the avowed subject of his book, and incite them to become anglers, more for the sake of the accessories which he paints so graphically and invitingly — his "honey-suckle hedges," his "airy creatures;" his "silver streams," — than for the actual fishing? Verily, he has done as much to promote a genial and healthy love of Nature as any man who ever lived. That Fishing by thus leading up to the study of natural history, has acquired a just right to be associated with it, is a question which no philosophical mind will dispute any more than that Agriculture and Horti- culture have a like paramount claim to such companionship, and, consequently, the study of natural history (fishing included) and essays upon it, particularly with respect to the insect world, can be beneficially admit- ted into a Horticultural publication like the California Horticulturist. Should these pleadings for the gentle art induce any readers who may have been in- clined to dissent from our view of the case, to refrain from pronouncing against us, these remarks will have answered their purpose. And if our arguments in this article or paper have the effect of bringing forth from any of its readers notes or observations in writing, throwing any light on Ornithology, Ento- mology or kindred subjects, the object of the writer of the above lucubrations will have been fully answered. E. J. H, San Francisco, 1872. 206 THE CALIFORNIA HORTICULTURIST. FOEEST CULTURE. The Promotion of Forest Culture. Many of the Western States have already instituted measures for the promotion of For- est Culture ; others are only now beginning to move toward the attainment of the same object. They all feel the need of forests, not only for the purpose of protection against the terrible gales that sweep the prauies and to furnish the inhabitants with cheap timber for fencing and building purposes, but to modify climate and prevent the ruinous droughts that afflict every unwooded coun- try. An efibi-t is, this Winter, to be made in the Wisconsin Legislature to adopt some means of restoring the forests, which have been almost wholly cleared away in the northern portion of the State. It is a move- ment somewhat analagous to that proposed by the sportsmen of this State, and which is, we believe, to be brought to the notice of our Legislature this Winter — to have the State purchase the great north woods and preserve them as a wilderness. The fact that the people are aiming at the same object in so many different parts of the country, shows clearly that it is one whose importance is already recognized. — Ufica Herald. THE LARGEST VINEYARD IN CALIFORNIA. FORESTRY. The forests which remain in Europe are carefully tended by foresters, educated to a proper knowledge and execution of their business. Forestij includes a knowledge of planting, transplanting and cultivating forest trees, and of felling, removing, rafting and by other modes getting into market the mature timber. By these means the forests are a source of large revenue to private individuals as well as to governments, and are kept up in the best condition. In America the time has come when the art might be profitably in- troduced : as it is, our vast forests are fast going to destruction, with no effort to pre- serve them for the future. Hearth and Home. The largest Aineyard in California is the Buena Vista, in Sonoma County, where there are 500 acres of vines. The whole tract belonging to the Buena Yista Yinicultural Society, covers some 6,000 acres, on which there are several creeks, and sulphur, iron and soda springs. An avenue a mile long leads to the houses, and on both sides are planted three rows of locust and mulberry trees. Of the latter there are some 3,000 exclusive of cuttings. The dwellings, men's quarters, carpenter shop, blacksmith shop, stable, etc., are all separated so as to prevent the possibility of a ]iea,yy loss by fire. The Company make different classes of red and white wine, and 160,000 gallons were pro- duced there in 1871. Sparkling wines are made with the foreign varieties of grape. The press-house, near a hill, is three stories high and 100 feet square. The grapes are brought around on the side of the hill and crushed in the upper story, while the juice is carried by pipes to the vats below. From this house three tunnels or cellars 100 feet long each, are run into the hill for the pur- pose of storing the wine. The champagne house is also three stories high, and from it are two long tunnels running into the hill containing at present about 60,000 bottles of sparkling wine. On one side of the creek, near the press- house, is the cooper's shop, where all the casks, which are made from the best Eastern wood, are put together, and on the other side is the distillery where the brandy is made. In the press-house cellars are large tanks hold- ing from 1,000 to 2,000 gallons each, where they have wine from the vintage of 1866 to date. Tunnel No. 3 is what they facetiously term the "library," where they have casks of different kinds of wine of a variety of ages for the visitors to sample. On the main creek is the Willow House where all the champagne baskets are made from willows grown on the ranch. They employ from forty to one hundred men, according to the THE CALIFORNIA HORTICULTURIST. 207 season, and have at present forty six at work. Every department has its "boss," who brings his report nightly to the super- intendent, Mr. E. P. Cutter. The manager of the cellars is Mr. A. Ketz. There are at present about 230,000 gallons of wine in the cellar. — Rural Press. MUSHROOMS. The French are famous for mushrooms, as all the world knows, and their cultivation is conducted with great art and on a large scale. The mushroom gardener, like the asparagus gardener, is not content with the production of delicate esculents only, they must be gi- gantic as well as delicate. The finest aspar- agus (quoting Geo. Colman) looks like "three single gentlemen rolled into one," and now mushrooms are appearing in the shop win- dows of Paris which look like united families. The method of production is as follows : The spawn of the common mushroom is taken up with a small camel-hair pencil, and laid on a damp strip of glass, so that it can be placed under a microscope, and the pro- cess of germination of the spawn watched during its modification. "When the mycelium, or blank de champignon, as it is called in France, is developed, it is placed in highly manured earth, in which the develoioment continues ; the finest specimens are after- wards selected and placed in a mushroom bed, in a cave or quarry, and covered first with a bed of sand, ten inches deep, and over that a layer of old plaster, about six inches thick, the whole being watered, with the addition of a small quantity of nitrate of potash. At the end of five or six days very large mushrooms will be obtained, clustered together in masses, and of delicious scent and flavor. — Gardeners' Chronicle. All highly concentrated Animal Manures are increased in value, and their benefit great- ly prolonged, by the admixture of plaster or pulverized charcoal. TO DISTINGUISH EDIBLE MUSHROOMS. A writer in the English llechanic gives what he considers to be an invaluabe rule for distinguishing the true Mushroom from the poisonous species. He remarks, in the first place, that the true mushroom is invariably found in rich, open pastures, and never on or about stumps or in woods ; and, although a wholesome species sometimes occurs in the latter localities, the writer considers it better to avoid their products. A very good point, in the second place, is the peculiarly intense purple brown color of the spore-dust, from which the ripe mushroom derives the same color (almost black) in the gills. To see these spores, it is only necessary to remove the stem from the mushroom, and lay the upiDer portion, with the gills downwards, on a sheet of writing paper, where the spores will be deposited, in a dark, impali^able powder, in a short time. Several dangerous species, sometimes mistaken for the true, have the spore, umber brown. In the true mushroom, again, there is a distinct and perfect collar, quite encircling the stem, a little above the middle, and the edge of the cap overlaps the gills. Ii^ some poisonous species the collar is reduced to a mere fringe, and the overlapx:)ing margin is absent or reduced to a few white scales. Lastly, the gills never reach to nor touch the stem, there being a space around the top of the stem, where the gills are free from the stalk. There are numerous varieties of true mush- rooms, all of them equally good for the table. Sometimes the top is white and soft, like kid leather; at other times it is dark brown and scaly. Sometimes, on being cut or broken, the mushroom changes color to yellow, or even blood-red ; at other ' times, no change whatever takes place. To sum up, it is to be observed, that the mushroom always grows in pastures ; always has dark purple-brown spores; always has a perfect encircling collar ; and always has gills Avhich 208 THE CALIFORNIA HORTICULTURIST. do not touch the stem, and has a top with an overlapping edge. In addition to the methods just indicated for testing the genuineness of mushrooms, we are informed that, however much any particular fungus may resemble the eat- able mushroom, none are genuine or safe, the skin of which cannot be easily removed. "When taken by the thumb and finger at the overlapping edge, this skin will peel upward to the centre, all around, leaving only a small portion of the centre of the crown to be pared off by the knife. Prairie Farmer. PINUS EDULIS. Its Adaptability to a Dry Climate. Tliat this Pine is well adapted to a dry climate, there can be no doubt. It is per- fectly at home upon the arid mountains of New Mexico and Colorado, where rain is almost unknown. In some localities it seems to be the only tree that can survive the dry climate. Dr. Warder, in describing the tim- ber observed, during a recent excursion over the Plains to the Rocky Mountains, says : "Finns Edulis, the Pinon or Mountain Pine, was found only on the bare rounded hills of red sand rock that guard the Ute Pass, near the base of Pike's Peak." Professor Torry says of this Pine, in the Facific Railroad Report : " It is found from 150 miles east of the Rio Grande to the Cajon Pass of the SieiTa Nevada." This includes the most rainless, arid region on this continent. Its manner of growth is conclusive evi- dence of its adajjtability to a dry climate. It has but few of what are called surface roots; the roots dive deeply, apparently searching for water below the drying sun and air. We have had seedlings send down the radix or tap root, twelve or eighteen inches, with a single spongiole at the end, while the plant was scarcely an inch above the surface. AVe have experimented with the little seed- lings to test this tendency to send the radix doAvnward. We have dug them with the root ten to twelve inches long, and marked and tied it into a knot, and then replanted with the whole of the root not over ten inches from the surface. In a short time the radix would be found to have again plunged down to its former depth. In this way we have found the little plant to produce a single radix two or three feet long, and not larger than a small straw, while the top was not more than one or two inches high. Again, it can be grown from the seed in dry, sandy soil, in the hot sun, with no pro- tection, without any inconvenience whatever being felt from the influence of the sun. We have grown them upon the same bed, for the purpose of experiment, with some fif- teen other varieties of native and foreign evergreens, without shade or any protection whatever from the sun. None except the Finus Edulis and the New Mexican Red Cedar stood the test uninjured, while nearly eveiything else was wholly destroyed. We found this pine in every case grow as well from the seed, fully exposed to the sun, and, we thought, generally a little better than where it was shaded. From the foregoing we feel satisfied that it is well adapted to the climate of all our Western States and Territories. Evergreen and Forest Tree Grower. Inexpensive Ornaments. — There is no mere ornament inside or out of our houses so cheap and tasteful as plants and flowers. Few pause to regard the architecture of your rooms or your house, but the beauty of flowering shrubs, or the living arabesque of a thrifty creeper over yom- door, are lessons of taste and beauty. Indeed, suburban resi- dences are sadly deficient -without these sim- ple yet beautiful accessories, always within the reach of taste and refinement, no matter how empty the purse. As the real necessi- ties of life require the least expenditure of time and money, so these objects which tend most truly to satisfy the love of the beautiful in Nature, are within the reach of her hum- blest children. THE CALIFOKNIA HOETICULTTJRIST. 209 (^awovial l^ortlolto. AGEICULTUKAL AND HOKTICULTURAL SOCIETIES. Of late, we have noticed with pleasure a disposition amongst the tillers of the soil to form associations, we presume for mutual protection, for exchange of practical and useful information, and for the general ad- vancement of Agriculture and Horticulture. Combined efforts on the jjart of our farmers and gardeners to establish more intimate re- lations amongst themselves must produce good. If we were to assume that these asso- ciations have been formed merely for show, or (as some see fit to assert) for individual purposes, we should attach but little value to their existence ; but the indications are, that their members are in earnest and are determined to make their gatherings produc- tive of improvement in all the branches of Agriculture and Horticulture. There has been a great deal of talking done during the last ten years, but very little profit from it. "What we require are sound and honest deliberations, useful and practical information, and a persevering disposition to benefit ourselves and our neighbors by ex- hibiting better results. Deep plowing, early sowing, proper and thorough cultivation, manuring instead of exhausting the soils, ornamenting our homes and making them comfortable, necessary irrigation, tree cul- ture, selection of proper soils and locations for the different crops in view, and more satisfactory arrangements between producers and consumers, by dispensing vdth the pre- sent unhealthy commission business as far as practicable; all these improvements are both desirable and necessary, but talk alone will not accomplish these results; we must be prepared to act. If our Agricultural and Horticultural Associations will make success in their purposes their fixed deter- mination, their very existence will inspire people with confidence in the future of Cali- fornia. 3 The most useful means to aid in the con- summation of all this advancement, are our Agricultural and Horticultural Exhibitions ; the discussions at the meetings, of subjects belonging to Agriculture and Horticulture ; and the maintenance and perusal of Agricul- tural and Horticultiiral publications. Our exhibitions are not generally consid- ered as fully answering the purposes for which they are held; entirely too much atten- tion is given to horse-racing and gambling. The blame, however, cannot be attached so much to the associations holding these exhi- bitions, as to the individuals who patronize them. It is evident that visitors delight more in horse-racing than in admiring and judging the products of our fields; and so long as the patrons of our exhibitions ex- hibit more interest in the horse-racing than in the other features, so long will the associ- ations be compelled to gratify their patrons in this respect, in order to meet their ex- penses. If reform is possible and practi- cable, our farmers must change front in this matter. The meetings of our associations should also be reformed, by paying more attention to useful and joractical matters than to unim- portant formalities and discussions, which are neither interesting nor of sufficient import- ance to warrant publication. The Secretaries of the various associations should be required to furnish the proceedings of meetings to the Agricultural and Horticultural publica- tions and to the local newspapers; and if these Secretaries cannot afford to give a j)or- tion of their time to these duties, they should receive a moderate compensation for their labors and the time they actually devote. But few members of the associations beins able to attend the meetings, it becomes necessary to publish the discussions for the benefit of all concerned. Agricultural and Horticultural publica- tions and periodicals are the proper media through which knowledge and information upon these specialties can most readily be disseminated throughout the country. 210 THE CALIFOKNIA HORTICULTURIST. For various good and substantial reasons, these periodicals are published in the larger cities, away from the fields, where the prac- tical work is done, and however many and good the qualifications which the respective editors may possess, the co-operation of the practical cultivators is required to make these publications useful, and adapted to the re- quirements of the people. But rerj few seem to be willing to contribute to the columns of our Agricultural and Horticultural papers items of general interest and importance which come under their observation in every- day life. This inexcusable neglect and lack of public spirit is due partly to an ill-timed (we had almost said ridiculous) modesty, partly to lack of time, partly to selfishness, but most predominantly to indifference, the worst and most culpable of all the reasons. The modest excuse of not being able to write is a mere fiction ; what editors require are facts, plain, and to the point, such as any man of ordinary intellect is able to furnish ; the editor and publishers will attend to the balance of the work, and take excellent care that the articles are presentable. All that may be reasonably expected of the cultivator of the soil is a will to do as much as lies within his power to advance the inter- ests of all, by communicating to the public that which he knows or believes to be useful and practical; and he can accomplish this object best by making our exhibitions com- plete, by taking an interest in our associa- tions, and by furnishing facts worth knowing, to our Horticultural and Agricultural publi- cations, and thus make them the most useful agents to lead to permanent prosperity. BERMUDA GRASS (AGAIN), "The Bermuda of this section flourishes best in our very heavy, strong, adhesive clay lands, is very nutritious, much more so than anything else we have, but has two bad qualities with us : 1st, it is not of any value for winter pasture ; 2d, it will not relinquish its place when it gets possession of a piece of ground. It kills shrubbery, trees, flowers, and keeps spreading, spreading, spreading, till it is supreme, and takes lawn, garden, orchard, farm, if sufficient time and not enough work is given it. For a summer pas- ture it is unexcelled. It is rich in valuable matter, it is rapid in growth, and stands trampling and drouth admirably, but other- wise it is dreaded here. Those who have it as a yard grass are each and all entertaining it at great expense and trouble, and advising others to let it alone." We have, on several occasions, spoken freely of this grass, but we do not hesitate to publish reports and opinions which may differ from us, as what we seek is the light of experience — that is our mission. A Texas (the home of the Bermuda) cor- respondent of the Country Gentleman says : MARINE AQUARIUM. As a " Marine Aquarium" is now being con- structed at Woodward's Gardens, in this city, under the supervision of Mr. Schuman, it may be of some interest to our readers to read the following, which we copy from the Gardeners' Chronicle, of London : From the Manchester papers we learn it is proposed to build a good Marine Aquarium in that city. The funds are to be raised by a company started under the superintendence of a num- ber of gentlemen resident in the city, who are interested in Marine Zoology, and desire to promote scientific education in all its branches. The building will contain all the recent improvements shown to be necessary at the Crystal Palace and Brighton Aquaria, and will be rectangular in shape, 120 feet long and 70 feet wide. This space will be divided into two wide galleries, each 120 feet long and 15 feet wide, separated from the central saloon by a light screen. Run- ning along one side of each of these galleries will be a series of tanks, about 80 in number, 40 in each gallery, varying in capacity from 300 to 3,000 gallons; and the roofs will be so arranged that the light will pass through at THE CALIFOENIA HOKTICULTUKIST. 211 an angle of about 45 deg., thus rendering distinctly visible the living inhabitants and plants contained in the grotto-like tanks. The grand saloon will be also 120 feet long by 40 feet wide, supporting on eight iron colums an open-panelled roof. All the windows will be so arranged as to admit only the exact quantity of light required, as it is found that an excess of light acts upon the higher marine plants and animals in a manner di- rectly contrary to its action upon terrestrial life, blanching them as ordinary plants are blanched by being earthed up, while the most brilliant-colored marine plants are those which live in comparative darkness. CEMENT FOE AN AQUAKIUM. Mrs. D. R. B. sends the following recipe to the Rural New Yorker : " I send you a recipe which I have used eight years in my own aquarium with perfect success. The cement has never been removed, and the tank has never leaked a drop during the time : — one part (by measure) say a gill, of litharge ; one gill of plaster of Paris ; one gill of diy, white sand ; one third of a gill of finely -powdered resin. Sift and keep corked tight till required for use, when it is to be made into a putty by mixing with boiled lin- seed oil, with a little patent dryer added. Never use it after it has been mixed with the oil over fifteen hours. This cement can be used in marine as well as fresh water aquaria, as it resists the action of salt water. But the tank must have either an iron or stone frame-work. A wooden one will warp and cannot be made tight with any kind of cement. Be sure your plaster of Paris is pure. Dentists always keep that which is good. It is best to let the tank stand a day or two before the water is put in. The best I have used are the water cress and the calla lily." Canakt Bieds are imported to the United States to the annual extent of 30,000, mostly from Germany. WOEK FOE JUNE. The present is a busy time for all classes of farmers and gardeners, and will continue to be so for some weeks. There will be little leisure for the farmer outside of harvesting, and those who have neglected other work which might have been done during the last two months, must blame themselves for the consequences and loss. The farmers have commenced harvesting, and although the yields do not come up to former expectations, we believe that most of them are doing moderately well. Some localities have sufferd severely from the dry and cold winds, while others promise more than an average crop. Early planting and deep plowing take the first prizes; those who have been satisfied with scratching, and who are always behind time, will profit by another lesson, we hope. Our fruit-growers have their hands full ; cherries, apricots, currants, gooseberries, etc., are ripening : — gathering, packing, and ship- ping are laborious, and take the entire time for a month to come, of those who grow these fruits for profit. The cherry yield will be unusually large, and much better in quality than last year. "We should like to see our fruit-growers a little more careful and particular in mark- ing their fruit with the proper names, so that the consumer may become familiar with, and be enabled to particularize the different varieties which he prefers. The labor is small to put a label on each box, and the information thus given to the public will be appreciated, and create a more particular inquiry for the most desirable varieties. Un- less we educate the masses upon these points, we cannot expect a due appreciation of that which is really good. In the vineyards, all we can do is, to keep the weeds down and prevent them from maturing their seed; a good hoeing will benefit both the vines and the fruit. Vines which have been planted lately should be staked and the young shoots tied up to keep 212 THE CALIFORNIA HORTICULTURIST. them from breaking off. We do not believe in allowing young vines to trail upon the ground. In the Vegetable Garden attention should be paid to the following duties : 1st. Irrigation, which need not be done more than twice a week, but should then be thoroughly done — a light sprinkling of the surface does not amount to much; as one hour of warm sunshine will evaporate it. 2d. Frequent hoeing ; the ground around vegetables should always be in a high state of cultivation, that is, loose, and free from weeds. 3d. To thinning out of young plants wher- ever they appear crowding each other ; each plant requires a certain amount of soil from which it can draw its nourishment ; they should be kept far enough apart to admit cultivation around them. It is well to throw up the earth a little around the more advanced plants of Cab- bage, Cauliflowers, and Tomatoes. Head Lettuce should be transplanted ; late Peas may be sown; Corn may yet be planted; Pole Beans should receive proper support. Fresh horse or cow manui-e, dissolved in water, will have a wonderful effect upon vegetables, if applied two or three times wdth the watering pot. A little attention of this kind pays well ; we cannot expect good re- sults without some labor; vegetables must gi-ow luxuriously to be of good quality. The Flower Garden cannot dispense with any less attention than heretofore, or it will exhibit neglect, and result in discouragement, Roses have yielded their first crop, and now the young wood is sufficiently ripened to allow of cutting back to a few strong buds ; with moderate moisture these will soon make a new growth and produce new flowers. Our gardeners and amateurs do not pay proper attention to the cultivation of Roses, or we should see them in bloom throughout the year. As soon as the young wood is ripe, which is the case now, four fifths to five sixths of it should be removed, in order to secure a new growth, which is necessary for new flowers. Dahlias and Gladiolus make their growth now, and we must keep the soil around them in a loose and porous condition. As we said last month, remove all but one strong stock from Dahlias, if fine flowers are expected. Young seedlings of Pinks, Pansies, and other hardy bedding plants must be trans- planted to where they are expected to flower ; do this during the evening, and water well, but carefully. We plant with a small dibble, and after planting we stick the dibble into the soil beside the young plant, forming a small hole into which we pour the water with the watering-pot ; in this way the water will penetrate deeper, and keep the roots moister, which is veiy desirable. The Greenhouse and Conservatory require all the fresh air we can give, and frequent watering of the floor, in order to produce a moist atmosphere. Fuchsias and Camellias require considerable moisture and shade. Geraniums may be kept rather dry; flowering Begonias and Ferns may be placed under the shelves, as they can do with less light than others. Azaleas may be placed in a shel- tered and shady situation in the open air, and should have just enough water to keep them alive ; Bouvardias should have a very airy place near the door ; Cape Jasmines, young Palms, Caladiums, Gloxinias, varie- gated leaf Begonias and other tropical plants should have a close atmosphere; warmth and plenty of moisture are requisite for their successful growth, Achimenes bulbs, etc., should be planted, — — •*■ THE FEUIT TKEES OF CALIFOENIA, Reports are continually received from va- rious localities of the fact, that fruit trees, particularly peach, plum, apricot and nectar- ine, are dying off without any apparent cause. We knew the time would come w^hen sad experience would teach our pomologists that fruit trees cannot be expected to live a long life, if planted on the bottom lands. The THE CALIFOENIA HORTICTJLTrRIST. 213 most injudicious localities have, unfortu- nately, been heretofore selected both for orchards and vineyards ; and furtfter, left as they have been planted, in most cases they received no attention from the owners, save gathering the fruit. We have found by experience that it is of no avail to talk to our horticulturists until they have burnt their fingers. Listen to them, and they know it all, when ice know that, practically and scientifically, we have a larger percentage of ignorant horticulturists, farm- ers and pomologists here, than in any other country on the globe. What will be the result of their sad expe- rience, when they see that their injudiciously- planted orchards perish ! They will not go to work and profit by it, but will piunp at something else, or cry the country down. We should have the reports laid before the meetings of our Horticultural and Agricul- tural Societies, and should endeavor to trace the evil to its proper origin. That is the pur- pose for which we have associations. But if no one is willing to report, we cannot exj)ect to have more light thrown upon the subject. ORANGE SCALE INSECTS. APHIDES (GBEEN fly) on house PLANTS. Many remedies have been tried, but none * seem to succeed so well as Peruvian guano, mixed with soap suds. This mixture seems to have the desired effect when applied by means of a syringe (in the Spring), about once a week, the soap and ammonia killing the young coccus as it fii-st emerges from the female scale, and before it has become im- permeable to the liquid preparation. The guano will also serve to enrich the soil under the tree. In planting new trees, great care should be taken that they are entirely free from scales, as a whole grove may become infected from one diseased tree. The coccus has a few insect enemies, which in a measure serve to check its ravages. — Rural Carolinian. The Eural New Yorker says, that in the conservatory they can be readily destroyed by fumigating with tobacco, but with parlor plants they are not so easily disposed of. A large box, into which a number of plants can be placed and then fumigated, is a veiy con- venient method, always selecting a warm day for the operation, or using some room in which the smell of tobacco would not be objectionable. The soft-wooded or herba- ceous plants are the ones mostly infested with this pest. Place the plants in a deep box, and then put a few live coals into an earthen or metal dish, and throw a handful of fine-cut tobacco upon them. The box should then be covered up lightly, in order to confine the smoke about the plants. Allow the plants to remain in the box two or three hours, then take them out and syringe the leaves and stems with clear, tepid water. Repeat this operation as often as the gi'een fly appears, if you desire healthy plants. TO DESTROY CABBAGE LICE. Two remedies have lately been recommend- ed in the East as veiy efi:ective. One is, to sprinkle buckwheat flour over the plants affected with the lice, early in the morning, when the cabbages are covered with dew. Another is, to sprinkle or sift salt over the cabbages, in the early morning, while the dew remains on the leaves. Unfortunately, we have very little dew here in California ; nevertheless moisture can be detected upon the cabbage plants in the morning, wherever irrigation is resorted to, and irrigation being necessary to raise cab- bage in STimmer, the above remedies may be worth experimenting with. Orange Trees are gi'owing in the open air at Healdsburg, Sonoma County, and produc- ing fruit. Beet Sugar. — The State Legislature of New Jersey has passed a law exempting from taxation, for ten years, any establishment en- gaged exclusively in the manufacture of beet sugfar. 214 THE CALIFORNIA HORTICULTUEIST. THE BEST STEAWBEEKY. In answer to a correspondent inqniring as to the best strawberiy, the Gardeners' 3Ionthly says : " There is no more difficult question to answer than this. The vote of the whole United States would be in favor of the Albany Seedling. Some, because it bears abund- antly; some, because it bears anywhere — in sand or in clay; and some, because the peculiar tartness when plenty of sugar is used with it, is agreeable to them. But there are others who are willing to sacrifice some of these j)eculiar advantages for the sake of a large, handsome beny, with a pleas- ing aroma and sweeter taste. These people ■j^xeiex Jucunda or Triomphe de Gand; — Na- poleon III, Charles Downing and Agriculturist also have merits which commend them highly to various growers. From your letter we judge that you want them for your own use, and not for marketing, and some of the last- named will probably suit you best." The following items are from the Monthly Report of the Department of Agriculture : Regulating the Hatching oe Silk-Woem Eggs. — Duclaux, after a careful observation of the external conditions which favor and influence the hatching of the eggs of silk- worms, has prepared the following rules, by attention to which it is said that the devel- opment of the eggs can be regulated at will. First, to prevent an egg from being hatched at the usual time, it must be kept, from the period of being laid, at a temperature be- tween 59 and 68 degrees of Fahrenheit, and then exposed fourteen days to cold, three months before the time at which the hatch- ing is desired, being subsequently treated in the usual manner. To cause an egg to hatch before the usual time, it must be exposed to cold twenty days after being laid, and kept in that condition for two months, and then removed. Six weeks later it will be in the same condition as ordinary eggs, and can be treated in the same manner. In this way it is possible to have silk-wonns' eggs ready for hatching at any season of the year. Inceeasing the Vigor of Geowth in Plants. — A veiy important announcement has lately been made in France as to the effect pro- duced upon the luxuriance of vegetation by the disturbance of the natural position of the branches. It has been known for some time that if two branches of a fruit-tree be selected of about the same size, and the same upward inclination to the horizontal plane, and one of these be bent downward toward this plane, it appears to lose its vigor, while the other gains in like ratio. It is now an- nounced as the discovery of an ignorant peasant on the Danube, named Hooibreuk, that this law holds good only up to the hori- zontal position; and that if the branch is depressed still further, and below the hori- zontal, it becomes characterized by much greater vigor than before, and, in fact, will put out leaves and branches to an astonishing and unheard-of degree. But this depends upon keeping the branches as nearly as pos- sible in a straight line, the effect being measurably lost with a considerable curva- ture. In this case, only the buds which occupy the top of the arc are developed com- pletely, at the expense of the rest, which^ remain in their original condition, contribut- ing neither to the extension of foliage nor of fruit. A VISIT TO NAPA VALLEY. A visit to Napa Valley may now be made with so much comfort and facility, with so little loss of time and at so little expense, that we wonder why thousands of the citi- zens of San Francisco do not avail them- selves of their leisure hours to view the very many interesting natural features of this Valley, as well as the rapid progress of im- provement. Leaving San Francisco in the morning by one of the accommodation steamers of the Central Pacific, in the first place we enjoy a most agreeable voyage of two hours uj)on the THE CALIFOKNIA HORTICULTURIST. 215 Bay of San Francisco ; being always in sight of the neighboring shores and islands, they present an ever-changing panoramic scene of great beauty. Half an hour before land- ing at the wharf at Vallejo we come within sight of this thriving city, prominently lo- cated upon gently-sloping hills, and, as we approach the landing, a full view of Mare Island, which, fronting the city of Vallejo, adds much to the effect. But few minutes are occupied in trans- ferring passengers and baggage from the steamer to the comfortable railroad cars, and on we roll amidst the fertile fields of Napa Valley, every mile of travel adding new in- terest to the beautiful landscape. Within half an hour after leaving Vallejo, we arrive at Thompson Station, named after our enter- prising friend — Mr. Thompson, who is the possessor of an extensive farm, sub-divided into orchards, vineyards, grain fields, mea- dows, and extensive ornamental grounds. All these are in a high state of cultivation ; and here we have most attractive exempli- fication of the comforts and pleasures of country life within a few hours' ride of the metropolis of the Pacific. Glancing over this estate, the first thought impressed upon our mind was: "Here must be happiness!" How many such homes as this one, could be establishe^l by just such enterprising men as Mr. Thompson, the traveler may judge by turning his eyes over the length and breadth of this beautiful Valley ; and we feel assured we have other localities within our State of equal fertility, and as easy of access. Another half hour's travel through the grain fields, and we are, almost unexpect- edly, in the streets of Napa City ; one of the most thriving towns of California, with its hundreds of cozy cottages and magnificent mansions, sprinkled through a forest, not of native oaks and pines, but the result of art and perseverance, to which rich and poor have contributed with equal success. The streets are margined with stately Locusts, Elms, Poplars, Ailanthus, and English Wal- nuts of advanced growth, which form a happy contrast with the Pines, Cypress, and Acacias, intermingled here and there with fine specimens of Libocedrus and Abies, the graceful Willow and the towering Eucalypti, giving the whole a most picturesque apppear- ance, while from amongst the dense foliage of trees the choral song of many birds rings out most sweetly; the flowers are scattered in profusion over verandas, the garden plots and borders, and every other available spot, and saturate the air with delightful per- fume. The people of Napa City have accom- plished more towards their happiness than we can find in any other of our rural cen- tres of population. Their houses, their trees, and their flowers are comforts to them, which dollars and cents cannot replace. Surrounded by these pleasing evidences of their labors, they are not ready to sell out at any price and at any time, as some of our settlers do, who cannot perceive the value of a tree or a rosebud. (To be continued.) REPORT ON THE FRUIT MARKET. Fruits and Vegetables are still somewhat backward, but the quality generally is supe- rior. Fruits. — Strawberries are good in quality, moderate in supply, yet sufficient to meet the demand, at from 12i to 15c. per Ih. Cherries, very fine and plentiful, from 12J to 37|c. per lb. Currants, plentiful and veiy fine, from 8 to 9c. per lb. Gooseberries, plentiful, at 6c. Plums {Cherry Plums), are just coming in, at 25c. per Bb. Apricots (Royals), in limited supplj"-, at from 25 to 37^c. per lb. Peaches, one lot has appeared in market at fabulous prices. Raspberries, a very few but fine, at 25c. per H). 216 THE CALIFORNIA HOBTICULTUEIST. Pears {Madeline) and Apples are just com- ing in, but look indigestible ; the old are out. Tomatoes are just appearing, retailing at 25c. per lb. Rhubarb is plentiful and fine, sells for 5c. Oranges are plentiful ; Lemons in moder- ate supply. Limes, plentiful. Vegetables. — Asparagus going out, sup- ply moderate. Peas and String Beans, plentiful and good, at from 5 to 6c. j)er lb. Cauliflowers and Cabbages, good and plen- tiful, at 10c. each. There is also a good supply of Green Corn in market. Spinach is going out. Artichokes are plentiful. New Potatoes abundant. San Fkancisco, June 10th, 1872. OUE EXCHANGE TABLE. Overland Monthly, for June. There is much highly-interesting reading matter in this number. The article on "Sheep Farm- ing in California" is well written, and worthy the attention of all interested in, or con- nected with that line of business. "Kodiak and Southern Alaska," and " Northern Cali- fornia Indians" afford useful information on both subjects ; as also " Pavy's Expedition to the North Pole." We commend "The Neth- erland Mettray" specially to attenti^-e peni- sal by our City Fathers. We notice that this is the closing number of Vol. VIII, and wish its spirited proprietors increased success -VNdth Vol. IX. John H. Carmany & Co., pub- lishers, 409 Washington Street, San Fran- cisco, Cal. Tenns, $4 per annum. The Science of Health. We have received the first number of this new and apparently very useful monthly, devoted to Health on Hygienic Principles. Samuel B. Wells, pub- lisher, 389 Broadway, New York. Terms, $2 per year. The Little Corporal, for June, came to hand, Reading matter and illustrations are equally creditable. It deserves the success which it undoubtedly enjoys. John E. Miller, pub- lisher, Chicago. The Virginia Real Estate and Farm Jour- nal, devoted to Real Estate, Agriculture and Immigration, which interests it ably repre- sents. Published monthly by A. F. Robert- son & Co., Lynchburg, Va. Terms $1. per year. The Colorado Real Estate Register, devoted to Real Estate, Railroads, Agriculture, Min- ing, Live Stock and the general industry of Colorado, contains valuable information and statistics of the State it represents. Pub- lished by E. Gr. Matthews & Co., Denvers, Colorado. Price $2 per annum. Through the kindness of Gr. P. Rowell & Co., advertising agents, 41 Park Row, New York, we received the American Newspaper Dii^ectory for 1872, etc., a most valuable compendium of information relating to all newspapers and periodicals published on this Continent, and of the towns and cities where they are conducted. We especially call the attention of our enterprising business men to this work, as containing all that is necessary to be known to enable them to sys- tematize that most potent aid to success in business — intelligent advertising. FAVOKS RECEIVED. Monthly Report of the Department of Agri- culture for March and April, 1872; full of interesting notes and statistics. The Lady's Friend, Monthly Magazine of Literature and Fashion, well illustrated; has a large staff of able contributors. It is edited by Mrs. Heniy Peterson, and published by Deacon & Peterson, of Phila- delphia. Price $2 per annum. From M. Ludermann, copies of a valuable German publication, by Dr. Wilhelm Neu- bert, on Floriculture. THE CALIFOKNIA HOETICULTTJEIST. 217 CATALOGUES RECEIVED. Descriptive Catalogue of Fniit and Oi-na- mental Trees, Shrubs and Climbing Vines, Stove and Greenhouse Plants, cultivated and for sale by W. C. Strong & Co., Brighton, Mass. Wholesale Catalogue of superior Dutch Bulbs and other Flowering Boots, from Grube & Nieuwland, No. 13 First Street, New York. — ♦ BOTANICAL WOEK. Baillo's History of Plants is now being translated from the French into the English language. The Gardeners' Monthly considers it the best work on classification at present. FAIRS AND EXHIBITIONS. Inteenational FRnT Show. — In September next there will be held a great International Fruit Show in Glasgow, Scotland, under the auspices of the ''West of Scotland" Horticul- tural Society. One of the great features will be the exhibit of foreign fruits, in which France, Italy, Germany, Holland, Belgium, the United States of America, and British North America, are expected to participate. We hope California will be represented. International Exhibition at Vienna., 1873. — The International Exhibition to come off at Vienna in 1873, it is predicted, will be a very imposing one, and Agriculture and Hor- ticulture are expected to be the leading feat- ures. The Lower House of Congress passed a bill to authorize the President of the United States to appoint proper Commis- sioners on the part of this Government, Our HoRTicuLTTTRAii Exhibition. — Arrange- ments have been made to hold the coming Horticultural Exhibition in the Horticultural Hall, corner of Stockton and Post Streets, in the City of San Francisco. The Hall will be enlarged, etc. Spring Exhibition of the Pennsylvania Horticultural Society. — The Spring Exhi- bition of this Society, held in April last, is said to have been a magnificent affair. The display of flowers was superb, and nothing was left undone by the various committees to make it a complete success. S^" The Kansas City Industrial Exposition and Agricultural Fair Association holds its next Annual Fair from Sept. 23d to Sept, 28th, 1872. The Premium List exceeds $15,000 in cash. PREMIUMS FOR FLOWERS (Offered by the State Agrl. Soc. at their next Fair.) Best and largest collection of Flower- ing Plants in bloom $25 00 Best collection of Ornamental Foliage Plants 25 00 Best collection of New and Bare Plants 15 00 Best collection of Koses in bloom .... 15 00 Best collection of Fuchsias in bloom 15 00 Best display of Cut-flowers 10 00 Best collection of Australian Plants . . 10 00 Best display of Bouquets 10 00 Best collection of Plants suitable for greenhouse, conservatory and win- dow culture 15 00 Best display of Hanging Baskets con- taining Plants 10 00 NEW AND RARE FRUITS. Diospyros Kaki. L. f var. costata, as a hardy fruit. This is a fine variety of a species that is native of Eastern Asia, and has been culti- vated in China for many years. The ripe fruit of this variety is of a nearly globular figure, marked, however, with four longitud- inal furrows ; it is of a bright orange color, colored with a delicate bloom, and attains, in the climate of Paris, a size of from two inches to two and a-half inches in diameter. The flavor approaches that of an apricot, 218 THE CALIFORNIA HORTICULTURIST. gradually passing into that of a medlar, and when fully ripe is veiy pleasant. Before maturity, the fruit partakes of the astrin- gency which is frequent in other species of the genus. The plant is a vigorous shrub, or rather a small tree, with widely-ovate leaves, shining on the upper surface, which fall sometime before the complete maturity of the fruit. The leaves on the young, bar- ren shoots sometimes reach eight to ten inches in length by five to six inches in width, but those on the flowering shoots are some- what smaller. The variety was introduced into France from China some time ago, and first bore fruit in the nursery attached to the Paris Museum, in 1869. It was described and published by M. Carriere under the name of Diospyros costata. From its appearance there, where I saw it last Summer, I should expect it to thrive in the milder parts of the South of England, in which case it would form a valuable addition to our stock of fruit- trees. The species is dioecious, or nearly so, nevertheless the female plant produces good fruit in the total absence of a male com- panion, but the seeds are not perfected. W. P. H. Gardeners' Monthly. Lawyer Apple. — We received , May 4th , from Messrs. Park & Goodyear, of Parksville, Mo., a specimen of this fruit. It is a beautiful ap- ple— large, dark-red and of mild taste. It is described as of a "rich, sprightly cranberry flavor, hardy and productive." It is evi- dently a good keeper ; but we cannot call the flavor either rich or sprightly. But it will please many, though not sufficiently cran- berry to please us. It is certainly an acqui- sition as a late keeper for the more Southern latitudes, (and therefore may be tried with success in California. — Ed.) NEW BULBS. Amongst the bulbs of 1871 the Liliums take the first place, and deservedly so, for few of our garden flowers are more beautiful than they. We shall hope to see blooming flowers (of Lil. Washingtoniamim) exhibited in the ensuing Summer. L. Maximowiczii tig- rinum, and L. Boezlii, are two very charming sorts — the first from Eastern Asia, the sec- ond from the Rocky Mountains. We shall leave Mr. Baker to locate, being content to record the fact of their having found their way to European collections. The South African Gastronema sanguineum fJammenum is a charming dwarf greenhouse bulb, with linear lanceolate leaves, and rosy crimson flowers of great beauty. The Gardeners' 31onthly. THE CAPITOL GROUNDS. There is some talk of converting the State Capitol G-rounds at Sacramento (which by a new law, passed at the last session of the Legislature, have been considerably en- larged) into a State Park. Provisions have now been made for Golden Gate Park, our National Park, and for a State Park; but we are afraid that the interposing of indi- vidual interests, political chicanery and the lack of sufficient public spirit, will prove detrimental to the efficient management of these public improvements. These require the services and should be under the super- vision of our most skillful and practical landscape gardeners. HORTICULTURAL HALL. The fact that San Francisco now possesses a Horticultural Hall, will be gratifying to those interested in Horticulture. The Hall is owned by the "Horticultural Hall As- sociation," the capital stock of which is $60,000, divided into 600 Shares of $100 each. The Trustees are — Robert J. Betge, William Meyer, Christian Westphal, E. L. Reimer, and F. A, Miller. It is proposed to enlarge and beautify the Hall, so as to make it worthy of its name. Make a slow answer to a hasty question. THE CALIFOKNLi HOETICULTUEIST. 219 THE LOS ANGELES ORANGE CROP. The most of the present year's crop of Los Angeles oranges has been shipped. The entire crop is estimated at about 28,000 boxes. Oranges have been sold at prices ranging from $7 to $30 per $1,000, and the total amount realized will be about $100,000. WINE PRODUCT IN THE U. S. FOR 1871. Mr. Bush, in a lecture before the Missis- sippi Yallej Vine-Growers' Association, at a recent session, estimates the product of Mis- souri at 1,000,000 gallons; Illinois, 1,200,- 000 ; New York, 2,250,000 : other States east of the Eocky Mountains, 1,000,000 ; and California, 7,000,000: ,total 12,450,000 galls. BEET SUGAR IN COLORADO. Denvers and other localities of Colorado raise large crops of sugar beets, and the jield of beet sugar there will be immense, when we take into consideration that the dry climate of the eastern slope of the Eocky Mountains is favorable to this industry. Appointment. — N. P. Sangford, of Mon- tana, was appointed (Washington, May 14th, 1872) Superintendent of the Yellowstone National Parks. S^* We have made arrangements to sup- ply the Overland Monthly, together with the California Hoiiiculturist , for §4 50 per an- num. Subscriptions at this rate should be for one year, and should be paid in advance. Orders directed to F. A. Miller & Co., box 128, P. O. , San Francisco, or to the Office of the California Horticulturist, 622 Clay Street, will receive prompt attention. APHIS LANIGERA. Dr. Kellogg drew our attention to-day to a number of young cones of Abies Douglassi which were severely infected by this terrible pest. He promises to furnish us with the result of his observations on this subject in our next number. By the way, we notice two eiTors in his article on "Noxious Insects," page 198, col. 2, iox pages, read ages; and, page 199, col. 1, for Rogues, read Plagues. Dbting and Packing of Figs. — It seems, at first sight, that nothing is easier than to dry and pack a box of figs ; yet there are little points to be attended to, which, if neg- lected, will cause disappointment and loss ; to these I will now invite attention. Pre- vious to collecting the fruits, provide light wooden frames ; battens will be strong enough, if they be not more than six feet by three feet, over which coarse wii-e-netting is to be nailed, having meshes about an inch square, the object of which will be evident in a moment. The fruit should be not merely ripe, in the sense of being ready for market, but the whole inside of it should look, when cut, like rather thick oil, and the outside just beginning to show signs of shrinking. Very little practice will guide the eye in selecting the right ones. Where they can- not be easily reached by the hand from the ground, the cane contrivance described be- fore will be fovind useful. Care must be taken not to crush or damage them. Now, the tray, or frame above-mentioned, is placed on any convenient support, close to the trees, and as the figs are gathered they are placed in the tray, always with the little stalk downwards, and the nose of the fig upwards, and each in its own mesh of the iron net. The reason for this is that veiy often ripe figs open at the nose, and lose all that is really valuable in theii- inside \ne, two and three year old Verbenas possess; nor are the flowers so perfect as on young plants ; they exhaust the soil rapidly, and a good top-dressing of manure should be given annually. The soil should always be well cultivated around them. We advise ama- teurs to plant out some new and young plants every year, by dividing old roots or by pur- chasing the varieties desired, as they are cheap enough ; but we would not make it a practice to replant them in the same spot always, but prefer to change about in regular rotation. The best plants are grown from small cuttings, such as our florists use for growing them in large quantity, but glass cover is required to root them in this way. After roots have been formed — which is within two weeks — they should be potted separately 'in small pots, and placed close under glass,* in order to produce well-branched and bushy plants; which are always preferred by pur- chasers to those with long straggly branches. After they have become established in those pots, they may be transferred into the open border at any time of the year ; if this is done in summer, all they require is newly prepared soil before planting and a thorough watering afterwards. Verbenas are trailing plants, as everybody knows, and to grow them in good shape and uniform, the branches, which are thrown out in rapid succession, should be pegged down with little wooden pegs wherever they are desired to develop themselves. These branches soon form new roots, wherever they are brought into contact with the soil, and establish themselves as independent from the mother plant ; a large circle can thus be formed within a few months, and the product of flowers is most wonderful. The effect is a most pleasing one, and the contrast of color most beautiful, such as no other class of plants can produce in so short a time and for 80 long a period. evergeeens in the eastern states. We hear through our Eastern exchanges continuous complaints that many of the Ev- ergreens have died during the last two years. This remarkable phenomenon is attributed, principally, to the severe and dry winters and to the scarcity of rain during summer. We have no doubt that the extreme cold ^f our Northern localities is too much for many of the Conifers lately introduced ; but when it comes to the scarcity of moisture, we cannot very well comprehend how Ever- greens in the East should suffer more than the Evergreens of the Pacific Coast — the rain-fall of the'Eastern States being certainly far in excess of the amount of moisture de- posited on this Coast. Yet we do not hear of instances where our Evergreens have thus suffered, save in rare and extreme cases. However, a similar fatality has come under our observation, in the dying out of some of our native deciduous trees; this fact is coupled with the extreme scarcity of some of our beautiful wild flowers. This may be attributed to various other circumstances, of which we should not entirely lose sight. Certain native trees and shrubs seem to dis- like the proximity of civilization, and abso- lutely refuse to subject themselves to our notions of cultivation; the very proximity of human habitations, and the inevitable changes arising therefrom, seem to demoral- ize native vegetation as well as native animal life^of this the present condition of our Indians is a fair instance. Yet there is no doubt that the extremely dry seasons of the last two years, in addition to the other causes, have caused a falling off in our otherwise lux- uriant vegetation. The scarcity of native herbaceous plants may be attributable princii^ally to the want of the necessary moisture and to the fact that our cattle, by thousands, are roaming over the hills and valleys and devouring everything which is digestible, and in con- sequence very few plants are permitted to ripen their seeds or even to come to flower. THE CALIFOENIA HORTICULTUEIST. 229 Although, practically speaking, this state of things has not yet subjected the farmer to any inconvenience, yet may it not be reason- ably supposed, that 'a falling off in the veg- etation will lessen the chances for abundant rain and moisture ? ACHIMENES. Ere long we shall see this charming bulb- ous-rooted plant again in flower, and where- ever it presents itself it is sure to meet with friends and admirers. Producing as it does an abundance of flowers, which are particu- larly effective in their rich and striking colors, the Achimenes should be a great favorite with amateurs. "VVe will say a few words about its proper cultivation. The Achimenes is a greenhouse plant and is also well adapted for the window, but it will not thrive with us in the ojDen ground. The proper season to plant the little bulbs, is at any time from May to July. By planting at various times, we succeed better in keeping up a succession of flora for a number of months. Plant in shallow pots, one thii-d of which may be filled up with bro- ken pieces of pots, over which put a layer of moss, which is easily obtained, then fill up with a soil consisting of one half leaf -mould, one half light sandy loam, and a small quan- tity of coarse sand and bone-ashes. Plant the bulb about one half to three fourths of an inch deep, eight to ten in a six inch pot, and place them close under glass. The young shoot will soon make its appearance, and it is advisable to fill up with soil a little around the stems, while they are pushing ahead. After the plants have grown a few inches high, it will be well to pinch o£f the shoots, which may be used as cuttings and will flow- er during the same season. Pinching off the tops will make the plants bunchier and more compact and secure a greater profusion of flowers. During their season of development and flowering, they require a good and reg- ular supply of water, which should not, how- ever, be any colder than the air in which they grow. Draft and fresh manure are inju- rious to the vegetation of the Achimenes. After flowering, and when the foliage has decayed, it is best to take up the roots and bury them all in a pot filled with sand, which may at first contain moisture, but should be kept dry during the winter time and should be placed in a protected locality, as, if expos- ed to too much cold, they are apt to perish. They should remain undisturbed in that con- dition until the time for again planting them. There are about ten or twelve varieties of the Achimenes, of which we will name : A. coccinea, flowers of a rich scarlet, and abun- dant ; A. coccinea rosea, flowers rose-colored, very fine ; A. longiflora, flowers of a beautiful blue, profuse bloomer; A. muUiJiora, flowers blue and fringed ; A. gloxinicejlora, flowers white and fragrant; A. cicpreata, flowers scarlet; A. grandifiora, flowers large bright purple. - Care should be taken that the bulbs of the same varieties are kept separate and by them- selves, as the habit of the different varieties is not exactly the same, and a uniform growth is desirable. SOUTH YAEKA NUKSEKIES. Every gardener will at once confess that few days in the year are more unfavorable on which to visit a nursery, than a scorching hot wind day in January. However, not having seen a few of the latest novelties in- troduced by Mr. Harris in the spring, we did not wish to miss a sight of them in the sum- mer; therefore, all the same for hot winds, we paid a visit to this well known establish- ment, (and assuredly it is not the fault of its enterprising proprietor if it be not well known), Mr. Gr. Runnington, who is in charge during the temporary absence of Mr. Harris from the colony, kindly acting as guide. We need not tell the horticultural readers of The Weekly Times where this nur- sery is, or what sort of things are grown there, 230 THE CALIFORNIA HOKTICULTURIST. for most classes of trees, plants, and roots are well represented, in considerable num- bers. It is not to be expected that quite the extreme freshness of a provincial nursery is to be seen here, situated as it is in the out- skirts of our ever increasing metropolis. Though free from the more deteriorating influences of the heart of the city, it still must bear its share of the dust, smoke, etc., which a large city always more or less engen- ders. The South Yarra Nurseries have long been known and noted for their excellent collection of coniferae cultivated in pots; and we found a fine lot of young plants in capital health, notwithstanding the very trying hot weather lately experienced. Amongst the most noticeable were : — Araucarias imbricata, A. excelsa, A. Bidwilli, and A. Cunninghami; of these we found well-grown, compact plants succeeding admirably. Cedrus deodara, and C. Atlantica; Cryptomeria elegans, and C. Japonica; Cupressus Lawsoniana, C. Lam- bertiana, C. torulosa, C. funebris, C. Corney- ana, and others. Amongst Piceas, Nordman- niana, or Nordmann's silver fir, was looking particularly well. The Pinus family were well represented, fine lots of young Pinus insignis, P. excelsa, P. halepensis, P. Benthamiana, P. pinea, P. sylvestris, and a number of • others are thriving capitally. The beautiful genus of Eetinospora was here ; the majority of which are charming dwarf shrubs, and very suitable for small gardens. R. plumosa has a very delicate and fern-like appearance. R. squarrosa is very distinct, of glaucous green color, and pyramidal habit. "We noticed nice plants of the umbrella tree, Sciadopity's verticillata, and also the maiden hair tree, Salisburia adiantifolia ; this is grown in Japan for the sake of its almond- flavored fruit, its foliage is handsome and unique. Thujopsis Bidwilli (new), T. borealis, T. dolabrata were in good form and condition. Of Thujas we noted excellent plants of Thuja Lobbi, T. variegata, T. orientalis, and others; a fine stock. There were also a nice lot of young Wellingtonia gigantea coming on rap- idly, near to which was a pit of very good Picea Webbiana. Hardy ornamental trees and shrubs are also cultivated largely; the collection contains most kinds of merit, and includes soiae of the latest additions to our ornamental plants. The Jambosa acida, from New Caledonia, is a distinct and curious plant, bearing a fruit not unlike a small pear, with a very acid flavor. Melia azederach, or bead tree, is very ornamental, and of rapid growth, affording excellent .shade, at the same time it bears a handsome flower ; of this there was a nice lot. Ficus of various kinds, Magnolias, Phytolacca dioicia, and the vari- ous kinds of Pittosj)orums are largely grown and look health}^ Considerable space is de- voted to the growth of hardy climbing plants; Clematis, a great variety, including hand- some novelties. Bougainvillea spectabilis' and glabra, Loniceras, Mandevillas, Passi- floras, a great variety. Tecomas, and Tacs- onias, various Tropoeolums, and many others. Herbaceous flowering plants and bulbs are not by any means neglected, many of the more fashionable kinds being grown exten- sively. Of Grladioli we noticed some very fair spikes, although the hot weather had al- most spoiled them. Liliums were in force, including the ever-charming auratum. Pent- stemons are grown numerously, the collection containing some capital new kinds. Amongst bedding plants the new set of Verbenas late- ly raised by Mr. G. Brunning w^ere, with one or two exceptions, looking very excellent, being an advance in the right -direction. Numbers of bedding Pelai'goniums, both double and single, were exhibiting their heat-standing qualities ; we remarked as good, Madame Rudolph Abel, a new dwarf -grow- ing, and free-blooming, double-flowered va- riety, Sapeur Pompier, a large well-shaped, double, orange-scarlet flower, foliage hand- somely zoned. Claudius and E. G. Henderson are also excellent new kinds. The ivy-leaved variety, L'Elegante, proves itself to be very useful and unique. A capital collection of the new kinds of improved Chrysanthemums were bidding fair to make nice plants ; and the same can be said with regard to Fuchsias, THE CALIFORNIA HORTICULTUEIST. 231 of wliicli there are a numerous variety. The collection of Dahlias, which is large, has lately received a considerable addition by the arrival of new ones from England, some of which will shortly be in bloom, when their qualities can be tested. Petunias (double and single), show and fancy Pelargoniums, Roses, Verbenas, etc., are well represented; while in the glass structures, Indian Azaleas, Camellias, Begonias, Coleus, Caladiums, Gloxineas (a large collection), Ferns, Maran- tas, Pleroma elegans, Crotons, Dracaenas, and Achimenes, all receive attention. Amongst choice plants, Sanchezia nobilis variegata, Al- lamanda Hendersoni, Pleroma sarmentosa, Gardenia florida variegata, Fittonia argyron- eaura, and Bignonia argyrea violescens are all valuable in their respective divisions, and they appear to be receiving extra care and attention. In the stool-ground we noted an extraordinary collection of ornamental shrubs and other plants embracing several rare and beautiful things ; such as our old friend Pim- elia rosea, some fine Mahonias, Cotoneasters, Statices, Cerasus ilicifolia; a beautifully va- riegated variety of Salix caprea, and numer- ous others. Fruit trees, hedge plants, culinary roots, herbs, etc., are also cultivated, and each department we found clean, and in good order. The greenhouses and various glass pits, as well as all the shelter-houses, were evidently well looked after, which, in a season like the present, is no easy matter. Persons looking at gardens not over-critically would perhaps not exactly see the difference that this last month has made ; but to those having 'the care and management of large collections of pot plants it becomes daily manifest, and the difficulties of the task of keeping them in good health is by no means light. Mr. Harris has long been known as a most persevering and unostentatious culti- vator, and at the present time there is eveiy appearance of his long retaining this satis- factorv standard. — Melbourne Times. New Jersey has six thousand acres planted with cranberries. • AZALEA CUTTINGS. In answer to a correspondent, "T. E.," about the treatment of Azalea Cuttings, the Gardeners' Chronicle says : When the young wood of the present sea- son's growth is half ripe, it is in a proper state to make cuttings of ; when it is in that condition, will dej)end upon the time the plants were started into growth. They will strike freely at any time of the year when the wood is in the proper condition. Insert the cuttings, not too closely, in six inch pots, in silver sand; cover with a bell glass, shade from the sun ; keep decayed leaves well re- moved, and keep the sand moist. It is im- material whether they receive bottom heat or not. As soon as struck, pot off the cuttings into three inch pots in good peat and sand, and treat them as stove or intermediate house plants for two years, and they will be as large at the expiration of that time as they usually are met with at double that age ; they wdll then be nice small blooming plants, and should have a rest in the winter. GEAPE GEOWEES' ASSOCIATION O F Souoma, Napa a^d Solano Counties. This Association holds monthly meetings for the purpose of discussing subjects of vital importance to the Grape and "Wine interests. At a recent meeting held in Napa, the ef- fects of the late Spring frosts came up for discussion. The facts brought to light upon this sub- ject may be summed m]) as follows: The loss of Grapes in the above counties from the effect of frost may be from 15 to 25 per cent. Vineyards which had been considered as safe from frost have been cut_off b}^ it this year, and up-hill lands have not been ex- cepted. The vineyards on the "Western slope of the Valley escaped serious injury, while those of the Eastern slope suffered more severely. 232 THE CALIFORNIA HORTICULTURIST. [Personal observation among the vineyards of the Eastern slope has demonstrated to us that the up-hill plantations escaped the late frosts entirely, which is more particularly due, perhaps, to their protected situation from the cold winds of April and May. — Ed.] In regard to the relative hardiness of vari- eties, the conclusions arrived at were, that Rieslings, Chasselas and Fontainbleau had suffered less from frost than other more vig- orous growing varieties. The attention of the Association was called to the premiums offered by the State through the California Vine Growers' and Wine and Brandy Manufacturers' Association at the coming State Fair; and the absence there- from of a recognition of wines older than the ^^ntage of 1870, was severely criticized. The following resolution was passed : Resolved, That it is the sense of this Asso- ciation, that in the award of premiums for vsdnes, through the "Vine Growers' and "Wine and Brandy Manufacturers' Association," all vintages from 1860 should be included for competition. The next meeting of the Association will be held in Sonoma, June 1st. PKOOEEDINGS Of the Meeting held in Sonoma, June Uh. [From the Napa Register.] A. S. Edwards, from the Committee on "Frost," reported that on further investiga- tion, the Committee are led to the conclu- sion that the grape crop in Sonoma and Napa Counties will not suffer an average reduc- tion from the effects of frost beyond 15 per cent. ; as, although many vineyards had sus- tained great damage, on the other hand, there are districts where no damaging re- sults have been experienced. The loss of crop will be fully met by the young vines com- ing into bearing, and hence the crop will not be less than that of 1871, if the vines are well set. A Napa member remarked, that in some varieties the promise is not equal to last year's. This is especially the case with his Hamburgs, and with shy, or uncertain bear- ers generally; but he thought it might be expected in all vines bearing heavily the year before, as it is well known that a heavy pro- ductive year impairs the bearing capacity of vines for the succeeding year. The Sonoma members thought the crop of this year, independent of last, promised to be fully equal to any previous year. In regard to Hamburgs, the promise was espe- cially flattering. On motion, the Committee was continued, with instructions to report any fact of interest that might be developed in connection with the subject, in the course of the season. The Chair caused to be read the following item, from the report of the Commissioner of Agriculture for April : "Wine Product of 1871. — In a paper read before the Mississippi Valley Vine Growers' Association, at a recent meeting, Mr. Bush estimated the production of Missouri at 1,000,000 gallons; Illinois, 1,200,000 ; New York, 2,250,000; other States east of the Rocky Mountains, 1,000,000 ; California at 7,000^000: total, 12,450,000. Mr. Bush pre- dicts that St. Louis is to become the center of this interest — another Bordeaux for the distribution of wines." J. A. Lockwood remarked, that as Cali- fornia is the principal source of the present and prospective supply of American vdnes, the idea of St. Louis occupying the promi- nent place as assigned by Mr. Bush, will not find ready acceptance. It is more probable that Vallejo will attain this distinction. The site of Vallejo, however, may be more aptly compared with Xeres and St. Mary's, the Sherry entrepot of Spain, where crude wines are stored for ripening, until sold and light- ered on board ship in the Bay of Cadiz. It is understood that a wealthy company will shortly build wine-houses at Vallejo, to meet a want urgently felt at this time by grape growers. As Mr. Harazthy, of that city is present to-day, the meeting would listen with interest 'to any statement of the plans of the THE CALIFORNLi HOETICULTTJEIST. 233 Company he may be disposed to commu- nicate. Mr. Harazthy, in response, stated that the "Land Improvement Association" of Val- lejo, of which General J. B. Frisbie is the Business Manager, has in hand the sum of $250,000 to be expended in the development of the wine business in Vallejo. That the Company propose to proceed at once to the erection of a commodious wine-house on the Railroad, for the storage of wine. Their primary object is, to lend money at mod- erate rates of interest on wines that may be stored with them ; thus doing away with the necessity of vineyard proprietors putting up costly buildings on their own premises, or sacrificing their wines at forced sales. If their cellars are not filled in this way, they will enter the market as purchasers, expect- ing to confine their operations to the products of Northern California. Competent persons will be employed for the care of wines, among them an expert, as appraiser, to esti- mate their value, in order to determine the sum of money to be advanced upon them. The price of storage will be merely sufficient to cover expenses. It will be to the interest of the Company to make their wine-house known to the trade at home and abroad, and to give every assistance in their power to have their customers' wines quickly and ad- vantageously disposed of. The Company, likewise, propose to rent casks, and thus ob- viate the present necessity of vineyardists employing a large capital in that direction. The rent of casks, like the charge for stor- age, is not intended to be a source of profit. The profit of the enterprise is expected to be derived from the money advanced on wine deposited in their wine-house. Leonard Goss offered the following resolu- tion, which was adopted: Resolved, That the proposed erection of buildings in Vallejo, by the " Land Im- provement Association," for the storage of wines, is, in our judgment, calculated to benefit the grape-growing interest, and is entitled to our best wishes and support. G. L. Wrattan, of Sonoma, called the at- 2 tention of the Association to the subject of the taxation of vineyards and their products, as effected by recent legislation. . There has been some comiolaint of the alleged inequali- ty of assessments, and it would be prudent to communicate with the Board of Equqilization, with a \'iew to a proper understanding of the subject. We would therefore move that a 'Committee of three, consisting of Messrs. Snyder, Krug, and Lockwood, be appointed to communicate, personally, with the Board of Equalization to ascertain their views and purposes with regard to the appraisement of vineyards and wine, and to take such action as may be necessary for the protection of the interests of viniculturists. A full discussion by Messrs. Wrattan, Goss, Walton, Craig and others, followed, when the motion was carried. After other business, on motion of C. Krug, of Napa, the Associaton adjourned to meet at St. Helena, on Saturday, July 13th. Jno. a. Lockwood, Sec'y. ROSEBUDS. The commercial value of Rosebuds, at spe- cial important holiday seasons, would astonish the ordinary lover of flowers. Peter Hender- son, in an article to Hearth and Home, gives a few ideas of how often the dainty Rosebud brings its high price of one dollar; "Twenty years ago Camellia flowers retailed at from fifty cents to one dollar each, and no piece of flower-work was thought complete without them. Now they are at a discount, and do not, throughout the season, average half the above named price. Now Rosebuds, that then were not worth as much by the dozen as a single Camellia, are now nearly of equal value, and some particular kinds even more so. One of the leading florists on Broadway informed me that in the week ending Decem- ber 2d, he sold one hundred buds of the Mareschal Niel Rose for a hundred dollars, for which he paid the grower fifty dollars. ' Tea' Roses, as they are called, are required this season in every basket or bunch of flow- ers, and the bouquet makers are nearly driven 234 THE CALIFORNIA HORTICULTURIST. to tlieir wits' end to get them. The fashion for Tea Roses has ah^eady spread to the country towns, and hardly a day passes that orders are not sent to us that we cannot fill. Church fairs, which did not formerly invest in our expensive and perishable com- modities, now find that the Tea Rosebud, for the buttonhole, is sought after by hun- dreds of purchasers. I was waited on the other day, by the Flower Committee, for a Church fair in one of our suburban towns. The first item on their list was three hundred Tea Rosebuds. The wholesale pi-ice was twelve dollars per hundred, yet they were much disappointed that only one hundred, instead of three hundred, could be spared. The number of glass structures for growing Rosebuds, in the vicinity of Boston and New York, has probably been doubled during the past year, yet the price has advanced one third. The. kind mainly grown are Bon Silene (carmine purple) and Safrano (orange yellow). The Safrano is popularly known as the Tea-rose, but there are a great many others belonging to this class. The Marechal Mel (golden-yellow) and the Lamarqite (white) are grown, but not so extensively as the 'Tea' varieties, as they require greater age before they begin to flower, and being climbers, flow- er best when trained to trellis-work. The large price paid for the buds of the former, however, will no doubt stimulate to its more general cultivation. — Gent. Un. Agriculturist. Three Best Roses. — Fifteen of the most distinguished rose growers in England were separately asked to name thii-ty six roses, and out of that number to designate twelve which they considered the best twelve. The result was that of the roses which were named, only three were on the record named by all as worthy to be placed on the first twelve. These three roses ought to be universally known, as every one who cultivates flowers wants the best roses as a matter of course. They are : 1. Marechal Niel ; 2. Baroness Rothschild, 3. Marie Baumann. It will be observed that at the head of the three stands Marechal Niel, sweetest of the sweet. Pacific Rural Press. ORCHIDS. (Continued from page 194 of last number.) We promised to give, in this number, some practical hints on Orchid culture, and name some of the most popular vari- eties. Our experience in Orchid culture having been rather limited, we shall quote extracts from the exhaustive articles sup- plied by Mr. James Taplin, Manager to Mr. George Such, of South Amboj, New Jersey, and published from time to time in the Gardeners' Monthly. "Cypripedium INSIGNE. — This is one of the people's Orchids; it is cheap, very eas- ily grown, and very free blooming ; it will grow and flower well either in a hot or cold house, and may be placed in the open air from June to September." [We would say, here, that this rule can- not apply to the climate of San Francisco, nor even to any portions of our State. Orchids require a moist atmosphere, which we lack in California, and it is our opin- ion that they must be treated by us strict- ly as greenhouse plants, establishing the requisite moisture by frequent sprinkling. —Ed.] ' ' If grown in a hot house, the Orchid will flower in October; and, if kept cool and shaded, the flower will last in perfec- tion for two months. If grown in a cool house, it will flower about Christmas ; so that it may be had flowering in succession for four or five months. The Cypripedi- um having no pseudo bulbs, must never be allowed to get very dry at any time, but when the growth is finished it must not receive quite so much water as in the growing season, which, with this variety, is from March until September. "The best soil to grow this variety is one half of rough peat and the other half of rough loam, with a little thoroughly dry decayed manure, and a good addition THE CALIFOENIA HORTICULTUEIST. 235 of sand; fill the pots one tliird full of bro- ken pots, make tlie soil firm round the plants, and then fill up level with soil. The best time to repot, when "necessary, is .just before the plants commence to grow, but thej will do well for several years without repotting, by top-dressing in the Spring with the same sort of soil. Nice plants with four or five flowers may be grown in six inch pots, or larger speci- mens, with from twenty to thirty blooms each, in large deep frames. "We have over two hundred flowers on a batch of plants occupying less than twenty four square feet, the flowers being five and a half inches across. • "There are two varieties of this Lady's Slipper plant; the one known in England as Maule's variety, has more white in the top or dorsal sepal. The flower is larger and the marking is brighter than in the more common variety. This is the varie- ty we grow. "I may add, the plant will do very well, and last a long time in flower in a mod- erately warm sitting room, and the cut flowers will also keep fresh a long time in water. " ZyCtOPETalum Ckinitum. — This is one of the very old-fashioned plants frequently met with, growing with little care and at- tention among a general collection of stove-plants; and, without any care, it is seen to flower more or less each year. The flower being large, and also sweet scented, it is a very desirable plant. The season for flowering is from October un- til Christmas, according as the plant is grown in a hot or cool house. The above plant is one of the best for growing in a cool house, in a temperature of from 50 to 55 degrees in winter, and it vrill take no harm if a few degrees lower on very cold nights. I will here mention, that none of the Orchid family should be placed in cold draughts, although many will do well in a cool — not cold — house; but when grown in a low temperature, they require less water, and more care in giving it. The water should also be at least ten de- grees warmer than the average night tem- perature of the house the plants are grown in. This is a safe rule in watering all Orchids. "The Zygopetalum being evergreen, of large growth, and also, when in good health, making a large quantity of roots, requires liberal watering at all times. The proper soil is one third rough peat, one third rough fibrous loam, and one third dry rotten dung, with some coke, or charcoal and sand, mixed with it. Fill the pots or pans one third full of coke, then fill up with some of the rough soil, placing the plant bulb just above the pot, and make the soil firm. The bulb need not be kept above the level of the pot. The proper time to re-pot is soon after flower- ing, but if treated well, large plants will not require fresh pots for several years, but can be top-dressed instead with the same mixture of soil. We grow one large plant in pans twenty inches wide by ten deep, and they flourish and flower well. We had fourteen spikes on one plant this season, bearing a total of ninety six flow- ers. This, of course, is nothing extraor- dinary for this free blooming plant, but one plant was quite small three years ago. "I can safely recommend this plant to beginners in Orchid growing, and also to lovers of winter-blooming plants gener- aUy." (To be continued.) Beet Sugae. — Sacramento County enters heavily into the Beet Sugar business this year. The Sacramento Beet Sugar Com- pany has imported ten tons of Beet Seed from Hamburg, for planting on its grounds. 236 THE CALIFORNIA HORTICULTURIST. RAISING TEOUT. DRY IMPREGNATION. The practice of our American ichtbyotech- nists has been to take the spawn and fertilize it in water-i-in this respect following the teachings of the breeders in Western Europe. Notice of another method of fertilization has been introduced to American readers by G. Shepard Page, in the New York Citizen, the past season. It is the result of the experi- ments of M. Vrasski, a Russian breeder, at the government establishment in the district of Demiansk. He began his experiments as far back as 1854. He followed the directions of the French and German writers upon pis- ciculture with very poor success. From many thousands of eggs, there were only some doz- ens of young fry, and this probably accords with the experience of many beginners in this country. In the autumn of 1856, M. Vrasski studied the eggs with a microscope, and kept a minute record of every impregna- tion of eggs that he made. He discovered, as he thought, that his failures were owing to the fact, that he followed the practice of the French and German writers. He found that the longer he delayed the- mixing of the milt and spawn in water, the less eggs were imj)regnated. If ten minutes elapsed be- tween obtaining the milt and mixing it with the spawn, the fecundation failed almost en- tirely. His observation showed, first, that when received in water at the instant of is- suing from the fish, the eggs absorb the water, and preserve the power of being im- pregnated only as long as this absorj)tion is not finished — that is to say, during a half hour at the utmost. Once saturated with water, the eggs do not absorb any spermato- zoa ; but if received into dry vessels on issu- ing from the fish, the eggs remain, on the contrary, for a sufl&cient time in a neutral state, and do not lose the power, when once put in water, of receiving the spermatozoa. Second, the spermatozoa of the milt, in fall- ing into the water, commence immediately, with much vigor and rapidity, to make move- ments, which only last for a minute and a half or two at the most ; when this time has elapsed, only in some few spermatozoa can there be seen particular movements and ag- onized convulsions. When at the issuing from the male the milt is received in a dry vessel, it does not change for manj' hours, and during this interval the spermatozoa do not lose the power of beginning to move when they find themselves in contact with water. Closed in a dry tube and well cork- ed, the milt preserved its impregnating virtue for six days. The theory of dry impregnation formed from those observations was immediately put in practice, and every ripe eg^ was impreg- nated. He immediately enlarged his estab- lishment, and put $32,000 into fish culture.* In 1868 it became a government establish- ment, and is now used for the hatching of salmon, trout and lavarets, to, stock Russian streams. The process of taking the spawn and of fertilizing is like our own in eveiy respect, except the eggs and milt are taken dry and mixed with water as near simulta- neously as is possible. In this hatching house the temperatiire is kept as near 34 de- grees as is possible during incubation. This is about the temperature of Mr. Wilmot's water at Newcastle, which is under the direc- tion of the Canadian government. It seems to be clearly established that M. Vrasski's discovery is one of great value to all fish-breeders in this country. It will be tried very thoroughl}^ this season, and if suc- cessful here, it will work an entire revolution in the business. It cannot fail to cheapen the production of fish, and to hasten the day when all our waters will be stocked with the most valuable kinds. In November, 1871, the process of dry in-, cubation was tried at the hatching house of the Poquonnoc Fish Company', near Mystic Bridge, Gt., on trout spawn, and at Orland, in Maine, on salmon spawn, by Charles G. Atkins, Fish Commissioner of that State, Avith tlie most gratifying success, so far as can be ascertained at the i:>resent writing; THE CALJTOENIA HOETICULTUEIST. 23' ven- few trout eggs have failed of impregna- tion. In former years a large per cent, fail- ed, and many were tlirown out within a month after they were put in the hatching boxes. In a note received from Mr. Atkins under date of Nov. 18th, 1871, he says : "I am able to report complete success in the fecundating of the 43,000 salmon eggs taken during our first week's operations at Orland. I examined them yesterday : 13 samples, con- taining 10 eggs each sample, were taken from 13 different grilles, and not one un- fecund was found among them. Their ages were 15, 14 and 13 days. We owe our suc- cess to the dry method." So good results of course cannot always be looked for, for the eggs are not always in contact with the milt. As the final result of Mr. Atkins' experiment, given in his annual report to the State Leg- islature, he gives 70,500 eggs, packed up on the 18th of December, about five weeks after they were taken, and not more than three per cent., in his opinion, unfecund ; 27,000 of these eggs were taken to the hatching house of the Poquonnoc Fish Company, at Poquonnoc, Ct. The loss of eggs has been very small, although they have had a remark- ably long period of incubation, owing to the low temperature in the month of March. The water in the hatching boxes has been at 34 degrees every morning, ^vith few excep- tions, for nearly four months, and has not varied from that figure probably more than two degrees in the whole time. At the meeting of the American Fish Cul- turists' Association at Albany, in Februray, Dry Impregnation was up for discussion. Liv- ingston Stone, the Secretary, produced a lot of trout spawn impregnated in this way, tak- en indiscriminately from his boxes, as a fair sample of the lot, and submitted them to the examination of the members. Nearly ever}" QQg was impregnated. ]Mr. Stone has entire confidence in the success of this method, and thinks it would add fifty per cent, to the aver- age product of any fish-hatching establish- ment into which it may be introduced. In all the places in which it has been tried thus far the testimony is unanimously in its favor. On comparing notes, it was found that Messrs. Green & Collins used very little water in their impregnating pans, and much of their large success in raising fry is no doubt ow- ing to this fact. In manipulating fish just taken from the water, it is hardly possible to prevent a few drops from falling into the pan. When the manipulation of the fish is rapid, this may not prevent success. But the less water, the better. The results likely to flow from this discov- ery are of the highest importance to fish- breeders and to the country. It must lead to the abandonment of impregnation in water, and to a very large increase in the products of our fish-breeding establishments. We have no doubt that most of them will double their products, eggs and fry, the first year it is tried. They may not, indeed, hatch every egg that is taken, for many ills betide the eggs in the boxes dimng incubation. The labor of caring for the eggs will be diminish- ed, for fewer eggs will have to be thrown out. Of course many more good eggs and fry will be for sale, and they can be furnished at cheaper rates. In the governmental estab- lishments of Euro]5e, where jiarent fish are abundant, the spawn is sold at from one to two dollars a thousand. Here the common price of trout eggs is from six to ten dollars, and until this year, salmon eggs in Canada have been sold at forty dollars gold per thou- sand. The actual cost of the lot taken on the Penobscot was 818.09 per thousand to the producers. There can be no doubt that we can jDroduce eggs as abundantly as in Europe, and probably, within a few years, as cheaply. With cheap eggs and fiy, which this discovery makes a certainty, we can stock all our waters with the best kinds of fish they are capable of producing. The anadromous fishes that feed in the sea — shad, alewives and salmon — can be made more abundant than they were when the couutrj' was first settled, and though they may never be bought again, as in the early days, at a cent a pound in our well-peopled country. 238 THE CALIFOENIA HOKTICULTLTIIST. they can be made the cheapest of all animal food, and be put -svithin reach of the poorest people. Cheap fish must affect the price of all other meats, and cannot fail to improve the condition of all the laboring classes. Cheap, wholesome food, means a better ed- ucation for our children, more books .and pictures in the home, and more leisure to enjoy them, better dwellings, and larger and better kept gardens, more culture and refine- ment in every home in the land. This discovery throws some light upon an idea held by some of our fish-breeders, that a large portion of the eggs taken by hand are necessarily immature, and on that account are abortive ; or if fertilized, produce weak fish, that die early. The results attained by the dry method do not favor this idea. If 95 per cent, of the eggs taken by hand are im- pregnated and produce fish, it looks as if the trout and salmon do not part with their eggs until they are mature. Sometimes we take . trout from the spawning race not quite ready to spawn. By keeping them one or two days in separate water, they part with their eggs readily at the second trial, showing that they have a rapid development, and that when they yield to the gentle pressure of the breed- er, the eggs are probably as ripe as they would have been if spawned in the natural way, and make just as strong fish, if they have proper incubation. The bearing of this discovery upon the use of spawning races, will be discussed when we come to that sub- ject. In the use of any of these races a large per cent, of the eggs fail of impregnation, and I apprehend a still larger per cent, are lost through the failure of the trout to visit the spawning race at all. This discovery opens a wide field of exper- iment to the scientific breeder. The milt of the Salmonidse can be kept in a close phial for six days at least. In this time it can be sent across the continent. We can use, here upon the Atlantic shore, the milt of trout and salmon taken in the waters of the Rocky Mountains to improve our own species, and probably to originate hybrids of great value. And if it should appear that we have the better varieties of these fish, we can easily send the milt of Penobscot salmon to fertilize the eggs of the salmon of the Sacramento. We have no doubt that a brilliant future awaits the fish-breeder's art in consequence of the new facilities afforded by this discovery. Country Gentleman. AEKANGING FLOWEKS. It is an art, requiring no small degree of taste and skill to arrange cut flowers so as to form an attractive bouquet, for the vase or basket. It may be said in general that the more loose and unconfined the arrangement is, the better. Crowding is especially to be avoided, and to accomplish this, a good base of green of different varieties is needed to keep the flowers apart. This filling is a veiy important part in all bouquet-making, and the neglect of it is the greatest stumbling- block to the uninitiated. Spiked and droop- ing flowers, with branches and sprays of delicate green, are of absolute necessity in giving grace and beauty to a vase bouquet. Flowers of similiar size, form and color, ought never to be placed together. Small flowers should never be massed together. Large flowers, with green leaves for bou- quets, may be used to advantage alone, but a judicious contrast of forms is most effect- ive. Avoid anything like formality or stiff- ness. A tendril or spray of vine can be used with good effect, if allowed to wander over and around the vase as it will. Nevertheless, the faculty of arranging the flowers can hard- ly be acquired. It is innate. Pacific Rural Press. Artesian Wells. — It is said that Artesian Wells produce disease, particularly in hot climates, owing to the effect of moisture iip- on the increased decay of vegetable matter. The Ctjrrant Crop of San Lorenzo has been severely damaged this year by the late frosts. THE CALIFOENIA HORTICULTURIST. 239 HORTICULTURAL AND AGRICULTURAL EXHIBITIONS IN AUSTRALIA. During the latter part of March, the vari- ous Societies held their Autumn Shows. This may sound rather strangely to our readers, but it is readil}^ explained by the fact, that, owing to the geographical location of Aus- tralia, its seasons are the reverse of ours, — what is early Spring with us, is Autumn in that country. It will undoubtedly interest many of our readers to know of what the Exhibitions in the month of March consist, and we make a few extracts from the Weekly Times, of Mel- bourne, of extensive reports upon THE VAKIOUS SHOWS. The Horticultural Society's Autumn Show, Saturday, March 'l6fh, 1872. The Autumn Exhibition of the above Socie- ty was held on Saturday last, at the Botanical Gardens. The Show, on the whole, must be pronounced a success, the number and qual- ity of the fruits alone making a grand dis- play, and cleai'ly evincing that the culture of choice fruits is fast extending in Victoria. The collections of pot j)lants, although few in number, were very creditable, being par- ticularly clean and healthy. Flowers were but poorly represented. The last two months of severe and trying weather would, doubt- less, in a great measure, account for this. Some very good samples of vegetables and culinary roots were also staged. * * * * [We have not the space to give details in full, but make the following extracts.— Ed.] The Ferns were a nice lot, both Mr. Stew- art and Mr. Walters having excellent speci- mens. The following were well grown : G-ymnogramme chryophilla (the Golden Fern), Pteris Cretica albo lineata, P. serru- lata, P. scaberula, Adiantum cuneatum, A. tenerum, Polypodium giaucum, P. Billar- dierii, Phymatodes pustulata, Blechnum Brasiliensis, B. Spicant, Lastrea montana, Doodia aspera, Asj)idium obliteratum, and others. Very good Lycopodiums, including L. denticulatum, L. umbrosum, and others, were staged. Of other plants, there were — Dracaena ferres, D. Cooperii, D. marginata, and D. terminalis; Cycas revoluta, Cissus discolor, Maranta zebrina, Latanias, Cyperus alternus variegata, Crotons, Zamia pungens, and Phormium tenax variegata. We also noticed, in Messrs. Taylor & Sang- ster's collection, the following among others: Allamanda Schottii, A. nerifolia, in good bloom. Hibiscus variegata, Abutilon Thomp- sonii, Bambusa Fortuuei variegata, Vinca rosea. Hibiscus Cooperii, Angelonia grandi- flora, and Alternanthera spathulata. * * * Baron von Mueller made quite a display from the gardens, he having extensive col- lections of useful, ornamental, rare and val- uable plants, including — Forty-nine species of Palms, forty seven kinds of Willows, sixty kinds of Industrial Trees, etc. ; also, particularly noticeable : Auoeetangium setaceum, from Java, and A. longiflorum, from the South Sea Islands. These are both terrestrial orchids, with deli- cate and lovely markings, and beautifully fragrant perfume. The whole of these plants were plainly named and effectively arranged. The fruit show was both extensive and good, the samples staged in their several classes be- ing unusually fine. With large collections of fruit not for competition, Mr. John C. Cole, of the Richmond Nursery, comes first, with a collection containing 160 valuable kinds. From the gardens of the Society came a splen- did collection, nearly filling one tent, neatly named and effectively staged. From Messrs. John Smith & Sons, of Riddell's Creek Nurs- ery, came no less than 80 varieties of Apples, including most of the standard and valuable varieties. They also exhibited a Peach of the new variety named Lady Palmerston. From Mr. John Harbison, of Essendon, came 35 kinds of well-grown Pears, twenty five varie- ties of Apples, and one dish of Peaches. This was a highly meritorious collection. * * * Very excellent Black Hamburg Grapes came from Mr. Jas. Banks, of Flemington, 240 THE CALIFOENIA HORTICULTUEIST. not for competition ; a first-class certificate was, however, awarded bim. Mr. Murdoch had Also very good samples of the same varie- tv of Grapes, which were highly commended. Ml-. Draper had, to all appearance, some valu- able seeding Applcs,which will receive atten- tion at the hands of the Fruit Committee of the Horticultural Society. The competition classes for both Table and AVine Grapes had no entries, which is much to be regretted, the smallness of the prizes being doubtless the primary cause. . Ballarat Agricultural Society's Autunvi Exhibition, 3Iarch, 1872. The above Society's Autumn Show com- menced on Friday morning, under somewhat unfavorable circumstances, so far as regards weather, the rain falling rather ^heavily for some little time. The show was, however, on this occasion altogether independent of the weather, so far as the exhibits and the com- fort of the visitors were concerned ; for the Committee had wisely availed themselves of the large Alfred-hall, which is very suitable for holding an exhibition of this character therein. The hall was capitally arranged for effect, the centre being filled with the collec- tions of ornamental, flowering, and other plants. In the fruit classes there was a great fall- ing ofl", to what some of our late fruit exhi- bitions have been, Mr. Moss, of Buninyong, Messrs. J. Smith & Sons, Eiddell's Creek, Messrs. J. and S. Learmonth, and Mr. Isaac Westcott being the chief exhibitors. Messrs. J. Smith & Sons' collection of Apples was \erj good. Mr. Moss had good Pears and Apples, Damsons, Plums, Blackberries, Loquats, Spanish Chestnuts, (poor grapes), and a num- ber of other kinds. The same may be said of Messrs. Learmonth. The best Pears were Williams' Bon Chretien, Beurre Clairgeau, and Gausell's Bergamot. Apples: Lord Suf- field's Reinette de Canada, Emp. Alexander, Ribston Pippin, and Stone Pii^pin. There were also good Pomegranates, Loquats, Bar- berries, and a few late Strawberries. Bendigo Agricultural Socieii/'s Autumn Show, Ilarch, 1872. The first day of this exhibition commenced on Wednesday, at Sandhurst, under very favorable auspices, the weather being dehght- fully fine, at the same time not the least in- convenience was experienced from the usual Sandhurst dust. The arrangements were excellent, and the appearance of the difterent buildings in which the various productions were displayed, had a lively and interesting appearance. ^ ^ < '>- The collections of fruit were well shown, being exceedingly good. In many respects the show of Grapes was highly meritorious. In Wine Grapes Mr. C. Pohl obtained fii'st honors, with the six following varieties : Carbine t. Hermitage, Mataro, Yerdeilho, Pineau Blanc, and Riesling, veiy well grown. The Pineau Blanc and Burgundy of Messrs. Bruhn Brothers, who took the recent prize, were remarkably fine, the wine made from the former being highly spoken of. Mr. W. M. Maplestone's six varieties of Table Grapes were a splendid collection, comprising White Crystal, Wortley Hall Seedling, Muscat of Alexandria, Black Hambui-g, Raisin des Dames, and Black St. Peter, and were award- ed a first prize. The same exhibitor obtained first prizes also for the best six bunches of White Table Grapes, and Black ditto. Mr. Thos. Craike was first for six bunches of Red Grapes (Wantage), very fine; also for a single bunch of the same variety. The Grapes formed the leading feature in the exhibition of fruit, and were arranged on a long table two sloping sides down the middle of the orderly-room, occupying a space of about 300 square feet. On the whole the qual- ity was good, but inferior to former years, on account of much of the low-lying lands being lately too wet, and showed a marked contrast to the paucity of the same fruit round Melbourne in the present season . The exhibition of Apples was only of medium ex- cellence, and the absence of their names was a great mistake, which should be remedied on futxire occasions. Mr. W. Eagle took the THE CALITOENIA HORTICULTUEIST. 241 first piize for twelve varieties of dessert kinds, as well as for twelve do. of Kitchen Apples, the latter being very good indeed. In Des- sert Pears, Mr. J. C. Cole, of the Richmond Nurseiy, Melbourne, showed twelve hinds, for which he obtained the first prize. The same grower was also first with six dessert Pears of one variety, which was Beurre Hardy; and the only prize (there being no other competitor) for twelve sorts of Cooking Pears. Six Pears of the variety Napoleon le Grand, shown by A. Heine, secured a first prize, one being 19 inches longitudinal circumference. The general collections of fruit were very creditable, Mr. Henry Eley being awarded first honors. A fair display was made with flowering plants and cut -flowers, Messrs. Taylor & Sangster, and Mr. James Scott, of Melbourne, having numerous exhibits. Thirty six dahlias were shown, in better con- dition than we have seen them this season, by Messrs. Taylor &, Sangster ; also, cut- flowers, and a collection of conifers and other plants, by the same exhibitors, not for competition. Mr. Scott had a number of prizes for plants and cut-flowers, which in- cluded Fuchsias, ornamental plants. Dahlias, Roses, and miscellaneous flowers ; Messrs. Jno. Melrose, C. Yarnold, W. Hyde, and D. Brewster also exhibiting successfully. In the miscellaneous classes we noticed capital look- ing sewing-machines, dried and joreserved fruits, jams, colonial lemon and orange peel, sausage machines, native pigeons, and a va- riety of other interesting things. Towards 5 o'clock the number of visitors was very large, and with a continuance of fine weather, it is expected that the attendance will be good throughout to-day. CUEIOUS PHENO:SIENON. The Burlingame artesian well at Compton, one hundred and fifty feet deep, ejects live fish resembling speckled trout, from a half to two inches long. The same phenomenon, met with in an artesian well on a ranch near by, seems to indicate the existence of a sub- terranean lake. — Alta California. 3 [Correspondence of the Pacific EutjI Press.] HELP FOE OUE SILK GEOWEES. Our associate editor, I.'K. Hoag, has just received from the American Consul at Zurich, Switzerland, the following correspondence, which will be read with interest by our silk growers and all others interested in the gen- eral prosperity of the State. "We publish both letters in full; they explain themselves, and shov7 the interest that is being waked up in the silk districts of Europe in the suc- cess of silk industry in California. [From S. H. M. Ej-ers, V. S. Consul, to the Directors of the Bank of MUan.] Ukited States Consulate, ) Zurich, April 22d, 1872. | Dear Sir: — Recently, while visiting the city of ]\Iilan, Italy, I had the pleasure of a conversation with the Directors of the Silk Bank lately established there, relative to the importing into Italy of California cocoons, or raw silks. Since my return to Zurich I received from the Company a letter, a eo^j of which I en- close. The letter explains itself, but I will add, the ComjDany comjjosing this silk bank are of the most respectable and worthy raw silk dealers in Itah^ and represent in their bank unlimited means. By theii' letter and by their remarks to me personally, I am convinced that they mean business, and are willing to aid California in developing what might easily prove one of her greatest and most profitable industries. ]!tlilan has been, is, and will be, from pure necessity, one of the greatest centers of the raw silk trade of the world, and why then should not California profit by the opportu- nity ofiered by this bank, and reap the advan- tages to be gained by a steady and profitable market for the cocoons or cheap reeling for her own account ? Lombardy almost does the reeling for Eu- rope, and the prices paid workmen in the business here, when compared with those paid in California, are little less than in the proportion of francs to dollars. 242 THE rAT.rFOT?\TA HORTICTXTTPJST. The intention of the bank, as I understand, is to make, bv use of tbeir large means and experience, Milan still more of a centre of the raw silk trade, and to encourage the develop- ment of the silk industry wherexer their efforts may be seconded in the way of directing an interest in the trade to their house. Their business, like their opportunities, bids fair to be enormous, and I believe if they meet with encouragement, a branch house will be estab- lished in California. Of course they must have a fair opportunity of testing the Califor- nia cocoons before taking further steps in the matter, and my advice would be, that some of you, or a number perhaps combined, should consult about the matter in a quiet way, and send at once the amount of cocoons suggested by the Company's letter, to be reeled, and reported on. "Whatever is done should be done in time to complete the reelings soon, and be prepared for the next year's operations. Feeling interested in anything that tends to benefit the trade and industry of our country, I shall take pleasure in receiving your reply to this and presenting it personally to the Italian Company. I send copies of this to Messrs. "Wm. M. Haynie, Sacramento ; Louis Prevost, San Jose ; Mr. Grarep, Los Angeles ; each of whom I address, because, like yourself, they are interested in the growing of cocoons, and I will be glad the matter should receive your prompt attention and reply. The requested samples of cocoons should be sent direct to the Silk Bank, at Milan, Italy. I will be obhged to you for any information you can give me relative to present prospects of cocoon growing in the State, especially as to the number of mulberry trees growing in the State, and the amount of cocoons pro- duced in the last year. I am, sir, with regard. Tours truly, S. H. W. Byebs, r. S. CoDsol, Zorich, SwitaerUad. (Editorial ^''crtfclio. BDITGRATION. Grasshoppebs hare made their appearance in San Bernardino. The subject of Immigration is continuously agitating the minds of our statesmen, and is considered by the people in general as most essential to the full development of this country, and most particularly of our Agri- cultural and Horticultural resources. Al- though at times attempts have been made to throw cold water upon this continual flow of population, into the broad area of the United States, by denouncing the foreign element, and by passing laws, which by their restric- tions are liable to discourage the more intel- ligent classes of foreigners, yet as these movements had their origin mainly with men, whose selfishness, arrogance and po- litical trickery were well known and appreci- ated, the effect of their exertions has been but to defeat their obnoxious schemes. Such men, not knowing the wants of this country, it is not safe to trust them with any position in the management of our public affairs. "We are well aware that certain classes of immigrants are preferable to others, and the country would perhaps be better off without some : but to be just and true to the princi- ples of an enlightened nation, we cannot discriminate between the good and the bad, and say who shall come and who shall not. Labor and all the necessaries of life must become cheaper, if we want to comf>ete with other countries. Most important industries suffer with us on account of high labor, and so long as this is the case, we cannot expect capital to assist in the development of these industries. "While labor is too high in this country, it is too low in Europe and other parts of the globe ; but if the present strikes for higher wages in Europe are successful, the price of labor will be more equalized and the emigration of mechanics to this country will fall off considerably. This falling off we may perhaps endure with very littie in- convenience. But the country calls loudly and persistently for settlers upon our agri- THE CALIFOEXL\ HOETICULTrRIST. 243 cultural lands, on the improving and devel- opment of which depends our prosperity and the reduction in the cost of the necessaries of life. What we require here more than anything else, are industrious and intelligent farmers with moderate means. Can we in- duce them to come here? We may by pro- per exertions, at least that is our sincere belief. A handbook for immigrants has late- ly been published in England by the owners of a steamboat line. It concludes thus : "To no other part or lot in the United States can the emigrant be more welcome than to a share in the public lands. The country needs intelligent and enterprising settlers to enter upon its great domain and bring out its varied resources. To such it is sure to hold out an open hand. It offers them its best possessions, and they have only to accept them. • ' Xor is any other lot better for the emi- grant. On these lands he will find opportu- nitv of proving his manhood, and maturing his powers. His property, if wisely chosen and faithfully cultivated, will improve in value, and as his means increase, his higher wants can be .supplied. His children will grow up under influences tending to make them hardy, industrious and temperate, and as soon as the neighborhood is sufficiently settled, schools will give them the intellec- tual nurtui'e which they need. He will not escape hardship or loss ; where could he in this world ? But they will be less severe, less crushing, as a general rule, than if he were living on wages and without a home. The great advantage, after all, in settling upon public or other accessible land is, that instead of a hired tenement, poor in itself, and poorer in its close and crowded situation, one has a home of his own, humble, it may be, but healthy, it may also be, with the fresh air about it, and the open sky above it, where he and his family may live in liberty. "But we would not confine our welcome to such emigrants as settle upon our public lands. To all who are honest and capable, wherever they choose to fix themselves, and in whatever labor they prefer to engage, we would give kind greeting. This volume be- gan with words of discouragement, or, at all events, of caution against imprudence in leaving the old home. Let it end with words of hearty encouragement for such as have gone to a new home. The land of their adoption is large enoii^rh to hold them, active enough to employ them, and generous enough, one may trust, to care for them." Now this is all very weU, but we do not think that such talk has the desired effect ; enough of this kind of work has been done,' especially in California. What immigrants to this Coast want, is matei-ial aid and prac- tical assistance when they an-ive here, noth- ing else. Some new comers may have had sufficient funds to bring them here, but if they rely on material aid, they find them- selves sadly dissapointed. To go to farming here costs money, and j)ractical information is required to insure practical results. Suppose that some of our large land-owners were to sub^livide some of their lands, which are not now productive, into small fai'ms, and were to offer them to actual settlers on rea- sonable terms, and if need be, furnish them with shelter, stock and implements, upon which a reasonable interest might be charged, can any one doubt, that proper persons could be found abroad who would gladly avail themselves of such opportunities and by pro- per exertions would be able to pay back in- terest and capital within a few years. The State might assist by proper legislation ; by providing for irrigation, tree culture, and by exempting such lands as were actually occupied by such settlers, from taxation for a certain number of years, and also by dis- tributing gratuitously the rejDorts of our Ag- ricultural Societies and other practical in- formation necessary for new comers. We believe that were such and similiar induce- ments held out, we should not fail to induce settlers to come hei-e and make their homes among us. To accomplish this, it may re- quire some sacrifice on our part at the begin- ning, but the result would well repay us. 244 THE CALIFORNIA HOKTICULTUEIST. COAL ASHES FOR GARDEN WALKS. The German Town Telegraph says on this subject: "We wish again to impress upon the readers of the Telegraph that nothing makes better garden walks than coal ashes. They are of more value for tliis purpose than any other that thej can be apjilied to, of which we know. When the walk requires it, dig it out two or three inches; put the coarsest portion of the ashes at the bottom, spread the other on the top, to the depth altogether of three or four or even six inches, and tlien roll well. These walks are always di-y and pleasant to the feet, and are rarel}^ troubled with weeds, and when they are, they can be readily removed." THE WANT OF RAIN. The West is not the only part of the coun- try or section of the world that has had a short allowance of rain for many months. Baltimore, PhiladeliDhia, New York, and Brooklyn, all entertain fears of a deficiency of water. Throughout the Middle and New England States the wells are low, as are the streams. The Boston Journal says : "Our exchanges from nearly all sections of the country bear out the statement, that what is most generally needed noAv, everywhere, is a liberal and protracted rainfall. The last winter closed in upon us without being pre- ceded by the customary heavy fall rains ; and instead of the usual spring freshets this season, there has been a drought." Nor are the United States the only country now suf- fering from deficiency of rain. Carefully collected returns from England give a gen- eral average of only twenty two inches for the past year, instead of thirty inches, the proper rainfall of England. The deficiency is computed at over a million gallons of water for every square mile of British ter- ritory.— Prairie Farmer. Cuban Tobacco. — Near Gilroy, a thousand acres of land are to be planted with Cuban Tobacco. FOREST CULTURE. THE CALIFORNIA TREE LAW, The California Legislature has passed a law which has for its object to largely extend Forest Tree Culture in that State. The law provides the appointment of a Commissioner of Forestry, or a State Forester, who is au- thorized to expend annually $6,000 to $8,000, in providing seeds and seedlings for free dis- tribution. By this move California has vir- tually laid aside the indifference upon this subject that has so long been characteristic of the great masses of the people. Below we give a synopsis of the law, which we clip from the California Horliculturist. We clij) the above from a Wisconsin Ex- change, and wish we could say it was the case with our State, but our cotemporary here was a little fast in his statement. There was a bill before the Legislature to do this grand act — the bill did pass — but unfortunately the Gov- ernor's sanction was not given; the law did not go into efiect, and we are not as a State in the forward march in "Tree Culture" as was hoped to be. Another Legislature will make all right. — California Farmer. FOREST TREE SALVATION. Science is now demonstrating that the cut- ting down our forests and cleaning oif trees, and leaving our lands in barren plains, is one of the chief sources of many evils that are now inflicted upon the j^eople in the form of tornadoes, whirlwinds, drouths, fevers-, plagues, and many other diseases which eveiy country is subject to that strips the land of trees. We notice that several of our Scientific So- cieties, and our Agricultural Societies in other States, are taking up the subject of Forestry in order to call the attention of the several Legislative bodies to this matter. A valuable j^aper was recently read before the New York State Agricultural Society ■ upon Forestry, and many Institutions are I noting the effect it had upon the soil, climate THE CALIFOKNIA HORTICULTURIST. 245 and health wherever the land had been be- reft of trees. It will be seen we have given large space in this number to the subject of Trees, in hopes to draw attention to the importance of this State being saved from the evils that other sections of our country have suffered by the sweeping away all our forests and not supplying their places. "We are confident that one of the best in- vestments that could be made with capital would be to plant Forest Trees, it would pay better than any Land or Stock speculation known, as it would be certain at a great inter- est— the money would more than compound itself. — California Farmer. A VISIT TO NAPA VALLEY. [Continued from page 215 of last number.] YouNTviLLE Station (G-roezinger's Station would perhaps be more approi:)riate,) is situ- ated nine miles from Napa, on the California Pacific Railroad. The principal feature of Tountville is the extensive vineyard of Mr. Groezinger, our well-known and enterprising \\ine merchant of San Francisco. Mr. Groezinger's vineyard covers a tract of some 500 acres of land, of which 120 are now planted out in grape vines, of from one to eight years old. A visit to this vineyard and a chat with its genial proprietor, is both interesting and instructive, as his knowledge and experience, which are extensive, are well worthy a most careful study. Mr. Groezinger now cultivates almost ex- clusively foreign varieties of grapes, and the very few vines of the Mission variety at pres- ent remaining, will soon be grafted with the foreign varieties. He is certain that the lat- ter are worth four times more than the former for the manufacture of wine. The varieties most extensively cultivated in in this vineyard, are: Riesling; Muscats; White Tokay and White Nice, (of which he produces bunches of six to eight pounds each) ; Clevner, (Burgundy) ; Silvaner, (va- riety of Chasselas) ; Rolander, (also a variety of Chasselas) ; Black Riesling, (Miller's Bur- gundy); Trousseau and Charbanot, (being of late introduction ) ; Malvesia ; Zinfindal ; Burger and Gray de Shay ; all of these Mr. Groezinger considers first-class for wine making, and recommends highly for general cultivation. In regard to low or high training of Vines, he has come to the conclusion that the fol- lowing do best under low training; White Chasselas, White Tokay, White Nice, Rolan- der, Muscat, Burger, Malvesia and Zinfindal; while for high training he recommends Ries- ling, Red Chasselas, Early July (July Cleav- ner and Gray de Shay, (Gray Riesling. ) Mr. Groezinger has made wine of all these varieties, and knows what they are. In the manufacture of wine, he does not rely uj)on his own vineyard entirely ; he pur- chased over 600 tons of grapes last year for that purpose, paying from $20 to $30 j^er ton for them. His total wine product of last year w^ 130,000 gallons, in addition to which he has purchased about 170,000 gal- lons ; of this quantity over one half he ex- ported. In order to keep so large a quantity of wine in good condition, an immense cellar is re- quired, and he has spared no means to erect a very extensive and substantial wine cellar, which, we believe, is the largest and most practical in California for the treatment of wines after they leave the press. This cellar now contains 37 large vats of from 1,500 to 2,000- gallons each, besides a great number of smaller ones. The entire caijacity of this cellar is 400,000 gallons. The transporting of the grajpes to the crush- er, from thence to the press, and the transfer of the juice into the vats, is all done by machineiy at a small expense, which seemed very apparent, when he assured us that he employs but twelve men for the vineyard and cellar, except through vintage time, when the force is increased to about twenty foui'. In connection with this establishment he has a distillery, with a steam boiler able to 246 THE CALIFOKNIA HORTICULTUIIIST. manufacture 1,000 gallons of brandy per day, whicli finds a ready market in the East. Mr. Groezinger-ftpprehends much difficulty in obtaining wine ban-els for the next vintage. The importation of foreign wines is on the decline, and the supply of barrels from that source is therefore limited ; our California Oak is not very well adapted for this purpose, and these circumstances necessitate the im- portation of Eastern Oak. For vats, he thinks our Redwood will answer every pur- pose. The cardinal principles involved in wine manufacture are, he says, equal temperature, at from 60 to 70 degrees ; close attention dur- ing fermentation and the after treatment; cleanliness and the drawing off of the wine after the separation from the sediment. The fermentation should be perfect, and in order to facilitate the process, the wines should be brought into contact with the air as much as possible, avoiding, however, a material climatic change, which so frequently results in great loss. His wines are shipped to New York by steamer ; to the Western States by railroad ; to Oregon, Mexico and Central America; Good ordinary wines obtaining from 50 to 60 cents per gallon, while superior qualities made from Eiesling, Muscat, etc. , sell read- ily at from $1 to $1.50 per gallon. Wines improve during their voyage, which is due to the continual motion, and there is no doubt that this could also be accomplished by machinery at home, and should receive the attention of our large viniculturists. [This has long been recognized in Europe as important, and properties characteristic of old wines have, by these means, been estab- lished in a short period. — En.] Mr. Groezinger has first paid attention to practical matters, in order to make the busi- ness pay ; but he has not lost sight of the beautifying of his estate, when circumstances permitted. He is now contemplating im- provements which in point of taste and effect, will give his settlement all the attractions of a popular place of resort. The landscape and natural advantages which are character- istic of Napa Valley, will facilitate the con- summation of his projected plan, and we certainly wish him all the success which his energy and enterprise so justly deserve. TREE PLANTING. Plain Talk, and to the Point. A contributor to the Eural New Yorker, says: "The silver and scarlet maple seed are ripe (May 22) and falling from the trees, and now is the time to gather them for planting. The seeds of these trees are very delicate, being very little more than two thin leaves folded up into the form of a bud. If planted within a few days after ripening, they will grow readily and rapidly, and by Fall become plants two or three feet high. How simple an operation it is to grow trees when one knows just how and when to begin! But there is little use of trying to teach peo- ple who do not want to learn ; although, whenever I ride over the Western prairies, and see thousands of farmers' homes with not a tree about them, I feel like turning missionary and go to preaching about trees. A silver maple tree will grow large enough from seed in four or five years to make quite a handsome shade tree ; and yet nurserjTuen have to beg of people to purchase them, when one year old,- for a dollar and a half per thousand, delivered free to any post office in the United States ! Sun-stroke ought to be far more prevalent than it is among those land-owners who will neither furnish their cattle nor themselves and fam- ilies with cool, refreshing shade, when it can be had so cheaply. A dollar and a half per thousand for trees, and still you have none for shade, shelter or ornament ! I wish I could pin this in big letters on your coat tails, you miserable, shiftless specimens of hu- manity, who have neither a green spot in your hearts, nor a green leaf spread to the winds before your doors ! " THE CALIFORNIA HORTICULTURIST. 247 WOKK FOE JULY. The dry season is upon us again, and veg- etation tlirougliout the land is on the decline, except where irrigation can be resorted to, or where other conditions are favorable to the growth of trees and plants throughout the year. Gathering, in the crops, storing and ship- ping, are now the leading occupations in the rural districts, and we hope for the country's sake that the recompense for the hard and industrious labor will be encouraging to all, According to the accounts received, there is no just cause for complaint, and those who are dissappointed may trace their losses back to their own negligence and indifference. Very little can be done in the Orchards except the thinning out of fruit where too much crowded, if size and flavor are worthy of consideration. Young trees should not be allowed to bear much fruit; as, if permitted, it will retard their growth. The Vineyards may be let alone. Young vines of this year's planting should be looked after, and if more than one branch is growing upon them, it should be removed. Where water can be had, lately planted vines should be irrigated once or twice during the dry season ; if this is done at all, it should be done thoroughly — it will help the vines much in establishing themselves and making a good growth ; such vines will certainly come into bearing a year sooner than those which have to do without irrigation. In visiting the rural districts, we miss the verdant covering of our hillsides which adorns them during the winter season. This seems the only difficulty which the landscape gardener has not yet overcome. In some particular localities water may doubtless be had to irrigate with, but to keej) up exten- sive lawns and to retain the vegetation of grass, etc.. during our long dry season, is too laborious and far too expensive. If there is a means to overcome this difficulty, we ought to demonstrate the practicability, of it. We have frequently referred to the Bermuda Grass, and we have carefully weigh- ed the objections raised to its introduction here, but we have a rather decided opinion on the subject ; we are in favor of it for all extensive grounds occupied as rural residen- ces. Our landscape gardeners should give it a fair trial ; we shall certainly do so during file coming rainy season. It would have been an excellent move on the part of our Park Commissioners to make some experi- ments in this direction. Extensive lawns, which we must have in the Park, will be entirely too expensive, in fact impracticable, with any of the grasses now under cultivation for that purpose. We think, also, that the experiment should be made upon the grounds of the State University during the coming rainy season. Are there no practical men in the employ of these institutions, who can suggest some plan which may result bene- ficially and in the saving of thousands of dollars? In the Kitchen Garden not much can be done except keeping the soil moist. We advise to water thoroughly, loosen the soil frequently, and to keep weeds down. The Flower Garden requires some care during the hot weather, if plants are expect- ed to grow luxuriantly and to produce fine and perfect flowers. Wherever irrigation is resorted to, it should be done well, if done at aU ; even watering once a week, so as to penetrate the soil to a greater depth, is much preferable to a light sprinkling every day, as an hour of sunshine will evapor- ate every drop of water applied in the usual manner. Cut away withered flowers and clean up dead leaves, etc. Running vines should be carefully secured to pillars, veran- das and other supports, as they make their growth. They will answer their purposes much better by a little attention once or twice during the week, than if you let them run ad libitum during the entire season and then expect to do it all in a day by forcing them into shape. Where the seeds of desirable plants, par- ticularly annuals, begin to ripen, it is well to 248 THE CALIFORNIA HORTICULTURIST. collect a small quantity for home use. Seeds should be gathered during the afternoon or evening, when there is no moisture upon the plants ; they may be cleaned at once, and should be stored away in some cool place, protected from insects, etc. It is of daily occurrence, that we hear of some one com- plaining, that some of their pot-plants do not thrive at all. We have assigned, from time to time, various causes which occasion such results ; we cannot repeat them so often, but in reading the Gardeners' Chronicle the other day, our attention was attracted to a small matter which, we acknowledge, has been of assistance to us. The Citron icle say s : "If any plant in the house is found not to be progress- ing satisfactorily in the position in which it may happen to have been placed, it will fre- quently occur that by removal to the opposite end or side of the house it will be favorably affected or otherwise ; by the accidental angle at which the light will strike upon its foliage. This influence will become apparent by no- ticing how many of our common British plants establish themselves when they are under, certain peculiar conditions in this re- spect. When these conditions of light are wanting, I have frequently observed, that although a plant may have been placed in such a position as to light, as might be thought calculated to insure its well-doing, yet unaccountably it has refused to grow; but the simple removal of it to another position in the same house, has had the desired effect. Before closing this chapter, we would call the attention of our amateur gardeners to the pegging down of bedding plants, such as Verbenas and Petunias; but we would not stop here, and would also advise the pegging down of Roses, Laurustinus, and other flow- ering shrubs, as well as Geraniums, Helio- tropes, etc. By securing them to the ground, many will form new roots, and the result will be immense profusion of flowers and protec- tion against the strong winds. This mode of producing masses of flowers, applies more particularly to extensive grounds, where this mode of cultivating flowering shrubs pro- duces a very pleasing effect. HOW TO HAVE ROSES ALL WINTER. BY GRACE SANFORD. One who spent some time in Germany, tells us that on a certain fete day in mid- winter, he was surprised to see how exquis- itely all the windows in the houses, and the occupants, were decorated with "June Roses," so beautiful ! and such quantities ! If every "Blumengarten" in the village had been stripped, and more besides, he was convinced they could never produce such masses of pink, white, and tea roses. They must be artificial ! Could any flowers, but those of God's own handiwork, think you, fill the air with such subtle, delicious fra- grance ? The pure ' ' attar of roses " in its own native element. Interest as well as curiosity prompted our traveler to find out, if possible, the "Eden" from whence these lovely things were gathered in such amazing quantities. Thank Heaven ! he was a man with curiosity ; an animal never found (according to them- selves), except in woman's garb. Listen, reader ! every one who is blest with a rose bush, and I will tell you how to carry June right into December, and garland your homes with these tell-tale blossoms: "Gather the roses while you may," a poet sang, and isn't the time when you may, in June? Take the buds when they are just ready to burst in full bloom, lay them carefully in table salt, don't let them touch each other, cover them well with the salt, keep the box, or whatever you put them in, closely covered, leave them in the coolest place you have until winter, when you want them. Then take them out, lay a few at a time on a plate, and put in an oven, just warm enough to unfold the leaves gradually. Do this, pretty reader, and you can feast your eyes all winter, in fact all the year round, on what these unlucky mortals who haven't the German traveler or this "Floral Cablnet" for a guide, can enjoy only during the short-lived summer. Try a few for next winter. — Ladies' Floral Cabinet. An Artesian Well has been sunk 1,200 feet in Chicago without finding water. THE CALIFORNIA HORTICULTUEIST. 249 GENTLEMAN'S BUTTONHOLE FLOWER, Or Bouquet. At the Birmingliam Show of the Royal Hor- ticultural Society, on June 25th, three prizes are offered for " Coat flowers," in the words at the heading of these remarks. A Button- hole flower is generally understood to mean one single flower or spray of flowers, with or without a piece of its own foliage, or a Fern- frond. By a Buttonhole bouquet is meant, a collection of two or more kinds of flowers, made up with foliage or Fern-frond, or both combined. Surely it would have been better, and it may not now be too late, to make sep- arate classes of these very different produc- tions. Another suggestion occurs to me, and as the prizes offered are liberal, I have no doubt intending exhibitors will readily agree to my proposition: Let each exhibitor, who notifies his intention to compete in class 135, be informed that he must exhibit one Coat- flower and one Coat-bouquet. W. T. C. Gardeners' Chronicle. REMEDY FOR CUCUMBER BUGS. Take pieces of paper, dip them in coal tar, and place them on the ground near the plants; with the foot, move a little soil on one corner of the jDaper to prevent blowing away, and the work is done. An observer, recommend- ing this remedy, says: "Not a leaf on land so treated was touched, while all the other plants were entirely destroyed. Two or three pieces to the hill are quite enough." CURRANT WORMS. Nothing so effectually destroys the vermin as soot, which is both the cheapest cure and the most certain preventive. When dusted on the branches after a light shower has fall- en, or after the leaves have been wetted, the vermin will soon drop off and the leaves per- ish. The application of a sprinkling of dry soot around the roots of bushes, when early digging operations are being proceeded with 4 in Spring, will act most successfully in pre- venting their' appearance ; and this, resorted to in successive seasons, will entirely extir- pate the pests. — Farmers Jou.rnal. OUR EXCHANGE TABLE. The Scientific Manual, a Monthly Journal, devoted to Art, Science, Mechanics, etc. Published by J. S. Zerbe & Co., Cincinnati, Ohio. Subscription price, $1 per annum. The Cincinnati Commercial Review, a "Week- ly Journal of the Markets, and Industrial and Trades Interests ; valuable to Commission Merchants, Manufacturers and Tradesmen. It is published by Murray, Davis & Co. , Cincinnati. Price, $3 per year. FAVORS RECEIVED. We have received the Premium List of the Nineteenth Annual Fair of the California Slate Agricultural Society, which is to commence on the 19th and end on the 28th day of Sep- tember next, at Sacramento. Over $20,000 are appropriated for premiums, to which will be added special premiums and a gold medal to the most meritorious exhibition in each of the seven departments- Proceeding's of the National Agricultural Conveyxtion, held at Washington, D. C, in February last. The pamphlet i§ voluminous, and we shall sjDeak of it more minutely here- after. The Premium List, and Rules and Regula- tions for the Cincinnati Industrial Exposition of Manufactures, Products and the Arts, came to hand, and is a model of neatness. The Exposition will be opened Wednesday, Sep- tember 4th, and continue until Saturday, October 5th. The Horticultural Department will be a most prominent feature, many lib- eral premiums being offered ; the Floricul- tural Department alone proposes premiiuns exceeding three thousand dollars. We have received the Transactions of the Wisconsiyi State Horticultural Society, and its 250 THE CALIFOENIA HORTICULTURIST. Proceedings, Essays and Reports, at the An- nual Winter Meeting, -which was held at Madison in February last. It is handsome- ly illustrated, and entitles the officers and members of the Association to much credit. Diseases of Cattle in the United States. The Secretary of the Horticultural Society au- thorizes us to acknowledge the receipt of the above work, published by the Department of Agriculture in Washington. The volume is full of interest and contains many valuable illustrations. CATALOGUES RECEIVED. Catalogue of Dutch Flower-roots, efc., offered by A. E. Barnaart, Vogelenzang, near Haar- lem, Holland. Ben. T. Wells, of Boston, is the Affent for the United States of America. NEW AND BAEE PLANTS. Amorphophallus RrviERi. — Introduced from Cochin China by Mr. Rivieri, the head gar- dener of the Luxumberg Gardens. This very curious Aroidese will make a striking figure in our gardens. Planted in the open ground in May or June, (like the Dahlia,) the tubers will produce on a thick stem a very extraordinary looking palmated single leaf in the shape of a reversed umbrel- la. The leaves are from two to three feet in diameter, su]5ported on stems of about the same height. Planted in pots and kept in a greenhouse, they will grow still larger than in the open ground, and from the very little care required, they are well adapted for the decoration of drawing-rooms, etc. The whole plant is of a dark green ; the stems and nerves of the leaf are irregularly spotted with white; it requires a light, rich soil, well manured and worked during the summer. When the frost has destroyed the leaves, take up the roots and preserve them like those of the Dahlia. Planted in small or large beds, or in groups on the lawn, etc., it will present a cvirious and extraordinary specimen of veg- etation.— Journal of tlie Farm. Deaco^na Suradosi, ( variety Maculata. ) — The description of this Dracotena we find in the Rural New Yorker, accompanied by an illustration of a specinien in flower. "It was found on the banks of the old Cal- abar River, in 1863, by G. Mann, but after- wards sent to the Glasgow Botanical Gardens by Mr. Clarke. It is a shrub six or eight feet high, throwing up copious, stout, erect, rod-like surculi from the roots. Leaves in scattered, opposite pairs, and whorled in threes, spreading, flat, four to six inches long, one to two inches broad, beautifully blotched with golden yellow. Flowers in a globose corymb ; greenish-white. A beauti- ful shrub for the conservatory or the parlor, readily propagated from cuttings. LocKHARTiA Amoena. — A pretty Lockhartia, with strong stems and beautiful yellow flow- ers, the lips painted with purple, the column with brown. Discovered by M. Endres, in Costa Rica. Now flowering (March 16th) in the Hamburg Botanic Garden. Gardeners' Chronicle. Eria (Flavje) Berringtoniana, n, sp. — A very unexpected novelty — a giant Eria Flava, bearing a raceme of flowers, each nearly equaling a flower, Bolbophyllum (Sarcopodium) Lobbii. The flowers are at first yellowish- green, the side sepals and lips marked with purplish streaks inside ; afterwards they be- come ochre-colored. The outside of the sep- als is covered with very short arachnoid white hairs, as are also the stalked ovary and the blackish bracts, and the peduncles are more than two spans high. Till now all Eriae of this section were small flowering things, in the way of 3IaxiUaria squalens, the bete noire of those who introduce Orchids, producing finally the long expected flower-stalk with small dirty flowers, in lieu of a HouUetia sjDike. Now we have a member of this section coming from Borneo, much excelling all these by its large flowers, commonly reversed and with the inside petals rolled, as in a Vanda. It has recently flowered with A. D. Berring- ton, Esq. — Gardeners' Chronicle. THE CALIFOENIA HOETICULTUEIST. 251 Paullinia THALiCTRiFOLiA.-'Wheii this charm- ing plant was exhibited at one of the recent shows of the Royal Horticultural Society by Messrs. Veitch, it was no wonder that by- standers mistook it for an Adiantum. At a lit- tle distance the resemblance is so striking that the plant may be put down on the list of those given to "mimicry" as the awkward phrase goes. The plant in question is a stove climber, and a native of the southern province of Brazil. The "habit" of the plant in its native country seems, as in the case of our Ivy, to alter when the flowering stage is reached. It then be- comes much coarser looking, and as the flow- ers, though interesting botanically, have no horticultural merit, gardeners need not care to induce the plants to flower, \inless they are of a botanical turn of mind. The younger branches are covered with a velvety down. The leaves are of a rich green color, . and beautifully cut like those of a Thalictrum or Adiantum. As a decorative plant for table decorations, few can surpass it, as shown by Messrs. Veitch & Sons, of Chelsea. Gardeners' Chronicle. new and rare plants as particularly worthy of notice, and the finest flowering shrub of recent introduction. It grows from eight to ten feet high and bears large pyramidal pan- icles, from twelve to eighteen inches long. Its flowers are white, and continue long in bloom . — Horticult urist. Double White Zonale Pelaegoxitoi. — The Bevue Eorticole announces the appearance of a Double White Zonale Pelargonium, lately obtained by a nurseryman at Toulouse, who has disposed of his stock to M. Boueharlat, of Lyons. The plant in question is a sport from Beauty — a single flowered white variety with a pale flesh-colored centre. So says the Gardeners' Chronicle. Viola coenuta var. magnificent belongs to a strain of which Perfection and Encluintress are the type. It is equal in size to either of them, has the same branching habit, "but is somewhat more robust in growth, while in color it is very distinct and superior." The flowers are borne well above the foliage ; they are of a rich, deep violet color, with a small yellow eye, surrounded by rays of deep violet-purple. — Gardeners' Chronicle. NEW FEUITS. The Telofski Apple.— This Apple, which is rapidly becoming a favorite, is a native of Russia, and appears to be particularly adapt- ed to our climate. Dr. Warden describes it as follows : — Tree vigorous, hardy, product- ive, upright. Leaves broad, pale or light green. Fruit small to medium ; round, flat- tened, somewhat conic, angular; surface smooth, yellow, striped, splashed carmine; white bloom; basin shallow folded; eye long, closed; cavity wide, wavy or deep; acute stem, short yellow; core large, clasping; seeds numerous, plump, brown; flesh yel- lowish-white, breaking fine-grained, juicy ; flavor acid ; quality good, use market or kitchen ; season June, July ; before early harvest. — Journal of the Farm. Gei^ies' Golden Apple. — We have on sev- eral occasions referred to this variety as one of great merit. It is hardy, produces abund- antly, and bears regular annual crops. In one of our early plates, we selected Cornell's Fancy as one which would always do credit to the Eastern States ; and looking about us for one to serve the West in the same way, we could think of no variety which had been already pretty well tested, and found to be so generally likely to hold its own, as this one. We do not regard it as of the highest flavor, but in all other qualities, think it is the equal of the best, and as near the average of perfec- tion as people are likely to get in one single fruit. — Gardeners' Monthly. Hydkakgea paniculata is mentioned among Peat. — It is said that large quantities of Peat have been discovered in the southern part of California. 252 THE CALIFOENIA HORTICULTURIST. NEW VEGETABLES. FiEDER Kraut Cabbage. — This is a new variety recently introduced from Germany, and as far as it has been tried is highly es- teemed. It is the general "Crout" of that country, it being preferred on account of the solidity of its heads. It has a very fine fla- vor, and heads freely, the heads being of a conical shape. — Journal of the Farm. New Variety of Cucuimber. — In Land and Water we have a figure and descrij)tion of what is called the new White-spine Cucum- ber. This, when raised on a trellis, grows to an enormous size, one vine having three specimens, each of them three feet in length, besides many others over two feet long. The flesh is said to be very solid, with but few seeds, and the flavor very fine. This method of growing Cucumbers is recommended as furnishing a much superior result to that of allowing them to trail on the ground, as they thus grow finer, straighter, and with a larger yield. This new Cucumber has the skin perfectly smooth. It is very short in the neck, and is considered a decided gain to the resources of the vegetable gardener. FRESH VEGETABLES. Those who value Fredi Vegetables and Sweet Salads will have none washed in the garden. Neither the one nor the other should be wash- ed until they are just about to be cooked or eaten. Even Potatoes lose flavor quickly after being washed, so do Carrots and Tur- nips;, while water will speedily become taint- ed in summer in contact with Cauliflowers and Cabbages, and thus destroy their fi-esh- ness and flavor. The case is still worse with Salads. If washed at all, it should only be just before they are dressed— and the}- should be dried and dressed immediately. Nothing- ruins the flavor of vegetables, and renders goodsalading uneatable sooner than water hanging about them. If Lettuces are quite clean, they make the best salad unwashed ; but if washed, the operation should be done quickly, and the water instantly shaken out, and the leaves dried with a clean cloth. But, alas ! how often are they cut and washed in the garden in the morning, and pitched into water in the scullery sink until wanted. Then we are gravely assured that our gardeners cannot grow salading like the French ! but what French artiste would be mad enough to rinse out his salad juice, and then recharge his Lettuces and his Endives with semi-putrid water? The best practice is simply to remove all superfluous earth by scraping or rubbing, and all rough tops or leaves by cutting. Enough tender leaves may still be left on Cauliflowers and Broccoli to overlap the flow- ers. Salad should be sent in from the garden with most of the outside leaves and main root on. . The tender leaves are easily tainted and injured by exposure, and if the chief root is cut off sharp, much of the juice oozes out at the wound. — Gardeners' Chronicle. PEAE GEOWING. Fourteen Years' Experience. — The Quince as a Stock. Aside from the causes of the blight, there is no one point in Pear culture, upon which there is a greater diversity of opinion among fruit growers, than the comparative merits of the Quince and the Pear as a stock. "We propose, therefore, to give some of the reasons which incline us to prefer the quince, especially in certain localities. When we shall have given our reasons for this pre- ference, we will give some of our own expe- rience, both with the quince and the pear. 1. The quince causes the pear to fruit much earlier then when worked upon its own root. Such varieties as unite kindly mth the quince, as the Duchesse d'Angouleme, Louise Bonne d'Jersey, White Doyenne, and others, will generally bear at the fourth year from the bud, and under favorable cir- cumstances will continue to bear regularly until thev cease from old age. This we con- THE CALIFORNIA HORTICULTUEIST. 253 ceive to be a very satisfactory argument in favor of the quince, since the pear on its own roots does not usually bear in less time than from eight to fifteen years. When we speak of the quince as a stock for the pear, we always mean the Angeres Quince, the most thrifty growing variety now known. 2. The quality of the fruit in many varie- ties, as Beurre Langelier, Soldat Laboureur, Duchesse d'Angouleme, Easter Beurre, Glout Morceau, Louise Bon d'Jersey, and Vicar of Winkfield, and others, is very considerably improved. This is another reason why the quince stock should be used, especially when applied to these varieties. 3. Trees grown on the quince are much more successfully transplanted than when grown on the pear; since the quince roots much more readily than the pear, being raised easily from the cuttings, while the pear will scarcely grow at all from the out- ting. It is only when the trees are frequently transplanted while quite young, that they can be satisfactorily set at suitable age for final transplanting on the pear root. 4. Those trees worked on the quince are sometimes less liable to hlight than when worked on the pear stock. This is because the quince has, to some extent, the same effect as root pruning in checking unusual and exuberant growth of young wood. This unusual growth being the most prolific, predisposing cause of blight, for the next season. Trees thus worked upon the quince come into bearing early, and although the trees may make roots from the pear while quite young, yet the amount of fruit pro- duced makes such demands on the root for sap that the unusual growth of wood which would otherwise be made, is reduced, and consequently danger from blight greatly les- sened. 5. Whenever a tree is so transplanted as to sink the junction of the pear with the quince, from two to four inches below the surface of the ground, the pear will, in most cases, without any other manipulation, take root, and thus gradvially convert a dwarf into a standard tree. By thus using the quince as a stock, we secure an early supply of fruit and in the case of some varieties an improve- ment of size, beauty and flavor, and at the same time are gradually increasing the size of the tree with the enlargement of the crojD of fruit, while the life of the tree is prolonged to quite an old age. The foregoing remarks are intended to apply to those soils that are more congenial to the growth of the quince than to the pear. Our own soil is composed of loam, gravel and shale, with a sub-soil of strong, heavy clay. We have about sixty-five trees in bear- ing, about fourteen years of age, most of them having borne for several years. Our site is an inclined plane, inclining at an angle of about 30 degrees, aftbrding ample surface drainage In the soil above described the quince grows finely. The pear root, espec- ially when deeply sunk, does not succeed near so well as the quince. When our trees were set in their present position, there were three of them on the pear root, the balance on the quince. Those on the quince, gener- ally, have greatly outgrown those on the pear root ; so that for soils of the above descrip- tion, we feel quite safe in recommending the quince as the better stock for those kinds which unite readily and successfully with the quince. Among the varieties which may be relied upon for such soils, when so worked, are the following : Beurre d'Anjou, Beurre Diel, Duchesse d'Angouleme, Easter Beurre, Glout Morceau, Louise Bon d'Jersey, Vicar of Winkfield, Urbaniste, White Doyenne, Stevens' Genessee, and Tyson. Many of our trees originally planted as dwarfs, have, without any assistance of ours, thrown out roots from the pear, and have consequently become standards — we use the word standard in its common acceptation. Those trees whose pear roots are growing near the surface are now making fine growth, and promise to become quite large. We know that many of them have rooted from pear, because they throw up pear suckers from the surface. Hence, the preference to 254 THE CALITOENIA HORTICULTURIST. be given, either to tlie pear or the quince as a stock for the pear, must be determined, mainly, by the composition of the soil in which we wish to plant. We would remark, that the best informed among us have much to learn upon the subject of successful pear culture, not only in the adaptation of stocks, soils, and cli- mates, but also in regard to the various dis- eases which attack both tree and fruit, with their preventives and cure. — Pomologist. KILLING GKASSHOPPEES. An Australian newspaper says, that the practice has been very successfully adopted in gardens, of sowing rows of common lark- spur, the leaves of which attract grasshoppers at once, and when eaten is certain death to them — and that thousands of grasshoppers have been thus seen lying dead — all of which may or may not be true. We cannot say that we believe it. Let some one try this season. Moore's Rural New Yorker. APPOINTMENT, NATIONAL AGKICULTUEAL ASSOCIATION. The next session of the above Association will meet in St. Louis, Missouri, on Monday, May 27th, 1872. Each State Agricultural Society is entitled to two delegates, each Agricultural College to one delegate, and every Local Agricultural Society of 50 or more members, which has contributed to the funds of this National Or- ganization, to one delegate. The circular says: "We hope that every Local Organization in the United States will be represented. Essayists have been appoint- ed, and it is expected that the occasion will be one of great interest to those engaged in Agriculture. All who want more definite information can procure a copy of the Con- stitution and proceedings by addressing the Secretary, S. B. Killebrew, Nashville, Tenn.; F. Julius Le Moyne, Washington, Penn., President." Dr. George Vasey, of Illinois, has been appointed Botanist of the Department of Agriculture, in Washington. EEPOET ON THE FEUIT MAEKET. We have on several occasions spoken of the incubus of the comviiasion business on the producers of fruits and vegetables, and on the public. We extract the following from the Pacific Rural Press as endorsing what we have already expressed ; it appears under the heading of "Fruit Commissioneks." It is just as clear as daylight, that the commission merchants, who receive as mid- dle-men, standing between producer and consumer, make the largest share of the to- tal profit on our annual fruit production. Immense quantities of fniit are yearly dump- ed into the bay, because consumers will not come forward and pay the exorbitant prices asked, over what the same quality can be bought for directly from the wagon of the producer, who is so fortunately situated that he can market his own fruit at retail. The country is equal to the production of fruit in quantities that should place it within the reach of the poorest of the land in full abundance, at a cheap rate and still pay the producer a fair price for his skill, time, land and labor. But so long as the middle-men can set their own prices on what they buy, as well as what they sell, so long will the profit of the producer be made secondary. A quantity of fruit of any kind is thrown upon the market in the hands of the commis- sion merchant at a fair profit to the producer ; but the price is immediately put up to so high a figure, in anticipation of a large profit on sales, that nobody, or but a few that are able, buy. As a consequence, the next con- signment of fruit finds the former one on hand and no purchasers; of course, down goes the price and profit to the producer, and the first consignment goes into the bay. THE CALIFORNIA HORTICULTUKIST. 255 The whole story is told in this — the retail prices of fruits in the city are too high for the good of the producer or consumer, whilst both would be benefited if a more extended system of retailing from first hands could be inaugurated. Oiu' Markets are now abundantly supplied with Fruits and Vegetables of superior qual- ity and in fine condition. FRUITS : Raspberries are fine and abundant, retail- ing at, per lb., 20 cts. Strawberries, still in good supply and fine, at, per lb., from 8 to 12^ cts. Blackbenies are very fine and plentiful, retailing at, per lb., 15 to 20 cts. Gooseberries are going out. Apricots are also on the decrease, selling at, per lb., 15 to 20 cts. Peaches are now becoming plentiful; there is every prospect of an abundant supply ; quality good, selling at, per B)., 12^ cts. Cherries are very fine and j)lentiful. Plums are increasing in supply, but variety inferior; retailing at, per Tb., 15 to 20 cts. Currants are going out, selling at, per ^., 8 to 12| cts. Grapes (Sweetwater) are looking well, and sell for, per Bb., 25 cts. Apples, (Red June, Red Astrachan,) sell- ing at, per lb., 8 cts. Pears (Russet) selling at, per Bb. , 8 to 12J cts. Figs are becoming abundant, both white and blue retail for, per Bb., 12 J cts. Melons, (Cantelopes,) a few in market, sell at 50 cents each. Watermelons a few, but inferior. Tomatoes are becoming abundant and sell- ing, per Bb., for 8 cts. Rhubarb, fair in duality and quantity, sell- ing at, per Bb., 6 to 10 cts. Pie Squash, selling at, per Bb., 2 cts. Bananas, a few retailing at, per doz., $1.00. Oranges, " " " .75. Lemons, " " " 1.00. Limes, " " " .25. VEGETABLES. Cabbages and Cauliflowers are plentiful, and sell at, per doz., from 75 cts. to $1.00. Sweet Corn, per doz., from 25 to 37^ cts. Egg-plant, per doz. , 12^ cts. Squash, good supply, at, per IT)., 5 cts. Peas are going out, sell for, per lb., 5 to 7 cts. String-beans plentiful, at, per lb., 5 to 7 cts. Shell-beans, small supply, at, per Bb.,8 cts. Peppers in sufficient quantity, at, per Bb., 12^ cts. Asparagus is going out, a limited supply at, per Bb., l'2h cts. Onions are selling at, per lb., 3 cts. Spinach in fair quantity at, per Db., 8 cts. Cucumbers in moderate quantity, at, 25 cts. Potatoes are selling by the sack, at, per Ib.,2Jcts. SA2f Francisco, July 9th, 1872. ^tUtovi;il 6leinuu0,si. BoTA>nr r\ New York. — Philadelphia has hitherto enjoyed a pre-eminence in botanical studies, through the large herbariums of the Academy of Natural Sciences ; but of late. New York City has shown a commendable activity in the pursuit of this interesting science. A modest but highly valuable peri- odical, Tlie Bulletin of the Tarrey Botanical Club, at the low price of $1.00 per year, is very well supported, and the working Bot- anists of the Club, have proved to be an active set of gentlemen. Recently, Columbia Col- lege has secured the herbarium of Meisner — some 60,000 species — which, with the already fine collection, will excel that of Philadelphia considerably. We congratulate our sister city on her good fortune in securing this prize. — Gardeners' Chronicle. The First Figs — Three days since we saw the first ripe figs of the season, of the kind known as the green or white Ischia — quality fair, but smaller than need be. Do our amateur fig-growers generally know, or if 25G THE CALIFOKNIA HORTICULTUEIST. knowing-, practice a method common all over Europe where figs are grown, of increasing the size of the fruit just before ripening, by the application of a small quantity of oil to the flower end of the fig? "At Argenteil", says Loudon, "the maturity of figs is hast- ened by putting a single drop of oil into the eye of each fruit. This is done by a woman, who has a vial of oil suspended from her waist, and a piece of hollow rye-straw in her hand. This she dips into the oil, and after- wards into the eye of the fig." "We have ourselves," says Downing, "frequently tried the experiment of touching the fig with the finger dipped in oil, and have always found the fruits so treated to ripen much more certainly and speedily, and swell to a larger size than those left untouched." Sweet or olive oil should be used. — Pac. Rural Press. Hop Growing. — More attention has been paid to Hop growing'this year than formerly. A large number of Hop-yards have been planted this season. C. T. Bird, Esq., of San Jose, one of our successful Hop growers, has sold over 50,000 Hop roots this season. California Hops, on account of their great strength and high flavor, readily command 20 to 25 per cent, higher rates abroad than Hops grown in other States. Fruit Prospects in Oregon. — The Willam- ette Farmer, of Oregon, says: "The fruit crop this season will be light, many orchards hardly bearing enough for family use. In many localities the frost has been very se- vere, killing large apple trees; even town raspberries and blackberries are much in- jured." Pitcher Plant. — Mr. Geo. Such, of South Amboy, N. J., has succeeded in bringing the California Pitcher Plant into bloom. Hop-Culture. — We understand that Hop- culture is to undergo a trial upon the plains of the State of Nevada. Some, who ought to know all about it, say that a superior quality of Hops can be raised there. Profit of Cherry Trees. — Some of the Cherry trees of Mr. Bidwell's orchard, in Butte County, yielded $200 dollars to the tree this season, the fruit selling as high as 60 cents per pound in San Francisco. Agaves. — J. T. Peacock, of Hammersmith, England, cultivates two hundred species and varieties of Agaves, of which he produced fifty named species at the late Floral Show in London. "The Garden."— Mr. W. Robinson, who paid a ^dsit to California during the latter part of 1870' is now publishing ''The Gar- den," in London. Cotton Plantations. — The experimental Cotton Plantations of California look most favorable this year, and a complete success is expected. Australian Seasons. — Autumn commences on March 20th, Winter on June 21st (the shortest day). Spring on September 23d, and Summer on December 21st (the longest day.) Mammoth Flower. — There is n'ow in bloom, in Mr. Frederick Sunkle's garden, corner of Railroad Avenue and Walnut Street, a flower known as "Aaron's Cup," which measures two feet, eight inches from the but end of the flower to the tip of the cup. — Encinal. Statistics of 1870. — According to the Sta- tistics of Agriculture, as compiled from the Census of 1870, the total value of Orchard products in the United States has been $47,- 335,189; the produce of Market Gardens, $20,719,229; and of Forest products, $36,- 808,227, As compared with the statistics of 1860, the increase in Orchard products has been $27,343,304. S^ We have made arrangements to supply the Overland Monthly, together with the California Eorti- culturist, for $4 50 per annum. Subscriptions at this rate should be for one year, and should be paid in advance. Orders directed to F. A. Miller & Co., box 128, Post Office, San Francisco, or to the office of the California Horticulturist, 622 Clay Street, will receive prompt attention. THE California Horticulturist AND FLORAL MAGAZINE. Vol. IL AUGUST, 1872. No. 9. DECOKATIVE PLANTS. rOK OPEN AIR CULTUEE. It is a general rule in the laying out and arranging of ornamental grounds, however small or large they may be, to select some one or more of the most conspicuous or prominent places for the site of some choice and effective plant or group, which in itself may form a leading feature of the grounds. It is not our purpose here to designate what plants are thus used in the East and in Europe, where immense prices are paid for well-grown specimens of suitable char- acter ; but we wish to call the attention of our readers to the fact, that the climate of California permits the introduction into our gardens of many classes of highly decorative trees and plants, which cannot be grown in the open air in colder countries; we should, therefore, take advantage of these fortunate circumstances to cultivate those which are of the greatest decorative value. It has always been admitted that the tropical and semi-tropical climates supply the most beau- tiful, the most ornamental, and most im- posing of decorative plants ; and many of these may be grown in California with grati- fying success, such as Palms, Dracoenas, Yuccas, Pampas-grass, Phormiums, Arauca- rias, etc. There is something in tropical vegetation which all admire, and we cannot produce either a better or grander effect in our gardens, than by the introduction of such tropical plants as are now known to be adapted to our climate. It is scarcely neces- sary to say, that som6 little discretion should be used by gardeners and amateurs in locat- ing such plants; they require room, and un- less they are planted by themselves and in a conspicuous position, the desired object is not attained. In this connection we will mention, for example, the Gorypha Audralis, of which we have seen the best specimens at Calistoga Springs, the trunks of many meas- uring about a foot in diameter and the luxu- riant foliage extending to the height of prob- ably twenty feet. These fine specimens of this hardy Palm are confined within spaces of about fifteen by twenty feet square, which constitute the small front gardens of the cot- tages; they are thus crowded in between the house and the fence and occupy the entire space, thus certainly resulting in a complete failure. Had these Palms been planted in a conspicuous place, where they could have had all the room they needed for their full development, they would have formed one of the leading features of the Springs, but as it is they are an eye-sore to the place, and the sooner they are removed the better. We could cite many similiar instances where er- rors have been committed, showing lament- able lack of judgment and taste. However, our present purpose is to encourage the cul- tivation of decorative plants of this character. 258 THE CALIFORNIA HORTICULTURIST. and to enumerate those which we may grow here with every prospect of success. We shall first speak of Palms, some of which are so useful in their native countries for numerous purposes, but must be accepted as strictly ornamental plants or trees in California; we therefore cultivate them for their beautiful and eifective foliage. Their flowers are magnificent, and are oi a whitish-yellow or whitish-green color, devel- oped in bunches of thousands. Of about 350 varieties of Palms which are now known, we believe that over three hundred are na- tives of America and Australia. A few wQrds may here be desirable in re- gard to the propagation and raising of Palms. They are mostly obtained from seed, which it is difficult to procure in good and fresh condition; while the seeds of some retain their vitality for a year or more if kept in a cool temperature, most of them will not ger- minate unless they are sown soon after they are ripe. They require bottom heat, and to be covered by a very light and porous mate- rial, sawdust of a resinous pine is considered best for the purpose. If the seed is sur- rounded by a dry shell it should be taken off before planting, and to chip them a little with a sharp knife is often instigatory to rap- id germination. While some seeds may lie in the ground for two years or more before they sprout, others will germinate within a few weeks. As soon as the first foliage is formed they should be potted in light and porous soil, kept in a close and warm house, and watered frequently. To increase their growth, they fihould be repotted frequently. One of the best Palms for our California climate, is the Coryplia Australia (sometimes called Cab- bage Palm), of which, as we said above, a few fine specimens are growing at Calistoga. This Palm may be grown in the open air in almost every locality in the State; it is also a fast grower. Plants may now be had at very reasonable prices at our nvirseries, viz: from fifty cents to three dollars each; this places them within the reach of everybody. The foliage is very large and characteristic, its fonn is effective, and all it requires is moist- ure for the first two or three years, and when once established it will grow without any further attention. It is a native of Australia. CJiamcerops humilis may be successfully grown in California. In its growth it is more shrubby than the former, but will make a novel appearance in our gardens, requiring moisture, but otherwise satisfied with a good common garden-soil. Chamcerops excelsa is a much more rapid grower than the former, and will be quite hardy in California. Wherever the Launis- tinus will grow, the Palm may be cultivated with equal success. This fact must be en- couraging to all who are lovers of Palms for decorative purposes. Chamcedorea is the name of another class of Palms which are now very popular in Eu- rope. They may be gTown wherever the Or- ange tree will prosper in the open air. The flowers of these Palms are deliciously fra- grant and are produced in abundance; they require very little care and develop them- selves with great rapidity. The foliage also is very neat and graceful. We do not, how- ever, know of any now und^r cultivation here, but the plants may be easily imported. Cocos nucifera (Cocoa palm) the large fruit of which is well known to all our readers, is one of the most useful Palms. We think it may be successfully grown everj^vhere along our coast range, particularly in all localities where the Redwood is found. It seems to thrive well in the vicinity of salt water, and where the atmosphere is influenced by its evaporation. The Cocoa Palm is a most beautiful and picturesque tree and is well worthy of a trial. Moisture is necessary for its success. Zamia, (of which there are several varie- ties,) is one of the most beautiful of Palms, but we are not certain whether it is adapted to our climate; a moist atmosphere is requi- site. THE CALIFOKNIA HOETICULTIJEIST. 259 Cycas is another family which is universal- ly admired; we think the Cycas may be grown here without any difficulty, and that it will thrive exceedingly well in Sacramento, Marysville, and similar climates. The most beautiful of this family is the Cycas revoluta, a native of Southern Japan. This plant is highly valued in Germany, its foliage being used very extensively for decoration. It is commonly known as the Sago Palm, and fur- nishes the well known Sago of commerce. The Phcenijc (Date Palm) is a lofty Palm, attaining the height of from sixty to eighty feet. Date Palm seeds germinate readily, and by proper treatment will grow rapidly. We think there would be very little difficulty in cultivating them in our gardens. We might mention many other varieties of Palms, but they can not at present be obtain- ed from our nurserymen; we hope, however, that with a little encouragement, and a devel- opment of taste for them among our amateur srardeners, more attention will be devoted to their cultivation. In our next we will speak of other valuable decorative plants. CHOICE VARIETIES OF FUCHSIAS. From expeiience we can recommend the following varieties of Fuchsias for this cli- mate; and in making this selection we are guided by various important considerations : First, of form and color; second, foliage; and third, habit — all of which characteristics form very important considerations in selecting the best: Striped Unique, very double, tube and se- pals crimson; corolla, pvirple with scarlet stripes. Wave of Life, beautiful rich foliage of light green; splendid habit; sepals, rich scarlet, well recurved ; corolla, violet blue, of fine form. ^i-aZanc/ie, very double; compact; corolla, pm-e white of extra size, with long crimson filaments; tube and sepals, brilliant carmine scarlet. Talma, fiowers double, of globular form, sepals well reflexed; of fine, graceful habit; and free bloomer. Dreadnaught , tube and sepals, bright crim- son, well reflexed ; corolla, of a compact form, and of a beautiful pnrple color. May Felton, light-red tube and sepals, well reflexed; corolla, mauve and very double; fine. White Eagle, rich scarlet tube and petals; white corolla; free bloomer; vigorous habit. Eugene de Camirand, sepals, coral red; co- rolla, deep blue to amaranth red; very showy. Majestic, tube and sepals, scarlet, well re- flexed; corolla, purple; flamed carmine; very large, full and expanded; a verj' desirable variety. George Felton, one of the very best; tube, short and thick; sepals, elegantly reflexed; corolla, of a beautiful bright purple. Gazelle, bright scarlet tube and sepals; large, violet-blue corolla ; graceful flower, splendid habit; free bloomer. Striata Perfecta, corolla, well expanded, cup-shaped, and beautifully striped; one of the very best. G. Grant, sepals, bright red ; corolla, rosy lake; quite novel and distinct. Harvest Home, long, pink tube; broad, scarlet sepals, well recurved; large, open, double corolla ; violet, with large flakes of rose; very desirable. Tower of London, sepals, carmine-scar- let, well recurved ; corolla, rich violet-blue ; double. Angelina Braevipt, sepals, deep scarlet; co- rolla, double; pure white, striped with rose; one of the very best. Taglioni, sepals, white; corolla, violet-lake; fine habit; profuse bloomer. Souvenir de Cheswick is one of our oldest varieties, but will always be popular; the se- pals are well recurved, and the flowers are 260 THE CALIFOENIA HORTICULTUKIST. very graceful ; sepals, bright scarlet; purple corolla; very desirable. Duchesse de Gerolstein, sepals and tube, white; corolla, a rich crimson. "We can rec- ommend this variety highly. It is an early and profuse bloomer, and of excellent habit. Madame Cornelisson is a very popular varie- ty, with a white corolla; free bloomer. Comte de Flandre, sepals, dark carmine; co- rolla, very double; indigo blue; a vei-y desira- ble variety. Francis Desbois, very double corolla; an old, but much-favored variety. Exquisite, sepals, bright ciimson, well re- flexed ; corolla, large, and very double ; pur- ple and rose, flamed and flaked. Extraordinarxj , one of the best; corolla, very large and double; of a rich violet-blue; blooms very freely with us, and is of good habit. Grand Cross, sepals, scarlet; very large and double corolla, of a rich purple. Chas. Gailly, sepals, scarlet; corolla, violet- purple, shaded with carmine ; one of the best. All of the above' varieties may now be had in our nurseries, and, we believe, form about as good a collection of Fuchsias as can be ob- tained in the United States or in Europe. The following species of Fuchsias are novel and remarkable in their character, and should also be in every collection: Serratifolia multiflora, an excellent winter- blooming variety; white and pink. Falgens, orange-pink; will bloom profusely (out of doors all winter) with us. Meteor, foliage of a rich, golden color; flow- ering late. Microphylla, a beautiful little gem; flower and foliage very small ; highly ornamental and graceful ; always in bloom ; excellent habit; a most desirable acquisition. Corymbiflora, producing long corymbs of carmine-colored flowers, with long tubes and very short sepals. GRAPE-GROWERS' ASSOCIATION Of Sonoma, Najja, and Solano Counties. Pursuant to adjournment. Association met at St. Helena, July 13th, Maj. J. R. Snyder in the chair. Minutes of previous meeting read, and adopted. Mr. Hill, from Standing Committee on Vines, reported the pi-esent promise of the grape crop in Sonoma as fully an average one: the effects of frost are less pernicious than had been anticipated. Some mildew had been seen on low sites, but not to an ex- tent worthy of notice. Mr. Krug reported the crop in Napa, ac- cording to present indications, as excellent, but not equal in some varieties to the extra- ordinary yield of 1871. Dr. Lockwood had heard of mildew in some unsulphured vineyards. Mr. McCord's vineyard had suffered from cut-worms. Major Snyder remarked that cut-worms could best be combated by bottling. It could be done by the hands engaged in hoe- ing or suckering. Mr. Pellett deemed the efi'ects of frost less disastrous than has heretofore been repre- sented. He considered it noteworthy that unjDlowed ground was less obnoxious to the effects of frost than ground recently upturned. Capt. Sayward instanced some facts, prov- ing that an obstruction to the circulation of air conduced to danger from frost. Mr. Hill announced, on the authority of Gen. Frisbie, that the proposed erection of wine - storehouses in Vallejo, by the Land Improvement Company, had been abandoned. Mr. Goss moved, that the Association had heard with regret the announcement made by Mr. Hill, and hope some other parties will essay this channel for the investment of cap- ital. Carried. Major Snyder thought that wine-makers would do well to form co-operative associa- tions among themselves, for the erection of buildings for the storage of wine. Such an THE CALIFORNIA HORTICULTURIST. 261 association was now in progress of formation in Sonoma, with the design of having a build- ing for the accommodation of four or five hundred thousand gallons of wine, to be erected and maintained by the wine-makers using it. , Mr. Krug, from Committee on Distilling, reported that the government tax on grape brandy had been raised from fifty cents to seventy cents per gallon. jVIr.. McCord moved, that the recent in- crease of the U. S. internal revenue tax on grape brandy is viewed by the Association as injurious to the vinicultural interests of Cali- fornia, and detrimental to the revenues of the General Grovernment. Carried. Mr. Backus called the attention of the As- sociation to the difficulties likely to arise in procuring a supply of casks, in consequence of the scarcity and high price of oak staves. It is important to get full information as to the adaptability of redwood for the purpose. Mr. Hood, of Sonoma, had used, for some years, large redwood casks, to his entire sat- isfaction. Their cost is fifty per cent, less than those made of oak; and, if properly made, answered fully as well. Mr. Pellett had several, of 1,000 gallons each, in use, and found they kept both white and red wine in as good condition as oak casks. There was some leakage the first year — probably from imperfect construction; but now that a tartar deposit is formed, they are quite tight. Mr. Edward's experience with redwood was likewise favorable. On motion, the subject was referred to a special committee of two — Messrs. Snyder and Backus — to report at the next meeting. During an informal discussion respecting the wine market, Dr. Crane pointed out some difficulties in the Cahfornia wine trade, which had come to his knowledge in his visits to the East. California wines had not made a re- putation, and dealers, in selling them, if of superior quality, did not hesitate to label them as foreign — poorer wines, of course, they call California. Maj. Snyder read a paper which was ordered to be spread upon the minutes and published. It controverted the oft-repeated declaration that all California wines have an extraordi- nary degree of alcoholic strength. This was disproved, in regard to the wines made in the counties north of, and bounded by the Bay of San Francisco, by a comparison of French wines as assayed by Prof. Brande, and of Sonoma wines as assayed by Major Snyder himself. By these assays their average strengths are almost identical; the French wines 13.3 — the Sonoma wines 13.1. The objection to California wines is their newness, and this objection must be overcome before the reputation of California, for her wine product, can be established. . Adjourned to meet in Napa City, July 20th, Jno. a. Lockwood, Sec'y. HOUSEPLANTS AND THEIK TREATMENT. Window Gardening has of late made rapid progress, and our Eastern friends, particu- larly the ladies, have become enthusiasts in the culture of home and window plants. It may be said that there is less occasion for window gardening in California, where we may have flowers in bloom in the open air all the year round. This argument may hold good with some, but not with the majority. There are many ladies residing in the city who are passionately fond of flower culture , but have no space for a garden ; to them window gardening must be a great comfort and pleas- ure, while to those who are so fortunate as to have a flower-garden around their dwell- ings, we would say, that many of our most charming floral beauties will not come to perfection in the open air, and require more delicate treatment, care and j^rotection. Fre- quently the question is submitted to us : What plants are best adapted to home cul- ture ? We could name many different species but will confine ourselves to a few of the very best. ■ The Chinese Primrose (Primula sinensis) is exceedingly well adapted for the window • it 262 THE CALIFORNIA HOKTICULTURIST. is hardly ever withoixt flowers, which are ex- quisite, and its foliage keeps Avell. We would advise everybody to purchase a pot or two of this Primrose, and we know they Avill repay well for the small outlay and the little labor they require. They are fond of moisture and delight in a sunny situation. During the hottest part of the day it is better to shade them slightly, as the rays of the sun act too powerfully through glass. A six inch pot filled with moderately rich garden soil will produce an abundance of flowers for a year, if the watering is regularly attended to. After that, we would advise to replace them by pur- chasing new plants; but if for economical reasons the old plants are retained, they should be repotted in fresh soil. This should be done as follows: Turn the plant out of the pot, remove carefully about three fourths to four fifths of the soil, cut back the exposed roots with a sharp knife, also remove the leaves with the exception of three or four young and healthy-looking ones, near the center, and then plant firmly into a clean pot of the same size. Very good soil consists of one fourth loam, one fourth leaf mould, one fourth river sand, and one fourth old rotten manure; in the absence of some of these in- gredients, good garden soil mixed with a lit- tle manure will answer the purpose. Three or four pieces of broken pot at the bottom for drainage will be beneficial. The flowers are white or lilac; the fringed are preferred. The fern-leaf variety is very popular now. There are single and double flowering varie- ties; the latter, however, are scarce, and as yet command high prices. Chinese Prim- roses may be raised from seed, but we advise our readers to purchase grown plants. The raising them from seed requires more care and watchfulness than amateurs are general- ly willing to devote to it. The Gyciamen is another most charming house plant which will flower freely during Winter and Spring, some of the flowers being exceedingly fragrant. The Cyclamen is a bulbous-rooted plant and requires a season of rest during Summer. This is accomplish- ed by gradually diminishing the quantity of water given, until the leaves begin to wither and decay. After that they should receive just sufficient water to keep the roots from shriveling and drying up entirely. During the time of rest they should be placed in a shady, out-of-the-way place. In September or October they should receive attention by taking the roots carefully out of the soil, re- moving the damaged or decayed parts of them, and then planting them in new -soil so as to expose about one half or one third of the bulb above the surface of the soil. For about ten days put them in a shaded place and water sparingly, after which place them close to the window and give a good and reg- ular supply of water. Plants thus treated will flower abundantly from November to May. Common light garden soil with one third of leaf mould — if it can be had — will do very well for Cyclamens. The colors are va- rious shades of white, pink, and purple. The fiowering Begonias are also a most de- sirable class of plants for window culture. They delight in partial shade and abundance of moisture. Several varieties are blooming with us constantly. Those which flower most abundantly are : B. fuchsioides, i>. ru- bra, B. parviflora, B. nitida, and B. Sander- sonii. The most magnificent flowers are pro- duced from B. Vershafeltii, but its flowering season is short. B. Weltoniensis and B. Bol- iviensis are said to be very fine, but the plants are not yet sufficiently known here for us to form a proper estimate of their merits. The flowers of which we have thus far spoken may be obtained at low prices, and everybody can afi"ord to have them and by adding to them one or two plants of Coleus, which are so remarkable and pleasing for their beautifully colored leaves, and also one or two Ferns, such as the Maiden-hair, one or two double Geraniums, and a pot of Mig- nonette, we can assure our lady friends that the little necessary outlay for a small collec- tion of this kind will be a source of continual pleasure and gratification to them. Let them try it and we are sure they will not re- gret it. More of this hereafter. THE CALIFORNIA HORTICULTURIST. 263 HINTS ABOUT WINE-MAKING & PKESERVING. BY JACOB KRAUTH. Read before the California Wine Growers and Wine and Brandy Makers' Association. In my first report I mentioned that casks containing light, clrj' wines, should be full always, and I will only add some further explanation, so that beginners may under- stand it more fully. Casks which, under all circumstances, must be clean and sweet, when first filled with wine-juice or must, cannot be kept full without loss, which should not be, especially if fermentation sets in at once, as is the case in warm weather. The running over, if it were only oxy dated fennent, without loss of wine, would be well enough. But this running over of lees and wine is very apt to sour and fill the whole cellar or room with acetic or vinegar gas, transplanting itself, which answers very well for a vinegar factory. The casks want fill- ing only so much as to prevent this. The carbonic gas generated by fermentation will keep the casks full for the time being ; the superfluous will escape through the bung hole. In strong fermentation a light covering answers very well, but when it goes down or evolves less gas, it would appear necessary to either make the vent hole so small as to correspond with the quantity of gas gener- ated, or to use fermenting pipes. The first method is not practicable, for if not fully proportioned, vacancies will be created and atmospheric air — the great gen- erator and destroyer — will have a chance to penetrate and convert such light percentage of alcohol in solution to vinegar very readily. This is a well known fact, that the thinner alcohol is spread and exposed to warm air, the sooner it will turn to vinegar ; and upon this principle vinegar factories are carried on. If any one will examine the vacancy near the bung-hole he will find it coated over with a slimy, oxy dated matter, and being thin and half-dry is the very thing to start the spolia- tion of wine. For these reasons I prefer the use of fer- menting pipes. These consist of tin pipes (lead should never be used) or small India rubber hose, one end to go into a well-fitting bung, having a corresponding hole bored through it and fastened perfectly air-tight, the other end bent over to go into a dish or can of water, penetrating not more than one inch. In this way the water will offer very little obstruction, let the excess of gas escape, close up again and leave the cask full all the time. If fermenting pipes cannot be had, then a very good substitute is to fill the hole bored through the bung with cotton. This will give vent to the gas, and in a measure pre- vent the ingress of air, only care must be taken that the wine does not reach it. Stii-- ring up occasionally is very promotive of fermentation, because it brings the ferment in closer contact again with the sugar, and forces out the gas, to make room for more. After fermentation is over entirely, or when it appears that the gas does not keep the casks full, then is the time to fill up with wine and close the well-fitting bung moder- ately tight. Fill up again, whenever neces- sary, and keep it full. If the juice is of proper proportions, right temperature, and not charged with different kinds of salts, which are kept afloat by res- inous matter, which most always accompa- nies them, or an excess of (ferment) vegetable matter not belonging or not necessary in the juice, it cannot fail to make sound, dry wine. It is impossible to prescribe a certain way of making wine. What holds good if the juice is constituted one way, will not answer if it is otherwise. There are no secrets about the business as so many are found to believe, but all depends upon the quality of the juice itself. A fundamental knowledge and prac- tice to ascertain what treatment is wanting, is all that is necessary, and all little important doinofs and fineries do not amount to much. 264 THE CALIFOENIA HOETICULTURIST. Kags on bungs should never be used. They act like syphons, are most always wet, and sour in a short time. This will appear evi- dent from the vinegar flies which collect around them. Pine bungs, steeped in oil, I prefer any time to oak, because they are driven better and will not crack so easy in dry weather. I have been rather long in describing these points, but may be excused for the reason that my lines are directed to beginners only, through whose ignorance and carelessness a great deal of wine is spoiled every year, and offered for sale only to be rejected, for acetic acid is no product of the grape, but of decayed or oxydated alcohol. Wines started once that way cannot be cured entirely, and had better be stilled as soon as possible. The practice of many, drawing wine from the same cask every day for a length of time, or boring holes in it lower and lower, should be discontinued, for it not only spoils the wine but the cask also. When a cask is partly empty for some time, in a dry atmosphere, the staves will shrink and admit air, let the bung be ever so tight. These sieve-like openings allow not only the escape of the alcohol, but that of the ether, which gives the aroma, also, the latter being even more flighty than alcohol. Such wine, when not positively soured, will appear flat, and many be considered nearly worthless. I have been speaking all this time of fine, light, dry wines, as they should be and as they are mostly wanted, not of those strong, heady, half fermented ones, which in fact are not wines at all fit for use, and have spoiled our market East, to a great extent. These will stand bad practice longer in draught, at home, which circumstance can easily be explained, as follows : Alcohol es- caping, by opening so often, gives a fresh impetus or chance for a light after-fermenta- tion, which fills the cask again with gas, and hence the opinion of many, that this or that man's wine will keep to the last drop. But such wines cannot be sent with safety any distance, as they are liable to spoil, burst the cask, and even a man's stomach, if it is not well bound. Ordinary foreign wines imported very often suffer on that account. Frequently they are sent before they are ripe, and as good luck will have it sometimes, arrive safely enough, with the exception of being turbid and forc- ing out the corks, if sent in glass. But there is this diflerence : what they lack in quality they make up in price. And I may here add in conclusion, because this holds good throughout, that wines are admired for their taste and the invigorating efi'ect they pro- duce; taste makes their pi'ice, and not the amount of alcohol they contain. From this it may be seen, that the pro- ducing and making of fine wines is not all that is wanting. The well keeping and han- dling, also, when for use, is very important, and needs correcting as much as anything else. In giving these statements I have in view, as may well be supposed, my own experience and practice in the winery of the Orleans Hills Yinicultural Association, and it is my firm belief that I justly can do so. I have had not even one cask of wine spoiled yet, even in the warmest weather. Besides, large shipments have been made East, and never yet a complaint of anything being spoiled has been made. FORESTEY. We might write volumes in favor of forest and timber tree culture and would gladly de- vote more space and time to the subject, if we could achieve a practical result by so do- ing. We are convinced that the large major- ity of the people are by this time thoroughly convinced of the great importance of preserv- ing and cultivating forests wherever it is practicable. That tree-growing is practica- ble and can be made a success almost every- where on the Pacific Slope, is well known to men who have given the subject an earnest thought. But we are certain that the people THE CALIFOKNIA HORTICULTURIST. 265 throughout the country will not take hold of tree-planting- in earnest, unless they are en- couraged by some judicious measure, such as our last Legislature was willing and ready to inaugurate, and as the legislative bodies of many other States of this Union have lately had under consideration. The law to encourage forest and timber tree culture in California, as passed by our Legislature, but unfortunately vetoed by our Governor, is universally considered the best of the kind yet proposed, and all the argu- ments that have been produced against this law may be summed up in the presumption that no one could be found who could be trusted with the expenditure of a few thou- sand dollars under the provisions of said law. Some of our leading journals denounced and ridiculed the attempt to pass the law at the time of its introduction in our Legislature, but they failed to sviggest any more potent objection, and no sooner was the bill vetoed than these same jovirnals repeatedly publish- ed articles in favor of forest tree culture. So long as one is striving to demolish what another is working hard to build, we cannot succeed. If the law as proposed was objec- tionable, why not correct the mistakes and jDropose something better. All we can now do, is, to wait for a more favorable time, which we earnestly hope and believe will come sooner or later. State aid we must have, as without it our people are not prepared to embark extensively in the timber raising business. In the meanwhile we think the matter ought to be agitated among our Horticultural, Agricultural and Scientific associations, so that we may purge obtuseness from high places and may stand fully prepared, when the opportunity again offers, to enlist State aid in favor of this all- important measure. The State Board of Agricidtare on Forest Culture. No more important subject can engage the attention of a California Legislature than the encouragement of Tree and Artificial Forest 2 Culture. The most wisely managed and most enterprising and prosperous countries of Europe long since saw the importance and necessity of planting and cultivating forests; and England and Scotland can boast of their thoiisands of acres of majestic pines, beeches, and oaks, at home, and their extensive forests of valuable timbers in their provinces abroad. Germany has large groves of our valuable California redwood growing in Government forests, in connection with other groves of valuable timbers collected from all portions of the world, and these forests are the pride as they are monuments of the wisdom of the nation. Germany has a special Bureau of the Government, devoted to the cultivation of the science and practice of artificial forest culture, and the preservation and protection of the natural forests. France, Austria, and Russia, even at an early day, gave to forest culture the countenance and encouragement of the governments, and now the artificial forests of those countries are classed among the most valuable and highly prized govern- ment property. California naturally was but a poorly timbered country, and the limited natural forests within her borders have been most recklessly destroyed. While it is one of the first duties of the State to cheek this reckless destruction of the natural forests, it is a matter of no less importance to encour- age and foster the growth and cultivation of artificial forests. Comments on our defeated Forest Bill. Forestry Laws. As our reference to the California Tree Law and brief synopsis of the act, given last month, has elicited considerable inquiry, many expressing a desire to see the act itself, we this month publish the act entire. Senator Betge has, by this measure, acquired a j)osition among the great benefactors of the race. No one move, in our opinion, has ever been made by any man in our nation that promises great- er results than this. Other States will follow the example, and soon we shall find upon the statute books of every State, laws for 266 THE CALIFORNIA HORTICULTUEIST. the growth of forest trees, having vitality, and puissant for the end desired. By the perusal of this act any observer can readily see how much more effective this law would be than those encouraging tree planters, which has been done by several of the States. "What surprises us most, is, that the Governor of California should veto the bill after it had passed both houses by a large majoritj'. Exchange. The Rochester Express thinks that Califor- nia never made a wiser move than when she engaged a professional arboriculturist, at a salary of $1,500 a year, to attend to the set- ting out of forest trees in different parts of the State. Our forefathers found two fancied enemies when they landed on this continent — the Indians and the forests. They at once proceeded to exterminate both, and their fury, transmitted to their children, has been nearly successful. We may find it difficult to regard the Indian as a friend, but our feel- ings toward the forests have changed. We want trees judiciously distributed everywhere — on the mountain side, in the field, along- country roads, in front of city residences, in parks and gardens ; everywhere some, no- where too many. GRASSES FOR FIXING A SHIFTING SOIL. Several inquiries have recently been made for a kind of grass adapted to growth on the sandy borders of our lakes and the ocean, for the purpose of fixing the shifting sandy soil. Several kinds of long-rooted, deeply penetrating grasses seem to be well adapted to that purpose. On the shores of Lake Mich- igan the long-leaved Calamagrostis (C. longi- folia, Hooker) takes possession of the sandy ridges, in connection with several species of low willows, and makes a permanent barrier against the encroaching \vaves. The sand- reed (Calamagrostis arenaria, Roth.) occurs on low, marshy borders, not only of the great lakes, but also of the ocean coast, both in this country and in EiU'ope. Indeed, in some instances the planting and preserva- tion of this grass have been provided for by law. The roots are very tough, and are used, for making brushes and brooms, and the leaves are used for thatching, far mats, and for paper. For forage this grass is valueless, being rejected by all kinds of animals. This subject has excited attention in Eu- rope, as will be seen by the following extracts from an article on ' ' The Caspian Willow and Buffalo Grass as a means of fixing blowing sand," recently published in the " Landwirth- schaftliches Gentralblalt fur Deutschland." The Caspian Willow has been recommend- ed lately for fixing blowing sand. This species, however, does not come from the Caspian Sea, as one might conclude from the name, for we have never seen it there, at least on the western side ; but it grows with- out doubt all over the Empire of Russia, and even to the interior of Siberia. Possibly its home is the sandy wastes of Southern Sibe- ria, and from thence it came to us by way of Astrachan. At any rate we have received it through Poland. The introduction of home plants from foreign countries on account of their utility is not a new thing. The mead- ow-grass (Phleum j^iratense) was taken from England to North America, and there dis- covered to be a good fodder-plant. English- men found it cultivated, and took the seed back to Europe, where ever since it has been highly esteemed under its North American name. The Caspian Willow is probably a small-leaved.variety of another species, which has been found in Pomerania by Wildenow, and received the name of Salix Fommeranica, but which is not different from the Linnean Salix dajihnoides. Many, however — among them Wildenow — consider it as a distinctive sj)ecies under the name of acutifolia. Besides the smaller leaves, green on the under sur- face, it grows more rapidly on sandy ground, does not soon become a tree, and has slender hanging branches. As a binding plant, *S'. acutifolia has the preference over the ordi- nary S. daphnoides. S. acutifolia also has the merit of having its branches covered with a THE CALIFORNLl HOETICULTUEIST. 267 purplish bloom, and thus giving a charm to the landscape when seen against a dark back- ground of evergreens. It also unites well with the red twigs of Cornus alba of Siberia. We can also recommend S. longlfolia, Host., (commonly catalogued as S. dasydados , Wi- nun,) to protect sandy shores. We saw it grow luxuriantly on a sandy field belonging to the Flottbecker school of forests. The shoots attained a length of six to eight feet, and made good withes in winter, which were used in place of those that previously had to be purchased at a high price. A grass has recently been brought into notice for the purpose of fixing sandy soil, which is widely distributed through North America, from Canada to Texas, and fur- nishes food for the buffaloes or bisons. From this fact it has acquired the name of buffalo- grass, but is known scientifically as Biichloe dactyloides. This grass makes long runners, and consequently covers the ground rapidly. It is very nu.tritious, which adds to its value, and if it will grow as well with us as it ap- pears to in New Holland, we shall have a fodder-plant of more value them lupines; just the thing for the baiTen sands of the Mark and other northern districts. — From the Alonthly report of the Departmeiit of Agricul- ture. [It will be well for our Park Commissioners to give this matter some little attention. Two thirds of the park grounds consist of drift sands, and we cannot see how they can ac- complish much good without establishing some vegetation to check the continuous drift- ing of the barren sand-hills. This matter is very important for this coast, and particular- ly for San Francisco, yet we see no effort made to experiment in this direction. Gras- se s and other vegetation which may answer every purpose in the East and Europe, may not be adapted to our diy climate; but we are satisfied that our drift sands can be re- claimed with little expense, if any one will demonstrate a practical method. An early experiment on the part of our Park Commis- sioners is ver}" desirable. — Ed.] [From the Melbourne Times.] HOETICULTUKE. Being an Essay read before the Horticultural Society of Victoria, by Mr. W. H. Treen, and ordered by the above Society to be printed. Horticulture includes, in its very extensive signification, the cultivation of all kinds of vegetables, ornamental plants, and fi-uits, also the formation and management of rural sceneiy for the pui'poses of utility and em- bellishment. The earliest efforts of the va- rious inhabitants of different countries to emerge from barbarism was directed ta the tillage of the gi-ound. This proceeding is indeed the first act of civilization, and gar- dening is the first step in the career of refine- ment; at the same time, it was, and still is an art in which man last reaches perfection. When the ancient warriors exchanged their wild and wandering life for the more con- fined and peaceful pursuits of cultivators, the harvests, herds, and flocks took the place of simple gardens. Mechanical arts were next developed, followed by commerce, and soon succeeded by manufactures. As wealth in- creases, ambition manifests itself in the style and beauty of residences, entertainments, ajid equipages: science, literature, and other arts are unfolded, when a high degree of civil- ization is attained. Not, however, until all this has taken place does Horticulture become cultivated as one of the ornamental arts. Even in ancient times the city of Thebes had its numerous brazen gates, stuiDendous pyi'a- mids and temples, the then wonders of the world, before the hills and plains were cele- brated for their beautiful gardens. According" to ancient history, the Queen of the East had "heard of the fame of Solomon," his fleets had brought him gold of Ophir and treasures from Asia and Africa, before he "made orchards" and delighted to dwell in gardens, and planted the vineyai'd of Baal- haman. The Persian Empire had extended from the Indus to the Archipelago, when the par- adise of Sardis excited the astonishment of a 268 THE CALIFORNIA HORTICULTURIST. Spartan General, and Cyrus mustered the Grecian auxiliaries in that spacious garden. Athens had reached the height of her glory when Cimon established the Academus, and presented it to his fellow-citizens as a public garden. Numerous others were soon after planted and decorated with temples, statues, and monuments, more particularly during the polished age of Pericles, when Plato taught philosophy in the groves, and gardens. Rome had subjugated the world, and emula- ted Athens in literature, science, and the arts, previous to the handsome villas of Pom- pey, Ctesar, Crassus, and others being erect- ed, environed by magnificent gardens. It has been also thus with modern nations. Horticulture long lingered in the rear of oth- er pursuits; the majority of common fruits, flowers, and vegetables which had been col- lected by the Romans from Asia and other climes, were successfully extended over Western Europe, but so slow and gradual was their progress that, until the reign of Henry VIII. scarcely any table vegetables were cultivated in England, the small quan- tities then consumed being chiefly imported from Holland. Gardening appears to have been first brought into England for profit about the commencement of the seventeenth century. Our ordinary fruits, peaches, plums^ pears, cherries, melons, etc. , were luxuries but little enjoyed before the time of Charles II., who introduced French gardening at Hampton Court, and had the first greenhouse built. It was at this period that Evelyn translated the "Complete Gardener." In France, Ger- many and Italy, a formal but imperfect sys- tem of gardening was practiced with success, although generally Horticulture was in a lan- guishing condition until the commencement of the eighteenth century, when it all at once attracted the attention of some of the first men in Great Britain. Eventually Ba- con was the prophet, Milton the herald, and Addison, Kent, and Pope the champions of true taste. The principles which were devel- oped in their writings were successfully ap- plied by Bridgeman, White, Brown, and Eames, the system then becoming popular, and rapidly extended. The history, literature, and science of gar- dening open a wide field for study and inqui- ry. The pleasure which gardens afforded men even in the earliest times, appears in the account of the Garden of Eden. The bards, scholars, and philosophers of the classic ages have transmitted descriptions of the gardens of the ancients. Passages are to be found relative to this subject in Virgil, and Horace; Pliny's "Natural History," and Col- umella's book on Gardens, contain the most correct information on Roman Horticulture. Italy was, however, the first country to pro- duce books on Agriculture and Gardening. The Germans, as in all branches of letters and science, have an immense number of books in the department of gardening, more especially on the subject of planting and for- est trees. The Dutch have on the other hand, excelled more in the practice than the literature of gardening, while Russia and Po- land have produced but few original works on Horticulture or Agriculture. At the same time, in St. Petersburg at the present, there is an extensive imperial botanical garden un- der the direction of able professors. The horticultural literature of France is of an ear- ly date, and the authors are both numerous and many of them of the highest repute. In the United States of America have ap- peared, of late years, very excellent works relating to Gardening and Agriculture, highly creditable to the authors and the country ; many of these works are now largely circu- lated and held in great estimation. The greatest improvements in horticulture have, however, been efl'ected within the last half century. During the age of Cicero a formal kind of gardening prevailed, charac- terized by clipped hedges and long avenues of trees : Pliny gave an account of his ' ' Villa at Lavirentum," and, from the description, it was more distinguished for its numerous superb edifices, extensive prospects, and the system- atical arrangement of the pleasure grounds, THE CALIFOENIA HORTICULTURIST. 269 than for the improvements and decorations of the surrounding scenery, in accordance with those principles which are derived from a close observance of the pleasing effects of Nature. The rural residences of the Ro- mans appear to have been mere places of temporary retreat, and were planted general- ly with odoriferous flowers and shrubs. Dur- ing the 12th century, the monks were the only class of persons who attended to orna- mental planting and gardening. After that period the stjde throughout Eu- rope consisted in tall hedges, square par- terres fantastically planted, straight walks, and rows of trees uniformly placed and prun- ed. Improvement in horticulture was slow indeed from the time of the Emperors Titus and Vespasian until the reign of George III. It is certainly true that Hampton Court was laid out by Cardinal Woolsey; Green- wich and St. James' Park by Le Nortre dur- ing the reign of Charles II. ; and in that of George II., Queen Caroline enlai'ged Ken- sington Gardens, and formed the Serpentine; but Lord Bathust was the first who deviated from straight lines. For a long period the Dutch system prevailed — the shearing of yew, box, and holly into horrible figures of vari- ous kinds, so that if you walked in their gar- dens b}^ moonlight you were continually haunted. This was carried to such an extent that the absurdity became contemptible, and a better and more natural taste was induced. It was, however, resem-ed for Kent to real- ize the beautiful descriptions of the poets, and carry out the ideas of Milton, Pojpe, and Addison. He, in fact, leaped the ancient fence, and saw at once that all Nature was a garden of itself. He bade adieu to all stiff, formal modes, dealing in none but in the true colors of Natui^e ; the living landscape was chastened and polished, never transformed. This improved style of horticulture quickly spread, and became everywhere apparent in Great Britain, soon attracting the attention of the other nations, and English gardening became the designation of all that was charm- ing and beautiful. Within twenty five years of the establishment of the first London Hor- ticultural Society, upwards of fifty similar institutions were established in Great Brit- ain, England still maintaining the first rank in the art, with France making efforts to ri- val her. The first Horticultural Society es- tablished in Paris was in the year 1826. In two years afterward it had no less than 2,000 paying members, including the court and most of the nobles of distinction. Holland has been distinguished since the period of the Crusades, for her flower gardens, vegeta- bles, and plantations of fruit trees, England being still in a measure dependent upon her florists for the most splendid varieties of bul- bous-rooted plants. In the United States a like spirit has yearly become more develop- ed, and here in Australia we are following the example, having brought our home ideas with us — determined, I trust, to make yearly our homes more beautiful and interesting. [To be continued.] ORCHID CULTURE. [Continued from page 235 of last number.] We will give a few more varieties, as de- scribed in the Gardeners' Monthly, by Mr. James Taplin, Manager, to Geo. Such, Esq., of South Amboy. Lycaste Skianeri, being one of the most easy to grow and flower, is very handsome and lasts a long time in bloom. This is a South American variety, or rather species, of which there are many varieties, both in size of flower and in color. The same plant often flowers twice in the year and lasts a long time in perfection. We have a plant that has been in bloom over two months, and there are more buds coming out, so that it will probably last until the end of November. [This was written, we suppose, in October. — Ed.] These plants are recommended for winter flowering, but we have them in flower at all seasons. The Lycaste are best grown in pots, half filled with crocks, to secure good drainage. 270 THE CALIFORNIA HORTICULTUEIST. and potted in fibre from peat, from which the fine soil has been sifted, to Avhich add some live sphagnum moss and a little white sand. It is not necessary to raise the soil for these above the level of the pot, but do not bury any part of the bulbs ; there is not any part of the year fixed for repotting, but the proper time is, when they are making young shoots and roots. They require abundance of w^ater while growing, less when growth is com- plete, and never water over the flowers or they will decay, and the young shoots may also do so if water is permitted to lodge in the heart. These plants will grow and flower in any house not lower than 45 degrees, with a slight shade from bright sun from March to October. The plants Avill also last a very long time in flower in a sitting-room. Fre- quent sponging of the leaves of these as well as of all of the Orchids is necessary, if only to remove dust. Dendrobium nobile. — If I were limited to growing only one variety of Orchid, I think I should have most satisfaction from this vari- ety ; others may be more rai'e and expensive, but this one may always be depended upon for flowering well under the simplest treat- ment, and certainly few plants are more lovely when in flower ; a well established plant in a six incli pot, will give comparatively as many flowers as a specimen of the largest size. Many growers cultivate their plants in a basket, but I consider this a mistake, for it is naturally of u^Dright growth, and I do not recollect ever seeing plants so vigorous as when grown in pots or in a frame. I con- sider another mistake is frequently made with this and other Orchids by keeping them so dry that the leaves drop off and the shoots shrivel. I am aware this is done under the idea that it will make the plants flower freely, but if more flowers are produced, they are all smaller and do not last so long, and the young growth is weakened. The extra dry- ing is not necessary at any rate for this va- riety, and a moderate quantity of foliage is an addition to the beauty of the plant when in flower. The above variety being so common, there are probably many large and handsome spe- cimens in the country, and it being a free grower, any one may get up a nice j^lant in a short time. I began with one of our best plants three yearsago, when it wasquite small, after it had been growing in an amateur's greenhouse for several years, a'jid was get- ting smaller instead of increasing in size. It is now four feet in diameter, with shoots three feet long and thick in proportion ; many of the shoots are covered with flowers for two feet of the length. It has been in flower now (April 8th) for six weeks, and will last for some time longer. I gathered 150 flow- ers from it at Easter, and they are not missed. If the plants require repotting, do it after ^looming, but large plants, properly treated, will not require fresh j^ots for several years. The soil I use is the fibrous part of peat and sphagnum moss in about equal parts. Fill the pots nearly full of broken pots, (not "coke" as I was made to say in my last,) shake away all of the old soil, if decayed, and fill in with fresh without breaking the roots, raise well above the pot ; it will then take abundance of water, both at root and overhead during the growing season ; shade from bright sun until growth is finished, then gradually expose to full sun. I have placed the plants out of doors in full sun with good results. The plants will winter in any house not below 40 degrees with only water enough to prevent shriveling, and shaded when flowers commence to open, they will last a long time. This is a plant little subject to insects if in good health. Changing the Colors of Flowers. — The Alirror of Science says that a case is known of a yellow primrose which, when planted in a rich soil, had the flowers changed to a bril- liant purple. It also saj's that charcoal adds great brilliancy to the colors of dahlias, roses and petunias; carbonate of soda reddens pink hyacinths, and phosphate of soda changes the colors of many plants. THE CALIFORNIA HORTICULTrEIST. 271 ON THE ECONOMIC VALUE OF CERTAIN AUSTRALIAN FOREST TREES, And their Cultivation in California. BY ROBERT E. C. STEARXS. Australian forest trees propagated from the seed, with perhaps a few exceptions, thrive remarkabl}^ in California; the climate and soil appear to be nearly or quite as favorable to the growth of these exotics as of the native forest, forms. In many of the principal towns in this State, especially in and around San Fran- cisco, in the neighboring city of Oakland and adjoining towns on the easterly side of San Francisco bay, fine specimens of many of the Australian foi'est species are exceedingly nu- merous. The most popular of these belong- ing to the genera Acacia and Eucalyptus, have been planted for ornamental and shade purposes ; the light feathery fern-like foliage of some of the Acacias, their gracefulness, beauty and color, combined with their rapid growth, present so many advantages as to fairl}' entitle them to popular esteem. Of the Acacias recommended by Dr. Mueller on account of their economic value,* I am not aware of any being cultivated in this State for that object. A. decurrens (=A. mollis- sima) also A. lophantha and some other spe- cies, are frequent, and highly prized for ornamental purposes : from twenty to thirty species are enumerated in the catalogues of the principal nurseries. The many valuable properties of the species mentioned in the foot-note, combined Avith rapidity of growth, would warrant cultivation on an extensive scale, which, if judiciously conducted, would be highly advantageous to the State and yield a handsome return upon the capital invested. Mueller says that the wood of A. decurrens, popularly known as the "Black Wattle or Silver Wattle," can be used for staves, but its chief use would be to * A. decurrens, THWd, also A. homalophylla, Cunn, and A. inelauoxylon, R. Be. afford the first shelter, in treeless localities, for raising forests. Its bark rich in tannin, and its gum not dissimilar to Gum Arabic, render this tree also important. A. homalophylla, has a "dark brown wood, is much sought for turners' work on account of its solidity and fragrance ; perhaps its most extensive use is in the manufacture of tobacco pipes " A. melanoxylon'' is most valuable for furni- ture, railway carriages, boat building, casks, billiard tables, pianofortes (for sound-boards and actions), and numerous other purposes. The fine-grained wood is cut into veneers. It takes a fine polish and is considered equal to the best walnut." Under favorable cir- cumstances it attains " a height of 80 feet with a stem several feet in diameter. " This species requires a deeper and moister soil than A. decurrens and A. lophantha, which are especially recommended for their ability to resist drought, and therefore particularly applicable to treeless and sterile areas in the southern part of California, and the adjoin- ing countiy, where the temperature does not decline below 10 degrees. The peculiar yellow displayed in the China silks and other articles, is obtained from the yellow flowers of a species of Acacia, and is of an exceeding permanent character. The Acacias are easily propagated from seed, as I have (with some species) practic- ally tested; and it is not unlikely that the flowers of most of the species, which are yellow, might be equally as valuable for the dyer, as the variety cultivated or used by the Chinese. Of the Eucah'pti, E. globulus is very com- mpn in California, and easily cultivated; it is the Blue Grum of Victoria and Tasmania. "This tree is of extremely rapid growth and attains a height of 400 feet, furnishing a first-class wood ; shipbuilders get keels of this timber 120 feet long ; besides this they use it extensively for j^lanking and many other parts of the ship, and it is considered to be generally superior to American Rock Elm. A test of strength has been made be- 272 THE CALIFOENIA HOKTICULTrRIST. tween some Blue Gum, English Oak and Indian Teak. The Blue Gum carried 14 lbs. weight more than the Oak, and 17 lbs. 4 ozs. more than Teak, upon the square inch. Blue Gum wood, besides for ship biiilding, is very extensively used by carpenters for all kinds of out-door work, also for fence rails, railway sleepers — lasting about 9 years — for shafts and spokes of drays, and a variety of other purposes."* Of the rapid growth of this s]'>ecies of Eu- calyptus and the facility with which it is propagated, most people in California who have had any experience with it are familiar; but as perhaps few persons who have speci- mens of it growing upon their grounds or in their yards are aware of its value otherwise than for ornamental purposes, I have deemed it a matter of interest as well as of import- ance to quote from Dr. Mueller's valuable paper. Having propagated the Blue Gum from the seed and raised many sj)ecimens under not particularly favorable circum- stances, I can endorse the remarks of the author from whom I have quoted. An in- stance of raj)id growth immediately under my observation, is that of a specimen pur- chased by me of a nurseryman, which at the time of planting (Jan. 5th, 1871) measured from the ground level to the extreme tip six and a half feet, and in about eleven months (Dec. 8th, 1871) had reached a height of a trifle over fifteen feet ; the diameter of the stalk when set out was half an inch, and at the final measurement one and three quarters inches. I am prepared to hear of instances far exceeding my figures, but it should be borne in mind that we had very little rain after this tree was planted, and furthermore that the locality was upon nearly the highest ground in Petaluma. This tree was occa- sionally, but only moderately watered during a part of the time. Other trees of this spe- cies planted at the same time, also made a remarkable growth ; specimens raised by me from the seed, whose growth I have noted, show a gain of ten and a half inches in twen- ty-one days, or half an inch per diem. The development of the lateral branches is as surprising as its perpendicular growth. George C. Potter, Esq., of Oakland, in- forms me that specimens upon his grounds nine years old, show a diameter of twelve inches. Of the large plantation of Eucalyptus of the Blue and Red species made a few years ago by Mr. J. T. Stratton,* of Alameda, I hear indirectly that the trees have done well. I hope at a future meeting to be able to learn from Mr. Stratton, and inform the Academy more definitely of the success thus far, and prospects of this highly commendable and important enterprise. f ]To be continued.] Thikd Session OF THE AGEICULTUEAL CONGEESS, At St. Louis. We have before us an extensive report of the transactions of this Congress, as publish- ed in The American Farmers Advocate, and we give a few of the most interesting points. It was arranged between the "National Agricultural Association" and the "Agricul- tural Congress" to meet together in order to consolidate the two Associations into one. This effoi-t resulted in the establishing of a "National Agricultural Congress." The following ofiicers were elected : Presi- dent, John P. Reynolds, of Rockford, 111.; Secretary, Charles W. Greene, of, Jackson, Tenn.; Ireamrer, Lee R. Shryock, of St. Louis, Mo. * Vide " The Principal Tiniljer Trees readily eligible for Victorian Industrial Culture, etc. etc., by Ferd. Von Mueller." * Report of the Commissioner of Agriculture, 1870, page 252. t I f"o not refer to other forest plantations made iu California, by Mr. Aiken or Mr. Edsvards, and which I sincerely wish may be successful, for the reason that in this paper the chief object has been to call public attention to certain Australian forms. THE CALIFORNIA HORTICXJLTrRIST. 273 A number of valuable essays were read, of which we mention: "Influence of Forests upon Rainfall," by Maj. T. W. "Woodward, of South Carolina; "The Proper Sphere, Objects and Duties of Agricultural Colleges in the United States," by H. N. McAllister of Pennsylvania ; ' ' Meteorology and an In- ternational System of Crop Reports," by Comm. M. F. Maury, of Virginia. The following Constitution was adopted : Article I. Sec. 1. This organization shall be called the "National Agricultural Congress," Article II. Sec. 1. Each State and Territory shall be entitled to two representatives for each and every State organization engaged in fostering agricultural pursuits. Sec. 2. The United States Department of Agriculture, and each agricultural school or college with an endowment of not less than $20,000, shall be entitled to one representa- tive. Sec. 3. Each regularly organized agricul- tural and horticultural society of not less than fifty members, which shall contribute to the support of this organization, shall be entitled to one representative. Sec. 4. Representatives shall, in all cases, be active members of the organization they represent, and shall present credentials signed by the President and the Secretary of their respective organizations, and the certificate shall state the number of members of such body. Article III. Sec. 1. Each representative shall be en- titled to one vote ; no voting by proxy shall be permitted; all votes, except in elections, shall be viva voce; and one member of the Society may demand a division; ten members may demand the ayes and nays, which must be entered on the journal ; a vote by ayes and nays shall be by States, and each State shall have one vote. 3 Article IV. Sec. 1. A President, Secretary and Treas- urer, and one Vice-President from each State and territory, shall be elected at the annual meeting, by ballot ; the President, Secretary and Treasurer, on a majority of all the votes cast ; but the Vice-President for each State shall be chosen by the delegates of the respective States. Sec. 2. The term of sei-dce of the Presi- dent, the Vice-Presidents, the Secretary and Treasurer, shall not expire until the close of the annual meetings of each year. Sec. 3. The President and Vice-Presidents of this Congress shall constitute an Execu- tive Council, and shall have vested in them the administration of the affairs of this Asso- ciation. They shall serve until their suc- cessors are chosen. Five members of this council shall constitute a quorum for the transaction of business. In the absence of the President, they shall choose a chairman. Sec. 4. The duty of transacting the busi- ness of this Association ad interim shall de- volve upon the President and Secretary. The Secretary and Treasurer shall receive such compensation as the Council may determine. Sec. 5. Special . meetings of the Council may be held on the call of seven members thereof, twenty days' notice thereof to be given by the Secretary. Sec. 6. In case of the resignation or re- moval of any member of the Council, his place shall be promptly filled by the State or Territory from which he was chosen in the same manner that representatives at large are chosen, and should they fail to appoint, the vacancy shall be filled by the President ; a vacancy in any State or territory shall be filled in like manner. Sec. 7. It shall be the duty of the Execu- tive Council to recommend such measures as will promote the interests of the Congress. Sec. 8. They shall provide for full and accurate records of the proceedings of the Council and the meetings of the Congress; 274 THE CALIFORNIA HOETICULTURIST. they shall submit them at the annual meet- ings, with a statement of such business as may require attention, and shall apportion to each constituent body, State or local, the assessment for the expenses of the Congress. Sec. 9. The Treasurer shall give security in such sum as may be required by the Ex- ecutive Council, in no case to be less than the amount assessed upon the constituent bodies ; shall receive and account for all mo- neys belonging to the Congress, and collect all assessments and sums due ; but he shall pay out and dispose of the property of the Congress only on a warrant of the Secretary, approved by the President. The Treasurer shall make a report at the annual meeting. Article V. Sec. 1. The annual meetings of the Na- tional Agricultural Congress shall be held at such time and place as a majority of those present at the previous meeting may have determined. Sec. 2. Notice shall be given to each of the constituent bodies, by the Secretary, at least thirty days previous to the annual meet- ing, of such subjects as may be presented for their consideraton. Article VI. Sec. 1. The expenses- of this Congress shall be provided for in such manner as the Executive Council may determine. Sec. 2. The Executive Council shall meet, on the day previous to the assembling, to arrange the order of business and determine the mode by which subjects may be brought before the meeting for consideration. Article VII. Sec. 1. This Constitution maybe amended at an annual meeting by a vote of two-thirds of the delegates present. Sec. 2. The President shall, within two months after adjournment, appoint one Vice- President, pro tern., from each State and Territory not represented. Of many important resolutions, which were passed, we mention : Whereas, We recognize the agricultural and horticultural press of our country as ha\dng a common aim and sympathy with us in advancing the interests of the agriculture and horticulture of the nation, and as being the best medium through which to dissem- minate the facts and principles which it is the object of this organization to promulgate. Therefore, be it Resolved, That we earnestly recommend to the county and district agricultural and hor- ticultural societies throughout the country, the propriety of offering copies of the best agricultural and horticultural periodicals pub- lished in their respective States, or sections, as premiums on articles for which money or silver ware, of equivalent value are usually given ; and that they aid, by all other legit- imate means in their power, as corporate bodies, to extend the circulation of such periodicals. Of Committee Reports we give one on Forest Culture, as read by Mr. R. S. Elliott, of Kansas. " The forests of the continent are rapidly passing away. Large districts in the Atlantic States are already stripped of their most valu- able timber. In less than twenty-five years the accessible forests in the region of the great lakes, on the upper waters of the Mississippi, and in the British provinces adjacent, will be exhausted. The industrial progress of the Southern States is consuming trees both de- ciduous and evergreen at an accelerating rate. In the Rocky Mountain regions (where the hard woods are unknown) the pines, spruces and cedars are disappearing before the far- mer, the miner, the architect and the railroad builder. On the Pacific coast, the immense home demand, ever increasing, together with the exportations to England, France, Austra- lia, China, Japan, South America, Mexico and the Pacific Islands, foretell the exhaustion of the California timber trees in twenty years ; and those available in Oregon and regions northward within a comparatively brief pe- riod. The demand for the product of the forest constantly increases. The supply constantly^ THE CALIFORNIA HORTICULTURIST. 275 and in a growing ratio diminishes, and prices constantly aiigment. The causes now in operation and daily gaining strength, can have but one effect, that of exhausting all the available sources of supply withm the lives of persons now in existence. This appalling prospect, the view of which becomes more vivid the more it is studied, should arouse the farmers, land -owners and legislators. It is vital to the future welfare of our people that the reproduction of our forests should at once begin, not on a small scale or in a few localities, but in a large measure, and co-extensive with our settlements. A broad statemanship in the national and State Legis- latures should at once take up the subject and deal with it year by year, until the great work shall be adequately begun. The few and hesitating experiments in iso- lated localities, which have been made in the growing of forest trees, have no significance, so far as the general supply of future wants is concerned; butthey areof inestimable value, in so far as they teach the ease and compara- tive rapidity with which forest trees, useful to the farm, to the workshop and to the railroad may be produced, and in so far as they show that the agricultural men of the country have already (in advance of the men in high poli- tical life) appreciated the necessities of the present and the future. They are also of value in demonstrating, that, however remote the profit of forest culture may have been heretofore considered, it is yet true that the artificial plantation may, in a very few years, by judicious planting at first, be made to yield current returns equal to the cost of planting and care. Modifications and ameliorations of climate, due to the destruction or extension of forests, have begun to enlist serious consideration. There can be no doubt of the beneficial influ- ence of forest areas equal in aggregate to one-fourth or one-third of the entire area of any extensive region. But however important climatic effects may be in this connection — however desirable it may be that the croj)S. and animal life of the farm should enjpy the- benefits of forest influence and shelter, the need of extensive forest planting is impera- tive enough without taking into consideration its effects on atmospheric movements, tem- perature or rainfall. The store, the dwelling, the shop, the factory, the railroad, the wharf, the warehouse — all these and more demand action — demand it in the name of domestic life, of farm economy, of commerce, of all the arts of our civilization. What we shall save in climate by preserving forest areas, or gain by their extension, is just so much to be enjoyed in addition to other compensations. The less violent sweep of the winds in Illinois, as compared with forty or fifty years ago, due to the obstruction caused by buildings, hedges, fences, orchards, artificial groves and wind -brakes on the prairies, speak to the understanding of plain men more forcibly than any language we can use. There maybe those who regard forest plant- ing as a work of mysteiy and grandeur beyond the reach of the common farmer. This is a mistaken riew. Nearly all the most impor- tant deciduous trees may be grown from seed as readily as Indian-corn. Of many species the seed may be sown broadcast and harrowed in, if the planter prefers to use the seed lav- ishly rather than give more care. The seeds of many trees may be planted either in Fall or Spring as may be most convenient. Some of the softer vooded trees grow from cuttings as readily as the grape; and with most decid- uous trees the seeds or cuttings may, if de- sired, be at once planted where the trees are to stand ; nor need th& most unlettered farmer deny himself the pleasure and profit of the Conifers and Evergreens. The plants, furnished at prices which are insignificant in comparison with their value, are abundant at reliable nurseries, and, with the simple pre- caution of keeping the roots moist, and proper care in planting, are as sure to grow as any other tree or shrub. No part of the earth is blessed with a great- er variety of useful trees, both of the hard and soft -wooded kinds, than the United States; and these native trees can all be 276 THE CALIFORNIA HORTICULTURIST. readily grown in artificial plantations. It is not alone the Pines and Spruces and Cedars that make up our valuable timber. The harder wooded trees — the Ash, the Oaks, the Hick- ories, the Maj^les, the Walnuts and the Chest- nuts— of which we have heretofore been so lavish — have a value in the arts, that no fig- ures can estimate. They may be said to be es- sential to the continuance of our j^resent civ- ilization. New forests of these trees must be grown, or our grandchildren must dejiart from our modes of life. West of longitude 100° from Grreenwich, the material of a com- mon wagon does not grow on the continent, and we are fast exhausting it East of that meridian. Ohio and Indiana, Kentucky and Missouri have girdled and burnt hardwood trees, that would to - day be worth hundreds of millions of dollars. If failing springs and protracted droughts and extremes of temper- ature suggest replanting, the people may safely rely on a future market, more certain than that for any other product of the soil. John A. Warder, ) R. S. Elliott, > Committee." W. C. Flagg, ) To carry out the views embodied in this re- port, the following resolutions were adopted : 1. That we recommend farmers through- out the United States to plant their hilly or other waste lands, and at least ten per cent, of their farms, with trees, in such manner as to provide shelter belts or clumps of rapid growing and useful timber. 2. That we solicit the Legislatures of the several States to pass laws providing bounties for planting trees, encouraging the planting of the highways, and for the provision of State nurseries of young timber trees, and also the appointment of an arbor day for the annual planting of trees, as has already been done in the State of Nebraska. 8. That we ask the Congress of the United States to require, so far as practicable, that railroad companies and settlers hereafter re- ceiving the benefit of the homestead and other acts donating lands, shall plant with timber trees one-tenth of the land so do- nated. 4. That we urge upon the professors of agriculture in the several colleges to give their special attention and investigation to the important subject. 5. That we ask the railroad comjoanies of the country whose necessities have led to the destruction of so large a quantity of our forests to co-operate with us in restoring the timber growth, and that they will provide for the planting of such lands as may be at their disposal and as are adapted to the pur- pose, with timber trees. The Congress, which met in May last, adjourned to meet at Indianapolis, Ind., on the fourth Wednesday in May, 1873. OUE HORTICULTURAL EXHIBITIONS. It is now almost a century since Exhibitions of Agricultural and Horticultural products were inaugurated in France. The utility and importance of such exhibitions were soon recognized by other nations, and during the past twenty years they have ranked among the most important, most attractive and most instructive features of civilization. While nations are endeavoring to excel each other in the grandeur and magnitude of "International Exhibitions" and "World's Fairs," every State, and nearly every county in this Union, seems to be striving to have an exhibition of its own. We have frequently expressed our opinion as to the utility of fairs and exhibitions of this kind, and we sincerely believe that they greatly stimulate the better development of new and important industries, particularly in a recently established country such as ours. They demonstrate the resources and cajjabili- ties of the regions, establish a friendly rivalry in the best productions, and bring the tillers of the soil into closer relation with each other. We are well awai'e that our- agricultural and horticultural exhibitions are not exactly THE CALIFORNIA HORTICULTURIST. 277 what they should be ; such, however, may be said of many other institutions of this coun- try. But all who are well disposed toward fostering the true interests of our State, should take more interest in the management of our agricultural and horticultural associa- tions, and bring their influence to bear toward the most needed reforms. While the man- agement of our fairs and exhibitions is left entirely to a few interested parties, those who neglect to take part in such management must blame themselves if affairs are carried on unsatisfactorily. Exhibitions of this kind should be the work of the people, and not of a few individuals. These remarks are prompted at this time by the apj^roaching of the season for fairs and exhibitions. The Bay District Horticultur-al Society of California, now nearly two years in existence, will open its Second Annual Horticultural Exhibition on the twenty -sec- ond day of August, and will maintain it for fifteen daj^s. The State has given aid to the Society to the amount of $2,000, and through most strenuous efforts of some of its members, the hall at the corner of Post and Stockton Streets has been purchased in the interest of the Society for the purpose of holding exhi- bitions therein. At a very heavy expense the hall, now known as the " Horticultural Hall," has been enlarged and fitted up in so j^leasing a style as to entitle the managers to our warmest commendation. All that is now really requi- site is, united action on the part of all our horticulturists to make the pending Exhibi- tion one of unparalleled success. This can be done, and we feel every confidence that it will be done, notwithstanding the antagonism of the customary few who, as usual, rather tear down than build up. We are confident that all are welcome to take part in the en- terprises of the Society ; nevertheless, there are some who strive to discourage by saying, " It will not pay." We do not advocate the getting up of exhibitions for the sordid pur- pose of making money out of them ; we think there should be a higher ambition than mere- ly exhibiting for pay. The purpose of horticultural exhibitions is, to afford opportunity for friendly compe- tition and the display of patient skill in rais- ing the varied products of orchard and gar- den ; and premiums are offered to stimulate exertion and to compensate, in some degree, for the extra expense and labor incurred in special preparation, which is frequently con- siderable ; it being found that while with some competitors of generous nature, the fact of success is sufficient recompense for their exertions, with others, some tangible reward must be offered to induce an effort. This competition promotes friendly intercourse between cultivators, and stimulates to great- er care, ingenuity and skill in raising their specimens, and necessarily improves general cultivation. Another purpose is, to display to the general public these varied products under the most favorable circumstances and to the best advantage ; to familiarize them with many products of the nurseries, green- houses and gardens, which but for such op- portunities would be known but to very few; to demonstrate how easily and at what small expense their homes may be gaily, even su- perbly decorated with Nature's sweetest pro- ducts, and thus foster a taste for one of the purest delights that can be enjoyed at home in the bosom of a family. It is necessary to charge fees for admis- sion, as very considerable expenses are in- curred in the indispensable preparations for such exhibitions. The premiums amount to a large sum in the aggregate, frequently ex- ceeding the amount of State aid ; and the current outlays at such times are large, while the revenues of the Societies are derived solely from the subscriptions of the horti- culturists themselves, and from some few friends who take an interest in their efforts. When balances in their favor accrue to the Societies from these exhibitions, they are de- voted to adding to their libraries and similar laudable purposes. The effort to establish a Horticultural So- 278 THE CALIFOKNIA HOETICUlTUEIST. cietv, with its Horticulhiral Hall, Eeading- room and Horticultural Exhibitions, deserves great credit, and we hope that the people of San Francisco and of the State at large will heartily indorse the invitation by filling the hall, to its full capacity, from the opening- day to the closing one. We can assure the public that the exhibition, and all the ar- rangements connected therewith, will be managed in the most satisfactory manner. Eich and poor, young and old, all ought to devote some time to the pleasurable inspec- tion of the various horticultural products of our soil, the result of our patient and skilled labor ! « ♦ LOQUAT FKUIT. Through the kindness of Col. Warren, of the California Farmer, we have been pre- sented with some fruit of the Loquat {Erio- botrya Japonica, syn. llespilus Jafponica, also popularly called JajMnese Medlar. ) This fruit has ripened at Col. Warren's garden on Pa- cific Street, San Francisco, and is, we believe, the first ever rijoened in this city. Some two months since we were presented with some of the ripe fruit grown at the garden of E. B. Crocker, Esq., of Sacramento, which shows evidently that the fruit will ripen earlier in a warmer locality. This fruit is roundish, the size of a small Crab Apple, of a pale orange color, flavor agreeable and not very unlike the Pine Apple; we think it might become a very desirable and popular dessert fmit, certainly excellent for jellies, etc. There are now many ti-ees of the Loquat gTowing around San Francisco and throughout the country, but the trees are young yet and therefore very few in bear- ing. The tree itself is very ornamental and perfectly hardy wherever the Orange will grow in the open air, i. e., in our valleys and along our coast-range. The Loquat was introduced into France in 1784, by Thunberg, yet but few are under cultivation and those principally for orna- ment. The flowers of the Loquat appear in Autumn, and as we have no severe winter in California, the fruit in most cases will be apt to ripen here. Its leaves are evergreen, large, oblong, of a rough appearance, bright green above and downy underneath. We think that the Loquat may be culti- vated successfully, and perhaps profitably in California. MAKKETING GRAPES, PEACHES, And Other Soft Fruits. It is very evident that fruits are not offered for sale in our markets in the best condition. This fact must be attributed : 1st, To the gathering before the fruit is ripe; 2d, To the rough handling in the gather- ering ; and, 3d, To the careless packing. It seems to us that the fruit-growers do not understand their own interests; we know, and in fact every body knows, that superior fruit in good condition brings a better price than poorer fruit, and such as arrives in the market in a bruised and otherwise damaged condition ; yet we rarely meet Avith fruit in a perfectly sound state, or if so, it has been picked green and is not fit to be eaten. We fully understand that ripe and over-ripe fruit is difiicult to ship to any distance, without damaging its appearance ; but, certainly, a little more care in handling and picking, would modify the difficulty to a great extent. Peaches are generally picked green, and allowed to ripen in the boxes. This is car- ried so far, that four -fifths of the Peaches offered in San Francisco are unfit to eat. Of late we have taken much pains to find some fine Peaches in our market — for we love them dearly — but we hardly ever succeed in ob- taining them palatable, and if we do eat them, it is simply because they are called Peaches. We love all kinds of fruit when it comes to us in a ripe and perfect state, but, indeed, we care very little for it, when it comes half ripe, bruised and half decayed ; THE CALIFORNIA HORTICULTURIST. 279 and we are certain, there are many who feel as we do in this matter. Good fruit pays well, but a poor quality is a drug in the market. Blackberries are easy to gather, and they may be shipped in small boxes without diffi- culty; but when we see them half black and half red, we know they have been picked in an unripe state and cannot be palatable. Grapes, generally, reach us in ripe condi- tion, but they show sometimes very rough handling in the gathering, retaining very little of the perfect form and the tempting bloom, which adds to the beauty of the Grape on the vine. For this abuse in gath- ering and packing, there is no excuse — it is all carelessness, and the grower is the loser. Apples and Pears invariably show signs of rough handlinor, full of bruises, and unfit to keep for any length of time. The Boston Journal of Chemistry, in speak- ing of the Grape, says: " Grapes of the great- est excellence of their kind will be found in the long run to prove the most profitable. Let the bunches which are the most perfect in form, color and flavor, be put up by them- selves, and those of a second quality by them- selves. In this way they will sell for a much larger price than if the best and second qual- ities were together." The same journal ad- vises dipping the end of the stem, immedi- ately after cutting, into a little gum shellac dissolved in alcohol. This could be done instantaneously, almost, and would tend to prevent the fruit from shrinking, and thus prevent the deterioration which it is almost certain to undergo, if this precaution is not attended to. If treated in this way, it is said, that Grapes will keep two or three weeks beyond the usual time. The Artesiax Well on the land of Emill Kower, in Fruit Vale, throws up about two hundred gallons per minute, or 288,000 gal- lons in twenty-four hours. It is four hundred and eighty-four feet deep, and the pipe rises two feet above the surface of the ground. SHIPPING OF PLANTS. If plants of any kind are to be shipped to distant points, it becomes necessary that they should be packed well. In the East and in Europe the packing of plants has almost be- come a science, and is carried to great per- fection. Plants, as packed by responsible dealers, will go in safety for several thousands miles, tied up in damp moss, and enveloped in a sheet of brown paper ; they are put in in layers — one on top of the other— and each layer of plants is well secured by a cross stick fastened by a nail at each end, so that the plants cannot move. With the exception of Camellias and a few other choice Evergreens, it is not to be expected that the plants should arrive at their destination in full vigor, and covered with flowers ; all that can be reason- ably anticipated is, that the plants are actu- ally alive. How different do we find things here! Our florists and nurserymen are re- quested to forward plants in open boxes — and purchasers expect to see them arrive in full bloom, or they think that they are swin- dled. The packing of plants in open boxes should be abandoned, except in a few rare cases; open cases are difficult to handle, and they are subject to various mishaps. Our people should become accustomed to receiv- ing plants in closed-up packages, even if they lose a few leaves ; if the plants are in sound condition, they will soon, under judicious treatment, recover their foliage, etc. Express companies can afford to ship tied boxes much cheaper than open ones ; and, if forwarded by mail, they must be sent in closed-up packages, giving postmasters an opportunity, however, to examine the package. One serious difficulty in packing plants here, will be the extreme scarcity of packing material, which can be had in abundance at the East. To furnish Moss, for such purpose, would be too expensive with us, and we do not know of any special material so well adapted for packing. As we must sooner or later inaugurate a simple, cheap and safe system of packing plants, we should like to 280 THE CALIFORNIA HORTICULTURIST. hear from some of our florists what sort of material may be obtained in California that will answer the purpose? WOKK FOE AUGUST. In the Orchards and Vineyards the entire time is now consumed in harvesting, gather- ing and packing of fruit. In another column of this number we offer a few suggestions to fruit-growers in regard to the packing of fruit, etc. Growers will find it to their ad- vantage to pay some regard to our sugges- tions, and to deliver their fruits in our mai*- kets in as perfect condition .and as well assorted as possible; the additional labor and care are very trifling, and the returns will prove vastly more satisfactory. There being a deficiency of farm - laborers this year, little time can be given just now to other work. AVherever irrigation of young Vineyards or young Orchards is practiced, this should be done thoroughly once more during the present month in order to secure a good growth, and to allow the young wood to ripen well, before the Winter season ap- proaches. In the Vegetable Garden the beds filled with early Vegetables should be cleared off, thoroughly watered, manured and prepared for late Vegetables. Lettuces, Turnips, Car- rots and Beets may be successfully sown for Fall and Winter use ; also. Cabbage and Cauliflower, for Fall planting. Cabbage-lice are again very destructive ; we know of no better remedy than a diluted solution of whale-oil soap sprinkled over the leaves once or twice a week. The same solution Avill also destroy many other insects, and may be applied very successfully as a wash for all kinds of plants thus infected. Particular attention should be paid to the frequent mowing of lawns ; the best, quick- est and cheapest method to do it, is by using the well-known lawn-mowers, which may be handled by any one. Evergreen -trees and Hedges are apt to grow out of shape, and this is a most favor- able time to clip them, as sufficient growth maj' yet be obtained to give them a fresh and neat appearance for the rest of the sea- son. Pinch off the shoots of running Vines so as to secure more lateral branches, and secure them to their proper places. If you will take the trouble to cut back your Rose-bushes, in the same way that is generally done in Winter, a profusion of flowers may be obtained in another month, if occasionally watered. The frequent cut- ting back of Roses as soon as the new wood is ripe, will secure a more desirable shape to the plants and a greater quantity and a bet- ter quality of Roses. The Shrubs of our Gardens generally lack neatness ; they are allowed to grow too rank and out of all proportion. The impression which seems to j^revail generally is, that it is sufficient to engage a gardener once a year to trim up the trees and shi-ubs — this is very erroneous : to secure a neat and uniform growth and a greater quantity of flowers throughout the year, the pruning-knif e should be used at least every two or three months with Evergreens and such flowering Shrubs as produce their flowers monthly. Flowering Bulbs — such as Hyacinths, Tu- lips, Narcissus, Anemones, Ranunculus, etc., may now be taken up, dried in a cool and shady place and stored away to be jjlanted again after our first Autumn rains. These bulbs, with the exception of Tulips, seem to do better here if replanted, although we think this may be done once only every two years. Tulips may remain in the ground for several years, unless it be desirable to divide the groups. If transplanting, shifting or divid- ing of the roots is contemplated, this is the proper season to take them up. Fuchsias, Geraniums, Pelargoniums, Helio- tropes, Petunias and other soft-wooded flow- ering plants should now be propagated. Al- though we may do this successfully at any time in this climate, the present season is considered the most favorable, j^articularly where the young plants are intended to be THE CALIFORNIA HORTICULTURIST. 281 offered for sale during the next Winter and Spring. Camellias have now formed their flower- buds, and should be kept cool and well wa- tered. There is no utility in forcing them at the present time for early flowers, as the re- sult will be a second growth which will sure- ly prove injurious to the flower -buds. If forcing is deemed necessary, it should be done in early Spring and at no other time. Calceolarias require great care now to save them from damping off. Be very cautious in watering them ; water frequently and moderately ; not a drop of water should be allowed to stand on the foliage. The plants should have plenty of pot room ; and the pots should be well drained, and be placed in an airy situation, free from draft. Insects are very hard on Calceolarias, and they should be carefully watched and kept clean. This is a most interesting class of plants ; but we seldom have seen good and healthy speci- mens in California, with the exception of the Shrubby Calceolaria, which has proved per- fectly hardy in our gardens, and produces a great abundance of flowers. Cyclamens, which are so well adapted for window -culture, should now be allowed to rest, and only sufficient water — say once a week — should be given, to keep the bulbs from shriveling up. If Gladiolus bulbs can yet be obtained from our florists, we would advise to plant once more, in order to have them flower late in Autumn. NEW WAY OF PROPAGATING ROSES. European Horticulturists have lately adopt- ed a mode of making Rose-cuttings root with more certainty, by bending the shoot and inserting both ends into the ground, leaving a single bud uncovered at the middle and on the surface of the ground. The cuttings are about ten inches long, and are bent over a stick laid flat on the ground, holes being dug on each side of the stick for the reception of the ends of the shoot. The roots form only at the lower end of the shoot, but the other end being buried prevents evaporation and drying up. A correspondent of the London Garden states that he has tried this, along with the old mode, and that while the weaker cuttings of the latter have shown symptoms of drying and failure, all the former have grown vigorously. — Journal of the Farm. [Rather hard for us to find a good supply of cuttings 10 inches long. — Ed.] BAY DISTRICT HORTICULTURAL SOCIETY. At a late meeting of the Society, the fol- lowing Extra Premiums were offered at the coming Horticultural Exhibition : Best and largest exhibit of Califor- nian-grown Seeds $10 00 Best and largest exhibit of Califor- nia Dried Fruits 10 00 Best and largest exhibit of Califor- nia Preserved Fruits and Jellies. . 10 00 Best California White Wine 25 00 Best California Red Wines 25 00 Best California Dessert Wines 20 00 Best California Port Wine 10 00 Best exhibition of Silk Cocoons and Reeled Silk 25 00 Charles Mohr, of White Sulphur Springs, (Vallejo) was duly elected a Regular Member of the Society. The vacancy of Trustee and Vice-President of the Society, occasioned by the prolonged absence of E. J. Hooper, Esq., was filled by the unanimous election of C. Stephens, Esq., as Vice-President, and C. Schuman, Esq., as Trustee. The President and Secretary were author- ized to invest the sum of $1,500, out of the funds of the Society, in stock of the Horti- cultural Hall Association. Strawberries. — One hundred and thirteen tons of Strawberries came into the market here in one day in the month of June, and the range of prices obtained was from 6 to 11 cents per pound. 282 THE CALirOENIA HOETICULTUEIST. OBEGON STATE FAIE. VACAYILLE FRUIT GROWERS' ASSOCIATION. The opening of the Oregon State Fair has now been fixed for Monday, September 30th, to continue for six days. HORTICULTURAL FAIR IN PORTLAND, (Or.) The Second Annual Fair of the Horticul- tural Society, held Thursday, Friday and Saturday of last week, was a very pleasant affair. The exhibition in all the departments was very good. The attendance, though not large, was, we believe, sufficient to de- fray expenses. It should have had better patronage though, as great pains had been taken to render the exhibition pleasant and entertaining for spectators. The exhibitors deserve great credit for the tasty display made. With good management the Horticultural Fair may develop into an exhibition which will rival the State Fair itself. This latter institution is now run almost exclusively by the horse jockey element, to the disgust of sensible people. If the Horticultural Fair will only enlarge its sphere of operations so as to include exhibitors of all departments of labor, it will arouse an interest in its behalf which will make it a gratifying and perma- nent success. — The New North West. CINCINNATI INDUSTRIAL EXPOSITION. The managers of the Industrial Exposi- tion which is to open in Cincinnati on Sep- tember 4th, are making every exertion to render it a complete success. We received a communication from the Chairman of the Horticultural Department, stating that be- sides the many and most liberal prizes which are offered for exhibits of every product of Horticulture and Floriculture, a gold medal will be awarded to the best State display of fruits and vegetables. The managers would like California to compete and say "that nothing would add more to the general interest than an announcement that the Golden State would be represented." We should be pleased if some of our horticultur- ists woidd move in the matter. The Fruit Growers of Pleasant Valley held a meeting, on June 22d, for the purpose of forming an association. A number of prac- tical men were present and inaugurated a Society under the name of " Vacaville Fruit Growers' Association," of which O. Bingham was elected President and H. H. Lewis, Sec- retary. We hope it will prove a complete success. «> A BOTANICAL GARDEN PROPOSED FOR NEW YORK. Several gentlemen of New York City have projected the establishment of a Botanical Garden on Madison Avenue, and the erection of a substantial and ornate glass and iron structure for the reception and exhibition of plants from all parts of the world. It is pro- posed to make this not only a perpetual plant exposition, and hence a place of public re- sort, but to establish, in connection there- with, a School of Botany. The aim is to make it a means of instruction as well as a place where the senses may be gratified by the sight and fragrance of beautiful plants and flowers. So says the Rural New Yorker. OUR EXCHA.NGE TABLE. We have received the " Country Gentle- man," which is issued weekly, and is design- ed to include every department of Agricul- ture, Stock-raising, Horticulture and Do- mestic Economy; now in its 37th volume. It is published by Luther Tucker & Son, Albany, N. Y. Price $2.50 per annum, in advance. Farmer and Gardener ; a semi-monthly jour- nal of Southern Agriculture, Horticulture and Rural Life. It is published by E. H. Gray, Augusta, Ga. Terms of subscription, $1 per annum. The Poultry World; for the Fancier, Family and Market Poulterer, exclusively devoted to Poultry. It is a monthly publication, THE CALIFOKNIA HORTICULTURIST. 283 nicely illustrated. Published by H. H. Stod- dard, Hartford, Conn. Subscription price, $1 per year. National Live Stock Journal; devoted ex- clusively to Improvement in Live Stock and to the interests of Stock-raisers and Dairy- men ; finely illustrated. Published monthly by Geo. W. Rust & Co., Chicago, 111. Terms, $2 per annum. The Farm and Fireside Journal; devoted to the Culture of the Soil and the Cultiva- tion of the mind. A new monthly, published in New York at the exceedingly low price of 50 cents -per year. This should be in the hands of everyl:>ody. It is a model of typo- graphical elegance, and its contents are in- teresting and instructive. We wish it suc- cess. The Overland Monthbj, for August, has come to hand. It is now in the 9th volume of its successful career. This Magazine has become universally recognized as the best exponent of the Social, Literary and Material Progress of the Pacific Slope, and deserves the reputation it has so well established for itself. The present number is one of the best ever published. John H. Carmany & Co., publishers and proprietors. Terms, $4 per annum, in advance. The American Land and Law Adviser; a weekly journal, devoted to Real Estate, Fi- nance, and Building and Popularization of Law. Published in Pittsburg, Pa. Sub- scription price, $2.50 per annum. FAVOES RECEIVED. From the Department of Agriculture in Washington, "List of Agricultural Colleges and of Farmers' Clubs, and Agricultural, Horticultural and Pomological Societies of the United States." "Premium List, Rules and Regulations of the Twelfth Fair of the St. Louis Agricul- tural and Mechanical Association, to com- mence Thursday, October 3d, and close Sat- urday, October 12th." Competition is invited from the whole Union. We notice a long list of premiums offered for Fruit, Vegetables and Flowering Plants of all descriptions. Address G. O. Kalb, Secretary. " Transactions of the Nebraska Horticul- tural Society for the year of 1871." Thanks to R. W. Furnas, the President of the So- ciety. The pamphlet is interesting, and we shall refer to it again. "Colt's Illustrated Scientific and Family Magazine ; an Eclectic of Choice Reading for the Family." "For Everybody." The July number of this favorite illustrated family paper is on hand. "The Science of Health." The August number of this new monthly lies upon our table. We have received the "Premium List" of the Sonoma and Marin District Agricultural Society, for the Sixth Annual Exhibition, to be held at Petaluma from Monday, Septem- ber 9th, to Saturday, September 14th, 1872. Also to hand, "List of Premiums, Rules and Regulations," of the Kansas City Indus- trial Exposition and Agricultural Fair, to be held in Kansas City, Mo., September 25th to September 28th inclusive, 1872. "K^ We are under special obligations to the Managers of the State Agricultural Society for a complimentary ticket to the State Fair. We shall certainly make good use of it dur- the Fair, which jDromises to be a perfect success. CATALOGUES RECEIVED. C. L. Allen & Co's Wholesale Catalogue of Hyacinths, Tulips, Crocus, Lilies, French Hybrid Gladiolus, etc., for Fall and Spring of 1872-73. Wholesale Catalogue of Dutch Bulbs, Flow- er Roots, Tuberculous Plants, etc., offered by E. H. Krelage & Son, Haarlaem, Holland. B. Raoux, of New York, is the agent for the United States. 284 THE CALIFORNIA HORTICULTURIST. Catalogue of Vegetable, Agricultural and Flower Seeds, Young Plants of Fruit and Forest Trees, and Shrubs cultivated by J. Monnier k Co., of Trelaze, France. Chambersburg Nursery Association's De- scHptive Catalogue of Fruit and Ornamental Trees, Roses, Shrubs, Greenhouse and Har- dy Plants. T. B. Jenkins, Superintendent, Chambersburg, Pa. NEW BOOKS, ETC. The Model Potato. — An Exposition of its ^ Proper Cultivation ; the Cause of its Rot- tino^- the Remedy therefor; its Renewal, Preservation, Productiveness and Cook- in^ By Dr. John McLaurin. Edited with Annotations, by R. T. Trail, M. D. 12mo, 102 pp. Price 50 cts. S.R.Wells, Publisher, 389 Broadway, New York. A work in which every farmer, every gar- dener, and every reader is interested. Any effort made to improve this universally used tuber is worthy of commendation. Here are new views on the subject of Potato Cul- ture, and a plan to prevent its rotting and "running out." The work is the result of twenty years' experience and observation. The School of CnEincAL Manures, or Ele- mentary Principles in the use of Fertilizing Agents.— From the French of M. George Ville, by A. A. Fresquet, Chemist and En- gineer The work is published by Henry Gary Baird, Industrial Publisher, 40G Wal- nut Street, Philadelphia. For the small sum of SI. 25, the book will be mailed post- age paid. Heretofore the people of California have paid but very little attention to the use x>i manures, depending too much on the natural fertility of the soil. This cannot go on much longer in this way; it is e\'ident that our fields and gardens are being exhausted and are less and less productive every year. It becomes necessary that we inform oui'selves upon this subject. Indigenous Sugars and Directions for Making Suo\R FROM Melons.— Compiled and Orig- inal, by W. Wadsworth. Published and for sale at the Pacific Rural Press office, San Francisco. Price, post-paid, 50 cts. NEW AND KAEE PLANTS. Nyctocalos Thompsoni. This, the Bural New Yorker says, is a beautiful climbing plant, sent to the Kew Gardens (England) from the Calcutta Botanic Garden, six or seven rears ago, _ The"^ plant is a tall, rapid climber, with slender branches, with leaflets four to six inches long. Flowers stand erect, four to five in a cluster, borne on terminal pendu- lous peduncles, and of (according to an illus- tration in the Rural New Yorker) about two and a half inches in diameter. The flowers are succeeded by a pod six inches long by , two broad, and quite flat. This beautiful climber would not be hardy in our climate, but must be well worthy of a place in a con- servatory where it could be trained to the rafters or upon ornamental trellis-work. We do not know that any of our florists have aa yet any plants for sale ; but as all the Bigno- niaceae are readily propagated by seeds or j cuttings, we presume it will soon be abun- 1 dant— at least, there is no good reason why it should not be. [We have very little doubt, that this plant as described above, will prove perfectly hardy in California, and would be quite an acquisi- tion to our list of valuable climbers.— Ed.] Bronze Ivy-leaved Pelargonium.-Mx. Grieve, of Culford, says the Gardeners' Chronicle, has sent us examples of a Bronze I^y-leaved Pe- largonium, an entirely new strain, of singular beauty. It was obtained by fertilizing an Ivy-leaved variety by pollen of a Bronze Zo- nale, and the result is a well-marked gold and bronze Ivy-leaved variety, of robust and compact habit, which promises to be equally useful in the flower garden and as a pot or vase plant. The flowers are crimson, and the leaf of a rich golden tint, with a bronze zone, the older leaves becoming tinted with red at the margin. We look upon it as a gxeat ac- quisition. Currant Culture. — In Alameda County 621 acres are devoted to Currant Culture. THE CALIFORNIA HORTICULTITRIST. 285 REPORT ON THE FRUIT MARKET. Our Markets are' overflowing with tlie abundant supply of Fruits and Vegetal)les, which are now displayed in profusion and of very superior quality; and although Cherries, Strawberries, Gooseberries, Currants and Rhubarb have passed out of season — and Raspberries nearly so — their places are sup- plied in rich abundance by various other fruits. Raspberries are now nearly out ; what few remain sell at, per lb., 20 cts. Blackberries are fine, retail at, per lb. , 8 cts. Apricots and Nectarines, retail at, per tb., 8 cts. Peaches are very abundant, and retail at, per basket, from $1 to $2 ; the choice varie- ties have not yet made their appearance. Plums are in great variety and sell at from, per lb., 3 cts. to 8 cts. Grapes, in variety and plentiful, sell at, per lb. , from 5 cts. to 25 cts. Apples are not yet plentiful, sell at, per box, $1.50 to 12.50. Pears (Bartlett) sell at, per lb., 8 to 10 cts. Melons (Cantelopes)' extremely plentiful ; according to size and quality, 12^ cts. to 25 each. "Watermelons are also very plentiful, sell at, each, 12j cts., 25 cts., to 37^ cts. Tomatoes, very plentiful, sell at, per lb., from 2 cts. to 3 cts. Huckleberries, sell at, per lb., 20 cts. Pie Squash, sell at, per lb., 1 ct. Pineapples and Baiianas are scarce. Oranges are in moderate supply, at, per dozen, 75 cts. Lemons are scarce, sell at, per dozen, $1. Limes are plentiful, sell at, per doz. , 25 cts. Vegetables in every vaiiety are now very cheap and abundant. MESQUIT. Some two years since the Mesquit gi-ass was introduced into this county direct from Texas. L. Harbine, of Sebastopol, states that in bot- tom land it is a complete success, and does well, also, on uplands of certain kinds of soil. He has nine acres of this grass now on his land, and intends to sow more. Some of it is six feet high, and the field averages four- and-a-half feet high. — Eussian River Flag. YELLOWSTONE PARK, (Oiir jjatioiial Park.) The Geyser region of the Upper Yellow- stone, which Congress has wisely made sacred to the people, is unquestionably the most astonishing combination of natural won- ders, and imposing, beautiful scenery in the world. The forthcoming ofiicial report of Professor Hayden, United States Geologist, who visited that region last summer and returns this season, will fully demonstrate this fact. When this Park is rendered easily accessible by railroads — say two years hence — I predict that it will become the great summer resort and sanitarium of the conti- nent. For sight-seers and lovers of the wonderful and picturesque, it will have more attractions than Niagara, Yosemite and the White Moun- tains combined. There is the best reason to believe that the myriads of hot and mineral springs in the Yellowstone region possess valuable curative properties. The summer climate of the region is delightfully cool, bracing and heathful. To reach them from the Northern Pacific line, a short branch will bo needed, and this, it is understood, will be built as soon as the main line reaches the proper point. At present the Geysers are only accessible by horsemen traveling circu- itous paths.— (7«n. B. F. Potts, of ''Ihe West." WINE OVERLAND. The Central Pacific Railroad Co. proposes to ship Wine overland as follows : Wine in wood, in car loads, from Santa Rosa to Chi- cago, St. Louis and New York, $2.21 per 100 pounds ; in quantities less than car loads, $3 per 100 pounds. To Indianapolis, Cincin- nati, Boston, Philadelphia and Baltimore, $2.46 per 100 pounds in car loads, and $3.4G in less quantities. 286 THE CALIFORNIA HORTICULTURIST. THE ARMY WORM. The Army Worm has made its appearance in the northern parts of the State. The Appeal of June 25th says : ' ' They have made their appearance on an island which is and has been completely surround- ed by water, hence the theory of their reach- ing localities by traveling, is pretty much exploded. They could not reach this place by crawling, and must have been bred and born there. They are sweeping everything green before them. The alfalfa fields espec- ially aflbrd them a rich repast, and they are eating it to the ground. " The Grass Valley Union of the 25th says: "Great armies of worms, organized in com- panies, regiments, brigades, divisions and so on, are at present doing great mischief on Wolf Creek, below this place, and near Dodge's ranch. Mr. Dodge informs us that the worms devour everything green that they come to, and that there is no use in fighting them. The army was, at last accounts, head- ing toward Grass Valley." RAISING FLOWER SEEDS. This is becoming a very important business, and the extent of some of the ' ' flower farms " is enormous. James Vick's Verbena bed at Rochester (New York) measures three quar- ters of an acre ; the Asters cover twice as much ground ; the Phloxes and Dahlias, each two acres; ,LlUes, one acre; Tuberoses, about the same ; and so on, until about seventy-five acres are included in the fragrant category. Such a farm must be a brilliant and beautiful sight, and no less delightful to the olfactory sense, if the sweetness be not overpowering. And how many flower gardens, through the length and breadth of the land, will these blooming acres furnish, or reinforce ! It is a pleasant employment thus to scatter blos- soms, like the classic Flora, and one to which every lover of the beautiful will heartily wish success. — Boston Journal of Chemistry. EuROK. — On page 258, tenth line, article "Decorative Plants," sub-head "Palms," for magnijicent, read insignificant. July 8th, 1872. Editors California Horticulturist and Floral Magazine. GENTLEMEN : Being a constant reader of your valuable Magazine, and having noticed sev- eral articles concerning the management of Lawns, the best Grass Seed, the best mode of Sowing, etc. , I will again presume to take up the subject, which is certainly one that should have special attention at our Horticultural and Agricultural Society meetings ; and the question, "Which are the best Grasses to stand our long and arid summers?" should be thoroughly debated. I have noticed an article in Vol. II, N"- 2, of the California Horti- culturist AND Floral Magazine, stating that Kentucky Blue Grass and White Clover make the prettiest lawn, although the most expen- sive, and requiring the most care. — That we are willing to admit at present ; but certainly next comes the Italian Rye Grass. I am happy to be able to corroborate what has already been said of the Italian Grass, and wish to inform you and all whom it may concern, that it should be more strongly recommended than it is, for cheap and large country lawns. I sowed in rather a shady situation, on the 16th February, 1872, a few pounds of Italian Rye Grass, and in three weeks it was fit for the mowing machine, although I cut it with the scythe, and continued to cut regularly every two weeks up to the present time. The grass has a neat appearance thus far. There- fore I feel confidence in saying that the Ital- ian Rye Grass can be kept green four months of the year without water. It should be cut frequently, say every two weeks. I would recommend that all varieties of grass be sown early in the rainy season. As soon as the first rain falls, the ground should be got in order and the seed sown ; don't Avait for all the heavy rains to come or you cannot work THE CALIFORNIA HORTICULTURIST. 287 your land until Spring, when your grass seed will be late unless forced by abundance of water. There are many complaints that grass can- not be grown in this country, but it is the people's own fault and negligence in not taking advantage of the rainy season, and not sowing in the proper time or in the prop- er manner. Cannot some more experienced and qualified voice re-echo in the the ears of the members of our Agricultural and Horti- cultural Societies the admonition to make ex- periments, and prove whether we cannot have some other grasses and herbage to sur- vive on the rich and beautiful hillsides of California, besides the wild oats and other herbage which Nature herself has sown? I hope this will be satisfactorily proved, and that the time will come, when tourists who come to visit us and to speculate in our golden fields, will not have the opportunity to say, when they return to their native homes, that all kinds of grass and clover are almost unknown in this Queen of Countries — California. So no more for the present on the Grass question. Your sincere friend, P. J. Ford. 6(tit0rial (J^leaningsi. Loss OF EVERGBEENS IN THE EaST. The wholesale destruction of Evergreens, in the East, is attributed, by a writer in the Amer- ican Agriculturist, to the following causes : The unusual depth to which the soil was frozen; the unusual cold, (zero, or near it) in March, following a mild spell in February ; the unusual dryness of the soil, during the Winter, and the prevalence of drying winds. I think that a combination of the last two causes produced the results. Some curious cases appear difiicult to account for. With trees, apparently just alike, standing side by side, one was taken and the other left un- harmed ; also, one half of a tree would be killed, and the other half left untouched. CHESTNUT TKEES. We do not see why Chestnut trees are not more extensively cultivated in California ; we are certain they will do well here if properly cared for while young— they will take care of themselves after two or three years. The Chestnut succeeds best in a dry and even rocky soil. If planted in autumn and after the first rains and heavil}^ mulched, they will even live during the first year without irri- gation. Yet we advise moderate irrigation, if water is convenient, for a year or two, in order to advance this growth more rapidly. By the way, it is a well established fact, that the Chestnut can be grafted or budded on the Oak in the proper season, which with us, is in Spring before and during the time the sap rises. Budding may also be performed in late summer if trees can be found in pro- per condition for the operation, that is, if the bark will separate easily from the wood. It seems to us that it would be advisable to experiment on this suggestion. There are plenty of young spare Oaks in the country, and it would cost nothing to try it. We know it has been done successfully in Ger- many, and it is there sometimes practiced by nurserymen. ALASKA CEDAR. The Oregon Herald speaks well of this new species, and says: On the last trip of the steamship Gussie Telfair from Sitka, there were brought sever- al pieces of Alaska Cedar, that, when finish- ed, are equal to the laurel. We are informed that two or three of our prominent citizens foi-warded orders to Sitka, by the last steam- ship up, for several hundred feet of the ce- dar. We are also informed that it is the in- tention of a party in San Francisco to manu- facture cedar lumber on an extensive scale from the timber secured in Sitka. The Grape Crop. — While the Grape Crop throughout the mountains will be above the average, the yield of Los Angeles will prob- ably be less than last year's. 288 THE CALIFORNIA HORTICULTURIST. CHERKY CURRANTS. J. A. Wilcox, at his experimental garden, two miles northwestly from Santa Clara, is now supplying the market with from twelve hundred to fifteen hundred pounds (of Cher- ry currants) per day. He is also shipping about double this quantity to San Francisco daily — and this in the commencement of the fruitage. By next week his shipments will exceed 6,000 pounds a day. His bearing plants are two years old. The Cherry cur- rant grows in immense clusters attached to the main stalk, and commences fruiting close to the ground. To preserve its bright scarlet color, it must ripen in the shade of its own foliage. In can only attain perfec- tion by thorough cultivation of the soil and abundant irrigation. By this means Mr. Wilson has brought his fruit to a state of perfection truly remarkable. In Alameda County, the lack of irrigating facilities is severely felt; the plant makes less foliage and the color of the fruit is more or less dimmed by the sxm.—San Jose Mercury. Desirable Plant for a Dry Country.— In a tract of country in the north-western part of Africa, distinguished for its dry and rich soil, the Boston Journal of GhemiHtry says, a gigantic perennial melon has been discovered, which is a most deliciously wholesome fruit, and which is largely consumed by the native inhabitants as food. In order that this melon should flourish, it is necessary that it should strike its roots through the sand 30 feet to reach permanent moisture. This it does, and grows in great luxuriance where all else is shriveled and parched with the heat. But this is not all. If it was simply a huge melon, with smooth and delicate skin, every one would be destroyed by wild beasts before coming to maturity. To prevent this. Nature has armed its outer rind with a covering of long, sharp, terrible thorns, which so lac- erate the mouth and nose of animals that they are glad to let them alone in all their tempting freshness. Man, with his hands and sharp knives, finds little difficulty in opening the luscious fruit. The natives have no necessity for putting fences about their melon patches, for the plants are self-pro- tective. Care of Forests.— Forests are guarded with especial care in Russia. The use of wood fuel on railways is interdicted. At the rate of destruction now going on, California will be destitute of timber in twenty years ; and if the predictions of meteorologists be of any account, it will effect a terrible revolution in our climate, that will reduce our farm lands to a low valuation. — Alia California. Paradise of Flowers. — A lady writer in the New York Observer, says : " Who knows the value of a garden of flowers? Like music, they possess magic power. The one adds to our happiness by beauty and fra- grance—the other by melody and harmony, by which the sentiments are refined, and the virtues of the heart stimulated and strength- ened. All surrounding objects exert an in- fluence upon the mind, and a correspondence always exists between outward objects and the inner feelings of the heart. Where flowers are cultivated, the dispositions become sweet and the affections purified. Homes are con- stituted paradises when made so attractive that both parents and children find them the center of earthly bliss." Improvement.— The San Joaquin Agricul- tural Park is being improved in a most cred- itable manner. .^ Removed. — The tea plantation of Samuel Brannan near Cailstoga is being removed from the low lands to the hillside. Californla Cauliflowers, have been shipped _ from Sacramento to New York, and anived there in apparent good condition. ^ |^= We have made arrangements to supply the Overland Monthly, together with the California Horti- cidturM, for $4 50 per annum. Subscriptions at this rate should bo for one year, and should be paid m advance. Orders directed to F. A. Mdler & Co. box 128 Post Office, San Francisco, or to the office of the California Horticalturist, 622 Clay Street, wiU receive prompt attention. THE California Horticulturist AND FLORAL MAGAZINE. Vol. II. SEPTEMBER, 1872. No. 10. DECOKATIVE PLANTS FOB OPEN-AIE CULTUEE. (Continued from page 259 of last number.) Next to the Palms, we consider the Dra- coenas the most desirable class of Decorative Plants — many of their kind being perfectly hardy with us, and thrive better in the open air than under glass. The Dracoenas are subdivided into several classes; however, the classification seems to be as yet a little mixed. The principal subdivisions are the Cordylines, Charlesivoodias, Dracoenopsis, and Dracoenas. The Cordylines have long, lanceolate leaves, which are drooping, particularly as the plant grows older ; they make graceful and sym- metrical trees of about fifteen feet in height, in their native country. In our estimation they look best when about two to three years old. If grown in the open air, they retain their dwarfish habit for some years, and have a most pleasing effect upon the lawn ; they are, also, admirably adapted for large vases. The most desirable varieties are Cordyline indivisa, C. congesta, and C. striata, all of which we can strongly recommend for decorative purposes. They are satisfied with almost any kind of soil, but require moisture. Plants may be had at our nurse- ries, at reasonable prices. They are natives of Australia and Java, and are easily raised from seed, if a little bottom heat is employed. Of the D7'acoenopsis we would particularly mention the D. Australis (sometimes called Cordyline Australis), which is grown here with so much success. The sword-like leaves are distributed all around the stem, and give the plant a very symmetrical appearance. It is a native of Australia ; but we have some very large trees growing here, which already furnish any amount of seed. These plants are satisfied with any kind of soil, and require less moisture than the Cordylines ; they also withstand our heavy winds admir- ably. Of the Dracoenas proper, we will only mention the D. draco, which is known here as a valuable Decorative Plant; The leaves of the D. draco are much fleshier than those of the other Dracoenas, and are of a more upi-ight, but slower growth. Plants are easily grown from seed in a warm - house ; it is, however, difficult to obtain good seed. We will now say a few words of the Yucca, which is also a very desirable Decorative Plant. The Yucca aloefolia is a native of Jamaica, Vera Cruz, Carolina, and Florida. It is a beautiful variety ; the foliage is erect, of a light green, and serrated. It will grow to the height of from ten to twelve feet and up- ward. The flower-stem rises above the foliage in a large spike with beautiful white flowers, the outside shaded with purple ; it is supe- rior to Y. gloriosa. Y. angustifolia is found on the Missouri 290 THE CALIFORNIA HORTICULTURIST. River ; its narrow, sword-like leaves are of a grayish green, with white edges, with long, white threads pendent from their margins, which give this plant a fine aj^pearance. Y. dmronis, resembling aInefoUa, is found in South Carolina, but has its smaller leaves drooping, the upper part erect ; they are lancet-shaped, three feet long, and sharp pointed; the flowers form a fine pyramid of a greenish white — a very desirable variety. Y. filamentosa is a very fine variety ; it is well known, and should be in every garden. It is a native of Virginia and Carolina. Y. glauce^cens, without stem, is a fine va- riet}', with large, white flowers. Y. longifolia is found in Mexico. This is a very fine variety ; foliage two feet long, ending in a long, black, sharp, needle -like jDoint. Y. superha. This is one of the best varie- ties; foliage two to three feet wide ; flower- stem carmine ; flowers pure white, bell- shaped, the outside of the flower purple- striped. Y. rubra variegata, Y. variegata, and Y. qitadricolor , also, Y. Americana variegata, are the gems of this tribe of Decorative Plants, and should not fail in any collection. Phormium Tenax linea, fol. variegata, is known here under the name of New Zealand Flax. This beautiful plant created quite a sensation about four years since, in Europe, and is as yet very scarce and valuable Three years since we saw a large -grown plant at Mr. Heineman's Nursery in Europe (Erfurt). It was six or seven feet high, and its foliage from three to four inches wide ; we never have seen any thing more beautiful. The lines in the foliage were very distinct, and the first impression it made upon us was that they were j^ainted ; the leaves are lined with five distinct, colors : yellow, white, pink, brown, and green. It is of good habit, a strong grower, and a magnificent sight to behold. Ariuido Donax variegata, is a very orna- mental, hardy -foliaged plant; it will grow to perfection when planted out in the ground. and will reach the height of six to eight feet in one season. It is propagated by dividing the roots, and by cuttings. Agave Americana. A very nice tribe of plants ; they are best suited for vases, and may be used for rockery also ; they are of easy cultivation, and will stand any amount of dryness. Agave Americana variegata, A. crnchy- stachys, A. siricta, A. tepida, A. concinia, and A. elegans, are some of the very best varieties, and should be in every collection. Pitto^poruin undulatum. A native of Au- stralia ; is a fin« Decorative Plant ; perfectly hardy out of doors. Fi,cus Auatralis; hardy in our climate ; is a beautiful plant, and is grown from seeds and cuttings. Gorynocarpus laevigata; New Zealand; is a beautiful tree; foliage resembling Ilagnolia grandiflora; hardy out of doors; flowers white, resembling Legustrum Japonica. Sangiiinaria Pattersonii, or LigiLntrum Pat- tersonii, is a fine dwarf -tree, perfectly hardy here : the flowers, of pure white, come in spikes on the end of each branch. Aucuba Japonica has a beautiful foliage of spotted yellow ; it is commonly called the "Gold-dust Plant;" it will thrive out -doors when planted in the shade. Aucuba maculala is also a fine and newer variety; it is- hardy, and will grow easily from cuttings. The Banksias are all natives of New Holland, and are hardy Decorative Plants. Their peculiarly shaped foliage affords a great and pleasing contrast when intermixed with other plants. They are grown from seeds, which can be obtained from Australia. The following are some of the best varieties : Panl'sia macrophylla, B. serrata, B. .^j)eciosa, B. 'p»l^idosa, B. Aastralis, B. Cunninghamii, B. deniata, B. coccinia, and B. quercifoUa. Aspidistra Jap. lurida variegata is a beau- tifully foliaged plant from Japan. It is well worthy of cultivation ; it has no stem, and its leaves spring up from its roots. They are from one foot to two feet long, and from THE CALirOENIA HOETICULTURIST. 291 four to six inclies broad. This is a beauti- ful, hardy Decorative Plant. Sometimes the leaves will come half white, half green; others will be striped ; but will never lose its variegation. It is hardy, and will do well as a border - plant. WINDOW GAEDENING. BY L. K. BOWDITCH. The amateur's great difficulty in the manage- ment of plants in rooms, is, from the dryness of the atmosphere. This may be obviated in part by having the stands on which they are placed made Avith ledges, and covering with about an inch of sand, on which place the pots; the sand should be kept moist. The leaves of the plant must be kept cleans and frequently sprinkled with water or washed with a plant-syringe, which not only keeps off the- insects, but clears the leaves of dust and opens the breathing pores. Watering plants, Avhether in a room or green- house, must be regularly attended to. Never allow the soil to become so dry that it will crumble under the pressure of the finger; at the same time avoid a constant dribbling of wa- ter, as in either case it is sure to terminate fa- tally, with more or less of the collection. Never water unless the plant really needs it, and then give freely, observing that the surplus runs out at the bottom. If water stands on the surface, it is an indication of insufficient drainage, and should be at once remedied. When saucers are used, the water must be removed from them as soon as it has drained through the pots, as nothing can be more injurious to the roots of most plants than to have the pot they grow in kept standing in water. There are some excep- tions, however, to this rule, such as all kinds of Mimulus, Hydrangeas, CaUa, ^thiopica. Lobe- lias, and all such as require an abundance of water. Plants in a state of bloom or vigorous growth require more water than at other times. Here the amateur's judgment must be exercised, as scarcely any two plants requhe the same quan- tity of water at all times. Never use cold wa- ter ; but let it conform, as near as possible, with the temperature of the room. Over-potting is also a fruitful cause of sickly plants. In trans- ferring a plant to a larger pot, never advance more than one size at a time. The novices in plant-culture, when they find their plants be- coming sickly, usually resort to over-feeding — namely, over -potting, with the use of stimu- lants, such as guano or liquid manure — where an opposite course is necessary. By an observ- ance of the above hints, nearly all greenhouse plants may be grown successfully in a room. In the care of hanging baskets, considerable discretion must be used not to let the soil get dry, as there is nothing so injurious to plants, whose roots are so much exposed, as to be al- lowed to get so dry as to wilt — too frequently the case Avith hanging baskets. In watering, it is best to souse the basket in a bucket or tub, and hang it in the cellar or yard to drip, before removing back into the room; but do not over- water: keep the soil in a moderately damp, but by no means soaking condition. Sprinkle or wash the foliage of the plants every day. Plants should never be sprinkled or watered on the foliage Avhen the direct rays of the sun are upon them, or it Avill burn and blister the foliage. W^hen gas is used in the room where plants are kept, a light article of paper or muslin should be well dampened and laid over them during the evening, as there is nothing more in- jurious to vegetable life than gas. Where hot- air furnaces are used, the same precautions would greatly assist the plants, if practiced during the night and two or three hours of the morning. The best means of wetting the foliage of plants is a light syringe, for, if properly used, the object may be efi'ected without injury to the room or carpet, thereby not rendering it neces- sary to remove the plants for this purpose. If the above simple rules are followed, the most unsuccessful can soon become experts at this beautiful pastime of the culture of flowers. — Ladies' Floral Cabinet. The Tea Plantation of Calistoga has, we re- gret to say, proved an entire failure, but six specimens remain of half a million planted. 292 THE CALIFOENIA HORTICULTURIST. [From the Melbourne Times.] HORTICULTURE. Being an Essay read before the HortkuUural Society of Victoria, by Mr. W. H. Treen, and ordered by the above Society to be printed. [Continued from page 269 of last number.] It is only necessary that information should be disseminated, examples presented, and experiences communicated to remove the too common prejudice that gardens are costly and useless appendages, requiring great la- bor, and greater expense, without adequate profit or satisfaction. At the same time there is not a farmer, or an owner of a piece of land, who will not be enriched and gratified by devoting a portion of his industry to the tillage of a garden. Personal attention with judicious arrange- ments will accomplish much. Many of the most valuable products of agriculture were fir.st introduced, and their qualities tested in a garden. If, therefore, says the learned Poiteau, "We would ascend to the origin of agriculture, it is in the garden that her cradle will be found." There, like young Hercules, she first tried her powers, and prepared, like him, to overrun the world, which she speedily cleared of monsters, and brought to civilization. In all ages and countries flow- ers have been universally cherished. ' ' Who," asks Boursault, "does not love flowers?" They embellish our gardens, and give more brilliant lustre to our festivals; they are the in- terioreters of our affections ; we present them to those to whom we are under obligations ; they become necessary to the pomp of our religious ceremonies and great entertain- ments ; therefore, happy are those who love and cultivate them. We are told that the bouquet of flowers ^vas daily renewed upon the table of Lord Bacon, while composing the volumes of his sublime philosophy ; the great Descartes prosecuted with equal ardor the study of astronomy and the culture of flowers. But to ourselves and our own doings. The proceedings of our own Society, representing as it does the chief horticultural society in Victoria, are naturally watched somewhat keenly by those who really take an interest in the growth and improvement of horticul- ture ; more so by those who have the interest of the Society at heart. No doubt the ma- jority of our members, from many causes, trouble themselves but slightly about horti- culture, taking just so much interest in the Society proportionate to the advantages they derive from it, viz., an afternoon's out- ing twice a year. Some members, doubtless, care very much for horticulture, but very little about the Society itself ; while others again, we have evidence of, have horticul- ture really at heart, and the success of the Society also, looking upon it as one of the best agencies for improving and extending the progress of their favorite pursuit. There- fore it behooves the workers of our own Soci- ety to do all they cau in every way to promote and further its interests. Our non-hortioul- tural members contribute equally to the funds, and deserve every encouragement. But it is to our practical horticulturists that we must look, to make our exhibitions a suc- cess, for without them our efforts we fancy, would be very few. Therefore, we hail with delight the encouragement given this season to our growers by the liberal prizes offered for competition at our next Spring Show, for without exhibitors we can have no show, and the laborer is worthy of his hire. I therefore congratulate our cultivators on the more hope- ful prospects open to them for the coming season. I have also pleasure in noticing that our usual monthly meetings have been more largely attended, and greater interest felt therein. The value of this cannot well be overestimated, and I believe they are looked upon with favor by the majority of our mem- bers. The floral and fruit committees have done good service, although perhaps the work has not been quite equally distributed, the burden falling on the most willing ones rather more than it should, but it is somewhat diffi- cult to avoid this. The great thing is for the working members to stick together, and THE CALIFORNIA HORTICULTURIST. 293 pull one way, all haying but one aim in view — tlie promotion of Horticulture, and the well-being of the Horticultural Society of Victoria: It is but natural for us to hope that the Society may derive considerable benefit from our Spring Exhibition. At the same time my own opinion is, to make a great success, we must hold our exhibitions in town, availing ourselves of the splendid Town- hall and its organ, where plants can be dis- played to the best advantage, where hundreds can attend who cannot leave town, where we are in a measure independent of the weather, and where we are not obliged to shut up at six o'clock. "We have certainly made many strides in the right direction, and doubtless this matter will receive due attention. We have found a number of gentlemen who have willingly responded to the call for special prizes, while again others have readily become members of the Society, thereby benefiting the cause we all espouse. In conclusion, gentlemen, I would say, let us all with one heart and one hand endeavor by all means in our power, either directly or indirectly, to secure the promotion of Horti- culture, yielding allegiance, in the first in- stance, to Horticulture and its associate arts, and, secondly, to this Society as the best agent for promoting the progress of our fa- vorite pursuit. ♦ TREES AS PROTECTORS OF CROPS. Prof. Bolander, State Superintendent of Public Instruction, and one of the editors of the California Teacher, makes a suggestion of great importance in the September num- ber of that periodical. Referring to the burning of valuable grain-crops, when ripe, by accidental fires, he says that the planting of rows of Monterey cypress, subdividing the grain-fields, the rows running at right angles to the prevailing summer winds, will be an efi'ectual barrier to the spread of flames. This cypress, as Prof. Bolander says, is easily raised from seed, making a growth of thirty to forty feet in four years, even in poor, dry soil, spreads so widely as to make a sure shelter against wind and fire, and if not trimmed— as for this purpose it should not "be — forms a dense and impenetrable thicket. It is free from insects, and stands firmly against the wind, for it takes a firm hold in almost any kind of soil, if the final trans- plantation is made in the first year of its growth. It thrives in every part of the State, except in the higher and colder mountain regions, attaining a height of 150 feet, with a stem of nine feet in circumference. Prof- Bolander says: "Large grain-fields should be subdivided, and the'^ boundary lines planted with a row of this tree. The heat of burning gram is not sufficient to set it on fire. Thus planted, it would also prove an excellent shelter against the heavy north winds in spring. At first, these trees should be planted closely, and gradually thinned out as they grow up. We have seen this experiment successfully tried. There is no better shelter known. It is contrary to rural economy to buy a quan- tity of cypress-trees necessary to encircle the subdivisions of grain-fields; they should be raised on the farm. Seeds of any kind of trees are best sown in portable boxes three feet long, two wide, and about four inches deep. The soil should be a mixture of two- thirds of fine sand and one-third of loam. Upon this mixture of sand and loam spread sawdust to the depth of half an inch, and wet the whole thoroughly. This being done, sow the seeds upon the sawdust; cover it with a sheet of paper, or better still, witha layer of moistened moss. Keep the box in a shadv place, and the ground moist, but not wet. As soon as the seeds have germinated and developed their leaves, they should be left uncovered, and gradually exposed to light. When the plantlets have attained the height of eight or twelve inches, they should be "taken up, one by one, with a dull knife, and planted in the" open field in a similar manner as cabbage. By sowing the seeds about the 1st of September, theplandets will have attained the proper size for transplant- ation after the first rains have fallen." We have no doubt that the extensive plant- ing of hedgerows of cypress, both for the outer inclosure and subdivision of grain- fields, would not alone prevent the extensive fires which occur when there is no natural 294 THE CALIFORNIA HORTICULTURIST. obstacle to clieclc their spread, "but would also serve to break the force and dessicating effect of winds, and exercise a modifying influence on the climate of our interior val- leys. Planted along roadways they would be a cheap and lasting fence, as well as an ornament to the landscape. In many in- stances, where large tracts are not to be per- manently used for grain alone, it will be found preferable to substitute other trees for the cypress, such as the euealpytus, which is a rapid grower, a graceful ornament, and valuable for its timber, to say nothing of its medical qualities; or the walnut and other nut trees, with the mulberry, where its leaves can be used to feed silk-worms. Without extending these hints in this place, it is enough to say that the appearance of our large interior valleys could be beautifully transformed, the winds and heats to which the}' are subjected much modified, their salu- brity enhanced, and the i:)recipitation of rain sensibly increased, by the general planting of trees upon a rational plan. — Bulletin. SELECT PLANTS {Exclusive of Tbnher Trees) readily eligible for Victorian IndusMal Culture, with Indications of their Native Countries and some of their Uses — an Enumeration Offered BY BAEON FEED. VON MUELLEK. [From the similarity of our climate to that of Victoria (Australia), we are induced to believe that selections, from time to time, from this list, may be useful and highly sug- gestive, to our intelligent farmers and gar- deners.— Ed.] Acacia Faenesiana, Willd. — Dioscorides' small Acacia. Indigenous to South Asia; found westward as far as Japan; a native also of the warmer parts of Australia, as far south as the Darling River; found sponta- neously in tropical and sub-tropical America, but apparently not in tropical Africa. Prof. Fraas has recognized in this Acacia the an- ci^t plant. The scented flowers are much sought after for perfumery. This bush may also be utilized as a hedge plant, and a kind of Gum Arabic may be obtained from it. Achillea Millefolium, L. — Yarrow] or Millfoil. Europe, Northern Asia, and North America. A perennial inedicinal hel-b of con- siderable astringency, pervaded with essen- tial oil, containing also a bitter principle (Achillein) and a peculiar acid, which takes its name from the generic appellation of the plant. AcoNiTtTvr Napellxts, L. — The Monk's Hood. In the colder, especially the mountainous parts of Europe and Northern Asia. A pow- erful medicinal plant of perennial growth, but sometimes only of biennial duration, variable in its forms. It was first introduced into Australia, together with a number of other Aconits, by the wiiter of this commu- nication. All the species possess more or less modified medicinal qualities, as well in their herb as in their root ; but so danger- ously powerful are they, that the plants can only be administered by the exercise of legit- imate medical practice. Napellus root, ac- cording to Professor Wittstein, contains three alkaloids : Aconitin, Napelin, and Narcotin. The foliage contains also a highly acrid, vol- atile principle, perhaps chemically not unlike that of many other Ranunculacese. Aconitin, one of the most potent of any of the medici- nal substances in existence, can likewise be obtained from the Nejpalese Aconitum ferox, and probably from several other species of the genus. AcoKTJS Calamus, L. — The Sweet Flag. Europe, Middle and North Asia, North America. A perennial pond or lake plant. The somewhat aromatic root is used as a stomachic, and also in the preparation of confectionery, in the distillation of gin, and in the brewing of some kinds of beer. The flavor of the root depends mainly on a pecu- liar volatile oil. Act/T-:a spicata, L. ^The Baneberry. On forest mountains, mainly in limestone soil of Europe, North Asia, and North America. A perennial medicinal herb. Its virtue depends THE CALIFORNIA HORTICULTURIST. 295 on peculiar acrid and bitter, as well as tonic principles. In North America, this species, and likewise A. alba, are also praised as efficacious antidotes against ophidian poisons. Adesmia balsamica, Bertero. — The Jarilla of Chili. A small shrub, remarkable for ex- uding a fragrant balsam of some technic value. ^scHYNOMENE ASPERA, L. — The Solali of troj^ical Asia. A large, perennial, erect or floating swamp plant, probably hardy in the warmer tracts of our Colony. Introduced from the Botanic Garden of Melbourne into the tropical parts of Australia. The pith- hats are made from the young stems of this plant. The Solah is of less importance for cultivation than for naturalization. Agave Americana, L. — The gigantic Aloe of Central America. It comes here into flower in about ten years. The pithy stem can be utilized for some of the purposes for which cork is usually employed, for instance, to form the bottom of insect- cases. The honey -sucking birds and the bees are very fond of the flowers of this prodigious plant. The leaves of this and some other Agaves, such as A. Mexicana, furnish the strong Pita- 'fibre, which is adapted for ropes, and even for beautiful textile fabrics. The sap can be converted into alcohol. Where space and circumstance admit of it, impenetrable hedges may be raised in the course of some years from Agaves. Agrostis alba, L. — The Fiorin or "White Bent-grass. Europe, North and Middle Asia, North Africa, and North America, Perennial, showing a predilection for moisture. It is valuable as an admixture to many other grasses , as it becomes available at a season when some of them fail. Sinclair regards it as a pasture grass, inferior to Festuca pratensis and Dac- tylis glomerata, but superior to Alopecurus pratensis. The variety with long suckers is best adapted for sandy pastures, and helps to bind shifting sand on the sea -coast, or broken soil on river banks. Aletris farinosa, L. — The Colic root of the woodlands of North America. This pretty herb is of extreme bitterness, and can be medicinally administered as a tonic. Alkanna tinctoria, Tausch. — On sandy places around the Mediterranean Sea. It yields the Alkanna root, used for dyeing oleaginous and other substances. It might be naturalized. Allium Schcenoprasum, L. — The Chives. Europe, Northern Asia, and North America. Available for salads and condiments. This species of Allium seems not yet so generally adopted in our culinary cultivation as Allium Ascalonicum (the Shallot), A. Cepa (the ordinary Onion), A. fistulosum (the Welsh Onion), A. Porrum (the Leek), or A. sativum (the G-arlic). A. Scorodoprasum, or the Sand Leek of Europe and North Africa, re- sembles both Garlic and Shallot. Aloe ferox, Mill. — This species yields the best Cape Aloe, as observed by Dr. Pappe. The simply inspissated juice of the leaves of the various species of this genus constitutes the Aloe drug. It is best obtained by using neither heat nor pressure for extracting the sap. By re - dissolving the aqueous parts in cold water, and reducing the liquid through boiling to dryness, the Extract of Aloes is prepared. All species are highly valuable in our Colony, where they are hardy, and can be used, irrespective of their medicinal im- portance, to beautify any rocky or otherwise arid spot. Aloe linguiformis. Miller. — South Africa. According to Thunberg, from this species the purest gum -resin is obtained. Aloe plicatilis. Mill. — South Africa. The drug of this species acts milder than that of A. ferox. Aloe purpurascens, Haworlh. — South Af- rica. Again one of the plants which fur- nishes the Cape Aloe of commerce. Aloe socotrina, L. — Hills of the Island of Socotra. Also cultivated in Barbadoes and elsewhere, thus yielding the Socotrin Aloe. Aloe spicata, Thunberg. — South Africa. 296 THE CALIFORNIA HORTICULTURIST. This aloe provides Cape Aloe. It is an ex- ceedingly handsome plant. Aloe vulgaris, Lamarck. — The Yellow- flowered Aloe. Countries around the Medit- erranean Sea, also Canary Islands, on the sandy or rocky sea-coast. Such places could also here readily be utilized for this and al- lied plants. Dr. Sibthoi-p identified this species with the ' J/i07i of Dioscorides ; hence it is not probable, that A. vulgaris is simul- taneously also of American origin, although it is cultivated in the Antilles, and furnishes from thence the main supply of the Barba- does Aloe. In East India this species is also seemingly only existing in a cultivated state. Haworth found the leaves of this and A. stri- ata softer and more succulent than those of any other aloe. It is said to be the only species with yellow flowers among those early known. It is also this species only, Avhich Professor Willkomm and Professor Parlatore record as truly wild in Spain and Italy. Aloe Zeyheri, Harvey. — South Africa. A magnificent, very tall species, doubtless val- uable like the rest. Alopecueus pratensis, L. — Meadow Fox- tail Grass. Europe, North Africa, North and Middle Asia. One of the best perennial pasture grasses. Though so extensively cul- tivated for years in our Colony, it is men- tioned, for completeness' sake, in this list. It attains to its full perfection only after a few years of growth, as noticed by Sinclair. For this reason it is not equal to Dactylis glQmerata, for the purpose of changing crops. Otherwise it is more nutritious than the latter, although the annual return in Britain proved less. Sheep thrive well on it. Sinclair and others found that this grass, Avhen exclusively combined with white clover, will support from the second season five ewes and five lambs on an acre of sandy loam. But this grass, to thrive well, needs land not altogether dry. In all permanent artificial pastures, this Alopecurus should form one of the principal ingredients, because it is so lasting and nutritive. In our Alpine regions it would also prove prolific, and might con- vert many places there gradually into sum- mer-runs. It is early flowering, and likes the presence of lime in the soil. Alsto>-ia constricta, F. v. M. — Warmer parts of East Australia, particularly in the dry inland districts. The bark of this small tree is aromatic, bitter, and regarded valua- ble in ague, also as a general tonic. ALSTRcEMEEiAPALLmA, Graham. — Chili. Pal- atable starch can be obtained from the root of this plant, which, for its loveliness alone, deserves a place in any garden. The tubers of others of the numerous Alstrcemerias can doubtless be utilized in a similar technic manner. Alth^a oeficinalis, L. — The real Marsh- Mallow. Europe, North Africa, North and Middle Asia. A tall, perennial herb, with handsome flowers. The mucilaginous root and also the foliage are used for medicinal purposes. The plant succeeds best on damp, somewhat saline soil. Amelanchier Botryapium, Candolle. — The Grape-Pear of North America. This fruit- tree attains a height of thirty feet. The pur- plish fruits are small, but of a pleasant taste, and ripen early in the season. This bush or tree will live in sand -soil; but it is one of those hardy kinds particularly eligible for our Alps. AMyGDALTJScoMMUNiSjL.^The Almond-Tree. Countries around the Mediterranean Sea and Orient. Both the sweet and bitter Almond are derived from this species. Their uses, and the value of the highly palatable oil, obtained by pressure from them, are well known. This oil can well be chosen as a means of providing a pleasant substitute for milk during sea voyages, etc., by mixing, when required, with it half its weight of powdered gum-arabic, and adding then suc- cessively, while quickly agitating in a stone mortar, about double the quantity of water. Thus a palatable and Avholesome sort of cream for tea or coffee is obtained at any moment. There exist hard and soft -shelled THE CALIFORNIA HORTICULTURIST. 297 varieties of both the sweet and bitter Almond. In time, they should form an important arti- cle of our exports. Almonds can even be grown on sea shores. The crystaline Amyg- dalin can best be prepared from bitter Al- monds, through removing the oil by pressure, 'then subjecting them to distillation with al- cohol, and finely precipitating with sether. The volatile bitter Almond oil — a very dan- gerous substai^ice — is obtained by aqueous distillation. Dissolved in alcohol, it forms the Essence of Almonds. This can also be prepared from peach kernels. OPENING OF THE HALL OF THE BAY DIS- TEICT HOETICULTUEAL SOCIETY. SECOND ANNUAL EXHIBTTION. On the twenty-second of last month, the Bay District Horticultural Society opened their New Hall, on the corner of Post and Stockton streets, for their second Annual Exhibition. This Hall, which they have purchased from the Skating Rink Association, has been re- fitted at a very considerable expense, for the purposes of the Society, and although some incongruities exist in the decorations attribut- able possibly to crudity of taste in the Hall Committee, yet it presents altogether a very creditable appearance. Owing to the want of sufiicient publicity being given to the hour of ojoening, there were not so many in attendance as might have been otherwise expected. There was, however, quite a respectable sized assemblage present, when Professor H. N. Bolander arose and delivered the following speech of welcome : '* Ladies and Gentlemen : — It behooves me, as President of the Society, to make a short and brief statement of its history. Having recognized the necessity of a so- ciety whose object and design should be to bring before the public, from time to^time, as it were in a collective view, useful and ornamental vegetable productions of our own 2 as well as of foreign lands, and whose aim should be to disseminate useful knowledge on objects of the vegetable world, that might contribute to increase the minor and larger industries of our State — we organized this Society, to fill this want, in October, 1870, and incorporated it in 1871. The original members were thirteen in number, they increased, however, steadily ; and the Society consists to-day of seventy regular, five life and ten honorary members. In 1871, we held, in connection with the Mechanics' Institute, our first exhibition, which was an acknowledged success. A suit- able library has been established, containing over 200 Volumes on agriculture, horticulture and systematic botany. In the Society's reading-room are constantly kept on file, for the use of its members, thirty diiferent leading periodicals on agriculture and horti- culture. In a financial point of view, we must con- fess the Society is still weak ; it is in need of a more general support of a generous public to become more useful and more influential. Our library should be increased, and an herb- arium of useful and ornamental plants should necessarily be established. The last State Legislature generously ap- propriated $2,000, for the years 1872 and 1873, each. This timely support will help materially in carrying out the Society's legiti- mate object and design. Under the auspices of the Society is also published a monthly journal, devoted exclu- sively to the interests of horticulture, flori- culture and forestry. The want of a suitable hall for holding our exhibitions was keenly felt. Fortunately the Society had, among its own members, men of enterprising spirit, who came cheerfully forward and bought and fitted up this spa- cious and beautiful hall. This new Society, within our own, was organized and duly in- corporated three months ago, and is known as the Horticultural Hall Association. All this is the work of two years ; due to the energy and enterprise of a few members, THE CALIFORNIA HORTICULTURIST. firmly devoted to a noble and edifying cause. In future, it is intended to hold annually two exhibitions, one in Spring, and one in Fall." The Professor then introduced Dr. E. A. Carr, Professor of Agriculture and Horticul- ture to the University of California, who delivered the following eloquent opening address : PEOF. CARR's address. It is a matter for congratulation that the people of the Pacific Coast, and especially of San Francisco, have learned so to esteem their displays of art and industry as to war- rant such annual exhibitions as will most fully illustrate our performance £tnd possi- bilities. It was a happy conception to adapt the European winter garden, a place combin- ing instruction and innocent amusement, to our local circumstances, our more modest and humble beginnings, and to make the com- petitive Horticultural Exhibition its chief specialty. For so great a public benefit I have no doubt the public will show substantial appre- ciation, but the results of the effort will not all show in your columns of profit and loss; the most valuable of them are found in tan- gible influences by which Beauty proves her divine origin and claim to our homage and devotion. Far excelling our expectations, it shows not only what nurserymen and florists can do, in the way of enlarging the bound- aries of Nature, and making her obedient to the demands of Art, but it shows that where jesterday the miners' cabins dotted these barren sand hills, there is growing up a sub- stantial civilization. There is always a moral significance in a scene like this, a promise of better things to come, which is worth more than the objective reality. What is the meaning of Nature, and what the meaning of Art? " Heavenly cap- ital and earthly labor make the firm called Providence," and neither joartner is seen comprehensibly without the other. I think this sublime partnership is never seen to such advantage as when some noble edifice or in- stitution, some public park or art museum, is opened to the uses of religion, or charity, or education. Every stone in the temple, every polished panel on which is written the record of the tree's life, the luscious fruits which displace the worthless wild product, the multiplied petals of the Rose, are Avitnesses of Nature's welcome to the hand that unfolds her secret store of uses. "We live, we are told, in a godless age, the tendency of which is toward materialism. The application of machinery to our indus- tries, the thousands of inventions which emancipate men from the bondage of toil, are, we are told, of questionable advantage. There is a maudlin sentimentality in these moans over the degeneracy of our own times, and I notice that these mourners make the smallest investments in things of an imma- terial value. They invest in cheap prayers, cheaper than Sir Godfrey Knellers', who "prayed on canvass," cheaper than Mozart's or Handel's, who prayed as David did, on stringed instruments and organs. There is no worse infidelity than that which refuses to see the infinite, wonder-making builder, in the houses which he has fashioned ^ with human hands, as well as in the won- drously carved outlines of the eternal hills. There is a tendency to exalt nature and nat- ural beauty far above the products of human intellect and skill. It is the last enfranchise- ment of thought to see in art the higher na- ture, and, that man is not man until he is cultivated. "Earth proudly wears the Parthenon As the best gem upon her zone, And morning opes with haste her lids To gaze upon the pyramids. For, out of thought's interior sphere, These wonders rose to upper air ; And Nature ghxdly gave them pUice, Adopted them into her race ; And granted them an equal date With Andes and with Ai-arat. ' ' It is ea'sy to see how much art has had to do in developing humanity out of the creature man, who may be studied to-day in all his THE CALIFORNIA HORTICULTURIST. 299 primitive naturalness, a fit companion for the bison of the plains. First, we see his supe- riority to the brute, not in pro\'ision for food or shelter, but in the decoration of his person. In colors warranted not to run, the Polyne- sian dandy still struts in his Dolly Varden skin, a parrot tattooed on one side and a palm tree on the other. By and by his love of finery will yield to a desire for comfort, his ear-rings, his feathered head-dress and his paint -n-ill be made over to the female of his species. Now, all the hints of nature are decrees. This savage adornment puts the gratification of taste above the merely animal wants, and all that Ve see as exterior or brute nature is built up with reference to man's higher ne- cessities and powers. This is our warrant for art. The universe is not a gallery of living pictures, a sublime mysterj' to move oiu' awe and wonder ; it is a storehouse of the noblest supplies for our industry and our holiness (for holiness simply means wholeness) : it is a school for the develoj^ment of oiu- whole being. The stones lie in the quarry in smooth plates, ready, almost, for the builder's hand, or to be ground into food for trees and flow- ers. Buried under the roots of the moun- tains, or crumbling into soils, or wrought into cathedrals, or carved into statues of the gods, they are pure use, and are as natural in. one place as in another. You remember the story of the shij)wreck- ed Phoenician sailors, who, stiiTing the em- bers of the fire they had built on the sea shore, discovered the fused particles of sand and alkali which we call glass. It shared the aboriginal fate of things for a long period, that is, became a personal ornament, but after this apprenticeship, became, first, solid air, and then in the mirror, solid space, and finally, in the telescope and the microscope, it became the All-Seeing Eye, revealing a world in every star and a world in every atom ! This is what it is the nature of sand and alkali to become when it is married to art. This truth is illustrated at every step in our lives. It is a wonderful pursuit, — this following of nature into her realized spirit — realized forms and services. The silkworm weaves its cocoon, winding-sheet and cradle for the life that belongs to its race, but does not exhaust thereby the uses of its lovely manufacture, which in royal robe and broidered banner comes into still higher service. Here is a volume — leather, cotton or flax, oil and soot are its materials ; but in these the soul of Shakespeare or of Dante has been caught and imprisoned. There is no end to these transfigurations. We can never know that we have reached the last or best use of anything. We plant the Eucalyptus for tim- ber, shade and fuel, and then find it a cure for malarious disease. We burn the coal, which gives us the light and heat it gathers in elder ages, and the ver}' smoke reappears in delicate perfumes and gorgeous dyes. The old definitions of art are becoming ob- solete through the advancement of the scien- ces. A more universal knowledge of these will give a new impulse to the fine, as already it has to the useful arts, and to none more certainly than this youngest art of landscape gardening and its handmaid horticulture. Every principle of art is founded on science, and how much more scientific knowledge is needed by him who works with living ma- terials, and on a grand scale, than by him who operates on canvas or a single block. It is claimed that Architecture is the high- est of the fine arts, as it employs Painting, Sculpture and Music, and if this be so, I think there is a higher still, which includes Agriculture also, which takes a segment of the Earth's surface and makes it a fit abode for Earth's sovereign. This art, by whatever name it may be called, is in its infancy, and will be slow in growth, for it depends upon much that is not strictly within the domain of art — upon the general culture and the development of a true social spirit. My house may be lined with cedar and camphor wood, its courts may be paved with mosaics richer than those of the Alhambra, 300 THE CALIFORNIA HORTICULTURIST. Aphrodite may rise in the spray of my foun- tains, and Morj)heus scatter poppies in my luxurious chambers of rest ; crystal domes and walls may enclose as with a new heaven some new tropic earth for my delight, but it can never be the "House Beautiful" while there is a beggar or an outcast at the gate. At Chatsworth, the residence of the Duke of Devonshire, the Arboretum is filled with trees from every part of the world. The conservatory covers an acre of ground, in which seven miles of pipes are used to dis- tribute heat, and forty miles of glazed sash to keep out cold ; from its gallery you can look down into a forest of tropical foliage, palms and ferns, orchids and cacti, the royal lily of the Amazon, the lotus and papyrus of the Nile. This is a grand showing of what Aristocracy, which has tried many costly ex- periments for us, can accomplish in the hereditary home of a family. For a thou- sand years its high park fences have en- closed high-bred men and women, noble architectures and millennial trees, through periods when ignorance was a standing threat against order. Nearer home, at Lewellyn Place, near Or- ange, New Jersey, we have what I consider the most perfect example of what cooperation and association will do under a democracy. Only time is needed to produce results equal to tliose at ChatsAVorth, and the hundred owners increase the interest, pleasure and advantage an hundred fold. In our country the public park shows what estimate the people put upon beauty ; it has a very different and greater value than Kew, or the garden of plants at Paris. A number of families may combine to create a paradise of rural enjoyment, every member of which would increase his individual capital in contributing to the enjoyment of all. This is democracy, social and constructive. The meaning of that word is continually enlarg- ing. Oar forefathers said it meant liberty and equality, and that equality meant the equal standing of man, as man, before his Maker. Now we mean by it "the quality of the quantity, the whole, the royalty, the im- perial attributes of the people." The idea of perfected manhood inheres in this of popular sovereignty, and here is our warrant for education. Our sovereign is not merely a biped animal, twenty-one years of age, nor yet one further endowed' with intel- lectual gifts, enabling him to secure every selfish end. Manhood only is attained when these are dominated by the sovereign soul — "open on all sides." This "freeman" will make a home suited to his character, enrich- ed with all the treasures of nature and art. "To learn what is beautiful is the first step ; to live it is the second." Art has its political relations — it is fostered by liberty, and all its tendencies are towards peace. "Bowie knives are the thorns on the human crab-apple tree, which disappear when civilization reclaims it to sweetness." The four and a half millions of soldiers which make up the peace establishment of Europe — the annual cost of them, and loss through them, applied to industry, would fill the land with plenty. Aj^plied to education it would make war impossible. Universal education in art would of necessity create a higher civ- ilization. If the subject were not too large for the hour, I would like to show what Horticul- ture especially might do in reference to popular refinement. It has created the rural beauty of England, it has recovered Holland from the sea. Originally there was only one variety of coniferous tree in Great Britain — the Scotch Fir. Now there are a hundred. The sea coasts of France, covered like so much in this vicinity with shifting sand, has been reclaimed by the culture of the Pinaster. LEGISLATIVE PROTECTION. One of the recognized objects of an asso- ciation of this kind should be to k-ep the duty of legislative protection and promotion of Arboriculture before the people. And I hope to see much accomplished through the University, where tliey have ample THE CALIFORNIA HORTICULTURIST. 301 facilties for growing every useM tree and plant which our climate will sustain. I expect to see our railroad tracks made green with turf, and pleasant with trees, instead of dismal stretches of noxious weeds, and their stations beautified with rural sur- roundings. I expect to see villages grow up in which inequality of surface and crookedness of streets and "eccentricities" of building will be tolerated. For the Germans, our mas- ters in testhetics, to whom flowers are as necessary as corn, will add their old world culture to our new world vigor and strength. A small part of the money that has been expended in so-called improvements, which are but costly violations of taste, would make San ii'rancisco one of the most picturesque of . cities. Enough is wasted in shoddy display to en- close our shifting sands with walls of verd- ure, thus modifying our climate, tempering our winds, and making it as healthful as beautiful. And enough is worse than wasted to build and sustain our temples of art and learning, our parks and public gaixlens, and make the fairer Athens of which the poet dreamed. We only need to feel that these things, just as much as our banks and railroads, are fac- tors in civilization. Nor can we boast of what Nature has done for us until she is justified of her children — "Who toil to leave as their bequest An added beaiity to the earth." Schlott & Smidt's band was in attendance and discoursed some most excellent music, and at the close of Prof. Carr's oration, after the President had announced the Hall duly opened, the company dispersed and prome- naded to the sweet strains, around the ex- quisite groups of choice plants and fragrant flowers. ♦- • Vancouuee's Island. — We hear that two Agricultural Fairs will be held on this island during the coming month. THE EXHIBITION. In glancing over the various collections of Evergreens, Plants, Flowers, and Fruits, which have been displayed at the Horticult- ural Exhibition, it was evident that they were, in every respect, far superior to those exhibited last year ; the number of varieties was much greater, and the plants, on an average, far better than on former occasions; yet there were many specimens which did not present sufficient merits to entitle them to be placed in such an exhibition . Exhib- itors should always bear in mind, that a plant for exhibition should be well grown and in perfect condition. This evil can be remedied by a more careful guarding in the preparation of the Premium List. Too much attention was paid to the offering of premi- ums on "largest ^collections." We would suggest, in the future, that superior quality should have the preference of quantity. The general collections of Flowering Plants in Bloom were not what might have been ex- pected ; but this was more particularly attribu- table to the very cold and unfavorable weather which San Francisco had experienced during the month preceding the exhibition; how- ever, there was a decided improvement visi- ble, compared with the exhibits of last year. The Hydrangeas, Begonias, Lantanas, Poly- galas, Agapanthus, Ericas, Grloxinias, Zo- nale Geraniums, Hoyas, Sollyas, Bouvar- dias, Lilium auratums, Grassulas, Valottas, andLobeliacardinales, were well represented. There were, in all, three collections exhibited. The Evergreens indigenous to Australia were very numerous, although but one exhibit was made, by Mr. Reimer. The collection contained over 200 varieties, the most prom- inent of which were : Acacia pycnantha, A. umbricata, A. salicifolia, A. longifolia, A. pulchella spinosa, A. decipiens, A. pendula, A. armata speciosa, A. cardifolia, A. linearis, A. conspicua, A. molissima, etc. Grevillea robusta, Ficus elastica, Eucalyptus (26 varie- ties), Haakeas, Dracoena draco, D. nigri- cans, D. latifolia, D. Brasilien^is, D. strieta, 302 THE CALIFORNIA HORTICULTURIST. D. Haagenii, etc. Yucca rubra variegata, Y. Americana, Y. quadricolor, Y. filamentosa, Y. longifolia, Y. gloriosa, Maranta (in var.), Phormium Tenax fol. var., etc. Pittosporum undulatum, P. nigra, P. Tobira. Psoralea pinnata, P. Australis. Tristania macroiihyl- la, Leptosi:)ermums (in var.), Coiynocarpus, Fabricia laevigata, Escallonia rubra, E. flori- bunda, Podalyria, Melaleucas, Chorizemas, and many others. The Exhibit of Coniferce was also very creditable, and the only collection of foreign and native si^ecies numbered over 350 varie- ties. We Avill also mention Cupressus glau- ca, C. glauca pendula, C. excelsa, C. Gunnii, C. ericoides, C. Australis, and several others. Pinus tuberculata, P. j)onderosa, P. contor- ta, P. Lambertiana, P. Canariensis, P. Ben- thamiana, P. maritima, P. monticola, P. mo- noj^hylla,, P. Sabiniana. Picea grandis, P. amabilis, Sequoia gigantea, S. sempervirens, Abies Douglassii, A. Menziesii, Araucaria Cunninghamii, A. glauca, A. Bidwellii, Juui- perus Canadensis, J. excelsa, and others ; Cedrus Lebani, Cedrus deodora, Larix, Thuya compacta, T. gigantea, T, Chinensis, etc. Thuyojisis borealis, and many other species too numei'ous to mention. Greenhouse and Conservatory Plants were numerous, three collections having been en- tered by Messrs. Reimer, Lildemann, and Meyer. We also particularly noticed Ferns, in considerable variety : Marantas san- guinea, zebrina, and discolor; Fittonias, Gesnerias, Begonias, Coleus, Caladiums, Euphorbias, Daphnes, Eranthemums. Gar- denias, Hoya carnosa, Hoya bella, ; a num- ber of Palms, Achyranthus, Sanchesia, Dios- ma, Althernantheras, Smilax, Bambusa gra- cilis, Primula Chinensis, Bignonias, Forfu- gium, Azalea Indica, Bouvardias, Ericas, Camellias, etc. Mr. Reimer carried off the first prize, and Messrs. Lxidemann & Co. the second. Of Bedding Plants there was but one ex- hibit, that of Mr. E. L. Reimer, comprising about seventy-five varieties. The exhibit of Hardy Ornamental Foliage Plants was very interesting. Two collections were entered by Mr. Reimer and Messrs. Ludemann & Cn. ; the former obtained the first i^rize. Of his collection we mention Agave Americana variegata, four varieties of variegated Grasses, Arundo donax variegata, Aspidrista var., Phormium tenax, Phormium tenax fol. var., Dracoena Australis, D. indi- visa, D. draco, Ficus Australis, Mespilus Ja- ponica, Cordy lines (in var.), Veronica varie- gata, Gesnerium argenteum, Euanymus Jap. variegata, etc. Tender Ornamental Foliage Plants. This was, in our opinion, the most mei'itorious ex- hibit, and attracted the attention of every visitor. Mr. Brown, of Woodward's Gardens, competed with Messrs. Ludemann & Co., and the first prize was very justly awarded to Mr. Brown. We call the attention of our readers to the following specimens in this choice collection of rare and beautiful plants. Eranthemum pictum, Fittonia argyrea, F. Verschaffeltii, Hibiscus Cooperii, Maranta zebrina, M. discolor, M. paradina, M. lineata rosea, M. sanguinea, M. tuberspatha, Passi- flora trifasciata, Gesneria amabilis, G. cinna- barina, G. refulgens, Croton pictum, G. dis- color, C. carcascaria, Canna zebrina, C. grandis, C. nigricans, Alocasia esculentum, Costus zebrinus, Caladium pictum, C. alba maculata, C. bicolor, C. marmoratum, C. regale, C. Smitzii, etc. Begonia Rex, B. Marshallii, B. Mad. Stuart, B. Empress, B. Silver Chain, and others. Cissus discolor, Columnea Shediana, Cacalobia platyclada, and many others. Truly this group has been very effective and one of the great features of the Exhibition, and we regret to notice that some of the most delicate specimens suffered severely from the effects of gas and the insufficiency of ventilation. The collections of Bulbous -rooted Plants were meagre, and might have been much better. Perhaps it was not well considered to restrict the exhibit, in this class, only to those which were in flower, as at this season THE CALIFORNIA HOETICULTURIST. 303 of the year not maBj can be found in bloom. Gladiolus, Lilium auratum, Valotta purpu- rea, Achimenes, Gloxinias, Canuas, Crin- ums, Tuberoses, and Cyclamens were the best specimens. The first prize was awarded to Miller & Sievers, and the second to F. Ludemann & Co. The Tropical Group exhibited by T. Brown, of Woodward's Gardens, was one of the most effective displays, and deservedly mer- ited and received general admiration. The Cycas revoluta, Corypha Australis, Chamaerops humilis, were exceedingly fine ; and when we add the various Cordylines, Dracoenas, a Lemon-tree in bearing, several species of Musa, all in thrifty condition, we think that Mr. Brown has succeeded admira- bly in his exhibit, and well deserved his fii'st prize. T]ie collections of Climbing Plants were unusually well filled, and the contest between Mr. Reimer and Messrs. Ludemann & Co. was close. The number of varieties decided in favor of Mr. Reimer for the fii-st prize — the collection of Ludemann & Co. being inferior only in numbers. We mention a few of the most remarkable specimens : Hederas (varie- ties of), Physianthus, Tecomas, Maurandias in var., Clematis in var., Lophospermum scandens, Clerodendron Balfourii, and CI. Thompsonii, Bignonia venusta, Stephanotis floribunda, Cissus discolor, Hoy a carnosa, Sollj'a Drummondii — a new climber, with exquisite foliage and beautiful blue flowers — adapted for greenhouse culture as well as for our gardens, Jasminum, double and single, Myrsiphyllum asj)aragoides (popularly known as Smilax) — one of our best decora- tive climbers, and many others. Of New and Rare Plants we might have expected larger collections. There seems to be a mistaken idea, among our nursery- men and gardeners, as to the term " new and rare plants." We know that they might have exhibited numerous collections of plants, which to our people are both "new" and "rare." The idea that a plant must have been imported or produced within a year, in order to be "new" or "rare," is certainly erroneous. Two collections were exhibited — one by Miller & Sievers, who obtained the first prize — and the other by F. Ludemann & Co., who received the second one. In the collection of the former, we noticed Adamia versicolor, Eranthemum tuberculatum, Torre- niaAsiatica,Richardiamaculata,BegoniaWel- toniensis, B. Boliviensis, B. Sambo, Acorus Japonica, variegated Ivies in var. , Sedum azoidum var., Ampelopsis Veitchii, Sauche- sia nobilis var., Amaranthus salicifolius, Dracoenas of var., etc. Messrs. Ludemann & Co.'s collection con- tained a number of very interesting plants. We noticed in particular Allamauda Hender- sonii. Daphne odorata var. , Crotons of varie- ties, Orchids, Hibiscus splendens, Sanchesia nobilis var., Erythrinas, Lisianthas, Anthi- gonums, etc. Of Plants for Hanging Baskets and Roch- icork, there was but one collection, entered by Mr. E. S. Reimer, who obtained the first prize for his very numerous exhibit. The Exhibit of Ferns was one of the most meritorious ; and we found that much more interest is being manifested among our peo- ple than has hitherto been the case. We are triad that the lovers of floriculture are so rapidly advancing in their taste for this inter- esting and most pleasing class of plants. Three collections of Ferns were respectively entered by Miller & Sievers, E. Myer, and Theo. Brown of Woodward's Gardens. The most numerous collection was that of Miller & Sievers, who showed some forty varieties, and obtained the first prize. In this collec- tion we call particular attention to the fol- lowing species : A very fine specimen of the Australian Bird-nest Fern; also, an exceed- ingly fine Platy cerium grande (Stag -horn Fern), Pteris argyrea, Asplenium Fabianum, Cyi'tonium falcatum, Australian Tree-ferns, Lastria glabella, Gymnogramma tomentosa, Polypodiumpostulatum, Adiantum culpodes, A. diaphanum, A. cap. Veneris ; the follow- ing- California Ferns : Adiantum Chilense, 304 THE CALIFORNIA HORTICULTURIST. Woodwardia radicans, Polypoduim Calif., Pellaea acuminata, P. Andromed^folia, Ciyp- togramma triangularis, Adiantum pedatum, Aspidium argentum. Mr. Meyer's collection contained many very good specimens of rare Ferns, particu- larly natives of Japan. The finest specimens, however, were exhibited by Mr. Brown, although the number of varieties was lim- ited. The Exhibit of BosrDROPOCTON MCKiCATOS, Betz. — India. A Swamp-grass, \^'ith delightfully fragrant roots. Andropogon nutans, L. (Sorghum nutans, Gray. )— North America. A tall, nutritious, perennial grass, content with dry and barren soil. Andropogon saccharatus, Roxb. (Sorghum saccharatum. Pers.) — Tropical Asia. The Broom-Corn. A tall annual species, splendid as a fodder grass. From the saccharine juice sugar is obtainable. A sample of such, pre- pared from plants of the Melbourne Botanic Garden, was shown at the Exhibition of 18G2. This Sorghum also furnishes material for a well-known kind of brooms. A variety, or a closely-allied species, yields the Caffir Corn (A. Caffrorum, Kanfh). The plant can be advantageously utilized for preparing treacle. For this purpose, the sap is expressed at the time of flowering, and simply evaporated ; the yield is about 100 gallons to the acre. In 1860, nearly seven millions of gallons of sor- ghum treacle were produced in the United States, Andropogon Shobnanthus, L. — Deserts of Arabia. A scented gi-ass, allied to the Indian oil-yielding Andropogons. A similar species occurs in arid places of the interior of North Australia. Andropogon Sorghum, Brotero. (Sorghum vulgare, Bersoon.) — The large Indian Millet or Guinea Corn, or the Durra. Warmer parts of Asia. A tall annual i^lant. The grains can be converted into bread, porridge, and other preparations of food. It is a very pro- lific corn, and to us particularly valuable for green fodder. Many others of the numerous species of Andropogon, from both hemis- pheres, deser^'e our attention. Anemonk Pulsatilla, L. — Europe and Northern Asia. On limestone soil. This pretty perennial herb is of some medicinal importance. Anona Cherimolia, Ililler. —Tropical and sub-tropical South America. This shrub or tree might be tried in the frostless lower val- leys of East Gipps Land, where humidity and rich soil will also prove favorable to its growth. It yields the Cherimoyer fruit. The flowers are veiy fragrant. Anthemis Nobilis, L. — The true Camomile. Middle and South Europe, North Africa. A well known medicinal plant, here frequently used as edgings for garden plots. Flowers in their normal state are preferable, for me- dicinal use, to those in which the ray-flowers are produced in increased numbers. They contain a peculiar volatile oil, and in addi- tion two acids similar to Angelica and Valer riana acid. Anthemis tinctoria, L. — Middle and South Europe, Orient. An annual herb. The flow- ers contain a yellow dye. Anthistiria giliata. L. fil. (Anthistiria AustraUs, B. Brown.) — The well-known Kan- garoo Grass, not confined to Australia, but stretching through Southern Asia also, and through the whole of Africa. It is mentioned here, because its growth should be encour- aged by every means. There are several spe- cies of Anthistiria deserving introduction and naturalization in our colony. Anthoxanthum odoratum, L. — The Scented Vernal Grass. Europe, North and Middle Asia, North Africa. A perennial, not of great value as a fattening grass, yet always desired for the flavor which it imparts to hay. Perhaps, for this purpose, the scented An- dropogons might serve here also. On deep and moist soils it attains its greatest perfec- tion. It is much used for mixing among per- manent grasses on pastures, where it will con- _ tinue long in season. It would live w'ell in our Alps. The lamellar-crystalline Cumarin is the principle on which the odor of An- thoxanthemum depends. Apios tuberosa, Moench. — North America. 324 THE CALIFOENLl HORTICULTURIST. A climber, with somewhat milky juice. The meal}^ tubers are edible. Apium CtRaveolens, L. — The Celer}'. Eu- rope. North Africa, North and Middle Asia. It is here merely inserted with a view of pointing out, that it mig-ht be readily natural- ized on our sea shores. Apium prostratum, La BiUardiere. — The Australian Celery. Extra-tropical Australia, New Zealand, extra-tropical South America. This also can be utilized as a culinary vege- table. Apocynum CANNABrauM, L. — On river banks in North America. This is recorded among plants yielding a textile fil>re. Arachis hypogaea, L. — The Earth-nut, Pea- nut, or Ground-nut. Brazil. The seeds of this annual herb are consumed in a roasted state, or used for pressing from them a palat- able oil. The plant is a very productive one, and yields a very quick return. It ranks also as a valuable fodder herb. A light, some- what calcareous soil is best fitted for its growth. On such soil, 50 bushels maybe ob- tained from the acre. Arghangelica Officinalis, Hoffmann. — Arc- tic zone and mountain regions of Europe . The stalks are used for confectionery ; the roots are of medicinal use. Only in our Alps would this herb fully establish its value. The root is biennial, and used in the distillation of some cordials. Arctostaphylos uva ursi, Sprengel.—A.\-p- ine and Arctic Europe, North Asia and North America. A medicinal small shrub, which here could best be reared in the heath-moors of our Alpine regions. Argania Sideroxylon, Roem. and Sohult. The Argnn-tree. VVesfern Barbary, on dry hills. Its growth is here found to be slow ; but it is a tree of longevity. Though com- paratively low in stature, its foliage occasion- . ally spreads to a circumference of 220 feet. It sends out suckers from the roots. The fruits serve as food for cattle in Morocco ; but here the kernels would be more likely to be utilized, by pressing the oil from them. Aristolochia serpentaria, L. — The Snake- root of North America. The root of this trailing herb is valuable in medicine ; it c'on- tains a peculiar volatile oil. Several other Ai'istolochiffi deserve culture for medicinal purposes ; for instance — Aristolochia ovali- folia (Guaco), and A. anguicida, from the mountains of Central America, should they prove hardy. Arnica "Montana, L. — Colder parts of Eu- rope. This pretty herb is perennial, and of medicinal value. It is eligible for our sub- alpine regions. The active principles are : arnicin, volatile oil, cupron and capryl acid. Arracacha xanthorrhiza, Bancroft. — Moun- tain regions of Central America. An umbel- liferous herb. The roots are nutritious and palatable. There are yellow, purple and pale varieties. Artemisia absinthium, L. — The Wormwood. Europe, North and Middle Asia, and North Africa. A perennial herb, valuable as a tonic and anthelminthic. Several other species of Artemisia deserve cultivation for medicinal purposes. Active principle;^ : Absinthin, an oily substance, indurating to a crystalline mass ; a volatile oil peculiar to the species. Artemisia Draounculus, L. — The Taragon, or Estragon. North Asia. A perennial herb used as a condiment. Its flavor rests on two volatile oils, one of them peculiar to the plant. 1 Arundinaria falcata, Nees. — Nepaul. One | of the hardiest kinds of the Bamboo tribe. It rises to the height of 20 feet, the canes at- taining a diameter of 4 inches. Arundinaria macrosperma, Mlchaux. — South- ern States of North America, particularly on the Mississippi. This bamboo-like reed forms there the cane-brakes. It requires to be re- planted after flowering, in the course of years. Height, 20 feet. tj Arundo Donax, L. — The tall evergreen ^ lasting Bamboo-reed of South Europe and North Africa. It is one of the most impor- tant plants of its class for quickly producing a peculiar scenic effect in pictui-esque planta- tions ; also, for intercepting at once the view of unsightly objects, and for giving early THE CALIFORNIA HOETICTJLTUEIST. 325 shelter. The canes can be used for fishing- rods. Arundo Pliniana, Turr.— On the Mediter- ranean and Adriatic Seas, A smaller i^lant than A. Donax, with more slender stems and narrower leaves, but similarly evergreen, and resembling the Donax reed also in its roots. Arundo saccharoides, F. v. M. (Gynerinm saccharoides, iTamftoW^.) — Northern part of South America. This species is here not yet introduced ; but it is likely to prove hardy. Like the following, it is conspicuously mag- nificent : Arundo Sellowiana, SchuUes. (Arundo dioica, Spreng. non Louriei^o. Gynerium ar- genteum, Nees.) — The Pampas Grass of Uru- guay, Paraguay and the La Plata States. A grand autumnal flowering reed, with gor- geous feathery panicles. As an industrial plant it deserves here a place, because paj^er can be prepared from its leaves. CINERAEIA. We are surprised that the Cineraria is not more extensively cultivated than it is in Cal- ifornia, and more particularly in San Fran- cicso and similar climates of the State. It certainly thrives most admirably in this local- ity— first, as a greenhouse or window plant ; and, secondly, as a bedding-plant, in pro- tected situations. Under glass, Cinerarias may be had in full bloom at any time from December to June ; while they will continue to bloom in the open air, if not exposed to strong winds or frost, from early spring until midsummer. They produce an abundance of flowers, rich in color, and of all shades, ex- cept yellow, (the Cineraria maritima excepted, which we do not include in this article). The flowers retain their beauty for some time, and are most desirable for bouquets and floral decorations. In order to have them in bloom as early as December, the seed should be sown in July, and the plants, at this time, should be far enough advanced to be shifted into five-inch pots. Seed may also be sown now, and plants may thus be raised to flower in the months of March, April, and June. For those of our readers who wish to raise them from seed, we would say, purchase a package of seed from a responsible seeds- man ; plant in a shallow box, filled with light and sandy leaf -mold, (if this cannot be had, light loam, mixed with a small quantity of old rotten mamu'e and sand, will answer); put just sufficient earth over the seed to cover lightly, press down the earth gently with a smooth piece of wood, and sprinkle lightly with a fine sprinkler ; then cover with a pane of glass (if you have no greenhouse), and place in a warm and sheltered situation ; if you have a greenhouse, place the box close under glass. In twelve to fourteen days, the young plants will make their appearance ; if they come up too thickly, it will be necessary to thin them out, as the Cinerarias should be allowed all the rqom possible, in order to ob- tain bushy and well-furnished plants. Flor- is^,ts, who generally raise them in large quan- tities, transplant them as soon as they have made three or four leaves. This can be done by planting them in boxes about two inches apart, or in two -inch pots. After transplanting, water well, and keep them in a shady situation for two or three days ; then place them close under glass, give plenty of sun and moisture, and they will advance in growth wonderfully. In about a month after this, they should be transplanted into three- inch pots, and kept, as before, close under glass. Plant-lice are apt to trouble the Cin- erarias a great deal ; it will therefore be ad- visable to smoke the house frequently, or to wash the leaves with tobacco-water. As soon as the roots show themselves plentifully around the ball of earth (which can be no- ticed by turning the plant gently out of the pot), they should be shifted again into four or five inch pots. The soil to be given now should consist of one-third loam, one-third old rotten manure, and one-third leaf-mold and sand. They may be permitted to flower in five-inch pots,^ yet the plants will be more vigorous, and produce a much larger quantity 326 THE CALIFOKNIA HORTICULTURIST. of perfect flowers, if shifted into six- inch pots ; this, however, must be done before they begin to show their flower - stalks. Keep them close under glass ; give a warm situa- tion and plenty of moisture ; keep clear from insects, and your success will be all you can desire. Ouce a week, a weak solution of gu- ano in water, before the flowering-season has begun, will aid very materially in obtaining vigorous flower-stalks. While in bloom, they should be watered once a day. When the plants have ceased to flower, cut off the flower-stalks, turn the plants out of the pots, and transplant in the border, in a more pro- tected place, where they will develope new flower-stalks, and continue to bloom for sev- eral months. After the flowering -season is over, the plants may be removed from the pots, di- vided into as many plants as will have roots attached to them, and replanted into smaller pots. These divided plants, if treated in the same manner as seedlings, will make good plants again, and flower in the following au- tumn. We prefer, however, to raise our plants from seed every year ; as we succeed always in raising better plants from seed than we can by dividing the old roots. Sometimes it may be desirable to retain a certain variety or color, which we particularly admire. In this case, of course, it will be necessary to cultivate young plants by division of the j)a- rent plant. All the Cinerarias now cultivated as flor- ists' flowers have originated from Cineraria cruenta, a native of Teneriffe, we believe ; but there is now so little resemblance between this original species and our cultivated vari- eties, that it can hardly be recognized. How TO Destroy Ants. — Fill small vials two-thirds with water, and add sweet -oil to float on the water to within half an inch of the top. Plunge these upright in the ground, leaving only half an inch standing out, near the nest, or the run of the ants. Every ant will come for a sip, and go home to die. ON THE ECONOMIC VALUE OF CERTAIN AUSTRALIAN FOREST TREES, And their Cultivation in California. BY EOBEKT E. C. STEARICS. [Continued from page 315 of last mimbcr.] When we consider the fact of the great number of farms in California that are nearly or quite destitute of wood, and the great and continuous expense entailed by our system of fencing, the importance to the farmer of ded- icating a portion of his land to the cultiva- tion of forest trees, from which he can obtain fuel and fencing materials, is too palpable to admit of debate. The comparatively small expense and labor with which the cultivation of a few acres for the purposes I have named is attended, its absolute feasibility and prac- ticability, with the beneficial results that would flow therefrom, should commend itself at once to every farmer ; as a few acres of timber land, for economic purposes, would add much more than the cost to the cash value of a farm. The boundaries of a farm should be marked by a row or rows of trees, thus defining its limits by living monuments, and greatly adding to its beauty ; from these rows, as the trees advance in growth and age, some wood could be cut, and, where the farm is of considerable size, enough in the way of trimmings or prunings to supply the fuel of the house. In the treeless areas of the southern part of the State, the varieties of Acacia before named would prove an impor- tant aid in assisting, by their protection, the planting of other species of timber ; as they are easily taken care of, and will stand ex- cessive drouth. They would also be useful, as is our Monterey Cyi)ress, {Gupresnus ma- crocarpa) for belts to break the force of the winds in exposed places ; an4 it is to be hoped that, before many years, timber belts for this purpose will be common wherever the coast winds prevail, as a protection to orchards and vineyards. We have many trees well adapted for tim- ber, or wind-breaks ; and while calling the THE CALIFOKNIA HOETICULTURIST. 327 attention of landowners and others to tlie exotic forms before mentioned, and their special qualities as enumerated in Dr. Muel- ler's excellent paper, I do not wish to be un- derstood as making an unfavorable com- parison against indigenous species, as for some of the purposes mentioned they will answer equally well. It must be remembered, however, that our forests are unfortunately deficient in many of the hard woods much used in the arts, and which we are now compelled to import from localities more favored in this respect. The aggregate amount annually sent out of the State for the purchase of this material could, by proper foresight and enterprise, in a few years be retained within our own borders, and here expended in establishing new indus- tries pertaining to the very material, the man- ufacture of which, in other portions of the Union, employs lai'ge communities to whose support we are now contributing. As in Germany, to anticipate a future need, our own Sequoia sempervirens, or Eedwood tree, is extensively cultivated ; so here, by the cultivation of the Australian Eucalypti, we can in a few years supply a positive want, and reap the advantages above indicated. • Since the reading of the foregoing paper, I have had many questions asked me by per- sons not present at the meeting of the Acad- emy ; and as an answer to said inquiries, and to various propositions, I add the following : Some objection has been made to the Aca- cias and Eucalypts, by persons who have planted them for shade or ornamental pur- poses in the neighborhood of San Francisco, for the reason, as alleged, that they do not withstand the winds. So far as the observa- tions of myself and others who have investi- gated the matter extend, it is really surprising that so few are prostrated. The fault is not with the trees, but the purchaser ; — as trees of from four to six feet in height are sold at a low price, they are bought by parties who re- quire only a few, in preference to smaller trees, as they make a greater immediate show. As most of the growth of the trees as usually purchased, after having attained a height of six inches, has been made in the pot or box in which they are sold by the deal- ers, it will readily be perceived that the tap- root, which in a natui-al state descends, is di- verted from a perpendicular to a rotary di- rection, analogous to a spiral spring, and is also crossed and recrossed on itself — with the liability as it increases in size to strangle the tree, by one portion of this root making a short turn or twist upon another part of the same, or by being wound about and restricted by the lateral roots. It is therefore apparent that the better policy woiild be, even where only a few trees are wanted (and this remark applies with equal pertinence to all trees), that, other things being equal, such as comely shape and healthy condition, the younger and smaller trees are really cheaper at the same price than the larger, and can generally be obtained for much less. For forest culture, the smaller trees are indispensable to success. Again, it is frequently the case that the lower branches are trimmed off to a mis- chievous extent, which also is a mistake ; for where a tree has sufficient space to grow in, but little trimming is necessary ; and it is a false taste which seeks to improve (?) upon nature by depriving a tree of its normal physi- ognomy and distinctive character by carving it into grotesque or inappropriate shapes — it is simply mutilation, and is certain to result in the premature decay and death of the vic- tim. The flattening of the head by certain aboriginal tribes, and the distorted feet of the fashionable Chinese ladies, are further and pertinent illustrations of analogous hideous violations of natural form. Invigorating House-plants. — House-plants ought to be stimulated gently once or twice a week. Rain-water, so refreshing to sum- mer flowers, always contains ammonia, which also abounds in all liquid manures. If you take an ounce of pulverized carbonate of ammonia, and dissolve it in one gallon of water, it will make spring -water even more stimulating to your plants than rain-water. 328 THE CALIFORNIA HORTICULTURIST. THE GEEAT AQUARIUM, BKIGHTON, ENG. About a year ago, we gave a brief account of the new Crystal Palace Aquarium, at Syd- enham, near Loudon, then just opened. This summer, we have had the pleasure of visiting- it, and found it one of the most attractive features of the attractive exhibition in that wondrous " home of glass." A walk through the rooms occupied by the immense tanks, filled with manifold forms of marine life, was like a visit to the very depths of the sea. It was easy to imagine that one had gone down in a diving-bell, and was taking a quiet stroll through old Neptune's dominions, noting the manners find customs of the inhabitants of that strange region, where Agassiz is very much at home, but most of us as little so as " a fish out of water." But a yet grander aquai'ium has just been opened at Brighton, with appropriate cere- monies and festivities. The building erected for it is elegant as well as commodious, and is an ornament to the ' ' queen of English wa- tering-places," as the city has well been called. From the entrance-hall of the aqua- rium one looks down a long vista of well- proportioned columns and pointed arches, for several hundred feet, ending with a rock- ery and fernery, with a charming cascade, which falls quite naturally in appearance from rock to rock, running away between rocks and ferns in a narrow stream, hereafter to be stocked with trout and other fish. The columns are of polished granite, and ser- pentine alternately, the capitals being carved designs in Bath stone of fish, marine birds, and wreaths of seaweed beautifully wrought, the capitals of the pillars in the cross corri- dor representing the twelve signs of the zo- diac. The arches are faced with Bath stone ribbing, and are of parti-colored brickwork, the pavement being of encaustic tiles. On either hand, down the main corridor, are the tanks, which are of unusual size, the largest being 120 feet long, and are laid out in rock- work, assimilated in its forms as near to na- ture as possible. The tanks at present contain various spe- cies of fish, amongst them bass, mullet, gur- nards, atherine, dog-fish (several species), turbot, soles, plaice, wrasse of different kinds, cod, whiting - pout, rock -whiting, sticklebacks (the three-spined and the fifteen- spined), and the pipe-fish. These will hardly live in an aquarium for any length of time, owing to the difficulty of feeding ; but as they abound on the south coast, their places can constantly be sui^plied. Among the crustaceans are the common lobster, the spiny lobster (generally known as the craw or cray fish), and various species of crabs, including the spider and the hermit crab. Of fresh- water fish only a few species, as chub, tench, etc., have been -^wi into the tanks, but the number will soon be increased. The stock- ing of a large aquarium is necessarily a work of fime. A fish is a wild animal naturally, and has to be tamed to his tank ; and some species are so difficult to tame that they must be captured very young, and kept until they have grown to the proper size for exhibition. Six months or more must elapse before the collection can be considered complete. On the day when the acjuarium VN^as opened, Mr. Frank Buckland brought an alligator, some four feet long, as a contribution to the "show." It was a lively creature, and about as much as one man could handle. Among the other curiosities were some fine specimens of the hawk-billed turtle, and two large log- gerheaded turtles. At the end of the first range of tanks is a cross corridor, where the open tanks for anemones are situated. Beyond this, again, runs on one side another range of smaller tanks, intended for fresh-water fish, and novel acquisitions from abroad. On the other side is continued the conservatory and the rockej-y before noticed — a delicious and cool retreat in the heat of summer. The roof of the aquarium makes a delightful opten-air promenade, at one end of which is a reading, room ; and there is also a restaurant and re- freshment room, which will be a great conve- nience to visitors who spend time enough in THE CALIFORNIA HOETICULTrEIST. 329 the building to make a thorough inspection of the exhibition. Here, as at the Ciystal Palace, the South Kensington Museum, and many other English " show places," you can spend a whole day, if you choose, taking yoiu' dinner or lunch on the premises. Another aquarium, of large size, has been opened, or is soon to be opened, at Naples. The building measures 100 by 70 feet, with a height of 40 feet. The lower part is devoted to tanks, more than fifty in number, and ranging in size from about three feet square up to 32 feet by 10 feet ; all being furnished with a continuous current of sea water. Above, there is to be a library-room to hold 25,000 volumes ; a large laboratory, with some 30 tanks ; smaller laboratories, rooms for collections, etc.— Boston Journal of Chem- istry. —^ .^. . OLnrE CULTUEE IN CALIFORNIA. Olive culture, it is anticipated, will prove to be a lucrative business in the county of SantaBarbara, and elsewhere on the southern coast of California. The labor requu-ed in its cultivation, compared to that demanded by ordinai-y field and garden farming, is tri- fling. The tree, at five years of age, returns a slight recompense for care ; and at seven an orchard should afford an average yield of about twenty gallons of berries to a tree. If there are seventy trees to an acre, there should be obtained from it one thousand four hundred gallons of benies. From twenty gallons of berries may be extracted three gal- lons of oil ; and, if jDroperly manufactui-ed, olive oil will command $4 to $5 a gallon, at wholesale. Thus an average yield of olives, derived from an orchard covering one acre of land, will produce about $800 worth of oil. After deducting the entire cost of production and manufacture, a net profit may be antici- pated of at least $2 per gallon ; and thus one acre, containing seventy trees, yielding an average of twenty gallons of berries, or the equivalent of three gallons of oil each, will afford * surplus above all expenses of about $400 a year. 2 Olive-culture is so simple, that any one of ordinaiT intelligence may engage in it. Its results are such, that any one may find it profitable. As a business, it offers the ad- vantage that it may be carried on at the home ; and that a man of cultui-e may en- gage in it, and yet fijid intervals for other ob- jects and more varied themes. I speak here merely with reference to olive culture. The process of manufactuiing the oil is an en- tirely different business, and belongs sej)a- rate and apart from the cultivation of the olive. In time, it will not be expected, as now, that each gTower shall be manufacturer also. As soon as the supply of olives in a neighborhood is sufficient to warrant the erec- tion of suitable machinery' for expressing the oil, every requisite for the purpose will be at hand. The olive-grower's labors for the sea- son will end with the deposit of his berries at the oil manufactoiy; and, according to the custom of the olive districts of Europe, one- half the oil from his berries will subse- quently be returned to him, ready for use and for market. — Overland. Canned FKurrs. — The impression: prevails among those who use the fruits freely, which are put up in tin cans, that they are injured thereby, and this impression is, in many cases, coiTCct. TTe have long contended that all preserved fruits and vegetables should be stored in glass, and that no metal of any kind should be brought in contact with them. All fruits contain more or less of vegetable acids, and others that are highly corrosive are often formed by fermentation, and the metallic vessels are considerably acted upon. Tin cans are held together by solder, an alloy into which lead enters largely. This metal is easily corroded by vegetable acids, and poisonous salts are formed. Undoubted- ly many persons are greatly injured by eat- ing Tomatoes, Peaches, etc. , which have been placed in tin cans, and we advise all our friends, who contemplate putting up fruits the present summer, to use glass jars for the purpose. — Boston Journal of Cliemistry. 330 THE CALIFOENIA HORTICrrLTURIST. CALIFOENIA WINES. The following j)aper vv-as read by Major J. B. Snyder, before the Grape Growers' Asso- ciation of Napa and Sonoma, at its session of July 13th : We have observed an article, stating that many of our largest wine-growers and wine- makers are in the Atlantic- States looking for a market for their wines ; and that the prin- cipal objection Eastern dealers and consum- ers set up against our wines is, that they are too strong in alcohol. Also, that our wines contain all the wa^'- from fifteen to twenty per cent, of alcohol, and that the cheap and popular French and German wines contain from eight to ten per cent. It is stated that the German Rhenish wine used among the real and constant wine-drinkers of the Atlan- tic States, contains only sQven per cent, of alcohol. The statement as regards the strength of California wines does not apply to the coun- ties north and bordering on the Bay of San Francisco. The alcoholic strength of Euro- pean wines, given by Professor Brande, and taken from ' ' Redding on Wines, " which is considered good statistical authority, is as follows : PrCt. of Alcohol. Burgundy, average of four samples. . 14.37 " lowest of the four 11.95 " highest of the four 16. GO Champagne, four samj)les 12.61 still 13.80 " Mousseaux 12.80 Cote Rotic 12.32 Frontignan 12.70 Red Hermitage 12.32 Sauterne 14.22 White Hermitage 17.43 Vin de Grape 13.94 " second sample 12.80 Claret, lowest of several samples .... 12.91 Hockheimer 14.37 13.00 old 8.88 Rudesheimer 12.22 The average temperature of Sonoma Val- ley is about the same as that of the Burgundy District, and, therefore, should give the same proportion of sugar ; and in France it is well known that they require twenty-four per cent, of saccharine matter to make a good wine that would yield, if thoroughly fermented, twelve per cent, of pure alcohol. It will be found on inspection that the av- erage strength of our wines is not above those of Europe : saj^ twelve per cent, on the average. The following assays of wines made in So- noma Valley were made by myself from sam- ples furnished me by the parties whose names stand opposite the percentage of strength ; White, Craig, vintage of 1867, foreign 14.4 ( ( ( i 1870, mission 13.4 " Dressel&Gundlach 1861, 14.1 a tc 1870, 13.3 i e (c . 1862, 12.5 a (f 1867, 13.6 " J. R. Snvder 1865, mission 12.5 a a 1866, CC 12.6 (I (C 1867, CC 13.3 a (C 1868, CC 12.8 " A. F. Haraszthy, 1871, foreign 11.5 CC li 1870, c c 12.6 Red, Buena Vista, 1866, '•' 16.5 White, 1866, 13.1 C( c c 1871, 11.5 Red 1871, 12.6 White, H. Winkle, 1869, mission 13.2 C( i( 1871, c c 12.5 " L. Goss, 1871, Ziufindall2.8 To reduce the strength of the wine, it has been suggested that an addition of a small quantity of water be made to the wine prior to fermentation. This has been tried, and found to detract from the wine those fine qualities that Nature alone can impart. It would be better to gather the grapes before they get too ripe and contain an excess of sugar by being left too long on the vines until a portion of the watery substance has evaporated. If water must be added to re- duce the strength, it would be better to add it when the wine is used at the table. The French generally add a portion of water to their red wines at the table, more particular- ly to claret. The bad effect said to be ^n-oduced by the use of California wines is in consequence of THE CALIFORNIA HOETICULTURIST. 331 their newness. All wines that have not age, as soon as introduced into the stomach, com- mence a fermentation ; and if persons would place the wines they purchase in an atmos- phere of the same temperature as the stom- ach, the results would be apparent. Cali- fornia will never have any reputation for good wines, as a wine -producing country, until we have more capital in the business, and the wine is kept until it has age and be- comes wholesome. Under the present system we will have no better reputation in ten years from this than we have now; and, as for talking about a competition with foreign wines, it is simply nonsense under such circumstances. All persons of sense know that new wines are unwholesome, and where there is one gallon of wine fit to go into a man's stomach, fur- nished to consumers, there are hundreds that are not so. We speak in no disparage- ment of the wine interests of California ; it is presumed they do all they can, and it is to their interest, as well as that of the producer, to establish a high reputation for our wines, which reputation our wines do not have in the Atlantic States. We have been told by persons who have traveled extensively in the East, that there are no wines offered to the purchaser such as they drank at the cellars in California. This is constantly repeated by all visitors that come into the valley of Sonoma ; and it is presumable, that the same state of affairs exists elsewhere in the State. It is a very easy matter to give statistics to substantiate what we say — for every gallon of wine, passed out of the valley of Sonoma, can be accounted for, and traced to the con- sumer. The encouragement which should be given to this branch of industry by the wealthy classes of California, has never yet been per- ceptible to the producer. We have been in- formed that one gentleman alone has forty thousand dollars' worth of foreign wines in his cellar, and not one bottle of California wine among the stock ; and California wine is never seen on his table. Others of the wealthy classes think any thing weaker than brandy is only fit for invalids. And still you will find all these persons asking for money for railroads, to bring immigration and business— setting forth in glowing terms the richness of our lands and the salubrity of our climate, and their adaptation to the growth of all kinds of productions. They have lands for sale and houses to rent, but no use for our domestic products — the very source of the real wealth of California. It is true that manufactures have been encour- aged to some extent, but, nevertheless, the balance of trade is against us, and has been for years. The Government, too, has taken the same part, and given the iron work of the United States Branch Mint to parties in the Atlantic States, when it should have gone into the hands of our home artisans. These are subjects that cannot be too often agitated by the grape - growers and wine-makers of the State, and, if they under- derstand their own business and interests, they will agitate these subjects, and agitate them violently. We strongly urge them to look into all the various departments of their business channels, not only at home but abroad: wherever the wine goes, there is your business. Let there be no lukewarmness about the matter. We have not been working enough abroad ; we have not obtained that informa- tion from abroad relative to the business that is of great importance to us-. It is true that some of our members have gone on a tour through the eastern and western States, and have written back their experience about the wine interests there ; and it will not be long before we are better posted as to our interests than we are now. . I hope that some of our members will turn their attention to the matter of statistics from the^ East, as well as those at home. We have had but very few reports as regards statistics, although we have a standing committee on that subject. 332 THE CALIFORNIA HORTICULTURIST. I have thought iKoi^er to make this state- ment to the associatiou about the strength of our wines, as ah erroneous impression has gone abroad that our wines are too strong. There is another matter that I wish to speak of: It is as well for the grape -growers and ■wine - makers to know that they have a fight to make against the foreign importers of wine ; and we have to make the same fight against our countrymen, who encourage the foreign article and exclude the native pro- duct. This is an up-hill business, and the hotter the fire and the heavier the blow, the better the steel. A thing that is not worth fighting for is not worth ha^dng ; so, gentle- men, take off your coats, and develop your muscle for the contest. FLORICULTUEE IN THE WEST. In an "Essay on Flowers," to the Illinois State Horticultural Society, by Mrs. E. S. Hull, the writer says : The increasing fond- ness for and attention to the beautiful, visi- ble about our country homes, is a pleasing and hopeful indication. Hopeful, because it shows our people are taking time to enjoy something of this bright world of ours, in- stead of seeming to consider, and almost making, it a valley of humiliation and inces- sant toil. Time was when most men ajjpeared to regard " the West" as a temporary sojourn, in which they were to make fortunes, and then return to the old home, toward the ris- ing sun, to spend and to enjoy ; but, I think, the gold they acquired was, to many, the true Lotus-flower, which the ancients tell us, if once tasted of, caused forgetfulness of for- mer country, and love for the one where they were. Those who came to stay awhile, found the land "pleasant to dwell in." The cabin gave way to the more substantial dwelling. Year by year new comforts w^re added. The necessary potato patch, generally in front of the house, expanded into a vegetable garden. From time to time the good wife ajipropria- ted small portions of this for her hollyhocks and lilacs. By and by new flowers were planted, and the beautiful encroached so rapidly- on the useful, that the latter was finally Imnished to the rear, where, instead of receiving less, it received more attention than formerly, that all things might be in keeping. And now the family have a flower garden ! A small thing, you will say, perhaps. Will never contribute to the support of the family, says the practical man. Possibly not in dollars and cents, but man does not live by bread alone ; a little "pleasure" is needed sometimes to revive weary, drooping nature ; and who shall number the many innocent joys our garden shall afford? Not a garden made classical with statues and rare works of art, delighting by its secluded walks, cool grot- toes, or sparkling fountains ; but simple and unpretending in its character, and narrow in its area; still, it has its sweet and not transient i:)leasures ; and many days of gloom, and hours of monotonous toil, willbe relieved by pleasant reveries on the flowers that have been, and fond anticipations of those to come. Indelible Ink eor Zinc Labels. — In an- swer to a correspondent desiring information on this point, the Gardeners' Monthly says : ' ' The best thing we know of is, first, to let the ( Zinc) label oxidize a little hj dipping it in water for a day or two before using, and then write with a common lead jDencil. We have seen labels in use for twelve years so written, as ' black as ink,' and with all the appearance of lasting for half a century. " Remedy fok Slugs. — Gas-tar water diluted to the color of weak coffee, I have found to be the best preventive to the i-avages of slugs on all garden -croj)s, and also an excel- lent manure. Apply it by night from an ordinary watering-pot, and half the slugs will be killed, and the rest much weakened. A second dose, after the interval of a week, is generally sufficient to banish them. — G. T. H. of the Gardeners' Chronicle. THE CALIFORNIA HORTICULTURIST. 333 FOEEST-TKEE CULTURE. BY GEOKGE VASEY. Unquestionably one of the most important questions engaging the attention of the Amer- ican people is that of forest culture. The demands of our rapidly growing country have for many years so drawn upon the resources of our native forests, which, at one time, seemed inexhaustible, that we must now con- template their early extirpation, and address ourselves to the task of conserving what for- ests we have remaining, and providing new sources of supply. Much has been written on this subject, but so difficult is it for us to realize the bearing of remote evils, that, comparatively, veiy few farmers, or land -owners, have yet seriously engaged in the work of replenishing their woodlands. The arguments for this work are strong and numerous, and have been co- gently presented by many writers. Many facts have been observed, which appear to show that the presence of forests has much to do with the climate and rain -fall of a country ; thus, it is said that the extreme dryness of Spain is due to the absence of trees ; that many districts in France have been materially injured by denudation ; that Palestine and many other parts of Asia and southern Africa, which, in ancient tiines, were the granaries of the world, are now deserts, or infertile regions, in consequence of the loss of their forests. It is also stated that a beneficial change in climate and rain- fall has, in several instances, followed the introduction of trees and plantations in re- gions that were fonnerly destitute of them. Thus it is said that in lower Egypt, where anciently rain never fell, the introduction and cultivation of extensive plantations have been attended with the fall of a good deal of rain, so that showers are no rarity even at Cairo. It is also affirmed that, in New En- gland and other wooded sections, the clean- ing up of forests, and cultivation of the soil, have had the effect of causing the drying up of many springs and small streams. There are some who doubt the correctness of these conclusions, with respect to the cli- matic influences of forests, but, as these in- fluences must be of very gradual operation, and require observations over a long series of years, the question may be considered open for future inquiry. But, leaving that question out of view, there remain abundant reasons to stimulate every land-holder in our vast prairie regions, to give practical attention to the subject. Trees are wanted for their fmit, for their shade and protection from winds, for orna- ment, for fuel, for use in building, fencing, and the mechanical arts. Some trees are adapted to one of these i)urposes, and some to another. The earliest tree-want, which is appreciated by farmers in a new country, is the want of fruit-trees. Even this practical and personal need too often fails to stimulate the farmer to immediate action -toward the formation of an orchard. But it is not with reference to the cultivation of fruit-trees that we now de- sign to write. What kind of forest -trees shall we culti- vate? is a question often asked, toward the solution of which we propose to offer a few thoughts : In an open prairie region there is an immediate and urgent want of trees for shelter and wind-breaks. Both man and the domestic animals instinctively seek the grate- ful shade of trees during the intense heat of summer, and as instinctively seek their shel- ter from the fierce winds of winter. The in- telligent farmer also knows that it is a ques- tion of positive economy — as the absence of suitable shelter must be represented by an increased consumption of food and fuel. Often, too, he finds that without some suita- ble wind-breaks he is unable successfully to cultivate the best varieties of fruit-trees. He wishes to secure these advantages of shade and shelter at the earliest possible period, and, hence, he iuquires for rapidly growing trees for cultivation. The great cost of fenc- ing on the prairie, leads him to seek some suitable tree, or shrub, for the growth of 334 THE CALIFORNIA HORTICULTURIST. hedges. It is true that many experimeuts in this direction have been attended with fail- ure, but we should not be deterred from continuing our experiments, until a suitable hedge -j)lant is found for every section of country. If the Osage orange fails, let us try the honey-locust, or some of our native thorn- bushes, crab-apples, wild plums, viburnums, or other shrubs, or trees, until we meet with success. The production of wood for fuel and for mechanical uses is an object which, however desirable, has seemed so remote in prospect, that it has been almost universally neglected. But even this neglect is, to a great extent, based up»on too general and vague views as to the slowness of tree-growth. There are several species of trees which, with i^rojjer cultivation, will acquire a cir- cumference, at the trunk, of eight to ten inches, in live years' growth ; and a few acres of such trees would sooji furnish a constant supply of desirable fuel to farmers, who have to haul, at great expense of time and labor, a distance of from five to ten miles. Most of the rapidly growing trees produce soft wood, which is not much esteemed for fuel ; but, for summer use, when properly pre- pared, it must be equal, if not superior, to the corn-cobs, which are extensively used for fuel in the Western States. Many western farm- ers have cultivated their prairie lands for twenty years, and have hauled their fuel from a distance, when, during that time, cottonwood-trees of two feet diameter, white maple of eighteen inches, box-elder of twenty ' inches, and butternut of eighteen inches, might have grown upon their own land^ with a little labor and care. The planting and cultivation of hard-wood trees suitable for building purposes and use in the mechanical arts, is one which has been almost wholly neglected in this coun- try. It is a work which is' too commonly re- garded as being wholly for the benefit of posterity ; and we are slow to realize that we have any duties in that direction. But the necessity of entering upon this work is ajj- pareiit, for it is not difficult to contemplate the period when our natural forests shall have disappeared under the enormous de- mands which the progress of oiu* country makes upon them. HORTICULTURAL HALL, PHILADELPHIA. This magnificent building, 75 by 200 feet, with 50 feet ceiling, was built by the Penn- sylvania Hoi-ticultural Society in 1867, at a cost of about $200,000. The annual displays of the Society, held in this hall, have never been surpassed for beauty of the decorations and the extent "bf the collections of fruits, flowers and vegetables. The meeting of the American Pomological Society was held here in September, 1869, the display of fruits comprising over 5,000 dishes. This hall, al- though admirably adapted for these displays, was found to be not well suited for lectures or concerts, owing to its immense size, which caused a difficulty of being heard. The Board of Directors therefore decided to re- model the interior, by putting in a new floor on a level with the galleries, thereby reducing the height of the ceiling to about 36 feet, and adding another room of the same size as the main hall. This has been divided into commodious dressing-rooms for ladies and gentlemen, with a hall 15 feet wide, and a banquetiug-room capable of seating 800 per- sons ; or it can be used as a lecture-room, a small stage having been raised on the west end. The alteration will add very much to the accommodation of the society for holding their disj)lay, as the upper saloon can be de- voted to fruits and flowers, while the lower saloon will be admirably adapted for the vegetable display. The alteration being now in progress will prevent the usual display being held in Sep- tember ; but it is expected that the hall will be finished in time to hold an exhibition in October. It is also proposed to fresco the walls and ceiling, and to light the main hall by means of artificial " sun-lights," placed in the ceiling. These embellishments, with THE CALIFORNIA HOETICULTL'PJST. 335 curtains to the vrindows, and comfortable cushioned seats, will render it one of the finest concert-halls and lecture-rooms in the country ; while for balls, it is not surpassed in conveniences by any other ball-room in existence. These additions will doubtless render it a popular place of resort, and thereby add very largely to its receipts.— Journal of the Farm. ORNA.MENTAL GARDENING. The following is an extract from a lecture before a meeting of the Horticultural Society of Victoria, by Mr. Wilson : " Ornamental gardening, in common with other refined arts and sciences, is necessarily dependent on wealth and opulence, and, as in a young country these usually have to be gained before enjoyed, ornamental gardening in Victoria may be said, as yet, to be in its . infancy. But as both public and private gar- dens are becoming rapidly established, it be- comes imperatively our duty, both as horti- culturists and as members of this society, to educate the taste, and disseminate the true principles to be followed in carrying out the higher branches of horticulture. Heretofore, this society has done an immense amount of good, in the proving, classifying, naming, and exhibiting of a large variety of fruits. Now, I think that as these evening meetings have been successfully inaugurated, we could not better devote our time than to an occa- sional discussion on the different branches of floriculture and ornamental gardening, and if I make a few comments on the subject, it is chiefly with the object of drawing out some of the older and abler members than myself, of whom I know there are many among the members present. "A food gardener must be essentially a man of taste, not only as regards the tasting of apples, pears, and other fruits, but in the arranging his flowers, planting his shrubs; and, in fact, everything that he does must be tastefully done. In lapng out a garden, he must always have an eye to the future, always bear in mind that in time to come what he does will either redound to his honor or discredit. 3Iistakes made in the arranging and planting a new garden are not easily remedied years after, when the effects become noticeable. The different views from a pri- vate residence must always receive important consideration in planting the garden, and of course the arranging must be so conducted that in after years, when the trees and shrubs grow up, these ^-iews, at least the best points of them, will not be blocked out. On the other hand, any ugly buildings, or other un- sightly objects, must be hidden from view as soon as possible by the planting of quick- growing subjects in front of them. " Straight and narrow walks should always be avoided. As broad sweeping gravel walks give importance to a garden of even moderate dimensions, these should gracefully curve at angles so as never to turn- sharply, and never to present a long line of gravel to the eye. A green, well-kept grass lawn is indispensa- ble to a good garden ; a lawn, if of moderate size, should never be in one square or round block, but should be cut into gentle angles by the graceful walks. These angles should be planted with clumps of trees or shrubs, according to the requirements of the situa- tion, so that at every turn the eye rests upon a change in the scene — a rustic-stone built rockery, a fresh bed of flowers, an arbor, a vase, a statue, a fountain, or any rustic adorn- ment that prevents monotony, and gives a zest to the enjoyment of the promenade."' " Fountains, with a small pond or basin containing fishes, are most beautiful orna- ments for a garden, especially when situated in some quiet nook on the lawn, with an artistic little arbor or summer-house close bv, covered with ornamental climbers which lend a delicious fragrance to the surrounding atmosphere on a summer's eve. I remember in a garden where I once lived in England, on the lawn, in a very secluded, quiet spot, stood a little arbor covered with clematis and honeysuckle twining together. It was but a small arbor, but the very insignificant 336 THE CALIFORJsIA HOETICULTUEIST. aspect of it attracted eveiy visitor's attention, and excited their curiosity. On looking in at the little inistic doorway, the eye fell on a full-size statue of a young female, with one finger upraised in mute enjoinment to listen. Involuntarily the visitor would do so, when the gentle murmuring of a little fountain close by f^ll on the ear ; this was bringing Na- ture and art in harmony, a point of consider- able importance where these subjects are used as garden ornaments. Where busts and statues are extensively employed as orna- ments for gardens, whether public or pi-ivate, more taste should be exercised in their ar- rangement than is displayed in some of the public gardens of Melbourne; I consider it is highly objectionable that these should be placed at intervals all along the sides of the walks, so that the eye can rest on a whole avenue of statues at the same time. In gar- dens this should be specially avoided if pos- sible ; not more than one, or at most two, should be visible at the same time, and they should be so placed that they meet the eye suddenly on coming round a curve in the path, or behind a clump of shrubs or trees which prevent the object being seen until you come close to it, which then creates at once a pleasurable surprise. Diversified beau- ties, all conducing to natural harmony, are the elements of a good garden. The view from the windows or balcony of the residence must be a radius of changing beauty; there must be an entire absence of sameness; the flower-beds must be varied and intermingled in coloring with the natural green lawn as a groundwork; the clumps of flowering shrubs must be contrasted with the dark green of the non-flowering coniferse, and the small- leaved subjects must be intersjDersed with sub- jects which have larger foliage. The whole scene must be one of graceful and natural combinations. ' ' I wish also to say a few words respecting landscape gardening — the planting of ti-ees for the purpose of beautifying the distant sceneiy. Now, it is a recognized fact 'that the dark-foliaged members of the coniferse. and other evergreen trees, are the most beau- tiful and natural contrasts to the eucalypti and other native trees, and they are exten- sively planted in consequence ; but it is pos- sible this may be overdone, and it is our duty to warn planters against making their scenery simply a pine forest. There are many who admire the beautiful tints of scarlet, purple, and bronze displayed by the foliage of many deciduous trees in the autumn, and I think that such subjects as the scarlet oak, purple beech, silver poplar, and many others which have been proved to thrive in the colony, should be planted in intermediate groups, with the dark-foliaged evergreens. Artificial lakes skirted with weeping willows are no doubt very beautiful, but the situation would also suit many of the varieties of ash, and other noble trees, whose majestic growth and grandeur of foliage in the summer, would present jDleasing contrasts, and lend a charm to the scenery. "Xiet us bear in mind, gentlemen, when l^lanting, that we are planting the germs of horticultural beauty, accounts of which will in years hence be published and criticised, according to their ornamental merits; and according to the same will our merits as or- namental gardeners be estimated. I hope, therefore, other members will follow up the subject, so that in 1972, when the records of early gardening in the colony shall be pub- lished, many will be the triumphs recorded in honor of the Horticultural Society of Vic- toria."— Melbourne Times. Experimental Stations. — The system of ag- ricultural experimental stations is rapidly ex- tending in Italy. In consequence of inform- ation obtained and circulated by the minister of agriculture, respecting the experimental stations in Germany, seven new stations have been established on the German model. These are located at Undine, Modena, Milan, Lodi, Padua, Florence, and Turin. Thirty-two thousand seeds were once counted in the head of a pojDpy. THE CALIFOKNIA HORTICULTURIST. 337 CUT FLOWERS. It is a trite observation that this would be a very dull world without flowers, and yet when we see how little people iu general esti- mate the great boon, we may be pardoned for again citing it. There are thousands of houses about which no jjlant ever blooms, and thousands of homes in which a flower never enters, which might be made as cheer- ful as the world without, and at no great cost either. We who love flowers know the pleasure they bring, and we feel that they who have no regard for them miss some of the best delights of life. They do not know their loss it is true. The children in the blind asylums express great pity for those who are dumb, with but little reflection on their own loss; while the dumb can not un- derstand how the poor blind children live. But we who are whole, know the depth of the great privations they both endure, and ever desire that they would be even as we are. And so in the love of flowers and of flower culture; there are none of us but de- sire that all should be partakers of what we ourselves enjoy. There are, it is true, both men and women who think flowers afford them no particular pleasvu'e, but we find that in their daily avo- cations an original stratum of floral love crops out above the surface. Mr. Cash, when fixing up his office, is very likely to se- lect a carpet which has some leafy or floral design, in preference to one of bars or crosses; and in the choice of an inkstand or paper-holder, a bronze rose or polished acorn will generally carry the day against the dull square article. He may be satisfied on the score of economy, for business is business you know, with a plainly printed heading to his note j)aper; but if he is thriving, it is a rare chance if his name and special products ai'e not engraved within a delicately outlined foliaceous scroll. As for the ladies — ^let arti- ficial flowers and Dolly Varden styles tell the tale for them. Even those excellent people who feel it a duty to bear testimony against 3 the frivolities of fashion, and thus curb their disposition to indulge in weaknesses of more _ worldly inclined people, yet have their innate love for flowers developed in moss-covered baskets, paintings of flowers, or beautiful designs formed of gorgeously tinted autumn leaves. Yes, the whole world is fond of flowers. No one need be ashamed to avow his taste. Every lover of his race must be pleased with any advance" in public sympathy for them. As society is constituted now, it is an ex- pensive business to grow flowers on an ex- tensive scale. The price of labor is so high, and constantly increasing, that gardening is much more of a luxury than it has been. But as the labor and care increases, society adapts itself to the change, and instead of growing the flowers buys them cut from the florists, or hires the plants for decorative purposes. Those of our readers who live in what in a social sense we may call the country, have little idea of the growing immensity of the cut-flower trade in the large cities. While it is believed that gardening as a fine art, or even the mere cultivation of flowers as a luxury', has not kept up in ratio with the in- crease of population, the mere florist's ti'ade — that which furnishes plants and flowers for temporary ornament and decoration — has probably doubled within the last ten years. Not only do florists grow flowers of theii*own in great quantities for baskets and bouquets, but many away from the immediate circle of the cities find it profitable to grow flowers to sell again to those who put them up; and even private gardens frequently contribute to supply the demand. Indeed the tendency of this division between the one who grows the flowers and the one who sells, is continually growing greater. Land in the city is high and taxes heavy. Flowers are light and travel easily by rail or wagon, and thus can be raised to better advantage away from the expenses of a large town. The principal flowers grown for this purj)ose are Roses and Camellias; but HeliotroiDCS, Violets, and many 338 THE CALIFORNIA HORTICULTURIST. other popular flowers come into good use. . These leading sorts are sold at a price per hundred flowers — Camellias in their best time wholesaling at about §20 per hundred, and Roses at about half this rate. As a gen- eral thing Camellias are raised in pots or tubs, but Roses are most genex-ally grown in the natural ground under a glass-house erected for the purpose. A Rose-house on this principle is a very pretty sight in the winter season — not quite as ga}' perhaps as its rival, the Camellia, but with a fragrance , which, if plants have sensation as some wise folk tell us, the Camellia doubtless envies. Many Roses do not flower freely under glass in winter unless the houses are very tight, nor unless they have some age. For general purposes, Safirano,Bon Silene, Luxembourg, Isabella Sprunt, Arch Duke Charles, and Hermosa are popular, flowering young and freely where there is room, good light, and a year or two of age. Lamarque and Marshal Niel are great Rose-house favorites. As we have said, we are glad to see the in- creasing taste for cut flowers. In this part of the world no dinner table is complete without a bouquet; no parlor well furnished without its little plate or basket of cut flow- ers. The churches of almost all denomina- tions are decorated ever}' Sunday' with flow- ers or living plants; and without flora in some shape, no company is regarded as com- plete. We are glad of these signs of the times. As the world could not be made with- out flowers, we who are of the world should make the best use we can of them. No one was ever the worse for them; while in sick- ness and in health they have delighted thou- sands, and in death, likewise, they have afforded'friends and relatives many a consol- ing thought. — Gardener's Mont hi ij. English Sparkows in Australia. — It appears from complaints received by the Ro^'al Hor- ticultural Society that fruit croj)S in Australia have been seriously injured by the English sparrows imported into that country. ORCHID CULTURE. [Continued from page 270 of number 9.] Phalcenopsis Grandifiora. — Although this • article refers specially to the grandiflora va- riety, I shall include Phalcenopsis generally, the same treatment being required for all the genus. These magnificent orchidese are among orchids what the diamond is in a col- lection of precious stones, and no collection is complete without at least a specimen; but as they are all natives of the hot, moist, shady woods of Java, Borneo, and adjacent islands, they require a high temperature at all seasons of the year, and being q^eated without any pseudo bulbs to store up moist- ure, require to keep moist all the year. These plajits have always been scarce and comparatively high priced, from the difficulty of importing them alive and the slowness with which they increase, for they do not throw off extra shoots like most Orchidcse, but occasionally form a young plant on the old flower-stem; for which reason, and also that some of the varieties flower several times from the same stem, it should not be cut away when the flowers fade; but the flowers are the most lasting of any Orchid gi'own. On strong, healthy plants they fre- quently last from three to six months in per- fection. The flowers are large, pure white, and from the light, airy look the plant is frequently called the moth plant. These plants have been scarce and dear, in fact in- creasing in price until recently there have been some successful imjiortations; prerious to this there had been but few imported alive for about twenty-five years. • As an ex- ample of the price, the late Duke of Devon- shire paid one hundred guineas for the first small plant sent to Chatsworth. P. amnbilis is much like the above, but smaller in all its parts, and is pink instead of yellow in centre of lip. P. SchiUeriana is a magnificent variety with beautiful variegated foliage and splendid mauye colored floAvers, edged with white. ,J Our plant had a sjiike with three dozen flow- • THE CALITOENIA HOKTICULTUEIST. 339 ers this year; but it has been exhibited in Europe with over one hundred flowers. This is a veiy scarce and expensive plant. I saw a small specimen sold at auction in New York for eighty-five dollars, and the few who possess specimens in this country do not care to part with them at any price. There are several other species, but more are smaller flowered than the above named species, and their great rarity makes them difficult to ob- tain. As regards culture, these plants are very easily grown. If fastened on a bare block of wood the roots will cling to it and exist on the moisture in the air; in this case it will reciuire damping several times a day in sum- mer, and at least once a day in winter. This is the safest plan for amateurs to grow it, for after once established it will not suifer so readily from bad watering, but i^ no case should it get very dry, or the leaves shrivel and drop off. I grow some in baskets, some on blocks and shallow frames, or pots with drainage filled above the top of pot, and a little live sphagnum moss as a surfacing, to grow these plants well. The temperature of the house should never be below 65 deg. on coldest nights of winter, and then it is best to suspend the plant in the warmest part free from draughts. In this country we generally have bright sun in the coldest weather, so that 75 deg. or 80 deg. in winter does no harm by day; while 80 deg. by night and 90 to 100 deg. by day, with air saturated with moisture, is required in summer with direct rays of sun. In conclusion, Phakenopsis flowers are ex- cellent for bouquets, and for decorating ladies' hair they are unequaled, and with care will last more than one evening. — Gardener's Monthly. In Santa Barbara, side by side, grow the olive, almond, walnut, orange, lemon, fig, pomegranate, apple, peach, plum, pear, grape and strawberries. White velvet wheat yields forty bushels to the acre in Oregon. CULTURE OF THE CAMELLIA. Several of our subscribers being anxious to know concisely the proper means to cultivate this really handsome and altogether aristo- cratic plant, we append the following jot- tings. In Victoria the camellia, with proper attention, succeeds admirably; at the same time it is absolutely necessary that it should obtain a well-drained and sheUered situation, protected if possible from the north winds and excessive solar heat. The ground must be well-drained, adding liberally fibrous turf, or peaty loam, for the camellia delights in pure vegetable matter; in fact, the more densely set with fine fibre, even though it as- sumes the appeararce of a mass of thick fibrous matter, so much the better. This kind of loam must be incorporated with the ordinary garden soil thoroughly, and with no niggardly hand, if handsome healthy speci- mens are wished for. If you find any of your plants in an unhealthy state, at once examine the roots; should the soij be found bad or sour, at once remove it, and apply loam as before described, and then leave them alone; do not interfere with them again, although they for some time may not look all you could wish, for the camellia is a plant, although hardy, that does not like interference. On preparing soil for the camellia various opin- ions have been entertained. The loam used by nurserymen, and that used by private gar- deners ought to be two verj' difi'erent compos- itions. The nurseryman looks to bulk of plant and increase of young wood, while on the other hand the gardener's object is to in- crease the proportion of blossoms. The soil above recommended must be well mixed and broken with the spade, never resorting to the detestable practice of sifting, which carries away and abstracts the decomposing fibrous matter, in reality the principal support of the plants. Through the dry seasons it is abso- lutely necessary to give copious waterings, and at this season (autumn), weekly supplies of clear liquid manure will enhance their blooming, and cause renewed vigor. It is a 340 THE CALIFOEXIA HORTICULTUEIST. good plan to sink two or three flower pots underground, near the plants, which can be kept filled with water; these will constantly keep moisture at the roots. To secur6 fine blooms, disbudding will have to be resorted to, some varieties requiring this attention much more than others. It is quite sufficient to leave one good bud on each shoot, never more than two. The earlier the camellia makes its growth in the season, the earlier will it bloom. You cannot hurry them in this respect. As regards pot-grown camellias, we fre- quently- hear complaints of the buds failing. This generally arises from checks, such as, at times, over-watering, and at others under- watering, the want of timely and judicious potting, and very frequently from too much coddling. Those amateurs not thoroughly un- derstanding the business of repotting, thin- ning, etc., would do well to seek the aid of a;u exi^erienced gardener to perform such-like matters, for these charming evergreen shrubs are certainly deserving of every care, and they will well repay you for it. As a winter-flow- ering jolant, and for the decoration of resi- dences, both inside and out, they have no compeers. The varieties now cultivated in this colony are both numerous and good — sufficiently large for all purjooses, their shining dark green foliage and splendid white and red flowers being deservedly popular. Consider- able attention is necessarj- during their period of blooming, most particularly so with large plants, which should have their decaying flowers picked off regularly, otherwise the ap- pearance and effect of the plants are greatly marred. The foliage, too, will need a thor- ough cleaning previous to the blooms expand- ing, and then it becomes difficult to conceive anything more beautiful than a fine healthy plant of a double camellia. — Exchange. m\tmi\\ d^ortfolio. A FLORIST of Long Island has seventy acres of flowers, twenty of which are entirely de- voted to gladioli. There are also ten acres of Japan lilies^ and five acres of tube roses. Fish Cxtlturk as Compared in Importance WITH Agriculture. — Such is the text of a very able speech which we have just read, and which Avas delivered in the "House of Representatives, Washington, in May last, by the Hon. R. B. Roosevelt, of New York. The subject is one of supreme interest to the whole civilized world — to the people of this continent especially; and to us the deni- zens of this Pacific coast particularly, as it is evident that in the future our broad valleys and rolling plains will be densely peopled with a race tracing their origin to the out- pourings of the crowded populations of over- flowing European nationalities, and whose requirements will tax its productiveness to the fullest extent. It is incumbent on the citizens of this country to be prepared to the height of their ability, for this inevitable accession to the population, both in food as well as in timber for fuel and manufacturincr j)urposes. It is an undoubted fact that vast tracts of land in the old world once densely teeming with high-fed, wealthy, and luxurious popu- lations, were immensely productive of all the necessaries of life, corn, wine, oil — they were indeed lands literally "flowing with milk and honey;" we need hardly say, we allude among others to Sj^ria, Assyria, Bab}-^- lonia, Egypt, etc. What are they now with but little exception, but arid deserts devoid of timber; the soil, exhausted by over pro- duction, reduced to sand; the rivers and lakes in many instances dry or sadly dimin- ished; the populations which once dominated all the other portions of the then known world, reduced in nearly every instance to a few miserable, straggling, half-starved wan- derers; the result of recklessness in overtax- ing the soil and not at the same time seeking to rejDlenish and renew? Such must be the successive fate of all large centres of popu- lation, unless vigorous, determined, liberal- i minded, and enlightened systems are adopted to reinvigorate the soil, renew the timber and THE CALIFORNIA HORTICULTURIST. 341 economize the water stipply. We have our warning' on this continent in the fact, that on those portions of it which have been unceas- ingly cropped, the produce is not nearly so heavy as it used to be. The only reason why China, doubtless dating as far back as the empires we have named, still feeds her dense and immense population, is that she has from time imme- morial carefully and intelligently studied the feeding of her people, and provided for their future supply. Agriculture there is honora- ble, and her most solemn holiday is on the commencement of the agricultural year, when the Emperor with much pomp and ceremony, and attended by his highest nobles, puts his hand to the plow and turns the first furrow. There, also, timber culture is diligently pur- sued; everything available for food is utilized, and all matters useful as manure carefully saved and intelligently applied. In all her immense rivers and lakes fish-culture has for centuries been most successfully followed, and has contributed largely to the feeding of her i:)eople. Agriculture has at all times, from the very earliest dates, been a most important occu- pation. The Bible says Cain was a tiller of the ground, a farmer in fact — possibly thfe first one (not a very estimable progenitor, and scarcely desirable as a patron saint); for Adam doubtless was a gardener, a few vege- tables and fruits sufficing for his small fam- ily, and there being no inducement to culti- vate for the market. Through the whole history of man, and in every country, in proportion as civilization advanced do we find from the earliest known records down to the most recent publications of the present day, that the cultivation of the soil has been of paramount importance, from the necessity of providing a reliable supply of food for the people in general, and more particularly for the vast masses of pop- ulation congregated in cities. Thus we find that in all ages, and particularly in the last and present centuries, to combat with the continuously increasing, ceaseless, and im- perative demand for food, the most strenuous exertions have been made, by the most care- ful, diligent, and discriminating experiments on the comparative nutritive qualities and ratio of productiveness of all available vege- table substances — the most efficient and economical mode of raising crops and of in- creasing their fruitfulness — the most stimu- lating manures and their comparative action on various plants, with the best and most economical mode of applying them.* And the most diligent care has been taken in col- lecting, preserving, preparing for use, and utilizing them, and vessels have for a long period been and are still being dispatched to all parts of the world to obtain or dispose of cargoes of guano (and like substances), one of the most powerful stimulants known. The various implements for culture have also received the untiring attention of sci- ence aided by vigilant experience and me- chanical ingenuity; and the rude contorted limb of a tree which served in the early ages to imperfectly scratch the ground, has, through a long series of ingeuioiis modifica- tions, given place to the ponderous but pow- erful and efficient steam plow. All other agricultural tools and appliances have in like manner been modified and impoved. The drainage of the laud — the rotation of crops — irrigation , both on small and on very extend- ed plans, has been perseveringly and intelli- gently pursued — and quite recently subsur- face irrigation has been introduced. Equal to these have been the labors and anxieties of those whose province it has been to provide animal food. Equally enlightened, diligent, and patient investigations have been made as to the comparative nourish- ing qualities of the various kinds of flesh, etc. ; the best breeds and classes of animals, etc. ; the best modes of feeding and general management of them — all to increase the supply of food — and equally careful and dil- lififent have been the investigations as to the * To these and like matters, such men as Liebig have enthusiastically devoted their attention. 342 THE CALirOETsIA HOETICULTrEIST. best, most economical, and healthful mode of preparing it for consumption. But while thus the vegetable world has been ransacLed for edibles, which have been cultivated wher^ practicable into productive- ness and nutritive qualities far beyond antici- pation; while the beasts of the field and the fowls of the air have also been rendered sub- servient to this universal demand for food, and have been almost changed in their na- tures to appease the ravenous appetite of mankind, the cultivation of fish (save in China) has been neglected; not that they have been spared— on the contrary, in many parts of the world, from the rivers and lakes the indigenous species have been all but exterm- inated; and even from many lines of sea- coast, so determined, persistent, and exten- sive has been the war waged, that many species of migratory fish have been driven ofi", or appear in much diminished numbers. The implements of destruction have been made most efficient, but no effort has been used, till very recently, to protect. For, be it remembered, wherever these fish approach the coasts and enter the rivers, it is to prop- agate their species — to deposit their eggs ; and whenever one of these fish is captured, it is at the sacrifice of probably thousands of young ones. Still, as it is the only opportu- nity of taking many species, and they are amazingly prolific, the capture is justifiable ; but not such barbarous, wasteful, wholesale destruction as occurs when, in consequence of immense shoals approaching some shores, the opportunity arrives of taking enormously more than can be utilized for food, and, con- sequently, millions are carted away and used as manure. This ignorant, thoughtless, and tiger-like waste is mostly attributable to the low grade of the people engaged in the fish- eries of all countries, as contradistinguished from the agricultural and stock - raising classes, amongst whom., in most parts of the world, are found intelligent and influential men, who bear much influence, which is used beneficially, in their own sections of society. Legislatures in every land should seek to ■remedy this evil, which is fearfully wide- spread, and affects not only the shore fish, but those frequenting and inhabiting the riv- ers and lakes ; and it is in this interest that Mr. Eoosevelt speaks ; and he seeks not only to protect, but to replenish the waters. , He shows, most clearly, how easily the depleted streams may be repopulated with teeming millions, even exceeding their former abund- ance ; and that, by careful selection and adaptation of species, various delicious and nutritive varieties may be made to abound where they were previously unknown. He shows how comparatively inexpensive are the necessary operations, when contrasted with the costly efforts of the agriculturist and gra- zier to supply the people — how immense the return per acre of surface. And we all know how nutritious and brain-invigorating is that species of food ; and that all.ichthophagous classes of society are notoriously robust, healthy, and prolific. It is incumbent on every government, whether general or local, to exert itself in this behalf — to aid liberally where any fish- cultural institution exists, and to inaugurate where such is not the case. There is an Ac- climatizing Society in this city, which has used considerable exertions to propagate va- rious species of trout and other fish, and has met with gratifying success ; but we fear that it does not meet with the encouragement it deserves. It should not only have assistance from local officials, but should receive State aid — due care being taken that it does not dwindle into a mere matter of dollars and cents. We regret that we have not space, in the present number, to extract largely from Mr. Roosevelt's speech ; but will endeavor to find room in our next. The Cranberry Crop in New Jersey and Massachusetts.— The cranberry crop of New Jersey is reported much below an average, and that of Cape Cod, IMassachusetts, almost a total failure, a large proportion of the vines having been killed last winter, and the re- mainder greatly ravaged by worms. THE CALIFORNIA HORTICULTUEIST. 343 HOW TO GROW THE VIOLET. A bouquet of violets is at all times accept- able ; their simple beauty, and tlieir odorif- erous perfume, making them always charm- ing companions. They will grow in almost any good garden soil, tbe most suitable com- post being a fibrous loam ; the border situated in a shady position, but not too damp. Se- lect healthy off-shoots from old plants, and place three of these together to form one ; put them in the prepared bed 10 in. by 12 in. apart, attending to them as regards waterings if the weather prove dry. Care must be used in protecting them against slugs, which in many gardens prove very injurious during the winter months, more especially in those situations inclined to be damp. In fact, too much moisture is to be avoided during the winter season, if a plentiful supply of blooms is wished for. Some of the plants may be potted in a sim- ilar loam, providing plenty of drainage; these can be transferred to the conservatory or drawing-room when in bloom, lending a charm during the dull winter months. The potted plants should be plunged in a shady border, until required ; otherwise they may become too dry, from the effects of the strong south winds. When cut-flowers only are re- quired, it is best to have them in beds, as they bloom more profusely, and continue longer in flower. With a little attention they are easily managed, and will well repay you for the care bestowed upon them. They will express their gratitude either in the handsome drawing-room or the parlor of the most simple lodgings, by the general sweet- ness of their demeanor. How far more beau- tiful are they than any of the most elaborate works of art, for which numbers desert these and other works of nature ! What tender tones, what plaintive heart music, what hopes and fears have been sighed over a bunch of violets ! how often have they acted the pq^i't of the sweet messenger, and called to recol- lection t'iose wanderings through bowery lanes and shady walks in England's lovely spring-time ! We see no reason why a fond- ness of flowers should not be developed con- temporaneously, or why, in childhood and boyhood, and throughout manhood too, the sense of sight and smell should minister only, so far as gardening is concerned, to the gratification of our tongues and throats, and cease to co-operate with the heart and brain. Why should not the love of the beautiful, which is innate in every exile from England, be encouraged by our instructors with as much care and attention as music and danc- ing ? — Exchange. BANANA CULTUEE. The banana is in such high favor with many Calif ornians, that they demand its steady importation from Honolulu and Pan- ama. The branches, containing large clus- ters of the fruit, are cut off while it is still green, so that it may be transported in a good state of preservation. It ripens with the stem detached from the parent tree, but is not, of course, so delicious as when pluck- ed ripe from the stem on which it grows. There is some doubt, too, about its being en- tirely healthful when . ripened artificially. Several attempts have been made to cultivate the fruit in this State, not always, however, with the best of success. The opinion pre- vails, that there are localities where, if proper care were bestowed on the trees,, they could be cultivated with excellent results. In San Diego, Mr. Louis Meinzer has given some at- tention to the matter ; and the Union of that place speaks of his efforts encouragingly. His plan is, to cover the trees while in bloom or in seasons of frost. One of his trees has borne fruit, which is expected to mature in a few days. Concerning this tree, the Union says : " It does not enjoy the benefits of the morning sun, being completely shaded by the house near which it stands ; and in the after- noon it only receives the rays of the sun for about two hours, large fig-trees growing near it obscuring it during the remainder of the 344 THE CALrPORNIA HORTICULTUEIST. time. Mr. Meinzer thinks, that if the tree does so well under such unfavorable circum- stances, those which he planted a year later, and which are so situated as to receive the sun both morning- and afternoon, will besur6 to thrive and bear." Messrs. Asher, Horton, and Wilcox, of the same place, have planted banana bulbs, and feel confident they will mature. Mr. Horton has a tree in his garden that is expected to bear next year. It is said to be very thrifty, and, from its vigorous appearance, it would seem that it was perfectly at home. A bulb planted in the San Diego Court-house yard is also flourishing, which leads the Union to as- sert, that the doubt whether the banana can be grown in the open air in Southern Califor- nia will soon be solved by these experiments ; and for this reason, if for no other, the per- sons who have taken an interest in the growth of the tree deserve commendation. — Morning Gall. • WORK FOR THE MONTH. The dry season of California is nearly over, and we may now at any time expect our regular installment of rain; it is most important that the rainy season should not take us by surprise. While little can be done in our orchards and vineyards beyond the gathering, market- ing, and storing of fruits, ornamental trees and shrubs, and flowering plants should re- ceive considerable attention. We would advise at the present time to entirely dis- pense with irrigation of plants, trees, and lawns; the young growth should have time to harden; proper pruning should be done in all cases as early as possible. In this cli- mate, trees and shrubs are apt to make im- mense growth, and will expand in one season out of all shape and beyond our control. Evergreens in particular should be balanced, the superfluous growth cut away, and the trees supported by proper stakes, so as to enable them to withstand our strong winds. In most cases, trees are planted too thickly and without due reference to a future growth and development; this is erroneous except where planted for grouping, and this should only be effected on the large and extensive grounds of country residences. Whenever it is apparent that trees stand in too close proximity to one another, one or the other should be removed; and where flowering plants are ovefshadowed by trees, it is inevi- table that one must give way to the other; in some cases, this action can be modified by the removal or cutting back of some of the branches so as to permit a free circulation of air, and exposure to the rays of the sun at least for a few hours during the day; but it more frequently occurs that we can not sug- gest any other remedy than the removal of the trees or the abandonment of the flowering plants in their vicinity. We have, as a gen- eral rule, too many trees in our gardens, and when we take into consideration how rapidly and effectually they exhaust the soil, it can not surprise any one that the smaller plants suffer severely from want of nourishment. Roses should now be pruned very closely; deciduous shrubs, such as Lilacs, Snoivhalh, Mock Oranges, Spirceas, Deulzias, etc., must be trimmed with care. Ignorant garden- ers frequently cut away the wood which should produce the flowers, and we have fre- quentlj^ heard the complaint that some of the above-named shrubs have not produced any flowers for many years; and that the owners were determined to throw them away on that account. When we explained mat- ters to them, and a more sensible mode of treatment was adopted, an abundant season of flowers generally followed. Dahlias and Gladiolus may now be taken up and stored, after exposing the roots to the sun for a day or two, in a dry and airy place. Jlijaciiilhs may also be taken up and kej)t out of the ground for a few weeks, or until the time comes for replanting. Tulips, Narcissus, Lilies, Pmonies, and Snowdrops should remain in the ground undisturbed; but the ground surrounding them should be trenched carefull,y, so as not to injure the THE CALIFORNIA HORTICULTURIST. 345 bulbs, and they should have a good manur- ing or top-dressing. Violets, Finks, and other herbaceous plants should receive some manure, and the soil should be worked care- fully around them. Green-houses and consei-vatories must have a thorough overhauling, and care must be taken that the glass-roofs are made tight. "When artificial heat is not applied during winter, it is advisable to water sparingly, and to give a great deal of fresh air; this will pre- vent too much growth of tender shoots, which are apt to perish during our cloudy and chilly winter days. This is particularly the case with all tender ornamental foliage plants, such as Coleus, Marantas, Begonias, etc. Veiy little attention has, so far, been paid here to the proper heating of green-houses. Although artificial heat is not required for Heliotropes, Geraniums, Camellias, etc., yet it is certain that the more tender Warm-house plants, including the very desirable, tender, ornamental foliage plants, must receive arti- ficial heat if they are expected to vegetate luxuriantly. If kept dry and in small pots, most of the so-called Warm-house j)lants may be wintered without actual loss, yet we frequently hear of total losses of Coleus, Clerodendroa, variegated Dracoenas, Mar- antas, and the like. We certainly do not require such formidable heating appliances as are necessary in the East and in Europe, but it is very desirable that this matter should be properly discussed among our professional men. FloAvering Bulbs are now coming into the market. To those who are fond of Hyacintlis and Narcissus in bloom at Christmas time, we would give a kindly advice to purchase a few bulbs and to plant them without delay in pots or boxes for the window. They are cheap — every one can afford to have a few; they are of eas}' culture and give general satisfaction. A FEW drops of glycerine added to a pint of any writing fluid, changes it at once into copying ink. BAY DISTRICT HORTICULTURAL SOCIETY. Regular meeting, Saturday, October 26th, 1872. The meeting was well attended. After the reading of the minutes of the previous meet- ing, the Secretary handed in his report of the Exhibition accounts. The total receipts of the society, including the appropriation from the State, were $5165.25, and the total disbursements were $3557.55 ; making a net gain of $1607.70. The receipts of the Exhibition itself were, according to prior arrangement, the property' of the Horticultural Hall Association, and cannot be charged to the account of the Hor- ticultural Society ; it is therefore impossible for the Secretary to give the total receipts of the Exhibition, in connection with this report. The Report was referred to the Trustees of the Horticultural Society. A communication was received from the Agent of the United Anaheim Wine Orow- ers' Association, donating the amount of pre- mium awarded to said association, to the Horticultural Society. The thanks of the Society were expressed to the U. A. Wine Growers' Association. Dr. A. Kellogg was elected a life member of the society. Nominations for the officers of the society for the ensuing year being in order, the fol- lowing members were nominated : For President, Dr. A. Kellogg and Eug. A. Upton. For Vice-President, C. Stephens and C. Schuman. For Secretary, Prof. H. N. Bolander and F. A. Miller. For Treasurer, Hugo Herst and J. Weis- senborn. For Trustees, Wm. Robinson, R. Michel- son, J. H. Sievers, and Th. Brown. At the suggestion of the Secretary, it was proposed to discuss the time and the place for a Spring, Exhibition at the next regular meeting. Prof. Bolander called the attention of the society to the practicability of underground irrigation by clay pipes. We have no space. 346 THE CALIFOENLA. HORTICULTURIST. in this number, to give the discussion on the subject in full. Dr. Behr made some remarks on destruct- ive insects, a full report of which we will insert in our next. Mr. Wolleb suggested, as an excellent remedy for mildew on roses, etc., a solution of carbolic soap and water, applied by sprink- ling. Space and time will not permit us to give a detailed report. FAVORS EECEIVED. AGRICULTURAL COLLEGE OF CALIFORNIA. On the 8th of October the corner-stone of the Agricultural College of the University of California was laid at Berkeley, Alameda County. The ceremonies were conducted bv Bishop Kip, Dr. Stebbins, and the offi- cers of the Board of Regents. OUR EXCHANGE TABLE. Several new and valuable exchanges have been added to our already numerous list. The Bural Alabamian is a very neatly got- teu-up Monthly, devoted to Agriculture, Horticulture, and improved Industry of the South. It is published by C. C. Langdon & Co., Mobile, Ala. Subscription price, $2 per annum. Wood's Household 3Iagazine, valuable for the family circle, for its instructive and en- tertaining reading matter. Published month- ly by S. S. Wood & Co., Newburgh, IS. Y. Price $1 ijev year. The Western Planter is a weekly journal, devoted to Agriculture, Horticulture, Stock- raising, and Home Reading. Published by R. H. Stone & Co., Kansas City, Missouri. Price, $1.50 per annum. Young Folks' Rural, a Rural and Literary monthly journal for young people of country and city, deserves patronage. ' It is pub- lished by H. N. F. Lewis (of the Western Rural, Chicago, Illinois. Subscription, $1.50 per year. We are indebted to Hon. Robert B. Roose- velt, of New York, for his very valuable speech, delivered in the House of Repre- sentatives at Washington, on Fish Culture compared in importance with Agriculture. V^'e owe thanks to the West Tennessee Agricultural and Mechanical Association for a Complimentary Ticket to their Second An- nual Fair to be held October 22d to 26th, 1872; we have also received the Premium- list, Rules and Regulations, etc., of the Exhibition. ♦ CATALOGUES RECEIVED. John Saul's Descriptive Catalogue of Dutch Bulbs and other bulbous flower roots, Wash- ington, D. C. Wliolesale Catalogue of Fruit, Evergreen, and Ornamental Trees, Shnibs, Plants, etc., for 1872-73; for sale by John Saul, Wash- ington, D. C. Catalogue of select California Flowers and Tree Seeds, Bulbs, and Plants, native Ferns, Australian Tree and Shrub Seeds, etc.; for sale by Miller & Sievers, 27 Post Street^ San Francisco. Catalogue of Stove and Green-house Plants, including Orchids, Palms, Ferns, etc.; for sale by Geo. Such, South Amboy, N. J. Nurser-y Trade Catalogue of the Genesee Valley Nurseries. Frost & Co., Proprietors, Rochester, N. Y. Wholesale Price List of Fruits and Orna- mental Trees for sale by H. E. Hooker & Brothers, Rochester, N. Y. Wholesale Price LiM of the Fairport Nurs- eries, Fairport, ]\Ionroe County, N. Y. Dreer's Descriptive Catalogue of Bulbs and other flower roots, with directions how to manage. Adress: Henry A. Dreer, Phila- delphia, Pa. Wholesale Catalogue of R. B. Parsons & Co. , Broadway, Flushing Village, Queen's County, N. Y. THE CAIilTOENIA HOETICULTURIST. 347 General Trade List of Nm-serv Stock, Seeds, and Bulbs, by Wood & Hail, Geneva, N. Y. Special Trade List of Supplies for Nurseiy- men, Seedsmen, and Floiists, by Wood & Hall, Geneva, N. Y. Neic Evergreens offered for the first time by T. C. Maxwell & Bro., Geneva, IS. Y. Trade List for the fall of 1872, by S. B. Vreeland, Greenville, Hudson Co., X. J. Catalogue and Price List of Small Fniits grown and for sale by James X. Veazey, Covedale, Hamilton CouBty, Ohio. NEW AND EAEE PLANTS. A1.0CASIA :^L4.RSHALL^. — A remarkably fine new Aroid, related to and much in the way of A. Jenningsii, but differing in ha^ang a broad gray band down the centre of the leaf. The leaves are ovate, peltate, attached to erect green stalks, the blades standing almost vertical ; while the color is a bright green, marked between the principal veins with broad, wedge-shaped leaves of blackish pur- ple. The addition of the silveiy band adds very greatly to their beauty. It was import- ed from India. Croton GRANDE. — A fine, bold-habited and free growing stove plant, having oblong- obovate leaves eight inches long, and nearly half as much in ^idth, and with a stout foot- stalk varying from one inch to two and a half inches in length. These leaves are, in the young state, of a rich deep green, with a yel- lowish rib and scattered yellow spots, the stalks being pale-colored at the base and apes, where they are also thickened. As the plants gain maturity, they become more dis- tinctly veined and spotted with yellow. The present is remarkable among the Crotons or Codiaeums for its vigorous and bold character, having, in fact, very much the aspect of a Ficus. It is one of the many forms of Codi- seum variegatum which have come from the South Sea Islands. Deag^na splexdexs. — A remarkably dis- tinct ornamental stove plant, of dwarf and compact but free-growing habit, densely fur- nished with short oblong acute recm-ved leaves, about nine inches long and fom* inches broad, arranged in a spiral manner, and hav- ing winged foot-stalks. The color is a deep bronzy green, breaking out in the young growth into bright rosy carmine, the petiole and base of the leaves margined with the same color. The brighter coloring appears sometimes in stripes, and sometimes occupies the whole surface ; while the recurved char- acter of the densely-set foliage gives the plant a flat, almost table-like head. It has been imported from the South-Sea Islands. It was awarded a first-class certificate by the Floral Committee of the Koyal Horticultural Society. EcHEVERiA Abvssin^ca. — This fine green- house succulent, of branching, shrubby habit, was brought from Abyssynia by Major Leve- Bon, at the time of the Abyssinian war. The plant has much the habit of some of the large-leaved shrubby Sempervivums ; but be- ing described by my correspondent as bearing red flowers, it has been doubtfully refeiTed to Echeveria, with which it sufficiently accords in habit. The stems are as thick as one's fin- ger, and terminate in flattened rosulate heads of spathulate acute leaves, three to four inches long, of a pale glossy-green color, and finely ciliated at the margin. The plants form a branched conical mass a foot and a half high, and as much through ; and wiU be a welcome addition amongst succulents. BEGO^^A CAK5nNATA. — An elegant tuberous- rooted hybrid of the " Boliviensis" group. The leaves are stained with a coppery brown tint between the veins ; while the flowers are large, of a pretty, delicate salmony hue tinged with rose, the males haring four ob- long segments upwards of an inch long, and the females five petals of a smaller size. The plants come into flower while quite dwarf, and continue blooming in the most profuse manner. 348 THE CALIFORNIA HORTICULTUEIST. New Clematis. — Albert Victor : Extra fine shape, each flower having eight petals, deep lavender color, with brown ribs down the cen- tre of each petal, the ribs changing to white, or nearly so, as the flower expands. Very free flowering, and of a superb, thick, vel- vety texture. Lady Londeshorough. — Very fine shape, each flower having eight petals ; color, a delicate silver-gray, with white stripe down the centre of each petal ; a pink stain at the base of the stamens gives it a pretty appearance. Good substance and very free-flowering. Constitu- tion veiy robust. MUs Bateman.—Goodi shape, each flower composed of eight petals ; color pure white, with distinct band of glaucous cream-color dow^n the centre of each petal. Very free, and altogether a magnificent plant. EEPOKT ON THE FRUIT MAEKET. The Autumn fruits are now in full supply, and in quality are very superior. Apples are plentiful, large in size, brilliant in their coloring, full in their distinctive fla- vors, and numerous in their varieties. The Pears are also abundant, delicious to the taste, and beautifully colored; we espe- cially note the Beurre Clairgeau, Orange Bergamol, Easter Beurre, White Doyenne, and a few Bartletts; some few are just making their appearance — the Glout Morceaii, for in- stance. Grapes are also in great abundance and very fine; we especially notice Muscat of Alex- andria, Flaming Tokay, Rose of Peru, Isa- bella, etc. A few Plums, Strawberries, and Figs are still to be seen. There is a very good assortment and sup- ply of Vegetables in Market and of excellent quality; Asparagus has made its appearance, Egg and Oyster Plants are abundant, and Gumbo, Green Peas, and several varieties of Beans still in full supply. (?i;0m;spon(ktta. PLANTING TREES. We have just received from I. N. Hoag, the Secretary of the State Board of Agricul- ture, the following copy of " An Act to en- courage the Planting and Cultivation of Shade and Fruit Trees upon the Public Lands and Highways of this State ;" ap- proved March 30th, 1868 ; with the request that we draw public attention to it. We fully estimate its importance, and only regret that it came to hand so late, that we had barely time to provide for its insertion in the present number ; but will endeavor to advo- cate the subject in our next. Section 1. The Board of Supervisors of any county of this State, by an order of such Board, to be passed at a regular meeting of such Board, and to be entered in the minutes thereof, may authorize the planting and culti- vation of shade and fruit trees, by persons owning lands in such county, upon the pub- lic roads and highways adjacent to such lands. Sec. 2. The Board of Supervisors may, by order, entered up6n their minutes, desig- nate the roads or highways upon which such trees may be planted, so describing such road, by reference to places and boundaries, that the same may he readily ascertained. They shall also, in such order, direct the species of trees to be so planted, their age when plant- ed, their distance from each other, and their position with reference to the traveled road, and also all such other rules and regulations as they shall deem proper to secure the proper planting, growth and protection of such trees, and to prevent their obstructing the travel upon such road. Sec. 3. Whenever any person shall plant, upon any public road, in front of land owned by him, shade or fruit trees, in accordance with the provisions of this act, and also of such rules as the Board of Supervisors may prescribe hereunder, such person so planting such trees shall file with the Board of Super- THE CALIFOIINIA HORTICULTUEIST. \ 349 visors of such county a written statement, setting forth, therein the road or places upon which such trees are planted, the number and species of trees thus planted, and the time of planting. Sec. 4. Four years from and after the date of planting such trees and giving the notice as provided in section third, the per- son planting such trees, or his legal repre- sentative, may present to the Board of Supervisors of such county his statement in writing, verified by the oath of such ap- plicant, setting forth therein the number and species of trees originally planted, when and by whom planted or caused to be plant- ed, and the number then living and in a thrifty condition; and for any wilful mis- statement contained in such report the party making the same may be prosecuted for the crime of perjury. Sec. 5. Upon filing such veiified state- ment, the Board of Supen-isors of such county shall allow to the party making the same the sum of one dollar for each and every tree so planted and growing thriftily, the same, to be audited and paid out of the General Fund of such county as other claims are allowed, audited, and paid. Sec 6. Nothing contained in this Act shall be construed to apply to any trees planted before the passage of this Act, un- less planted and cultivated as required by the orders of the Boards of Supervisors. Sec 7. This Act shall take effect from and after its passage. Eucalyptus Globulus. — This Australian plant, or rather tree, known by the common name of Blue Gum, has been introduced into some of the Southern States and appears to be well adapted to the climate. The whole plant — leaves, bark, wood, and root — is per- vaded by a peculiar aromatic, bitter principle, and a pungent volatile oil has been distilled from the leaves. To this oil the name of "eucalyptol" has been given. The leaves and bark of this tree have attained a high reputation among the natives of Australia for the cure of malarious diseases. Lately we observe that Doctor Coleman, resident phys- ician at the United States Marine Hospital at San Francisco, California, has used it in the treatment of fevers with marked success. He administered it in the form of a fluid extract, prepared by his directions. Coming from this source, the statement may be regarded as altogether reliable. Dr. Coleman treated five cases of remittent fever, nineteen of chills and fever, and nine of typhoid fever with the fluid extract of eucalyptus, and reports satisfactory results in eveiy case. He treated a number of other diseases with this remedy, where it appeared to be indicated, and the result was various, curing many cases and improving most. The active principle is said to possess great power in preventing conf er^'oid growths in fluids. In this it much resembles quinine, for which it is proposed as a substitute. — Ag- ricuUural Report. Canada Egg Plums. —We have three hund- red trees, of the leading popular market sorts, from which we are receiving very satisfactory returns. "We have thirty trees of the " Can- ada Egg," a new variety, set twelve feet apart, occupying one-tenth of an acre. From these thirty trees we have marketed two bushels per tree — sixty bushels— from which we realized four dollars per bushel net— $240, or at the rate of $2,400 per acre net. We esteem the Canada Egg an exceedingly valuable acquisi- tion to our list of early market plums. It originated in Canada, and was introduced here (Michigan) about ten years ago, and has since been cultivated with great success. The trees are hardy, vigorous and healthy, regular annual bearers. Fruit large, round- ish and very showy; color, a beautiful red- dish purple, overspread with a thick coat of delicate bloom; stone very small, flesh ten- der, juicy , rich and excellent. Uses— dessert, market, canning and cooking. Season very eariy— two weeks in advance of any other good market variety. It remains in use a 350 THE CALIFOENIA HORTICULTURIST. long time, bears handling and transportation well, and is valuable on that account. As an early, hardy, productive and profitable plum for the market and family orchard, we con- sider this variety superior to any other v^rith v^hich we are acquainted. — "N. P. H., Moore's Rural New Yorker." Sea Anemones — Specimens, in the Crystal Palace Aquarium. — Of sea anemones there are in the Crystal Palace Aquarium twenty-one species, all alive and doing well. Of these the largest is the Tealia crassicornia , or thick- horned anemone, which, owing to its great size, sometimes ten inches across, when fully expanded, permits its interior to be easily examined. The smallest in the aquarium is never more than one-tenth of an inch in di- ameter at its greatest stretch. Although to the uninstructed and unobservant eye these anemones appear to belong to the vegetable rather than to the animal kingdom, looking like specimens of weed or fungus, only two, they being coral, out of the twenty -one specimens in the Crystal Palace Aquarium, are absolutely non-locomotive, being fixed immovably during the whole period of their existence to a hard base. All the others have the power of locomotion, accomplished in a snail-like manner, in various degrees, one of them, the plumrose anemone, having been known to travel from three to six inches in twenty-four hours. The anemones are car- nivorous, and are fed with the flesh of the mussel, which is cut into small pieces, and being handed to \^\eiQ. by an attendant with a pair of wooden tongs, is grasped by the tentacles, and by them conveyed to the mouth in the centre^ of the topmost disc, which, gaping open, receives it and passes it into the stomach. The high state of health of this collection of anemones is shown by the facts that they are almost all nearly con- stantly open, even by day, this being the normal condition of anemones in the sea, where they are seldom closed, save when in the act of taking food, or when stranded. In the Crystal Palace, indeed, they are quite as much expanded by day as by night, though, with but one exception (anthea) they are noc- turnal. As the process of seeing them and the other animals feed is very popular, espe- cially with the visitors on Saturday after- noon, it has been found necessary to make Sunday a jour maigre, or absolute starvation da}", in order to keep them in health. A curious proof of the need of an aquarium such as this, as a means of instruction, is to be found in the fact that most English i:)eople of all classes refuse to recognize water creat- ures as "animals." They may be fish, shell- fish, or anything but animals, as of course they are. — All the Year Bound. Victoria, Texas. — The California clover is doing finely. It is at present about sixteen inches high. The burs or seed-pods are pro- duced at every joint, the joints being about one and a half inches apart. At each of these there springs up a flower-stalk half an inch in length, terminating in a cluster of small yellow flowers, from four to six in numb^er, from which the burs are formed. These run- ners or stems grow to three or four feet in length, putting out laterals, jointed like the main stock, and filled with seed-pods which cover the surface of the ground from one to three inches deep, and of which both fowls and animals are exceedingly fond. California Chestnuts.^ — We have been shown a chestnut of the Italian variety, of California growth, of surprising dimensions. The cir- cumference" of the specimen exhibited is fully three inches. This chestnut was raised by Mr. Henry Ginina, in Sonoma City. This gentleman planted a chestnut orchard from the seeds seven years ago, which has flour- ished finely, and is now bearing liberally of fruit of the general size and character above described. Doubtless chestnut trees Avould do equally well in most other of the valley lands of the State, and their cultivation is at least worthy a trial. — Morning Call. T 3EI E California Horticulturist AND FLORAL MAGAZINE Vol. IL NOVEMBER, 1872. No. 12. EPACKIS. It is surprising that this beautiful ever- o-reen flowering shrub is not more extensively ciiltivated on this coast, when it is fair to presume that the plants would do well in our climate; at least fully as well as the Ericas, which they resemble. We rarely meet with a specimen of Epacris in this State, and strange to say, there are, as far as we know, but few of them to be seen in the East. We understand that their j propagation meets with considerable diffi- culties, which are not easily overcome. In years gone by, we cultivated them success- fully, and we will endeavor to explain what we know about them : The Epacrises are natives of Australia, and are often mistaken for Ericas, which, as we have stated before, they much resemble. Florists, however, were not satisfied with the varioiis species, as they were discovered in their native countrj', although they are most beautiful, and a great number of Hybrids have been produced within the last 20 years, which have much increased the api^reciation of this valuable class of plants. There seems to be no difficulty in the propagation and cultivation of the Epacris in Europe, and there should be still less here, as most of the New Holland plants are hardy in this coun- tiy, and adapt themselves readily to our climate. The Epacris may be raised either from cut- tings or from seed. The best wood for cut- tings are the small lateral branches not yet hardened, and which may be taken off during autumn and the wdnter months. Prepare shallow boxes by partly filling them with fibrous peat, cover these with ^ to | inch clean sand, and plant in them the short cuttings. Cover the boxes with glass or place them close under the roof sashes of the warmhouse. One difficulty arises in the watering, which should be applied from below; but as many of our professional gardeners are not pre- pared for this method, the cuttings should be well watered and shaded after planting, so that frequent watering may not be im- perative. After the cuttings are rooted, l^lant the young plants single in 2-inch pots, filled with well worked up fibrous peat mixed with a small portion of clean sand; plant firmly, with efficient drainage. During sum- mer, the Epacris should be placed in the open air in a sheltered location, not too much exposed to the hot sun. Care, how- ever, should be taken in w^atering, as too mueh moisture is dangerous. The atmosphere, nevertheless, should be a moist one. We consider that the atmosphere of our coast is sufficiently moist, although in the diy air of a room they would certainly sufl:er. The propagation from seed is simple, but as the seed should be sown immediately after the ripening, it is not surprising that most of 352 THE CALIFORNIA HORTICULTURIST. the seed sent to this coutitrj', after a loug Toyage^ is not in as good condition as it should be, and generally fails to germinate. As our communication with Australia is now much more convenient and quicker, we may yet have seed frotn thete in good condition. Prepare boxes iii the same manner as direct- ed for the cuttings, but cover with much less sand, say ^ of an inch; sow the seed without covering, and be extremely careful in water- ing. If moisture can be applied from be- low, it will be preferable ; if applied from above, it should be done by a very fine spray or by a moistened cloth. The Epacris, which are natives of Australia, are: Epacris pulchella, E. rigida and E. micro - phylla, the leaves of which are small and the flowers white. E. grandijlora, with heart shaped leaves, flowers of a brilliant reddish purple at the base, and pure white at the apex. E. impressa, E. rusci/olia and E. tomentosa, flowers of a deep rose-color. E. nivea and E. paludosa have the leaves narrow, lanceolate and sharp-pointed, flow- ers pure white. Some of the most desii-able and conspicu- ous Hybrids are: E. eclipse, E. coccinea, E. delicata, E. alba odorata, E. hyacinthifiora, Princess - Royal, etc. We hope that our florists and nurserymen will exert themselves to introduce this beau- tiful class of plants, which has so far been badly neglected; and we have no doubt that we have even amateurs among us, who will avail themselves of the first opportunity to procure some of the varieties for their already numer- ous collections. Some of our people can appreciate novel- ties of this kind, but we can not expect to excite their curiosity in these things, if we do not continually strive to add to our col- lections those plants which are most desir- able and worthy. SELECT PLANTS {Exclusive qf Timber Trees) readily eligible for Victorian Industrial Culture, wiih Indications of their Native Countries and some of their Uses — an Enumeration Offered nS BAKON FEED. VON MUKLLEE. [Continued from page 325 of last number.] Asparagus officinalis, L. — Europe, North Africa, North Asia. The well-known Aspar- agus plant, which, if naturalized on our coast, would aid in binding the sand. The foliage contains Inosit-Sugar ; the shoots contain Asparagin. Astragalus Cephalonxcus, Fisher. (A. aris- tatus, Sihthorp.) — Cephalonia. A small shrub, yielding a good tragacanth; and so probably, also, the true A. aristatus of I'Her- itier is producing it. Astragalus Creticus, La Marck. — Candia and Greece. A small bush, exuding the or- dinary vermicular Tragacanth. The pale is preferable to the brown sort. Astragalus gummifer, La Billard. — Syria and Persia. This shrub also yields a good Tragacanth. Astragalus strabiliferus, Boyle. Asiatic Turkey. The brown Tragacanth is collected from this species. Astragalus verus, Olivier. Asiatic Turkey and Persia. — This shrub furnishes the Taka- lor or Smyrna Tragacanth, or it is deriA'^d from an allied species. Atriplex hortensis, L. — North and Middle Asia. The Arroche. An annual Spinach plant. Atropa Belladonna, L. The Deadly Nightshade. South and Middle Europe and Western Asia. A most important perennial medicinal herb. The highly powerful Atro- pin is derived from it, besides another alka- loid, the Belladonnin. Avena fatua, i.— Wild Oat. Europe, North Africa, North and Middle Asia, east- ward as far as Japan. The experiments of Professor Buckman indicate that our ordi- nary Culture-Oat (Avena sativa, L.) is de- scended from this plant. Avena flavescens, L. (Trisetum flavescens, THE CALIFORNIA HORTICULTURIST. Beaav. ) — Ye\lowi&h Oat Grass. Europe, North Africa, Middle and North Asia, east- ward as far as Japan. One of the best of perennial meadow-grasses, lining on dry soil; fitted also for our Alps. AvENA PRATExsis, L. — Meadow Oat Grass. Europe,- North Asia. It thrives well on dry, clayey soil; it produces a sweet fodder, but not in so great proportion as several other less nutritious grasses. It is perennial, and well adapted for our snowj^ mountains, where it would readily establish itself, even on hea'diY moors. AvEXA PUBESCENS, L. — DowuT Oat-Grass. Europe, North and Middle Asia. A sweet perennial grass, requiring dry but good soil, containing lime. It is nutritious and prolific. Several good Oat grasses are peculiar to North America and other parts of the globe, Their relative value as fodder-grasses is in many cases not exactly known, nor does the limit assigned to this little treatise allow of their being enumerated on this occasion. Bactris Gasip^s, Humboldt. (Guilielma speciosa. Mart.)— The Peach Palm of the Amazon River, ascending to the warm-tem- perate regions of the Andes. Stems clus- tered, attaining a height of 90 feet. Dr. Spruce describes the large bunches of fruits as possessing a thick, firm, and mealy peri- carp, which, when cooked, has a flavor be- tween Potato and Chestnut, but superior to either. To us, however, this palm would be mainly an object of grandeur. It is likely to endure our clime in the fern-tree gullies. B ambus A arundinacea, Hoxb. — The Thorny Bamboo of India. It requires rich, moist soil, and delights on river banks. It is of less height than Bambusr vulgaris ; it also sends up from the root numerous stems, but with bending branches, thorny at the joints. The seeds of this and some other Bamboos are useful as food for fowls. Bambusa attenuata, Thioaites. — The Hardy Bamboo of Ceylon, there growing on the mountains at elevations between 4,000 to 6,000 feet. It attains a height of 25 feet. Bambusa elegantissima, Hasskarl. — Java, on mountains about 4,000 feet high. Very tall and exceedingly slender; the upper branches pendulous. A hardy species. Bambusa monadelpha. (Dendrocalamus mon- ad elphus, Thwaites.)—Cejlon, on mountains from 4,000 to 6,000 feet high. A dwarf but handsome Bamboo, reaching only a height of 12 feet. Bambusa spixosa, i?o.r6.— Bengal. A Bam- boo of considerable height. The central cavity of the canes is of less width than in most other species, thus the strength for many technic purposes is increased. Bambusa stricta. Box. (Dendrocalamus strictus, Nees.)— India, particularly Bengal. Grows on drier ground than B. arundinacea. It is also smaller, and quite straight. Its strength and solidity renders it fit for many select technic purposes. Bambusa verticillata, Bhune. — TheWhorl- ed Bamboo of Java. Ba?*ibusa vulgaris, Wendland. — The large unarmed Bamboo of Bengal. It attains a height of 70 feet, and stems may attain even a le'ngth of 40 feet in one season, though the growth is slower in our clime. It has proved to be capable of resisting the occasional night frost of the lowlands of Victoria. It is the best for building Bamboo-Houses. Im- mersion in water for some time renders the cane still firmer. To the series of large thornless Bamboos belong also Bambusa Tulda and Bambusa Balcooa of India, and Bambusa Thouarsii from Madagascar and Bourbon. These Bamboos are much used for various kinds of furniture, mats, implements and other articles. There are many other kinds of Bamboo eligible among the spe- cies from China, Japan, India, tropical America, and perhaps tropical Africa. One occurs in Arnhem's Land. Barosma serrattfolia, Willd. South Afri- ca. This shi-ub supplies the medicinal Buc- co-leaves. B. crenulata, Hook. (Diosmacren- ulata, L.) is only a variety of this species. Active principles — A peculiar volatile oil, a peculiar resin, and a crystalline substance called Diosmin. 354 THE CALirOKNIA HORTICULTUEIST. Beta Yulgaris, L.* — The Beet or ]\Iangold Root. Middle and South Europe, Middle Asia, North Africa. This .well-knowu peren- nial or biennial herb ought to engage the general and extensive attention of oar farming population. The herb is most valuable as a palatable and nutritious spinach ; the root is of importance not only as a culinary vegeta- ble, but, as well known, also for its content of sugar, fit to be crystallized. That of Beet, indeed, is now almost exclusively con- sumed in Russia, Germany, Austria, France, Sweden, and Belgium; and these countries not only produce the Beet Sugar, but also export it largely to the neighboring States. The white Sicilian Beet is mainly used for salads, spinach and soups. The thick-ribbed variety serves like Asparagus or Seakale, dressed like Rhubarb. Cereal soil, particu- larly such as is fit for Barley, is generally adapted also for the culture of Beet. The rearing of the root, and the manufacture of the sugar, can be studied from manifold works; one has been compiled by Mr. N. Levy, of this city. A deeply stirred, drained soil, rich in lime, brings the saccharine vari- ety of Beet to the greatest perfection. The Imperial Beet yields from 12 to 20 per cent. sugar. The Castelnauderry, the Magdeburg, the Siberian Whiterib and the Vilmorin Beet are other varieties rich in sugar. About 5 lbs. of seeds are required for an acre. In rotation of crops, the Beet takes its place best between Barley and Oats. In Middle Europe the yield averages 14 tons of Sugar Beet to the acre, and as many hundred weight of raw sugar. The mercantile value of the root, at our distilleries, ranges from 20s. to 30s per ton. In our clime, the Beet harvest can be extended over a far longer time of the year than in Middle Europe. The extraction of the sap is effected generally by hydraulic pressure. The juice is purified with lime and animal coal. Excess of lime is removed by carbonic acid, and the purified and decolorized juice is evaporated in vacuum pans, with a view to preventing the extensive conversion of the crystallizable sugar into , treacle. The production of Beet sugar needs far less labor than that of cane sugar, and the harvest is obtained in so short a time a,s eight months. Beet has shown itself subject neither to alarming diseases nor to extensive attacks of insects. Beet is grown in extra- tropical zones like ours, while the sugar-cane is a plant confined to tropical and subtropical latitudes. Beet culture, b}'^ directly or indi- rectly restoring the refuse, ameliorates the soil to such an extent, that in some parts of Germany, land so utilized has risen to four- fold its former value. Beet, furthermore, affords one of the most fattening stable fod- ders; and thus again an ample supply of ma- nure. In Middle Europe now about one- sixth of all the arable land is devoted to Beet, yet the produce of cereals has not be- come reduced, while the rearing of fattened cattle has increased. Notwithstanding a heavy tax on the Beet-sugar factories in Eu- rope, the industry has px'oved prosj^erous, and assumes greater and greater dimensions. In 1865, the sugar consumption of Europe amounted to 31,676,407 cwt., one-third of which had been locally supplied by the Beet, from over one thousand beet-sugar factories. Treacle obtained from beet is distilled for alcohol. For establishing remunerative fac- tories on a large and paying scale, it has been suggested that farmers' comi)anies might be formed. For ascertaining the per centage of sugar in Beet, saccharometers are used. In Germany, some scientific periodi- cals are exclusively devoted to the fostering of this industry. Cqltivation of Cinchona in Benoal.— The cultivation of cinchona trees in the district of Sikkin, Bengal, which was started in 1862 by Dr. T. Anderson, is said to be very profitable, and in -this district there were under cultivation in March, 1871, the follow- ing species: 1,233,715 trees of cinchona sued rubra; 440,000 trees of cinchona ojjlcinaiis; 33,400 trees of cinchona calisaya ; beside 480,000 young plants of cinchona sued rubra in the nurseiy, which had been raised from the seed. The annual yield is about three hundred pounds of bark per acre. THE CALIFORNIA HORTICULTURIST. 355 ON THE ECONOMIC VALUE OF CEETAIN AUSTRALIAN FOREST TREES ' And tht'ir Cultivation in California. BY EGBERT E. C. STEABN3. [Concluded from last number.] In compliance with my request to Dr. Arthur B. Stout, of this city, for a relation of his experience with the Eucalyptus in con- nection with his medical practice, I have re- ceived the following : Mr. Stearns : Dear Sir : — In response to your invitation, I am happy to contribute to your important article on the culture and uses of the Euca- lyptus in California, my experience of the medical properties of that valuable f)lant. The Eucalyptus is not less precious for its medicinal virtues than it is ornamental in arboriculture and useful in the arts. Several months ago, incited by information derived from the Practitioner and other sources of knowledge, I collected and dried the leaves. The agreeable empyreumatic oil of the leaves, in evaporating, diffused a balmy odor through the house. I therefore considered that as this oil, as well as the catechu gum and kino, and the cajeput oil, are all similar hydro- carbons, their qualities must resemble the creosote, pyroligneous and carbolic acids in their disinfectant and hygienic properties. I have no doubt that Eucalyptus has these properties in a milder or weaker degree, only differing in being accompanied with an agree- able perfume, wanting to creosote and car- bolic acid. As a purifier therefore of the musty atmosphere and unpleasant emana- tions in basements and cellars, I have recom- mended the scattering of the dried leaves in such places. The powder of the dried leaves scattered in trunks and among clothes will no doubt be as useful and more agreeable than tobacco or camphor to prevent the growth of moths or other insects. Its chief value is, however, as a sedative and antiseptic in asth- ma and throat diseases, nasal catarrhs, and affections of the mucous membranes. To utilize these properties I had a concentrated tincture with alcohol at 95'= prepared by Messrs. Steele & Co., and also contrived an inhaler with which to introduce the vapor of the essential oil to the throat and lungs. I can testify to the excellent effect of this mode of medication. The pai'oxysms of chronic asthma are relieved and shortened, and acute attacks are quickly allayed. The inhaler is a simple instrument made of tin. It is a cup of a capacity of four fluid ounces ; the lid, attached by a hinge, has a tube from the centre about three inches high, bent near the end at aright angle, and terminated with a mouth-piece like that of a speaking trumpet. The cup is on legs so that a spirit lamp may be x^laced underneath, and has a wooden handle to move it about when heated. Put two ounces of boiling water, (four tablespooufuls) in the cup ; add one tablespoonful of the tincture ; and inhale the vapor, while the fluid is kept gently boiling with the spirit lamp. Again, I had prepared cigarettes with the coarsely powdered leaves. These produce a decidedly anodyne and anti- spasmodic efl'ect. An agreeable syrup may also be prepared, useful in infantile mal- adies. There can be little doubt but that the oil of Eucalyptus, and Eucalyptine when it can be procured, will be available remedies against malarious diseases of all types, and that the presence of the trees, cultivated in gardens, contribute to sanify the atmosphere from those emanations which give origin to epidemic diseases. That the parasitic insects which infest other plants do not relish the Eucalyptus is evident from the general clean- ness of the leaves, and the fact that the hyd- ro-carbon oils are fatal to animal life. The balmy perfume, therefore, that exhales from them must have an influence in destroying the parasites which frequent shrubs grow- ing in their vicinity, tending to diminish if not suppress them. In corroboration of the advantages to be obtained by the cultivation of this Myrtacea, 35G THE CALirOENLi HOBTICULTUEIST. may be shown the efibrts made during the last fifteen years to acclimate it in Europe and elsewhere. Eamel has succeeded ad- mirably in introducing' this tree in Provence (France), in Spain, Italy, the islands of the Mediterranean sea, and in Algeria. It ap- peal's in the botanical gardens of Germany (Munich) ; and in Vienna, Austria, an apo- thecary, Lamaish, has raised 3,000 specimens from seeds. From these he has prepared tinctures and oils for medical purposes. See annual report of WiggenandHusemann of progress in Pharmacy, etc., Giittingen, 1871. By the assiduity of Dr. Pigue-Dupuytren, this tree has been carefully cultivated in the garden of the French Hospital of the Mutual Benevolent Association. So, that institution enjoys already the benefit of the tree hygien- ically, and has its supply of leaves for tinc- tures and syrups. The leaves steeped in boiling water are also used as a ptisane or beverage. However obnoxious to j)arasites in general this tree may be, it appears it nevertheless has its own species in the Psylla Eucalypti. This insect is an Hemipteron, and appears on the Eu. dumosa. It deposits a species of man- na, called in Australia Lerp or Laap. It is a white substance, 53.1 percent, of sugar syrup and 46.9 per cent, of a special modification of starch. This is priced by the inhabitants as a Manna ; and is greatly sought for by the bees, who convert it into honey. Dobson ( entomologj' ) describes it as the cup-like coverings of the Psyllidse, but Wittstein mentions six varieties of Psylla, and that one species produces a colored Lerp handsomer than the white, but as a deposit beneath the cup-like shields of the insect. See same annual, before mentioned, Got- tiugen, 1870. If this insect derives his Lei-p from the aromatic and balmy oil of the Eucalyptus, and furnishes an agreeable aliment for the inhabitants, and a Mt. Hymettus-like honey stall" for the bees, ceiiainly the busy little insect manufacturer, parasite as he is, may be freelj'^ pardoned. Very respectfully yours, A. B. Stout, M. D. From experiments recently made upon myself, I find that small doses, 3ij to 3 iij, of the infusion of the leaves (of young trees) drank when eold, quiet the nerves and induce sleep ; quite likely, in ordinary cases of wake- fulness, a pillow stuffed with the leaves would i^roduce the same result. My friend, Dr. Kellogg, has prescribed the infusion in dyspepsia, and reports favorably. In addi- tion to the many valuable properties of the Blue Gum, herein recited, I have no doubt but camphor in considerable quantity can be obtained from it. CoBCEA ScANDENs Vabiegata. — This is one of the most lovely climbing plants which has recently been introduced. It is of very easy culture and vigorous and graceful habit, while its abundant flowers and very elegantly variegated foliage render it very conspicuous. Its leaves are beautifully edged with a wide margin of creamy white, turning to a delicate canary color ; and the ends of the young shoots, with their airy tendrils, are of a red- dish purple, changing to various shades of green ; and it retains its distinctive colors under the dryest and hottest of our sum- mers. Its flowers are of a deep purple, and shaped like a tiny cup, and are profusely scattered over the vine, adding greatly to its beauty. It is veiy well adapted to out-door cultui'e, and will climb upon strings very rapidly, often growing over forty feet in one season. It is very tender ; will be cut down by the first frost, but can then be potted and brought in-doors, where it will soon start from the root, and twine its graceful branches all about the window casements. The Coboea is a native of Mexico, and grows well in any garden soil ; for j^ot culture it loves leaf mould, two parts to one jjart of garden soil. — Floral Cabinet. THE CALIFORNIA HORTICULTUEIST. 357 Irkigation in the Malay Aechipelago. — We clip the following from Wallace's Malay Archipelago, regarding irrigation in Lombock, and at the east of Java : Soon after passing Mataram, the country began gradually to rise in gentle undulations, swelling occasionally into low hills toward the mountainous tracts. It was now that I first obtained an adequate idea of one of the most wonderful systems of cultivation in the world, equaling all that is related of Chinese industry, and, as far as I know, surpassing, in the labor that has been be- stowed upon it, any tract of equal extent in the most civilized countries of Europe. In this remote and little -known island, from which all Europeans (except a few traders at the port) are jealously excluded, many hundreds of square miles of irregular, undulating country have been so skillfully terraced and leveled, and so permeated by artificial channels, that any portion can be irrigated or dried at pleasure. According as the slope of the ground is more or less rapid, each terraced plot con- sists, in some places, of many acres ; in others, of only a few square yards. We saw them in every state of cultivation -some in stubble, some being plowed ; some with rice crops, in various stages of growth. Here were luxuriant patches of tobacco ; there cucumbers, potatoes, yams, beans, or Indian corn varied the scene. In some places, the ditches were dry ; in others, little streams crossed our road, and were distributed over lands about to be sown or planted. The banks, which bordered every terrace, rose regularly in horizontal lines above each other, sometimes surround- ing an abrupt knoll and looking like a forti- fication, or sweeping round some hollow, and forming, on a gigantic scale, the seats of an amphitheatre. Every brook and rivulet has been diverted from its bed, and instead of flowing along the lowest ground, were to be found crossing our road half way up an ascent, yet bordered by ancient trees and moss-grown stones, so as to have all the appearance of a natural channel, bearing testimony to the remote period at which the work had been done. As we advanced further into the country, the scenery was diversified by abrupt, rocky hills, steep ravines, and by clumps of bam- boos and palm-trees, near ho\ises and vil- lages ; while, in the distance, the fine range of mountains, of which Lombock peak, 8,000 feet high, is the culminating point, formed a fit background to a view scarcely to be sur- . passed either in human interest or picturesque beauty. ^Preservation of Apples. — "I cover the floor of my cellar with hurdles, two in thick- ness, and on this I put a little straw, upon which the apples are placed without further care or attention, except removing all that appear to be faulty as I place them in the cellar, and I think it is unnecessary to use any particular care in this respect. I have at present 110 bushels of apples thus heaped up in a small cellar ; two or three times a week I give a good wetting with fresh water, as much as I think will wet the whole of them. This water drains off through the straw and hurdles into a well. In this way my apples keep well until the time I usually dispose of them ; the best to make me a good return after Christmas. " At present, the apples look as firm as if just gathered ; and understand that during the last ten years they have always kept as well and fresh as now. How much less troublesome and easy of application, for keeping large quantities of fruit, than storing them away in dry sand on shelves, or in boxes, or in any other of the ways that are highly recommended." — Gardener's Chrm- icle. Roasted coffee is now believed to be one of the most powerful of deodorizers, actually destroying noxious animal and vegetable effluvia. Experiments which have been recent- ly made with it have proved most satisfactory. This is a simple, safe disinfectant, and con- venient to be obtained.— i-Vo/'aZ Cabinet. 358 THE CALIFOENIA HOETICULTLTRIST. TRANSACTIONS OP THE BAY DISTRICT HORTICULTURAL SOCIETY OF CALIFORNIA, FOR 1873. [ We give such portions of the Keport of the Bay District Horticultural Society as have not been previously published, in the California Horticulturist. — Ed.] To the Honorable the State Board of Agriculture of the State of California. Gentlemen :^ — In compliance with the requisitions of the law, appropriating sundry moneys to the various Agricultural and Horticultural Societies of California, we, the Direct- ors of the Bay District Horticultural Society of California, herewith present to your honor- able body a report of the transactions of that Society, consisting of the List of Officers and Members, the Constitution and By-LaAvs, Proceedings, as far as they are of public interest, Essays and Lectures delivered at the meetings of the Society, Items of Interest concerning the Horticultural Exhibition of 1872, and a Statement of Accounts. The Bay District Horticultural Society of California was organized in October, 1870, for the purpose of promoting the interests of Horticulture generally; and although its progress has been slow, the Society has steadily increased in strength'and usefulness. The members who have taken the most active interest in the Society are almost exclu- sively residents of San Francisco and its immediate vicinity. This accounts for the fact that more attention has been paid at the meetings of the Society to Floriculture, Arbori- culture, and the beautifying of residences and public grounds, than to Horticulture in its broader bearings; the above designated section being less adapted to the raising of fruits and other horticultural products than the rural districts. However, horticulturists in all parts of the State begin to appreciate the importance of our Society, and there are evident indications that many more will join us, and that this Society will represent not only the horticultural interests of the District, but also aid in promoting those of the State, in all the various details. Our Horticultural Exhibitions, which have been arranged to take place semi-annually, will be accompanied by meetings of horticulturists from the different rural districts, for the purpose of discussion, and to devise measures for the better development of our horti- cultural interests, and of those industries which are connected with them. The Society being as yet young and inexperienced, cannot be expected to have ac- complished so much as would be desirable ; but the will of its members is earnest, and their efforts have been largely stimulated by the generous appropriation from the State. In presenting this report, we are aware of many imperfections ; these we hope will be viewed with leniency by your honorable body. Veiy respectfully, E[. N. BOLANDER, C. STEPHP^NS, F. A. MILLER, WM. MEYER, E. L. REIMER, F. LUDEMANN, CHAS. SCHUMANN, Directors Bay District Horticultural Society of California. San Francisco, November -20, 1872. THE CALIFORNIA HOETICULTUEIST. 359 LIST OF OFFICERS AND MEMBERS OF THE Bay District Horticultural Society, of California. President H. N. Bolander, San Francisco. Vice-President— C. Stephens, San Francisco. Secretaiy— F. A. Miller, San Francisco. Treasurer— A\'m. Meter, San Francisco. Trustees, H. N. BoLAxnEE, C. Stephens, F. A. Miller, Wm. Meyer, E, L. Relmee, F LUDEMANN, ChaS. SCHUaiANX. Regular Members. H. K Bolander, San Francisco. E. L. Reimer, San Francisco. F.A. Hering, San Francisco. F. Ludemann, San Francisco. E. Michelson, San Francisco. C. Sehuman, San Francisco. Wm. Meyer, . . . • - • • • San Francisco. F. A. Miller, • • San Francisco. J Forrer San Francisco. C. H. Hoffman, "San Francisco. ^Y. F. Norcross, San Francisco. A. J. Saulman, San Francisco. John AYieland, San Francisco. A. Steiger, San Jose. J. B. Scotcbler,, San Francisco. H. Balzer, San Francisco. T. B. Lewis, i San Francisco. J. H. Sievers, . . . . ." San Francisco. P. J. Ford San Lorenzo. Warren B. Ewer, .San Francisco. E. Mayrisch, San Francisco. Edgar Briggs, San Francisco. Ludwig Doeltz, San Francisco. Sevin Vincent, .' •• Brooklyn. John Rock, San Jose. William Robertson, San Francisco. 2 360 THE CALIFORNIA HORTICULTURIST. ^ San Francisco. Wm. Dose, • „ _ ^ ^ i Sonoma. R. D. Reed, T»/r i t> i ^ . ' Menlo Park. W. J. Adams, . , ,,.„ San Francisco. G-^^-^^^^^^^-' San Francisco. ^•^^^y^^'* San Francisco. It'Z'T' ::*'.'. San Francisco. Th. MCEV03-,.. San Francisco. Eugene A. Upton, J. M. Thompson, ^^^' ^ ^ .. San Francisco. "Jacob oeitz, „ . San Francisco. Theo. Brown, -d j tji «•. ^ „-^T Red Blufls. L. H. D. Lange, r . ° San Francisco. — Herrmann, _^. T M Asher * San Diego. J. M. Asner ^ ^^^ Francisco. Richard Linke, San Lorenzo. Wm. Meeks, • ^.^^^.^ Geo. Boreham, Santa Rosa. A- T^°^^^ San Francisco. H^g^H^'f San Francisco. F. Weisenborn, . . ^j"^- ^°'^'-'-; ■.::;;;;::'.'.::'.v.'.!'.san Francisco. Chas. Barnard, San FraBcisco. B.B Woodward San Francisco. ^■fP^^t ■.■.; San Francisco. Gusta^Mahe San Francisco. E. J. Hooper, _, ^ ^ „ ^ San Jose. S. Tonnar, „ _, I,' ., ' San Francisco. F. Bibend, „ _, . ^ ^ ,, San Francisco. A.L.Bancroft, San Francisco. JuhusSpener, ^^^^^^^^ f-^-^^«^' ; San Francisco. J-^^^^P^"' • • ;... San Francisco. A. Kellogg, ■ Honorary Members. Baron F. Von Mueller, Director of the Botanical Gardens at Mel- , Australia. ^^^^^^' • New York. S'^il^f^M .'.'.'.*.■■'■ Dorchester, Mass. Marshal P. Wilder Newburgh, N. Y. Chas. Downing, Rochester, N. Y. ^ll^^r^' ;;*.;: Rochester, N. Y. M.Elwanger, Washington, D. C. Dr. C. C, Parry, ^ „ TT n Japan. Hon. Horace Capron, o t - ^ . . ■ San Jose. James Lick, • Melbourne, Aust'ia. ^•H^Treen, •••• San Francisco. Col. Warren, THE CALIFORNIA HORTICULTURIST. 361 THE SECRETARY" S REPORT. Tb the Officers and Members of the Bay Di^frk't Horticultural Society of California. Gentlemen :— For the second time it has become my duty to present the annual report of the proceedings and of the state of affairs of our Society. In the performance of this task, I am encouraged by the fact that our Society has been constantly gaining strength, and is already recognized by the public as an established institution, calculated to promote the interest of Horticulture in general, and more particularly Floriculture and Arbori- culture. Uses or Horticxiltural Societies. Frequently the question is asked, " What are the uses and benefits of Horticultural Societies ?" With the same propriety it may be asked, what are the uses of Art Associa- tions, Scientific Associations, Academies, and Mechanics' Institutes? and yet no intelligent mind doubts the great importance of all these institutions. A Horticultural Society is a necessary institution for California, where new products are continually presented, 'and new industries are established every year. Our climate differs from that of other countries, our soil is different, and our seasons form a very strik- ing contrast with those C7f other localities of the same latitude. Within our own State, the climate varies to such extent that we may raise with equal success the banana, the apple, the grape, cotton, ramie, tea, potatoes, and rice. And, again, oui- homes may be sur- rounded with trees, shrubs and flowers from every country- ; while the pine and oak thrive admii-ably, the palm, the acacia, the pampas-grass, develop their flowers in the midst of our winters. While it is an acknowledged fact that California can produce all these, there appears to be a great lack of knowledge as to the proper treatment of those plants, trees, and seeds, which have only recently been introduced, and as to the most practical method of making these products pay. To remedy this evil, a Horticultural Society is necessary, to obtain and disseminate the proper information, and to encourage by all means at its disposal the raising of such products as are likely to create new and permanent indusiries. But the province of a Horiicultural Society is not confined to the encouragement of such productions as will furnish our markets with fruits and vegetables, and supply our manufacturing establishments with raw material ; one of its leading objects is undoubt- edly to create taste, and a love for adorning the surroundings of our homes, of our public gr unds, and of our roads and highways. Improvements of this kind are undoubted indi- cations of a happy progress and prosperity; and in this particular the people of California are in much need of encouragement, which cannot be better supplied than by our Horticul- cultural Society. That our Society has succeeded in effecting some good in this direction there can not be any doubt ; but it is equally true that far more remains to be done, which is only possible by a united effort on the part of our practical men. The leading features of a Horticultural Society are its exhibitions of the products of the country. In the devel- opment of a new country, exhibitions of this kind are essential. A comparison of products is presented which stimulates the producer to excel his neighbor; to the consumer is demonstrated the difference between the old California Mission grape and the Black Ham- burg ; between the sunflower, and the rose, and the camellia ; between the manufactured wines (so called) and the pure juice of the grape. To visitors from abroad is given an opportunity to judge of the wealth and resources of the country, and encouragement to them and their friends to settle among us. 3^2 THE CALIFOKNIA HORTICULTURIST. Thus we would demonstrate that a Horticultural Society is an important institution, and that with proper exertions it must be beneficial to the State. The Society's Library and EEADiNa-RooM. In order to furnish the members and friends of the Society with information derived from all parts of the country, as well as from abroad, a Reading-room has been estab- lished, and at the present time over twenty-five Horticultural, Agricultural and Scientific periodical publications are filed for the use of those who seek information. Four of the journals are published in California, nineteen in other States of the Union, one in England, and one in Australia. The Library contains at this time about two hundred volumes, including very excellent works on botany, landscape gardening, and practical treatises on all the leading industries of the country. It is desirable that some additions be .made to the Library at an early period. Meetings of the Society. The regular monthly meetings have not been as well attended as would have been de- sirable, which is i^artly attributable to lack of spare time, and also to some indifference. The hard work of the Society has rested upon a few members, and I hope most sincerely that in the future all the members will take a more lively interest in the proceedings, and lighten the work of the few, who have at a great sacrifice of time done the work for all. Thanks to the few faithful ones, who were always willing to co-operate, and to do more than their share of the onerous work. Forest Culture. The Society has used its best endeavors to promote and encourage Forest Culture, and has been instrumental in bringing the matter before the Legislature, resulting in the pass- age of a law for the encouragement of forest and timber tree culture, which, however, did not receive the signature of the Governor. The Society is strongly in favor of some system of forest culture in this State, and will in due time co-operate with the State Board of Agri- culture, if acceptable, in advocating some measure which will bring about the desired end. The Exhibition, With the generous aid granted by the Legislature of California, the Society has ar- ranged to hold two exhibitions annually for two years. Without this aid, it would have been impossible, as the Society, being young, could not command the necessary funds. The Fall Exhibition of 1872 was a success, financially as well as otherwise ; but the enormous expense of fitting up a suitable hall required considerable engineering on the part of the Directors, and the greatest care and economy will be necessary to keep it from finan- cial embarrassment. The most brilliant features of the Exhibition were:— 1. The display of variegated foliage plants^, both hai ly and tender ; the improvements in this class of plants have been most wonderful within the last few years throughout the civilized world. The specimens exhibited were generally well grown, and were enthusiastically admired. 2. Floioering plants, both hardy and tender, were also well represented ; and although the season preceding the exhibition was very unfavorable to the development of flowers, the display was very creditable, and with the exception of roses, was superior to the exhibi- tion of 1871. 3. Plants indigenous to California were not so numerous as was anticipated ; however, it is important that their cultivation has been encouraged by the Society, as numerous THE CALIFORNIA HORTICULTURIST. 363 varieties of trees, slarubs and flowering plants, all growing wild within our State, well ''''''i^:^^:t^:^Z;tal an, useful tMer tre.. was very -naerous and e^elleni. Not Ls thaL tLehundred^d ^^^^^^^^^ S^^CeKw totn^ ^^iS^^:Z ^:^J^;^^^L^^^ ou;.nfor.naUon serves us, the n.ost ''''T;?.',^^Tar'';./«n^raTwL form very important and interesting features in an exhi- l.Tnf nf this Z72teln^nYthmss present themselves which have hitherto been known bitxon o thi. ^J,^^' ™"^^^^^^^^ ,,e^. slants of any kind, useful or ornamental, should be enSatTl to^lhe M? ^r exTen/ ; and^I hope that^ur^ next exhibition will show superior ''''\Tel^U:iTfi:^^^^^^ entitled to expect on an occasion of ine exniDu oiy/«w* -p.-,f.ifip ooast Verv few of our pomologists partook m SweeTone S and anoTht -must ed^lcatl them to that knowledge, by placing be- '"Vl!l'besl"eSrof Ws were made from Sacramento, San.Jose, Stockton and Napa, iome'rrgood exhibits were made of CaHfornia grown seeds, of Cahforma cotton, ^^^^^^i^'^^ol^t ?:frth:^^^^ open too lonrirrSomlugust the 22d, to September 15th, There is no doubt ha the cS^lakits were well founded. A Horticultural Exhibition is almost entirely made up of ^STle aHiclerand it is only at an immense sacrifice that a good appeara^-e can be rese^wed Flowers will fade aJay under the effects of gas and dust and an insufficiency of Ibt and ventilation ; fruits will decay and lose ^-^>\'^TV'''^p''''we tS a HortS- ^^11 suffer to an extent which, in many cases, results m total losses, ^^e think a Hoi icui Tural Exhibition should be limited to nine days Of ^om^se the result w^ ^Mba^ f ^ receiiDts at the door will be much less, but exhibitors will not suffer so much, and J^o^e ot Iherwiil be found who are wilHng to contribute to an exhibition which is not calculated '° YlemT^^roTei'^f st^'He.?^ at this time, in regard to the San Francisco HorticliZal Ml Association, the connections of which with the Horticultural Society are "^VoT^omarme p^^^^^^ members of the Horticultural Society have seen the necessity of procuring a suitable hall for their exhibitions. The means of the Society being very limited t^e^ro osit'on was only a practicable one if taken hold of by ^1^^^ ^dividual m^^^^^^ the Sodetv who weye both able and willing to obtain a hall, provided the /'^^f J^ ?; ^^^f} CO oDerat« as much as possible, and also provided that the profits accruing from such hall BhoTd t dW ded amoligst the actual shLe-holders. A Horticultural Hall Association was consequently formed, independent of the Horticultural ^o^^^ty consisting howevei of meSrs of the Society ; a hall was then purchased ami fitted up, the Horticultural Society takinty stock of the Hall Association to the amount of ^1 4b0. ^.^^^^y Both Associations are carried on independent of each other ; but the expense o fittmg UD the hall for the exhibition being very great, a special agreement was made, that the Hall Association, for and in conside^ratioi o1 1,500 dollars, paid to the Horticultuml So let.y should be entitled to the net proceeds of the first two weeks of the exhibition, which was m reaiitv the best arrangement which the Horticultural Society could make. , ^ i,^ wVh a gratified appreciation of the confidence which has always been shown to me by the members of the s'oLty, in my many active duties, I hope that the day wi not b far distant when "The Bay District Horticultural Society" of Calitornia, will be one ot the permanent and foremost institutions of the Pacific Coast, and by its strength and influence will make itself felt in the development of the horticultural resources of Calitoinia. 364 THE CALIFOKNIA HORTICULTURIST. t- 00 i-H O o M w p H P w O QQ « P »— » P ^S ;^ ;^ M o Ph (^ W B P^ O S E-i ic o CM la 00 r-i O O o o 0000 IC O O 00 >-'3 O O C O «^ O Oi O o CI 1—1 c: Ci lO CO o o o tH -^ 00 t- O O U3 »fl o t- (M U5 C5 r-< Oi O o o 10 O O '^ t- rj< rj< CO CO -«* to 05 o OS o c3 fcJD 03 o 10 <11 (D CI © r^ u n c3 OS CX) 0^ S 03 «3 I-! h-1 0 1— 1 ^ f^ t^ >-, t^ >, pq pq M M pq to ^ oT § S ^ -J! ft «2 P4 ^ Ph ^ fl ^ ft be o -r 9 O o s «4-i 03 3 ^ ^ ■■ '^ o >^ >-s >-i >^ >^. >-> !>-. 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H O ^^ o fe Ph « 02 -Hp 1 P5 H O 1- H P ^ O IM >-> t^ >^ >^ >-s >> >J >~, >-. 02 t- CO r-l PQ M W c P CQ M pq f C f :^ Ix^ S P O o ^ CO '^ o M ^ U5 tH UO CO ^ 1 €fe- W a : PU 2 • fx^ «♦-< W 50 P .2 - 'd 3 i3 Oi r-( 25 H « -^ a PM s ^ ■ o '•5 K c 5h '^ : 3 § >3 O % CO . 1 -^ . a o © P o © n3 o •^ I tc ^ (4 © -tj a © ft,^ . g ■© £ Q ^ ^ £ t-l pq p5 e 1 © © 1 o . o o -a pq H o o o o O H H H ^ P3 ^ ^ ^ © © ® C«5 e eq GQ 366 THE CALIFOENIA HORTICULTURIST. ESSAYS AND LECTURES. OBSERVATIONS AND SUGGESTIONS RELATIVE TO CALIFORNIA ROOTS AND BULBS. KELLOGG. To illustrate by examj^le, let us " consider the lilies how they grow," First, premising that observations made by respective inquirers in varied climates, soils, localities, etc., will ever leave ample room for diversities of opinion, and practical adaj^tation of principles. With this general proviso, we submit the following remarks : In a climate like ours, clearly discriminated by a wet and long dry season, we find these bulbs located say about six to ten inches deep ; the vital fibres, or true roots, shoot downwards ten inches to a foot below this point, in search of food and moisture ; thus radi- ating from the leading germinal end of mostly oblong scaly bulbs — the respectively dormant fibres that have " closed in" serving as stays, etc. Is it not evident, then, that such bulbs require a flower-jiot at least eighteen inches deep? Hence, ordinary pots must he utterly useless, or worse — crami^ing or inadequate to meet the jn-imaiy natural indications. Let any one take an improvised five gallon kerosene or alcohol tin can, or the like, which is good enough, not to say the best, cut out one end and nail narrow slats around the upper margin to add symmetry, avoid unsightly dents, and for convenience in handling ; and if one slat is dressed, paint the name, to avoid annoyance of disjDlaced labels ; paint rudely inside and out, to preserve ; punch say at least three large holes in the bottom ; plant, as in nature, in any good soil well composted, and set your can, keg or crock in a shaUoiv pan of water. You will soon have the j^leasure of seeing a stout stem, of the size of your thumb, rising up and " rejoicing as a strong man to run a race," and flowering gorgeously. Let it generally be observed here, once for all, that in California underground irrigation, or water supply from beneath, is the requisite rule or law to be observed, especially in their advanced stage of growth. Many California plants are not only injured but killed outright by spray- ing beneath our California sun. To illustrate these principles, let us take a few other ex- amples, to show that if a plant spends its vital force searching for requisite food or moisture ; or, if the law of supply be reversed, efforts baulked, or attained at too great an expenditure, little or nothing else can be accomj^lished. Ahronia arenaria, as the specific name indicates, grows in sand. If found on deep sand-drifts of the bay shore of San Fran- cisco, or inland, it shoots down a stout fusiform root of indefinite length, but often poor and puny is the top, that creeps not far from the crown, with perhaps few flowers and little fruit. But mulch a moist, black, brackish, cracky soil, with only six or eight inches of sand, and it will go down to, or a little into it, spread abroad its forked subdivisions and fibres, almost or quite horizontally ; the crown-sprouts now run riotously, mantling the sand with vines, full of pink flowers in fruitful umbels unnumbered. Often one spray of water ahoi^e will kill it entirely ; or, the root remaining, it will sometimes come up and flourish again if sur- face irrigation is neglected, even two years afterwards. A similar short horizontal spread of root is seen with alfalfa, on tule or lands fairly shaking and rocking Avith a peaty carpet ; and so of a thousand roots, otherwise exceedingly deejD, and prone to delve. The legitimate practical inferences we leave to the good sense of every enlightened stock-raiser, farmer and cultivator. Let us return, then, and review the rationale involved relative to bulbs, and also consider other facts, and, if i^ossible, answer such queries as cast a shadow over the path of inquiry. There are not only tides in the ocean, but in the earth, air, ethers, and the seasons as they roll, as well as ' ' in the afiairs of men" — a season of harvest, resting and repose. Anon, the rippling rain tides bear away the raw material and soluble salts from above ; but when the return spring tides begin fairly to set in — say from about the last of May, or in June— when, for all intents and purposes, the rains have ceased. Then, prompted by the Divine Law of just reci^jrocity, the tidal waves return, laden with winter's wealth, commingled and fitted for the varied uses of plants that people the earth. The import of all this is, that henceforth the commercial current should be towards and THE CALIPOKNIA HORTICrLTUEIST. 367 not from, the laungrv and thirsty mouths, or radicle spongioles ; otherwise they perish or ^^nV with feeble Itru--lin-, or sickly efforts to maintain a precarious existence. ^ FbrLs axe ai tTcom^plain that many of our bulbs ere they bloom lose one essentia beautvof Sants yiz their rarficZe leaves, which, they say, " dry up, and leave the stems SSg Im and bl^e " Where this is the charmed law and order of f - opment, i ^s wSr so)ne than the barren fig-tree's fate ; and I suppose we must submit. But let us St oureves to their bistort a moment, and see if light arise. They are frequen ly found upon ex^o^^ rocks, etc., descending down dry and -ry hot valleys, into debris aSd alluvial bottoms, where sand or loam with ^underground mo^st,^e f^^f; 2^1 very same plants are seen to rejoice best where they find some shade ^.^J^^f ^";\;.?;^^^^^ w^«p thevbes-neak a stru^^le for existence, %. e., their leaves prematurely or natuiaily diy rekrlv to sa?e exhau SSm In half shades, along high banks and slopes, contiguous to c?eek ^wSh adeqf^^^^^^^^ moisture, we see Cydohothra «/5« with long and beauhful Scourieaves say an inch and a half wide, eighteen inches to two feet m length accom- fanvini the floweS ten to twentv in number ; the golden C. pulchella and most others tolerate SsSn and drought, with their companions the manz^mta {Arctostaj^iylos glcncca) oaks, Sr near who e shades it is wont to linger; but its best forms love rich, rocky halt shady drai^is-lerf and flower companions to the close. Witness Seabe^im laxa U'o to four feet Wh the same i}.c/^eZo.^ema,. and Brodi<,as, ten to fifty flowers, and green leaves m similar ttce and completeness of beauty. The list might be extended beyond the reader s patience ; what we desire to sav and impress is, that the same plants exposed are barely one quariei Ts lai-e and no green leaves at all, o^ at best a poor apology ; and so of numberless others WhaU the lesson the facts teach ? Surely that the gardener and flonst should imitae theii'ven' level best ; and it is bv no means difficult to exceed the highest standard. Our Plant l?e not likely to be exceptions in the main to general expenence. Besides, it would Ee follv to Lid one's hands at the very first failure-if plants excite our pity or gije gveat care and solicitude, the cost is too great for the pleasure returned, ^^t't. if these the contrary, do we behold one joyously filling up the full measure of its glor^ !,,If these aeneral suggestions be tiiie, says the ob ector, "why do so many rot by moistuie ? ^ That ta pertinent quekion ; but, first, how do we proceed ? In the loo.«%««^i,^^f ^^^^^ we usually place them, are they as well protected as m their native matrix? The soil Then must need be packed or tramped firmly and uniformly, as one would pack a mold m the foundry; or even more so in soils of no great interstitial absorption It is the life-struggles with difficulties that bring out the best qualities of the man-the fruits and flowers, roofs and bulbs, born of the Great Mother Resistance above reacts below oives spread, depth and vigor in the dn-ection of least resistance, at this juvenile stage of life "youn- plants, like children, especially "Young America," require to be kept back a little A precocity that mimics mature display in the glare of the world, is ever the sure harbinger of prematm-e exhaustion and decay. The root-the strong foundation-is of fir^t consideration in all structural building, and should be well laid, cherished and wesei-ved. We do not say it should be founded upon some suitable rock, but we sometimes think so; radiated heat and graduated temperature, sweetness of drainage and it would seem reasonable, that in due time some resistance from below also, were all requisites o± hicrh culture. May not the florist, in his undue solicitude, be also to blame, and by some shori:coming fail, or from excess undo by overdoing? Suppose he flood too con- tinuously between loose scales, adding excessive heat withal, ought not he to ex- pect iust the result urged? Now, we seldom see in Nature bulbs sheltered by shrubs rocks logs, bark, leaves, etc.; or in veiy compact soils rotten at the tips of the scales, aiid hence' a lure to maggots and grubs ; nor often in such sandy and gravelly soils as readily absorb drain and disperse this excess of top moisture. We appeal to the observations by careful' collectors. Let us then copy the best conditions, and we feel assured the result will confirm our rather hasty hints. , , , . -. • i ^ i v,„<. In conclusion, we dare not presume even a tithe has been noted— m short, only wHat may be considered peculiar to climatic conditions and observations here is thought neces- sary' Erudite and complex recipes relative to proper mixtures of soils, and common man- ac^ementmav well be left to the knowledge and judgment of those who believe m them. With such a\vealth of sunlight and heat above as falls to the lot of California, and no lack of the commercial medium moisture below, I see no reason why we may not allow Nature, un- 368 THE CALIFORNIA HORTICULTURIST. der human hands, to grow her fi-aj:{Tant white Lady Washington lily six or seven feet high, vnth ten to thirty or more flowers, just as we see it wild. L. Bloomerioninn, too, is a perfect giant among lilies, when at its best — a right super-royal display — the Divine Teacher himself being judge. Nor why L. superbum in a southern bog should be eight feet high, with the best part of a hundred flowers, as we have seen it there, and still the marvelous beauty is ever new as we retrosjDect. Even our lUlle orauge L. parvum, 1 found at the Sierra summit over five feet high and fifty flowers — carefulhi counted — but the plant was sheltered and shaded by an old emigrant water-tank stilted up, now diy and long ago abandoned, but its roots found a fair sujiply of icater from beneath. THE INSECTS OF CALIFORNLi. BY DR. H. H. BEHR. There is a pervading opinion in this country, that our cereals as well as garden fruits are nearly exempt from the ravages of insects injurious to vegetation. To a certain extent and for the present this supposition might hold good, and for good reasons. California is a new country that never before had either agriculture or horticulture of any amount, and the plants that now are cultivated are all foreign, the soil to none of them being native of California. So it is clear that the exemption from insect ravages is not a happy peculiarity of California, as it has been represented by some learned gentleman, but a transient state common to countries where extensive cultivation is of recent date, and refers to plants not indigenous to the soil. There is a law in the economy of nature which, perhaps, may be called " the balance of power," for it is antagonistic to the preponderance of any particular species, tending to the extirpation of others. In the animal kingdom it is chiefly this law that sends epidemics to decimate certain si^ecies, when by predominant multiplication they threaten to svipercede the others ; in the vegetable kingdom it is chiefly by the existence of certain insect parasites on certain plants which are multiplied in the same proportion in which, by a one sided cultiva- tion, the plants, on which they feed, attain an undue preponderance. Now, these insect species will sometimes immigrate with a new cultivation, and others being indigenous and feeding on certain plants will adapt themselves to the introduced plant and J) refer it to the native one, on which they formerly fed. Starting from this point of view, it will, perhaps, be of some interest to watch the ravages of some insect larva on vegetables, not indigenous to our soil. 1. Carpacapsa pomana, L. A. maggot that feeds, in Europe, inside of ajii^les, which fruit is disfigured by its ravages; this species evidently is introduced, and till now has proven harmless, as its rarity j^revents disfiguration to any extent. The first specimen of this little moth, I received from Dr. Cooper, well known for his valuable work on California birds. Since then, I caught only one other specimen, two years since. This little moth passes through many generations during two years, and only from fall to winter the caterpillar feeds in the fruit. From spring till fall, it is found in decaying wood, underneath the bark of apple trees ; and here is the weak point of the species. We can check their j^rogress by not allowing any sick fruit tree to remain in our gardens, for in doing so, we cut oft' the means of their larva sustenance for at least two generations, during which, it feeds on the decaying wood of the sick and superannuated trees. 2. Gidaria Epilobii, (Behr). This neatly marked Geometra was, in former time, a great rarity, when its caterj^llar fed only on the different species of E2)ilobium, but siaice the Fuchsias have made their appearance in our gardens, this Cidaria left the native plant and fancied the exotic in such a way, that they really became troublesome to our cultivators. This is an interesting circumstance, as it aftbrds another proof of the close affinity of Epilobium and Fuchsia (proved besides by the larva of Dcile.phila Lineata), and too by the larva adoj^ting the coloi's of the petioles of the species of Fuchsia on which it feeds, so that in some species the larva keeps green, and others showing a red dorsal stripe, mimicking the same coloration in some of the Fuchsia varieties. THE CALIFORNIA HORTICULTUEIST. 369 3. mracis sp. The caterpillar of this undescribed g--^f ' j^l^l^'^^^^SatfTa^f- in gardens, Were it chiefly affects rose leaves, ivy and most of all the New Z^alan U^^^^^^^ eties As i never found this caterpillar anywhere else but m gardens and on cultivatea !w.berv I suLect the insect exotic, and introduced together with some ornamental SS: Nevertheless, x^i possible that, Hke the mdca.a EpUobu, xt may be a native of California, and only has adapted itself to the above named plants j ^^^ The caterpillar lies in spun up leaves, by winch circumstance it and for replanting. The Floicer Garden is a quarterly magazine of floral progress ; published by Messrs. C. L. Allen & Co., Brooklyn, N. Y. It con- tains many valuable articles on floriculture. Price $1.00 per annum, which entitles also to seeds or bulbs to an equal amount. The magazine is accompanied by their catalogue of seeds, bulbs and plants, from which se- lections can be made. CATALOGUES RECEIVED. Vick's Illudrafed Floral Guide, for 1873. For a number of years past, Mr. Vick has succeeded in pleasing his customers and the friends of Floriculture with his most beauti- fully illustrated catalogue, full of practical knowledge and instruction. The Guide for 1873, is superior in neatness and completeness to any of the former publications, and as Mr. Vick proposes to publish it hereafter quai-- terly, we do not know of anything more use- ful and instructive, in regard to floriculture and the vegetable garden, than his Floral Guide, which is furnished at 25 cents per issue, or at $1.00 per year ; and even this small charge is refunded in seeds to customers, who order seeds to the amount of one dollar. From F. K. Phoenix, of the Bloomington Nurser}% Bloomington, Illinois, we have re- ceived the following catalogues : Descriptive Catalogue of Hyacinths, Tulips and Flowering Plants. Catalogue of Fruit and Ornamental Trees, plants, bulbs, etc. Wholesale Price List of Fruit and Orna- mental Trees and Plants. Phcenicf's Floral Guide, Garden Director^', and Descriptive Catalogue of Greenhouse, garden and bedding plants. A famous rose tree in the island of Ceylon is 80 feet in circumference and 15 feet high. It has been known to bear 200 roses in full bloom at one time. KEW AKD EAEE PLANTS. Woodivardia rddicans, although a native of California, is rarely met with in our floral establishments, or among the private collec- tions of ferns. The Garden says: Among the many kinds of ferns cultivated in our gardens, few are more ornamental than the Woodivardias, and of these, Woodioardia ra- dicans is one of the handsomest. It is well adapted for conservatory decoration, especial- ly as a centre piece for a vase, on account of the broad, graceful, arched manner inwdiich the fronds grow, and in baskets or on pro- jecting peaks of rockwork it is also equally pleasing. The Woodwardia radicans grows s^Dontane- ously in moist places in the gulches of our mountains, and should be extensively cult- ivated. Clematis — James Gould Variety.— Ouv&o-iiists have not yet formed the acquaintance of this beautiful variety. The Rural New Yorker describes it thus : ' ' The color is a very light shade of purple, or what may be termed white with a purplish tint. " REMARKS ON THS CULTURE OF CELERY. A few remarks on some of the iDrincipal points connected with the cultivation and management of this much-esteemed vegetable will not be out of place at this season, when the majority of plants are under a course of preparation for future use. An important matter in the cultivation of this plant, is to keep the j)lants constantly in a free-growing state, in order to guard against all tendency to run to seed, which is more often induced by some serious check during growth than b}' any other cause, for although celery is a hardy biennial plant, and would not under ordinary natural conditions flower until the second year, under a course of somewhat artificial treatment it is started into growth much sooner than would be the case in a 376 THE CALIFORNIA HORTICULTURIST. state of nature, aud vrhen this is the case, like many other biennials, there is a tendency to flower in the autumn, which can be only counteracted by a very liberal treatment, both as regards space for develoj^ment, and copious sup2)lies of liquid food. In this colony celery is a plant that will repay a cultivator for extra care and attention bestowed upon it. It is at all times a market- able commodity, the supply being seldom sufScient for the demand. One matter that seldom receives that attention so requisite, is due care in the management of seedlings. The great object of pricking out the seedlings is to obtain strong and sturdy plants, with plenty of good fibrous roots, for which pur- pose, where only a superior article is tolerated, they must have ample space for development when pricked out previous to transjilantiug. During Februaiy and March, the main croi:)S, as a rule, are usually planted out into trenches from the seed beds. The white varieties are generally the most delicate for salads, and the red sorts best adapted for cooking purposes. The soil in which celery delights is a rich moist vegetable mould. In transplanting, choose short, sturdy, strong- plants, having them carefully lifted from the seed bed. The trenches for the plant should be made 1 ft. to 18 in. wide, and well trenched two spades deep at least, mixing with the soil in this operation a good dressing of well- decayed manure. After completing this, give your trench a thorough watering. It is also very important to observe that the manure should be thoroughly decom- posed. No half-decayed matter will produce good celery, there being too much bulk for fattening matter, and it soon becomes ex- hausted. The rich mud which settles at the bottom of waterholes, or pools impregnated v?ith the drainage of stock-yards, will bring celery to great perfection ; ver}' probably on account of the saline matter contained there- in. This should be thoroughly incorporated with the soil, when it will be in a conditon to be taken up at once by the plants. After well- watering the trench, as previously ad- vised, carefully plant the strongest and best plants in a single row (if fine sticks are wished -for) along the bottom of the trench at intervals of six inches. Continue regular and thorough waterings until the plants take good root, and show renewed and strong growth, and become a deep green color. As the plants in the trenches advance in growth to about 9 in. in height, the earthing or moulding up of the plants can commence, being cautious to place the mould around them at first with care, not on any account allowing the earth to fall into the heart or centre of the plants. Repeat the mouldings up once a fortnight, until they are moulded or landed 12 in. to 21 in. , in order to blanch them for a considerable length. Another method sometimes used for blanching, in lieu of moulding up, is the plan of tying round each plant with brown jiaper as they advance, which acts in a similar manner as moulding up so far as securing a delicate blanch ; the operation requires less work, and is much cleaner. When practicable, an occasional watering with liquid manure will be found of immense advantage ; the addition of a handful of salt in the liquid manure vsill prove, at all times, beneficial, and materially add to the weight of the crop. If extra fine crops are wished for, it is a good plan to insert in a slanting direction through the soil moulded uj) around the jjlants a round drain pipe or tile, through which the liquid manure, etc., can be poured, thereby securing its reaching the roots, for in our dry seasons much of it otherwise given never arrives at them, and thus the antici- pated benefits are not attained. In arranging your celery trenches in the garden, the convenience for watering should always be taken into consideration, the prin- cipal object being to arrange matters so that this most important operation can be carried on with the least possible expenditure of labor. If this watering were only a casual matter, it would not be of so much conse- quence, but as it requires to be constantly followed up, it becomes a serious question in THE CALIFOENIA HORTICULTURIST. 377 busy times, especially in those gardens which have none too much labor at command. — 31elbourne Times. uses, verbenas and the like. The oleander should always be kept headed in, and will bear the severest pruning. — Hecdlh Journal. PiNCHiXG AND Pruning. — I have noticed that a large proportion of persons who cul- tivate both house and border plants, seem never to have had their attention called to the advantages, both as to taste and thrifty culture, of checking growth and concentrat- ing vigor by i^inching and pruning. Hence, in nearly all private collections we see tall, spindling plants, stretching to the tops of the windows, shutting out the view of the sky and the landscape, and appropriating more than their share of the light, showing un- sightly stalks destitude of green leaves, and giving little bloom. Had they been properly pruned, they would be low down out of the way where the light would fall like a bless- ing on their heads, and instead of one or two, they would show a mass of growing ends with massive verdure and clustering bloom, concealing, measurably, both the soil and the pots containing it. One is reminded by this mode of culture, of the fabled nine-headed hydra, whose heads Hercules cut off, when in place of each head cut off, two new ones grew out. The more heads, the more ver- dure and bloom. To be-sure, in such case the plant is longer in coming to the flowering, but there is ample compensation for the wait- ing. Not all plants can be pruned. The cultivator must needs get acquainted with • the nature of each plant under his hands. Chrysanthemums ai-e much improved by nipping the growing ends twice before it is time for the buds to set. If, instead of two stalks running up to flower for Thanksgiving, we get for the first nipping, four stalks, and for the second eight, one can readily see the advantage gained even though we wait for the flowers until Christmas. If these plants are well fed, however, nipping will not prob- ably much retard bloom. Salvias, too, are made much raore compact and symmetrical by judicious nipping, and so are lantanas, fuchsias, heliotropes, geraniums, roses, cole- The Rose on the Lawn.— An English journal recommends the culture of the rose on the lawn and pleasure grounds as a stan- dard : "Few persons are aware of the magnitude to which the rose may be grown, or the splendid effect it can be made to pro- duce on a lawn or pleasuae ground ; yet with a sufficiently strong stem, and a system of careful and patient training, there can be no reasonable doubt but that the standard roses could be grown to the size and form of the ordinary examples of the AVeeping Ash, having the branches all produced fi-om the top of a single stem, and flowing downward on all sides — a very ornamental object for a lawn. It may also be observed that the con- struction of a comfortable seat round its stem would form a cool and fragrant retreat dur- ing-the hot davs of summer." — Floral Cabinet. Farfugium Ligatuh Vakiegatum. — This is a hardy herbaceous plant, imported from Japan ; and it possesses highly ornamental foliage with niost peculiar markings of yellow- ish white, making it a very beautiful bed- ding-out plant during the whole summer. It belongs to the same family as the Dandelion, and its blossoms resemble those of that plant, and are borne on stalks from eighteen inches to two feet in height. The chief beauty of the Farfugium is seen in the distinct variegation of the dark green leaves, spotted and margined so curiously; for although the flowers are abundant, they are not remarkably lovely. This plant has borne several designations — such as Adenastyles Japoniea, Ligvlaria Ktempferi, Tussilago Japonica, Farfugium grande, and spotted Lily. Its blos.-'oms appear in the months of October and November. It requires a rich soil of peat or leaf mould mixed with sandy loam, and kept very moist. It propagates itself from the roots, like most 378 ' THE CALIFOKNIA HORTICULTURIST. herbaceous perennials, and would make a desirable addition to a bed of variegated- leaved ^lants.—Floml Cabinet. Rose Cuttixgs. —European horticulturists have lately adopted a mode of making rose cuttings root with more certainty, by bending the shoot and inserting both ends into the gTound, leaving a single bud covered at the middle, and on the surface of the ground. The cuttings are about ten inches long, and are bent over a stick laid flat on the ground, holes being dug on each side of the stick for the reception of the ends of the shoot. The roots form only at the lower end of the shoot, but the other end being buried, prevents evaporation and drying up. A correspond- ent of the London Garden states that he has tried this along with the old mode, and while the weaker cuttings of the latter have shown symptoms of drying and failure, all the for- mer have grown vigorously.— TFestern Eural. Stone Coal for Plants.— A writer in the Bevue Horticole, states that he jjurchased a very fine rosebush, full of buds, and, after anxiously waiting their maturing, was great- ly disappointed, when this took place, to find the flowers small, insignificant in appearance and of a dull, faded color. Incited by the suggestion of a friend, he then tried the ex- periment of filling in the top of the pot around the bush, to the depth of half an- inch, with finely pulverized stone coal. In the course of a few days he was astonished to see the roses assume a beautiful red hue, as brilliant and lively as he could desire. //: ANimoTE FOR Poisonous Herbs.— A stand- ing antidote for poison by ivy, etc., is to take a handful of quick lime, dissolve in water, let it stand half an hour, and then paint the poisoned parts with it. Three or four appli- cations will never fail to cure the most ag- gravated cases. Poison from bees, hornets, spider bites, etc., is instantly arrested by the application of equal parts of common salt and carbonate of soda, well rubbed in on the place bitten or stung. Steam-Cultivation in Scotland — There ia evidence of great improvement in the a^ri. cultm-e of the north of Scotland; and it ap- pears to have been promoted bv reducing the size of home farms to smaller and more manageable dimensions, few of them no-.v exceeding 200 acres, by a judicious svstem of rotation of crops and a more liberal use of manure; and by steam cultivation. It is claimed that the introduction of the steam plow has been the chief agent of the great changes which have been produced in the du-ection of profitable husbandly. A laro-er breadth of land has been brought into culti- vation, and immense tracts of waste land hitherto covered with heath, have been re- claimed and rendered capable of producing good crops of cereals, vegetables, and grasses. Thousands of acres of moss, and heavy clay, and hill-side lands, which could not be reached by ordinary methods of culture, after being trenched and cbained have been brought by the steam plow and harrow into a cultivable state. Where neither men nor horses could be employed, the steam plow has been made to tear through everything. To avoid the risk of the breakage of gear hi rough land, where the plow is liable to come against boulder stones and old tree- roots, a plow with a revolving coulter has been introduced — that is, a coulter which will cut its way smoothly until it reaches a root or stone, when it will pass over it with a rotary motion. —Monthlif Report of Depart- ment of Agriculture. Opium-poppy in Fr.ance.— The cultivation of the opium poppy in France is steadily in- creasing. It now occupies 50,000 acres, of the value of 45,000,000 francs, yielding opium to the value of 2,000,000 francs a year. Dif- ferent samples of opium, raised in various parts of Europe, are said to have yielded from 8 to 13 per cent, of morphine. Large, late and luscious strawberries were gathered a few days ago on the ranch of Robert Swan, seven miles from Napa.